Biogen revealed plans to introduce a subcutaneous formulation of its Alzheimer's disease treatment LEQEMBI (lecanemab) during its Q1 2025 earnings call, positioning the company to potentially expand market reach and improve patient experience in the competitive Alzheimer's treatment landscape.
The subcutaneous formulation is being developed specifically for maintenance therapy after patients complete 18 months of biweekly infusions. Company executives emphasized that this administration route will significantly simplify the treatment process, making long-term therapy more patient-friendly and potentially increasing adherence rates.
"The subcutaneous formulation for maintenance will simplify the treatment process for patients who have been undergoing biweekly infusions for 18 months," stated a Biogen representative during the earnings call. "It will make long-term therapy more patient-friendly, potentially increasing adherence."
Benefits for Rural Patients and Healthcare Systems
The company highlighted particular advantages for patients in rural settings, where access to infusion centers may be limited. For these populations, subcutaneous administration might be preferred from the start of treatment, reducing the burden on both infusion centers and caregivers who must transport patients to treatment facilities.
This development comes as Biogen navigates a competitive market with Eli Lilly's Alzheimer's treatment Donanemab (marketed as Kisunla). When asked about market dynamics between the two products, Biogen executives suggested the market will likely split based on physician and patient preferences, with some clinicians favoring finite dosing approaches while others focus on long-term maintenance therapy.
"The market will likely split between LEQEMBI and Donanemab, depending on physician and patient preferences," noted the company. "The key is expanding the market to treat more patients, as both products have shown efficacy in treating Alzheimer's."
Diagnostic Advancements Supporting Treatment
Biogen also discussed how Fujirebio's in-vitro diagnostic tool could accelerate LEQEMBI's uptake by facilitating earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Early diagnosis is crucial as it allows for treatment initiation before significant neuronal damage occurs, potentially improving outcomes.
"The in-vitro diagnostic could facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment, which is crucial for Alzheimer's patients," explained the company representative. "Early diagnosis allows for treatment before significant neuronal damage occurs."
While the approval and reimbursement processes for diagnostics differ from those for drugs, Biogen expects these diagnostic advancements to support the urgency of treating symptomatic early Alzheimer's disease patients.
Strategic Business Development
Beyond LEQEMBI developments, Biogen indicated it is actively exploring business development opportunities in the current market environment, particularly as some companies face financing challenges. The company emphasized its biotech roots and established West Coast hub as advantages for engaging in early research collaborations.
Biogen executives stressed a disciplined approach to evaluating potential deals, ensuring they align with strategic goals while leveraging the company's scientific expertise and commercial capabilities in neuroscience.
