BIIB Starts Felzartamab Phase III Study in AMR in Kidney Transplant

Core Insights - Biogen has initiated a phase III study for its candidate felzartamab in adult kidney transplant recipients with late antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), a major cause of transplant failure [1][2] - The study will enroll approximately 120 participants and aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of felzartamab compared to a placebo, with a primary endpoint focused on AMR resolution by biopsy at 6 months [2] - Felzartamab has received Breakthrough Therapy designation from the FDA for the AMR indication [2] Pipeline Development - Biogen is exploring felzartamab for various immune-mediated diseases, indicating its potential as a "pipeline-in-a-product" [4] - Ongoing phase II studies for felzartamab include indications for primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) and Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), with plans to start phase III studies in 2025 [5] - The candidate was acquired through Biogen's purchase of Human Immunology Biosciences in July last year, which included rights to felzartamab globally, excluding China [6] Financial Implications - Following the start of the phase III study, Biogen will make a milestone payment of $35 million to MorphoSys [7] - Biogen's stock has seen a decline of 36.6% over the past year, compared to an 8.5% decline in the industry [3]