Biogen forecasts annual profit above estimates as Leqembi sales pick up

Feb 6 (Reuters) - Biogen BIIB.O forecast 2026 profit above Wall Street estimates on Friday, banking on demand for newer medicines and its Alzheimer's treatment Leqembi as older multiple sclerosis drugs battle pressure from cheaper versions.

The U.S. drugmaker also posted better-than-expected fourth-quarter results, helped by higher contributions from newer rare-disease and specialty medicines such as Friedreich's ataxia drug Skyclarys and postpartum depression treatment Zurzuvae, alongside ongoing cost-cutting measures.

Biogen expects adjusted profit between $15.25 and $16.25 per share for 2026, above analysts' average expectation of $14.92.

However, total revenue is expected to decline by a mid-single digit percentage year-on-year, as the company expects further declines in sales of its multiple sclerosis therapies.

Global sales of Leqembi, which the company sells with Japan's Eisai 4523.T, rose 54% to about $134 million from a year earlier, following a slow uptake amid concerns over cost, efficacy and side effects. The Wall Street consensus was at $129 million, according to brokerage Bernstein.

Biogen received U.S. approval for a weekly under-the-skin injection of Leqembi last year, allowing for an easier treatment option following an initial intravenous infusion.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expected to decide on a subcutaneous starting dose for Leqembi by May 24.

On an adjusted basis, Biogen earned $1.99 per share for the three months ended December 31, topping expectations of $1.59, according to data compiled by LSEG.

Total revenue came in at $2.3 billion for the quarter, above expectations of $2.2 billion.

Sales of multiple sclerosis drugs such as Tecfidera fell more than 14% to $917 million.

Its rare disease portfolio, which includes Skyclarys and spinal muscular atrophy drug Spinraza, posted sales of $515 million in the fourth quarter, down nearly 4% from a year earlier.

The decline was driven by a 15% drop in Spinraza sales due to the timing of shipments outside the U.S., Biogen said.