Biogen Inc. (BIIB) To Present 76-Week EMPAVELI Kidney Data at ASN

Biogen Inc. (BIIB) will present 76-week data on Empaveli and investigational drug felzartamab at the American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week. The data shows sustained proteinuria reduction and kidney function stabilization in patients with C3 glomerulopathy and primary immune-complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Empaveli's indication was recently expanded by the FDA. Felzartamab is being studied in multiple Phase 3 trials, with data expected in 2027.

Biogen (BIIB) will present new data on EMPAVELI (pegcetacoplan) and felzartamab at ASN Kidney Week. EMPAVELI showed sustained proteinuria reduction and eGFR stabilization in C3G and IC-MPGN over 76 weeks. Felzartamab is being studied in three Phase 3 trials for kidney diseases. Biogen aims to address unmet needs in nephrology.

Biogen's (BIIB) stock rose 3% after JPMorgan upgraded it to Overweight, citing the potential of its kidney transplant drug felzartamab. The drug, in Phase 3 trials, targets antibody-mediated rejection, a condition with no approved treatment. JPMorgan estimates a $2B market for felzartamab, with data expected in 2027. The upgrade reflects growing investor interest in Biogen's pipeline beyond its Alzheimer's drug Leqembi.

Biogen's litifilimab showed continued improvement in CLE patients through week 52, with response rates rising for key metrics. The phase 2 AMETHYST Part A trial randomized 93 adults, with 59 receiving litifilimab. At week 16, 14.7% of litifilimab participants achieved clear or almost clear skin vs. 2.9% with placebo. The drug received FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation for CLE in January 2026. Phase 3 trials are ongoing.

Arrowhead's Alzheimer's drug reduced tau in a Phase I/IIa trial. J&J's posdinemab failed in Phase IIb. Eisai's etalanetug, Biogen's diranersen, TauRx's hydromethylthionine, and Annovis Bio's buntanetap are in development. The Alzheimer's market is projected to grow from $2.4bn to $14.7bn by 2033, with a CAGR of 20%.

Biogen's shares rose following an upgrade by JPMorgan. The stock is up 2.93% on the day and 31.57% year-to-date, trading at $232.33. The upgrade was based on valuation, earnings revisions, and visibility metrics.