Xeris has announced positive topline results from the in-clinic stage of its Ph2 study of ready-to-use (RTU) glucagon for the prevention of exercise-induced hypoglycemia (EIH) in patients with T1DM. Below, FENIX provides context and insights on the results.
A series of diabetes-related news items were observed today from AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk, and MannKind. AZ announced FDA filing acceptance and granting of priority review for the Farxiga DAPA-HF sNDA. According to AZ, the PDUFA date is in Q2 2020. Additionally, Novo announced US approval of Fiasp for pediatric populations. Further, MannKind announced that it has received approval of the proposed price of Afrezza in Brazil, and intends to commence marketing and distribution the week of January 13, 2020. Below, FENIX provides context and insights regarding these news items.
Fibrogen announced it has appointed Enrique Conterno as its new CEO. Recall, during Lilly’s Q3 ’19 earnings call, the company announced that Conterno would retire at the end of 2019 to be succeeded by Mike Mason. Below, FENIX provides brief thoughts on Conterno’s new role as the head of Fibrogen.
ADA recently updated its Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes for 2020, which includes key additions across multiple drug classes. Of note, the standards now include a recommendation for initiating SGLT2i or GLP-1RA therapy in patients with ASCVD, HF, or CKD (SGLT2i only) who are already at their A1C goal. Interestingly, while the guidelines were updated to include discussion of the CANVAS/R, CREDENCE, DECLARE, REWIND, and CARMELINA trials, CAROLINA and DAPA-HF trials were not addressed. Below, FENIX provides thoughts and market implications for selected guideline updates.
With the start of the new year, Novo Nordisk announced the launch of its insulin savings program called “My$99Insulin” as well as authorized generics (AG) of NovoLog and NovoLog Mix products. With the My$99Insulin program, patients are able to purchase “up to three vials or two packs of FlexPen/FlexTouch/Penfill pens of any combination of insulins from Novo Nordisk Inc. for $99.” Recall, Novo first disclosed plans to offer its insulin affordability program in September 2019. Below, FENIX provides additional thoughts on the My$99Insulin program.
Mylan has challenged a patent for Novo Nordisk’s Victoza. Additionally, several diabetes players including Lexicon, Poxel, MannKind, and Diamyd have announced clinical results before the holiday break. Below, FENIX provides contexts and insights on these news items.
Following the September 2019 Rybelsus approval, Novo Nordisk initiated a limited launch in October 2019 to specialists and high-prescribing PCPs. Even with the limited promotional support, Rybelsus appears to be off to a highly successful start, ahead of both Trulicity and Ozempic time-aligned launches. Below, FENIX has conducted a launch analysis, including early insights from NRx trends as well as an overview of both field and digital promotion materials.
A series of diabetes-related news has been observed including a new partnership between Novo Nordisk and UVA, Roche amended its agreement with Senseonics to reduce the minimum CGM volume obligation, and Lilly publishes an open letter on insulin pricing. Below, FENIX provides highlights and insights for the respective news items.
Rezolute, Inc. (formerly AntriaBio) announced topline results for the Ph1 study evaluating its ultra-long acting basal insulin (AB101). Of note, Rezolute stated that based on results from the Ph1 study, additional formulation work must be performed before advancing the program. Below, FENIX provides brief insights into AB101 and its commercial potential.
Medtronic announced it has completed the acquisition of “Klue,” a company developing behavior tracking technology to “provide real-time insights into when a person is consuming food.” Additionally, a new CT.gov record has been observed for an investigator-initiated trial evaluating Tandem’s closed-loop systems (Basal IQ and Control IQ) in T1DM patients on an SGLT2i. Below, FENIX provides thoughts on the news items including how Klue may help to enhance Medtronic’s PCL while still leaving some potential hurdles.