Eton Pharmaceuticals, Inc to Acquire Increlex® (mecasermin injection) from Ipsen

Rhea-AI Summary

Eton Pharmaceuticals has announced an agreement to acquire Increlex® (mecasermin injection) from Ipsen S.A. The acquisition, expected to close near year-end 2024, aligns with Eton's mission to develop and distribute medicines for ultra-rare conditions. Increlex is a biologic product used to treat children and adolescents aged 2-18 with severe primary insulin-like growth factor 1 deficiency (SPIGFD).

Key points:

• Increlex is approved in 40 territories, including the U.S. and EU
• Approximately 200 patients in the U.S. and 900-1,000 in Europe live with SPIGFD
• Eton will immediately commercialize the product in the U.S. post-closing
• Ipsen will continue distribution outside the U.S. for a six-month transition period
• The transaction will be financed by Eton's cash and an expanded credit facility
• Ipsen reported global sales for Increlex of €17.3 million in 2023

Positive

• Acquisition of Increlex aligns with Eton's mission to serve ultra-rare conditions
• Increlex is the only FDA and EMA approved treatment for SPIGFD
• Eton gains immediate commercialization rights in the U.S.
• Expansion into pediatric endocrinology market
• Potential for increased awareness and treatment of underdiagnosed condition

Negative

• Additional debt through expansion of existing credit facility
• Potential challenges in integrating new product into portfolio
• patient population may restrict revenue growth potential
• Risks associated with biologic product manufacturing and distribution

Insights

Financial Analyst

The acquisition of Increlex® by Eton Pharmaceuticals is a strategic move that aligns well with the company's focus on rare diseases. This deal has several significant implications:

• Market Expansion: Eton gains access to a product approved in 40 territories, including the U.S. and EU, potentially broadening its global footprint.
• Revenue Growth: With Ipsen reporting €17.3 million in global sales for Increlex® in 2023, this acquisition could substantially boost Eton's top line.
• Monopolistic Position: As the only FDA and EMA-approved treatment for SPIGFD, Increlex® holds a unique market position, which could translate to pricing power and sustained revenue.
• Synergies: Eton can leverage its existing presence in pediatric endocrinology to potentially increase Increlex®'s market penetration.

However, investors should note that the small patient population (~1100-1200 globally) may limit growth potential. The financing through cash and credit facility expansion could impact Eton's balance sheet in the short term, but the long-term benefits may outweigh this concern if executed well.

Medical Research Analyst

The acquisition of Increlex® (mecasermin injection) by Eton Pharmaceuticals is a significant development in the treatment landscape for severe primary insulin-like growth factor 1 deficiency (SPIGFD). Key medical implications include:

• Unmet Need: SPIGFD is an ultra-rare condition affecting only about 200 patients in the U.S. and 900-1,000 in Europe. Increlex® addresses a critical gap in treatment options.
• Unique Mechanism: As a recombinant human insulin-like growth factor 1 (rhIGF-1), Increlex® offers a targeted approach for patients who can't produce sufficient IGF-1.
• Age-Specific Treatment: Approved for children and adolescents aged 2-18, it provides a important intervention during key developmental years.
• Safety Considerations: The comprehensive safety profile, including risks of hypoglycemia and intracranial hypertension, necessitates careful patient monitoring and dose titration.

Eton's expertise in rare diseases could potentially improve patient access and awareness of this underdiagnosed condition, potentially leading to earlier interventions and better outcomes for affected individuals.

Aligns with Eton's Mission to Develop and Distribute Medicines that Have a Life Changing Impact for Patients with Ultra-rare Conditions

Acquisition to Bolster Eton’s Commercial Pediatric Endocrinology Portfolio

DEER PARK, Ill., Oct. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eton Pharmaceuticals, Inc (“Eton” or “the Company”) (Nasdaq: ETON), an innovative pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing treatments for rare diseases, today announced that it has entered into an asset purchase agreement to acquire Increlex® (mecasermin injection) from Ipsen S.A. (“Ipsen”). The acquisition is expected to close near year-end 2024.

"Eton's mission is to develop and distribute medicines that make a life changing impact for patients with the rarest of conditions. Increlex, a critical medication for patients with the ultra-rare condition of severe IGF-1 deficiency, aligns perfectly with our mission and our significant expertise in serving extremely rare patient populations," said Sean Brynjelsen, CEO of Eton Pharmaceuticals. "Leveraging our strong presence in the pediatric endocrinology community, we aim to raise awareness of this underdiagnosed and undertreated condition. We look forward to collaborating with Ipsen to ensure continuity of care and long-term supply for patients globally."

Increlex is a biologic product used to treat children and adolescents from 2- to 18-years-old who suffer from severe primary insulin-like growth factor 1 deficiency (SPIGFD) because their bodies do not make enough insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). The medicine is approved in 40 territories, including the United States (U.S.) and the European Union (EU). It is estimated that approximately 200 patients in the United States and 900-1,000 patients in Europe live with SPIGFD. Increlex is the only treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or European Medicines Agency (EMA) for SPIGFD.

Post closing, Eton will immediately commercialize the product in the U.S. without disruption to patient supply. Outside the U.S., Ipsen will continue distributing the product during a six-month transition period to ensure no disruption to patient supply, after which the commercialization will be continued by Eton.

The transaction will be financed by Eton’s cash on hand and an expansion of the Company’s existing credit facility with SWK Holdings. Ipsen reported global sales for Increlex of €17.3 million in 2023.

Important Safety Information

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to mecasermin (rhIGF-1), any of the inactive ingredients in INCRELEX^®, or who have experienced a severe hypersensitivity to INCRELEX^®. Allergic reactions have been reported, including anaphylaxis requiring hospitalization.
• Intravenous Administration.
• Closed Epiphyses.
• Benign and malignant Neoplasia in pediatric patients with active or suspected neoplasia or medical history with an increased risk of benign or malignant neoplasia.

Warnings and Precautions

• Hypoglycemia: INCRELEX^® should be administered 20 minutes before or after a meal or snack and should not be administered when the meal or snack is omitted. Glucose monitoring and INCRELEX^® dose titration are recommended until a well-tolerated dose is established and as medically indicated.
• Intracranial Hypertension: Funduscopic examination is recommended at the initiation of and periodically during the course of therapy.
• Lymphoid Tissue Hypertrophy: Patients should have periodic examinations to rule out potential complications.
• Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis: Carefully evaluate any pediatric patient with the onset of a limp or hip/knee pain during INCRELEX^® therapy.
• Progression of Scoliosis: Patients with a history of scoliosis, treated with INCRELEX^®, should be monitored.
• Cardiomegaly: An echocardiogram is recommended before initiation and at termination of mecasermin treatment in all patients
• Benign and malignant neoplasms: There have been postmarketing reports of malignant neoplasia in pediatric patients who received treatment with INCRELEX^®. The tumors were observed more frequently in patients who received INCRELEX^® at higher than recommended doses or at doses that produced serum IGF-1 levels above the normal reference ranges for age and sex. Monitor all patients receiving INCRELEX^® carefully for development of neoplasms. If malignant neoplasia develops, discontinue INCRELEX^® treatment.
• Risk of Serious Adverse Reactions in Infants due to Benzyl Alcohol Preserved Solution: Serious and fatal adverse reactions including “gasping syndrome” can occur in neonates and infants treated with benzyl alcohol-preserved drugs. Use of INCRELEX^® in infants is not recommended as well as in children below 3 years old.

Adverse Reactions

Common adverse reactions include hypoglycemia, local and systemic hypersensitivity, and tonsillar hypertrophy.

U.S. Indication

INCRELEX^® (mecasermin) is indicated for the treatment of growth failure in pediatric patients aged 2 years and older with severe primary IGF-1 deficiency* (IGFD), or with hormone (GH) gene deletion who have developed neutralizing antibodies to GH.

Limitations of use: INCRELEX^® is not a substitute to GH for approved GH indications. INCRELEX^® is not indicated for use in patients with secondary forms of IGFD, such as GH deficiency, malnutrition, hypothyroidism, or chronic treatment with pharmacologic doses of anti-inflammatory steroids.

*Severe primary IGF-1 deficiency (IGFD) is defined by height standard deviation score ≤ -3.0 and basal IGF-1 standard deviation score ≤ -3.0 and normal or elevated GH.

Full U.S. Prescribing Information for Increlex^® is available at: http://increlex.com/pdf/hcp-full-prescribing-information.pdf

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

EU Indication

In the European Union, INCRELEX is indicated for the long-term treatment of growth failure in children and adolescents from 2 to 18 years with confirmed severe primary insulin-like growth factor 1 deficiency (Primary IGFD). Severe Primary IGFD is defined by: height standard deviation score <–3.0 and basal IGF-1 levels below the 2.5th percentile for age and gender and GH sufficiency. Exclusion of secondary forms of IGF 1 deficiency, such as malnutrition, hypopituitarism, hypothyroidism, or chronic treatment with pharmacologic doses of anti-inflammatory steroids.

Severe Primary IGFD includes patients with mutations in the GH receptor (GHR), post-GHR signaling pathway, and IGF 1 gene defects; they are not GH deficient, and therefore, they cannot be expected to respond adequately to exogenous GH treatment. In some cases, when deemed necessary, the physician may decide to assist in the diagnosis by performing an IGF-I generation test.

Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines Agency: http://www.ema.europa.eu

About Eton

Eton is an innovative pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing treatments for rare diseases. The Company currently has five commercial rare disease products: ALKINDI SPRINKLE®, PKU GOLIKE®, Carglumic Acid, Betaine Anhydrous, and Nitisinone. The Company has three additional product candidates in late-stage development: ET-400, ET-600, and ZENEO® hydrocortisone autoinjector. For more information, please visit our website at www.etonpharma.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements associated with the expected ability of Eton to undertake certain activities and accomplish certain goals and objectives. These statements include but are not limited to statements regarding Eton’s business strategy, Eton’s plans to develop and commercialize its product candidates, the safety and efficacy of Eton’s product candidates, Eton’s plans and expected timing with respect to regulatory filings and approvals, and the size and growth potential of the markets for Eton’s product candidates. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “goal,” “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon Eton’s current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks associated with the process of discovering, developing and commercializing drugs that are safe and effective for use as human therapeutics, and in the endeavor of building a business around such drugs. These and other risks concerning Eton’s development programs and financial position are described in additional detail in Eton’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Eton undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

Eton Contacts

Investors
Lisa M. Wilson, In-Site Communications, Inc.
T: 212-452-2793
E: lwilson@insitecony.com

Media
Eliza Schleifstein, ES Media
T: 917-763-8106
E: eliza@schleifsteinpr.com

FAQ

What is Increlex and what condition does it treat?

Increlex (mecasermin injection) is a biologic product used to treat children and adolescents aged 2-18 with severe primary insulin-like growth factor 1 deficiency (SPIGFD), a rare condition where the body doesn't produce enough IGF-1.

When is Eton Pharmaceuticals (ETON) expected to close the acquisition of Increlex?

Eton Pharmaceuticals (ETON) expects to close the acquisition of Increlex near year-end 2024.

How many patients are estimated to have SPIGFD in the U.S. and Europe?

It is estimated that approximately 200 patients in the United States and 900-1,000 patients in Europe live with severe primary insulin-like growth factor 1 deficiency (SPIGFD).

What were the global sales for Increlex reported by Ipsen in 2023?

Ipsen reported global sales for Increlex of €17.3 million in 2023.

How will Eton Pharmaceuticals (ETON) finance the acquisition of Increlex?

Eton Pharmaceuticals (ETON) will finance the acquisition of Increlex using its cash on hand and an expansion of the Company's existing credit facility with SWK Holdings.