Biogen rises after Novo Nordisk's drug fails to meet main goal in Alzheimer's trials

Eisai

24/11/2025 12:43

Updates

** Shares of Biogen BIIB.O rise nearly 5% to $183.51 premarket

** Novo Nordisk NOVOb.CO says its diabetes drug Rybelsus failed to meet its main goal in late-stage trials testing whether the medicine can slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients

** The study was keenly watched as an indication of whether blockbuster GLP-1 drugs - a class being used by millions for diabetes and weight loss - can slow progress of Alzheimer's

** Biogen and partner Eisai's 4523.T Leqembi and rival Eli Lilly's LLY.N Kisunla are the only approved treatments for Alzheimer's in the U.S.

** The Danish drugmaker's Rybelsus and blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Wegovy are based on the same active ingredient, semaglutide

** "There was some fear that Ozempic might reduce the opportunity for Leqembi and other Alzheimer's drugs by preventing progression of disease. So these data lift a potential competitive overhang," said Cantor analyst Eric Schmidt

** Up to last close, Biogen has gained ~15% YTD

 (Reporting by Mariam Sunny in Bengaluru)

 ((Mariam.ESunny@thomsonreuters.com;))