On October 28, 2021 Insmed Incorporated (Nasdaq:INSM), a global biopharmaceutical company on a mission to transform the lives of patients with serious and rare diseases, reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021 and provided a business update (Press release, Insmed, OCT 28, 2021, View Source [SID1234592106]).
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"In the third quarter of 2021, Insmed made important progress against our strategic priorities, including steady performance of our commercial operations, advancement of our clinical development programs in line with expectations, and meaningful acceleration of our translational medicine efforts with a sharp focus on disruptive technologies that we believe will have a significant impact on patients’ lives," commented Will Lewis, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Insmed. "Notably, we are excited about our launch progress for ARIKAYCE in Japan, where we are already seeing positive early trends. As we navigate this critical execution period for Insmed, we are well-capitalized and highly driven to launch the next phase of growth for our company and to serve many more patients around the world."
Recent Corporate Developments & Program Highlights
ARIKAYCE
Insmed launched ARIKAYCE in Japan in July of 2021, with a price in line with list prices in the U.S. and Europe. Initial uptake in Japan has been strong, with several positive trends at this early stage of the launch.
Insmed continues to advance the launch of ARIKAYCE in Europe. In addition to previous launches in Germany and the Netherlands, ARIKAYCE has been reimbursed and launched in Wales as of September of 2021. The Company is pursuing country-by-country reimbursement throughout Europe, with a near-term focus on Ireland, additional UK countries, Italy, Belgium, and France.
Enrollment continues in line with expectations in the post-approval confirmatory frontline clinical trial program of ARIKAYCE in patients nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease caused by Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). The program consists of ARISE, an interventional study designed to validate a patient-reported outcome (PRO) tool in MAC lung disease, and ENCORE, a pivotal trial designed to establish, using the PRO tool validated in the ARISE trial, the clinical benefits and evaluate the safety of ARIKAYCE in patients with newly diagnosed MAC lung disease.
Insmed presented data this quarter at ID Week 2021 and the CHEST Annual Meeting that advance the understanding of NTM lung disease and underscore the importance of appropriate diagnosis and management.
Brensocatib
Enrollment continues in line with expectations in the Phase 3 ASPEN study, a global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of brensocatib in patients with bronchiectasis. Patients with bronchiectasis due to cystic fibrosis (CF) may not be enrolled in the study.
Insmed remains on track to share results from a Phase 2 pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) study of brensocatib in patients with CF in 2022.
Insmed presented PK/PD data this quarter from the Phase 2 WILLOW study of brensocatib in patients with bronchiectasis at the European Respiratory Society International Congress. Results demonstrated that patients treated with brensocatib were more likely to have sputum neutrophil elastase levels below the limit of quantification at the end of treatment compared to patients treated with placebo.
TPIP
Insmed is advancing two Phase 2 studies of TPIP in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The Phase 2a study will measure the impact of TPIP on pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) over a 24-hour period. The Company anticipates having preliminary data from a small number of patients in this study by the end of 2021. The Phase 2b study will evaluate the effect of TPIP on PVR and 6-minute walk distance over a 16-week treatment period. Insmed remains on track to initiate sites for this study by the end of 2021.
Insmed plans to initiate a Phase 2 study of TPIP in patients with pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD) in early 2022.
Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results
Total revenue for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021 was $46.8 million, compared to total revenue of $43.6 million for the third quarter of 2020.
Cost of product revenues (excluding amortization of intangible assets) was $10.2 million for the third quarter of 2021, compared to $10.6 million for the third quarter of 2020.
Research and development (R&D) expenses were $70.3 million for the third quarter of 2021, compared to $41.4 million for the third quarter of 2020.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the third quarter of 2021 were $60.3 million, compared to $46.6 million for the third quarter of 2020.
For the third quarter of 2021, Insmed reported a GAAP net loss of $112.7 million, or $0.96 per share, compared to a GAAP net loss of $63.7 million, or $0.63 per share, for the third quarter of 2020.
Balance Sheet and Planned Investments
As of September 30, 2021, Insmed had cash and cash equivalents of $846.6 million. The Company’s total operating expenses for the third quarter of 2021 were $150.4 million. Adjusted R&D expenses for the third quarter of 2021 were $64.3 million and adjusted SG&A expenses for the third quarter of 2021 were $51.8 million. Adjusted R&D expenses and adjusted SG&A expenses are non-GAAP measures, which we describe further below.
The Company plans to continue to invest in the following key activities:
(i)
U.S. commercialization of ARIKAYCE;
(ii)
launch activities for ARIKAYCE in initial European countries and in Japan; and
(iii)
clinical trial activities, including (a) advancement of the frontline clinical trial program for ARIKAYCE (ARISE and ENCORE), (b) advancement of the Phase 3 ASPEN study of brensocatib in patients with bronchiectasis, (c) advancement of clinical development of TPIP, and (d) advancement of our translational medicine efforts.
Conference Call
Insmed will host a conference call beginning today at 8:30 AM Eastern Time. Shareholders and other interested parties may participate in the conference call by dialing (844) 200-6205 (U.S. toll free), (646) 904-5544 (U.S. local), or +44-208-0682-558 (international) and referencing access code 594997. The call will also be webcast live on the Company’s website at www.insmed.com.
A replay of the conference call will be accessible approximately 1 hour after its completion through November 26, 2021 by dialing (866) 813-9403 (U.S. toll free), (929) 458-6194 (U.S. local), or +44-204-525-0658 (international) and referencing access code 963633. A webcast of the call will also be archived for 90 days under the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.insmed.com.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to the U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) results, this earnings release includes non-GAAP financial measures: adjusted R&D expenses, which Insmed defines as R&D expenses less stock-based compensation expense and depreciation; and adjusted SG&A expenses, which Insmed defines as SG&A expenses less stock-based compensation and depreciation. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is presented in the table attached to this press release.
Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to both management and investors in analyzing our ongoing business and operating performance. Management believes that providing this non-GAAP information to investors, in addition to the GAAP results, allows investors to view our financial results in the way that management views financial results. Management does not intend the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for results prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures may differ from similarly named measures used by other companies.
About ARIKAYCE
ARIKAYCE is approved in the United States as ARIKAYCE (amikacin liposome inhalation suspension), in Europe as ARIKAYCE Liposomal 590 mg Nebuliser Dispersion, and in Japan as ARIKAYCE inhalation 590 mg (amikacin sulfate inhalation drug product). Current international treatment guidelines recommend the use of ARIKAYCE for appropriate patients. ARIKAYCE is a novel, inhaled, once-daily formulation of amikacin, an established antibiotic that was historically administered intravenously and associated with severe toxicity to hearing, balance, and kidney function. Insmed’s proprietary PULMOVANCE liposomal technology enables the delivery of amikacin directly to the lungs, where liposomal amikacin is taken up by lung macrophages where the infection resides, while limiting systemic exposure. ARIKAYCE is administered once daily using the Lamira Nebulizer System manufactured by PARI Pharma GmbH (PARI).
About PARI Pharma and the Lamira Nebulizer System
ARIKAYCE is delivered by a novel inhalation device, the Lamira Nebulizer System, developed by PARI. Lamira is a quiet, portable nebulizer that enables efficient aerosolization of ARIKAYCE via a vibrating, perforated membrane. Based on PARI’s 100-year history working with aerosols, PARI is dedicated to advancing inhalation therapies by developing innovative delivery platforms to improve patient care.
About Brensocatib
Brensocatib is a small molecule, oral, reversible inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase 1 (DPP1) being developed by Insmed for the treatment of patients with bronchiectasis and other neutrophil-mediated diseases. DPP1 is an enzyme responsible for activating neutrophil serine proteases (NSPs), such as neutrophil elastase, in neutrophils when they are formed in the bone marrow. Neutrophils are the most common type of white blood cell and play an essential role in pathogen destruction and inflammatory mediation. In chronic inflammatory lung diseases, neutrophils accumulate in the airways and result in excessive active NSPs that cause lung destruction and inflammation. Brensocatib may decrease the damaging effects of inflammatory diseases such as bronchiectasis by inhibiting DPP1 and its activation of NSPs. Brensocatib is an investigational drug product that has not been approved for any indication in any jurisdiction.
About TPIP
Treprostinil palmitil inhalation powder (TPIP) is a dry powder formulation of treprostinil palmitil, a treprostinil prodrug consisting of treprostinil linked by an ester bond to a 16-carbon chain. Developed entirely in Insmed’s laboratories, TPIP is a potentially highly differentiated prostanoid being evaluated for the treatment of patients with PAH and other rare and serious pulmonary disorders. TPIP is administered in a capsule-based inhalation device. TPIP is an investigational drug product that has not been approved for any indication in any jurisdiction.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR ARIKAYCE IN THE U.S.
WARNING: RISK OF INCREASED RESPIRATORY ADVERSE REACTIONS
ARIKAYCE has been associated with an increased risk of respiratory adverse reactions, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, hemoptysis, bronchospasm, and exacerbation of underlying pulmonary disease that have led to hospitalizations in some cases.
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis has been reported with the use of ARIKAYCE in the clinical trials. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (reported as allergic alveolitis, pneumonitis, interstitial lung disease, allergic reaction to ARIKAYCE) was reported at a higher frequency in patients treated with ARIKAYCE plus background regimen (3.1%) compared to patients treated with a background regimen alone (0%). Most patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis discontinued treatment with ARIKAYCE and received treatment with corticosteroids. If hypersensitivity pneumonitis occurs, discontinue ARIKAYCE and manage patients as medically appropriate.
Hemoptysis has been reported with the use of ARIKAYCE in the clinical trials. Hemoptysis was reported at a higher frequency in patients treated with ARIKAYCE plus background regimen (17.9%) compared to patients treated with a background regimen alone (12.5%). If hemoptysis occurs, manage patients as medically appropriate.
Bronchospasm has been reported with the use of ARIKAYCE in the clinical trials. Bronchospasm (reported as asthma, bronchial hyperreactivity, bronchospasm, dyspnea, dyspnea exertional, prolonged expiration, throat tightness, wheezing) was reported at a higher frequency in patients treated with ARIKAYCE plus background regimen (28.7%) compared to patients treated with a background regimen alone (10.7%). If bronchospasm occurs during the use of ARIKAYCE, treat patients as medically appropriate.
Exacerbations of underlying pulmonary disease has been reported with the use of ARIKAYCE in the clinical trials. Exacerbations of underlying pulmonary disease (reported as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), infective exacerbation of COPD, infective exacerbation of bronchiectasis) have been reported at a higher frequency in patients treated with ARIKAYCE plus background regimen (14.8%) compared to patients treated with background regimen alone (9.8%). If exacerbations of underlying pulmonary disease occur during the use of ARIKAYCE, treat patients as medically appropriate.
Anaphylaxis and Hypersensitivity Reactions: Serious and potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported in patients taking ARIKAYCE. Signs and symptoms include acute onset of skin and mucosal tissue hypersensitivity reactions (hives, itching, flushing, swollen lips/tongue/uvula), respiratory difficulty (shortness of breath, wheezing, stridor, cough), gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, crampy abdominal pain), and cardiovascular signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis (tachycardia, low blood pressure, syncope, incontinence, dizziness). Before therapy with ARIKAYCE is instituted, evaluate for previous hypersensitivity reactions to aminoglycosides. If anaphylaxis or a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue ARIKAYCE and institute appropriate supportive measures.
Ototoxicity has been reported with the use of ARIKAYCE in the clinical trials. Ototoxicity (including deafness, dizziness, presyncope, tinnitus, and vertigo) were reported with a higher frequency in patients treated with ARIKAYCE plus background regimen (17%) compared to patients treated with background regimen alone (9.8%). This was primarily driven by tinnitus (7.6% in ARIKAYCE plus background regimen vs 0.9% in the background regimen alone arm) and dizziness (6.3% in ARIKAYCE plus background regimen vs 2.7% in the background regimen alone arm). Closely monitor patients with known or suspected auditory or vestibular dysfunction during treatment with ARIKAYCE. If ototoxicity occurs, manage patients as medically appropriate, including potentially discontinuing ARIKAYCE.
Nephrotoxicity was observed during the clinical trials of ARIKAYCE in patients with MAC lung disease but not at a higher frequency than background regimen alone. Nephrotoxicity has been associated with the aminoglycosides. Close monitoring of patients with known or suspected renal dysfunction may be needed when prescribing ARIKAYCE.
Neuromuscular Blockade: Patients with neuromuscular disorders were not enrolled in ARIKAYCE clinical trials. Patients with known or suspected neuromuscular disorders, such as myasthenia gravis, should be closely monitored since aminoglycosides may aggravate muscle weakness by blocking the release of acetylcholine at neuromuscular junctions.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Aminoglycosides can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Aminoglycosides, including ARIKAYCE, may be associated with total, irreversible, bilateral congenital deafness in pediatric patients exposed in utero. Patients who use ARIKAYCE during pregnancy, or become pregnant while taking ARIKAYCE should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus.
Contraindications: ARIKAYCE is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any aminoglycoside.
Most Common Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reactions in Trial 1 at an incidence ≥5% for patients using ARIKAYCE plus background regimen compared to patients treated with background regimen alone were dysphonia (47% vs 1%), cough (39% vs 17%), bronchospasm (29% vs 11%), hemoptysis (18% vs 13%), ototoxicity (17% vs 10%), upper airway irritation (17% vs 2%), musculoskeletal pain (17% vs 8%), fatigue and asthenia (16% vs 10%), exacerbation of underlying pulmonary disease (15% vs 10%), diarrhea (13% vs 5%), nausea (12% vs 4%), pneumonia (10% vs 8%), headache (10% vs 5%), pyrexia (7% vs 5%), vomiting (7% vs 4%), rash (6% vs 2%), decreased weight (6% vs 1%), change in sputum (5% vs 1%), and chest discomfort (5% vs 3%).
Drug Interactions: Avoid concomitant use of ARIKAYCE with medications associated with neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and ototoxicity. Some diuretics can enhance aminoglycoside toxicity by altering aminoglycoside concentrations in serum and tissue. Avoid concomitant use of ARIKAYCE with ethacrynic acid, furosemide, urea, or intravenous mannitol.
Overdosage: Adverse reactions specifically associated with overdose of ARIKAYCE have not been identified. Acute toxicity should be treated with immediate withdrawal of ARIKAYCE, and baseline tests of renal function should be undertaken. Hemodialysis may be helpful in removing amikacin from the body. In all cases of suspected overdosage, physicians should contact the Regional Poison Control Center for information about effective treatment.
U.S. INDICATION
LIMITED POPULATION: ARIKAYCE is indicated in adults, who have limited or no alternative treatment options, for the treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease as part of a combination antibacterial drug regimen in patients who do not achieve negative sputum cultures after a minimum of 6 consecutive months of a multidrug background regimen therapy. As only limited clinical safety and effectiveness data for ARIKAYCE are currently available, reserve ARIKAYCE for use in adults who have limited or no alternative treatment options. This drug is indicated for use in a limited and specific population of patients.
This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on achieving sputum culture conversion (defined as 3 consecutive negative monthly sputum cultures) by Month 6. Clinical benefit has not yet been established. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
Limitation of Use: ARIKAYCE has only been studied in patients with refractory MAC lung disease defined as patients who did not achieve negative sputum cultures after a minimum of 6 consecutive months of a multidrug background regimen therapy. The use of ARIKAYCE is not recommended for patients with non-refractory MAC lung disease.
Patients are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1–800–FDA–1088. You can also call the Company at 1-844-4-INSMED.