Biogen IncAcquisition of RayThera, FDA Breakthrough Therapy for Salanersen, analyst upgrade to Buy, and strong Q1 earnings beat.
Biogen shares rose 5.6% in afternoon trading as investors reacted to a series of positive developments, including the $1 billion acquisition of RayThera Inc., an FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation for its spinal muscular atrophy drug candidate Salanersen, and a recent upgrade to Buy from Needham. The RayThera deal strengthens Biogen's immunology pipeline, while the Breakthrough Therapy tag for Salanersen highlights its potential in treating spinal muscular atrophy. The company also reported a strong first-quarter earnings beat and is integrating its multi-billion dollar purchase of Apellis by halting some research programs to focus on key marketed drugs Empaveli and Syfovre. Biogen's stock has gained 19.7% year-to-date, reaching a new 52-week high of $212.80 per share.
Biogen IncAcquisition of RayThera, FDA Breakthrough Therapy for Salanersen, analyst upgrade to Buy, and strong Q1 earnings beat.
Apellis Pharmaceuticals IncBiogen halting some research programs to focus on Apellis's drugs Empaveli and Syfovre, indicating integration and potential resource reallocation.
Acquired by Biogen for $1 billion, providing a premium to shareholders.