Biogen halts Apellis Phase II trials and cuts R&D after $5.6bn buyout
BIIB•Biogen will halt most Apellis research programmes and suspend Phase II Empaveli trials in delayed graft function and FSGS after its $5.6bn takeover. It will cut research staff and concentrate on its recruiting Phase II Syfovre plus APL-3007 trial and pegcetacoplan franchise forecast to earn $785m by 2032.
1. Pipeline Reductions
Biogen has decided to stop investment into the majority of Apellis’ legacy research programmes following its $5.6bn acquisition. Phase II trials of Empaveli in delayed graft function and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis are now listed as suspended due to ongoing strategic evaluations and recruitment challenges.
2. R&D Team Cuts
A small number of research roles from the former Apellis research team will be eliminated as part of the pipeline review. Details on the fate of Apellis’ preclinical assets, including RNA-based and gene-edited therapies, remain undecided.
3. Ongoing Syfovre-APL-3007 Trial
Biogen continues to recruit patients for its Phase II study combining Syfovre with APL-3007 in progressive geographic atrophy. This trial represents the company’s primary commitment to advancing Apellis’ clinical pipeline.
4. Pegcetacoplan Franchise Outlook
The company is prioritizing the commercial development of its approved pegcetacoplan therapy under the Empaveli and Syfovre brands. Industry forecasts project the franchise to generate $785m in annual sales by 2032.
