Biogen rises after buying China rights to kidney disease drug

Biogen

20/04/2026 12:41

** Shares of drugmaker Biogen BIIB.O rise 1.4% to $179.80 premarket

** Co says it will buy exclusive Greater China rights to experimental antibody felzartamab from TJ Biopharma, in a deal worth up to $850 mln

** Felzartamab is being tested for immune-related kidney diseases, including IgA nephropathy and primary membranous nephropathy, which damage the kidneys and can lead to failure

** Co says it will pay $100 mln upfront and up to $750 mln tied to sales and commercial milestones, plus royalties on China sales

** Deal gives Biogen full global control of the drug, after it bought rights outside China via its HI-Bio acquisition in 2024

** Co says felzartamab is still experimental and not yet approved; a China regulatory review is ongoing for a blood cancer use

** As of last close, stock up ~1% YTD

 (Reporting by Sahil Pandey in Bengaluru)

 ((Sahil.Pandey@thomsonreuters.com))