Biogen Cuts Apellis Pipeline, Suspends Two Empaveli Phase II Trials Post $5.6B Takeover
BIIB•Three months after its $5.6bn acquisition of Apellis, Biogen will discontinue most of Apellis’ research pipeline and suspend Phase II pegcetacoplan trials in delayed graft function and FSGS for strategic review and recruitment challenges. It will cut Apellis’ research staff while retaining its Phase II Syfovre-APL-3007 trial in geographic atrophy.
1. Pipeline Culls and Trial Suspensions
Biogen will discontinue the majority of Apellis’ legacy research programmes and has suspended Phase II trials of pegcetacoplan in delayed graft function and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis as part of a strategic review and due to recruitment challenges.
2. Research Team Downsizing
The company plans to reduce a small number of roles within the Apellis research team as it streamlines R&D operations following the acquisition.
3. Continued Syfovre Trial and Franchise Outlook
Biogen will maintain its Phase II study of Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) in combination with APL-3007 for geographic atrophy and is prioritizing the commercial potential of the pegcetacoplan franchise, which is forecast to generate $785 million by 2032.
