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BioXcel Therapeutics Announces Clinical Prioritization and Update on BXCL501 Late-Stage Programs for Agitation

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BioXcel Therapeutics (Nasdaq: BTAI) announced a strategic shift, prioritizing late-stage clinical programs for BXCL501 in bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease while deprioritizing sales efforts for its approved drug IGALMI™. The company has initiated the SERENITY At-Home pivotal Phase 3 trial for agitation in bipolar disorders or schizophrenia and submitted a protocol to the FDA for the TRANQUILITY In-Care pivotal Phase 3 trial for Alzheimer's dementia-related agitation. BioXcel will maintain IGALMI in the market without its current commercial infrastructure, focusing resources on developing BXCL501 for potential new markets. This strategic move aims to optimize resource allocation and advance the company's lead neuroscience asset into promising growth opportunities.

BioXcel Therapeutics (Nasdaq: BTAI) ha annunciato un cambiamento strategico, dando priorità ai programmi clinici in fase avanzata per BXCL501 nei disturbi bipolari, nella schizofrenia e nel morbo di Alzheimer, mentre ha declassato gli sforzi di vendita per il suo farmaco approvato IGALMI™. L'azienda ha avviato lo studio clinico pivotale di fase 3 SERENITY At-Home per l'agitazione nei disturbi bipolari o nella schizofrenia e presentato un protocollo alla FDA per lo studio clinico pivotale di fase 3 TRANQUILITY In-Care per l'agitazione legata alla demenza di Alzheimer. BioXcel manterrà IGALMI sul mercato senza l'attuale infrastruttura commerciale, concentrando le risorse sullo sviluppo di BXCL501 per potenziali nuovi mercati. Questa mossa strategica mira a ottimizzare l'allocazione delle risorse e a far avanzare il principale asset di neuroscienze dell'azienda verso promettenti opportunità di crescita.

BioXcel Therapeutics (Nasdaq: BTAI) anunció un cambio estratégico, priorizando programas clínicos en etapa avanzada para BXCL501 en trastornos bipolares, esquizofrenia y enfermedad de Alzheimer, mientras desprioriza los esfuerzos de ventas para su medicamento aprobado IGALMI™. La compañía ha iniciado el ensayo pivotal de fase 3 SERENITY At-Home para la agitación en trastornos bipolares o esquizofrenia y ha presentado un protocolo a la FDA para el ensayo pivotal de fase 3 TRANQUILITY In-Care para la agitación relacionada con la demencia de Alzheimer. BioXcel mantendrá IGALMI en el mercado sin su actual infraestructura comercial, enfocando los recursos en el desarrollo de BXCL501 para potenciales nuevos mercados. Este movimiento estratégico tiene como objetivo optimizar la asignación de recursos y avanzar el principal activo de neurociencias de la compañía hacia prometedoras oportunidades de crecimiento.

BioXcel Therapeutics(나스닥: BTAI)는 전략적 전환을 발표하며, 양극성 장애, 정신분열증 및 알츠하이머 병에 대한 BXCL501의 후기 임상 프로그램을 우선시하고 승인된 약물 IGALMI™의 판매 노력을 덜 중요하게 여길 것이라고 밝혔습니다. 이 회사는 양극성 장애 또는 정신 분열증에서의 동요를 위한 SERENITY At-Home 3상 주요 시험을 시작하고 알츠하이머 치매 관련 동요를 위한 TRANQUILITY In-Care 3상 주요 시험에 대한 프로토콜을 FDA에 제출했습니다. BioXcel은 현재 상업적 인프라 없이 IGALMI를 시장에 유지할 것이며, BXCL501의 개발에 자원을 집중하여 잠재적인 새로운 시장을 겨냥할 것입니다. 이러한 전략적 이동은 자원 할당을 최적화하고 회사의 주요 신경 과학 자산을 유망한 성장 기회로 발전시키는 것을 목표로 합니다.

BioXcel Therapeutics (Nasdaq: BTAI) a annoncé un changement stratégique, mettant en avant les programmes cliniques avancés pour BXCL501 dans les troubles bipolaires, la schizophrénie et la maladie d'Alzheimer, tout en dépriorisant les efforts de vente pour son médicament approuvé IGALMI™. L'entreprise a lancé l'essai pivot de phase 3 SERENITY At-Home pour l'agitation dans les troubles bipolaires ou la schizophrénie et soumis un protocole à la FDA pour l'essai pivot de phase 3 TRANQUILITY In-Care pour l'agitation liée à la démence d'Alzheimer. BioXcel maintiendra IGALMI sur le marché sans son infrastructure commerciale actuelle, concentrant ses ressources sur le développement de BXCL501 pour de nouveaux marchés potentiels. Ce mouvement stratégique vise à optimiser l'allocation des ressources et à faire avancer l'actif principal en neurosciences de l'entreprise vers des opportunités de croissance prometteuses.

BioXcel Therapeutics (Nasdaq: BTAI) hat einen strategischen Kurswechsel angekündigt, der sich auf späte klinische Programme für BXCL501 bei bipolaren Störungen, Schizophrenie und Alzheimer-Krankheit konzentriert, während die Vertriebsbestrebungen für das genehmigte Medikament IGALMI™ herabgestuft werden. Das Unternehmen hat die SERENITY At-Home pivotal Phase 3 Studie für Agitationen bei bipolaren Störungen oder Schizophrenie gestartet und ein Protokoll bei der FDA für die TRANQUILITY In-Care pivotal Phase 3 Studie für Agitationen im Zusammenhang mit Alzheimer-Demenz eingereicht. BioXcel wird IGALMI ohne die derzeitige kommerzielle Infrastruktur auf dem Markt halten und Ressourcen auf die Entwicklung von BXCL501 für potenzielle neue Märkte konzentrieren. Dieser strategische Schritt zielt darauf ab, die Ressourcenallokation zu optimieren und das führende Neurowissenschafts-Asset des Unternehmens in vielversprechende Wachstumschancen voranzubringen.

Positive
  • Initiation of SERENITY At-Home pivotal Phase 3 trial for BXCL501 in bipolar disorders and schizophrenia
  • Submission of protocol to FDA for TRANQUILITY In-Care pivotal Phase 3 trial for Alzheimer's dementia
  • Strategic focus on high-potential clinical development programs
  • Continued market presence of IGALMI without current commercial infrastructure costs
Negative
  • Deprioritization of sales efforts for approved drug IGALMI
  • Potential reduction in near-term revenue from IGALMI due to reduced commercial support

Insights

BioXcel Therapeutics' decision to prioritize clinical programs while deprioritizing IGALMI sales efforts is a strategic shift with mixed implications. The focus on late-stage trials for BXCL501 in bipolar disorders, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's could potentially expand market opportunities. However, scaling back IGALMI's commercial infrastructure may impact near-term revenues.

The initiation of the SERENITY At-Home trial and protocol submission for TRANQUILITY In-Care are positive developments for the pipeline. These studies target large patient populations, potentially leading to significant market expansion if successful. The at-home setting for bipolar and schizophrenia patients could be particularly lucrative.

Investors should monitor cash burn rate and timeline to potential approvals, as the company's financial health will be important during this transition period. The stock may experience short-term volatility but could see long-term gains if clinical trials yield positive results.

BioXcel's focus on BXCL501 for agitation in multiple indications demonstrates a strategic approach to drug development. The SERENITY At-Home trial, evaluating a 120 mcg dose for bipolar disorders and schizophrenia, could significantly expand the drug's utility beyond institutional settings. This move aligns with the trend towards home-based care and could address a critical unmet need.

The TRANQUILITY In-Care trial for Alzheimer's-related agitation targets another substantial market. With 60% of Alzheimer's patients experiencing agitation, a successful outcome could position BXCL501 as a first-line treatment in this space. The lower 60 mcg dose being studied suggests a tailored approach for this vulnerable population.

While deprioritizing IGALMI sales is risky, the potential payoff from these late-stage trials could be significantly higher. The company's AI-driven approach to drug development may provide an edge in these complex neurological indications.

Recently initiated SERENITY At-Home pivotal Phase 3 trial for agitation associated with bipolar disorders or schizophrenia

Submitted protocol to FDA for TRANQUILITY In-Care pivotal Phase 3 trial for agitation associated with Alzheimer’s dementia

Company to maintain IGALMI in the market without current commercial infrastructure

NEW HAVEN, Conn., Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- — BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: BTAI), a biopharmaceutical company utilizing artificial intelligence to develop transformative medicines in neuroscience, today announced its clinical prioritization and an update on its late-stage development programs for the treatment of agitation with BXCL501. The clinical prioritization is intended to optimize resource allocation and focus on the development of its lead neuroscience asset into potential new markets, while deprioritizing sales efforts for its approved drug IGALMI™ (dexmedetomidine) sublingual film. The Company plans to maintain IGALMI in the market without its current commercial infrastructure.

“We are prioritizing our late-stage clinical programs for BXCL501 in bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s disease and placing greater emphasis on advancing these trials,” said Vimal Mehta, Ph.D., CEO of BioXcel Therapeutics. “We believe these programs represent attractive growth opportunities, and we look forward to focusing on these top-priority clinical development initiatives.”

Update on Late-Stage Clinical Programs for BXCL501

  • SERENITY At-Home Pivotal Phase 3 trial: designed to evaluate the safety of a 120 mcg dose of BXCL501 (an approved dose of IGALMI) in the at-home setting for agitation associated with bipolar disorders or schizophrenia.
    • The Company announced initiation of the 200-patient SERENITY At-Home trial, with safety as the primary endpoint, on September 5, 2024.
  • TRANQUILITY In-Care Pivotal Phase 3 Trial: designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a 60 mcg dose of BXCL501 for agitation associated with Alzheimer’s dementia.
    • The Company submitted its protocol for the TRANQUILITY In-Care trial to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on September 5, 2024.

IGALMI Market Presence

  • The Company plans to continue to supply IGALMI™ to current and future customers through existing distribution channels, without commercial support.

About IGALMI™ (dexmedetomidine) sublingual film

INDICATION

IGALMI™ (dexmedetomidine) sublingual film is a prescription medicine, administered under the supervision of a health care provider, that is placed under the tongue or behind the lower lip and is used for the acute treatment of agitation associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder I or II in adults. The safety and effectiveness of IGALMI has not been studied beyond 24 hours from the first dose. It is not known if IGALMI is safe and effective in children.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

IGALMI can cause serious side effects, including:

Decreased blood pressure, low blood pressure upon standing, and slower than normal heart rate, which may be more likely in patients with low blood volume, diabetes, chronic high blood pressure, and older patients. IGALMI is taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider who will monitor vital signs (like blood pressure and heart rate) and alertness after IGALMI is administered to help prevent falling or fainting. Patients should be adequately hydrated and sit or lie down after taking IGALMI and instructed to tell their healthcare provider if they feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint.

Heart rhythm changes (QT interval prolongation). IGALMI should not be given to patients with an abnormal heart rhythm, a history of an irregular heartbeat, slow heart rate, low potassium, low magnesium, or taking other drugs that could affect heart rhythm. Taking IGALMI with a history of abnormal heart rhythm can increase the risk of torsades de pointes and sudden death. Patients should be instructed to tell their healthcare provider immediately if they feel faint or have heart palpitations.

Sleepiness/drowsiness. Patients should not perform activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating hazardous machinery, for at least 8 hours after taking IGALMI.

Withdrawal reactions, tolerance, and decreased response/efficacy. IGALMI was not studied for longer than 24 hours after the first dose. Physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, agitation), and decreased response to IGALMI may occur if IGALMI is used longer than 24 hours.

The most common side effects of IGALMI in clinical studies were sleepiness or drowsiness, a prickling or tingling sensation or numbness of the mouth, dizziness, dry mouth, low blood pressure, and low blood pressure upon standing.

These are not all the possible side effects of IGALMI. Patients should speak with their healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects.

Patients should tell their healthcare provider about their medical history, including if they suffer from any known heart problems, low potassium, low magnesium, low blood pressure, low heart rate, diabetes, high blood pressure, history of fainting, or liver impairment. They should also tell their healthcare provider if they are pregnant or breastfeeding or take any medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Patients should especially tell their healthcare provider if they take any drugs that lower blood pressure, change heart rate, or take anesthetics, sedatives, hypnotics, and opioids.

Everyone is 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 contact BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc. at 1-833-201- 1088 or medinfo@bioxceltherapeutics.com.

Please see full Prescribing Information.

About BXCL501
Outside of its approved indication by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as IGALMI™ (dexmedetomidine) sublingual film, BXCL501 is an investigational proprietary, orally dissolving film formulation of dexmedetomidine, a selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. BXCL501 is under investigation by BioXcel Therapeutics for the acute treatment of agitation associated with Alzheimer’s dementia and for the acute treatment of agitation associated with bipolar I or II disorder or schizophrenia in the at-home setting. The safety and efficacy of BXCL501 for these investigational uses have not been established. BXCL501 has been granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the FDA for the acute treatment of agitation associated with dementia and Fast Track designation for the acute treatment of agitation associated with schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and dementia.

About BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc.
BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: BTAI) is a biopharmaceutical company utilizing artificial intelligence to develop transformative medicines in neuroscience. Its wholly owned subsidiary, OnkosXcel Therapeutics, is focused on the development of medicines in immuno-oncology. The Company’s drug re-innovation approach leverages existing approved drugs and/or clinically validated product candidates together with big data and proprietary machine learning algorithms to identify new therapeutic indications. For more information, please visit bioxceltherapeutics.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements related to: the Company’s advancement of its SERENITY and TRANQUILITY trials and the trial design and expected timing thereof; potential market opportunity for BXCL501; the potential for the results from the Company’s completed, ongoing and proposed clinical trials to support regulatory approvals for its product candidates; and impacts from the clinical prioritization, including the Company’s plans to supply IGALMI through existing distribution channels without commercial support. When used herein, words including “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “designed,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. In addition, any statements or information that refer to expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, performance or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking. All forward-looking statements are based upon the Company’s current expectations and various assumptions. The Company believes there is a reasonable basis for its expectations and beliefs, but they are inherently uncertain. The Company may not realize its expectations, and its beliefs may not prove correct. Actual results could differ materially from those described or implied by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including, without limitation: its limited operating history; its incurrence of significant losses; its need for substantial additional funding and ability to raise capital when needed; the impact of the reprioritization; its significant indebtedness, ability to comply with covenant obligations and potential payment obligations related to such indebtedness and other contractual obligations; the Company has identified conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern; its limited experience in drug discovery and drug development; risks related to the TRANQUILITY program; its dependence on the success and commercialization of IGALMI™, BXCL501, BXCL502, BXCL701 and BXCL702 and other product candidates; the number of episodes of agitation and the size of the Company’s total addressable market may be overestimated, and approval that the Company may obtain may be based on a narrower definition of the patient population; its lack of experience in marketing and selling drug products; the risk that IGALMI or the Company’s product candidates may not be accepted by physicians or the medical community in general; the Company still faces extensive and ongoing regulatory requirements and obligations for IGALMI; the failure of preliminary data from its clinical studies to predict final study results; failure of its early clinical studies or preclinical studies to predict future clinical studies; its ability to receive regulatory approval for its product candidates; its ability to enroll patients in its clinical trials; undesirable side effects caused by the Company’s product candidates; its novel approach to the discovery and development of product candidates based on EvolverAI; the significant influence of and dependence on BioXcel LLC; its exposure to patent infringement lawsuits; its reliance on third parties; its ability to comply with the extensive regulations applicable to it; impacts from data breaches or cyber-attacks, if any; risks associated with the increased scrutiny relating to environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters; risks associated with federal, state or foreign health care “fraud and abuse” laws; and its ability to commercialize its product candidates, as well as the important factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as such factors may be updated from time to time in its other filings with the SEC, including without limitation its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2024, which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These and other important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management’s estimates as of the date of this press release. While the Company may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, except as required by law, it disclaims any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

Contact Information

Corporate/Investors
BioXcel Therapeutics
Erik Kopp
1.203.494.7062
ekopp@bioxceltherapeutics.com

Media
Russo Partners
David Schull
1.858.717.2310
David.schull@russopartnersllc.com

Source: BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc.

IGALMI™ is a trademark of BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc.
BT BIOXCEL THERAPEUTICS is a registered trademark of BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc. 
All other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.
Copyright © 2024, BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved.


FAQ

What is the status of BioXcel Therapeutics' SERENITY At-Home trial for BXCL501?

BioXcel Therapeutics (BTAI) initiated the SERENITY At-Home pivotal Phase 3 trial on September 5, 2024. This 200-patient trial is designed to evaluate the safety of a 120 mcg dose of BXCL501 in the at-home setting for agitation associated with bipolar disorders or schizophrenia.

What is BioXcel Therapeutics' plan for the TRANQUILITY In-Care trial?

BioXcel Therapeutics (BTAI) submitted the protocol for the TRANQUILITY In-Care pivotal Phase 3 trial to the FDA on September 5, 2024. This trial is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a 60 mcg dose of BXCL501 for agitation associated with Alzheimer's dementia.

How is BioXcel Therapeutics changing its strategy for IGALMI?

BioXcel Therapeutics (BTAI) is deprioritizing sales efforts for IGALMI while maintaining its market presence. The company plans to continue supplying IGALMI to current and future customers through existing distribution channels, but without its current commercial infrastructure support.

What are the main clinical priorities for BioXcel Therapeutics as of September 2024?

As of September 2024, BioXcel Therapeutics (BTAI) is prioritizing late-stage clinical programs for BXCL501 in bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease. The company is focusing on advancing the SERENITY At-Home and TRANQUILITY In-Care pivotal Phase 3 trials.

BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc.

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