Category Archives: Topics

Biocon Q1 ’20 (FY ’20) Earnings Update

Biocon hosted its CY Q1 ’20 (FY Q4 ’20) earnings call and provided brief updates on its biosimilar insulin development programs. Unsurprisingly, there were many analyst questions focusing on pricing strategy and interchangeability for bs-glargine, although Biocon’s senior management were reluctant to provide details. Below, FENIX provides highlights from the earnings call as well as brief thoughts on what approval for interchangeability in the US may look like.

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Zealand Q1 ’20 Earnings Update; Xeris Partners with Clinigen

Two diabetes-related news items have ben observed: Zealand hosted its Q1 ’20 earnings call and Xeris announced it has entered into an agreement with Clinigen for ex-US Gvoke distribution. Importantly, Zealand disclosed BI is now pursuing its GLP-1/GCG dual agonist (BI 456906) for NASH. Below, FENIX provides highlights and insights from the respective news items.

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Sanofi to Return Efpeg Rights To Hanmi

Sanofi has reportedly informed Hanmi of its intention to return efpeglenatide rights back to Hanmi. Hanmi noted that the two companies have 120 days to renegotiate the efpeglenatide deal at which point Hanmi said it may be open to taking legal action against Sanofi if needed. Below, FENIX provides insight into Sanofi’s decision, the potential impact on the efpeg development program, and why efpeg is still an attractive option for treating NASH/obesity.

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Semaglutide Ph3 Obesity Positive Topline Results (STEP 4)

Yesterday, Novo Nordisk announced positive results from the Ph3a STEP 4 trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of Semaglutide 2.4mg on body weight. Recall, STEP 4 is the first of the Ph3 semaglutide obesity program trials to read out. Below, FENIX provides an overview of the results as well as thoughts on potential readthrough to high-dose Ozempic.

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Updated Perspective on Nemaura’s CGM; Lifescan and Noom Collaboration; Dario Q1 ’20 Earnings Update

Several diabetes-related news items have been observed: Nemaura Medical’s CEO provided an interview regarding the company’s H2H CGM study, saying that the CGM used was Abbott’s Libre, Lifescan announced a partnership with Noom to pilot a digital diabetes and weight loss management program, and DarioHealth hosted its Q1 ’20 earnings call. Below, FENIX provides updated perspective on Nemaura’s CGM in light of the recent CEO interview, thoughts on the Lifescan/Noom collaboration, and highlights from the Dario earnings call.

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Thoughts on Yescarta vs Kymriah Q1 2020 Sales Comparison

Yescarta sales continued to grow versus the previous quarter (Q4 2019), seemingly with little initial impact from COVID-19, in contrast to Kymriah which reported a slight dip in Q1 2020 sales (see previous FENIX insight). Below, FENIX provides thoughts on published revenues and possible factors influencing HCPs’ CAR-T prescribing preferences.

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Gilead/Kite Q1 2020 Earnings Update

On Thursday, April 30, Gilead held their Q1 2020 earnings call (press release / financial report / slides). Of note, Yescarta sales continued to grow versus the previous quarter (Q4 2019), seemingly with little initial impact from COVID-19, in contrast to Kymriah which saw a slight dip in Q1 2020 sales. Below, FENIX provides thoughts on Gilead’s cell therapy program, particularly in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

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Liso-Cel PDUFA 3-Month Delay; BMS Q1 2020 Call Summary

On Thursday, May 6, BMS held their Q1 2020 earnings call (press release / slides), providing an update on their CAR-T program. As announced on May 5 (press release), the company explained that the liso-cel PDUFA date has been pushed back three months to November 16, 2020 to allow the FDA time to review additional data considered to be a major amendment. Meanwhile, BMS provided brief commentary on their BCMA CAR-Ts ide-cel and orva-cel. Below, FENIX provides highlights and analysis from the call, particularly in the context of the liso-cel PDUFA setback in a field being led by Yescarta and Kymriah.

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Nemaura Announces Positive Initial Data from H2H CGM Study; Mylan Q1 ’20 Earnings Update

Two diabetes-related news items have been observed: Nemaura Medical announced positive early data from a H2H trial of sugarBEAT vs. an undisclosed incumbent CGM device and Mylan hosted its Q1 ’20 earnings call. Below, FENIX provides highlights of the news items as well as thoughts on where sugarBEAT may fit within the CGM market.

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Ozempic Now Promoted on Victoza HCP Website

Novo Nordisk has recently updated the Victoza HCP website to include messaging for Ozempic. The first image on the Victoza HCP website landing page now states “Consider prescribing once-weekly Ozempic for your appropriate adult patients” with additional Ozempic messaging peppered throughout the Victoza HCP website. As of this publication, there has not been Ozempic messaging added to the Victoza patient website. Below, FENIX provides a brief overview of the Ozempic messaging on the Victoza HCP site as well as thoughts on Novo phasing out Victoza promotion during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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