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The Architect Of Biogen's Controversial Alzheimer's Strategy, Al Sandrock, To Retire

 
• By Jessica Merrill and Alaric DeArment

Despite 23 years at Biogen assisting in the development of several drugs, Sandrock's legacy will be tied to Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm.

Biogen
Biogen's Al Sandrock is retiring • Source: Alamy

Biogen, Inc. head of R&D Alfred Sandrock’s surprise announcement that he will retire at the end of the year marks the second time Biogen has lost an R&D chief in the midst of aducanumab controversy. Sandrock is recognized as the driving force behind the Aduhelm approval, and took over from Michael Ehlers right before the unexpected regulatory filing of the Alzheimer’s drug based on mixed data.

Sandrock’s retirement will be just months after the launch of Aduhelm (aducanumab), which Sandrock shepherded through clinical development and advocated for publicly.

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