How Biogen’s Biosimilars and Interferons Performed in 4Q17

In 4Q17, Biogen’s (BIIB) interferons generated revenues of $645 million, which reflected a 6% decline on a year-over-year (or YoY) basis and a 3% decline on a quarter-over-quarter basis. In 4Q17 in the US market and outside the US market, Biogen’s interferons witnessed an 8% decline and a 2% decline, respectively, on a YoY basis.

Increased inventory channels in the United States in 4Q17 compared to 3Q17 benefited Biogen’s interferon market by $15 million.

In 4Q17, Biogen’s interferon Avonex generated revenues of $520 million compared to $263 million in 4Q16. In 4Q17, in the US market and outside the US market (international markets), Avonex generated revenues of $375 million and $145 million, respectively.

International Avonex sales benefited $9 million from a shipment to Brazil.

In 4Q17, Biogen’s interferon Plegridy generated revenues of $125 million. Plegridy’s YoY revenues were flat compared to 4Q16. In 4Q17, in the US market and international markets, Plegridy reported revenues of $74 million and $51 million, respectively.

In the marketplace, Biogen’s interferons compete with Merck & Co.’s (MRK) Rebif, Bayer’s (BAYZF) Betaseron, and Novartis’s (NVS) Extavia.

The growth in sales of Biogen’s biosimilars and interferons could boost the share price of the Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). Biogen makes up 0.67% of VUG’s total portfolio holdings.

In 4Q17, Biogen’s biosimilars generated revenues of $122 million compared to $53 million in 4Q16. They had a 21% growth on a quarter-over-quarter basis.

In fiscal 2017, Biogen’s biosimilars generated revenues of $380 million. Biogen anticipates a double-digit growth rate for biosimilars in 2018.

Biogen’s biosimilars are products of Samsung Bioepis, a joint venture between Samsung BioLogics and Biogen.