Biogen C.E.O. to Step Down Following Launch of Alzheimer’s Drug, Aduhelm

May 3, 2022
Biogen C.E.O. to Step Down Following Launch of Alzheimer’s Drug, Aduhelm

[ad_1]

Biogen stated on Tuesday that it’s going to change its chief government and successfully quit on advertising a high-profile Alzheimer’s drug that has been a industrial failure since its controversial approval practically a 12 months in the past.

Michel Vounatsos, who has led the drug maker for over 5 years and presided over the approval and launch of the drug, referred to as Aduhelm, will stay in his position till a successor is appointed, Biogen stated.

Biogen stated it deliberate to “considerably get rid of” its spending on the drug after Medicare finalized a call final month to sharply restrict its protection of Aduhelm.

The Meals and Drug Administration accredited Aduhelm in June. It was the primary new remedy for Alzheimer’s in practically 20 years. It had been broadly anticipated to turn out to be a blockbuster drug inside a number of years, producing billions of {dollars} yearly for Biogen. However the approval was overshadowed by concern concerning the drug’s unproven advantages and severe security dangers, in addition to concerning the course of by which the F.D.A. had greenlighted it.

Medical doctors, insurers and sufferers and their households haven’t embraced Aduhelm. On Tuesday, Biogen reported that the drug introduced in simply $2.8 million in income within the first three months of this 12 months, after producing solely $3 million in 2021. Biogen initially priced the drug at $56,000 per 12 months for the typical affected person earlier than halving the fee in response to weak early gross sales.

Aduhelm had been anticipated to pressure authorities well being budgets. However Medicare determined to pay for the drug just for individuals who obtain it as individuals in a scientific trial. Final month, Biogen stated it will withdraw its utility to market the drug within the European Union after drug reviewers indicated that it was unlikely to win approval.

[ad_2]

Supply- nytimes