ProMIS could bring competition to Biogen’s Alzheimer drug aducanumab

ProMIS Neurosciences’s lead product candidate for Alzheimer’s disease, PMN310, showed similar ability to cross the blood brain barrier and penetrate the central nervous system (CNS) compared to Biogen’s aducanumab.

ProMIS President and CEO, Dr. Elliot Goldstein, said that the latest data lend further support to the potential best in class profile of PMN310. He noted that the company has previously reported greater selectivity and binding of humanized PMN310 for toxic, amyloid beta (A beta) oligomers in direct comparison to other amyloid beta-directed antibodies, including aducanumab.

Goldstein further said that, in addition, PMN310 has shown lack of binding to plaque in and around blood vessels in the brain, and thus supporting the potential for lower risk of brain swelling and the possibility of higher dosing and greater therapeutic potency with PMN310 compared to aducanumab.

ProMIS revealed that in aged mice were studied to assess and compare the ability of humanized PMN310 (huPMN310) and aducanumab to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) and penetrate the CNS. The biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of precision treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, further said that identical doses of huPMN310 and aducanumab were administered to mice systemically and the levels of antibodies present in the blood circulation and in the brain were measured after 24 hours. According to ProMIS, the results showed equivalent concentrations of huPMN310 and aducanumab in the circulation and in the brain indicating that the two antibodies possess a similar degree of CNS penetrance.

Biogen’s BAN2401 fails to meet 12 months endpoin

In December, Biogen and its partner Eisai, said that early Alzheimer’s disease drug BAN2401, an anti-amyloid beta protofibril antibody, did not meet the criteria for success based on a Bayesian analysis at 12 months as the primary endpoint in an 856-patient Phase II clinical study

Biogen and AbbVie on Friday announced global withdrawal of Zinbryta for relapsing multiple sclerosis, citing the complex and evolving risk profile of Zinbryta, with the limited number of patients being treated.

Biogen’s CMO Alfred Sandrock said the withdrawal is in the best interest of patients. He added that Biogen and AbbVie continue to prioritize patient safety and the care of multiple sclerosis patients worldwide.

Biogen will continue to work collaboratively with regulatory authorities in the withdrawal of product and with healthcare providers worldwide in their support of ZINBRYTA patients.

Full year GAAP net income and diluted earnings per share (EPS) attributable to Biogen Inc. of $2.5 billion and $11.92, respectively, the company reported in its fully ear financial report. It also said that 2017 total revenues grew 7% or 15% excluding hemophilia revenues, to amount $12.3 Billion.