As Biogen Inc. (Nasdaq: BIIB) continues to struggle to capitalize on the Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm (aducanumab), the company is highlighting new data from its Spinraza (nusinersen) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) research program.
First approved in 2016, Spinraza is a survival motor neuron-2 (SMN2)-directed antisense oligonucleotide indicated to treat spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
At the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Clinical & Scientific Conference held March 13-16, 2022), Biogen will describe the Phase 3b ASCEND trial design. The company recently announced that it had enrolled the first patient in ASCEND and continues to enroll participants in that study.
Biogen is also sharing data from the Phase 4 RESPOND trial, which is testing the safety and efficacy of Spinraza in infants and toddlers with unmet clinical needs after receiving Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec).
The company also will provide an update from the Phase 2 NURTURE trial, which focuses on infants treated in the presymptomatic stage of SMA. The study that early and sustained Spinraza therapy for up to 5.7 years helped participants maintain and make progressive improvements in motor function.
“Spinraza has demonstrated significant benefit in individuals with SMA, from presymptomatic infants to adults with later-onset SMA. Biogen is working to address remaining unmet needs and answer critical questions for the SMA community through our new and ongoing research, including studies like ASCEND and RESPOND, as well as digital solutions to advance clinical care and patient empowerment,” said Dr. Maha Radhakrishnan, chief medical officer at Biogen, in a statement.
Biogen shares dropped almost 2% today to close at $193.77.