Iterum Therapeutics Provides Update on FDA Advisory Committee Discussion of Oral Sulopenem for the Treatment of uUTI in Adult Women

Rhea-AI Summary

Iterum Therapeutics (Nasdaq: ITRM) provided an update on the FDA Advisory Committee discussion of oral sulopenem for treating uncomplicated urinary tract infections (uUTI) in adult women. The Antimicrobial Drugs Advisory Committee (AMDAC) met on September 9, 2024, to discuss the benefits, risks, and appropriate use of sulopenem etzadroxil/probenecid. The committee acknowledged oral sulopenem as an important treatment option for certain uUTI patients. Iterum presented data from the REASSURE and SURE-1 Phase 3 clinical trials. The FDA's decision on approval is expected by the PDUFA goal date of October 25, 2024. If approved, oral sulopenem could become the first oral penem approved in the U.S., potentially offering a new treatment for multi-drug resistant pathogens in community settings.

Positive

• Potential to be the first oral penem approved in the U.S.
• AMDAC acknowledged oral sulopenem as an important treatment option for certain uUTI patients
• FDA decision expected by October 25, 2024, providing a clear timeline for potential market entry

Negative

• FDA is not bound by AMDAC recommendations, leaving uncertainty in the approval process
• No voting took place during the AMDAC meeting, providing less concrete guidance on approval likelihood

Insights

Medical Research Analyst

The FDA Advisory Committee's discussion on oral sulopenem for uUTI treatment is a significant milestone for Iterum Therapeutics. While no formal vote was taken, the acknowledgment of oral sulopenem as an important treatment option is encouraging. The potential approval could address the critical need for new antibiotics against multi-drug resistant pathogens.

Key points to consider:

• If approved, oral sulopenem would be the first oral penem antibiotic in the U.S., potentially offering a new tool against resistant infections.
• The REASSURE and SURE-1 Phase 3 trials provide important efficacy and safety data.
• The committee's focus on appropriate use suggests a balanced approach to combat antimicrobial resistance.

Investors should watch for the FDA's decision by October 25, 2024, which could significantly impact Iterum's market position in the antibiotics sector.

Financial Analyst

Iterum Therapeutics' progress with oral sulopenem could have substantial financial implications. Key financial considerations include:

• Potential market expansion if approved, as uUTIs are common and often require antibiotic treatment.
• Possible revenue boost from being the first oral penem in the U.S. market, potentially commanding premium pricing.
• Reduced R&D expenses post-approval, improving the company's cash flow.

However, investors should note:

• Uncertain timeline for profitability even with approval, as market penetration takes time.
• Potential need for additional capital raising to support commercialization efforts.
• Stock volatility likely around the PDUFA date of October 25, 2024.

Overall, while promising, financial success hinges on FDA approval and subsequent market adoption.

FDA Decision Expected by PDUFA Goal Date of October 25, 2024

Potential to be First Oral Penem Approved in the U.S.

DUBLIN and CHICAGO, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Iterum Therapeutics plc (Nasdaq: ITRM) (Iterum), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on developing next-generation oral antibiotics to treat infections caused by multi-drug resistant pathogens in community settings, today announced that a meeting of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Antimicrobial Drugs Advisory Committee (AMDAC) took place on September 9, 2024 at which Iterum’s new drug application (NDA) for sulopenem etzadroxil/probenecid (oral sulopenem) for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (uUTI) in adult women was discussed.

Specifically, the FDA convened the AMDAC meeting to discuss a) the overall benefits and risks for the use of sulopenem etzadroxil/probenecid for the treatment of uUTI caused by designated susceptible microorganisms in adult women > 18 years of age, and b) considerations that would be important for medical providers to know to ensure appropriate use of sulopenem etzadroxil/probenecid. The FDA did not ask the AMDAC to vote on any matter.

“We are encouraged by the AMDAC’s discussion which acknowledged oral sulopenem as an important treatment option for certain patients with uUTI and agree that the appropriate use of oral sulopenem by treating physicians is critical to limiting antimicrobial resistance,” said Corey Fishman, Iterum’s Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to continuing to work with the FDA on the review of the NDA and potential labeling over the next few months.”

The AMDAC was provided scientific evidence shared by Iterum, including data from the pivotal REASSURE (REnewed ASsessment of Sulopenem in uUTI caused by Resistant Enterobacterales) Phase 3 clinical trial, and data from the SURE-1 (Sulopenem for Resistant Enterobacteriaceae) Phase 3 clinical trial.

The FDA is not bound by the recommendations of the AMDAC but takes its advice into consideration. The FDA’s decision on whether or not to approve oral sulopenem for the treatment of uUTIs in adult women is expected by the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date of October 25, 2024.

About Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

UTIs are among the most common bacterial infections encountered in the community. There are approximately 15 million emergency room and office visits for symptoms of UTIs and over 40 million uUTIs treated in the United States annually, with approximately 30% of those infections caused by a quinolone non-susceptible organism, and approximately 1% of those infections caused by pathogens that are resistant to all commonly available classes of oral antibiotics. As a result, the treatment of UTIs has become more challenging because of the development of resistance by pathogens responsible for these infections. uUTIs are infections of the bladder occurring mainly in women. Half (50%) of all women experience at least one uUTI at some point in their lives.

About Iterum Therapeutics plc

Iterum Therapeutics plc is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing differentiated anti-infectives aimed at combatting the global crisis of multi-drug resistant pathogens to significantly improve the lives of people affected by serious and life-threatening diseases around the world. Iterum Therapeutics is advancing the development of its first compound, sulopenem, a novel penem anti-infective compound, with an oral formulation and IV formulation. Sulopenem has demonstrated potent in vitro activity against a wide variety of gram-negative, gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria resistant to other antibiotics. Iterum Therapeutics has submitted an NDA for oral sulopenem for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections in adult women, which has been accepted for review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and has received Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) and Fast Track designations for its oral and IV formulations of sulopenem in seven indications. For more information, please visit http://www.iterumtx.com.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the date by which the FDA will take action regarding Iterum’s NDA for oral sulopenem and Iterum’s plans, strategies and prospects for its business, including the development, therapeutic and market potential of sulopenem. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “may,” “believes,” “intends,” “seeks,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “estimates,” “expects,” “should,” “assumes,” “continues,” “could,” “would,” “will,” “future,” “potential” or the negative of these or similar terms and phrases. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Iterum’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. Actual future results may be materially different from what is expected due to factors largely outside Iterum’s control, including uncertainties inherent in the design, initiation and conduct of clinical and non-clinical development, changes in regulatory requirements or decisions of regulatory authorities, the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals, changes in public policy or legislation, commercialization plans and timelines, if oral sulopenem is approved, the actions of third-party clinical research organizations, suppliers and manufacturers, the accuracy of Iterum’s expectations regarding how far into the future Iterum’s cash on hand will fund Iterum’s ongoing operations, the sufficiency of Iterum’s cash resources and Iterum’s ability to continue as a going concern, Iterum’s ability to regain and maintain its listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market, risks and uncertainties concerning the outcome, impact, effects and results of Iterum’s pursuit of strategic alternatives, including the terms, timing, structure, value, benefits and costs of any strategic process and Iterum’s ability to complete one, whether on attractive terms or at all, and other factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in its Annual Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 14, 2024, and other documents filed with the SEC from time to time. Forward-looking statements represent Iterum’s beliefs and assumptions only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, Iterum assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements publicly, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

Investor Contact:
Judy Matthews 
Chief Financial Officer
312-778-6073
IR@iterumtx.com     

FAQ

What is the PDUFA goal date for Iterum Therapeutics' oral sulopenem (ITRM)?

The FDA's decision on whether to approve oral sulopenem for the treatment of uUTIs in adult women is expected by the PDUFA goal date of October 25, 2024.

What clinical trials support Iterum Therapeutics' (ITRM) oral sulopenem application?

Iterum Therapeutics presented data from two Phase 3 clinical trials: the REASSURE (REnewed ASsessment of Sulopenem in uUTI caused by Resistant Enterobacterales) trial and the SURE-1 (Sulopenem for Resistant Enterobacteriaceae) trial.

What potential milestone could oral sulopenem achieve for Iterum Therapeutics (ITRM)?

If approved, oral sulopenem could become the first oral penem approved in the United States, offering a new treatment option for multi-drug resistant pathogens in community settings.

What was the outcome of the FDA Advisory Committee meeting for Iterum Therapeutics' (ITRM) oral sulopenem?

The Antimicrobial Drugs Advisory Committee (AMDAC) acknowledged oral sulopenem as an important treatment option for certain uUTI patients. However, no formal vote was taken, and the FDA is not bound by the committee's recommendations.