ESALY - Biogen makes changes to R&D department on eve on FDA lecanemab decision

• Biogen ( NASDAQ: BIIB ) is separating its research and development department into two separate units , a day before the US FDA is set to act on its application for Alzheimer's therapy lecanemab.
• Priya Singhal, currently Head of Global Safety and Regulatory Sciences and interim Head of R&D, has been promoted to EVP, Head of Development.
• The biotech has begin a search for a new EVP, Head of Research. Singhal will serve in this role on an interim basis until the position is filled.
• Both executive positions will report to CEO Christopher Viehbacher.
• Thursday afternoon, RBC Capital Markets' Brian Abrahams put out a note saying that Eisai ( OTCPK:ESALY ), Biogen's partner on lecanemab, just activated the patient assistance hotline for the drug. He said this suggests an increased likelihood that approval of lecanemab is imminent.
• Read why Seeking Alpha contributor Lane Simonian calls lecanemab "a flawed treatment."

For further details see: