The CHMP agenda for this month’s meeting (December 9-12) has been released, and it includes two notable items (potential oral semaglutide opinion and high-dose Trulicity was filed). Below, FENIX provides diabetes-related highlights and insights from the CHMP agenda.
Lannett has announced positive results from the Ph1 PK/PD study evaluating their biosimilar insulin glargine vs. Lantus, which initiated in June 2019. In light of meeting all primary endpoints, Lannett indicated they are planning to meet with FDA to discuss the next steps for bs-glargine development. Below, FENIX provides context and insights, particularly related to the FDA’s recent biosimilar insulin draft guidance.
The FDA has approved an expanded indication for Sanofi’s Toujeo in pediatric patients aged 6 years and older based on the positive results from EDITION JUNIOR, which were announced earlier this month. Previously, Toujeo was only approved for adults aged 18 and over. A Sanofi press release has not yet been observed. Below, FENIX provides context and insights on the expanded indication.
Yesterday, FDA issued a new draft guidance titled, “Clinical Immunogenicity Considerations for Biosimilar and Interchangeable Insulin Products.” In the draft guidance, FDA outlines its updated thinking on the need for immunogenicity studies for biosimilar insulin products. Recall, on March 23, 2020, insulin products are being reclassified as biologics, and biosimilars will be governed by the 351(k) pathway. Below, FENIX provides an overview of the FDA’s new draft guidance and implications to the insulin market since it appears that the barriers to developing biosimilar insulins have been significantly reduced.
Reuters is reporting that Muzammil Mansuri, Sanofi’s EVP of strategy and business development, is set to leave the company at the end of November 2019. The same report says that Alban de la Sabliere and Laurent Van Lerberghe will assume Mansuri’s responsibilities. Below, FENIX provides brief thoughts on Mansuri’s departure in the context of the larger management and strategy changes within the Sanofi organization.
Lilly announced plans to invest $400M in its Lilly Technology Center campus in Indianapolis. The capital investment is said to include enhancements to existing manufacturing facilities that make Lilly insulin, expanding capacity for other marketed diabetes products, and initial capital investments for future medicines. Below, FENIX provides brief thoughts on Lilly’s investments including insights into which products are likely benefiting.
Novo hosted its 2019 Capital Markets Day and provided updates on the strategic direction of the company through 2025 including commercial activities and R&D strategy. Of note, Novo provided clarity on Rybelsus positioning vs. Ozempic and competitor products as well as details on novel drug delivery technologies, including two oral peptide delivery methods being developed at MIT and the semaglutide+AM833 injection device. Below, FENIX provides details and insights from the call.
Today, a series of diabetes-related news has been observed including the EC approval of AZ’s Qtrilmet (dapa+saxa+met triple FDC)as well as new data from Fractyl, Dario, and Valeritas related to the concurrent Diabetes Technology Meeting occurring in Bethesda. Below, FENIX provides highlights and insights on the respective news items.
Mylan and Becton Dickinson hosted their respective Q3 ’19 earnings calls. Of note, Mylan provided a brief update on its insulin development program (in partnership with Biocon). Below, FENIX provides diabetes-related highlights and insights from the calls.
Novo Nordisk hosted its Q3 ’19 earnings call (press release) and provided updates to its diabetes business, including details on the Ozempic and Rybelsus launches, discontinuation of an oral GLP-1RA (OG2023SC) due to promising new formulations of oral semaglutide, and other pipeline activities. Of note, Novo disclosed that it is developing a PCSK9i compound for potential co-formulation with its other pipeline products. Below, FENIX provides highlights and insights from the call.