Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Provides Update on FY 2022 Financial Guidance and Announces FY 2023 Financial Guidance

Rhea-AI Summary

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: IRWD) announced its updated financial guidance for 2022 and expectations for 2023 amidst its presentation at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference. The company submitted a supplemental NDA for LINZESS® to treat functional constipation in pediatric patients. Ironwood anticipates LINZESS prescription growth in the high single digits for 2023 and expects adjusted EBITDA to exceed $250 million. The total revenue projection for 2023 is $420-$435 million, with net sales growth for LINZESS estimated at 3% to 5%.

Positive

• sNDA submitted for LINZESS for pediatric use, potentially expanding market opportunities.
• Projected adjusted EBITDA exceeds $250 million, indicating strong profitability.
• Expected high single-digit demand growth for LINZESS in 2023.

Negative

• Total revenue guidance for 2022 revised down to approximately $411 million, below initial estimates.
• LINZESS U.S. net sales growth for 2022 revised down to ~0%, significantly lower than previous low single-digit expectations.

– sNDA submitted to U.S. FDA in December 2022 seeking approval of a new indication of LINZESS® (linaclotide) for functional constipation in children and adolescents 6 to 17 years of age –

– Expects high single-digit LINZESS® EUTRx prescription demand growth in 2023 –

– Expects 2023 adjusted EBITDA of greater than $250 million –

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IRWD), a GI-focused healthcare company, today provided updated financial guidance for full year 2022 and announced financial guidance for full year 2023. The results were announced in advance of the Company’s presentation at the 41st Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, which will take place on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. ET.

“Execution across our strategic priorities last year is positioning Ironwood for growth in 2023 and beyond,” said Tom McCourt, chief executive officer of Ironwood. “In 2022, we are on track to deliver another year of strong profits and expect to end the year with approximately $650 million of cash and cash equivalents on the balance sheet. Our performance continues to be driven by strong LINZESS prescription demand growth and disciplined expense management. We’re excited about the potential to expand the clinical utility of LINZESS based on the recent sNDA submission in functional constipation for pediatric patients aged 6 to 17 years old, which, if approved, would make LINZESS the first and only FDA approved prescription therapy for this patient population.”

“Looking ahead in 2023, we remain committed to further advancing our strategic priorities, unlocking new opportunities for LINZESS, and strengthening and progressing our innovative GI portfolio. We expect to deliver high single-digit LINZESS demand growth and maintain class-leading formulary access, which we believe will result in LINZESS net sales growth of between 3% to 5% in 2023. In addition, in 2023, we anticipate reaching new clinical development milestones, including data in the second half of the year for CNP-104, and we expect to deliver greater than $250 million in adjusted EBITDA. Overall, we believe we are positioning the company well for long term growth and remain focused on delivering patient benefit and shareholder value.”

Updated Full Year 2022 Financial Guidance¹
The table below summarizes Ironwood’s updated full year 2022 guidance.

Ironwood now expects:

		Previous 2022 Guidance (November 2022)		Updated 2022 Guidance1
LINZESS U.S. net sales growth2		Low single digits %		~0%
Total revenue		$420 - $430 million		~$411 million
Adjusted EBITDA3		>$250 million		~$250 million

Full Year 2023 Financial Guidance
The table below summarizes Ironwood’s full year 2023 guidance.

Ironwood expects:

		2023 Guidance
LINZESS U.S. net sales growth2		3% – 5%
Total revenue		$420 - $435 million
Adjusted EBITDA3		>$250 million

J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference Presentation and Webcast Details
As previously announced, Ironwood will present a corporate overview at the 41st Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. ET. A live audio webcast of Ironwood’s presentation is accessible through the Investors section of the Company’s website at www.ironwoodpharma.com. To access the webcast, please log on to the Ironwood website approximately 15 minutes prior to the start time to ensure adequate time for any software downloads that may be required. A replay of the webcast will be available on Ironwood’s website for 14 days following the conference.

About Ironwood Pharmaceuticals
Ironwood Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: IRWD), an S&P SmallCap 600® company, is a leading gastrointestinal (GI) healthcare company on a mission to advance the treatment of GI diseases and redefine the standard of care for GI patients. We are pioneers in the development of LINZESS® (linaclotide), the U.S. branded prescription market leader for adults with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) or chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). Under the guidance of our seasoned industry leaders, we continue to build upon our history of GI innovation and challenge what has been done before to shape what the future holds. We keep patients at the heart of our R&D and commercialization efforts to reduce the burden of GI diseases and address significant unmet needs.

Founded in 1998, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.

We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.ironwoodpharma.com. In addition, follow us on Twitter and on LinkedIn.

About LINZESS (linaclotide)
LINZESS® is the #1 prescribed brand in the U.S. for the treatment of adult patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (“IBS-C”) or chronic idiopathic constipation (“CIC”), based on IQVIA data.

LINZESS is a once-daily capsule that helps relieve the abdominal pain, constipation, and overall abdominal symptoms of bloating, discomfort and pain associated with IBS-C, as well as the constipation, infrequent stools, hard stools, straining, and incomplete evacuation associated with CIC. The recommended dose is 290 mcg for IBS-C patients and 145 mcg for CIC patients, with a 72-mcg dose approved for use in CIC depending on individual patient presentation or tolerability. LINZESS should be taken at least 30 minutes before the first meal of the day.

LINZESS is contraindicated in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age. In neonatal mice, linaclotide increased fluid secretion as a consequence of age-dependent elevated GC-C agonism resulting in mortality within the first 24 hours due to dehydration. There was no age-dependent trend in GC-C intestinal expression in a clinical study of children 2 to less than 18 years of age; however, there are insufficient data available on GC-C intestinal expression in children less than 2 years of age to assess the risk of developing diarrhea and its potentially serious consequences in these patients. The safety and effectiveness of LINZESS in patients less than 18 years of age have not been established.

LINZESS is not a laxative; it is the first medicine approved by the FDA in a class called GC-C agonists. LINZESS contains a peptide called linaclotide that activates the GC-C receptor in the intestine. Activation of GC-C is thought to result in increased intestinal fluid secretion and accelerated transit and a decrease in the activity of pain-sensing nerves in the intestine. The clinical relevance of the effect on pain fibers, which is based on nonclinical studies, has not been established.

In the United States, Ironwood and AbbVie co-develop and co-commercialize LINZESS for the treatment of adults with IBS-C or CIC. In Europe, AbbVie markets linaclotide under the brand name CONSTELLA® for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe IBS-C. In Japan, Ironwood's partner, Astellas, markets linaclotide under the brand name LINZESS for the treatment of adults with IBS-C or CIC. Ironwood also has partnered with AstraZeneca for development and commercialization of LINZESS in China, and with AbbVie for development and commercialization of linaclotide in all other territories worldwide.

LINZESS Important Safety Information

INDICATIONS AND USAGE
LINZESS (linaclotide) is indicated in adults for the treatment of both irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: RISK OF SERIOUS DEHYDRATION IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS LESS THAN 2 YEARS OF AGE   LINZESS is contraindicated in patients less than 2 years of age. In nonclinical studies in neonatal mice, administration of a single, clinically relevant adult oral dose of linaclotide caused deaths due to dehydration.

Contraindications

• LINZESS is contraindicated in patients less than 2 years of age due to the risk of serious dehydration.
• LINZESS is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction.

Warnings and Precautions
Pediatric Risk

• LINZESS is contraindicated in patients less than 2 years of age. In neonatal mice, linaclotide increased fluid secretion as a consequence of age-dependent elevated GC-C agonism resulting in mortality within the first 24 hours due to dehydration. There was no age-dependent trend in GC-C intestinal expression in a clinical study of children 2 to less than 18 years of age; however, there are insufficient data available on GC-C intestinal expression in children less than 2 years of age to assess the risk of developing diarrhea and its potentially serious consequences in these patients. The safety and effectiveness of LINZESS in patients less than 18 years of age have not been established.

Diarrhea

• Diarrhea was the most common adverse reaction in LINZESS-treated patients in the pooled IBS-C and CIC double-blind placebo-controlled trials. The incidence of diarrhea was similar in the IBS-C and CIC populations. Severe diarrhea was reported in 2% of 145 mcg and 290 mcg LINZESS-treated patients, and in <1% of 72 mcg LINZESS-treated CIC patients. If severe diarrhea occurs, dosing should be suspended and the patient rehydrated.

Common Adverse Reactions (incidence ≥2% and greater than placebo)

• In IBS-C clinical trials: diarrhea (20% vs 3% placebo), abdominal pain (7% vs 5%), flatulence (4% vs 2%), headache (4% vs 3%), viral gastroenteritis (3% vs 1%) and abdominal distension (2% vs 1%).
• In CIC trials of a 145 mcg dose: diarrhea (16% vs 5% placebo), abdominal pain (7% vs 6%), flatulence (6% vs 5%), upper respiratory tract infection (5% vs 4%), sinusitis (3% vs 2%) and abdominal distension (3% vs 2%). In a CIC trial of a 72 mcg dose: diarrhea (19% vs 7% placebo) and abdominal distension (2% vs <1%).

Please see full Prescribing Information including Boxed Warning: http://www.allergan.com/assets/pdf/linzess_pi

LINZESS® and CONSTELLA® are registered trademarks of Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Any other trademarks referred to in this press release are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, including statements about Ironwood’s ability to execute on its mission; Ironwood’s strategy, business, financial position and operations; the Ironwood’s ability to drive growth and profitability; the demand, development, commercial availability and commercial potential of linaclotide, including unlocking new opportunities and maintaining class-leading formulary access for LINZESS, and the drivers, timing, impact and results thereof; the potential indications for, and benefits of, linaclotide; our financial performance and results, and guidance and expectations related thereto, including expectations related to our cash and cash equivalents as of the end of 2022; LINZESS prescription demand growth, LINZESS U.S. net sales growth, total revenue and adjusted EBITDA in 2022 and 2023; the potential to expand the clinical utility of LINZESS based on the recent sNDA submission in functional constipation for pediatric patients aged 6 to 17 years old; Ironwood’s anticipation on reaching new clinical development milestones in 2023 and the belief that Ironwood is positioned well for long term growth. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and Ironwood undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statement. Applicable risks and uncertainties include those related to the effectiveness of development and commercialization efforts by us and our partners; preclinical and clinical development, manufacturing and formulation development of linaclotide, CNP-104, IW-3300, and our product candidates; the risk that clinical programs and studies, including for the linaclotide pediatric program, IW-3300 and CNP-104, may not progress or develop as anticipated, including that studies are delayed or discontinued for any reason, such as safety, tolerability, enrollment, manufacturing, economic or other reasons; the risk that findings from our completed nonclinical and clinical studies may not be replicated in later studies; the risk that we or our partners are unable to obtain, maintain or manufacture sufficient LINZESS or our product candidates, or otherwise experience difficulties with respect to supply or manufacturing; the efficacy, safety and tolerability of linaclotide and our product candidates; the risk that the therapeutic opportunities for LINZESS or our product candidates are not as we expect; decisions by regulatory and judicial authorities; the risk we may never get additional patent protection for linaclotide and other product candidates, that patents for linaclotide or other products may not provide adequate protection from competition, or that we are not able to successfully protect such patents; the risk that we are unable to manage our expenses or cash use, or are unable to commercialize our products as expected; the risk that the development of any of our clinical pediatric programs in IBS-C and functional constipation in 6 to 17 year-olds, CNP-104 and/or IW-3300 are not successful or that any of our product candidates is not successfully commercialized; the risk that the FDA will not accept our supplemental new drug application and request for priority review for the potential indication in functional constipation in pediatric patients aged 6-17; outcomes in legal proceedings to protect or enforce the patents relating to our products and product candidates, including abbreviated new drug application litigation; the risk that financial and operating results may differ from our projections; developments in the intellectual property landscape; challenges from and rights of competitors or potential competitors; the risk that our planned investments do not have the anticipated effect on our company revenues; developments in accounting guidance or practice; Ironwood’s or AbbVie’s accounting practices, including reporting and settlement practices as between Ironwood and AbbVie; the risk that we are unable to manage our expenses or cash use, or are unable to commercialize our products as expected; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; and the risks listed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in Ironwood's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, and in our subsequent Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) filings.

____________________
¹ Guidance based on unaudited, preliminary and estimated amounts and may change as we receive final 2022 data and complete the preparation of our 2022 financial statements.
² 2022 LINZESS U.S. net sales is unaudited, preliminary and based on estimates, and may change as we receive final 2022 data from AbbVie Inc. and as we and AbbVie complete the preparation of our respective 2022 financial statements. LINZESS U.S. net sales are reported by AbbVie and LINZESS costs incurred by each of us and AbbVie are reported in our respective financial statements.
³ Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by subtracting mark-to-market adjustments on derivatives related to our 2022 Convertible Notes, restructuring expenses, net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, from GAAP net income. For purposes of this guidance, we have assumed that Ironwood will not incur material expenses related to business development activities in 2022 and 2023. Ironwood does not provide guidance on GAAP net income or a reconciliation of expected adjusted EBITDA to expected GAAP net income because, without unreasonable efforts, it is unable to predict with reasonable certainty the non-GAAP adjustments used to calculate adjusted EBITDA. These adjustments are uncertain, depend on various factors and could have a material impact on GAAP net income for the guidance period. Management believes this non-GAAP information is useful for investors, taken in conjunction with Ironwood’s GAAP financial statements, because it provides greater transparency and period-over-period comparability with respect to Ironwood’s operating performance. These measures are also used by management to assess the performance of the business. Investors should consider these non-GAAP measures only as a supplement to, not as a substitute for or as superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures are unlikely to be comparable with non-GAAP information provided by other companies.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230109005059/en/

Investors:

Greg Martini, 617-374-5230

gmartini@ironwoodpharma.com

Matt Roache, 617-621-8395

mroache@ironwoodpharma.com

Media:

Beth Calitri, 978-417-2031

bcalitri@ironwoodpharma.com

Source: Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

FAQ

What is Ironwood Pharmaceuticals' stock symbol?

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals trades under the stock symbol IRWD on Nasdaq.

What new indication did Ironwood seek for LINZESS?

Ironwood submitted a supplemental NDA for LINZESS to treat functional constipation in children aged 6 to 17.

What are Ironwood's revenue projections for 2023?

Ironwood projects total revenue for 2023 to be between $420 million and $435 million.

What is the adjusted EBITDA expected by Ironwood for 2023?

Ironwood expects adjusted EBITDA to exceed $250 million in 2023.

What is the expected growth rate for LINZESS net sales in 2023?

Ironwood anticipates LINZESS U.S. net sales growth of 3% to 5% for 2023.