Biogen has completed its previously announced acquisition of US-based Alcyone Therapeutics, for an upfront cash payment of $85m, to boost central nervous system (CNS) drug delivery.
In September 2025, Biogen signed a definitive agreement to acquire Alcyone.
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Alcyone’s ThecaFlex DRx drug delivery system is an experimental, implantable intrathecal (IT) catheter designed to improve treatment options for patients with neurological disorders.
It serves as an alternative to repeated lumbar punctures for chronic intrathecal administration of medicines. The catheter also provides direct access to cerebrospinal fluid for therapeutic infusion.
This device is currently in clinical studies, including trials for administering nusinersen, a treatment for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and marketed as Spinraza.
Biogen CMC development, product delivery solutions head Lisa Shafer said: “The ThecaFlex DRx allows us to merge Biogen’s cutting-edge biopharmaceutical innovation with advanced medical device technology to strengthen Biogen’s portfolio and expand our expertise in pioneering new delivery methods.
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By GlobalData“This acquisition affirms our continued commitment to drug delivery solutions with the potential to enhance the patient experience and enable greater accessibility to Biogen’s therapies.”
ThecaFlex DRx received a CE Mark in Europe and investigational device exemption (IDE) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical studies, as well as a breakthrough device designation.
The transaction brings the ThecaFlex DRx system under Biogen’s portfolio.
This is expected to help enhance the company’s drug delivery capabilities.
Biogen plans to launch the system for use with Spinraza in early 2028, subject to the completion of ongoing clinical trials and regulatory approvals.
The company holds the global rights to develop, manufacture and commercialise Spinraza, licensed from Ionis Pharmaceuticals.
In July 2024, Biogen partnered with Beckman Coulter and Fujirebio to identify and develop new blood-based biomarkers for Tau pathology.
