Novo Nordisk hosted its post-Q3 ’19 earnings event in London. Consistent with previous quarters, the session included a brief presentation from Novo management followed by Q&A. Below, FENIX provides highlights and insights from the call including additional thoughts on Novo’s improved oral semaglutide formulation.
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.
A CT.gov record for a new Ph2 trial has been observed comparing FlexTouch (PDS290) to the DV3396 pen as well as two different formulations of semaglutide (“Semaglutide B” and “Semaglutide D”). Recall, in July 2019, Novo initiated a nearly identical Ph2 study evaluating two formulations of semaglutide in the same injectors. Below, FENIX provides updated insights regarding the trials, DV3396 injection device, and the new semaglutide formulations.
Insulet announced it has received 510(k) clearance to use Novo’s Fiasp in Insulet’s Omnipod patch pump. Recall, earlier this week, Novo announced it received FDA approval for Fiasp pump compatibility in adult patients requiring insulin therapy. Additionally, Senseonics announced that Humana will now be providing coverage for the Eversense implantable CGM system and insertion procedure (effective October 22, 2019). Below, FENIX provides brief thoughts and potential market implications for each news item.
Novo Nordisk announced FDA approved Fiasp pump compatibility in adults with T1DM and T2DM. According to Novo, the updated label is based on data from the Onset 5 clinical trial (CT.gov record). Recall, Onset 5 demonstrated non inferiority in the primary outcome measure of change in A1C, but failed to show superiority. Below, FENIX provides context and insight surrounding the approval, including read-through to Lilly’s ultra rapid-acting insulin lispro (URLi).
The CHMP agenda for this week’s meeting (October 14-17) has been released, and it includes two notable items (Lilly nasal glucagon opinion and Toujeo age indication extension). Below, FENIX provides diabetes-related highlights and insights from the CHMP agenda.
A series of diabetes-related news has come out today including Sanofi’s plan to unveil its new business strategy during an Investor Day in December. Additionally, Novo Nordisk announced a partnership with Noom for a digital obesity coaching solution, and Lifescan is engaging with Willis Towers Watson to expand access to the OneTouch Reveal Plus digital platform. Below, FENIX provides thoughts and analysis for each respective news item.
Novo Nordisk hosted an investor call to discuss the recent Rybelsus FDA approval (previous FENIX insight). Unsurprisingly, much of the investor call discussion centered around Rybelsus pricing and market access. Below, FENIX provides a Rybelsus pricing and website analysis as well as thoughts on Novo’s commentary regarding a potential semaglutide HFpEF study.
Novo Nordisk announced FDA approval of its oral semaglutide which is now branded as “Rybelsus” (view Rybelsus US label here). Rybelsus (pronounced reb-EL-sus) appears to be a play on the word “rebel” alluding to the idea that oral semaglutide is rebelling against injectable GLP-1RA. Recall, Novo filed oral semaglutide on March 20, 2019 with a priority review voucher (PRV) which allowed for a short 6-month review. Below, FENIX provides a Rybelsus label analysis, thoughts on the impending launch, and potential insights into the upcoming CV indication PDUFAs for Ozempic and Rybelsus.
Novo Nordisk presented results at EASD from CONCLUDE, its Tresiba vs. Toujeo T2DM basal-only H2H study, and announced the results in a press release. While the trial failed to demonstrate a statistically significant benefit in the primary endpoint (severe or BG-confirmed symptomatic hypoglycemia), key secondary outcomes showed a clear benefit favoring Tresiba. It is a bit ironic that since the primary endpoint was not met, no conclusions can be made from the CONCLUDE secondary outcomes. Below, FENIX provides thoughts on the trial including a winners & losers analysis.