Rakovina Therapeutics Announces Additional Synthesized Compounds in its AI-Driven Cancer Drug Discovery Program

On February 6, 2025 Rakovina Therapeutics Inc. (TSX-V: RKV) (FSE: 7JO), a biopharmaceutical company advancing cancer therapies based on DNA-damage response technologies, reported continued advancement of its AI-driven drug discovery program (Press release, Rakovina Therapeutics, FEB 6, 2025, View Source;utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rakovina-therapeutics-announces-additional-synthesized-compounds-in-its-ai-driven-cancer-drug-discovery-program [SID1234650087]). Over the next four months, additional small-molecule drug candidates, designed in collaboration with Pharma Inventor Inc., will be synthesized and delivered for further evaluation.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

The expanded program builds on the success of the first batch of AI-designed PARP1-selective inhibitors announced earlier this year. These new compounds are being tailored to optimize efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetic profiles, targeting critical unmet needs in oncology, including central nervous system (CNS) malignancies.

Separately, Rakovina Therapeutics expects to receive the first synthesized drug candidates from its second AI-driven drug discovery program targeting ATR.

AI-derived drug candidates are first validated in silico before being synthesized and evaluated for in vitro and in vivo activity against a specific target product profile in the Company’s laboratories at the University of British Columbia. Rakovina Therapeutics plans to advance the most promising lead candidates into human clinical trials in collaboration with pharmaceutical industry partners.

Leveraging AI for Revolutionary Advances in Cancer Treatment
The potential of artificial intelligence to accelerate medical breakthroughs has never been more apparent. Recent comments from leaders in AI and healthcare highlight the transformative role this technology will play in curing diseases at an unprecedented pace. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, recently stated, "We will see diseases get cured at an unprecedented rate. We will be amazed at how quickly we’re curing this cancer and that one — and heart disease. AI will cure the diseases at a rapid, rapid rate."

Similarly, Oracle CEO Larry Ellison emphasized AI’s ability to revolutionize early cancer detection and personalized treatments, stating, "If you can do it using AI, you can do early cancer detection with a blood test… Once we gene sequence that cancer tumor, you can then vaccinate the person — design a vaccine for every individual person… in about 48 hours."

These bold predictions align with Rakovina’s approach to combine cutting-edge AI with world-class scientific expertise. By leveraging AI platforms like Deep Docking and Enki,

Rakovina Therapeutics is poised to contribute to this new era of rapid medical advancements, accelerating the development of innovative cancer therapies.

Advancing Innovation and Expanding Potential
Each set of compounds is being developed to address specific therapeutic gaps, including the treatment of cancers that involve the brain, such as BRCA-mutated metastatic breast cancer and glioblastoma. Leveraging its collaborations for utilizing the Deep Docking and Enki systems, Rakovina continues to employ cutting-edge artificial intelligence to accelerate drug discovery and bring meaningful therapies closer to patients in need.

"This expansion demonstrates the scalability and impact of our AI platform partnership," said Prof. Mads Daugaard, Chief Scientific Officer. "With additional compounds in the pipeline, we are dramatically increasing the potential for identifying novel therapeutics to tackle some of the most challenging cancers. This ongoing development exemplifies our commitment to innovation and efficiency in cancer research."

Jeffrey Bacha, Executive Chairman, added, "The addition of these AI-designed compounds significantly broadens our pipeline potential and will accelerate progress toward delivering life-changing treatments. By rapidly scaling our efforts, we are addressing the growing demand for innovative cancer therapies with unprecedented precision and speed."

Neurocrine Biosciences Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2024 Financial Results and Provides Financial Expectations for 2025

On February 6, 2025 Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: NBIX) reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024 and provided financial guidance for 2025 (Press release, Neurocrine Biosciences, FEB 6, 2025, View Source [SID1234650085]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"I’m proud of the tremendous progress we made last year with the continued growth of INGREZZA for patients living with tardive dyskinesia or Huntington disease chorea. With the approval and launch of CRENESSITY, we look forward to delivering the first new treatment for the congenital adrenal hyperplasia community in over 70 years, transforming the standard of care for patients," said Kyle W. Gano, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Neurocrine Biosciences. "With a rapidly advancing and growing pipeline and a strong financial profile, we are well positioned to build a leading neuroscience company."

Financial Highlights

Three Months Ended

December 31,

Twelve Months Ended

December 31,

(unaudited, in millions, except per share data)

2024

2023

2024

2023

Revenues:

Net Product Sales

$ 621.2

$ 507.2

$ 2,330.6

$ 1,860.6

Collaboration Revenue

6.5

8.0

24.7

26.5

Total Revenues

$ 627.7

$ 515.2

$ 2,355.3

$ 1,887.1

GAAP Research and Development (R&D)

$ 185.6

$ 137.5

$ 731.1

$ 565.0

Non-GAAP R&D

$ 164.4

$ 124.3

$ 662.3

$ 497.0

GAAP Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A)

$ 287.8

$ 218.9

$ 1,007.2

$ 887.6

Non-GAAP SG&A

$ 241.6

$ 194.0

$ 862.5

$ 757.4

GAAP Net Income

$ 103.1

$ 147.7

$ 341.3

$ 249.7

GAAP Earnings Per Share – Diluted

$ 1.00

$ 1.44

$ 3.29

$ 2.47

Non-GAAP Net Income

$ 173.4

$ 157.7

$ 656.3

$ 390.0

Non-GAAP Earnings Per Share – Diluted

$ 1.69

$ 1.54

$ 6.33

$ 3.86

(unaudited, in millions)

December 31,

2024

December 31,

2023

Total Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities

$ 1,815.6

$ 1,719.1

Net Product Sales Highlights

INGREZZA fourth quarter and fiscal 2024 net product sales were $615 million and $2.3 billion, respectively
INGREZZA fourth quarter net product sales grew 23% compared to fourth quarter 2023, driven by strong underlying patient demand and improvement in gross-to-net dynamics
CRENESSITY fourth quarter and fiscal 2024 net product sales were $2 million reflecting initial pharmacy orders following approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2024
Other Key Financial Highlights

Differences in fourth quarter 2024 GAAP and Non-GAAP operating expenses compared with fourth quarter 2023 were driven by:
Increased R&D expense in support of an expanded and advancing portfolio including investments in osavampator in major depressive disorder, our muscarinic franchise and preclinical research and discovery activities.
Increased SG&A expense includes incremental investment in CRENESSITY-related headcount, CRENESSITY-related pre-launch activities, and continued investment in INGREZZA, including the recent expansion of our psychiatry and long-term care sales teams in September 2024.
Increased stock-based compensation expense (GAAP) of $28 million primarily related to performance-based awards achievement associated with CRENESSITY FDA approval and a charge associated with the retirement of our CEO in October 2024.
Fourth quarter 2024 GAAP net income and earnings per share were $103 million and $1.00, respectively, compared with $148 million and $1.44, respectively, for fourth quarter 2023
Fourth quarter 2024 Non-GAAP net income and earnings per share were $173 million and $1.69, respectively, compared with $158 million and $1.54, respectively, for fourth quarter 2023
Differences in fourth quarter 2024 GAAP and Non-GAAP net income compared with fourth quarter 2023 driven by:
Higher INGREZZA net sales
Increased operating expenses to support expanding and advancing R&D portfolio, incremental investments for CRENESSITY pre-launch activities and INGREZZA recent sales force expansion
Fourth quarter 2024 includes $66 million of stock-based compensation expense compared with $38 million for fourth quarter 2023 (Non-GAAP adjustment)
Fourth quarter 2024 includes a $2 million loss from changes in fair values of equity investments compared with a $29 million gain for fourth quarter 2023 (Non-GAAP adjustment)
As of December 31, 2024, repurchased and retired approximately 2.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock valued at approximately $240.5 million pursuant to a previously announced $300 million accelerated share repurchase (ASR) program. The $300 million program was completed in early February 2025 repurchasing and retiring approximately 2.3 million shares.
At December 31, 2024, the Company had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaling approximately $1.8 billion
A reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP financial results can be found in Table 3 and Table 4 at the end of this news release.
Recent Developments

CRENESSITY was approved in December 2024 by the FDA as an adjunctive treatment to glucocorticoid replacement to control androgens in adult and pediatric patients four years of age and older with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).
Announced the initiation of the Phase 3 program for osavampator (formerly NBI-1065845 / TAK-653), a potential first-in-class AMPA positive allosteric modulator in development for patients with inadequate response to treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).
Announced amendment to strategic collaboration with Takeda to develop and commercialize osavampator. Under the amended agreement, Neurocrine will obtain exclusive rights for all indications to develop and commercialize osavampator in all territories worldwide except Japan, where Takeda will acquire exclusive rights. Under the terms of the updated agreement, each company is responsible for development costs in their respective region, and both companies are eligible to receive royalty payments.
Received Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) notification in January that INGREZZA qualifies for the small biotech exemption under the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program.
Announced the initiation of its Phase 1 clinical study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of investigational compound NBI-921355 in healthy adult participants. NBI-921355 is an investigational, selective inhibitor of voltage-gated sodium channels Nav1.2 and Nav1.6 and in development for the potential treatment of certain types of epilepsy.
Presented subgroup analyses and data from the KINECT-HD study showing the impact of INGREZZA capsules on emotional health and psychiatric stability in patients with chorea associated with Huntington’s disease. The subgroup analysis showed consistent efficacy in reducing chorea compared to placebo across all identified subgroups, categorized by demographics and baseline assessment scores. A separate data analysis showed improvements in some aspects of emotional health with no worsening of psychiatric symptoms.
Presented data from more than 300 patients diagnosed with tardive dyskinesia and treated with INGREZZA capsules. These data showed significant improvements in functional, social, emotional and health-related quality of life measures in Phase 3 and 4 studies and improvements in functional, social, independence, emotional and physical aspects of patients’ lives and antipsychotic adherence in real-world practice.
Full Year 2025 Financial Guidance

Range

(in millions)

Low

High

INGREZZA Net Product Sales 1

$ 2,500

$ 2,600

GAAP R&D Expense 2

$ 960

$ 1,010

Non-GAAP R&D Expense 2, 3

$ 890

$ 940

GAAP SG&A Expense 4

$ 1,110

$ 1,130

Non-GAAP SG&A Expense 3, 4

$ 955

$ 975

1.

INGREZZA sales guidance reflects expected net product sales of INGREZZA in tardive dyskinesia and chorea associated with Huntington’s disease.

2.

R&D guidance reflects the continued advancement of our pre-clinical and clinical portfolio including the initiation of our Phase 3 programs for osavampator in MDD and NBI-568 in schizophrenia. R&D guidance includes $60 million of expense for development milestones primarily in connection with our collaborations with Takeda and Nxera achieved or deemed probable to achieve. Acquired in-process research and development expense is included in guidance once significant collaboration and licensing arrangements have been completed.

3.

Non-GAAP guidance adjusted to exclude estimated non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $70 million in R&D and $130 million in SG&A and vacated legacy campus facility costs.

4.

SG&A guidance range reflects expense for ongoing commercial initiatives supporting INGREZZA growth and the launch of CRENESSITY.

Conference Call and Webcast Today at 4:30 PM Eastern Time
Neurocrine Biosciences will hold a live conference call and webcast today at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time (1:30 p.m. Pacific Time). Participants can access the live conference call by dialing 800-225-9448 (US) or 203-518-9708 (International) using the conference ID: NBIX. The webcast and accompanying slides can also be accessed at approximately 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Neurocrine Biosciences’ website under Investors at www.neurocrine.com. A replay of the webcast will be available on the website approximately one hour after the conclusion of the event and will be archived for approximately one month.

Merck Announces Phase 3 waveLINE-010 Trial Initiation Evaluating Zilovertamab Vedotin, an Investigational Antibody-Drug Conjugate, for the Treatment of Patients With Previously Untreated Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

On February 6, 2025 Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, reported the initiation of waveLINE-010, a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating zilovertamab vedotin in combination with rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and prednisone (R-CHP) compared to rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (R-CHOP) alone, for the treatment of patients with previously untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (Press release, Merck & Co, FEB 6, 2025, View Source [SID1234650084]). Zilovertamab vedotin is Merck’s investigational antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that targets receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1). Global recruitment of the waveLINE-010 trial has begun, with patients now enrolling.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"Following the encouraging results observed in the Phase 2 waveLINE-007 trial, we look forward to evaluating the potential clinical benefits of a combination regimen with zilovertamab vedotin in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma compared to the current standard treatment," said Dr. Gregory Lubiniecki, vice president, oncology clinical research, Merck Research Laboratories. "ADCs have shown promise as an important modality in the treatment of different cancer types, and the initiation of this Phase 3 waveLINE clinical trial demonstrates our commitment to researching zilovertamab vedotin to help address unmet needs for patients with this aggressive and most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma."

WaveLINE-010 is a randomized, open-label Phase 3 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06717347), which is enrolling an estimated 1,046 patients globally. The primary endpoint is progression-free survival (PFS), and secondary endpoints include complete response (CR) rate at the end of the treatment, overall survival, event-free survival, duration of CR and safety.

Zilovertamab vedotin is currently being evaluated in the Phase 2/3 waveLINE-003 dose confirmation and expansion trial (NCT05139017) for the treatment of relapsed or refractory DLBCL and in the Phase 2 waveLINE-007 trial (NCT05406401) in combination with R-CHP in patients with previously untreated DLBCL. Merck recently presented data from this trial for the first time at the 66th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and Exposition in December 2024.

About diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Lymphoma is cancer beginning in the lymphatic system – the network of organs, vessels and tissues that protects the body from infection. There are many subtypes of lymphoma, which is often categorized into two main types – Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, the most common form of NHL, is derived from white blood cells that grow rapidly and uncontrollably, enlarging the lymph nodes and often migrating to other parts of the body. DLBCL accounts for approximately 25-30% of all NHLs worldwide. In the U.S., it is estimated that approximately 25,000 patients are diagnosed with DLBCL each year. The five-year relative survival rate for DLBCL is 60-70%.

About zilovertamab vedotin (MK-2140)

Zilovertamab vedotin is an investigational ADC that targets ROR1. ROR1 is a transmembrane protein that is overexpressed in multiple hematologic malignancies. Merck is committed to research with zilovertamab vedotin across B-cell malignancies and is establishing a robust program of clinical trials under the name waveLINE. The waveLINE program includes a Phase 2/3 study in patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL (waveLINE-003, NCT05139017) and a Phase 2 study in patients with previously untreated DLBCL (waveLINE-007, NCT05406401).

Immuneering Announces Clinical Supply Agreement with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals to Evaluate IMM-1-104 in Combination with Libtayo® (cemiplimab)

On February 6, 2025 Immuneering Corporation (Nasdaq: IMRX), a clinical-stage oncology company seeking to develop and commercialize more effective and better tolerated therapies for cancer patients, reported a clinical supply agreement with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals for its anti-PD-1 therapy, Libtayo (cemiplimab) (Press release, Immuneering, FEB 6, 2025, View Source [SID1234650083]). The supply agreement supports the evaluation of Immuneering’s lead product candidate, IMM-1-104, in combination with Libtayo in patients with unresectable or metastatic RAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Immuneering’s ongoing Phase 2a clinical trial of IMM-1-104 in advanced solid tumors.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"We are excited to announce this collaboration, which is the first that Immuneering has entered with IMM-1-104. Regeneron is a global leader in cancer research and development, and the combination of IMM-1-104 and Libtayo in advanced non-small cell lung cancer has the potential to address unmet needs for patients with this disease," said E.B. Brakewood, Chief Business Officer of Immuneering.

"Preclinical data presented at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) 2022 annual meeting supports the dual-targeting potential of our deep cyclic inhibitors of MEK in combination with immuno-oncology agents, including PD-1 inhibitors, to both break tumor MAPK addiction and enhance anti-tumor immunity," said Brett Hall, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Immuneering.

Under the terms of the clinical supply agreement, Immuneering will sponsor the planned studies and Regeneron will provide Libtayo. Immuneering will maintain global development and commercialization rights to IMM-1-104. Regeneron develops and commercializes Libtayo globally.

Lilly reports full Q4 2024 financial results and provides 2025 guidance

On February 6, 2025 Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) reported its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2024 and detailed 2025 financial guidance (Press release, Eli Lilly, FEB 6, 2025, View Source [SID1234650082]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"2024 was a highly successful year for Lilly," said David A. Ricks, Lilly’s chair and CEO. "We had major data readouts for tirzepatide in treating chronic disease associated with obesity, invested billions more in expanding our manufacturing capacity and launched Kisunla and Ebglyss — important drivers of our long-term balanced growth outlook. We enter 2025 with tremendous momentum and look forward to strong financial performance and several important Phase 3 readouts which, if positive, will further accelerate our long-term growth."

Lilly shared numerous updates recently on key regulatory, clinical, business development and other events, including:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of Zepbound for a new indication as the first and only prescription medicine for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity;
FDA approval of Omvoh for the treatment of moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease in adults and a recommendation for approval by the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use;
Approval of Kisunla in China for the treatment of early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease;
Positive topline results from the SURMOUNT-5 Phase 3b open-label randomized trial in which Zepbound (tirzepatide) showed a 47% greater relative weight loss compared to Wegovy (semaglutide) head-to-head;
Positive Phase 3 results from the BRUIN CLL-321 trial evaluating pirtobrutinib, a non-covalent (reversible) Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor in adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) previously treated with a covalent BTK inhibitor;
Presentation and publication of the EMBER-3 study showing that imlunestrant (oral SERD), in patients with second-line ER+, HER2- metastatic breast cancer, reduced the risk of progression or death as a monotherapy in patients with ESR1 mutations, and in combination with Verzenio, regardless of ESR1 mutation status;
Positive Phase 2 results for muvalaplin, an investigational once-daily, orally administered selective inhibitor of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], a genetically inherited risk factor for heart disease;
The announcement of an agreement to acquire Scorpion Therapeutics’ mutant-selective PI3Kα inhibitor program;
A commitment to expand the company’s manufacturing facility in Kenosha County, Wisconsin, with a $3 billion investment to enhance Lilly’s global parenteral (injectable) product manufacturing network; and
Announced a $15 billion share repurchase program and, for the seventh consecutive year, a 15% increase in Lilly’s quarterly dividend.
For information on important public announcements, visit the news section of Lilly’s website.

Financial Results

$ in millions, except

per share data

Fourth Quarter

2024

2023

% Change

Revenue

$ 13,532.8

$ 9,353.4

45 %

Net income – Reported

4,409.8

2,189.6

101 %

Earnings per share – Reported

4.88

2.42

102 %

Net income – Non-GAAP

4,805.5

2,249.4

114 %

Earnings per share – Non-GAAP

5.32

2.49

114 %

A discussion of the non-GAAP financial measures is included below under "Reconciliation of GAAP Reported to Selected Non-GAAP Adjusted Information (Unaudited)."

Fourth-Quarter Reported Results
In Q4 2024, worldwide revenue was $13.53 billion, an increase of 45% compared with Q4 2023, driven by a 48% increase in volume, partially offset by a 4% decrease due to lower realized prices. The volume increase was driven by growth from Mounjaro and Zepbound. Lower realized prices were primarily driven by Mounjaro, partially offset by Zepbound and Humalog. New Products1 revenue grew by $3.15 billion to $5.64 billion in Q4 2024, led by Zepbound and Mounjaro. Growth Products2 revenue increased 13% to $5.95 billion in Q4 2024 driven by growth in Verzenio and Jardiance, partially offset by lower Trulicity sales. The growth in Jardiance revenue included a one-time benefit of $300.0 million associated with an amendment to the company’s collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim.

1 Lilly defines new products as select products launched since 2022, which currently consist of Ebglyss, Jaypirca, Kisunla, Mounjaro, Omvoh and Zepbound.

2 Lilly defines Growth Products as select products launched prior to 2022, which currently consist of Cyramza, Emgality, Jardiance, Olumiant, Retevmo, Taltz, Trulicity, Tyvyt and Verzenio.

Revenue in the U.S. increased 40% to $9.03 billion, driven by a 45% increase in volume, partially offset by a 5% decrease due to lower realized prices. The increase in U.S. volume was primarily driven by Zepbound and Mounjaro, partially offset by Trulicity. The lower realized prices in the U.S. were primarily driven by Mounjaro, partially offset by Zepbound and Humalog.

Revenue outside the U.S. increased 55% to $4.50 billion, driven by a 56% increase in volume. The volume increase outside the U.S was driven primarily by Mounjaro and, to a lesser extent, Verzenio. This volume increase also reflected the aforementioned $300.0 million payment received related to Jardiance.

Gross margin increased 47% to $11.13 billion in Q4 2024. Gross margin as a percent of revenue was 82.2%, an increase of 1.3 percentage points. The increase in gross margin percent was primarily driven by favorable product mix, partially offset by lower realized prices.

In Q4 2024, research and development expenses increased 18% to $3.02 billion, or 22.3% of revenue, driven by continued investments in the company’s early and late-stage portfolio.

Marketing, selling and administrative expenses increased 26% to $2.42 billion in Q4 2024, primarily driven by promotional efforts supporting ongoing and future launches.

In Q4 2024, the company recognized acquired in-process research and development (IPR&D) charges of $189.2 million compared with $622.6 million in Q4 2023. The Q4 2023 charges primarily related to the acquisition of Mablink Biosciences SAS and the business development transaction with Beam Therapeutics Inc.

In Q4 2024, the company recognized asset impairment, restructuring and other special charges of $344.0 million, compared with $67.7 million in Q4 2023. The charges in Q4 2024 primarily included an intangible asset impairment associated with Vitrakvi.

The effective tax rate was 12.5% in Q4 2024 compared with 12.7% in Q4 2023. The effective tax rate for Q4 2024 reflects a higher net discrete tax benefit compared with Q4 2023, as well as the favorable tax impact of the Vitrakvi impairment charge, partially offset by an unfavorable impact from the mix of earnings in higher tax jurisdictions.

In Q4 2024, net income and earnings per share (EPS) were $4.41 billion and $4.88, respectively, compared with net income of $2.19 billion and EPS of $2.42 in Q4 2023. EPS in Q4 2024 and Q4 2023 included acquired IPR&D charges of $0.19 and $0.62, respectively.

Fourth-Quarter Non-GAAP Measures
On a non-GAAP basis, Q4 2024 gross margin increased 46.0% to $11.26 billion. Gross margin as a percent of revenue was 83.2%, an increase of 0.9 percentage points. The increase in gross margin percent was primarily driven by favorable product mix, partially offset by lower realized prices.

The effective tax rate on a non-GAAP basis was 13.2% in Q4 2024 compared with 13.1% in Q4 2023. The effective tax rate for Q4 2024 was unfavorably impacted by a mix of earnings in higher tax jurisdictions, partially offset by a higher net discrete tax benefit compared with Q4 2023.

On a non-GAAP basis, Q4 2024 net income and EPS were $4.81 billion and $5.32, respectively, compared with net income of $2.25 billion and EPS of $2.49 in Q4 2023. Non-GAAP EPS in Q4 2024 and Q4 2023 included acquired IPR&D charges of $0.19 and $0.62, respectively.

For further detail on non-GAAP measures, see the reconciliation below as well as the "Reconciliation of GAAP Reported to Selected Non-GAAP Adjusted Information (Unaudited)" table later in this press release.

Fourth Quarter

2024

2023

% Change

Earnings per share (reported)

$ 4.88

$ 2.42

102 %

Amortization of intangible assets

.12

.11

Asset impairment, restructuring and other special charges

.30

.06

Net losses (gains) on investments in equity securities

.02

(.11)

Earnings per share (non-GAAP)

$ 5.32

$ 2.49

114 %

Acquired IPR&D

.19

.62

(69) %

Numbers may not add due to rounding

Selected Revenue Highlights

(Dollars in millions)

Fourth Quarter

Full Year

Selected Products

2024

2023

% Change

2024

2023

% Change

Mounjaro

$ 3,530.1

$ 2,205.6

60 %

$ 11,540.1

$ 5,163.1

124 %

Verzenio

1,555.2

1,145.4

36 %

5,306.6

3,863.4

37 %

Trulicity

1,250.2

1,669.3

-25 %

5,253.5

7,132.6

-26 %

Zepbound

1,907.2

175.8

NM

4,925.7

175.8

NM

Jardiance(a)

1,198.4

798.1

50 %

3,340.9

2,744.7

22 %

Taltz

952.0

784.6

21 %

3,260.4

2,759.6

18 %

Humalog(b)

619.9

366.6

69 %

2,324.8

1,663.3

40 %

Total Revenue

13,532.8

9,353.4

45 %

45,042.7

34,124.1

32 %

(a) Jardiance includes Glyxambi, Synjardy and Trijardy XR

(b) Humalog includes Insulin Lispro

NM – not meaningful

Mounjaro
For Q4 2024, worldwide Mounjaro revenue increased 60% to $3.53 billion. U.S. revenue was $2.63 billion, an increase of 25%, reflecting continued strong demand and increased supply, partially offset by lower realized prices due to favorable changes in Q4 2023 to estimates for rebates and discounts. Revenue outside the U.S. increased to $898.9 million compared with $100.5 million in Q4 2023, primarily driven by volume growth in launched markets.

Verzenio
For Q4 2024, worldwide Verzenio revenue increased 36% to $1.56 billion. U.S. revenue was $1.04 billion, an increase of 35%, primarily driven by increased demand and wholesaler buying patterns. Revenue outside the U.S. was $513.0 million, an increase of 38%, primarily driven by increased demand.

Trulicity
For Q4 2024, worldwide Trulicity revenue decreased 25% to $1.25 billion. U.S. revenue decreased 36% to $799.8 million, driven by decreased sales volume primarily due to competitive dynamics and, to a lesser extent, lower realized prices primarily due to changes to estimates for rebates and discounts. Revenue outside the U.S. increased 9% to $450.4 million, driven by higher realized prices and increased volume.

Zepbound
For Q4 2024, U.S. Zepbound revenue was $1.91 billion, compared with $175.8 million in Q4 2023. Zepbound launched in the U.S. for the treatment of adult patients with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities in November 2023.

Jardiance
For Q4 2024, the company’s worldwide Jardiance revenue increased 50% compared with Q4 2023 to $1.20 billion. U.S. revenue was $464.5 million, a decrease of 1%, driven by lower realized prices, largely offset by increased demand. Revenue outside the U.S. was $733.9 million, compared with $329.1 million in Q4 2023, primarily driven by a one-time payment received of $300.0 million associated with an amendment to the company’s collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim. Pursuant to the amendment, we and Boehringer Ingelheim adjusted commercialization responsibilities for Jardiance within certain smaller markets.

Jardiance is part of the company’s alliance with Boehringer Ingelheim. Lilly reports as revenue royalties received on net sales of Jardiance.

Taltz
For Q4 2024, worldwide Taltz revenue increased 21% to $952.0 million. U.S. revenue increased 24% to $665.5 million, driven by higher realized prices due to changes in estimates for rebates and discounts, as well as increased demand. Revenue outside the U.S. increased 16% to $286.5 million, primarily driven by increased demand.

Humalog
For Q4 2024, worldwide Humalog revenue increased 69% to $619.9 million. U.S. revenue was $405.8 million compared with $167.6 million in Q4 2023, driven by higher realized prices primarily due to a one-time impact in Q4 2023 related to the implementation of list price decreases. Revenue outside the U.S. was $214.1 million, an increase of 8%, driven by higher realized prices in China and, to a lesser extent, increased volume.

2025 Financial Guidance
The company anticipates 2025 revenue to be between $58.0 billion and $61.0 billion. The midpoint represents approximately 32% growth compared to 2024, driven by new Lilly medicines such as Zepbound, Mounjaro, Jaypirca, Ebglyss, Omvoh and Kisunla; approvals of new indications for existing Lilly medicines; launches of Mounjaro in additional worldwide markets; and potential launches of new medicines such as imlunestrant for metastatic breast cancer. The company continues to invest heavily in increasing manufacturing capacity and estimates producing at least 1.6 times the amount of salable incretin doses in the first half of 2025, compared to the first half of 2024.

The ratio of (Gross Margin – OPEX) / Revenue, where OPEX is defined as the sum of research and development expenses and marketing, selling and administrative expenses, is expected to be in the range of 40.5% and 42.5% on a reported basis and 41.5% and 43.5% on a non-GAAP basis.

Other income (expense) is expected to be expense in the range of $700 million to $600 million, primarily driven by higher interest expense.

The 2025 effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 16%.

EPS for 2025 is expected to be in the range of $22.05 to $23.55 on a reported basis and $22.50 to $24.00 on a non-GAAP basis. The company’s 2025 financial guidance reflects adjustments shown in the reconciliation table below.

2025

Guidance

Earnings per share (reported)

$22.05 to $23.55

Amortization of intangible assets

.45

Earnings per share (non-GAAP)

$22.50 to $24.00

Numbers may not add due to rounding

The following table summarizes the company’s 2025 financial guidance:

2025 Guidance(1)

Revenue

$58.0 to $61.0 billion

(Gross Margin – OPEX(2)) / Revenue:

(reported)

40.5% to 42.5%

(non-GAAP)

41.5% to 43.5%

Other Income/(Expense)

($700) to ($600) million

Tax Rate

Approx. 16%

Earnings per Share (reported)

$22.05 to $23.55

Earnings per Share (non-GAAP)

$22.50 to $24.00

(1) Non-GAAP guidance reflects adjustments presented in the earnings per share reconciliation table above.

(2) OPEX is defined as the sum of research and development expenses and marketing, selling and administrative expenses.

Webcast of Conference Call
As previously announced, investors and the general public can access a live webcast of the Q4 2024 financial results conference call through a link on Lilly’s website at investor.lilly.com/webcasts-and-presentations. The conference call will begin at 10 a.m. Eastern time today and will be available for replay via the website.