Biogen and Denali Halt Development of Parkinson's Drug BIIB122
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 22 2026
0mins
Source: seekingalpha
- Trial Setback: Biogen (BIIB) and Denali (DNLI) announced the discontinuation of BIIB122 after their Phase 2b LUMA study for early-stage Parkinson's disease failed to meet primary and secondary endpoints, marking a significant setback in their drug development efforts.
- Mechanism Exploration: BIIB122 was designed to inhibit the LRRK2 mutation associated with Parkinson's disease; despite the disappointing results, Denali's medical chief, Peter Chin, emphasized the need for further exploration of LRRK2 as a potential therapeutic target, indicating future research directions.
- Continued Research: Denali will proceed with its Phase 2a BEACON study for BIIB122 in LRRK2-associated Parkinson's disease, which is expected to generate data in H1 2027, potentially providing new insights into treatment options in this area.
- Market Reaction: Following the announcement, shares of Biogen and Denali fell in premarket trading on Friday, reflecting investor concerns about the companies' prospects in the neurodegenerative disease space, which may impact future funding and R&D investments.
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Analyst Views on BIIB
Wall Street analysts forecast BIIB stock price to rise
26 Analyst Rating
11 Buy
14 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 201.960
Low
143.00
Averages
204.45
High
246.00
Current: 201.960
Low
143.00
Averages
204.45
High
246.00
About BIIB
Biogen Inc. is a biotechnology company. The Company is focused on discovering, developing and delivering therapies. It has a portfolio of medicines to treat Multiple Sclerosis (MS), has introduced an approved treatment for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), co-developed treatments to address a defining pathology of Alzheimer's disease and launched an approved treatment to target a genetic cause of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). It markets a drug approved in United States, European Union and certain international markets for the treatment of Friedreich Ataxia (FA) in adults and adolescents aged 16 years and older. It is focused on advancing its pipeline in neurology, specialized immunology and rare diseases. Its marketed products include VUMERITY, TYSABRI, TECFIDERA, AVONEX and PLEGRIDY for the treatment of MS; SPINRAZA for the treatment of SMA; SKYCLARYS for the treatment of FA, and QALSODY for the treatment of ALS. Its commercialized products also include EMPAVELI and SYFOVRE.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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