Norgine welcomes TGA registration in Australia of IFINWIL® (eflornithine) for adults and children diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma (HRNB)

On April 17, 2025 Norgine reported that the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved the registration of IFINWIL (eflornithine) for the treatment of adults and paediatric patients with high-risk neuroblastoma (HRNB), who have responded to prior multiagent, multimodality therapy (Press release, Norgine, APR 16, 2025, View Source [SID1234651964]).

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Neuroblastoma Australia welcomed the news today:

"On behalf of all families of children impacted by neuroblastoma, we welcome the TGA’s decision to approve IFINWIL. We urgently need treatments for children diagnosed with neuroblastoma and this milestone marks a step in the right direction towards a better future for children and their families. We thank the Federal Government for taking action to ensure access and we look forward to continued support for children with aggressive cancers." said Lucy Jones, CEO Neuroblastoma Australia.

High Risk Neuroblastoma is a rare but aggressive form of cancer, predominantly affecting children and most commonly presenting in the first 5 years of life2. Each year in Australia, approximately 50 children are diagnosed with neuroblastoma, with about half of these cases being classified as high risk neuroblastoma3,4. Neuroblastoma originates in the body’s nerve cells (neuroblasts) and typically presents as a primary tumour in the adrenal glands5. It is considered an aggressive tumour because it often spreads to other parts of the body (metastasizes). In most cases, it has spread by the time it is diagnosed5.

"We are committed to improving the lives of children and their families living with high-risk neuroblastoma" said Gus Rudolph, General Manager, Norgine, Australia. "This rare childhood cancer has devastating consequences for those impacted and while more needs to be done to improve treatment outcomes, we would like to recognise the TGA for their work to-date on this approval. Norgine will continue to engage with the relevant stakeholders to bring IFINWIL to patients as quickly as possible."

"This approval, as part of the Project Orbis initiative, represents a vital step forward in ensuring access to innovative cancer treatments for patients around the world," said Dr. David Gillen, Chief Medical Officer, Norgine. "By working collaboratively with international regulatory partners, we are able to help bring promising therapies to paediatric patients sooner – a goal that is especially important when time is critical. We’re proud to support Project Orbis as we strive to expedite access to high-impact oncology medicines."

Receiving the TGA approval is an important milestone on the path to realising sustainable and equitable access. IFINWIL is not currently included on the PBS.

Please refer to the IFINWIL Consumer Medicines Information (CMI) for full safety information on risks, side effects and precautions including the risk of low red blood cells (anaemia), low neutrophils (blood cells that fight infection), low platelets (clotting cells), increase in liver enzymes, and hearing loss or problems balancing.1

Notes to Editors:

About IFINWIL

IFINWIL has been investigated for use as a post maintenance treatment for high-risk neuroblastoma (HRNB) in paediatric patients with no active disease (NAD) / no evidence of disease (NED) after first line multiagent, multimodality therapy.6 IFINWIL is a therapy that blocks an enzyme called ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) responsible for producing polyamines, which are important to tumour growth and development 7.

For more information on IFINWIL, find the CMI here: IFINWIL Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) or the Therapeutic Goods Administration at View Source or speak to your healthcare practitioner.

High-Risk Neuroblastoma (HRNB) Treatment Background

Children diagnosed with HRNB undergo an intense treatment regimen that still leaves them vulnerable to relapse and death.8 Although there have been some improvements in survival, children with high risk neuroblastoma still face a 30% chance of recurrence (relapse) within the first 5 years post maintenance, and have an extremely poor prognosis and low likelihood of long term survival9 (e.g. estimates as low as 15% of patients will live for five years after relapsing).10 Avoiding relapse is key to long-term survival, and until now, there have been no approved therapies for the post maintenance treatment period in major markets outside of the United States11.

About Project Orbis

Project Orbis is an initiative (since May 2019) of the US FDA Oncology Center of Excellence (OCE) and provides a framework for concurrent submission and collaborative review of innovative oncology products among international regulatory authorities. It was created with the overarching goal to speed worldwide patient access to innovative cancer therapies. Project Orbis is coordinated by the FDA, and its partners include United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare Products regulatory Agency (UK MHRA), Australia Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Canada (Health Canada), Singapore (Health Sciences Authority (HSA), Switzerland (Swissmedic), Brazil (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA), Israel (Ministry of Health).

In April 2024, Norgine submitted an application for approval of eflornithine in high-risk neuroblastoma (HRNB), via Project Orbis in Australia, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. This milestone supports Norgine’s efforts to deliver patient access to eflornithine and bring a further treatment option in the field of paediatric oncology.

Bayer to Unveil Latest NUBEQA® (darolutamide) Data and Prostate Cancer Research at American Urological Association (AUA) 2025 Annual Meeting

On April 16, 2025 Bayer reported that it will present new data for NUBEQA (darolutamide) in prostate cancer at the upcoming American Urological Association (AUA) Annual Meeting taking place in Las Vegas from April 26-29, 2025 (Press release, Bayer, APR 16, 2025, View Source [SID1234651965]). These data support the potential of NUBEQA as a treatment option across the prostate cancer disease spectrum and in diverse patient populations.

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NUBEQA is indicated in the U.S. for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) in combination with docetaxel and for the treatment of adult patients with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC).1

The company will present post-hoc analyses of ultra-low prostate-specific antigen (PSA) responses (<0.02 ng/mL) and the correlation of ultra-low PSA responses with clinical outcomes from the Phase III ARANOTE trial evaluating NUBEQA and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in mHSPC.

An additional ARANOTE analysis on the efficacy and safety of NUBEQA plus ADT in Black men with mHSPC will be presented.

Additionally, data from the Phase III ARASENS Rollover trial evaluating the long-term safety and tolerability benefit of extended treatment with NUBEQA will be presented.

Other key data to be presented include the North American subgroup analysis from the third interim analysis of the Darolutamide Observational (DAROL) trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of NUBEQA in a real-world setting in patients with nmCRPC, and an update on the in progress Phase III ARASTEP trial, evaluating NUBEQA plus ADT in patients with high-risk biochemical recurrence.

A separate presentation will highlight results from a U.S.-based quantitative survey on the challenges and unmet needs of caregivers of men with prostate cancer.

Details on selected abstracts from Bayer at the AUA 2025 Annual Meeting follow:

NUBEQA (darolutamide):

Ultra-low PSA Response (<0.02 ng/mL) with Darolutamide Plus ADT in ARANOTE Correlates with Greatly Improved Clinical Outcomes
Interactive Poster Session: IP26-07; April 29, 9:30-11:30 a.m. PDT
Efficacy and Safety of Darolutamide Plus Androgen-Deprivation Therapy (ADT) in Black Patients with Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer (mHSPC) from the Phase 3 ARANOTE Trial
Moderated Poster: MP16-01; April 27, 1:00-3:00 p.m. PDT
Long-Term Safety and Tolerability of Extended Treatment with Darolutamide in Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer (mHSPC): Insights from ARASENS Rollover Study
Interactive Poster: IP26-06; April 29, 9:30-11:30 a.m. PDT
Prespecified Third Interim Analysis of the Darolutamide Observational (DAROL) Study in Patients with Nonmetastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (nmCRPC): North American (NAm) Subgroup Analysis
Interactive Poster: IP26-25; April 29, 9:30-11:30 a.m. PDT
Darolutamide Plus Androgen-Deprivation Therapy (ADT) in Patients with High-Risk Biochemical Recurrence (BCR) of Prostate Cancer: A Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study (ARASTEP)
Clinical Trials in Progress Presentation: April 28, 2:44- 2:52 p.m. PDT
Prostate Cancer:

Challenges and Unmet Needs of Caregivers for Patients with Prostate Cancer: A US-based Quantitative Survey
Abstract IP04-31; April 26, 9:30-11:30 a.m. PDT
About NUBEQA (darolutamide)1

NUBEQA (darolutamide) is an androgen receptor inhibitor (ARi) with a distinct chemical structure that competitively inhibits androgen binding, AR nuclear translocation, and AR-mediated transcription.

NUBEQA is developed jointly by Bayer and Orion Corporation, a globally operating Finnish pharmaceutical company.

NUBEQA is an androgen receptor inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC)
Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) in combination with docetaxel
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Warnings & Precautions

Ischemic Heart Disease – In a study of patients with nmCRPC (ARAMIS), ischemic heart disease occurred in 3.2% of patients receiving NUBEQA versus 2.5% receiving placebo, including Grade 3-4 events in 1.7% vs. 0.4%, respectively. Ischemic events led to death in 0.3% of patients receiving NUBEQA vs. 0.2% receiving placebo. In a study of patients with mHSPC (ARASENS), ischemic heart disease occurred in 3.2% of patients receiving NUBEQA with docetaxel vs. 2% receiving placebo with docetaxel, including Grade 3-4 events in 1.3% vs. 1.1%, respectively. Ischemic events led to death in 0.3% of patients receiving NUBEQA with docetaxel vs. 0% receiving placebo with docetaxel. Monitor for signs and symptoms of ischemic heart disease. Optimize management of cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Discontinue NUBEQA for Grade 3-4 ischemic heart disease.

Seizure – In ARAMIS, Grade 1-2 seizure occurred in 0.2% of patients receiving NUBEQA vs. 0.2% receiving placebo. Seizure occurred 261 and 456 days after initiation of NUBEQA. In ARASENS, seizure occurred in 0.6% of patients receiving NUBEQA with docetaxel, including one Grade 3 event, vs. 0.2% receiving placebo with docetaxel. Seizure occurred 38 to 340 days after initiation of NUBEQA. It is unknown whether antiepileptic medications will prevent seizures with NUBEQA. Advise patients of the risk of developing a seizure while receiving NUBEQA and of engaging in any activity where sudden loss of consciousness could cause harm to themselves or others. Consider discontinuation of NUBEQA in patients who develop a seizure during treatment.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity – Safety and efficacy of NUBEQA have not been established in females. NUBEQA can cause fetal harm and loss of pregnancy. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with NUBEQA and for 1 week after the last dose.

Adverse Reactions

In ARAMIS, serious adverse reactions occurred in 25% of patients receiving NUBEQA vs. 20% of patients receiving placebo. Serious adverse reactions in ≥1% of patients who received NUBEQA included urinary retention, pneumonia, and hematuria. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3.9% of patients receiving NUBEQA vs. 3.2% of patients receiving placebo. Fatal adverse reactions in patients who received NUBEQA included death (0.4%), cardiac failure (0.3%), cardiac arrest (0.2%), general physical health deterioration (0.2%), and pulmonary embolism (0.2%). The most common adverse reactions (>2% with a ≥2% increase over placebo), including laboratory test abnormalities, were increased AST, decreased neutrophil count, fatigue, increased bilirubin, pain in extremity and rash. Clinically relevant adverse reactions occurring in ≥2% of patients treated with NUBEQA included ischemic heart disease and heart failure.

In ARASENS, serious adverse reactions occurred in 45% of patients receiving NUBEQA with docetaxel vs. 42% of patients receiving placebo with docetaxel. Serious adverse reactions in ≥2% of patients who received NUBEQA with docetaxel included febrile neutropenia (6%), decreased neutrophil count (2.8%), musculoskeletal pain (2.6%), and pneumonia (2.6%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 4% of patients receiving NUBEQA with docetaxel vs. 4% of patients receiving placebo with docetaxel. Fatal adverse reactions in patients who received NUBEQA included COVID-19/COVID-19 pneumonia (0.8%), myocardial infarction (0.3%), and sudden death (0.3%). The most common adverse reactions (≥10% with a ≥2% increase over placebo with docetaxel) were constipation, rash, decreased appetite, hemorrhage, increased weight, and hypertension. The most common laboratory test abnormalities (≥30%) were anemia, hyperglycemia, decreased lymphocyte count, decreased neutrophil count, increased AST, increased ALT, and hypocalcemia. Clinically relevant adverse reactions in <10% of patients who received NUBEQA with docetaxel included fractures, ischemic heart disease, seizures, and drug-induced liver injury.

Drug Interactions

Effect of Other Drugs on NUBEQA – Combined P-gp and strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers decrease NUBEQA exposure, which may decrease NUBEQA activity. Avoid concomitant use.

Combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors increase NUBEQA exposure, which may increase the risk of NUBEQA adverse reactions. Monitor more frequently and modify NUBEQA dose as needed.

Effects of NUBEQA on Other Drugs – NUBEQA inhibits breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) transporter. Concomitant use increases exposure (AUC) and maximal concentration of BCRP substrates, which may increase the risk of BCRP substrate-related toxicities. Avoid concomitant use where possible. If used together, monitor more frequently for adverse reactions, and consider dose reduction of the BCRP substrate.

NUBEQA inhibits OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 transporters. Concomitant use may increase plasma concentrations of OATP1B1 or OATP1B3 substrates. Monitor more frequently for adverse reactions and consider dose reduction of these substrates.

Review the Prescribing Information of drugs that are BCRP, OATP1B1, and OATP1B3 substrates when used concomitantly with NUBEQA.

For important risk and use information about NUBEQA, please see the accompanying full Prescribing Information.

About Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and the fifth most common cause of cancer death in men worldwide.2 In 2020, an estimated 1.4 million men were diagnosed with prostate cancer, including almost 300,000 cases in the U.S., and about 375,000 died from the disease worldwide.3,4

At the time of diagnosis, most men have localized prostate cancer, meaning their cancer is confined to the prostate gland and can be treated with curative surgery or radiotherapy. Upon relapse when the disease will metastasize or spread, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the cornerstone of treatment for this hormone-sensitive disease. Approximately 10% of men will already present with mHSPC when first diagnosed.5,6,7 Men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) will start their treatment with hormone therapy, such as ADT, androgen receptor inhibitor (ARi) plus ADT or a combination of the chemotherapy docetaxel and ADT. Despite this treatment, most men with mHSPC will eventually progress to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), a condition with limited survival.

BriaCell Phase 2 Survival Data Beats Leading Standard in HR+ Breast Cancer

On April 16, 2025 BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. (Nasdaq: BCTX, BCTXW) (TSX: BCT) ("BriaCell" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company that develops novel immunotherapies to transform cancer care, reported new positive survival data in its Phase 2 study of Bria-IMT plus check point inhibitors (CPI), outperforming ADC drugs in hormone receptor positive (HR+) metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients (Press release, BriaCell Therapeutics, APR 16, 2025, View Source [SID1234651969]).

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In BriaCell’s Phase 2 clinical study in late-stage MBC, 25 of 37 patients treated with the ongoing pivotal Phase 3 Bria-IMT formulation were identified as having HR+ breast cancer. As shown in Table 1, the survival data of these 25 patients (17.3 months) exceeds those of the current ADC standard of care TRODELVY (14.4 months). The survival data for the Bria-IMT regimen + immune check point inhibitor in the triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), characterized by the absence of estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR) and human epidermal growth factor (HER2) receptors, was similar to TRODELVY but still markedly higher (70%) than those of chemotherapy.

"We are truly impressed with the survival benefit data of the regimen that exceeds or meets those of TRODELVY in HR+ and TNBC metastatic breast cancer patients, respectively. Bria-IMT appears to be very well-tolerated," stated Dr. William V. Williams, BriaCell’s President and CEO. "We look forward to further confirming this clinical data in our ongoing pivotal Phase 3 study with overall survival as its primary endpoint."

"HR+ and TNBC metastatic breast cancer represent a significant proportion of the patient population and are the most difficult patient groups to treat. They have limited therapeutic options and overall survival of only a few months," commented Dr. Giuseppe Del Priore, BriaCell’s Chief Medical Officer. "Our clinical data supports our hypothesis that the Bria-IMT regimen + CPI has the potential to address the unmet medical needs of HR+ and TNBC MBC patients and provide an effective and well-tolerated therapeutic option."

Table 1: Comparable Analysis of median overall survival (estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method) for the BriaCell Phase 2 study of BriaCell’s Bria-IMT plus CPI versus other drugs in MBC patient subsets

* Patients treated with the Phase 3 formulation
** Number of prior chemotherapy-containing regimens
1. View Source

Abbreviations:
HR+: hormone receptor-positive
TNBC: Triple-negative breast cancer (lacks the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and lacks or has low levels of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2))

The Phase 2 study enrolled 54 heavily pre-treated metastatic breast cancer patients (median number of prior treatments = 6) who received the Bria-IMT regimen plus checkpoint inhibitor. Of these 54 patients, 37 were treated with the formulation currently being used in BriaCell’s ongoing pivotal Phase 3 study in metastatic breast cancer (listed on ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT06072612 ). No Bria-IMT related discontinuations have been reported to date.

Abbott Reports First-Quarter 2025 Results and Reaffirms Full-Year Guidance

On April 16, 2025 Abbott (NYSE: ABT) reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 (Press release, Abbott, APR 16, 2025, View Source [SID1234651954]).

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First-quarter sales increased 4.0 percent on a reported basis, 6.9 percent on an organic basis, or 8.3 percent when excluding COVID-19 testing-related sales.
First-quarter GAAP diluted EPS of $0.76 and adjusted diluted EPS of $1.09, which excludes specified items and reflects double-digit growth compared to the prior year.
Abbott reaffirms all previously provided full-year 2025 financial guidance.
In March, Abbott obtained CE Mark for its Volt PFA System to treat patients battling atrial fibrillation (AFib). With the earlier-than-expected CE Mark, Abbott has begun commercial PFA cases in the EU with physicians who have already gained experience with the Volt PFA System through participation in Abbott’s PFA clinical studies. The company will further expand the use of Volt in EU markets throughout the second half of the year.
In March, Abbott announced the initiation of its U.S. pivotal trial, TECTONIC, to evaluate its investigational Coronary Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) System in treating severe calcification in coronary arteries prior to implanting a stent.
In March, Abbott presented new two-year data from its TRILUMINATE pivotal trial that showed Abbott’s TriClip device significantly reduced the rate of heart failure-related hospitalizations, while continuing to provide a sustained reduction of tricuspid regurgitation and significant improvements in quality of life.
Abbott’s two new manufacturing and R&D investments in Illinois and Texas, totaling $0.5 billion, are projected to go live by the end of 2025.
"Once again, Abbott’s diversified business model delivered top-tier sales and EPS growth," said Robert B. Ford, chairman and chief executive officer, Abbott. "It is this diversification and execution that allows Abbott to navigate through periods of uncertainty and continually deliver sustainable growth."

FIRST-QUARTER BUSINESS OVERVIEW
Management believes that measuring sales growth rates on an organic basis, which excludes the impact of foreign exchange and the impact of discontinuing the ZonePerfect product line in the Nutrition business, is an appropriate way for investors to best understand the core underlying performance of the business.

Note: In order to compute results excluding the impact of exchange rates, current year U.S. dollar sales are multiplied or divided, as appropriate, by the current year average foreign exchange rates and then those amounts are multiplied or divided, as appropriate, by the prior year average foreign exchange rates.

First Quarter 2025 Results (1Q25)

Sales 1Q25 ($ in millions)

Total Company

Nutrition

Diagnostics

Established
Pharmaceuticals

Medical Devices

U.S.

4,168

955

871

2,339

International

6,190

1,191

1,183

1,260

2,556

Total reported

10,358

2,146

2,054

1,260

4,895

% Change vs. 1Q24

U.S.

8.4

8.8

(6.4)

n/a

15.0

International

1.2

0.1

(7.8)

2.7

5.7

Total reported

4.0

3.8

(7.2)

2.7

9.9

Impact of foreign exchange

(2.8)

(2.4)

(2.3)

(5.1)

(2.7)

Impact of business exit*

(0.1)

(0.6)

Organic

6.9

6.8

(4.9)

7.8

12.6

U.S.

8.8

10.4

(6.4)

n/a

15.0

International

5.7

4.2

(3.8)

7.8

10.5

Refer to table titled "Non-GAAP Revenue Reconciliation" for a reconciliation of adjusted historical revenue to reported revenue.

*Quarter to date March 31, 2025, reflects the impact of discontinuing the ZonePerfect product line in the Nutrition business in March 2024.

Total company sales increased 4.0 percent on a reported basis, 6.9 percent on an organic basis, or 8.3 percent when excluding COVID-19 testing-related sales1.

Nutrition

First Quarter 2025 Results (1Q25)

Sales 1Q25 ($ in millions)

Total

Pediatric

Adult

U.S.

955

588

367

International

1,191

453

738

Total reported

2,146

1,041

1,105

% Change vs. 1Q24

U.S.

8.8

14.2

1.1

International

0.1

(8.4)

6.1

Total reported

3.8

3.2

4.4

Impact of foreign exchange

(2.4)

(1.7)

(2.9)

Impact of business exit*

(0.6)

(1.4)

Organic

6.8

4.9

8.7

U.S.

10.4

14.2

4.8

International

4.2

(4.8)

10.6

*Reflects the impact of discontinuing the ZonePerfect product line. This action was initiated in March 2024.

Worldwide Nutrition sales increased 3.8 percent on a reported basis and 6.8 percent on an organic basis in the first quarter.

In Pediatric Nutrition, global sales increased 3.2 percent on a reported basis and 4.9 percent on an organic basis. Sales growth in the U.S. was driven by growth across Abbott’s comprehensive portfolio of products designed to meet the unique nutrition needs of infants and children.

In Adult Nutrition, global sales increased 4.4 percent on a reported basis and 8.7 percent on an organic basis, which was led by strong growth of Ensure, Abbott’s market-leading complete and balanced nutrition brand, and Glucerna, Abbott’s market-leading brand of products designed to meet the nutritional requirements for people with diabetes.

Diagnostics

First Quarter 2025 Results (1Q25)

Sales 1Q25 ($ in millions)

Total

Core Laboratory

Molecular

Point of Care

Rapid
Diagnostics

U.S.

871

332

40

100

399

International

1,183

845

82

42

214

Total reported

2,054

1,177

122

142

613

% Change vs. 1Q24

U.S.

(6.4)

7.1

(4.4)

1.5

(16.9)

International

(7.8)

(5.6)

(6.7)

4.4

(17.9)

Total reported

(7.2)

(2.3)

(5.9)

2.4

(17.3)

Impact of foreign exchange

(2.3)

(3.2)

(2.4)

(0.8)

(1.2)

Organic

(4.9)

0.9

(3.5)

3.2

(16.1)

U.S.

(6.4)

7.1

(4.4)

1.5

(16.9)

International

(3.8)

(1.3)

(3.1)

7.3

(14.6)

Global Diagnostics sales decreased 7.2 percent on a reported basis, decreased 4.9 percent on an organic basis, or increased 0.5 percent when excluding COVID-19 testing-related sales1.

Diagnostics sales growth was impacted by the year-over-year decline in COVID-19 testing-related sales and volume-based procurement programs in China.

COVID-19 testing-related sales were $84 million in the quarter, compared to $204 million in the first quarter of the prior year.

Global Core Laboratory Diagnostics sales decreased 2.3 percent on a reported basis and increased 0.9 percent on an organic basis. Growth in the quarter was impacted by volume-based procurement programs in China.

Established Pharmaceuticals

First Quarter 2025 Results (1Q25)

Sales 1Q25 ($ in millions)

Total

Key Emerging
Markets

Other

U.S.

International

1,260

965

295

Total reported

1,260

965

295

% Change vs. 1Q24

U.S.

n/a

n/a

n/a

International

2.7

4.0

(1.2)

Total reported

2.7

4.0

(1.2)

Impact of foreign exchange

(5.1)

(5.3)

(4.3)

Organic

7.8

9.3

3.1

U.S.

n/a

n/a

n/a

International

7.8

9.3

3.1

Established Pharmaceuticals sales increased 2.7 percent on a reported basis and 7.8 percent on an organic basis in the first quarter.

Key Emerging Markets include several emerging countries that represent the most attractive long-term growth opportunities for Abbott’s branded generics product portfolio. Sales in these geographies increased 4.0 percent on a reported basis and 9.3 percent on an organic basis, led by double-digit growth in several countries across Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

Medical Devices

First Quarter 2025 Results (1Q25)

Sales 1Q25 ($ in millions)

Total

Rhythm
Management

Electro-

physiology

Heart
Failure

Vascular

Structural
Heart

Neuro-
modulation

Diabetes
Care

U.S.

2,339

304

299

262

268

282

176

748

International

2,556

281

330

77

442

295

52

1,079

Total reported

4,895

585

629

339

710

577

228

1,827

% Change vs. 1Q24

U.S.

15.0

12.3

11.1

10.6

5.5

20.9

(2.8)

27.1

International

5.7

(3.7)

4.0

14.3

1.6

4.6

16.3

10.1

Total reported

9.9

4.0

7.3

11.4

3.0

11.9

1.0

16.5

Impact of foreign exchange

(2.7)

(2.1)

(2.6)

(1.0)

(2.7)

(2.8)

(1.2)

(3.3)

Organic

12.6

6.1

9.9

12.4

5.7

14.7

2.2

19.8

U.S.

15.0

12.3

11.1

10.6

5.5

20.9

(2.8)

27.1

International

10.5

0.3

8.8

19.1

5.8

9.6

22.7

15.4

Worldwide Medical Devices sales increased 9.9 percent on a reported basis and 12.6 percent on an organic basis in the first quarter.

Sales growth in the quarter was led by Diabetes Care, Structural Heart, Heart Failure and Electrophysiology.

Several products contributed to the strong performance, including FreeStyle Libre, Navitor, TriClip, Amplatzer Amulet, and AVEIR.

In Diabetes Care, sales of continuous glucose monitors were $1.7 billion and grew 18.3 percent on a reported basis and 21.6 percent on an organic basis.

ABBOTT’S FINANCIAL GUIDANCE
Abbott projects full-year 2025 organic sales growth to be in the range of 7.5% to 8.5%.

Abbott projects full-year 2025 adjusted operating margin to be 23.5% to 24.0% of sales.

Abbott projects full-year 2025 adjusted diluted earnings per share of $5.05 to $5.25 and second-quarter 2025 adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.23 to $1.27.

Abbott has not provided the related GAAP financial measures on a forward-looking basis for these forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures because the company is unable to predict with reasonable certainty and without unreasonable effort the timing and impact of certain items such as restructuring and cost reduction initiatives, charges for intangible asset impairments, acquisition-related expenses, and foreign exchange, which could significantly impact Abbott’s results in accordance with GAAP.

ABBOTT DECLARES 405th CONSECUTIVE QUARTERLY DIVIDEND
On Feb. 21, 2025, the board of directors of Abbott declared the company’s quarterly dividend of $0.59 per share. Abbott’s cash dividend is payable May 15, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 15, 2025.

Abbott has increased its dividend payout for 53 consecutive years and is a member of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index, which tracks companies that have annually increased their dividend for at least 25 consecutive years.

Akari Therapeutics Reports Full Year 2024 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update

On April 16, 2025 Akari Therapeutics, Plc (Nasdaq: AKTX), a biotechnology company developing next-generation precision bi-functional antibody drug conjugates (ADC) for the treatment of cancer, reported its financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and provided a corporate update (Press release, Akari Therapeutics, APR 16, 2025, View Source [SID1234651955]).

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"2024 was a transformational year for Akari with the successful completion of our merger with Peak Bio Inc., and renewed focus on advancing our next-generation precision ADC pipeline candidates," commented Samir R. Patel, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Akari Therapeutics. "Looking ahead, we have made strategic leadership appointments with key skillsets to continue setting the Company up for success. We recently announced the appointment of Abizer Gaslightwala, a seasoned oncology executive with an impressive track record, who will serve as Akari’s President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 21, 2025. I believe with our innovative platform technology and preclinical data demonstrated to date, Akari is well-positioned to become a key player in the ADC space and capitalize on the significant deal-flow seen in early ADC development. We look forward to an exciting year ahead and remain focused on the successful execution of our capital-efficient development strategies."

Program Highlights

Following the completed merger with Peak Bio, Inc. in November 2024, Akari has focused its efforts on the discovery, research and development of novel anti-cancer payloads with mechanisms of action that differ from currently approved ADC therapies and the application of those payloads against clinically validated targets. Leveraging its platform, the Company is advancing a pipeline of potentially first-in-class, best-in-class ADC candidates that are designed to target and kill cancer cells and stimulate the immune system, or bifunctional ADCs, all while potentially overcoming the limitations inherent in existing therapies.

Lead Candidate: AKTX-101 (TROP2 PH1 ADC) – Novel Payload is a Spliceosome Inhibitor With Multiple Anti-Tumor Mechanisms


Potential to overcome shortcomings of current ADCs

Immunostimulatory effects

Reduced off-target toxicity

Overcomes resistance mechanisms

Potential for synergy with immunotherapies


Significant advantages over current TROP2 ADCs observed in multiple preclinical models:
o
Superior activity
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Prolonged survival
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Less resistance
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Better tolerability
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Prolonged survival in combination with checkpoint inhibitors (CPI)

Upcoming Expected Value-Driving Milestones

Next-Generation Precision Bi-Functional ADC Platform


Present anticipated PH1 Payload preclinical data at scientific conference

Complete additional preclinical studies for AKTX-101


Continue to advance pipeline by generating additional validating data on PH1 payload while advancing discovery work on additional novel payloads PH5 and PH6

Round out Executive Team with critical hires

Seek licensing/strategic partner for AKTX-101 (TROP2 PH1 ADC)

Legacy Pipeline Assets


Continue Business Development efforts to secure development partners and provide non-dilutive capital

Summary of Financial Results for Full Year 2024

The net loss from operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 was approximately $21.6 million compared to approximately $16.8 million for the comparable period in 2023. The increase in net loss from operations is primarily attributable to merger related costs of $3.3 million, restructuring costs of $1.7 million and an increase in research and development expenses of $1.5 million which was offset by a reduction in general and administrative expenses of $1.7 million.

The Company reported research and development expenses of $7.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to approximately $5.5 million for the comparable period in 2023.

General and administrative expenses were approximately $9.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to approximately $11.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.

As of December 31, 2024, the Company had cash of approximately $2.6 million. Management anticipates that its cash on hand as of December 31, 2024 including the net proceeds from the private placement of $6.6 million announced in March 2025, is sufficient to fund operations into September 2025.