Citius Pharmaceuticals and Citius Oncology Highlight LYMPHIR Commercial Launch Planned for the First Half of 2025

Rhea-AI Summary

Citius Pharmaceuticals and its subsidiary Citius Oncology announced preparations for the commercial launch of LYMPHIR™ in the first half of 2025. LYMPHIR, approved in August 2024, is an immunotherapy treatment for adults with relapsed or refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).

The companies have made significant progress in key launch areas including: securing commercial supply agreements and producing first-year launch supply; implementing healthcare provider education programs; working on reimbursement pathways; submitting for a unique J-code; securing inclusion in NCCN guidelines; developing patient assistance programs; and building a specialized sales team.

Management is also exploring additional growth opportunities through international licensing partnerships and potential expanded indications for LYMPHIR, including its use as a combination immunotherapy.

Positive

• LYMPHIR received FDA approval in August 2024
• First year commercial launch supply has been produced
• Secured inclusion in NCCN guidelines, important for clinical decisions and payer coverage
• Exploring international licensing partnerships for market expansion
• Transitioning from development to revenue generation phase

Negative

• None.

Insights

Market Research Analyst

The planned commercial launch of LYMPHIR in H1 2025 represents a important milestone for both Citius Pharmaceuticals and Citius Oncology. The comprehensive launch strategy encompasses critical elements: secured manufacturing agreements, completed first-year supply production and established healthcare provider education platforms. The inclusion in NCCN guidelines is particularly significant as it typically leads to broader insurance coverage and adoption. The CTCL market, while niche, offers substantial revenue potential due to high unmet needs and typically premium pricing for orphan drugs. The company's dual approach of targeting U.S. market penetration while pursuing international licensing partnerships suggests a well-structured commercialization strategy that could maximize market reach and revenue potential. The implementation of a patient assistance program and specialized sales force indicates a thorough understanding of the orphan drug market dynamics, where patient access and healthcare provider relationships are important success factors.

Healthcare Industry Expert

The launch preparation for LYMPHIR demonstrates strong commercial readiness across multiple critical areas. The securing of J-code application is particularly noteworthy as it will streamline reimbursement processes, potentially accelerating adoption among healthcare providers. The establishment of comprehensive patient support services and assistance programs addresses a important aspect of rare disease treatment accessibility. The company's focus on educating healthcare providers and building a specialized sales force is essential given CTCL's status as a rare disease where specialist engagement is key. The exploration of LYMPHIR's potential as a combination therapy could significantly expand its market opportunity beyond the initial indication. The transition from clinical development to commercialization represents a pivotal moment for revenue generation, particularly important given the company's current market capitalization of $31.2 million, suggesting significant growth potential if the launch is successful.

CRANFORD, N.J., Jan. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Citius Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Citius Pharma" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: CTXR) and its oncology-focused subsidiary, Citius Oncology (Nasdaq: CTOR), today announced significant progress in preparations for the commercial launch of LYMPHIR™, an innovative immunotherapy for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Management is focused on making LYMPHIR available to patients as quickly as possible, with preparations underway for launch in the first half of 2025.

"Since LYMPHIR's approval in August 2024, we have worked diligently toward supporting its successful launch. We are making significant progress to finalize our manufacturing, marketing, reimbursement and sales efforts. This is a pivotal inflection point as we transition from clinical development to revenue generation. Our strategy not only focuses on a successful U.S. market penetration, but also includes exploring additional growth opportunities, including licensing partnerships in key international markets, for which discussions are underway, expanded indications for LYMPHIR, in addition to LYMPHIR's potential as a combination immunotherapy. Our unwavering goal remains to deliver substantial value to patients, healthcare providers, and shareholders by bringing this innovative cancer treatment to market," stated Leonard Mazur, Chairman and CEO of Citius Pharmaceuticals and Citius Oncology.

Key Launch Preparations and Activities:

• Manufacturing Scale-Up and Supply Chain Optimization:
• Secured commercial supply agreements with leading contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs).
• First Year Launch Supply has been produced.
• Healthcare Provider Engagement:
• Rolled out targeted education programs aimed at oncologists, hematologists, and other key medical professionals.
• Launched an information platform that offers clinical data, dosing guidelines, and safety information for healthcare providers.
• Market Access and Reimbursement Efforts:
• Working closely with payers and healthcare providers to secure reimbursement pathways that facilitate patient access.
• Submitted an application for a unique J-code under the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) to streamline reimbursement processes.
• Secured LYMPHIR's inclusion in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, a key factor in influencing clinical decision-making and payer coverage in the U.S.
• Patient Support Initiatives:
• Designed a patient assistance program to help with financial support and access to LYMPHIR.
• Developing a best-in-class patient services center to assist LYMPHIR patients with administrative and prescribing needs.
• Marketing and Sales Initiatives:
• Launched a core marketing campaign to raise awareness among healthcare providers, ensuring that top CTCL prescribers are informed of LYMPHIR's availability.
• Building an experienced specialized field sales team to partner with CTCL providers and office staff.

About LYMPHIR™ (denileukin diftitox-cxdl)

LYMPHIR is a targeted immune therapy for relapsed or refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) indicated for use in Stage I-III disease after at least one prior systemic therapy. It is a recombinant fusion protein that combines the IL-2 receptor binding domain with diphtheria toxin fragments. The agent specifically binds to IL-2 receptors on the cell surface, causing diphtheria toxin fragments that have entered cells to inhibit protein synthesis. After uptake into the cell, the DT fragment is cleaved and the free DT fragments inhibit protein synthesis, resulting in cell death. Denileukin diftitox-cxdl demonstrated the ability to deplete immunosuppressive regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) and antitumor activity through a direct cytocidal action on IL-2R-expressing tumors.

In 2021, denileukin diftitox received regulatory approval in Japan for the treatment of CTCL and PTCL. Subsequently, in 2021, Citius acquired an exclusive license with rights to develop and commercialize LYMPHIR in all markets except for Japan and certain parts of Asia. LYMPHIR was approved by the FDA in August 2024.

About Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a type of cutaneous non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that comes in a variety of forms and is the most common type of cutaneous lymphoma. In CTCL, T-cells, a type of lymphocyte that plays a role in the immune system, become cancerous and develop into skin lesions, leading to a decrease in the quality of life of patients with this disease due to severe pain and pruritus. Mycosis Fungoides (MF) and Sézary Syndrome (SS) comprise the majority of CTCL cases.  Depending on the type of CTCL, the disease may progress slowly and can take anywhere from several years to upwards of ten to potentially reach tumor stage. However, once the disease reaches this stage, the cancer is highly malignant and can spread to the lymph nodes and internal organs, resulting in a poor prognosis. Given the duration of the disease, patients typically cycle through multiple agents to control disease progression. CTCL affects men twice as often as women and is typically first diagnosed in patients between the ages of 50 and 60 years of age. Other than allogeneic stem cell transplantation, for which only a small fraction of patients qualify, there is currently no curative therapy for advanced CTCL.

INDICATION

LYMPHIR is an IL2-receptor-directed cytotoxin indicated for the treatment of adult patients with r/r Stage I-III cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) after at least one prior systemic therapy.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

BOXED WARNING: CAPILLARY LEAK SYNDROME

Capillary leak syndrome (CLS), including life-threatening or fatal reactions, can occur in patients receiving LYMPHIR. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of CLS during treatment. Withhold LYMPHIR until CLS resolves, or permanently discontinue based on severity.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Capillary Leak Syndrome

LYMPHIR can cause capillary leak syndrome (CLS), including life-threatening or fatal reactions. CLS was defined in the clinical trials as the occurrence of at least 2 of the following symptoms at any time during LYMPHIR therapy: hypotension, edema, and serum albumin <3 g/dL. These symptoms were not required to occur simultaneously to be characterized as capillary leak syndrome.

As defined, CLS occurred in 27% of patients in the pooled population across 3 clinical trials, including 8% with Grade 3. There was one (0.8%) fatal occurrence of CLS. Of the patients with CLS, 22% had recurrence. The majority of CLS events (81%) occurred within the first 2 cycles of treatment. The median time to onset from Cycle 1, Day 1 was 6.5 days (range: 1 to 77), the median duration of CLS was 14 days (range: 2 to 40), and 75% of patients had resolution. The most common symptoms included edema, hypoalbuminemia, and hypotension. Pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, and dehydration also occurred.

Regularly assess patients for weight gain, new onset or worsening of edema, dyspnea, and hypotension (including orthostatic changes). Monitor serum albumin levels prior to the initiation of each cycle of therapy and more often as clinically indicated.

Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity. If LYMPHIR is withheld, resume LYMPHIR following resolution of CLS and when serum albumin is greater than or equal to 3 g/dL.

Visual Impairment

LYMPHIR can cause serious visual impairment, including changes in visual acuity and color vision. In the pooled population across 3 clinical trials, visual impairment occurred in 9%, with Grade 1 in 8% and Grade 2 in 1%. The most commonly reported symptom was blurred vision. Of the patients with visual impairment, 67% had resolution of their visual impairment.

Perform baseline ophthalmic examination and monitor as clinically indicated. If patients experience symptoms of visual impairment, such as changes in visual acuity, changes in color vision, or blurred vision, refer for ophthalmologic evaluation.

Withhold LYMPHIR until visual impairment resolves or permanently discontinue based on severity.

Infusion-Related Reactions

LYMPHIR can cause serious infusion-related reactions. Infusion-related reactions were reported in 69% of patients in the pooled population across 3 clinical trials of patients who received LYMPHIR, with Grade 3 infusion-related reactions in 3.4% [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Eighty-three percent of infusion-related reactions occurred in Cycles 1 and 2. The most common symptoms included nausea, fatigue, chills, musculoskeletal pain, vomiting, fever, and arthralgia.

Premedicate patients for the first three cycles prior to starting a LYMPHIR infusion [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]. Monitor patients frequently during infusion. For Grade 2 or higher infusion reactions, premedicate at least 30 minutes prior to each subsequent infusion with a systemic steroid for at least 3 cycles.

Interrupt or discontinue LYMPHIR based on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)]. Institute appropriate medical management.

Hepatotoxicity

LYMPHIR can cause hepatotoxicity. In the pooled safety population, elevated ALT occurred in 70% of patients, with Grade 3 ALT occurring in 22%; elevated AST occurred in 64% of patients, with Grade 3 AST elevation occurring in 9%. For Grade 3 events, median time to onset was 8 days (range: 1 to 15 days); median time to resolution was 15 days (range: 7 to 50 days); all cases of Grade 3 ALT or AST elevations resolved [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Elevated total bilirubin occurred in 5% of patients, with Grade 3 occurring in 0.9%.

Monitor liver enzymes and bilirubin at baseline and during treatment as clinically indicated. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue LYMPHIR based on severity.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on its mechanism of action, LYMPHIR can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to the initiation of LYMPHIR. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 7 days following the last dose of LYMPHIR.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions (≥20%), including laboratory abnormalities, are increased transaminases, albumin decreased, nausea, edema, hemoglobin decreased, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, rash, chills, constipation, pyrexia, and capillary leak syndrome

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Pregnancy

Risk Summary
Based on its mechanism of action, LYMPHIR can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data on the use of LYMPHIR in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk. No animal reproductive and developmental toxicity studies have been conducted with denileukin diftitox.

Denileukin diftitox-cxdl causes depletion of regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg), immune activation, and capillary leak syndrome, compromising pregnancy maintenance. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies are 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.

Lactation

Risk Summary
No data are available regarding the presence of denileukin diftitox-cxdl in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with LYMPHIR and for 7 days after the last dose.

Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

Based on its mechanism of action, LYMPHIR can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman.

Pregnancy Testing
Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating LYMPHIR.

Contraception

Females
Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with LYMPHIR and for 7 days after the last dose.

Infertility

Males
Based on findings in rats, male fertility may be compromised by treatment with. The reversibility of the effect on fertility is unknown.

Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness of LYMPHIR in pediatric patients have not been established.

Geriatric Use
Of the 69 patients with Stage I-III r/r CTCL who received LYMPHIR, 34 patients (49%) were 65 years of age and older and 10 patients (14%) were 75 years of age and older. Clinical studies of LYMPHIR did not include sufficient numbers of patients 65 years of age and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger adult patients. 

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Citius Pharmaceuticals at 1-844-459-6744.

Please read Important Safety Information and full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING, for LYMPHIR™.

About Citius Oncology, Inc.

Citius Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: CTOR) is a platform to develop and commercialize novel targeted oncology therapies. In August 2024, its primary asset, LYMPHIR, was approved by the FDA for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory CTCL who had had at least one prior systemic therapy. Management estimates the initial market for LYMPHIR currently exceeds $400 million, is growing, and is underserved by existing therapies. Robust intellectual property protections that span orphan drug designation, complex technology, trade secrets and pending patents for immuno-oncology use as a combination therapy with checkpoint inhibitors would further support Citius Oncology's competitive positioning. For more information, please visit www.citiusonc.com.

About Citius Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Citius Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: CTXR) is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development and commercialization of first-in-class critical care products. In August 2024, the FDA approved LYMPHIR, a targeted immunotherapy for an initial indication in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Citius Pharma's late-stage pipeline also includes Mino-Lok^®, an antibiotic lock solution to salvage catheters in patients with catheter-related bloodstream infections, and CITI-002 (Halo-Lido), a topical formulation for the relief of hemorrhoids. A Pivotal Phase 3 Trial for Mino-Lok and a Phase 2b trial for Halo-Lido were completed in 2023. Mino-Lok met primary and secondary endpoints of its Phase 3 Trial. Citius is actively engaged with the FDA to outline next steps for both programs. Citius Pharmaceuticals owns 92% of Citius Oncology. For more information, please visit www.citiuspharma.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain "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. Such statements are made based on our expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting Citius Pharma or Citius Oncology. You can identify these statements by the fact that they use words such as "will," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "plan," "should," and "may" and other words and terms of similar meaning or use of future dates. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could negatively affect our business, operating results, financial condition and stock price.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated, and, unless noted otherwise, that apply to Citius Pharma and Citius Oncology, are: our ability to commercialize LYMPHIR and any of our other product candidates that may be approved by the FDA; our need for substantial additional funds; the estimated markets for our product candidates and the acceptance thereof by any market; the ability of our product candidates to impact the quality of life of our target patient populations; risks relating to the results of research and development activities, including those from our existing and any new pipeline assets; our dependence on third-party suppliers; our ability to procure cGMP commercial-scale supply; our ability to obtain, perform under and maintain financing and strategic agreements and relationships; uncertainties relating to preclinical and clinical testing; the early stage of products under development; market and other conditions; risks related to our growth strategy; patent and intellectual property matters; our ability to identify, acquire, close and integrate product candidates and companies successfully and on a timely basis; government regulation; competition; as well as other risks described in our SEC filings. These risks have been and may be further impacted by any future public health risks. Accordingly, these forward-looking statements do not constitute guarantees of future performance, and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Risks regarding our business are described in detail in our Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") filings which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, including in Citius Oncology's and Citius Pharma's Annual Reports on Forms 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2024, filed with the SEC on December 27, 2024, as updated by our subsequent filings with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.

Investor Contact:

Ilanit Allen
ir@citiuspharma.com
908-967-6677 x113

Media Contact:

STiR-communications
Greg Salsburg
Greg@STiR-communications.com 

 

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SOURCE Citius Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

FAQ

When is LYMPHIR's commercial launch date for CTXR?

LYMPHIR is planned to launch commercially in the first half of 2025.

What regulatory approvals has LYMPHIR (CTXR) received?

LYMPHIR received FDA approval in August 2024 for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).

What are CTXR's plans for LYMPHIR international expansion?

Citius is exploring licensing partnerships in key international markets, with discussions currently underway.

Has LYMPHIR been included in NCCN guidelines?

Yes, LYMPHIR has secured inclusion in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, which influences clinical decision-making and payer coverage in the U.S.

What patient support programs will be available for LYMPHIR?

Citius is developing a patient assistance program for financial support and a patient services center to assist with administrative and prescribing needs.