10-KPeriod: FY2016

BIOGEN INC. Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2016

Filed February 2, 2017For Securities:BIIB

Summary

Biogen Inc.'s 2016 10-K filing highlights a year of strategic shifts and product development advancements. The company completed the spin-off of its hemophilia business into an independent entity, Bioverativ Inc., effective February 1, 2017, allowing Biogen to focus more intently on its core neurological, rare, and autoimmune disease franchises. Financially, the company saw total revenues grow to $11.45 billion in 2016, an increase driven by strong performance in its multiple sclerosis (MS) products, particularly TECFIDERA, and the hemophilia segment (prior to the spin-off). The company also made significant progress in its pipeline, with key developments in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) with the FDA approval of SPINRAZA, and advancements in its Alzheimer's disease candidate, aducanumab. However, Biogen also faced challenges, including a $1.25 billion settlement related to TECFIDERA intellectual property and ongoing competition in the MS market. The company's strategic focus on neurodegenerative diseases, rare diseases, and biosimilars, coupled with ongoing cost-saving initiatives, positions it for future growth while managing competitive and regulatory pressures.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$11.45B
Cost of Revenue$1.48B
Gross Profit$9.97B
SG&A Expenses$1.95B
Operating Expenses$6.30B
Operating Income$5.15B
Interest Expense$260.00M
Net Income$3.70B
EPS (Basic)$16.96
EPS (Diluted)$16.93
Shares Outstanding (Basic)218.40M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)218.80M

Key Highlights

  • 1Completion of the spin-off of the hemophilia business into Bioverativ Inc. (effective Feb 1, 2017), enabling greater focus on core therapeutic areas.
  • 2Total revenues increased to $11.45 billion in 2016, driven by strong performance in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) products like TECFIDERA and the hemophilia segment (prior to spin-off).
  • 3Significant pipeline progress with the FDA approval of SPINRAZA for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) in December 2016.
  • 4Advancement of Alzheimer's disease candidate, aducanumab, with its acceptance into the EMA's PRIME program and FDA's Fast Track designation, and positive interim Phase 3 data.
  • 5Introduction of biosimilars BENEPALI and FLIXABI in the EU market through the Samsung Bioepis joint venture.
  • 6Incurrence of a $454.8 million charge in Q4 2016 related to the $1.25 billion settlement and license agreement with Forward Pharma concerning TECFIDERA intellectual property.
  • 7Initiation of cost-saving measures and organizational realignment in anticipation of the Bioverativ spin-off and to enhance operational efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most significant strategic change was the announced intention to spin off the hemophilia business into an independent company, Bioverativ Inc. This separation was completed in early 2017, allowing Biogen to concentrate its resources and efforts on its core areas of neurological, rare, and autoimmune diseases.

Key developments included the FDA approval of SPINRAZA for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) in December 2016, marking a significant entry into a new therapeutic area. In Alzheimer's disease, the investigational treatment aducanumab received positive attention with acceptance into the EMA's PRIME program and FDA's Fast Track designation, supported by interim Phase 3 data. Biogen also launched two biosimilars, BENEPALI and FLIXABI, in the EU through its Samsung Bioepis joint venture.

Financially, Biogen reported total revenues of $11.45 billion for 2016, an increase from the prior year, driven by strong product sales. However, the company recognized a substantial pre-tax charge of $454.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 related to a settlement and license agreement with Forward Pharma concerning TECFIDERA, with the total settlement amount being $1.25 billion. The company also initiated cost-saving initiatives.

Biogen faces intense competition in the MS market. To address this, the company continues to invest in its MS pipeline for next-generation therapies aimed at repairing damage caused by the disease. It also faces competition from other MS products, including its own, as well as from emerging biosimilars and therapies for other conditions being used off-label. The company's portfolio includes TECFIDERA, AVONEX, PLEGRIDY, and TYSABRI, but it acknowledges the evolving competitive landscape.