Biogen Profits Up in 2019 Despite Aducanumab Drama

The company reported its full year and fourth-quarter 2019 financial results today, citing full-year total revenues of $14.378 billion, an increase of 7% from the previous year. It was driven by growth in its core business areas. Its multiple sclerosis (MS) revenues increased 2% from 2018 to $9.217 billion, which included $688 million in royalties on the sale of Ocrevus. Its drug for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) rose 22% from 2018 to $2.097 billion. And the overall biosimilars revenue grew 35% to $738 million.