Pharmaceuticals

European Commission Revokes Marketing Authorizations for Generic TECFIDERA® Variants; Biogen Affected

Published December 20, 2023

In a notable development for the pharmaceutical industry, the European Commission has implemented a resolution that directly impacts Biogen Inc. BIIB, a leading biotechnology entity. The resolution entails the revocation of centralized marketing authorizations for various generic iterations of TECFIDERA® (dimethyl fumarate). Previously authorized versions of this drug, which were produced by companies such as Accord, Mylan, Neuraxpharm, Polpharma, and Teva, are no longer permitted for marketing within the European Union.

Impact on Biogen's Market Presence

The annulment of these generic authorizations could potentially fortify Biogen's BIIB market positioning for TECFIDERA®, a key therapy in their portfolio for neurological conditions. With the absence of these generic competitors, Biogen may experience a surge in their exclusivity period, possibly translating to enhanced market control and increased revenue from this product line.

Legal and Regulatory Repercussions

The European Commission's decision underscores the intricate balance between fostering pharmaceutical competition and protecting innovative drug formulations. This action could have broader implications for the generic drug market, possibly influencing future decisions regarding drug patenting and market authorizations.

Biogen, TECFIDERA, Regulation