How woke is Biogen?

Introduction

Biogen, once renowned for pioneering treatments for neurological and autoimmune disorders, is now also making a name for itself with progressive “woke” policies. This review delves into Biogen’s dive into diversity quotas, political donations, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and more, examining whether its new priorities are overshadowing its original mission in healthcare. 

Has this company shifted its focus to social agendas instead of science?

Financial Contributions to Progressive Causes

Biogen directs a significant part of its funding toward causes tied to social justice and climate change. For instance, the Biogen Foundation’s mission is to support education and healthcare “focusing on diverse and underserved populations.” 

Biogen is not just looking to heal bodies but also to “address health inequities exacerbated by climate change. “It seems intent on reshaping itself as a force for social change, but one has to wonder: Are its research and medical missions being sidelined in the process?

Prioritization of DEI Policies

Biogen’s hiring practices heavily emphasize diversity metrics, so much so that they track racial, gender, and identity data closely, seemingly above traditional qualifications. According to their DEI report, “diversity hiring metrics” reflect their intent to “reshape the workforce to align with the communities we serve.” 

Sure, it’s an admirable goal, but when identity is prioritized “alongside qualifications,” it raises concerns about the role of merit in hiring​. Biogen’s approach may be inclusive, but where does this leave the principle of hiring the best person for the job?

Mandatory Training Sessions

Biogen requires employees to attend training sessions on implicit bias and cultural competence. Their DEI report describes these sessions as “essential for building an equitable workplace.” While intended to foster inclusivity, implicit bias training promotes divisiveness by reducing interactions to perceived biases. While examining potential biases has its place, this training approach might leave some employees feeling boxed into assumptions rather than unified as a team.

Support for LGBTQ+ Initiatives

Biogen is serious about supporting LGBTQ+ issues. Not content with celebrating Pride only in June, Biogen makes “every month Pride Month”, as per a report from MassBio News. The company isn’t just talking about it either—they’re actively promoting stories like “Learning to be Corey: Coming Out Story” to share experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. 

When a brand strongly advocates social issues, it risks stepping into political territory. This alienates those who feel businesses should remain neutral, especially when prioritising social agendas over their primary corporate missions.

Marketing and Branding

Biogen’s marketing strategy also reflects its commitment to social equity. When promoting Aduhelm, a high-profile Alzheimer’s treatment, they directed efforts at communities of color. However, as MM&M Online points out, the clinical trials for Aduhelm showed low participation from non-white demographics, which makes the campaign feel a bit performative. 

Social justice initiatives should be aimed at meaningful solutions rather than performative gestures. This gap between the message and reality gives the impression that Biogen is more focused on projecting a progressive image than backing it up with consistent actions.

Conclusion

From DEI hiring quotas and mandatory bias training to LGBTQ+ initiatives and social justice-driven marketing, Biogen is clearly committed to the progressive playbook. While their policies may resonate with some, the intense focus on identity politics and social activism can feel out of place for a company that’s supposed to be at the forefront of medical innovation.

At the end of the day, Biogen is leaning heavily into woke culture, possibly at the cost of its core healthcare mission.