Look back at pharma news to Jan 20

Biogen’s $1.25 billion agreement to license Forward Pharma’s intellectual property was a clear boon for the Copenhagen, Denmark-based company, whose shares rose a stunning 55% in morning trade on Tuesday.

But Wall Street analysts said the deal should also help Biogen by extending the patent life on key drug Tecfidera by several years. Biogen’s shares were up a scant 0.3% in Tuesday morning trade, noted Emma Court writing on MarketWatch.

Despite its high price, Tuesday’s agreement does not resolve the patent dispute between the two companies over their rival multiple sclerosis drugs. But it does outline a royalty payment system that depends on the US and European outcomes of the dispute, with Biogen paying 10% royalties if Forward Pharma wins.