Biogen Inc announced on Wednesday the discontinuation of the post-approval study and sales of its Alzheimer’s drug, Aduhelm, citing challenges in finding a partner or securing external financing for the controversial treatment. Despite initial expectations of becoming a blockbuster treatment for the company, Aduhelm faced controversy over its approval, lacking clear evidence of patient benefit. The decision by U.S. Medicare to severely limit access further cast doubt on its sales potential.
As part of a strategic review to reduce costs, Biogen initiated a search for a partner or financing for Aduhelm in January last year, but the efforts proved unsuccessful despite an extensive search. The company has taken a one-time charge of $60 million for closing the Aduhelm program in the fourth quarter.
The discontinuation of Aduhelm allows Biogen to shift its focus towards its second medicine, Leqembi, led by Japanese partner Eisai, and the development of newer treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. Aduhelm, which received accelerated approval in 2021, has now had its rights transferred back to Neurimmune, the entity from which Biogen licensed the drug in 2007.
