Ionis Pharmaceuticals Stock Price, News & Analysis

Ionis Pharmaceuticals will host a live webcast on February 24, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss its 2020 financial results and provide updates on its pipeline and business progress. The webcast will be accessible via the company's website, with a replay available for a limited time. With over 30 years of experience in RNA-targeted therapy, Ionis has developed three marketed medicines and boasts a strong late-stage pipeline.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: IONS) announced the appointment of Dr. Eugene Schneider as executive vice president and chief clinical development officer. Since joining Ionis in 2013, he has contributed to over 20 clinical trials globally. Dr. Schneider brings extensive experience from his previous roles, including developing enzyme replacement therapies and overseeing clinical research. His addition is expected to strengthen Ionis' leadership and enhance their portfolio of innovative antisense medicines aimed at treating unmet medical needs. The company boasts a pipeline of over 40 novel therapies.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: IONS) announced that founder and executive chairman Stanley T. Crooke will retire from the company and its board effective June 2021. He will shift focus to his scientific interests and the n-Lorem Foundation, which provides free antisense treatments for ultra-rare diseases. Crooke has been instrumental in pioneering RNA-targeted therapeutics, leading to the development of over 20 marketed drugs. He will remain a scientific advisor to Ionis. The ongoing success of the n-Lorem Foundation suggests a continuing impact on patient treatment.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals highlighted its 2020 achievements and future plans during its Investor Day on Dec. 8, 2020. The company outlined a strategy focused on addressing rare diseases in neurology and cardiology while seeking to pioneer new treatment markets. Ionis aims to launch six or more products by 2026, with projections of double-digit revenue and earnings growth. Key highlights included progress in clinical trials, the successful integration of Akcea, and advancements in oral delivery systems.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals announced the initiation of the Phase 3 BALANCE study for AKCEA-APOCIII-L_Rx, targeting familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS), a serious genetic condition leading to high triglyceride levels and acute pancreatitis risk. The randomized, double-blind study will enroll up to 60 adult patients, assessing the drug's efficacy by measuring fasting triglyceride levels. This milestone underscores Ionis’ commitment to addressing unmet medical needs in the FCS patient community while expanding its pipeline of innovative therapies.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: IONS) announced a live investor day webcast on December 7, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. ET. The event will showcase the company’s commercial strategy, focusing on cardiovascular and neurological franchises, along with recent technological advancements. Key presentations will feature CEO Brett Monia, scientific leaders, and financial executives discussing topics such as market opportunities, pipeline valuation, and future strategies. Interested parties can access the webcast at www.ionispharma.com.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals announced that AstraZeneca has initiated a Phase 2b clinical trial of ION449 (AZD8233), aimed at lowering cholesterol levels in patients with dyslipidemia. This investigational antisense medicine targets PCSK9, which regulates LDL cholesterol. The randomized trial will enroll about 108 participants and evaluate safety along with efficacy at different doses. Ionis received a $20 million milestone payment from AstraZeneca for the trial initiation, highlighting the collaboration focused on treatments for various diseases.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: IONS) announced that AstraZeneca has licensed ION455, an investigational treatment for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This marks the second partnership on NASH between the two companies, following ION839. Ionis received $30 million upfront and can earn up to $300 million in milestones plus royalties. Currently, there are no FDA-approved treatments for NASH, highlighting the significance of this development. Additionally, Ionis is advancing its wholly-owned NASH program, ION224. The company has over 20 medicines in its pipeline.