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BIIB's sNDA for Higher Dose of SMA Drug Spinraza Gets FDA's CRL
ZACKS· 2025-09-24 17:46
Core Viewpoint - Biogen's supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for a higher dose of Spinraza received a complete response letter (CRL) from the FDA, requesting updates to the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls section without citing clinical data deficiencies [1][8]. Regulatory Developments - The company plans to resubmit the regulatory application quickly based on readily available information [2]. - A similar application for the higher dose of Spinraza is under review in the EU, while the high-dose regimen has already been approved in Japan [6][5]. Dosing Regimen - The new higher dosing regimen includes two initial 50 mg doses at a 14-day interval, followed by a 28 mg maintenance dose every four months, compared to the current regimen of four loading doses of 12 mg [3][4]. - This new regimen is expected to reduce dosing frequency and provide significant clinical benefits for SMA patients [4]. Clinical Data and Benefits - The regulatory filings are supported by data from the phase II/III DEVOTE study, which showed statistically significant improvement in motor function in infants treated with the higher dose [4]. - Management believes that the higher dose could slow neurodegeneration more effectively, with greater reductions in neurofilament observed as early as day 64 [5]. Competitive Landscape - Spinraza faces competition from Novartis' Zolgensma and Roche/PTC Therapeutics' Evrysdi, both approved for SMA, which has negatively impacted Spinraza's sales [10][11]. - Sales of Spinraza declined by 8.5% in Q2 2025 due to increased competitive pressure, and global revenues are expected to remain flat in 2025 [11]. Stock Performance - Biogen's shares have decreased by 8.9% this year, contrasting with a 4.3% increase in the industry [7].
IONS' Rare Neurological Disease Drug Meets Late-Stage Study Goal
ZACKS· 2025-09-23 19:16
Core Insights - Ionis Pharmaceuticals announced positive topline results from a pivotal phase III study for its investigational RNA-targeted therapy zilganersen, aimed at treating Alexander disease (AxD) [1][4] Group 1: Study Results - The study met its primary endpoint, showing that patients receiving a 50 mg dose of zilganersen achieved a statistically significant 33.3% stabilization in gait speed compared to the control group, measured by the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT) [2] - Treatment with zilganersen demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile, with consistent benefits observed across key secondary endpoints, indicating evidence of slowed disease progression [3][9] Group 2: Regulatory and Market Implications - Ionis plans to submit a regulatory filing with the FDA for zilganersen in Q1 2026, marking it as the first investigational medicine to show a positive disease-modifying impact in AxD [6][4] - If approved, zilganersen will join Ionis' portfolio as the third wholly-owned drug, alongside Tryngolza and Dawnzera, which were approved in the last 12 months [7] Group 3: Financial Performance and Strategy - Year-to-date, Ionis shares have increased nearly 76%, significantly outperforming the industry growth of 12% [8] - Ionis has established collaborations with major pharmaceutical companies, providing funds through license fees and milestone payments to support the development of its wholly-owned pipeline [10] - The company earns commercial revenues from royalties on Spinraza and Qalsody, with ongoing partnerships for other drug developments [11][12]
Biogen Gets EU Nod for First Postpartum Depression Drug
ZACKS· 2025-09-18 14:21
Core Insights - Biogen's Zurzuvae (zuranolone) has received approval from the European Commission for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD) in adults, making it the first and only approved treatment for this indication in the European Union [1][7] - The approval is based on the successful phase III SKYLARK study, which demonstrated rapid and sustained relief from depressive symptoms [2][7] - Biogen's stock has underperformed this year, with a 5% decline compared to a 3% growth in the industry [3] Product Performance - Zurzuvae was launched in the United States in December 2023, and sales reached $46.4 million in Q2 2025, reflecting a 68% increase sequentially due to rising demand [6][7] - The drug's launch exceeded Biogen's internal expectations, indicating strong market acceptance [6][7] Strategic Partnerships - Zurzuvae was developed in collaboration with Sage Therapeutics, which has been acquired by Supernus Pharmaceuticals. Biogen and Supernus share profits and losses from the commercialization of Zurzuvae in the U.S. [5] Future Growth Potential - Zurzuvae is one of four new product launches by Biogen, alongside Leqembi for Alzheimer's disease, Skyclarys for Friedreich's Ataxia, and Qalsody for ALS, which are expected to drive long-term growth [8]
IONS Hits 52-Week High on Tryngolza's Success in Lowering Triglyceride
ZACKS· 2025-09-03 15:51
Core Insights - Ionis Pharmaceuticals' shares surged 35% following positive results from late-stage studies CORE and CORE2 for its drug Tryngolza (olezarsen) targeting severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG) [1][12] - Both studies achieved their primary endpoint, demonstrating significant placebo-adjusted reductions in triglyceride (TG) levels [2][3] Study Results - At the 80 mg dose, Tryngolza resulted in TG reductions of 72% in CORE and 55% in CORE2 after six months; at the 50 mg dose, reductions were 63% in CORE and 49% in CORE2 [3] - The treatment also significantly reduced acute pancreatitis (AP) events by 85% compared to placebo over 12 months [5][12] Regulatory and Market Potential - Tryngolza was previously approved by the FDA for familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS), marking it as the first approved treatment for this condition [6] - Ionis plans to seek FDA label expansion for Tryngolza to include sHTG, targeting a much larger market of approximately 3 million affected individuals compared to 3,000 with FCS [10][8] Collaborations and Revenue Streams - Ionis has partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies like AstraZeneca, Biogen, GSK, and Novartis, providing funds through license fees and milestone payments [14] - The company earns commercial revenues from royalties on Spinraza, which treats spinal muscular atrophy, and is also involved in marketing Qalsody for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [15] Future Developments - Ionis is expanding its portfolio with several wholly-owned candidates in late-stage studies, including drugs for Alexander's disease, ALS, and Angelman syndrome, with expected commercial launches in the next three years [19]
Ionis Beats on Q2 Earnings & Sales, Stock Up 5% on Raised '25 Outlook
ZACKS· 2025-07-31 14:11
Core Insights - Ionis Pharmaceuticals reported second-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 86 cents, significantly exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 27 cents, compared to an adjusted loss of 24 cents in the same period last year [1] - Total revenues reached $452 million, doubling year-over-year and surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $271 million [2] Revenue Streams - Ionis has licensed Spinraza to Biogen, which is responsible for its commercialization, and receives royalties from its sales. Spinraza is approved for treating spinal muscular atrophy globally [3] - Ionis also earns royalties from Biogen's Qalsody, approved for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with SOD1 mutations, launched in the U.S. in 2023 and in the EU in May 2024 [3] - The FDA approved Wainua (eplontersen) for treating hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloid polyneuropathy in December 2023, co-marketed with AstraZeneca in the U.S. [4] - Following Wainua's U.S. launch, Ionis began receiving royalties from AstraZeneca, which are included in commercial revenues [5] Commercial Revenue Performance - Commercial revenues rose 43% year-over-year to $103 million, driven by Tryngolza product sales and Wainua royalties, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $88 million [7] - Tryngolza contributed $19 million in sales, up from $6 million in the previous quarter, indicating strong launch momentum [8] - Spinraza royalties totaled $54 million, down 5% year-over-year, with sales of $393 million, reflecting an 8% decline compared to the previous year [8] - Wainua royalty revenues amounted to $10 million, with sales of $44 million recorded by AstraZeneca [9] R&D Revenue Growth - R&D revenues surged 128% year-over-year to $349 million, driven by a $280 million upfront payment for out-licensing rights for a rare blood cancer drug to Ono Pharmaceutical [12] - Collaborative agreement revenues totaled $337 million, compared to $141 million in the year-ago quarter [13] Cost and Guidance Updates - Adjusted operating costs rose 8% year-over-year to $282 million, with SG&A costs increasing 42% to support commercialization efforts [14] - Ionis raised its 2025 revenue outlook to $825-$850 million, up from the previous guidance of $725-$750 million, reflecting strong uptake for Tryngolza [15] - The adjusted operating loss is now expected to be between $300-$325 million, down from previous guidance of less than $375 million [18] Updates on Wholly-Owned Candidates - Tryngolza is being evaluated in three late-stage studies for severe hypertriglyceridemia, with positive data from the ESSENCE study [20] - Donidalorsen is under FDA review for hereditary angioedema, with a decision expected next month [21] - Zilganersen is in a late-stage study for Alexander disease, with data expected in 2025 [22] Partnered Candidates Developments - AstraZeneca and Ionis are developing Wainua for ATTR-CM, with data from the phase III CARDIO-TTRANSform study expected in the second half of 2026 [23] - Novartis is developing pelacarsen for elevated Lp(a)-driven cardiovascular disease, with data expected this year [24] - AstraZeneca initiated a phase IIb study on opemalirsen for APOL1-mediated kidney disease, triggering a $30 million milestone payment to Ionis [25]
Ionis' Tryngolza Cuts Triglyceride Levels in Late-Stage Study
ZACKS· 2025-05-20 14:01
Core Insights - Ionis Pharmaceuticals announced positive top-line results from the phase III ESSENCE study for its drug Tryngolza, targeting moderate hypertriglyceridemia in patients at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) [1][2] - The study achieved its primary endpoint, showing a statistically significant reduction in triglyceride (TG) levels, with reductions of 61% and 58% for 80 mg and 50 mg monthly doses, respectively [2] - A majority of participants in the study had their TG levels fall within the normal range (<150 mg/dL) post-treatment, and the drug met all key secondary endpoints [3] Recent Developments - Tryngolza received FDA approval for treating familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS), marking it as the first approved treatment for this rare genetic condition in the U.S. and Ionis' first independent commercial launch [4] - Ionis out-licensed ex-U.S. rights for Tryngolza to Sweden-based Sobi, which will handle future regulatory filings and commercialization outside the U.S. [5] - The drug is also being evaluated for severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG) in two late-stage studies, with data expected in Q3 2025 [6][7] Financial and Revenue Streams - Ionis has a diverse revenue stream through collaborations with major pharmaceutical companies like AstraZeneca, Biogen, GSK, and Novartis, providing funds for its development pipeline [10] - The company earns commercial revenues from royalties on Spinraza, which treats spinal muscular atrophy, and is also involved in marketing Qalsody for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [11] - Recent approvals for drugs like Wainua and ongoing studies for other candidates could further enhance Ionis' revenue and reduce reliance on collaboration partners [12][14]
第三大疾病市场,遭巨头放弃
Xin Lang Cai Jing· 2025-05-07 16:26
Core Viewpoint - AstraZeneca has announced a complete withdrawal from the CNS (Central Nervous System) field, terminating multiple pipeline projects, marking a significant strategic decision following its $80 billion revenue target announcement [1][2]. Group 1: AstraZeneca's Strategic Decision - The decision to exit the CNS field reflects the high difficulty of product development in this area and the pressure to achieve short-term KPIs, leading the company to focus on more certain high-revenue products like weight loss drugs and ADCs [2][4]. - The withdrawal indicates a significant loss of research investment and time, as the CNS field has seen mixed results in recent years, with other major companies like Amgen, Pfizer, and Sanofi also abandoning CNS projects [2][8]. Group 2: CNS Market Overview - The CNS market is considered the third-largest disease market, with a strong necessity for drug control and long medication cycles for conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's [2][3]. - Despite recent setbacks, there have been notable breakthroughs in the CNS field, including advancements in Alzheimer's treatments and new mechanisms for schizophrenia drugs, indicating potential for future growth [7][12]. Group 3: Challenges in CNS Drug Development - CNS drug development faces significant challenges, including limited understanding of brain mechanisms, the blood-brain barrier, and subjective symptom assessment, leading to lower approval rates compared to non-CNS drugs [4][5]. - The slow iteration of drugs in the CNS field means that any successful product can enjoy a longer lifecycle with less competition, which has allowed smaller companies to establish themselves [5][12]. Group 4: Domestic CNS Players - The domestic CNS drug market in China is projected to grow from approximately $16.9 billion in 2022 to $31.1 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 8%, outpacing global growth [12][13]. - Local companies are increasingly focusing on innovative CNS drugs, with several firms transitioning from generics to original drug development, leveraging improved research infrastructure and market demand [13][14].
BIIB's Q1 Earnings Miss, Revenues Top Mark, 2025 EPS Guidance Cut
ZACKS· 2025-05-01 17:45
Core Viewpoint - Biogen reported first-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $3.02, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.32, with an 18% year-over-year decline in earnings due to a $165 million upfront payment to Stoke Therapeutics for a collaboration agreement [1][2][19] Financial Performance - Total revenues for Q1 2025 were $2.43 billion, reflecting a 6% year-over-year increase on a reported basis and an 8% increase on a constant-currency basis, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.23 billion [2] - Total product sales reached $1.73 billion, up 1% year over year on a reported basis and 3% on a constant-currency basis [4] - Contract manufacturing and royalty revenues surged 61% year over year to $293 million, while Alzheimer's collaboration revenues increased to $33 million from $3 million in the prior year [5][6] Product Sales Breakdown - Multiple sclerosis (MS) revenues totaled $953 million, down 11% on a reported basis due to generic competition for Tecfidera [9] - Sales of Spinraza rose 24.2% to $423.9 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $365 million [12] - New drug Qalsody for ALS recorded sales of $15.5 million, while Zurzuvae for postpartum depression generated $28 million in sales, reflecting a 21.7% sequential increase [13][14] Cost and Guidance - Adjusted R&D expenses decreased 3% year over year to $427 million, while adjusted SG&A expenses rose 1% to $572 million [16] - The company reaffirmed its total revenue guidance for 2025, expecting a mid-single-digit percentage decline in constant currency terms compared to 2024, and lowered its adjusted EPS guidance to a range of $14.50 to $15.50 [18][19] Market Performance - Year to date, Biogen's shares have declined 20.9%, compared to a 3.3% decrease in the industry [3]
Ionis Q1 Earnings and Sales Top Estimates, Stock Gains on Raised '25 View
ZACKS· 2025-05-01 15:45
Core Viewpoint - Ionis Pharmaceuticals reported a narrower adjusted loss in Q1 2025 compared to the previous year and exceeded revenue expectations, driven by strong sales from its licensed products and new drug approvals [1][2][6]. Financial Performance - The adjusted loss per share for Q1 2025 was 75 cents, better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $1.11 and an adjusted loss of 77 cents in the same quarter last year [1]. - Total revenues reached $132 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $120 million, marking an 11% increase year over year [2]. - Commercial revenues amounted to $76 million, a 29% increase year over year, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $67 million [6]. - R&D revenues declined 7% year over year to $56 million, but still beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $50 million [10]. Revenue Streams - Ionis earns royalties from Biogen on the sales of Spinraza and Qalsody, with Spinraza royalties totaling $48 million, up 26% year over year [7]. - Wainua generated $9 million in royalty revenues, with sales recorded at $39 million by AstraZeneca [7]. - Tryngolza contributed $6 million in product sales during its first quarter of recognition [6]. Cost Structure - Adjusted operating costs rose 5% year over year to $249 million, with SG&A costs increasing by 52% to support commercialization efforts [11]. - R&D costs decreased by 6% as several late-stage studies concluded [11]. Guidance and Future Outlook - Ionis raised its 2025 revenue guidance to between $725 million and $750 million, up from over $600 million, reflecting new licensing deals [12]. - The adjusted operating loss is now expected to be less than $375 million, improved from the previous guidance of less than $495 million [15]. - The company anticipates ending 2025 with approximately $1.9 billion in cash, up from a prior projection of $1.7 billion [16]. Drug Development Updates - Tryngolza is under evaluation in three late-stage studies for severe hypertriglyceridemia, with data expected in 2025 [18]. - Donidalorsen is awaiting FDA approval for hereditary angioedema, with a decision expected by August 21, 2025 [19]. - Zilganersen is in a phase III study for Alexander disease, with data expected in 2025 [20]. Partnerships and Collaborations - AstraZeneca and Ionis are co-marketing Wainua for hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloid polyneuropathy in the U.S. and have plans for further development in other forms of amyloidosis [21]. - Ionis has out-licensed rights for a rare blood cancer drug to Ono Pharmaceutical, receiving an upfront payment of $280 million and potential milestone payments [23].