UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

 

 

Commission file number: 0-19311

Biogen Idec Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(617) 679-2000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

 

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 þ     No o

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act..  Yes o     No þ

 

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 þ     No o

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).  Yes o     No þ

 

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 $18,378,524,103.

 

As of February 8, 2008, the Registrant had 297,750,601 shares of Common Stock, $0.0005 par value, issued and outstanding.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement for our 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.

 

 

BIOGEN IDEC INC.

 

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2007

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Biogen Idec creates new standards of care in therapeutic areas with high unmet medical needs. Biogen Idec is a global leader in the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative therapies. Patients in more than 90 countries benefit from Biogen Idec’s significant products that address diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis. We currently have four products:

 

AVONEX^® (interferon beta-1a)

 

AVONEX is approved worldwide for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, or MS, and is the most prescribed therapeutic product in MS worldwide. Globally over 135,000 patients use AVONEX.

 

RITUXAN^® (rituximab)

 

RITUXAN is approved worldwide for the treatment of relapsed or refractory low-grade or follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, or B-cell NHLs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, has also approved RITUXAN for (1) the treatment of patients with previously untreated diffuse, large B-cell NHL in combination with anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens, (2) treatment of patients with previously-untreated follicular NHL in combination with CVP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisone) chemotherapy, and (3) the treatment of patients with non-progressing (including stable disease) low grade B-cell NHL following first-line treatment with CVP chemotherapy. We believe that RITUXAN is the second highest-selling oncology therapeutic in the United States and has had more than 1,000,000 patient exposures worldwide across all indications. In addition, RITUXAN, in combination with methotrexate, is also approved for reducing signs and symptoms and to slow the progression of structural damage in adult patients with moderately-to-severely active rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, who have had an inadequate response to one or more tumor necrosis factor, or TNF, antagonist therapies. We are working with Genentech and Roche on the development of RITUXAN in additional oncology, neurology and immunology indications.

 

RITUXAN is the trade name for the compound rituximab in the U.S., Canada and Japan. MabThera is the trade name for rituximab in the European Union, or EU. In this Annual Report, we refer to rituximab, RITUXAN, and MabThera collectively as RITUXAN, except where we have otherwise indicated.

 

TYSABRI^® (natalizumab)

 

TYSABRI is approved for the treatment of relapsing forms of MS in the U.S. and other countries, and in the U.S. for inducing and maintaining clinical response and remission in adult patients with moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease, or CD, with evidence of inflammation who have had an inadequate response to, or are unable to tolerate, conventional CD therapies and inhibitors of TNF-alpha. Under the terms of a collaboration agreement with Elan Corporation plc, or Elan, we are solely responsible for the manufacture of TYSABRI, and we collaborate with Elan on the product’s marketing, commercial distribution and on-going development activities. The collaboration agreement with Elan is designed to effect an equal sharing of profits and losses generated by the activities of the collaboration between Elan and us.

 

FUMADERM^® (dimethylfumarate and monoethylfumarate salts)

 

FUMADERM was acquired with the purchase of Fumapharm AG, or Fumapharm, in June 2006. In December 2006, we acquired the right to distribute FUMADERM in Germany from Fumedica effective May 1, 2007. FUMADERM acts as an immunomodulator and has been approved in Germany for the treatment of severe psoriasis since 1994.

 

Other Revenue and Programs

 

In 2007, we recorded product revenues from sales of ZEVALIN^® (ibritumomab tiuxetan) prior to our sale of U.S. rights to this product line in December 2007.

We also receive royalty revenues on sales by our licensees of a number of products covered under patents that we control. In addition, we have a pipeline of research and development products in our core therapeutic areas and in other areas of interest.

 

We devote significant resources to research and development programs and external business and corporate development efforts. We intend to focus our research and development efforts on finding novel therapeutics in areas of high unmet medical need, both within our current focus areas of oncology, neurology, immunology and cardiology as well as in new therapeutic areas. Our current late stage efforts include our work with Genentech and Roche on the development of RITUXAN in additional oncology indications, RA, MS and lupus and the co-development of additional anti-CD20 antibody products including the humanized anti-CD20 antibody (ocrelizumab), which is in Phase 3 studies in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus; BG-12 for relapsing forms of MS in Phase 3; galiximab for NHL in Phase 3; and lumiliximab for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or CLL, in Phase 2/3; and lixivaptan for acute hyponatremia, currently initiating Phase 3 clinical studies.

 

Available Information

 

We are a Delaware corporation with principal executive offices located at 14 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142. Our telephone number is (617) 679-2000 and our website address is www.biogenidec.com. We make available free of charge through the Investor Relations 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 electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. We include our website address in this Annual Report on Form 10-K only as an inactive textual reference and do not intend it to be an active link to our website. You may read and copy materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may get information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov.

 

Our products are targeted to address a variety of key medical needs in the areas of oncology, neurology, immunology and cardiology. Our marketed products and late stage product candidates are as follows:

 

 

Approved Indications and Ongoing Development

 

AVONEX

 

We currently market and sell AVONEX worldwide for the treatment of relapsing forms of MS. In 2007, sales of AVONEX generated worldwide revenues of $1,867.8 million as compared to worldwide revenues of $1,706.7 million in 2006.

 

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 relapsing MS 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 returns to a new baseline of functioning. AVONEX is a recombinant form of a protein produced in the body by fibroblast cells in response to viral infection. AVONEX has been shown in clinical trials in relapsing forms of MS both to slow the accumulation of disability and to reduce the frequency of flare-ups. AVONEX is approved to treat relapsing forms of MS, including patients with a first clinical episode and MRI features consistent with MS. We began selling AVONEX in the U.S. in 1996, and in the EU in 1997. AVONEX is on the market in over 70 countries. Based on data from an independent third party research organization, information from our distributors and internal analysis, we believe that AVONEX is the most prescribed therapeutic product for the treatment of MS worldwide. Globally over 135,000 patients use AVONEX.

 

We continue to work to expand the data available about AVONEX and MS treatments. In October 2007, we presented at the Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research of Multiple Sclerosis, or ECTRIMS, in Prague, Czech Republic, on the final results from a worldwide comparative study (QUASIMS) of the efficacy and tolerability of interferon-beta products for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis. This retrospective, observational study presented at ECTRIMS involved 7,542 MS patients. This geographically diverse

group from a range of clinical practice settings is the largest cohort of patients with relapsing remitting MS, or RRMS, that has been studied to evaluate and compare patient outcomes with interferon beta. The effects of all currently available interferon beta treatments were similar over 2 years in patients with RRMS. Even in patients with higher baseline annualized relapse rates or expanded disability status scale scores, there was no clear benefit of one interferon over another. This is in contrast to two earlier studies suggesting there were differences in efficacy between certain interferon beta formulations and dosing regimens (the Independent Comparison of Interferon (INCOMIN) and Evidence of Interferon Dose-Response and European — North American Comparative Efficacy (EVIDENCE) trials). Of the treatments studied, however, AVONEX requires the least frequent administration.

 

We have also extended the Controlled High Risk AVONEX Multiple Sclerosis Prevention Study In Ongoing Neurological Surveillance, or CHAMPIONS. CHAMPIONS was originally designed to determine whether the effect of early treatment with AVONEX in delaying relapses and reducing the accumulation of MS brain lesions could be sustained for up to five years. The study results showed that AVONEX altered the long-term course of MS in patients who began treatment immediately after their initial MS attack compared to initiation of treatment more than two years after onset of symptoms. The five-year study extension is intended to determine if the effects of early treatment with AVONEX can be sustained for up to ten years. We also continue to support Phase 4 investigator-run studies evaluating AVONEX in combination with other therapies.

 

RITUXAN

 

RITUXAN is approved worldwide for the treatment of relapsed or refractory low-grade or follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHLs, which comprise approximately half of the B-cell NHLs diagnosed in the U.S. In the U.S., RITUXAN is approved for NHL with the following label indications:

 

 

In addition, RITUXAN, in combination with methotrexate, is also approved for reducing signs and symptoms and to slow the progression of structural damage in adult patients with moderately-to-severely active rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, who have had an inadequate response to one or more TNF antagonist therapies.

 

Our interest in RITUXAN is recognized as revenue from unconsolidated joint business, and is made up of three components:

 

 

In the U.S., we share responsibility with Genentech for continued development. Such continued development includes conducting supportive research and post-approval clinical studies and seeking potential approval for additional indications. Genentech provides the support functions for the commercialization of RITUXAN in the U.S. and has worldwide manufacturing responsibilities. See “Sales, Marketing and Distribution — RITUXAN” and “Manufacturing and Raw Materials.” We also have the right to collaborate with Genentech on the development of

other humanized anti-CD20 antibodies targeting B-cell disorders for a broad range of indications, and to copromote with Genentech any new products resulting from such development in the U.S. The most advanced such humanized anti-CD20 antibody under development, ocrelizumab, is in Phase 3 trials in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. We are currently in arbitration with Genentech as to whether Genentech has the right to develop collaboration products, including the second-generation humanized anti-CD20 molecule, without our approval. See “Item 3 — Legal Proceedings” for a description of that arbitration. Our agreement with Genentech provides that the successful development and commercialization of new anti-CD20 product candidates in our collaboration (which also includes RITUXAN) will decrease our participation in the operating profits from the collaboration (including as to RITUXAN). See Consolidated Financial Statements Note 16, Unconsolidated Joint Business Arrangement.

 

RITUXAN in Oncology

 

We believe that RITUXAN is the second-highest-selling oncology therapeutic in the United States and has had more than 1,000,000 patient exposures worldwide across all indications. RITUXAN is generally administered as outpatient therapy by personnel trained in administering chemotherapies or biologics. RITUXAN is unique in the treatment of B-cell NHLs due to its specificity for the antigen CD20, which is expressed only on the surface of normal B-cells and malignant B-cells. Stem cells (including B-cell progenitors or precursor B-cells) in bone marrow lack the CD20 antigen. This allows healthy B-cells to regenerate after treatment with RITUXAN and to return to normal levels within several months. RITUXAN’s mechanism of action, in part, utilizes the body’s own immune system as compared to conventional lymphoma therapies.

 

In an effort to identify additional applications for RITUXAN, we, in conjunction with Genentech and Roche, continue to support RITUXAN post-marketing studies. We, along with Genentech and Roche, are conducting a multi-center global Phase 3 registrational study known as REACH in patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or CLL, comparing the use of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and RITUXAN together, known as FCR, versus fludarabine and cyclophosphamide alone. Enrollment for this study was completed in the third quarter of 2007. We, along with Genentech and Roche, are also conducting a trial known as PRIMA that is evaluating the added efficacy of RITUXAN maintenance therapy after previously untreated follicular non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients are given a combination of chemotherapy and RITUXAN. To date, the added benefit of RITUXAN has only been evaluated in relapsed patients. PRIMA completed enrollment in 2007. Additional clinical studies are ongoing in other B-cell malignancies such as lymphoproliferative disorders associated with solid organ transplant therapies, relapsed aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and mantle cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

 

RITUXAN in RA

 

RITUXAN, in combination with methotrexate, is approved for reducing signs and symptoms and to slow the progression of structural damage in adult patients with moderately-to-severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response to one or more TNF antagonist therapies. We, along with Genentech and Roche, initiated a Phase 3 clinical study of RITUXAN in RA patients who are inadequate responders to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, or DMARDs, in 2006. In January 2008 we announced that the study, known as SERENE, met its primary endpoint of a significantly greater proportion of RITUXAN-treated patients achieving an American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20 response (the proportion of patients who achieve at least 20% improvement) at week 24, compared to placebo. In this study patients who received either 500 mg or 1000 mg of RITUXAN as a single treatment course of two infusions in combination with a stable dose of methotrexate displayed a statistically significant improvement in symptoms compared to patients who received placebo in combination with methotrexate. Although the study was not designed to compare the RITUXAN doses, the efficacy of the two doses appeared to be similiar. Further analyses of the data are ongoing and will be submitted for presentation at an upcoming medical meeting. In 2007 we received positive results from the Phase 3 study known as SUNRISE, investigating the controlled re-treatment of patients who are inadequate responders to TNF therapies. Patients who were not in remission at 24 weeks following administration of a course of RITUXAN were randomized to receive either a second course of RITUXAN or placebo. The primary endpoint, the proportion of retreated patients with an ACR 20 response at Week 48 relative to baseline, was achieved with significantly more patients achieving an ACR 20 with RITUXAN retreatment compared to placebo. Genentech and Biogen Idec will continue to analyze the study results and we anticipate presenting the results at an upcoming meeting in 2008.

RITUXAN in Other Immunology Indications

 

Based primarily on results from the studies of RITUXAN in RA, as well as other small investigator-sponsored studies in various autoimmune-mediated diseases, we, along with Genentech, are conducting a Phase 3 clinical study of RITUXAN in primary progressive MS, or PPMS, and a registrational program in systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, comprised of a Phase 3 study in lupus nephritis and a Phase 2/3 study in a general SLE population. We anticipate reporting results from the PPMS and SLE studies in the first half of 2008. Enrollment in the Lupus Nephritis study is still ongoing. In August 2006, we and Genentech announced that a Phase 2 study of RITUXAN in relapsing-remitting MS met its primary endpoint. Results were presented at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting in May 2007. The study of 104 patients showed a statistically significant reduction in the total number of gadolinium enhancing T1 lesions observed on serial MRI scans of the brain at weeks 12, 16, 20 and 24 in the RITUXAN-treated group compared to placebo. At week 24, the total cumulative mean number of gadolinium lesions per patient was reduced by 91%, to 0.5 in the RITUXAN-treated group from 5.5 in the placebo group (p0.001). In addition, the proportion of patients with relapses over 24 weeks in the RITUXAN-treated arm was 14.5% compared to 34.3% in the placebo arm (58% relative reduction) (p=0.02). The result of statistical testing is often defined in terms of a “p-value,” with a level of 0.05 or less considered to be a statistically significant difference, which means the result is unlikely due to chance.

 

In December 2006, we and Genentech issued a dear healthcare provider letter informing healthcare providers that two cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, or PML, a rare and frequently fatal demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, resulting in death were reported in patients receiving RITUXAN for treatment of SLE, an indication where RITUXAN is not approved for treatment. The prescribing information for RITUXAN has been updated to reflect these reports.

 

TYSABRI

 

TYSABRI is approved for the treatment of relapsing forms of MS. On June 5, 2006, we and Elan announced the FDA’s approval of the supplemental Biologics License Application, or sBLA, for the reintroduction of TYSABRI as a monotherapy treatment for relapsing forms of MS to slow the progression of disability and reduce the frequency of clinical relapses. On June 29, 2006, we and Elan announced that the European Medicines Agency, or EMEA, had approved TYSABRI as a similar treatment. TYSABRI is also approved for MS in Switzerland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Israel.

 

TYSABRI was initially approved by the FDA in November 2004 to treat relapsing forms of MS to reduce the frequency of clinical relapses. In February 2005, in consultation with the FDA, we and Elan voluntarily suspended the marketing and commercial distribution of TYSABRI based on reports of cases of PML in patients treated with TYSABRI in clinical studies. In consideration of these events, TYSABRI is marketed under risk management or minimization plans as agreed with local regulatory authorities. In the U.S., TYSABRI was reintroduced with a risk minimization action plan, or RiskMAP, known as the TYSABRI Outreach: Unified Commitment to Health, or TOUCH, Prescribing Program, a rigorous system intended to educate physicians and patients about the risks involved and assure appropriate use of the product.

 

As of late December 2007, more than 21,000 patients were on commercial and clinical TYSABRI therapy worldwide. As of mid-December 2007, up to 30,900 patients had been treated with TYSABRI cumulatively in the combined clinical trial and post-marketing settings. There have been no new cases of PML since relaunch in the U.S. and launch internationally in July 2006.

 

On January 14, 2008, we and Elan announced the FDA’s approval of the sBLA for use of TYSABRI for inducing and maintaining clinical response and remission in adult patients with moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease, or CD, with evidence of inflammation who have had an inadequate response to, or are unable to tolerate, conventional CD therapies and inhibitors of TNF-alpha. TYSABRI will be available for the treatment of CD upon the completion of key implementation activities related to the approved risk management plan. We anticipate TYSABRI will be available to Crohn’s patients by the end of the first quarter of 2008.

 

The FDA granted approval based on its review of overall safety data and the results of three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center trials of TYSABRI assessing the safety and efficacy as both an induction and maintenance therapy — ENCORE (Efficacy of Natalizumab in Crohn’s Disease Response and Remission), ENACT-1 (Efficacy of Natalizumab as Active Crohn’s Therapy) and ENACT-2 (Evaluation of

Natalizumab As Continuous Therapy). The approval contains labeling and a risk management plan, both of which are similar to those approved for the MS indication. One of the confirmed cases of PML was in a patient who was in a clinical study of TYSABRI in Crohn’s disease.

 

In September 2004, Elan submitted a Marketing Authorisation Application, or MAA, to the EMEA for approval of TYSABRI as a treatment for Crohn’s disease. A committee of the EMEA adopted a negative recommendation in November 2007. The European Commission affirmed the committee’s decision in the first quarter of 2008, which means that Crohn’s disease will not be included in our label for TYSABRI in the EU.

 

TYSABRI binds to adhesion molecules on the immune cell surface known as alpha-4 integrin. Adhesion molecules on the surface of the immune cells play an important role in the migration of the immune cells in the inflammatory process. Research suggests that by binding to alpha-4 integrin, TYSABRI prevents immune cells from migrating from the bloodstream into tissue where they can cause inflammation and potentially damage nerve fibers and their insulation.

 

Under the terms of the collaboration, we are solely responsible for the manufacture of TYSABRI, and we collaborate with Elan on the product’s marketing, commercial distribution and ongoing development activities. The collaboration agreement with Elan is designed to effect an equal sharing of profits and losses generated by the activities of the collaboration between Elan and us. Under our agreement with Elan, however, in the event that sales of TYSABRI exceed specified thresholds, Elan is required to make milestone payments to us in order to continue sharing equally in the collaboration’s results.

 

In the U.S., we sell TYSABRI to Elan who sells the product to third party distributors. Elan and we co-market the product. The sales price to Elan in the U.S. is set at the beginning of each quarterly period to effect an approximate equal sharing of the gross margin between Elan and us. In addition, both parties share equally in the operating costs, which include research and development, selling, general and administrative expenses and other similar costs. Sales of TYSABRI to Elan are reported as revenues and are recognized upon Elan’s shipment of the product to third party distributors, at which time all revenue recognition criteria have been met. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, we had deferred revenue of $9.0 and $5.0 million, respectively, for shipments to Elan that remained in Elan’s ending inventory. Elan’s reimbursement of TYSABRI operating costs is reflected as a reduction of the respective costs within our consolidated statement of income.

 

For sales outside of the U.S., we are responsible for distributing TYSABRI to customers and are primarily responsible for all operating activities. We and Elan share equally in the operating results of TYSABRI outside the U.S. Sales of TYSABRI are reported as revenue and are recognized at the time of product delivery to our customer, at which time all revenue recognition criteria have been met. Payments to or from Elan for their share of the collaboration operating losses relating to sales outside the U.S. are reflected in the collaboration profit (loss) sharing line in our consolidated statement of income. For 2007 and 2006, we provided and received net payments of $14.1 million and ($9.7) million, respectively, related to reimbursements made in connection with this arrangement.

 

In July 2006, we began to ship TYSABRI in both the United States and Europe. In 2007, we recorded sales of TYSABRI in the U.S. and Europe of $104.4 million and $125.5 million, respectively. In 2006, we recorded sales of TYSABRI in the U.S. and Europe relating to current activity of $11.9 million and $10.0 million, respectively. Prior to the suspension of TYSABRI in 2005, we shipped product to Elan in the U.S. and recognized revenue in accordance with the policy described above. As a result of the suspension of TYSABRI, we deferred $14.0 million in revenue from Elan as of March 31, 2005 related to TYSABRI product that remained in Elan’s ending inventory. This amount was paid by Elan during 2005 and was subsequently recognized as revenue during 2006, when the uncertainty about the ultimate disposition of the product was eliminated.

 

PHASE 3 Studies of TYSABRI in MS

 

Prior to the suspension of dosing in clinical studies of TYSABRI we, along with Elan, completed the AFFIRM study and the SENTINEL study. The AFFIRM study was designed to evaluate the ability of natalizumab to slow the progression of disability in MS and reduce the rate of clinical relapses. The SENTINEL study was designed to evaluate the effect of the combination of natalizumab and AVONEX compared to treatment with AVONEX alone in slowing progression of disability and reducing the rate of clinical relapses. Both studies were two-year studies which had protocols that included a one-year analysis of the data.

The AFFIRM study

 

The one-year data from the AFFIRM study showed that TYSABRI reduced the rate of clinical relapses by 66% relative to placebo, the primary endpoint at one year. AFFIRM also met all one-year secondary endpoints, including MRI measures. In the TYSABRI treated group, 60% of patients developed no new or newly enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions compared to 22% of placebo treated patients. On the one-year MRI scan, 96% of TYSABRI treated patients had no gadolinium-enhancing lesions compared to 68% of placebo treated patients. The proportion of patients who remained relapse free was 76% in the TYSABRI treated group compared to 53% in the placebo treated group. In February 2005, we and Elan announced that the AFFIRM study also achieved the two-year primary endpoint of slowing the progression of disability in patients with relapsing forms of MS. In the TYSABRI treated group, there was a 42% reduction in the risk of disability progression relative to placebo, and a 67% reduction in the rate of clinical relapses over two years relative to placebo which was sustained and consistent with the one-year results. Other efficacy data, including MRI measures, were similar to the one-year results.

 

In May 2007 at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in Boston, we presented extension study data that showed that TYSABRI has a sustained treatment effect on clinical relapses and the risk of disability progression in MS patients treated for up to three years. Patients who participated in the Phase 3 TYSABRI program (including the AFFIRM trial) were eligible to enroll in an open-label extension study that evaluated the therapy’s long-term effects. In the intent-to-treat analysis, the annualized relapse rate for patients treated with TYSABRI over the three-year period was 0.23, translating into an average of one relapse every 4.3 years. The relapse rate also continued to remain low over the three-year treatment period with TYSABRI: 0.27 during the first year; 0.20 during the second year; and 0.15 during the third year (based on 531 patients who entered the extension study, which includes approximately 250 patients with nearly three years of continuous therapy). In addition, TYSABRI also decreased the cumulative probability of disability progression sustained for six months compared to placebo. The estimated proportion of patients who had 24-week sustained disability progression at two years was 11% in patients treated with TYSABRI compared to 23% in patients treated with placebo, a 54% relative reduction. This effect was maintained in patients treated with TYSABRI for up to three years with 13% showing 24-week sustained disability progression.

 

In October 2007 at the 23rd Congress of ECTRIMS in Prague, Czech Republic, we presented a poster on a post hoc analysis of the Phase 3 AFFIRM study. The study data suggest the proportion of disease-free patients over two years was significantly higher in the TYSABRI-treated group compared with the placebo group, as determined based upon both clinical and MRI criteria. Using clinical and MRI disease-free criteria combined, the most stringent definition of disease free, 36.7% of TYSABRI-treated patients had no relapses, disability progression or MRI activity compared with 7.2% of placebo patients (p0.0001). In the clinical analysis, 64.3% of TYSABRI-treated patients vs. 38.9% placebo-treated patients (p0.0001) were disease free or without relapses and disability progression. Using MRI measures, 57.7% of TYSABRI-treated patients vs. 14.2% placebo-treated patients (p0.0001) were disease free, or without gadolinium-enhancing lesions and new or enlarging T2-hyperintense lesions.

 

The SENTINEL study

 

The one-year data from the SENTINEL combination study also showed that the study achieved its one-year primary endpoint. The addition of TYSABRI to AVONEX resulted in a 54% reduction in the rate of clinical relapses over the effect of AVONEX alone. SENTINEL also met all secondary endpoints, including MRI measures. In the group treated with TYSABRI plus AVONEX, 67% of the patients developed no new or newly enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions compared to 40% in the AVONEX plus placebo group. On the one-year MRI scan, 96% of TYSABRI plus AVONEX-treated patients had no gadolinium-enhancing lesions compared to 76% of AVONEX plus placebo treated patients. The proportion of patients who remained relapse free was 67% in the TYSABRI plus AVONEX-treated group compared to 46% in the AVONEX plus placebo-treated group. In the TYSABRI-treated group, 60% of patients developed no new or newly enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions compared to 22% of placebo treated patients. On the one-year MRI scan, 96% of TYSABRI treated patients had no gadolinium-enhancing lesions compared to 68% of placebo treated patients. In July 2005, we and Elan announced that the SENTINEL study also achieved the two-year primary endpoint of slowing the progression of disability in patients with relapsing forms of MS. The addition of TYSABRI to AVONEX resulted in a 24% reduction in the risk of disability progression compared to the effect of AVONEX alone, and a 56% reduction in the rate of clinical relapses over two

years compared to that provided by AVONEX alone. Other efficacy data, including MRI measures, were similar to the one-year results.

 

Phase 3 Studies of TYSABRI in Crohn’s Disease

 

We, along with Elan, have completed three Phase 3 studies of TYSABRI in Crohn’s disease, a chronic and progressive inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract, which commonly affects both men and women. The three completed Phase 3 studies are known as ENACT-2 (Evaluation of Natalizumab as Continuous Therapy-2), ENACT-1 (Evaluation of Natalizumab as Continuous Therapy-1), and ENCORE (Efficacy of Natalizumab for Crohn’s Disease Response and Remission).

 

ENACT-1/ENACT-2

 

In ENACT-2, 339 patients who were responders in ENACT-1, the Phase 3 induction study, were re-randomized to one of two treatment groups, TYSABRI or placebo, both administered monthly for a total of 12 months. In ENACT-1, the primary endpoint of “response,” as defined by a 70-point decrease in the Crohn’s Disease Activity Index, or CDAI, at week 10, was not met. In ENACT-2, the primary endpoint, which was met, was maintenance of response through six additional months of therapy. A loss of response was defined as a greater than 70 point increase in CDAI score and a total CDAI score above 220 or any rescue intervention. Through month six, there was a significant treatment difference of greater than 30% in favor of patients taking TYSABRI compared to those taking placebo. Twelve-month data from ENACT-2 showed a sustained and clinically significant response throughout 12 months of extended TYSABRI infusion therapy, confirming findings in patients who had previously shown a sustained response throughout six months. Maintenance of response was defined by a CDAI score of less than 220, and less than 70-point increase from baseline, in the absence of rescue intervention throughout the study. Response was maintained by 54% of patients treated with natalizumab compared to 20% of those treated with placebo (p0.001). In addition, 39% of patients on TYSABRI maintained clinical remission during the study period, versus 15% of those on placebo (p0.001). By the end of month six, 58% of patients treated with TYSABRI who had previously been treated with corticosteroids were able to withdraw from steroid therapy compared to 28% of placebo-treated patients.

 

The ENCORE study

 

In June 2005, we and Elan announced that ENCORE, the second Phase 3 induction trial of TYSABRI for the treatment of moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease in patients with evidence of active inflammation, met the primary endpoint of clinical response as defined by a 70-point decrease in baseline CDAI score at both weeks 8 and 12. The study also met all of its secondary endpoints, including clinical remission at both weeks 8 and 12. Clinical remission was defined as achieving a CDAI score of equal to or less than 150 at weeks 8 and 12. At the time of the TYSABRI suspension, all ENCORE study patients had completed dosing based on the study protocol and collection of data and analysis followed.

 

TYSABRI in Oncology

 

We plan to initiate a Phase 1/2 study of TYSABRI in multiple myeloma in 2008.

 

FUMADERM

 

FUMADERM (dimethylfumarate and monoethylfumarate salts) was acquired with the purchase of Fumapharm in June 2006. In December 2006, we acquired the right to distribute FUMADERM in Germany from Fumedica effective May 1, 2007. FUMADERM acts as an immunomodulator and is approved in Germany for the treatment of severe psoriasis. In 2007 and 2006, sales of FUMADERM in Germany totaled $21.5 million and $9.5 million, respectively, which we recorded from the date of acquisition of Fumapharm. The product has been in commercial use in Germany for approximately eleven years and is the most prescribed oral systemic treatment for severe psoriasis in Germany.

 

Late-Stage Product Candidates

 

BG-12

 

BG-12, an oral fumarate derivative, is an immunomodulatory with a novel mechanism of action with a combination of neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. We acquired BG-12 with the purchase of

Fumapharm in June 2006. We completed a Phase 2b clinical study of BG-12 in patients with relapsing-remitting MS in October 2005. In January 2006, we announced that this study had achieved its primary efficacy endpoint. Based on the results of the Phase 2 study, we announced that we initiated a Phase 3 program of BG-12 in relapsing remitting MS in January 2007. Fumapharm has also completed a small Phase 3 study in Germany of BG-12 in psoriasis.

 

Galiximab/(ANTI-CD80 Antibody)

 

The CD80 antigen is expressed on the surface of follicular and other lymphoma cells, and is also known as B7.1. In the fourth quarter of 2005, we completed a Phase 2a study designed to evaluate the anti-tumor activity of an anti-CD80 antibody, galiximab, that we developed using our Primatized^® antibody technology in patients with relapsed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma simultaneously receiving rituximab. In this study, the combination of the two antibodies was well tolerated, with observation of clinical responses in patients treated with higher doses. Based on the results of the Phase 2a study, we announced that we initiated a Phase 3 study of the antibody in relapsed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in combination with RITUXAN in January 2007. We anticipate initial data from a Cancer and Leukemia Group B trial using RITUXAN and galiximab combination therapy in previously untreated subjects with follicular non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2008.

 

Lumiliximab/(ANTI-CD23 Antibody)

 

The CD23 antigen is expressed on the surface of mature B-cells and other immune system cells, and is also known as Fc epsilon RII. We have completed a Phase 2a study designed to evaluate the anti-tumor activity of an anti-CD23 antibody that we developed using our Primatized^® antibody technology when administered in combination with FCR, a standard chemotherapy, in patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or CLL. In this study, the combination of lumiliximab with FCR was well tolerated, with observation of a high proportion of clinical complete responses in patients. Based on the results of the Phase 2a study, we announced that we initiated a Phase 2/3 study evaluating lumiximab plus FCR versus FCR alone in relapsed or refractory CLL in January 2007, which could lead to approval of the antibody if the study meets its endpoints.

 

Ocrelizumab/(Humanized ANTI-CD20 Antibody)

 

The second generation anti-CD20 (ocrelizumab) is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the CD20 surface antigen on human B-cells, the same antigen that RITUXAN targets. Anti-CD20 antibodies work by binding to a particular protein (the CD20 antigen) on the surface of normal and malignant B-cells. From there, they recruit the body’s natural defenses to attack and kill the marked B-cells. Genentech, with which we collaborate on this product candidate, initiated three Phase 3 studies of ocrelizumab in rheumatoid arthritis in 2007, each targeting a separate patient group: those currently not on methotrexate, methotrexate inadequate responders and TNF inadequate responders. Genentech also initiated a Phase 3 study of ocrelizumab in SLE in the fourth quarter of 2007. We are currently in arbitration with Genentech as to whether Genentech has the right to develop collaboration products, including the second-generation humanized anti-CD20 molecule, without our approval. See “Item 3 — Legal Proceedings” for a description of that arbitration.

 

Lixivaptan

 

Lixivaptan is an oral compound for the potential treatment of hyponatremia. Cardiokine Biopharma LLC, with which we entered a collaboration in 2007, is planning a Phase 3 study of lixivaptan in congestive heart failure patients. Lixivaptan is a highly potent, non-peptide, selective V2 vasopressin receptor antagonist. It antagonizes the action of vasopressin (also known as antidiuretic hormone, ADH) on the V2 receptors in the kidney-collecting duct, causing water to be excreted from the kidney, without affecting sodium or other electrolytes. Based on this mechanism of action, lixivaptan shows promise in the treatment of disease states associated with water retention and electrolyte imbalance, including hyponatremia, which is the most common electrolyte disorder in clinical practice. Hyponatremia is recognized as an independent contributor to negative patient outcomes in many chronic diseases, most notably congestive heart failure, as well as cirrhosis and syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone.

 

Pursuant to our 2007 collaboration, we made a $50 million upfront payment to Cardiokine Biopharma LLC and will make up to $170 million in additional milestone payments for successful development and global commercialization of lixivaptan, as well as royalties on commercial sales. We will be responsible for the global commercialization of lixivaptan, and Cardiokine Biopharma LLC has an option for limited copromotion in the United States.

 

ZEVALIN

 

In December 2007, we sold the U.S. marketing, sales, manufacturing and development rights for ZEVALIN to Cell Therapeutics, Inc., or CTI, for an upfront purchase price of $10.0 million and up to an additional $20.0 million in milestone payments. In addition, we also will receive royalty payments on future sales of ZEVALIN. As part of the overall arrangement, we have entered into a contract with CTI to supply ZEVALIN product through 2014 and a related services and security agreement under which CTI has agreed to reimburse us for costs incurred in an ongoing randomized clinical trial for ZEVALIN with respect to aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The $10.0 million upfront payment will be recognized in our consolidated statement of income over the term of the supply agreement. The royalty payments and proceeds from the supply contract are not expected to be significant.

 

The ZEVALIN therapeutic regimen is a radioimmunotherapy and part of a regimen that is approved for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory low-grade, or follicular, B-cell NHL, including patients with RITUXAN relapsed or refractory NHL. The current label also includes transformed B-cell NHL although we have asked the FDA to remove that indication as we found the post-marketing commitment studies necessary for that indication to not be feasible. ZEVALIN is approved in the EU for the treatment of adult patients with CD20-positive follicular B-cell NHL who are refractory to or have relapsed following RITUXAN therapy.

 

In 2007, sales of ZEVALIN in the U.S. generated revenues of $13.9 million, until we sold all U.S. rights in the product in December 2007 to CTI, as compared to revenues of $16.4 million in 2006. We will continue to sell ZEVALIN to Bayer Schering Pharma AG for distribution in the EU, and receive royalty revenues from Schering AG on sales of ZEVALIN in the EU. Rest of world product sales for ZEVALIN in 2007 and 2006 were $3.0 and $1.4 million, respectively.

 

AMEVIVE

 

We sold all rights in AMEVIVE to Astellas Pharma US, Inc., or Astellas, in the second quarter of 2006. AMEVIVE is approved in the U.S. and other countries for the treatment of adult patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. Under the terms of the agreement with Astellas, we will continue to manufacture AMEVIVE and supply product to Astellas for a period of up to 11 years. Under the terms of the supply agreement, we charge Astellas fixed amounts based on volume. Such amounts will be recognized as corporate partner revenue and are not expected to be significant.

 

We intend to continue to commit significant resources to research and development opportunities. We intend to focus our research and development efforts on finding novel therapeutics in areas of high unmet medical need. Our core focus areas are in oncology, neurology, immunology and cardiology, but our research and development efforts extend to additional therapeutic areas such as, for example, hemophilia. Our preclinical and early stage product candidates are as follows:

 

 

Oncology

 

 

 

Neurology

 

 

Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases

 

 

Cardiovascular

 

 

Emerging Therapeutic Areas

 

 

For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, our research and development costs were $925.2 million, $718.4 million, and $747.7 million, respectively. Additionally, in 2007, we incurred $84.2 million in charges associated with acquired in-process research and development in connection with the acquisition of Syntonix and our collaborations with Cardiokine Biopharma LLC and Neurimmune SubOne AG.

 

As described above, we receive royalties on sales of RITUXAN outside the U.S. as part of our collaboration with Genentech and royalties on sales of ZEVALIN outside the U.S. from Bayer Schering Pharma AG and will

receive royalties on U.S. sales of ZEVALIN from CTI. We also receive royalties from sales by our licensees of a number of other products covered under patents that we control. For example:

 

 

We have filed numerous patent applications in the U.S. and various other countries seeking protection of inventions originating from our research and development, including a number of our processes and products. Patents have been issued on many of these applications. We have also obtained rights to various patents and patent applications under licenses with third parties, which provide for the payment of royalties by us. The ultimate degree of patent protection that will be afforded to biotechnology products and processes, including ours, in the U.S. and in other important markets remains uncertain and is dependent upon the scope of protection decided upon by the patent offices, courts and lawmakers in these countries. There is no certainty that our existing patents or others, if obtained, will afford us substantial protection or commercial benefit. Similarly, there is no assurance that our pending patent applications or patent applications licensed from third parties will ultimately be granted as patents or that those patents that have been issued or are issued in the future will stand if they are challenged in court.

 

A substantial number of patents have already been issued to other biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies. Competitors may have filed applications for, or have been issued patents and may obtain additional patents and proprietary rights that may relate to products or processes competitive with or similar to our products and processes. Moreover, the patent laws of the U.S. and foreign countries are distinct and decisions as to patenting, validity of patents and infringement of patents may be resolved differently in different countries. In general, we try to obtain licenses to third party patents, which we deem necessary or desirable for the manufacture, use and sale of our products. We are currently unable to assess the extent to which we may wish to or may be required to acquire rights under such patents and the availability and cost of acquiring such rights, or whether a license to such patents will be available on acceptable terms or at all. There may be patents in the U.S. or in foreign countries or patents issued in the future that are unavailable to license on acceptable terms. Our inability to obtain such licenses may hinder our ability to market our products.

 

We are aware that others, including various universities and companies working in the biotechnology field, have filed patent applications and have been granted patents in the U.S. and in other countries claiming subject matter potentially useful to our business. Some of those patents and patent applications claim only specific products

or methods of making such products, while others claim more general processes or techniques useful or now used in the biotechnology industry. There is considerable uncertainty within the biotechnology industry about the validity, scope and enforceability of many issued patents in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world, and, to date, there is no consistent policy regarding the breadth of claims allowed in biotechnology patents. We cannot currently determine the ultimate scope and validity of patents which may be granted to third parties in the future or which patents might be asserted to be infringed by the manufacture, use and sale of our products.

 

There has been, and we expect that there may continue to be, significant litigation in the industry regarding patents and other intellectual property rights. We expect that litigation may be necessary in some instances to determine the validity and scope of certain of our proprietary rights. Conversely, litigation may be necessary in some instances to determine the validity, scope and/or noninfringement of certain patent rights claimed by third parties to be pertinent to the manufacture, use or sale of our products. Intellectual property litigation could therefore create business uncertainty and consume substantial financial and human resources. Ultimately, the outcome of such litigation could adversely affect the validity and scope of our patent or other proprietary rights, or, conversely, hinder our ability to market our products. See “Item 3 — Legal Proceedings” for a description of our patent litigation.

 

Our trademarks RITUXAN and AVONEX are important to us and are generally covered by trademark applications or registrations owned or controlled by us in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and in other countries. We employ other trademarks in the conduct of our business under license by third parties, for example, we utilize the mark TYSABRI under license from Elan.

 

Recombinant Beta Interferon

 

Third parties have pending patent applications or issued patents in the U.S., Europe and other countries with claims to key intermediates in the production of beta interferon. These are known as the Taniguchi patents. Third parties also have pending patent applications or issued patents with claims to beta interferon itself. These are known as the Roche patents and the Rentschler patents, respectively. We have obtained non-exclusive rights in various countries of the world, including the U.S., Japan and Europe, to manufacture, use and sell AVONEX, our brand of recombinant beta interferon, under the Taniguchi, Roche and Rentschler issued patents. The last of the Taniguchi patents expire in the U.S. in May 2013 and have expired already in other countries of the world. The Roche patents expire in the U.S. in May 2008 and also have generally expired elsewhere in the world. The Rentschler EU patent expires in July 2012.

 

RITUXAN and Anti-CD20 Antibodies

 

We have several issued U.S. patents and U.S. patent applications, and numerous corresponding foreign counterparts directed to anti-CD20 antibody technology, including RITUXAN. We have also been granted patents covering RITUXAN by the European and Japanese Patent Offices. In the U.S. our principal patents covering the drugs or their uses expire between 2015 and 2018. With regard to the rest of the world, our principal patents covering the drug products expire in 2013 subject to potential patent term extensions in countries where such extensions are available. Our recently-granted patent in certain European countries claiming the treatment with anti-CD20 antibodies of certain auto-immune indications, including rheumatoid arthritis, has been opposed by numerous third parties. This opposition proceeding is likely to be protracted and its outcome is uncertain at this time.

 

In addition Genentech, our collaborative partner for RITUXAN, has secured an exclusive license to five U.S. patents and counterpart U.S. and foreign patent applications assigned to Xoma Corporation that relate to chimeric antibodies against the CD20 antigen. These patents expire between 2007 and 2014. Genentech has granted us a non-exclusive sublicense to make, have made, use and sell RITUXAN under these patents and patent applications. We, along with Genentech, share the cost of any royalties due to Xoma in the Genentech/Biogen Idec copromotion territory on sales of RITUXAN. In addition, we and our collaborator, Genentech, have filed numerous patent applications directed to anti-CD20 antibodies and their uses to treat various diseases. These pending patent applications have the potential of issuing as patents in the U.S. and abroad covering anti-CD20 antibody molecules for periods beyond that stated above for RITUXAN.

 

Recombinant Alpha Interferon

 

In 1979, we granted an exclusive worldwide license to Schering-Plough under our alpha interferon patents. Most of our alpha interferon patents have since expired, including expiration of patents in the U.S., Japan and all

countries of Europe. Schering-Plough pays us royalty payments on U.S. sales of alpha interferon products under an interference settlement entered into in 1998. Under the terms of the interference settlement, Schering-Plough agreed to pay us royalties under certain patents to be issued to Roche and Genentech in consideration of our assignment to Schering-Plough of the alpha interferon patent application that had been the subject of a settled interference with respect to a Roche/Genentech patent. Schering-Plough entered into an agreement with Roche as part of settlement of the interference. The first of the Roche/Genentech patents was issued on November 19, 2002 and has a seventeen-year term. In 2007, we received notice that our pending patent application in Canada was allowable and paid the issue fee. We expect the patent to issue in 2008. Upon issuance of the patent, Schering-Plough will be obligated to pay us royalties on sales of alpha interferon products in Canada until expiration of the patent in 2025.

 

Recombinant Hepatitis B Antigens

 

We have obtained numerous patents in countries around the world, including in the U.S. and in European countries, covering the recombinant production of hepatitis B surface, core and “e” antigens. We have licensed our recombinant hepatitis B antigen patent rights to manufacturers and marketers of hepatitis B vaccines and diagnostic test kits, and receive royalties on sales of the vaccines and test kits by our licensees. See “Principal Licensed Products.” The obligation of GlaxoSmithKline and Merck to pay royalties on sales of hepatitis B vaccines and the obligation of our other licensees under our hepatitis B patents to pay royalties on sales of diagnostic products will terminate upon expiration of our hepatitis B patents in each licensed country. Following the conclusion of a successful interference proceeding in the U.S., we were granted patents in the U.S. expiring in 2018. These patents claim hepatitis B virus polypeptides and vaccines and diagnostics containing such polypeptides. Our European hepatitis B patents expired at the end of 1999 and have also since expired in those countries in which we have obtained supplementary protection certificates. See “Item 3 — Legal Proceedings” for a description of our litigation with Classen Immunotherapies, Inc.

 

TYSABRI

 

We are developing TYSABRI in collaboration with Elan. TYSABRI is presently claimed in a number of pending patent applications and issued patents held by both companies in the U.S. and abroad. These patent applications and patents cover the protein, DNA encoding the protein, manufacturing methods and pharmaceutical compositions, as well as various methods of treatment using the product. In the U.S. the principal patents covering the product and methods of manufacturing the product generally expire between 2014 and 2020, subject to any available patent term extensions. In the remainder of the world patents on the product and methods of manufacturing the product generally expire between 2014 and 2016, subject to any supplemental protection certificates that may be obtained. Both companies have method of treatment patents for a variety of indications including the treatment of MS and Crohn’s disease and treatments of inflammation. These patents expire in the U.S. generally between 2012 and 2020 and outside the U.S. generally between 2012 and 2016, subject to any available patent term extensions and/or supplemental protection certificates extending such terms.

 

Trade Secrets and Confidential Know-How

 

We also rely upon unpatented trade secrets, and we cannot assure that others will not independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary information and techniques or otherwise gain access to our trade secrets or disclose such technology, or that we can meaningfully protect such rights. We require our employees, consultants, outside scientific collaborators, scientists whose research we sponsor and other advisers to execute confidentiality agreements upon the commencement of employment or consulting relationships with us. These agreements provide that all confidential information developed or made known to the individual during the course of the individual’s relationship with us is to be kept confidential and not disclosed to third parties except in specific circumstances. In the case of our employees, the agreement provides that all inventions conceived by such employees shall be our exclusive property. These agreements may not provide meaningful protection or adequate remedies for our trade secrets in the event of unauthorized use or disclosure of such information.

 

Our sales and marketing efforts are generally focused on specialist physicians in private practice or at major medical centers. We utilize common pharmaceutical company practices to market our products and to educate

physicians, including sales representatives calling on individual physicians, advertisements, professional symposia, direct mail, selling initiatives, public relations and other methods. We provide customer service and other related programs for our products, such as disease and product-specific websites, insurance research services and order, delivery and fulfillment services. We have also established programs in the U.S., which provide qualified uninsured or underinsured patients with commercial products at no charge. Specifics concerning the sales, marketing and distribution of each of our commercialized products are as follows:

 

AVONEX

 

We continue to focus our marketing and sales activities on maximizing the potential of AVONEX in the U.S. and the EU in the face of increased competition. In the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Australia, Japan and most of the major countries of the EU, we use our own sales forces and marketing groups to market and sell AVONEX. In these countries, we distribute AVONEX principally through wholesale distributors of pharmaceutical products, mail order specialty distributors or shipping service providers. In countries outside the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Australia and the major countries of the EU, we sell AVONEX to distribution partners who are then responsible for most marketing and distribution activities.

 

TYSABRI

 

The party principally responsible for marketing TYSABRI depends upon the indication. For multiple sclerosis, we have the lead and we use our own sales force and marketing group to market TYSABRI in the U.S. and Europe. Elan has the lead in Crohn’s disease and uses their sales force and marketing group to market TYSABRI in the U.S. Elan distributes TYSABRI in the U.S. and we distribute TYSABRI in Europe.

 

RITUXAN

 

We market and sell RITUXAN in the U.S. in collaboration with Genentech. We, along with Genentech, have sales and marketing staffs dedicated to RITUXAN. Sales efforts for RITUXAN as a treatment for B-cell NHLs are focused on hematologists and medical oncologists in private practice, at community hospitals and at major medical centers in the U.S. Sales efforts for RITUXAN as a treatment for RA are focused on rheumatologists in private practice, at community hospitals and at major medical centers in the U.S.

 

Most B-cell NHLs are treated today in community-based group oncology practices. RITUXAN fits well into the community practice, as generally no special equipment, training or licensing is required for its administration or for management of treatment-related side effects.

 

RITUXAN is generally sold to wholesalers and specialty distributors and directly to hospital pharmacies. Genentech provides marketing support services for RITUXAN including customer service, order entry, shipping, billing, insurance verification assistance, managed care sales support, medical information and sales training. Under our agreement with Genentech, all U.S. sales of RITUXAN are recognized by Genentech and we record our share of the pretax copromotion profits on a quarterly basis.

 

FUMADERM

 

FUMADERM has been approved in Germany since 1994 for the treatment of severe psoriasis. FUMADERM is produced by Fumapharm, which we acquired in June 2006. In December 2006, we acquired the right to distribute FUMADERM in Germany from Fumedica effective May 1, 2007. Fumedica continued to distribute the product until that time. Effective May 1, 2007, we began to promote FUMADERM in Germany through Almirall, a third party service provider.

 

ZEVALIN

 

In December 2007, we sold the U.S. marketing, sales manufacturing and development rights to CTI. Under the terms of the sale, we have entered a contract with CTI to supply ZEVALIN product through 2014. In the EU, we sell ZEVALIN to Bayer Schering Pharma AG, our exclusive licensee for ZEVALIN outside the U.S.

AMEVIVE

 

We sold the rights in AMEVIVE to Astellas Pharma US, Inc. in the second quarter of 2006. Under the terms of the sale agreement with Astellas, we will continue to manufacture AMEVIVE and supply product to Astellas for a period of up to 11 years.

 

Competition in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries is intense and comes from many and varied sources. We do not believe that any of the industry leaders can be considered dominant in view of the rapid technological change in the industry. We experience significant competition from specialized biotechnology firms in the U.S., the EU and elsewhere and from many large pharmaceutical, chemical and other companies. Certain of these companies have substantially greater financial, marketing, research and development and human resources than we do. Most large pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies have considerable experience in undertaking clinical trials and in obtaining regulatory approval to market pharmaceutical products.

 

We believe that competition and leadership in the industry will be based on managerial and technological superiority and establishing proprietary positions through research and development. Leadership in the industry may also be influenced significantly by patents and other forms of protection of proprietary information. A key aspect of such competition is recruiting and retaining qualified scientists and technicians. We believe that we have been successful in attracting skilled and experienced scientific personnel. The achievement of a leadership position also depends largely upon our ability to identify and exploit commercially the products resulting from research and the availability of adequate financial resources to fund facilities, equipment, personnel, clinical testing, manufacturing and marketing.

 

Competition among products approved for sale may be based, among other things, on patent position, product efficacy, safety, convenience, reliability, availability and price. Many of our competitors are working to develop products similar to those that we are developing. The timing of the entry of a new pharmaceutical product into the market can be an important factor in determining the product’s eventual success and profitability. Early entry may have important advantages in gaining product acceptance and market share. Moreover, under the Orphan Drug Act, the FDA is prevented for a period of seven years from approving more than one application for the “same” product for the same indication in certain diseases with limited patient populations, unless a later product is considered clinically superior. The EU has similar laws and other jurisdictions have or are considering such laws. Accordingly, the relative speed with which we can develop products, complete the testing and approval process and supply commercial quantities of the product to the market will have an important impact on our competitive position.

 

After a patent expiry for a product, an abbreviated process exists for approval of small molecule drugs in the U.S. that are comparable to existing products, also known as generics. In Europe, the EMEA has issued guidelines for approval, and the first biosimilars, or follow-on large molecule drugs, have been approved. It is possible that legislative and regulatory bodies in the U.S. may provide a similar abbreviated process for comparable biologic products. See “Regulatory — Regulation of Pharmaceuticals — Biosimilars.”

 

AVONEX AND TYSABRI

 

AVONEX, which generated $1.9 billion of worldwide revenues in 2007, and TYSABRI, which generated $230 million of worldwide revenues for us in 2007, both compete primarily with three other products:

 

 

 

Along with us, a number of companies are working to develop products to treat MS that may in the future compete with AVONEX and TYSABRI. Some of our current competitors are also working to develop alternative formulations for delivery of their products, which may in the future compete with AVONEX and TYSABRI.

 

AVONEX and TYSABRI also face competition from off-label uses of drugs approved for other indications.

 

RITUXAN— B-CELL NHLs

 

A number of other companies, including us, are working to develop products to treat B-cell NHLs and other forms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that may ultimately compete with RITUXAN. Other potential competitors include Campath^® (Berlex, Inc.), which is indicated for B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (an unapproved use of RITUXAN), Velcade^® (Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) which is indicated for multiple myeloma (an unapproved use of RITUXAN), Trianda^® (Cephalon), and HuMax-CD20 (GenMab), which is in late-stage development for refractory CLL and NHL. In addition to the foregoing products, we are aware of other anti-CD20 molecules in development that, if successfully developed and registered, may compete with RITUXAN.

 

RITUXAN IN RA

 

RITUXAN, in combination with methotrexate, is approved for reducing signs and symptoms and to slow the progression of structural damage in adult patients with moderately-to-severely active RA who have had an inadequate response to one or more TNF antagonist therapies. RITUXAN will compete with several different types of therapies in the RA market, including:

 

 

In addition, a number of other companies, including us, are working to develop products to treat RA that may ultimately compete with RITUXAN in the RA marketplace.

 

Our current and contemplated activities and the products and processes that will result from such activities are subject to substantial government regulation.

 

Regulation of Pharmaceuticals

 

Before new pharmaceutical products may be sold in the U.S. and other countries, clinical trials of the products must be conducted and the results submitted to appropriate regulatory agencies for approval. Clinical trial programs must establish efficacy, determine an appropriate dose and regimen, and define the conditions for safe use, 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 Biologics License Application, or BLA, or a New Drug Application, or 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. Similar submissions are required by

authorities in other jurisdictions who independently assess the product and may reach the same or different conclusions. The receipt of regulatory approval often takes a number of years, involving the expenditure of substantial resources and depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the disease in question, the availability of alternative treatments and the risks and benefits demonstrated in clinical trials. On occasion, regulatory authorities may require larger or additional studies, leading to unanticipated delay or expense. Even after initial FDA approval or approvals from other regulatory agencies have been obtained, further clinical trials may be required to provide additional data on safety and effectiveness and are required to gain clearance for the use of a product as a treatment for indications other than those initially approved. The FDA may grant “accelerated approval” status to products that treat serious or life-threatening illnesses and that provide meaningful therapeutic benefits to patients over existing treatments, but accelerated approval status does not ensure that FDA will ultimately approve the product. Under this pathway, the FDA may approve a product based on surrogate endpoints, or clinical endpoints other than survival or irreversible morbidity, or when the product is shown to be effective but can be safely used only if access to or distribution of the product is restricted. When approval is based on surrogate endpoints or clinical endpoints other than survival or morbidity, the sponsor will be required to conduct additional clinical studies to verify and describe clinical benefit. When accelerated approval requires restricted use or distribution, 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 Minimization Action Plans, or RiskMAPs, or Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies, or REMS. In addition, for all products approved under accelerated approval, sponsors must submit all copies of its promotional materials, including advertisements, to the FDA at least thirty days prior to their initial dissemination. The FDA may also withdraw approval under accelerated approval after a hearing if, for instance, post-marketing studies fail to verify any clinical benefit or it becomes clear that restrictions on the distribution of the product are inadequate to ensure its safe use. The BLA for TYSABRI in MS was initially approved under the accelerated approval pathway based on surrogate endpoints. A stringent restricted distribution program was also imposed.

 

The supplemental BLA for TYSABRI for second-line treatment of Crohn’s disease was approved by FDA on January 14, 2008. This product will be subject to the same stringent distribution restrictions as TYSABRI for MS.

 

We cannot be certain that the FDA will approve any products for the proposed indications whether under accelerated approval or another pathway. If the FDA approves products or new indications, the agency may require us to conduct additional post-marketing studies. If we fail to conduct the required studies or otherwise fail to comply with the conditions of accelerated approval, the FDA may take action to seek to withdraw that approval. Legislation has recently been passed in the U.S. to also provide the FDA with additional powers of sanction regarding non-completion of or non-compliance with certain post-marketing commitments, including RiskMAPs/REMS. In Europe, the EMEA has new powers of sanction for non-completion of post-marketing commitments. These range from a fine of 10% of global revenue to removal of the product from the market.

 

Regulatory authorities track information on side effects and adverse events reported during clinical studies and after marketing approval. Non-compliance with FDA safety reporting requirements may result in FDA regulatory action that may include civil action or criminal penalties. Side effects or adverse events that are reported during clinical trials can delay, impede, or prevent marketing approval. Similarly, adverse events that are reported after marketing approval can result in additional limitations being placed on the product’s use and, potentially, withdrawal or suspension of the product from the market. For example, in February 2005, in consultation with the FDA, we and Elan voluntarily suspended the marketing and commercial distribution of TYSABRI, and informed physicians that they should suspend dosing of TYSABRI until further notification. In addition, we suspended dosing in clinical studies of TYSABRI in MS, Crohn’s disease and RA. These decisions were based on reports of two cases of PML, a rare and frequently fatal, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, that occurred in patients treated with TYSABRI in clinical studies. See “Our Products and Late Stage Product Candidates — Approved Indications and Ongoing Development — TYSABRI.” Any adverse event, either before or after marketing approval, could result in product liability claims against us. See the sections of “Item 1A — Risk Factors” entitled “Our near terms success depends on the market acceptance and successful sales growth of TYSABRI” and “Pending and future product liability claims may adversely affect our business and our reputation.”

 

Furthermore, recently enacted legislation provides the FDA with expanded authority over drug products after approval. This legislation enhances the FDA’s authority with respect to post-marketing safety surveillance,

including, among other things, the authority to require additional post-approval studies or clinical trials and mandate label changes as a result of safety findings. 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.

 

If we seek to make certain 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, we will need review and approval of regulatory authorities, including FDA and EMEA, before the changes can be implemented.

 

Orphan Drug Act.  Under the U.S. Orphan Drug Act, the FDA may grant orphan drug designation to drugs 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. Orphan drug designation must be requested before submitting a BLA or NDA. After the FDA grants orphan drug designation, the generic identity of the therapeutic agent and its potential orphan use are publicly disclosed by the FDA. Orphan drug designation does not convey any advantage in, or shorten the duration of, the regulatory review and approval process. If a product which has an orphan drug designation subsequently receives the first 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.

 

Biosimilars.  Most of our marketed products, including AVONEX, RITUXAN and TYSABRI, are licensed under the Public Health Service Act as biological products. Unlike small molecule drugs, which are subject to the generic drug provisions (Hatch-Waxman Act) of the U.S. Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as described below, there currently is no process in the U.S. for the submission or approval of biological products based upon abbreviated data packages or a showing of sameness to another approved product. There is public dialogue at FDA and in the Congress, however, regarding the scientific and statutory basis upon which such products, known as biosimilars or follow-on biologics, could be approved and marketed in the U.S. We cannot be certain when, or if, Congress will create a statutory pathway for the approval of biosimilars. We cannot predict what impact, if any, the approval of biosimilars would have on the sales of our products.

 

In Europe, however, the EMEA has issued guidelines for approval of biological products through an abbreviated pathway, and the first biosimilars have been approved. If a biosimilar version of one of our products were approved in Europe, it could have a negative effect on sales of that product.

 

Small molecule generics.  We are developing small molecule products. If development is successful, these products may be approved as drugs under the U.S. Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Under the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984, also known as the Hatch-Waxman Act, Congress created two pathways for FDA review and approval of “generic” versions of pioneer small molecule drug products. The first is the abbreviated new drug application, or ANDA, a type of application in which approval is based on a showing of “sameness” to an already approved drug product. An ANDA need not contain full reports of safety and effectiveness, but rather must demonstrate that a proposed product is “the same as” a reference brand-name product. An ANDA applicant is also required to demonstrate the “bioequivalence” of its product to the reference product. The second pathway is a 505(b)(2) application, or an NDA in which one or more of the investigations relied upon by the applicant for approval was not conducted by or for the applicant and for which the applicant has not obtained a right of reference or use from the person by or for whom the investigation was conducted. A 505(b)(2) applicant must provide the FDA with any additional clinical data necessary to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the product with the proposed change(s).

 

The Hatch-Waxman Act also provides for the restoration of a portion of the patent term lost during small molecule product development. In addition, the statute establishes a complex set of processes for notifying sponsors of pioneer products of ANDA and 505(b)(2) applications that may infringe patents and to permit sponsors of pioneer drugs an opportunity to pursue patent litigation prior to FDA approval of the generic product. The Hatch-Waxman Act also awards non-patent marketing exclusivities to qualifying pioneer drug products. For example, the first applicant to gain approval of an NDA for a product that contains an active ingredient not found in any other approved product is awarded five years of “new chemical entity” marketing exclusivity. Where this exclusivity is awarded, the FDA is prohibited , with some exception, from accepting any ANDAs or 505(b)(2) applications during

the five-year period. The Hatch-Waxman Act also provides three years of marketing exclusivity for the approval of NDAs, 505(b)(2) applications, and supplements, where those applications contain the results of new clinical investigations (other than bioavailability studies) essential to the FDA’s approval of the applications. Three-year exclusivity prohibits the final FDA approval of ANDAs or 505(b)(2) applications for products with the specific changes associated with those clinical investigations. It does not necessarily prohibit the FDA from approving an ANDA or 505(b)(2) application for a product containing the same active ingredient. For example, if clinical investigations supported a new indication, three-year exclusivity would not block FDA approval of an ANDA or 505(b)(2) application for a product where the new indication has been carved out or omitted from the label.

 

Good manufacturing practices.  The FDA, the EMEA and other regulatory agencies regulate and inspect equipment, facilities, and processes used in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical and biologic products prior to approving a product. If, after receiving clearance from regulatory agencies, a 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, or cGMP, and product-specific regulations enforced by the FDA following product approval. The FDA, the EMEA and other regulatory agencies also conduct regular, 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 and/or remedies against us, including the suspension of our manufacturing operations.

 

In addition, the FDA regulates all advertising and promotion activities for products under its jurisdiction both prior to and after approval. A company can make only those claims relating to safety and efficacy that are approved by the FDA. Physicians may prescribe legally available drugs for uses that are not described in the drug’s labeling and that differ from those tested by us and approved by the FDA. Such off-label uses are common across medical specialties, and often reflect a physician’s belief that the off-label use is the best treatment for the patients. The FDA does not regulate the behavior of physicians in their choice of treatments, but the 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 FDA.

 

Regulation Outside the U.S.

 

In the EU, Canada, and Australia, regulatory requirements and approval processes are similar in principle to those in the U.S. depending on the type of drug for which approval is sought. There are currently three potential tracks for marketing approval in EU countries: mutual recognition, decentralized procedures, and centralized procedures. These review mechanisms may ultimately lead to approval in all EU countries, but each method grants all participating countries some decision-making authority in product approval.

 

Sales, Marketing and Product Pricing

 

In the U.S., the federal government regularly considers reforming health care coverage and costs. For example, reforms to Medicare have reduced the reimbursement rates for many of our products. Effective January 1, 2005, Medicare pays physicians and suppliers that furnish our products under a payment methodology using average sales price, or ASP, information. Manufacturers, including us, are required to provide ASP information to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on a quarterly basis. The manufacturer submitted information is used to compute Medicare payment rates, which are set at ASP plus 6 percent, updated quarterly. There is a mechanism for comparison of such payment rates to widely available market prices, which could cause further decreases in Medicare payment rates, although this mechanism has yet to be utilized. Effective January 1, 2006, Medicare began to use the same ASP plus 6 percent payment methodology to determine Medicare rates paid for products furnished by hospital outpatient departments. As of January 1, 2008, the reimbursement rate in the hospital outpatient setting will be ASP plus 5 percent. If a manufacturer is found to have made a misrepresentation in the reporting of ASP, the statute provides for civil monetary penalties of up to $10,000 for each misrepresentation and for each day in which the misrepresentation was applied.

Another payment reform is the addition of an expanded prescription drug benefit for all Medicare beneficiaries known as Medicare Part D. This is a voluntary benefit that is being implemented through private plans under contractual arrangements with the federal government. Like pharmaceutical coverage through private health insurance, Part D plans establish formularies that govern the drugs and biologicals that will be offered and the out- of-pocket obligations for such products. In addition, plans are expected to negotiate discounts from drug manufacturers and pass on some of those savings to Medicare beneficiaries.

 

Future legislation or regulatory actions implementing recent or future legislation may have a significant effect on our business. Our ability to successfully commercialize products may depend in part on the extent to which reimbursement for the costs of our products and related treatments will be available in the U.S. and worldwide from government health administration authorities, private health insurers and other organizations. Substantial uncertainty exists as to the reimbursement status of newly approved health care products by third party payors.

 

We also participate in the Medicaid rebate program established by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990, and under multiple subsequent amendments of that law. Sections 6001, 6002, and 6003 of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, or DRA, made significant changes to the Medicaid prescription drug provisions of the Social Security Act. These changes include, but are not limited to, revising the definition of average manufacturer price, or AMP, establishing an obligation to report AMP on a monthly basis, in addition to a quarterly basis, establishing a new formula for calculating Federal upper limits, or FULs, requiring rebates for certain physician-administered drugs, and clarifying rebate liability for authorized generic drugs. Under the Medicaid rebate program, we pay a rebate for each unit of product reimbursed by Medicaid. The amount of the rebate for each product is set by law as the larger of, 15.1% of AMP or the difference between AMP and the best price available from us to any commercial or non-governmental customer. The rebate amount must be adjusted upward where the AMP for a product’s first full quarter of sales, when adjusted for increases in the CPI-U, or Consumer Price Index — Urban, exceeds the AMP for the current quarter with the upward adjustment equal to the excess amount. The rebate amount is required to be recomputed each quarter based on our report of current AMP and best price for each of our products to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The terms of our participation in the program imposes a requirement for us to report revisions to AMP or best price within a period not to exceed 12 quarters from the quarter in which the data was originally due. Any such revisions could have the impact of increasing or decreasing our rebate liability for prior quarters, depending on the direction of the revision. In addition, if we were found to have knowingly submitted false information to the government, the statute provides for civil monetary penalties in the amount not to exceed $100,000 per item of false information in addition to other penalties available to the government.

 

The availability of federal funds to pay for our products under the Medicaid and Medicare Part B programs requires that we extend discounts under the 340B/PHS drug pricing program. The 340B/PHS drug pricing program extends discounts to a variety of community health clinics and other entities that receive health services grants from the PHS, as well as hospitals that serve a disproportionate share of poor Medicare beneficiaries.

 

We also make our products available for purchase by authorized users of the Federal Supply Schedule, or FSS, of the General Services Administration pursuant to our FSS contract with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Under the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992, or the VHC Act, we are required to offer deeply discounted FSS contract pricing to four Federal agencies — the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, the Coast Guard and the Public Health Service (including the Indian Health Service) — for federal funding to be made available for reimbursement of any of our products under the Medicaid program and for our products to be eligible to be purchased by those four Federal agencies and certain Federal grantees. FSS pricing to those four Federal agencies must be equal to or less than the “Federal Ceiling Price,” which is, at a minimum, 24% off the Non-Federal Average Manufacturer Price, or “Non-FAMP”, for the prior fiscal year. In addition, if we are found to have knowingly submitted false information to the government, the VHC provides for civil monetary penalties of not to exceed $100,000 per false item of information in addition to other penalties available to the government.

 

We are also 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 make it illegal for a prescription drug manufacturer to solicit, offer, receive, or pay any remuneration in exchange for, or to induce, the referral of business, including the purchase or prescription of a particular drug. Due to the breadth of the statutory provisions and the absence of

guidance in the form of regulations and very few court decisions addressing industry practices, it is possible 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 and/or civil sanctions, including fines and civil monetary penalties, as well as the possibility of exclusion from federal health care programs (including Medicare and Medicaid). If the government were to allege or convict us of violating these laws, our business could be harmed. In addition, there is an ability for private individuals to bring similar actions. See the section of “Item 1A — Risk Factors” entitled “If we fail to comply with the extensive legal and regulatory requirements affecting the healthcare industry, we could face increased costs, penalties and a loss of business.” For a description of litigation in this area in which we are currently involved, see “Item 3 — Legal Proceedings.”

 

Our activities could be subject to challenge for the reasons discussed above and due to the broad scope of these laws and the increasing attention being given to them by law enforcement authorities. Further, there are an increasing number of state laws that require manufacturers to make reports to states on pricing and marketing information. Many of these laws contain ambiguities as to what is required to comply with the laws. Given the lack of clarity in laws and their implementation, our reporting actions could be subject to the penalty provisions of the pertinent state authorities.

 

Other Regulations

 

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.  We are also subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act which prohibits corporations and individuals from paying, offering to pay, or authorizing the payment of anything of value to any foreign government official, government staff member, political party, or political candidate in an attempt to obtain or retain business or to otherwise influence a person working in an official capacity.

 

NIH Guidelines.  We conduct relevant research at all of our research facilities in the U.S. in compliance with the current U.S. National Institutes of Health Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules, or the NIH Guidelines, and all other applicable federal and state regulations. By local ordinance, we are required to, among other things, comply with the NIH Guidelines in relation to our facilities in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and San Diego, California, 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 safe working conditions, laboratory practices, the experimental use of animals, and the purchase, storage, movement, import and 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 supranational antitrust regulatory control, the effect of which also cannot be predicted. The extent of government regulation, which might result from future legislation or administrative action, cannot accurately be predicted.

 

We currently produce all of our bulk AVONEX, as well as AMEVIVE on a contract basis for Astellas, at our manufacturing facilities located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina and Cambridge, Massachusetts. We currently produce TYSABRI at our Research Triangle Park facility. We supply the commercial requirements of the antibody for ZEVALIN on a contract basis for Cell Therapeutics, Inc. We have moved the manufacturing of ZEVALIN to our manufacturing facilities in Cambridge, Massachusetts and are awaiting FDA approval of the production of the antibody at that facility. Genentech is responsible for all worldwide manufacturing activities for bulk RITUXAN and has sourced the manufacturing of certain bulk RITUXAN requirements to an independent third party. We manufacture clinical products in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina and Cambridge, Massachusetts. We use a third party to manufacture the active pharmaceutical ingredient of FUMADERM and another third party to further process that to produce the FUMADERM pill.

We are constructing a large-scale biologic manufacturing facility in Hillerod, Denmark to be used to manufacture TYSABRI and other products in our pipeline. The first phase is complete and included the construction of an administrative building, a laboratory, a labeling and packaging facility and a facility to provide utilities to the Hillerod campus. The administrative building was in use in 2006, and the label and packaging facility and lab facility were placed into service in the first quarter of 2007. In addition, a large-scale manufacturing facility was partially constructed during this phase and major equipment was installed. The utilities facility has been in partial use since the first quarter of 2007. The second phase of the project, which we commenced in January 2007, involves the completion and fit out of the large-scale manufacturing facility and construction of a warehouse. The utilities facility is expected to be in full use upon completion of the second phase. The large scale manufacturing facility is expected to be ready for commercial production in 2009. See “Item 1A — Risk Factors” entitled “We have made a significant investment in constructing a manufacturing facility the success of which depends upon the completion and licensing of the facility and continued demand for our products.”

 

We source all of our fill-finish and the majority of final product storage operations for our products, along with a substantial part of our packaging operations, to a concentrated group of third party contractors. Many of the raw materials and supplies required for the production of AVONEX, TYSABRI, ZEVALIN and AMEVIVE are available from various suppliers in quantities adequate to meet our needs. However, due to the unique nature of the production of our products, we do have several single source providers of raw materials. We make efforts to qualify new vendors and to develop contingency plans so that production is not impacted by short-term issues associated with single source providers. Each of our third party service providers, suppliers and manufacturers are subject to continuing inspection by the FDA or comparable agencies in other jurisdictions. Any delay, interruption or other issues that arise in the manufacture, fill-finish, packaging, or storage of our products, including as a result of a failure of our facilities or the facilities or operations of third parties to pass any regulatory agency inspection, could significantly impair our ability to sell our products. See the sections of “Item 1A — Risk Factors” entitled “Problems with manufacturing or with inventory planning could result in our inability to deliver products, inventory shortages or surpluses, product recalls and increased costs”, “We rely on third parties to provide services in connection with the manufacture of our products and, in some instances, the manufacture of the product itself,” and “If we fail to meet the stringent requirements of governmental regulation in the manufacture of our products, we could incur substantial remedial costs and a reduction in sales.”

 

We believe that our existing manufacturing facilities and outside sources will allow us to meet our near-term and long-term manufacturing needs for our current commercial products and our other products currently in clinical trials. Our existing licensed manufacturing facilities operate under multiple licenses from the FDA, regulatory authorities in the EU and other regulatory authorities. For a discussion of risks related to our ability to meet our manufacturing needs for our commercial products and our other products currently in clinical trials, see the sections of “Item 1A — Risk Factors” entitled “Problems with manufacturing or with inventory planning could result in our inability to deliver products, inventory shortages or surpluses, product recalls and increased costs”, “We rely on third parties to provide services in connection with the manufacture of our products and, in some instances, the manufacture of the product itself,” and “If we fail to meet the stringent requirements of governmental regulation in the manufacture of our products, we could incur substantial remedial costs and a reduction in sales.”

 

Additional manufacturing facilities and outside sources may be required to meet our long-term research, development and commercial production needs.

 

As of December 31, 2007, we had approximately 4,300 employees.

 

The following is a list of our executive officers, their ages as of February 14, 2008 and their principal positions.

 

 

Reference to “our” or “us” in the following descriptions of the background of our executive officers include Biogen Idec and IDEC Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

 

James C. Mullen is our Chief Executive Officer and President and is a director, and has served in these positions since the merger of Biogen, Inc. and IDEC Pharmaceuticals Corporation, or the merger, in November 2003. Mr. Mullen was formerly Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Biogen, Inc. He was named Chairman of the Board of Directors of Biogen, Inc. in July 2002, after being named President and Chief Executive Officer of Biogen, Inc. in June 2000. Mr. Mullen joined Biogen, Inc. in 1989 as Director, Facilities and Engineering. He was named Biogen, Inc.’s Vice President, Operations, in 1992. From 1996 to 1999, Mr. Mullen served as Vice President, International, with responsibility for building all Biogen, Inc. operations outside North America. From 1984 to 1988, Mr. Mullen held various positions at SmithKline Beckman Corporation (now GlaxoSmithKline plc). Mr. Mullen is a member of the board of directors and executive committee of the Biotechnology Industry Organization, or BIO, and is a former chairman of the board of BIO. Mr. Mullen is also a director of PerkinElmer, Inc.

 

Cecil B. Pickett Ph.D. is our President, Research and Development and has served in that position since September 2006 and has served as one of our directors since September 2006. Prior to joining Biogen Idec, he was President, Schering-Plough Research Institute from March 2002 to September 2006, and before that he was Executive VP of Discovery Research at Schering-Plough Corporation from September 1993 to March 2002. Mr. Pickett is a member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences.

 

Paul J. Clancy is our Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer and has served in that position since August 2007. Mr. Clancy joined Biogen Idec in 2001, and has held several senior executive positions, including Vice President of Business Planning, Portfolio Management and U.S. Marketing, and Senior Vice President of Finance with responsibilities for leading the Treasury, Tax, Investor Relations and Business Planning groups. Prior to joining Biogen Idec, he spent 13 years at PepsiCo, serving in a range of financial and general management positions.

 

Susan H. Alexander is our Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary and has served in these positions since January 2006. Prior to that, Ms. Alexander served as the Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of PAREXEL International Corporation, since September 2003. From June 2001

to September 2003, Ms. Alexander served as General Counsel of IONA Technologies. Prior to that, Ms. Alexander served as Counsel at Cabot Corporation from January 1995 to May 2001. Prior to that, Ms. Alexander was a partner of the law firms of Hinckley, Allen & Snyder and Fine & Ambrogne.

 

John M. Dunn is our Executive Vice President, New Ventures and has served in that position since the merger in November 2003. Mr. Dunn was our Senior Vice President, Legal and Compliance, and General Counsel from January 2002 to November 2003. Prior to that, he was a partner at the law firm of Pillsbury Winthrop LLP specializing in corporate and business representation of public and private companies.

 

Robert A. Hamm is our Executive Vice President, Pharmaceutical Operations & Technology, and has served in that position since October 2007. Previously, Mr. Hamm served as Senior Vice President, Neurology Strategic Business Unit from January 2006 to October 2007; Senior Vice President, Immunology Business Unit from the merger in November 2003 until January 2006; and in the same capacity with Biogen, Inc. from November 2002 to November 2003. Before that, he served as Senior Vice President — Europe, Africa, Canada and Middle East from October 2001 to November 2002. Prior to that, Mr. Hamm served as Vice President — Sales and Marketing of Biogen, Inc. from October 2000 to October 2001. Mr. Hamm previously served as Vice President — Manufacturing from June 1999 to October 2000, Director, Northern Europe and Distributors from November 1996 until June 1999 and Associate Director, Logistics from April 1994 until November 1996. From 1987 until April 1994, Mr. Hamm held a variety of management positions at Syntex Laboratories Corporation, including Director of Operations and New Product Planning, and Manager of Materials, Logistics and Contract Manufacturing. Mr. Hamm is a director of Inhibitex, Inc.

 

Hans Peter Hasler has served as our Executive Vice President, Global Neurology, Head of International since October 2007 and has managed our international business since the merger. He previously served as Senior Vice President, Head of International from November 2003 to October 2007. He served as Executive Vice President — International of Biogen, Inc. from July 2003 until the merger, and joined Biogen, Inc as Executive Vice President — Commercial Operations in August 2001. Mr. Hasler joined Biogen, Inc. from Wyeth-Ayerst Pharmaceuticals, Inc., an affiliate of American Home Products, Inc. (AHP), where he served as Senior Vice President, Head of Global Strategic Marketing from 1998 to 2001. Mr. Hasler was a member of the Wyeth/AHP Executive Committee and was chairman of the Commercial Council. From 1993 to 1998, Mr. Hasler served in a variety of senior management capacities for Wyeth-Ayerst Pharmaceuticals, including Managing Director of Wyeth Group, Germany, and General Manager of AHP/Wyeth in Switzerland and Central Eastern Europe. Prior to joining Wyeth-Ayerst Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Hasler served as the Head of Pharma Division at Abbott AG. Mr. Hasler is a member of the Board of Directors of Orexo AB and Santhera Pharmaceuticals.

 

Faheem Hasnain has served as our Executive Vice President, Oncology/Rheumatology Strategic Business Unit since October 2007. Prior to that, Mr. Hasnain served as Senior Vice President, Oncology Rheumatology Strategic Business Unit from February 2007 to October 2007 and as Senior Vice President, Oncology Strategic Business Unit from October 2004 to February 2007. Prior to that, Mr. Hasnain served as President, Oncology Therapeutics Network at Bristol-Myers Squibb from March 2002 to September 2004. From January 2001 to February 2002, Mr. Hasnain served as Vice President, Global eBusiness at GlaxoSmithKline and prior to 2000 served in key commercial and entrepreneurial roles within GlaxoSmithKline and its predecessor organizations, spanning global eBusiness, international commercial operations, sales and marketing.

 

Michael F. MacLean is our Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller and has served in that position since December 2006. Mr. MacLean joined us in October 2006 as Senior Vice President. Prior to joining us, Mr. MacLean was a managing director of Huron Consulting, where he provided support regarding financial reporting to management and boards of directors of Fortune 500 companies. From June 2002 to October 2005, Mr. MacLean was a partner at KPMG and he was a partner of Arthur Andersen LLP from September 1999 to May 2002.

 

Craig Eric Schneier, Ph.D.  is our Executive Vice President, Human Resources, Public Affairs and Communications and has served in that position since October 2007. Prior to that he was Executive Vice President, Human Resources from November 2003 to October 2007. Dr. Schneier served as Executive Vice President, Human Resources of Biogen, Inc., a position he held from January 2003 until the merger. He joined Biogen, Inc. in 2001 as Senior Vice President, Strategic Organization Design and Effectiveness, after having served as an external

consultant to us for eight years. Prior to joining Biogen, Inc., Dr. Schneier was president of his own management consulting firm in Princeton, NJ, where he provided consulting services to over 70 of the Fortune 100 companies, as well as several of the largest European and Asian firms. Dr. Schneier held a tenured professorship at the University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business and has held teaching positions at the business schools of the University of Michigan, Columbia University, and at the Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College.

 

Mark C. Wiggins is our Executive Vice President, Corporate and Business Development and has served in that capacity since July 2004. Prior to that, Mr. Wiggins served as our Senior Vice President, Business Development from November 2003 to July 2004, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development from November 2000 to November 2003, and Vice President of Business Development from May 1998 to November 2000. From 1996 to 1998, he was Vice President of Business Development and Marketing for Hybridon. From 1986 to 1996 he held various positions of increasing responsibility at Schering-Plough Corporation, including Director of Business Development.

 

We are substantially dependent on revenues from our two principal products

 

Our current and future revenues depend substantially upon continued sales of our two principal products, AVONEX and RITUXAN, which represented approximately 88% of our total revenues in 2007. Any significant negative developments relating to these two products, such as safety or efficacy issues, the introduction or greater acceptance of competing products (including greater than anticipated substitution of TYSABRI for AVONEX) or adverse regulatory or legislative developments, would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. Although we have developed and continue to develop additional products for commercial introduction, we expect to be substantially dependent on sales from these two products for many years. A decline in sales from either of these two products would adversely affect our business.

 

Our near-term success depends on the market acceptance and successful sales growth of TYSABRI

 

A substantial portion of our growth in the near-term is dependent on anticipated sales of TYSABRI. TYSABRI is expected to diversify our product offerings and revenues, and to drive additional revenue growth over the next several years. If we are not successful in growing sales of TYSABRI, that would result in a significant reduction in diversification and expected revenues, and adversely affect our business.

 

Achievement of anticipated sales growth of TYSABRI will depend upon its acceptance by the medical community and patients, which cannot be certain given the significant restrictions on use and the significant safety warnings in the label. Additional cases of the known side effect PML at a higher rate than indicated in the prescribing information, or the occurrence of other unexpected side effects could harm acceptance and limit TYSABRI sales. Any significant lack of acceptance of TYSABRI by the medical community or patients would materially and adversely affect our growth and our plans for the future.

 

As a relatively new entrant to a maturing MS market, TYSABRI sales may be more sensitive to additional new competing products. A number of such products are expected to be approved for use in MS in the coming years. If these products have a similar or more attractive overall profile in terms of efficacy, convenience and safety, future sales of TYSABRI could be limited.

 

Our business could be negatively affected as a result of a threatened proxy fight and other actions of activist shareholders

 

We recently received a notice from Icahn Partners and certain of its affiliates nominating three individuals for election to our Board of Directors at the 2008 annual meeting and proposing to amend our bylaws to set the number of directors at twelve. If a proxy contest results from this notice, our business could be adversely affected because:

 

 

These actions could cause our stock price to experience periods of volatility.

 

Our long-term success depends upon the successful development and commercialization of other products from our research and development activities

 

Our long-term viability and growth will depend upon the successful development and commercialization of other products from our research and development activities. Product development and commercialization are very expensive and involve a high degree of risk. Only a small number of research and development programs result in the commercialization of a product. Success in early stage clinical trials or preclinical work does not ensure that later stage or larger scale clinical trials will be successful. Even if later stage clinical trials are successful, the risk

remains that unexpected concerns may arise from additional data or analysis or that obstacles may arise or issues may be identified in connection with review of clinical data with regulatory authorities or that regulatory authorities may disagree with our view of the data or require additional data or information or additional studies.

 

Conducting clinical trials is a complex, time-consuming and expensive process. Our ability to complete our clinical trials in a timely fashion depends in large part on a number of key factors including protocol design, regulatory and institutional review board approval, the rate of patient enrollment in clinical trials, and compliance with extensive current good clinical practice requirements. We have recently opened clinical sites and are enrolling patients in a number of new countries where our experience is more limited, and we are in many cases using the services of third-party contract clinical trial providers. If we fail to adequately manage the design, execution and regulatory aspects of our large, complex and diverse clinical trials, our studies and ultimately our regulatory approvals may be delayed or we may fail to gain approval for our product candidates altogether.

 

Adverse safety events can negatively affect our assets, product sales, operations and products in development

 

Even after we receive marketing approval for a product, adverse event reports may have a negative impact on our commercialization efforts. Our voluntary withdrawal of TYSABRI from the market in February 2005 following reports of cases of PML resulted in a significant reduction in expected revenues as well as significant expense and management time required to address the legal and regulatory issues arising from the withdrawal, including revised labeling and enhanced risk management programs. Later discovery of safety issues with our products that were not known at the time of their approval by the FDA could cause product liability events, additional regulatory scrutiny and requirements for additional labeling, withdrawal of products from the market and the imposition of fines or criminal penalties. Any of these actions could result in, among other things, material write-offs of inventory and impairments of intangible assets, goodwill and fixed assets.

 

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

 

The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry is 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, greater financial and other resources and other technological or competitive advantages. We cannot be certain that one or more of our competitors will not receive patent protection that dominates, blocks or adversely affects our product development or business, will not benefit from significantly greater sales and marketing capabilities, or will not develop products that are accepted more widely than ours. The introduction of alternatives to our products that offer advantages in efficacy, safety or ease of use could negatively affect our revenues and reduce the value of our product development efforts. In addition, potential governmental action in the future could provide a means for competition from developers of follow-on biologics, which could compete on price and differentiation with products that we now or could in the future market.

 

In addition to competing directly with products that are marketed by substantial pharmaceutical competitors, AVONEX, RITUXAN and TYSABRI also face competition from off-label uses of drugs approved for other indications. Some of our current competitors are also working to develop alternative formulations for delivery of their products, which may in the future compete with ours.

 

We depend on collaborators for both product and royalty revenue and the clinical development of future collaboration products, which are outside of our full control

 

Collaborations between companies on products or programs are a common business practice in the biotechnology industry. Out-licensing typically allows a partner to collect up front payments and future milestone payments, share the costs of clinical development and risk of failure at various points, and access sales and marketing infrastructure and expertise in exchange for certain financial rights to the product or program going to the in-licensing partner. In addition, the obligation of in-licensees to pay royalties or share profits generally terminates upon expiration of the related patents. We have a number of collaborators and partners, and have both in-licensed and out-licensed several products and programs. These collaborations include several risks:

 

 

In addition, the successful development and commercialization of new anti-CD20 product candidates in our collaboration with Genentech (which also includes RITUXAN) will decrease our participation in the operating profits from the collaboration (including as to RITUXAN).

 

We depend, to a significant extent, on reimbursement from third party payors and a reduction in the extent of reimbursement could negatively affect our product sales and revenue

 

Sales of our products are dependent, in large part, on the availability and extent of reimbursement from government health administration authorities, private health insurers and other organizations. U.S. and foreign government regulations mandating price controls and limitations on patient access to our products impact our business and our future results could be adversely affected by changes in such regulations.

 

In the U.S., at both the federal and state levels, the government regularly proposes legislation to reform healthcare and its cost, any of which may impact our ability to successfully commercialize our products. In the last few years, there have been a number of legislative changes that have affected the reimbursement for our products, including, but not limited to, the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 and most recently, the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. The Deficit Reduction Act made significant changes to the Medicaid prescription drug provisions of the Social Security Act, including changes that impose the monthly reporting of price information and that may have an impact on the Medicaid rebates we pay. In addition, states may more aggressively seek Medicaid rebates as a result of legislation enacted in 2006, which rebate activity could adversely affect our results of operations.

 

Pricing pressures in the U.S. may increase as a result of the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003. Managed care organizations as well as Medicaid and other government health administration authorities continue to seek price discounts. Government efforts to reduce Medicaid expenses may continue to increase the use of managed care organizations. This may result in managed care organizations influencing prescription decisions for a larger segment of the population and a corresponding constraint on prices and reimbursement for our products. In addition, some states have implemented and other states are considering price controls or patient-access constraints under the Medicaid program and some states are considering price-control regimes that would apply to broader segments of their populations that are not Medicaid eligible. Other matters also could be the subject of U.S. federal or state legislative or regulatory action that could adversely affect our business, including the importation of prescription drugs that are marketed outside the U.S. and sold at lower prices as a result of drug price limitations imposed by the governments of various foreign countries.

 

We encounter similar regulatory and legislative issues in most other countries. In the EU 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. This international patchwork of price regulations may lead to inconsistent prices. Within the EU and other countries, some third party trade in our products occurs from markets with lower prices thereby undermining our sales in some markets with higher prices. Additionally, certain countries reference the prices in other countries where our products are marketed. Thus, inability to secure adequate prices in a particular country may also impair our ability to obtain acceptable prices in existing and potential new markets. This may create the opportunity for the third party cross border trade previously mentioned or our decision not to sell the product thus affecting our geographic expansion plans.

 

When a new medical product is approved, the availability of government and private reimbursement for that product is uncertain, as is the amount for which that product will be reimbursed. We cannot predict the availability or amount of reimbursement for our product candidates.

 

If we do not successfully execute our strategy of growth through the acquisition, partnering and in-licensing of products, technologies or companies, our future performance could be adversely affected

 

In addition to the expansion of our pipeline through spending on internal development projects, we plan to grow through external growth opportunities, which include the acquisition, partnering and in-licensing of products, technologies and companies or the entry into strategic alliances and collaborations. If we are unable to complete or manage these external growth opportunities successfully, we will not be able to grow our business in the way that we currently expect. The availability of high quality opportunities is limited and we are not certain that we will be able to identify suitable candidates or complete transactions on terms that are acceptable to us. In addition, even if we are able to successfully identify and complete acquisitions, we may not be able to integrate them or take full advantage of them and therefore may not realize the benefits that we expect. If we are unsuccessful in our external growth program, we may not be able to grow our business significantly and we may incur asset impairment charges as a result of acquisitions that are not successful.

 

Our business is subject to extensive governmental regulation and oversight and changes in laws could adversely affect our revenues and profitability

 

Our business is in a highly regulated industry. As a result, governmental actions may adversely affect our business, operations or financial condition, including:

 

 

The enactment in the U.S. of the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, possible legislation which could ease the entry of competing follow-on biologics in the marketplace, and importation of lower-cost competing drugs from other jurisdictions are examples of changes and possible changes in laws that could adversely affect our business. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 included new authorization for the FDA to require post-market safety monitoring, along with a clinical trials registry, and expanded authority for FDA to impose civil monetary penalties on companies that fail to meet certain commitments.

If we fail to comply with the extensive legal and regulatory requirements affecting the healthcare industry, we could face increased costs, penalties and a loss of business

 

Our activities, including the sale and marketing of our products, are subject to extensive government regulation and oversight both in the U.S. and in foreign jurisdictions. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies 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, causing false claims to be submitted for government reimbursement as well as antitrust violations, or other violations related to environmental matters. 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. In addition to penalties for violation of laws and regulations, we could 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 information we have submitted to the government 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.

 

The federal Medicare/Medicaid anti-kickback law prohibits payments intended to induce any entity either to purchase, order, or arrange for or recommend the purchase of healthcare products or services paid for under federal health care programs. There are similar laws in a number of states. These laws constrain the sales, marketing and other promotional activities of manufacturers of drugs and biologics, such as us, by limiting the kinds of financial arrangements, including sales programs, with hospitals, physicians, and other potential purchasers of drugs and biologics. Other federal and state laws generally prohibit individuals or entities from knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, claims for payment from federal health care programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, or other third party payors that are false or fraudulent, or are for items or services that were not provided as claimed. Anti-kickback and false claims laws prescribe civil and criminal penalties for noncompliance that can be substantial, including the possibility of exclusion from federal healthcare programs (including Medicare and Medicaid).

 

Problems with manufacturing or with inventory planning could result in our inability to deliver products, inventory shortages or surpluses, product recalls and increased costs

 

We manufacture and expect to continue to manufacture our own commercial requirements of bulk AVONEX and TYSABRI. Our products are difficult to manufacture and problems in our manufacturing processes can occur. Our inability to successfully manufacture bulk product and to obtain and maintain regulatory approvals of our manufacturing facilities would harm our ability to produce timely sufficient quantities of commercial supplies of AVONEX and TYSABRI to meet demand. Problems with manufacturing processes could result in product defects or manufacturing failures that could require us to delay shipment of products or recall or withdraw products previously shipped, which could result in inventory write-offs and impair our ability to expand into new markets or supply products in existing markets. In the past, we have had to write down and incur other charges and expenses for products that failed to meet specifications. Similar charges may occur in the future. In addition, lower than expected demand for our products, including suspension of sales, or a change in product mix may result in less than optimal utilization of our manufacturing facilities and lower inventory turnover, which could result in abnormal manufacturing variance charges, facility impairment charges and charges for excess and obsolete inventory.

 

We rely solely on our manufacturing facility in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, or RTP, for the production of TYSABRI. We plan on applying to the FDA and EMEA for approval of a production process, known as a second generation high-titer process, which yields much higher concentrations of TYSABRI than the process we currently use. If we do not obtain approval for that process, to meet anticipated demand for TYSABRI, we would need to increase our capital spending to add capacity at our RTP manufacturing facility and at the Hillerod, Denmark facility we are completing. Such an increase in capital spending would affect our business, cash position and results of operations.

 

If we cannot produce sufficient commercial requirements of bulk product to meet demand, we would need to rely on third party contract manufacturers, of which there are only a limited number capable of manufacturing bulk products of the type we require. We cannot be certain that we could reach agreement on reasonable terms, if at all,

with those manufacturers. Even if we were to reach agreement, the transition of the manufacturing process to a third party to enable commercial supplies could take a significant amount of time. Our ability to supply products in sufficient capacity to meet demand is also dependent upon third party contractors to fill-finish, package and store such products. Any prolonged interruption in the operations of our existing manufacturing facilities could result in cancellations of shipments or loss of product in the process of being manufactured. Because our manufacturing processes are highly complex and are subject to a lengthy FDA approval process, alternative qualified production capacity may not be available on a timely basis or at all.

 

We rely on third parties to provide services in connection with the manufacture of our products and, in some instances, the manufacture of the product itself

 

We rely on Genentech for all RITUXAN manufacturing. Genentech relies on a third party to manufacture certain bulk RITUXAN requirements. If Genentech or any third party upon which it relies does not manufacture or fill-finish RITUXAN in sufficient quantities and on a timely and cost-effective basis, or if Genentech or any third party does not obtain and maintain all required manufacturing approvals, our business could be harmed.

 

We also source all of our fill-finish and the majority of our final product storage operations, along with a substantial portion of our packaging operations of the components used with our products, to a concentrated group of third party contractors. The manufacture of products and product components, fill-finish, packaging and storage of our products require successful coordination among us and multiple third party providers. Our inability to coordinate these efforts, the lack of capacity available at a third party contractor or any other problems with the operations of these third party contractors could require us to delay shipment of saleable products, recall products previously shipped or impair our ability to supply products at all. This could increase our costs, cause us to lose revenue or market share, diminish our profitability and damage our reputation. Any third party we use to fill-finish, package or store our products to be sold in the U.S. must be licensed by the FDA. As a result, alternative third party providers may not be readily available on a timely basis.

 

Due to the unique nature of the production of our products, there are several single source providers of raw materials. We make every effort to qualify new vendors and to develop contingency plans so that production is not impacted by short-term issues associated with single source providers. Nonetheless, our business could be materially impacted by long term or chronic issues associated with single source providers.

 

If we fail to meet the stringent requirements of governmental regulation in the manufacture of our products, we could incur substantial remedial costs and a reduction in sales

 

We and our third party providers are generally required to maintain compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practice, or cGMP, and are subject to inspections by the FDA or comparable agencies in other jurisdictions to confirm such compliance. Any changes of suppliers or modifications of methods of manufacturing require amending our application to the FDA and acceptance of the change by the FDA prior to release of product to the marketplace. Our inability, or the inability of our third party service providers, to demonstrate ongoing cGMP compliance could require us to withdraw or recall product and interrupt commercial supply of our products. 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 the facilities or operations of third parties to pass any regulatory agency inspection could significantly impair our ability to develop and commercialize our products. This non-compliance could increase our costs, cause us to lose revenue or market share and damage our reputation.

 

We have made a significant investment in constructing a manufacturing facility the success of which depends upon the completion and licensing of the facility and continued demand for our products

 

We are building a large-scale biologic manufacturing facility in Hillerod, Denmark, in which we have invested approximately $300 million. We anticipate that the facility will be ready for commercial production in 2009. If we fail to manage the project, or other unforeseen events occur, we may incur additional costs to complete the project. Depending on the timing of the completion and licensing of the facility, and our other estimates and assumptions regarding future product sales, the carrying value of all or part of the manufacturing facility or other assets may not be fully recoverable and could result in the recognition of an impairment in the carrying value at the time that such

effects are identified. The recognition of impairment in the carrying value, if any, could have a material and adverse affect on our results of operations. For example, if the anticipated demand for TYSABRI does not materialize, the carrying values of our Hillerod, Denmark facility could be impaired, which would negatively impact our results of operations.

 

If we are unable to attract and retain qualified personnel and key relationships, the growth of our business could be harmed

 

Our success will depend, to a great extent, upon our ability to attract and retain qualified scientific, manufacturing, sales and marketing and executive personnel and our ability to develop and maintain relationships with qualified clinical researchers and key distributors. Competition for these people and relationships is intense and we compete with numerous pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies as well as with universities and non-profit research organizations. Any inability we experience to continue to attract and retain qualified personnel or develop and maintain key relationships could have an adverse effect on our ability to accomplish our research, development and external growth objectives.

 

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

 

We are increasing our presence in international markets, which subjects us to many risks, such as:

 

 

Our operations and marketing practices are also subject to regulation and scrutiny by the governments of the other countries in which we operate. In addition, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or FCPA, prohibits U.S. companies and their representatives from offering, promising, authorizing or making payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business abroad. In many countries, the healthcare professionals we regularly interact with meet the definition of a foreign official for purposes of the FCPA. Additionally, we are subject to other U.S. laws in our international operations. 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, withdrawal of an approved product from the market, and/or the imposition of civil or criminal sanctions.

 

A portion of our business is conducted in currencies other than our reporting currency, the U.S. dollar. We recognize foreign currency gains or losses arising from our operations in the period in which we incur those gains or losses. As a result, currency fluctuations among the U.S. dollar and the currencies in which we do business will affect our operating results, often in unpredictable ways.

 

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 timing of charges and expenses that we may take. In recent periods, for instance, we have recorded charges that include:

 

 

 

Additionally, net income may 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 charges from hedge ineffectiveness than we expect or from the termination of a hedge relationship.

 

These examples are only illustrative and other risks, including those discussed in these “Risk Factors,” could also cause fluctuations in our reported earnings. In addition, our operating results during any one quarter do not necessarily suggest the anticipated results of future quarters.

 

If we are unable to adequately protect and enforce our intellectual property rights, our competitors may take advantage of our development efforts or our acquired technology

 

We have filed numerous patent applications in the U.S. and various other countries seeking protection of inventions originating from our research and development, including a number of our processes and products. Patents have been issued on many of these applications. We have also obtained rights to various patents and patent applications under licenses with third parties, which provide for the payment of royalties by us. The ultimate degree of patent protection that will be afforded to biotechnology products and processes, including ours, in the U.S. and in other important markets remains uncertain and is dependent upon the scope of protection decided upon by the patent offices, courts and lawmakers in these countries. Our patents may not afford us substantial protection or commercial benefit. Similarly, our pending patent applications or patent applications licensed from third parties may not ultimately be granted as patents and we may not prevail if patents that have been issued to us are challenged in court. In addition, pending legislation to reform the patent system could also reduce our ability to enforce our patents. We do not know when, or if, changes to the U.S. patent system will become law. If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights and prevent others from exploiting our inventions, we will not derive the benefit from them that we currently expect.

 

If our products infringe the intellectual property rights of others, we may incur damages and be required to incur the expense of obtaining a license

 

A substantial number of patents have already been issued to other biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies. Competitors may have filed applications for, or have been issued patents and may obtain additional patents and proprietary rights that may relate to products or processes competitive with or similar to our products and processes. Moreover, the patent laws of the U.S. and foreign countries are distinct and decisions as to patenting, validity of patents and infringement of patents may be resolved differently in different countries. In general, we obtain licenses to third party patents that we deem necessary or desirable for the manufacture, use and sale of our products. We are currently unable to assess the extent to which we may wish or be required to acquire rights under such patents and the availability and cost of acquiring such rights, or whether a license to such patents will be available on acceptable terms or at all. There may be patents in the U.S. or in foreign countries or patents issued in the future that are unavailable to license on acceptable terms. Our inability to obtain such licenses may hinder our ability to manufacture and market our products.

 

Uncertainty over intellectual property in the biotechnology industry has been the source of litigation, which is inherently costly and unpredictable

 

We are aware that others, including various universities and companies working in the biotechnology field, have filed patent applications and have been granted patents in the U.S. and in other countries claiming subject matter potentially useful to our business. Some of those patents and patent applications claim only specific products or methods of making such products, while others claim more general processes or techniques useful or now used in the biotechnology industry. There is considerable uncertainty within the biotechnology industry about the validity,

scope and enforceability of many issued patents in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world, and, to date, there is no consistent policy regarding the breadth of claims allowed in biotechnology patents. We cannot currently determine the ultimate scope and validity of patents which may be granted to third parties in the future or which patents might be asserted to be infringed by the manufacture, use and sale of our products.

 

There has been, and we expect that there may continue to be, significant litigation in the industry regarding patents and other intellectual property rights. Litigation and administrative proceedings concerning patents and other intellectual property rights may be protracted, expensive and distracting to management. Competitors may sue us as a way of delaying the introduction of our products. Any litigation, including any interference proceedings to determine priority of inventions, oppositions to patents in foreign countries or litigation against our partners, may be costly and time consuming and could harm our business. We expect that litigation may be necessary in some instances to determine the validity and scope of certain of our proprietary rights. Litigation may be necessary in other instances to determine the validity, scope and/or noninfringement of certain patent rights claimed by third parties to be pertinent to the manufacture, use or sale of our products. Ultimately, the outcome of such litigation could adversely affect the validity and scope of our patent or other proprietary rights, or, conversely, hinder our ability to manufacture and market our products.

 

Pending and future product liability claims may adversely affect our business and our reputation

 

The administration of drugs in humans, whether in clinical studies or commercially, carries the inherent risk of product liability claims whether or not the drugs are actually the cause of an injury. Our products or product candidates may cause, or may appear to have caused, injury or dangerous drug interactions, and we may not learn about or understand those effects until the product or product candidate has been administered to patients for a prolonged period of time. For example, lawsuits have been filed by patients who have had serious adverse events while using TYSABRI, and we may face lawsuits with other product liability and related claims by patients treated with TYSABRI or other products.

 

We cannot predict with certainty the eventual outcome of any pending or future litigation. We may not be successful in defending ourselves in the litigation and, as a result, our business could be materially harmed. These lawsuits may result in large judgments or settlements against us, any of which could have a negative effect on our financial condition and business. Additionally, lawsuits can be expensive to defend, whether or not they have merit, and the defense of these actions may divert the attention of our management and other resources that would otherwise be engaged in managing our business.

 

We have recently incurred substantial indebtedness that could adversely affect our business and limit our ability to plan for or respond to changes in our business

 

We have recently incurred a substantial amount of indebtedness and we may also incur additional debt in the future. This indebtedness could have significant consequences to our business, for example, it could:

 

 

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, including Genentech and Elan, involve the controlled use of hazardous materials, chemicals, biologics and radioactive compounds. Biologics manufacturing is extremely susceptible to product loss due to contamination, material equipment failure, or vendor or operator error. Although we believe that our safety procedures for handling and disposing of such materials comply with state and

federal standards, there will always be the risk of accidental contamination or injury. In addition, microbial or viral contamination may cause the closure of a manufacturing facility for an extended period of time. By law, radioactive materials may only be disposed of at state-approved facilities. We currently store radioactive materials from our California laboratory on-site because the approval of a disposal site in California for all California-based companies has been delayed indefinitely. If and when a disposal site is approved, we may incur substantial costs related to the disposal of these materials. 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. Biologics manufacturing also requires permits from government agencies for water supply and wastewater discharge. If we do not obtain appropriate permits, or permits for sufficient quantities of water and wastewater, we could incur significant costs and limits on our manufacturing volumes that could harm our business.

 

Our investments in marketable securities are significant and are subject to market, interest and credit risk that may reduce their value

 

We maintain a significant portfolio of investments in marketable securities. Our earnings may be adversely affected by changes in the value of this portfolio. In particular, the value of our investments may be adversely affected by increases in interest rates, downgrades in the corporate bonds included in the portfolio and by other factors which may result in other than temporary declines in value of the investments. Each of these events may cause us to record charges to reduce the carrying value of our investment portfolio.

 

We may incur liabilities to tax authorities in excess of amounts that have been accrued

 

The preparation of our financial statements requires estimates of the amount of tax that will become payable in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. Accordingly, we determine our estimated liability for federal, state and local taxes (in the U.S.) and in many overseas jurisdictions. Our previous tax filings may be challenged by any of these taxing authorities and, in the event that we are not able to defend our position, we may incur unanticipated liabilities and such amounts could be significant. The jurisdictions in which we are subject to taxation may enact or change laws that would adversely impact the rate at which we are taxed in future periods. Such actions could result in an additional income tax provision.

 

Several aspects of our corporate governance and our collaboration agreements may discourage a third party from attempting to acquire us

 

Several factors might discourage a takeover attempt that could be viewed as beneficial to stockholders who wish to receive a premium for their shares from a potential bidder. For example:

 

 

 

 

None.

 

Cambridge, Massachusetts and Surrounding Area

 

Our principal executive offices are located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In Cambridge, we own approximately 510,000 square feet of real estate space, consisting of a 250,000 square foot building that houses research laboratory, office spaces and a cogeneration plant; and an approximately 260,000 square foot building that contains research, development and quality laboratories. We also have development options for an additional 170,000 square feet in Cambridge. We lease a total of approximately 440,000 square feet, consisting of additional office and manufacturing space, in all or part of five other buildings in Cambridge. In addition, we lease approximately 36,000 square feet of warehouse space in Somerville, Massachusetts, approximately 105,000 square feet of office space in Wellesley, Massachusetts, and approximately 25,000 square feet of office and lab space in Waltham, Massachusetts. The lease expiration dates for our leased sites in Massachusetts range from 2008 to 2015.

 

San Diego and Oceanside, California

 

In San Diego, California, we own approximately 43 acres of land upon which we have our oncology research and development campus. The campus consists of five interconnected buildings, which primarily contain laboratory and office space, totaling approximately 350,000 square feet. In July 2007, we sold two parcels of undeveloped property in Oceanside, California, totaling approximately 28 acres of land.

 

Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

 

In Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, we own approximately 530,000 square feet of real estate space. This includes a 108,000 square foot biologics manufacturing facility, a 232,000 square foot large scale manufacturing plant, a second large-scale purification facility of 42,000 square feet, and a 150,000 square foot laboratory office building. We manufacture bulk AVONEX and TYSABRI at this facility. We plan to use this facility to manufacture other products in our pipeline and to meet any obligation to manufacture AMEVIVE resulting from our sale of that product to Astellas. We are continuing further upgrades in Research Triangle Park with ongoing construction of several projects to increase our manufacturing flexibility. In addition, we lease approximately 44,000 square feet of office space in Durham, North Carolina.

 

International

 

We lease space in Zug, Switzerland, our international headquarters, the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Slovak Republic, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Japan, India, China, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and Canada. In addition, we own approximately 60 acres of property in Hillerod, Denmark. We are constructing a large-scale biologic manufacturing facility in Hillerod, Denmark to be used to manufacture TYSABRI and other products in our pipeline. An administrative building, label and packaging facility and lab facility are currently in use. For a discussion of our plans for the Hillerod, Denmark large-scale manufacturing facility, see “Manufacturing and Raw Materials.”

 

 

On March 2, 2005, we, along with William H. Rastetter, our former Executive Chairman, and James C. Mullen, our Chief Executive Officer, were named as defendants in a purported class action lawsuit, captioned Brown v. Biogen Idec Inc., et al. (“Brown”), filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts (the “Court”). The complaint alleges violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. The action is purportedly brought on behalf of all purchasers of our publicly-traded securities between February 18, 2004 and February 25, 2005. The plaintiff alleges that the defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding potentially serious side effects of TYSABRI in order to gain accelerated approval from the FDA for the product’s distribution and sale. The plaintiff alleges that these materially false and misleading statements harmed the purported class by artificially inflating our stock price during the purported class period and that our insiders benefited personally from the inflated price by selling our stock. The plaintiff seeks unspecified damages, as well as interest, costs and attorneys’ fees. Substantially similar actions, captioned Grill v. Biogen Idec Inc., et al. and Lobel v. Biogen Idec Inc., et al., were filed on March 10, 2005 and

April 21, 2005, respectively, in the same court by other purported class representatives. Those actions have been consolidated with the Brown case. On October 13, 2006, the plaintiffs filed an amended consolidated complaint which, among other amendments to the allegations, adds as defendants Peter N. Kellogg, our former Chief Financial Officer, William R. Rohn, our former Chief Operating Officer, Burt A. Adelman, our former Executive Vice President, Portfolio Strategy, and Thomas J. Bucknum, our former General Counsel. On September 14, 2007, the District Court Judge entered an Order allowing the Motions to Dismiss of all defendants. On October 15, 2007, the plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. Plaintiff filed its principal brief on appeal on February 6, 2008. We have not formed an opinion that an unfavorable outcome is either “probable” or “remote” and do not express an opinion at this time as to the likely outcome of the matter or as to the magnitude or range of any potential loss. We believe that we have good and valid defenses to the complaint and intend to vigorously defend the case.

 

On October 4, 2004, Genentech, Inc. received a subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice requesting documents related to the promotion of RITUXAN. We market RITUXAN in the U.S. in collaboration with Genentech. Genentech has disclosed that it is cooperating with the associated investigation which they disclosed that they have been advised is both civil and criminal in nature. Genentech has reported further that the government has called and is expected to call former and current Genentech employees to appear before a grand jury in connection with this investigation. We are cooperating with the U.S. Department of Justice in its investigation of Genentech. The potential outcome of this matter and its impact on us cannot be determined at this time.

 

Along with several other major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, Biogen, Inc. (now Biogen Idec MA, Inc., one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries) or, in certain cases, Biogen Idec Inc., was named as a defendant in lawsuits filed by the City of New York and numerous Counties of the State of New York. All of the cases — except for cases filed by the County of Erie, County of Oswego and County of Schenectady — are the subject of a Consolidated Complaint (“Consolidated Complaint”), which was filed on June 15, 2005, and amended on June 8, 2007, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts in Multi-District Litigation No. 1456 (“the MDL proceedings”). The County of Nassau joined in the amended Consolidated Complaint on June 8, 2007. On September 17, 2007, the County of Erie, County of Oswego and County of Schenectady cases were remanded to state court in New York.

 

All of the complaints in these cases allege that the defendants (i) fraudulently reported the Average Wholesale Price for certain drugs for which Medicaid provides reimbursement (“Covered Drugs”); (ii) marketed and promoted the sale of Covered Drugs to providers based on the providers’ ability to collect inflated payments from the government and Medicaid beneficiaries that exceeded payments possible for competing drugs; (iii) provided financing incentives to providers to over-prescribe Covered Drugs or to prescribe Covered Drugs in place of competing drugs; and (iv) overcharged Medicaid for illegally inflated Covered Drugs reimbursements. Among other things, the complaints allege violations of New York state law and advance common law claims for unfair trade practices, fraud, and unjust enrichment. In addition, the amended Consolidated Complaint alleges that the defendants failed to accurately report the “best price” on the Covered Drugs to the Secretary of Health and Human Services pursuant to rebate agreements, and excluded from their reporting certain discounts and other rebates that would have reduced the “best price.”

 

On September 7, 2006, a New York State court granted in part and denied in part Biogen Idec’s motion to dismiss the County of Erie complaint. On April 2, 2007, the defendants’ joint motion to dismiss the original Consolidated Complaint and the County of Nassau’s second amended complaint were granted in part, but certain claims against Biogen Idec remained. Biogen Idec’s individual motion to dismiss these complaints remains pending. We have not formed an opinion that an unfavorable outcome is either “probable” or “remote” and do not express an opinion at this time as to the likely outcome of the matter or as to the magnitude or range of any potential loss. We believe that we have good and valid defenses to these complaints and intend to vigorously defend the case.

 

Along with several other major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, we were also named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed by the Attorney General of Arizona. The lawsuit was filed in the Superior Court of the State of Arizona and transferred to the MDL proceedings. The complaint, as amended on March 13, 2007, is brought on behalf of Arizona consumers and other payors for drugs, and alleges that the defendants violated the state consumer fraud statute by fraudulently reporting the Average Wholesale Price for certain drugs covered by

various private and public insurance mechanisms and by marketing these drugs to providers based on the providers’ ability to collect inflated payments from third-party payors. Motions to dismiss the complaint have not yet been filed and briefed. We have not formed an opinion that an unfavorable outcome is either “probable” or “remote” and do not express an opinion at this time as to the likely outcome of the matter or as to the magnitude or range of any potential loss. We believe that we have good and valid defenses to the complaint and intend to vigorously defend the case.

 

On January 6, 2006, we were served with a lawsuit, captioned United States of America ex rel. Paul P. McDermott v. Genentech, Inc. and Biogen Idec, Inc., filed in the United States District Court of the District of Maine (“Court”). The lawsuit was filed under seal on July 29, 2005 by a former employee of our co-defendant Genentech pursuant to the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. section 3729 et. seq. On December 20, 2005, the U.S. government elected not to intervene, and the complaint was subsequently unsealed and served. On April 4, 2006, the plaintiff filed his first amended complaint alleging, among other things, that we directly solicited physicians and their staff members to illegally market off-label uses of RITUXAN for treating rheumatoid arthritis, provided illegal kickbacks to physicians to promote off-label uses, trained our employees in methods of avoiding the detection of these off-label sales and marketing activities, formed a network of employees whose assigned duties involved off-label promotion of RITUXAN, intended and caused the off-label promotion of RITUXAN to result in the submission of false claims to the government, and conspired with Genentech to defraud the government. The plaintiff seeks entry of judgment on behalf of the United States of America against the defendants, an award to the plaintiff as relator, and all costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees, interest and other appropriate relief. On July 24, 2007, the District Court granted Biogen Idec’s motion to dismiss on the grounds that the Court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, the complaint fails to state a claim and the claims were not pleaded with particularity. Certain of plaintiff’s claims against Genentech are still pending. On August 14, 2007, the plaintiff filed a motion requesting that the Court allow the plaintiff to file an interlocutory appeal of the granting of Biogen Idec’s motion to dismiss. The court denied the motion on October 22, 2007. We have not formed an opinion that an unfavorable outcome is either “probable” or “remote” and do not express an opinion at this time as to the likely outcome of the matter or as to the magnitude or range of any potential loss. We believe that we have good and valid defenses to the complaint and intend to vigorously defend the case.

 

On June 17, 2006, Biogen Idec filed a Demand for Arbitration against Genentech, Inc. with the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”), which was amended on December 5, 2006 and January 29, 2008. Biogen Idec alleges that Genentech breached the parties’ Amended and Restated Collaboration Agreement dated June 19, 2003 (the “Collaboration Agreement”), by failing to honor Biogen Idec’s contractual right to participate in strategic decisions affecting the parties’ joint development and commercialization of certain pharmaceutical products, including humanized anti-CD20 antibodies. Genentech filed an Answering Statement in response to Biogen Idec’s Demand in which Genentech denied that it had breached the Collaboration Agreement and alleged that Biogen Idec had breached the Collaboration Agreement. Genentech also asserted for the first time that the November 2003 transaction in which Idec acquired Biogen and became Biogen Idec was a change of control under the Collaboration Agreement, a position with which we disagree strongly. It is our position that the Biogen Idec merger did not constitute a change of control under the Collaboration Agreement and that, even if it did, Genentech’s rights under the change of control provision, which must be asserted within 90 days of the change of control event, have long since expired. We have not formed an opinion that an unfavorable outcome is either “probable” or “remote” and do not express an opinion at this time as to the likely outcome of the matter or as to the magnitude or range of any potential loss. We believe that we have good and valid defenses to Genentech’s allegations in the arbitration and intend to vigorously defend against these allegations.

 

On September 12, 2006, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (“DOR”) issued a notice of assessment against Biogen Idec MA, Inc. for $38.9 million of corporate excise tax for the 2001, 2002 and 2003 tax years, which includes associated interest and penalties. On December 6, 2006, we filed an abatement application with the DOR, seeking abatements for 2001-2003. The abatement application was denied on July 24, 2007. On July 25, 2007, we filed a petition with the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board, seeking abatements of corporate excise tax for the 2001-2003 tax years and adjustments in certain credits and credit carryforwards for the 2001-2003 years. Issues before the Board include the computation of Biogen MA’s sales factor for 2001-2003, computation of Biogen MA’s research credits for those same years, and the availability of deductions for certain expenses and partnership flow-

through items. We intend to contest this matter vigorously. We believe that the assessment does not impact the level of liabilities for income tax contingencies.

 

On August 10, 2004, Classen Immunotherapies, Inc. filed suit against us, GlaxoSmithKline, Chiron Corporation, Merck & Co., Inc., and Kaiser-Permanente, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland contending that we induced infringement of U.S. Patent Nos, 6,420,139, 6,638,739, 5,728,383, and 5,723,283, all of which are directed to various methods of immunization or determination of immunization schedules. All Counts asserted against us by Classen were dismissed by the Court upon various motions filed by the Parties. In early December 2006, Classen filed its initial appeal brief with the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. On March 7, 2007, we filed our brief in response. The Court of Appeals held oral argument on August 8, 2007. We have not formed an opinion that an unfavorable outcome is either “probable” or “remote” and do not express an opinion at this time as to the likely outcome of the matter or as to the magnitude or range of any potential loss. We believe that we have good and valid defenses to the complaint and intend to vigorously defend the case.

 

On January 30, 2007, the Estate of Thaddeus Leoniak commenced a civil lawsuit in the Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, against Biogen Idec, the Fox Chase Cancer Center and three physicians. The complaint alleges that Thaddeus Leoniak died as a result of taking the drug ZEVALIN, and seeks to hold Biogen Idec strictly liable for placing an allegedly “unreasonably dangerous” product in the stream of commerce without proper warnings. The complaint also seeks to hold us liable for alleged negligence in the design, manufacture, advertising, marketing, promoting, distributing, supplying and selling of ZEVALIN. The lawsuit seeks damages for pecuniary losses suffered by the decedent’s survivors and for compensatory damages for decedent’s pain and suffering, loss of earnings and deprivation of normal activities, all in an amount “in excess of $50,000.” On January 31, 2007, the Plaintiff’s counsel demanded $7.0 million to settle the lawsuit. We have not formed an opinion that an unfavorable outcome is either “probable” or “remote” and do not express an opinion at this time as to the likely outcome of the matter or as to the magnitude or range of any potential loss. We believe that we have good and valid defenses to the complaint and intend to vigorously defend the case.

 

In addition, we are involved in product liability claims and other legal proceedings generally incidental to our normal business activities. While the outcome of any of these additional claims and 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.

 

 

Not Applicable.

 

 

Market Information

 

Our common stock trades on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol “BIIB.” The following table shows the high and low sales price for our common stock as reported by The NASDAQ Stock Market for each quarter in the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.

 

 

Holders

 

As of February 8, 2008, there were approximately 2,912 stockholders of record of our common stock. In addition, as of February 8, 2008, 452 stockholders of record of Biogen, Inc. common stock have yet to exchange their shares of Biogen, Inc. common stock for our common stock as contemplated by the merger of Biogen, Inc. and Idec Pharmaceuticals Corporation, or the Merger.

 

Dividends

 

We have not paid cash dividends since our inception. We currently intend to retain all earnings, if any, for use in the expansion of our business and, therefore, do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

We incorporate information regarding the securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans into this section by reference from the section entitled “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the proxy statement for our 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

 

None.

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

A summary of issuer repurchase activity for 2007 is as follows:

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

 

 

The following financial data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this report on Form 10-K, beginning on page F-1.

 

BIOGEN IDEC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forward-Looking Information

 

In addition to historical information, this report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those reflected in our forward-looking statements. You can identify our forward-looking statements by our use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “target,” “will” and other words and terms of similar meaning. You also can identify them by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Reference is made in particular to forward-looking statements regarding the anticipated level of future product sales, royalty revenues, expenses and profits, regulatory approvals, our long-term growth, the development and marketing of additional products, the impact of competitive products, the anticipated outcome of pending or anticipated litigation and patent-related proceedings, our ability to meet our manufacturing needs, the value of investments in certain marketable securities, liquidity and capital resources and our plans to spend additional capital on external business development and research opportunities. Risk factors which could cause actual results to differ from our expectations and which could negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations are discussed in Item 1A in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Part I of this report and elsewhere in this report. Unless required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements.

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K, beginning on page F-1.

 

Executive Summary

 

Biogen Idec Inc. was formed in 2003 upon the acquisition of Biogen, Inc. by IDEC Pharmaceuticals Corporation in a merger transaction, or the Merger. We are a global biotechnology company that creates new standards of care in therapeutic areas of high unmet medical needs. We have two licensed biological bulk-manufacturing facilities, including our large-scale manufacturing plant in Research Triangle Park, NC, which is one of the world’s largest cell culture facilities. An additional large-scale manufacturing plant is under construction in Hillerød, Denmark. We maintain research centers of excellence in San Diego, CA and Cambridge, MA. We have additional offices in Canada, Brazil, Australia, Japan and throughout Europe, including our international headquarters in Zug, Switzerland and operate a global distribution network, which covers over 70 countries. We currently employ approximately 4,300 people worldwide.

 

Results for the year ended December 31, 2007 included total revenue of $3,171.6 million, net income of $638.2 million and diluted net income per share of $1.99. These results reflect an increase in revenue primarily attributable to the continued growth in TYSABRI revenue, an increase in RITUXAN revenues from our unconsolidated joint business arrangement as well as the impact of price increases on our AVONEX product. The effect of the increase in revenue was partially offset by an increase in research and development expense due to new and existing clinical trials and other projects and an increase in selling, general and administrative expense related to increased personnel to support ongoing TYSABRI and AVONEX sales.

 

In January 2008, we received notice from Icahn Partners LP and certain of its affiliates for the nomination of three individuals to our Board of Directors at the Company’s 2008 Annual Meeting. The notice also includes a proposal to amend the our bylaws to set the size of the Board at 12. Our Board of Directors will review the notice and consider it in light of the best interests of all shareholders of the Company.

In October 2007, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized management to evaluate whether third parties would have an interest in acquiring us at a price and on terms that would represent a better value for our stockholders than having us continue to execute our strategy on a stand-alone basis. In December 2007, we announced that the board of directors had completed this evaluation, it resulted in no definitive offers to acquire the company and we will continue as an independent company.

 

In November 2007, we entered into an agreement with Neurimmune SubOne AG, or Neurimmune, for the worldwide development and commercialization of human antibodies for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Neurimmune will conduct research to identify potential therapeutic antibodies and we will be responsible for the development and commercialization of all products. Under the terms of the agreement, we paid a $2.0 million upfront payment and could pay up to an additional $378.0 million if certain milestones are met, as well as a royalty on net sales of any products.

 

In August 2007, an agreement with Cardiokine Biopharma LLC became effective for the joint development of lixivaptan, an oral compound for the potential treatment of hyponatremia in patients with congestive heart failure. We will be responsible for the global commercialization of lixivaptan and Cardiokine Biopharma LLC has an option for limited co-promotion in the United States. Under the terms of the agreement, we paid a $50.0 million upfront fee and could pay up to an additional $170.0 million if certain milestones are met.

 

In July 2007, we completed a tender offer in which we purchased 56,424,155 shares of our common stock for a purchase price of $2,990.5 million. We funded the transaction in July 2007 through existing cash and cash equivalents of $1,490.5 million and by obtaining a short-term loan for $1,500.0 million. We retired all of these shares in July 2007.

 

In January 2007, we completed the acquisition of 100% of the stock of Syntonix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for total initial consideration of $44.4 million and contingent payments of up to $124.4 million, if certain milestones are achieved.

 

Marketed Products

 

We currently have four products:

 

 

In December 2007, we sold the U.S. marketing, sales, and manufacturing and development right of ZEVALIN^® to Cell Therapeutics, Inc., or CTI, for an upfront purchase price of $10.0 million and up to an additional $20.0 million in milestone payments. In addition, we will receive royalty payments on future sales of ZEVALIN. As part of the overall agreement, we entered into a supply agreement with CTI to sell ZEVALIN product through 2014 and a related services and security agreement under which CTI has agreed to reimburse us for costs incurred in an ongoing randomized clinical trial for ZEVALIN with respect to aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, or NHL. The $10.0 million upfront payment will be recognized in our results of operations over the term of the supply agreement.

 

Through April 2006, we recorded product revenues from sales of AMEVIVE^® (alefacept). In April 2006, we sold the worldwide rights to this product to Astellas Pharma US, Inc., or Astellas. We will continue to manufacture and supply this product to Astellas for a period of up to 11 years. Under the terms of the supply agreement, we charge Astellas fixed amounts based on volume. Such amounts will be recognized as corporate partner revenue and are not expected to be significant.

 

Most of our revenues are currently dependent on AVONEX, TYSABRI, and RITUXAN. In the near term, we are dependent on the continued sales growth of TYSABRI to grow our overall revenues. In the longer term, our revenue growth is dependent on the successful clinical development, regulatory approval and launch of current pipeline products and other in-licensed or acquired products and programs.

Continued growth of global AVONEX sales is primarily dependent on maintaining AVONEX’s position as the most prescribed multiple sclerosis, or MS, therapy in the U.S. and growing AVONEX market share outside the U.S. In both the U.S. and globally, we face increasing competition in the MS market from currently marketed products and future products in late stage development. We continue to generate data showing AVONEX to be an effective and safe choice for MS patients and physicians.

 

The majority of RITUXAN sales are currently from use in the oncology setting. We believe there is additional room for RITUXAN sales growth in the immunology setting, where RITUXAN is currently indicated for patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, or RA, with inadequate response to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapies, or TNF-IR RA patients. Additional immunology indications for RITUXAN that we are investigating include earlier stage RA patients with inadequate response to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, or DMARD-IR patients, MS and lupus.

 

In July 2006, we began to ship TYSABRI in the U.S. in connection with the re-introduction and internationally for the first time. TYSABRI sales are currently for use in the relapsing remitting MS setting. Growth in TYSABRI revenue will be dependent on the generation of a larger and longer term safety database as well as continued acceptance by physicians and MS patients. In January 2008, the FDA approved TYSABRI as a treatment of certain patients with Crohn’s disease.

 

Clinical Studies

 

Over the past few years, we have incurred significant expenditures related to conducting clinical studies to develop new pharmaceutical products and exploring the utility of our existing products in treating disorders beyond those currently approved in their respective labels. For 2008, we expect to continue to incur significant levels of research and development expenditures. We have a number of pipeline products in late stage clinical trials, including over 15 pipeline products in Phase 2 or Phase 3 trials. Pipeline products for which we have entered or initiated Phase 3 trials include:

 

 

In addition to the expense associated with these late stage trials, other pipeline products are in ongoing or are expected to enter proof of concept trials in 2008.

 

Business Development

 

As part of our business strategy, we plan to consider and, as appropriate, make acquisitions of other businesses, products, product rights or technologies. Our cash reserves and other liquid assets may be inadequate to consummate such acquisitions and develop such products and/or technologies, and it may be necessary for us to raise substantial additional funds in the future to complete future transactions. In addition, as a result of our acquisition efforts, we may experience significant charges to earnings for merger and related expenses that may include transaction costs, closure costs or acquired in-process research and development charges.

 

Other

 

We may experience significant fluctuations in quarterly results, primarily based on the level and timing of:

 

 

 

We expect to use our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities for working capital and general corporate purposes, including the acquisition of businesses, products, product rights or technologies, as well as potential repayment of short-term debt. At this time, we cannot accurately predict the effect of certain developments on the rate of future revenue growth, such as the degree of market acceptance, the impact of competition, the effectiveness of our sales and marketing efforts and the outcome of our current efforts to develop, receive approval for and successfully launch our near-term product candidates.

 

Results of Operations

 

Revenues

 

Revenues were as follows (in millions):

 

 

Product Revenues

 

Product revenues were as follows (in millions):

 

 

Cost of Sales

 

Cost of sales includes the following (in millions):

 

Cost of Product Revenues

 

Cost of product revenues, included in cost of sales, by product are as follows (in millions):

 

 

Included in cost of product revenues, other, for the year ended December 31, 2007 is idle capacity costs of approximately $41.7 million pertaining to our Hillerod and RTP facilities.

 

AVONEX

 

Revenues from AVONEX were as follows (in millions):

 

 

For 2007 compared to 2006, U.S. sales of AVONEX increased $62.8 million, or 6.1%, primarily due to the impact of price increases offset by decreased product demand resulting in lower volume. For 2007 compared to 2006 and international sales of AVONEX increased $98.3 million, or 14.4%, primarily due to the impact of exchange rates and higher sales volume.

 

For 2006 compared to 2005, U.S. sales of AVONEX increased $83.5 million, or 8.9%, primarily due to the impact of price increases and a reduction in discounts associated with the introduction of the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit. These increases were offset by lower volume. For 2006 compared to 2005, international sales of AVONEX increased $80.1 million, or 13.3%, primarily due to increases in volume and price, including the impact of patient mix. Foreign exchange accounted for a 0.6% increase in reported revenues; on a local currency basis, international sales increased 12.7%.

 

We expect to face increasing competition in the MS marketplace in and outside the U.S. from existing and new MS treatments, including TYSABRI, which may impact sales of AVONEX. We expect future sales of AVONEX to be dependent to a large extent on our ability to compete successfully with the products of our competitors.

 

TYSABRI

 

Revenues from TYSABRI were as follows (in millions):

 

Under the terms of a collaboration agreement with Elan Corporation plc, or Elan, we manufacture TYSABRI and collaborate with Elan on the product’s marketing, commercial distribution and on-going development activities. We recognize revenue for sales of TYSABRI in the U.S. upon Elan’s shipment of the product to third party distributors. We recognize revenue for sales of TYSABRI outside the U.S. at the time of product delivery to our customers.

 

In November 2004, TYSABRI was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, as a treatment for relapsing forms of MS to reduce the frequency of clinical relapses. In February 2005, in consultation with the FDA, we and Elan voluntarily suspended the marketing and commercial distribution of TYSABRI, and we informed physicians that they should suspend dosing of TYSABRI until further notification. In 2005, our net revenue associated with sales of TYSABRI was $4.7 million, which consisted of revenue of $15.1 million from sales that occurred prior to our voluntary suspension, offset by an allowance for sales returns of $10.4 million related to returns of product sold prior to the suspension.

 

On June 5, 2006, the FDA approved a supplemental Biologics License Application, or sBLA, for the reintroduction of TYSABRI as a monotherapy treatment for relapsing forms of MS to slow the progression of disability and reduce the frequency of clinical relapses. On June 29, 2006, we and Elan announced that the European Medicines Agency, or EMEA, had approved TYSABRI as a similar treatment. In July 2006, we began to ship TYSABRI in both the United States and Europe. In 2006, we recorded revenue on sales of TYSABRI in the U.S. and Europe relating to 2006 activity of $11.9 million and $10.0 million, respectively. Prior to the suspension of TYSABRI in 2005, we shipped product to Elan in the U.S. and recognized revenue in accordance with the policy described above. As a result of the suspension of TYSABRI, we had deferred $14.0 million in revenue related to TYSABRI product that remained in Elan’s ending inventory. This amount was paid by Elan during 2005 and was subsequently recognized as revenue during 2006, when the uncertainty about the ultimate disposition of the product was eliminated. In 2007, we have recorded revenue on sales of TYSABRI in the U.S. and Europe of $104.4 million and $125.5 million, respectively. The increase in 2007 sales over 2006 sales is primarily due to an increase in the number of patients using TYSABRI and increased volumes, as the product was being shipped for the entire 12 months during 2007.

 

During 2007 and 2006, we had product on hand that had been fully written-off in 2005 due to the uncertainties surrounding the TYSABRI suspension but which is available to fill future orders. As we sold TYSABRI in 2007 and 2006, we realized lower than normal cost of sales and, therefore, higher margins, as we shipped the inventory that had been previously written-off. For 2007 and 2006, cost of sales was approximately $12.6 million and $2.6 million, respectively, lower due to the sale of TYSABRI that had been previously written-off. All TYSABRI inventory that had been previously written-off had been shipped as of December 31, 2007.

 

FUMADERM

 

FUMADERM was produced by Fumapharm, which we acquired in June 2006. In December 2006, we acquired the right to distribute FUMADERM in Germany from Fumedica, beginning on May 1, 2007. In connection with the acquisition of the FUMADERM distribution rights in Germany, we committed to the repurchase of any inventory Fumedica had not sold by May 1, 2007. As a result of this provision, we deferred the recognition of revenue on shipments made to Fumedica through April 30, 2007. We resumed recognizing revenue on sales of FUMADERM into the German market in May 2007. Sales of FUMADERM for 2007 and 2006 were $21.5 million and $9.5 million, respectively. The increase in 2007 sales over 2006 sales is primarily due to increased volumes.

 

ZEVALIN

 

In 2007, 2006 and 2005 sales of ZEVALIN were $16.9 million, $17.8 million and $20.7 million, respectively, of which $13.9 million, $16.4 million, and $19.4 million respectively, were generated in the U.S. The decrease in total ZEVALIN sales in 2007 compared to 2006 was primarily due to the reduction in sales and marketing efforts in 2007 as we prepared for the sale of our rights to market, sell, manufacture and develop ZEVALIN in the U.S., which was completed in December 2007.

AMEVIVE

 

In 2007, 2006 and 2005, sales of AMEVIVE were $0.7 million, $11.5 million and $48.5 million, respectively, of which $0.3 million, $5.0 million and $34.9 million, respectively, were generated in the U.S. The decrease in total AMEVIVE sales for 2007 compared to 2006 and for 2006 compared to 2005 was due to the sale, in April 2006, of our worldwide rights and infrastructure related to sales, production, and marketing of AMEVIVE.

 

Although we sold the rights to this product, we continue to report a small amount of product revenues related to shipments made by certain of our overseas joint ventures, which we consolidate.

 

Provisions for Discounts and Allowances

 

Revenues from product sales are recognized when product is shipped and title and risk of loss has passed to the customer, typically upon delivery. Revenues are recorded net of applicable allowances for trade term discounts, wholesaler incentives, Medicaid rebates, Veteran’s Administration, or VA, rebates, managed care rebates, product returns, other applicable allowances and, in 2006 and 2005, patient assistance and patient replacement goods. The estimates we make with respect to these allowances represent significant judgments.

 

Effective January 1, 2007, we changed the manner in which we administer our patient assistance and patient replacement goods programs. Prior to January 1, 2007, AVONEX product shipped for these programs was invoiced and recorded as gross product revenue and an offsetting provision for discount and returns was recorded for expected credit requests from the distributor that administers these programs on our behalf. Effective January 1, 2007, we entered into a new arrangement with a distributor, which established a consignment sales model. Under the new sales model, gross revenue is not recorded for product shipped to satisfy these programs, and cost of sales is recorded when the product is shipped.

 

Provisions for discounts and allowances reduced gross product revenues as follows (in millions):

 

An analysis of the amount of, and change in, reserves is as follows (in millions):

 

 

Our product revenue reserves are based on estimates of the amounts earned or to be claimed on the related sales. These estimates take into consideration our historical experience, current contractual and statutory requirements, specific known market events and trends and forecasted customer buying patterns. If actual results vary, we may need to adjust these estimates, which could have an effect on earnings in the period of the adjustment.

 

Product revenue reserves are categorized as follows: discounts, contractual adjustments and returns.

 

Discount reserves include trade term discounts, wholesaler incentives and, in 2006 and 2005, patient assistance. For 2007 compared to 2006, discounts decreased $57.2 million, or 55.6%, resulting from a $67.5 million reduction related to the change of patient assistance to a consignment model, offset by increases in trade term discounts and wholesaler incentives. For 2006 compared to 2005, discounts decreased $3.6 million, or 3.4%, reflecting lower amounts of AVONEX distributed through our patient assistance program.

 

Contractual adjustment reserves relate to Medicaid, VA and managed care rebates and other applicable allowances. For 2007 compared to 2006, contractual adjustments increased $11.9 million, or 12.8%, primarily due to the impact of higher reserves for managed care (associated with higher level of activity with respect to rebates) and Medicaid and VA programs (associated with price increases). For 2006 compared to 2005, contractual adjustments were consistent reflecting more activity in the managed care markets, offset by a reduction in Medicaid activity due to the introduction of Medicare Part D, the expanded prescription drug benefit program.

 

Product return reserves are established for returns made by wholesalers and our patient replacement goods program in 2006 and 2005. In accordance with contractual terms, wholesalers are permitted to return product for reasons such as damaged or expired product. We also accept returns from our patients for various reasons. For 2007

compared to 2006, returns decreased $16.6 million, or 42.9%, primarily due to a $15.0 million decrease related to the change to a consignment sales model for patient replacement goods. For 2006 compared to 2005, returns increased $12.7 million, or 48.8%, as a result of an adjustment of $6.9 million to increase reserve levels to correct prior period errors, and higher return experience in 2006. These increases were offset by the impact of returns made in connection with the suspension of TYSABRI in 2005.

 

Reserves for product returns are recorded in the period the related revenue is recognized, resulting in a reduction to product sales. 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.

 

Unconsolidated Joint Business Revenues

 

We copromote RITUXAN in the U.S. in collaboration with Genentech, Inc., or Genentech, under a collaboration agreement between the parties. Under the collaboration agreement, we granted Genentech a worldwide license to develop, commercialize and market RITUXAN in multiple indications. In exchange for these worldwide rights, we have copromotion rights in the U.S. and a contractual arrangement under which Genentech shares a portion of the pretax U.S. copromotion profits of RITUXAN with us. This collaboration was created through a contractual arrangement, not through a joint venture or other legal entity. In June 2003, we amended and restated our collaboration agreement with Genentech to include the development and commercialization of one or more anti-CD20 antibodies targeting B-cell disorders, in addition to RITUXAN, for a broad range of indications.

 

In the U.S., we contribute resources to selling and the continued development of RITUXAN. Genentech is responsible for worldwide manufacturing of RITUXAN. Genentech also is responsible for the primary support functions for the commercialization of RITUXAN in the U.S. including selling and marketing, customer service, order entry, distribution, shipping and billing. Genentech also incurs the majority of continuing development costs for RITUXAN. Under the arrangement, we have a limited sales force as well as limited development activity.

 

Under the terms of separate sublicense agreements between Genentech and F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd., or Roche, commercialization of RITUXAN outside the U.S. is the responsibility of Roche, except in Japan where Roche copromotes RITUXAN in collaboration with Zenyaku Kogyo Co Ltd., or Zenyaku. There is no direct contractual arrangement between us and Roche or Zenyaku.

 

Revenues from unconsolidated joint business consists of our share of pretax copromotion profits, which is calculated by Genentech, and includes consideration of our RITUXAN-related sales force and development expenses, and royalty revenue from sales of RITUXAN outside the U.S. by Roche and Zenyaku. Pre-tax copromotion profit consists of U.S. sales of RITUXAN to third-party customers net of discounts and allowances less the cost to manufacture RITUXAN, third-party royalty expenses, distribution, selling and marketing expenses, and joint development expenses incurred by Genentech and us.

 

Revenues from unconsolidated joint business consist of the following (in millions):

 

Copromotion profits consist of the following (in millions):

 

 

Net sales of RITUXAN to third-party customers in the U.S. recorded by Genentech for 2007 were $2,284.8 million compared to $2,071.2 million in 2006 and $1,831.5 million in 2005. The increase in 2007 from 2006 was primarily due to increased unit sales in treatments of B-cell NHLs and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (an unapproved use of RITUXAN), increased utilization for RA and increases in the wholesale price of RITUXAN. The increase in 2006 from 2005 was primarily due to the approval by the FDA of RITUXAN for two new indications, RA and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and an increase in wholesale prices.

 

For 2007 compared to 2006, reimbursements of selling and development expenses decreased $2.6 million, or 4.2%. For 2006 compared to 2005, such reimbursements increased $13.5 million, or 28.3%. This increase was primarily due to the expansion of the oncology sales force and development costs we incurred related to the development of RITUXAN for RA.

 

Our royalty revenue on sales of RITUXAN outside the U.S. is based on Roche and Zenyaku’s net sales to third-party customers and is recorded on a cash basis. Royalty revenues in 2007 compared to 2006 increased $56.8 million, or 29.3% due to increased sales of RITUXAN outside the U.S. Royalty revenues in 2006 compared to 2005 increased $46.5 million, or 31.5%, primarily due to increased market penetration and an increase in prices. The royalty period with respect to all products is 11 years from the first commercial sale of such product on a country by country basis. RITUXAN was launched in 1998 in most European countries and in 2001 in Japan.

 

Under the amended and restated collaboration agreement, our current pretax copromotion profit-sharing formula, which resets annually, is as follows:

 

 

In 2007, 2006, and 2005, the 40% threshold was met during the first quarter.

 

For each calendar year or portion thereof following the approval date of the first new anti-CD20 product, the pretax copromotion profit-sharing formula for RITUXAN and other anti-CD20 products sold by us and Genentech will change. Additionally, under the amended and restated collaboration agreement, we will receive lower royalty revenue from Genentech on sales by Roche and Zenyaku of new anti-CD20 products, if and when commercially available, as compared to royalty revenue received on sales of RITUXAN. (See Note 16, Unconsolidated Joint Business Arrangement, for further detail).

 

Other Revenue

 

Other revenues consist of the following (in millions):

 

Royalty Revenues

 

We receive revenues from royalties on sales by our licensees of a number of products covered under patents that we control. Our royalty revenues on sales of RITUXAN outside the U.S. are included in revenues from unconsolidated joint business in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

For 2007 compared to 2006, royalty revenues increased $15.9 million, or 18.4%, primarily due to an increase in sales levels of products under license partially offset by the expiration of royalties under certain contracts. For 2006 compared to 2005, royalty revenue decreased $7.0 million, or 7.5%, primarily due to a decrease in sales levels of products under license and to the expiration of certain contracts.

 

We anticipate that total royalty revenues in future years will continue to represent a lower proportion of our total revenues. Royalty revenues may fluctuate as a result of fluctuations in sales levels of products sold by our licensees from quarter to quarter due to the timing and extent of major events such as new indication approvals or government-sponsored programs.

 

Corporate Partner Revenues

 

Corporate partner revenues represent contract revenues and license fees.

 

Costs and Expenses

 

Costs and expenses are as follows (in millions):