Biocon hosted its CY Q3 ’19 (FY Q2 ’19) earnings call and briefly discussed its insulin pipeline including bs-glargine, bs-aspart, and oral insulin tregopil. Below are highlights from the call.
Novo Nordisk announced positive topline results from PIONEER 8 which evaluated oral semaglutide vs. placebo on background basal insulin. FENIX has updated the PIONEER results summary table which now includes data from data from PIONEER 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10. The last 2 studies in the PIONEER program, PIONEER 6 (CVOT), and PIONEER 9 (monotherapy in Japanese subjects) are projected to read out by YE ’18. Below, FENIX provides thoughts on why PIONEER 8 is anticipated to be a highly impactful study given recent changes to the ADA/EASD guidelines that recommend GLP-1RA before basal insulin.
Merck hosted its Q3 ’18 earnings call and only briefly discussed its diabetes business. Of note, this is the first time in recent memory that Merck has provided an accompanying slide presentation with its earnings release. Consistent with previous quarters, nearly all of the event was dedicated to Keytruda, and there was no discussion of Merck’s discontinuation of bs-glargine. Below are highlights from the call.
A CT.gov record has been observed for a new study (AMPLITUDE-L) evaluating Sanofi’s QW GLP-1RA, efpeglenatide, on background insulin glargine. While not specified in the CT.gov record, it is assumed the trial would use Lantus given the “L” in the trial name. Below, FENIX conducted a comparative analysis of the Ph3 efpeglenatide studies in the context of the GLP-1RA class.
Novo Nordisk is partnering with Flex to help scale Novo’s diabetes connected care solutions. Interestingly, the press release also disclosed that Flex has already been working with Novo “to help design and manufacture elements of Novo Nordisk’s new connected insulin pens.” According to the press release, Novo has chosen to utilize Flex’s off-the-shelf solution called BrightInsight, which will allow Novo to integrate its apps, connected devices, and algorithms. Below, FENIX provides insight into why Novo’s connected care strategy made a partnership with Flex a necessity despite Novo already having a partnership with Glooko.
With the start of the 2018 EASD conference, Novo Nordisk announced upcoming plans to launch two connected reusable pens (NovoPen 6 and NovoPen Echo) in addition to digital health partnerships with Dexcom, Roche, and Glooko. According to the press release, Novo plans to initiate the launch of its connected pens in Q1 2019. Importantly, Novo also disclosed intentions to launch connected disposable pens “later in 2019.” Below, FENIX provides thoughts on Novo’s connected pens and new partnerships.
Xeris Pharmaceuticals announced FDA has accepted the NDA filing for its stable glucagon with a PDUFA date on Monday, June 10, 2019, the Monday of ADA. This confirms FENIX’s previous belief that Xeris’s stable glucagon would have a 10-month review period. Below, FENIX provides thoughts on Xeris’s later-than-anticipated regulatory submission and impending market dynamics in the glucagon rescue market.
Dexcom announced the G6 CGM will be available to Medicare patients starting early 2019. Additionally, Dexcom has entered into an agreement with Validic to integrate Dexcom CGM data into Validic’s data connectivity platform, called Validic Inform, which streams data from in-home connected devices into HCP systems. Below, FENIX provides thoughts on G6 Medicare availability as well as reasons why the Validic partnership makes sense for Dexcom.
Dexcom announced the G6 CGM will be available to Medicare patients starting early 2019. Additionally, Dexcom has entered into an agreement with Validic to integrate Dexcom CGM data into Validic’s data connectivity platform, called Validic Inform, which streams data from in-home connected devices into HCP systems. Below, FENIX provides thoughts on G6 Medicare availability as well as reasons why the Validic partnership makes sense for Dexcom.
Novo Nordisk and Anthem’s outcomes research subsidiary, HealthCore, announced they are working together on a “real-world pragmatic study” (called SEPRA as in SEmaglutide PRAgmatic) evaluating Ozempic vs. standard of care (defined as commercially available oral or injectable antidiabetic medication other than semaglutide). The study initiated in July 2018 and is currently recruiting patients. Below, FENIX provides insight into potential motivating factors for Novo conducting the study (e.g. pilot for an outcomes-based contract).