Citing 'less-than-optimal' outcomes for Roche's Evrysdi, Biogen launches high-dose Spinraza trial

While much of the attention on Biogen lately has centered on its launch of controversial Alzheimer's disease drug Aduhelm, the company is also feeling the heat from a new challenger in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Biogen's Spinraza, an SMA drug launched in early 2017, is facing new competition from Roche's 2020 oral entrant Evrysdi. After analyzing data around its new rival, Biogen has unveiled plans to test its drug in patients who've already been treated with Evrysdi.