Biogen is a biotech company that develops, manufactures, and sells therapies for treating neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. The company is the market leader in multiple sclerosis drugs and launched the first approved treatments for spinal muscular atrophy and Alzheimer's disease. The company also sells products that treat plaque psoriasis, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, lymphocytic leukemia, and rheumatoid arthritis. Current research continues on MS and has expanded to include neuroimmunology, ophthalmology, lupus, and other neuromuscular and movement disorders. Founded in 1978, the company is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, employs 7,570 people, and is a component of the S&P 500.

U.S. stock indices are mostly in the red today, with investors perhaps experiencing a little 'green exhaustion' after the solid gains booked of late. Also of note, the meaningful news starts to hit the tape tomorrow with the release of the Fed minutes, so getting a little defensive in case the minutes include unwanted news is also defensible.

Biogen and Idec merged in 2003, combining forces to market Biogen's multiple sclerosis drug Avonex and Idec's cancer drug Rituxan. Today, Rituxan and next-generation antibody Gazyva (oncology) and Ocrevus (multiple sclerosis) are marketed via a collaboration with Roche. Biogen markets several multiple sclerosis drugs including Plegridy, Tysabri, Tecfidera, and Vumerity. Biogen's newer products include Spinraza (SMA, with partner Ionis), Leqembi (Alzheimers, with partner Eisai), Skyclarys (Friedreich's Ataxia, Reata), Zurzuvae (postpartum depression, Sage), and Qalsody (ALS, Ionis). Biogen has several drug candidates in phase 3 trials in neurology, immunology, and rare diseases.

In this edition, online commerce set for acceleration, consolidation; the market may be missing changes afoot at Veolia; an overview of the moat ratings for big biotech firms; and Kraft Heinz, Tyson Foods, and Nutrien.