STOCK TITAN

Lipocine Receives Updated Regulatory Guidance on LPCN 1154

Rhea-AI Impact
(Neutral)
Rhea-AI Sentiment
(Neutral)
Tags

Lipocine (NASDAQ: LPCN) has received updated FDA guidance for LPCN 1154, its postpartum depression (PPD) treatment candidate. The FDA has indicated that beyond the previously completed PK bridge data, an additional efficacy and safety study in the target population will be required for 505(b)(2) NDA submission.

Following comparable exposure results between LPCN 1154 and the reference drug in the completed PK bridge study, Lipocine is planning to proceed with a phase 3 safety and efficacy study. The company views this requirement as an opportunity to generate valuable safety and depression symptom relief data for product labeling and potential clinical investigation exclusivity for a 48-hour, oral treatment option. Additionally, the planned study will explore oral brexanolone's potential in treating anxiety disorders.

Lipocine (NASDAQ: LPCN) ha ricevuto aggiornamenti dalle FDA riguardo LPCN 1154, il candidato per il trattamento della depressione postpartum (PPD). La FDA ha indicato che oltre ai dati già completati sul ponte PK, sarà necessario uno studio aggiuntivo su efficacia e sicurezza nella popolazione bersaglio per la sottomissione della NDA 505(b)(2).

Dopo risultati di esposizione comparabili tra LPCN 1154 e il farmaco di riferimento nello studio sul ponte PK già completato, Lipocine prevede di procedere con uno studio di fase 3 sulla sicurezza e sull'efficacia. L'azienda considera questo requisito un'opportunità per generare dati preziosi sulla sicurezza e il sollievo dai sintomi depressivi per l'etichettatura del prodotto e la potenziale esclusività per indagini cliniche per un'opzione di trattamento orale di 48 ore. Inoltre, lo studio previsto esplorerà il potenziale del brexanolone orale nel trattamento dei disturbi d'ansia.

Lipocine (NASDAQ: LPCN) ha recibido orientación actualizada de la FDA para LPCN 1154, su candidato para el tratamiento de la depresión posparto (PPD). La FDA ha indicado que, además de los datos del puente PK ya completados, se requerirá un estudio de eficacia y seguridad adicional en la población objetivo para la presentación de NDA 505(b)(2).

Tras los resultados de exposición comparables entre LPCN 1154 y el fármaco de referencia en el estudio de puente PK completado, Lipocine planea proceder con un estudio de fase 3 sobre seguridad y eficacia. La empresa ve este requisito como una oportunidad para generar datos valiosos sobre la seguridad y el alivio de los síntomas de depresión para el etiquetado del producto y la posible exclusividad de investigación clínica para una opción de tratamiento oral de 48 horas. Además, el estudio planeado explorará el potencial del brexanolona oral en el tratamiento de trastornos de ansiedad.

리포신(Lipocine, NASDAQ: LPCN)은 산후 우울증(PPD) 치료 후보인 LPCN 1154에 대해 FDA의 업데이트된 가이드를 받았습니다. FDA는 기존에 완료된 PK 브릿지 데이터 외에, 효능 및 안전성 연구가 해당 인구를 대상으로 추가로 필요하다고 밝혔습니다.

완료된 PK 브릿지 연구에서 LPCN 1154와 기준 약물 간의 비교 가능한 노출 결과를 바탕으로 리포신은 3상 안전성 및 효능 연구를 진행할 계획입니다. 이 회사는 이 요구 사항을 제품 라벨링을 위한 귀중한 안전성 및 우울증 증상 완화 데이터를 생성하고, 48시간 경구 치료 옵션에 대한 잠재적 임상 연구 독점성을 확보할 기회로 보고 있습니다. 또한 예정된 연구는 경구용 브렉사논론이 불안 장애 치료에 대한 가능성을 탐구할 것입니다.

Lipocine (NASDAQ: LPCN) a reçu des directives mises à jour de la FDA concernant LPCN 1154, son candidat pour le traitement de la dépression post-partum (PPD). La FDA a indiqué qu'au-delà des données de pont PK précédemment complétées, une étude d'efficacité et de sécurité supplémentaire dans la population cible sera requise pour la soumission de la NDA 505(b)(2).

Suite à des résultats d'exposition comparables entre LPCN 1154 et le médicament de référence dans l'étude de pont PK complétée, Lipocine prévoit de procéder à une étude de phase 3 sur la sécurité et l'efficacité. L'entreprise considère cette exigence comme une opportunité de générer des données précieuses sur la sécurité et l'atténuation des symptômes dépressifs pour l'étiquetage du produit et une éventuelle exclusivité d'investigation clinique pour une option de traitement oral de 48 heures. De plus, l'étude prévue explorera le potentiel de l'ural brexanolone dans le traitement des troubles anxieux.

Lipocine (NASDAQ: LPCN) hat aktualisierte Anweisungen von der FDA für LPCN 1154, den Kandidaten zur Behandlung von postpartaler Depression (PPD), erhalten. Die FDA hat angedeutet, dass über die bereits abgeschlossenen PK-Brückendaten hinaus eine Wirkungs- und Sicherheitsstudie in der Zielpopulation für die Einreichung der NDA 505(b)(2) erforderlich ist.

Nach vergleichbaren Expositionsergebnissen zwischen LPCN 1154 und dem Referenzmedikament in der abgeschlossenen PK-Brückestudie plant Lipocine, mit einer Phase-3-Sicherheits- und Wirksamkeitsstudie fortzufahren. Das Unternehmen sieht dieses Erfordernis als Gelegenheit, wertvolle Daten zur Sicherheit und zur Linderung von Depressionssymptomen für das Produktlabel und mögliche klinische Untersuchungsexklusivität für eine 48-stündige orale Behandlungsoption zu generieren. Darüber hinaus wird die geplante Studie das Potenzial von oralem Brexanolon bei der Behandlung von Angststörungen untersuchen.

Positive
  • Opportunity to generate additional safety and efficacy data for product labeling
  • Potential to secure clinical investigation exclusivity for 48-hour oral treatment
  • Expansion possibility into anxiety disorders treatment market
  • Successful completion of PK bridge study showing comparable exposure to reference drug
Negative
  • Additional phase 3 safety and efficacy study requirement delays NDA submission
  • Increased development costs and timeline due to new study requirement

Insights

The FDA's updated guidance requiring a full Phase 3 efficacy and safety study for LPCN 1154 represents a significant setback in Lipocine's development timeline. The original strategy of utilizing the 505(b)(2) pathway with only PK bridge data was an efficient approach that would have accelerated the development process. This regulatory shift will likely add 18-24 months to the development timeline and require substantial additional capital investment.

The postpartum depression market represents a critical unmet need, with approximately 500,000 women affected annually in the US alone. The current standard of care, Zulresso (brexanolone), while effective, requires a 60-hour continuous IV infusion under medical supervision. LPCN 1154's potential 48-hour oral treatment could offer a significant competitive advantage if approved.

The silver lining in this regulatory guidance is two-fold: First, the opportunity to generate robust efficacy data could strengthen the product's market position and support broader labeling claims. Second, the expansion into anxiety disorders represents a substantially larger market opportunity, with an estimated 40 million adults in the US affected by anxiety disorders annually.

However, investors should note that conducting a Phase 3 trial will require significant capital investment, typically ranging from $15-20 million for this type of study. Given Lipocine's current market capitalization and cash position, this requirement may necessitate additional financing, potentially leading to dilution for existing shareholders.

SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lipocine Inc. (NASDAQ: LPCN), a biopharmaceutical company leveraging its proprietary technology platform to augment therapeutics through effective oral delivery, today announced receipt of revised regulatory guidance for LPCN 1154 which the Company is developing for postpartum depression (PPD) treatment.  As previously disclosed, the Company was scheduled to meet with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA or the Division) in Q1 2025 to discuss the NDA submission package of LPCN 1154. Following the meeting, the Company was advised that the Division believes, in addition to the previously completed PK bridge data, an efficacy and safety study of oral LPCN 1154 in the target population will be required for 505(b)(2) NDA submission.

Lipocine remains committed to advancing a rapid relief treatment for postpartum depression. Based on the guidance received and observed comparable exposure of LPCN 1154 and the reference drug in the completed PK bridge study, Lipocine is planning next steps toward the execution of a phase 3 safety and efficacy study.

"The regulatory guidance regarding a safety and efficacy study provides an opportunity to generate safety and depression symptom relief data with LPCN 1154, which we believe will be beneficial for potential inclusion in product labeling and eligibility for clinical investigation exclusivity for a 48-hour, oral treatment option," said Mahesh Patel, CEO of Lipocine. "Furthermore," Dr. Patel added, "the planned study will investigate the potential of oral brexanolone to treat anxiety disorders, representing another attractive commercial opportunity with a high unmet need."

About LPCN 1154

LPCN 1154 is an oral formulation of brexanolone in development targeted for administration resulting in rapid relief of PPD.  Brexanolone is a bioidentical to naturally occurring neuroactive steroid, allopregnanolone, a positive allosteric modulator of y-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) receptor.  LPCN 1154 is expected to have characteristics that could be particularly appealing to patients with severe PPD, acutely elevated suicide risk, and in whom rapid improvement is a priority while presenting no significant risk of adverse reactions to breastfed infants from exposure to brexanolone.

About Postpartum Depression and Unmet Needs

PPD is a major depressive disorder with onset either during pregnancy or within four weeks of delivery, with symptoms persisting up to 12 months after childbirth.  Hormonal changes leading to GABA dysfunction are common in depression and pregnancy.  Symptoms of PPD include hallmarks of major depression, including, but not limited to, sadness, depressed mood, loss of interest, change in appetite, insomnia, sleeping too much, fatigue, difficulty thinking/concentrating, excessive crying, fear of harming the baby/oneself, and/or thoughts of death or suicide.  Results from a recent survey (Truist Securities Research, January 2024) show that obstetricians believe approximately 20-40% of their patients may suffer from PPD.  Further, obstetricians are comfortable making a diagnosis and prescribing antidepressants for PPD.  Traditional antidepressants, not approved for PPD, have slow onset of action, side effects such as weight gain, and do not demonstrate adequate remission post-acute treatment.

About Lipocine

Lipocine is a biopharmaceutical company leveraging its proprietary technology platform to augment therapeutics through effective oral delivery to develop differentiated products.  Lipocine has drug candidates in development as well as drug candidates for which we are exploring partnerships.  Our drug candidates represent enablement of differentiated, patient friendly oral delivery options for favorable benefit to risk profile which target large addressable markets with significant unmet medical needs.

Lipocine's clinical development candidates include: LPCN 1154, oral brexanolone, for the potential treatment of postpartum depression, LPCN 2101 for the potential treatment of epilepsy, LPCN 2203 an oral candidate targeted for the management of essential tremor, LPCN 2401 an oral proprietary anabolic androgen receptor agonist, as an adjunct therapy to incretin mimetics, as an aid for improved body composition in obesity management and LPCN 1148, a novel androgen receptor agonist prodrug for oral administration targeted for the management of symptoms associated with liver cirrhosis.  Lipocine is exploring partnering opportunities for LPCN 1107, our candidate for prevention of preterm birth, LPCN 1154, for rapid relief of postpartum depression, LPCN 2401 for obesity management, LPCN 1148, for the management of decompensated cirrhosis, and LPCN 1144, our candidate for treatment of non-cirrhotic NASH.  TLANDO, a novel oral prodrug of testosterone containing testosterone undecanoate developed by Lipocine, is approved by the FDA for conditions associated with a deficiency of endogenous testosterone, also known as hypogonadism, in adult males. For more information, please visit www.lipocine.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains "forward-looking statements" that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and include statements that are not historical facts regarding our product candidates and related clinical trials, our development of our product candidates and related efforts with the FDA, including with respect to LPCN 1154, our current intention to conduct a safety and efficacy study relating to LPCN 1154, the timing and potential results of the safety and efficacy study relating to LPCN 1154, the timing of our submission of a NDA with the FDA for LPCN 1154, and the potential uses and benefits of our product candidates. Investors are cautioned that all such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the risks that we may not be successful in developing product candidates, we may not have sufficient capital to complete the development processes for our product candidates or we may decide to allocate our available capital to other product candidates, we may not be able to enter into partnerships or other strategic relationships to monetize our non-core assets, safety and efficacy studies, including those relating to LPCN 1154, may not be successful or may not provide results that would support the submission of a NDA, the FDA may not approve any of our products, risks related to our products, expected product benefits not being realized, clinical and regulatory expectations and plans not being realized, new regulatory developments and requirements, risks related to the FDA approval process including the receipt of regulatory approvals and our ability to utilize a streamlined approval pathway for LPCN 1154, the results and timing of clinical trials, patient acceptance of Lipocine's products, the manufacturing and commercialization of Lipocine's products, and other risks detailed in Lipocine's filings with the SEC, including, without limitation, its Form 10-K and other reports on Forms 8-K and 10-Q, all of which can be obtained on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Lipocine assumes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements contained in this release, except as required by law.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lipocine-receives-updated-regulatory-guidance-on-lpcn-1154-302369628.html

SOURCE Lipocine Inc.

FAQ

What additional requirements did the FDA set for LPCN 1154's NDA submission?

The FDA requires an additional efficacy and safety study in the target population, beyond the previously completed PK bridge data, for 505(b)(2) NDA submission of LPCN 1154.

What are the potential market opportunities for LPCN 1154 beyond postpartum depression?

Lipocine plans to investigate LPCN 1154 (oral brexanolone) for treating anxiety disorders, representing an additional commercial opportunity with high unmet need.

What was the outcome of LPCN 1154's PK bridge study?

The PK bridge study showed comparable exposure between LPCN 1154 and the reference drug.

What potential exclusivity benefits could LPCN 1154 receive?

The additional safety and efficacy study could make LPCN 1154 eligible for clinical investigation exclusivity as a 48-hour oral treatment option.

What is the next development phase for LPCN 1154 following FDA guidance?

Lipocine is planning to proceed with a phase 3 safety and efficacy study for LPCN 1154.

Lipocine Inc

NASDAQ:LPCN

LPCN Rankings

LPCN Latest News

LPCN Stock Data

19.20M
5.19M
2.91%
9.96%
2.01%
Biotechnology
Pharmaceutical Preparations
Link
United States
SALT LAKE CITY