Feb 6, 2019 - Health

Biogen faces patent loss for lucrative MS drug

Biogen's top drug is its multiple scleroris drug, Tecfidera. Photo: Dominick Reuter/AFP via Getty Images

Biogen's blockbuster drug Tecfidera is on the hot seat after federal patent judges ruled today that competing drug maker Mylan "demonstrated a reasonable likelihood" that one of the drug's main patents can be thrown out.

Why it matters: Biogen has faced a lot of patent challenges over Tecfidera, a pricey multiple sclerosis drug that registered $4.3 billion in sales in 2018. But if the board's final decision next year invalidates the Tecfidera patent in question, cheaper generic versions of the drug could hit the market as soon as 2021 instead of 2028.

Go deeper

Ashley Gold
24 mins ago - Technology

Epic sues Apple over developer tax as Fortnite is pulled from App Store

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

Fortnite maker Epic Games on Thursday escalated its battle over Apple's App Store tactics, suing the tech giant over antitrust claims while also baiting Apple into dropping Fortnite from the App Store.

The big picture: Epic is just one of several developers clashing with Apple. They argue the company harms competition by taking a cut of up to 30% on in-app purchases and subscriptions and blocking most developers from getting around the tax by charging their users directly.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Hans Nichols
53 mins ago - Politics & Policy

Biden calls for 3-month national mask mandate: "Be a patriot"

Joe Biden called on governors to issue a three-month mandatory outdoor mask mandate on Thursday, telling reporters after receiving a coronavirus briefing that experts say it could save over 40,000 lives.

Why it matters: Biden was more aggressive and specific than he has been in previous calls to wear a mask, arguing that it will allow children to return to school sooner, businesses to reopen and help "get our country back on track."

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Rashaan Ayesh
1 hour ago - Politics & Policy

McConnell announces Senate will adjourn until Sept. 8

Photo: Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) announced Thursday that the Senate will not hold any more votes until Sept. 8, though members will remain on 24-hour notice in case a coronavirus stimulus deal is reached.

Why it matters: With millions of Americans unemployed, the Trump administration and Democrats remain hopelessly deadlocked and unlikely to reach a deal any time soon.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow