Category Archives: Topics

CREDENCE Demonstrates 30% RRR in Renal Outcomes; Nephros Likely New Priority Prescribers For Invokana

Yesterday, Janssen presented full results from the Invokana renal outcomes study, CREDENCE, at the World Congress of Nephrology and simultaneously published the results in the NEJM. The CREDENCE study demonstrated a 30% RRR in the primary composite endpoint (progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), doubling of serum creatinine, and renal or CV death) and met all key secondary endpoints. Recall, in July 2018, CREDENCE was stopped early and Janssen subsequently announced it submitted an sNDA in late March 2019. Below, FENIX provides an overview of the full CREDENCE results, market implications, and the potential impact on ADA and AACE guidelines.

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New US Ozempic 3mL Pen Offering for Maintenance Dosing

According to Drugs@FDA, the Ozempic US label has been updated to reflect a new 3mL pen offering for a maintenance dose of 1mg. The new pen has a different NDC (0169-4130-13) and dials 4 doses of 1mg each. The new pen represents a total strength of 4 mg/3 mL and harmonizes the maximum pen strength offered in Europe. Below, FENIX provides thoughts on this new pen offering including potential reasons around manufacturing efficiencies.

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New Sanofi Insulin Savings Program

Sanofi announced that it has increased the benefits to its Valyou insulin savings program to now offer up to 10 boxes of SoloStar insulin pens and/or 10 vials of 10mL insulin for $99 per month. Previously each 10 mL vial was $99 and each box of SoloStar pens was $149. According to the press release, the program covers all Sanofi insulins (Lantus, Toujeo, Admelog, and Apidra) but not Soliqua. The program will become available starting in June 2019. Below, FENIX provides brief thoughts on the program in the context of the ongoing drug pricing debate.

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Aaron Kowalski to be New JDRF President and CEO

JDRF has appointed Aaron Kowalski (pictured below, Twitter @aaronjkowalski) as the new President and CEO. Previously, Kowalski served as the Chief Mission Officer. He is succeeding Derek Rapp who stepped down in October 2018 after serving as CEO for ~5 years. Below, FENIX provides brief thoughts on Kowalski’s appointment.

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PBMs Take Center Stage at Third Senate Drug Pricing Hearing

Today, the Senate Finance Committee held its third hearing on drug pricing titled “Drug Pricing in America: A Prescription for Change, Part III” which focused particularly on the role of PBMs. As predicted, the PBMs largely tried to deflect attention back onto pharmaceutical manufacturers. Key themes from the hearing include: 1) PBMs blame outdated MPD legislation, PBMs do not set list prices, and PBMs do not want to provide as much transparency as manufacturers do. Below, FENIX provides highlights and insights from the hearing.

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New Valeritas V-Go HEOR Data

Valeritas announced the publication of new HEOR data for its V-Go daily insulin patch pump for T2DM. The V-GoAL study was a randomized trial of 415 T2DM patients which resulted in 24% less total daily insulin as well as statistically significant reductions in A1C compared to standard treatment optimization. Below, FENIX provides thoughts on the V-Go system in the context of the emerging patch pump market.

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New Medtronic/BCBS CGM Outcomes-Based Contract

Medtronic announced it has signed an outcomes-based contract (OBC) with BCBS of Minnesota for the standalone Guardian Connect CGM. According to the press release, the OBC is based on time-in-range metrics. In return, Guardian Connect will be distributed through the BCBS Minnesota pharmacy benefit. While the press release does not specify, it is believed that both insulin-dependent T1DM and T2DM patients are eligible. Below, FENIX provides thoughts on the Medtronic CGM OBC and how it could impact other CGM manufacturers, notably Dexcom and Abbott.

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CGM: WaveForm and A. Menarini Form Partnership for Ex-US Distribution

WaveForm Technologies (subsidiary of AgaMatrix) announced it has formed a partnership with A. Menarini to commercialize WaveForm’s CGM in EMEA and Latin America. The WaveForm CGM is not yet available; however, the company anticipates receiving CE Mark in 2019. Below, FENIX provides thoughts on the partnership.

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Sanofi Pursuing U200 Lispro; New Ph1 Study

Sanofi has initiated a new Ph1 trial evaluating a U200 concentration of its bs-lispro. Below, FENIX provides thoughts on why Sanofi is pursuing U200 Admelog including its likely use in the pre-filled patch pump that is being developed in partnership with Verily and Sensile Medical.

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Livongo for Diabetes Integration with Amazon Alexa

Livongo announced that its Livongo for Diabetes program now integrates with Amazon Alexa to provide glucose values and health tips via Alexa voice commands. According to the press release, the integration is HIPAA compliant. Below, FENIX provides brief thoughts on the initial Alexa integration.

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