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Biogen

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FY2020 Annual Report · Biogen
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Annual Report

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CONTAINS

SOYOIL

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2020 HIGHLIGHTS

Total Revenue 
($ in millions)

Product Revenue 
($ in millions and % of total product revenue)

2020
2020

2020
2019
2019

2019
2018
2018

2018
2017
2017

2017
2016
2016

2016

$13,445
$13,445
$13,445

$14,378
$14,378
$14,378

$13,453
$13,453
$13,453

$12,274
$12,274
$12,274

$11,449
$11,449
$11,449

GAAP Diluted EPS ⁄ Non-GAAP Diluted EPS 1

2020
2020

2020
2019
2019

2019
2018
2018

2018
2017
2017

2017
2016
2016

2016

$24.80 ∕ $33.70 2
$24.80 ∕ $33.70 2
$24.80 ∕ $33.70 2

$31.42 ∕ $33.57
$31.42 ∕ $33.57
$31.42 ∕ $33.57

$21.58 3 ∕ $27.44 2
$21.58 3 ∕ $27.44 2
$21.58 3 ∕ $27.44 2

$11.92 3 ∕ $22.72 2
$11.92 3 ∕ $22.72 2
$11.92 3 ∕ $22.72 2

$16.93 ∕ $20.22
$16.93 ∕ $20.22
$16.93 ∕ $20.22

Free cash flow 1,4 
($ in millions)
2020
2020

2020
2019
2019

2019
2018
2018

2018
2017
2017

2017
2016
2016

2016

$6,564
$6,564
$6,564

$5,417
$5,417
$5,417

$3,805
$3,805
$3,805

$3,684
$3,684
$3,684

$3,906
$3,906
$3,906

1   Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) and free cash flow 
are Non-GAAP financial measures. A reconciliation of GAAP to 
Non-GAAP diluted EPS and free cash flow amounts is set forth on 
pages 10–13 of this Annual Report.

2   Beginning in the third quarter of 2020, material upfront 

payments associated with significant collaboration and licensing 
arrangements are excluded from Non-GAAP R&D expense in order 
to better reflect the Company's core operating performance. Prior 
period Non-GAAP results have been updated to reflect this change.

3   GAAP diluted EPS for 2018 and 2017 includes charges of 

$125 million and $1,174 million, respectively, related to the 
impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

4   Beginning in 2020, free cash flow was redefined as net cash flow 
from operations less capital expenditure. Prior period free cash 
flow amounts have been updated to reflect this change. Free 
cash flow for 2016 through 2019 reflects an increase in capital 
expenditures related to the construction of our largescale biologics 
manufacturing facility in Solothurn, Switzerland.

5   Fumarate includes TECFIDERA and VUMERITY. VUMERITY became 

commercially available in the U.S. in November 2019.

6  Interferon includes AVONEX and PLEGRIDY.
7   For 2020 and 2019, Other includes product revenue from 
FAMPYRA, FUMADERM, BENEPALI, FLIXABI and IMRALDI. 

$3,905 
$4,438 
$1,878 
$2,102 
$1,946 
$1,892 
$2,052 
$2,097 
$911 
$851 

36.5%
39.0%
17.6%
18.5%
18.2%
16.6%
19.2%
18.4%
8.5%
7.5%

Fumarate 5

Interferon 6

TYSABRI

SPINRAZA

Other 7

2020
2019

Product Revenue by Region 
(% of total product revenue)

2020

55%

45%

2019

59%

41%

2018

63%

37%

 U.S.   

 Rest of the world

FOSSIL 
FUEL FREE
BY 2040

1st Fortune 500 company to  
commit to going fossil fuel free 
across operations by 2040

Nº1
$12 

MILLION

> 57K

Biotech leader on the Dow Jones 
Sustainability World Index for 5th time

Granted by the Biogen Foundation to 
COVID-19 relief efforts, assisting  
82 organizations across 35 countries

Students engaged in our STEM  
Community Labs since 2002 with 
focus on underrepresented students

100 %

Score as Corporate Equality  
Index for the 8th time: Best Places  
to Work for LGBTQ Equality

Concept, design and realization 

PETRANIX AG 

Corporate and Financial Communications

www.petranix.com

Printing

Donnelley Financial Solutions

www.dfinsolutions.com

CEO LEttEr 

1

CEO LETTER

My fellow stockholders,

2020 was a year like no other. The COVID-19 
pandemic stole millions of lives while throwing many 
others into economic hardship. Disasters escalated 
the urgency of our global climate crisis. And events 
throughout the year intensified the need for action 
in addressing persistent racial injustice within our 
communities. The impact of all of these will be with 
us for a long time.

At Biogen, these unprecedented challenges have 
strengthened our purpose to address science for the 
betterment of humanity. We found the resilience to 
deliver a strong operating performance and maintain 
global leadership across our core businesses. My 
dedicated colleagues, rather than being overcome 
by hardship and everyday challenges, continued to 
advance our pipeline and our strategy to build a multi-
franchise portfolio leveraging the interconnectivity 
within neuroscience.

In 2020, we continued to carry out our Biogen 
FORWARD strategy that we have been building  
upon for the past four years. This strategy aims to 
leverage science and research to execute on our  
core business today while also developing and 
expanding our neuroscience portfolio to deliver 
for tomorrow. In doing so, we give hope to millions 
of patients as well as their loved ones and their 
caregivers, while positioning the company for what  
we believe will be a transformative 2021.

We now have 10 programs either in Phase 3 or filed 
with regulatory agencies, including in Alzheimer’s 
disease, neuropsychiatry, amyotrophic lateral 
sclerosis (ALS) and ophthalmology. In 2020, we 
added or advanced 12 clinical programs, bolstering 
our early- and late-stage pipelines through both 
internal development and collaborations with leading 
neuroscience companies, including Sangamo 
Therapeutics, Inc. (Sangamo), Denali Therapeutics Inc. 
(Denali) and Sage Therapeutics, Inc. (Sage). We 
believe we are well positioned for future growth 
with readouts expected in 2021 from eight clinical 
programs, of which four are pivotal readouts. 

We are focused on advancing 
our broader purpose as an 
organization, as we aim 
to pioneer science for the 
betterment of humanity.”
Michel Vounatsos
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

One of the most promising and near-term of 
these investigational therapies is aducanumab, 
which we are developing in collaboration with 
Eisai Co., Ltd. (Eisai). We completed regulatory 
filings of aducanumab in multiple geographies during 
2020, and we remain ready to launch should our 
application be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug 
Administration (FDA). If approved, aducanumab  
would be the first therapy to meaningfully change  
the course of Alzheimer’s disease. 

We are focused on advancing our broader purpose 
as an organization, as we aim to pioneer science for 
the betterment of humanity. We strive to be leaders 

BIOGEN  2020 ANNUAL REPORT

2

CEO LEttEr

8   

business development deals for a  
total value of approximately $3 billion

by taking meaningful action for the patients we serve, 
our employees, the environment and the community –  
including accelerating our efforts in diversity, equity 
and inclusion. We believe that taken together, all 
of these steps contribute to sustainable, long-term 
stockholder value. 

Financial Performance 
I am proud of the more than 9,000 members of the 
Biogen team for their dedicated focus on day-to-day 
execution in order to serve all of our stakeholders. 
Despite the uncertainties and hardship caused by the 
COVID-19 pandemic for our society and our industry, 
full-year GAAP diluted earnings per share were 
$24.80 and Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share 
were $33.70. We generated $13.4 billion in revenue, 
representing a 6% decrease versus the prior year. 
This decline was largely due to an erosion in U.S. 
TECFIDERA revenue.

We achieved multiple sclerosis (MS) product revenue 
in the U.S. of $2.86 billion through June 30, 2020,  
the period before multiple, deeply discounted 
TECFIDERA generics entered the U.S. market. During 
the second half of 2020, MS product revenue in the 
U.S. was $2.25 billion. 

During 2020, Biogen generated approximately 
$4.2 billion in net cash flow from operations and 
$3.8 billion in free cash flow. This cash flow generation 
continued to provide us with significant flexibility to 
allocate capital with the goal to maximize returns for 
our stockholders. As part of our capital allocation 
strategy, we also returned approximately $6.7 billion to 
stockholders through share repurchases during the year. 

We executed eight business development deals for 
a total value of approximately $3 billion in 2020 
and ended the year with $3.4 billion in cash, cash 
equivalents and marketable securities. 

We will continue to allocate capital efficiently, 
effectively and appropriately. As we have 
demonstrated in the past, we will always strive to 
have an optimal capital structure as well as aim for 
superior returns from the investments we make. 

Delivering on Our Core Business
Very few therapeutic areas have as much need  
or hold as much promise for medical breakthroughs 
as neuroscience. Our work over the years has 
centered on pursuing therapies that meaningfully 
slow or halt the progression of neurological and 
neurodegenerative diseases. That focus has  
resulted in our leadership in MS and spinal muscular 
atrophy (SMA). 

While new entrants in these areas have pressured our 
market position, we have repeatedly demonstrated 
resilience with strong execution and a commitment to 
advancing treatment options for patients. 

In addition, a key part of our Biogen FORWARD 
strategy is to unlock the potential of our biosimilars 
business. We believe biosimilars can lower 
healthcare system costs broadly, creating headroom 
for innovation. They can enable governments to 
potentially redirect savings to priorities such as 
increasing access to transformative therapies. 

Multiple Sclerosis
Globally, 2.8 million people suffer from MS. It is a 
progressive disease that causes damage to  
the central nervous system, resulting in physical 
disability as well as neurological dysfunctions 
involving movement, vision and cognition.

For nearly 25 years, we have led in the research and 
development of new therapies to treat this disease, 
and we remain focused on developing next-generation 
treatments. Our portfolio of 5 MS disease-modifying 
therapies has helped improve the lives of more  
than 1 million patients worldwide, and we have more 
than 25 active clinical trials. 

Our entire MS portfolio, including royalties from 
OCREVUS®, generated $8.7 billion in global  
revenue in 2020. We demonstrated our resilience 
through our continued dedication to providing 
efficacious therapies for patients and our strong 
execution, despite the entry of TECFIDERA generics 
that impacted our revenue beginning in the third 
quarter of 2020. 

BIOGEN  2020 ANNUAL REPORT

CEO LEttEr 

3

BIOGEN FORWARD
Our approach to deliver sustainable value

PIONEERING AND LEADING IN NEUROSCIENCE 
TO TRANSFORM PATIENTS' LIVES

EXECUtING ON  
tHE COrE BUSINESS

Maximizing the resilience  
of our MS business

Accelerating our  
neuromuscular franchise

Unlocking the potential of biosimilars

CrEAtING NEW  
SOUrCES OF VALUE

Leading in Alzheimer's disease

Developing and expanding our neuroscience 
portfolio and pursuing therapeutic adjacencies

Continuous improvement and  
diligent capital allocation

Our purpose
FOCUS ON OUr PAtIENtS, OUr EMPLOYEES, OUr ENVIrONMENt AND OUr COMMUNItIES

A critical part of our strategy as leaders in MS is, 
and will continue to be, investment in innovation to 
address continuing unmet need. In the first half of 
2020, we filed for regulatory review of a subcutaneous 
formulation of TYSABRI in both the U.S. and the 
European Union (EU). This subcutaneous formulation 
was approved in the EU in March 2021 and offers a 
competitive, more convenient administration profile 
in the space for high-efficacy MS treatments. We also 
received approval in the U.S. and the EU for a new 
intramuscular administration for PLEGRIDY. 

In addition, we continued to advance the potential use 
of extended interval dosing of TYSABRI. We presented 
new data demonstrating the reduced risk of progressive 
multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare brain 
infection, through the use of extended interval dosing 
compared to the currently approved dosing. 

Biogen continued its U.S. launch of VUMERITY. 
By year end, despite challenges to bringing a new 
treatment to market during the pandemic, VUMERITY 
was the number two MS product and the number one 
MS oral in new prescriptions in the U.S. 

Spinal Muscular Atrophy
SMA is a leading genetic cause of mortality in 
infants, affecting about 1 in every 11,000 babies 

born in the U.S. SMA has a devastating effect on 
voluntary muscle movement, leading inevitably to 
muscle atrophy. Tragically, without treatment, most 
infants with the most severe type of SMA die within 
two years. Children with other types of the disease 
experience lasting mobility and quality of life issues 
throughout their teen and adult lives. 

SPINRAZA (nusinersen) generated full-year global 
revenues of $2.1 billion in 2020. Outside of the 
U.S., full-year revenue increased 9% versus the 
prior year with continued growth in sales volumes. 
Biogen ended 2020 with roughly 11,000 patients on 
SPINRAZA, including through our clinical studies and 
expanded access program. 

In the face of increasing competition in the SMA 
market, we believe that the proven efficacy and 
well-established safety profile of SPINRAZA makes it 
a foundation of care for patients.

We continued to generate additional data in 2020, 
including from NURTURE, which is the longest-running 
study in the industry examining pre-symptomatic 
patients with SMA. The data showed that patients 
being treated with SPINRAZA continued to maintain 
and make progressive gains in motor function 
compared to the natural course of the disease.

BIOGEN  2020 ANNUAL REPORT

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CEO LEttEr

BUILDING A MULTI-FRANCHISE PORTFOLIO 
IN AREAS OF HIGH UNMET NEED

 Expected 2021 milestone

Neuropathic pain

Movement disorders

Immunology

Acute neurology

Lupus

Stroke

Near-term value 
creation opportunities

Choroideremia

Ophthalmology

Depression

Neuropsychiatry

Alzheimer’s disease

Dementia

SMA

Neuromuscular 
(SMA + ALS)

Neuromuscular 

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis

YEStErDAY

tODAY

EArLY-MID 2020s

OUr VISION

Biosimilars

Biosimilars

Biosimilars

We continue to advance research in the fi eld, 
exploring how SPINRAZA could create better 
outcomes for patients that still have unmet need – 
including after being treated with other therapies 
on the market. During the year, we started DEVOTE, 
a Phase 2/3 study to determine whether a higher 
dose of nusinersen could provide even greater 
effi cacy. We also began RESPOND, a Phase 4 study 
evaluating the benefi t of nusinersen in patients 
treated with the gene therapy Zolgensma® who 
display a suboptimal clinical response to Zolgensma. 

Biosimilars
Our biosimilars business grew in both revenue and the 
number of patients on therapy through year end. The 
business generated $796 million in full-year revenue, 
with approximately 240,000 patients relying on our 
leading portfolio of anti-TNF biosimilars. And through 
the end of 2020, we have now shipped more than 
19 million doses to patients in 30 European countries. 

Our product differentiation, ongoing commitment 
to leading science and customer focus enabled 
our biosimilars business to generate an estimated 

savings of approximately €2.4 billion for healthcare 
systems across Europe in 2020.

We believe that the foundation of our biosimilars 
business is robust and that there is more growth 
opportunity possible through commercializing 
additional biosimilar products. 

We notably made progress in ophthalmology, where 
we have commercialization rights for two potential 
biosimilar products from Samsung Bioepis Co., Ltd. 
(Samsung Bioepis):

– SB11, a proposed ranibizumab biosimilar 

referencing LUCENTIS®

– SB15, a proposed afl ibercept biosimilar 

referencing EYLEA® 

SB11 is under regulatory review in the U.S. and in the 
EU. In June 2020, a Phase 3 study was initiated to 
compare SB15 and the reference product (EYLEA). 
Global sales of both reference products were more 
than $11 billion 1 in 2020. 

BIOGEN  2020 ANNUAL REPORT

CEO LEttEr 

5

€ 2.4

   BILLION

estimated savings for healthcare  
systems across Europe in 2020  
through our biosimilars business

The Promise of Our Pipeline
We pride ourselves on not being afraid to go where 
others will not in order to achieve our mission to 
pioneer in neuroscience in order to transform lives. 
We know that the opportunity to address the unmet 
need is tremendous, and our determination has 
allowed us to advance breakthrough science. 

In 2020, we made significant strides in diversifying 
and building a multi-franchise portfolio, propelled 
by our internal research efforts and by a number of 
licensing deals and collaborations. We now have 
33 clinical programs, many of which were added 
in the last three years. We believe our pipeline 
represents one of our most significant value-creation 
opportunities, spanning a matrix of disease areas 
and modalities. 

Alzheimer’s Disease
Worldwide approximately 50 million people suffer 
from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, presenting a 
significant burden on patients, caregivers and society 
at large. Alzheimer's disease remains one of the  
top-10 causes of death in the U.S., affecting about 
1 in 10 people over the age of 65. Projections 
suggest that, over the next 30 years, the number  
of people living with Alzheimer’s disease will triple. 

With such a grim reality facing Alzheimer’s disease 
patients, Biogen has developed a pipeline of potential 
therapeutics that could slow disease progression. 
Aducanumab is our most advanced investigational 
asset. Preparing and filing the complex data 
packages supporting potential regulatory approval 
of aducanumab in the U.S., the EU and Japan were 
among our proudest moments in 2020.

We are committed to working with the FDA as it 
completes its review of our application, and we 
continue to stand behind our clinical data. We believe 
our results support approval; the Prescription Drug 
User Fee Act (PDUFA) action date for aducanumab is 
expected on June 7, 2021.

In preparation for the potential launch, we have 
continued to evaluate a wide spectrum of system 

readiness factors. We believe there are several 
hundred sites in the U.S. that are ready to start 
treating patients with aducanumab, if approved.

Another key component of our Alzheimer’s franchise 
is BAN2401, which is an anti-amyloid beta antibody 
also being developed in collaboration with Eisai. 
BAN2401 is currently in the pivotal Phase 3 Clarity 
AD study examining patients with symptomatic early 
Alzheimer’s disease. In 2020, the AHEAD 3-45 Study 
of BAN2401 was initiated to focus on individuals with 
preclinical Alzheimer’s disease who have intermediate 
or elevated levels of amyloid in their brains. This study 
is evaluating whether early administration of BAN2401 
can potentially prevent cognitive decline in the earliest 
stages of the disease.

We are encouraged by our new global collaboration 
with Sangamo that leverages its zinc finger protein 
technology to modulate the expression of key genes 
involved in neurological diseases. Our aim is to 
develop gene regulation therapies for Alzheimer’s 
disease and more. 

We also made progress on a number of other 
molecules in our early clinical and preclinical 
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia portfolio. Notably, 
we announced positive Phase 1 data for BIIB080 
(anti-tau ASO), which may reduce production of the 
tau protein and its accumulation in brain cells, and 
which we believe may have the potential to slow the 
progress of Alzheimer's disease.

At the start of 2021, we announced a collaboration 
with Apple with the aim to develop digital biomarkers 
for cognitive health. A new virtual research study that  
we expect to begin during the second half of 2021 
will leverage the technology of the Apple Watch  
and iPhone to develop digital biomarkers that could 
help a person monitor their cognitive health and 
screen for early stages of cognitive decline, including 
mild cognitive impairment.

Neuropsychiatry
In 2020, we entered into a collaboration with Sage 
that brought us a late-stage asset in depression 

BIOGEN  2020 ANNUAL REPORT

6

CEO LEttEr

10

programs either in Phase 3  
or filed with regulatory agencies

that could address a significant unmet need. In the 
U.S. alone, 17 million people suffer from depression. 
Depression also is a common co-morbidity of multiple 
neurological disorders in our therapeutic portfolio. 
Despite its common occurrence, 50% of patients with 
major depressive disorder experience no relief from 
existing medications. 

Through our collaboration with Sage, we will jointly 
develop and commercialize zuranolone (BIIB125) for 
the potential treatment of major depressive disorder 
and postpartum depression. Zuranolone is being 
evaluated as a potential first-in-class, two-week, once-
daily oral therapy currently in multiple Phase 3 studies. 
Zuranolone may also have potential in other psychiatric 
disorders including treatment-resistant depression, 
bipolar depression and generalized anxiety disorder.

ALS
ALS is a fatal, progressive neurodegenerative disease 
with significant unmet medical need. People with ALS 
may experience a gradual weakening of muscles, 
causing them to lose their strength and ability to speak, 
move and eventually breathe. To date, no treatment 
has offered patients an option to fully mitigate the 
inevitable and devastating effects of this disease. 

Leading our ALS portfolio is tofersen (BIIB067), which 
is currently being investigated in the Phase 3 VALOR 
study of SOD1 ALS, a subtype of familial ALS. In 2020, 
we also dosed our first patient in the Phase 1 study 
of BIIB105 (ataxin-2 ASO) 2, which has the potential to 
slow disease progression for the broad ALS population. 

Lupus 
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an 
autoimmune disease that affects multiple organ 
systems and is unpredictable in disease severity, with 
periods of illness or flares alternating with periods 
of remission. A hallmark of SLE is the production of 
autoantibodies to a variety of nuclear antigens that 
account for some of the pathological manifestations 
and ultimately, organ damage.

In August 2020, the first patient was dosed in the 
Phase 3 PHOENYCS GO study of dapirolizumab pegol 

(anti-CD40L). This study, developed in collaboration 
with UCB Pharma S.A., targets patients with active SLE 
despite being treated by standard of care therapies. 
We also presented positive results from the Phase 
2 LILAC study evaluating the efficacy and safety of 
BIIB059 (anti-BDCA2) in individuals with lupus. 

Ophthalmology
Adding to our work with investigational ophthalmological 
biosimilars, we are investigating the use of gene 
therapies to combat inherited retinal diseases.  
This includes BIIB111 (timrepigene emparvovec)  
for choroideremia, a condition of progressive vision 
loss, and BIIB112 (cotoretigene toliparvovec) for 
another vision loss disorder known as X-linked  
retinitis pigmentosa. Currently, neither disease has  
an approved treatment, and both lead to progressive 
vision loss and potential blindness by mid-life.

Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders
Parkinson’s disease, the second-most common 
among neurodegenerative illnesses, is a progressive 
disorder of the central nervous system that causes 
nerve cell damage associated with tremors, stiffness 
and difficulty with balance and coordination. 

Despite having discontinued BIIB054 (cinpanemab) 
following unsuccessful Phase 2 results, Biogen 
remains committed to advancing treatments for 
movement disorders. We believe two collaborations 
position us to lead in addressing these disorders. 
First, we are working with Denali to co-develop 
and co-commercialize BIIB122 (DNL151), a small 
molecule inhibitor of leucine-rich repeat kinase 
(LRRK2) for Parkinson’s disease. Second, we entered 
into a collaboration with Sage for joint development 
and commercialization of BIIB124 (SAGE-324), a 
Phase 2 asset for essential tremor with potential in 
other neurological conditions such as epilepsy. 

Environment, Social and Governance Leadership
We are working to change lives not just through our 
science, but through our actions on climate and 
health as well as diversity, equity and inclusion. Our 
longstanding leadership in corporate responsibility 
is built upon transparent and clear disclosure of our 

BIOGEN  2020 ANNUAL REPORT

CEO LEttEr 

7

policies and performance across environmental, 
social and governance (ESG) issues. As part of our 
commitment to these critical issues, we have tied 
a portion of our employees' and executive officers’ 
2021 compensation to advancing our ESG strategy.

The COVID-19 pandemic has provided a clear reminder 
of just how interrelated health, climate and equity are, 
and events throughout the year highlighted dramatic 
disparities that exist on each of these fronts. We took 
further action in 2020 that underscores our belief 
that the most successful corporations are those 
that consider a broad array of stakeholder needs in 
operating their businesses. We embarked on ambitious 
goals to augment diversity among our leadership. We 
also initiated a program to eliminate fossil fuels across 
our footprint – something we believe will help us realize 
long-term operational savings.

In addition, we continued to build on our priorities for 
health equity and access, collaborating with a range of 
stakeholders to promote this shared goal. For example, 
SPINRAZA is approved in more than 50 countries, 
including low- and middle-income countries, and our 
policy to promote access for SPINRAZA will help inform 
our approach to our broader portfolio of therapies.

We have long been recognized for our corporate 
responsibility leadership. In 2020, we were named 
the #1 biotechnology company on the Dow Jones 
Sustainability World Index – for an industry-record 
fifth time. Our corporate responsibility reporting 
meets multiple guidelines set by organizations at  
the forefront of ESG disclosures. We are proud of 
these achievements, but we know there is more to be 
done. We encourage you to read our Year in review: 
Our Commitment to Corporate responsibility report 
for more detail.

Climate, Health and Equity
The paradox of the pharma and biotech industries 
is that we cannot truly lead in human health without 
mitigating our operational impact on the environment. 
We believe it is imperative for Biogen to make the 
fight against climate change part of our long-term 
strategy and investment in our future.

In September 2020, we launched Healthy Climate, 
Healthy Lives, a $250 million, 20-year initiative to 
eliminate fossil fuels across our operations by 2040 
and improve public health. We are the first Fortune 500 
company to make such a bold commitment, which 
goes far beyond net zero. Collaborations related to this 
effort, including with MIT and the Harvard T.H. Chan 
School of Public Health, aim to advance the science 
around how fossil fuel-related air pollution may impact 
brain health, and will help under-resourced healthcare 
centers prepare for climate risks and improve health 
outcomes for the vulnerable populations they serve. 

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We believe that diversity drives innovation and that 
different backgrounds, cultures and perspectives 
make us stronger as an organization. Biogen took 
actions in 2020 to further reinforce our view that 
prejudice, racism and intolerance are unacceptable. 

After holding several listening sessions throughout 
the organization, we introduced an enhanced 
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) strategy that 
outlines actionable steps to deepen our commitment 
from an already strong foundation. 

We aim to increase diversity 3 in U.S. manager 
positions and above by 30% by the end of 2021 –  
and, globally, to increase women in director-and-
higher positions by the same percentage and in the 
same timeframe.

To transparently report our progress, we have publicly 
disclosed our EEO-1 (Equal Employment Opportunity) 
data on our website and shared the results of a 
global pay equity analysis with our employees. 

We are intent on improving health outcomes for 
underserved and underrepresented patients. We 
presented research at MSVirtual2020, the eighth joint 
meeting of ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS, that showed that ethnic 
and racial disparities exist related to occupation, 
income status, MS-related disability and type of 
treatment used. Furthermore, Biogen is committed to 
increasing the diversity of our clinical trials to improve 
minority representation over time. For example, we are 

BIOGEN  2020 ANNUAL REPORT

8

CEO LEttEr

ENHANCED DIVERSITY, EQUITY 
& INCLUSION STRATEGY

Build awareness, 
capability and 
a sustained urgency 
to act

Intentionally build 
a diverse workforce
at all levels

DIVERSITY, 
EQUITY & 
INCLUSION 
STRATEGY

Improve
health
outcomes

Promote 
economic 
empowerment

collaborating with Tufts University, considering both 
study design and patient recruitment. 

Finally, economic empowerment is a critical aspect of 
our work in addressing systemic racism and inequity. 
We deposited $10 million with OneUnited Bank, the 
largest Black-owned bank in America, to support its 
focus on Black economic empowerment. In addition, 
we are continuing our efforts to expand sourcing with 
minority-owned businesses. 

Looking Ahead 
Undeniably, 2020 was a challenging year. But 
resilience matters, as does a commitment to 
execution. We are proud that we deepened our 
pipeline, broadened our global footprint and delivered 
strong operating results. We believe we are well 
positioned to build on our strong record of execution, 
going beyond our current core businesses in an 
acceleration of our multi-franchise portfolio strategy. 

As we explore promising therapies that could 
benefi t patients, we are expanding the defi nition of 
what is possible – while aiming to address signifi cant 
unmet needs. I am looking forward to our many 
expected readouts on the horizon in 2021 as well 
as upcoming regulatory decisions.

BIOGEN  2020 ANNUAL REPORT

We also aim to be at the forefront of neurotechnology. 
We anticipate that the rapid pace of innovation in digital 
health and data sciences can be harnessed to enhance 
our patient services and engagement. We believe 
this will allow us to have a more holistic approach to 
detecting and managing neurological diseases.

While we believe 2021 will be a reset year for the 
company fi nancially, we also believe it has the 
potential to be transformative for Biogen. We are 
confi dent in our ability to meet the needs of patients 
who look to us for therapeutic options, to deliver 
results for our stockholders – and to expand the 
defi nition of what is possible in neuroscience. 

We remain driven by a shared purpose in everything 
we do at Biogen: advancing science for the benefi t of 
humanity. Together, we are undertaking a deeply human 
mission with profound implications for the millions of 
people awaiting life-changing therapies. The vision is for 
a healthier, more sustainable and equitable world. 

Biogen has been able to execute against this vision 
due to my extraordinary colleagues, the trust of 
our stockholders and deep relationships with our 
stakeholders. I am grateful to all who have been part 
of this journey. 

If 2020 was a year that required resilience and 
courage, I believe that 2021 will be a year of 
transformation – one that has the potential to bring 
great hope to patients worldwide.

Michel Vounatsos
Chief Executive Offi cer

1  Company reported sales, EvaluatePharma.
2  Subject to an option agreement with Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc.
3   Percent of U.S. manager positions and above held by Black, African American, 
and Latinx employees as well as Asian employees where underrepresented.

CEO LEttEr 

9

2020 MILESTONES

MARCH
Acquired BIIB118 (CK1 inhibitor) from Pfizer for the 
potential treatment of irregular sleep wake rhythm 
disorder in Parkinson’s and sundowning in Alzheimer’s 

Completed regulatory submission to the EMA  
for a subcutaneous formulation of TYSABRI

First patient dosed in EMBArK,  
the aducanumab re-dosing study

First patient dosed in DEVOtE, a study of  
nusinersen when administered at a higher dose 

MAY
Primary endpoints were met in the Phase 3  
study of SB11, a proposed ranibizumab  
biosimilar referencing LUCENTIS

JULY
Positive results from the Phase 1/2 study of  
tofersen demonstrating proof of biology and proof of 
concept for the potential treatment of SOD1 ALS were 
published in The New England Journal of Medicine

First patient dosed in the Phase 1 study  
of BIIB101 (ION464) in multiple system atrophy 1

SEPTEMBER
Launched Healthy Climate, Healthy Lives, a 
$250 million, 20-year initiative to eliminate  
our fossil fuels across our operations

First patient dosed in the AHEAD 3-45  
study of BAN2401 in Alzheimer’s disease

APRIL
Entered into a global collaboration with Sangamo 
to develop potential gene regulation therapies for 
Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, neuromuscular and other 
neurological diseases

JUNE
Completed regulatory submission to the FDA for a 
subcutaneous formulation of TYSABRI

Announced new results from NUrtUrE, the longest 
study of pre-symptomatic patients treated with SPINRAZA

Phase 3 study for SB15, a proposed aflibercept 
biosimilar referencing EYLEA, was initiated

AUGUST
FDA accepted for review the regulatory submission  
for aducanumab 

First patient dosed in a Phase 3 study of 
dapirolizumab pegol in SLE 

OCTOBER
Entered into a global collaboration with Denali on LRRK2 
program for Parkinson’s and certain transport vehicle 
platform-enabled programs for neurodegenerative diseases

First patient dosed in the  
Phase 1 study of BIIB105 in ALS

EMA accepted for review the regulatory submission  
for aducanumab

EMA accepted for review the regulatory submission  
for SB11

NOVEMBER
Named the #1 biotechnology company on the  
Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the fifth time

FDA accepted for review the regulatory  
submission for SB11 

1  Option agreement.

DECEMBER
Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare accepted for review 
the Japanese New Drug Application for aducanumab

Entered into a global collaboration with Sage for  
potential breakthrough therapies in depression and 
movement disorders

EMA approved a new intramuscular injection route of 
administration for PLEGRIDY in the EU

EMA accepted the regulatory submission for VUMERITY

BIOGEN  2020 ANNUAL REPORT

10

GAAP tO NON-GAAP rECONCILIAtION

GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION

Diluted EPS and Net Income attributable to Biogen Inc.
(Unaudited, $ in millions, except per share amounts)

GAAP EPS – Diluted

2020 1

2019

2018 1

2017 1,2

2016

 $24.80 

 $31.42 

 $21.58 

 $11.92 

 $16.93 

Adjustments to net income attributable to Biogen Inc. (see below) 

 8.90 

 2.15 

 5.86 

 10.80 

 3.29 

Non–GAAP EPS – Diluted

 $33.70 

 $33.57 

 $27.44 

 $22.72 

 $20.22 

 $4,001

 $5,889 

 $4,431 

 $2,539 

 $3,703 

 747 

 113 

 815 

 120 

GAAP Net Income Attributable to Biogen Inc.

Amortization of acquired intangible assets A

Acquired in-process research and development
Sangamo upfront payment and premium paid on the purchase  
of Sangamo common stock B
Denali upfront payment and premium paid on the purchase  
of Denali common stock C
Sage upfront payment and premium paid on the purchase  
of Sage common stock D
Ionis upfront payment and premium paid on the purchase  
of Ionis common stock
Bristol Myers Squibb upfront payment

Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs

(Gain) loss on fair value remeasurement of contingent consideration A
Gain (loss) on divestiture of Hillerød, Denmark  
manufacturing operations E
(Gain) loss on equity security investments

Net distribution to noncontrolling interests

Restructuring, business transformation, and other cost saving initiatives

TECFIDERA litigation settlement charge

Other reconciling items

Income tax effect related to reconciling items
Elimination of deferred tax asset / Valuation allowance  
associated with deferred tax assets F
Swiss tax reform G

U.S. tax reform

Amortization included in Equity in loss of investee, net of tax 

 465 

 75 

 208 

 601 

 1,084 

 –   

 –   

 20 

 (86)

 (93)

 490 

 –   

 –   

 –   

–

 –   

 –   

 28 

 (64)

 55 

 –   

 3 

 –   

 10 

 (288)

 90 

 –   

 –   

 40 

 –   

 5 

 –   

 33 

 31 

–

 (54)

 –   

 78 

 –   

 –   

–

 486 

 –   

 –   

 (12)

 –   

 44 

 23 

 –   

 10 

 –   

 –   

–

 –   

 300 

 –   

 63 

 –   

 –   

 132 

 19 

 –   

 19 

 374 

 –   

 –   

 –   

–

 –   

 –   

 –   

 15 

 –   

 –   

 –   

 88 

 455 

 14 

 (216)

 (342)

 (225)

 11 

 –   

 –   

 –   

 125 

 1,174 

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 –   

 (694)

 (200)

 (128)

Non–GAAP Net Income Attributable to Biogen Inc.

 $5,436 

 $6,291 

 $5,634 

 $4,839 

 $4,423 

Free cash flow reconciliation 3
Net cash flow (outflow) from operating activities 4

Net cash flow (outflow) from investing activities

Net cash flow (outflow) from financing activities

 $4,230 

 $7,079 

 $6,188 

 $4,551 

 $4,522 

 (609)

 471 

 (2,046)

 (5,273)

 (5,860)

 (4,472)

 (2,963)

 (2,380)

 (2,485)

 (988)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 $(1,652)

 $1,690 

 $(330)

 $(792)

 $1,049 

Net cash flow (outflow) from operating activities 4

 $4,230 

 $7,079 

 $6,188 

 $4,551 

 $4,522 

Purchases of property, plant, and equipment (Capital Expenditures)

 (425)

 (515)

 (771)

 (867)

 (616)

Free cash flow

$3,805 

 $6,564 

 $5,417 

 $3,684 

 $3,906

BIOGEN  2020 ANNUAL REPORT

GAAP tO NON-GAAP rECONCILIAtION 

11

Notes to GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation
A   Amortization and impairment of acquired intangible 
assets for the twelve months ended December 31, 
2020, reflects the impact of the impairment charges 
related to timrepigene emparvovec (BIIB111), which 
was obtained as part of the Nightstar Therapeutics 
plc acquisition, and cinpanemab (BIIB0054) as well 
as a $19.3 million impairment charge related to 
one of our in-process research and development 
(IPR&D) intangible assets. During the fourth quarter 
of 2020 we experienced third-party manufacturing 
delays for BIIB111 and determined that forecasted 
costs associated with advancing the program 
through development and commercialization will 
exceed our original estimates. We reassessed the 
fair value of the program based on these changes 
in assumptions and determined that the program 
was partially impaired. We recognized an impairment 
charge of approximately $115.0 million during the 
fourth quarter of 2020. 

In February 2021 we announced that we 
discontinued development of BIIB054 for Parkinson's 
disease as our Phase 2 SPARK study did not meet 
its primary or secondary endpoints. Although we 
made this determination in February 2021, it was 
based on conditions that existed as of December 
31, 2020. As a result, we recognized an impairment 
charge of approximately $75.4 million during the 
fourth quarter of 2020 to reduce the fair value of 

the related IPR&D intangible asset to zero. We also 
adjusted the value of our contingent consideration 
obligation related to BIIB054, resulting in a gain of 
$51.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. 

Amortization and impairment of acquired intangible 
assets for the twelve months ended December 
31, 2019, reflects the impact of a $215.9 million 
impairment charge related to certain IPR&D assets 
associated with the Phase 2b study of BG00011 
(STX-100) for the potential treatment of idiopathic 
pulmonary fibrosis, which was discontinued during 
the third quarter of 2019. We also adjusted the 
value of our contingent consideration obligations 
related to BG00011, resulting in a gain of  
$61.2 million in the third quarter of 2019.

B   In February 2020 we entered into a collaboration 

and license agreement with Sangamo Therapeutics, 
Inc. (Sangamo) to develop and commercialize  
ST-501 for tauopathies, including Alzheimer’s 
disease; ST-502 for synucleinopathies, including 
Parkinson’s disease; a third neuromuscular disease 
target; and up to nine additional neurological 
disease targets to be identified and selected within 
a five-year period. In connection with the closing 
of this transaction in April 2020, we purchased 
$225.0 million of Sangamo common stock, or 
approximately 24 million shares at $9.21 per  
share, which are subject to transfer restrictions.  

NOtES tO tHE tABLE

1   Beginning in the third quarter of 2020 material upfront payments associated 

3   Beginning in 2020 free cash flow was redefined as net cash flow from 

with significant collaboration and licensing arrangements are excluded 
from Non-GAAP R&D expense in order to better reflect the Company’s 
core operating performance. Full year 2020 Non-GAAP results reflect this 
change as the $125.0 million upfront payment related to the collaboration 
with Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc. in the second quarter of 2020 has been 
excluded from Non-GAAP R&D expense. Prior period Non-GAAP results have 
also been updated to reflect this change as the $324.1 million upfront 
payment related to the 2018 agreement with Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc. and 
the $300.0 million upfront payment related to our 2017 exclusive license 
agreement with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company have been excluded from 
Non-GAAP R&D expense in 2018 and 2017, respectively.

2   On February 1, 2017, we completed the spin-off of our hemophilia business. 
Our consolidated results of operations reflect the financial results of our 
hemophilia business through January 31, 2017.

operations less capital expenditure. Prior period free cash flow amounts 
have been updated to reflect this change and have excluded the impact of 
contingent consideration payments related to our acquisition of Fumapharm 
AG of $300.0 million, $1.5 billion, $1.2 billion and $1.2 million in 2019, 
2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

4   Does not reflect the reclassification of amount for 2016 pursuant to the 
adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2016–09, Compensation - 
Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based 
Payment Accounting.

BIOGEN  2020 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
12

GAAP tO NON-GAAP rECONCILIAtION

We recorded an asset in investments and other 
assets in our condensed consolidated balance 
sheets to reflect the initial fair value of the 
Sangamo common stock acquired and a charge 
of approximately $83.2 million to research 
and development expense in our condensed 
consolidated statements of income to reflect  
the premium paid for the Sangamo common  
stock. We also made an upfront payment of 
$125.0 million that was recorded as research  
and development expense.

C  In August 2020 we entered into a collaboration  
and license agreement with Denali Therapeutics 
Inc. (Denali) to co-develop and co-commercialize 
Denali's small molecule inhibitors of leucine-rich 
kinase 2 (LRRK2) for Parkinson's disease. As part 
of this collaboration, we purchased approximately 
$465.0 million of Denali common stock in 
September 2020, or approximately 13 million shares 
at $34.94 per share, which are subject to transfer 
restrictions. We recorded an asset in investments 
and other assets in our condensed consolidated 
balance sheets to reflect the initial fair value of 
the Denali common stock acquired and a charge 
of approximately $41.3 million to research and 
development expense in our condensed consolidated 
statements of income to reflect the premium paid for 
the Denali common stock. We also made an upfront 
payment of $560.0 million that was recorded as 
research and development expense.

D   In November 2020 we entered into a global 

collaboration and license agreement with Sage 
Therapeutics, Inc. (Sage) to jointly develop and 
commercialize zuranolone (BIIB125) for the potential 
treatment of major depressive disorder, postpartum 
depression and other psychiatric disorders and 
SAGE-324 (BIIB124) for the potential treatment of 
essential tremor and other neurological disorders. 
In connection with the closing of this transaction in 
December 2020 we purchased $650.0 million of 
Sage common stock, or approximately 6.2 million 
shares at $104.14 per share, which are subject 
to transfer restrictions. We recorded an asset in 

investments and other assets in our consolidated 
balance sheets to reflect the initial fair value of 
the Sage common stock acquired and a charge 
of approximately $209.0 million to research 
and development expense in our consolidated 
statements of income to reflect the premium paid for 
the Sage common stock. We also made an upfront 
payment of $875.0 million that was recorded as 
research and development expense.

E   In August 2019 we completed the sale of all of  

the outstanding shares of our subsidiary that owned 
our biologics manufacturing operations in Hillerød, 
Denmark to FUJIFILM Corporation. Upon the closing 
of this transaction, we received approximately 
$881.9 million in cash, which may be adjusted 
based on other contractual terms, which are 
discussed below. 

In connection with this transaction we recognized 
a total net loss of approximately $164.4 million in 
our consolidated statements of income. This loss 
included a pre-tax loss of $95.5 million, which was 
recorded in loss on divestiture of Hillerød, Denmark, 
manufacturing operations. The loss recognized was 
based on exchange rates and business conditions 
on the closing date of this transaction, and included 
costs to sell our Hillerød, Denmark, manufacturing 
operations of approximately $11.2 million and our 
estimate of the fair value of an adverse commitment 
of approximately $114.0 million associated with 
the guarantee of future minimum batch production 
at the Hillerød facility. The value of this adverse 
commitment was determined using a probability- 
weighted estimate of future manufacturing activity. 
We also recorded a tax expense of $68.9 million 
related to this transaction. During the fourth quarter 
of 2019 we recorded a $40.2 million reduction 
in our estimate of the future minimum batch 
commitment utilizing our current manufacturing 
forecast, which reflects the impact of forecasted 
batches of aducanumab, an investigational treatment 
for Alzheimer’s disease, resulting in a reduction in 
the pre-tax loss on divestiture from $95.5 million to 
$55.3 million. 

BIOGEN  2020 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
During the fourth quarter of 2020 we reduced our 
estimate of the fair value of the adverse commitment 
by approximately $62.0 million based on our current 
manufacturing forecasts. Additionally, we recorded 
a reduction to our pre-tax loss of approximately 
$30.5 million due to a refund of interest paid 
associated with a tax matter. As of December 31, 
2020, the cumulative loss on the divestiture of the 
Hillerød, Denmark, manufacturing operations was 
$33.2 million. 

In addition, we may earn certain contingent payments 
based on future manufacturing activities at the 
Hillerød facility. For the disposition of a business, our 
policy is to recognize contingent consideration when 
the consideration is realizable. Consistent with our 
assessment as of the transaction date, we currently 
believe the probability of earning these payments 
is remote and therefore we did not include these 
contingent payments in our calculation of the fair 
value of the operations.

F   Income tax expense for the twelve months ended 
December 31, 2020, included $90.3 million in 
income tax expense related to a net valuation 
allowance against certain deferred tax assets, 
due to the decisions of the U.S. District Court of 
the Northern District of West Virginia and the U.S. 
District Court of the District of Delaware that the 
asserted claims of our U.S. patent No. 8,399,514, 
which cover the treatment of multiple sclerosis with 
480 mg of dimethyl fumarate per day as provided for 
in our TECFIDERA label, are invalid.

G  During the third quarter of 2019 a new taxing regime 
in the country and certain cantons of Switzerland 
was enacted, which we refer to as Swiss Tax Reform. 
As a result of the impact of Swiss Tax Reform, we 
recorded an income tax benefit of approximately 
$54.3 million resulting from a remeasurement of 
our deferred tax assets and liabilities in the twelve 
months ended December 31, 2019.

GAAP tO NON-GAAP rECONCILIAtION 

13

Notes
Our “Non-GAAP net income attributable to Biogen 
Inc.” and “Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share” 
financial measures exclude the following items from 
“GAAP net income attributable to Biogen Inc.” and 
“GAAP diluted earnings per share”: (1) Acquisitions, 
divestitures and significant collaboration and licensing 
arrangements, (2) hemophilia business separation 
costs, (3) restructuring, business transformation and 
other cost saving initiatives, (4) (gain) loss on equity 
security investments, (5) other select items and (6) 
their related tax effects. “Free cash flow” is defined as 
net cash flow from operations less capital expenditure. 
We believe that the disclosure of these Non-GAAP 
financial measures provides additional insight into the 
ongoing economics of our business and reflects how 
we manage our business internally, set operational 
goals and form the basis of our management incentive 
programs. These Non-GAAP financial measures are 
not in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles in the United States and should not be 
viewed in isolation or as a substitute for reported, or 
GAAP, net income attributable to Biogen Inc., GAAP 
diluted earnings per share and net cash flow provided 
by operating activities. Numbers may not foot due to 
rounding. Additional reconciliations of our Non-GAAP 
financial measures can be found in the Investors 
section of www.biogen.com.

BIOGEN  2020 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
14

SAFE HArBOr

SAFE HARBOR

This Annual Report contains forward-looking 
statements, including statements made pursuant to 
the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities 
Litigation Reform Act of 1995, relating to: our 
strategy and plans; potential of, and expectations 
for, our commercial business and pipeline programs; 
capital allocation and investment strategy; clinical 
development programs, clinical trials and data readouts 
and presentations; risks and uncertainties associated 
with drug development and commercialization; 
regulatory discussions, submissions, filings and 
approvals and the timing thereof; the potential benefits, 
safety and efficacy of our and our collaboration 
partners’ products and investigational therapies; the 
anticipated benefits and potential of investments, 
collaborations and business development activities; 
our future financial and operating results; potential 
benefits and results that may be achieved through 
our Healthy Climate, Healthy Lives initiative; and the 
anticipated timeline of our Healthy Climate, Healthy 
Lives initiative. These forward-looking statements may 
be accompanied by such words as “aim,” “anticipate,” 
“believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” 
“goal,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “possible,” 
“will,” “would” and other words and terms of similar 
meaning. Drug development and commercialization 
involve a high degree of risk, and only a small number 
of research and development programs result in 
commercialization of a product. Results in early-stage 
clinical trials may not be indicative of full results or 
results from later stage or larger scale clinical trials 
and do not ensure regulatory approval. You should 
not place undue reliance on these statements or the 
scientific data presented. 

These statements involve risks and uncertainties that 
could cause actual results to differ materially from 
those reflected in such statements, including: our 
dependence on sales from our products; uncertainty 
of long-term success in developing, licensing or 
acquiring other product candidates or additional 
indications for existing products; failure to compete 
effectively due to significant product competition in 
the markets for our products; failure to successfully 
execute or realize the anticipated benefits of our 
strategic and growth initiatives; difficulties in obtaining 

and maintaining adequate coverage, pricing and 
reimbursement for our products; our dependence on 
collaborators, joint venture partners and other third 
parties for the development, regulatory approval and 
commercialization of products and other aspects of 
our business, which are outside of our full control; 
risks associated with current and potential future 
healthcare reforms; risks related to commercialization 
of biosimilars; the risk that positive results in a 
clinical trial may not be replicated in subsequent or 
confirmatory trials or success in early stage clinical 
trials may not be predictive of results in later stage 
or large scale clinical trials or trials in other potential 
indications; risks associated with clinical trials, 
including our ability to adequately manage clinical 
activities, unexpected concerns that may arise from 
additional data or analysis obtained during clinical 
trials, regulatory authorities may require additional 
information or further studies or may fail to approve 
or may delay approval of our drug candidates; the 
occurrence of adverse safety events, restrictions on 
use with our products or product liability claims; risks 
relating to the distribution and sale by third parties 
of counterfeit or unfit versions of our products; risks 
relating to the use of social media for our business; 
failure to obtain, protect and enforce our data, 
intellectual property and other proprietary rights and 
the risks and uncertainties relating to intellectual 
property claims and challenges; the direct and indirect 
impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on our 
business, results of operations and financial condition; 
risks relating to technology failures or breaches; risks 
relating to management and key personnel changes, 
including attracting and retaining key personnel; failure 
to comply with legal and regulatory requirements; 
the risks of doing business internationally, including 
currency exchange rate fluctuations; risks relating to 
investment in our manufacturing capacity; problems 
with our manufacturing processes; fluctuations in 
our effective tax rate; fluctuations in our operating 
results; risks related to investment in properties; the 
market, interest and credit risks associated with our 
investment portfolio; risks relating to share repurchase 
programs; risks relating to access to capital and  
credit markets; risks related to indebtedness;  
change in control provisions in certain of our 

BIOGEN  2020 ANNUAL REPORT

collaboration agreements; environmental risks; risks 
that the goals of our Healthy Climate, Healthy Lives 
initiative will be completed in a timely manner or at 
all; uncertainty as to whether the anticipated benefits 
of our Healthy Climate, Healthy Lives initiative can be 
achieved; and any other risks and uncertainties that 
are described in other reports we have filed with the 
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

These statements are based on our current beliefs and 
expectations and speak only as of April 9, 2021. We 
do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any 
forward-looking statements, except as required by law. 

NOTE REGARDING TRADEMARKS: AVONEX®, BIOGEN®, 
PLEGRIDY®, SPINRAZA®, TECFIDERA®, TYSABRI® and 
VUMERITY® are registered trademarks of Biogen. 
BENEPALI™, FLIXABI™, FUMADERM™, Healthy Climate, 
Healthy Lives™ and IMRALDI™ are trademarks of 
Biogen. Other trademarks referenced in this Annual 
Report are the property of their respective owners.

SAFE HArBOr 

15

BIOGEN  2020 ANNUAL REPORT

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K 

☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 

or

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number: 0-19311 

BIOGEN INC. 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

33-0112644

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142 
(617) 679-2000 
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrant’s principal executive offices)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class
Common Stock, $0.0005 par value

Trading Symbol(s)
BIIB

Name of Each Exchange Where Registered
The Nasdaq Global Select Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities 

Act.    Yes x        No o

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the 

Act.    Yes o        No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of 
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was 
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 
90 days.    Yes x       No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be 

submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such 
shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes x        No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, 
a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated 
filer,” “smaller reporting company” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  x

Large accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer

x
☐

Accelerated filer ☐
Smaller reporting company ☐
Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended 
transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) 
of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment 

of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 
U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the 

Act).    Yes  ☐       No x

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant (without 
admitting that any person whose shares are not included in such calculation is an affiliate) computed by reference to the 
price at which the common stock was last sold as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed 
second fiscal quarter was $42,102,640,463.

As of February 2, 2021, the registrant had 152,335,731 shares of common stock, $0.0005 par value, outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the definitive proxy statement for our 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference 

into Part III of this report.

BIOGEN INC.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
For the Year Ended December 31, 2020 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Item 1.

Business

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

Item 2.

Item 3.

Item 4.

Properties

Legal Proceedings

Mine Safety Disclosures

PART I

PART II

Item 5.

Item 6.

Item 7.

Item 7A.

Item 8.

Item 9.

Item 9A.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer 
Purchases of Equity Securities
Selected Financial Data

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 
Operations
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial 
Disclosure
Controls and Procedures

Item 9B. Other Information

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

PART III

Item 12.

Item 13.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related 
Stockholder Matters
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

Item 16.

Form 10-K Summary

PART IV

Signatures

Consolidated Financial Statements

Page

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47

48

48

49

51

52

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F- 1

 
 
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 

This report contains forward-looking statements that are being made pursuant to the provisions of the Private 

Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the Act) with the intention of obtaining the benefits of the “Safe Harbor” 
provisions of the Act. These forward-looking statements may be accompanied by such words as “aim,” “anticipate,” 
“believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” "goal," “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “possible,” “will,” 
“would” and other words and terms of similar meaning. Reference is made in particular to forward-looking 
statements regarding:

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•

•

•

•

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•

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the anticipated amount, timing and accounting of revenues; contingent, milestone, royalty and other payments 
under licensing, collaboration, acquisition or divestiture agreements; tax positions and contingencies; 
collectability of receivables; pre-approval inventory; cost of sales; research and development costs; 
compensation and other selling, general and administrative expenses; amortization of intangible assets; foreign 
currency exchange risk; estimated fair value of assets and liabilities; and impairment assessments;

expectations, plans and prospects relating to sales, pricing, growth and launch of our marketed and pipeline 
products;

the potential impact of increased product competition in the markets in which we compete, including increased 
competition from new originator therapies, generics, prodrugs and biosimilars of existing products and products 
approved under abbreviated regulatory pathways, including generic or biosimilar versions of our products;

patent terms, patent term extensions, patent office actions and expected availability and period of regulatory 
exclusivity;

our plans and investments in our core and emerging growth areas as well as implementation of our corporate 
strategy;

the drivers for growing our business, including our plans and intention to commit resources relating to 
discovery, research and development programs and business development opportunities as well as the 
potential benefits and results of certain business development transactions;

the expectations, development plans and anticipated timelines, including costs and timing of potential clinical 
trials, filings and approvals, of our products, drug candidates and pipeline programs, including collaborations 
with third-parties, as well as the potential therapeutic scope of the development and commercialization of our 
and our collaborators’ pipeline products;

the timing, outcome and impact of administrative, regulatory, legal and other proceedings related to our patents 
and other proprietary and intellectual property rights, tax audits, assessments and settlements, pricing matters, 
sales and promotional practices, product liability and other matters;

our ability to finance our operations and business initiatives and obtain funding for such activities;

adverse safety events involving our marketed products, generic or biosimilar versions of our marketed products 
or any other products from the same class as one of our products;

the direct and indirect impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and operations, including sales, 
expenses, supply chain, manufacturing, cyber-attacks or other privacy or data security incidents, research and 
development costs, clinical trials and employees;

the potential impact of healthcare reform in the United States (U.S.) and measures being taken worldwide 
designed to reduce healthcare costs and limit the overall level of government expenditures, including the impact 
of pricing actions and reduced reimbursement for our products;

our manufacturing capacity, use of third-party contract manufacturing organizations, plans and timing relating to 
changes in our manufacturing capabilities, activities in new or existing manufacturing facilities and the expected 
timeline for the Solothurn manufacturing facility to be partially operational;

the impact of the continued uncertainty of the credit and economic conditions in certain countries in Europe and 
our collection of accounts receivable in such countries;

the potential impact on our results of operations and liquidity of the United Kingdom's (U.K.) departure from the 
European Union (E.U.);

•

lease commitments, purchase obligations and the timing and satisfaction of other contractual obligations; and

•

the impact of new laws, regulatory requirements, judicial decisions and accounting standards.

These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including those that are described in Item 1A. 

Risk Factors included in this report and elsewhere in this report, that could cause actual results to differ materially 
from those reflected in such statements. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Forward-looking 
statements speak only as of the date of this report. Except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to 
publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or 
otherwise.

NOTE REGARDING COMPANY AND PRODUCT REFERENCES

References in this report to:

• “Biogen,” the “company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Biogen Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries; and

• “RITUXAN” refers to both RITUXAN (the trade name for rituximab in the U.S., Canada and Japan) and 

MabThera (the trade name for rituximab outside the U.S., Canada and Japan).

NOTE REGARDING TRADEMARKS

AVONEX®, PLEGRIDY®, RITUXAN®, RITUXAN HYCELA®, SPINRAZA®, TECFIDERA®, TYSABRI®, VUMERITY® and 

ZINBRYTA® are registered trademarks of Biogen. 

BENEPALI™, FLIXABI™, FUMADERM™, IMRALDI™ and Healthy Climate, Healthy Lives™ are trademarks of Biogen. 
ENBREL®, EYLEA®, FAMPYRA™, GAZYVA®, HUMIRA®, LUCENTIS®, OCREVUS®, REMICADE® and other trademarks 

referenced in this report are the property of their respective owners.

Item 1.  

Business

Overview

PART I

Biogen is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and delivering worldwide 

innovative therapies for people living with serious neurological and neurodegenerative diseases as well as related 
therapeutic adjacencies. Our core growth areas include multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuroimmunology; Alzheimer’s 
disease and dementia; neuromuscular disorders, including spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral 
sclerosis (ALS); movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease; ophthalmology; and neuropsychiatry. We are 
also focused on discovering, developing and delivering worldwide innovative therapies in our emerging growth areas 
of immunology; acute neurology; and neuropathic pain. In addition, we commercialize biosimilars of advanced 
biologics. We support our drug discovery and development efforts through the commitment of significant resources to 
discovery, research and development programs and business development opportunities.

Our marketed products include TECFIDERA, VUMERITY, AVONEX, PLEGRIDY, TYSABRI and FAMPYRA for the 
treatment of MS; SPINRAZA for the treatment of SMA; and FUMADERM for the treatment of severe plaque psoriasis. 
We have certain business and financial rights with respect to RITUXAN for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, 
chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and other conditions; RITUXAN HYCELA for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's 
lymphoma and CLL; GAZYVA for the treatment of CLL and follicular lymphoma; OCREVUS for the treatment of primary 
progressive MS (PPMS) and relapsing MS (RMS); and other potential anti-CD20 therapies pursuant to our 
collaboration arrangements with Genentech, Inc. (Genentech), a wholly-owned member of the Roche Group. For 
additional information on our collaboration arrangements with Genentech, please read Note 18, Collaborative and 
Other Relationships, to our consolidated financial statements included in this report.

For over two decades we have led in the research and development of new therapies to treat MS, resulting in 
our leading portfolio of MS treatments. Now our research is focused on developing next generation treatments for 
MS. We introduced the first approved treatment for SMA and are continuing to pursue research and development for 
potential advancements in the treatment of SMA. We are also applying our scientific expertise to solve some of the 
most challenging and complex diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, ALS, Parkinson's disease, choroideremia 
(CHM), major depressive disorder, postpartum depression, X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP), systemic lupus 
erythematosus (SLE), cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia 
(CIAS), stroke and neuropathic pain.

Our innovative drug development and commercialization activities are complemented by our biosimilar business 

that expands access to medicines and reduces the cost burden for healthcare systems. Through our agreements 
with Samsung Bioepis Co., Ltd. (Samsung Bioepis), our joint venture with Samsung BioLogics Co., Ltd. (Samsung 
BioLogics), we market and sell  BENEPALI, an etanercept biosimilar referencing ENBREL, IMRALDI, an adalimumab 
biosimilar referencing HUMIRA, and FLIXABI, an infliximab biosimilar referencing REMICADE, in certain countries in 
Europe and have an option to acquire exclusive rights to commercialize these products in China. Additionally, we 
have exclusive rights to commercialize two potential ophthalmology biosimilar products, SB11, a proposed 
ranibizumab biosimilar referencing LUCENTIS, and SB15, a proposed aflibercept biosimilar referencing EYLEA, in 
major markets worldwide, including the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan and Australia. For additional information on our 
collaboration arrangements with Samsung Bioepis, please read Note 18, Collaborative and Other Relationships, to our 
consolidated financial statements included in this report.

1

 
Key Business Developments

The following is a summary of key developments affecting our business since the beginning of 2020. 

For additional information on our acquisitions, collaborative and other relationships discussed below, please 

read Note 2, Acquisitions, Note 18, Collaborative and Other Relationships, and Note 19, Investments in Variable 
Interest Entities, to our consolidated financial statements included in this report.

Acquisitions, Collaborative and Other Relationships

BIIB118 Acquisition

In March 2020 we acquired BIIB118 (CK1 inhibitor), a novel CNS-penetrant small molecule inhibitor of casein 

kinase 1, for the potential treatment of patients with behavioral and neurological symptoms across various 
psychiatric and neurological diseases from Pfizer Inc. (Pfizer). We are developing BIIB118 for the potential treatment 
of irregular sleep wake rhythm disorder (ISWRD) in Parkinson’s disease and plan to develop BIIB118 for the potential 
treatment of sundowning in Alzheimer's disease.

Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc.

In April 2020 we closed a collaboration and license agreement with Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc. (Sangamo) to 

develop and commercialize ST-501 for tauopathies, including Alzheimer’s disease; ST-502 for synucleinopathies, 
including, Parkinson’s disease; a third neuromuscular disease target; and up to nine additional neurological disease 
targets to be identified and selected within a five-year period. The companies are leveraging Sangamo's proprietary 
zinc finger protein technology delivered via adeno-associated virus to modulate the expression of key genes involved 
in neurological diseases. In connection with the closing of this transaction, we purchased $225.0 million of 
Sangamo common stock, or approximately 24 million shares at approximately $9.21 per share.

Denali Therapeutics Inc.

In October 2020 we closed a collaboration and license agreement with Denali Therapeutics Inc. (Denali) to co-

develop and co-commercialize Denali’s small molecule inhibitors of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) for 
Parkinson’s disease. In addition to the LRRK2 program, we also have an exclusive option to license two preclinical 
programs from Denali’s Transport Vehicle platform, including its Antibody Transport Vehicle (ATV): ATV enabled anti-
amyloid beta (Abeta) program and a second program utilizing its Transport Vehicle technology. Further, we have a 
right of first negotiation on two additional Transport Vehicle-enabled therapeutics, should Denali decide to seek a 
collaboration for such programs. As part of this collaboration we purchased approximately $465.0 million of Denali 
common stock in September 2020, or approximately 13 million shares at approximately $34.94 per share.

Sage Therapeutics, Inc.

In December 2020 we closed a global collaboration and license agreement with Sage Therapeutics, Inc. (Sage) 
to jointly develop and commercialize zuranolone (SAGE-217) for the potential treatment of major depressive disorder, 
postpartum depression and other psychiatric disorders and SAGE-324 for the potential treatment of essential tremor 
and other neurological disorders. In connection with the closing of this transaction we purchased $650.0 million of 
Sage common stock, or approximately 6.2 million shares at approximately $104.14 per share.

Other Key Developments

Aducanumab (Aβ mAb)

In July 2020 we completed the submission of a Biologics License Application (BLA) to the U.S. Food and Drug 

Administration (FDA) for the approval of aducanumab, an anti-amyloid beta antibody candidate for the potential 
treatment of Alzheimer's disease that we are developing in collaboration with Eisai Co., Ltd. (Eisai). In August 2020 
the FDA accepted the BLA and granted Priority Review with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) action date on 
March 7, 2021.

In November 2020 the FDA held a virtual meeting of the Peripheral and Central Nervous System Drugs Advisory 

Committee (the Advisory Committee) to review data supporting the BLA for aducanumab and to vote on questions 
presented at the meeting. A majority of the Advisory Committee members voted against each of the questions 
presented at the meeting.

In January 2021 the FDA extended the review period for the BLA for aducanumab by three months. The updated 

PDUFA action date is June 7, 2021. As part of the ongoing review, we submitted a response to an information 
request by the FDA, including additional analyses and clinical data, which the FDA considered a Major Amendment to 
the application that will require additional time for review.

2

In October 2020 the European Medicines Agency (EMA) accepted for review the Marketing Authorization 

Application (MAA) for aducanumab.

In December 2020 the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare accepted for review the Japanese New Drug 

Application for aducanumab.

SB11 (referencing LUCENTIS)

In October 2020 the EMA accepted for review the MAA for SB11 and in November 2020 the FDA accepted the 

BLA for SB11. We have exclusive rights to commercialize SB11 in major markets worldwide, including the U.S., 
Canada, Europe, Japan and Australia, pursuant to our 2019 agreement with Samsung Bioepis.

2020 Share Repurchase Programs

In October 2020 our Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $5.0 billion of our common 
stock (2020 Share Repurchase Program). Our 2020 Share Repurchase Program does not have an expiration date. All 
share repurchases under our 2020 Share Repurchase Program will be retired.

Healthy Climate, Healthy Lives

In September 2020 we announced Healthy Climate, Healthy Lives, a $250.0 million, 20-year initiative to 
eliminate our fossil fuels across our operations and collaborate with renowned institutions with the aim to improve 
health, especially for the world's most vulnerable populations.

Management Changes

In July 2020 we announced the appointment of Michael R. McDonnell as Executive Vice President and Chief 

Financial Officer.

For additional information on our executive officers, please read the subsection entitled "Information about our 

Executive Officers" included in this report.

Product and Pipeline Developments

Core Growth Areas

Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology

TYSABRI (natalizumab)

•

•

•

In March 2020 we made a regulatory submission to the EMA for a subcutaneous (SC) formulation of 
TYSABRI (natalizumab). In June 2020 we submitted a Supplemental Biologics License Application for a SC 
formulation of natalizumab to the FDA. The filings are supported by data from the DELIVER and REFINE 
studies, which demonstrated that natalizumab 300 mg SC every 4 weeks (Q4W) was comparable to 
standard 300 mg intravenous Q4W dosing with respect to clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 
efficacy, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity and safety.

In May 2020, through the 2020 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Science Highlights virtual platform, 
an analysis of TYSABRI contributed to data demonstrating the reduced risk of progressive multifocal 
leukoencephalopathy (PML) through extended interval dosing (approximately every six weeks) as compared 
to the currently approved Q4W dosing.

In September 2020, at MSVirtual2020, the eighth joint meeting of the Americas Committee for Treatment 
and Research in Multiple Sclerosis and the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple 
Sclerosis (ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS), we presented new real-world MRI data suggesting that the effectiveness of 
extended interval dosing of TYSABRI is similar to the approved Q4W dosing.

VUMERITY (diroximel fumarate; DRF)

•

•

In May 2020, through the 2020 AAN Science Highlights virtual platform, we announced new data that 
support VUMERITY as an important oral treatment option in RMS.

In September 2020, at MSVirtual2020, the eighth joint meeting of ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS, we presented new 
data further defining the effectiveness and safety profile of VUMERITY.

•

In November 2020 we submitted a MAA for VUMERITY to the EMA.

3

PLEGRIDY (peginterferon beta-1a)

•

•

In December 2020 the European Commission (EC) approved a new intramuscular (IM) injection route of 
administration for PLEGRIDY for the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS).

In January 2021 the FDA approved a new IM injection route of administration for PLEGRIDY for the 
treatment of RRMS.

Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

Aducanumab (Aβ mAb)

•

•

In March 2020 the first patient was dosed in the aducanumab re-dosing study, EMBARK, which is a global 
re-dosing clinical study designed to evaluate aducanumab in eligible Alzheimer’s disease patients who were 
actively enrolled in aducanumab studies (PRIME, EVOLVE, EMERGE and ENGAGE) in March 2019.

In November 2020 we presented on the study design of the ongoing EMBARK re-dosing study of 
aducanumab at the 2020 Clinical Trials on Alzheimer's Disease digital conference.

BAN2401 (lecanemab)

•

In September 2020 the first patient was dosed in the Phase 3 AHEAD 3-45 clinical study of BAN2401, an 
anti-amyloid beta antibody, in individuals with preclinical Alzheimer’s disease who have intermediate or 
elevated levels of amyloid in their brains. We are collaborating with Eisai on the development of BAN2401.

Neuromuscular Disorders

SPINRAZA (nusinersen)

•

•

•

•

In March 2020 the first patient was dosed in the global DEVOTE study, which is evaluating the safety, 
tolerability and potential for even greater efficacy of SPINRAZA when administered at a higher dose than 
currently approved for the treatment of SMA.

In March 2020 a study on the efficacy and safety of SPINRAZA in teen and adult patients was published in 
Lancet Neurology, showing clinically meaningful improvements in motor function in a real-world cohort. This 
study included 139 teens and adults with later-onset SMA (age 16-65 years) from 10 neuromuscular 
treatment centers in Germany. Patients were followed for 6-14 months and experienced statistically 
significant increases in HFMSE (Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded) scores compared to 
baseline at 6 months, 10 months and 14 months. Clinically meaningful improvements (≥3 points increase) 
in HFMSE scores were seen in 28% of patients at 6 months, 35% of patients at 10 months and 40% of 
patients at 14 months. The most frequent adverse events were headache, back pain and nausea.

In June 2020 we announced new results from NURTURE, the longest study of presymptomatic patients with 
SMA. In infants genetically diagnosed with SMA, new data demonstrated that early and sustained treatment 
with SPINRAZA for up to 4.8 years enabled unprecedented survival. Patients continued to maintain and 
make progressive gains in motor function compared to the natural course of the disease. These results 
were presented at the virtual Cure SMA Research & Clinical Care Meeting.

In May 2020, through the 2020 AAN Science Highlights virtual platform, we announced additional data from 
the SPINRAZA clinical development program that further demonstrated the sustained efficacy and longer-
term safety of SPINRAZA in a broad range of patients with SMA. The SHINE open-label extension study 
(NCT02594124) has enrolled 292 patients (infants through teenagers) from 5 previous SPINRAZA clinical 
studies, including ENDEAR. New findings from the SHINE study show that treatment with SPINRAZA resulted 
in motor function improvement or disease stabilization in toddlers, children and young adults who were 
treated continuously, some for up to six and a half years.

BIIB067 (tofersen) - ALS

•

In July 2020 positive results from a Phase 1/2 study of tofersen for the potential treatment of superoxide 
dismutase 1 (SOD1) ALS were published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Final Phase 1/2 study 
results demonstrated proof-of-concept and proof-of-biology of tofersen.

4

BIIB105 (ataxin-2 ASO) - ALS

•

In September 2020 the first patient in a Phase 1 study of BIIB105, an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) 
targeting ataxin-2 in ALS, was dosed.

Movement Disorders

BIIB101 (ION464) - Multiple System Atrophy

•

In July 2020 the first patient in the Phase 1 study of BIIB101, an ASO targeting alpha synuclein in multiple 
system atrophy, was dosed.

Emerging Growth Areas

Immunology

Dapirolizumab Pegol (anti-CD40L) - SLE

•

In August 2020 the first patient was dosed in the Phase 3 program for dapirolizumab pegol in patients with 
active SLE despite being treated by standard of care therapies. Dapirolizumab pegol is being developed in 
collaboration with UCB Pharma S.A.

BIIB059 (anti-BDCA2) - CLE/SLE

•

•

In June 2020 we shared positive data from the 16-week CLE portion of the Phase 2 LILAC study. The study 
evaluated the efficacy and safety of BIIB059, a fully humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting 
blood dendritic cell antigen 2 (BDCA2) expressed on plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). The data were 
presented at the European E-Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR).

In November 2020 we shared positive data from the 24-week SLE portion of the Phase 2 LILAC study (part 
A) demonstrating that BIIB059 was associated with a statistically significant reduction in total active joint 
count. These data, along with the previously reported findings from the CLE portion of the LILAC study, were 
presented at the American College of Rheumatology’s virtual ACR Convergence 2020.

Biosimilars

Samsung Bioepis - Biogen's Joint Venture with Samsung BioLogics

•

•

In May 2020 Samsung Bioepis announced that the primary endpoints were met in the randomized, double-
masked, Phase 3 trial comparing the efficacy, safety and immunogenicity of SB11 to the reference product 
(LUCENTIS). Ranibizumab is an anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) for retinal vascular disorders, 
which are a leading cause of blindness.

In June 2020 Samsung Bioepis initiated a Phase 3 study for SB15, a proposed aflibercept biosimilar 
referencing EYLEA. EYLEA is widely used to treat ophthalmologic conditions such as neovascular (wet) age-
related macular degeneration, macular edema following retinal vein occlusion, diabetic macular edema 
(DME) and diabetic retinopathy in patients with DME.

Discontinued Programs

•

•

•

In March 2020 we announced that the Phase 2 OPUS study investigating natalizumab as an adjunctive 
therapy in adults with drug-resistant focal epilepsy did not meet its primary endpoint. Safety data were in-
line with the known safety profile of natalizumab. Based on these results, we discontinued development of 
natalizumab in drug-resistant focal epilepsy.

In October 2020 we announced that the Phase 2 AFFINITY study of opicinumab (anti-LINGO) in MS did not 
meet its primary or secondary endpoints. Based on these results, we discontinued development of 
opicinumab.

In February 2021 we announced that the Phase 2 SPARK study of BIIB054 (cinpanemab) in Parkinson's 
disease did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints. Based on these results, we discontinued 
development of BIIB054.

5

Marketed Products

The following graph shows our revenues by product and revenues from anti-CD20 therapeutic programs for the 

years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

(1) Fumarate includes TECFIDERA and VUMERITY. VUMERITY became commercially available in the U.S. in November 2019.
(2) Interferon includes AVONEX and PLEGRIDY.
(3) For 2020, 2019 and 2018 other includes FAMPYRA, FUMADERM, BENEPALI, IMRALDI and FLIXABI. For 2020 and 2019 other also 
includes VUMERITY, which became commercially available in the U.S. in November 2019. For 2018 other also includes ZINBRYTA, 
which was voluntary withdrawn from the market in March 2018.
(4) Anti-CD20 therapeutic programs include RITUXAN, RITUXAN HYCELA, GAZYVA and OCREVUS.

Product sales for TECFIDERA, AVONEX, TYSABRI and SPINRAZA each accounted for more than 10.0% of our 

total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. For additional financial information about 
our product and other revenues and geographic areas where we operate, please read Note 4, Revenues, and Note 
24, Segment Information, to our consolidated financial statements included in this report and Item 6. Selected 
Financial Data and Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
included in this report. A discussion of the risks attendant to our operations is set forth in Item 1A. Risk Factors 
included in this report. 

Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology

We develop, manufacture and market a number of products designed to treat patients with MS. MS is a 
progressive neurological disease in which the body loses the ability to transmit messages along nerve cells, leading 
to a loss of muscle control, paralysis and, in some cases, death. Patients with active RMS experience an uneven 
pattern of disease progression characterized by periods of stability that are interrupted by flare-ups of the disease 
after which the patient may return to a lower baseline of functioning. 

6

The MS products we market and our major markets are as follows:

Product

Indication

Collaborator

Major Markets

RMS in the U.S.
RRMS in the E.U.

None

U.S.
France
Germany
Italy
Japan
Spain
U.K.

RMS in the U.S.

Alkermes Pharma Ireland 
Limited, a subsidiary of 
Alkermes plc (Alkermes)

U.S.

RMS

None

RMS in the U.S.
RRMS in the E.U.

RMS
RRMS in the E.U.
Crohn's disease in the U.S.

None

None

U.S.
France
Germany
Italy
Japan
Spain

U.S.
France
Germany
Italy
Spain
U.K.

U.S.
France
Germany
Italy
Spain
U.K.

Walking ability for patients with MS

Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. 
(Acorda)

France
Germany

Neuromuscular Disorders

SMA is characterized by loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord and lower brain stem, resulting in severe and 

progressive muscular atrophy and weakness. Ultimately, individuals with the most severe type of SMA can become 
paralyzed and have difficulty performing the basic functions of life, like breathing and swallowing. Due to a deletion 
or mutations in the SMN1 gene, people with SMA do not produce enough survival motor neuron (SMN) protein, which 
is critical to the survival of the neurons that control muscles. The severity of SMA correlates with the amount of SMN 
protein. People with Type 1 SMA, the most severe life-threatening form, produce very little SMN protein and do not 
achieve the ability to sit without support, and typically do not live beyond two years of age without respiratory support 
and nutritional interventions. People with Type 2 and Type 3 SMA produce greater amounts of SMN protein and have 
less severe, but still life-altering, forms of SMA. 

7

Our SMA product and major markets are as follows: 

Product

Indication

Collaborator

Major Markets

SMA

Ionis Pharmaceuticals 
Inc. (Ionis)

U.S.
Brazil
Canada
France
Germany
Italy
Japan
Spain
Turkey

For additional information on our collaboration arrangements with Ionis, please read Note 18, Collaborative and 

Other Relationships, to our consolidated financial statements included in this report.

Biosimilars

Biosimilars are a group of biologic medicines that are similar to currently available biologic therapies developed 

by companies known as "originators". Under our agreements with Samsung Bioepis, we commercialize three anti-
tumor necrosis factor (TNF) biosimilars in certain countries in Europe: BENEPALI, an etanercept biosimilar referencing 
ENBREL, IMRALDI, an adalimumab biosimilar referencing HUMIRA, and FLIXABI, an infliximab biosimilar referencing 
REMICADE. We also have an option to acquire exclusive rights to commercialize BENEPALI, IMRALDI and FLIXABI in 
China. Additionally, we have exclusive rights to commercialize two potential ophthalmology biosimilar products, 
SB11, a proposed ranibizumab biosimilar referencing LUCENTIS, and SB15, a proposed aflibercept biosimilar 
referencing EYLEA, in major markets worldwide, including the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan and Australia.

Our current biosimilar products and major markets are as follows: 

Product

Indication

Rheumatoid arthritis
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis
Axial spondyloarthritis
Plaque psoriasis
Paediatric plaque psoriasis

Rheumatoid arthritis
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Axial spondyloarthritis
Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriasis
Paediatric plaque psoriasis
Hidradenitis suppurativa 
Adolescent hidradenitis suppurativa
Crohn’s disease
Paediatric Crohn's disease
Ulcerative colitis
Uveitis
Paediatric Uveitis

Rheumatoid arthritis
Crohn’s disease
Paediatric Crohn’s disease
Ulcerative colitis
Paediatric ulcerative colitis
Ankylosing spondylitis
Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriasis

Major Markets

France
Germany
Italy
Spain
U.K.

France
Germany
U.K.

France
Germany
Italy

For additional information on our collaboration arrangements with Samsung Bioepis, please read Note 18, 

Collaborative and Other Relationships, to our consolidated financial statements included in this report.

8

 
Genentech Relationships

We have agreements with Genentech that entitle us to certain business and financial rights with respect to 

RITUXAN, RITUXAN HYCELA, GAZYVA, OCREVUS and other potential anti-CD20 therapies. 

Our current anti-CD20 therapeutic programs and major markets are as follows:

Product

Indication

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
CLL
Rheumatoid arthritis
Two forms of ANCA-associated vasculitis
Pemphigus vulgaris

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
CLL

In combination with chlorambucil for previously untreated CLL
Follicular lymphoma

In combination with chemotherapy followed by GAZYVA alone 
for previously untreated follicular lymphoma

RMS
PPMS

Major Markets

U.S.
Canada

U.S.

U.S.

U.S.
Australia
Germany
Switzerland

For additional information on our collaboration arrangements with Genentech, please read Note 1, Summary of 

Significant Accounting Policies, and Note 18, Collaborative and Other Relationships, to our consolidated financial 
statements included in this report.

Other

Product

Indication

Collaborator

Major Markets

Moderate to severe plaque 
psoriasis

None

Germany

Patient Support and Access 

We interact with patients, advocacy 

organizations and healthcare societies in order to gain 
insights into unmet needs. The insights gained from 
these engagements help us support patients with 
services, programs and applications that are designed 
to help patients lead better lives. Among other things, 
we provide customer service and other related 
programs for our products, such as disease and 
product specific websites, insurance research 
services, financial assistance programs and the 
facilitation of the procurement of our marketed 
products. 

We are dedicated to helping patients obtain 

access to our therapies. Our patient representatives 
have access to a suite of financial assistance tools. 

With those tools, we help patients understand their 
insurance coverage and, if needed, help patients 
compare and select new insurance options and 
programs. In the U.S., we have established programs 
that provide co-pay assistance or free marketed 
product for qualified uninsured or underinsured 
patients, based on specific eligibility criteria. We also 
provide charitable contributions to independent 
charitable organizations that assist patients with out-
of-pocket expenses associated with their therapy.

We believe all healthcare stakeholders have a 

shared responsibility to ensure patients have 
equitable access to new, innovative medicines. We 
regularly review our pricing strategy and prioritize 
patient access to our therapies. We have a value-
based contracting program designed to align the price 
of our therapies to the value our therapies deliver to 
patients. We also work with regulators, clinical 

9

researchers, ethicists, physicians and patient 
advocacy organizations and communities, among 
others, to determine how best to address requests for 
access to our investigational therapies in a manner 
that is consistent with our patient-focused values and 
compliant with regulatory standards and protocols. In 
appropriate situations, patients may have access to 
investigational therapies through Early Access 
Programs, single patient access or emergency use 
based on humanitarian or compassionate grounds.

Marketing and Distribution

Sales Force and Marketing

We promote our marketed products worldwide, 

including in the U.S., Europe and Japan, primarily 
through our own sales forces and marketing groups. 
In some countries, particularly in areas where we 
continue to expand into new geographic areas, we 
partner with third parties. 

We and Eisai co-promote AVONEX, TYSABRI and 

TECFIDERA in Japan in certain settings.

RITUXAN, RITUXAN HYCELA, GAZYVA and 
OCREVUS are marketed by the Roche Group and its 
sublicensees.

We commercialize BENEPALI, IMRALDI and 

FLIXABI pursuant to our agreement with Samsung 
Bioepis in certain countries in Europe.

We focus our sales and marketing efforts on 
specialist physicians in private practice or at major 
medical centers. We use customary industry practices 
to market our products and to educate physicians, 
such as sales representatives calling on individual 
physicians, advertisements, professional symposia, 
direct mail, public relations and other methods. 

Distribution Arrangements

We distribute our products in the U.S. principally 

through wholesale and specialty distributors of 
pharmaceutical products and specialty pharmacies, 
mail order specialty distributors or shipping service 
providers. In other countries, the distribution of our 
products varies from country to country, including 
through wholesale distributors of pharmaceutical 
products and third-party distribution partners who are 
responsible for most marketing and distribution 
activities.

Eisai distributes AVONEX, TYSABRI, TECFIDERA 

and PLEGRIDY in India and other Asia-Pacific markets, 
excluding China.

RITUXAN, RITUXAN HYCELA, GAZYVA and 
OCREVUS are distributed by the Roche Group and its 
sublicensees.

We distribute BENEPALI, IMRALDI and FLIXABI in 

certain countries in Europe and have an option to 
acquire exclusive rights to distribute these products in 
China.

Our product sales to two wholesale distributors 

each accounted for more than 10.0% of our total 
revenues for the years ended December 31, 2020, 
2019 and 2018, and on a combined basis, accounted 
for approximately 45.8%, 47.0% and 50.0% of our 
gross product revenues for the years ended 
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 
For additional information, please read Note 4, 
Revenues, to our consolidated financial statements 
included in this report.

Patents and Other Proprietary Rights

Patents are important to obtaining and 

protecting exclusive rights in our products and product 
candidates. We regularly seek patent protection in the 
U.S. and in selected countries outside the U.S. for 
inventions originating from our research and 
development efforts and those we license or acquire. 
In addition, we license rights to various patents and 
patent applications. 

U.S. patents, as well as most foreign patents, 
are generally effective for 20 years from the date the 
earliest application was filed; however, U.S. patents 
that issue on applications filed before June 8, 
1995, may be effective until 17 years from the issue 
date, if that is later than the 20-year date. In some 
cases, the patent term may be extended to recapture 
a portion of the term lost during regulatory review of 
the claimed therapeutic or, in the case of the U.S., 
because of U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) 
delays in prosecuting the application. Specifically, in 
the U.S., under the Drug Price Competition and Patent 
Term Restoration Act of 1984, commonly known as 
the Hatch-Waxman Act, a patent that covers a drug 
approved by the FDA may be eligible for patent term 
extension (for up to 5 years, but not beyond a total of 
14 years from the date of product approval) as 
compensation for patent term lost during the FDA 
regulatory review process. The duration and extension 
of the term of foreign patents varies, in accordance 
with local law. For example, supplementary protection 
certificates (SPCs) on some of our products have 
been granted in a number of European countries, 
compensating in part for delays in obtaining marketing 
approval.

Regulatory exclusivity, which may consist of 
regulatory data protection and market protection, also 
can provide meaningful protection for our products. 
Regulatory data protection provides to the holder of a 
drug or biologic marketing authorization, for a set 
period of time, the exclusive use of the proprietary 
pre-clinical and clinical data that it created at 

10

significant cost and submitted to the applicable 
regulatory authority to obtain approval of its product. 
After the period of exclusive use, third parties are 
permitted to reference such data in abbreviated 
applications for approval and to market (subject to 
any applicable market protection) their generic drugs 
and biosimilars. Market protection provides the holder 
of a drug or biologic marketing authorization the 
exclusive right to commercialize its product for a 
period of time, thereby preventing the 
commercialization of another product containing the 
same active ingredient(s) during that period. Although 
the World Trade Organization's agreement on trade-
related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS) 
requires signatory countries to provide regulatory 
exclusivity to innovative pharmaceutical products, 
implementation and enforcement varies widely from 
country to country.

We also rely upon other forms of unpatented 
confidential information to remain competitive. We 
protect such information principally through refraining 
from public disclosure and confidentiality agreements 
with our employees, consultants, outside scientific 
collaborators, scientists whose research we sponsor 
and other advisers. In the case of our employees, 
these agreements also provide, in compliance with 
relevant law, that inventions and other intellectual 
property conceived by such employees during their 
employment are our exclusive property.

Our trademarks are important to us and are 

generally covered by trademark applications or 

registrations in the USPTO and the patent or 
trademark offices of other countries. We also use 
trademarks licensed from third parties, such as the 
trademark FAMPYRA, which we license from Acorda. 
Trademark protection varies in accordance with local 
law, and continues in some countries as long as the 
trademark is used and in other countries as long as 
the trademark is registered. Trademark registrations 
generally are for fixed but renewable terms.

Our Patent Portfolio 

The following table describes our patents in the 
U.S. and Europe that we currently consider of primary 
importance to our marketed products, including the 
territory, patent number, general subject matter and 
expected expiration dates. Except as otherwise noted, 
the expected expiration dates include any granted 
patent term extensions and issued SPCs. In some 
instances, there are later-expiring patents relating to 
our products directed to, among other things, 
particular forms or compositions, methods of 
manufacturing or use of the drug in the treatment of 
particular diseases or conditions. We also continue to 
pursue additional patents and patent term extensions 
in the U.S. and other territories covering various 
aspects of our products that may, if issued, extend 
exclusivity beyond the expiration of the patents listed 
in the table.

11

Product
TECFIDERA

PLEGRIDY

TYSABRI

FAMPYRA

VUMERITY

SPINRAZA

Territory
U.S.
Europe

Europe
U.S.
U.S.
U.S.
Europe

Europe

U.S.
U.S.
Europe
Europe
Europe

Europe

U.S.
U.S.
U.S.

U.S.
U.S.

U.S.

U.S.

U.S.

U.S.

U.S.

U.S.

U.S.

Europe

Europe

Europe

Europe

Europe

Patent No.
8,399,514
1131065

2137537
7,446,173
8,524,660
8,017,733
1656952

1476181

7,807,167
9,493,567
1485127
2676967
1732548

2377536

8,669,281
9,090,558
10,080,733

7,101,993
7,838,657

8,110,560

8,361,977

8,980,853

9,717,750

9,926,559

10,266,822

10,436,802

1910395

2548560

3305302

3308788

3449926

General Subject Matter
Methods of treatment
Formulations of dialkyl fumarates and their use for 
treating autoimmune diseases
Methods of use
Polymer conjugates of interferon beta-1a
Methods of treatment
Polymer conjugates of interferon beta-1a
Polymer conjugates of interferon-beta-1a and uses 
thereof
Polymer conjugates of interferon-beta-1a and uses 
thereof
Methods of treatment
Methods of treatment
Methods of use 
Methods of use
Sustained-release aminopyridine compositions for 
increasing walking speed in patients with MS
Sustained-release aminopyridine compositions for 
treating MS
Compounds and pharmaceutical compositions
Methods of treatment
Crystalline forms, pharmaceutical compositions and 
methods of treatment
Oligonucleotides containing 2’-O-modified purines
SMA treatment via targeting of SMN2 splice site 
inhibitory sequences
SMA treatment via targeting of SMN2 splice site 
inhibitory sequences
Compositions and methods for modulation of SMN2 
splicing
Compositions and methods for modulation of SMN2 
splicing
Compositions and methods for modulation of SMN2 
splicing
Compositions and methods for modulation of SMN2 
splicing
SMA treatment via targeting of SMN2 splice site 
inhibitory sequences
Methods for Treating Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Compositions and methods for modulation of SMN2 
splicing
Compositions and methods for modulation of SMN2 
splicing
Compositions and methods for modulation of SMN2 
splicing
Compositions and methods for modulation of SMN2 
splicing
Compositions and methods for modulation of SMN2 
splicing

Patent 
Expiration(1)
2028(2)
2024(3)

2028(4)
2022
2023
2027
2024(5)

2023(6)

2023
2027
2023(2)
2027
2025(7)

2025(8)

2033
2033
2033

2023
2027

2025

2030

2030

2030

2034

2025

2035

2026(9)

2026(10)

2030

2026

2030

Footnotes follow on next page.

12

(1)

In  addition  to  patent  protection,  certain  of  our  products  are  entitled  to  regulatory  exclusivity  in  the  U.S.  and  the  E.U. 
expected until the dates set forth below:

Product
TECFIDERA
PLEGRIDY

FAMPYRA
SPINRAZA

Territory
E.U.
U.S.
E.U.
E.U.
U.S.
E.U.

Expected Expiration
2024
2026
2024
2021
2023
2029

(2) For additional information as to the validity of this patent, please read Note 20, Litigation, to our consolidated financial 

statements included in this report.

(3) This patent is subject to granted SPCs in certain European countries, which extended the patent term in those countries 

to 2024. 

(4) This patent was revoked in a European opposition. This decision is being appealed. This patent is subject to granted 

SPCs in certain European countries, which extended the patent term in those countries to 2029.

(5) This patent is subject to granted SPCs in certain European countries, which extended the patent term in those countries 

to 2024.

(6) This patent is subject to granted SPCs in certain European countries, which extended the patent term in those countries 

to 2028.

(7) This patent is subject to granted SPCs in certain European countries, which extended the patent term in those countries 

to 2026.

(8) This patent is subject to granted SPCs in certain European countries, which extended the patent term in those countries 

to 2026.

(9) This patent is subject to granted SPCs in certain European countries, which extended the patent term in those countries 

to 2031.

(10) This patent is subject to granted SPCs in certain European countries, which extended the patent term in those countries 

to 2031.

The existence of patents does not guarantee our right to practice the patented technology or commercialize the 

patented product. Patents relating to pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and biotechnology products, compounds 
and processes, such as those that cover our existing products, compounds and processes and those that we will 
likely file in the future, do not always provide complete or adequate protection. Litigation, interferences, oppositions, 
inter partes reviews, administrative challenges or other similar types of proceedings are, have been and may in the 
future be necessary in some instances to determine the validity and scope of certain of our patents, regulatory 
exclusivities or other proprietary rights, and in other instances to determine the validity, scope or non-infringement of 
certain patent rights claimed by third parties to be pertinent to the manufacture, use or sale of our products. We also 
face challenges to our patents, regulatory exclusivities or other proprietary rights covering our products by third-
parties, such as manufacturers of generics, biosimilars, prodrugs and products approved under abbreviated 
regulatory pathways. A discussion of certain risks and uncertainties that may affect our patent position, regulatory 
exclusivities or other proprietary rights is set forth in Item 1A. Risk Factors included in this report, and the discussion 
of legal proceedings related to certain patents described above is set forth in Note 20, Litigation, to our consolidated 
financial statements included in this report.

13

Competition

Competition in the biopharmaceutical industry is 

intense. There are many companies, including 
biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, 
engaged in developing products for the indications our 
approved products are approved to treat and the 
therapeutic areas we are targeting with our research 
and development activities. Some of our competitors 
may have substantially greater financial, marketing, 
research and development and other resources than 
we do.

We believe that competition and leadership in 
the industry is based on managerial and technological 
excellence and innovation as well as establishing 
patent and other proprietary positions through 
research and development. The achievement of a 
leadership position also depends largely upon our 
ability to maximize the approval, acceptance and use 
of our product candidates and the availability of 
adequate financial resources to fund facilities, 
equipment, personnel, clinical testing, manufacturing 
and marketing. Another key aspect of remaining 
competitive in the industry is recruiting and retaining 
leading scientists and technicians to conduct our 
research activities and advance our development 
programs, including with the commercial expertise to 
effectively market our products.

Competition among products approved for sale 

may be based, among other things, on patent 
position, product efficacy, safety, patient convenience, 
delivery devices, reliability, availability, reimbursement 
and price. In addition, early entry of a new 
pharmaceutical product into the market may have 
important advantages in gaining product acceptance 
and market share. Accordingly, the relative speed with 
which we can develop products, complete the testing 
and approval process and supply commercial 
quantities of products will have a significant impact on 
our competitive position.

The introduction of new products or 
technologies, including the development of new 
processes or technologies by competitors or new 
information about existing products or technologies, 
results in increased competition for our marketed 
products and pricing pressure on our marketed 
products. The development of new or improved 
treatment options or standards of care or cures for 
the diseases our products treat reduces and could 
eliminate the use of our products or may limit the 
utility and application of ongoing clinical trials for our 
product candidates.

In addition, the commercialization of certain of 

our own approved products, products of our 
collaborators and pipeline product candidates may 

negatively impact future sales of our existing 
products.

We also face increased competitive pressures 
from the introduction of generic versions, prodrugs 
and biosimilars of existing products and products 
approved under abbreviated regulatory pathways. 
Such products are likely to be sold at substantially 
lower prices than branded products, which may 
significantly reduce both the price that we are able to 
charge for our products and the volume of products 
we sell. In addition, in some markets, when a generic 
or biosimilar version of one of our products is 
commercialized, it may be automatically substituted 
for our product and significantly reduce our revenues 
in a short period of time. 

We believe our long-term competitive position 

depends upon our success in discovering and 
developing innovative, cost-effective products that 
serve unmet medical needs, along with our ability to 
manufacture products efficiently and to launch and 
market them effectively in a highly competitive 
environment.

Additional information about the competition that 

our marketed products face is set forth below and in 
Item 1A. Risk Factors included in this report.

Multiple Sclerosis

TECFIDERA, AVONEX, PLEGRIDY, TYSABRI and 

VUMERITY each compete with one or more of the 
following products as well as generic and biosimilar 
versions of such products: 

Competing Product
AUBAGIO (teriflunomide)
BETASERON/BETAFERON 
(interferon-beta-1b)

COPAXONE 
(glatiramer acetate)

EXTAVIA 
(interferon-beta-1b)

Competitor
Sanofi Genzyme
Bayer Group

Teva Pharmaceuticals 
Industries Ltd.

Novartis AG

GILENYA (fingolimod)
GLATOPA (glatiramer acetate)

Novartis AG
Sandoz, a division of Novartis 
AG

LEMTRADA (alemtuzumab)
MAVENCLAD (cladribine)
MAYZENT (siponimod)
OCREVUS (ocrelizumab)
REBIF 
(interferon-beta-1)

ZEPOSIA (ozanimod)
BAFIERTAM (monomethyl 
fumarate)

Sanofi Genzyme
EMD Serono
Novartis AG
Genentech
EMD Serono

BMS
Banner Life Sciences

KESIMPTA (ofatumumab)

Novartis AG

In addition, multiple TECFIDERA generic entrants 

are now in the U.S. market and have deeply 
discounted prices compared to TECFIDERA. The 
generic competition for TECFIDERA significantly 
reduced our TECFIDERA revenues during the year 
ended December 31, 2020, and is expected to have a 

14

substantial negative impact on our TECFIDERA 
revenues for as long as there is generic competition.

FAMPYRA is indicated as a treatment to improve 
walking in adult patients with MS who have a walking 
disability and is the first treatment that addresses 
this unmet medical need with demonstrated efficacy 
in people with all types of MS. FAMPYRA is currently 
the only therapy approved to improve walking in 
patients with MS. 

Competition in the MS market is intense. Along 

with us, a number of companies are working to 
develop additional treatments for MS that may in the 
future compete with our MS products. One such 
product that was approved in the U.S. in 2017 and in 
the E.U. in 2018 is OCREVUS, a treatment for RMS 
and PPMS that was developed by Genentech. While 
we have a financial interest in OCREVUS, future sales 
of our MS products may be adversely affected if 
OCREVUS continues to gain market share, or if other 
MS products that we or our competitors are 
developing are commercialized.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy

We face competition from a gene therapy product 
that was approved in the U.S. and the E.U. and a new 
oral product that was approved in the U.S. and has 
been accepted for review in the E.U. We expect that 
we will experience competition from both products in 
additional jurisdictions in the future. Additionally, we 
are aware of other products now in development that, 
if launched, may also compete with SPINRAZA. Future 
sales of SPINRAZA may be adversely affected by the 
commercialization of competing products.

Psoriasis

FUMADERM competes with several different 

types of therapies in the psoriasis market within 
Germany, including oral systemics such as 
methotrexate and cyclosporine.

Biosimilars

BENEPALI, IMRALDI and FLIXABI, the three 
biosimilar products we currently commercialize in 
certain countries in Europe for Samsung Bioepis, 
compete with their reference products, ENBREL, 
HUMIRA and REMICADE, respectively, as well as other 
biosimilars of those reference products. 

Genentech Relationships in Other Indications

RITUXAN, RITUXAN HYCELA and GAZYVA in Oncology

RITUXAN, RITUXAN HYCELA and GAZYVA 
compete with a number of therapies in the oncology 
market, including TREANDA (bendamustine HCL), 
ARZERRA (ofatumumab), IMBRUVICA (ibrutinib) and 
ZYDELIG (idelalisib). 

We also expect that over time RITUXAN HYCELA 
and GAZYVA will increasingly compete with RITUXAN in 
the oncology market. In addition, we are aware of 
several other anti-CD20 molecules, including 
biosimilar products, that have recently been approved 
and are expected to compete with RITUXAN, RITUXAN 
HYCELA and GAZYVA in the oncology market. In 
November 2019, January 2020 and January 2021 
biosimilar products referencing RITUXAN were 
launched in the U.S and are being offered at lower 
prices. This competition has adversely affected the 
pre-tax profits of our collaboration arrangements with 
Genentech and could have a significant adverse affect 
our co-promotion profits in the U.S. in future years.

RITUXAN in Rheumatoid Arthritis

RITUXAN competes with several different types 

of therapies in the rheumatoid arthritis market, 
including, among others, traditional disease-modifying 
anti-rheumatic drugs such as steroids, methotrexate 
and cyclosporine, TNF inhibitors, ORENCIA 
(abatacept), ACTEMRA (tocilizumab) and XELJANZ 
(tofacitinib).

We are also aware of other products, including 

biosimilars, in development that, if approved, may 
compete with RITUXAN in the rheumatoid arthritis 
market. 

Research and Development Programs

A commitment to research is fundamental to our 

mission. Our research efforts are focused on better 
understanding the underlying biology of diseases so 
we can discover and deliver treatments that have the 
potential to make a real difference in the lives of 
patients with high unmet medical needs. By applying 
our expertise in biologics and our growing capabilities 
in small molecule, antisense, gene therapy, gene 
editing and other technologies, we target specific 
medical needs where we believe new or better 
treatments are needed.

We intend to continue committing significant 

resources to targeted research and development 
opportunities where there is a significant unmet need 
and where a drug candidate has the potential to be 
highly differentiated. As part of our ongoing research 
and development efforts, we have devoted significant 
resources to conducting clinical studies to advance 
the development of new pharmaceutical products and 
technologies and to explore the utility of our existing 
products in treating disorders beyond those currently 
approved in their labels.

For additional information on our research and 

development expense included in our consolidated 
statements of income, please read Item 7. 
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations included in this 
report.

15

The table below highlights our current research and development programs that are in clinical trials and the 
current phase of such programs. Drug development involves a high degree of risk and investment, and the status, 
timing and scope of our development programs are subject to change. Important factors that could adversely affect 
our drug development efforts are discussed in Item 1A. Risk Factors included in this report. 

MS and Neuroimmunology

BIIB091 (BTK inhibitor) - MS

BIIB061 (oral remyelination) - MS

BIIB107 (anti-VLA4) - MS

Aducanumab (Aβ mAb)* - Alzheimer's

BAN2401 (lecanemab)* - Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

BIIB092 (gosuranemab) - Alzheimer's

Core 
Growth 
Areas

Neuromuscular Disorders, 
including SMA and ALS

BIIB076 (anti-tau mAb) - Alzheimer's

BIIB080 (tau ASO) - Alzheimer's

BIIB067 (tofersen) - ALS

BIIB078 (IONIS-C9Rx)# - ALS

BIIB105 (ataxin-2 ASO)# - ALS

BIIB100 (XP01 inhibitor) - ALS

BIIB110 (ActRIIA/B ligand trap) - SMA

Phase 1

Phase 1

Phase 1

Filed in U.S., E.U. and Japan

Phase 3

Phase 2

Phase 3

Phase 1

Phase 1

Phase 1

Phase 1

Phase 1

Phase 1

Parkinson's Disease and
 Movement Disorders

BIIB124 (SAGE-324)* - Essential Tremor

Phase 2

BIIB094 (ION859)# - Parkinson's

Phase 1

BIIB118 (CK1 inhibitor) - ISWRD in Parkinson's

Phase 1

BIIB101 (ION464)# - Multiple System Atrophy

BIIB122 (DNL151)* - Parkinson's

Phase 1

Phase 1

Ophthalmology

BIIB111 (timrepigene emparvovec) - CHM

Phase 3

BIIB112 (RPGR gene therapy) - XLRP

Phase 2/3

Neuropsychiatry

BIIB125 (zuranolone)* - MDD

BIIB125 (zuranolone)* - PPD

Phase 3

Phase 3

Immunology

BIIB104 (AMPA PAM) - CIAS

Phase 2

Dapirolizumab pegol (anti-CD40L)* - SLE

Phase 3

BIIB059 (anti-BDCA2) - CLE/SLE

BIIB093 (glibenclamide IV) - LHI^ Stroke

Acute Neurology

TMS-007# - Acute Ischemic Stroke

BIIB093 (glibenclamide IV) - Brain Contusion

BIIB074 (vixotrigine) - Trigeminal Neuralgia

Neuropathic Pain

BIIB074 (vixotrigine) - Small Fiber Neuropathy

Phase 2

Phase 3

Phase 2

Phase 2

Phase 2

Phase 2

Biosimilars

BIIB095 (Nav 1.7) - Neuropathic Pain

Phase 1

SB11 (referencing LUCENTIS)*

SB15 (referencing EYLEA)*

Filed in U.S. and E.U.

Phase 3

Emerging 
Growth 
Areas

* Collaboration program
# Option agreement
^ Large Hemispheric Infarction (LHI); postpartum depression (PPD); major depressive disorder (MDD)

For information about certain of our agreements with collaborators and other third parties, please read the 

subsection entitled Business Relationships below and Note 2, Acquisitions, Note 18, Collaborative and Other 
Relationships, and Note 19, Investments in Variable Interest Entities, to our consolidated financial statements 
included in this report.

16

Business Relationships

Denali Therapeutics Inc.

As part of our business strategy, we establish 

business relationships, including entering into 
licenses, joint ventures and collaborative 
arrangements with other companies, universities and 
medical research institutions, to assist in the clinical 
development and/or commercialization of certain of 
our products and product candidates and to provide 
support for our research programs. We also evaluate 
opportunities for acquiring products or rights to 
products and technologies that are complementary to 
our business from other companies, universities and 
medical research institutions.

Below is a brief description of certain business 

relationships and collaborations that expand our 
pipeline and provide us with certain rights to existing 
and potential new products and technologies. For 
additional information on certain of these 
relationships, including their ongoing financial and 
accounting impact on our business, please read Note 
2, Acquisitions, Note 18, Collaborative and Other 
Relationships, and Note 19, Investments in Variable 
Interest Entities, to our consolidated financial 
statements included in this report.

Acorda Therapeutics, Inc.

We have a collaboration and license agreement 

with Acorda to develop and commercialize products 
containing fampridine, such as FAMPYRA, in markets 
outside the U.S. We are responsible for all regulatory 
activities and the future clinical development of 
related products in those markets.

Alkermes

We have an exclusive license and collaboration 
agreement with Alkermes for VUMERITY, which was 
approved for the treatment of RMS in the U.S. in 
October 2019 and became commercially available in 
the U.S. in November 2019. Under this agreement, 
we have an exclusive, worldwide license to develop 
and commercialize VUMERITY. 

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

We have an exclusive license agreement with 

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMS) for the 
development and potential commercialization of 
BIIB092 (gosuranemab), a Phase 2 investigational 
therapy in Alzheimer's disease. Under this agreement, 
we received worldwide rights to gosuranemab and are 
responsible for the full development and potential 
commercialization of gosuranemab in Alzheimer's 
disease. 

We have a collaboration and license agreement 

with Denali to co-develop and co-commercialize 
Denali’s small molecule inhibitors of LRRK2 for 
Parkinson’s disease. In the LRRK2 collaboration, we 
and Denali share responsibility and costs for global 
development as well as profits and losses for 
commercialization in the U.S. and China. Outside the 
U.S. and China, we are responsible for 
commercialization and pay Denali tiered royalties.

In addition to the LRRK2 program, we also have 

an exclusive option to license two preclinical programs 
from Denali’s Transport Vehicle platform, including its 
Antibody Transport Vehicle: Abeta program and a 
second program utilizing its Transport Vehicle 
technology. Further, we have a right of first negotiation 
on two additional Transport Vehicle-enabled 
therapeutics, should Denali decide to seek a 
collaboration for such programs.

Eisai Co., Ltd.

We have a collaboration agreement with Eisai to 
jointly develop and commercialize BAN2401, an Eisai 
product candidate for the potential treatment of 
Alzheimer's disease. Eisai serves as the global 
operational and regulatory lead for BAN2401 and all 
costs, including research, development, sales and 
marketing expenses, are shared equally between us 
and Eisai. If BAN2401 receives marketing approval, 
we and Eisai will co-promote BAN2401 and share 
profits equally. 

We also have a collaboration agreement with 

Eisai to jointly develop and commercialize 
aducanumab (the Aducanumab Collaboration 
Agreement). Under the Aducanumab Collaboration 
Agreement, the two companies will co-promote 
aducanumab with a region-based profit split and we 
lead the ongoing development of aducanumab. 

We and Eisai co-promote AVONEX, TYSABRI and 

TECFIDERA in Japan in certain settings and Eisai 
distributes AVONEX, TYSABRI, TECFIDERA and 
PLEGRIDY in India and other Asia-Pacific markets, 
excluding China.

Genentech, Inc. (Roche Group)

We have collaboration arrangements with 
Genentech which entitle us to certain business and 
financial rights with respect to RITUXAN, RITUXAN 
HYCELA, GAZYVA, OCREVUS and other potential anti-
CD20 therapies. 

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

We have an exclusive, worldwide option and 
collaboration agreement with Ionis relating to the 
development and commercialization of antisense 
therapeutics for up to three gene targets. Under a 

17

separate collaboration and license agreement with 
Ionis, we have an exclusive, worldwide license to 
develop and commercialize SPINRAZA for the 
treatment of SMA. We also have a 10-year exclusive 
collaboration agreement with Ionis to develop novel 
ASO drug candidates for a broad range of neurological 
diseases.

In addition, we have research collaboration 
agreements with Ionis under which both companies 
perform discovery level research and will develop and 
commercialize new ASO drug candidates for the 
potential treatment of SMA and additional antisense 
or other therapeutics for the potential treatment of 
neurological diseases.

Neurimmune SubOne AG

We have a collaboration and license agreement 

with Neurimmune SubOne AG (Neurimmune) for the 
development and commercialization of antibodies for 
the potential treatment of Alzheimer's disease, 
including aducanumab (as amended, the Neurimmune 
Agreement). We are responsible for the development, 
manufacturing and commercialization of all licensed 
products.

Samsung Bioepis Co., Ltd.

We and Samsung BioLogics established a joint 
venture, Samsung Bioepis, to develop, manufacture 
and market biosimilar products. We also have an 
agreement with Samsung Bioepis to commercialize, 
over a 10-year term, 3 anti-TNF biosimilar product 
candidates in certain countries in Europe and, in the 
case of BENEPALI, Japan. Under this agreement, we 
are commercializing BENEPALI, an etanercept 
biosimilar referencing ENBREL, IMRALDI, an 
adalimumab biosimilar referencing HUMIRA, and 
FLIXABI, an infliximab biosimilar referencing 
REMICADE, in certain countries in Europe. 

In December 2019 we completed a transaction 

with Samsung Bioepis and secured the exclusive 
rights to commercialize two potential ophthalmology 
biosimilar products, SB11, a proposed ranibizumab 
biosimilar referencing LUCENTIS, and SB15, a 
proposed aflibercept biosimilar referencing EYLEA, in 
major markets worldwide, including the U.S., Canada, 
Europe, Japan and Australia. We also acquired an 
option to extend our existing commercial agreement 
with Samsung Bioepis for BENEPALI, IMRALDI and 
FLIXABI in certain countries in Europe and obtained an 
option to acquire exclusive rights to commercialize 
these products in China.

In addition to our joint venture and 

commercialization agreements with Samsung Bioepis, 
we license certain of our proprietary technology to 
Samsung Bioepis in connection with Samsung 

Bioepis' development, manufacture and 
commercialization of its biosimilar products.

Sage Therapeutics, Inc.

We have a global collaboration and license 

agreement with Sage to jointly develop and 
commercialize zuranolone for the potential treatment 
of major depressive disorder, postpartum depression 
and other psychiatric disorders and SAGE-324 for the 
potential treatment of essential tremor and other 
neurological disorders. We and Sage share equal 
responsibility and costs for development as well as 
profits and losses for commercialization in the U.S. 
Outside the U.S., we are responsible for development 
and commercialization, excluding Japan, Taiwan and 
South Korea with respect to zuranolone, and will pay 
Sage tiered royalties.

Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc.

We have a collaboration and license agreement 
with Sangamo to develop and commercialize ST-501 
for tauopathies, including Alzheimer’s disease; 
ST-502 for synucleinopathies, including Parkinson’s 
disease; a third neuromuscular disease target; and up 
to nine additional neurological disease targets to be 
identified and selected within a five-year period. The 
companies are leveraging Sangamo's proprietary zinc 
finger protein technology delivered via adeno-
associated virus to modulate the expression of key 
genes involved in neurological diseases. Sangamo will 
perform early research activities, costs for which will 
be shared by the companies, and we will assume 
responsibility and costs beyond the early research 
activities.

Regulatory

Our current and contemplated activities and the 

products, technologies and processes that result from 
such activities are subject to substantial government 
regulation.

Regulation of Pharmaceuticals

Product Approval and Post-Approval Regulation in 

the U.S.

APPROVAL PROCESS

Before new pharmaceutical products may be sold 
in the U.S., preclinical studies and clinical trials of the 
products must be conducted and the results 
submitted to the FDA for approval. With limited 
exceptions, the FDA requires companies to register 
both pre-approval and post-approval clinical trials and 
disclose clinical trial results in public databases. 
Failure to register a trial or disclose study results 
within the required time periods could result in 
penalties, including civil monetary penalties. Clinical 
trial programs must establish efficacy, determine an 

18

appropriate dose and dosing regimen and define the 
conditions for safe use. This is a high-risk process 
that requires stepwise clinical studies in which the 
candidate product must successfully meet 
predetermined endpoints. The results of the 
preclinical and clinical testing of a product are then 
submitted to the FDA in the form of a BLA or a New 
Drug Application (NDA). In response to a BLA or NDA, 
the FDA may grant marketing approval, request 
additional information or deny the application if it 
determines the application does not provide an 
adequate basis for approval.

Product development and receipt of regulatory 

approval takes a number of years, involves the 
expenditure of substantial resources and depends on 
a number of factors, including the severity of the 
disease in question, the availability of suitable 
alternative treatments, potential safety signals 
observed in preclinical or clinical tests and the risks 
and benefits of the product as demonstrated in 
clinical trials. The FDA has substantial discretion in 
the product approval process, and it is impossible to 
predict with any certainty whether and when the FDA 
will grant marketing approval. The agency may require 
the sponsor of a BLA or NDA to conduct additional 
clinical studies or to provide other scientific or 
technical information about the product, and these 
additional requirements may lead to unanticipated 
delays or expenses. Furthermore, even if a product is 
approved, the approval may be subject to limitations 
based on the FDA's interpretation of the existing pre-
clinical and/or clinical data. 

The FDA has developed four distinct approaches 

intended to facilitate the development and expedite 
the regulatory review of therapeutically important 
drugs, especially when the drugs are the first 
available treatment or have advantages over existing 
treatments: accelerated approval, fast track, 
breakthrough therapy and priority review.

• Accelerated Approval: The FDA may grant 

“accelerated approval” to products that treat 
serious or life-threatening illnesses and that 
provide meaningful therapeutic benefits to 
patients over existing treatments. Under this 
pathway, the FDA may approve a product based 
on surrogate endpoints or clinical endpoints 
other than survival or irreversible morbidity. 
When approval is based on surrogate endpoints 
or clinical endpoints other than survival or 
morbidity, the sponsor will be required to provide 
the FDA with confirmatory data post-approval to 
verify and describe clinical benefit. Under the 
FDA's accelerated approval regulations, if the 
FDA concludes that a drug that has been shown 
to be effective can be safely used only if 
distribution or use is restricted, it may require 

19

certain post-marketing restrictions to assure safe 
use. In addition, for products approved under 
accelerated approval, sponsors may be required 
to submit all copies of their promotional 
materials, including advertisements, to the FDA 
at least 30 days prior to initial dissemination. 
The FDA may withdraw approval if, for instance, 
post-marketing studies fail to verify clinical 
benefit, it becomes clear that restrictions on the 
distribution of the product are inadequate to 
ensure its safe use or if a sponsor fails to 
comply with the conditions of the accelerated 
approval.

•

Fast Track: The FDA may grant "fast track" 
status to products that treat a serious condition 
and have data demonstrating the potential to 
address an unmet medical need or a drug that 
has been designated as a qualified infectious 
disease product.

• Breakthrough Therapy: The FDA may grant 

“breakthrough therapy” status to drugs designed 
to treat, alone or in combination with another 
drug or drugs, a serious or life-threatening 
disease or condition and for which preliminary 
clinical evidence suggests a substantial 
improvement over existing therapies based on a 
clinically significant endpoint. Breakthrough 
therapy status entitles the sponsor to earlier and 
more frequent meetings with the FDA regarding 
the development of nonclinical and clinical data 
and permits the FDA to offer product 
development or regulatory advice for the purpose 
of shortening the time to product approval. 
Breakthrough therapy status does not guarantee 
that a product will be eligible for priority review 
and does not ensure FDA approval.

• Priority Review: “Priority review” only applies to 

applications (original or efficacy supplement) for 
a drug that treats a serious condition and, if 
approved, would provide a significant 
improvement in safety or effectiveness of the 
treatment, diagnosis or prevention of a serious 
condition. Priority review may also be granted for 
any supplement that proposes a labeling change 
due to studies completed in response to a 
written request from the FDA for pediatric 
studies, for an application for a drug that has 
been designated as a qualified infectious 
disease product or for any application or 
supplement for a drug submitted with a priority 
review voucher.

In December 2016 the FDA issued a rare 
pediatric disease priority review voucher to us in 
connection with the approval of SPINRAZA. 

POST-MARKETING STUDIES

Regardless of the approval pathway employed, 
the FDA may require a sponsor to conduct additional 
post-marketing studies as a condition of approval to 
provide data on safety and effectiveness. If a sponsor 
fails to conduct the required studies, the FDA may 
withdraw its approval. In addition, if the FDA 
concludes that a drug that has been shown to be 
effective can be safely used only if distribution or use 
is restricted, it can mandate post-marketing 
restrictions to assure safe use. In such a case, the 
sponsor may be required to establish rigorous 
systems to assure use of the product under safe 
conditions. These systems are usually referred to as 
Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS). The 
FDA can impose financial penalties for failing to 
comply with certain post-marketing commitments, 
including REMS. In addition, any changes to an 
approved REMS must be reviewed and approved by 
the FDA prior to implementation.

ADVERSE EVENT REPORTING

We monitor information on side effects and 

adverse events reported during clinical studies and 
after marketing approval and report such information 
and events to regulatory agencies. Non-compliance 
with the FDA's safety reporting requirements may 
result in civil or criminal penalties. Side effects or 
adverse events that are reported during clinical trials 
can delay, impede or prevent marketing approval. 
Based on new safety information that emerges after 
approval, the FDA can mandate product labeling 
changes, impose a new REMS or the addition of 
elements to an existing REMS, require new post-
marketing studies (including additional clinical trials) 
or suspend or withdraw approval of the product. These 
requirements may affect our ability to maintain 
marketing approval of our products or require us to 
make significant expenditures to obtain or maintain 
such approvals.

APPROVAL OF CHANGES TO AN APPROVED 
PRODUCT

If we seek to make certain types of changes to 

an approved product, such as adding a new 
indication, making certain manufacturing changes or 
changing manufacturers or suppliers of certain 
ingredients or components, the FDA will need to 
review and approve such changes in advance. In the 
case of a new indication, we are required to 
demonstrate with additional clinical data that the 
product is safe and effective for a use other than what 
was initially approved. FDA regulatory review may 
result in denial or modification of the planned 
changes, or requirements to conduct additional tests 
or evaluations that can substantially delay or increase 
the cost of the planned changes.

20

REGULATION OF PRODUCT ADVERTISING AND 
PROMOTION

The FDA regulates all advertising and promotion 
activities and communications for products under its 
jurisdiction both before and after approval. Pursuant 
to FDA guidance, a company can make safety and 
efficacy claims either in or consistent with the product 
label. However, physicians may prescribe legally 
available drugs for uses that are not described in the 
drug's labeling. Such off-label prescribing is common 
across medical specialties, and often reflects a 
physician's belief that the off-label use is the best 
treatment for patients. The FDA does not regulate the 
behavior of physicians in their choice of treatments, 
but FDA regulations do impose stringent restrictions 
on manufacturers' communications regarding off-label 
uses. Failure to comply with applicable FDA 
requirements may subject a company to adverse 
publicity, enforcement action by the FDA, corrective 
advertising and the full range of civil and criminal 
penalties available to the government. 

Regulation of Combination Products

Combination products are defined by the FDA to 

include products comprising two or more regulated 
components (e.g., a biologic and a device). Biologics 
and devices each have their own regulatory 
requirements, and combination products may have 
additional requirements. Some of our marketed 
products meet this definition and are regulated under 
this framework and similar regulations outside the 
U.S., and we expect that some of our pipeline product 
candidates may be evaluated for regulatory approval 
under this framework as well. 

In May 2017 new regulations governing medical 
devices (MDR) and in-vitro diagnostic medical devices 
(IVDR) entered into force in the E.U. although these 
are not expected to fully apply until May 2021 with 
respect to the MDR regulations and May 2022 with 
respect to the IVDR regulations. All products covered 
by these regulations will be required to comply with 
them at the end of the transitional periods. These 
regulations introduce new requirements, including for 
clinical investigation of certain classifications of 
medical devices, require increased regulatory scrutiny, 
enhance the requirements for post market 
surveillance and vigilance and provide for greater 
transparency. These regulations also change the 
requirements for assessment of the medical device 
components of integral drug-device combination 
products, necessitating assessment of the device 
components under both the medical device and 
medicinal product regulatory regimes.

Product Approval and Post-Approval Regulation 

Outside the U.S.

We market our products in numerous 
jurisdictions outside the U.S. Most of these 
jurisdictions have product approval and post-approval 
regulatory processes that are similar in principle to 
those in the U.S. In Europe, for example, where a 
substantial part of our ex-U.S. efforts are focused, 
there are several routes for marketing approval, 
depending on the type of product for which approval is 
sought. Under the centralized procedure, a company 
submits a single application to the EMA. The 
marketing authorization application is similar to the 
NDA or BLA in the U.S. and is evaluated by the 
Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use 
(CHMP), the expert scientific committee of the EMA 
responsible for human medicines. If the CHMP 
determines that the marketing authorization 
application fulfills the requirements for quality, safety 
and efficacy and that the medicine has a positive 
benefit risk balance, it will adopt a positive opinion 
recommending the granting of the marketing 
authorization by the EC. The CHMP opinion is not 
binding, but is typically adopted by the EC. A MAA 
approved by the EC is valid in all member states of 
the E.U. The centralized procedure is required for all 
biological products, orphan medicinal products and 
new treatments for neurodegenerative disorders, and 
it is available for certain other products, including 
those which constitute a significant therapeutic, 
scientific or technical innovation.

In addition to the centralized procedure, the 
European regulatory framework includes the following 
options for regulatory review and approval in E.U. 
member states: 

•

•

•

a national procedure, where the first application 
is made to the competent authority in one E.U. 
country only; 

a decentralized procedure, where applicants 
submit identical applications to several E.U. 
countries and receive simultaneous approval, if 
the medicine has not yet been authorized in any 
E.U. country; and 

a mutual recognition procedure, where applicants 
that have a medicine authorized in one E.U. 
country can apply for mutual recognition of this 
authorization in other E.U. countries. 

As in the U.S., the E.U. also has distinct 

approaches intended to optimize the regulatory 
pathways for therapeutically important drugs, including 
the Priority Medicines Evaluation Scheme (PRIME), 
accelerated assessment and conditional marketing 
authorization. PRIME is intended to provide additional 
support to medicine developers throughout the 

development process. Regulatory review timelines in 
the E.U. may be truncated under accelerated 
assessment for products that address an unmet 
medical need. In addition, conditional marketing  
authorizations may be granted for such products in 
the interest of public health, where the benefit of 
immediate availability outweighs the risk of less 
comprehensive data than normally required. 
Conditional marketing authorizations are valid for one 
year and can be renewed annually. The marketing 
authorization holder is required to complete specific 
obligations (ongoing or new studies and, in some 
cases, additional activities) with a view to providing 
comprehensive data confirming that the benefit risk 
balance is positive. Once comprehensive data on the 
product have been obtained, the marketing 
authorization may be converted into a standard 
marketing authorization.

Aside from the U.S. and E.U., there are countries 

in other regions where it is possible to receive an 
"accelerated" review whereby the national regulatory 
authority will commit to truncated review timelines for 
products that meet specific medical needs.

In the E.U. there is detailed legislation on 
pharmacovigilance and extensive guidance on good 
pharmacovigilance practices. A failure to comply with 
E.U. pharmacovigilance obligations may result in 
significant financial penalties for the marketing 
authorization holder.

Regardless of the approval process employed, 

various parties share responsibilities for the 
monitoring, detection and evaluation of adverse 
events post-approval, including national competent 
authorities, the EMA, the EC and the marketing 
authorization holder. The EMA’s Pharmacovigilance 
Risk Assessment Committee is responsible for 
assessing and monitoring the safety of human 
medicines and makes recommendations on product 
safety issues. Marketing authorization holders have 
an obligation to inform regulatory agencies of any new 
information which may influence the evaluation of 
benefits and risks of the medicinal product 
concerned. 

In the U.S., E.U. and other jurisdictions, 

regulatory agencies, including the FDA, conduct 
periodic inspections of NDA, BLA and marketing 
authorization holders to assess their compliance with 
pharmacovigilance obligations.

Good Manufacturing Practices

Regulatory agencies regulate and inspect 
equipment, facilities and processes used in the 
manufacturing and testing of pharmaceutical and 
biologic products prior to approving a product. If, after 
receiving approval from regulatory agencies, a 

21

company makes a material change in manufacturing 
equipment, location or process, additional regulatory 
review and approval may be required. We also must 
adhere to current Good Manufacturing Practices 
(cGMP) and product-specific regulations enforced by 
regulatory agencies following product approval. The 
FDA, the EMA and other regulatory agencies also 
conduct periodic visits to re-inspect equipment, 
facilities and processes following the initial approval 
of a product. If, as a result of these inspections, it is 
determined that our equipment, facilities or processes 
do not comply with applicable regulations and 
conditions of product approval, regulatory agencies 
may seek civil, criminal or administrative sanctions or 
remedies against us, including significant financial 
penalties and the suspension of our manufacturing 
operations.

Good Clinical Practices

The FDA, the EMA and other regulatory agencies 
promulgate regulations and standards for designing, 
conducting, monitoring, auditing and reporting the 
results of clinical trials to ensure that the data and 
results are accurate and that the rights and welfare of 
trial participants are adequately protected (commonly 
referred to as current Good Clinical Practices (cGCP)). 
Regulatory agencies enforce cGCP through periodic 
inspections of trial sponsors, principal investigators 
and trial sites, contract research organizations (CROs) 
and institutional review boards. If our studies fail to 
comply with applicable cGCP guidelines, the clinical 
data generated in our clinical trials may be deemed 
unreliable and relevant regulatory agencies may 
require us to perform additional clinical trials before 
approving our marketing applications. Noncompliance 
can also result in civil or criminal sanctions. We rely 
on third parties, including CROs, to carry out many of 
our clinical trial-related activities. Failure of such third 
parties to comply with cGCP can likewise result in 
rejection of our clinical trial data or other sanctions.

In April 2014 the EC adopted a new Clinical Trial 

Regulation, which was effective in June 2014 but is 
not expected to apply until 2021. The regulation 
harmonizes the procedures for assessment and 
governance of clinical trials throughout the E.U. and 
will require that information on the authorization, 
conduct and results of each clinical trial conducted in 
the E.U. be publicly available.

Approval of Biosimilars 

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act 

(PPACA) amended the Public Health Service Act 
(PHSA) to authorize the FDA to approve biological 
products, referred to as biosimilars or follow-on 
biologics, that are shown to be "highly similar" to 
previously approved biological products based upon 
potentially abbreviated data packages. The biosimilar 

22

must show it has no clinically meaningful differences 
in terms of safety and effectiveness from the 
reference product, and only minor differences in 
clinically inactive components are allowable in 
biosimilar products. The approval pathway for 
biosimilars does, however, grant a biologics 
manufacturer a 12-year period of exclusivity from the 
date of approval of its biological product before 
biosimilar competition can be introduced. There is 
uncertainty, however, as the approval framework for 
biosimilars originally was enacted as part of the 
PPACA. There have been, and there are likely to 
continue to be, federal legislative and administrative 
efforts to repeal, substantially modify or invalidate 
some or all of the provisions of the PPACA. If the 
PPACA is repealed, substantially modified or 
invalidated, it is unclear what, if any, impact such 
action would have on biosimilar regulation.

A biosimilars approval pathway has been in place 
in the E.U. since 2003. The EMA has issued a number 
of scientific and product specific biosimilar guidelines, 
including requirements for approving biosimilars 
containing monoclonal antibodies. In the E.U., 
biosimilars are generally approved under the 
centralized procedure. The approval pathway allows 
sponsors of a biosimilar to seek and obtain regulatory 
approval based in part on reliance on the clinical trial 
data of an innovator product to which the biosimilar 
has been demonstrated, through comprehensive 
comparability studies, to be “similar.” In many cases, 
this allows biosimilars to be brought to market without 
conducting the full complement of clinical trials 
typically required for novel biologic drugs.

Orphan Drug Act

Under the U.S. Orphan Drug Act, the FDA may 
grant orphan drug designation to drugs or biologics 
intended to treat a “rare disease or condition,” which 
generally is a disease or condition that affects fewer 
than 200,000 individuals in the U.S. If a product 
which has an orphan drug designation subsequently 
receives an initial FDA approval for the indication for 
which it has such designation, the product is entitled 
to orphan exclusivity, i.e., the FDA may not approve 
any other applications to market the same drug for 
the same indication for a period of seven years 
following marketing approval, except in certain very 
limited circumstances, such as if the later product is 
shown to be clinically superior to the orphan product. 
Legislation similar to the U.S. Orphan Drug Act has 
been enacted in other countries to encourage the 
research, development and marketing of medicines to 
treat, prevent or diagnose rare diseases. In the E.U., 
medicinal products that receive and maintain an 
orphan designation are entitled to 10 years of market 
exclusivity following approval, protocol assistance and 
access to the centralized procedure for marketing 

authorization. SPINRAZA has been granted orphan 
drug designation in the U.S., E.U. and Japan.

Regulation Pertaining to Pricing and 

Reimbursement

In both domestic and foreign markets, sales of 
our products depend, to a significant extent, on the 
availability and amount of reimbursement by third-
party payors, including governments, private health 
plans and other organizations. Substantial uncertainty 
exists regarding the pricing and reimbursement of our 
products, and drug prices continue to receive 
significant scrutiny. Governments may regulate 
coverage, reimbursement and pricing of our products 
to control cost or affect utilization of our products. 
Challenges to our pricing strategies, by either 
government or private stakeholders, could harm our 
business. The U.S. and foreign governments have 
enacted and regularly consider additional reform 
measures that affect health care coverage and costs. 
Private health plans may also seek to manage cost 
and utilization by implementing coverage and 
reimbursement limitations. Other payors, including 
managed care organizations, health insurers, 
pharmacy benefit managers, government health 
administration authorities and private health insurers, 
seek price discounts or rebates in connection with the 
placement of our products on their formularies and, in 
some cases, may impose restrictions on access, 
coverage or pricing of particular drugs based on 
perceived value.

Within the U.S.

• Medicaid: Medicaid is a joint federal and state 
program that is administered by the states for 
low income and disabled beneficiaries. Under the 
Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, we are required 
to pay a rebate for each unit of product 
reimbursed by the state Medicaid programs. The 
amount of the rebate is established by law and 
is adjusted upward if the average manufacturer 
price (AMP) increases more than inflation 
(measured by the Consumer Price Index - Urban). 
The rebate amount is calculated each quarter 
based on our report of current AMP and best 
price for each of our products to the Centers for 
Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The 
requirements for calculating AMP and best price 
are complex. We are required to report any 
revisions to AMP or best price previously 
reported within a certain period, which revisions 
could affect our rebate liability for prior quarters. 
In addition, if we fail to provide information timely 
or we are found to have knowingly submitted 
false information to the government, the statute 
governing the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program 
provides for civil monetary penalties.

23

• Medicare: Medicare is a federal program that is 
administered by the federal government. The 
program covers individuals age 65 and over as 
well as those with certain disabilities. Medicare 
Part B generally covers drugs that must be 
administered by physicians or other health care 
practitioners, are provided in connection with 
certain durable medical equipment or are certain 
oral anti-cancer drugs and certain oral 
immunosuppressive drugs. Medicare Part B pays 
for such drugs under a payment methodology 
based on the average sales price (ASP) of the 
drugs. Manufacturers, including us, are required 
to provide ASP information to the CMS on a 
quarterly basis. The manufacturer-submitted 
information is used to calculate Medicare 
payment rates. If a manufacturer is found to 
have made a misrepresentation in the reporting 
of ASP, the governing statute provides for civil 
monetary penalties.

In November 2020 CMS issued an interim final 
rule that seeks to lower prescription drug costs 
by paying no more for certain Medicare Part B 
drugs than the lowest price paid for such drugs 
in certain other countries (the "most favored 
nation" rule). One of the drugs subject to the rule 
is TYSABRI. Under the rule, the lower payment 
rates for affected drugs would be phased in over 
a period of four years, beginning in 2021. 
Although the rule is being challenged by industry 
associations on a number of grounds, if the 
challenges are unsuccessful, the rule could harm 
our business. In addition, if the rule were 
expanded to include other drugs or to include 
Medicare Part D, such expansions could cause 
additional harm.

Medicare Part D provides coverage to enrolled 
Medicare patients for self-administered drugs 
(i.e., drugs that are not administered by a 
physician). Medicare Part D is administered by 
private prescription drug plans approved by the 
U.S. government. Each drug plan establishes its 
own Medicare Part D formulary for prescription 
drug coverage and pricing, which the drug plan 
may modify from time-to-time. The prescription 
drug plans negotiate pricing with manufacturers 
and pharmacies, and may condition formulary 
placement on the availability of manufacturer 
discounts. In addition, manufacturers, including 
us, are required to provide to the CMS a 
discount of up to 70% on brand name 
prescription drugs utilized by Medicare Part D 
beneficiaries when those beneficiaries reach the 
coverage gap in their drug benefits.

• Federal Agency Discounted Pricing: Our products 

are subject to discounted pricing when 

purchased by federal agencies via the Federal 
Supply Schedule (FSS). FSS participation is 
required for our products to be covered and 
reimbursed by the Veterans Administration (VA), 
Department of Defense, Coast Guard and Public 
Health Service (PHS). Coverage under Medicaid, 
Medicare and the PHS pharmaceutical pricing 
program is also conditioned upon FSS 
participation. FSS pricing is intended not to 
exceed the price that we charge our most-favored 
non-federal customer for a product. In addition, 
prices for drugs purchased by the VA, 
Department of Defense (including drugs 
purchased by military personnel and dependents 
through the TriCare retail pharmacy program), 
Coast Guard and PHS are subject to a cap on 
pricing equal to 76% of the non-federal average 
manufacturer price (non-FAMP). An additional 
discount applies if non-FAMP increases more 
than inflation (measured by the Consumer Price 
Index - Urban). In addition, if we fail to provide 
information timely or we are found to have 
knowingly submitted false information to the 
government, the governing statute provides for 
civil monetary penalties.

• 340B Discounted Pricing: To maintain coverage 

of our products under the Medicaid Drug Rebate 
Program and Medicare Part B, we are required to 
extend significant discounts to certain covered 
entities that purchase products under Section 
340B of the PHS pharmaceutical pricing 
program. Purchasers eligible for discounts 
include hospitals that serve a disproportionate 
share of financially needy patients, community 
health clinics and other entities that receive 
certain types of grants under the PHSA. For all of 
our products, we must agree to charge a price 
that will not exceed the amount determined 
under statute (the “ceiling price”) when we sell 
outpatient drugs to these covered entities. In 
addition, we may, but are not required to, offer 
these covered entities a price lower than the 
340B ceiling price. The 340B discount formula is 
based on AMP and is generally similar to the 
level of rebates calculated under the Medicaid 
Drug Rebate Program. 

Outside the U.S.

Outside the U.S., our products are paid for by a 
variety of payors, with governments being the primary 
source of payment. Governments may determine or 
influence reimbursement of products and may also 
set prices or otherwise regulate pricing. Negotiating 
prices with governmental authorities can delay 
commercialization of our products. Governments may 
use a variety of cost-containment measures to control 
the cost of products, including price cuts, mandatory 
rebates, value-based pricing and reference pricing 

24

(i.e., referencing prices in other countries and using 
those reference prices to set a price). Budgetary 
pressures in many countries are continuing to cause 
governments to consider or implement various cost-
containment measures, such as price freezes, 
increased price cuts and rebates and expanded 
generic substitution and patient cost-sharing. 

Regulation Pertaining to Sales and Marketing

We are subject to various federal and state laws 
pertaining to health care “fraud and abuse,” including 
anti-kickback laws and false claims laws. Anti-
kickback laws generally prohibit a prescription drug 
manufacturer from soliciting, offering, receiving or 
paying any remuneration to generate business, 
including the purchase or prescription of a particular 
drug. Although the specific provisions of these laws 
vary, their scope is generally broad and there may be 
no regulations, guidance or court decisions that clarify 
how the laws apply to particular industry practices. 
There is therefore a possibility that our practices 
might be challenged under anti-kickback or similar 
laws. False claims laws prohibit anyone from 
knowingly and willingly presenting, or causing to be 
presented, for payment to third-party payors (including 
Medicare and Medicaid), claims for reimbursed drugs 
or services that are false or fraudulent, claims for 
items or services not provided as claimed or claims 
for medically unnecessary items or services. Our 
activities relating to the sale and marketing of our 
products may be subject to scrutiny under these laws. 
Violations of fraud and abuse laws may be punishable 
by criminal or civil sanctions, including fines and civil 
monetary penalties, and exclusion from federal health 
care programs (including Medicare and Medicaid). In 
the U.S., federal and state authorities are paying 
increased attention to enforcement of these laws 
within the pharmaceutical industry and private 
individuals have been active in alleging violations of 
the laws and bringing suits on behalf of the 
government under the federal civil False Claims Act. If 
we were subject to allegations concerning, or were 
convicted of violating, these laws, our business could 
be harmed.

Laws and regulations have been enacted by the 
federal government and various states to regulate the 
sales and marketing practices of pharmaceutical 
manufacturers. The laws and regulations generally 
limit financial interactions between manufacturers and 
health care providers or require disclosure to the 
government and public of such interactions. The laws 
include federal “sunshine” provisions. The sunshine 
provisions apply to pharmaceutical manufacturers with 
products reimbursed under certain government 
programs and require those manufacturers to disclose 
annually to the federal government (for re-disclosure 
to the public) certain payments made to physicians 
and certain other healthcare practitioners or to 

teaching hospitals. State laws may also require 
disclosure of pharmaceutical pricing information and 
marketing expenditures. Many of these laws and 
regulations contain ambiguous requirements. Given 
the lack of clarity in laws and their implementation, 
our reporting actions could be subject to the penalty 
provisions of the pertinent federal and state laws and 
regulations. Outside the U.S., other countries have 
implemented requirements for disclosure of financial 
interactions with healthcare providers and additional 
countries may consider or implement such laws.

Other Regulations

Foreign Anti-Corruption

We are subject to various federal and foreign 

laws that govern our international business practices 
with respect to payments to government officials. 
Those laws include the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices 
Act (FCPA), which prohibits U.S. companies and their 
representatives from paying, offering to pay, promising 
to pay or authorizing the payment of anything of value 
to any foreign government official, government staff 
member, political party or political candidate for the 
purpose of obtaining or retaining business or to 
otherwise obtain favorable treatment or influence a 
person working in an official capacity. In many 
countries, the health care professionals we regularly 
interact with may meet the FCPA's definition of a 
foreign government official. The FCPA also requires 
public companies to make and keep books and 
records that accurately and fairly reflect their 
transactions and to devise and maintain an adequate 
system of internal accounting controls.

The laws to which we are subject also include 

the U.K. Bribery Act 2010 (Bribery Act), which 
proscribes giving and receiving bribes in the public 
and private sectors, bribing a foreign public official 
and failing to have adequate procedures to prevent 
employees and other agents from giving bribes. U.S. 
companies that conduct business in the U.K. 
generally will be subject to the Bribery Act. Penalties 
under the Bribery Act include significant fines for 
companies and criminal sanctions for corporate 
officers under certain circumstances.

NIH Guidelines

We seek to conduct research at our U.S. 
facilities in compliance with the current U.S. National 
Institutes of Health Guidelines for Research Involving 
Recombinant DNA Molecules (NIH Guidelines). By 
local ordinance, we are required to, among other 
things, comply with the NIH Guidelines in relation to 
our facilities in Research Triangle Park (RTP), NC and 
are required to operate pursuant to certain permits.

Other Laws

Our present and future business has been and 
will continue to be subject to various other laws and 
regulations. Various laws, regulations and 
recommendations relating to data privacy and 
protection, safe working conditions, laboratory 
practices, the experimental use of animals and the 
purchase, storage, movement, import, export and use 
and disposal of hazardous or potentially hazardous 
substances, including radioactive compounds and 
infectious disease agents, used in connection with 
our research work are or may be applicable to our 
activities. Certain agreements entered into by us 
involving exclusive license rights may be subject to 
national or international antitrust regulatory control, 
the effect of which cannot be predicted. The extent of 
government regulation, which might result from future 
legislation or administrative action, cannot accurately 
be predicted.

The European Parliament and the Council of the 

European Union adopted a comprehensive general 
data privacy regulation (GDPR) in 2016 to replace the 
current E.U. Data Protection Directive and related 
country-specific legislation. The GDPR took effect in 
May 2018 and governs the collection and use of 
personal data in the E.U. The GDPR, which is wide-
ranging in scope, imposes several requirements 
relating to the consent of the individuals to whom the 
personal data relates, the information provided to the 
individuals, the security and confidentiality of the 
personal data, data breach notification and the use of 
third-party processors in connection with the 
processing of the personal data. The GDPR also 
imposes strict rules on the transfer of personal data 
out of the E.U. to the U.S., provides an enforcement 
authority and imposes large penalties for 
noncompliance, including the potential for fines of up 
to €20.0 million or 4.0% of the annual global 
revenues of the infringer, whichever is greater.

Environmental Matters

We strive to comply in all material respects with 

applicable laws and regulations concerning the 
environment. While it is impossible to predict 
accurately the future costs associated with 
environmental compliance and potential remediation 
activities, compliance with environmental laws is not 
expected to require significant capital expenditures 
and has not had, and is not expected to have, a 
material adverse effect on our operations or 
competitive position.

Manufacturing

We seek to ensure an uninterrupted supply of 

medicines to patients around the world. To that end, 
we continually review our manufacturing capacity, 

25

capabilities, processes and facilities. We believe that 
our manufacturing facilities, together with the third-
party contract manufacturing organizations we 
outsource to, currently provide sufficient capacity for 
our products and to Samsung Bioepis, our joint 
venture that develops, manufactures and markets 
biosimilar products, and other strategic contract 
manufacturing partners. In order to support our future 
growth and drug development pipeline, we are 
expanding our large molecule production capacity by 
building a large-scale biologics manufacturing facility 
in Solothurn, Switzerland. We expect this facility to be 
partially operational during the first half of 2021.

Manufacturing Facilities

Our drug substance manufacturing facility 

includes:

Facility

RTP, NC

Drug Substance Manufactured

AVONEX
PLEGRIDY
TYSABRI
Other*

* Other includes products manufactured for contract 

manufacturing partners.

In addition to our drug substance manufacturing 
facility, we have a drug product manufacturing facility 
and supporting infrastructure in RTP, NC, including a 
parenteral facility and an oral solid dose products 
manufacturing facility. 

The parenteral facility adds capabilities and 
capacity for filling biologics into vials and is principally 
used for filling product candidates. The oral solid dose 
products facility can supplement our outsourced small 
molecule manufacturing capabilities, including the 
manufacture of TECFIDERA.

We also have an oligonucleotide synthesis 
manufacturing facility in RTP, NC. This facility gives us 
the capability to manufacture ASO drugs like 
SPINRAZA as well as our other ASO candidates 
currently in our clinical pipeline.

In order to support our future growth and drug 
development pipeline, we are building a large-scale 
biologics manufacturing facility in Solothurn, 
Switzerland, which we expect to be partially 
operational during the first half of 2021. 

Genentech is responsible for all worldwide 
manufacturing activities for bulk RITUXAN, RITUXAN 
HYCELA and GAZYVA and has sourced the 
manufacture of certain bulk RITUXAN, RITUXAN 
HYCELA and GAZYVA requirements to a third party. 
Acorda supplies FAMPYRA to us pursuant to its supply 
agreement with Alkermes, Inc. and Ionis supplies the 
active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for SPINRAZA. 
Alkermes currently supplies VUMERITY to us pursuant 

to a supply agreement. In October 2019 we entered 
into a new supply agreement and amended our 
license and collaboration agreement with Alkermes. 
We have elected to initiate a technology transfer and, 
following a transition period, to manufacture 
VUMERITY or have VUMERITY manufactured by a third 
party we have engaged in exchange for paying an 
increased royalty rate to Alkermes on any portion of 
future worldwide net commercial sales of VUMERITY 
that is manufactured by us or our designee.

Third-Party Suppliers and Manufacturers

We principally use third parties to manufacture 
the API and the final product for our small molecule 
products and product candidates, including 
TECFIDERA and FUMADERM, and the final drug 
product for our large molecule products and, to a 
lesser extent, product candidates. 

We source all of our fill-finish and the majority of 
final product assembly and storage operations for our 
products, along with a substantial part of our label 
and packaging operations, to a concentrated group of 
third-party contract manufacturing organizations. Raw 
materials, delivery devices, such as syringes and 
auto-injectors, and other supplies required for the 
production of our products and product candidates are 
procured from various third-party suppliers and 
manufacturers in quantities adequate to meet our 
needs. Continuity of supply of such raw materials, 
devices and supplies is assured using a strategy of 
dual sourcing where possible or by a risk-based 
inventory strategy. Our third-party service providers, 
suppliers and manufacturers may be subject to 
routine cGMP inspections by the FDA or comparable 
agencies in other jurisdictions and undergo 
assessment and certification by our quality 
management group.

Human Capital

As of December 31, 2020, we had approximately 

9,100 employees worldwide. Approximately 5,675 
employees were employed in the U.S. and 
approximately 3,425 employees were employed in 
foreign countries. 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At Biogen, prejudice, racism and intolerance are 
unacceptable. We are committed to Diversity, Equity 
and Inclusion (DE&I) across all aspects of our 
organization, including hiring, promotion and 
development practices. As of December 31, 2020, 
28% of Biogen’s director-level and above positions 
were held by ethnic or racial minorities in the U.S. Our 
policies and practices are global, but the laws in many 
countries outside the U.S. do not permit us to collect 
ethnic or racial data on our employees. Globally, 48% 

26

of Biogen’s positions at director-level and above were 
held by women. 

In 2020 we introduced an updated DE&I strategy 

that outlines actionable steps to deepen our 
commitment across the business, building upon a 
strong foundation. This plan includes a four-part 
strategy to build our talent and leadership pipeline, 
improve health outcomes for the African American, 
Black, Latinx and other minority communities in the 
disease areas we treat and expand sourcing with 
minority-owned businesses. We plan to create greater 
awareness and capability in our organization through 
leadership accountability and transparency. To 
establish and progress this strategy, we rely on a 
cross-company governing body of employees known as 
the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategic Council.

We are honored to be recognized as a company 
of choice. We scored 100.0% on the 2020 Disability 
Equality Index, which measures our policies and 
practices related to disability inclusion, for the third 
consecutive year. Additionally, for the seventh 
consecutive year, we were recognized as a Best Place 
to Work for LGBTQ Equality by the Human Rights 
Campaign, scoring 100.0% on their Corporate Equality 
Index. 

Philosophy on Pay Equity

We are committed to ensuring our employees 

receive equal pay for equal work. We establish 
components and ranges of compensation based on 
market and benchmark data. Within this context, we 
strive to pay all employees equitably within a 
reasonable range, taking into consideration factors 
such as role; market data; internal equity; job 
location; relevant experience; and individual, business 
unit and company performance. In addition, we are 
committed to providing flexible benefits designed to 
allow our diverse global workforce to have reward 
opportunities that meet their varied needs so that 
they are inspired to perform their best on behalf of 
patients and stockholders each day.

We regularly review our compensation practices 

and analyze the equity of compensation decisions, for 
individual employees and our workforce as a whole. If 
we identify employees with pay gaps, we review and 
take appropriate action to ensure fidelity between our 
stated philosophy and actions.

We institute measures, such as communications 
and trainings, to recognize, interrupt and prevent bias 
in hiring, performance management and 
compensation decisions and we provide resources to 
further develop managers and leaders to help them 
make equitable decisions about pay.

Talent and Development

Our employees are encouraged to take 
advantage of an array of professional development 
resources. Managers coach employees for 
performance, and also engage in employee 
development discussions to support growth and 
learning.

We provide our employees access to over 8,000 

on-demand learning modules in English, French, 
German, Spanish, Japanese and Portuguese. 
Additionally, we have a wide selection of courses and 
trainings that are offered through Biogen University, 
our global validated learning management system.

To create and sustain a workplace as diverse 

and inclusive as the patients we serve, we offer 
programs that invest in our talent pipeline and in our 
current leaders, including:

• Activate, Reflect and Co-Create: Preparing top 

talent for the rigors of executive roles.

• Women’s Leadership Program: Addressing the 
unique challenges faced by female leaders to 
increase influence and impact.

• Executive Leadership Retreat: Immersing 
leaders in topics designed to help them 
shape culture and build resilience.

• The Partnership, Inc's BioDiversity Fellows 
Program: To continue to bolster our talent 
pipeline with a diverse mix of leaders, high 
potential, mid-career, underrepresented 
minorities participate in this program, which 
we helped create.

Our Employee Resource Networks (ERNs) provide 

invaluable opportunities for employees to share 
knowledge and build connections. Our current ERNs 
include:

• IGNITE: Brings together early-career 
professionals and their advocates.

• AccessAbility: Supports employees with 
disabilities and employees who are 
caretakers of individuals with disabilities.

• Biogen Veterans Network: Encourages 

veterans and allies of veterans to connect 
and support one another.

• Mosaic: Fosters awareness and appreciation 
of different cultural backgrounds, in addition 
to promoting networking and development 
opportunities for members.

• ReachOUT: Supports a best-in-class working 
environment for LGBTQ employees and 
embraces all LGBTQ employees and their 
allies.

27

talent to fill the roles that are most critical to the on-
going success of our company. In addition, each year 
our Board of Directors reviews the succession plan for 
our executives.

Workplace Health and Safety

The well-being of our employees is a top priority, 
and we believe each and every employee plays a role 
in creating a safe and healthy workplace. Our 
employees have varied roles and functions, which is 
why we empower them to promote a safe working 
environment, regardless of whether work happens in 
the lab, in an office or in a manufacturing plant. Our 
policies and practices are intended to protect not only 
our employees, but also the surrounding communities 
in which we operate.

In 2020 we continued to make significant 

progress integrating Human Performance into our 
Environment, Health and Safety programs. We believe 
that, when it comes to safety, workers are part of the 
solution. We encourage employees to collaboratively 
engage in proactive problem solving through practices 
such as Open Reporting and Work Observation and 
Risk Conversations. We also utilize “After Action 
Reviews” following the completion of a project. These 
reviews enable us to not only focus on areas for 
improvement, but also to learn and apply good 
practices from what goes well. By engaging and 
empowering our employees through such programs, 
we believe that we can help change how the entire 
industry approaches safety performance and risk 
management.

• Women’s Innovation Network: Creates 
networking, mentoring and learning 
opportunities for women and allies worldwide.

• ourIMPACT: Advances climate, health and 

equity at work, in employees' personal lives 
and in the communities where we live and 
work.

Creating a culture where all colleagues feel 
supported and valued is paramount to our corporate 
mission. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led to 
unique challenges, and we are striving to ensure the 
health, safety and general well-being of our 
employees. We continue to evolve our programs to 
meet our employees’ health and wellness needs, 
which we believe is essential to attract and retain 
employees of the highest caliber. For example, we 
have refreshed our flexible working arrangement 
policies to allow for more flexibility around work hours 
to help employees balance the demands of their work 
and home lives, shifted many of our on-site wellness 
services to virtual, including virtual behavior health, 
nutrition, fitness and overall well-being classes and 
counseling, rolled out the Headspace meditation app 
globally at no cost, provided workshops and 
programming to help employees cope with stress, 
isolation and building resilience, along with financial 
planning workshops and counseling sessions, 
expanded our child- and back-up care services to meet 
the growing childcare needs of our employees and 
provided additional holidays and time off for 
recharging, voting and volunteering.

Employee surveys

We utilize an employee survey program to pulse 
employees through email and mobile apps as well as 
provide an opportunity for commentary and facilitate 
feedback to questions. The survey is designed to 
empower managers and leaders with anonymous 
information on their practices related to building 
culture, performance and an engaged workforce, 
allowing them to create plans and measure efficacy 
for continuous improvement. We care deeply about 
employee feedback and are building an analytics 
community across Human Resources to bring more 
rigor and sophistication to the collection and analysis 
of employee opinions. We use their perspectives to 
guide us to take actions that improve engagement 
and support and help maintain our reputation as a 
great place to work for all of our employees. 

Succession planning 

Each year we conduct a talent review across our 

global enterprise that includes, among other important 
topics, a review of succession plans for many of our 
roles. To help ensure the long-term continuity of our 
business, we actively manage the development of 

28

Information about our Executive Officers (as of February 3, 2021)

Officer

Michel Vounatsos

Susan H. Alexander

Current Position

Chief Executive Officer

Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary

Michael R. McDonnell

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Alphonse Galdes, Ph.D.

Executive Vice President, Pharmaceutical Operations and Technology

Ginger Gregory, Ph.D.

Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

Chirfi Guindo

Robin C. Kramer

Executive Vice President, Global Product Strategy and Commercialization

Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer

Alfred W. Sandrock, Jr., M.D., Ph.D.

Executive Vice President, Research and Development

Year 
Joined 
Biogen

2016

2006

2020

1995

2017

2017

2018

1998

Age

59

64

57

68

53

55

55

63

Michel Vounatsos
Experience

Mr. Vounatsos has served as our Chief Executive Officer and as a member of our Board of Directors since January 
2017. Prior to that, from April 2016 to December 2016, Mr. Vounatsos served as our Executive Vice President, 
Chief Commercial Officer. Prior to joining Biogen, Mr. Vounatsos spent 20 years at Merck & Co., Inc. (Merck), a 
pharmaceutical company, where he most recently served as President, Primary Care, Customer Business Line and 
Merck Customer Centricity. In this role, he led Merck’s global primary care business unit, a role which 
encompassed Merck’s cardiology-metabolic, general medicine, women’s health and biosimilars groups and 
developed and instituted a strategic framework for enhancing the company’s relationships with key constituents, 
including the most significant providers, payors and retailers and the world’s largest governments. Mr. Vounatsos 
previously held leadership positions across Europe and in China for Merck. Prior to that, Mr. Vounatsos held 
management positions at Ciba-Geigy, a pharmaceutical company. Mr. Vounatsos currently serves on the advisory 
board of Tsinghua University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, on the Supervisory Board of Liryc, the 
Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute at the University of Bordeaux, on the board of directors of N-Lorem 
Foundation and as a member of the MIT Presidential CEO Advisory Board.
Public Company Boards

l PerkinElmer, Inc., a global scientific technology and life science research company

Education

l Universite Victor Segalen, Bordeaux II, France, C.S.C.T. Certificate in Medicine
l HEC School of Management - Paris, M.B.A.

Susan H. Alexander
Experience
Ms. Alexander has served as our Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary since April 2018. Prior 
to that, Ms. Alexander served as our Executive Vice President, Chief Legal, Corporate Services and Secretary from 
March 2017 to March 2018, as our Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary from December 
2011 to March 2017 and as our Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary from 2006 to 
December 2011. Prior to joining Biogen, Ms. Alexander served as the Senior Vice President, General Counsel and 
Corporate Secretary of PAREXEL International Corporation, a biopharmaceutical services company, from 2003 to 
January 2006. From 2001 to 2003 Ms. Alexander served as General Counsel of IONA Technologies, a software 
company. From 1995 to 2001 Ms. Alexander served as Counsel at Cabot Corporation, a specialty chemicals and 
performance materials company. Prior to that, Ms. Alexander was a partner at the law firms of Hinckley, Allen & 
Snyder and Fine & Ambrogne. 
Public Company Boards

l Invacare Corporation, a medical and healthcare product company

Education

l Wellesley College, B.A.
l Boston University School of Law, J.D.

29

Michael R. McDonnell
Experience
Mr. McDonnell has served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since August 2020. Prior to 
joining Biogen, Mr. McDonnell served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of IQVIA Holdings Inc., 
a leading global provider of advanced analytics, technology solutions and contract research services to the life 
sciences industry, from December 2015 until July 2020. Prior to that, Mr. McDonnell served as the Executive Vice 
President and Chief Financial Officer of Intelsat, a leading global provider of satellite services, from November 2008 
to December 2015, as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of MCG Capital Corporation, a publicly-
held commercial finance company, from September 2004 until October 2008 and as MCG Capital Corporation’s 
Chief Operating Officer from August 2006 until October 2008. Before joining MCG Capital Corporation, Mr. 
McDonnell served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for EchoStar Communications Corporation 
(f/k/a DISH Network Corporation), a direct-to-home satellite television operator, from July 2004 until August 2004 
and as its Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from August 2000 to July 2004. Mr. McDonnell spent 
14 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, including 4 years as a partner. Mr. McDonnell has a Bachelor of Science 
degree in accounting from Georgetown University and is a certified public accountant.
Education

l Georgetown University, B.S. Accounting

Alphonse Galdes, Ph.D.
Experience
Dr. Galdes has served as our Executive Vice President, Pharmaceutical Operations and Technology since 
September 2019. Since joining Biogen in 1995, Dr. Galdes has held several senior executive positions, including 
most recently as Senior Vice President, Asset Development and Portfolio Management from November 2015 to 
September 2019 and Senior Vice President, Technical Development from October 2010 to November 2015. Dr. 
Galdes was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University and performed post-doctoral research work at the Department of 
Biological Chemistry at Harvard Medical School.
Education

l University of Malta, B.Sc. Chemistry and Biology
l University of Malta, M.Sc. Biochemistry
l Oxford University, Ph.D. Biochemistry

Ginger Gregory, Ph.D.
Experience

Dr. Gregory has served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer since July 2017. Prior 
to joining Biogen, Dr. Gregory served as Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Shire PLC, 
a global specialty biopharmaceutical company, from February 2014 to April 2017. Prior to that, Dr. Gregory held 
executive-level human resources positions for several multinational companies across a variety of industries, 
including Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc., a restaurant holding company, where she served as Chief Human Resource 
Officer, Novartis AG, a pharmaceutical company, where she was the division head of Human Resources for Novartis 
Vaccines and Diagnostics, Novartis Consumer Health and Novartis Institutes of BioMedical Research and Novo 
Nordisk A/S, a pharmaceutical company, where she served as Senior Vice President, Corporate People & 
Organization at the company’s headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark. Earlier in her career, Dr. Gregory held a 
variety of human resources generalist and specialist positions at BMS, a pharmaceutical company, and served as a 
consultant with Booz Allen & Hamilton, an information technology consulting company, in the area of organization 
change and effectiveness.
Education

l University of Massachusetts, B.A. Psychology
l The George Washington University, Ph.D. Psychology

30

Chirfi Guindo
Experience

Mr. Guindo has served as our Executive Vice President, Global Product Strategy and Commercialization since 
February 2019. Prior to that, Mr. Guindo served as our Executive Vice President and Head of Global Marketing, 
Market Access and Customer Innovation from November 2017 to February 2019. Prior to joining Biogen, Mr. 
Guindo spent 27 years in the global pharmaceutical industry and held several leadership positions at Merck, a 
pharmaceutical company, in Canada, the U.S., France, Africa and the Netherlands. He worked in several disciplines 
including Finance, Sales & Marketing, General Management and Global Strategy/Product Development in specialty, 
acute and hospital care. Most recently Mr. Guindo was Vice President and Managing Director and President and 
Managing Director of Merck Canada from October 2014 to November 2017. From January 2011 to October 2014 
he was Vice President and General Manager, Global HIV Franchise at Merck.
Education

l Ecole Central de Paris (France), Engineering
l Stern School of Business, New York University, M.B.A. Finance/Economics

Robin C. Kramer
Experience

Ms. Kramer has served as our Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer since December 2020. Prior to that, 
Ms. Kramer served as our Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer from November 2018 to December 2020. Prior 
to joining Biogen, Ms. Kramer served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of Hertz Global 
Holdings, Inc., a car rental company, from May 2014 to November 2018. Prior to that, Ms. Kramer was an audit 
partner at Deloitte & Touche LLP (Deloitte), a professional services firm, from 2007 to 2014, including serving in 
Deloitte's National Office Accounting Standards and Communications Group from 2007 to 2010. From 2005 to 
2007 Ms. Kramer served as Chief Accounting Officer of Fisher Scientific International, Inc., a laboratory supply and 
biotechnology company, and from 2004 to 2005 Ms. Kramer served as Director, External Reporting, Accounting 
and Control for the Gillette Company, a personal care company. Ms. Kramer also held partner positions in the 
public accounting firms of Ernst & Young LLP and Arthur Anderson LLP. Ms. Kramer is a licensed certified public 
accountant (CPA) in Massachusetts. She is a member of the Massachusetts Society of CPAs and the American 
Institute of CPAs. Ms. Kramer currently serves on the board of directors of Samsung Bioepis and on the board of 
directors of the Center for Women and Enterprise. Ms. Kramer previously served as a Board Member for the 
Massachusetts State Board of Accountancy from September 2011 to December 2015 and Probus Insurance 
Company Europe DAC from 2016 to 2018.
Public Company Boards

l Armata Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biotechnology company

Education

l Salem State University, B.B.A. Accounting

Alfred W. Sandrock, Jr., M.D., Ph.D.
Experience

Dr. Sandrock has served as our Executive Vice President, Research and Development since September 2019. Prior 
to that, Dr. Sandrock served as our Chief Medical Officer from October 2017 to January 2020, as our Executive 
Vice President, Chief Medical Officer Neurology and Neurodegeneration from October 2015 to October 2017, as our 
Chief Medical Officer and Group Senior Vice President from April 2013 to October 2015 and as our Chief Medical 
Officer and Senior Vice President of Development Sciences from February 2012 to April 2013. Prior to that, Dr. 
Sandrock held several other senior executive positions since joining Biogen in 1998, including Senior Vice 
President of Neurology Research and Development and Vice President of Clinical Development, Neurology.
Education

l Stanford University, B.A. Human Biology
l Harvard Medical School, M.D. 
l Harvard University, Ph.D. Neurobiology
l Massachusetts General Hospital, internship in Medicine, residency and chief residency in Neurology and 

clinical fellowship in Neuromuscular Disease and Clinical Neurophysiology (electromyography)

Available Information

Our principal executive offices are located at 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142 and our telephone 
number is (617) 679-2000. Our website address is www.biogen.com. We make available free of charge through the 
Investors section of our website our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports 
on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is 

31

electronically filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We include our website 
address in this report only as an inactive textual reference and do not intend it to be an active link to our website. 
The contents of our website are not incorporated into this report.

32

Item  1A.  

Risk Factors

Risks Related to Our Business

We are substantially dependent on revenues from our products. 

Our revenues depend upon continued sales of our products as well as the financial rights we have in our anti-

CD20 therapeutic programs. A significant portion of our revenues are concentrated on sales of our products in 
increasingly competitive markets and in markets affected directly and indirectly by the COVID-19 pandemic. Any of 
the following negative developments relating to any of our products or any of our anti-CD20 therapeutic programs 
may adversely affect our revenues and results of operations or could cause a decline in our stock price: 

•

•

•

•

•

•

the introduction or greater acceptance of competing products, including new originator therapies, generics, 
prodrugs and biosimilars of existing products and products approved under abbreviated regulatory 
pathways;

safety or efficacy issues;

limitations and additional pressures on product pricing or price increases, including those resulting from 
governmental or regulatory requirements; increased competition, including from generic or biosimilar 
versions of our products; or changes in, or implementation of, reimbursement policies and practices of 
payors and other third parties;

adverse legal, administrative, regulatory or legislative developments;

our ability to maintain a positive reputation among patients, healthcare providers and others, which may be 
impacted by our pricing and reimbursement decisions; or

the inability or reluctance of patients to receive a diagnosis, prescription or administration of our products 
or a decision to prescribe and administer competitive therapies as a direct or indirect result of the 
COVID-19 pandemic.

Our long-term success depends upon the successful development of new products and additional indications for 

our existing products.

Our long-term success will depend upon the successful development of new products and technologies from our 

research and development activities or our licenses or acquisitions from third parties, including our 
commercialization agreements with Samsung Bioepis, as well as additional indications for our existing products.

Product development is very expensive and involves a high degree of uncertainty and risk and may not be 
successful. Only a small number of research and development programs result in the commercialization of a product. 
It is difficult to predict the success and the time and cost of product development of novel approaches for the 
treatment of diseases. The development of novel approaches for the treatment of diseases, including development 
efforts in new modalities such as those based on the ASO platform and gene therapy, may present additional 
challenges and risks, including obtaining approval from regulatory authorities that have limited experience with the 
development of such therapies. In addition, clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and even if we 
view data as sufficient to support the safety, effectiveness and/or approval of an investigational therapy, regulatory 
authorities may disagree and may require additional data, limit the scope of the approval or deny approval 
altogether. 

Success in preclinical work or early stage clinical trials does not ensure that later stage or larger scale clinical 

trials will be successful. Clinical trials may indicate that our product candidates lack efficacy, have harmful side 
effects, result in unexpected adverse events or raise other concerns that may significantly reduce the likelihood of 
regulatory approval. This may result in terminated programs, significant restrictions on use and safety warnings in an 
approved label, adverse placement within the treatment paradigm or significant reduction in the commercial potential 
of the product candidate.

Even if we could successfully develop new products or indications, we may make a strategic decision to 
discontinue development of a product candidate or indication if, for example, we believe commercialization will be 
difficult relative to the standard of care or we prefer to pursue other opportunities in our pipeline. 

Sales of new products or products with additional indications may also not meet investor expectations.

33

If we fail to compete effectively, our business and market position would suffer.

The biopharmaceutical industry and the markets in which we operate are intensely competitive. We compete in 
the marketing and sale of our products, the development of new products and processes, the acquisition of rights to 
new products with commercial potential and the hiring and retention of personnel. We compete with biotechnology 
and pharmaceutical companies that have a greater number of products on the market and in the product pipeline, 
substantially greater financial, marketing, research and development and other resources and other technological or 
competitive advantages. 

Our products continue to face increasing competition from the introduction of new originator therapies, 
generics, prodrugs and biosimilars of existing products and products approved under abbreviated regulatory 
pathways. Some of these products are likely to be sold at substantially lower prices than our branded products. The 
introduction of such products as well as other lower-priced competing products has reduced, and may in the future, 
significantly reduce both the price that we are able to charge for our products and the volume of products we sell, 
which will negatively impact our revenues. For instance, demand and price for TECFIDERA declined significantly as a 
result of multiple TECFIDERA generic entrants entering the U.S. market during the year ended December 31, 2020. 
In addition, in some markets, when a generic or biosimilar version of one of our products is commercialized, it may 
be automatically substituted for our product and significantly reduce our revenues in a short period of time.

In the MS market, we face intense competition as the number of products and competitors continues to 
expand. Due to our significant reliance on sales of our MS products, our business could be harmed if we are unable 
to successfully compete in the MS market. More specifically, our ability to compete, maintain and grow our share in 
the MS market may be adversely affected due to a number of factors, including:

•

•

•

•

•

•

the introduction of more efficacious, safer, less expensive or more convenient alternatives to our MS 
products, including our own products and products of our collaborators; 

the introduction of generic versions of branded MS products, including our own products, biosimilars, follow-
on products, prodrugs or products approved under abbreviated regulatory pathways, which would be 
significantly less costly than our products to bring to market and would be offered for sale at lower prices, 
and could result in a significant percentage of the sales of our products being lost to such products;

the off-label use by physicians of therapies indicated for other conditions to treat MS patients; 

patient dynamics, including the size of the patient population and our ability to attract and maintain new 
and current patients to our therapies; 

damage to physician and patient confidence in any of our MS products, generic or biosimilars of our MS 
products or any other product from the same class as one of our products, or to our sales and reputation 
as a result of label changes or adverse experiences or events that may occur with patients treated with our 
MS products or generic or biosimilars of our MS products;

inability to obtain appropriate pricing and reimbursement for our MS products compared to our competitors 
in key international markets; or

•

our ability to obtain and maintain patent, data or market exclusivity for our MS products.

In the SMA market, we face competition from a gene therapy product that was approved the U.S. and the E.U. 
and a new oral product that was approved in the U.S. and has been accepted for review in the E.U. We expect that 
we will experience competition from both products in additional jurisdictions in the future. Additionally, we are aware 
of other products now in development that, if launched, may compete with SPINRAZA. Future sales of SPINRAZA 
may be adversely affected by the commercialization of competing products as well as the delay of SPINRAZA doses 
due, directly or indirectly, to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our business may be adversely affected if we do not successfully execute or realize the anticipated benefits of 

our strategic and growth initiatives.

The successful execution of our strategic and growth initiatives may depend upon internal development 
projects, commercial initiatives and external opportunities, which may include the acquisition and in-licensing of 
products, technologies and companies or the entry into strategic alliances and collaborations. 

While we believe we have a number of promising programs in our pipeline, failure or delay of internal 

development projects to advance or difficulties in executing on our commercial initiatives could impact our current 
and future growth, resulting in additional reliance on external development opportunities for growth. 

34

Supporting the further development of our existing products and potential new products in our pipeline will 

require significant capital expenditures and management resources, including investments in research and 
development, sales and marketing, manufacturing capabilities and other areas of our business. We have in the past 
made, and may continue to make, significant operating and capital expenditures for potential new products prior to 
regulatory approval with no assurance that such investment will be recouped, which may adversely affect our 
financial condition, business and operations.

The availability of high quality, fairly valued external product development is limited and the opportunity for their 

acquisition is highly competitive. As such, we are not certain that we will be able to identify suitable candidates for 
acquisition or if we will be able to reach agreement.

We may fail to initiate or complete transactions for many reasons and we may not be able to achieve the full 

strategic and financial benefits expected to result from transactions, or the benefits may be delayed or not occur at 
all. We may also face additional costs or liabilities in completed transactions that were not contemplated prior to 
completion.

Any failure in the execution of a transaction, in the integration of an acquired asset or business or in achieving 

expected synergies could result in slower growth, higher than expected costs, the recording of asset impairment 
charges and other actions which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Sales of our products depend, to a significant extent, on adequate coverage, pricing and reimbursement from 
third-party payors, which are subject to increasing and intense pressure from political, social, competitive and other 
sources. Our inability to obtain and maintain adequate coverage, or a reduction in pricing or reimbursement, could 
have an adverse effect on our business, reputation, revenues and results of operations.

Sales of our products depend, to a significant extent, on adequate coverage, pricing and reimbursement from 

third-party payors. When a new pharmaceutical product is approved, the availability of government and private 
reimbursement for that product may be uncertain, as is the pricing and amount for which that product will be 
reimbursed. 

Pricing and reimbursement for our products may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including:

•

•

•

•

changes in, and implementation of, federal, state or foreign government regulations or private third-party 
payors’ reimbursement policies; 

pressure by employers on private health insurance plans to reduce costs;

consolidation and increasing assertiveness of payors seeking price discounts or rebates in connection with 
the placement of our products on their formularies and, in some cases, the imposition of restrictions on 
access or coverage of particular drugs or pricing determined based on perceived value; and

our value-based contracting program pursuant to which we aim to tie the pricing of our products to their 
clinical values by either aligning price to patient outcomes or adjusting price for patients who discontinue 
therapy for any reason, including efficacy or tolerability concerns.

Our ability to set the price for our products varies significantly from country to country and, as a result, so can 

the price of our products. Certain countries set prices by reference to the prices in other countries where our 
products are marketed. Our inability to obtain and maintain adequate prices in a particular country may not only limit 
the revenues from our products within that country but may also adversely affect our ability to secure acceptable 
prices in existing and potential new markets, which may limit market growth. This may create the opportunity for 
third-party cross-border trade or influence our decision to sell or not to sell a product, thus adversely affecting our 
geographic expansion plans and revenues.

Drug prices are under significant scrutiny in the markets in which our products are prescribed. We expect drug 
pricing and other health care costs to continue to be subject to intense political and societal pressures on a global 
basis. Competition from current and future competitors may negatively impact our ability to maintain pricing and our 
market share. New products marketed by our competitors could cause our revenues to decrease due to potential 
price reductions and lower sales volumes. Additionally, the introduction of generic or biosimilar versions of our 
products, follow-on products, prodrugs or products approved under abbreviated regulatory pathways may significantly 
reduce the price that we are able to charge for our products and the volume of products we sell.

Many payors continue to adopt benefit plan changes that shift a greater portion of prescription costs to 

patients, including more limited benefit plan designs, higher patient co-pay or co-insurance obligations and 
limitations on patients' use of commercial manufacturer co-pay payment assistance programs (including through co-
pay accumulator adjustment or maximization programs). Significant consolidation in the health insurance industry 

35

has resulted in a few large insurers and pharmacy benefit managers exerting greater pressure in pricing and usage 
negotiations with drug manufacturers, significantly increasing discounts and rebates required of manufacturers and 
limiting patient access and usage. Further consolidation among insurers, pharmacy benefit managers and other 
payors would increase the negotiating leverage such entities have over us and other drug manufacturers. Additional 
discounts, rebates, coverage or plan changes, restrictions or exclusions as described above could have a material 
adverse effect on sales of our affected products.

Our failure to obtain or maintain adequate coverage, pricing or reimbursement for our products could have an 

adverse effect on our business, reputation, revenues and results of operations.

We depend on relationships with collaborators, joint venture partners and other third parties for revenues, and 

for the development, regulatory approval, commercialization and marketing of certain of our products and product 
candidates, which are outside of our full control.

We rely on a number of significant collaborative, joint venture and other third-party relationships for revenues 
and the development, regulatory approval, commercialization and marketing of certain of our products and product 
candidates. We also outsource certain aspects of our regulatory affairs and clinical development relating to our 
products and product candidates to third parties. Reliance on third parties subjects us to a number of risks, 
including:

• we may be unable to control the resources our collaborators, joint venture partners or third parties devote 

to our programs, products or product candidates;

•

•

•

•

•

disputes may arise under an agreement, including with respect to the achievement and payment of 
milestones or ownership of rights to technology developed, and the underlying agreement may fail to 
provide us with significant protection or may fail to be effectively enforced if the collaborators, joint ventures 
partners or third parties fail to perform; 

the interests of our collaborators, joint venture partners or third parties may not always be aligned with our 
interests, and such parties may not pursue regulatory approvals or market a product in the same manner or 
to the same extent that we would, which could adversely affect our revenues, or may adopt tax strategies 
that could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition; 

third-party relationships require the parties to cooperate, and failure to do so effectively could adversely 
affect product sales or the clinical development or regulatory approvals of product candidates under joint 
control, could result in termination of the research, development or commercialization of product 
candidates or could result in litigation or arbitration;

any failure on the part of our collaborators, joint venture partners or other third parties to comply with 
applicable laws, including tax laws, regulatory requirements and/or applicable contractual obligations or to 
fulfill any responsibilities they may have to protect and enforce any intellectual property rights underlying our 
products could have an adverse effect on our revenues as well as involve us in possible legal proceedings; 
and

any improper conduct or actions on the part of our collaborators, joint venture partners or other third parties 
could subject us to civil or criminal investigations and monetary and injunctive penalties, impact the 
accuracy and timing of our financial reporting and/or adversely impact our ability to conduct business, our 
operating results and our reputation.

Given these risks, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the success of our current and future 

collaborative efforts. If these efforts fail, our product development or commercialization of new products could be 
delayed, revenues from products could decline and/or we may not realize the anticipated benefits of these 
arrangements.

Our results of operations may be adversely affected by current and potential future healthcare reforms.

In the U.S., federal and state legislatures, health agencies and third-party payors continue to focus on 

containing the cost of health care. Legislative and regulatory proposals, enactments to reform health care insurance 
programs and increasing pressure from social sources could significantly influence the manner in which our products 
are prescribed and purchased. For example, provisions of the PPACA have resulted in changes in the way health care 
is paid for by both governmental and private insurers, including increased rebates owed by manufacturers under the 
Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, annual fees and taxes on manufacturers of certain branded prescription drugs, the 
requirement that manufacturers participate in a discount program for certain outpatient drugs under Medicare Part D 

36

and the expansion of the number of hospitals eligible for discounts under Section 340B of the PHSA. These changes 
have had and are expected to continue to have a significant impact on our business. 

We may face uncertainties as a result of efforts to repeal, substantially modify or invalidate some or all of the 
provisions of the PPACA. There is no assurance that the PPACA, as currently enacted or as amended in the future, 
will not adversely affect our business and financial results, and we cannot predict how future federal or state 
legislative or administrative changes relating to healthcare reform will affect our business.

There is increasing public attention on the costs of prescription drugs and there have been, are expected to 

continue to be, legislative proposals to address prescription drug pricing. Some of these proposals could have 
significant effects on our business, including an executive order issued in September 2020 to test a “most favored 
nation” model for Part B and Part D drugs that tie reimbursement rates to international drug pricing metrics. These 
actions and the uncertainty about the future of the PPACA and healthcare laws may put downward pressure on 
pharmaceutical pricing and increase our regulatory burdens and operating costs. 

There is also significant economic pressure on state budgets, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, 
that may result in states increasingly seeking to achieve budget savings through mechanisms that limit coverage or 
payment for our drugs. In recent years, some states have considered legislation and ballot initiatives that would 
control the prices of drugs, including laws to allow importation of pharmaceutical products from lower cost 
jurisdictions outside the U.S. and laws intended to impose price controls on state drug purchases. State Medicaid 
programs are increasingly requesting manufacturers to pay supplemental rebates and requiring prior authorization by 
the state program for use of any drug for which supplemental rebates are not being paid. Government efforts to 
reduce Medicaid expenses may lead to increased use of managed care organizations by Medicaid programs. This 
may result in managed care organizations influencing prescription decisions for a larger segment of the population 
and a corresponding limitation on prices and reimbursement for our products. 

In the E.U. and some other international markets, the government provides health care at low cost to 

consumers and regulates pharmaceutical prices, patient eligibility or reimbursement levels to control costs for the 
government-sponsored health care system. Many countries have announced or implemented measures, and may in 
the future implement new or additional measures, to reduce health care costs to limit the overall level of government 
expenditures. These measures vary by country and may include, among other things, patient access restrictions, 
suspensions on price increases, prospective and possible retroactive price reductions and other recoupments and 
increased mandatory discounts or rebates, recoveries of past price increases and greater importation of drugs from 
lower-cost countries. These measures have negatively impacted our revenues and may continue to adversely affect 
our revenues and results of operations in the future.

Our success in commercializing biosimilars developed by Samsung Bioepis is subject to risks and uncertainties 
inherent in the development, manufacture and commercialization of biosimilars. If Samsung Bioepis is unsuccessful 
in such activities, we may not realize the anticipated benefits of our investment in Samsung Bioepis.

Our success in commercializing biosimilars developed by Samsung Bioepis is subject to a number of risks, 

including:

• Reliance on Third Parties. We are dependent on the efforts of Samsung Bioepis and other third parties over 
whom we have limited or no control in the development and manufacturing of biosimilars products. If 
Samsung Bioepis or other third parties fail to perform successfully, we may not realize the anticipated 
benefits of our investment in Samsung Bioepis;

• Regulatory Compliance. Biosimilar products may face regulatory hurdles or delays due to the evolving and 

uncertain regulatory and commercial pathway of biosimilars products in certain jurisdictions; 

•

•

•

Intellectual Property and Regulatory Challenges. Biosimilar products may face extensive patent clearances, 
patent infringement litigation, injunctions or regulatory challenges, which could prevent the commercial 
launch of a product or delay it for many years or result in imposition of monetary damages, penalties or 
other civil sanctions and damage our reputation; 

Failure to Gain Market and Patient Acceptance. Market success of biosimilar products will be adversely 
affected if patients, physicians and/or payors do not accept biosimilar products as safe and efficacious 
products offering a more competitive price or other benefit over existing therapies; 

Ability to Provide Adequate Supply. Manufacturing biosimilars is complex. If we encounter any manufacturing 
or supply chain difficulties we may be unable to meet higher than anticipated demand. We are dependent 
on a third-party for the manufacture of biosimilar products and such third-party may not perform its 
obligations in a timely and cost-effective manner or in compliance with applicable regulations and may be 

37

•

•

unable or unwilling to increase production capacity commensurate with demand for our existing or future 
biosimilar products;

Competitive Challenges. Biosimilar products face significant competition, including from innovator products 
and biosimilar products offered by other companies. Local tendering processes may restrict biosimilar 
products from being marketed and sold in some jurisdictions. The number of competitors in a jurisdiction, 
the timing of approval and the ability to market biosimilar products successfully in a timely and cost-
effective manner are additional factors that may impact our success and/or the success of Samsung 
Bioepis in this business area; and

Legal and Regulatory Requirements. Any improper conduct or actions on the part of Samsung Bioepis or our 
joint venture partner, Samsung BioLogics, could damage our reputation and be distracting to management. 
The former chief executive officer (the incumbent chairman of the board) and the chief financial officer of 
our joint venture partner, Samsung BioLogics, are currently subject to ongoing criminal proceedings that 
may impact its operations and business or divert the attention of the Samsung Bioepis management team 
from its ongoing operations.

If Samsung Bioepis is unsuccessful in the development, manufacture and commercialization of biosimilar 

products, we may not realize the anticipated benefits of our investment in Samsung Bioepis.

In addition, as Samsung Bioepis is a privately-held entity, our ability to liquidate our investment in Samsung 

Bioepis may be limited and we may realize significantly less than the value of such investment.

Risks Related to Development, Clinical Testing and Regulation of Our Products and Product Candidates

Successful preclinical work or early stage clinical trials does not ensure success in later stage trials, regulatory 

approval or commercial viability of a product.

Positive results in a clinical trial may not be replicated in subsequent or confirmatory trials. Additionally, 
success in preclinical work or early stage clinical trials does not ensure that later stage or larger scale clinical trials 
will be successful or that regulatory approval will be obtained. Even if later stage clinical trials are successful, 
regulatory authorities may delay or decline approval of our product candidates. Regulatory authorities may disagree 
with our view of the data, require additional studies or disagree with our trial design or endpoints. Regulatory 
authorities may also fail to approve the facilities or processes used to manufacture a product candidate, our dosing 
or delivery methods or companion devices. Regulatory authorities may grant marketing approval that is more 
restricted than anticipated, including limiting indications to narrow patient populations and the imposition of safety 
monitoring, educational requirements and risk evaluation and mitigation strategies. The occurrence of any of these 
events could result in significant costs and expenses, have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition 
and results of operations and/or cause our stock price to decline or experience periods of volatility.

Clinical trials and the development of biopharmaceutical products is a lengthy and complex process. If we fail to 

adequately manage our clinical activities, our clinical trials or potential regulatory approvals may be delayed or 
denied.

Conducting clinical trials is a complex, time-consuming and expensive process. Our ability to complete clinical 

trials in a timely fashion depends on a number of key factors, including protocol design, regulatory and institutional 
review board approval, patient enrollment rates and compliance with cGCP. If we or our third-party clinical trial 
providers or third-party CROs do not successfully carry out these clinical activities, our clinical trials or the potential 
regulatory approval of a product candidate may be delayed or denied.

We have opened clinical trial sites and are enrolling patients in a number of countries where our experience is 
limited. In most cases, we use the services of third parties to carry out our clinical trial related activities and rely on 
such parties to accurately report their results. Our reliance on third parties for these activities may impact our ability 
to control the timing, conduct, expense and quality of our clinical trials. One CRO has responsibility for a substantial 
portion of our activities and reporting related to our clinical trials and if such CRO does not adequately perform, many 
of our trials may be affected. We may need to replace our CROs, which may result in the delay of the affected trials 
or otherwise adversely affect our efforts to obtain regulatory approvals and commercialize our product candidates.

Adverse safety events or restrictions on use and safety warnings for our products can negatively affect our 

business, product sales and stock price.

Adverse safety events involving our marketed products, generic or biosimilar versions of our marketed products 
or products from the same class as one of our products may have a negative impact on our business. Discovery of 
safety issues with our products could create product liability and could cause additional regulatory scrutiny and 

38

requirements for additional labeling or safety monitoring, withdrawal of products from the market and/or the 
imposition of fines or criminal penalties. Adverse safety events may also damage physician, patient and/or investor 
confidence in our products and our reputation. Any of these could result in adverse impacts on our results of 
operations. 

Regulatory authorities are making greater amounts of stand-alone safety information directly available to the 
public through periodic safety update reports, patient registries and other reporting requirements. The reporting of 
adverse safety events involving our products or products similar to ours and public rumors about such events may 
increase claims against us and may also cause our product sales to decline or our stock price to experience periods 
of volatility.

Restrictions on use or significant safety warnings that may be required to be included in the label of our 
products, such as the risk of developing PML in the label for certain of our products, may significantly reduce 
expected revenues for those products and require significant expense and management time.

The illegal distribution and sale by third parties of counterfeit or unfit versions of our products or stolen 

products could have a negative impact on our reputation and business.

Third parties might illegally distribute and sell counterfeit or unfit versions of our products, which do not meet 

our rigorous manufacturing, distribution and testing standards. A patient who receives a counterfeit or unfit drug may 
be at risk for a number of dangerous health consequences. Our reputation and business could suffer harm as a 
result of counterfeit or unfit drugs sold under our brand name. Inventory that is stolen from warehouses, plants or 
while in-transit, and that is subsequently improperly stored and sold through unauthorized channels, could adversely 
impact patient safety, our reputation and our business.

The increasing use of social media platforms presents new risks and challenges.

Social media is increasingly being used to communicate about our products and the diseases our therapies are 

designed to treat. Social media practices in the biopharmaceutical industry continue to evolve and regulations 
relating to such use are not always clear and creates uncertainty and risk of noncompliance with regulations 
applicable to our business. For example, patients may use social media channels to comment on the effectiveness 
of a product or to report an alleged adverse event. When such disclosures occur, there is a risk that we fail to 
monitor and comply with applicable adverse event reporting obligations or we may not be able to defend the company 
or the public's legitimate interests in the face of the political and market pressures generated by social media due to 
restrictions on what we may say about our products. There is also a risk of inappropriate disclosure of sensitive 
information or negative or inaccurate posts or comments about us on any social networking website. If any of these 
events were to occur or we otherwise fail to comply with applicable regulations, we could incur liability, face overly 
restrictive regulatory actions or incur other harm to our business.

Risks Related to Intellectual Property

If we are unable to obtain and maintain adequate protection for our data, intellectual property and other 

proprietary rights, our business may be harmed. 

Our success, including our long-term viability and growth, depends, in part, on our ability to obtain and defend 

patent and other intellectual property rights, including certain regulatory forms of exclusivity, that are important to the 
commercialization of our products and product candidates. Patent protection and/or regulatory exclusivity in the U.S. 
and other important markets remains uncertain and depends, in part, upon decisions of the patent offices, courts, 
administrative bodies and lawmakers in these countries. We may fail to obtain or preserve patent and other 
intellectual property rights, including certain regulatory forms of exclusivity, or the protection we obtain may not be of 
sufficient breadth and degree to protect our commercial interests in all countries where we conduct business, which 
could result in financial, business or reputational harm to us or could cause a decline or volatility in our stock price. 
In addition, settlements of such proceedings often result in reducing the period of patent and other protections, 
resulting in a reduction in revenue from affected products.

In many markets, including the U.S., manufacturers may be allowed to rely on the safety and efficacy data of 

the innovator's product and do not need to conduct clinical trials before marketing a competing version of a product 
after there is no longer patent or regulatory exclusivity. In such cases, manufacturers often charge significantly lower 
prices and a major portion of the company's revenues may be reduced in a short period of time. In addition, 
manufacturers of generics and biosimilars may choose to launch or attempt to launch their products before the 
expiration of our patent or other intellectual property protections.

39

Furthermore, our products may be determined to infringe patents or other intellectual property rights held by 

third parties. Legal proceedings, administrative challenges or other types of proceedings are and may in the future 
be necessary to determine the validity, scope or non-infringement of certain patent rights claimed by third parties to 
be pertinent to the manufacture, use or sale of our products. Such proceedings are unpredictable and are often 
protracted and expensive. Negative outcomes of such proceedings could hinder or prevent us from manufacturing 
and marketing our products, could require us to seek a license for the infringed product or technology or result in the 
assessment of significant monetary damages against us that may exceed amounts, if any, accrued in our financial 
statements. A failure to obtain necessary licenses for an infringed product or technology could prevent us from 
manufacturing or selling our products. Furthermore, payments under any licenses that we are able to obtain would 
reduce our profits from the covered products and services. Any of these circumstances could result in financial, 
business or reputational harm to us or could cause a decline or volatility in our stock price.

Risks Related to Our Operations

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may, directly or indirectly, adversely affect our business, results of operations 

and financial condition.

Our business could be materially adversely affected, directly or indirectly, by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 
National, state and local governments in affected regions have implemented and may continue to implement safety 
precautions, including quarantines, border closures, increased border controls, travel restrictions, shelter in place 
orders and shutdowns, business closures and other measures. These measures may disrupt normal business 
operations both in and outside of affected areas and may have significant negative impacts on businesses and 
financial markets worldwide.

We continue to monitor our operations and applicable government recommendations, and we have made 
modifications to our normal operations because of the COVID-19 pandemic, including limiting travel and working from 
home. We have also suspended the vast majority of our in-person interactions by our customer-facing professionals 
in healthcare settings. This limits our ability to market our products and educate physicians, which, in turn, could 
have an adverse effect on our ability to compete in the marketing and sales of our products.

Prolonged remote working arrangements could impact employees’ productivity and morale, strain our technology 

resources and introduce operational risks. Operating requirements may continually change due to the COVID-19 
pandemic and we may experience unpredictability in our expenses, employee productivity and employee work culture. 
Additionally, the risk of cyber-attacks or other privacy or data security incidents may be heightened as a result of our 
moving increasingly towards a remote working environment, which may be less secure and more susceptible to 
hacking attacks.

The COVID-19 pandemic could affect the health and availability of our workforce as well as those of the third 

parties we rely on. If members of our management and other key personnel in critical functions across our 
organization are unable to perform their duties or have limited availability due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we may not 
be able to execute on our business strategy and/or our operations may be negatively impacted. Furthermore, delays 
and disruptions experienced by our collaborators, joint venture partners or other third parties due to the COVID-19 
pandemic could adversely impact the ability of such parties to fulfill their obligations, which could affect product 
sales or the clinical development or regulatory approvals of product candidates under joint control.

Our ability to continue our existing clinical trials or to initiate new clinical trials may be adversely affected, 

directly or indirectly, by the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, our Phase 3 study of BIIB093 for LHI has been 
delayed as this study involves administration of BIIB093 in an acute hospital setting. Restrictions on travel and/or 
transport of clinical materials as well as diversion of hospital staff and resources to COVID-19 infected patients 
could disrupt trial operations and recruitment, possibly resulting in a slowdown in enrollment and/or deviations from 
or disruptions in key clinical trial activities, such as clinical trial site monitoring. These challenges may lead to 
difficulties in meeting protocol-specified procedures. We may need to make certain adjustments to the operation of 
clinical trials in an effort to minimize risks to trial data integrity during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the 
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the operations of the FDA and other health authorities may delay potential 
approvals of our product candidates.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was 

signed into law in the U.S. in March 2020 and is aimed at providing emergency assistance and health care for 
individuals, families and businesses and generally supporting the U.S. economy. We expect that additional state and 
federal healthcare reform measures may be adopted in the future, any of which could limit the amounts that federal 
and state governments will pay for healthcare products and services, which could result in reduced demand for our 
products or additional pricing pressures. The COVID-19 pandemic may introduce temporary or permanent healthcare 
reform measures for which we cannot predict the financial implication of on our business.

40

While it is not possible at this time to estimate the entirety of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic will have 

on our business, operations, employees, customers, suppliers or collaboration partners, continued spread of 
COVID-19, measures taken by governments, actions taken to protect employees and the broad impact of the 
pandemic on all business activities may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and 
financial condition.

A breakdown or breach of our technology systems could subject us to liability or interrupt the operation of our 

business.

We are increasingly dependent upon technology systems and data to operate our business. Further, the 
COVID-19 pandemic has caused us to modify our business practices, including the requirement that most of our 
office-based employees in the U.S. and our other key markets work from home. As a result, we are increasingly 
dependent upon our technology systems to operate our business and our ability to effectively manage our business 
depends on the security, reliability and adequacy of our technology systems and data, which includes use of cloud 
technologies, including Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service 
(IaaS). A breakdown, invasion, corruption, destruction or breach of our technology systems, including our cloud 
technologies, and/or unauthorized access to our data and information could subject us to liability or negatively 
impact the operation of our business. Our technology systems, including our cloud technologies, continue to 
increase in multitude and complexity, making them potentially vulnerable to breakdown, malicious intrusion and 
random attack. Data privacy or security breaches also pose a risk that sensitive data, including intellectual property, 
trade secrets or personal information belonging to us, our patients, customers or other business partners, may be 
exposed to unauthorized persons or to the public. 

Cyber-attacks are increasing in their frequency, sophistication and intensity, and are becoming increasingly 

difficult to detect. They are often carried out by motivated, well-resourced, skilled and persistent actors, including 
nation states, organized crime groups, “hacktivists” and employees or contractors acting with malicious intent. 
Cyber-attacks could include the deployment of harmful malware and key loggers, ransomware, a denial-of-service 
attack, a malicious website, the use of social engineering and other means to affect the confidentiality, integrity and 
availability of our technology systems and data. Cyber-attacks could also include supply chain attacks, which could 
cause a delay in the manufacturing of our products or products produced for contract manufacturing. Our key 
business partners face similar risks and any security breach of their systems could adversely affect our security 
posture. In addition, our increased use of cloud technologies could heighten these and other operational risks, and 
any failure by cloud technology service providers to adequately safeguard their systems and prevent cyber-attacks 
could disrupt our operations and result in misappropriation, corruption or loss of confidential or propriety information.

While we continue to build and improve our systems and infrastructure, including our business continuity plans, 
there can be no assurance that our efforts will prevent breakdowns or breaches in our systems that could adversely 
affect our business and operations and/or result in the loss of critical or sensitive information, which could result in 
financial, legal, operational or reputational harm to us, loss of competitive advantage or loss of consumer 
confidence. Our liability insurance may not be sufficient in type or amount to cover us against claims related to 
security breaches, cyber-attacks and other related breaches.

Regulators are imposing new data privacy and security requirements, including new and greater monetary fines 
for privacy violations. For example, the E.U.’s GDPR established regulations regarding the handling of personal data, 
and provides an enforcement authority and imposes large penalties for noncompliance. New U.S. data privacy and 
security laws, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and others that may be passed, similarly 
introduce requirements with respect to personal information, and non-compliance with the CCPA may result in liability 
through private actions (subject to statutorily defined damages in the event of certain data breaches) and 
enforcement. Failure to comply with these current and future laws, policies, industry standards or legal obligations or 
any security incident resulting in the unauthorized access to, or acquisition, release or transfer of personal 
information may result in governmental enforcement actions, litigation, fines and penalties or adverse publicity and 
could cause our customers to lose trust in us, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and 
results of operations.

Management and key personnel changes may disrupt our operations, and we may have difficulty retaining key 

personnel or attracting and retaining qualified replacements on a timely basis for management and other key 
personnel who may leave the Company.

Changes in management and other key personnel have the potential to disrupt our business, and any such 
disruption could adversely affect our operations, programs, growth, financial condition or results of operations. New 
members of management may have different perspectives on programs and opportunities for our business, which 
may cause us to focus on new opportunities or reduce or change emphasis on our existing programs.

41

Our success is dependent upon our ability to attract and retain qualified management and key personnel in a 

highly competitive environment. Qualified individuals are in high demand, and we may incur significant costs to 
attract them, particularly at the executive level. We may face difficulty in attracting and retaining key talent for a 
number of reasons, including management changes, the underperformance or discontinuation of one or more late 
stage programs or recruitment by competitors. We cannot ensure that we will be able to hire or retain the personnel 
necessary for our operations or that the loss of any personnel will not have a material impact on our financial 
condition and results of operations.

If we fail to comply with the extensive legal and regulatory requirements affecting the health care industry, we 

could face increased costs, penalties and a loss of business.

Our activities, and the activities of our collaborators, distributors and other third-party providers, are subject to 

extensive government regulation and oversight in the U.S. and in foreign jurisdictions. The FDA and comparable 
foreign agencies directly regulate many of our most critical business activities, including the conduct of preclinical 
and clinical studies, product manufacturing, advertising and promotion, product distribution, adverse event reporting, 
product risk management and our compliance with good practice quality guidelines and regulations. Our interactions  
with physicians and other health care providers that prescribe or purchase our products are also subject to 
government regulation designed to prevent fraud and abuse in the sale and use of products and place significant 
restrictions on the marketing practices of health care companies. Health care companies are facing heightened 
scrutiny of their relationships with health care providers and have been the target of lawsuits and investigations 
alleging violations of government regulation, including claims asserting submission of incorrect pricing information, 
impermissible off-label promotion of pharmaceutical products, payments intended to influence the referral of health 
care business, submission of false claims for government reimbursement, antitrust violations or violations related to 
environmental matters. There is also enhanced scrutiny of company-sponsored patient assistance programs, 
including insurance premium and co-pay assistance programs and donations to third-party charities that provide such 
assistance. The U.S. government has challenged some of our donations to third-party charities that provide patient 
assistance. If we, or our vendors or donation recipients, are found to fail to comply with relevant laws, regulations or 
government guidance in the operation of these programs, we could be subject to significant fines or penalties. Risks 
relating to compliance with laws and regulations may be heightened as we continue to expand our global operations 
and enter new therapeutic areas with different patient populations, which may have different product distribution 
methods, marketing programs or patient assistance programs from those we currently utilize or support. 

Conditions and regulations governing the health care industry are subject to change, with possible retroactive 

effect, including:

•

•

•

•

•

new laws, regulations or judicial decisions, or new interpretations of existing laws, regulations or judicial 
decisions, related to health care availability, pricing or marketing practices, compliance with employment 
practices, method of delivery, payment for health care products and services, compliance with health 
information and data privacy and security laws and regulations, tracking and reporting payments and other 
transfers of value made to physicians and teaching hospitals, extensive anti-bribery and anti-corruption 
prohibitions, product serialization and labeling requirements and used product take-back requirements; 

changes in the FDA and foreign regulatory approval processes that may delay or prevent the approval of 
new products and result in lost market opportunity; 

government shutdowns or relocations may result in delays to the review and approval process, slowing the 
time necessary for new drug candidates to be reviewed and/or approved, which may adversely affect our 
business;

requirements that provide for increased transparency of clinical trial results and quality data, such as the 
EMA's clinical transparency policy, which could impact our ability to protect trade secrets and competitively-
sensitive information contained in approval applications or could be misinterpreted leading to reputational 
damage, misperception or legal action, which could harm our business; and

changes in FDA and foreign regulations that may require additional safety monitoring, labeling changes, 
restrictions on product distribution or use or other measures after the introduction of our products to 
market, which could increase our costs of doing business, adversely affect the future permitted uses of 
approved products or otherwise adversely affect the market for our products.

Violations of governmental regulation may be punishable by criminal and civil sanctions, including fines and civil 

monetary penalties and exclusion from participation in government programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, as 
well as against executives overseeing our business. We could also be required to repay amounts we received from 
government payors or pay additional rebates and interest if we are found to have miscalculated the pricing 

42

information we submitted to the government. We cannot ensure that our compliance controls, policies and 
procedures will protect us from acts committed by our employees, collaborators or third-party providers that would 
violate the laws or regulations of the jurisdictions in which we operate. Whether or not we have complied with the 
law, an investigation into alleged unlawful conduct could increase our expenses, damage our reputation, divert 
management time and attention and adversely affect our business.

Our sales and operations are subject to the risks of doing business internationally.

We are increasing our presence in international markets, subjecting us to many risks that could adversely affect 

our business and revenues. There is no guarantee that our efforts and strategies to expand sales in international 
markets will succeed. Emerging market countries may be especially vulnerable to periods of global and local political, 
legal, regulatory and financial instability and may have a higher incidence of corruption and fraudulent business 
practices. Certain countries may require local clinical trial data as part of the drug registration process in addition to 
global clinical trials, which can add to overall drug development and registration timelines. We may also be required 
to increase our reliance on third-party agents and unfamiliar operations and arrangements previously utilized by 
companies we collaborate with or acquire in emerging markets.

Our sales and operations are subject to the risks of doing business internationally, including:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

the impact of public health epidemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, on the global economy and the 
delivery of healthcare treatments;

less favorable intellectual property or other applicable laws; 

the inability to obtain necessary foreign regulatory or pricing approvals of products in a timely manner; 

limitations and additional pressures on our ability to obtain and maintain product pricing or receive price 
increases, including those resulting from governmental or regulatory requirements;

the inability to successfully complete subsequent or confirmatory clinical trials in countries where our 
experience is limited;

longer payment and reimbursement cycles and uncertainties regarding the collectability of accounts 
receivable; 

fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates that may adversely impact our revenues, net income and 
value of certain of our investments; 

the imposition of governmental controls; 

diverse data privacy and protection requirements;

increasingly complex standards for complying with foreign laws and regulations that may differ substantially 
from country to country and may conflict with corresponding U.S. laws and regulations; 

the far-reaching anti-bribery and anti-corruption legislation in the U.K., including the Bribery Act, and 
elsewhere and escalation of investigations and prosecutions pursuant to such laws; 

the effects of the U.K.'s departure from the E.U., known as Brexit;

compliance with complex import and export control laws;

changes in tax laws; and

the imposition of tariffs or embargoes and other trade restrictions.

In addition, our international operations are subject to regulation under U.S. law. For example, the FCPA 
prohibits U.S. companies and their representatives from paying, offering to pay, promising to pay or authorizing the 
payment of anything of value to any foreign government official, government staff member, political party or political 
candidate for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or to otherwise obtain favorable treatment or influence a 
person working in an official capacity. In many countries, the health care professionals we regularly interact with may 
meet the FCPA's definition of a foreign government official. Failure to comply with domestic or foreign laws could 
result in various adverse consequences, including possible delay in approval or refusal to approve a product, recalls, 
seizures or withdrawal of an approved product from the market, disruption in the supply or availability of our products 
or suspension of export or import privileges, the imposition of civil or criminal sanctions, the prosecution of 
executives overseeing our international operations and damage to our reputation. Any significant impairment of our 
ability to sell products outside of the U.S. could adversely impact our business and financial results.

43

We are building a large-scale biologics manufacturing facility, which will result in the incurrence of significant 

investment with no assurance that such investment will be recouped.

In order to support our future growth and drug development pipeline, we are expanding our large molecule 

production capacity by building a large-scale biologics manufacturing facility in Solothurn, Switzerland with no 
assurance that the additional capacity will be required or this investment will be recouped.

We expect the Solothurn facility to be partially operational during the first half of 2021; however, there can be 

no assurance that we will be able to meet our expected timeline or that there will not be any direct or indirect delays 
resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. We have had delays, and if there are additional delays, in bringing the 
Solothurn facility online, we may not have sufficient large-scale manufacturing capacity to meet our long-term 
manufacturing requirements.

If we are unable to adequately and timely manufacture and supply our products and product candidates or if we 
do not fully utilize our manufacturing facilities, our business may be harmed. Charges resulting from excess capacity 
would have a negative effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Manufacturing issues could substantially increase our costs, limit supply of our products and/or reduce our 

revenues.

The process of manufacturing our products is complex, highly regulated and subject to numerous risks, 

including:

• Risks of Reliance on Third Parties and Single Source Providers. We rely on third-party suppliers and 

manufacturers for many aspects of our manufacturing process for our products and product candidates. In 
some cases, due to the unique manner in which our products are manufactured, we rely on single source 
providers of raw materials and manufacturing supplies. These third parties are independent entities subject 
to their own unique operational and financial risks that are outside of our control, including the impact of 
the COVID-19 pandemic. These third parties may not perform their obligations in a timely and cost-effective 
manner or in compliance with applicable regulations, and they may be unable or unwilling to increase 
production capacity commensurate with demand for our existing or future products. Finding alternative 
providers could take a significant amount of time and involve significant expense due to the specialized 
nature of the services and the need to obtain regulatory approval of any significant changes to our suppliers 
or manufacturing methods. We cannot be certain that we could reach agreement with alternative providers 
or that the FDA or other regulatory authorities would approve our use of such alternatives. 

• Risks Relating to Compliance with cGMP. We and our third-party providers are generally required to maintain 
compliance with cGMP and other stringent requirements and are subject to inspections by the FDA and 
other regulatory authorities to confirm compliance. Any delay, interruption or other issues that arise in the 
manufacture, fill-finish, packaging or storage of our products as a result of a failure of our facilities or 
operations or those of third parties to pass any regulatory agency inspection could significantly impair our 
ability to develop and commercialize our products. Significant noncompliance could also result in the 
imposition of monetary penalties or other civil or criminal sanctions and damage our reputation.

• Global Bulk Supply Risks. We rely on our manufacturing facilities for the production of drug substance for our 
large molecule products and product candidates. Our global bulk supply of these products and product 
candidates depends on the uninterrupted and efficient operation of these facilities, which could be 
adversely affected by equipment failures, labor shortages, public health epidemics, natural disasters, power 
failures, cyber-attacks and many other factors. In addition, we are building a large-scale biologics 
manufacturing facility in Solothurn, Switzerland, which we expect to be partially operational during the first 
half of 2021. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to meet our expected timeline or 
that there will not be any direct or indirect delays resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. We have had 
delays, and if there are additional delays, in bringing the Solothurn facility online, we may not have 
sufficient large-scale manufacturing capacity to meet our long-term manufacturing requirements.

• Risk of Product Loss. The manufacturing process for our products is extremely susceptible to product loss 
due to contamination, oxidation, equipment failure or improper installation or operation of equipment or 
vendor or operator error. Even minor deviations from normal manufacturing processes could result in 
reduced production yields, product defects and other supply disruptions. If microbial, viral or other 
contaminations are discovered in our products or manufacturing facilities, we may need to close our 
manufacturing facilities for an extended period of time to investigate and remediate the contaminant.

• Risk Relating to Government Actions. We and/or our third-party providers may be required by the U.S. federal 

government to manufacture medical supplies needed to treat COVID-19 patients under the Defense 

44

Production Act or other acts or orders of government entities, which may result in delays in the 
manufacturing and supply of our products.

Any adverse developments affecting our manufacturing operations or the operations of our third-party suppliers 
and manufacturers may result in shipment delays, inventory shortages, lot failures, product withdrawals or recalls or 
other interruptions in the commercial supply of our products. We may also have to take inventory write-offs and incur 
other charges and expenses for products that fail to meet specifications, undertake costly remediation efforts or 
seek more costly manufacturing alternatives. Such developments could increase our manufacturing costs, cause us 
to lose revenues or market share as patients and physicians turn to competing therapeutics, diminish our 
profitability or damage our reputation. 

In addition, although we have business continuity plans to reduce the potential for manufacturing disruptions or 

delays and reduce the severity of a disruptive event, there is no guarantee that these plans will be adequate, which 
could adversely affect our business and operations.

Our effective tax rate fluctuates, and we may incur obligations in tax jurisdictions in excess of accrued amounts.

As a global biopharmaceutical company, we are subject to taxation in numerous countries, states and other 

jurisdictions. As a result, our effective tax rate is derived from a combination of applicable tax rates, including 
withholding taxes, in the various places that we operate. In preparing our financial statements, we estimate the 
amount of tax that will become payable in each of such places. Our effective tax rate may be different than 
experienced in the past or our current expectations due to many factors, including changes in the mix of our 
profitability from country to country, the results of examinations and audits of our tax filings, adjustments to the 
value of our uncertain tax positions, interpretations by tax authorities or other bodies with jurisdiction, the result of 
tax cases, changes in accounting for income taxes and changes in tax laws and regulations either prospectively or 
retrospectively. 

Our inability to secure or sustain acceptable arrangements with tax authorities and future changes in the tax 
laws, among other things, may result in tax obligations in excess of amounts accrued in our financial statements.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (2017 Tax Act) resulted in significant changes to the U.S. corporate income 
tax system. Our estimates concerning the impact of the 2017 Tax Act on our accounting and on our business remain 
subject to developing interpretations of the provisions of the 2017 Tax Act, which may require further adjustments 
and changes in our estimates, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or 
financial condition. Further, the new administration could introduce new tax laws or revise or issue new 
interpretations of the 2017 Tax Act.

The Swiss Federal Act on Tax Reform and AHV Financing (TRAF) resulted in significant changes to the Swiss 
cantonal income tax system. Final interpretation of the transitional and new regimes of the TRAF may require further 
adjustments and changes in our estimates, which could have a significant adverse effect on our business, results of 
operations or financial condition.

The enactment of some or all of the recommendations set forth or that may be forthcoming in the Organization 
for Economic Cooperation and Development’s project on “Base Erosion and Profit Shifting” (BEPS) by tax authorities 
and economic blocs in the countries in which we operate, could unfavorably impact our effective tax rate. These 
initiatives focus on common international principles for the entitlement to taxation of global corporate profits and 
minimum global tax rates.

Risks Related to Holding Our Common Stock

Our operating results are subject to significant fluctuations.

Our quarterly revenues, expenses and net income (loss) have fluctuated in the past and are likely to fluctuate 

significantly in the future due to the risks described in these Risk Factors as well as the timing of charges and 
expenses that we may take. We have recorded, or may be required to record, charges that include:

•

•

•

the cost of restructurings or other initiatives to streamline our operations and reallocate resources; 

impairments with respect to investments, fixed assets and long-lived assets, including in-process research 
and development (IPR&D) and other intangible assets; 

inventory write-downs for failed quality specifications, charges for excess or obsolete inventory and charges 
for inventory write downs relating to product suspensions, expirations or recalls; 

•

changes in the fair value of contingent consideration or our equity investments;

45

•

•

•

•

•

bad debt expenses and increased bad debt reserves; 

outcomes of litigation and other legal or administrative proceedings, regulatory matters and tax matters;

payments in connection with acquisitions, divestitures and other business development activities and under 
license and collaboration agreements;

failure to meet certain contractual commitments; and

the impact of public health epidemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, on employees, the global economy 
and the delivery of healthcare treatments.

Our revenues and certain assets and liabilities are also subject to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations 
due to the global nature of our operations. Our efforts to mitigate the impact of fluctuating currency exchange rates 
may not be successful. As a result, currency fluctuations among our reporting currency, the U.S. dollar, and other 
currencies in which we do business will affect our operating results, often in unpredictable ways. Our net income may 
also fluctuate due to the impact of charges we may be required to take with respect to foreign currency hedge 
transactions. In particular, we may incur higher than expected charges from early termination of a hedge relationship.

Our operating results during any one period do not necessarily suggest the anticipated results of future periods.

Our investments in properties may not be fully realized.

We own or lease real estate primarily consisting of buildings that contain research laboratories, office space 
and manufacturing operations. We may decide to consolidate or co-locate certain aspects of our business operations 
or dispose of one or more of our properties, some of which may be located in markets that are experiencing high 
vacancy rates and decreasing property values. If we determine that the fair value of any of our owned properties is 
lower than their book value, we may not realize the full investment in these properties and incur significant 
impairment charges or additional depreciation when the expected useful lives of certain assets have been shortened 
due to the anticipated closing of facilities. If we decide to fully or partially vacate a property, we may incur significant 
cost, including facility closing costs, employee separation and retention expenses, lease termination fees, rent 
expense in excess of sublease income and impairment of leasehold improvements and accelerated depreciation of 
assets. Any of these events may have an adverse impact on our results of operations.

Our investment portfolio is subject to market, interest and credit risk that may reduce its value.

We maintain a portfolio of marketable securities for investment of our cash as well as investments in equity 

securities of certain biotechnology companies. Changes in the value of our investment portfolio could adversely 
affect our earnings. The value of our investments may decline due to, among other things, increases in interest 
rates, downgrades of the bonds and other securities in our portfolio, instability in the global financial markets that 
reduces the liquidity of securities in our portfolio, declines in the value of collateral underlying the securities in our 
portfolio and other factors. Each of these events may cause us to record charges to reduce the carrying value of our 
investment portfolio or sell investments for less than our acquisition cost. Although we attempt to mitigate these 
risks through diversification of our investments and continuous monitoring of our portfolio's overall risk profile, the 
value of our investments may nevertheless decline.

There can be no assurance that we will continue to repurchase shares or that we will repurchase shares at 

favorable prices.

From time to time our Board of Directors authorizes share repurchase programs. The amount and timing of 

share repurchases are subject to capital availability and our determination that share repurchases are in the best 
interest of our shareholders and are in compliance with all respective laws and our applicable agreements. Our 
ability to repurchase shares will depend upon, among other factors, our cash balances and potential future capital 
requirements for strategic transactions, our results of operations, our financial condition and other factors beyond 
our control that we may deem relevant. A reduction in repurchases under, or the completion of, our share repurchase 
programs could have a negative effect on our stock price. We can provide no assurance that we will repurchase 
shares at favorable prices, if at all.

We may not be able to access the capital and credit markets on terms that are favorable to us.

We may seek access to the capital and credit markets to supplement our existing funds and cash generated 
from operations for working capital, capital expenditure and debt service requirements and other business initiatives. 
The capital and credit markets are experiencing, and have in the past experienced, extreme volatility and disruption, 
which leads to uncertainty and liquidity issues for both borrowers and investors. In the event of adverse market 
conditions, we may be unable to obtain capital or credit market financing on favorable terms. Changes in credit 

46

ratings issued by nationally recognized credit rating agencies could also adversely affect our cost of financing and 
the market price of our securities.

Our indebtedness could adversely affect our business and limit our ability to plan for or respond to changes in our 

business. 

Our indebtedness, together with our significant contingent liabilities, including milestone and royalty payment 

obligations, could have important consequences to our business; for example, such obligations could: 

•

•

•

•

increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

limit our ability to access capital markets and incur additional debt in the future;

require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our 
indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow for other purposes, including business 
development, research and development and mergers and acquisitions; and

limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we 
operate, thereby placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less 
debt.

Some of our collaboration agreements contain change in control provisions that may discourage a third party from 

attempting to acquire us.

Some of our collaboration agreements include change in control provisions that could reduce the potential 

acquisition price an acquirer is willing to pay or discourage a takeover attempt that could be viewed as beneficial to 
shareholders. Upon a change in control, some of these provisions could trigger reduced milestone, profit or royalty 
payments to us or give our collaboration partner rights to terminate our collaboration agreement, acquire operational 
control or force the purchase or sale of the programs that are the subject of the collaboration.

General Risk Factors

Our business involves environmental risks, which include the cost of compliance and the risk of contamination or 

injury.

Our business and the business of several of our strategic partners involve the controlled use of hazardous 
materials, chemicals, biologics and radioactive compounds. Although we believe that our safety procedures for 
handling and disposing of such materials comply with state, federal and foreign standards, there will always be the 
risk of accidental contamination or injury. If we were to become liable for an accident, or if we were to suffer an 
extended facility shutdown, we could incur significant costs, damages and penalties that could harm our business. 
Manufacturing of our products and product candidates also requires permits from government agencies for water 
supply and wastewater discharge. If we do not obtain appropriate permits, including permits for sufficient quantities 
of water and wastewater, we could incur significant costs and limits on our manufacturing volumes that could harm 
our business.

Item  1B.  

Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item  2.  

Properties

Below is a summary of our owned and leased properties as of December 31, 2020.

Massachusetts

In Cambridge, MA we own approximately 508,000 square feet of real estate space, consisting of a building 

that houses a research laboratory and a cogeneration plant totaling approximately 263,000 square feet and a 
building that contains research, development and quality laboratories totaling approximately 245,000 square feet.

In addition, we lease a total of approximately 1,169,000 square feet in Massachusetts, which is summarized 

as follows:

•

800,000 square feet in Cambridge, MA, which is comprised of offices for our corporate headquarters and 
other administrative and development functions and laboratories, of which 265,000 square feet is 
subleased by multiple companies for general office space, laboratories and manufacturing facilities;

47

•

357,000 square feet of office space in Weston, MA, of which 174,000 square feet is subleased through 
the remaining term of our lease agreement; and

•

12,000 square feet of office space in Waltham, MA.

Our Massachusetts lease agreements expire at various dates through the year 2028.

North Carolina

In RTP, NC we own approximately 1,040,000 square feet of real estate space, which is summarized as follows:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

357,000 square feet of laboratory and office space;

206,000 square foot multi-purpose facility, including an ASO manufacturing suite and administrative space;

175,000 square feet related to a large-scale biologics manufacturing facility;

105,000 square feet related to a small-scale biologics manufacturing facility;

84,000 square feet of warehouse space and utilities; 

70,000 square feet related to a parenteral fill-finish facility; and

43,000 square feet related to a large-scale purification facility.

In addition, we lease approximately 65,000 square feet of warehouse space and 103,000 square feet of office 

space in Durham, NC. Our North Carolina lease agreements expire at various dates through the year 2031.

Switzerland

In order to support our future growth and drug development pipeline, we are building a large-scale biologics 

manufacturing facility in Solothurn, Switzerland. We expect this facility to be partially operational during the first half 
of 2021. Upon completion, the facility will include 393,000 square feet related to a large-scale biologics 
manufacturing facility, 290,000 square feet of warehouse, utilities and support space and 51,000 square feet of 
administrative space.  

Other International

We lease office space in Baar, Switzerland, our international headquarters; the U.K.; Germany; France; Japan; 
Canada and numerous other countries. Our international lease agreements expire at various dates through the year 
2030.

Item  3.  

Legal Proceedings

For  a  discussion  of  legal  matters  as  of  December  31,  2020,  please  read  Note  20,  Litigation,  to  our 

consolidated financial statements included in this report, which is incorporated into this item by reference.

Item  4.  

Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

48

Item 5.  
Purchases of Equity Securities

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer 

PART II

Market and Stockholder Information

Our common stock trades on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “BIIB.” As of February 2, 

2021, there were approximately 505 shareholders of record of our common stock.

Dividends

We have not paid cash dividends since our inception. While we historically have not paid cash dividends and do 

not have a current intention to pay cash dividends, we continually review our capital allocation strategies, including, 
among other things, payment of cash dividends, share repurchases and acquisitions.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table summarizes our common stock repurchase activity during the fourth quarter of 2020:

Period
October 2020

November 2020

December 2020

Total

Total Number of
Shares Purchased
(#)

Average Price
Paid per Share
($)

—  $ 

—  $ 

1,620,969  $ 

1,620,969  $ 

— 

— 

246.77 

246.77 

Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Programs
(#)

Approximate Dollar Value
of Shares That May Yet Be
Purchased Under
Our Programs ($ in 
millions)

—  $ 

—  $ 

—  $ 

5,000.0 

5,000.0 

4,600.0 

In October 2020 our Board of Directors authorized our 2020 Share Repurchase Program, which is a program to 

repurchase up to $5.0 billion of our common stock. Our 2020 Share Repurchase Program does not have an 
expiration date. All share repurchases under our 2020 Share Repurchase Program will be retired. Under our 2020 
Share Repurchase Program, we repurchased and retired approximately 1.6 million shares of our common stock at a 
cost of approximately $400.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2020.

In December 2019 our Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $5.0 billion of our common 

stock (December 2019 Share Repurchase Program), which was completed as of September 30, 2020. All shares 
repurchased under our December 2019 Share Repurchase Program were retired. Under our December 2019 Share 
Repurchase Program, we repurchased and retired approximately 16.7 million shares of our common stock at a cost 
of approximately $5.0 billion during the year ended December 31, 2020.

In March 2019 our Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $5.0 billion of our common 

stock (March 2019 Share Repurchase Program), which was completed as of March 31, 2020. All shares 
repurchased under our March 2019 Share Repurchase Program were retired. Under our March 2019 Share 
Repurchase Program, we repurchased and retired approximately 4.1 million and 14.7 million shares of our common 
stock at a cost of approximately $1.3 billion and $3.7 billion during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, 
respectively.

In August 2018 our Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $3.5 billion of our common 
stock (2018 Share Repurchase Program), which was completed as of June 30, 2019. All share repurchases under 
our 2018 Share Repurchase Program were retired. Under our 2018 Share Repurchase Program, we repurchased and 
retired approximately 8.9 million and 4.3 million shares of our common stock at a cost of approximately $2.1 billion 
and $1.4 billion during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

In July 2016 our Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $5.0 billion of our common stock 

(2016 Share Repurchase Program), which was completed as of June 30, 2018. All share repurchases under our 
2016 Share Repurchase Program were retired. Under our 2016 Share Repurchase Program, we repurchased and 
retired approximately 10.5 million shares of common stock at a cost of approximately $3.0 billion during the year 
ended December 31, 2018.

49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Performance Graph

The performance graph below compares the five-year cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock, 

the Nasdaq Pharmaceutical Index, the S&P 500 Index and the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index.

On February 1, 2017, we completed the spin-off of our hemophilia business, Bioverativ Inc. (Bioverativ), as an 
independent, publicly traded company. In connection with the spin-off, each Biogen shareholder received one share 
of Bioverativ common stock for every two shares of Biogen common stock they owned. For additional information on 
the spin-off of our hemophilia business, please read Note 3, Hemophilia Spin-Off, to our consolidated financial 
statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

The performance graph below assumes the investment of $100.00 on December 31, 2015, in our common 
stock and each of the three indexes, with dividends being reinvested. Our stock prices have been adjusted for the 
effect of the spin-off of our hemophilia business. The five-year cumulative total stockholder return for Biogen does 
not reflect the reinvestment by Biogen shareholders of the distribution they received in connection with the spin-off of 
our hemophilia business or any subsequent increase or decrease in value of Bioverativ stock subsequent to the spin-
off. 

The stock price performance in the graph below is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.

Biogen Inc.

Nasdaq Pharmaceutical Index

S&P 500 Index

Nasdaq Biotechnology Index

2015

$100.00

$100.00

$100.00

$100.00

2016

$92.57

$98.91

$111.96

$78.65

2017

$112.74

$117.83

$136.40

$95.69

2018

$106.49

$127.20

$130.42

$87.21

2019

$105.01

$145.65

$171.49

$109.11

2020

$86.65

$160.97

$203.04

$137.94

The information included under the heading Performance Graph is “furnished” and not “filed” for purposes of 

Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be 
deemed to be “soliciting material” subject to Regulation 14A or incorporated by reference in any filing under the 
Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

50

Item 6.  

Selected Financial Data

BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Our results of operations are summarized as follows:

(In millions, except per share amounts)

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

For the Years Ended December 31,

Results of Operations

Product revenues, net

$ 

10,692.2  $  11,379.8  $  10,886.8  $  10,354.7  $ 

9,817.9 

Revenues from anti-CD20 therapeutic programs

1,977.8 

2,290.4 

1,980.2 

1,559.2 

1,314.5 

Other revenues

Total revenues

Total cost and expenses

Income from operations

Other income (expense), net

Income before income tax expense and equity in loss of 
investee, net of tax

Income tax expense

774.6 

707.7 

585.9 

360.0 

316.4 

13,444.6 

14,377.9 

13,452.9 

12,273.9 

11,448.8 

8,894.5 

4,550.1 

497.4 

5,047.5 

992.3 

7,335.3 

7,042.6 

83.3 

7,125.9 

1,158.0 

7,564.3 

5,888.6 

6,928.1 

5,345.8 

6,297.1 

5,151.7 

11.0 

(217.0)   

(218.7) 

5,899.6 

1,425.6 

— 

5,128.8 

2,458.7 

— 

4,933.0 

1,237.3 

— 

Equity in loss of investee, net of tax

(5.3)   

79.4 

Net income

4,060.5 

5,888.5 

4,474.0 

2,670.1 

3,695.7 

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, 
net of tax

59.9 

— 

43.3 

131.0 

(7.1) 

Net income attributable to Biogen Inc.

$ 

4,000.6  $ 

5,888.5  $ 

4,430.7  $ 

2,539.1  $ 

3,702.8 

Diluted Earnings Per Share

Diluted earnings per share attributable to Biogen Inc.

$ 

24.80  $ 

31.42  $ 

21.58  $ 

11.92  $ 

16.93 

Weighted-average shares used in calculating diluted 
earnings per share attributable to Biogen Inc.

161.3 

187.4 

205.3 

213.0 

218.8 

Our financial condition is summarized as follows:

(In millions)

Financial Condition

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

As of December 31,

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities

Total assets

Notes payable, less current portion

Total Biogen Inc. shareholders’ equity

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

3,382.2  $ 

5,884.0  $ 

4,913.9  $ 

6,746.3  $ 

7,724.5 

24,618.9  $  27,234.3  $  25,288.9  $  23,652.6  $  22,876.8 

7,426.2  $ 

4,459.0  $ 

5,936.5  $ 

5,935.0  $ 

6,512.7 

10,700.3  $  13,343.2  $  13,039.6  $  12,612.8  $  12,140.1 

The financial data included within the tables above should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial 

statements and related notes and Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results 
of Operations included in this report and our previously filed Annual Reports on Form 10-K.

51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and 

Item 7.  
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results 
of Operations

The following discussion should be read in 
conjunction with our consolidated financial statements 
and the accompanying notes beginning on page F-1 of 
this report. 

For our discussion of the year ended 
December 31, 2019, compared to the year ended 
December 31, 2018, please read Item 7. 
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations located in our 
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 
December 31, 2019.

Executive Summary

Introduction

Biogen is a global biopharmaceutical company 

focused on discovering, developing and delivering 
worldwide innovative therapies for people living with 
serious neurological and neurodegenerative diseases 
as well as related therapeutic adjacencies. Our core 
growth areas include MS and neuroimmunology; 
Alzheimer's disease and dementia; neuromuscular 
disorders, including SMA and ALS; movement 
disorders, including Parkinson's disease; 
ophthalmology; and neuropsychiatry. We are also 
focused on discovering, developing and delivering 
worldwide innovative therapies in our emerging growth 
areas of immunology; acute neurology; and 
neuropathic pain. In addition, we commercialize 
biosimilars of advanced biologics. We support our 
drug discovery and development efforts through the 
commitment of significant resources to discovery, 
research and development programs and business 
development opportunities.

Our marketed products include TECFIDERA, 

VUMERITY, AVONEX, PLEGRIDY, TYSABRI and 
FAMPYRA for the treatment of MS; SPINRAZA for the 
treatment of SMA; and FUMADERM for the treatment 
of severe plaque psoriasis. We have certain business 
and financial rights with respect to RITUXAN for the 
treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, CLL and other 
conditions; RITUXAN HYCELA for the treatment of non-
Hodgkin's lymphoma and CLL; GAZYVA for the 
treatment of CLL and follicular lymphoma; OCREVUS 
for the treatment of PPMS and RMS; and other 
potential anti-CD20 therapies pursuant to our 
collaboration arrangements with Genentech. For 
additional information on our collaboration 
arrangements with Genentech, please read Note 18, 
Collaborative and Other Relationships, to our 
consolidated financial statements included in this 
report.

52

Our innovative drug development and 

commercialization activities are complemented by our 
biosimilar business that expands access to medicines 
and reduces the cost burden for healthcare systems. 
Through our agreements with Samsung Bioepis, our 
joint venture with Samsung BioLogics, we market and 
sell BENEPALI, an etanercept biosimilar referencing 
ENBREL, IMRALDI, an adalimumab biosimilar 
referencing HUMIRA, and FLIXABI, an infliximab 
biosimilar referencing REMICADE, in certain countries 
in Europe and have an option to acquire exclusive 
rights to commercialize these products in China. 
Additionally, we have exclusive rights to commercialize 
two potential ophthalmology biosimilar products, 
SB11, a proposed ranibizumab biosimilar referencing 
LUCENTIS, and SB15, a proposed aflibercept 
biosimilar referencing EYLEA, in major markets 
worldwide, including the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan 
and Australia. For additional information on our 
collaboration arrangements with Samsung Bioepis, 
please read Note 18, Collaborative and Other 
Relationships, to our consolidated financial 
statements included in this report.

We seek to ensure an uninterrupted supply of 
medicines to our patients around the world. To that 
end, we continually review our manufacturing capacity, 
capabilities, processes and facilities. In order to 
support our future growth and drug development 
pipeline, we are expanding our large molecule 
production capacity by building a large-scale biologics 
manufacturing facility in Solothurn, Switzerland, which 
we expect to be partially operational during the first 
half of 2021. We believe that the Solothurn 
manufacturing facility will provide us with the ability to 
further expand if our future growth and drug 
development plans increase.

Our revenues depend upon continued sales of 

our products as well as the financial rights we have in 
our anti-CD20 therapeutic programs, and, unless we 
develop, acquire rights to and/or commercialize new 
products and technologies, we will be substantially 
dependent on sales from our products and our 
financial rights in our anti-CD20 therapeutic programs 
for many years.

In the longer term, our revenue growth will 

depend upon the successful clinical development, 
regulatory approval and launch of new commercial 
products as well as additional indications for our 
existing products, our ability to obtain and maintain 
patents and other rights related to our marketed 
products, assets originating from our research and 
development efforts and/or successful execution of 
external business development opportunities.

Business Environment

For a detailed discussion on our business 
environment, please read Item 1. Business included in 
this report. For additional information on our 
competition and pricing risks that could negatively 
impact our product sales, please read Item 1A. Risk 
Factors and Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative 
Disclosures About Market Risk included in this report.

TECFIDERA

In June 2020 and September 2020 judgments 

were entered in favor of the defendants in the patent 
infringement proceedings relating to TECFIDERA 
Orange-Book listed patents pursuant to the Hatch-
Waxman Act in West Virginia and Delaware. We have 
appealed the judgments in both actions. For 
additional information, please read Note 20, Litigation, 
to our consolidated financial statements included in 
this report.

Multiple TECFIDERA generic entrants are now in 

the U.S. market and have deeply discounted prices 
compared to TECFIDERA. The generic competition for 
TECFIDERA significantly reduced our TECFIDERA 
revenues during the year ended December 31, 2020, 
and is expected to have a substantial negative impact 
on our TECFIDERA revenues for as long as there is 
generic competition. For additional information, please 
read the discussion under Results of Operations - 
Product Revenues - Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Fumarate 
below.

Business Update Regarding COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present a 

substantial public health and economic challenge 
around the world. The length of time and full extent to 
which the COVID-19 pandemic directly or indirectly 
impacts our business, results of operations and 
financial condition depends on future developments 
that are highly uncertain, subject to change and are 
difficult to predict, including as a result of new 
information that may emerge concerning COVID-19 
and the actions taken to contain or treat COVID-19 as 
well as the economic impact on local, regional, 
national and international customers and markets.

We are monitoring the demand for our products, 

including the duration and degree to which we may 
see delays in starting new patients on a product due 
to hospitals diverting the resources that are 
necessary to administer certain of our products to 
care for COVID-19 patients, including products, such 
as TYSABRI and SPINRAZA, that are administered in a 
physician's office or hospital setting. We may also 
see reduced demand for immunosuppressant 
therapies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While we are currently continuing the clinical 
trials we have underway in sites across the globe, 

53

COVID-19 precautions have impacted the timeline for 
some of our clinical trials and these precautions may, 
directly or indirectly, have a further impact on timing in 
the future. For example, our Phase 3 study of BIIB093 
for LHI, a severe form of ischemic stroke, has been 
delayed as this study involves administration of 
BIIB093 in an acute hospital setting. To help mitigate 
the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to our clinical 
trials, we are pursuing innovative approaches such as 
remote monitoring, remote patient visits and 
supporting home infusions. These alternative 
measures have resulted in an immaterial increase to 
the cost of the clinical trials underway.

For additional information on the various risks 
posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, please read Item 
7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About 
Market Risk and Item 1A. Risk Factors included in this 
report.

Brexit

Effective January 31, 2020, the U.K. ceased to 
be a member state of the E.U., a process known as 
Brexit, and began a transition period, which expired on 
December 31, 2020.

In December 2020 the U.K. and the E.U. agreed 

on a trade and cooperation agreement, under which 
the E.U. and the U.K. will now form two separate 
markets governed by two distinct regulatory and legal 
regimes. The trade and cooperation agreement covers 
the general objectives and framework of the 
relationship between the U.K. and the E.U., including 
as it relates to trade, transport and visas. Notably, 
under the trade and cooperation agreement, U.K. 
service suppliers no longer benefit from automatic 
access to the entire E.U. single market, U.K. goods no 
longer benefit from the free movement of goods and 
there is no longer the free movement of people 
between the U.K. and the E.U. Depending on the 
application of the terms of the trade and cooperation 
agreement, we could face new regulatory costs and 
challenges.

We do not expect Brexit to have a material 
impact on our consolidated results of operations as 
less than 4.0% of our total product revenues in 2020, 
2019 and 2018 were derived from U.K. sales. 
However, we cannot predict the direction Brexit-related 
developments will take nor the impact of those 
developments on our European operations and the 
economies of the markets where we operate. Brexit 
could lead to legal uncertainty and potentially 
divergent national laws and regulations as the U.K. 
determines which E.U. laws to replace or replicate, 
including U.K. competition laws. Therefore, we will 
continue to monitor for developments in this area and 
assess any potential impacts on our business and 
results of operations.

Financial Highlights

Expenses

Diluted earnings per share attributable to Biogen 
Inc. were $24.80 for 2020, representing a decrease 
of 21.1% as compared to $31.42 in the same period 
in 2019.

As described below under Results of Operations, 

our net income and diluted earnings per share 
attributable to Biogen Inc. for the year ended 
December 31, 2020, compared to the year ended 
December 31, 2019, reflects the following:

Revenues

•

•

Total revenues were $13,444.6 million for 2020, 
representing a decrease of 6.5% as compared to 
$14,377.9 million in 2019.

Product revenues, net totaled $10,692.2 million 
for 2020, representing a decrease of 6.0% as 
compared to $11,379.8 million in 2019. This 
decrease was primarily due to a $697.2 million, 
or 8.2%, decrease in MS product revenues and a 
$44.9 million, or 2.1%, decrease in revenues 
from SPINRAZA, partially offset by a $57.5 
million, or 7.8%, increase in revenues from our 
biosimilar business. Product revenues, net, 
compared to the same period in 2019, further 
reflects the unfavorable impact of foreign 
currency exchange of $111.6 million.

◦

The decrease in MS product revenues 
was primarily due to a decrease in 
TECFIDERA demand and price as a result 
of multiple TECFIDERA generic entrants 
entering the U.S. market during the year 
ended December 31, 2020.

• Revenues from anti-CD20 therapeutic programs 
totaled $1,977.8 million for 2020, representing 
a decrease of 13.6% as compared to $2,290.4 
million in 2019. This decrease was primarily due 
to a $490.7 million, or 31.7%, decrease in 
RITUXAN revenues, partially offset by a 
$157.9 million, or 23.0%, increase in royalty 
revenues on sales of OCREVUS. Sales of 
RITUXAN have been adversely affected primarily 
by the onset of biosimilars competition in the 
U.S.

• Other revenues totaled $774.6 million for 2020, 
representing an increase of 9.5% over $707.7 
million in 2019. This increase was due to higher 
contract manufacturing revenues, primarily 
resulting from $346.2 million in revenues related 
to the delivery of the license for certain of our 
manufacturing-related intellectual property to a 
contract manufacturing customer.

•

Total cost and expenses were $8,894.5 million 
for 2020, representing an increase of 21.3% 
from $7,335.3 million in 2019. This increase 
was primarily due to a $1,710.3 million, or 
75.0%, increase in research and development 
expense.

◦

The increase in research and 
development expense was primarily due 
to $1,893.3 million in charges 
recognized in connection with upfront 
payments associated with entering into 
our collaborations with Sangamo, Denali 
and Sage.

This increase was partially offset by:

◦

◦

a 5.1% decrease in amortization and 
impairment of acquired intangible 
assets; and 

a $92.5 million gain recognized in 2020 
associated with the divestiture of our 
Hillerød, Denmark manufacturing 
operations. 

As described below under Financial Condition, 

Liquidity and Capital Resources:

• We generated $4,229.8 million of net cash flows 

from operations for 2020. 

• Cash, cash equivalents and marketable 

securities totaled approximately $3,382.2 million 
as of December 31, 2020.

• We repurchased and retired approximately 

22.4 million shares of our common stock at a 
cost of approximately $6.7 billion during 2020 
under our 2020, December 2019 and March 
2019 Share Repurchase Programs.

Acquisitions, Collaborative and Other Relationships

For additional information on our acquisitions, 
collaborative and other relationships discussed below, 
please read Note 2, Acquisitions, Note 18, 
Collaborative and Other Relationships, and Note 19, 
Investments in Variable Interest Entities, to our 
consolidated financial statements included in this 
report.

BIIB118 Acquisition

In March 2020 we acquired BIIB118, a novel 

CNS-penetrant small molecule inhibitor of casein 
kinase 1, for the potential treatment of patients with 
behavioral and neurological symptoms across various 
psychiatric and neurological diseases from Pfizer. We 
are developing BIIB118 for the potential treatment of 
ISWRD in Parkinson’s disease and plan to develop 

54

BIIB118 for the potential treatment of sundowning in 
Alzheimer's disease.

For additional information on our acquisition of 

BIIB118, please read Note 2, Acquisitions, to our 
consolidated financial statements included in this 
report.

Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc.

In April 2020 we closed a collaboration and 
license agreement with Sangamo to develop and 
commercialize ST-501 for tauopathies, including 
Alzheimer's disease; ST-502 for synucleinopathies, 
including Parkinson’s disease; a third neuromuscular 
disease target; and up to nine additional neurological 
disease targets to be identified and selected within a 
five-year period.

For additional information on our collaboration 

arrangement with Sangamo, please read Note 18, 
Collaborative and Other Relationships, to our 
consolidated financial statements included in this 
report.

Denali Therapeutics Inc.

In October 2020 we closed a collaboration and 
license agreement with Denali to co-develop and co-
commercialize Denali's small molecule inhibitors of 
LRRK2 for Parkinson's disease. In addition to the 
LRRK2 program, we also have an exclusive option to 
license two preclinical programs from Denali’s 
Transport Vehicle platform, including its Antibody 
Transport Vehicle: Abeta program and a second 
program utilizing its Transport Vehicle technology. 
Further, we have a right of first negotiation on two 
additional Transport Vehicle-enabled therapeutics, 
should Denali decide to seek a collaboration for such 
programs.

For additional information on our collaboration 

arrangement with Denali, please read Note 18, 
Collaborative and Other Relationships, to our 
consolidated financial statements included in this 
report.

Sage Therapeutics, Inc.

In December 2020 we closed a global 
collaboration and license agreement with Sage to 
jointly develop and commercialize zuranolone for the 

potential treatment of major depressive disorder, 
postpartum depression and other psychiatric 
disorders and SAGE-324 for the potential treatment of 
essential tremor and other neurological disorders.

For additional information on our collaboration 

arrangement with Sage, please read Note 18, 
Collaborative and Other Relationships, to our 
consolidated financial statements included in this 
report.

Other Key Developments

Aducanumab (AB mAb)

In July 2020 we completed the submission of a 

BLA for the approval of aducanumab to the FDA. In 
August 2020 the FDA accepted the BLA and granted 
Priority Review with a PDUFA action date on March 7, 
2021. In November 2020 the FDA held a virtual 
meeting of the Advisory Committee to review data 
supporting the BLA for aducanumab and to vote on 
questions presented at the meeting. A majority of the 
Advisory Committee members voted against each of 
the questions presented at the meeting.

In January 2021 the FDA extended the review 

period for the BLA for aducanumab by three months. 
The updated PDUFA action date is June 7, 2021. As 
part of the ongoing review, we submitted a response 
to an information request by the FDA, including 
additional analyses and clinical data, which the FDA 
considered a Major Amendment to the application that 
will require additional time for review.

In October 2020 the EMA accepted for review 

the MAA for aducanumab.

In December 2020 the Ministry of Health, Labor 

and Welfare accepted for review the Japanese New 
Drug Application for aducanumab.

2020 Share Repurchase Program

In October 2020 our Board of Directors 
authorized our 2020 Share Repurchase Program, 
which is a program to repurchase up to $5.0 billion of 
our common stock. Our 2020 Share Repurchase 
Program does not have an expiration date. All share 
repurchases under our 2020 Share Repurchase 
Program will be retired.

55

Results of Operations

Revenues

Revenues are summarized as follows:

(In millions, except percentages)

2020

2019

2018

For the Years Ended December 31,

% Change

$ Change

2020
vs.
2019

2019
vs.
2018

2020
vs.
2019

2019
vs.
2018

Total product revenues, net

  10,692.2 

  11,379.8 

  10,886.8 

Revenues from anti-CD20 therapeutic programs

1,977.8 

2,290.4 

1,980.2 

 (13.6) 

$  5,900.1  $  6,713.8  $  6,800.5 

 (12.1) %

 (1.3) % $ 

(813.7)  $ 

(86.7) 

4,792.1 

4,666.0 

4,086.3 

 2.7 

 (6.0) 

 14.2 

 4.5 

 15.7 

 20.8 

126.1 

579.7 

(687.6)   

493.0 

(312.6)   

310.2 

66.9 

121.8 

774.6 

707.7 

585.9 

 9.5 

$ 13,444.6  $ 14,377.9  $ 13,452.9 

 (6.5) %

 6.9 % $ 

(933.3)  $ 

925.0 

Product revenues, net:

United States

Rest of world

Other revenues

Total revenues

Product Revenues

Product revenues are summarized as follows:

(In millions, except percentages)

Multiple Sclerosis (MS):

Fumarate*

Interferon**

TYSABRI

FAMPYRA

ZINBRYTA

For the Years Ended December 31,

2020

2019

2018

% Change

$ Change

2020
vs.
2019

2019
vs.
2018

2020
vs.
2019

2019
vs.
2018

$  3,905.4  $  4,438.2  $  4,274.1 

 (12.0) %

 3.8 % $ 

(532.8)  $ 

164.1 

1,877.5 

2,101.8 

2,363.0 

 (10.7) 

 (11.1) 

(224.3)   

(261.2) 

1,946.1 

1,892.2 

1,864.0 

103.1 

— 

97.1 

— 

92.7 

1.4 

 2.8 

 6.2 

 — 

 1.5 

 4.7 

nm    

53.9 

6.0 

— 

28.2 

4.4 

(1.4) 

Subtotal: MS product revenues

7,832.1 

8,529.3 

8,595.2 

 (8.2) 

 (0.8) 

(697.2)   

(65.9) 

Spinal Muscular Atrophy:

SPINRAZA

Biosimilars:

BENEPALI

IMRALDI

FLIXABI

Subtotal: Biosimilar product revenues

Other:

FUMADERM

2,052.1 

2,097.0 

1,724.2 

 (2.1) 

 21.6 

(44.9)   

372.8 

481.6 

216.3 

97.9 

795.8 

486.2 

184.0 

68.1 

738.3 

485.2 

 (0.9) 

 0.2 

(4.6)   

1.0 

16.7 

43.2 

545.1 

 17.6 

 43.8 

 7.8 

nm    

 57.6 

 35.4 

32.3 

29.8 

57.5 

167.3 

24.9 

193.2 

12.2 

15.2 

22.3 

 (19.7) 

 (31.8) 

(3.0)   

(7.1) 

Total product revenues, net

$ 10,692.2  $ 11,379.8  $ 10,886.8 

 (6.0) %

 4.5 % $ 

(687.6)  $ 

493.0 

*Fumarate includes TECFIDERA and VUMERITY. VUMERITY became commercially available in the U.S. in November 2019.
**Interferon includes AVONEX and PLEGRIDY.
nm Not meaningful.

56

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Fumarate

Fumarate revenues include sales from 

TECFIDERA and VUMERITY. In October 2019 the FDA 
approved VUMERITY for the treatment of RMS and 
VUMERITY became commercially available in the U.S. 
in November 2019.

For 2020 compared to 2019, the 17.2% 

decrease in U.S. Fumarate revenues was primarily due 
to a decrease in TECFIDERA demand and price as a 
result of multiple TECFIDERA generic entrants entering 
the U.S. market during the year ended December 31, 
2020. This decrease was partially offset by an 
increase of approximately $60.0 million in VUMERITY 
sales, which became commercially available in the 
U.S. in November 2019.

For 2020 compared to 2019, the 3.3% increase 
in rest of world Fumarate revenues was primarily due 
to an increase in TECFIDERA sales volumes of 8.6%, 
partially offset by pricing reductions in certain 
European countries and the unfavorable impact of 
foreign currency exchange. The increase in volumes 
was primarily due to continued strong patient growth 
in our E.U. direct markets, including Italy, Spain and 
the U.K., as well as growth in Japan and Brazil.

In June 2020 and September 2020 judgments 

were entered in favor of the defendants in the patent 
infringement proceedings relating to TECFIDERA 
Orange-Book listed patents pursuant to the Hatch-
Waxman Act in West Virginia and Delaware. We have 
appealed the judgments in both actions. For 
additional information, please read Note 20, Litigation, 
to our consolidated financial statements included in 
this report.

Multiple TECFIDERA generic entrants are now in 

the U.S. market and have deeply discounted prices 

compared to TECFIDERA. The generic competition for 
TECFIDERA significantly reduced our TECFIDERA 
revenues during the year ended December 31, 2020, 
and is expected to have a substantial negative impact 
on our TECFIDERA revenues for as long as there is 
generic competition. 

We anticipate an increase in TECFIDERA sales 
volume in rest of world in 2021, compared to 2020, 
notwithstanding the increasing competition from 
additional treatments for MS and potential disruptions 
due, directly or indirectly, to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We expect an increase in VUMERITY sales 

volume in the U.S., mostly driven by the continued 
launch of VUMERITY.

For additional information on our collaboration 

arrangement with Alkermes, please read Note 18, 
Collaborative and Other Relationships, to our 
consolidated financial statements included in this 
report.

Interferon

For 2020 compared to 2019, the 10.7% 
decrease in U.S. Interferon revenues was primarily 
due to a decrease in Interferon sales volumes of 
12.0%. The net decline in sales volumes reflects the 
continued decline of the Interferon market as patients 
transition to other higher efficacy and oral MS 
therapies. 

For 2020 compared to 2019, the 10.5% 
decrease in rest of world Interferon revenues was 
primarily due to a decrease in Interferon sales 
volumes of 7.1%, which negatively impacted 
comparative revenue of $48.1 million.

We expect that Interferon revenues will continue 

to decline in both the U.S. and rest of world markets 
in 2021, compared to 2020, as a result of increasing 

57

COVID-19 pandemic. We expect to continue to face 
price reductions in certain European markets.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

SPINRAZA

competition from our other MS products as well as 
other treatments for MS, including biosimilars, and 
pricing reductions in certain European markets.

AVONEX

For 2020, 2019 and 2018 U.S. AVONEX 
revenues totaled $1,083.4 million, $1,202.1 million 
and $1,420.2 million, respectively.

For 2020, 2019 and 2018 rest of world AVONEX 

revenues totaled $408.5 million, $463.8 million and 
$495.3 million, respectively.

PLEGRIDY

For 2020, 2019 and 2018 U.S. PLEGRIDY 
revenues totaled $190.1 million, $224.5 million and 
$248.1 million, respectively.

For 2020, 2019 and 2018 rest of world 

PLEGRIDY revenues totaled $195.5 million, 
$211.4 million and $199.4 million, respectively.

TYSABRI

For 2020 compared to 2019, the 15.6% 
decrease in U.S. SPINRAZA revenues was primarily 
due to a decrease in sales volumes of 15.0%, 
resulting from increased competition as well as lower 
loading and maintenance doses due to the impact of 
site of care closures as a result of the COVID-19 
pandemic.

For 2020 compared to 2019, the 8.7% increase 
in rest of world SPINRAZA revenues was primarily due 
to a net increase in sales volumes of 16.8%, which 
was reflective of the impact of a shift from loading to 
maintenance doses and the impact of site of care 
closures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  This 
increase was partially lower net prices and the 
unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange.

In 2021 we expect that SPINRAZA revenues will 

be subject to increased competition resulting in higher 
discontinuations and a lower rate of new patient 
starts combined with the impact of loading dose 
dynamics as patients transition to dosing once every 
four months and lower prices in certain rest of world 
countries. We believe that some SPINRAZA doses may 
continue to be delayed due, directly or indirectly, to 
the COVID-19 pandemic.

We face competition from a gene therapy product 
that was approved in the U.S. and the E.U. and a new 
oral product that was approved in the U.S. and has 
been accepted for review in the E.U. We expect that 
we will experience competition from both products in 
additional jurisdictions in the future. Additionally, we 
are aware of other products now in development that, 

For 2020 compared to 2019, the 5.3% increase 

in U.S. TYSABRI revenues was primarily due to an 
increase in TYSABRI sales volume of 1.0% and price 
increases, partially offset by higher discounts and 
allowance rates. 

For 2020 compared to 2019, rest of world 
TYSABRI revenues remained flat, with stable volume 
and pricing.

We anticipate TYSABRI sales volume to 
modestly increase on a global basis in 2021, 
compared to 2020, despite increasing competition 
from additional treatments for MS, including 
OCREVUS. We believe that some TYSABRI infusions 
may be delayed due, directly or indirectly, to the 

58

if launched, may also compete with SPINRAZA. Future 
sales of SPINRAZA may be adversely affected by the 
commercialization of competing products.

For additional information on our collaboration 

arrangements with Ionis, please read Note 18, 
Collaborative and Other Relationships, to our 
consolidated financial statements included in this 
report.

Biosimilars

BENEPALI, IMRALDI and FLIXABI

Europe and obtained an option to acquire exclusive 
rights to commercialize these products in China. 

For additional information on our collaboration 

arrangements with Samsung Bioepis, please read 
Note 18, Collaborative and Other Relationships, to our 
consolidated financial statements included in this 
report.

Revenues from Anti-CD20 Therapeutic 
Programs

Genentech (Roche Group)

Our share of RITUXAN, including RITUXAN 
HYCELA, and GAZYVA collaboration operating profits 
in the U.S. and other revenues from anti-CD20 
therapeutic programs are summarized in the table 
below. For purposes of this discussion, we refer to 
RITUXAN and RITUXAN HYCELA collectively as 
RITUXAN.

For 2020 compared to 2019, the 7.8% increase 

in biosimilar revenues was primarily due to higher 
sales volumes and a favorable foreign currency 
impact, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of 
price decreases.

In 2021 we expect modest to moderate revenue 
growth for our biosimilars business depending on the 
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We expect growth 
to be primarily driven by the continued launch of 
IMRALDI in Europe, partially offset by price reductions 
in certain European countries.

In December 2019 we completed a transaction 

with Samsung Bioepis and secured the exclusive 
rights to commercialize two potential ophthalmology 
biosimilars, SB11, a proposed ranibizumab biosimilar 
referencing LUCENTIS, and SB15, a proposed 
aflibercept biosimilar referencing EYLEA, in major 
markets worldwide, including the U.S., Canada, 
Europe, Japan and Australia. In October 2020 the 
EMA accepted for review the MAA for SB11 and in 
November 2020 the FDA accepted the BLA for SB11. 
We also acquired an option to extend our existing 
commercial agreement with Samsung Bioepis for 
BENEPALI, IMRALDI and FLIXABI in certain countries in 

Biogen’s Share of Pre-tax Profits in the U.S. for 

RITUXAN and GAZYVA

The following table provides a summary of 
amounts comprising our share of pre-tax profits in the 
U.S. for RITUXAN and GAZYVA:

For the Years Ended December 31,

(In millions)

2020

2019

2018

Product revenues, net

$  3,334.1  $  4,747.4  $  4,484.3 

Cost and expenses

433.0 

622.7 

669.6 

Pre-tax profits in the 
U.S.

Biogen's share of pre-
tax profits

$  2,901.1  $  4,124.7  $  3,814.7 

$  1,080.2  $  1,542.4  $  1,431.9 

59

 
 
 
 
OCREVUS and our share of pre-tax co-promotion 
profits from RITUXAN in Canada. 

For 2020 compared to 2019, the increase in 

other revenues from anti-CD20 therapeutic programs 
was primarily due to sales growth of OCREVUS. 
Royalty revenues recognized on sales of OCREVUS for 
the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 
2018, totaled $845.4 million, $687.5 million and 
$478.3 million, respectively.

OCREVUS royalty revenues are based on our 

estimates from third party and market research data 
of OCREVUS sales occurring during the corresponding 
period. Differences between actual and estimated 
royalty revenues will be adjusted for in the period in 
which they become known, which is generally 
expected to be the following quarter.

For additional information on our collaboration 
arrangements with Genentech, including information 
regarding the pre-tax profit-sharing formula and its 
impact on future revenues from anti-CD20 therapeutic 
programs, please read Note 18, Collaborative and 
Other Relationships, to our consolidated financial 
statements included in this report.

For 2020 compared to 2019, the decrease in 

U.S. product revenues, net was primarily due to a 
decrease in sales volumes of RITUXAN in the U.S. of 
26.7%, due to the onset of competition from multiple 
biosimilars, and we believe RITUXAN was adversely 
impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

For 2020 compared to 2019, product revenues, 
net also reflects increases in GAZYVA sales volumes 
of 24.7%.

For 2020 compared to 2019, the decrease in 
collaboration costs and expenses was primarily due to 
lower cost of sales on RITUXAN.

We are aware of several other anti-CD20 
molecules, including biosimilar products, that have 
recently been approved and are expected to compete 
with RITUXAN and GAZYVA in the oncology market. In 
November 2019, January 2020 and January 2021 
biosimilar products referencing RITUXAN were 
launched in the U.S. and are being offered at lower 
prices. This competition has adversely affected the 
pre-tax profits of our collaboration arrangements with 
Genentech and could have a significant adverse affect 
on our co-promotion profits in the U.S. in future years.

Other Revenues from Anti-CD20 Therapeutic 

Programs

Other revenues from anti-CD20 therapeutic 
programs consist of royalty revenues on sales of 

Other Revenues

Other revenues are summarized as follows:

(In millions, except percentages)

For the Years Ended December 31,

2020

2019

2018

% Change

$ Change

2020
vs.
2019

2019
vs.
2018

2020
vs.
2019

2019
vs.
2018

Revenues from collaborative and other relationships

$ 

21.6  $ 

106.2  $ 

87.8 

 (79.7) %

 21.0 % $ 

(84.6)  $  18.4 

Other royalty and corporate revenues

753.0 

601.5 

498.1 

 25.2 

 20.8 

  151.5 

  103.4 

Total other revenues

$ 

774.6  $ 

707.7  $ 

585.9 

 9.5 %

 20.8 % $  66.9  $  121.8 

Revenues from Collaborative and Other 

Relationships

Revenues from collaborative and other 
relationships primarily include revenues from our 
technical development services and manufacturing 
agreements with Samsung Bioepis and royalty 
revenues on biosimilar products from Samsung 
Bioepis. 

Following the divestiture of our Hillerød, 
Denmark manufacturing operations in August 2019, 
FUJIFILM Corporation (FUJIFILM) assumed 
responsibility for the manufacture of clinical and 
commercial quantities of bulk drug substance of 
biosimilar products for Samsung Bioepis. We no 
longer recognize revenues for the manufacturing 

completed after the Hillerød, Denmark manufacturing 
operations divestiture date under our technical 
development services and manufacturing agreements 
with Samsung Bioepis.

For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 

2019, we recognized $20.9 million and $106.2 
million, respectively, related to the services described 
above provided to Samsung Bioepis.

For additional information on our collaborative 

and other relationships, including revenues recognized 
under our technical development services and 
manufacturing agreements with Samsung Bioepis, 
please read Note 18, Collaborative and Other 
Relationships, to our consolidated financial 
statements included in this report.

60

 
 
 
For additional information on the divestiture of 

our Hillerød, Denmark manufacturing operations, 
please read Note 3, Divestitures, to our consolidated 
financial statements included in this report.

Other Royalty and Corporate Revenues

We receive royalties from net sales on products 

related to patents that we have out-licensed and we 
record other corporate revenues primarily from 
amounts earned under contract manufacturing 
agreements.

During the third quarter of 2019, we amended 

our agreement with a contract manufacturing 
customer pursuant to which we licensed certain of our 
manufacturing-related intellectual property to the 
customer. In the second quarter of 2020, the 
customer received regulatory approval for its product 
that is being manufactured using certain of our 
manufacturing-related intellectual property. As a 
result, we are entitled to $500.0 million in a series of 
three payments. The first payment became due upon 
regulatory approval of such product and was received 
during the second quarter of 2020. Subsequent 
payments are due on the first and second 
anniversaries of the regulatory approval.

Other corporate revenues for the year ended 
December 31, 2020, reflect $346.2 million related to 
the delivery of the license for certain of our 
manufacturing-related intellectual property under the 
amended agreement discussed above and the 
performance of manufacturing product supply services 
for such customer. We have allocated the remaining 
$153.8 million of the $500.0 million transaction price 
to the performance of manufacturing product supply 
services for the customer, which we expect to perform 
through 2026. The value allocated to the 
manufacturing services was based on expected 

demand for supply and the fair value of comparable 
manufacturing and development services.

For 2020 compared to 2019, the increase in 

other royalty and corporate revenues was due to 
higher contract manufacturing revenues, primarily 
resulting from $346.2 million in revenues related to 
the delivery of the license for certain of our 
manufacturing-related intellectual property to a 
contract manufacturing customer, as discussed 
above.

Reserves for Discounts and Allowances

Revenues from product sales are recorded net 
of reserves established for applicable discounts and 
allowances, including those associated with the 
implementation of pricing actions in certain 
international markets where we operate.

These reserves are based on estimates of the 

amounts earned or to be claimed on the related sales 
and are classified as reductions of accounts 
receivable (if the amount is payable to our customer) 
or a liability (if the amount is payable to a party other 
than our customer). These estimates reflect our 
historical experience, current contractual and 
statutory requirements, specific known market events 
and trends, industry data and forecasted customer 
buying and payment patterns. Actual amounts may 
ultimately differ from our estimates. If actual results 
vary, we adjust these estimates, which could have an 
effect on earnings in the period of adjustment. 

Reserves for discounts, contractual adjustments 

and returns that reduced gross product revenues are 
summarized as follows:

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 
and 2018, reserves for discounts and allowances as 

61

a percentage of gross product revenues were 27.1%, 
24.3% and 23.7%, respectively.

Discounts

Discounts include trade term discounts and 

wholesaler incentives. 

For 2020 compared to 2019, the increase in 
discounts was primarily driven by an increase in gross 
biosimilar sales in our international markets as well 
as increases in discount percentages in certain 
countries.

Contractual Adjustments

Contractual adjustments primarily relate to 
Medicaid and managed care rebates, pharmacy 
rebates, co-payment (copay) assistance, VA and PHS 
discounts, specialty pharmacy program fees and other 
government rebates or applicable allowances. 

For 2020 compared to 2019, the increase in 

contractual adjustments was primarily due to higher 
pharmacy rebates and governmental rebates in the 

Cost and Expenses

A summary of total cost and expenses is as follows:

U.S. as well as higher governmental rebates and 
allowances in the rest of world, due in part to an 
increase in SPINRAZA sales volumes worldwide.

Returns

Product return reserves are established for 
returns expected to be made by wholesalers. In 
accordance with contractual terms, wholesalers are 
permitted to return product for reasons such as 
damaged or expired product. The majority of 
wholesaler returns are due to product expiration. 
Provisions for product returns are recognized in the 
period the related revenues are recognized, resulting 
in a reduction to product sales. 

For 2020 compared to 2019, return reserves 

were relatively consistent. 

For additional information on our revenue 
reserves, please read Note 4, Revenues, to our 
consolidated financial statements included in this 
report.

(In millions, except percentages)

Cost of sales, excluding amortization and 
impairment of acquired intangible assets

For the Years Ended December 31,

2020

2019

2018

% Change

$ Change

2020
vs.
2019

2019
vs.
2018

2020
vs.
2019

2019
vs.
2018

$  1,805.2  $  1,955.4  $  1,816.3 

 (7.7) %

 7.7 % $  (150.2)  $  139.1 

Research and development

3,990.9 

2,280.6 

2,597.2 

 75.0 

 (12.2) 

  1,710.3 

(316.6) 

Selling, general and administrative

2,504.5 

2,374.7 

2,106.3 

 5.5 

 12.7 

129.8 

268.4 

Amortization and impairment of acquired intangible 
assets

Collaboration profit (loss) sharing

(Gain) loss on divestiture of Hillerød, Denmark 
manufacturing operations

(Gain) loss on fair value remeasurement of 
contingent consideration

Acquired in-process research and development

Restructuring charges

464.8 

232.9 

489.9 

241.6 

747.3 

185.0 

 (5.1) 

 (3.6) 

 (34.4) 

 30.6 

(25.1)   

(257.4) 

(8.7)   

56.6 

(92.5)   

55.3 

— 

nm

nm  

(147.8)   

55.3 

(86.3)   

(63.7)   

(12.3) 

 35.5 

 417.9 

(22.6)   

(51.4) 

75.0 

— 

— 

1.5 

112.5 

12.0 

nm

nm

nm  

75.0 

(112.5) 

 (87.5) 

(1.5)   

(10.5) 

Total cost and expenses

$  8,894.5  $  7,335.3  $  7,564.3 

 21.3 %

 (3.0) % $ 1,559.2  $  (229.0) 

nm Not meaningful

62

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of Sales, Excluding Amortization and 

Impairment of Acquired Intangible Assets

Research and Development

Cost of sales, as a percentage of total revenues, 
were 13.4%, 13.6% and 13.5% for the years ended 
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Product Cost of Sales

For 2020 compared to 2019, the decrease in 

product cost of sales was primarily due to lower cost 
of sales from contract manufacturing agreements, 
primarily resulting from the sale of hemophilia 
inventory, with a cost basis of $173.5 million, to 
Bioverativ in the first quarter of 2019 and FUJIFILM 
assuming responsibility for the manufacture of clinical 
and commercial quantities of bulk drug substance of 
biosimilar products for Samsung Bioepis during the 
third quarter of 2019.

Inventory amounts written down as a result of 

excess, obsolescence, unmarketability or other 
reasons totaled $26.6 million, $52.2 million and 
$41.9 million for the years ended December 31, 
2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 

Royalty Cost of Sales

For 2020 compared to 2019, the decrease in 

royalty cost of sales was primarily due to lower 
royalties payable on lower sales of AVONEX and 
SPINRAZA.

63

development costs in the table above and are not 
allocated to a specific program or stage.

Research and development expense incurred in 

support of our marketed products includes costs 
associated with product lifecycle management 
activities including, if applicable, costs associated 
with the development of new indications for existing 
products. Late stage programs are programs in Phase 
3 development or in registration stage. Early stage 
programs are programs in Phase 1 or Phase 2 
development. Research and discovery represents 
costs incurred to support our discovery research and 
translational science efforts. Costs are reflected in 
the development stage based upon the program 
status when incurred. Therefore, the same program 
could be reflected in different development stages in 
the same year. For several of our programs, the 
research and development activities are part of our 
collaborative and other relationships. Our costs reflect 
our share of the total costs incurred.

For 2020 compared to 2019, the increase in 

research and development expense was primarily due 
to approximately $1,084.0 million, $601.3 million and 
$208.0 million of upfront payments made in 
connection with entering into our collaborations with 
Sage, Denali and Sangamo, respectively.

In 2020 we recorded significant upfront 

payments related to our new collaborations as part of 
research and development expense. Excluding upfront 
payments, we expect our core research and 
development expense to increase in 2021, driven by 
continued investment in our pipeline, including 
significant investments related to the new assets in 
the Sage collaboration. We intend to continue 
committing significant resources to targeted research 
and development opportunities where there is a 
significant unmet need and where a drug candidate 
has the potential to be highly differentiated.

At December 31, 2020, we capitalized 

approximately $93.8 million of pre-launch inventory for 
aducanumab. If aducanumab does not receive 
regulatory approval in the U.S., we would expense this 
inventory as research and development expense and, 
under the terms of the Aducanumab Collaboration 
Agreement, Eisai would reimburse us for 45.0% of the 
costs.

Milestone and Upfront Expenses

Research and development expense for 2020 

includes:

•

$1,084.0 million charge to research and 
development expense in connection with the 
upfront payment associated with entering into 
our collaboration with Sage in the fourth quarter 
of 2020;

We support our drug discovery and development 

efforts through the commitment of significant 
resources to discovery, research and development 
programs and business development opportunities.

A significant amount of our research and 
development costs consist of indirect costs incurred 
in support of overall research and development 
activities and non-specific programs, including 
activities that benefit multiple programs, such as 
management costs, as well as depreciation, 
information technology and facility-based expenses. 
These costs are considered other research and 

64

•

•

$601.3 million charge to research and 
development expense in connection with the 
upfront payment associated with entering into 
our collaboration with Denali in the third quarter 
of 2020; and

$208.0 million charge to research and 
development expense in connection with the 
upfront payment associated with entering into 
our collaboration with Sangamo in the second 
quarter of 2020.

Research and development expense for 2019 

includes:

•

•

$63.0 million charge to research and 
development expense in connection with our 
agreement with Samsung Bioepis to secure the 
exclusive rights to commercialize two potential 
ophthalmology biosimilar products; and

$45.0 million charge to research and 
development expense upon the exercise of our 
option to obtain a worldwide, exclusive, royalty-
bearing license from Ionis to develop and 
commercialize BIIB080 (tau ASO) for the 
potential treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

The upfront payments associated with these 

collaborations are classified as research and 
development expense as the programs they relate to 
had not achieved regulatory approval as of the 
payment date.

For additional information about these 
collaboration arrangements, please read Note 18, 
Collaborative and Other Relationships, to our 
consolidated financial statements included in this 
report.

Early Stage Programs

•

spending in the development of gosuranemab in 
Alzheimer's disease.

Late Stage Programs

For 2020 compared to 2019, the decrease in 

spending associated with our late stage programs 
was primarily due to:

•

•

•

a decrease in spending related to the 
discontinuation of the global Phase 3 trials of 
aducanumab, net of reimbursement from our 
collaboration partner Eisai in the first quarter of 
2019;

a decrease in spending related to the 
discontinuation of the global Phase 3 trials, 
MISSION AD1 and MISSION AD2, of 
elenbecestat (development code: E2609) in 
patients with early Alzheimer's disease in the 
third quarter of 2019; and

a decrease in spending related to VUMERITY, 
which was approved by the FDA in the fourth 
quarter of 2019.

These decreases were partially offset by an 

increase in spending due to the advancement of 
toferson in ALS into late stage, an increase in spending 
related to BAN2401 in early Alzheimer's disease, our 
EMBARK redosing study for aducanumab and BIIB111 
(timrepigene emparvovec) in CHM.

In the first quarter of 2019, as a result of the 

decision to discontinue the Phase 3 EMERGE and 
ENGAGE trials following a futility analysis, we accrued 
approximately $45.0 million related to the termination 
of clinical trials and research and development 
contracts net of the expected 45.0% Eisai 
reimbursement of development costs incurred by the 
collaboration for the advancement of aducanumab.

For 2020 compared to 2019, the decrease in 

In July 2020 we completed the submission of a 

spending related to our early stage programs was 
primarily due to a decrease in costs associated with:

•

•

•

the discontinuation of gosuranemab in 
progressive supraneuclear palsy;

the advancement of toferson in ALS into late 
stage; and

the discontinuation of the Phase 2b study of 
BG00011 for the potential treatment of 
idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

These decreases were partially offset by an 

increase in costs associated with:

•

•

spending in the development of BIIB112 (RPGR 
gene therapy) in XLRP;

spending in the development of BIIB080 in 
Alzheimer's disease; and

BLA for the approval of aducanumab to the FDA. In 
August 2020 the FDA accepted the BLA and granted 
Priority Review with a PDUFA action date on March 7, 
2021. In January 2021 the FDA extended the review 
period for the BLA for aducanumab by three months. 
The updated PDUFA action date is June 7, 2021.

In March 2019 Eisai initiated a global Phase 3 

trial for the development of BAN2401 in early 
Alzheimer's disease. Under our collaboration 
arrangement, Eisai serves as the global operational and 
regulatory lead for BAN2401 and all costs, including 
research, development, sales and marketing expenses, 
are shared equally between us and Eisai.

For additional information on our collaboration 

arrangements with Eisai, please read Note 18, 
Collaborative and Other Relationships, to our 

65

consolidated financial statements included in this 
report.

Selling, General and Administrative

For 2020 compared to 2019, the increase in 

selling, general and administrative expenses was 
primarily due to increased commercial and medical 
investments in support of pre-launch activities 
associated with the potential regulatory approval of 
aducanumab.

In 2021 we expect selling, general and 

administrative costs, including headcount and 
commercial infrastructure, to significantly increase as 
we support activities associated with the potential 
regulatory approvals of aducanumab in the U.S. and 
rest of world markets.

Amortization and Impairment of Acquired Intangible 

Assets

Our amortization expense is based on the 
economic consumption and impairment of intangible 
assets. Our most significant amortizable intangible 
assets are related to our TYSABRI, AVONEX, 
SPINRAZA, VUMERITY and TECFIDERA (rest of world) 
products and other programs acquired through 
business combinations. 

66

For the year ended December 31, 2020, 
amortization and impairment of acquired intangible 
assets reflects the impact of a $115.0 million 
impairment charge related to BIIB111, which was 
obtained as part of our acquisition of Nightstar 
Therapeutics plc (NST), a $75.4 million impairment 
charge related to BIIB054 and a $19.3 million 
impairment charge related to one of our other IPR&D 
intangible assets.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, 
amortization and impairment of acquired intangible 
assets reflects the impact of a $215.9 million 
impairment charge related to certain IPR&D assets 
associated with the Phase 2b study of BG00011 for 
the potential treatment of IPF, which was discontinued 
in the third quarter of 2019.

Amortization of acquired intangible assets, 
excluding impairment charges, totaled $255.1 million, 
$274.0 million and $381.2 million for the years 
ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, 
respectively.

For 2020 compared to 2019, the decrease in 

amortization of acquired intangible assets, excluding 
impairment charges, was primarily due to a lower rate 
of amortization for acquired intangible assets.

We monitor events and expectations regarding 

product performance. If new information indicates that 
the assumptions underlying our most recent analysis 
are substantially different than those utilized in our 
current estimates, our analysis would be updated and 
may result in a significant change in the anticipated 
lifetime revenues of the relevant products. The 
occurrence of an adverse event could substantially 
increase the amount of amortization expense related 
to our acquired intangible assets as compared to 
previous periods or our current expectations, which 
may result in a significant negative impact on our 
future results of operations.

IPR&D Related to Business Combinations

IPR&D represents the fair value assigned to 
research and development assets that we acquired as 
part of a business combination and had not yet 
reached technological feasibility at the date of 
acquisition. We review amounts capitalized as 
acquired IPR&D for impairment annually, as of 
October 31, and whenever events or changes in 
circumstances indicate to us that the carrying value of 
the assets might not be recoverable.

Overall, the value of our acquired IPR&D assets 

is dependent upon several variables, including 
estimates of future revenues and the effects of 
competition, our ability to secure sufficient pricing in a 
competitive market, our ability to confirm safety and 
efficacy based on data from clinical trials and 

For additional information on the amortization 

and impairment of our acquired intangible assets, 
please read Note 6, Intangible Assets and Goodwill, to 
our consolidated financial statements included in this 
report.

Collaboration Profit (Loss) Sharing

Collaboration profit (loss) sharing primarily 
includes Samsung Bioepis' 50.0% share of the profit 
or loss related to our biosimilars commercial 
agreement with Samsung Bioepis.

For 2020, 2019 and 2018 we recognized a net 

profit-sharing expense of $266.5 million, $241.6 
million and $187.4 million, respectively, to reflect 
Samsung Bioepis’ 50.0% sharing of the net 
collaboration profits.

For the year ended 2020, we also recognized 
net profit-sharing income of $33.8 million to reflect 
Eisai's 45.0% share of the $75.0 million milestone 
expense related to the completed submission of the 
BLA for the approval of aducanumab to the FDA.

For additional information on our collaboration 

arrangements with Samsung Bioepis and Eisai, please 
read Note 18, Collaborative and Other Relationships, to 
our consolidated financial statements included in this 
report.

regulatory feedback, the level of anticipated 
development costs and the probability and timing of 
successfully advancing a particular research program 
from one clinical trial phase to the next. We are 
continually reevaluating our estimates concerning 
these and other variables, including our life cycle 
management strategies, research and development 
priorities and development risk, changes in program 
and portfolio economics and related impact of foreign 
currency exchange rates and economic trends and 
evaluating industry and company data regarding the 
productivity of clinical research and the development 
process. Changes in our estimates may result in a 
significant change to our valuation of our IPR&D 
assets.

BIIB111

During the fourth quarter of 2020 we began 
experiencing third-party manufacturing delays that may 
impact our timeline for a potential filing of a BLA for 
BIIB111 for regulatory approval by up to one year. In 
addition, we determined that forecasted costs 
associated with advancing the BIIB111 program 
through Phase 3 development and potential 
commercialization will exceed our original estimates. 
We reassessed the fair value of the program based on 
these changes in assumptions and determined that 
the program was partially impaired. We recognized an 
impairment charge of $115.0 million during the fourth 
quarter of 2020, which resulted in a reduction of the 
IPR&D asset from $480.0 million to $365.0 million.

BIIB054

In February 2021 we announced that we 
discontinued development of BIIB054 as a potential 
treatment of Parkinson's disease as our Phase 2 
SPARK study did not meet its primary or secondary 
endpoints. Although we made this determination in 
February 2021, it was based on conditions that 
existed as of December 31, 2020. As a result, we 
recognized an impairment charge of approximately 
$75.4 million during the fourth quarter of 2020 to 
reduce the fair value of the related IPR&D intangible 
asset to zero.

Vixotrigine

In the periods since we acquired vixotrigine 

(BIIB074), there have been numerous delays in the 
initiation of Phase 3 studies for the potential 
treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TGN) as we 
engaged with the FDA regarding the design of the 
Phase 3 studies and awaited data and insights from 
mid-stage clinical trials of vixotrigine in other 
indications that have since been completed. The fair 
value of the TGN asset is not significantly in excess of 
carrying value. As of December 31, 2020, the carrying 
value associated with our vixotrigine IPR&D assets 
was $177.5 million.

67

(Gain) Loss on Divestiture of Hillerød, Denmark 

(Gain) Loss on Fair Value Remeasurement of 

Manufacturing Operations

Contingent Consideration

In March 2019 we entered into a share purchase 
agreement with FUJIFILM to sell all of the outstanding 
shares of our subsidiary that owned our biologics 
manufacturing operations in Hillerød, Denmark. The 
transaction closed in August 2019.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, we 

recognized a total net loss of approximately $124.2 
million related to the transaction in our consolidated 
statements of income. This loss included a pre-tax 
loss of $55.3 million, which was recorded in loss on 
divestiture of Hillerød, Denmark manufacturing 
operations. The loss recognized was based on 
exchange rates and business conditions on the 
closing date of this transaction, and included costs to 
sell our Hillerød, Denmark manufacturing operations 
of approximately $11.2 million and our estimate of 
the fair value of adverse commitments of 
approximately $74.0 million, primarily associated with 
the guarantee of future minimum batch production at 
the Hillerød facility. We also recorded a tax expense of 
$68.9 million related to this transaction.

During the year ended December 31, 2020, we 
reduced our estimate of the fair value of the adverse 
commitment associated with the guarantee of future 
batch production by approximately $62.0 million 
based on our current manufacturing forecasts. 
Additionally, we recorded a reduction to our pre-tax 
loss of approximately $30.5 million due to a refund of 
interest paid associated with a tax matter.

For additional information on the divestiture of 

our Hillerød, Denmark manufacturing operations, 
please read Note 3, Divestitures, to our consolidated 
financial statements included in this report.

Consideration payable for certain of our 

business combinations includes future payments that 
are contingent upon the occurrence of a particular 
event or events. We record an obligation for such 
contingent consideration payments at fair value on the 
acquisition date. We then revalue our contingent 
consideration obligations each reporting period. 
Changes in the fair value of our contingent 
consideration obligations, other than changes due to 
payments, are recognized as a (gain) loss on fair 
value remeasurement of contingent consideration in 
our consolidated statements of income.

The gain on fair value remeasurement of 
contingent consideration for 2020 was primarily due 
to the remeasurement of the contingent consideration 
associated with our BIIB054 program as well as 
changes in the probability and the expected timing of 
the achievement of certain remaining developmental 
milestones, changes in the interest rates used to 
revalue our contingent consideration liabilities and the 
passage of time. 

The gain on fair value remeasurement of 
contingent consideration for 2019 was primarily due 
to the discontinuation of the Phase 2b study of 
BG00011 for the potential treatment of IPF as well as 
changes in the probability and expected timing of 
achievement of certain developmental milestones, a 
decrease in interest rates used to revalue our 
contingent consideration liabilities and the passage of 
time.

For additional information on our IPR&D 

intangible assets, please read Note 6, Intangible 
Assets and Goodwill, to our consolidated financial 
statements included in this report.

68

For the year ended December 31, 2020, net 
unrealized and realized gains on our holdings in equity 
securities were approximately $681.8 million and 
$12.1 million, respectively, compared to net 
unrealized and realized gains of $150.1 million and 
$50.0 million in 2019. The net unrealized gains 
recognized during the year ended December 31, 
2020, primarily reflects an increase in the fair value of 
Denali and Sangamo common stock of approximately 
$703.9 million.

For the year ended December 31, 2020, net 
interest expense was $180.5 million as compared to 
$67.4 million in 2019. This increase was primarily 
due to additional borrowings in 2020 and lower 
interest income earned on our investments in 2020 
as compared to 2019. On April 30, 2020, we issued 
our senior unsecured notes for an aggregate principal 
amount of $3.0 billion (2020 Senior Notes).

We expect interest expense will increase in 
2021, as our 2020 Senior Notes will be outstanding 
for the entire year.

For additional information on our 2020 Senior 

Notes, please read Note 12, Indebtedness, to our 
consolidated financial statements included in this 
report.

Income Tax Provision

Acquired In-Process Research and Development

BIIB118 Acquisition

In March 2020 we acquired BIIB118 from Pfizer for 
the potential treatment of patients with behavioral and 
neurological symptoms across various psychiatric and 
neurological diseases. In connection with this 
acquisition, we made an upfront payment of 
$75.0 million to Pfizer, which was accounted for as an 
asset acquisition and recorded as acquired IPR&D in 
our consolidated statements of income as BIIB118 
has not yet reached technological feasibility.

For additional information on our acquisition of 
BIIB118, please read Note 2, Acquisitions, to our 
consolidated financial statements included in this 
report.

Other Income (Expense), Net

For 2020 compared to 2019, the change in other 
income (expense), net primarily reflects an increase in 
our net unrealized gains on our holdings in equity 
securities, partially offset by higher interest expense.

69

Our effective tax rate fluctuates from year to 

year due to the global nature of our operations. The 
factors that most significantly impact our effective tax 
rate include changes in tax laws, variability in the 
allocation of our taxable earnings among multiple 
jurisdictions, the amount and characterization of our 
research and development expenses, the levels of 

certain deductions and credits, acquisitions and 
licensing transactions.

For the year ended December 31, 2020, as 

compared to 2019, the increase in our effective tax 
rate was primarily due to the income tax expense 
related to the establishment of a valuation allowance 
against certain net deferred tax assets, the realization 
of which is dependent on future sales of TECFIDERA in 
the U.S., partially offset by the benefit recognized on 
the effective settlement of certain tax matters. 
Additionally, our 2019 effective tax rate benefited 
from an internal reorganization of certain intellectual 
property rights and the enactment of a new taxing 
regime in the country and certain cantons of 
Switzerland, partially offset by tax expense related to 
the divestiture of our Hillerød, Denmark manufacturing 
operations. Although we recognized a loss on the 
divestiture of our Hillerød, Denmark manufacturing 
operations, the divestiture required us to write-off 
certain deferred tax assets and resulted in a taxable 
gain in certain jurisdictions. 

For additional information on the divestiture of 

our Hillerød, Denmark manufacturing operations, 
please read Note 3, Divestitures, to our consolidated 
financial statements included in this report.

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

For additional information on our uncertain tax 

positions and income tax rate reconciliation for 2020, 
2019 and 2018, please read Note 16, Income Taxes, 
to our consolidated financial statements included in 
this report.

Equity in (Income) Loss of Investee, Net of 
Tax

5.0% to approximately 49.9%. The share purchase 
transaction was completed in November 2018. As of 
December 31, 2020, our ownership percentage 
remained at approximately 49.9%.

We recognize our share of the results of 

operations related to our investment in Samsung 
Bioepis under the equity method of accounting one 
quarter in arrears when the results of the entity 
become available, which is reflected as equity in 
(income) loss of investee, net of tax in our 
consolidated statements of income. We recognize 
amortization on certain basis differences resulting 
from our November 2018 investment. 

The former chief executive officer (the incumbent 

chairman of the board) and the chief financial officer 
of our joint venture partner, Samsung BioLogics, are 
currently subject to ongoing criminal proceedings that 
we continue to monitor. While these proceedings 
could impact the operations of Samsung Bioepis and 
its business, we have assessed the value of our 
investment in Samsung Bioepis and continue to 
believe that the fair value of the investment is in 
excess of its net book value.

For the year ended December 31, 2020, equity 

in (income) loss of investee, net of tax reflects our 
share of income totaling $45.3 million and 
amortization of basis differences totaling $40.0 
million.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, equity 

in (income) loss of investee, net of tax reflects our 
share of losses totaling $1.2 million and amortization 
of basis differences totaling $78.2 million.

For additional information on our collaboration 

arrangements with Samsung Bioepis, please read 
Note 18, Collaborative and Other Relationships, to our 
consolidated financial statements included in this 
report.

In February 2012 we entered into a joint venture 

agreement with Samsung BioLogics establishing an 
entity, Samsung Bioepis, to develop, manufacture and 
market biosimilar products.

In June 2018 we exercised our option under our 

joint venture agreement to increase our ownership 
percentage in Samsung Bioepis from approximately 

70

Noncontrolling Interests, Net of Tax

For additional information on our collaboration 

arrangement with Neurimmune, please read Note 19, 
Investments in Variable Interest Entities, to our 
consolidated financial statements included in this 
report.

For 2020 net income (loss) attributable to 
noncontrolling interests, net of tax, was primarily due 
to the $75.0 million milestone payment related to the 
completed submission of the BLA for the approval of 
aducanumab to the FDA.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our financial condition is summarized as follows:

(In millions, except percentages)

Financial assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

Marketable securities — current

Marketable securities — non-current

Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities

Borrowings:

Current portion of notes payable

Notes payable

Total borrowings

Working Capital:

Current assets

Current liabilities

Total working capital

nm Not meaningful

As of December 31, 

2020

2019

% Change
2020
vs.
2019

$ 

1,331.2  $ 

1,278.9 

772.1 

3,382.2  $ 

—  $ 

7,426.2 

7,426.2  $ 

2,913.7 

1,562.2 

1,408.1 

5,884.0 

1,495.8 

4,459.0 

5,954.8 

6,887.1  $ 

8,381.8 

(3,742.2)   

(4,863.8) 

3,144.9  $ 

3,518.0 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

 (54.3) %

 (18.1) 

 (45.2) 

 (42.5) %

nm

 66.5 

 24.7 %

 (17.8) %

 (23.1) 

 (10.6) %

For the year ended December 31, 2020, certain 

significant cash flows were as follows:

•

$4.2 billion in net cash flows provided by 
operating activities, which reflected $1.9 billion 
of upfront payments and the premium on stock 
purchases made in connection with entering into 
our collaborations with Sage, Denali and 
Sangamo and recognized as research and 
development expenses; 

•

$6.7 billion used for share repurchases;

•

•

•

•

$3.0 billion in proceeds received from the 
issuance of our 2020 Senior Notes;

$1.5 billion payment made for the redemption of 
our 2.90% Senior Notes due September 15, 
2020, prior to their maturity;

$906.7 million in total net payments for income 
taxes;

$441.0 million used to purchase Sage common 
stock;

71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•

•

•

$423.7 million used to purchase Denali common 
stock;

$141.8 million used to purchase Sangamo 
common stock; and

$424.8 million used for purchases of property, 
plant and equipment.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, certain 

significant cash flows were as follows:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

$7.1 billion in net cash flows provided by 
operating activities;

$5.9 billion used for share repurchases;

$1.1 billion in total net payments for income 
taxes;

$923.7 million in proceeds received on the 
divestiture of our Hillerød, Denmark 
manufacturing operations, including the sale of 
raw materials that were remaining at the Hillerød 
facility on the closing date of this transaction;

$744.4 million payment made for our acquisition 
of NST, net of cash acquired;

$514.5 million used for purchases of property, 
plant and equipment;

$479.3 million in proceeds received on sales of 
strategic investments;

$300.0 million for the final contingent payment 
made to former shareholders of Fumapharm AG 
and holders of their rights; and

$155.0 million in payments made to Alkermes 
following the FDA's approval of VUMERITY.

Overview

We have historically financed our operating and 
capital expenditures primarily through cash flows 
earned through our operations. On April 30, 2020, we 
issued our 2020 Senior Notes for an aggregate 
principal amount of $3.0 billion. We expect our 
operating expenditures, particularly those related to 
research and development, clinical trials, 
commercialization of new products and international 
expansion to continue to grow. However, we expect to 
continue funding our current and planned operating 
requirements primarily through our cash flows earned 
from our operations as well as our existing cash 
resources and proceeds received from the issuance of 
our 2020 Senior Notes. Generic competition for 
TECFIDERA in the U.S. has begun and we believe that 
this competition will reduce our cash flow from 
operations in 2021 and will have a significant adverse 
impact on our future cash flows from operations. We 
believe that our existing funds, when combined with 

72

cash generated from operations and our access to 
additional financing resources, if needed, are 
sufficient to satisfy our operating, working capital, 
strategic alliance, milestone payment, capital 
expenditure and debt service requirements for the 
foreseeable future. In addition, we may choose to 
opportunistically return cash to shareholders and 
pursue other business initiatives, including acquisition 
and licensing activities. We may, from time to time, 
also seek additional funding through a combination of 
new collaborative agreements, strategic alliances and 
additional equity and debt financings or from other 
sources should we identify a significant new 
opportunity.

Aducanumab

In July 2020 we completed the submission of a 

BLA for the approval of aducanumab to the FDA. In 
August 2020 the FDA accepted the BLA and granted 
Priority Review with a PDUFA action date on March 7, 
2021. In January 2021 the FDA extended the review 
period for the BLA for aducanumab by three months. 
The updated PDUFA action date is June 7, 2021. If we 
do not receive regulatory approval or are unable to 
successfully commercialize aducanumab, our financial 
condition, business and operations may be adversely 
affected.

For additional information on certain risks that 

could negatively impact our financial position or future 
results of operations, please read Item 1A. Risk 
Factors and Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative 
Disclosures About Market Risk included in this report.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities

Until required for another use in our business, 

we typically invest our cash reserves in bank deposits, 
certificates of deposit, commercial paper, corporate 
notes, U.S. and foreign government instruments, 
overnight reverse repurchase agreements and other 
interest-bearing marketable debt instruments in 
accordance with our investment policy. It is our policy 
to mitigate credit risk in our cash reserves and 
marketable securities by maintaining a well-diversified 
portfolio that limits the amount of exposure as to 
institution, maturity and investment type. In March 
2020 there was a severe liquidity crisis in the capital 
markets, particularly with respect to securities with 
maturities of less than one year, due to the COVID-19 
pandemic. This issue impacted pricing of securities in 
our portfolio as we attempted to decrease our 
marketable securities level and increase cash, leading 
to approximately $8.2 million in realized losses for the 
year ended December 31, 2020. We believe that 
actions taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve to enhance 
liquidity have stabilized the capital markets for the 
time being.

As of December 31, 2020, we had cash, cash 

Borrowings

equivalents and marketable securities totaling 
approximately $3.4 billion compared to approximately 
$5.9 billion as of December 31, 2019. The net 
decrease in cash, cash equivalents and marketable 
securities at December 31, 2020, from December 31, 
2019, was primarily due to cash used for share 
repurchases, the redemption of our 2.90% Senior 
Notes due September 15, 2020, upfront payments 
and stock purchases totaling $2.9 billion made in 
connection with entering into our collaborations with 
Sage, Denali and Sangamo and net purchases of 
property, plant and equipment, partially offset by cash 
flows from operations and net proceeds from the 
issuance of our 2020 Senior Notes.

Investments and other assets in our 

consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020 
and 2019, include the carrying value of our 
investment in Samsung Bioepis of $620.2 million and 
$580.2 million, respectively. As Samsung Bioepis is a 
privately-held entity, our ability to liquidate our 
investment in Samsung Bioepis may be limited and 
we may realize significantly less than the value of 
such investment. The investment is also subject to 
foreign currency exchange fluctuations.

In connection with our collaboration with 
Sangamo, we purchased approximately 24 million 
shares of Sangamo common stock in April 2020. As 
of December 31, 2020, the fair value of this 
investment was $333.7 million. In connection with our 
collaboration with Denali, we purchased approximately 
13 million shares of Denali common stock in 
September 2020. As of December 31, 2020, the fair 
value of this investment was $935.7 million. In 
connection with our collaboration with Sage, we 
purchased approximately 6.2 million shares of Sage 
common stock in December 2020. As of 
December 31, 2020, the fair value of this investment 
was $433.9 million.

Our investment in Ionis common stock had a fair 

value of $249.1 million and $329.6 million as of 
December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

For additional information on our collaboration 

arrangements with Ionis, Samsung Bioepis, Sangamo, 
Denali and Sage, please read Note 18, Collaborative 
and Other Relationships, to our consolidated financial 
statements included in this report.

In April 2020 we issued our 2020 Senior Notes 

for an aggregate principal amount of $3.0 billion, 
consisting of the following:

•

•

$1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.25% 
Senior Notes due May 1, 2030; and

$1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.15% 
Senior Notes due May 1, 2050.

The following is a summary of our currently 
outstanding senior secured notes issued in 2015 
(2015 Senior Notes):

•

•

•

$1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 
3.625% Senior Notes due September 15, 2022;

$1.75 billion aggregate principal amount of 
4.05% Senior Notes due September 15, 2025; 
and

$1.75 billion aggregate principal amount of 
5.20% Senior Notes due September 15, 2045.

Our 2020 Senior Notes and our 2015 Senior 
Notes were issued at a discount and are amortized as 
additional interest expense over the period from 
issuance through maturity.

In May 2020 we redeemed our 2.90% Senior 

Notes due September 15, 2020, with an aggregate 
principal amount of $1.5 billion.

For a summary of the fair values of our 

outstanding borrowings as of December 31, 2020 and 
2019, please read Note 7, Fair Value Measurements, 
to our consolidated financial statements included in 
this report.

2020 Credit Facility

In January 2020 we entered into a $1.0 billion, 

five-year senior unsecured revolving credit facility 
under which we are permitted to draw funds for 
working capital and general corporate purposes. The 
terms of the revolving credit facility include a financial 
covenant that requires us not to exceed a maximum 
consolidated leverage ratio. This revolving credit 
facility replaced the revolving credit facility entered 
into in August 2015. As of December 31, 2020, we 
had no outstanding borrowings and were in 
compliance with all covenants under this facility.

Working Capital

Working capital is defined as current assets less 
current liabilities. Working capital was $3.1 billion and 
$3.5 billion as of December 31, 2020 and 
December 31, 2019, respectively. The change in 
working capital reflects a decrease in total current 
assets of approximately $1.5 billion and a decrease 
in total current liabilities of approximately $1.1 billion. 

73

The decrease in total current assets was 
primarily driven by a decrease in net cash, cash 
equivalents and marketable securities due to cash 
used for share repurchases, the redemption of our 
2.90% Senior Notes due September 15, 2020, 
upfront payments and stock purchases totaling 
$2.9 billion made in connection with entering into our 
collaborations with Sage, Denali and Sangamo and 
net purchases of property, plant and equipment, 
partially offset by cash flows from operations and net 
proceeds from the issuance of our 2020 Senior 
Notes.

The net decrease in current liabilities was 
primarily due to the redemption of our 2.90% Senior 
Notes due September 15, 2020, which were 
classified within current liabilities as of December 31, 
2019, partially offset by an increase in accrued 
expenses and other.

Share Repurchase Programs

In October 2020 our Board of Directors 
authorized our 2020 Share Repurchase Program, 
which is a program to repurchase up to $5.0 billion of 
our common stock. Our 2020 Share Repurchase 
Program does not have an expiration date. All share 
repurchases under our 2020 Share Repurchase 
Program will be retired. Under our 2020 Share 
Repurchase Program, we repurchased and retired 
approximately 1.6 million shares of our common stock 
at a cost of approximately $400.0 million during the 
year ended December 31, 2020.

In December 2019 our Board of Directors 
authorized our December 2019 Share Repurchase 
Program, which was a program to repurchase up to 

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our cash flow activity:

$5.0 billion of our common stock that was completed 
as of September 30, 2020. All shares repurchased 
under our December 2019 Share Repurchase Program 
were retired. Under our December 2019 Share 
Repurchase Program, we repurchased and retired 
approximately 16.7 million shares of our common 
stock at a cost of approximately $5.0 billion during 
the year ended December 31, 2020.

In March 2019 our Board of Directors authorized 

our March 2019 Share Repurchase Program, which 
was a program to repurchase up to $5.0 billion of our 
common stock that was completed as of March 31, 
2020. All shares repurchased under our March 2019 
Share Repurchase Program were retired. Under our 
March 2019 Share Repurchase Program, we 
repurchased and retired approximately 4.1 million and 
14.7 million shares of our common stock at a cost of 
approximately $1.3 billion and $3.7 billion during the 
years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, 
respectively.

In August 2018 our Board of Directors 
authorized our 2018 Share Repurchase Program, 
which was a program to repurchase up to $3.5 billion 
of our common stock that was completed as of June 
30, 2019. All share repurchases under our 2018 
Share Repurchase Program were retired. Under our 
2018 Share Repurchase Program, we repurchased 
and retired approximately 8.9 million and 4.3 million 
shares of our common stock at a cost of 
approximately $2.1 billion and $1.4 billion during the 
years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, 
respectively.

(In millions, except percentages)

2020

2019

2018

For the Years Ended December 31,

% Change

2020
vs.
2019

2019
vs.
2018

Net cash flows provided by operating activities

$ 

4,229.8  $ 

7,078.6  $ 

6,187.7 

 (40.2) %

 14.4 %

Net cash flows provided by (used in) investing 
activities

(608.6)   

470.5 

(2,046.3) 

 (229.4) %

nm

Net cash flows used in financing activities

(5,272.7)   

(5,860.4)   

(4,472.0) 

 10.0 

 (31.0) 

nm Not meaningful

Operating Activities

Cash flows from operating activities represent 

the cash receipts and disbursements related to all of 
our activities other than investing and financing 
activities. We expect cash provided from operating 
activities will continue to be our primary source of 
funds to finance operating needs and capital 
expenditures for the foreseeable future.

Operating cash flow is derived by adjusting our 

net income for:

•

•

non-cash operating items such as depreciation 
and amortization, impairment charges, 
unrealized gain (loss) on strategic investments, 
acquired IPR&D and share-based compensation;

changes in operating assets and liabilities, which 
reflect timing differences between the receipt 

74

 
 
 
 
 
and payment of cash associated with 
transactions and when they are recognized in 
results of operations; and

•

changes in the fair value of contingent payments 
associated with our acquisitions of businesses 
and payments related to collaborations.

For 2020 compared to 2019, the decrease in 
net cash flows provided by operating activities was 
primarily due to lower net income as well as increases 
in certain working capital asset balances. Net income 
in 2020 reflected approximately $1,084.0 million, 
$601.3 million and $208.0 million of upfront 
payments made in connection with entering into our 
collaborations with Sage, Denali and Sangamo, 
respectively.

Investing Activities

For 2020 compared to 2019, the increase in net 

cash flows used in investing activities was primarily 

due to the purchases of the common stock of 
Sangamo, Denali and Sage totaling $1.0 billion during 
2020 and proceeds of $923.7 million received in 
2019 related to the divestiture of our Hillerød, 
Denmark manufacturing operations, partially offset by 
higher proceeds received from the sale of investments 
as compared to the prior year. 

Financing Activities

For 2020 compared to 2019, the decrease in 

net cash flows used in financing activities was 
primarily due to the net proceeds received from the 
issuance of our 2020 Senior Notes offset by a higher 
amount spent on shares repurchased in 2020 as 
compared to the comparative period in 2019 and the 
redemption of our 2.90% Senior Notes due September 
15, 2020. 

Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2020, excluding amounts 

related to uncertain tax positions, funding commitments, contingent development, regulatory and commercial 
milestone payments, contingent payments and contingent consideration related to our business combinations, as 
described below.

(In millions)
Non-cancellable operating leases (1)(2)
Long-term debt obligations (3)
Purchase and other obligations (4)

Defined benefit obligation

Payments Due by Period

Total

Less than
1 Year

1 to 3
Years

3 to 5
Years

After
5 Years

$ 

387.8  $ 

70.3  $ 

123.6  $ 

89.6  $ 

104.3 

11,853.0 

1,248.0 

151.2 

279.1 

398.3 

— 

1,512.9 

420.0 

— 

2,218.0 

424.6 

— 

7,843.0 

5.1 

151.2 

Total contractual obligations

$ 

13,640.0  $ 

747.7  $ 

2,056.5  $ 

2,732.2  $ 

8,103.6 

(1) We lease properties and equipment for use in our operations. Amounts reflected within the table above detail future minimum rental 
commitments under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31 for each of the periods presented. In addition to the minimum rental 
commitments, these leases may require us to pay additional amounts for taxes, insurance, maintenance and other operating expenses. 
(2) Obligations are presented net of sublease income expected to be received for our vacated small-scale biologics manufacturing facility in 
Cambridge, MA, the vacated portion of our Weston, MA facility and other facilities throughout the world. 
(3) Long-term debt obligations are related to our 2015 Senior Notes and our 2020 Senior Notes, including principal and interest payments. 
(4) Purchase and other obligations include $697.0 million related to the remaining payments on a one-time mandatory deemed repatriation tax on 
accumulated foreign subsidiaries' previously untaxed foreign earnings (the Transition Toll Tax) and $217.2 million related to the fair value of net 
liabilities on derivative contracts. 

Royalty Payments

TYSABRI

In 2013 we acquired from Elan Pharma 

International Ltd. (Elan), an affiliate of Elan 
Corporation plc, full ownership of all remaining rights 
to TYSABRI that we did not already own or control. 
Under the acquisition agreement, we are obligated to 
make contingent payments to Elan of 18.0% on 
annual worldwide net sales up to $2.0 billion and 

25.0% on annual worldwide net sales that exceed 
$2.0 billion. Royalty payments to Elan and other third 
parties are recognized as cost of sales in our 
consolidated statements of income. Elan was 
acquired by Perrigo Company plc (Perrigo) in 
December 2013 and Perrigo subsequently sold its 
rights to these payments to a third-party effective 
January 2017.

75

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SPINRAZA

In 2016 we exercised our option to develop and 

commercialize SPINRAZA from Ionis. Under our 
agreement with Ionis, we make royalty payments to 
Ionis on annual worldwide net sales of SPINRAZA 
using a tiered royalty rate between 11.0% and 15.0%, 
which are recognized as cost of sales in our 
consolidated statements of income. For additional 
information on our collaboration arrangements with 
Ionis, please read Note 18, Collaborative and Other 
Relationships, to our consolidated financial 
statements included in this report.

VUMERITY

In October 2019 the FDA approved VUMERITY 
for the treatment of RMS. Under our agreement with 
Alkermes, we make royalty payments to Alkermes on 
worldwide net commercial sales of VUMERITY using a 
royalty rate of 15.0%, which are recorded as cost of 
sales in our consolidated statements of income. 
Royalties payable on net commercial sales of 
VUMERITY are subject, under certain circumstances, 
to tiered minimum annual payment requirements for a 
period of five years following FDA approval. For 
additional information on our collaboration 
arrangement with Alkermes, please read Note 18, 
Collaborative and Other Relationships, to our 
consolidated financial statements included in this 
report.

Contingent Consideration related to Business 

Combinations

In connection with our acquisition of 

Convergence Pharmaceuticals Ltd. we agreed to make 
additional payments based upon the achievement of 
certain milestone events. 

We recognized the contingent consideration 

liabilities associated with these transactions at their 
fair value on the acquisition date and revalue these 
obligations each reporting period. We may pay up to 
approximately $400.0 million in remaining milestones 
related to these acquisitions.

Contingent Development, Regulatory and 

Commercial Milestone Payments

Based on our development plans as of 

December 31, 2020, we could trigger potential future 
milestone payments to third parties of up to 
approximately $10.2 billion, including approximately 
$1.9 billion in development milestones, approximately 
$1.3 billion in regulatory milestones and 
approximately $7.0 billion in commercial milestones, 
as part of our various collaborations, including 
licensing and development programs. Payments under 
these agreements generally become due and payable 
upon achievement of certain development, regulatory 
or commercial milestones. Because the achievement 

76

of these milestones was not considered probable as 
of December 31, 2020, such contingencies have not 
been recorded in our financial statements. Amounts 
related to contingent milestone payments are not 
considered contractual obligations as they are 
contingent on the successful achievement of certain 
development, regulatory or commercial milestones. 

If certain clinical and commercial milestones are 
met, we may pay up to $86.2 million in milestones in 
2021 under our current agreements. Additionally, if 
aducanumab receives regulatory approval in the 
jurisdictions where we have submitted filings, we may 
pay up to $200.0 million in milestones to 
Neurimmune in 2021, which includes $100.0 million 
if launched in the U.S., $50.0 million if launched in 
three or more countries within the E.U. and 
$50.0 million if launched in Japan. Milestones 
payable to Neurimmune are shared expenses under 
the Aducanumab Collaboration Agreement with Eisai.

During the second quarter of 2020, we paid 

Neurimmune $75.0 million upon the completed 
submission of the BLA for the approval of 
aducanumab to the FDA, which was recognized as a 
charge to noncontrolling interests for the year ended 
December 31, 2020. In addition, for the year ended 
December 31, 2020, we recognized net profit-sharing 
income of $33.8 million to reflect Eisai's 45.0% share 
of the $75.0 million milestone expense.

For additional information on our collaboration 

arrangements with Eisai, please read Note 18, 
Collaborative and Other Relationships, to our 
consolidated financial statements included in this 
report.

For additional information on our collaboration 

arrangement with Neurimmune, please read Note 19, 
Investments in Variable Interest Entities, to our 
consolidated financial statements included in this 
report.

Other Funding Commitments

As of December 31, 2020, we have several 
ongoing clinical studies in various clinical trial stages. 
Our most significant clinical trial expenditures are to 
CROs. The contracts with CROs are generally 
cancellable, with notice, at our option. We recorded 
accrued expenses of approximately $21.7 million in 
our consolidated balance sheet for expenditures 
incurred by CROs as of December 31, 2020. We have 
approximately $593.0 million in cancellable future 
commitments based on existing CRO contracts as of 
December 31, 2020.

As part of the sale of our Hillerød, Denmark 

manufacturing operations to FUJIFILM, we provided 
FUJIFILM with certain minimum batch production 
commitment guarantees. There is a risk that the 

minimum contractual batch production commitments 
will not be met. Based upon current estimates we do 
not expect to incur an adverse commitment obligation 
associated with such guarantees. We developed this 
estimate using a probability-weighted estimate of 
future manufacturing activity and may further adjust 
this estimate based upon changes in business 
conditions, which may result in the increase or 
reduction of this adverse commitment obligation in 
subsequent periods.

Tax Related Obligations

We exclude liabilities pertaining to uncertain tax 
positions from our summary of contractual obligations 
as we cannot make a reliable estimate of the period 
of cash settlement with the respective taxing 
authorities. As of December 31, 2020, we have 
approximately $79.6 million of liabilities associated 
with uncertain tax positions.

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, included in 

other long-term liabilities we have accrued 
approximately $697.0 million, respectively, under a 
one-time mandatory deemed repatriation tax on 
accumulated foreign subsidiaries' previously untaxed 
foreign earnings (the Transition Toll Tax). Of the 
amounts accrued as of December 31, 2020, $62.0 
million is expected to be paid within one year. The 
Transition Toll Tax will be paid over an eight--year 
period, which started in 2018, and does not accrue 
interest.

Other Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any relationships with entities 

often referred to as structured finance or special 
purpose entities that were established for the purpose 
of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements. As 
such, we are not exposed to any financing, liquidity, 
market or credit risk that could arise if we had 
engaged in such relationships. We consolidate 
variable interest entities if we are the primary 
beneficiary.

New Accounting Standards

For a discussion of new accounting standards  

please read Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting 
Policies, to our consolidated financial statements 
included in this report.

Legal Matters

For a discussion of legal matters as of 

December 31, 2020, please read Note 20, Litigation, 
to our consolidated financial statements included in 
this report.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of our consolidated financial 

statements, which have been prepared in accordance 
with accounting principles generally accepted in the 
U.S. (U.S. GAAP), requires us to make estimates, 
judgments and assumptions that may affect the 
reported amounts of assets, liabilities, equity, 
revenues and expenses and related disclosure of 
contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis 
we evaluate our estimates, judgments and 
methodologies. We base our estimates on historical 
experience and on various other assumptions that we 
believe are reasonable, the results of which form the 
basis for making judgments about the carrying values 
of assets, liabilities and equity and the amount of 
revenues and expenses. Actual results may differ from 
these estimates. Other significant accounting policies 
are outlined in Note 1, Summary of Significant 
Accounting Policies, to our consolidated financial 
statements included in this report. 

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenues when our customer 
obtains control of promised goods or services, in an 
amount that reflects the consideration which we 
expect to receive in exchange for those goods or 
services. We recognize revenues following the five-
step model prescribed under Financial Accounting 
Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards 
Codification 606, Revenue from Contracts with 
Customers: (i) identify contract(s) with a customer; (ii) 
identify the performance obligations in the contract; 
(iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the 
transaction price to the performance obligations in the 
contract; and (v) recognize revenues when (or as) we 
satisfy the performance obligation. 

Product Revenues

In the U.S., we sell our products primarily to 

wholesale distributors and specialty pharmacy 
providers. In other countries, we sell our products 
primarily to wholesale distributors, hospitals, 
pharmacies and other third-party distribution partners. 
These customers subsequently resell our products to 
health care providers and patients. In addition, we 
enter into arrangements with health care providers 
and payors that provide for government-mandated or 
privately-negotiated discounts and allowances related 
to our products.

Product revenues are recognized when the 
customer obtains control of our product, which occurs 
at a point in time, typically upon delivery to the 
customer. We expense incremental costs of obtaining 
a contract as and when incurred if the expected 
amortization period of the asset that we would have 
recognized is one year or less or the amount is 
immaterial.

77

Reserves for Discounts and Allowances

Product revenues are recorded net of reserves 
established for applicable discounts and allowances 
that are offered within contracts with our customers, 
health care providers or payors, including those 
associated with the implementation of pricing actions 
in certain of the international markets in which we 
operate. Our process for estimating reserves 
established for these variable consideration 
components do not differ materially from our historical 
practices.

Product revenue reserves, which are classified 

as a reduction in product revenues, are generally 
characterized in the following categories: discounts, 
contractual adjustments and returns.

These reserves are based on estimates of the 

amounts earned or to be claimed on the related sales 
and are classified as reductions of accounts 
receivable (if the amount is payable to our customer) 
or a liability (if the amount is payable to a party other 
than our customer). Our estimates of reserves 
established for variable consideration are calculated 
based upon a consistent application of our 
methodology utilizing the expected value method. 
These estimates reflect our historical experience, 
current contractual and statutory requirements, 
specific known market events and trends, industry 
data and forecasted customer buying and payment 
patterns. The transaction price, which includes 
variable consideration reflecting the impact of 
discounts and allowances, may be subject to 
constraint and is included in the net sales price only 
to the extent that it is probable that a significant 
reversal of the amount of cumulative revenues 
recognized will not occur in a future period. Actual 
amounts may ultimately differ from our estimates. If 
actual results vary, we adjust these estimates, which 
could have an effect on earnings in the period of 
adjustment. 

In addition to discounts, rebates and product 
returns, we also maintain certain customer service 
contracts with distributors and other customers in the 
distribution channel that provide us with inventory 
management, data and distribution services, which 
are generally reflected as a reduction of revenues. To 
the extent we can demonstrate a separable benefit 
and fair value for these services we classify these 
payments in selling, general and administrative 
expenses.

For additional information on our revenues, 

please read Note 4, Revenues, to our consolidated 
financial statements included in this report.

intangible asset and tested for impairment at least 
annually, as of October 31, until commercialization, 
after which time the IPR&D is amortized over its 
estimated useful life. If we acquire an asset or group 
of assets that do not meet the definition of a 
business under applicable accounting standards, the 
acquired IPR&D is expensed on its acquisition date. 
Future costs to develop these assets are recorded to 
research and development expense as they are 
incurred.

We have acquired, and expect to continue to 

acquire, intangible assets through the acquisition of 
biotechnology companies or through the consolidation 
of variable interest entities. These intangible assets 
primarily consist of technology associated with human 
therapeutic products and IPR&D product candidates. 
When significant identifiable intangible assets are 
acquired, we generally engage an independent third-
party valuation firm to assist in determining the fair 
values of these assets as of the acquisition date. 
Management will determine the fair value of less 
significant identifiable intangible assets acquired. 
Discounted cash flow models are typically used in 
these valuations, and these models require the use of 
significant estimates and assumptions including but 
not limited to:

•

•

•

•

estimating the timing of and expected costs to 
complete the in-process projects;

projecting regulatory approvals;

estimating future cash flows from product sales 
resulting from completed products and in 
process projects; and

developing appropriate discount rates and 
probability rates by project.

We believe the fair values assigned to the 
intangible assets acquired are based upon reasonable 
estimates and assumptions given available facts and 
circumstances as of the acquisition dates.

If these projects are not successfully developed, 

the sales and profitability of the company may be 
adversely affected in future periods. Additionally, the 
value of the acquired intangible assets may become 
impaired. No assurance can be given that the 
underlying assumptions used to estimate expected 
project sales, development costs or profitability, or 
the events associated with such projects, will 
transpire as estimated.

Impairment and Amortization of Long-lived Assets 

and Accounting for Goodwill

Acquired Intangible Assets, including IPR&D

Long-lived Assets Other than Goodwill

When we purchase a business, the acquired 
IPR&D is measured at fair value, capitalized as an 

Long-lived assets to be held and used include 
property, plant and equipment as well as intangible 

78

assets, including IPR&D and trademarks. Property, 
plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment 
whenever events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may 
not be recoverable. We review our intangible assets 
with indefinite lives for impairment annually, as of 
October 31, and whenever events or changes in 
circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an 
asset may not be recoverable.

When performing our impairment assessment, 

we calculate the fair value using the same 
methodology as described above under Acquired 
Intangible Assets, including IPR&D. If the carrying value 
of our acquired IPR&D exceeds its fair value, then the 
intangible asset is written down to its fair value. 
Changes in the estimates and assumptions used in 
determining the fair value of our acquired IPR&D could 
result in an impairment. Impairments are recorded 
within amortization and impairment of acquired 
intangible assets in our consolidated statements of 
income. Assets that have previously been impaired, 
including our vixotrigine program for the potential 
treatment of neuropathic pain, such as TGN, could 
become further impaired in the future.

Our most significant intangible assets are our 

acquired and in-licensed rights and patents. Acquired 
and in-licensed rights and patents primarily relate to 
our acquisition of all remaining rights to TYSABRI from 
Elan. We amortize the intangible assets related to our 
TYSABRI, AVONEX, SPINRAZA, VUMERITY and 
TECFIDERA (rest of world) products using the 
economic consumption method based on revenues 
generated from the products underlying the related 
intangible assets. An analysis of the anticipated 
lifetime revenues of TYSABRI, AVONEX, SPINRAZA, 
VUMERITY and TECFIDERA (rest of world) is performed 
annually during our long-range planning cycle and 
whenever events or changes in circumstances would 
significantly affect the anticipated lifetime revenues of 
our TYSABRI, AVONEX, SPINRAZA, VUMERITY or 
TECFIDERA (rest of world) products.

For additional information on the impairment 

charges related to our long-lived assets during 2020, 
2019 and 2018, please read Note 6, Intangible Assets 
and Goodwill, to our consolidated financial statements 
included in this report.

Goodwill

Goodwill relates largely to amounts that arose in 

connection with the merger of Biogen, Inc. and IDEC 
Pharmaceuticals Corporation in 2003 and amounts 
that were paid in connection with the acquisition of 
Fumapharm AG. Our goodwill balances represent the 
difference between the purchase price and the fair 
value of the identifiable tangible and intangible net 
assets when accounted for using the purchase 
method of accounting.

We assess our goodwill balance within our 
single reporting unit annually, as of October 31, and 
whenever events or changes in circumstances 
indicate the carrying value of goodwill may not be 
recoverable to determine whether any impairment in 
this asset may exist and, if so, the extent of such 
impairment. We compare the fair value of our 
reporting unit to its carrying value. If the carrying value 
of the net assets assigned to the reporting unit 
exceeds the fair value of our reporting unit, we would 
record an impairment loss equal to the difference. 

We completed our required annual impairment 
test in the fourth quarters of 2020, 2019 and 2018 
and determined in each of those periods that the 
carrying value of goodwill was not impaired. In each 
year, the fair value of our reporting unit, which 
includes goodwill, was significantly in excess of the 
carrying value of our reporting unit.

Contingent Consideration

We record contingent consideration resulting 

from a business combination at its fair value on the 
acquisition date. Each reporting period thereafter, we 
revalue the remaining obligations and record 
increases or decreases in their fair value as an 
adjustment to contingent consideration expense in our 
consolidated statements of income. Changes in the 
fair value of our contingent consideration obligations 
can result from changes to one or multiple inputs, 
including adjustments to the discount rates and 
achievement and timing of any cumulative sales-
based and development milestones or changes in the 
probability of certain clinical events and changes in 
the assumed probability associated with regulatory 
approval. These fair value measurements represent 
Level 3 measurements as they are based on 
significant inputs not observable in the market.

Significant judgment is employed in determining 

the appropriateness of these assumptions as of the 
acquisition date and for each subsequent period. 
Accordingly, changes in assumptions described 
above, could have a material impact on the amount of 
contingent consideration expense we record in any 
given period.

Income Taxes

We prepare and file income tax returns based on 

our interpretation of each jurisdiction’s tax laws and 
regulations. In preparing our consolidated financial 
statements, we estimate our income tax liability in 
each of the jurisdictions in which we operate by 
estimating our actual current tax expense together 
with assessing temporary differences resulting from 
differing treatment of items for tax and financial 
reporting purposes. These differences result in 
deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included 
in our consolidated balance sheets. Upon our election 

79

in the fourth quarter of 2018 to record deferred taxes 
for global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI), we have 
included amounts related to GILTI taxes within 
temporary difference. Significant management 
judgment is required in assessing the realizability of 
our deferred tax assets. In performing this 
assessment, we consider whether it is more likely 
than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax 
assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of 
deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation 
of future taxable income during the periods in which 
those temporary differences become deductible. In 
making this determination, under the applicable 
financial accounting standards, we are allowed to 
consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax 
liabilities, projected future taxable income and the 
effects of tax planning strategies. In the event that 
actual results differ from our estimates, we adjust our 
estimates in future periods and we may need to 
establish a valuation allowance, which could 
materially impact our consolidated financial position 
and results of operations.

We account for uncertain tax positions using a 
“more likely than not” threshold for recognizing and 
resolving uncertain tax positions. We evaluate 
uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis and 
consider various factors including, but not limited to, 
changes in tax law, the measurement of tax positions 
taken or expected to be taken in tax returns, the 
effective settlement of matters subject to audit, 
information obtained during in process audit activities 
and changes in facts or circumstances related to a tax 
position. We adjust the level of the liability to reflect 
any subsequent changes in the relevant facts 
surrounding the uncertain positions. Our liabilities for 
uncertain tax positions can be relieved only if the 
contingency becomes legally extinguished, through 
either payment to the taxing authority or the expiration 
of the statute of limitations, the recognition of the 
benefits associated with the position meet the “more 
likely than not” threshold or the liability becomes 
effectively settled through the examination process. 
We consider matters to be effectively settled once the 
taxing authority has completed all of its required or 
expected examination procedures, including all 
appeals and administrative reviews, we have no plans 
to appeal or litigate any aspect of the tax position and 
we believe that it is highly unlikely that the taxing 
authority would examine or re-examine the related tax 
position. We also accrue for potential interest and 
penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in 
income tax expense.

Item 7A.      Quantitative and Qualitative 
Disclosures About Market Risk

We are subject to certain risks that may affect 
our results of operations, cash flows and fair values 

80

of assets and liabilities, including volatility in foreign 
currency exchange rates, interest rate movements and 
pricing pressures worldwide as well as changes in 
economic conditions in the markets in which we 
operate as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We 
manage the impact of foreign currency exchange rates 
and interest rates through various financial 
instruments, including derivative instruments such as 
foreign currency forward contracts, interest rate lock 
contracts and interest rate swap contracts. We do not 
enter into financial instruments for trading or 
speculative purposes. The counterparties to these 
contracts are major financial institutions, and there is 
no significant concentration of exposure with any one 
counterparty.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

Our results of operations are subject to foreign 
currency exchange rate fluctuations due to the global 
nature of our operations. As a result, our consolidated 
financial position, results of operations and cash 
flows can be affected by market fluctuations in foreign 
currency exchange rates, primarily with respect to the 
Euro, British pound sterling, Canadian dollar, Swiss 
franc, Japanese yen and South Korean won.

While the financial results of our global activities 
are reported in U.S. dollars, the functional currency for 
most of our foreign subsidiaries is their respective 
local currency. Fluctuations in the foreign currency 
exchange rates of the countries in which we do 
business will affect our operating results, often in 
ways that are difficult to predict. In particular, as the 
U.S. dollar strengthens versus other currencies, the 
value of the non-U.S. revenues will decline when 
reported in U.S. dollars. The impact to net income as 
a result of a strengthening U.S. dollar will be partially 
mitigated by the value of non-U.S. expenses, which 
will also decline when reported in U.S. dollars. As the 
U.S. dollar weakens versus other currencies, the 
value of the non-U.S. revenues and expenses will 
increase when reported in U.S. dollars.

We have established revenue and operating 
expense hedging and balance sheet risk management 
programs to protect against volatility of future foreign 
currency cash flows and changes in fair value caused 
by volatility in foreign currency exchange rates.

During the second quarter of 2018 the 
International Practices Task Force of the Center for 
Audit Quality categorized Argentina as a country with a 
projected three-year cumulative inflation rate greater 
than 100.0%, which indicated that Argentina’s 
economy is highly inflationary. This categorization did 
not have a material impact on our results of 
operations or financial position as of December 31, 
2020, and is not expected to have a material impact 

on our results of operations or financial position in the 
future.

Revenue and Operating Expense Hedging Program

Our foreign currency hedging program is 

designed to mitigate, over time, a portion of the 
impact resulting from volatility in exchange rate 
changes on revenues and operating expenses. We 
use foreign currency forward contracts to manage 
foreign currency risk, with the majority of our forward 
contracts used to hedge certain forecasted revenue 
and operating expense transactions denominated in 
foreign currencies in the next 24 months. We do not 
engage in currency speculation. For a more detailed 
disclosure of our revenue and operating expense 
hedging program, please read Note 9, Derivative 
Instruments, to our consolidated financial statements 
included in this report.  

Our ability to mitigate the impact of foreign 
currency exchange rate changes on revenues and net 
income diminishes as significant foreign currency 
exchange rate fluctuations are sustained over 
extended periods of time. In particular, devaluation or 
significant deterioration of foreign currency exchange 
rates are difficult to mitigate and likely to negatively 
impact earnings. The cash flows from these contracts 
are reported as operating activities in our 
consolidated statements of cash flows.

Balance Sheet Risk Management Hedging Program

We also use forward contracts to mitigate the 
foreign currency exposure related to certain balance 
sheet items. The primary objective of our balance 
sheet risk management program is to mitigate the 
exposure of foreign currency denominated net 
monetary assets and liabilities of foreign affiliates. In 
these instances, we principally utilize currency forward 
contracts. We have not elected hedge accounting for 
the balance sheet related items. The cash flows from 
these contracts are reported as operating activities in 
our consolidated statements of cash flows.

The following quantitative information includes 

the impact of currency movements on forward 
contracts used in our revenue, operating expense and 
balance sheet hedging programs. As of December 31, 
2020 and 2019, a hypothetical adverse 10.0% 
movement in foreign currency exchange rates 
compared to the U.S. dollar across all maturities 
would result in a hypothetical decrease in the fair 
value of forward contracts of approximately 
$458.2 million and $265.0 million, respectively. The 
estimated fair value change was determined by 
measuring the impact of the hypothetical exchange 
rate movement on outstanding forward contracts. Our 
use of this methodology to quantify the market risk of 
such instruments is subject to assumptions and 
actual impact could be significantly different. The 

81

quantitative information about market risk is limited 
because it does not take into account all foreign 
currency operating transactions.

Net Investment Hedge Program

Our net investment hedging program is designed 

to mitigate currency fluctuations between the U.S. 
dollar and the South Korean won as a result of our 
approximately 49.9% ownership interest in Samsung 
Bioepis. We entered into foreign currency forward 
contracts to manage the foreign currency risk with our 
forward contracts used to hedge changes in the spot 
rate over the next 10 months. As of December 31, 
2020 and 2019, a hypothetical adverse 10.0% 
movement would result in a hypothetical decrease in 
fair value of approximately $56.9 million and 
$43.0 million, respectively. The estimated fair value 
was determined by measuring the impact of the 
hypothetical spot rate movement on outstanding 
forward contracts.

Interest Rate Risk

Our investment portfolio includes cash 

equivalents and short-term investments. The fair value 
of our marketable securities is subject to change as a 
result of potential changes in market interest rates, 
including changes resulting from the impact of the 
COVID-19 pandemic. The potential change in fair value 
for interest rate sensitive instruments has been 
assessed on a hypothetical 100 basis point adverse 
movement across all maturities. As of December 31, 
2020 and 2019, we estimate that such hypothetical 
100 basis point adverse movement would result in a 
hypothetical loss in fair value of approximately 
$13.2 million and $21.0 million, respectively, to our 
interest rate sensitive instruments. The fair values of 
our investments were determined using third-party 
pricing services or other market observable data.

Pricing Pressure

Governments in certain international markets in 

which we operate have implemented measures, and 
may in the future implement new or additional 
measures, to reduce health care costs to limit the 
overall level of government expenditures. These 
measures vary by country and may include, among 
other things, patient access restrictions, suspensions 
on price increases, prospective and possible 
retroactive price reductions and other recoupments 
and increased mandatory discounts or rebates, 
recoveries of past price increases and greater 
importation of drugs from lower-cost countries. In 
addition, certain countries set prices by reference to 
the prices in other countries where our products are 
marketed. Our inability to obtain and maintain 
adequate prices in a particular country may not only 
limit the revenues from our products within that 
country but may also adversely affect our ability to 

secure acceptable prices in existing and potential new 
markets, which may limit market growth. The 
continued implementation of pricing actions 
throughout Europe may also lead to higher levels of 
parallel trade.

In the U.S., federal and state legislatures, 

health agencies and third-party payors continue to 
focus on containing the cost of health care. 
Legislative and regulatory proposals, enactments to 
reform health care insurance programs and increasing 
pressure from social sources could significantly 
influence the way our products are prescribed and 
purchased. It is possible that additional federal health 
care reform measures will be adopted in the future, 
which could result in increased pricing pressure and 
reduced reimbursement for our products and 
otherwise have an adverse impact on our 
consolidated financial position or results of 
operations. There is also significant economic 
pressure on state budgets that may result in states 
increasingly seeking to achieve budget savings 
through mechanisms that limit coverage or payment 
for our drugs. Managed care organizations are also 
continuing to seek price discounts and, in some 
cases, impose restrictions on the coverage of certain 
drugs.

Our products continue to face increasing 
competition in many markets from new originator 
therapies, generics, prodrugs and biosimilars of 
existing products and products approved under 
abbreviated regulatory pathways. Such products are 
likely to be sold at substantially lower prices than 
branded products. Accordingly, the introduction of 
such products, as well as other lower-priced 
competing products, may significantly reduce both the 
price that we are able to charge for our products and 
the volume of products we sell, which will negatively 
impact our revenues. In addition, in some markets, 
when a generic or biosimilar version of one of our 
products is commercialized, it may be automatically 
substituted for our product and significantly reduce 
our revenues in a short period of time.

Multiple TECFIDERA generic entrants are now in 

the U.S. market and have deeply discounted prices 
compared to TECFIDERA. The generic competition for 
TECFIDERA significantly reduced our TECFIDERA 
revenues during the year ended December 31, 2020, 
and is expected to have a substantial negative impact 
on our TECFIDERA revenues for as long as there is 
generic competition.

Credit Risk

We are subject to credit risk from our accounts 
receivable related to our product sales. The majority 
of our accounts receivable arise from product sales in 
the U.S. and Europe with concentrations of credit risk 
limited due to the wide variety of customers and 

82

markets using our products as well as their dispersion 
across many different geographic areas. Our accounts 
receivable are primarily due from wholesale and other 
third-party distributors, public hospitals, pharmacies 
and other government entities. We monitor the 
financial performance and creditworthiness of our 
customers so that we can properly assess and 
respond to changes in their credit profile. We operate 
in certain countries where weakness in economic 
conditions, including as a result of the COVID-19 
pandemic, can result in extended collection periods. 
We continue to monitor these conditions, including 
the volatility associated with international economies 
and the relevant financial markets, and assess their 
possible impact on our business. To date, we have 
not experienced any significant losses with respect to 
the collection of our accounts receivable. 

We believe that our allowance for doubtful 

accounts was adequate as of December 31, 2020 
and 2019. However, if significant changes occur in 
the availability of government funding or the 
reimbursement practices of these or other 
governments, we may not be able to collect on 
amounts due to us from customers in such countries 
and our results of operations could be adversely 
affected.

Item 8.     
Supplementary Data

Financial Statements and 

The information required by this Item 8 is 
contained on pages F-1 through F-80 of this report and 
is incorporated herein by reference.

Changes in and Disagreements 

Item 9.     
with Accountants on Accounting and 
Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A.      Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures and 
Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Controls and Procedures

We have carried out an evaluation, under the 

supervision and with the participation of our 
management, including our principal executive officer 
and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of 
the design and operation of our disclosure controls 
and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 
15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 
as amended), as of December 31, 2020. Based upon 
that evaluation, our principal executive officer and 
principal financial officer concluded that, as of the end 

•

provide reasonable assurance regarding 
prevention or timely detection of unauthorized 
acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that 
could have a material effect on our financial 
statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal 
control over financial reporting may not prevent or 
detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation 
of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the 
risk that controls may become inadequate because of 
changes in conditions, or that the degree of 
compliance with the policies or procedures may 
deteriorate.

Our management assessed the effectiveness of 

our internal control over financial reporting as of 
December 31, 2020. In making this assessment, 
management used the criteria set forth by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the 
Treadway Commission (COSO) in its 2013 Internal 
Control — Integrated Framework.

Based on our assessment, our management 
has concluded that, as of December 31, 2020, our 
internal control over financial reporting is effective 
based on those criteria.

The effectiveness of our internal control over 
financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, has 
been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an 
independent registered public accounting firm, as 
stated in their attestation report, which is included 
herein.

Item 9B.      Other Information

None.

of the period covered by this report, our disclosure 
controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that:

(a) the information required to be disclosed by us 
in the reports that we file or submit under the 
Securities Exchange Act is recorded, 
processed, summarized and reported within 
the time periods specified in the U.S. 
Securities and Exchange Commission's rules 
and forms; and 

(b) such information is accumulated and 

communicated to our management, including 
our principal executive officer and principal 
financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely 
decisions regarding required disclosure. 

In designing and evaluating our disclosure 
controls and procedures, our management recognized 
that any controls and procedures, no matter how well 
designed and operated, can provide only reasonable 
assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, 
and our management necessarily was required to 
apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit 
relationship of possible controls and procedures.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control 

over financial reporting during the quarter ended 
December 31, 2020, that have materially affected, or 
are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal 
control over financial reporting.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control 

over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing 

and maintaining adequate internal control over our 
financial reporting. Internal control over financial 
reporting is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) 
under the Securities Exchange Act as a process 
designed by, or under the supervision of, a company’s 
principal executive and principal financial officers and 
effected by a company’s board of directors, 
management and other personnel to provide 
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of 
financial reporting and the preparation of financial 
statements for external purposes in accordance with 
U.S. GAAP. Our internal control over financial reporting 
includes those policies and procedures that:

•

•

pertain to the maintenance of records that, in 
reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect our 
transactions and dispositions of our assets;

provide reasonable assurance that transactions 
are recorded as necessary to permit preparation 
of financial statements in accordance with 
U.S. GAAP, and that our receipts and 
expenditures are being made only in accordance 
with authorizations of our management and 
directors; and

83

PART III

Item 10.      Directors, Executive Officers 
and Corporate Governance

The information concerning our executive 

officers is set forth under the heading Information 
about our Executive Officers in Item 1 of this report. 
The text of our code of business conduct, which 
includes the code of ethics that applies to our 
principal executive officer, principal financial officer, 
principal accounting officer or controller, and persons 
performing similar functions, is posted on our 
website, www.biogen.com, under the “Corporate 
Governance” subsection of the “Investors” section of 
the site. We intend to make all required disclosures 
regarding any amendments to, or waivers from, 
provisions of our code of business conduct at the 
same location of our website. 

The response to the remainder of this item is 

incorporated by reference from the discussion 
responsive thereto in the sections entitled 
“Proposal 1 - Election of Directors,” “Corporate 
Governance at Biogen” and “Miscellaneous - 
Stockholder Proposals” contained in the proxy 
statement for our 2021 annual meeting of 
stockholders.

Item 11.      Executive Compensation

The response to this item is incorporated by 

reference from the discussion responsive thereto in 
the sections entitled “Executive Compensation 
Matters” and “Corporate Governance at Biogen” 
contained in the proxy statement for our 2021 annual 
meeting of stockholders.

Item 12.      Security Ownership of Certain 
Beneficial Owners and Management and 
Related Stockholder Matters

The response to this item is incorporated by 

reference from the discussion responsive thereto in 
the sections entitled “Stock Ownership” and “Equity 
Compensation Plan Information” contained in the proxy 
statement for our 2021 annual meeting of 
stockholders.

Item 13.      Certain Relationships and 
Related Transactions, and Director 
Independence

The response to this item is incorporated by 

reference from the discussion responsive thereto in 
the sections entitled “Certain Relationships and 
Related Person Transactions” and “Corporate 
Governance at Biogen” contained in the proxy 
statement for our 2021 annual meeting of 
stockholders.

Item 14.      Principal Accountant Fees and 
Services

The response to this item is incorporated by 

reference from the discussion responsive thereto in 
the section entitled “Proposal 2 - Ratification of the 
Selection of our Independent Registered Public 
Accounting Firm” contained in the proxy statement for 
our 2021 annual meeting of stockholders.

84

PART IV

Item 15.  

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

a.  

(1) Consolidated Financial Statements:

The following financial statements are filed as part of this report:

Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Income
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Consolidated Statements of Equity
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Certain totals may not sum due to rounding.

(2) Exhibits

Page Number

F-2
F-3
F-4
F-5
F-6
F-9
F-79

The exhibits listed on the Exhibit Index beginning on page 86, which is incorporated herein by reference, are 

filed or furnished as part of this report or are incorporated into this report by reference.

(3) Financial Statement Schedules

Schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, or are not required, or because the information is 

included in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

Item 16.  

Form 10-K Summary

Not applicable.

85

  
 
Exhibit No.
2.1†

2.2

3.1

3.2

3.3

4.1

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4+
10.1

10.2

10.3†

10.4†

10.5

10.6*

10.7*

10.8*

10.9*

10.10*

10.11*

10.12*

EXHIBIT INDEX

Description
Asset  Purchase  Agreement  among  Biogen  Idec  International  Holding  Ltd.,  Elan  Pharma 
International  Limited  and  Elan  Pharmaceuticals,  Inc.,  dated  as  of  February  5,  2013.  Filed  as 
Exhibit 2.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on February 12, 2013.
Separation  Agreement  between  Biogen  Inc.  and  Bioverativ  Inc.  dated  as  of  January  31,  2017. 
Filed as Exhibit 2.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 2, 2017.
Amended  and  Restated  Certificate  of  Incorporation,  as  amended.  Filed  as  Exhibit  3.1  to  our 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012.
Certificate  of  Amendment  to  the  Certificate  of  Incorporation.  Filed  as  Exhibit  3.1  to  our  Current 
Report on Form 8-K filed on March 27, 2015.
Fourth Amended and Restated Bylaws. Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed 
on June 9, 2017.
Second  Supplemental  Indenture,  dated  April  30,  2020,  between  Biogen  Inc.  and  U.S.  Bank 
National  Association,  including  the  forms  of  Global  Notes  attached  as  Exhibit  A  and  Exhibit  B, 
respectively,  thereto.  Filed  as  Exhibit  4.2  to  our  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K  filed  on  April  30, 
2020.
Reference is made to Exhibit 3.1 for a description of the rights, preferences and privileges of our 
Series A Preferred Stock and Series X Junior Participating Preferred Stock.
Indenture  between  Biogen  Inc.  and  U.S.  Bank  National  Association,  dated  as  of  September  15, 
2015. Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 16, 2015.
First  Supplemental  Indenture  between  Biogen  Inc.  and  U.S.  Bank  National  Association,  dated 
September 15, 2015. Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 
16, 2015.
Description of Securities.
Credit  Agreement  between  Biogen  Inc.,  Bank  of  America,  N.A.,  Goldman  Sachs  Bank  USA  and 
other lenders party thereto, dated August 28, 2015. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on 
Form 8-K filed on September 1, 2015.
Credit Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2020, among Biogen Inc., Bank of America, N.A., as 
administrative  agent,  swing  ling  lender  and  the  L/C  issuer,  and  the  other  lenders  party  thereto. 
Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 3, 2020.
Second  Amended  and  Restated  Collaboration  Agreement  between  Biogen  Idec  Inc.  and 
Genentech,  Inc.,  dated  as  of  October  18,  2010.  Filed  as  Exhibit  10.5  to  our  Annual  Report  on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
Letter Agreement regarding GA101 financial terms between Biogen Idec Inc. and Genentech, Inc., 
dated  October  18,  2010.  Filed  as  Exhibit  10.6  to  our  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  year 
ended December 31, 2010.
Settlement  and  License  Agreement,  dated  January  17,  2017,  between  Biogen  Swiss 
Manufacturing  GmbH,  Biogen  International  Holdings  ltd.,  Forward  Pharma  A/S  and  other  parties 
thereto. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 1, 2017.
Biogen Inc. 2017 Omnibus Equity Plan. Filed as Appendix B to our Definitive Proxy Statement on 
Schedule 14A filed on April 26, 2017.
Form of restricted stock unit award agreement under the Biogen Inc. 2017 Omnibus Equity Plan. 
Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017.
Form  of  market  stock  unit  award  agreement  under  the  Biogen  Inc.  2017  Omnibus  Equity  Plan. 
Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017.
Form  of  performance  unit  award  agreement  under  the  Biogen  Inc.  2017  Omnibus  Equity  Plan. 
Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017.
Form  of  cash-settled  performance  unit  award  agreement  under  the  Biogen  Inc.  2017  Omnibus 
Equity Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 
30, 2017.
Form  of  performance  stock  units  award  agreement  (cash-settled)  under  the  Biogen  Inc.  2017 
Omnibus Equity Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.10 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 
December 31, 2017.
Form  of  performance  stock  units  award  agreement  under  the  Biogen  Inc.  2017  Omnibus  Equity 
Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.11 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 
2017.

86

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Exhibit No.
10.13*

10.14*

10.15*

10.16*

10.17*

10.18*

10.19*

10.20*

10.21*

10.22*

10.23*

10.24*

10.25*

10.26*

10.27*

10.28*

10.29*

10.30*

10.31*

10.32*

10.33*

10.34*

Description

Form of performance stock units award agreement under the Biogen Inc. 2017 Omnibus Equity 
Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 
2018.
Form of performance stock units award agreement (cash settled) under the Biogen Inc. 2017 
Omnibus Equity Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended March 31, 2018.
Form of restricted stock unit award agreement (2018 one-time transition grant) under the Biogen 
Inc. 2017 Omnibus Equity Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the 
quarter ended March 31, 2018.
Form of market stock unit award agreement under the Biogen Inc. 2017 Omnibus Equity Plan (for 
grants commencing in July 2019). Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for 
the quarter ended June 30, 2019.
Form of performance stock units award agreement under the Biogen Inc. 2017 Omnibus Equity 
Plan (for grants commencing in July 2019). Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 
10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2019.
Form of performance stock units award agreement (cash settled) under the Biogen Inc. 2017 
Omnibus Equity Plan (for grants commencing in July 2019). Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2019.
Biogen Idec Inc. 2008 Amended and Restated Omnibus Equity Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014.
Form of performance unit award agreement under the Biogen Idec Inc. 2008 Omnibus Equity Plan. 
Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014.
Form  of  market  stock  unit  award  agreement  under  the  Biogen  Idec  Inc.  2008  Omnibus  Equity 
Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 
2014.
Form of restricted stock unit award agreement under the Biogen Idec Inc. 2008 Omnibus Equity 
Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2008.
Form  of  nonqualified  stock  option  award  agreement  under  the  Biogen  Idec  Inc.  2008  Omnibus 
Equity Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2008.
Form  of  cash-settled  performance  shares  award  agreement  under  the  Biogen  Idec  Inc.  2008 
Omnibus Equity Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended March 31, 2010.
Biogen Inc. 2006 Non-Employee Directors Equity Plan, as amended. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015.
Biogen  Inc.  2015  Employee  Stock  Purchase  Plan.  Filed  as  Appendix  A  to  our  Definitive  Proxy 
Statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 30, 2015.
Biogen Idec Inc. 2008 Performance-Based Management Incentive Plan. Filed as Appendix B to our 
Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on May 8, 2008.
Biogen Inc. 2019 Form of Performance-Based Management Incentive Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 
to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019.
Biogen  Idec  Inc.  Voluntary  Executive  Supplemental  Savings  Plan,  as  amended  and  restated 
effective January 1, 2004. Filed as Exhibit 10.13 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year 
ended December 31, 2003.
Biogen  Idec  Inc.  Supplemental  Savings  Plan,  as  amended.  Filed  as  Exhibit  10.23  to  our  Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Biogen Idec Inc. Voluntary Board of Directors Savings Plan, as amended. Filed as Exhibit 10.24 to 
our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Biogen Inc. Executive Severance Policy - U.S. Executive Vice President, as amended effective June 
19, 2019. Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 
30, 2019.
Biogen Inc. Executive Severance Policy - U.S. Executive Vice President, as amended effective July 
13,  2020.  Filed  as  Exhibit  10.1  to  our  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarter  ended 
September 30, 2020.
Annual Retainer Summary for Board of Directors (effective January 1, 2020). Filed as Exhibit 10.1 
to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2019.

87

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Exhibit No.
10.35*

10.36*

10.37*

10.38*

10.39*

10.40*

10.41*+
10.42*

10.43*

10.44*

21+
23+
31.1+

31.2+

32.1++

101++

Description
Form of indemnification agreement for directors and executive officers. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 7, 2011.
Employment Agreement between Biogen Inc. and Michel Vounatsos dated December 18, 2016 and 
effective as of January 6, 2017. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on 
December 19, 2016.
Letter  regarding  employment  arrangement  of  Michael  McDonnell  dated  July  16,  2020.  Filed  as 
Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020.
Letter regarding employment arrangement of Susan Alexander dated December 13, 2005. Filed as 
Exhibit 10.58 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.
Letter regarding employment arrangement of Alfred W. Sandrock, Jr. dated May 7, 2013. Filed as 
Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013.
Letter  regarding  employment  arrangement  of  Alfred  Sandrock  dated  October  19,  2015.  Filed  as 
Exhibit 10.37 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Letter regarding employment arrangement of Chirfi Guindo dated October 12, 2017.
Letter  regarding  employment  arrangement  of  Jeffrey  Capello  dated  November  14,  2017.  Filed  as 
Exhibit 10.31 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Separation  Agreement  between  Biogen  Inc.  and  Jeffrey  Capello  dated  July  16,  2020.  Filed  as 
Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020.
Letter regarding employment arrangement of Michael Ehlers dated April 16, 2016. Filed as Exhibit 
10.33 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Subsidiaries.
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Certification  of  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  pursuant  to  Section  302  of  the  Sarbanes-Oxley  Act  of 
2002.
Certification  of  the  Chief  Financial  Officer  pursuant  to  Section  302  of  the  Sarbanes-Oxley  Act  of 
2002.
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
The  following  materials  from  Biogen  Inc.’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  year  ended 
December  31,  2020,  formatted  in  iXBRL  (Inline  Extensible  Business  Reporting  Language):  (i)  the 
Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, 
(iii)  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets,  (iv)  the  Consolidated  Statements  of  Cash  Flows,  (v)  the 
Consolidated Statements of Equity and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

*

†

+

Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

Confidential treatment has been granted or requested with respect to portions of this exhibit.

Filed herewith.

 ++

Furnished herewith.

88

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has 

duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

SIGNATURES

BIOGEN INC.

By:

/S/    MICHEL VOUNATSOS
Michel Vounatsos
Chief Executive Officer

Date: February 3, 2021 

89

 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the 

following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Name

Capacity

Date

/S/    MICHEL VOUNATSOS
Michel Vounatsos

/S/    MICHAEL R. MCDONNELL
Michael R. McDonnell

/S/    ROBIN C. KRAMER

Robin C. Kramer

/S/    STELIOS PAPADOPOULOS
Stelios Papadopoulos

/S/    ALEXANDER J. DENNER
 Alexander J. Denner

/S/    CAROLINE D. DORSA
Caroline D. Dorsa

/S/    WILLIAM A. HAWKINS
William A. Hawkins

/S/    NANCY L. LEAMING
Nancy L. Leaming

/S/    JESUS B. MANTAS
Jesus B. Mantas

/S/    RICHARD C. MULLIGAN
Richard C. Mulligan

/S/    ROBERT W. PANGIA
Robert W. Pangia

/S/    BRIAN S. POSNER
Brian S. Posner

/S/    ERIC K. ROWINSKY
Eric K. Rowinsky

/S/    STEPHEN A. SHERWIN
Stephen A. Sherwin

Director and Chief Executive Officer 
(principal executive officer)

February 3, 2021

Executive Vice President and Chief 
Financial Officer (principal financial officer)

February 3, 2021

Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting 
Officer (principal accounting officer)

February 3, 2021

Director and Chairman of the Board of 
Directors

February 3, 2021

Director

February 3, 2021

Director

February 3, 2021

Director

February 3, 2021

Director

February 3, 2021

Director

February 3, 2021

Director

February 3, 2021

Director

February 3, 2021

Director

February 3, 2021

Director

February 3, 2021

Director

February 3, 2021

90

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Statements of Income
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Consolidated Statements of Equity
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   

Page Number

F-2
F-3
F-4
F-5
F-6
F-9
F-80

F-1

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In millions, except per share amounts)

For the Years Ended December 31,
2019

2018

2020

Revenues:

Product, net

Revenues from anti-CD20 therapeutic programs

Other

Total revenues

Cost and expenses:

Cost of sales, excluding amortization and impairment of acquired 
intangible assets

Research and development

Selling, general and administrative

Amortization and impairment of acquired intangible assets

Collaboration profit (loss) sharing
(Gain) loss on divestiture of Hillerød, Denmark manufacturing 
operations

(Gain) loss on fair value remeasurement of contingent consideration

Acquired in-process research and development

Restructuring charges

Total cost and expenses

Income from operations

Other income (expense), net
Income before income tax expense and equity in loss of investee, net 
of tax

Income tax expense

Equity in (income) loss of investee, net of tax

Net income

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax

$ 

10,692.2  $ 

11,379.8  $ 

10,886.8 

1,977.8 

774.6 

2,290.4 

707.7 

1,980.2 

585.9 

13,444.6 

14,377.9 

13,452.9 

1,805.2 

3,990.9 

2,504.5 

464.8 

232.9 

(92.5)   

(86.3)   

75.0 

— 

8,894.5 

4,550.1 

497.4 

5,047.5 

992.3 

(5.3)   

4,060.5 

59.9 

1,955.4 

2,280.6 

2,374.7 

489.9 

241.6 

55.3 

(63.7)   

— 

1.5 

7,335.3 

7,042.6 

83.3 

7,125.9 

1,158.0 

79.4 

5,888.5 

— 

1,816.3 

2,597.2 

2,106.3 

747.3 

185.0 

— 

(12.3) 

112.5 

12.0 

7,564.3 

5,888.6 

11.0 

5,899.6 

1,425.6 

— 

4,474.0 

43.3 

Net income attributable to Biogen Inc.

$ 

4,000.6  $ 

5,888.5  $ 

4,430.7 

Net income per share:

Basic earnings per share attributable to Biogen Inc.

Diluted earnings per share attributable to Biogen Inc.

$ 

$ 

24.86  $ 

24.80  $ 

31.47  $ 

31.42  $ 

21.63 

21.58 

Weighted-average shares used in calculating:

Basic earnings per share attributable to Biogen Inc.

Diluted earnings per share attributable to Biogen Inc.

160.9 

161.3 

187.1 

187.4 

204.9 

205.3 

See accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements.

F-2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In millions)

For the Years Ended December 31,
2019

2018

2020

Net income attributable to Biogen Inc.

Other comprehensive income:

$ 

4,000.6  $ 

5,888.5  $ 

4,430.7 

Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale, net of tax

(2.8)   

8.2 

(3.9) 

Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of tax

(186.8)   

(26.9)   

139.2 

Gains (losses) on net investment hedges, net of tax

Unrealized gains (losses) on pension benefit obligation, net of tax

Currency translation adjustment

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

(33.6)   

(33.5)   

92.9 

(163.8)   

21.6 

(1.5)   

103.8 

105.2 

3.5 

5.5 

(67.8) 

76.5 

Comprehensive income attributable to Biogen Inc.
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax

3,836.8 
60.9 

5,993.7 

(0.4)   

4,507.2 
42.9 

Comprehensive income

$ 

3,897.7  $ 

5,993.3  $ 

4,550.1 

See accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements.

F-3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

Marketable securities

Accounts receivable, net

Due from anti-CD20 therapeutic programs

Inventory

Other current assets

Total current assets

Marketable securities

Property, plant and equipment, net

Operating lease assets

Intangible assets, net

Goodwill

Deferred tax asset

Investments and other assets

Total assets

Current liabilities:

Current portion of notes payable

Taxes payable

Accounts payable

Accrued expenses and other

Total current liabilities

Notes payable

Deferred tax liability

Long-term operating lease liabilities

Other long-term liabilities

Total liabilities

BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except per share amounts)

ASSETS

As of December 31,

2020

2019

$ 

1,331.2  $ 

1,278.9 

1,913.8 

413.5 

1,068.6 

881.1 

6,887.1 

772.1 

3,411.5 

433.3 

3,084.3 

5,762.1 

1,369.5 

2,899.0 

2,913.7 

1,562.2 

1,880.5 

590.2 

804.2 

631.0 

8,381.8 

1,408.1 

3,247.3 

427.0 

3,527.4 

5,757.8 

3,232.1 

1,252.8 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

$ 

24,618.9  $ 

27,234.3 

$ 

—  $ 

1,495.8 

142.0 

454.9 

3,145.3 

3,742.2 

7,426.2 

1,032.8 

402.0 

1,329.6 

71.4 

530.8 

2,765.8 

4,863.8 

4,459.0 

2,810.8 

412.7 

1,348.9 

13,932.8 

13,895.2 

— 

0.1 

— 

(299.0)   

13,976.3 

(2,977.1)   

10,700.3 

(14.2)   

10,686.1 

$ 

24,618.9  $ 

— 

0.1 

— 

(135.2) 

16,455.4 

(2,977.1) 

13,343.2 

(4.1) 

13,339.1 

27,234.3 

Commitments, contingencies and guarantees (Notes 21 and 22)

Equity:

Biogen Inc. shareholders’ equity

Preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share

Common stock, par value $0.0005 per share

Additional paid-in capital

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Retained earnings

Treasury stock, at cost; 23.8 million and 23.8 million shares, respectively

Total Biogen Inc. shareholders’ equity

Noncontrolling interests

Total equity

Total liabilities and equity

See accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements.

F-4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)

For the Years Ended December 31,
2019

2018

2020

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:

$ 

4,060.5  $ 

5,888.5  $ 

4,474.0 

Depreciation and amortization

Impairment of intangible assets

Acquired in-process research and development

Share-based compensation

Contingent consideration

(Gain)/loss on divestiture of Hillerod, Denmark manufactuing operations

Deferred income taxes

Unrealized (gain) loss on strategic investments

Loss on equity method investment

Other
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net:

Accounts receivable

Due from anti-CD20 therapeutic programs

Inventory

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

Income tax assets and liabilities

Other changes in operating assets and liabilities, net

Net cash flows provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities:

Proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable securities

Purchases of marketable securities

Contingent consideration paid related to Fumapharm AG acquisition

Acquisition of Nightstar Therapeutics plc, net of cash acquired

Purchase of Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. stock

Purchase of Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc. stock

Purchase of Denali Therapeutics Inc. stock

Purchase of Sage Therapeutics, Inc. stock

Proceeds from divesiture of Hillerod, Denmark manufacturing operations

Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Acquired in-process research and development

Acquisitions of intangible assets

Investment in Samsung Bioepis

Proceeds from sales of strategic investments

Other

Net cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Purchase of treasury stock

Payments related to issuance of stock for share-based compensation arrangements, net

Proceeds from borrowings

Repayments of borrowings

Net contribution (distribution) to noncontrolling interest

Contingent consideration payments

Other

Net cash flows (used in) financing activities

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year

Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year

457.2 

209.7 

75.0 

198.3 

(86.3)   

(92.5)   

149.0 

464.7 

215.9 

— 

182.3 

(63.7)   

55.3 

67.1 

(681.8)   

(147.3)   

(3.3)   

131.2 

77.4 

139.1 

2.8 

176.7 

(316.3)   

154.2 

(67.5)   

(137.1)   

68.8 

(63.3)   

(19.2)   

240.2 

16.1 

(43.3)   

4,229.8 

7,078.6 

7,299.4 

6,007.0 

(6,397.7)   

(5,252.6)   

— 

— 

— 

(141.8)   

(423.7)   

(441.0)   

— 

(424.8)   
(75.0)   

(52.0)   

— 

74.9 

(26.9)   

(608.6)   

(300.0)   

(744.4)   

— 

— 

— 

— 

923.7 

(514.5)   
— 

(155.0)   

— 

479.3 

27.0 

470.5 

650.5 

366.1 

112.5 

157.5 

(12.3) 

— 

108.3 

(124.8) 

— 

55.7 

(205.2) 

5.7 

(52.1) 

465.5 

321.7 

(135.4) 

6,187.7 

9,173.7 

(7,694.8) 

(1,500.0) 

— 

(462.9) 

— 

— 

— 

— 

(770.6) 
(112.5) 

(3.0) 

(676.6) 

— 

0.4 

(2,046.3) 

(6,679.1)   

(5,868.3)   

(4,352.6) 

(4.6)   

2,967.4 

(1,500.0)   

(71.0)   

— 

14.6 

— 

— 

— 

4.3 

— 

3.6 

— 

— 

(3.2) 

(36.4) 

(58.2) 

(21.6) 

(5,272.7)   

(5,860.4)   

(4,472.0) 

(1,651.5)   

1,688.7 

69.0 

2,913.7 

0.4 

1,224.6 

$ 

1,331.2  $ 

2,913.7  $ 

(330.6) 

(18.6) 

1,573.8 

1,224.6 

See accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements.

F-5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

References in these notes to "Biogen," the "company," "we," "us" and "our" refer to Biogen Inc. and its 

consolidated subsidiaries.

Business Overview

Biogen is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and delivering worldwide 

innovative therapies for people living with serious neurological and neurodegenerative diseases as well as related 
therapeutic adjacencies. Our core growth areas include multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuroimmunology; Alzheimer’s 
disease and dementia; neuromuscular disorders, including spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral 
sclerosis (ALS); movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease; ophthalmology; and neuropsychiatry. We are 
also focused on discovering, developing and delivering worldwide innovative therapies in our emerging growth areas 
of immunology; acute neurology; and neuropathic pain. In addition, we commercialize biosimilars of advanced 
biologics. We support our drug discovery and development efforts through the commitment of significant resources to 
discovery, research and development programs and business development opportunities.

Our marketed products include TECFIDERA, VUMERITY, AVONEX, PLEGRIDY, TYSABRI and FAMPYRA for the 
treatment of MS; SPINRAZA for the treatment of SMA; and FUMADERM for the treatment of severe plaque psoriasis. 
We have certain business and financial rights with respect to RITUXAN for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, 
chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and other conditions; RITUXAN HYCELA for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's 
lymphoma and CLL; GAZYVA for the treatment of CLL and follicular lymphoma; OCREVUS for the treatment of primary 
progressive MS (PPMS) and relapsing MS (RMS); and other potential anti-CD20 therapies pursuant to our 
collaboration arrangements with Genentech, Inc. (Genentech), a wholly-owned member of the Roche Group. For 
additional information on our collaboration arrangements with Genentech, please read Note 18, Collaborative and 
Other Relationships, to these consolidated financial statements.

Our innovative drug development and commercialization activities are complemented by our biosimilar business 

that expands access to medicines and reduces the cost burden for healthcare systems. Through our agreements 
with Samsung Bioepis Co., Ltd. (Samsung Bioepis), our joint venture with Samsung BioLogics Co., Ltd. (Samsung 
BioLogics), we market and sell BENEPALI, an etanercept biosimilar referencing ENBREL, IMRALDI, an adalimumab 
biosimilar referencing HUMIRA, and FLIXABI, an infliximab biosimilar referencing REMICADE, in certain countries in 
Europe and have an option to acquire exclusive rights to commercialize these products in China. Additionally, we 
have exclusive rights to commercialize two potential ophthalmology biosimilar products, SB11, a proposed 
ranibizumab biosimilar referencing LUCENTIS, and SB15, a proposed aflibercept biosimilar referencing EYLEA, in 
major markets worldwide, including the United States (U.S.), Canada, Europe, Japan and Australia. For additional 
information on our collaboration arrangements with Samsung Bioepis, please read Note 18, Collaborative and Other 
Relationships, to these consolidated financial statements.

Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements reflect our financial statements, those of our wholly-owned subsidiaries 
and those of certain variable interest entities where we are the primary beneficiary. For consolidated entities where 
we own or are exposed to less than 100.0% of the economics, we record net income (loss) attributable to 
noncontrolling interests in our consolidated statements of income equal to the percentage of the economic or 
ownership interest retained in such entities by the respective noncontrolling parties. Intercompany balances and 
transactions are eliminated in consolidation. 

In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity, we apply a qualitative 
approach that determines whether we have both (1) the power to direct the economically significant activities of the 
entity and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the entity that could potentially 
be significant to that entity. These considerations impact the way we account for our existing collaborative 
relationships and other arrangements. We continuously assess whether we are the primary beneficiary of a variable 
interest entity as changes to existing relationships or future transactions may result in us consolidating or 
deconsolidating one or more of our collaborators or partners.

F-9

BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Use of Estimates

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates, judgments and 
assumptions that may affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses and related 
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis we evaluate our estimates, judgments and 
methodologies. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe 
are reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets, 
liabilities and equity and the amount of revenues and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The length of time and full extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic directly or indirectly impacts our business, 

results of operations and financial condition, including sales, expenses, reserves and allowances, manufacturing, 
clinical trials, research and development costs and employee-related amounts, depends on future developments that 
are highly uncertain, subject to change and are difficult to predict, including as a result of new information that may 
emerge concerning COVID-19 and the actions taken to contain or treat COVID-19 as well as the economic impact on 
local, regional, national and international customers and markets. We have made estimates of the impact of 
COVID-19 within our condensed consolidated financial statements and there may be changes to those estimates in 
future periods.

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 

2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes all existing revenue recognition 
requirements, including most industry specific guidance. This standard requires a company to recognize revenues 
when it transfers goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that the company 
expects to receive for those goods or services. This standard became effective for us on January 1, 2018, and was 
adopted using the modified retrospective method. The adoption of this standard as of January 1, 2018, did not 
change our revenue recognition.

We recognize revenues when our customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that 

reflects the consideration which we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services. We recognize 
revenues following the five-step model prescribed under the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606, 
Revenue from Contracts with Customers: (i) identify contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance 
obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance 
obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenues when (or as) we satisfy the performance obligation.

Product Revenues

In the U.S., we sell our products primarily to wholesale distributors and specialty pharmacy providers. In other 

countries, we sell our products primarily to wholesale distributors, hospitals, pharmacies and other third-party 
distribution partners. These customers subsequently resell our products to health care providers and patients. In 
addition, we enter into arrangements with health care providers and payors that provide for government-mandated or 
privately-negotiated discounts and allowances related to our products.

Product revenues are recognized when the customer obtains control of our product, which occurs at a point in 

time, typically upon delivery to the customer. We expense incremental costs of obtaining a contract as and when 
incurred if the expected amortization period of the asset that we would have recognized is one year or less or the 
amount is immaterial.

Reserves for Discounts and Allowances

Product revenues are recorded net of reserves established for applicable discounts and allowances that are 

offered within contracts with our customers, health care providers or payors, including those associated with the 
implementation of pricing actions in certain of the international markets in which we operate. Our process for 
estimating reserves established for these variable consideration components do not differ materially from our 
historical practices.

Product revenue reserves, which are classified as a reduction in product revenues, are generally characterized 

in the following categories: discounts, contractual adjustments and returns.

These reserves are based on estimates of the amounts earned or to be claimed on the related sales and are 

classified as reductions of accounts receivable (if the amount is payable to our customer) or a liability (if the amount 

F-10

BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

is payable to a party other than our customer). Our estimates of reserves established for variable consideration are 
calculated based upon a consistent application of our methodology utilizing the expected value method. These 
estimates reflect our historical experience, current contractual and statutory requirements, specific known market 
events and trends, industry data and forecasted customer buying and payment patterns. The transaction price, which 
includes variable consideration reflecting the impact of discounts and allowances, may be subject to constraint and 
is included in the net sales price only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of the amount of the 
cumulative revenues recognized will not occur in a future period. Actual amounts may ultimately differ from our 
estimates. If actual results vary, we adjust these estimates, which could have an effect on earnings in the period of 
adjustment.

Discounts include trade term discounts and wholesaler incentives. Trade term discounts and wholesaler 
incentives primarily relate to estimated obligations for credits to be granted to wholesalers for remitting payment on 
their purchases within established incentive periods and credits to be granted to wholesalers for compliance with 
various contractually-defined inventory management practices, respectively. We determine these reserves based on 
our historical experience, including the timing of customer payments.

Contractual adjustments primarily relate to Medicaid and managed care rebates, pharmacy rebates, co-

payment (copay) assistance, Veterans Administration (VA) and Public Health Service (PHS) discounts, specialty 
pharmacy program fees and other governmental rebates or applicable allowances.

• Medicaid rebates relate to our estimated obligations to states under established reimbursement 

arrangements. Rebate accruals are recorded in the same period the related revenue is recognized, resulting 
in a reduction of product revenue and the establishment of a liability which is included in other current 
liabilities. Our liability for Medicaid rebates consists of estimates for claims that a state will make for the 
current quarter, claims for prior quarters that have been estimated for which an invoice has not been 
received, invoices received for claims from the prior quarters that have not been paid and an estimate of 
potential claims that will be made for inventory that exists in the distribution channel at period end.

• Governmental rebates or chargebacks, including VA and PHS discounts, represent our estimated 

obligations resulting from contractual commitments to sell products to qualified healthcare providers at 
prices lower than the list prices we charge to wholesalers which provide those products. The wholesaler 
charges us for the difference between what the wholesaler pays for the products and the ultimate selling 
price to the qualified healthcare providers. Rebate and chargeback reserves are established in the same 
period as the related revenue is recognized, resulting in a reduction in product revenue and accounts 
receivable. Chargeback amounts are generally determined at the time of resale to the qualified healthcare 
provider from the wholesaler, and we generally issue credits for such amounts within a few weeks of the 
wholesaler notifying us about the resale. Our reserves for VA, PHS and chargebacks consist of amounts 
that we expect to issue for inventory that exists at the wholesalers that we expect will be sold to qualified 
healthcare providers and chargebacks that wholesalers have claimed for which we have not issued a credit.

• Managed care rebates represent our estimated obligations to third parties, primarily pharmacy benefit 

managers. Rebate accruals are recorded in the same period the related revenue is recognized, resulting in 
a reduction of product revenue and the establishment of a liability which is included in accrued expenses 
and other current liabilities. These rebates result from performance-based goals, formulary position and 
price increase limit allowances (price protection). The calculation of the accrual for these rebates is based 
on an estimate of the coverage patterns and the resulting applicable contractual rebate rate(s) to be earned 
over a contractual period.

• Copay assistance represents financial assistance to qualified patients, assisting them with prescription 

drug co-payments required by insurance. The calculation of the accrual for copay is based on an estimate of 
claims and the cost per claim that we expect to receive associated with inventory that exists in the 
distribution channel at period end.

•

Pharmacy rebates represent our estimated obligations resulting from contractual commitments to sell 
products to specific pharmacies. Rebate accruals are recorded in the same period the related revenue is 
recognized, resulting in a reduction of product revenue and the establishment of a liability which is included 
in accrued expenses and other current liabilities. These rebates result from contracted discounts on 
product purchased or product dispensed. The calculation of the accrual for these rebates is based on an 

F-11

BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

estimate of the pharmacy’s buying or dispensing patterns and the resulting applicable contractual rebate 
rate(s) to be earned over the contractual period.

• Other governmental rebates, non-U.S. pharmaceutical taxes or applicable allowances primarily relate to 
mandatory rebates and discounts in international markets where government-sponsored healthcare 
systems are the primary payors for healthcare.

Product return reserves are established for returns expected to be made by wholesalers and are recorded in 

the period the related revenue is recognized, resulting in a reduction to product revenues. In accordance with 
contractual terms, wholesalers are permitted to return product for reasons such as damaged or expired product. The 
majority of wholesaler returns are due to product expiration. Expired product return reserves are estimated through a 
comparison of historical return data to their related sales on a production lot basis. Historical rates of return are 
determined for each product and are adjusted for known or expected changes in the marketplace specific to each 
product.

In addition to discounts, rebates and product returns, we also maintain certain customer service contracts with 

distributors and other customers in the distribution channel that provide us with inventory management, data and 
distribution services, which are generally reflected as a reduction of revenues. To the extent we can demonstrate a 
separable benefit and fair value for these services we classify these payments in selling, general and administrative 
expenses.

Revenues from Anti-CD20 Therapeutic Programs

Our collaboration with Genentech is within the scope of ASC 808, Collaborative Agreements, which provides 

guidance on the presentation and disclosure of collaborative arrangements. For purposes of this footnote, we refer 
to RITUXAN and RITUXAN HYCELA collectively as RITUXAN.

 Our share of the pre-tax co-promotion profits on RITUXAN and GAZYVA and royalty revenues on the sale of 

OCREVUS resulted from an exchange of a license. As we do not have future performance obligations under the 
license or collaboration agreement, revenues are recognized as the underlying sales occur.

Revenues from anti-CD20 therapeutic programs consist of:

(i)   our share of pre-tax profits and losses in the U.S. for RITUXAN and GAZYVA; and

(ii)   other revenues from anti-CD20 therapeutic programs, which primarily consist of our share of pre-tax co-

promotion profits on RITUXAN in Canada and royalty revenues on sales of OCREVUS.  

Pre-tax co-promotion profits on RITUXAN and GAZYVA are calculated and paid to us by Genentech and the 
Roche Group. Pre-tax co-promotion profits consist of net sales to third-party customers less applicable costs to 
manufacture, third-party royalty expenses, distribution, selling and marketing expenses and joint development 
expenses incurred by Genentech and the Roche Group. Our share of the pre-tax profits on RITUXAN and GAZYVA 
include estimates that are based on information received from Genentech and the Roche Group. These estimates 
are subject to change and actual results may differ. 

We recognize royalty revenues on sales of OCREVUS based on our estimates from third party and market 

research data of OCREVUS sales occurring during the corresponding period. Differences between actual and 
estimated royalty revenues will be adjusted for in the period in which they become known, which is generally 
expected to be the following quarter.

For additional information on our relationship with Genentech, please read Note 18, Collaborative and Other 

Relationships, to these consolidated financial statements. 

Other Revenues

Royalty Revenues

We recognize royalty revenues related to sales by our licensees of products covered under patents that we 

own. 

Collaborative and Other Relationships

We have a number of significant collaborative and other third-party relationships for revenues and for the 

development, regulatory approval, commercialization and marketing of certain of our products and product 
candidates. Where we are the principal on sales transactions with third parties, we recognize revenues, cost of sales 

F-12

BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

and operating expenses on a gross basis in their respective lines in our consolidated statements of income. Where 
we are not the principal on sales transactions with third parties, we record our share of the revenues, cost of sales 
and operating expenses on a net basis in collaborative and other relationships included in other revenues in our 
consolidated statements of income. 

Our development and commercialization arrangements with Genentech and Samsung Bioepis represent 

collaborative arrangements as each party is an active participant in one or more joint operating activities and is 
exposed to significant risks and rewards of these arrangements. These arrangements resulted from an exchange of 
a license and utilize the sales and usage based royalty exception. Therefore, revenues relating to royalties or profit-
sharing amounts received are recognized as the underlying sales occur.

For additional information on our collaboration arrangements with Genentech and Samsung Bioepis, please 

read Note 18, Collaborative and Other Relationships, to these consolidated financial statements.

Other Corporate Revenues

We record other corporate revenues primarily from amounts earned under contract manufacturing agreements. 

Revenues under contract manufacturing agreements are recognized when the customer obtains control of the 
product, which may occur at a point in time or over time depending on the terms and conditions of the agreement.

Fair Value Measurements

We have certain financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value which have been classified as Level 1, 2 

or 3 within the fair value hierarchy as described in the accounting standards for fair value measurements.

•

•

•

Level 1 — Fair values are determined utilizing quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical 
assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access;

Level 2 — Fair values are determined by utilizing quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities 
in active markets or other market observable inputs such as interest rates, yield curves, foreign currency 
spot rates and option pricing valuation models; and

Level 3 — Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement 
and unobservable.

The majority of our financial assets have been classified as Level 2. Our financial assets (which include our 
cash equivalents, marketable debt securities and certain of our marketable equity securities, derivative contracts 
and plan assets for deferred compensation) have been initially valued at the transaction price and subsequently 
valued, at the end of each reporting period, utilizing third-party pricing services or option pricing valuation models. 
The pricing services utilize industry standard valuation models, including both income and market-based approaches 
and observable market inputs to determine value. These observable market inputs include reportable trades, 
benchmark yields, credit spreads, broker/dealer quotes, bids, offers, current spot rates and other industry and 
economic events.

We validate the prices provided by our third-party pricing services by understanding the models used, obtaining 
market values from other pricing sources and analyzing pricing data in certain instances. The option pricing valuation 
models use assumptions within the model, including the term, stock price volatility, constant maturity risk-free 
interest rate and dividend yield. After completing our validation procedures, we did not adjust or override any fair 
value measurements provided by our pricing services as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Other Assets and Liabilities

The carrying amounts reflected in our consolidated balance sheets for current accounts receivable, due from 

anti-CD20 therapeutic programs, other current assets, accounts payable and accrued expenses and other, 
approximate fair value due to their short-term maturities.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider only those investments that are highly liquid, readily convertible to cash and that mature within 

three months from date of purchase to be cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, cash equivalents 
were comprised of money market funds, commercial paper, overnight reverse repurchase agreements and other debt 
securities with maturities less than 90 days from the date of purchase.

F-13

BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Accounts Receivable

The majority of our accounts receivable arise from product sales and primarily represent amounts due from our 

wholesale and other third-party distributors, public hospitals, pharmacies and other government entities and have 
standard payment terms that generally require payment within 30 to 90 days.

We do not adjust our receivables for the effects of a significant financing component at contract inception if we 

expect to collect the receivables in one year or less from the time of sale.

In countries where we have experienced a pattern of payments extending beyond our contractual payment term 

and we expect to collect receivables greater than one year from the time of sale, we have assessed whether the 
customer has a significant financing component and discounted our receivables and reduced related revenues over 
the period of time that we estimate those amounts will be paid using the country’s market-based borrowing rate for 
such period. The related receivables are classified at the time of sale as non-current assets. We accrete interest 
income on these receivables, which is recorded as a component of other income (expense), net in our consolidated 
statements of income.

We provide reserves against accounts receivable for estimated losses that may result from a customer's 

inability to pay. Amounts determined to be uncollectible are charged or written-off against the reserve.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk include cash and cash 

equivalents, investments, derivatives and accounts receivable. We attempt to minimize the risks related to cash and 
cash equivalents and investments by investing in a broad and diverse range of financial instruments as previously 
defined by us. We have established guidelines related to credit ratings and maturities intended to safeguard principal 
balances and maintain liquidity. Our investment portfolio is maintained in accordance with our investment policy, 
which defines allowable investments, specifies credit quality standards and limits the credit exposure of any single 
issuer. We minimize credit risk resulting from derivative instruments by choosing only highly rated financial 
institutions as counterparties.

Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables, which are typically unsecured, are somewhat 
mitigated due to the wide variety of customers and markets using our products, as well as their dispersion across 
many different geographic areas. We monitor the financial performance and creditworthiness of our customers so 
that we can properly assess and respond to changes in their credit profile. We continue to monitor these conditions 
and assess their possible impact on our business. 

Marketable Securities and Other Investments

Marketable Debt Securities

Available-for-sale marketable debt securities are recorded at fair market value and unrealized gains and losses 

are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in equity, net of related tax effects, unless the 
security has experienced a credit loss, we have determined that we have the intent to sell the security or we have 
determined that it is more likely than not that we will have to sell the security before its expected recovery. Realized 
gains and losses are reported in other income (expense), net on a specific identification basis.

Marketable Equity Securities and Venture Capital Funds

Our marketable equity securities are recorded at fair market value and, beginning January 1, 2018, unrealized 

gains and losses are included in other income (expense), net in our consolidated statements of income. Prior to 
January 1, 2018, unrealized gains and losses were included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in 
equity, net of related tax effects. Our marketable equity securities represent investments in publicly traded equity 
securities and are included in investments and other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. 

Our investments in venture capital funds are recorded at net asset value, which approximates fair value, and, 

beginning January 1, 2018, unrealized gains and losses are included in other income (expense), net in our 
consolidated statements of income. Prior to January 1, 2018, these investments were accounted for under the cost 
method of accounting. The underlying investments of the venture capital funds in which we invest are in equity 
securities of certain biotechnology companies and are included in investments and other assets in our consolidated 
balance sheets.

F-14

BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Non-Marketable Equity Securities

We also invest in equity securities of companies whose securities are not publicly traded and where fair value 

is not readily available. These investments are recorded using either the equity method of accounting or the cost 
minus impairment adjusted for changes in observable prices, depending on our ownership percentage and other 
factors that suggest we have significant influence. We monitor these investments to evaluate whether any increase 
or decline in their value has occurred, based on the implied value of recent company financings, public market prices 
of comparable companies and general market conditions. These investments are included in investments and other 
assets in our consolidated balance sheets.

Evaluating Marketable Debt Securities for Other-than-Temporary Impairments

We conduct periodic reviews to identify and evaluate each investment that has an unrealized loss, in 
accordance with the meaning of other-than-temporary impairment. An unrealized loss exists when the current fair 
value of an individual security is less than its amortized cost basis. Unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt 
securities that are determined to be temporary, and not related to credit loss, are recorded, net of tax, in 
accumulated other comprehensive income.

For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, management performs an analysis to assess 

whether we intend to sell or whether we would more likely than not be required to sell the security before the 
expected recovery of the amortized cost basis. Where we intend to sell a security, or may be required to do so, the 
security’s decline in fair value is deemed to be other-than-temporary and the full amount of the unrealized loss is 
reflected in earnings as an impairment loss.

Regardless of our intent to sell a security, we perform additional analysis on all securities with unrealized 
losses to evaluate losses associated with the creditworthiness of the security. Credit losses are identified where we 
do not expect to receive cash flows sufficient to recover the amortized cost basis of a security.

Equity Method of Accounting

In circumstances where we have the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial 

policies of a company in which we have an investment, we utilize the equity method of accounting for recording 
investment activity. In assessing whether we exercise significant influence, we consider the nature and magnitude of 
our investment, the voting and protective rights we hold, any participation in the governance of the other company 
and other relevant factors such as the presence of a collaborative or other business relationship. Under the equity 
method of accounting, we record in our consolidated statements of income our share of income or loss of the other 
company. If our share of losses exceeds the carrying value of our investment, we will suspend recognizing additional 
losses and will continue to do so unless we commit to providing additional funding. 

Inventory

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value with cost based on the first-in, first-out 

method. We classify our inventory costs as long-term when we expect to utilize the inventory beyond our normal 
operating cycle and include these costs in investments and other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. 
Inventory that can be used in either the production of clinical or commercial products is expensed as research and 
development costs when identified for use in a clinical manufacturing campaign.

Capitalization of Inventory Costs

We capitalize inventory costs associated with our products prior to regulatory approval, when, based on 
management’s judgment, future commercialization is considered probable and the future economic benefit is 
expected to be realized. We consider numerous attributes in evaluating whether the costs to manufacture a 
particular product should be capitalized as an asset. We assess the regulatory approval process and where the 
particular product stands in relation to that approval process, including any known safety or efficacy concerns, 
potential labeling restrictions and other impediments to approval. We evaluate our anticipated research and 
development initiatives and constraints relating to the product and the indication in which it will be used. We 
consider our manufacturing environment including our supply chain in determining logistical constraints that could 
hamper approval or commercialization. We consider the shelf life of the product in relation to the expected timeline 
for approval and we consider patent related or contract issues that may prevent or delay commercialization. We also 
base our judgment on the viability of commercialization, trends in the marketplace and market acceptance criteria. 
Finally, we consider the reimbursement strategies that may prevail with respect to the product and assess the 
economic benefit that we are likely to realize. We expense previously capitalized costs related to pre-approval 

F-15

BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

inventory upon a change in such judgment, due to, among other potential factors, a denial or significant delay of 
approval by necessary regulatory bodies.

At December 31, 2020, we capitalized approximately $93.8 million of pre-launch inventory for aducanumab, an 

anti-amyloid beta antibody candidate for the potential treatment of Alzheimer's disease that we are developing in 
collaboration with Eisai Co., Ltd. (Eisai). If aducanumab does not receive regulatory approval in the U.S., we would 
expense this inventory as research and development expense and, under the terms of our collaboration agreement 
with Eisai to jointly develop and commercialize aducanumab, Eisai would reimburse us for 45.0% of the costs.

Obsolescence and Unmarketable Inventory

At each reporting period we review our inventories for excess or obsolescence and write-down obsolete or 
otherwise unmarketable inventory to its estimated net realizable value. If the actual net realizable value is less than 
that estimated by us, or if it is determined that inventory utilization will further diminish based on estimates of 
demand, additional inventory write-downs may be required. Additionally, our products are subject to strict quality 
control and monitoring that we perform throughout the manufacturing process. In the event that certain batches or 
units of product no longer meet quality specifications, we will record a charge to cost of sales to write-down any 
unmarketable inventory to its estimated net realizable value. In all cases, product inventory is carried at the lower of 
cost or its estimated net realizable value. Amounts written-down due to unmarketable inventory are charged to cost 
of sales.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost, subject to reviews for impairment whenever events or 
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. The cost of normal, 
recurring or periodic repairs and maintenance activities related to property, plant and equipment are expensed as 
incurred. The cost for planned major maintenance activities, including the related acquisition or construction of 
assets, is capitalized if the repair will result in future economic benefits.

Interest costs incurred during the construction of major capital projects are capitalized until the underlying 
asset is ready for its intended use, at which point the interest costs are amortized as depreciation expense over the 
life of the underlying asset. We also capitalize certain direct and incremental costs associated with the validation 
effort required for licensing by regulatory agencies of new manufacturing equipment for the production of a 
commercially approved drug. These costs primarily include direct labor and material and are incurred in preparing the 
equipment for its intended use. The validation costs are either amortized over the life of the related equipment or 
expensed as cost of sales when the product produced in the validation process is sold.

In addition, we capitalize certain internal use computer software development costs. If the software is an 

integral part of production assets, these costs are included in machinery and equipment and are amortized on a 
straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related software, which generally range from three to five 
years.

We generally depreciate or amortize the cost of our property, plant and equipment using the straight-line 

method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, which are summarized as follows:

Asset Category
Land
Buildings
Leasehold Improvements

Furniture and Fixtures
Machinery and Equipment
Computer Software and Hardware

Useful Lives
Not depreciated
15 to 40 years
Lesser  of  the  useful  life  or  the  term  of  the  respective 
lease
5 to 7 years
5 to 20 years
3 to 5 years

When we dispose of property, plant and equipment, we remove the associated cost and accumulated 

depreciation from the related accounts in our consolidated balance sheets and include any resulting gain or loss in 
our consolidated statements of income.

F-16

BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Leases

In February 2016 the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), a new standard issued to increase 
transparency and comparability among organizations related to their leasing activities. This standard established a 
right-of-use model that requires all lessees to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on their balance 
sheet that arise from leases as well as provide disclosures with respect to certain qualitative and quantitative 
information related to a company's leasing arrangements to meet the objective of allowing users of financial 
statements to assess the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases.

The FASB subsequently issued the following amendments to ASU 2016-02 that have the same effective date 
and transition date: ASU No. 2018-01, Leases (Topic 842): Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 
842, ASU No. 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases, ASU No. 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): 
Targeted Improvements, ASU No. 2018-20, Narrow-Scope Improvement for Lessors, and ASU No. 2019-01, Leases 
(Topic 842): Codification Improvements. We adopted these amendments with ASU 2016-02 (collectively, the new 
leasing standards) effective January 1, 2019.

We adopted the new leasing standards using the modified retrospective transition approach, as of January 1, 

2019, with no restatement of prior periods or cumulative adjustment to retained earnings. Upon adoption, we 
elected the package of transition practical expedients, which allowed us to carry forward prior conclusions related to 
whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, the lease classification for any expired or existing 
leases and initial direct costs for existing leases. We also elected the practical expedient to not reassess certain 
land easements and made an accounting policy election to not recognize leases with an initial term of 12 months or 
less within our consolidated balance sheets and to recognize those lease payments on a straight-line basis in our 
consolidated statements of income over the lease term. Upon adoption of the new leasing standards we recognized 
an operating lease asset of approximately $463.0 million and a corresponding operating lease liability of 
approximately $526.0 million, which are included in our consolidated balance sheets. The adoption of the new 
leasing standards did not have an impact on our consolidated statements of income.

We determine if an arrangement is a lease at contract inception. Operating lease assets represent our right to 

use an underlying asset for the lease term and operating lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease 
payments arising from the lease. Operating lease assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date of 
the lease based upon the present value of lease payments over the lease term. When determining the lease term, 
we include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option.

We use the implicit rate when readily determinable and use our incremental borrowing rate when the implicit 

rate is not readily determinable based upon the information available at the commencement date in determining the 
present value of the lease payments. Our incremental borrowing rate is determined using a secured borrowing rate 
for the same currency and term as the associated lease.

The lease payments used to determine our operating lease assets may include lease incentives, stated rent 

increases and escalation clauses linked to rates of inflation when determinable and are recognized in our operating 
lease assets in our consolidated balance sheets. Our lease agreements may include both lease and non-lease 
components, which we account for as a single lease component when the payments are fixed. Variable payments 
included in the lease agreement are expensed as incurred. For certain equipment leases, such as vehicles, we apply 
a portfolio approach to effectively account for the operating lease assets and liabilities.

Our operating leases are reflected in operating lease assets, accrued expenses and other and in long-term 

operating lease liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is 
recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

We also have real estate lease agreements which are subleased to third parties. Operating leases for which we 

are the sublessor are included in accrued expenses and other and other long-term liabilities in our consolidated 
balance sheets. We recognize sublease income on a straight-line basis over the lease term in our consolidated 
statements of income.

For additional information on the adoption of the new leasing standards, please read Note 11, Leases, to these 

consolidated financial statements.

F-17

BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Intangible Assets

Our intangible assets consist of completed technology (comprised of acquired and in-licensed rights and 
patents, developed technology, out-licensed patents), in-process research and development (IPR&D) acquired after 
January 1, 2009, trademarks and trade names. Our intangible assets are recorded at fair value at the time of their 
acquisition and are stated in our consolidated balance sheets net of accumulated amortization and impairments, if 
applicable.

Intangible assets related to acquired and in-licensed rights and patents, developed technology and out-licensed 
patents are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the economic consumption method if anticipated future 
revenues can be reasonably estimated. The straight-line method is used when revenues cannot be reasonably 
estimated. Amortization is recorded within amortization and impairment of acquired intangible assets in our 
consolidated statements of income.

Acquired and in-licensed rights and patents primarily relate to our acquisition of all remaining rights to TYSABRI 

from Elan Pharma International Ltd. (Elan), an affiliate of Elan Corporation, plc. Acquired and in-licensed rights and 
patents also include other amounts related to our other marketed products and programs acquired through business 
combinations. Developed technology primarily relates to our AVONEX product, which was recorded in connection with 
the merger of Biogen, Inc. and IDEC Pharmaceuticals Corporation in 2003. We amortize the intangible assets related 
to our TYSABRI, AVONEX, SPINRAZA, VUMERITY and TECFIDERA (rest of world) products using the economic 
consumption method based on revenues generated from the products underlying the related intangible assets. An 
analysis of the anticipated lifetime revenues of our TYSABRI, AVONEX, SPINRAZA, VUMERITY and TECFIDERA (rest of 
world) products is performed annually during our long-range planning cycle and whenever events or changes in 
circumstances would significantly affect the anticipated lifetime revenues of our TYSABRI, AVONEX, SPINRAZA, 
VUMERITY and TECFIDERA (rest of world) products.

Intangible assets related to trademarks, trade names and IPR&D prior to commercialization are not amortized 

because they have indefinite lives; however, they are subject to review for impairment. We review our intangible 
assets with indefinite lives for impairment annually, as of October 31, and whenever events or changes in 
circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.

Acquired In-process Research and Development (IPR&D)

Acquired IPR&D represents the fair value assigned to research and development assets that have not reached 
technological feasibility. The value assigned to acquired IPR&D is determined by estimating the costs to develop the 
acquired technology into commercially viable products, estimating the resulting revenues from the projects and 
discounting the net cash flows to present value. The revenues and costs projections used to value acquired IPR&D 
are, as applicable, reduced based on the probability of success of developing a new drug. Additionally, the 
projections consider the relevant market sizes and growth factors, expected trends in technology and the nature and 
expected timing of new product introductions by us and our competitors. The rates utilized to discount the net cash 
flows to their present value are commensurate with the stage of development of the projects and uncertainties in the 
economic estimates used in the projections. Upon the acquisition of IPR&D, we complete an assessment of whether 
our acquisition constitutes the purchase of a single asset or a group of assets. We consider multiple factors in this 
assessment, including the nature of the technology acquired, the presence or absence of separate cash flows, the 
development process and stage of completion, quantitative significance and our rationale for entering into the 
transaction.

If we acquire a business as defined under applicable accounting standards, then the acquired IPR&D is 

capitalized as an intangible asset. If we acquire an asset or group of assets that do not meet the definition of a 
business under applicable accounting standards, then the acquired IPR&D is expensed on its acquisition date. 
Future costs to develop these assets are recorded to research and development expense as they are incurred. 

When performing our impairment assessment, we calculate the fair value using the same methodology as 
described above. If the carrying value of our acquired IPR&D exceeds its fair value, then the intangible asset is 
written down to its fair value. Changes in estimates and assumptions used in determining the fair value of our 
acquired IPR&D could result in an impairment. Impairments are recorded within amortization and impairment of 
acquired intangible assets in our consolidated statements of income. Assets that have been previously impaired, 
including our vixotrigine (BIIB074) program for the potential treatment of neuropathic pain, such as trigeminal 
neuralgia (TGN), could become further impaired in the future.

F-18

BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the difference between the purchase price and the fair value of the identifiable tangible 

and intangible net assets when accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. Goodwill is not amortized, 
but is reviewed for impairment. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually, as of October 31, and whenever events 
or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the goodwill may not be recoverable.

We compare the fair value of our reporting unit to its carrying value. If the carrying value of the net assets 
assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of our reporting unit, we would record an impairment loss equal 
to the difference. As described in Note 24, Segment Information, to these consolidated financial statements, we 
operate in one operating segment, which is our only reporting unit.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets to be held and used, including property, plant and equipment, and definite-lived intangible 

assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount 
of the assets or asset group may not be recoverable.

Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the 
use of the asset and its eventual disposition. In the event that such cash flows are not expected to be sufficient to 
recover the carrying amount of the assets, the assets are written-down to their fair values. Long-lived assets to be 
disposed of are carried at fair value less costs to sell.

Contingent Consideration

The consideration for our acquisitions often includes future payments that are contingent upon the occurrence 
of a particular event or events. We record an obligation for such contingent payments at fair value on the acquisition 
date. We estimate the fair value of contingent consideration obligations through valuation models that incorporate 
probability-adjusted assumptions related to the achievement of the milestones and thus likelihood of making related 
payments. We revalue our contingent consideration obligations each reporting period. Changes in the fair value of 
our contingent consideration obligations are recognized in our consolidated statements of income. Changes in the 
fair value of the contingent consideration obligations can result from changes to one or multiple inputs, including 
adjustments to the discount rates, changes in the amount or timing of expected expenditures associated with 
product development, changes in the amount or timing of cash flows and reserves associated with products upon 
commercialization, changes in the assumed achievement or timing of any cumulative sales-based and development 
milestones, changes in the probability of certain clinical events and changes in the assumed probability associated 
with regulatory approval. 

Discount rates in our valuation models represent a measure of the credit risk associated with settling the 
liability. The period over which we discount our contingent obligations is based on the current development stage of 
the product candidates, our specific development plan for that product candidate adjusted for the probability of 
completing the development step and when the contingent payments would be triggered. In estimating the probability 
of success, we utilize data regarding similar milestone events from several sources, including industry studies and 
our own experience. These fair value measurements are based on significant inputs not observable in the market. 
Significant judgment is employed in determining the appropriateness of these assumptions as of the acquisition 
date and for each subsequent period. 

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Cash Flow and Fair Value Derivative Instruments

We recognize all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value in our consolidated balance 

sheets. Changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments are recognized each period in current earnings or 
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), depending on whether the derivative instrument is designated as 
part of a hedge transaction and, if so, the type of hedge transaction. We classify the cash flows from these 
instruments in the same category as the cash flows from the hedged items. We do not hold or issue derivative 
instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

We assess at inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative instruments that are used in hedging 

transactions are highly effective in offsetting the changes in cash flows or fair values of the hedged items. We 
exclude the forward points portion of the derivative instruments used in a hedging transaction from the effectiveness 

F-19

BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

test and record the fair value gain or loss related to this portion each period in our consolidated statements of 
income in the same line as the underlying hedged item. If we determine that a forecasted transaction is no longer 
probable of occurring, we discontinue hedge accounting for the affected portion of the hedge instrument, and any 
related unrealized gain or loss on the contract is recognized in current earnings.

Net Investment Derivative Instruments

We are exposed to the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on our investment in the equity of Samsung 
Bioepis, which is denominated in a currency other than the U.S. dollar, and could adversely impact the U.S. dollar 
value of this investment. Using derivative instruments, we have hedged our net investment position to mitigate the 
effects of foreign exchange fluctuations. We recognize these designated net investment hedges as either assets or 
liabilities, at fair value, in our consolidated balance sheets. We hedge the changes in the spot exchange rate in 
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and exclude changes to the forward rate and amortize the forward 
points in other income (expense), net in our consolidated statements of income over the term of the contract. We 
classify the cash flows from these instruments in the same category as the cash flows from the hedged items.

For additional information on our derivative instruments and hedging activities, please read Note 9, Derivative 

Instruments, to these consolidated financial statements.

Translation of Foreign Currencies

The functional currency for most of our foreign subsidiaries is their local currency. For our non-U.S. subsidiaries 

that transact in a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar, assets and liabilities are translated at current rates 
of exchange at the balance sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at the average foreign currency 
exchange rates for the period. Adjustments resulting from the translation of the financial statements of our foreign 
operations into U.S. dollars are excluded from the determination of net income and are recorded in accumulated 
other comprehensive income, a separate component of equity. For subsidiaries where the functional currency of the 
assets and liabilities differ from the local currency, non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the rate of 
exchange in effect on the date assets were acquired while monetary assets and liabilities are translated at current 
rates of exchange as of the balance sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at the average foreign 
currency rates for the period. Translation adjustments of these subsidiaries are included in other income (expense), 
net in our consolidated statements of income.

Royalty Cost of Sales

We make royalty payments to a number of third parties under license or purchase agreements associated with 
our acquisition of intellectual property. These royalty payments are typically calculated as a percentage (royalty rate) 
of the sales of our products in a particular year. That royalty rate may remain constant, increase or decrease within 
each year based on the total amount of sales during the annual period. Each quarterly period, we estimate our total 
royalty obligation for the full year and recognize the proportional amount as cost of sales based on actual quarterly 
sales as a percentage of full year estimated sales. For example, if the level of net sales in any calendar year 
increases the royalty rate within the year, we will record our cost of sales at an even rate over the year, based on the 
estimated blended royalty rate. 

Accounting for Share-Based Compensation

Our share-based compensation programs grant awards that have included stock options, restricted stock units 

that vest based on stock performance known as market stock units (MSUs), performance-vested restricted stock 
units that settle in cash (CSPUs), time-vested restricted stock units (RSUs), performance-vested restricted stock 
units that can be settled in cash or shares of our common stock (PUs) at the sole discretion of the Compensation 
and Management Development Committee of our Board of Directors, performance-vested stock units that settle in 
stock or cash (PSUs) and shares issued under our employee stock purchase plan (ESPP). Compensation expense is 
recognized based on the estimated fair value of the awards at grant date. We recognize compensation expense for 
the number of awards expected to vest after taking into consideration an estimate of award forfeitures over the 
requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. Where awards are made with non-substantive vesting 
periods (for instance, where a portion of the award vests upon retirement eligibility), we estimate and recognize 
expense based on the period from the grant date to the date the employee becomes retirement eligible.

The fair values of our MSUs are estimated using a lattice model with a Monte Carlo simulation. We apply an 
accelerated attribution method to recognize share-based compensation expense over the applicable service period 

F-20

BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

for our MSUs. The probability of actual shares expected to be earned is considered in the grant date valuation, 
therefore the expense is not adjusted to reflect the actual units earned.

The fair values of our RSUs are based on the market value of our stock on the date of grant. Compensation 

expense for RSUs is recognized straight-line over the applicable service period.

We apply an accelerated attribution method to recognize share-based compensation expense when accounting 
for our CSPUs, PUs and PSUs that settle in cash, and the fair value of the liability is remeasured at the end of each 
reporting period through expected settlement. Compensation expense associated with CSPUs, PUs and PSUs that 
settle in cash are based upon the stock price and the number of units expected to be earned after assessing the 
probability that certain performance criteria will be met and the targeted payout level associated with the 
performance criteria expected to be achieved. Cumulative adjustments are recorded each quarter to reflect changes 
in the stock price and estimated outcome of the performance-related conditions until the date results are determined 
and settled. If performance criteria are not met or not expected to be met, any compensation expense previously 
recognized to date associated with the awards will be reversed.

The fair values of PSUs that settle in stock are based upon the stock price on the date of grant. Compensation 

expense is recognized for the number of units expected to be earned after assessing the probability that certain 
performance criteria will be met and the targeted payout level associated with the performance criteria expected to 
be achieved. Cumulative adjustments are recorded each quarter to reflect the estimated outcome of the 
performance-related conditions until the date results are determined and settled. If performance criteria are not met 
or not expected to be met, any compensation expense previously recognized to date associated with the awards will 
be reversed.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses consist of expenses incurred in performing research and development 
activities, which include compensation and benefits, facilities and overhead expenses, clinical trial expenses and 
fees paid to contract research organizations (CROs), clinical supply and manufacturing expenses, write-offs of 
inventory that was previously capitalized in anticipation of product launch and determined to no longer be realizable 
and other outside expenses and upfront fees and milestones paid to third-party collaborators. Research and 
development expenses are expensed as incurred. Upfront and milestone payments made to third-party collaborators 
are expensed as incurred up to the point of regulatory approval. Milestone payments made upon regulatory approval 
are capitalized and amortized over the remaining useful life of the related product. Payments we make for research 
and development services prior to the services being rendered are recorded as prepaid assets in our consolidated 
balance sheets and are expensed as the services are provided. We also accrue the costs of ongoing clinical trials 
associated with programs that have been terminated or discontinued for which there is no future economic benefit at 
the time the decision is made to terminate or discontinue the program.

From time to time, we enter into development agreements in which we share expenses with a collaborative 

partner. We record payments received from our collaborative partners for their share of the development costs as a 
reduction of research and development expense, except as discussed in Note 18, Collaborative and Other 
Relationships, to these consolidated financial statements. Because an initial indication has been approved for both 
RITUXAN and GAZYVA, expenses incurred by Genentech in the ongoing development of RITUXAN and GAZYVA are not 
recorded as research and development expense, but rather reduce our share of profits recorded as a component of 
revenues from anti-CD20 therapeutic programs.

For collaborations with commercialized products, if we are the principal, we record revenues and the 

corresponding operating costs in their respective line items in our consolidated statements of income. If we are not 
the principal, we record operating costs as a reduction of revenue.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses are primarily comprised of compensation and benefits associated 

with sales and marketing, finance, human resources, legal, information technology and other administrative 
personnel, outside marketing, advertising and legal expenses and other general and administrative costs.

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, 

advertising costs totaled $111.8 million, $79.2 million and $90.2 million, respectively.

F-21

BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes includes federal, state, local and foreign taxes. Income taxes are accounted for 

under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax 
consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and their respective tax 
bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income 
in the year in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. We evaluate the realizability 
of our deferred tax assets and establish a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of 
deferred tax assets will not be realized. We recognize deferred taxes associated with our global intangible low-taxed 
income (GILTI) tax calculations.

The income tax consequences from the intra-entity transfers of inventory within our consolidated group, both 

current and deferred, are recorded as a prepaid tax or deferred charge and recognized through our consolidated 
statements of income when the inventory is sold to a third party.

In October 2016 the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfer of Assets 

Other Than Inventory. This standard eliminates the deferral of the tax effects of intra-entity asset transfers other than 
inventory. As a result, the income tax consequences from the intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory 
and associated changes to deferred taxes will be recognized when the transfer occurs.

We adopted this standard on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method, through a cumulative-

effect adjustment to retained earnings as of that date. Upon adoption, we recognized additional net deferred tax 
assets of approximately $0.5 billion, offset by a corresponding net increase to retained earnings of 
approximately $0.5 billion. In the fourth quarter of 2018, when we elected to begin recognizing deferred taxes on the 
GILTI tax calculation, we recorded an additional deferred tax liability of $0.4 billion with a corresponding reduction to 
our retained earnings as these differences are related to intra-entity transactions. We will recognize incremental 
deferred income tax expense thereafter as these deferred tax assets and liabilities are utilized.

We account for uncertain tax positions using a “more likely than not” threshold for recognizing and resolving 

uncertain tax positions. We evaluate uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis and consider various factors 
including, but not limited to, changes in tax law, the measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in 
tax returns, the effective settlement of matters subject to audit, information obtained during in process audit 
activities and changes in facts or circumstances related to a tax position. We also accrue for potential interest and 
penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

Contingencies

We are currently involved in various claims and legal proceedings. Loss contingency provisions are recorded if 

the potential loss from any claim, asserted or unasserted, or legal proceeding is considered probable and the 
amount can be reasonably estimated or a range of loss can be determined. These accruals represent management’s 
best estimate of probable loss. Disclosure also is provided when it is reasonably possible that a loss will be incurred 
or when it is reasonably possible that the amount of a loss will exceed the recorded provision. On a quarterly basis, 
we review the status of each significant matter and assess its potential financial exposure. Significant judgment is 
required in both the determination of probability and as to whether an exposure is reasonably estimable. Because of 
uncertainties related to these matters, accruals are based only on the best information available at the time. As 
additional information becomes available, we reassess the potential liability related to pending claims and litigation 
and may change our estimates. Legal costs associated with legal proceedings are expensed when incurred.

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing undistributed net income attributable to Biogen Inc. by the 

weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed 
based on the treasury method by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares 
outstanding during the period plus potentially dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding.

New Accounting Pronouncements

From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or other standard setting bodies 

that we adopt as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed below, we do not believe that the 
adoption of recently issued standards have or may have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements 
or disclosures.

F-22

BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Leases

In February 2016 the FASB issued the new leasing standards to increase transparency and comparability 
among organizations related to their leasing activities. For additional information on the adoption of the new leasing 
standards, please read the section titled Lease above, and Note 11, Leases, to these consolidated financial 
statements.

Credit Losses

In June 2016 the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): 
Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The FASB subsequently issued amendments to ASU 
2016-13, which have the same effective date and transition date of January 1, 2020. These standards require that 
credit losses be reported using an expected losses model rather than the incurred losses model that is currently 
used, and establishes additional disclosures related to credit risks. For available-for-sale debt securities with 
unrealized losses, these standards now require allowances to be recorded instead of reducing the amortized cost of 
the investment. These standards limit the amount of credit losses to be recognized for available-for-sale debt 
securities to the amount by which carrying value exceeds fair value and requires the reversal of previously recognized 
credit losses if fair value increases.

Based on the composition of our investment portfolio, accounts receivable and other financial assets, current 
market conditions and historical credit loss activity, the adoption of these standards did not have a material impact 
on our consolidated financial position and results of operations and related disclosures.

Debt Securities

In March 2017 the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-08, Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 
310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. This standard amends the amortization period 
for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium by shortening the amortization period to the earliest 
call date. This standard became effective for us on January 1, 2019, and was adopted using a modified 
retrospective transition approach. The adoption of this standard did not result in a significant adjustment to our 
marketable debt securities.

Fair Value Measurements

In August 2018 the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework 

- Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. This standard modifies certain disclosure 
requirements on fair value measurements. This standard became effective for us on January 1, 2020. The adoption 
of this standard did not have a material impact on our disclosures.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

In October 2018 the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-16, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the 

Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge 
Accounting Purposes. This standard permits use of the OIS rate based on the SOFR as a U.S. benchmark interest 
rate for hedge accounting purposes under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. This standard became effective for us 
on January 1, 2019, and did not have an impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial position.

Collaborative Arrangements

In November 2018 the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-18, Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808): Clarifying the 

Interaction between Topic 808 and Topic 606. This standard makes targeted improvements for collaborative 
arrangements as follows: 

• Clarifies that certain transactions between collaborative arrangement participants should be accounted for 

as revenue under ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, when the collaborative arrangement 
participant is a customer in the context of a unit of account. In those situations, all the guidance in ASC 
606 should be applied, including recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure requirements; 

•

Adds unit-of-account guidance to ASC 808, Collaborative Arrangements, to align with the guidance in ASC 
606 (that is, a distinct good or service) when an entity is assessing whether the collaborative arrangement 
or a part of the arrangement is within the scope of ASC 606; and

F-23

BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

•

Precludes a company from presenting transactions with collaborative arrangement participants that are not 
directly related to sales to third parties with revenue recognized under ASC 606 if the collaborative 
arrangement participant is not a customer. 

This standard became effective for us on January 1, 2020. A retrospective transition approach is required for 
either all contracts or only for contracts that are not completed at the date of initial application of ASC 606, with a 
cumulative adjustment to opening retained earnings, as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard did not 
have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and related disclosures.

2.     Acquisitions

BIIB118 Acquisition

In March 2020 we acquired BIIB118 (CK1 inhibitor), a novel CNS-penetrant small molecule inhibitor of casein 

kinase 1, for the potential treatment of patients with behavioral and neurological symptoms across various 
psychiatric and neurological diseases from Pfizer Inc. (Pfizer). We are developing BIIB118 for the potential treatment 
of irregular sleep wake rhythm disorder in Parkinson’s disease and plan to develop BIIB118 for the potential 
treatment of sundowning in Alzheimer's disease. 

In connection with this acquisition, we made an upfront payment of $75.0 million to Pfizer, which was 

accounted for as an asset acquisition and recorded as acquired IPR&D in our consolidated statements of income as 
BIIB118 has not yet reached technological feasibility. We may also pay Pfizer up to $635.0 million in potential 
additional development and commercialization milestone payments as well as tiered royalties in the high single digits 
to sub-teens.

Acquisition of Nightstar Therapeutics plc

In June 2019 we completed our acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of Nightstar Therapeutics plc (NST), 

a clinical-stage gene therapy company focused on adeno-associated virus treatments for inherited retinal disorders. 
As a result of this acquisition, we added two mid- to late-stage clinical assets, as well as preclinical programs, in 
ophthalmology. These assets include BIIB111 (timrepigene emparvovec), which is in Phase 3 development for the 
potential treatment of choroideremia, a rare, degenerative, X-linked inherited retinal disorder that leads to blindness 
and currently has no approved treatments, and BIIB112 (RPGR gene therapy), which is in Phase 2/3 development for 
the potential treatment of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, which is a rare inherited retinal disease with no currently 
approved treatments.

Under the terms of the acquisition, we paid NST shareholders $25.50 in cash for each issued and outstanding 
NST share, which totaled $847.6 million. In addition, we paid $4.6 million in cash for equity compensation, which is 
attributable to pre-combination services and is reflected as a component of the total purchase price paid. The fair 
value of equity compensation attributable to the post-combination service period was $26.2 million, of which $18.4 
million was recognized as a charge to selling, general and administrative expense with the remaining $7.8 million as 
a charge to research and development expense in our consolidated statements of income. These amounts were 
associated with the accelerated vesting of stock options previously granted to NST employees and were fully paid in 
cash as of June 30, 2019. We funded this acquisition through available cash and accounted for it as an acquisition 
of a business. We finalized purchase accounting for this acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2019.

The fair value of the IPR&D programs acquired was determined through a probability adjusted discounted cash 

flow analysis utilizing a discount rate of 12.5%. We recorded IPR&D assets for BIIB111 and BIIB112 at their initial 
fair values of $480.0 million and $220.0 million, respectively. Some of the more significant assumptions utilized in 
our asset valuations included the estimated net cash flows for each year for each asset or product, including net 
revenues, cost of sales, research and development and other operating expenses, the potential regulatory and 
commercial success risks, competitive trends impacting the asset and each cash flow stream as well as other 
factors. These fair value measurements were based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus 
represent Level 3 fair value measurements. 

We recognized goodwill in relation to the fair value associated with NST workforce's expertise and early 
research in retinal disorders. We also recognized goodwill in relation to the establishment of a deferred tax liability 
for the acquired IPR&D intangible assets, which have no tax basis. This deferred tax liability is net of the related 
impacts on the deferred taxes for GILTI. Goodwill that is tax deductible for GILTI purposes is approximately $60.9 
million as of December 31, 2020.

F-24

BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Pro forma results of operations as a result of this acquisition have not been presented as this acquisition is 

not material to our consolidated statements of income. Subsequent to June 7, 2019, the acquisition date, our 
results of operations include the results of operations of NST.

BIIB100 Acquisition

In January 2018 we acquired BIIB100 (XP01 inhibitor) from Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. (Karyopharm). 

BIIB100 is a Phase 1 investigational oral compound for the potential treatment of certain neurological and 
neurodegenerative diseases, primarily in ALS. BIIB100 is a novel therapeutic candidate that works by inhibiting a 
protein known as XPO1, with the goal of reducing inflammation and neurotoxicity, along with increasing 
neuroprotective responses.

We accounted for this transaction as an asset acquisition as the value being acquired primarily relates to a 
single asset. In connection with the closing of this transaction, we made an upfront payment of $10.0 million to 
Karyopharm, which was recorded as acquired IPR&D in our consolidated statements of income as BIIB100 had not 
yet reached technological feasibility. We may also pay Karyopharm up to $207.0 million in additional milestone 
payments as well as tiered royalties on potential net commercial sales in the mid-single digit to low-teen 
percentages. 

BIIB104 Acquisition

In April 2018 we acquired BIIB104 (AMPA) from Pfizer. BIIB104 is a first-in-class, Phase 2b ready AMPA 
receptor potentiator for cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia. AMPA receptors mediate fast excitatory 
synaptic transmission in the central nervous system, a process which can be disrupted in a number of neurological 
and psychiatric diseases, including schizophrenia. 

We accounted for this transaction as an asset acquisition as the value being acquired primarily relates to a 
single asset. In connection with the closing of this transaction, we made an upfront payment of $75.0 million to 
Pfizer, which was recorded as acquired IPR&D in our consolidated statements of income as BIIB104 had not yet 
reached technological feasibility. We may also pay Pfizer up to $515.0 million in total development and 
commercialization milestone payments as well as tiered royalties on potential net commercial sales in the low to 
mid-teen percentages. 

BIIB110 Acquisition

In July 2018 we acquired BIIB110 (ActRIIA/B ligand trap) and ALG-802 from AliveGen Inc. (AliveGen). BIIB110 
and ALG-802 represent novel ways of targeting the myostatin pathway. We initially plan to study BIIB110 in multiple 
neuromuscular indications, including SMA and ALS. 

We accounted for this transaction as an asset acquisition as the value being acquired primarily relates to a 
single asset. In connection with the closing of this transaction, we made an upfront payment of $27.5 million to 
AliveGen, which was recorded as acquired IPR&D in our consolidated statements of income as BIIB110 had not yet 
reached technological feasibility. We may also pay AliveGen up to $535.0 million in additional development and 
commercialization milestones. 

3. 

Divestitures

Divestiture of Hillerød, Denmark Manufacturing Operations 

In August 2019 we completed the sale of all of the outstanding shares of our subsidiary that owned our 
biologics manufacturing operations in Hillerød, Denmark to FUJIFILM Corporation (FUJIFILM). Upon the closing of this 
transaction, we received approximately $881.9 million in cash, which may be adjusted based on other contractual 
terms, which are discussed below. We determined that the operations disposed of in this transaction did not meet 
the criteria to be classified as discontinued operations under the applicable guidance.

F-25

BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

As part of this transaction, we provided FUJIFILM with certain minimum batch production commitment 
guarantees. There is a risk that the minimum contractual batch production commitments will not be met. Based 
upon current estimates we do not expect to incur an adverse commitment obligation associated with such 
guarantees. We may further adjust this estimate based upon changes in business conditions, which may result in 
the increase or reduction of this adverse commitment obligation in subsequent periods. We also may be obligated to 
indemnify FUJIFILM for liabilities that existed relating to certain business activities incurred prior to the closing of this 
transaction.

In addition, we may earn certain contingent payments based on future manufacturing activities at the Hillerød 
facility. For the disposition of a business, our policy is to recognize contingent consideration when the consideration 
is realizable. We currently believe the probability of earning these payments is remote and therefore we did not 
include these contingent payments in our calculation of the fair value of the operations.

As part of this transaction, we entered into certain manufacturing services agreements with FUJIFILM pursuant 

to which FUJIFILM will use the Hillerød facility to produce commercial products for us, such as TYSABRI, as well as 
other third-party products. 

For the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized a total net loss of approximately $124.2 million related 
to the transaction in our consolidated statements of income. This loss included a pre-tax loss of $55.3 million, which 
was recorded in loss on divestiture of Hillerød, Denmark manufacturing operations. The loss recognized was based 
on exchange rates and business conditions on the closing date of this transaction, and included costs to sell our 
Hillerød, Denmark manufacturing operations of approximately $11.2 million and our estimate of the fair value of 
adverse commitments of approximately $74.0 million, primarily associated with the guarantee of future minimum 
batch production at the Hillerød facility. We also recorded a tax expense of $68.9 million related to this transaction.

In addition, upon the closing of this transaction, we sold to FUJIFILM $41.8 million of raw materials that were 

remaining at the Hillerød facility on the closing date of this transaction. These materials were sold at cost, which 
approximates fair value.

During the year ended December 31, 2020, we reduced our estimate of the fair value of the adverse 

commitment associated with the guarantee of future batch production by approximately $62.0 million based on our 
current manufacturing forecasts. Additionally, we recorded a reduction to our pre-tax loss of approximately 
$30.5 million due to a refund of interest paid associated with a tax matter.

Our estimate of the fair value of the adverse commitments is a Level 3 measurement and is based on 

forecasted batch production at the Hillerød facility.

F-26

BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

4.    Revenues

Product Revenues

Revenues by product are summarized as follows:

(In millions)

Multiple Sclerosis (MS):

Fumarate*

Interferon**

TYSABRI

FAMPYRA

ZINBRYTA

For the Years Ended December 31,

United
States

2020

Rest of
World

Total

United
States

2019

Rest of
World

Total

United
States

2018

Rest of
World

Total

$ 2,742.0  $ 1,163.4  $  3,905.4  $ 3,312.0  $ 1,126.2  $  4,438.2  $ 3,253.2  $ 1,020.9  $  4,274.1 

  1,273.5 

  1,096.8 

604.0 

  1,877.5 

  1,426.6 

675.2 

  2,101.8 

  1,668.3 

694.7 

  2,363.0 

849.3 

  1,946.1 

  1,041.8 

850.4 

  1,892.2 

  1,025.0 

839.0 

  1,864.0 

— 

— 

103.1 

103.1 

— 

— 

— 

— 

97.1 

— 

97.1 

— 

— 

— 

92.7 

1.4 

92.7 

1.4 

Subtotal: MS

  5,112.3 

  2,719.8 

  7,832.1 

  5,780.4 

  2,748.9 

  8,529.3 

  5,946.5 

  2,648.7 

  8,595.2 

Spinal Muscular Atrophy:

SPINRAZA

Biosimilars:

BENEPALI

IMRALDI

FLIXABI

Subtotal: Biosimilars

Other:

FUMADERM

787.8 

  1,264.3 

  2,052.1 

933.4 

  1,163.6 

  2,097.0 

854.0 

870.2 

  1,724.2 

— 

— 

— 

— 

481.6 

216.3 

97.9 

795.8 

481.6 

216.3 

97.9 

795.8 

— 

— 

— 

— 

486.2 

184.0 

68.1 

738.3 

486.2 

184.0 

68.1 

738.3 

— 

— 

— 

— 

485.2 

485.2 

16.7 

43.2 

16.7 

43.2 

545.1 

545.1 

— 

12.2 

12.2 

— 

15.2 

15.2 

— 

22.3 

22.3 

Total product revenues

$ 5,900.1  $ 4,792.1  $ 10,692.2  $ 6,713.8  $ 4,666.0  $ 11,379.8  $ 6,800.5  $ 4,086.3  $ 10,886.8 

*Fumarate includes TECFIDERA and VUMERITY. VUMERITY became commercially available in the U.S. in November 2019.
**Interferon includes AVONEX and PLEGRIDY.

We recognized revenues from two wholesalers accounting for 30.5% and 15.3% of gross product revenues in 

2020, 30.0% and 17.2% of gross product revenues in 2019 and 32.0% and 18.4% of gross product revenues in 
2018, respectively.

As of December 31, 2020, two wholesale distributors individually accounted for approximately 21.1% and 8.5% 
of net accounts receivable associated with our product sales, as compared to 24.1% and 13.9% as of December 31, 
2019, respectively.

An analysis of the change in reserves for discounts and allowances is summarized as follows:

(In millions)
Beginning balance

Current provisions relating to sales in current year

Adjustments relating to prior years

Payments/returns relating to sales in current year

Payments/returns relating to sales in prior years

Ending balance

December 31, 2020

Discounts

Contractual
Adjustments

Returns

Total

$ 

131.1  $ 

1,027.3  $ 

40.5  $ 

1,198.9 

774.7 

3,308.8 

(1.0)   

(54.0)   

(635.1)   

(2,426.1)   

19.0 

1.3 

— 

4,102.5 

(53.7) 

(3,061.2) 

(128.3)   

(763.0)   

(19.2)   

(910.5) 

$ 

141.4  $ 

1,093.0  $ 

41.6  $ 

1,276.0 

F-27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(In millions)
Beginning balance

Current provisions relating to sales in current year

Adjustments relating to prior years

Payments/returns relating to sales in current year

Payments/returns relating to sales in prior years

Ending balance

(In millions)
Beginning balance

Current provisions relating to sales in current year

Adjustments relating to prior years

Payments/returns relating to sales in current year

Payments/returns relating to sales in prior years

Ending balance

December 31, 2019

Discounts

Contractual
Adjustments

Returns

Total

$ 

127.8  $ 

888.8  $ 

34.7  $ 

1,051.3 

666.2 

0.3 

3,011.5 

(54.1)   

20.9 

5.5 

3,698.6 

(48.3) 

(535.5)   

(2,242.9)   

(0.2)   

(2,778.6) 

(127.7)   

(576.0)   

(20.4)   

(724.1) 

$ 

131.1  $ 

1,027.3  $ 

40.5  $ 

1,198.9 

December 31, 2018

Discounts

Contractual
Adjustments

Returns

Total

$ 

109.6  $ 

606.0  $ 

46.0  $ 

761.6 

679.3 

2,686.7 

23.1 

3,389.1 

(0.3)   

(10.0)   

(551.7)   

(1,887.6)   

(1.8)   

(1.1)   

(12.1) 

(2,440.4) 

(109.1)   

(506.3)   

(31.5)   

(646.9) 

$ 

127.8  $ 

888.8  $ 

34.7  $ 

1,051.3 

The total reserves above, which are included in our consolidated balance sheets, are summarized as follows:

(In millions)

Reduction of accounts receivable

Component of accrued expenses and other

Total revenue-related reserves

Revenues from Anti-CD20 Therapeutic Programs

As of December 31,

2020

2019

$ 

$ 

195.4  $ 

1,080.6 

1,276.0  $ 

197.8 

1,001.1 

1,198.9 

Revenues from anti-CD20 therapeutic programs are summarized in the table below. For purposes of this 

footnote, we refer to RITUXAN and RITUXAN HYCELA collectively as RITUXAN.

(In millions)

For the Years Ended December 31,

2020

2019

2018

Biogen's share of pre-tax profits in the U.S. for RITUXAN and GAZYVA

Other revenues from anti-CD20 therapeutic programs

Total revenues from anti-CD20 therapeutic programs

$ 

$ 

1,080.2  $ 

1,542.4  $ 

897.6 

748.0 

1,977.8  $ 

2,290.4  $ 

1,431.9 

548.3 

1,980.2 

Approximately 14.7%, 15.9% and 14.7% of our total revenues in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, were 

derived from our collaboration arrangements with Genentech. For additional information on our collaboration 
arrangements with Genentech, please read Note 18, Collaborative and Other Relationships, to these consolidated 
financial statements.

F-28

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Other Revenues

Other revenues are summarized as follows:

(In millions)

Revenues from collaborative and other relationships:

Revenues earned under our technical development agreement, 
manufacturing service agreements and royalty revenues on biosimilar 
products with Samsung Bioepis

For the Years Ended December 31,

2020

2019

2018

$ 

20.9  $ 

106.2  $ 

Other revenues from collaborative and other relationships

0.7 

— 

Other royalty and corporate revenues:

Royalty

Other corporate

Total other revenues

33.9 

719.1 

17.0 

584.5 

$ 

774.6  $ 

707.7  $ 

96.4 

(8.6) 

38.7 

459.4 

585.9 

Other corporate revenues primarily reflect amounts earned under contract manufacturing agreements with our 

strategic customers, including Bioverativ Inc. (Bioverativ). During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 
2018, we recognized $48.6 million, $383.2 million and $206.7 million, respectively, in revenues under the 
manufacturing and supply agreement with Bioverativ entered into in connection with the spin-off of our hemophilia 
business.

During the third quarter of 2019, we amended our agreement with a contract manufacturing customer pursuant 
to which we licensed certain of our manufacturing-related intellectual property to the customer. In the second quarter 
of 2020, the customer received regulatory approval for its product that is being manufactured using certain of our 
manufacturing-related intellectual property. As a result we are entitled to $500.0 million in a series of three 
payments. The first payment became due upon a regulatory approval of such product and was received during the 
second quarter of 2020. Subsequent payments are due on the first and second anniversaries of the regulatory 
approval.

Other corporate revenues for the year ended December 31, 2020, reflect $346.2 million related to the delivery 
of the license for certain of our manufacturing-related intellectual property under the amended agreement discussed 
above and the performance of manufacturing product supply services for such customer. We have allocated the 
remaining $153.8 million of the $500.0 million transaction price to the performance of manufacturing product supply 
services for the customer, which we expect to perform through 2026. The value allocated to the manufacturing 
services was based on expected demand for supply and the fair value of comparable manufacturing and 
development services.

For additional information on our collaboration arrangements with Samsung Bioepis, please read Note 18, 

Collaborative and Other Relationships, to these consolidated financial statements.

5.    

Inventory

The components of inventory are summarized as follows:

(In millions)
Raw materials

Work in process

Finished goods

Total inventory

As of December 31, 

2020

2019

$ 

$ 

314.9  $ 

544.5 

209.2 

1,068.6  $ 

169.7 

460.0 

174.5 

804.2 

Inventory amounts written down as a result of excess, obsolescence, unmarketability or other reasons are 

charged to cost of sales, and totaled $26.6 million, $52.2 million and $41.9 million for the years ended 
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 

F-29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Divestiture of Hillerød, Denmark Manufacturing Operations

In August 2019 we completed the sale of all of the outstanding shares of our subsidiary that owned our 
biologics manufacturing operations in Hillerød, Denmark to FUJIFILM. This transaction included the sale of $14.0 
million of work in process inventory.

In addition, we sold to FUJIFILM approximately $41.8 million of raw materials that were remaining at the 
Hillerød facility on the closing date of this transaction. These materials were sold at cost, which approximates fair 
value.

For additional information on the divestiture of our Hillerød, Denmark manufacturing operations, please read 

Note 3, Divestitures, to these consolidated financial statements.

6.    

Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, impairment charges and adjustments are summarized as 

follows:

(In millions)

Estimated Life

Cost

As of December 31, 2020

As of December 31, 2019

Accumulated
Amortization

Net

Cost

Accumulated
Amortization

Net

Completed technology

In-process research and 
development

Trademarks and trade 
names

4-28 years $  7,394.3  $ 

(5,136.5)  $  2,257.8  $  7,379.3  $ 

(4,881.4)  $  2,497.9 

Indefinite until 
commercialization

762.5 

Indefinite

64.0 

— 

— 

762.5 

965.5 

64.0 

64.0 

— 

— 

965.5 

64.0 

Total intangible assets

$  8,220.8  $ 

(5,136.5)  $  3,084.3  $  8,408.8  $ 

(4,881.4)  $  3,527.4 

Amortization and Impairments

Amortization and impairments of acquired intangible assets totaled $464.8 million, $489.9 million and $747.3 

million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Amortization of acquired intangible assets, excluding impairment charges, totaled $255.1 million, $274.0 
million and $381.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The decrease in 
amortization of acquired intangible assets, excluding impairment charges, over the three years was primarily due to a 
lower rate of amortization for acquired intangible assets.

For the year ended December 31, 2020, amortization and impairment of acquired intangible assets reflects the 

impact of a $115.0 million impairment charge related to BIIB111, which was obtained as part of our acquisition of 
NST, a $75.4 million impairment charge related to BIIB054 (cinpanemab) and a $19.3 million impairment charge 
related to one of our other IPR&D intangible assets.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, amortization and impairments of acquired intangible assets reflects 

the impact of a $215.9 million impairment charge related to certain IPR&D assets associated with the Phase 2b 
study of BG00011 (STX-100) for the potential treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which was 
discontinued in the third quarter of 2019.

For the year ended December 31, 2018, amortization and impairments of acquired intangible assets reflects 

the impact of a $189.3 million impairment charge related to certain IPR&D assets associated with our vixotrigine 
program, as discussed below, and a $176.8 million impairment charge related to our U.S. license to Forward Pharma 
A/S' (Forward Pharma) intellectual property, including Forward Pharma's intellectual property related to TECFIDERA.

Completed Technology

Completed technology primarily relates to our acquisition of all remaining rights to TYSABRI from Elan as well as 

other amounts related to our other marketed products and programs acquired through business combinations. 

F-30

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

IPR&D Related to Business Combinations

IPR&D represents the fair value assigned to research and development assets that we acquired as part of a 

business combination and had not yet reached technological feasibility at the date of acquisition. Included in IPR&D 
balances are adjustments related to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. We review amounts capitalized as 
acquired IPR&D for impairment annually, as of October 31, and whenever events or changes in circumstances 
indicate to us that the carrying value of the assets might not be recoverable. The carrying value associated with our 
IPR&D assets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, relates to the various IPR&D programs we acquired in 
connection with our acquisitions of NST and Convergence Pharmaceuticals Holdings Ltd. (Convergence). The majority 
of the balance relates to our acquisition of NST in June 2019 whereby we acquired IPR&D programs with an 
estimated fair value of approximately $585.0 million as of December 31, 2020. For additional information on our 
acquisition of NST, please read Note 2, Acquisitions, to these consolidated financial statements.

BIIB111

During the fourth quarter of 2020 we began experiencing third-party manufacturing delays that may impact our 
timeline for a potential filing of a Biologics License Application (BLA) for BIIB111 for regulatory approval by up to one 
year. In addition, we determined that forecasted costs associated with advancing the BIIB111 program through 
Phase 3 development and potential commercialization will exceed our original estimates. We reassessed the fair 
value of the program based on these changes in assumptions and determined that the program was partially 
impaired. We recognized an impairment charge of $115.0 million during the fourth quarter of 2020, which resulted in 
a reduction of the IPR&D asset from $480.0 million to $365.0 million.

BIIB054

In February 2021 we announced that we discontinued development of BIIB054 as a potential treatment of 
Parkinson's disease as our Phase 2 SPARK study did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints. Although we 
made this determination in February 2021, it was based on conditions that existed as of December 31, 2020. As a 
result, we recognized an impairment charge of approximately $75.4 million during the fourth quarter of 2020 to 
reduce the fair value of the related IPR&D intangible asset to zero.

The IPR&D impairment charges were included in amortization and impairment of acquired intangible assets and 
the gain resulting from the remeasurement of our contingent consideration obligation was recorded in (gain) loss on 
fair value remeasurement of contingent consideration in our consolidated statements of income. The fair value of the 
intangible assets and contingent consideration obligations were based on a probability-adjusted discounted cash 
flow calculation using Level 3 fair value measurements and inputs including estimated revenues, costs and 
probabilities of success.

Vixotrigine

In the periods since we acquired vixotrigine, there have been numerous delays in the initiation of Phase 3 
studies for the potential treatment of TGN as we engaged with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding 
the design of the Phase 3 studies and awaited data and insights from mid-stage clinical trials of vixotrigine in other 
indications that have since been completed. The fair value of the TGN asset is not significantly in excess of carrying 
value. As of December 31, 2020, the carrying value associated with our vixotrigine IPR&D assets was 
$177.5 million.

Estimated Future Amortization of Intangible Assets 

The estimated future amortization of finite-lived intangible assets for the next five years is expected to be as 

follows:

(In millions)

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

As of December 31, 2020

$ 

205.0 

215.0 

215.0 

225.0 

220.0 

F-31

 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Goodwill

The following table provides a roll forward of the changes in our goodwill balance:

(In millions)

Goodwill, beginning of year

Increase to goodwill

Elimination of goodwill allocated to Hillerød, Denmark manufacturing operations

Other

Goodwill, end of year

As of December 31, 

2020

2019

$ 

5,757.8  $ 

5,706.4 

— 

— 

4.3 

117.5 

(69.5) 

3.4 

$ 

5,762.1  $ 

5,757.8 

As of December 31, 2020, we had no accumulated impairment losses related to goodwill. Other includes 

adjustments related to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. 

7.      Fair Value Measurements

The tables below present information about our assets and liabilities that are regularly measured and carried at 

fair value and indicate the level within the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques we utilized to determine 
such fair value:

(In millions)

Assets:

Cash equivalents

Marketable debt securities:

Corporate debt securities

Government securities

Mortgage and other asset backed securities

Marketable equity securities

Derivative contracts

Plan assets for deferred compensation

Total

Liabilities:

Derivative contracts

Contingent consideration obligations

Total

As of December 31, 2020

Total

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
(Level 1)

Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

$ 

626.9  $ 

—  $ 

626.9  $ 

1,301.5 

627.1 

122.4 

1,974.3 

20.5 

28.2 

— 

— 

— 

1,301.5 

627.1 

122.4 

271.1 

1,703.2 

— 

— 

20.5 

28.2 

4,700.9  $ 

271.1  $ 

4,429.8  $ 

217.2  $ 

259.8 

477.0  $ 

—  $ 

— 

—  $ 

217.2  $ 

— 

217.2  $ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

259.8 

259.8 

F-32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(In millions)

Assets:

Cash equivalents

Marketable debt securities:

Corporate debt securities

Government securities

Mortgage and other asset backed securities

Marketable equity securities

Derivative contracts

Plan assets for deferred compensation

Total

Liabilities:

Derivative contracts

Contingent consideration obligations

Total

As of December 31, 2019

Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Total

$ 

2,541.1  $ 

—  $ 

2,541.1  $ 

1,695.1 

1,013.9 

261.3 

337.5 

43.8 

27.7 

— 

— 

— 

7.9 

— 

— 

1,695.1 

1,013.9 

261.3 

329.6 

43.8 

27.7 

$ 

$ 

$ 

5,920.4  $ 

7.9  $ 

5,912.5  $ 

8.3  $ 

346.1 

354.4  $ 

—  $ 

— 

—  $ 

8.3  $ 

— 

8.3  $ 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

346.1 

346.1 

There have been no material impairments of our assets measured and carried at fair value during the years 
ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. In addition, there have been no changes in valuation techniques during the 
years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. The fair value of Level 2 instruments classified as cash equivalents and 
marketable debt securities was determined through third-party pricing services. The fair value of Level 2 instruments 
classified as marketable equity securities represents our investments in Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc. (Sangamo) 
common stock, Denali Therapeutics Inc. (Denali) common stock and Sage Therapeutics, Inc. (Sage) common stock 
and are valued using an option pricing valuation model as the investments are each subject to certain holding period 
restrictions. For additional information on our investments in Sangamo, Denali and Sage common stock, please read 
Note 8, Financial Instruments, to these consolidated financial statements.

Our investments in marketable equity securities also include shares of Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Ionis) 

common stock acquired in June 2018. Our shares of Ionis common stock were initially subject to certain holding 
period restrictions that have since expired. The fair value of this investment was a Level 1 measurement as of 
December 31, 2020. For additional information on our collaboration arrangements with Ionis, please read Note 18, 
Collaborative and Other Relationships, to these consolidated financial statements.

For a description of our validation procedures related to prices provided by third-party pricing services and our 

option pricing valuation model, please read Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Fair Value 
Measurements, to these consolidated financial statements.

The following table summarizes the significant unobservable inputs in the fair value measurement of our 

contingent consideration obligations as of December 31, 2020:

(In millions)

Liabilities:

Fair Value

Valuation 
Technique

Unobservable Input

Range

Weighted Average

As of December 31, 2020

Contingent consideration 
obligation

$259.8

Discounted cash 
flow

Discount rate

0.60%

0.60%

Expected timing of achievement of 
development milestones

2021 to 2025

—

The weighted average discount rate was calculated based on the relative fair value of our contingent 

consideration obligations. In addition, we apply various probabilities of technological and regulatory success, ranging 
from 39.9% to certain probability, to the valuation models to estimate the fair values of our contingent consideration 
obligations.

F-33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements

In addition to assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, we record assets and 
liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as required by accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. 
(U.S. GAAP). Generally, assets are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as a result of impairment charges.

The gains or losses on assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, are summarized as follows:

(In millions)

Beginning Book Value

Impairment

Ending Book Value

BIIB111 intangible asset

$ 

480.0  $ 

(115.0)  $ 

365.0 

For the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded a partial impairment charge of $115.0 million related to 

BIIB111. For additional information, please read Note 6, Intangible Assets and Goodwill, to these consolidated 
financial statements.

As of December 31, 2020

Debt Instruments

The fair values of our debt instruments, which are Level 2 liabilities, are summarized as follows:

(In millions)
2.900% Senior Notes due September 15, 2020(1)

3.625% Senior Notes due September 15, 2022

4.050% Senior Notes due September 15, 2025

2.250% Senior Notes due May 1, 2030

5.200% Senior Notes due September 15, 2045

3.150% Senior Notes due May 1, 2050

Total

As of December 31, 

2020

2019

$ 

—  $ 

1,054.1 

2,003.1 

1,557.2 

2,365.1 

1,536.4 

1,509.6 

1,038.9 

1,897.2 

— 

2,107.9 

— 

$ 

8,515.9  $ 

6,553.6 

(1) Our 2.900% Senior Notes due September 15, 2020, were redeemed in full in May 2020 using the net proceeds from the issuance on April 30, 
2020, of our senior unsecured notes for an aggregate principal amount of $3.0 billion. For additional information, please read Note 12, 
Indebtedness, to these consolidated financial statements.

The fair values of each of our series of Senior Notes were determined through market, observable and 

corroborated sources. For additional information related to our Senior Notes, please read Note 12, Indebtedness, to 
these consolidated financial statements.

Contingent Consideration Obligations

In connection with our acquisitions of Convergence and Biogen International Neuroscience GmbH (BIN), we 

agreed to make additional payments based upon the achievement of certain milestone events. The following table 
provides a roll forward of the fair values of our contingent consideration obligations, which includes Level 3 
measurements:

(In millions)

Fair value, beginning of year

Changes in fair value

Payments and other

Fair value, end of year

As of December 31, 

2020

2019

$ 

$ 

346.1  $ 

(86.3)   

— 

259.8  $ 

409.8 

(63.7) 

— 

346.1 

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, approximately $110.3 million and $197.7 million, respectively, of the fair 

value of our total contingent consideration obligations was reflected as a component of other long-term liabilities in 
our consolidated balance sheets with the remaining balance reflected as a component of accrued expenses and 
other. 

For the year ended December 31, 2020, changes in the fair value of our contingent consideration obligations 
were primarily due to our discontinuing development of BIIB054 for the potential treatment of Parkinson's disease, 

F-34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

resulting in a reduction of our contingent consideration obligations of $51.0 million as well as other changes in the 
probability and the expected timing of the achievement of certain remaining developmental milestones, changes in 
the interest rates used to revalue our contingent consideration liabilities and the passage of time.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, changes in the fair value of our contingent consideration obligations 

were primarily due to the discontinuation of the Phase 2b study of BG00011 for the potential treatment of IPF 
resulting in a reduction of our contingent consideration obligations of $61.2 million as well as other changes in the 
probability and expected timing of achievement of certain developmental milestones, a decrease in interest rates 
used to revalue our contingent consideration liabilities and the passage of time.

The fair values of the contingent consideration liabilities were based on a probability-adjusted discounted cash 

flow calculation using Level 3 fair value measurements and inputs. For additional information on the valuation 
techniques and inputs utilized in the valuation of our financial assets and liabilities, please read Note 1, Summary of 
Significant Accounting Policies, to these consolidated financial statements.

Convergence Pharmaceuticals Holdings Limited

In connection with our acquisition of Convergence in February 2015 we recorded a contingent consideration 
obligation of $274.5 million. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the fair value of this contingent consideration 
obligation was $259.8 million and $244.6 million, respectively. Our most recent valuation was determined based 
upon net cash flow projections of $400.0 million, probability weighted and discounted using a rate of 0.6%, which is 
a measure of the credit risk associated with settling the liability. 

Biogen International Neuroscience GmbH

In connection with our acquisition of BIN in December 2010 we recorded a contingent consideration obligation 
of $81.2 million. We discontinued further development of BIIB054 for the potential treatment of Parkinson's disease 
based on the results of a Phase 2 study of BIIB054. Additionally, during the third and fourth quarters of 2020 we 
discontinued other programs related to our acquisition of BIN for which we had immaterial contingent consideration 
obligations. As a result, the fair value of the contingent consideration obligations related to our acquisition of BIN 
has been adjusted to zero, resulting in a gain of $101.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. 

Acquired IPR&D

The fair values of the acquired IPR&D assets were based on a probability-adjusted discounted cash flow 

calculation using Level 3 fair value measurements and inputs including estimated revenues and probabilities of 
success. These assets are tested for impairment annually until commercialization, after which time the acquired 
IPR&D will be amortized over its estimated useful life using the economic consumption method. In connection with 
our acquisition of BIN, we recognized a $110.9 million acquired IPR&D intangible asset. We discontinued further 
development of BIIB054 for the potential treatment of Parkinson's disease and recognized an impairment charge of 
$75.4 million during the fourth quarter of 2020 to reduce the fair value of the IPR&D intangible asset to zero. In 
connection with our acquisition of Stromedix Inc., we recognized a $219.2 million acquired IPR&D intangible asset. 
During the third quarter of 2019 we discontinued the Phase 2b study of BG00011 for the potential treatment of IPF 
and recognized an impairment charge of $215.9 million to reduce the fair value of the IPR&D intangible asset to 
zero. In connection with our acquisition of Convergence, we recognized a $424.6 million acquired IPR&D intangible 
asset. During the third quarter of 2018 we recognized impairment charges related to certain IPR&D assets 
associated with our vixotrigine program totaling $189.3 million. For additional information on our IPR&D intangible 
assets, including a discussion of our most significant assumptions, please read Note 6, Intangible Assets and 
Goodwill, to these consolidated financial statements.

F-35

BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

8.    Financial Instruments

The following table summarizes our financial assets with maturities of less than 90 days from the date of 

purchase included in cash and cash equivalents in our consolidated balance sheets:

(In millions)

Commercial paper

Overnight reverse repurchase agreements

Money market funds

Short-term debt securities

Total

As of December 31, 

2020

2019

61.1  $ 

37.4 

505.1 

23.3 

626.9  $ 

384.4 

368.8 

1,628.5 

159.4 

2,541.1 

$ 

$ 

The carrying values of our commercial paper, including accrued interest, overnight reverse repurchase 
agreements, money market funds and our short-term debt securities approximate fair value due to their short-term 
maturities. 

Our marketable equity securities gains (losses) are recorded in other income (expense), net in our consolidated 

statements of income. The following tables summarize our marketable debt and equity securities, classified as 
available for sale:

Mortgage and other asset backed securities

Current

Non-current

Total marketable debt securities

Marketable equity securities, current

Marketable equity securities, non-current

$ 

$ 

$ 

(In millions)

Corporate debt securities

Current

Non-current

Government securities

Current

Non-current

(In millions)

Corporate debt securities

Current

Non-current

Government securities

Current

Non-current

Mortgage and other asset backed securities

Current

Non-current

Total marketable debt securities

Marketable equity securities, non-current

$ 

$ 

Amortized
Cost

As of December 31, 2020
Gross
Gross
Unrealized
Unrealized
Losses
Gains

Fair
Value

$ 

897.8  $ 

0.4  $ 

1.1 

(0.2)  $ 

(0.1)   

2,049.1  $ 

70.6  $ 

2.3  $ 

15.9  $ 

1,168.9  $ 

733.8  $ 

(14.9)  $ 

1,887.8 

Amortized
Cost

As of December 31, 2019
Gross
Gross
Unrealized
Unrealized
Losses
Gains

Fair
Value

$ 

1,057.2  $ 

—  $ 

1,058.2 

0.1 

0.5 

— 

0.2 

1.0  $ 

3.0 

0.4 

0.8 

— 

0.8 

898.0 

403.5 

380.7 

246.4 

0.2 

122.2 

2,051.0 

86.5 

636.9 

503.3 

510.6 

0.7 

260.6 

2,970.3 

337.5 

— 

— 

— 

(0.1)   

(0.4)  $ 

—  $ 

— 

— 

(0.3)   

— 

(0.4)   

(0.7)  $ 

402.5 

380.6 

245.9 

0.2 

122.1 

633.9 

502.9 

510.1 

0.7 

260.2 

2,965.0  $ 

6.0  $ 

218.4  $ 

132.1  $ 

(13.0)  $ 

F-36

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Summary of Contractual Maturities: Available-for-Sale Debt Securities

The estimated fair value and amortized cost of our marketable debt securities available-for-sale by contractual 

maturity are summarized as follows:

(In millions)

Due in one year or less

Due after one year through five years

Due after five years

As of December 31, 2020

As of December 31, 2019

Estimated
Fair Value

Amortized
Cost

Estimated
Fair Value

Amortized
Cost

$ 

1,278.9  $ 

1,278.6  $ 

1,562.2  $ 

722.6 

49.5 

721.3 

49.2 

1,234.5 

173.6 

1,560.8 

1,230.4 

173.8 

Total marketable debt securities

$ 

2,051.0  $ 

2,049.1  $ 

2,970.3  $ 

2,965.0 

The average maturity of our marketable debt securities available-for-sale as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, 

was approximately 11 months and 14 months, respectively.

Proceeds from Marketable Debt Securities

The proceeds from maturities and sales of marketable debt securities and resulting realized gains and losses 

are summarized as follows:

(In millions)

For the Years Ended December 31,

2020

2019

2018

Proceeds from maturities and sales

$ 

7,299.4  $ 

6,007.0  $ 

9,173.7 

Realized gains

Realized losses

17.7 

26.0 

6.0 

1.5 

3.2 

11.7 

Realized losses for the year ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, primarily relate to sales of corporate 

bonds, agency mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities.

Strategic Investments

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, our strategic investment portfolio was comprised of investments totaling 

$2,024.6 million and $393.9 million, respectively, which are included in investments and other assets in our 
consolidated balance sheets.

Our strategic investment portfolio includes investments in equity securities of certain biotechnology companies, 

which are reflected within our disclosures included in Note 7, Fair Value Measurements, to these consolidated 
financial statements, venture capital funds where the underlying investments are in equity securities of certain 
biotechnology companies and non-marketable equity securities.

The increase in our strategic investment portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2020, was primarily due to 

our purchases of Sage, Denali and Sangamo common stock, as discussed below. These purchases were reflected 
as net cash flows used in investing activities within the consolidated statement of cash flows.

Sage Therapeutics, Inc.

In November 2020 we entered into a global collaboration and license agreement with Sage. In connection with 
the closing of this collaboration in December 2020 we purchased approximately 6.2 million shares of Sage common 
stock. This investment is classified as a Level 2 marketable equity security due to certain holding period restrictions 
and is remeasured each reporting period and carried at fair value. The effects of certain holding period restrictions 
on the investment are estimated using an option pricing valuation model. The most significant assumptions within 
the model are the term of the restrictions and the stock price volatility, which is based upon historical volatility of 
similar companies. We also use a constant maturity risk free-interest rate to match the remaining term of the 
restrictions on our investment in Sage common stock and a dividend yield of zero based upon the fact that Sage and 
similar companies generally have not historically granted cash dividends.

For additional information on our collaboration agreement with Sage, please read Note 18, Collaborative and 

Other Relationships, to these consolidated financial statements.

F-37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Denali Therapeutics Inc.

In August 2020 we entered into a collaboration and license agreement with Denali. As part of this collaboration 

we purchased approximately 13 million shares of Denali common stock in September 2020. This investment is 
classified as a Level 2 marketable equity security due to certain holding period restrictions and is remeasured each 
reporting period and carried at fair value. The effects of certain holding period restrictions on the investment are 
estimated using an option pricing valuation model. The most significant assumptions within the model are the term 
of the restrictions and the stock price volatility, which is based upon historical volatility of similar companies. We 
also use a constant maturity risk free-interest rate to match the remaining term of the restrictions on our investment 
in Denali common stock and a dividend yield of zero based upon the fact that Denali and similar companies generally 
have not historically granted cash dividends.

For additional information on our collaboration agreement with Denali, please read Note 18, Collaborative and 

Other Relationships, to these consolidated financial statements.

Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc.

In February 2020 we entered into a collaboration and license agreement with Sangamo. In connection with the 
closing of this transaction in April 2020 we purchased approximately 24 million shares of Sangamo common stock. 
This equity method investment will be remeasured each reporting period and carried at fair value due to our election 
of the fair value option. The effects of certain holding period restrictions on the investment are estimated using an 
option pricing valuation model. The most significant assumptions within the model are the term of the restrictions 
and the stock price volatility, which is based upon historical volatility of similar companies. We also use a constant 
maturity risk free-interest rate to match the remaining term of the restrictions on our investment in Sangamo 
common stock and a dividend yield of zero based upon the fact that Sangamo and similar companies generally have 
not historically granted cash dividends.

For additional information on our collaboration agreement with Sangamo, please read Note 18, Collaborative and 

Other Relationships, to these consolidated financial statements.

Samsung Bioepis

In June 2018 we exercised our option under our joint venture agreement with Samsung BioLogics to increase 
our ownership percentage in Samsung Bioepis from approximately 5.0% to approximately 49.9%. The share purchase 
transaction was completed in November 2018 and, upon closing, we paid 759.5 billion South Korean won ($676.6 
million) to Samsung BioLogics. 

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the carrying value of our investment in Samsung Bioepis totaled 673.8 
billion South Korean won ($620.2 million) and 670.8 billion South Korean won ($580.2 million), respectively, which 
is classified as a component of investments and other assets within our consolidated balance sheets.

For additional information on our collaboration arrangements with Samsung Bioepis, please read Note 18, 

Collaborative and Other Relationships, to these consolidated financial statements.

9. 

Derivative Instruments

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts - Hedging Instruments

Due to the global nature of our operations, portions of our revenues and operating expenses are recorded in 

currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The value of revenues and operating expenses measured in U.S. dollars is 
therefore subject to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. In order to mitigate these changes, we use foreign 
currency forward contracts to lock in exchange rates associated with a portion of our forecasted international 
revenues and operating expenses.

Foreign currency forward contracts in effect as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, had durations of 1 to 24 

months and 1 to 15 months, respectively. These contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges and 
unrealized gains or losses on the portion of these foreign currency forward contracts that are included in the 
effectiveness test are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (referred to as AOCI in the table 
below). Realized gains and losses of such contracts are recognized in revenues when the sale of product in the 
currency being hedged is recognized and in operating expenses when the expense in the currency being hedged is 
recorded. We recognize all cash flow hedge reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 

F-38

BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

and fair value changes of excluded portions in the same line item in our consolidated statements of income that has 
been impacted by the hedged item.

The notional value of foreign currency forward contracts that were entered into to hedge forecasted revenues 

and operating expenses is summarized as follows:

(In millions)

Euro

British pound

Total foreign currency forward contracts

Notional Amount
As of December 31,

2020

2019

$ 

$ 

2,979.1  $ 

1,892.4 

250.6 

— 

3,229.7  $ 

1,892.4 

The pre-tax portion of the fair value of these foreign currency forward contracts that were included in 

accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in total equity reflected net losses of $212.5 million as of 
December 31, 2020, net gains of $0.5 million as of December 31, 2019, and net gains of $27.3 million as of 
December 31, 2018. We expect the net losses of $212.5 million to be settled over the next 24 months, of which 
$175.2 million of these losses are expected to be settled over the next 12 months, with any amounts in 
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to be reported as an adjustment to revenues or operating 
expenses. We consider the impact of our and our counterparties’ credit risk on the fair value of the contracts as well 
as the ability of each party to execute its contractual obligations. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, credit risk did 
not materially change the fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts.

The following table summarizes the effect of foreign currency forward contracts designated as hedging 

instruments in our consolidated statements of income:

For the Years Ended December 31,

Net Gains/(Losses)
Reclassified from AOCI into Operating Income (in millions)

Net Gains/(Losses)
Recognized in Operating Income (in millions)

Location

Revenues

2020

2019

2018

Location

2020

2019

2018

$ 

18.3  $ 

118.6  $ 

(42.5)  Revenues

$ 

(9.9)  $ 

2.9  $ 

10.8 

Operating expenses

3.3 

(3.3)   

0.2  Operating expenses

— 

0.2 

(0.1) 

Interest Rate Contracts - Hedging Instruments

We have entered into interest rate lock contracts or interest rate swap contracts on certain borrowing 
transactions to manage our exposure to interest rate changes and to reduce our overall cost of borrowing. 

Interest Rate Swap Contracts

In connection with the issuance of our 2.90% Senior Notes due September 15, 2020, we entered into interest 
rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $675.0 million, which were set to expire on September 15, 2020. 
The interest rate swap contracts were designated as hedges of the fair value changes in our 2.90% Senior Notes 
attributable to changes in interest rates. The carrying value of our 2.90% Senior Notes as of December 31, 2019, 
included approximately $2.3 million related to changes in the fair value of these interest rate swap contracts. In May 
2020 we settled our interest rate swap contracts, in conjunction with our early redemption of our 2.90% Senior 
Notes, resulting in a gain of approximately $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, which was recorded 
as a component of interest expense in our consolidated statements of income.

Net Investment Hedges - Hedging Instruments

In February 2012 we entered into a joint venture agreement with Samsung BioLogics establishing an entity, 
Samsung Bioepis, to develop, manufacture and market biosimilar products. In June 2018 we exercised our option 
under our joint venture agreement to increase our ownership percentage in Samsung Bioepis from approximately 
5.0% to approximately 49.9%. The share purchase transaction was completed in November 2018 and, upon closing, 
we paid 759.5 billion South Korean won ($676.6 million) to Samsung BioLogics. Our investment in the equity of 
Samsung Bioepis is exposed to the currency fluctuations in the South Korean won. 

In order to mitigate these currency fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and South Korean won, we have 

entered into foreign currency forward contracts. Foreign currency forward contracts in effect as of December 31, 
2020, had remaining durations of 10 months. These contracts have been designated as net investment hedges. We 

F-39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

recognize changes in the spot exchange rate in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The pre-tax portion 
of the fair value of these foreign currency forward contracts that were included in accumulated other comprehensive 
income (loss) in total equity reflected net losses of $21.2 million and $1.5 million as of December 31, 2020 and 
2019, respectively. We exclude fair value changes related to the forward rate from our hedging relationship and will 
amortize the forward points in other income (expense), net in our consolidated statements of income over the term 
of the contract. The pre-tax portion of the fair value of the forward points that were included in accumulated other 
comprehensive income (loss) in total equity reflected gains of $0.2 million and $2.9 million as of December 31, 
2020 and 2019, respectively.

The following table summarizes the effect of our net investment hedges in our consolidated financial 

statements:

For the Years Ended December 31,

Net Gains/(Losses)
Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income 
(Effective Portion) (in millions)

Net Gains/(Losses)
Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income 
(Amounts Excluded from Effectiveness 
Testing) (in millions)

Net Gains/(Losses)
Recognized in Net Income 
(Amounts Excluded from Effectiveness 
Testing) (in millions)

Location

2020

2019

2018

Location

2020

2019

2018 Location

2020

2019 2018

Gains (losses) on net 
investment hedge

$ (35.1)  $  25.3  $ (3.8) 

Gains (losses) on net 
investment hedge

$ 4.5  $ 3.3  $  — 

Other income 
(expense)

$ 2.9  $ 7.0  $ 1.5 

For additional information on our collaboration arrangements with Samsung Bioepis, please read Note 18, 

Collaborative and Other Relationships, to these consolidated financial statements.

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts - Other Derivative Instruments

We also enter into other foreign currency forward contracts, usually with durations of one month or less, to 

mitigate the foreign currency risk related to certain balance sheet positions. We have not elected hedge accounting 
for these transactions.

The aggregate notional amount of these outstanding foreign currency contracts was $1,158.0 million and 

$793.8 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Net gains of $30.1 million, net losses of $5.9 
million and net gains of $2.0 million related to these contracts were recorded as a component of other income 
(expense), net for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Summary of Derivative Instruments

While certain of our derivative instruments are subject to netting arrangements with our counterparties, we do 
not offset derivative assets and liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. The amounts in the table below would 
not be substantially different if the derivative assets and liabilities were offset. 

The following table summarizes the fair value and presentation in our consolidated balance sheets of our 

outstanding derivative instruments, including those designated as hedging instruments:

(In millions)

Balance Sheet Location

2020

2019

As of December 31, 

Cash Flow Hedging Instruments:

Asset derivative instruments

Other current assets

$ 

Liability derivative instruments

Accrued expenses and other

Other long-term liabilities

Net Investment Hedging Instruments:

Asset derivative instruments

Other current assets

Liability derivative instruments

Accrued expenses and other

Fair Value Hedging Instruments

Liability derivative instruments

Accrued expenses and other

Other Derivative Instruments:

Asset derivative instruments

Other current assets

Liability derivative instruments

Accrued expenses and other

—  $ 

157.1 

35.7 

— 

19.7 

— 

20.5 

4.7 

33.8 

2.0 

1.7 

2.0 

— 

2.3 

8.0 

2.4 

F-40

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

10.    Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at historical cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Components of 

property, plant and equipment, net are summarized as follows:

(In millions)

Land

Buildings

Leasehold improvements

Machinery and equipment

Computer software and hardware

Furniture and fixtures

Construction in progress

Total cost

Less: accumulated depreciation

Total property, plant and equipment, net

As of December 31, 

2020

2019

$ 

119.8  $ 

1,025.3 

104.6 

1,027.8 

903.0 

62.5 

1,950.8 

5,193.8 

(1,782.3)   

$ 

3,411.5  $ 

118.1 

835.0 

99.5 

844.5 

798.4 

58.3 

2,084.4 

4,838.2 

(1,590.9) 

3,247.3 

Depreciation expense totaled $201.9 million, $190.6 million and $269.4 million for the years ended 

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we capitalized interest costs related to construction 

in progress totaling approximately $65.2 million, $68.8 million and $54.0 million, respectively.

Solothurn, Switzerland Manufacturing Facility

In order to support our future growth and drug development pipeline, we are building a large-scale biologics 

manufacturing facility in Solothurn, Switzerland. We expect this facility to be partially operational during the first half 
of 2021. Upon completion, this facility will include 393,000 square feet related to a large-scale biologics 
manufacturing facility, 290,000 square feet of warehouse, utilities and support space and 51,000 square feet of 
administrative space. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had approximately $1.8 billion and $1.9 billion, 
respectively, capitalized as construction in progress related to this facility. For the year ended December 31, 2020, 
we placed approximately $256.8 million of fixed assets in service related to this facility.

Divestiture of Hillerød, Denmark Manufacturing Operations

In August 2019 we completed the sale of all of the outstanding shares of our subsidiary that owned our 

biologics manufacturing operations in Hillerød, Denmark to FUJIFILM. This transaction included $631.5 million of 
property, plant and equipment, which was primarily comprised of $312.5 million for buildings and $287.3 million for 
machinery and equipment. For additional information on the divestiture of our Hillerød, Denmark manufacturing 
operations, please read Note 3, Divestitures, to these consolidated financial statements.

11.    Leases

We lease real estate, including laboratory and office space, and certain equipment. 

Our leases have remaining lease terms ranging from less than one year to ten years. Certain leases include 
one or more options to renew, exercised at our sole discretion, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term 
from one year to six years.

In addition, we sublease certain real estate to third parties. Our sublease portfolio consists of operating 
leases, with remaining lease terms ranging from four years to eight years. Our subleases do not include an option to 
renew as they are coterminous with our operating leases.

F-41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
73.6 

412.7 

486.3 

6.7 

84.6 

1.2 

23.7 

(25.6) 

(3.9) 

86.7 

BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

All of our leases qualify as operating leases. The following table summarizes the presentation in our 

consolidated balance sheets of our operating leases:

(In millions)
Assets:

Balance sheet location

2020

2019

As of December 31, 

Operating lease assets

Operating lease assets

Liabilities

Current operating lease liabilities

Non-current operating lease liabilities

Total operating lease liabilities

Accrued expenses and other

Long-term operating lease liabilities

$ 

$ 

$ 

83.2  $ 

402.0 

485.2  $ 

433.3  $ 

427.0 

The following table summarizes the effect of lease costs in our consolidated statements of income:

(In millions)
Operating lease cost

Variable lease cost

Sublease income

Net lease cost

Income Statement Location

For the Years Ended December 31,

2020

2019

Research and development

$ 

5.2  $ 

Selling, general and administrative

Research and development

Selling, general and administrative

Selling, general and administrative

Other (income) expense, net

93.1 

1.1 

21.1 

(24.2)   

(3.9)   

92.4  $ 

$ 

Variable lease cost primarily related to operating expenses, taxes and insurance associated with our operating 

leases. As these costs are generally variable in nature, they are not included in the measurement of the operating 
lease asset and related lease liability.

The minimum lease payments for the next five years and thereafter is expected to be as follows:

(In millions)

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Thereafter

Total lease payments

Less: interest

Present value of operating lease liabilities

As of December 31, 2020

95.8 

93.5 

82.0 

75.0 

56.9 

129.8 

533.0 

47.8 

485.2 

$ 

$ 

$ 

The weighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate of our operating leases are as 

follows:

Weighted average remaining lease term in years

Weighted average discount rate

As of December 31, 

2020

2019

6.30

 2.9 %

7.07

 3.2 %

F-42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information related to our operating leases included in cash flows 

provided by operating activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows is as follows:

(In millions)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities

Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations

12.  

Indebtedness

Our indebtedness is summarized as follows:

(In millions)

Current portion:

2.900% Senior Notes due September 15, 2020(1)

Current portion of notes payable

Non-current portion:

3.625% Senior Notes due September 15, 2022

4.050% Senior Notes due September 15, 2025

2.250% Senior Notes due May 1, 2030

5.200% Senior Notes due September 15, 2045

3.150% Senior Notes due May 1, 2050

Non-current portion of notes payable

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

As of December 31, 

2020

2019

100.2  $ 

59.0 

93.8 

35.9 

As of December 31, 

2020

2019

—  $ 

—  $ 

997.9  $ 

1,741.2 

1,491.1 

1,723.4 

1,472.6 

1,495.8 

1,495.8 

996.6 

1,739.5 

— 

1,722.9 

— 

4,459.0 

$ 

7,426.2  $ 

(1) Our 2.900% Senior Notes due September 15, 2020, were redeemed in full in May 2020 using the net proceeds from the issuance on April 30, 
2020, of our senior unsecured notes for an aggregate principal amount of $3.0 billion, as discussed below.

2020 Senior Notes

On April 30, 2020, we issued senior unsecured notes for an aggregate principal amount of $3.0 billion (2020 

Senior Notes) as of December 31, 2020, consisting of the following:

•

$1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.25% Senior Notes due May 1, 2030, valued at 99.973% of par; 
and

•

$1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.15% Senior Notes due May 1, 2050, valued at 99.174% of par.

Our 2020 Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations and may be redeemed at our option at any time at 
100.0% of the principal amount plus accrued interest and, until a specified period before maturity, a specified make-
whole amount. Our 2020 Senior Notes contain a change-of-control provision that, under certain circumstances, may 
require us to purchase our 2020 Senior Notes at a price equal to 101.0% of the principal amount plus accrued and 
unpaid interest to the date of repurchase.

We incurred approximately $24.4 million of costs associated with this offering which have been recorded as a 

reduction to the carrying amount of the debt on our consolidated balance sheet. These costs will be amortized as 
additional interest expense using the effective interest rate method over the period from issuance through maturity. 
The discounts will be amortized as additional interest expense over the period from issuance through maturity using 
the effective interest rate method. Interest on our 2020 Senior Notes is payable May 1 and November 1 of each 
year, commencing November 1, 2020.

2015 Senior Notes

The following is a summary of our currently outstanding senior secured notes issued in 2015 (the 2015 Senior 

Notes) as of December 31, 2020:

•

$1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.625% Senior Notes due September 15, 2022, valued at 
99.920% of par;

F-43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

•

•

$1.75 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.05% Senior Notes due September 15, 2025, valued at 
99.764% of par; and

$1.75 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.20% Senior Notes due September 15, 2045, valued at 
99.294% of par.

The original costs associated with this offering of approximately $47.5 million have been recorded as a 
reduction to the carrying amount of the debt in our consolidated balance sheets. These costs along with the 
discounts will be amortized as additional interest expense using the effective interest rate method over the period 
from issuance through maturity. 

Our 2015 Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations and may be redeemed at our option at any time at 

100.0% of the principal amount plus accrued interest and a specified make-whole amount. Our 2015 Senior Notes 
contain a change of control provision that may require us to purchase the notes at a price equal to 101.0% of the 
principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase under certain circumstances.

On September 15, 2015, we issued $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.90% Senior Notes due 
September 15, 2020, at 99.792% of par. Our 2.90% Senior Notes were senior unsecured obligations. In connection 
with the 2.90% Senior Notes, we entered into interest rate swap contracts where we received a fixed rate and paid a 
variable rate. In May 2020 we used the net proceeds from the sale of our 2020 Senior Notes to redeem our 2.90% 
Senior Notes prior to their maturity and recognized a net pre-tax charge of $9.4 million upon the extinguishment of 
these notes. This charge, which was recognized in interest expense in other income (expense), net in our 
consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2020, reflects the payment of a $12.7 million 
early call premium and the write off of remaining unamortized original debt issuance costs and discount balances, 
partially offset by a $3.3 million gain related to the settlement of the associated interest rate swap contracts. For 
additional information on our interest rate contracts, please read Note 9, Derivative Instruments, to these 
consolidated financial statements.

2020 Credit Facility

In January 2020 we entered into a $1.0 billion, five-year senior unsecured revolving credit facility under which 

we are permitted to draw funds for working capital and general corporate purposes. The terms of the revolving credit 
facility include a financial covenant that requires us not to exceed a maximum consolidated leverage ratio. This 
revolving credit facility replaced the revolving credit facility that we entered into in August 2015. As of December 31, 
2020, we had no outstanding borrowings and were in compliance with all covenants under this facility.

Debt Maturity

The total gross payments due under our debt arrangements are as follows:

(In millions)
2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026 and thereafter

Total

As of December 31, 2020

$ 

$ 

— 

1,000.0 

— 

— 

1,750.0 

4,750.0 

7,500.0 

The fair value of our debt is disclosed in Note 7, Fair Value Measurements, to these consolidated financial 

statements.

13.  

 Equity

Preferred Stock

We have 8.0 million shares of Preferred Stock authorized, of which 1.75 million shares are authorized as 
Series A, 1.0 million shares are authorized as Series X junior participating and 5.25 million shares are undesignated. 
Shares may be issued without a vote or action of shareholders from time to time in classes or series with the 
designations, powers, preferences and the relative, participating, optional or other special rights of the shares of 

F-44

 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

each such class or series and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereon as set forth in the instruments 
governing such shares. Any such Preferred Stock may rank prior to common stock as to dividend rights, liquidation 
preference or both, and may have full or limited voting rights and may be convertible into shares of common stock. 
No shares of Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding during 2020, 2019 and 2018.

Common Stock

The following table describes the number of shares authorized, issued and outstanding of our common stock 

as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:

(In millions)
Common stock

As of December 31, 2020

As of December 31, 2019

As of December 31, 2018

Authorized

Issued

Outstanding

Authorized

Issued

Outstanding

Authorized

Issued

Outstanding

  1,000.0 

  176.2 

152.4 

  1,000.0 

  198.0 

174.2 

  1,000.0 

  221.0 

197.2 

Share Repurchases

In October 2020 our Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $5.0 billion of our common 

stock (2020 Share Repurchase Program). Our 2020 Share Repurchase Program does not have an expiration date. All 
share repurchases under our 2020 Share Repurchase Program will be retired. Under our 2020 Share Repurchase 
Program, we repurchased and retired approximately 1.6 million shares of our common stock at a cost of 
approximately $400.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2020.

In December 2019 our Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $5.0 billion of our common 

stock (December 2019 Share Repurchase Program), which was completed as of September 30, 2020. All shares 
repurchased under our December 2019 Share Repurchase Program were retired. Under our December 2019 Share 
Repurchase Program, we repurchased and retired approximately 16.7 million shares of our common stock at a cost 
of approximately $5.0 billion during the year ended December 31, 2020.

In March 2019 our Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $5.0 billion of our common 

stock (March 2019 Share Repurchase Program), which was completed as of March 31, 2020. All shares 
repurchased under our March 2019 Share Repurchase Program were retired. Under our March 2019 Share 
Repurchase Program, we repurchased and retired approximately 4.1 million and 14.7 million shares of our common 
stock at a cost of approximately $1.3 billion and $3.7 billion during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, 
respectively.

In August 2018 our Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $3.5 billion of our common 
stock (2018 Share Repurchase Program), which was completed as of June 30, 2019. All share repurchases under 
our 2018 Share Repurchase Program were retired. Under our 2018 Share Repurchase Program, we repurchased and 
retired approximately 8.9 million and 4.3 million shares of our common stock at a cost of approximately $2.1 billion 
and $1.4 billion during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

In July 2016 our Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $5.0 billion of our common stock 

(2016 Share Repurchase Program), which was completed as of June 30, 2018. All share repurchases under our 
2016 Share Repurchase Program were retired. Under our 2016 Share Repurchase Program, we repurchased and 
retired approximately 10.5 million shares of common stock at a cost of approximately $3.0 billion during the year 
ended December 31, 2018.

Amounts paid to repurchase shares in excess of their par value are allocated between additional paid-in capital 

and retained earnings, with payments in excess of our additional paid-in-capital balance recorded as a reduction to 
retained earnings.

F-45

 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following tables summarize the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax by 

component:

(In millions)

December 31, 2020

Unrealized 
Gains (Losses) 
on Securities 
Available for 
Sale, net of tax

Unrealized 
Gains (Losses) 
on Cash Flow 
Hedges, net of 
tax

Gains (Losses) 
on Net 
Investment 
Hedge, Net of 
Tax

Unfunded 
Status of 
Postretirement 
Benefit Plans, 
net of tax

Currency 
Translation 
Adjustments

Total

Balance, December 31, 2019

$ 

4.2  $ 

7.8  $ 

25.1  $ 

(32.8)  $ 

(139.5)  $ 

(135.2) 

Other comprehensive income 
(loss) before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from 
accumulated other comprehensive 
income (loss)

Net current period other 
comprehensive income (loss)

Balance, December 31, 2020

(In millions)

(9.3)   

(165.0)   

(30.7)   

(33.5)   

92.9 

(145.6) 

6.5 

(21.8)   

(2.9)   

— 

— 

(18.2) 

(2.8)   

(186.8)   

(33.6)   

(33.5)   

92.9 

(163.8) 

$ 

1.4  $ 

(179.0)  $ 

(8.5)  $ 

(66.3)  $ 

(46.6)  $ 

(299.0) 

December 31, 2019

Unrealized 
Gains (Losses) 
on Securities 
Available for 
Sale, net of tax

Unrealized 
Gains (Losses) 
on Cash Flow 
Hedges, net of 
tax

Gains (Losses) 
on Net 
Investment 
Hedge, Net of 
Tax

Unfunded 
Status of 
Postretirement 
Benefit Plans, 
net of tax

Currency 
Translation 
Adjustments

Total

Balance, December 31, 2018

$ 

(4.0)  $ 

34.7  $ 

3.5  $ 

(31.3)  $ 

(243.3)  $ 

(240.4) 

Other comprehensive income 
(loss) before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from 
accumulated other comprehensive 
income (loss)

Net current period other 
comprehensive income (loss)

11.8 

88.1 

28.6 

(1.5)   

103.8 

230.8 

(3.6)   

(115.0)   

(7.0)   

— 

— 

(125.6) 

8.2 

(26.9)   

21.6 

(1.5)   

103.8 

105.2 

Balance, December 31, 2019

$ 

4.2  $ 

7.8  $ 

25.1  $ 

(32.8)  $ 

(139.5)  $ 

(135.2) 

(In millions)

December 31, 2018

Unrealized 
Gains (Losses) 
on Securities 
Available for 
Sale, net of tax

Unrealized 
Gains (Losses) 
on Cash Flow 
Hedges, net of 
tax

Gains (Losses) 
on Net 
Investment 
Hedge, Net of 
Tax

Unfunded 
Status of 
Postretirement 
Benefit Plans, 
net of tax

Currency 
Translation 
Adjustments

Total

Balance, December 31, 2017

$ 

(1.6)  $ 

(104.5)  $ 

—  $ 

(36.8)  $ 

(175.5)  $ 

(318.4) 

Amount reclassified, net of tax, 
upon adoption of ASU 2016-01

Balance, January 1, 2018

Other comprehensive income 
(loss) before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from 
accumulated other comprehensive 
income (loss)

Net current period other 
comprehensive income (loss)

1.5 

— 

(0.1)   

(104.5)   

(10.6)   

97.4 

— 

— 

5.0 

6.7 

41.8 

(1.5)   

(3.9)   

139.2 

3.5 

— 

— 

1.5 

(36.8)   

(175.5)   

(316.9) 

5.5 

— 

5.5 

(67.8)   

29.5 

— 

47.0 

(67.8)   

76.5 

Balance, December 31, 2018

$ 

(4.0)  $ 

34.7  $ 

3.5  $ 

(31.3)  $ 

(243.3)  $ 

(240.4) 

F-46

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

The following table summarizes the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income:

(In millions)

Income Statement Location

2020

2019

2018

Amounts Reclassified from
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

For the Years Ended December 31,

Gains (losses) on securities available for sale

Other income (expense)

$ 

(8.2)  $ 

4.5  $ 

Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges

Revenues

Income tax benefit (expense)

Operating expenses

Other income (expense)

1.7 

18.3 

3.3 

0.3 

(0.9)   

(3.3)   

0.3 

118.6 

(42.5) 

Gains (losses) on net investment hedge

Other Income (expense)

2.9 

7.0 

Income tax benefit (expense)

(0.1)   

(0.6)   

(8.5) 

1.8 

0.2 

0.3 

0.2 

1.5 

Total reclassifications, net of tax

$ 

18.2  $ 

125.6  $ 

(47.0) 

14.  

 Earnings per Share

Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated as follows:

(In millions)
Numerator:

Net income attributable to Biogen Inc.

Denominator:

For the Years Ended December 31,

2020

2019

2018

$ 

4,000.6  $ 

5,888.5  $ 

4,430.7 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

160.9 

187.1 

204.9 

Effect of dilutive securities:

Time-vested restricted stock units

Market stock units

Performance stock units settled in stock

Dilutive potential common shares

0.2 

0.1 

0.1 

0.4 

0.2 

0.1 

— 

0.3 

0.3 

0.1 

— 

0.4 

Shares used in calculating diluted earnings per share

161.3 

187.4 

205.3 

Amounts excluded from the calculation of net income per diluted share because their effects were anti-dilutive 

were insignificant.

Earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, reflects the repurchase of 
approximately 22.4 million shares, 23.6 million shares and 14.8 million shares of our common stock, respectively, 
under our share repurchase programs. For additional information on our share repurchase programs, please read 
Note 13, Equity, to these consolidated financial statements.

F-47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

15.   Share-Based Payments

Share-Based Compensation Expense

The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense included in our consolidated statements 

of income:

(In millions)

Research and development

Selling, general and administrative

Subtotal

Capitalized share-based compensation costs

Share-based compensation expense included in total cost and expenses

Income tax effect

For the Years Ended December 31,

2020

2019

2018

$ 

80.0  $ 

77.1  $ 

131.3 

211.3 

(6.2)   

205.1 

(33.5)   

148.3 

225.4 

(8.9)   

216.5 

(35.7)   

75.8 

105.8 

181.6 

(11.5) 

170.1 

(27.5) 

Share-based compensation expense included in net income attributable to 
Biogen Inc.

$ 

171.6  $ 

180.8  $ 

142.6 

The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense associated with each of our share-based 

compensation programs:

(In millions)

Market stock units

Time-vested restricted stock units

Cash settled performance units

Performance units

Performance stock units settled in stock

Performance stock units settled in cash

Employee stock purchase plan

NST stock options

Subtotal

Capitalized share-based compensation costs

For the Years Ended December 31,

2020

2019

2018

$ 

40.5  $ 

30.4  $ 

142.6 

134.0 

(1.7)   

(0.1)   

7.9 

8.6 

13.5 

— 

211.3 

(6.2)   

0.7 

1.6 

15.5 

5.5 

11.5 

26.2 

225.4 

(8.9)   

Share-based compensation expense included in total cost and expenses

$ 

205.1  $ 

216.5  $ 

27.2 

126.6 

7.8 

3.1 

4.7 

1.7 

10.5 

— 

181.6 

(11.5) 

170.1 

As of December 31, 2020, unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation 
was approximately $207.6 million, net of estimated forfeitures. We expect to recognize the cost of these unvested 
awards over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.

Share-Based Compensation Plans

We have three share-based compensation plans pursuant to which awards are currently being made: (i) the 

Biogen Inc. 2006 Non-Employee Directors Equity Plan (2006 Directors Plan); (ii) the Biogen Inc. 2017 Omnibus 
Equity Plan (2017 Omnibus Equity Plan); and (iii) the Biogen Inc. 2015 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (2015 ESPP). 

Directors Plan

In May 2006 our shareholders approved the 2006 Directors Plan for share-based awards to our directors. 

Awards granted from the 2006 Directors Plan may include stock options, shares of restricted stock, RSUs, stock 
appreciation rights and other awards in such amounts and with such terms and conditions as may be determined by 
a committee of our Board of Directors, subject to the provisions of the 2006 Directors Plan. We have reserved a total 
of 1.6 million shares of common stock for issuance under the 2006 Directors Plan. The 2006 Directors Plan 
provides that awards other than stock options and stock appreciation rights will be counted against the total number 
of shares reserved under the plan in a 1.5-to-1 ratio. In June 2015 our shareholders approved an amendment to 
extend the term of the 2006 Directors Plan until June 2025.

F-48

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Omnibus Plan

In June 2017 our shareholders approved the 2017 Omnibus Equity Plan for share-based awards to our 

employees. Awards granted from the 2017 Omnibus Equity Plan may include stock options, shares of restricted 
stock, RSUs, performance shares, stock appreciation rights and other awards in such amounts and with such terms 
and conditions as may be determined by a committee of our Board of Directors, subject to the provisions of the 
2017 Omnibus Equity Plan. Shares of common stock available for grant under the 2017 Omnibus Equity Plan consist 
of 8.0 million shares reserved for this purpose, plus shares of common stock that remained available for grant under 
the Biogen Idec Inc. 2008 Omnibus Equity Plan (2008 Omnibus Equity Plan) as of June 7, 2017, or that could again 
become available for grant if outstanding awards under the 2008 Omnibus Equity Plan as of June 7, 2017, are 
cancelled, surrendered or terminated in whole or in part. The 2017 Omnibus Equity Plan provides that awards other 
than stock options and stock appreciation rights will be counted against the total number of shares available under 
the plan in a 1.5-to-1 ratio.

We have not made any awards pursuant to the 2008 Omnibus Equity Plan since our shareholders approved the 
2017 Omnibus Equity Plan, and do not intend to make any awards pursuant to the 2008 Omnibus Equity Plan in the 
future, except that unused shares under the 2008 Omnibus Equity Plan have been carried over for use under the 
2017 Omnibus Equity Plan.

Stock Options

We currently do not grant stock options to our employees or directors. Outstanding stock options previously 
granted to our employees and directors generally have a 10-year term and vest over a period of between one and 
four years, provided the individual continues to serve at Biogen through the vesting dates. Options granted under all 
plans are exercisable at a price per share not less than the fair market value of the underlying common stock on the 
date of grant. As of December 31, 2020, all outstanding options were exercisable.

The following table summarizes our stock option activity:

Outstanding at December 31, 2019

Granted

Exercised

Cancelled

Outstanding at December 31, 2020

Shares

Weighted Average
Exercise Price

12,000  $ 

— 

(12,000)   

— 

—  $ 

58.46 

— 

58.46 

— 

— 

The total intrinsic values of options exercised in 2020, 2019 and 2018 totaled $2.9 million, $4.2 million and 

$4.0 million, respectively. 

The following table summarizes the amount of tax benefit realized for stock options and cash received from the 

exercise of stock options:

(In millions)

Tax benefit realized for stock options

Cash received from the exercise of stock options

Market Stock Units (MSUs)

For the Years Ended December 31,

2020

2019

2018

$ 

2.9  $ 

0.7 

2.5  $ 

0.4 

2.2 

0.8 

MSUs awarded to employees prior to 2014 vested in four equal annual increments beginning on the first 

anniversary of the grant date. Participants may ultimately earn between zero and 150.0% of the target number of 
units granted based on actual stock performance. 

MSUs awarded to employees in 2014 and thereafter vest in three equal annual increments beginning on the 

first anniversary of the grant date, and participants may ultimately earn between zero and 200.0% of the target 
number of units granted based on actual stock performance. 

The vesting of these awards is subject to the respective employee’s continued employment. The number of 

MSUs granted represents the target number of units that are eligible to be earned based on the attainment of 
certain market-based criteria involving our stock price. The number of MSUs earned is calculated at each annual 

F-49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

anniversary from the date of grant over the respective vesting periods, resulting in multiple performance periods. 
Accordingly, additional MSUs may be issued or currently outstanding MSUs may be cancelled upon final 
determination of the number of awards earned. 

The following table summarizes our MSU activity:

Unvested at December 31, 2019

Granted (1)

Vested

Forfeited

Unvested at December 31, 2020

December 31, 2020

Shares

Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value

183,000  $ 

133,000 

(82,000)   

(33,000)   

201,000  $ 

378.09 

398.61 

375.42 

402.62 

388.98 

(1) MSUs granted during 2020 include awards granted in conjunction with our annual awards made in February 2020 and MSUs 
granted in conjunction with the hiring of employees. These grants reflect the target number of shares eligible to be earned at the 
time of grant. MSUs granted in 2020 also reflect an adjustment based upon the final performance multiplier in relation to shares 
granted in 2019, 2018 and 2017.

We value grants of MSUs using a lattice model with a Monte Carlo simulation. This valuation methodology 

utilizes several key assumptions, the 30 calendar day average closing stock price on the date of grant for MSUs, 
expected volatility of our stock price, risk-free rates of return and expected dividend yield.

The assumptions used in our valuation are summarized as follows:

Expected dividend yield

Range of expected stock price volatility

Range of risk-free interest rates

30 calendar day average stock price on grant date

Weighted-average per share grant date fair value

For the Years Ended December 31,

2020

—%

2019

—%

2018

—%

37.8% - 44.1%

1.41% - 1.48%

31.2% - 33.6%

2.46% - 2.53%

27.5% - 32.4%

1.9% - 2.3%

$257.83 - $325.40

$228.59 - $331.18

$279.47 - $346.76

$398.61

$378.08

$378.85

The fair values of MSUs vested in 2020, 2019 and 2018 totaled $26.9 million, $32.5 million and $26.9 

million, respectively.

Cash Settled Performance Units (CSPUs)

CSPUs awarded to employees vest in three equal annual increments beginning on the first anniversary of the 

grant date. The vesting of these awards is subject to the respective employee’s continued employment with such 
awards settled in cash. The number of CSPUs granted represents the target number of units that are eligible to be 
earned based on the attainment of certain performance measures established at the beginning of the performance 
period, which ends on December 31 of each year. Participants may ultimately earn between zero and 200.0% of the 
target number of units granted based on the degree of actual performance metric achievement. Accordingly, 
additional CSPUs may be issued or currently outstanding CSPUs may be cancelled upon final determination of the 
number of units earned. CSPUs are classified as liability awards and will be settled in cash based on the 30 
calendar day average closing stock price through each vesting date, once the actual vested and earned number of 
units is known. Since no shares are issued, these awards do not dilute equity.

F-50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

The following table summarizes our CSPU activity:

Unvested at December 31, 2019

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Unvested at December 31, 2020

Shares

13,000 

— 

(13,000) 

— 

— 

The cash paid in settlement of CSPUs vested in 2020, 2019 and 2018 totaled $3.8 million, $10.6 million and 

$15.1 million, respectively.  

Performance-vested Restricted Stock Units (PUs)

PUs are granted to certain employees in the form of RSUs that may be settled in cash or shares of our common 

stock at the sole discretion of the Compensation and Management Development Committee of our Board of 
Directors. These awards are structured and accounted for the same way as the CSPUs, and vest in three equal 
annual increments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date. The number of PUs granted represents the 
target number of units that are eligible to be earned based on the attainment of certain performance measures 
established at the beginning of the performance period, which ends on December 31 of each year. Participants may 
ultimately earn between zero and 200.0% of the target number of units granted based on the degree of actual 
performance metric achievement. Accordingly, additional PUs may be issued or currently outstanding PUs may be 
cancelled upon final determination of the number of units earned. PUs settling in cash are based on the 30 calendar 
day average closing stock price through each vesting date once the actual vested and earned number of units is 
known.

The following table summarizes our PU activity:

Unvested at December 31, 2019

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Unvested at December 31, 2020

Shares

11,000 

— 

(11,000) 

— 

— 

All PUs that vested in 2020, 2019 and 2018 were settled in cash totaling $3.4 million, $10.4 million and 

$17.0 million, respectively.

Performance Stock Units (PSUs)

PSUs Settled in Stock

During the first quarter of 2018 we began granting awards for performance-vested RSUs that will settle in 

stock. PSUs awarded to employees have a three-year performance period and vest on the third anniversary of the 
grant date. The vesting of these awards is subject to the respective employee’s continued employment. The number 
of PSUs granted represents the target number of units that are eligible to be earned based on the achievement of 
cumulative three-year performance measures established at the beginning of the performance period, which ends on 
December 31 of the third year of the performance period. 

Participants may ultimately earn between zero and 200.0% of the target number of PSUs granted based on the 
degree of achievement of the applicable performance metric. Accordingly, additional PSUs may be issued or currently 
outstanding PSUs may be cancelled upon final determination of the number of units earned.

F-51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

The following table summarizes our PSUs that settle in stock activity:

Unvested at December 31, 2019

Granted (1)
Vested

Forfeited

Unvested at December 31, 2020

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

316.39 

293.35 

— 

323.42 

304.19 

Shares

111,000  $ 

73,000 

— 

(29,000)   

155,000  $ 

(1) PSUs settled in stock granted in 2020 include awards granted in conjunction with our annual awards made in February 2020 and PSUs granted 
in conjunction with the hiring of employees. These grants reflect the target number of shares eligible to be earned at the time of grant. 

PSUs Settled in Cash

During the first quarter of 2018 we began granting awards for performance-vested restricted stock units that 

will settle in cash. PSUs awarded to employees have three performance periods and vest on the third anniversary of 
the grant date. The vesting of these awards is subject to the respective employee’s continued employment. The 
number of PSUs granted represents the target number of units that are eligible to be earned based on the 
achievement of three annual performance measures established when the performance objectives are defined, which 
will be at the beginning of each year and will end on December 31 of such year. 

Participants may ultimately earn between zero and 200.0% of the target number of PSUs granted based on the 
degree of achievement of the applicable performance metric. Accordingly, additional PSUs may be issued or currently 
outstanding PSUs may be cancelled upon final determination of the number of units earned. PSUs are classified as 
liability awards and will be settled in cash based on the 30 calendar day average closing stock price through the 
vesting date, once the actual vested and earned number of PSUs is determined. Since no shares are issued, these 
awards do not dilute equity.

The following table summarizes our PSUs that settle in cash activity:

Unvested at December 31, 2019

Granted (1)
Vested

Forfeited

Unvested at December 31, 2020

Shares

82,000 

63,000 

(2,000) 

(23,000) 

120,000 

(1) PSUs settled in cash granted in 2020 include awards granted in conjunction with our annual awards made in February 2020 and PSUs granted 
in conjunction with the hiring of employees. These grants reflect the target number of shares eligible to be earned at the time of grant.

Time-Vested Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

RSUs awarded to employees generally vest no sooner than one-third per year over three years on the 

anniversary of the date of grant, or upon the third anniversary of the date of the grant, provided the employee 
remains continuously employed with us, except as otherwise provided in the plan. Shares of our common stock will 
be delivered to the employee upon vesting, subject to payment of applicable withholding taxes. RSUs awarded to 
directors for service on our Board of Directors vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant, provided in each case 
that the director continues to serve on our Board of Directors through the vesting date. Shares of our common stock 
will be delivered to the director upon vesting and are not subject to any withholding taxes. 

F-52

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

The following table summarizes our RSU activity:

Unvested at December 31, 2019

Granted (1)

Vested

Forfeited

Unvested at December 31, 2020

Shares

Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

938,000  $ 

620,000 

(440,000)   

(100,000)   

1,018,000  $ 

306.55 

318.87 

304.45 

314.46 

314.46 

(1) RSUs granted in 2020 primarily represent RSUs granted in conjunction with our annual awards made in February 2020 and awards made in 
conjunction with the hiring of new employees. RSUs granted in 2020 also include approximately 10,000 RSUs granted to our Board of Directors.

RSUs granted in 2019 and 2018 had weighted average grant date fair values of $304.44 and $316.32, 

respectively.

The fair values of RSUs vested in 2020, 2019 and 2018 totaled $140.5 million, $131.5 million and $111.7 

million, respectively.  

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

In June 2015 our shareholders approved the 2015 ESPP. The maximum aggregate number of shares of our 

common stock that may be purchased under the 2015 ESPP is 6.2 million. 

The following table summarizes our ESPP activity:

(In millions, except share amounts)

Shares issued under the 2015 ESPP

Cash received under the 2015 ESPP

16.  

Income Taxes

Income Tax Expense

For the Years Ended December 31,

2020

2019

2018

212,000 

204,000 

$ 

48.6  $ 

40.4  $ 

170,000 

40.5 

Income before income tax expense and the income tax expense consist of the following:

(In millions)
Income before income taxes (benefit):

Domestic

Foreign

Total

Income tax expense (benefit):

Current:

Federal

State

Foreign

Total

Deferred:

Federal

State

Foreign

Total

For the Years Ended December 31,

2020

2019

2018

3,290.0  $ 

4,725.3  $ 

1,757.5 

2,400.6 

5,047.5  $ 

7,125.9  $ 

3,877.0 

2,022.6 

5,899.6 

647.0  $ 

947.4  $ 

1,131.8 

$ 

$ 

$ 

41.2 

155.1 

843.3 

59.1 

84.4 

1,090.9 

$ 

(1,749.9)  $ 

1,143.9  $ 

(6.8)   

1,905.7 

149.0 

(2.3)   

(1,074.5)   

67.1 

45.5 

140.0 

1,317.3 

(62.0) 

(7.4) 

177.7 

108.3 

Total income tax expense

$ 

992.3  $ 

1,158.0  $ 

1,425.6 

F-53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

2017 Tax Act

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (2017 Tax Act) resulted in significant changes to the U.S. corporate income 

tax system. These changes include a federal statutory rate reduction from 35.0% to 21.0%, the elimination or 
reduction of certain domestic deductions and credits and limitations on the deductibility of interest expense and 
executive compensation. The 2017 Tax Act also transitions international taxation from a worldwide system to a 
modified territorial system, which has the effect of subjecting certain earnings of our foreign subsidiaries and 
collaborations to immediate U.S. taxation as GILTI or Subpart F income, includes a one-time mandatory deemed 
repatriation tax on accumulated foreign subsidiaries' previously untaxed foreign earnings (the Transition Toll Tax) and 
base erosion prevention measures on U.S. earnings and reduces the effective tax rate on income that comes from 
U.S. exports, called Foreign Derived Intangible Income. These changes became effective in 2018. 

During the year ended December 31, 2018, we recognized a net reduction of $34.6 million in our estimated 

Transition Toll Tax, an expense of $12.7 million to remeasure our deferred tax balances, an expense of $135.8 
million related to establishing deferred taxes for GILTI and an expense of $11.0 million to reflect other aspects of 
the 2017 Tax Act.

Transition Toll Tax

The 2017 Tax Act eliminated the deferral of U.S. income tax on the historical unrepatriated earnings by 
imposing the Transition Toll Tax. The Transition Toll Tax was assessed on our share of our foreign corporations' 
accumulated foreign earnings that were not previously taxed. Earnings in the form of cash and cash equivalents were 
taxed at a rate of 15.5% and all other earnings were taxed at a rate of 8.0%.

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we have accrued income tax liabilities of $697.0 million under the 
Transition Toll Tax. Of the amounts accrued as of December 31, 2020, $62.0 million is expected to be paid within 
one year. The Transition Toll Tax will be paid over an eight--year period, which started in 2018, and does not accrue 
interest.

Unremitted Earnings

At December 31, 2020, we considered our earnings not to be permanently reinvested outside the U.S. and 

therefore recorded deferred tax liabilities associated with an estimate of the total withholding taxes expected as a 
result of our repatriation of earnings. Other than for earnings, we are permanently reinvested for book/tax basis 
differences of approximately $1.5 billion as of December 31, 2020, primarily arising through the impacts of 
purchase accounting. These permanently reinvested basis differences could reverse through sales of the foreign 
subsidiaries, as well as various other events, none of which were considered probable as of December 31, 2020. 
The residual U.S. tax liability, if these differences reverse, would be between $300.0 million and $400.0 million as 
of December 31, 2020.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was 
signed into law in the U.S. in March 2020. The CARES Act adjusted a number of provisions of the tax code, including 
the calculation and eligibility of certain deductions and the treatment of net operating losses and tax credits. The 
enactment of the CARES Act did not result in any material adjustments to our income tax provision for the year 
ended December 31, 2020, or to our net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2020.

TECFIDERA

In June 2020 and September 2020 judgments were entered in favor of the defendants in the patent 

infringement proceedings relating to TECFIDERA Orange-Book listed patents pursuant to the Drug Price Competition 
and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984, commonly known as the Hatch-Waxman Act, in West Virginia and 
Delaware. We have appealed the judgments in both actions. For additional information, please read Note 20, 
Litigation, to these consolidated financial statements.

Multiple TECFIDERA generic entrants are now in the U.S. market and have deeply discounted prices compared 
to TECFIDERA. The generic competition for TECFIDERA significantly reduced our TECFIDERA revenues during the year 
ended December 31, 2020, and is expected to have a substantial negative impact on our TECFIDERA revenues for 
as long as there is generic competition.

As of December 31, 2020, we have assessed the realizability of our deferred tax assets that are dependent on 

future expected sales of TECFIDERA in the U.S. and reduced the net value of certain deferred tax assets by 

F-54

BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

approximately $1.7 billion and reduced the net value of deferred tax liabilities associated with GILTI and tax credits 
by approximately $1.6 billion. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the income tax expense associated with 
these reductions was approximately $90.3 million.

Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

Significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities are summarized as follows:

(In millions)
Deferred tax assets:

Tax credits

Inventory, other reserves and accruals

Intangibles, net

Net operating loss

Share-based compensation

Other

Valuation allowance

Total deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities:

Purchased intangible assets

GILTI

Tax credits

Depreciation, amortization and other

Total deferred tax liabilities

As of December 31, 

2020

2019

$ 

113.4  $ 

165.9 

1,546.0 

2,080.3 

23.3 

103.1 

(1,753.9)   

106.6 

162.0 

3,380.0 

130.4 

23.8 

103.7 

(1.1) 

2,278.1  $ 

3,905.4 

$ 

$ 

(396.2)  $ 

(1,143.7)   

(174.6)   

(227.0)   

$ 

(1,941.5)  $ 

(350.3) 

(1,381.6) 

(1,617.2) 

(135.0) 

(3,484.1) 

The change in the valuation allowance between December 31, 2020 and 2019, was primarily related to the 

establishment of a valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets, the realization of which is dependent on 
future sales of TECFIDERA in the U.S., as discussed above.

In addition to deferred tax assets and liabilities, we have recorded deferred charges related to intra-entity sales 

of inventory. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the total deferred charges were $142.2 million and $243.8 
million, respectively. 

Tax Rate

A reconciliation between the U.S. federal statutory tax rate and our effective tax rate is summarized as follows:

Statutory rate

State taxes

Taxes on foreign earnings

Credits and net operating loss utilization

Purchased intangible assets

Divestiture of Denmark manufacturing operations

Internal reorganization of certain intellectual property rights

TECFIDERA impairment

GILTI

U.S. tax reform

Swiss tax reform

Other

Effective tax rate

For the Years Ended December 31,

2020

2019

2018

 21.0 %

 21.0 %

 21.0 %

 0.7 

 (3.3) 

 (1.2) 

 0.7 

 (0.4) 

 — 

 1.8 

 1.3 

 — 

 — 

 (0.9) 

 19.7 %

 0.8 

 (4.5) 

 (1.1) 

 0.4 

 1.0 

 (2.1) 

 — 

 1.5 

 — 

 (0.8) 

 0.1 

 16.3 %

 0.6 

 (1.9) 

 (0.9) 

 1.2 

 — 

 — 

 — 

 1.6 

 2.1 

 — 

 0.5 

 24.2 %

F-55

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Changes in Tax Rate

For the year ended December 31, 2020, our effective tax rate was primarily increased by the income tax 
expense related to the establishment of a valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets, the realization of 
which is dependent on future sales of TECFIDERA in the U.S., as discussed above, and partially offset by the benefit 
recognized on the effective settlement of certain tax matters. Additionally, our 2019 effective tax rate benefited from 
an internal reorganization of certain intellectual property rights and the enactment of a new taxing regime in the 
country and certain cantons of Switzerland, which we refer to as Swiss Tax Reform, partially offset by tax expense 
related to the divestiture of our Hillerød, Denmark manufacturing operations. Although we recognized a loss on the 
divestiture of our Hillerød, Denmark manufacturing operations, the divestiture required us to write-off certain deferred 
tax assets and resulted in a taxable gain in certain jurisdictions. For additional information on the divestiture of our 
Hillerød, Denmark manufacturing operations, please read Note 3, Divestitures, to these consolidated financial 
statements.

As a result of the 2019 internal reorganization of certain intellectual property rights, we recorded a deferred tax 

asset of $754.1 million and a deferred tax liability of $603.3 million as of December 31, 2019.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to 2018, the decrease in our effective tax rate was 
primarily due to the combination of the internal reorganization of certain intellectual property rights and the impact of 
the Swiss Tax Reform. This decrease was partially offset by a $68.9 million tax expense related to the divestiture of 
our subsidiary that owned our Hillerød, Denmark manufacturing operations. We also had a higher effective tax rate in 
2018 resulting from the unfavorable effects of the 2017 Tax Act and our sale of inventory, the tax effect of which 
had been included within prepaid taxes at January 1, 2018, at a higher effective tax rate than the 2018 statutory tax 
rate.

Tax Attributes

As of December 31, 2020, we had net operating losses and general business credit carry forwards for U.S. 
federal income tax purposes of approximately $0.6 million and $1.3 million, respectively, which begin to expire in 
2026. For U.S. state income tax purposes, we had research and investment credit carry forwards of approximately 
$142.4 million that begin to expire in 2022. For foreign income tax purposes, we had $18.0 billion of Swiss federal 
net operating loss carryforwards that begin to expire in 2025 and $16.8 billion of Swiss cantonal net operating loss 
carryforwards that begin to expire in 2025.

In assessing the realizability of our deferred tax assets, we have considered whether it is more likely than not 

that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets 
is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences 
become deductible. In making this determination, under the applicable financial reporting standards, we are allowed 
to consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning 
strategies. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and income tax liability and projections for future 
taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are utilizable, we believe it is more likely than not 
that we will realize the net benefits of the deferred tax assets of our wholly owned subsidiaries, net of the recorded 
valuation allowance. In the event that actual results differ from our estimates or we adjust our estimates in future 
periods, we may need to adjust or establish a valuation allowance, which could materially impact our consolidated 
financial position and results of operations.

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of our unrecognized tax benefits is summarized as follows:

(In millions)

Beginning balance at January 1,

2020

2019

2018

$ 

129.9  $ 

114.2  $ 

Additions based on tax positions related to the current period

Additions for tax positions of prior periods

Reductions for tax positions of prior periods

Statute expirations

Settlement refund (payment)

Ending balance ar December 31,

1.5 

51.7 

(63.6)   

(7.9)   

(35.9)   

5.3 

17.2 

(10.3)   

(0.1)   

3.6 

$ 

75.7  $ 

129.9  $ 

66.8 

0.5 

58.7 

(13.6) 

(2.9) 

4.7 

114.2 

F-56

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Our 2020 activity reflects the impact of the effective settlement of certain tax matters. We and our subsidiaries 

are routinely examined by various taxing authorities. We file income tax returns in various U.S. states and in U.S. 
federal and other foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal tax examination 
for years before 2017 or state, local or non-U.S. income tax examinations for years before 2012.

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service and other national tax authorities routinely examine our intercompany 
transfer pricing with respect to intellectual property related transactions and it is possible that they may disagree 
with one or more positions we have taken with respect to such valuations.

Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, are $68.8 

million, $122.7 million and $109.1 million (net of the federal benefit on state issues), respectively, of unrecognized 
tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective income tax rate in future periods. 

We recognize potential interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. In 

2020, 2019 and 2018 we recognized a net interest and penalty expense of $1.0 million, $4.7 million and $2.2 
million, respectively. We have accrued $21.2 million and $20.0 million for the payment of interest and penalties as 
of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Federal and State Uncertain Tax Positions

It is reasonably possible that we will adjust the value of our uncertain tax positions related to certain transfer 
pricing, collaboration matters and other issues as we receive additional information from various taxing authorities, 
including reaching settlements with such authorities.

We estimate that it is reasonably possible that our gross unrecognized tax benefits, exclusive of interest, could 

decrease by up to approximately $25.0 million in the next 12 months as a result of various audit closures, 
settlements and expiration of the statute of limitations.

Accounting for Bioverativ Spin-off

On February 1, 2017, in connection with the spin-off of our hemophilia business, we distributed all of the then 

outstanding shares of Bioverativ common stock to Biogen shareholders pursuant to a separation agreement. In 
March 2018 Bioverativ was acquired by Sanofi S.A. (Sanofi) and is now an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sanofi. 
The spin-off of our hemophilia business was intended to qualify for tax-free treatment to Biogen and its shareholders 
under the Internal Revenue Code. Our 2017 tax return position remains open to audit. Bioverativ and Sanofi agreed 
to indemnify us for certain potential liabilities that may arise. 

17.  

 Other Consolidated Financial Statement Detail

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, is 

as follows:

(In millions)

Cash paid during the year for:

Interest

Income taxes

For the Years Ended December 31,

2020

2019

2018

$ 

272.7  $ 

244.2  $ 

906.7 

1,064.5 

243.2 

1,007.1 

Non-cash Operating, Investing and Financing Activity

In the fourth quarter of 2018 we accrued $300.0 million upon reaching $20.0 billion in total cumulative sales 

of FUMADERM and TECFIDERA (together, the Fumapharm Products), which was paid in the first quarter of 2019. 
These amounts, net of tax benefit, were accounted for as increases to goodwill in accordance with the accounting 
standard applicable to business combinations when we acquired Fumapharm AG. 

In connection with the construction of our large-scale biologics manufacturing facility in Solothurn, Switzerland, 

we accrued charges related to processing equipment and engineering services of approximately $12.4 million and 
$50.0 million in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. For additional 

F-57

 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

information on the construction of our manufacturing facility in Solothurn, Switzerland, please read Note 10, Property, 
Plant and Equipment, to these consolidated financial statements. 

Other Income (Expense), Net

Components of other income (expense), net, are summarized as follows:

(In millions)
Interest income

Interest expense

Gain (loss) on investments, net

Foreign exchange gains (losses), net

Other, net

Total other income (expense), net

For the Years Ended December 31,

2020

2019

2018

$ 

42.0  $ 

(222.5)   

685.7 

(10.7)   

2.9 

120.0  $ 

(187.4)   

204.7 

(7.0)   

(47.0)   

$ 

497.4  $ 

83.3  $ 

112.5 

(200.6) 

119.5 

(9.9) 

(10.5) 

11.0 

Gain (loss) on investments, net, as reflected in the table above, relate to debt securities, equity securities of 
certain biotechnology companies, venture capital funds where the underlying investments are in equity securities of 
certain biotechnology companies and non-marketable equity securities.

For the year ended December 31, 2020, net unrealized and realized gains on our holdings in equity securities 

were approximately $681.8 million and $12.1 million, respectively, compared to net unrealized and realized gains of 
$150.1 million and $50.0 million in 2019. The net unrealized gains recognized during the year ended December 31, 
2020, primarily reflects an increase in the fair value of Denali and Sangamo common stock of approximately 
$703.9 million.

The following table summarizes our gain (loss) on investments, net that relates to our equity securities held as of 

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:

(In millions)

For the Years Ended December 31,

2020

2019

2018

Net gains (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities

$ 

693.9  $ 

200.1  $ 

127.9 

Less: Net gains (losses) recognized on equity securities sold during the 
period and on capital distributions

12.1 

50.0 

Unrealized gains (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities

$ 

681.8  $ 

150.1  $ 

(0.6) 

128.5 

Accrued Expenses and Other

Accrued expenses and other consists of the following:

(In millions)

As of December 31, 

2020

2019

Revenue-related reserves for discounts and allowances

$ 

1,080.6  $ 

1,001.1 

Collaboration expenses

Employee compensation and benefits

Royalties and licensing fees

Derivative liabilities

Current portion of contingent consideration obligations

Other

Total accrued expenses and other

Other Long-term Liabilities

389.9 

333.8 

218.5 

181.5 

149.6 

791.4 

281.6 

309.1 

220.9 

6.7 

148.4 

798.0 

$ 

3,145.3  $ 

2,765.8 

Other long-term liabilities were $1,329.6 million and $1,348.9 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, 

respectively, and include accrued income taxes totaling $709.9 million and $803.3 million, respectively.

18.  

 Collaborative and Other Relationships

In connection with our business strategy, we have entered into various collaboration agreements that provide 

us with rights to develop, produce and market products using certain know-how, technology and patent rights 

F-58

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

maintained by our collaborative partners. Terms of the various collaboration agreements may require us to make 
milestone payments upon the achievement of certain product research and development objectives and pay royalties 
on future sales, if any, of commercial products resulting from the collaboration.

Depending on the collaborative arrangement, we may record funding receivable or payable balances with our 

collaboration partners, based on the nature of the cost-sharing mechanism and activity within the collaboration. Our 
significant collaborative arrangements are discussed below.

Genentech, Inc. (Roche Group)

We have certain business and financial rights with respect to RITUXAN for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's 
lymphoma, CLL and other conditions; RITUXAN HYCELA for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and CLL; 
GAZYVA for the treatment of CLL and follicular lymphoma; OCREVUS for the treatment of PPMS and RMS; and other 
potential anti-CD20 therapies pursuant to our collaboration arrangements with Genentech, a wholly-owned member 
of the Roche Group. For purposes of this footnote, we refer to RITUXAN and RITUXAN HYCELA collectively as 
RITUXAN.

Our collaboration arrangements will continue in effect until we mutually agree to terminate the collaboration, 

except that if we undergo a change in control, as defined in our collaboration agreement, Genentech has the right to 
present an offer to buy the rights to RITUXAN and we must either accept Genentech’s offer or purchase Genentech’s 
rights on the same terms as its offer. Genentech will also be deemed concurrently to have purchased our rights to 
OCREVUS and any other collaboration anti-CD20 products in development in exchange for a royalty as well as our 
rights to GAZYVA in exchange for the compensation described in the collaboration arrangement. Our collaboration 
with Genentech was created through a contractual arrangement and not through a joint venture or other legal entity.

RITUXAN

Genentech and its affiliates are responsible for the worldwide manufacture of RITUXAN as well as all 

development and commercialization activities as follows:

U.S.

We have co-exclusively licensed our rights to develop, commercialize and market RITUXAN in the U.S.

Canada

We have co-exclusively licensed our rights to develop, commercialize and market RITUXAN in Canada.

GAZYVA

The Roche Group and its sub-licensees maintain sole responsibility for the development, manufacture and 

commercialization of GAZYVA in the U.S. We recognize our share of the development and commercialization 
expenses of GAZYVA as a reduction of our share of pre-tax profits in revenues from anti-CD20 therapeutic programs. 

Commercialization of GAZYVA impacts our percentage of the co-promotion profits for RITUXAN, as summarized 

in the table below.

OCREVUS

In March 2017 the FDA approved OCREVUS for the treatment of RMS and PPMS. Pursuant to the terms of our 
collaboration arrangements with Genentech, we receive a tiered royalty on U.S. net sales from 13.5% and increasing 
up to 24.0% if annual net sales exceed $900.0 million. There will be a 50.0% reduction to these royalties if a 
biosimilar to OCREVUS is approved in the U.S. 

In addition, we receive a gross 3.0% royalty on net sales of OCREVUS outside the U.S., with the royalty period 

lasting 11 years from the first commercial sale of OCREVUS on a country-by-country basis. OCREVUS has been 
approved for the treatment of RMS and PPMS in the E.U. and certain other countries. 

The commercialization of OCREVUS does not impact the percentage of the co-promotion profits we receive for 

RITUXAN or GAZYVA. Genentech is solely responsible for development and commercialization of OCREVUS and 
funding future costs. Genentech cannot develop OCREVUS in CLL, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or rheumatoid arthritis. 
OCREVUS royalty revenues were based on our estimates from third party and market research data of OCREVUS 

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BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

sales occurring during the corresponding period. Differences between actual and estimated royalty revenues will be 
adjusted for in the period in which they become known, which is generally expected to be the following quarter.

Profit-sharing Formulas

RITUXAN Profit Share

Our current pretax co-promotion profit-sharing formula for RITUXAN provides for a 30.0% share on the first 
$50.0 million of co-promotion operating profits earned each calendar year. Our share of annual co-promotion profits 
in excess of $50.0 million varies, as summarized in the table below, upon the following events:

Until GAZYVA First Non-CLL FDA Approval

After GAZYVA First Non-CLL FDA Approval until First GAZYVA Threshold Date

After First GAZYVA Threshold Date until Second GAZYVA Threshold Date

After Second GAZYVA Threshold Date

 40.0 %

 39.0 %

 37.5 %

 35.0 %

First Non-CLL GAZYVA FDA Approval means the FDA’s first approval of GAZYVA in an indication other than CLL.

First GAZYVA Threshold Date means the earlier of (i) the date of the First Non-CLL GAZYVA FDA approval if U.S. 
gross sales of GAZYVA for the preceding consecutive 12-month period were at least $150.0 million or (ii) the 
first day of the calendar quarter after the date of the First Non-CLL GAZYVA FDA Approval that U.S. gross sales 
of GAZYVA within any consecutive 12-month period have reached $150.0 million.

Second GAZYVA Threshold Date means the first day of the calendar quarter after U.S. gross sales of GAZYVA 
within any consecutive 12-month period have reached $500.0 million. The Second GAZYVA Threshold Date can 
be achieved regardless of whether GAZYVA has been approved in a non-CLL indication.

Our share of RITUXAN pre-tax profits in the U.S. in excess of $50.0 million for the years ended December 31, 

2020, 2019 and 2018, was 37.5%.

In addition, should the FDA approve an anti-CD20 product other than OCREVUS or GAZYVA that is acquired or 

developed by Genentech and subject to the collaboration agreement, our share of the co-promotion operating profits 
would be between 30.0% and 37.5% based on certain events.

GAZYVA Profit Share

Our current pretax profit-sharing formula for GAZYVA provides for a 35.0% share on the first $50.0 million of 

operating profits earned each calendar year. Our share of annual profits in excess of $50.0 million varies, as 
summarized in the table below, upon the following events:

Until First GAZYVA Threshold Date

After First GAZYVA Threshold Date until Second GAZYVA Threshold Date

After Second GAZYVA Threshold Date

 39.0 %

 37.5 %

 35.0 %

Our share of GAZYVA pre-tax profits in excess of $50.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 

and 2018, was 37.5%. 

In November 2017 the FDA approved GAZYVA in combination with chemotherapy, followed by GAZYVA alone, for 

people with previously untreated advanced follicular lymphoma.

Revenues from Anti-CD20 Therapeutic Programs

Revenues from anti-CD20 therapeutic programs are summarized as follows:

(In millions)

Biogen's share of pre-tax profits in the U.S. for RITUXAN and GAZYVA, 
including the reimbursement of selling and development expenses

Other revenues from anti-CD20 therapeutic programs

Total revenues from anti-CD20 therapeutic programs

For the Years Ended December 31,

2020

2019

2018

$ 

$ 

1,080.2  $ 

1,542.4  $ 

1,431.9 

897.6 

748.0 

548.3 

1,977.8  $ 

2,290.4  $ 

1,980.2 

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BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Prior to regulatory approval, we record our share of the expenses incurred by the collaboration for the 

development of anti-CD20 products in research and development expense in our consolidated statements of income. 
After an anti-CD20 product is approved, we record our share of the development expenses related to that product as 
a reduction of our share of pre-tax profits in revenues from anti-CD20 therapeutic programs. 

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

SPINRAZA

In January 2012 we entered into a collaboration and license agreement with Ionis pursuant to which we have 

an exclusive, worldwide license to develop and commercialize SPINRAZA for the treatment of SMA.

Under our agreement with Ionis, we make royalty payments to Ionis on annual worldwide net sales of SPINRAZA 

using a tiered royalty rate between 11.0% and 15.0%, which are recognized in cost of sales within our consolidated 
statements of income. Royalty cost of sales related to sales of SPINRAZA for the years ended December 31, 2020, 
2019 and 2018, totaled $286.6 million, $293.0 million and $238.0 million, respectively.

2012 Ionis Agreement

In December 2012 we entered into an agreement with Ionis for the development and commercialization of up 

to three gene targets. 

Under this agreement, Ionis is responsible for global development of any product candidate through the 
completion of a Phase 2 trial and we will provide advice on the clinical trial design and regulatory strategy. We have 
an option to license the product candidate until completion of the Phase 2 trial. If we exercise our option, we will pay 
a license fee of up to $70.0 million to Ionis and assume global development, regulatory and commercialization 
responsibilities. Ionis is eligible to receive up to $130.0 million in additional milestone payments upon the 
achievement of certain regulatory milestones as well as royalties on future sales if we successfully develop the 
product candidate after option exercise. 

Upon entering into this agreement, we made an upfront payment of $30.0 million to Ionis and agreed to make 

potential additional payments, prior to licensing, of up to $10.0 million based on the development of the selected 
product candidate as well as a mark-up of the cost estimate of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials. During 2015 we 
recognized this $10.0 million developmental milestone upon the selection of BIIB080 (tau ASO), which is currently in 
Phase 1 development for the potential treatment of Alzheimer's disease. 

In December 2019 we exercised our option with Ionis and obtained a worldwide, exclusive, royalty-bearing 
license to develop and commercialize BIIB080. In connection with the option exercise, we made a payment of $45.0 
million to Ionis, which was recorded as research and development expense in our consolidated statements of 
income. Future payments may include additional milestone payments of up to $155.0 million and royalties on future 
sales in the low- to mid-teens if we successfully develop the product candidate after option exercise.

2018 Ionis Agreement

In June 2018 we closed a 10-year exclusive collaboration agreement with Ionis to develop novel antisense 
oligonucleotide (ASO) drug candidates for a broad range of neurological diseases (2018 Ionis Agreement) for a total 
payment of $1.0 billion, consisting of an upfront payment of $375.0 million and the purchase of approximately 11.5 
million shares of Ionis common stock at a cost of $625.0 million.

Upon closing, we recorded $50.9 million of the $375.0 million upfront payment as prepaid services in our 
consolidated balance sheets and recognized the remaining $324.1 million as research and development expense in 
our consolidated statements of income. The amount recorded as prepaid services represented the value of the 
employee resources committed to the arrangement to provide research and discovery services over the term of the 
agreement.

The 11.5 million shares of Ionis common stock were purchased at a premium to their fair value at the 

transaction closing date. The premium consisted of acquiring the shares at a price above the fair value based on the 
trailing 10-day weighted-average close price prior to entering into the 2018 Ionis Agreement in April 2018 and the 
effect of certain holding period restrictions. We recorded an asset of $462.9 million in investments and other assets 
in our consolidated balance sheets reflecting the fair value of the Ionis common stock as of the purchase date and a 
charge of $162.1 million to research and development expense in our consolidated statements of income in the 
second quarter of 2018 reflecting the premium paid for the Ionis common stock. 

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BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Our investment in Ionis common stock is remeasured each reporting period. Changes in the fair value of our 

investment in Ionis common stock, including the effect of the holding period restrictions, are reflected in other 
income (expense), net in our consolidated statements of income. For additional information on the fair value of our 
investment in Ionis common stock, please read Note 7, Fair Value Measurements, to these consolidated financial 
statements.

We have the option to license therapies arising out of the 2018 Ionis Agreement and will be responsible for the 
development and commercialization of such therapies. We may pay development milestones to Ionis of up to $125.0 
million or $270.0 million for each program, depending on the indication plus an annual license fee, as well as 
royalties on potential net commercial sales.

During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we incurred milestones of $11.3 million and $30.0 

million, respectively, related to the advancement of neurological targets identified under the 2018 Ionis Agreement.

2017 SMA Collaboration Agreement

In December 2017 we entered into a collaboration agreement with Ionis to identify new ASO drug candidates 

for the potential treatment of SMA. Under this agreement, we have the option to license therapies arising out of this 
collaboration and will be responsible for their development and commercialization of such therapies.

Upon entering into this agreement, we made a $25.0 million upfront payment to Ionis and we may pay Ionis up 

to $260.0 million in additional development and regulatory milestone payments if new drug candidates advance to 
marketing approval. Upon commercialization, we may also pay Ionis up to $800.0 million in additional performance-
based milestone payments and tiered royalties on potential net sales of such therapies.

2013 Long-term Strategic Research Agreement

In September 2013 we entered into a six-year research collaboration agreement with Ionis under which both 

companies collaborate to perform discovery level research and subsequent development and commercialization 
activities of antisense or other therapeutics for the potential treatment of neurological diseases. Under this 
agreement, Ionis performs research on a set of neurological targets identified within the agreement. 

Ionis is eligible to receive milestone payments, license fees and royalty payments for all product candidates 
developed through this collaboration, with the specific amount dependent upon the modality of the product candidate 
advanced by us under the terms of the agreement. 

For non-ALS antisense product candidates, Ionis is responsible for global development through the completion 

of a Phase 2 trial and we provide advice on the clinical trial design and regulatory strategy. For ALS antisense 
product candidates, we are responsible for global development, clinical trial design and regulatory strategy. We have 
an option to license a product candidate until completion of the Phase 2 trial. If we exercise our option, we will pay 
Ionis up to a $70.0 million license fee and assume global development, regulatory and commercialization 
responsibilities. Ionis could receive additional milestone payments upon the achievement of certain regulatory 
milestones of up to $130.0 million, plus additional amounts related to the cost of clinical trials conducted by Ionis 
under the collaboration, and royalties on future sales if we successfully develop the product candidate after option 
exercise. 

In December 2018 we exercised our option with Ionis and obtained a worldwide, exclusive, royalty-bearing 
license to develop and commercialize BIIB067 (tofersen), an investigational treatment for ALS with superoxide 
dismutase 1 (SOD1) mutations. In connection with the option exercise, we made a payment of $35.0 million to Ionis, 
which was recorded as research and development in our consolidated statements of income. Future payments may 
include potential post-licensing milestone payments of up to $55.0 million and royalties in the low- to mid-teen 
percentages on potential annual worldwide net sales. We are solely responsible for the costs and expenses related 
to the development, manufacturing and commercialization of tofersen following the option exercise. 

During the years ending December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we incurred milestones of $28.0 million, $20.0 

million and $18.0 million, respectively, related to the advancement of programs under this agreement, which were 
recorded as research and development expense in our consolidated statements of income.

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BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Eisai Co., Ltd. 

BAN2401 Collaboration

We have a collaboration agreement with Eisai to jointly develop and commercialize BAN2401, a monoclonal 

antibody that targets amyloid beta aggregates, and elenbecestat, the oral BACE (base amyloid cleaving enzyme) 
inhibitor, two Eisai product candidates for the potential treatment of Alzheimer's disease (the BAN2401 
Collaboration). In September 2019 we and Eisai discontinued the global Phase 3 studies of elenbecestat in early 
Alzheimer's disease.

Eisai serves as the global operational and regulatory lead for BAN2401 and all costs, including research, 

development, sales and marketing expenses, are shared equally between us and Eisai. If BAN2401 receives 
marketing approval, we and Eisai will co-promote BAN2401 and share profits equally. In addition, the BAN2401 
Collaboration provides both parties with certain rights and obligations in the event of a change in control of either 
party.

The BAN2401 Collaboration also provided Eisai with an option to jointly develop and commercialize 
aducanumab (Aducanumab Option) and an option to jointly develop and commercialize one of our anti-tau 
monoclonal antibodies (Anti-Tau Option). In October 2017 Eisai exercised its Aducanumab Option and we entered 
into a new collaboration agreement for the joint development and commercialization of aducanumab (the 
Aducanumab Collaboration Agreement). 

Eisai may exercise the Anti-Tau Option after completion of the Phase 1 clinical trial of such anti-tau monoclonal 

antibody. If Eisai exercises its Anti-Tau Option, we will receive an upfront payment from Eisai and will be entitled to 
additional development and commercial milestone payments. Eisai has not yet exercised its Anti-Tau Option.

A summary of development and sales and marketing expenses related to the BAN2401 Collaboration is as 

follows:

(In millions)

Total development expense incurred by the collaboration related to the 
advancement of BAN2401 and elenbecestat
Biogen's share of BAN2401 and elenbecestat development expense 
reflected in research and development expense in our consolidated 
statements of income

Total sales and marketing expense incurred by the collaboration
Biogen's share of BAN2401 and elenbecestat sales and marketing expense 
reflected in selling, general and administrative expense in our consolidated 
statements of income

Aducanumab Collaboration Agreement

For the Years Ended December 31,

2020

2019

2018

$ 

219.3  $ 

348.7  $ 

232.0 

109.6 

9.8 

174.3 

32.4 

116.0 

10.7 

4.9 

16.2 

5.4 

Under the Aducanumab Collaboration Agreement, we and Eisai will co-promote aducanumab with a region-

based profit split and we lead the ongoing development of aducanumab.

In March 2019, based on a pre-specified futility analysis, we discontinued the global Phase 3 trials, EMERGE 
and ENGAGE, designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of aducanumab in patients with early Alzheimer's disease. 
A new analysis of a larger dataset from these trials, conducted in scientific collaboration with the FDA, showed that 
the Phase 3 EMERGE study met its pre-specified primary and secondary endpoints. In the first quarter of 2019, as a 
result of the decision to discontinue the Phase 3 EMERGE and ENGAGE trials following the futility analysis, we 
accrued and subsequently paid approximately $45.0 million related to the termination of various clinical trials and 
research and development contracts net of the expected 45.0% Eisai reimbursement of development costs incurred 
under the Aducanumab Collaboration Agreement. In October 2019 we and Eisai announced that we plan to pursue 
regulatory approval for aducanumab in the U.S. In July 2020 we completed the submission of a BLA for the approval 
of aducanumab to the FDA. 

For the period through March 31, 2018, we were responsible for 100.0% of development costs incurred by the 

collaboration for the advancement of aducanumab (aducanumab development expense). For the period April 1, 2018 
through December 31, 2018, Eisai reimbursed us for 15.0% of aducanumab development expense incurred and 
beginning January 1, 2019, is reimbursing us for 45.0% of aducanumab development expense incurred. 

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BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

For the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized net profit-sharing income of $33.8 million to reflect 
Eisai's 45.0% share of the $75.0 million milestone expense related to the submission of the BLA for the approval of 
aducanumab to the FDA.

Upon commercialization, both companies will co-promote aducanumab with a region-based profit split. We will 
receive a 55.0% share of the potential profits (losses) in the U.S., a 68.5% share of the potential profits (losses) in 
the European Union (E.U.) and a 20.0% share of the potential profits (losses) in Japan and Asia, excluding China and 
South Korea. The two companies will continue to share equally in the potential profits (losses) in rest of world 
markets. Sales and marketing expense incurred before commercialization are shared in proportion to the same 
region-based profit split that will be utilized to co-promote aducanumab.

A summary of development, sales and marketing and milestone expense related to the Aducanumab 

Collaboration Agreement is as follows:

(In millions)

For the Years Ended December 31,

2020

2019

2018

Total aducanumab development expense

$ 

152.0  $ 

179.4  $ 

264.8 

Biogen's share of aducanumab development expense reflected in research and 
development expense in our consolidated statements of income

Total aducanumab sales and marketing expense incurred by the collaboration

Biogen's share of aducanumab sales and marketing expense reflected in selling, 
general and administrative expense in our consolidated statements of income

Total aducanumab collaboration third party milestone expense

Eisai's share of aducanumab milestone expense reflected in collaboration profit 
sharing in our consolidated statements of income

83.6 

353.0 

193.7 

75.0 

33.8 

98.7 

27.4 

15.1 

— 

— 

234.6 

50.6 

27.3 

— 

— 

In addition, we and Eisai co-promote AVONEX, TYSABRI and TECFIDERA in Japan in certain settings and Eisai 
distributes AVONEX, TYSABRI, TECFIDERA and PLEGRIDY in India and other Asia-Pacific markets, excluding China.  

UCB Pharma S.A.

We have a collaboration agreement with UCB Pharma S.A. (UCB) to jointly develop and commercialize 

dapirolizumab pegol, an anti-CD40L pegylated Fab, for the potential treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus and 
other future agreed indications. Either we or UCB may propose development of dapirolizumab pegol in additional 
indications. If the parties do not agree to add an indication as an agreed indication to the collaboration, we or UCB 
may, at the sole expense of the applicable party, pursue development in such excluded indication(s), subject to an 
opt-in right of the non-pursuing party after proof of clinical activity.

All costs incurred for agreed indications, including research, development, sales and marketing expenses, are 
shared equally between us and UCB. Upon marketing approval, we and UCB will co-promote dapirolizumab pegol and 
share profits equally. A summary of development expense related to the UCB collaboration agreement is as follows:

(In millions)

Total UCB development expense

For the Years Ended December 31,

2020

2019

2018

$ 

58.3  $ 

31.9  $ 

Biogen's share of UCB development expense reflected in research and 
development expense in our consolidated statements of income

29.2 

16.0 

29.7 

14.9 

Alkermes

In November 2017 we entered into an exclusive license and collaboration agreement with Alkermes Pharma 

Ireland Limited, a subsidiary of Alkermes plc (Alkermes), for VUMERITY, a novel fumarate for the treatment of RMS. 
In October 2019 the FDA approved VUMERITY in the U.S. for the treatment of RMS. In November 2019 VUMERITY 
became commercially available in the U.S.

Under this agreement, we received an exclusive, worldwide license to develop and commercialize VUMERITY 

and we pay Alkermes a royalty of 15.0% on worldwide net commercial sales of VUMERITY. Royalties payable on net 
commercial sales of VUMERITY are subject, under certain circumstances, to tiered minimum annual payment 
requirements for a period of five years following FDA approval. 

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BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Alkermes is eligible to receive royalties in the high-single digits to sub-teen double digits of annual net 

commercial sales upon successful development and commercialization of new product candidates, other than 
VUMERITY, developed under the exclusive license from Alkermes. 

During the fourth quarter of 2019, following the FDA's approval of VUMERITY, we paid Alkermes $155.0 million 

in milestone payments, which were recorded in intangible assets in our consolidated balance sheets and will be 
amortized over the useful life of the product. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recorded 
$32.4 million, $53.5 million and $68.7 million, respectively, in research and development expense in our 
consolidated statements of income related to this collaboration.

Alkermes currently supplies VUMERITY to us pursuant to a supply agreement. In October 2019 we entered into 

a new supply agreement and amended our license and collaboration agreement with Alkermes. We have elected to 
initiate a technology transfer and, following a transition period, to manufacture VUMERITY or have VUMERITY 
manufactured by a third party we have engaged in exchange for paying an increased royalty rate to Alkermes on any 
portion of future worldwide net commercial sales of VUMERITY that is manufactured by us or our designee.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

In June 2017 we completed an exclusive license agreement with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMS) for the 
development and potential commercialization of BIIB092 (gosuranemab), an antibody targeting tau, the protein that 
forms the deposits, or tangles, in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease. 

Under this agreement, we received worldwide rights to gosuranemab and are responsible for the full 

development and potential commercialization of gosuranemab in Alzheimer's disease and progressive supranuclear 
palsy (PSP). 

In December 2019 we announced that the Phase 2 PASSPORT study investigating gosuranemab in individuals 
with PSP did not meet its primary endpoint. Based on these results, we discontinued development of gosuranemab 
in PSP and other primary tauopathies. We will continue our ongoing Phase 2 TANGO study of gosuranemab for mild 
cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease or mild Alzheimer's disease, given differences in disease pathology.

Upon entering into this agreement, we made an upfront payment of $300.0 million to BMS and assumed all 

remaining obligations to the former shareholders of iPierian, Inc. (iPierian) related to BMS’s acquisition of iPierian in 
2014. We may pay BMS up to $360.0 million in additional milestone payments, and potential royalties, and we may 
pay the former shareholders of iPierian up to $370.0 million in remaining milestone payments as well as potential 
royalties on net commercial sales.

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recorded $62.4 million, $144.0 million and 
$97.0 million, respectively, in research and development expense in our consolidated statements of income related 
to this agreement.

Acorda Therapeutics, Inc.

In June 2009 we entered into a collaboration and license agreement with Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. (Acorda) to 

develop and commercialize products containing fampridine, such as FAMPYRA, in markets outside the U.S. We are 
responsible for all regulatory activities and the future clinical development of related products in those markets. 

Under this agreement, we pay tiered royalties based on the level of ex-U.S. net sales and we may pay potential 

milestone payments based on the successful achievement of certain regulatory and commercial milestones, which 
would be capitalized as intangible assets upon achievement of the milestones and amortized utilizing an economic 
consumption model. The next expected milestone of $15.0 million, due if ex-U.S. net sales reach $100.0 million 
over a period of four consecutive quarters, was recognized during the third quarter of 2020 and capitalized within 
intangible assets, net in our consolidated balance sheet. Royalty payments are recognized in cost of sales within our 
consolidated statements of income.

In connection with the collaboration and license agreement, we also entered into a supply agreement with 

Acorda for the commercial supply of FAMPYRA. This agreement is a sublicense arrangement of an existing 
agreement between Acorda and Alkermes Inc., who acquired Elan Drug Technologies, the original party to the license 
with Acorda. 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

For the years ending December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, total cost of sales related to royalties and 

commercial supply of FAMPYRA reflected in our consolidated statements of income were $44.5 million, $42.0 
million and $36.5 million, respectively.

Sage Therapeutics, Inc.

In November 2020 we entered into a global collaboration and license agreement with Sage to jointly develop 

and commercialize zuranolone (SAGE-217) for the potential treatment of major depressive disorder, postpartum 
depression and other psychiatric disorders and SAGE-324 for the potential treatment of essential tremor and other 
neurological disorders. 

In connection of the closing of this transaction in December 2020 we purchased $650.0 million of Sage 
common stock, or approximately 6.2 million shares at approximately $104.14 per share, which are subject to 
transfer restrictions. We recorded an asset in investments and other assets in our consolidated balance sheets to 
reflect the initial fair value of the Sage common stock acquired and a charge of approximately $209.0 million to 
research and development expense in our consolidated statements of income to reflect the premium paid for the 
Sage common stock. We also made an upfront payment of $875.0 million that was recorded as research and 
development expense.

We may also pay Sage development and commercial milestone payments that could total up to approximately 

$1.6 billion if all the specified milestones set forth in this agreement are achieved. Both companies will share equal 
responsibility and costs for development as well as profits and losses for commercialization in the U.S. Outside of 
the U.S., we are responsible for development and commercialization, excluding Japan, Taiwan and South Korea, with 
respect to zuranolone and will pay Sage potential tiered royalties in the high teens to low twenties.

Denali Therapeutics Inc.

In August 2020 we entered into a collaboration and license agreement with Denali to co-develop and co-
commercialize Denali's small molecule inhibitors of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) for Parkinson's disease. In 
addition to the LRRK2 program, we also have an exclusive option to license two preclinical programs from Denali’s 
Transport Vehicle platform, including its Antibody Transport Vehicle (ATV): ATV enabled anti-amyloid beta program and 
a second program utilizing its Transport Vehicle technology. Further, we have a right of first negotiation on two 
additional Transport Vehicle-enabled therapeutics, should Denali decide to seek a collaboration for such programs.

As part of this collaboration we purchased approximately $465.0 million of Denali common stock in September 

2020, or approximately 13 million shares at approximately $34.94 per share, which are subject to transfer 
restrictions. We recorded an asset in investments and other assets in our consolidated balance sheets to reflect the 
initial fair value of the Denali common stock acquired and a charge of approximately $41.3 million to research and 
development expense in our consolidated statements of income to reflect the premium paid for the Denali common 
stock. We also made an upfront payment of $560.0 million that was recorded as research and development 
expense.

We may also pay Denali development and commercial milestone payments that could total up to approximately 

$1.1 billion if the milestones related to the LRRK2 program are achieved. Under this agreement, both companies 
share responsibility and costs for global development based on specified percentages and we are responsible for 
commercialization and will pay Denali potential tiered royalties.

For the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded $8.8 million in research and development expense in our 

consolidated statements of income related to this collaboration.

Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc.

In February 2020 we entered into a collaboration and license agreement with Sangamo to develop and 

commercialize ST-501 for tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease; ST-502 for synucleinopathies, including 
Parkinson’s disease; a third neuromuscular disease target; and up to nine additional neurological disease targets to 
be identified and selected within a five-year period. The companies are leveraging Sangamo’s proprietary zinc finger 
protein technology delivered via adeno-associated virus to modulate the expression of key genes involved in 
neurological diseases.

In connection with the closing of this transaction in April 2020 we purchased $225.0 million of Sangamo 
common stock, or approximately 24 million shares at approximately $9.21 per share, which are subject to transfer 
restrictions. We recorded an asset in investments and other assets in our consolidated balance sheets to reflect the 
initial fair value of the Sangamo common stock acquired and a charge of approximately $83.0 million to research 

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and development expense in our consolidated statements of income to reflect the premium paid for the Sangamo 
common stock. We also made an upfront payment of $125.0 million that was recorded as research and 
development expense.

We may also pay Sangamo research, development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments that could 

total up to approximately $2.4 billion if we select all of the targets allowed under this agreement and all the 
specified milestones set forth in this agreement are achieved. Of this amount, up to $80.0 million relates to the 
selection of targets, $1.9 billion relates to the achievement of specified research, clinical development, regulatory 
and first commercial sale milestones and $380.0 million relates to the achievement of specified sales-based 
milestones if annual worldwide net sales of licensed products reach specified levels. In addition, we will pay 
Sangamo tiered royalties on potential net commercial sales of any products developed under this collaboration in the 
high single digit to double digit sub-teen percentages.

For the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded $6.4 million in research and development expense in our 

consolidated statements of income related to this collaboration.

Other Research and Discovery Arrangements 

These arrangements may include the potential for future milestone payments based on the achievement of 

certain clinical and commercial development payable over a period of several years.

Other

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recorded $92.1 million, $77.0 million and 
$48.6 million, respectively, as research and development expense in our consolidated statements of income related 
to other research and discovery related arrangements. 

Samsung Bioepis Co., Ltd.

Joint Venture Agreement

In February 2012 we entered into a joint venture agreement with Samsung BioLogics establishing an entity, 

Samsung Bioepis, to develop, manufacture and market biosimilar products. Samsung BioLogics contributed 280.5 
billion South Korean won (approximately $250.0 million) for an 85.0% ownership interest in Samsung Bioepis and we 
contributed 49.5 billion South Korean won (approximately $45.0 million) for the remaining 15.0% ownership 
interest. In June 2018 we exercised our option under our joint venture agreement to increase our ownership 
percentage in Samsung Bioepis from approximately 5.0%, which reflected the effect of previous equity financings in 
which we did not participate, to approximately 49.9%. The share purchase transaction was completed in November 
2018 and, upon closing, we paid 759.5 billion South Korean won ($676.6 million) to Samsung BioLogics. As of 
December 31, 2020, our ownership percentage remained at approximately 49.9%.

We recognize our share of the results of operations related to our investment in Samsung Bioepis under the 

equity method of accounting one quarter in arrears when the results of the entity become available, which is 
reflected as equity in income (loss) of investee, net of tax in our consolidated statements of income. During 2015, 
as our share of losses exceeded the carrying value of our initial investment, we suspended recognizing additional 
losses. In the first quarter of 2019 we restarted recognizing our share of Samsung Bioepis' income (losses), and we 
began recognizing amortization on certain basis differences resulting from our November 2018 investment.

Upon investment, the equity method of accounting requires us to identify and allocate differences between the 
fair value of our investment and the carrying value of our interest in the underlying net assets of the investee. These 
basis differences are amortized over their economic life. The total basis difference was approximately $675.0 million 
and relates to inventory, developed technology, IPR&D and deferred tax balances. The basis differences related to 
inventory were amortized, net of tax, over their estimated useful lives of 1.5 years, and the basis differences related 
to developed technology and IPR&D for marketed products will be amortized, net of tax, over their estimated useful 
lives of 15 years.

The former chief executive officer (the incumbent chairman of the board) and the chief financial officer of our 
joint venture partner, Samsung BioLogics, is currently subject to ongoing criminal proceedings that we continue to 
monitor. While these proceedings could impact the operations of Samsung Bioepis and its business, we have 
assessed the value of our investment in Samsung Bioepis and continue to believe that the fair value of the 
investment is in excess of its net book value.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

For the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized net income on our investment of $5.3 million, reflecting 

our share of income totaling $45.3 million offset by amortization of basis differences totaling $40.0 million.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized net losses on our investment of $79.4 million, 

reflecting our share of losses totaling $1.2 million and amortization of basis differences totaling $78.2 million.

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the carrying value of our investment in Samsung Bioepis totaled 673.8 
billion South Korean won ($620.2 million) and 670.8 billion South Korean won ($580.2 million), respectively, which 
is classified as a component of investments and other assets within our consolidated balance sheets.

2019 Transaction

In December 2019 we completed a transaction with Samsung Bioepis and secured the exclusive rights to 
commercialize two potential ophthalmology biosimilar products, SB11, a proposed ranibizumab biosimilar referencing 
LUCENTIS, and SB15, a proposed aflibercept biosimilar referencing EYLEA, in major markets worldwide, including the 
U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan and Australia. Samsung Bioepis will be responsible for development and will supply 
both products to us.

In connection with this transaction, we made an upfront payment of $100.0 million to Samsung Bioepis in 
January 2020, of which $63.0 million was recorded as research and development expense in 2019 and $37.0 
million was recorded as an intangible asset in 2019. Additionally, during the third quarter of 2020, we paid Samsung 
Bioepis a $15.0 million development milestone, which was included in research and development expense in our 
consolidated statements of income. We may pay Samsung Bioepis up to $195.0 million in additional development, 
regulatory and sales-based milestones.

We also acquired an option to extend the term of our 2013 commercial agreement for BENEPALI, IMRALDI and 

FLIXABI by an additional five years, subject to payment of an option exercise fee of $60.0 million, and obtained an 
option to acquire exclusive rights to commercialize these products in China. 

2013 Commercial Agreement

In December 2013 we entered into an agreement with Samsung Bioepis to commercialize, over a 10-year term, 

3 anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) biosimilar product candidates in Europe and in the case of BENEPALI, Japan. As 
discussed above, we have an option to extend this agreement by an additional five years. Under this agreement, we 
have made upfront and clinical development milestone payments totaling $46.0 million, which were recorded as 
research and development expense in our consolidated statements of income as the programs they relate to had not 
achieved regulatory approval. We also agreed to make additional milestone payments of $25.0 million upon 
regulatory approval in the E.U. for each of the three anti-TNF biosimilar product candidates. IMRALDI, an adalimumab 
biosimilar referencing HUMIRA, FLIXABI, an infliximab biosimilar referencing REMICADE, and BENEPALI, an etanercept 
biosimilar referencing ENBREL, received regulatory approval in the E.U. in August 2017, May 2016 and January 
2016, respectively, and we capitalized the related milestone payments totaling $75.0 million as intangible assets, 
net in our consolidated balance sheets.

In April 2018 we and Samsung Bioepis announced an agreement with AbbVie Inc. (AbbVie) related to the 
commercialization of IMRALDI. Under the terms of the agreement, AbbVie granted us and Samsung Bioepis patent 
licenses for the use and sale of IMRALDI in Europe, on a country-by-country basis, and we make royalty payments to 
AbbVie on behalf of Samsung Bioepis. We began to recognize revenues on sales of IMRALDI to third parties in 
Europe in the fourth quarter of 2018.

We reflect revenues on sales of BENEPALI, IMRALDI and FLIXABI to third parties in product revenues, net in our 

consolidated statements of income and record the related cost of revenues and sales and marketing expenses in 
our consolidated statements of income to their respective line items when these costs are incurred. Royalty 
payments to AbbVie on sales of IMRALDI are recognized in cost of sales within our consolidated statements of 
income. 

We share 50% of the profit or loss related to our commercial agreement with Samsung Bioepis, which is 
recognized in collaboration profit (loss) sharing in our consolidated statements of income. For the years ended 
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recognized a net profit-sharing expense of $266.5 million, $241.6 million 
and $187.4 million, respectively, to reflect Samsung Bioepis' 50% sharing of the net collaboration profits. 

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BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Other Services

Simultaneous with the formation of Samsung Bioepis, we also entered into a technical development services 

agreement, a manufacturing agreement and a license agreement with Samsung Bioepis. 

Under the technical development services agreement, we provided Samsung Bioepis technical development 

and technology transfer services, which included, but were not limited to, cell culture development, purification 
process development, formulation development and analytical development. 

Under the manufacturing agreement, we manufacture clinical and commercial quantities of bulk drug substance 

of biosimilar products for Samsung Bioepis pursuant to contractual terms. 

Following the divestiture of our Hillerød, Denmark manufacturing operations in August 2019, FUJIFILM assumed 
responsibility for the manufacture of clinical and commercial quantities of bulk drug substance of biosimilar products 
for Samsung Bioepis. We no longer recognize revenues for the manufacturing completed after the divestiture date 
under the manufacturing agreements with Samsung Bioepis. For additional information on the divestiture of our 
Hillerød, Denmark manufacturing operations, please read Note 3, Divestitures, to these consolidated financial 
statements.

Under the license agreement, we granted Samsung Bioepis an exclusive license to use, develop, manufacture 

and commercialize biosimilar products created by Samsung Bioepis using Biogen product-specific technology. In 
exchange, we receive single digit royalties on biosimilar products developed and commercialized by Samsung 
Bioepis.

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recognized $20.9 million, $106.2 million and 

$96.4 million, respectively, in revenues under the license, technical development services and manufacturing 
agreements, which is reflected in revenues from collaborative and other relationships, as a component of other 
revenues in our consolidated statements of income. 

Amounts receivable from Samsung Bioepis related to the agreements discussed above were $5.1 million and 

$85.0 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Amounts payable to Samsung Bioepis as of 
December 31, 2020, were $99.0 million. Amounts payable to Samsung Bioepis as of December 31, 2019, 
consisted of the $100.0 million upfront payment related to the transaction we completed in December 2019, as 
discussed above.

19.  

Investments in Variable Interest Entities

Consolidated Variable Interest Entities

Our consolidated financial statements include the financial results of variable interest entities in which we are 

the primary beneficiary. The following are our significant variable interest entities.

Neurimmune SubOne AG

We have a collaboration and license agreement with Neurimmune SubOne AG (Neurimmune) for the 
development and commercialization of antibodies for the potential treatment of Alzheimer's disease, including 
aducanumab (as amended, the Neurimmune Agreement). We are responsible for the development, manufacturing 
and commercialization of all collaboration products. The Neurimmune Agreement is effective for the longer of the 
duration of certain patents relating to a licensed product or 12 years from the first commercial sale of a licensed 
product. 

We consolidate the results of Neurimmune as we determined that we are the primary beneficiary of 
Neurimmune because we have the power through the collaboration to direct the activities that most significantly 
impact the entity’s economic performance and we are required to fund 100.0% of the research and development 
costs incurred in support of the collaboration. 

In October 2017 we amended the terms of the Neurimmune Agreement and made a $150.0 million payment to 

Neurimmune in exchange for a 15.0% reduction in the previously negotiated royalty rates payable on products 
developed under the Neurimmune Agreement, including royalties payable on potential commercial sales of 
aducanumab. In May 2018 we made an additional $50.0 million payment to Neurimmune to further reduce the 
previously negotiated royalty rates payable on products developed under the Neurimmune Agreement, including 

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BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

royalties payable on potential commercial sales of aducanumab, by an additional 5.0%. Our royalty rates payable on 
products developed under the Neurimmune Agreement, including royalty rates payable on potential commercial sales 
of aducanumab, now range from the high single digits to sub-teens. As we consolidate the results of Neurimmune, 
we treated these payments as distributions and recognized them as charges to noncontrolling interests in the fourth 
quarter of 2017 and the second quarter of 2018, as applicable.

Under the terms of the Neurimmune Agreement, we were required to pay Neurimmune a milestone payment of 

$75.0 million upon the regulatory filing with the FDA for the approval of aducanumab. During the second quarter of 
2020, we paid Neurimmune $75.0 million upon the completed submission of the BLA for the approval of 
aducanumab to the FDA, which was recognized as a charge to noncontrolling interests for the year ended 
December 31, 2020. In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized net profit-sharing income of 
$33.8 million to reflect Eisai's 45.0% share of the $75.0 million milestone expense.

Additionally, if aducanumab receives regulatory approval in the jurisdictions where we have submitted filings, 

we may pay up to approximately $200.0 million in milestones to Neurimmune in 2021, which includes 
$100.0 million if launched in the U.S., $50.0 million if launched in three or more countries within the E.U. and 
$50.0 million if launched in Japan. Milestones payable to Neurimmune are shared expenses under the Aducanumab 
Collaboration Agreement with Eisai. 

Research and development costs for which we reimburse Neurimmune are reflected in research and 

development expense in our consolidated statements of income. During the years ending December 31, 2020, 2019 
and 2018, amounts reimbursed were immaterial.

The assets and liabilities of Neurimmune are not significant to our consolidated financial position or results of 

operations as it is a research and development organization. We have provided no financing to Neurimmune other 
than contractually required amounts.

Under the Aducanumab Collaboration Agreement, Eisai had an option to share in the benefit and cost 

associated with the royalty reductions discussed above; however, Eisai did not elect to share in the benefit and cost 
with respect to either the October 2017 or May 2018 royalty reductions, which will impact the amount of profits 
(losses) on potential commercial sales of aducanumab to be shared with Eisai.

For additional information on our collaboration arrangements with Eisai, please read Note 18, Collaborative and 

Other Relationships, to these consolidated financial statements.

Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities

We have relationships with various variable interest entities that we do not consolidate as we lack the power to 

direct the activities that significantly impact the economic success of these entities. These relationships include 
investments in certain biotechnology companies and research collaboration agreements. 

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the carrying value of our investments in certain biotechnology companies 
representing potential unconsolidated variable interest entities totaled $12.8 million and $22.7 million, respectively. 
Our maximum exposure to loss related to these variable interest entities is limited to the carrying value of our 
investments.

We have also entered into research collaboration agreements with certain variable interest entities where we 

are required to fund certain development activities. These development activities are included in research and 
development expense in our consolidated statements of income as they are incurred. We have provided no financing 
to these variable interest entities other than previously contractually required amounts.

20. 

Litigation

We are currently involved in various claims and legal proceedings, including the matters described below. For 
information as to our accounting policies relating to claims and legal proceedings, including use of estimates and 
contingencies, please read Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to these consolidated financial 
statements.

With respect to some loss contingencies, an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss cannot be made 
until management has further information, including, for example, (i) which claims, if any, will survive dispositive 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

motion practice; (ii) information to be obtained through discovery; (iii) information as to the parties' damages claims 
and supporting evidence; (iv) the parties’ legal theories; and (v) the parties' settlement positions.

The claims and legal proceedings in which we are involved also include challenges to the scope, validity or 
enforceability of the patents relating to our products, pipeline or processes and challenges to the scope, validity or 
enforceability of the patents held by others. These include claims by third parties that we infringe their patents. An 
adverse outcome in any of these proceedings could result in one or more of the following and have a material impact 
on our business or consolidated results of operations and financial position: (i) loss of patent protection; (ii) inability 
to continue to engage in certain activities; and (iii) payment of significant damages, royalties, penalties and/or 
license fees to third parties.

Loss Contingencies 

Aducanumab Securities Litigation

We and certain current and former officers are named as defendants in an action filed by a shareholder on 

November 13, 2020, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California and an action filed by a 
shareholder on January 5, 2021, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Both actions allege 
violations of federal securities laws under 15 U.S.C §78j(b) and §78t(a) and 17 C.F.R. §240.10b-5 and are seeking 
a declaration of the action as a class action and an award of damages, interest and attorneys' fees. An estimate of 
the possible loss or range of loss cannot be made at this time. No trial date has been set.

IMRALDI Patent Litigation

In September 2018 Fresenius Kabi Deutschland GmbH (Fresenius Kabi) commenced proceedings for damages 

and injunctive relief against Biogen France SAS in the Tribunal de Grande Instance de Paris, alleging that IMRALDI, 
the adalimumab biosimilar product of Samsung Bioepis UK Limited that Biogen has commercialized in Europe, 
infringes the French counterpart of European Patent No. 3 148 510 (the '510 Patent), which was issued in June 
2018 and expires in May 2035. No hearing has been scheduled.

In October 2018 Fresenius Kabi commenced preliminary injunction proceedings against Biogen (Denmark) 

Manufacturing ApS and Biogen Denmark A/S in Denmark's Maritime and Commercial High Court alleging 
infringement of Danish Utility Models. In June 2019 the Danish court denied Fresenius Kabi's request for a 
preliminary injunction. Fresenius Kabi has appealed that decision and was permitted to add a claim of infringement 
of the Danish counterpart of the ‘510 patent, and the appeal is pending. In July 2020 the Danish Patent Board of 
Appeal revoked the Danish Utility Models that were the subject of Fresenius Kabi’s October 2018 request for a 
preliminary injunction and Fresenius Kabi has appealed those revocations to Denmark’s Maritime and Commercial 
High Court. No hearing has been scheduled in that appeal.

In June 2020 Fresenius Kabi commenced preliminary injunction proceedings against Biogen (Denmark) 

Manufacturing ApS and Biogen (Denmark) A/S in Denmark’s Maritime and Commercial High Court alleging 
infringement of another Danish Utility Model. A hearing has been scheduled for May 2021.

In November 2018 Fresenius Kabi commenced infringement proceedings for damages and injunctive relief 
against Biogen GmbH in the Düsseldorf Regional Court relating to the German counterpart of the ‘510 Patent. A 
hearing has been set for August 2021.

In July 2019 Gedeon Richter PLC (Gedeon Richter) commenced proceedings against Biogen GmbH in the 
Düsseldorf Regional Court alleging infringement of the German counterpart of European Patent No. 3 212 667 (the 
'667 Patent), which was issued in September 2018 and expires in October 2035, and seeking damages and 
injunctive relief. A hearing has been set for November 2021.

An estimate of the possible loss or range of loss in the IMRALDI patent litigation described above cannot be 

made at this time.

Qui Tam Litigation

In July 2015 a qui tam action filed by Michael Bawduniak on behalf of the U.S. and certain states was unsealed 

by the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. The action alleges sales and promotional activities in 
violation of the federal False Claims Act and state law counterparts and seeks single and treble damages, civil 
penalties, interest, attorneys’ fees and costs. No trial date has been set. The U.S. has not made an intervention 
decision. An estimate of the possible loss or range of loss cannot be made at this time.

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BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Dispute with Former Convergence Shareholders

In November and December 2019 Shareholder Representative Services LLC, on behalf of the former 

shareholders of Convergence, sent us correspondence asserting claims of $200.0 million for alleged breach of the 
contract under which we acquired Convergence. We dispute the claims.

Dispute with Jacobs Switzerland GmbH

Jacobs Switzerland GmbH, the general contractor for the construction of our large-scale biologics manufacturing 
facility in Solothurn, Switzerland, claimed additional payments were due for construction costs. We have reached an 
agreement in principle to resolve the claim.

Other Matters

Petition for Inter Partes Review

In July 2018 Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Mylan) filed a petition that was granted by the U.S. Patent Trial and 

Appeal Board (PTAB) for inter partes review of our U.S. Patent No. 8,399,514 (the '514 Patent). The '514 Patent 
includes claims covering treatment of MS with 480 mg of dimethyl fumarate per day as provided for in our 
TECFIDERA label. In February 2020 the PTAB issued a final written decision upholding the patentability of the ‘514 
Patent and in April 2020 Mylan filed an appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (the Federal 
Circuit), which is pending. 

Hatch-Waxman Act Litigation relating to TECFIDERA Orange-Book Listed Patents

In 2017 to 2020, we filed patent infringement proceedings relating to TECFIDERA Orange-Book listed patents 

pursuant to the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984, commonly known as the Hatch-
Waxman Act (the Delaware Actions), against Accord Healthcare Inc., Alkem Laboratories Ltd., Amneal 
Pharmaceuticals LLC, Cipla Limited, Graviti Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Hetero USA, Inc., Lupin Atlantis Holdings SA, 
Macleods Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., MSN Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., Pharmathen S.A., Prinston Pharmaceutical Inc., Sandoz 
Inc., Shilpa Medicare Limited, Slayback Pharma LLC, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd., Sun Pharmaceutical 
Industries, Inc., Sun Pharma Global FZE, Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd., TWi Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Windlas 
Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. and Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc. (collectively, the Delaware Defendants) in the U.S. District 
Court for the District of Delaware (the Delaware Court) and against Mylan in the U.S. District Court for the Northern 
District of West Virginia (the West Virginia Court).

On June 22, 2020, the West Virginia Court entered judgment for Mylan that the asserted claims of the ‘514 

Patent are invalid for lack of written description. We appealed the judgment to the Federal Circuit and the appeal is 
pending.

The Delaware Court entered judgment for the Delaware Defendants on the grounds that the judgment of the 
West Virginia Court applies to the Delaware Actions under principles of collateral estoppel. We have appealed the 
judgments and the appeal is pending.

European Patent Office Oppositions

In 2016 the European Patent Office (EPO) revoked our European Patent No. 2 137 537, which covers the 
treatment of MS with 480 mg of dimethyl fumarate as provided for in our TECFIDERA label. We have appealed to the 
Technical Boards of Appeal of the EPO and a hearing date has been set for January 2022. 

In March 2018 the EPO revoked Forward Pharma's European Patent No. 2 801 355, which expires in October 

2025. Forward Pharma has filed an appeal to the Technical Boards of Appeal of the EPO and a hearing has been set 
for September 2021.

TYSABRI Patent Revocation Matters

In November 2017 Bioeq GMBH, affiliated with the Polpharma Group, brought an action in the Polish Patent 
Office seeking to revoke Polish Patent No. 215263 (the Polish '263 Patent), which corresponds to our European 
Patent No. 1 485 127 (the E.U. '127 Patent) and covers administration of natalizumab (TYSABRI) to treat MS. The 
Polish '263 Patent expires in February 2023. A hearing was held in January 2021 and a decision is pending. In 
August 2020 a related entity, Polpharma Biologics S.A., also brought an action seeking to revoke the Polish ‘263 
Patent. No hearing has been set in this matter.

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BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Swiss Pharma International AG, also affiliated with the Polpharma Group, filed actions in the District Court of 
the Hague, Netherlands (January 2016), the German Patents Court (March 2016) and the Commercial Court of Rome 
(November 2017) seeking to invalidate the Dutch, German and Italian counterparts, respectively, of the E.U. '127 
Patent, which also cover administration of natalizumab (TYSABRI) to treat MS and expire in February 2023. The 
Dutch and German counterparts were ruled invalid. The decision in the Dutch action was affirmed on appeal and the 
German appeal has been withdrawn. No hearing has been set in the Italian action.

Annulment Proceedings in General Court of the European Union relating to TECFIDERA

Pharmaceutical Works Polpharma SA (Polpharma) and Mylan Ireland Ltd. (Mylan Ireland) have each filed 

applications in the General Court of the European Union (Polpharma in October 2018 and Mylan Ireland in November 
2020) seeking to annul decisions of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) refusing to validate Polpharma’s and 
Mylan Ireland’s respective applications to market a generic version of TECFIDERA. The EMA’s refusals were on the 
grounds that TECFIDERA benefits from regulatory data protection. Biogen and the European Commission were 
granted leave to intervene in support of the EMA in the case brought by Polpharma. That case was heard in July 
2020 and we are awaiting a decision. We intend to seek leave to intervene in support of the EMA in the case brought 
by Mylan Ireland. No hearing has been set in that matter.

Product Liability and Other Legal Proceedings

We are also involved in product liability claims and other legal proceedings generally incidental to our normal 
business activities. While the outcome of any of these proceedings cannot be accurately predicted, we do not believe 
the ultimate resolution of any of these existing matters would have a material adverse effect on our business or 
financial condition.

21.  Commitments and Contingencies

Royalty Payments

TYSABRI

In 2013 we acquired from Elan full ownership of all remaining rights to TYSABRI that we did not already own or 
control. Under the acquisition agreement, we are obligated to make contingent payments to Elan of 18.0% on annual 
worldwide net commercial sales up to $2.0 billion and 25.0% on annual worldwide net commercial sales that exceed 
$2.0 billion. Royalty payments to Elan and other third parties are recognized as cost of sales in our consolidated 
statements of income. Elan was acquired by Perrigo Company plc (Perrigo) in December 2013 and Perrigo 
subsequently sold its rights to these payments to a third-party effective January 2017.

SPINRAZA

In 2016 we exercised our option to develop and commercialize SPINRAZA from Ionis. Under our agreement with 

Ionis, we make royalty payments to Ionis on annual worldwide net commercial sales of SPINRAZA using a tiered 
royalty rate between 11.0% and 15.0%, which are recorded as cost of sales in our consolidated statements of 
income. For additional information on our collaboration arrangements with Ionis, please read Note 18, Collaborative 
and Other Relationships, to these consolidated financial statements.

VUMERITY

In October 2019 the FDA approved VUMERITY for the treatment of RMS. Under our agreement with Alkermes, 

we make royalty payments to Alkermes on worldwide net commercial sales of VUMERITY using a royalty rate of 
15.0%, which are recorded as cost of sales in our consolidated statements of income. Royalties payable on net 
commercial sales of VUMERITY are subject, under certain circumstances, to tiered minimum annual payment 
requirements for a period of five years following FDA approval. For additional information on our collaboration 
arrangement with Alkermes, please read Note 18, Collaborative and Other Relationships, to these consolidated 
financial statements.

Contingent Consideration related to Business Combinations

In connection with our acquisition of Convergence, we agreed to make additional payments based upon the 

achievement of certain milestone events. 

F-73

BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

As the acquisition of Convergence occurred after January 1, 2009, we recognized the contingent consideration 

liabilities associated with this transaction at their fair value on the acquisition date and revalue the remaining 
obligations each reporting period. We may pay up to approximately $400.0 million in remaining milestones related to 
these acquisitions.

Fumapharm AG

In 2006 we acquired Fumapharm AG. As part of this acquisition we acquired the Fumapharm Products. We 
were required to make contingent payments to former shareholders of Fumapharm AG and holders of their rights 
based on the attainment of certain cumulative sales levels of Fumapharm Products and the level of total net sales of 
Fumapharm Products in the prior 12-month period, as defined in the acquisition agreement, until such time as the 
cumulative sales level reached $20.0 billion, at which time no further contingent payments were due. During the first 
quarter of 2019 we paid the final $300.0 million contingent payment as we achieved the $20.0 billion cumulative 
sales levels related to the Fumapharm Products in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Contingent Development, Regulatory and Commercial Milestone Payments

Based on our development plans as of December 31, 2020, we could trigger potential future milestone 
payments to third parties of up to approximately $10.2 billion, including approximately $1.9 billion in development 
milestones, approximately $1.3 billion in regulatory milestones and approximately $7.0 billion in commercial 
milestones, as part of our various collaborations, including licensing and development programs. Payments under 
these agreements generally become due and payable upon achievement of certain development, regulatory or 
commercial milestones. Because the achievement of these milestones was not considered probable as of 
December 31, 2020, such contingencies have not been recorded in our financial statements. Amounts related to 
contingent milestone payments are not considered contractual obligations as they are contingent on the successful 
achievement of certain development, regulatory or commercial milestones. 

If certain clinical and commercial milestones are met, we may pay up to $86.2 million in milestones in 2021 

under our current agreements. Additionally, if aducanumab receives regulatory approval in the jurisdictions where we 
have submitted filings, we may pay up to $200.0 million in milestones to Neurimmune in 2021, which includes 
$100.0 million if launched in the U.S., $50.0 million if launched in three or more countries within the E.U. and 
$50.0 million if launched in Japan. Milestones payable to Neurimmune are shared expenses under the Aducanumab 
Collaboration Agreement with Eisai. 

During the second quarter of 2020 we paid Neurimmune $75.0 million upon the completed submission of the 

BLA for the approval of aducanumab to the FDA, which was recognized as a charge to noncontrolling interests for the 
year ended December 31, 2020.

Other Funding Commitments

As of December 31, 2020, we have several ongoing clinical studies in various clinical trial stages. Our most 

significant clinical trial expenditures are to CROs. The contracts with CROs are generally cancellable, with notice, at 
our option. We recorded accrued expenses of approximately $21.7 million in our consolidated balance sheet for 
expenditures incurred by CROs as of December 31, 2020. We have approximately $593.0 million in cancellable 
future commitments based on existing CRO contracts as of December 31, 2020.

As part of the sale of our Hillerød, Denmark manufacturing operations to FUJIFILM, we provided FUJIFILM with 

certain minimum batch production commitment guarantees. There is a risk that the minimum contractual batch 
production commitments will not be met. Based upon current estimates we do not expect to incur an adverse 
commitment obligation associated with such guarantees. We developed this estimate using a probability-weighted 
estimate of future manufacturing activity and may further adjust this estimate based upon changes in business 
conditions, which may result in the increase or reduction of this adverse commitment obligation in subsequent 
periods.

Tax Related Obligations

We exclude liabilities pertaining to uncertain tax positions from our summary of contractual obligations as we 

cannot make a reliable estimate of the period of cash settlement with the respective taxing authorities. As of 
December 31, 2020, we have approximately $79.6 million of liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions.

F-74

BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we have accrued income tax liabilities of $697.0 million, respectively, 
under the Transition Toll Tax. Of the amounts accrued as of December 31, 2020, $62.0 million is expected to be 
paid within one year. The Transition Toll Tax will be paid over an eight--year period, which started in 2018, and does 
not accrue interest. For additional information on the Transition Toll Tax, please read Note 16, Income Taxes, to 
these consolidated financial statements.

Solothurn, Switzerland Manufacturing Facility

In order to support our future growth and drug development pipeline, we are building a large-scale biologics 

manufacturing facility in Solothurn, Switzerland. We expect this facility to be partially operational during the first half 
of 2021. As of December 31, 2020, we had contractual commitments of approximately $9.3 million related to the 
construction of this facility.

22.    Guarantees

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we did not have significant liabilities recorded for guarantees.

We enter into indemnification provisions under our agreements with other companies in the ordinary course of 

business, typically with business partners, contractors, clinical sites and customers. Under these provisions, we 
generally indemnify and hold harmless the indemnified party for losses suffered or incurred by the indemnified party 
as a result of our activities. These indemnification provisions generally survive termination of the underlying 
agreement. The maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make under these 
indemnification provisions is unlimited. However, to date we have not incurred material costs to defend lawsuits or 
settle claims related to these indemnification provisions. As a result, the estimated fair value of these agreements is 
minimal. Accordingly, we have no liabilities recorded for these agreements as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.

23.    Employee Benefit Plans

We sponsor various retirement and pension plans. Our estimates of liabilities and expenses for these plans 

incorporate a number of assumptions, including expected rates of return on plan assets and interest rates used to 
discount future benefits.

401(k) Savings Plan

We maintain a 401(k) Savings Plan, which is available to substantially all regular employees in the U.S. over 

the age of 21. Participants may make voluntary contributions. We make matching contributions according to the 
401(k) Savings Plan’s matching formula. All matching contributions and participant contributions vest immediately. 
The 401(k) Savings Plan also holds certain transition contributions on behalf of participants who previously 
participated in the Biogen, Inc. Retirement Plan. The expense related to our 401(k) Savings Plan primarily consists of 
our matching contributions.

Expense related to our 401(k) Savings Plan totaled $44.3 million, $44.8 million and $42.2 million for the years 

ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Deferred Compensation Plan

We maintain a non-qualified deferred compensation plan, known as the Supplemental Savings Plan (SSP), 
which allows a select group of management employees in the U.S. to defer a portion of their compensation. The SSP 
also provides certain credits to highly compensated U.S. employees that are paid by the company. These credits are 
known as the Restoration Match. The deferred compensation amounts are accrued when earned. Such deferred 
compensation is distributable in cash in accordance with the rules of the SSP. Deferred compensation amounts 
under such plan as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, totaled approximately $120.0 million and $114.6 million, 
respectively, and are included in other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. The SSP also holds 
certain transition contributions on behalf of participants who previously participated in the Biogen, Inc. Retirement 
Plan. The Restoration Match and participant contributions vest immediately. Distributions to participants can be 
either in one lump sum payment or annual installments as elected by the participants.

Pension Plans

Our retiree benefit plans include defined benefit plans for employees in our affiliates in Switzerland and 
Germany as well as other insignificant defined benefit plans in certain other countries where we maintain an 
operating presence.

F-75

BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Our Swiss plan is a government-mandated retirement fund that provides employees with a minimum investment 

return. The minimum investment return is determined annually by the Swiss government and was 1.00% in 2020, 
2019 and 2018. Under the Swiss plan, both we and certain of our employees with annual earnings in excess of 
government determined amounts are required to make contributions into a fund managed by an independent 
investment fiduciary. Employer contributions must be in an amount at least equal to the employee’s contribution. 
Minimum employee contributions are based on the respective employee’s age, salary and gender. As of 
December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Swiss plan had an unfunded net pension obligation of $75.7 million and $42.9 
million, respectively, and plan assets that totaled $170.0 million and $127.1 million, respectively. In 2020, 2019 
and 2018 we recognized expense totaling $15.5 million, $14.7 million and $14.8 million, respectively, related to our 
Swiss plan, of which $2.6 million, $1.2 million and $1.3 million, respectively, was included in other income 
(expense), net.

The obligations under the German plans are unfunded and totaled $75.5 million and $59.6 million as of 

December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Net periodic pension cost related to the German plans totaled $6.2 
million, $5.1 million and $5.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, of 
which $2.0 million, $1.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively, was included in other income (expense), net.

24.    Segment Information

We operate as one operating segment, focused on discovering, developing and delivering worldwide innovative 
therapies for people living with serious neurological and neurodegenerative diseases as well as related therapeutic 
adjacencies. Our Chief Executive Officer (CEO), as the chief operating decision-maker, manages and allocates 
resources to the operations of our company on a total company basis. Our research and development organization is 
responsible for the research and discovery of new product candidates and supports development and registration 
efforts for potential future products. Our pharmaceutical, operations and technology organization manages the 
development of the manufacturing processes, clinical trial supply, commercial product supply, distribution, buildings 
and facilities. Our commercial organization is responsible for U.S. and international development of our commercial 
products. The company is also supported by corporate staff functions. Managing and allocating resources on a total 
company basis enables our CEO to assess the overall level of resources available and how to best deploy these 
resources across functions, therapeutic areas and research and development projects that are in line with our long-
term company-wide strategic goals. Consistent with this decision-making process, our CEO uses consolidated, single-
segment financial information for purposes of evaluating performance, forecasting future period financial results, 
allocating resources and setting incentive targets.

Enterprise-wide disclosures about product revenues, other revenues and long-lived assets by geographic area 
are presented below. Revenues are primarily attributed to individual countries based on location of the customer or 
licensee.

F-76

BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Geographic Information

The following tables contain certain financial information by geographic area:

(In millions)
Product revenues from external customers

Revenues from anti-CD20 therapeutic programs

Other revenues from external customers

Long-lived assets

(In millions)
Product revenues from external customers

Revenues from anti-CD20 therapeutic programs

Other revenues from external customers

Long-lived assets

(In millions)
Product revenues from external customers

Revenues from anti-CD20 therapeutic programs

Other revenues from external customers

Long-lived assets

Other

December 31, 2020

U.S.

Europe

Asia

Other

Total

$ 

5,900.1  $ 

3,656.4  $ 

596.7  $ 

539.0  $  10,692.2 

1,897.4 

733.6 

0.1 

8.1 

1,496.3 

2,321.4 

— 

32.9 

16.2 

80.3 

— 

10.9 

1,977.8 

774.6 

3,844.8 

December 31, 2019

U.S.

Europe

Asia

Other

Total

$ 

6,713.8  $ 

3,794.5  $ 

320.3  $ 

551.2  $  11,379.8 

2,211.9 

585.8 

0.2 

9.7 

1,493.2 

2,162.9 

— 

112.2 

6.2 

78.3 

— 

12.0 

2,290.4 

707.7 

3,674.3 

December 31, 2018

U.S.

Europe

Asia

Other

Total

$ 

6,800.5  $ 

3,370.3  $ 

281.2  $ 

434.8  $  10,886.8 

1,903.4 

457.0 

0.2 

32.7 

1,152.7 

2,442.8 

— 

96.2 

3.9 

76.6 

1,980.2 

— 

1.8 

585.9 

3,601.2 

As of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, approximately $2,180.6 million, $2,028.8 million and $1,748.5 

million, respectively, of our long-lived assets were related to the construction of our large-scale biologics 
manufacturing facility in Solothurn, Switzerland.

In August 2019 we completed the sale of all of the outstanding shares of our subsidiary that owned our 

biologics manufacturing operations in Hillerød, Denmark to FUJIFILM. As of December 31, 2018, approximately 
$646.5 million of our long-lived assets were related to our manufacturing facility in Hillerød, Denmark.

For additional information on our large-scale biologics manufacturing facility in Solothurn, Switzerland, please 
read Note 10, Property, Plant and Equipment, to these consolidated financial statements. For additional information 
on the divestiture of our Hillerød, Denmark manufacturing operations, please read Note 3, Divestitures, to these 
consolidated financial statements.

F-77

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOGEN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

25.   Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

(In millions, except per share amounts)
2020
Product revenues, net
Revenues from anti-CD20 therapeutic programs
Other revenues
Total revenues
Gross profit (1)
Net income
Net income attributable to Biogen Inc.
Net income per share:

First
Quarter

Second
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Fourth
Quarter

Total
Year

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

2,904.6  $ 
520.4  $ 
109.3  $ 
3,534.3  $ 
3,080.0  $ 
1,392.6  $ 
1,399.1  $ 

2,795.7  $ 
478.3  $ 
407.6  $ 
3,681.6  $ 
3,270.5  $ 
1,606.5  $ 
1,542.1  $ 

2,690.3  $ 
560.1  $ 
125.7  $ 
3,376.1  $ 
2,927.0  $ 
703.9  $ 
701.5  $ 

2,301.6  $ 
419.0  $ 
132.0  $ 
2,852.6  $ 
2,361.9  $ 
357.6  $ 
357.9  $ 

10,692.2 
1,977.8 
774.6 
13,444.6 
11,639.4 
4,060.5 
4,000.6 

Basic earnings per share attributable to Biogen Inc. $ 

8.10  $ 

9.60  $ 

4.47  $ 

2.33  $ 

24.86 

Diluted earnings per share attributable to Biogen 
Inc.

Weighted-average shares used in calculating:

Basic earnings per share attributable to Biogen Inc.

Diluted earnings per share attributable to Biogen 
Inc.

(In millions, except per share amounts)

2019
Product revenues, net
Revenues from anti-CD20 therapeutic programs
Other revenues
Total revenues
Gross profit (1)
Net income
Net income attributable to Biogen Inc.
Net income per share:

$ 

8.08  $ 

9.59  $ 

4.46  $ 

2.32  $ 

24.80 

172.8 

173.1 

160.6 

160.9 

156.9 

157.2 

153.7 

154.0 

160.9 

161.3 

First
Quarter

Second
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Fourth
Quarter

Total
Year

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

2,680.0  $ 
517.4  $ 
292.4  $ 
3,489.8  $ 
2,887.8  $ 
1,408.8  $ 
1,408.8  $ 

2,880.3  $ 
576.4  $ 
160.0  $ 
3,616.7  $ 
3,140.4  $ 
1,494.1  $ 
1,494.1  $ 

2,894.7  $ 
595.8  $ 
109.6  $ 
3,600.1  $ 
3,170.1  $ 
1,545.9  $ 
1,545.9  $ 

2,924.8  $ 
600.8  $ 
145.7  $ 
3,671.3  $ 
3,224.2  $ 
1,439.7  $ 
1,439.7  $ 

11,379.8 
2,290.4 
707.7 
14,377.9 
12,422.5 
5,888.5 
5,888.5 

Basic earnings per share attributable to Biogen Inc. $ 

7.17  $ 

7.85  $ 

8.40  $ 

8.10  $ 

31.47 

Diluted earnings per share attributable to Biogen 
Inc.

Weighted-average shares used in calculating:

Basic earnings per share attributable to Biogen Inc.

Diluted earnings per share attributable to Biogen 
Inc.

$ 

7.15  $ 

7.85  $ 

8.39  $ 

8.08  $ 

31.42 

196.6 

197.0 

190.3 

190.4 

184.0 

184.2 

177.8 

178.2 

187.1 

187.4 

(1) Gross profit is calculated as total revenues less cost of sales, excluding amortization and impairment of acquired intangible 
assets.

F-78

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Biogen Inc.

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Biogen Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) 
as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, 
equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, including the related 
notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's 
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - 
Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission 
(COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the 
financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash 
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020 in conformity with accounting principles 
generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material 
respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established 
in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.

Changes in Accounting Principles

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it 
accounts for leases in 2019 and the manner in which it accounts for income taxes for intra-entity transfers of assets 
other than inventory in 2018.

Basis for Opinions

The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective 
internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial 
reporting, included in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 
9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the 
Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered 
with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent 
with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and 
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and 
perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of 
material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting 
was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material 
misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures 
that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts 
and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting 
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the 
consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an 
understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and 
testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our 
audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe 
that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance 
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in 
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting 
includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, 
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable 
assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance 

F-79

with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made 
only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable 
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s 
assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. 
Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may 
become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or 
procedures may deteriorate.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated 
financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) 
relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our 
especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter 
in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by 
communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the 
accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Reserves for Medicaid and Managed Care Rebates

As described in Notes 1 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company recognized revenue from 
product sales net of reserves, including Medicaid and managed care rebates. Within Accrued expenses and other, 
total contractual adjustments amounted to $1,093.0 million as of December 31, 2020. This balance primarily 
includes provisions for Medicaid and managed care rebates in the US. Medicaid rebates relate to the Company’s 
estimated obligations to states under established reimbursement arrangements. The Company’s liability for 
Medicaid rebates consists of estimates for claims that a state will make for the current quarter, claims for prior 
quarters that have been estimated for which an invoice has not been received, invoices received for claims from the 
prior quarters that have not been paid and an estimate of potential claims that will be made for inventory that exists 
in the distribution channel at period end. Managed care rebates represent the Company’s estimated obligations to 
third parties, primarily pharmacy benefit managers.  Rebate accruals are recorded in the same period the related 
revenue is recognized, resulting in a reduction of product revenue and the establishment of a liability which is 
included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities.  These rebates result from performance-based goals, 
formulary position and price increase limit allowances (price protection). The calculation of the accrual for these 
rebates is based on an estimate of the customer’s buying coverage patterns and the resulting applicable contractual 
rebate rate(s) to be earned over a contractual period.  As disclosed by management, the Medicaid and managed care 
estimates reflect historical experience, current contractual and statutory requirements, specific known market events 
and trends, industry data and forecasted customer buying and payment patterns.

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to reserves for Medicaid and 
managed care rebates is a critical audit matter are the significant judgment by management due to the significant 
measurement uncertainty involved in developing these reserves, as the reserves are based on assumptions 
developed using historical experience, current contractual requirements, specific known market events and payment 
patterns, which in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in applying procedures related 
to these assumptions.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our 
overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements.  These procedures included testing the effectiveness of 
controls relating to the reserves for Medicaid and managed care rebates, including controls over the assumptions 
used to estimate these rebate reserves. These procedures also included, among others, (i) developing an 
independent estimate of the rebate reserves by utilizing third-party data related to product demand, data related to 
price changes, the terms of the specific rebate programs, the historical trend of actual rebate claims paid and 
consideration of contractual requirement changes and market events; (ii) comparing the independent estimate to 
management’s estimate, and (iii) testing rebate claims paid by the Company, including evaluating the claims for 
consistency with the contractual terms of the Company’s rebate agreements.

/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
February 3, 2021

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2003.

F-80

CORPORATE INFORMATION

Corporate InformatIon 

193

BOARD OF DIRECTORS (AS OF APRIL 9, 2021)

Stelios Papadopoulos, Ph.D.
Chairman, Biogen Inc., Chairman, Exelixis, Inc., 
Chairman, Regulus Therapeutics Inc., and Chairman, 
Eucrates Biomedical Acquisition Corp. 

Jesus Mantas
Senior Managing Partner,  
IBM Global Business Services

Michel Vounatsos
Chief Executive Officer, Biogen Inc.

Alexander J. Denner, Ph.D.
Founding Partner and Chief Investment  
Officer, Sarissa Capital Management LP

Caroline D. Dorsa
Retired Executive Vice President and  
Chief Financial Officer, Public Service  
Enterprise Group Incorporated

Richard C. Mulligan, Ph.D.
Mallinckrodt Professor of Genetics, Emeritus,  
Harvard Medical School and Head of SanaX and 
Executive Vice Chairman, Sana Biotechnology, Inc.

Robert W. Pangia
Retired Chief Executive Officer,  
Ivy Sports Medicine, LLC

Brian S. Posner
Private Investor and Founder and  
Managing Partner, Point Rider Group LLC

William A. Hawkins
Senior Advisor, EW Healthcare Partners

Eric K. Rowinsky, M.D.
President and Executive Chairman, RGenix, Inc.

Nancy L. Leaming
Retired Chief Executive Officer and  
President, Tufts Health Plan

Stephen A. Sherwin, M.D.
Clinical Professor of Medicine, University  
of California, San Francisco and Advisor to  
Life Sciences Companies

BIoGen  2020 ANNUAL REPORT

 
194

Corporate InformatIon

STOCKHOLDER INFORMATION

Corporate headquarters
Biogen Inc.
225 Binney Street
Cambridge, MA 02142
Phone: (617) 679-2000

SEC Form 10-K
A copy of Biogen’s Annual Report 
on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities  
and Exchange Commission is available  
at sec.gov and upon request to:

Investor Relations Department 
Biogen Inc.
225 Binney Street
Cambridge, MA 02142
Phone: (781) 464-2442

Transfer agent
To keep your contact information  
current and for stockholder questions  
regarding lost stock certificates,  
address changes and changes of  
ownership or names in which the  
shares are held, direct inquiries to:

Computershare
Phone: (781) 575-2879
Toll Free Phone: (877) 282-1168
computershare.com

By regular mail:
P.O. Box 505000
Louisville, KY 40233-5000

By overnight delivery:
462 South 4th Street
Suite 1600
Louisville, KY 40202

BIoGen  2020 ANNUAL REPORT

Independent accountant
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
101 Seaport Boulevard
Boston, MA 02210

News releases
As a service to our stockholders and  
prospective investors, Biogen’s news  
releases are usually posted within  
one hour of being issued and are available  
at no cost at investors.biogen.com.

Market information
Our common stock trades on the  
Nasdaq Global Select Market under  
the symbol “BIIB.”

aDDItIonaL reSoUrCeS
Access Programs: www .biogen.com /en_us/access-programs
Biogen Foundation: www .biogen.com /en_us/biogen-foundation
DE&I: www .biogen.com /en_us /diversity-inclusion
Healthy Climate, Healthy Lives: www .biogen.com /en_us/
healthy-climate-healthy-lives
Year in Review: www .biogen.com /en_us/yearinreview

We include our website addresses in this report only as inactive textual 
references and do not intend them to be active links to our website. 
The contents of our website are not incorporated into this report.

 
 
 
Total Revenue 

($ in millions)

Product Revenue 

($ in millions and % of total product revenue)

2020 HIGHLIGHTS

GAAP Diluted EPS ⁄ Non-GAAP Diluted EPS 1

2020

2020

2020

2019

2019

2019

2018

2018

2018

2017

2017

2017

2016

2016

2016

2020

2020

2020

2019

2019

2019

2018

2018

2018

2017

2017

2017

2016

2016

2016

2020

2019

2019

2019

2018

2018

2018

2017

2017

2017

2016

2016

2016

$13,445

$13,445

$13,445

$14,378

$14,378

$14,378

$13,453

$13,453

$13,453

$12,274

$12,274

$12,274

$11,449

$11,449

$11,449

$24.80 ∕ $33.70 2

$24.80 ∕ $33.70 2

$24.80 ∕ $33.70 2

$31.42 ∕ $33.57

$31.42 ∕ $33.57

$21.58 3 ∕ $27.44 2

$21.58 3 ∕ $27.44 2

$31.42 ∕ $33.57

$21.58 3 ∕ $27.44 2

$11.92 3 ∕ $22.72 2

$11.92 3 ∕ $22.72 2

$11.92 3 ∕ $22.72 2

$16.93 ∕ $20.22

$16.93 ∕ $20.22

$16.93 ∕ $20.22

$6,564

$6,564

$6,564

$5,417

$5,417

$5,417

$3,805

$3,805

$3,805

$3,684

$3,684

$3,684

$3,906

$3,906

$3,906

1   Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) and free cash flow 

are Non-GAAP financial measures. A reconciliation of GAAP to 

Non-GAAP diluted EPS and free cash flow amounts is set forth on 

pages 10–13 of this Annual Report.

2   Beginning in the third quarter of 2020, material upfront 

payments associated with significant collaboration and licensing 

arrangements are excluded from Non-GAAP R&D expense in order 

to better reflect the Company's core operating performance. Prior 

period Non-GAAP results have been updated to reflect this change.

3   GAAP diluted EPS for 2018 and 2017 includes charges of 

$125 million and $1,174 million, respectively, related to the 

impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

4   Beginning in 2020, free cash flow was redefined as net cash flow 

from operations less capital expenditure. Prior period free cash 

flow amounts have been updated to reflect this change. Free 

cash flow for 2016 through 2019 reflects an increase in capital 

expenditures related to the construction of our largescale biologics 

manufacturing facility in Solothurn, Switzerland.

5   Fumarate includes TECFIDERA and VUMERITY. VUMERITY became 

commercially available in the U.S. in November 2019.

6  Interferon includes AVONEX and PLEGRIDY.

7   For 2020 and 2019, Other includes product revenue from 

FAMPYRA, FUMADERM, BENEPALI, FLIXABI and IMRALDI. 

$3,905 

$4,438 

$1,878 

$2,102 

$1,946 

$1,892 

$2,052 

$2,097 

$911 

$851 

36.5%

39.0%

17.6%

18.5%

18.2%

16.6%

19.2%

18.4%

8.5%

7.5%

Fumarate 5

Interferon 6

TYSABRI

SPINRAZA

Other 7

2020

2019

2020

55%

45%

2019

59%

41%

2018

63%

37%

 U.S.   

 Rest of the world

FOSSIL 

FUEL FREE

BY 2040

1st Fortune 500 company to  

commit to going fossil fuel free 

across operations by 2040

Nº1

$12 

MILLION

> 57K

Biotech leader on the Dow Jones 

Sustainability World Index for 5th time

Granted by the Biogen Foundation to 

COVID-19 relief efforts, assisting  

82 organizations across 35 countries

Students engaged in our STEM  

Community Labs since 2002 with 

focus on underrepresented students

100 %

Score as Corporate Equality  

Index for the 8th time: Best Places  

to Work for LGBTQ Equality

Free cash flow 1,4 

($ in millions)

2020

2020

Product Revenue by Region 

(% of total product revenue)

Concept, design and realization 
PETRANIX AG 
Corporate and Financial Communications
www.petranix.com

Printing
Donnelley Financial Solutions
www.dfinsolutions.com

Annual Report

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