Avadel Pharmaceuticals Announces First Patient Dosed in Phase 3 REVITALYZ™ Trial of LUMRYZ™ (sodium oxybate) Extended-Release Oral Suspension for the Treatment of Idiopathic Hypersomnia

Rhea-AI Summary

Avadel Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: AVDL) has announced the initiation of its Phase 3 REVITALYZ™ trial for LUMRYZ™ (sodium oxybate) in treating idiopathic hypersomnia (IH). The study, designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LUMRYZ as a once-at-bedtime dose, has dosed its first patient. The trial will enroll approximately 150 adults diagnosed with IH and includes an open-label extension.

The primary objective is to demonstrate reduced daytime sleepiness using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) at Week 14. Secondary endpoints will assess additional efficacy parameters. Dr. Richard K. Bogan highlighted the significant unmet need in IH treatment, while Dr. Jennifer Gudeman emphasized the importance of this milestone for the IH community.

Positive

• Initiation of Phase 3 REVITALYZ trial for LUMRYZ in idiopathic hypersomnia treatment
• Potential for LUMRYZ to offer a single bedtime dose treatment for IH
• Study designed to enroll approximately 150 adults with IH
• High interest from experienced clinical trial sites, indicating unmet medical need

Negative

• None.

Insights

Clinical Research Analyst

The initiation of the REVITALYZ Phase 3 trial for LUMRYZ in idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) is a significant development for Avadel Pharmaceuticals. Here's why this news is particularly impactful:

• Addressing an Unmet Need: IH is a debilitating sleep disorder with treatment options. LUMRYZ, as a once-nightly extended-release formulation, could potentially offer a more convenient and effective solution for patients.
• Market Expansion: If successful, this trial could lead to an expanded indication for LUMRYZ, currently approved for narcolepsy. This would broaden Avadel's market reach and potentially boost revenue.
• Study Design: The trial's design as a randomized withdrawal study is robust and well-suited to demonstrate efficacy. The inclusion of both oxybate-naive and oxybate-experienced patients enhances the study's relevance to real-world clinical scenarios.
• Endpoint Selection: The primary endpoint, change in Epworth Sleepiness Scale score, is a well-established measure in sleep medicine. Secondary endpoints covering patient/clinician impressions and functional outcomes provide a comprehensive assessment of the drug's impact.

However, investors should note that Phase 3 trials are time-consuming and costly. While positive results could significantly boost Avadel's prospects, negative outcomes could impact the company's valuation. The trial's progress and eventual results will be important indicators for Avadel's future in the competitive sleep disorder market.

Financial Analyst

From a financial perspective, Avadel's initiation of the REVITALYZ Phase 3 trial for LUMRYZ in idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) presents both opportunities and challenges:

• Market Potential: The IH market, while smaller than narcolepsy, represents a significant opportunity. With increased diagnosis rates and treatment options, a successful LUMRYZ launch in IH could substantially increase Avadel's revenue streams.
• Competitive Advantage: If approved, LUMRYZ would be the first extended-release, once-nightly sodium oxybate for IH. This unique positioning could allow for premium pricing and potentially higher profit margins.
• R&D Expenses: Investors should anticipate increased R&D expenses over the trial duration. A Phase 3 trial typically costs tens of millions of dollars, which will impact Avadel's cash burn rate.
• Timeline to Market: Given the trial's design and patient numbers (150), results might be expected in 12-18 months, followed by regulatory review. This timeline affects when Avadel might see returns on this investment.
• Risk Profile: While expanding LUMRYZ's indications could increase its value, it also concentrates more of Avadel's value in a single product, potentially increasing risk.

Investors should monitor enrollment rates, any interim analyses and Avadel's cash position throughout the trial. Positive results could significantly boost Avadel's valuation, but the company needs to manage its resources carefully to reach that potential payoff.

DUBLIN, July 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avadel Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: AVDL), a biopharmaceutical company focused on transforming medicines to transform lives, announced today that the first patient has been dosed in REVITALYZ, a Phase 3 study evaluating LUMRYZ as a potential treatment for idiopathic hypersomnia (IH).

"IH is a debilitating sleep disorder characterized by profound sleep inertia, or difficulty waking up and persistent profound daytime sleepiness. Awareness and diagnosis of IH has increased markedly over the last several years. However, IH patients are severely limited in effective treatment options, representing a large unmet need,” said Richard K. Bogan, MD, FCCP, FAASM, Principal of Bogan Sleep Consultants, LLC, and Associate Clinical Professor at University of South Carolina School of Medicine. "The potential of LUMRYZ to treat IH with only a single bedtime dose of extended-release sodium oxybate is promising, and the initiation of the Phase 3 REVITALYZ study marks a significant step toward improving care for those living with IH.”

REVITALYZ is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized withdrawal, multicenter Phase 3 study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LUMRYZ given as a once-at-bedtime dose, in IH. The study will enroll approximately 150 adults who are diagnosed with IH and includes an open label extension portion. REVITALYZ enrollment is open for both participants switching from immediate-release oxybates and not currently taking oxybates.

The primary objective of REVITALYZ is to demonstrate reduction in daytime sleepiness as measured by the primary endpoint, change in total score of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) at Week 14. Secondary endpoints will evaluate the effect of LUMRYZ on additional efficacy parameters including patient and clinician impression of change, idiopathic hypersomnia severity, and a measure of the functional outcomes of sleep.

“Dosing the first patient in REVITALYZ is an important milestone for the IH community, which has been vocal in the need for more treatment options, particularly an extended-release form of oxybate that would ideally provide full nocturnal drug exposure in a single, once-at-bedtime dose,” stated Jennifer Gudeman, PharmD, Senior Vice President, Medical and Clinical Affairs of Avadel Pharmaceuticals. “We are committed to advancing this study and are emboldened by the excitement of experienced clinical trial sites’ participation, which reflects the critical unmet need in the current therapeutic landscape.”

Additional information about the trial can be found at: https://clinicaltrials.gov (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06525077).

About LUMRYZ™ (sodium oxybate) for extended-release oral suspension

LUMRYZ is an extended-release sodium oxybate medication approved by the FDA on May 1, 2023, as the first and only once-at-bedtime treatment for cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in adults with narcolepsy.  

The FDA approval of LUMRYZ was supported by results from REST-ON, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pivotal Phase 3 trial in adults with narcolepsy. LUMRYZ demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in the three co-primary endpoints: EDS, clinicians’ overall assessment of patients’ functioning (CGI-I), and cataplexy attacks, for all three evaluated doses when compared to placebo.  

With its approval, the FDA also granted seven years of Orphan Drug Exclusivity to LUMRYZ for the treatment of cataplexy or EDS in adults with narcolepsy due to a finding of clinical superiority of LUMRYZ relative to currently available oxybate treatments. In particular, the FDA found that LUMRYZ makes a major contribution to patient care over currently available, twice-nightly oxybate products by providing a once-nightly dosing regimen that avoids nocturnal arousal to take a second dose.

About Idiopathic Hypersomnia

Idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) is a rare sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) not attributable to any other medical conditions or symptom of another medical condition. Symptoms may include prolonged nocturnal sleep of good quality, difficulty in waking up, and brain fog. Additional symptoms may include falling asleep unintentionally, challenges in maintaining focus, and occasional memory lapses. IH can have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life. According to claims data, there are an estimated 37,000 diagnosed IH patients in the United States, although the total patient population may be greater due to some patients who have not yet been diagnosed, have been misdiagnosed, or are not currently seeking treatment.

About Avadel Pharmaceuticals plc

Avadel Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: AVDL) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on transforming medicines to transform lives. Our approach includes applying innovative solutions to the development of medications that address the challenges patients face with current treatment options. Avadel’s commercial product, LUMRYZ, was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) as the first and only once-at-bedtime oxybate for the treatment of cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in adults with narcolepsy. For more information, please visit www.avadel.com.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: Taking LUMRYZ™ (sodium oxybate) with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, such as medicines used to make you fall asleep, including opioid analgesics, benzodiazepines, sedating antidepressants, antipsychotics, sedating anti-epileptic medicines, general anesthetics, muscle relaxants, alcohol or street drugs, may cause serious medical problems, including trouble breathing (respiratory depression), low blood pressure (hypotension), changes in alertness (drowsiness), fainting (syncope) and death. The active ingredient of LUMRYZ (sodium oxybate) is a form of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a controlled substance. Abuse or misuse of illegal GHB alone or with other CNS depressants (drugs that cause changes in alertness or consciousness) have caused serious side effects. These effects include seizures, trouble breathing (respiratory depression), changes in alertness (drowsiness), coma and death. Call your doctor right away if you have any of these serious side effects. Because of these risks, LUMRYZ is available only by prescription and filled through certified pharmacies in the LUMRYZ REMS. You must be enrolled in the LUMRYZ REMS to receive LUMRYZ. Further information is available at www.LUMRYZREMS.com or by calling 1-877-453-1029.

INDICATIONS
LUMRYZ (sodium oxybate) for extended-release oral suspension is a prescription medicine used to treat the following symptoms in adults with narcolepsy:

• sudden onset of weak or paralyzed muscles (cataplexy)
• excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS)

It is not known if LUMRYZ is safe and effective in people less than 18 years of age.

Do not take LUMRYZ if you take other sleep medicines or sedatives (medicines that cause sleepiness), drink alcohol or have a rare problem called succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency.

Keep LUMRYZ in a safe place to prevent abuse and misuse. Selling or giving away LUMRYZ may harm others and is against the law. Tell your doctor if you have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines or street drugs.

Anyone who takes LUMRYZ should not do anything that requires them to be fully awake or is dangerous, including driving a car, using heavy machinery or flying an airplane, for at least six (6) hours after taking LUMRYZ. Those activities should not be done until you know how LUMRYZ affects you.

Falling asleep quickly, including while standing or while getting up from the bed, has led to falls with injuries that have required some people to be hospitalized.

LUMRYZ can cause serious side effects, including the following:

• Breathing problems, including slower breathing, trouble breathing and/or short periods of not breathing while sleeping (e.g., sleep apnea). People who already have breathing or lung problems have a higher chance of having breathing problems when they take LUMRYZ.
• Mental health problems, including confusion, seeing or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations), unusual or disturbing thoughts (abnormal thinking), feeling anxious or upset, depression, thoughts of killing yourself or trying to kill yourself, increased tiredness, feelings of guilt or worthlessness and difficulty concentrating. Tell your doctor if you have or had depression or have tried to harm yourself. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of mental health problems or a change in weight or appetite.
• Sleepwalking. Sleepwalking can cause injuries. Call your doctor if you start sleepwalking.
  

Tell your doctor if you are on a salt-restricted diet or if you have high blood pressure, heart failure or kidney problems. LUMRYZ contains a lot of sodium (salt) and may not be right for you.

The most common side effects of LUMRYZ in adults include nausea, dizziness, bedwetting, headache and vomiting. Your side effects may increase when you take higher doses of LUMRYZ. LUMRYZ can cause physical dependence and craving for the medicine when it is not taken as directed. These are not all the possible side effects of LUMRYZ.

For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED Warning.

Cautionary Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements relate to our future expectations, beliefs, plans, strategies, objectives, results, conditions, financial performance, prospects or other events. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, expectations regarding the potential therapeutic benefit of and market preference for LUMRYZ in idiopathic hypersomnia, if approved; the progress, timing and success of the Phase 3 REVITALYZ trial, including expectations for trial design and enrollment; and statements regarding the results and analysis of Avadel’s trials and studies including the details and content thereof. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “will,” “may,” “could,” “believe,” “expect,” “look forward,” “on track,” “guidance,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “next steps” and similar expressions and the negatives thereof (if applicable).

The Company’s forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions that are made within the bounds of our knowledge of our business and operations and that we consider reasonable. However, the Company’s business and operations are subject to significant risks, and, as a result, there can be no assurance that actual results and the results of the company’s business and operations will not differ materially from the results contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from expectations in the Company’s forward-looking statements include the risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 29, 2024, and subsequent SEC filings. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and are not guarantees of future performance. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise our forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Investor Contact:
Courtney Mogerley
Precision AQ
Courtney.Mogerley@precisionaq.com
(212) 698-8687

Media Contact:
Lesley Stanley
Real Chemistry
lestanley@realchemistry.com
(609) 273-3162

FAQ

What is the purpose of Avadel Pharmaceuticals' REVITALYZ trial for LUMRYZ (AVDL)?

The REVITALYZ trial is a Phase 3 study evaluating LUMRYZ (sodium oxybate) as a potential once-at-bedtime treatment for idiopathic hypersomnia (IH), aiming to demonstrate reduced daytime sleepiness and other efficacy parameters.

How many participants will be enrolled in Avadel's REVITALYZ trial for LUMRYZ (AVDL)?

The REVITALYZ trial is designed to enroll approximately 150 adults diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia (IH).

What is the primary endpoint of Avadel's Phase 3 REVITALYZ trial for LUMRYZ (AVDL)?

The primary endpoint of the REVITALYZ trial is the change in total score of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) at Week 14, measuring the reduction in daytime sleepiness.

When did Avadel Pharmaceuticals (AVDL) dose the first patient in the REVITALYZ trial?

Avadel Pharmaceuticals announced on July 31, 2024, that the first patient has been dosed in the Phase 3 REVITALYZ trial of LUMRYZ for idiopathic hypersomnia.