Core Insights - Biogen announced new data reinforcing the clinical impact of nusinersen for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), highlighting findings from the DEVOTE trial and NURTURE trial presented at a recent conference [1][6][8] - The higher dose regimen of nusinersen is under review in multiple global markets, featuring a rapid loading and higher maintenance dosing schedule [1][5] DEVOTE Trial Findings - Part C of the DEVOTE trial demonstrated potential clinical benefits of a higher dose of nusinersen in previously treated patients (n=38) aged 4 to 65, with a median treatment duration of approximately 3.9 years [3][4] - Improvements were observed in motor function across various assessments, with non-ambulatory participants showing an average improvement of +2.5 on the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale – Expanded (HFMSE) [4][5] NURTURE Study Outcomes - Final data from the NURTURE study indicated that all 25 participants remained alive, with no need for permanent ventilation, and 92% achieved independent walking ability [6][7][8] - Participants with elevated neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels at baseline showed significant reductions in NfL after starting nusinersen, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for treatment response [9] Safety Profile - The safety profile of the higher dose regimen aligns with the known safety profile of the 12 mg SPINRAZA, with most adverse events reported as mild to moderate [5][9] - In the DEVOTE study, 37 out of 40 participants reported adverse events, with serious adverse events occurring in 15% of participants, none related to the treatment [5]

Core Insights - Biogen Inc. announced topline results from the Phase 1 study of salanersen, an antisense oligonucleotide for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), showing potential for high efficacy and once yearly dosing [1][5] - The Phase 1 study demonstrated substantial slowing of neurodegeneration and clinically meaningful improvements in motor function in children previously treated with gene therapy [2][5] - Biogen is engaging with global health authorities to advance salanersen into registrational studies based on encouraging Phase 1 data [4][5] Study Details - The Phase 1 study included two parts: a randomized placebo-controlled segment in healthy adults and an open-label segment in pediatric SMA participants who had previously received ZOLGENSMA [2][4] - Interim results from the open-label segment (n=24) indicated that both 40 mg and 80 mg doses of salanersen were well-tolerated, with a mean reduction in neurofilament light chain (NfL) of 70% at 6 months [2][4] - Exploratory data showed that half of the participants (4 out of 8) achieved new WHO motor milestones after receiving salanersen [3][4] Safety Profile - The safety profile of salanersen was generally well-tolerated, with most adverse events being mild to moderate, including pyrexia and upper respiratory tract infections [4][5] - The study's findings suggest that salanersen could address critical unmet needs in SMA treatment, building on Biogen's extensive experience in the field [3][5] Industry Context - SMA is a rare genetic neuromuscular disease affecting approximately 1 in 10,000 live births, characterized by progressive muscle atrophy and weakness [7][8] - SPINRAZA, another treatment for SMA, has been approved in over 71 countries and has treated more than 14,000 individuals worldwide, establishing a foundation of care in SMA [9][10]

Core Insights - Ionis Pharmaceuticals reported a first-quarter EPS loss of 93 cents, an improvement from a loss of 98 cents, and better than the consensus estimate of a $1.12 loss [1] - Revenue for the first quarter of 2025 increased by 10% to $132 million, surpassing the consensus of $125.32 million, driven by higher commercial revenue [1] Financial Guidance - The company raised its 2025 revenue guidance by over 20% to a range of $725-$750 million, compared to previous guidance of over $600 million and the consensus of $659.37 million [4] - Ionis expects a 2025 adjusted operating loss of less than $375 million, improved from prior guidance of less than $495 million, with cash and equivalents projected at approximately $1.9 billion [4] Product Performance - The drug Tryngolza (olezarsen) generated over $6 million in net product sales in its first full quarter post-approval in the U.S. [6] - Wainua (eplontersen) for polyneuropathy generated $39 million in sales, resulting in $9 million in royalty revenue for the first quarter of 2025 [6] - Spinraza (nusinersen) for spinal muscular atrophy achieved global sales of $424 million, leading to $48 million in royalty revenue in the first quarter of 2025 [6]