STAT+: Pharmalittle: SEC and FTC open probes into Biogen; South Africa’s Afrigen makes its own version of Moderna Covid shot

And so, another working week will soon draw to a close. Not a moment too soon, yes? This is, you may recall, our treasured signal to daydream about weekend plans. Our agenda hovers somewhere between modest and low-key. We plan to promenade with the official mascot, catch up on some reading, and possibly hang with one of the short people. And what about you? This remains a good time to support your local economy by ordering from a local eatery. You could stimulate the economy with some other type of purchase. Or reach out to someone who feels a bit isolated these days. Well, whatever you do, have a grand time. But be safe. Enjoy, and see you soon …
Biogen ( BIIB ) received a civil investigative demand from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and an inquiry from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission seeking information relating to its controversial Aduhelm treatment for Alzheimer’s , according to a regulatory filing (see page F-71 ). The company noted the requests include information about health care sites, marketing, and the approval last June by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The approval occurred, despite questions about effectiveness, after Biogen undertook an initiative aimed at convincing regulators to approve the drug, and an off-the-books meeting Biogen took with a key FDA official. Continue to STAT+ to read the full story…