Biogen
NEWS
Boston and its surrounding communities, particularly the community of Cambridge, have become the hottest biotech hotspot on the East Coast of the United States.
Quite a few companies recently released results from late-stage clinical trials. Here’s a look at some of the top stories, from AveXis, Urovant, Lilly, and more.
Whenever drug companies come under criticism for the cost of their drugs, one of the defenses touted is that only about one in 10 drugs make it to market. As a broad figure, that’s probably about right, although at least one report ranks it higher, while another provides a bit more nuance.
Earlier this week, Biogen reported out its first-quarter financial results, showing an 11% increase in revenues, hitting $3.5 billion. But in light of the company’s announcement in late March that it was dropping development of aducanumab for Alzheimer’s, analysts are speculating on what the company needs to do to stay profitable.
One of the criticisms of the biopharma industry—at least in the context of drug pricing—is how much the industry as a whole spends on lobbyists. For example, last year, PhRMA, the industry lobbying group, spent more than $27.5 million on its lobbying activities.
The current Spinraza cost is $750,000 for the first year and $375,000 for every year after for the life of the patient. It is approved for all forms of SMA.
The lynchpin to biotech and pharmaceutical drug development in the United States is arguably the greater Boston area, which includes the white hot square mile of talent and intellectual collaboration found in Kendall Square.
The debacle raised three broad questions: What will Biogen do next? Is the amyloid theory of Alzheimer’s now dead? And what else is going on in the Alzheimer’s drug development arena?
With Cowen & Company’s 39th Annual Health Care Conference going on in Boston this week, a lot of stories in the biopharma industry are coming out. Here are a few highlights.
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