ANN ARBOR, Mich., Oct. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Esperion (NASDAQ: ESPR) today announced that it has entered into a settlement agreement with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Inc. and its affiliate Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. (together, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories). This agreement resolves the patent litigation brought by Esperion against Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories in response to Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories’ Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) seeking approval to market a generic version of each of NEXLETOL and N ...

Core Insights - Hims & Hers Health is set to offer generic semaglutide in Canada as Novo Nordisk's patent on Ozempic and Wegovy is expiring in January [1][2] - The company aims to provide affordable and high-quality weight loss care, emphasizing accessibility and personalized care [2] - The Canadian semaglutide market generated $1.18 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $4.03 billion by 2035 [4] Company Strategy - Hims & Hers is entering the Canadian market for the first time, joining other drugmakers capitalizing on the expired patent of GLP-1 drugs [2] - The company is collaborating with an approved partner to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations regarding the generic semaglutide [5] Market Context - Generic semaglutide is a copy of the brand-name drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, offering the same efficacy and safety standards once the patent expires [3] - The approval process for generic semaglutide is underway in Canada, although no generic version has been approved yet [4][5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record fourth quarter and full year 2024 results, with total revenues of $190.6 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 45% on an as-reported basis and 24% on an organic basis [10][38] - Adjusted non-GAAP EBITDA for the fourth quarter was $50 million, compared to $30.2 million in the prior year period, reflecting strong operational performance [43] - The company raised its 2025 revenue guidance to between $756 million and $776 million, representing growth of 23% to 26% over 2024 [8][44] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Rare disease was the primary driver of growth, with Cortrophin Gel generating close to $200 million in sales in its third year since launch [9] - Revenues from rare disease more than doubled to $87 million in the fourth quarter, with Cortrophin Gel revenues at $59.4 million, up 42% from the prior year [39] - The generics business delivered $78.6 million in revenues, an increase of 9% over the fourth quarter of 2023, driven by operational excellence and new product launches [20][40] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall ACTH market is expected to have grown about 25% to approximately $660 million in 2024, with Cortrophin Gel's growth contributing significantly [27] - The company estimates that the addressable patient population for ILUVIEN and YUTIQ is approximately six to ten times higher than the current number of patients on therapy [19][64] - The generics segment is expected to see low double-digit growth in 2025, supported by new product launches and a strong base business [22][46] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to broaden its presence in the rare disease space, as evidenced by the acquisition of Alimera Sciences [9] - The focus will remain on rare disease as the primary growth driver, with continued investment in R&D and commercial initiatives to support this segment [55] - The company is also expanding its ophthalmology sales team and investing in marketing to increase awareness of its products [13][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth prospects for Cortrophin Gel and the overall rare disease market, despite near-term challenges related to market access for ILUVIEN and YUTIQ [19][64] - The company anticipates a typical Q4 to Q1 drop in sales for Cortrophin Gel due to prescription reauthorizations, followed by strong sequential growth in subsequent quarters [44][66] - Management highlighted the importance of addressing unmet needs in autoimmune disorders and inflammatory diseases, which could significantly expand the addressable market for Cortrophin Gel [28] Other Important Information - The company has taken steps to enhance supply security for ILUVIEN and YUTIQ, including extending its partnership with its contract manufacturer [15] - A prefilled syringe for Cortrophin Gel is under FDA review, expected to launch in the second quarter of 2025, aimed at improving patient convenience [30][31] - The company has redefined its reporting segments to better reflect its business structure post-acquisition [38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Business development and M&A capacity - Management indicated a thoughtful approach to leverage ratios, historically keeping it under three, and expressed intent to pursue additional business development and M&A without straining the balance sheet [53][54] Question: Gout's contribution to Cortrophin sales - Currently, 15% of Cortrophin's volume comes from gout, which is seen as a gateway indication for new prescribers [56][57] Question: Access issues for ILUVIEN and YUTIQ - Management acknowledged access issues due to funding shortfalls for patient assistance programs but remains confident in the long-term growth prospects for these products [64][65] Question: Seasonality impact on Cortrophin - Typical Q4 to Q1 dynamics are expected, with a drop in sales followed by sequential growth, supported by strong early trends [66] Question: Transitioning supply from EyePoint to Siegfried - Management is confident in the transition and has built up inventory to ensure supply security during the change [70][73]