Apellis Announces Preliminary Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 U.S. Net Product Revenues
- None.
- None.
Insights
The reported preliminary revenues for Apellis Pharmaceuticals, specifically the $114 million for SYFOVRE® and $24 million for EMPAVELI®, indicate a significant commercial success for the company's products. The strong launch trajectory of SYFOVRE® is particularly noteworthy, given it's a treatment for a chronic condition like geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration, which has a growing patient population due to an aging global demographic. The high distribution volume of approximately 160,000 doses suggests a robust demand and effective market penetration.
Moreover, the high compliance rate of 97% for EMPAVELI® and the adoption of the EMPAVELI Injector device underscore the product's user-friendliness and potential to improve patient adherence. This is crucial in chronic disease management and can lead to better health outcomes and sustained revenue streams. The financial performance of these products could be a bellwether for Apellis's overall market valuation and investor confidence, as it demonstrates the company's ability to effectively commercialize its treatments.
Apellis Pharmaceuticals' financial update reflects a broader economic impact within the healthcare sector. The revenue figures for SYFOVRE® and EMPAVELI® suggest that the company has effectively capitalized on unmet medical needs within the ophthalmology and hematology spaces. The adoption rates and compliance levels can be interpreted as indicators of the drugs' perceived efficacy and ease of use, which are critical factors in a drug's lifecycle and market sustainability.
The significant investment in research and development that precedes the launch of such drugs is often a high-stakes gamble for pharmaceutical companies. Apellis's reported revenues may be seen as a return on investment that can fuel further innovation and pipeline development. This, in turn, has the potential to stimulate economic activity through job creation in research, manufacturing and sales, as well as through the ancillary benefits of improved patient outcomes reducing the overall healthcare burden.
The clinical implications of the widespread adoption of SYFOVRE® and the high compliance rate for EMPAVELI® are significant. SYFOVRE®'s market leadership in treating GA, a condition with limited treatment options and its flexible dosing highlight the drug's potential to become a standard of care, impacting future clinical guidelines and practices. The reported 95% patient use estimate for SYFOVRE® suggests strong physician endorsement and patient acceptance.
For EMPAVELI®, the impressive compliance rate and the rapid uptake of the EMPAVELI Injector post-approval may reflect the drug's efficacy and the convenience offered by the new administration device. Such factors are critical in chronic conditions like paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), where treatment adherence directly correlates with patient outcomes. The data provided could encourage further research into patient-centric drug delivery systems and adherence strategies in other therapeutic areas.
- Approximately
$114 million in preliminary fourth quarter SYFOVRE® revenue as strong launch continues - Approximately
$24 million in preliminary fourth quarter EMPAVELI® revenue
WALTHAM, Mass., Jan. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: APLS) today announced preliminary U.S. net product revenues of approximately
Strong SYFOVRE launch continues:
- Approximately
$114 million and$275 million expected in preliminary U.S. net product revenues in the fourth quarter and full year 2023, respectively.i - Approximately 62,000 doses (commercial and sample vials) distributed to physician practices in the fourth quarter; approximately 160,000 total doses have been distributed in 2023.
- Approximately
95% of treated GA patients are estimated to be using SYFOVRE.ii
Continued momentum with EMPAVELI:
- Approximately
$24 million and$91 million expected in preliminary U.S. net product revenues in the fourth quarter and full year 2023, respectively.i - High patient compliance rate of
97% .iii - More than
50% of existing patients and more than90% of new patients now use the EMPAVELI Injector, an on-body device designed to streamline self-administration, since the October Injector approval.iii
“SYFOVRE is the market-leading treatment for GA, with approximately 160,000 doses distributed since launch. More patients than ever are benefiting from SYFOVRE, including the increasing treatment effects over time and flexible dosing, and we look forward to building on the momentum this year,” said Cedric Francois, M.D., Ph.D., co-founder and chief executive officer, Apellis. “Additionally, the high compliance observed with EMPAVELI speaks to the important impact of this medicine on patients’ lives. In addition to advancing our pipeline, we believe the tremendous commercial progress made in the past year has positioned us for an even stronger 2024.”
J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference Presentation and Webcast
Dr. Francois will discuss these updates in a corporate presentation at the 42nd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference today, Monday, January 8, 2024, at 9:45 a.m. PT. The event will be available via a live webcast from the “Events and Presentations” page of the “Investors and Media” section of the company’s website. A replay of the webcast will be available for approximately 30 days following the event.
About SYFOVRE® (pegcetacoplan injection)
SYFOVRE® (pegcetacoplan injection) is the first and only approved therapy for geographic atrophy (GA). By targeting C3, SYFOVRE is designed to provide comprehensive control of the complement cascade, part of the body’s immune system. SYFOVRE is approved in the United States for the treatment of GA secondary to age-related macular degeneration.
About EMPAVELI®/Aspaveli® (pegcetacoplan)
EMPAVELI®/Aspaveli® (pegcetacoplan) is a targeted C3 therapy designed to regulate excessive activation of the complement cascade, part of the body’s immune system, which can lead to the onset and progression of many serious diseases. It is approved for the treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) in the United States, European Union, and other countries globally. The therapy is also under investigation for several other rare diseases across hematology and nephrology.
U.S. Important Safety Information for SYFOVRE® (pegcetacoplan injection)
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- SYFOVRE is contraindicated in patients with ocular or periocular infections, and in patients with active intraocular inflammation
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
- Endophthalmitis and Retinal Detachments
- Intravitreal injections, including those with SYFOVRE, may be associated with endophthalmitis and retinal detachments. Proper aseptic injection technique must always be used when administering SYFOVRE to minimize the risk of endophthalmitis. Patients should be instructed to report any symptoms suggestive of endophthalmitis or retinal detachment without delay and should be managed appropriately.
- Retinal Vasculitis and/or Retinal Vascular Occlusion
- Retinal vasculitis and/or retinal vascular occlusion, typically in the presence of intraocular inflammation, have been reported with the use of SYFOVRE. Cases may occur with the first dose of SYFOVRE and may result in severe vision loss. Discontinue treatment with SYFOVRE in patients who develop these events. Patients should be instructed to report any change in vision without delay.
- Neovascular AMD
- In clinical trials, use of SYFOVRE was associated with increased rates of neovascular (wet) AMD or choroidal neovascularization (
12% when administered monthly,7% when administered every other month and3% in the control group) by Month 24. Patients receiving SYFOVRE should be monitored for signs of neovascular AMD. In case anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (anti-VEGF) is required, it should be given separately from SYFOVRE administration.
- In clinical trials, use of SYFOVRE was associated with increased rates of neovascular (wet) AMD or choroidal neovascularization (
- Intraocular Inflammation
- In clinical trials, use of SYFOVRE was associated with episodes of intraocular inflammation including: vitritis, vitreal cells, iridocyclitis, uveitis, anterior chamber cells, iritis, and anterior chamber flare. After inflammation resolves, patients may resume treatment with SYFOVRE.
- Increased Intraocular Pressure
- Acute increase in IOP may occur within minutes of any intravitreal injection, including with SYFOVRE. Perfusion of the optic nerve head should be monitored following the injection and managed as needed.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
- Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥
5% ) are ocular discomfort, neovascular age-related macular degeneration, vitreous floaters, conjunctival hemorrhage.
Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information for more information.
U.S. Important Safety Information for EMPAVELI® (pegcetacoplan)
BOXED WARNING: SERIOUS INFECTIONS CAUSED BY ENCAPSULATED BACTERIA
- Meningococcal infections may occur in patients treated with EMPAVELI and may become rapidly life-threatening or fatal if not recognized and treated early. Use of EMPAVELI may predispose individuals to serious infections, especially those caused by encapsulated bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis types A, C, W, Y, and B, and Haemophilus influenzae type B.
- Comply with the most current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for vaccinations against encapsulated bacteria.
- Vaccinate patients at least 2 weeks prior to administering the first dose of EMPAVELI unless the risks of delaying therapy with EMPAVELI outweigh the risk of developing a serious infection.
- Vaccination reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of serious infections. Monitor patients for early signs of serious infections and evaluate immediately if infection is suspected.
- EMPAVELI is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). Under the EMPAVELI REMS, prescribers must enroll in the program.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Hypersensitivity to pegcetacoplan or to any of the excipients
- Not currently vaccinated against certain encapsulated bacteria, unless the risks of delaying EMPAVELI treatment outweigh the risks of developing a bacterial infection with an encapsulated organism
- Unresolved serious infection caused by encapsulated bacteria including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Serious Infections Caused by Encapsulated Bacteria
The use of EMPAVELI may predispose individuals to serious, life-threatening, or fatal infections caused by encapsulated bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis types A, C, W, Y, and B, and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib). To reduce the risk of infection, all patients must be vaccinated against these bacteria according to the most current ACIP recommendations for patients with altered immunocompetence associated with complement deficiencies. Revaccinate patients in accordance with ACIP recommendations considering the duration of therapy with EMPAVELI.
For patients without known history of vaccination, administer required vaccines at least 2 weeks prior to receiving the first dose of EMPAVELI. If immediate therapy with EMPAVELI is indicated, administer required vaccine as soon as possible and provide patients with 2 weeks of antibacterial drug prophylaxis.
Closely monitor patients for early signs and symptoms of serious infection and evaluate patients immediately if an infection is suspected. Promptly treat known infections. Serious infection may become rapidly life-threatening or fatal if not recognized and treated early. Consider discontinuation of EMPAVELI in patients who are undergoing treatment for serious infections.
EMPAVELI REMS
Because of the risk of serious infections, EMPAVELI is available only through a restricted program under a REMS. Under the EMPAVELI REMS, prescribers must enroll in the program and must counsel patients about the risk of serious infection, provide the patients with the REMS educational materials, and ensure patients are vaccinated against encapsulated bacteria. Enrollment and additional information are available by telephone: 1-888-343-7073 or at www.empavelirems.com.
Infusion-Related Reactions
Systemic hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., facial swelling, rash, urticaria) have occurred in patients treated with EMPAVELI. One patient (less than
Monitoring PNH Manifestations after Discontinuation of EMPAVELI
After discontinuing treatment with EMPAVELI, closely monitor for signs and symptoms of hemolysis, identified by elevated LDH levels along with sudden decrease in PNH clone size or hemoglobin, or reappearance of symptoms such as fatigue, hemoglobinuria, abdominal pain, dyspnea, major adverse vascular events (including thrombosis), dysphagia, or erectile dysfunction. Monitor any patient who discontinues EMPAVELI for at least 8 weeks to detect hemolysis and other reactions. If hemolysis, including elevated LDH, occurs after discontinuation of EMPAVELI, consider restarting treatment with EMPAVELI.
Interference with Laboratory Tests
There may be interference between silica reagents in coagulation panels and EMPAVELI that results in artificially prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT); therefore, avoid the use of silica reagents in coagulation panels.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Most common adverse reactions in patients with PNH (incidence ≥
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
Females of Reproductive Potential
EMPAVELI may cause embryo-fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Pregnancy testing is recommended for females of reproductive potential prior to treatment with EMPAVELI. Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with EMPAVELI and for 40 days after the last dose.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING regarding serious infections caused by encapsulated bacteria, and Medication Guide.
About Apellis
Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a global biopharmaceutical company that combines courageous science and compassion to develop life-changing therapies for some of the most challenging diseases patients face. We ushered in the first new class of complement medicine in 15 years and now have two approved medicines targeting C3. These include the first-ever therapy for geographic atrophy, a leading cause of blindness around the world. We believe we have only begun to unlock the potential of targeting C3 across serious retinal, rare, and neurological diseases. For more information, please visit http://apellis.com or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Apellis Forward-Looking Statement
Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding preliminary financial information for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including adjustments to Apellis’ preliminary revenue figures resulting from, among other things, the completion of financial closing and review procedures for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2023; and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of Apellis’ Annual Report on Form 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 21, 2023 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 1, 2023 and the risks described in other filings that Apellis may make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Apellis specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Media Contact:
Lissa Pavluk
media@apellis.com
617.977.6764
Investor Contact:
Meredith Kaya
meredith.kaya@apellis.com
617.599.8178
i The revenue figures presented in this press release are preliminary and based on management’s estimate as of the date of this press release and are subject to completion of the Company’s financial closing and review procedures.
ii This is an estimation based on ECP injection demand data on file as of December 31, 2023. This dataset may not represent the entire patient population.
iii As of December 31, 2023.
FAQ
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