Biogen, Ionis End ALS Program; Ionis Will Advance Angelman Asset Alone

Long-Time Partners Decide Fate Of Two Drugs

Development has ended for BIIB105 in ALS after it failed to clear a crucial biomarker and show clinical benefit. Also, Biogen opted not to advance ION582 for Angelman syndrome, so Ionis will go it alone.

Illustration of abstract neuron on a blue background — Ionis will bolster its in-house neurology portfolio with wholly-owned ION582 • Source: Shutterstock

Long-time collaborators Biogen, Inc. and Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced updates for two programs in mid-stage clinical development on 16 May, reporting that they will end development of BIIB105 after the drug failed in a Phase I/II clinical trial in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Ionis also revealed updated results from a Phase I/IIa trial of ION582 (BIIB121) in Angelman syndrome and said it will take the drug into Phase III on its own after Biogen opted out of the program.

Key Takeaways

Biogen and Ionis will discontinue development of BIIB105 for ALS after the drug failed to provide clinical benefit in a Phase I/II study.

Both companies traded lower on the updates, with Biogen closing down 2.2% at $230.04 per share and Ionis ending the...

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