Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Reports Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Results and Provides Business Update
- Commercial launch of INPEFA progressing with growing demand and improved payer access
- Patient enrollment in Phase 2b study of LX9211 and preparations for Phase 3 study of sotagliflozin in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Successful capital raise supports growth initiatives
- Revenue growth from INPEFA commercialization
- Increased R&D and SG&A expenses
- None.
Insights
The recent financial results from Lexicon Pharmaceuticals indicate a substantial increase in R&D and SG&A expenses, primarily attributed to the launch of INPEFA and ongoing clinical developments. This has led to a widened net loss year-over-year. Investors should note that while increased expenses are typical during product launch phases, the extent to which these costs are translating into revenues will be crucial for long-term sustainability. The company's successful capital raise, resulting in a stronger cash position, offers a buffer for continued investment in their pipeline, which could be promising for future revenue streams.
However, the modest revenue figures from INPEFA's commercialization may raise concerns about the drug's market penetration and adoption rates. The market will closely monitor the progress of payer access and prescriber demand, as these factors will significantly influence future financial performance. The anticipated resubmission of the NDA for sotagliflozin in type 1 diabetes also presents a potential catalyst for the stock, depending on the FDA's decision.
Lexicon's strategic focus on non-opioid pain management with LX9211 and cardiometabolic disorders with sotagliflozin targets areas of high unmet medical need, which could lead to significant market opportunities. The emphasis on diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) suggests the company is aiming to address gaps in current treatment options. The potential label expansion of sotagliflozin for HCM, pending Phase 3 studies, may open additional revenue channels.
Given the competitive landscape of the pharmaceutical industry, Lexicon's progress in these niche areas will be critical. The company's ability to secure formulary placements with major payers, as seen with Express Scripts, is a positive sign for market access. Nonetheless, the true test will be in the drug's ability to capture market share and demonstrate cost-effectiveness, especially in a healthcare environment increasingly focused on value-based care.
The advancement of LX9211 into late-stage development for DPNP is noteworthy, as it could represent the first new treatment modality in this space in over two decades. The focus on non-opioid pain management aligns with current public health goals to reduce opioid dependency. The PROGRESS Phase 2b study will be a critical determinant of LX9211's efficacy and safety profile. The medical community will be particularly interested in the topline data expected in Q2 2025, which could have implications for prescribing practices in neuropathic pain management.
Similarly, the ongoing development of sotagliflozin, including the planned Phase 3 study for HCM, is significant due to the limited treatment options currently available for this condition. The company's approach to resubmitting the NDA for sotagliflozin in type 1 diabetes, following FDA feedback, suggests a commitment to expanding the drug's indications, which could greatly benefit patients with limited therapeutic options.
Commercial launch of INPEFA® (sotagliflozin) continues to progress. with increasing demand across the cardiology community and improving payer access
Patient enrollment underway in PROGRESS, a Phase 2b study of LX9211 in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain; topline data anticipated Q2 2025
Preparations underway for Phase 3 study of sotagliflozin in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and resubmission of NDA for sotagliflozin in Type 1 Diabetes
Recent Successful Capital Raise Supports Company Initiatives for Growth and Expansion
Company to Present at the Leerink Partners Global Biopharma Conference Tuesday, March 12th at 3:40 p.m. ET
THE WOODLANDS, Texas, March 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: LXRX), today reported financial results for the three months ended December 31, 2023 and provided an update on key corporate milestones.
“2023 was a pivotal year for Lexicon,” said Lonnel Coats, Lexicon’s chief executive officer. “We launched INPEFA within weeks of receiving U.S. FDA approval with a broad label for heart failure, while in parallel continuing the advancement of our innovative research and development pipeline.”
“In the fourth quarter, we saw continued progress on the launch of INPEFA and began to see increased prescriber demand and important formulary wins, which we expect to accelerate in the first half of 2024. We advanced LX9211 into late-stage development for diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP), with the potential to become the first new, non-opioid drug approved for neuropathic pain in over two decades.”
“We are preparing for Phase 3 development of sotagliflozin in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), an area of high unmet need with very few treatments in development. And following recent feedback from FDA, we are preparing to resubmit our New Drug Application (NDA) for sotagliflozin as an adjunct to insulin therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Our research and development engine also continues to produce, and we are conducting preclinical development on an oral small molecule compound for obesity and weight management. With these opportunities and the support from shareholders in our recent successful financing, Lexicon is well positioned for growth and expansion in 2024 and beyond.”
Fourth Quarter Highlights
INPEFA® (sotagliflozin)
Launch Progress
- INPEFA was placed on the formularies of multiple important Medicare and commercial plans during the fourth quarter, including Express Scripts’ Premier Access and Premier Performance national formularies for Medicare patients and Basic and High Performance formularies for commercially insured patients.
Publications and Data
- On October 4, Craig Granowitz, M.D., Ph.D., Lexicon’s senior vice president and chief medical officer, conducted an oral presentation entitled Temporal shift in heart failure medications prescribed to hospitalised patients with and without diabetes in a large US integrated health system at the 59th Annual Meeting of European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Hamburg, Germany and online.
- On October 8, Michael J. Davies, Ph.D., Lexicon’s executive director of clinical development, presented a new analysis of clinical trial data for sotagliflozin entitled Sotagliflozin Reduces the Risk of Cardiovascular Events In Patients With Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Without Hypertension: A Post Hoc Analysis From SCORED at the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) Annual Scientific Meeting in Cleveland, Ohio.
- On November 12, 2023, Lexicon had a significant presence and conducted multiple presentations related to INPEFA at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2023, including one oral presentation highlighting the early clinical benefit of INPEFA for heart failure and atherosclerotic events and another focusing on cost-effectiveness metrics associated with the use of INPEFA.
LX9211
- In December, patient enrollment began in the PROGRESS Phase 2b dose optimization study and is progressing well. The PROGRESS study marks initiation of the late-stage development program for AAK1 inhibitor LX9211, with potential to become the first new, non-opioid drug therapy approved in neuropathic pain in more than 20 years. Topline data from the PROGRESS study is anticipated in 2Q 2025.
- Data relating to LX9211 were shared at various global congresses during the fourth quarter, including the 33rd Annual Meeting of the Diabetic Neuropathy Study Group (NeuroDiab), held September 28-October 1 in Thessaloniki, Greece; the 59th Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), held October 2-6 in Hamburg, Germany and online; the 17th Annual Pain Therapeutics Summit (Arrowhead Conference), held October 19-20 in San Diego, California; and the 2nd World Brain Disorders and Neuroscience Summit (BDNS), held November 9-11 in Singapore and online.
Additional Pipeline Opportunities
- Preparations are underway for Phase 3 development of sotagliflozin in HCM.
- Following recent feedback from FDA, preparations are underway to resubmit Lexicon’s NDA for sotagliflozin as an adjunct to insulin therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
- As part of Lexicon’s ongoing discovery efforts, the company is advancing preclinical development of a novel oral compound for obesity and weight management.
Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Highlights
Unless otherwise stated, all comparisons are for the fourth quarter and full year of 2023 compared to the fourth quarter and full year of 2022.
Revenues: Revenues for the fourth quarter and full year of 2023 were
Research and Development (R&D) Expenses: Research and development expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased to
Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) Expenses: Selling, general and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased to
Net Loss: Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2023 was
Cash and Investments: As of December 31, 2023, Lexicon had
Lexicon 2024 Investor Day – April 22, 2024
In lieu of a year-end earnings conference call, Lexicon plans to hold an Investor Day on April 22, 2024. The event will be webcast live on Lexicon’s website at www.lexpharma.com/events. The agenda will include a business and regulatory update, with participation from multiple physician experts in the areas of cardiometabolic disorders, HCM, type 1 diabetes and diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain.
For Lexicon’s latest investor presentation, please visit https://www.lexpharma.com/investors.
Planned Participation in Upcoming Investor Conferences:
- Leerink Partners Global Biopharma Conference March 12
- Needham 23rd Annual Virtual Healthcare Conference on April 8-11
- Piper Sandler Virtual Cardiovascular Day on April 10
- Piper Sandler Spring Biopharma Symposium on April 16-17
These events will be webcast live on Lexicon’s website at www.lexpharma.com/events.
About INPEFA® (sotagliflozin)
Discovered using Lexicon’s unique approach to gene science, INPEFA® (sotagliflozin) is an oral inhibitor of two proteins responsible for glucose regulation known as sodium-glucose cotransporter types 2 and 1 (SGLT2 and SGLT1). SGLT2 is responsible for glucose and sodium reabsorption by the kidney and SGLT1 is responsible for glucose and sodium absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Sotagliflozin has been studied in multiple patient populations encompassing heart failure, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease in clinical studies involving approximately 20,000 patients.
INDICATION
INPEFA is indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, hospitalization for heart failure, and urgent heart failure visit in adults with:
- heart failure or
- type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and other cardiovascular risk factors
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Dosing: Assess renal function and volume status and, if necessary, correct volume depletion prior to initiation of INPEFA. INPEFA dosing for patients with decompensated heart failure may begin when patients are hemodynamically stable, including when hospitalized or immediately upon discharge.
Contraindications: INPEFA is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to INPEFA or any of its components.
Ketoacidosis: INPEFA increases the risk of ketoacidosis in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Type 2 diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and pancreatic disorders are also risk factors. The risk of ketoacidosis may be greater with higher doses. There have been postmarketing reports of fatal events of ketoacidosis in patients with type 2 diabetes using sodium glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. Before initiating INPEFA, assess risk factors for ketoacidosis. Consider ketone monitoring in patients with T1DM and consider ketone monitoring in others at risk for ketoacidosis and educate patients on the signs/symptoms of ketoacidosis. Patients receiving INPEFA may require monitoring and temporary discontinuation of therapy in clinical situations known to predispose to ketoacidosis. INPEFA is not indicated for glycemic control. Assess patients who present with signs and symptoms of metabolic acidosis or ketoacidosis, regardless of blood glucose level. If suspected, discontinue INPEFA, evaluate, and treat promptly. Monitor patients for resolution of ketoacidosis before restarting INPEFA.
Volume Depletion: INPEFA can cause intravascular volume depletion which may sometimes manifest as symptomatic hypotension or acute transient changes in creatinine. There have been post-marketing reports of acute kidney injury, some requiring hospitalization and dialysis, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving SGLT2 inhibitors. Patients with impaired renal function (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2), elderly patients, or patients on loop diuretics may be at increased risk for volume depletion or hypotension. Before initiating INPEFA in patients with one or more of these characteristics, assess volume status and renal function, and monitor for signs and symptoms of hypotension during therapy.
Urosepsis and Pyelonephritis: Treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors, including INPEFA, increases the risk for urinary tract infections. Serious urinary tract infections including urosepsis and pyelonephritis requiring hospitalization have been reported. Evaluate patients for signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections and treat promptly.
Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use with Insulin and Insulin Secretagogues: Insulin and insulin secretagogues are known to cause hypoglycemia. INPEFA may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when combined with insulin or an insulin secretagogue. Therefore, a lower dose of insulin or insulin secretagogue may be required to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia when used with INPEFA.
Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Perineum (Fournier’s Gangrene): Reports of Fournier’s Gangrene, a rare but serious and life-threatening necrotizing infection requiring urgent surgical intervention, have been identified in post-marketing surveillance in patients with diabetes mellitus receiving SGLT2 inhibitors. Assess patients who present with pain, tenderness, erythema, or swelling in the genital or perineal area, along with fever or malaise. If suspected, start treatment immediately with broad-spectrum antibiotics and, if necessary, surgical debridement. Discontinue INPEFA, closely monitor patient signs and symptoms, and provide appropriate alternative therapy for heart failure.
Genital Mycotic Infections: INPEFA increases the risk of genital mycotic infections. Monitor and treat as appropriate.
Urinary Glucose Test and 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) Assay: these are not reliable for patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors. Use alternative testing methods to monitor glucose levels.
Common Adverse Reactions: the most commonly reported adverse reactions (incidence ≥
Drug Interactions:
- Digoxin: Monitor patients appropriately as there is an increase in the exposure of digoxin when coadministered with INPEFA 400 mg.
- Uridine 5'-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) Inducer: The coadministration of rifampicin, an inducer of UGTs, with sotagliflozin resulted in a decrease in the exposure of sotagliflozin.
- Lithium: Concomitant use of an SGLT2 inhibitor with lithium may decrease serum lithium concentrations. Monitor serum lithium concentration more frequently during INPEFA initiation and with dosage changes.
Use in Specific Populations:
- Pregnancy and Lactation: INPEFA is not recommended during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, nor while breastfeeding.
- Geriatric Use: No INPEFA dosage change is recommended based on age. No overall differences in efficacy were detected between these patients and younger patients, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out. Elderly patients may be at increased risk for volume depletion adverse reactions, including hypotension.
- Renal Impairment: INPEFA was evaluated in patients with chronic kidney disease (eGFR 25 to 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and in patients with heart failure with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. The safety profile of INPEFA across eGFR subgroups in these studies was consistent with the known safety profile. There was an increase in volume-related adverse events (e.g., hypotension, dizziness) in patients with eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m2 relative to the overall safety population. Efficacy and safety studies with INPEFA did not enroll patients with an eGFR less than 25 mL/min/1.73 m2 or on dialysis. After starting therapy in the studies, patients were discontinued if eGFR fell below 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 or were initiated on chronic dialysis.
- Hepatic Impairment: INPEFA is not recommended in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment.
Click here for full Prescribing Information.
https://www.lexpharma.com/inpefa-US-PI.pdf
About Lexicon Pharmaceuticals
Lexicon is a biopharmaceutical company with a mission of pioneering medicines that transform patients’ lives. Through its Genome5000™ program, Lexicon scientists studied the role and function of nearly 5,000 genes and identified more than 100 protein targets with significant therapeutic potential in a range of diseases. Through the precise targeting of these proteins, Lexicon is pioneering the discovery and development of innovative medicines to safely and effectively treat disease. Lexicon has advanced multiple medicines to market and has a pipeline of promising drug candidates in discovery and clinical and preclinical development in heart failure, neuropathic pain, diabetes and metabolism and other indications. For additional information, please visit www.lexpharma.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains “forward-looking statements,” including statements relating to Lexicon’s financial position and long-term outlook on its business, including the commercialization of its approved products and the clinical development of, regulatory filings for, and potential therapeutic and commercial potential of its other drug candidates. In addition, this press release also contains forward looking statements relating to Lexicon’s growth and future operating results, discovery, development and commercialization of products, strategic alliances and intellectual property, as well as other matters that are not historical facts or information. All forward-looking statements are based on management’s current assumptions and expectations and involve risks, uncertainties and other important factors, specifically including Lexicon’s ability to meet its capital requirements, successfully commercialize its approved products, successfully conduct preclinical and clinical development and obtain necessary regulatory approvals of its other drug candidates on its anticipated timelines, achieve its operational objectives, obtain patent protection for its discoveries and establish strategic alliances, as well as additional factors relating to manufacturing, intellectual property rights, and the therapeutic or commercial value of its approved products and other drug candidates. Any of these risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause Lexicon’s actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Information identifying such important factors is contained under “Risk Factors” in Lexicon’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Lexicon undertakes no obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
| Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | |||||||||||||||||
| Selected Financial Data | |||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Statements of Operations Data | Three Months Ended December 31, | Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except per share data) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||
| Net product revenue | $ | 672 | $ | - | $ | 1,110 | $ | - | |||||||||
| Royalties and other revenue | 30 | 28 | 94 | 139 | |||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 702 | 28 | 1,204 | 139 | |||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | 70 | - | 85 | - | |||||||||||||
| Research and development, including stock-based | |||||||||||||||||
| compensation of | 14,762 | 13,977 | 58,887 | 52,816 | |||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based | |||||||||||||||||
| compensation of | 32,607 | 16,329 | 113,982 | 48,083 | |||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 47,439 | 30,306 | 172,954 | 100,899 | |||||||||||||
| Loss from operations | (46,737 | ) | (30,278 | ) | (171,750 | ) | (100,760 | ) | |||||||||
| Interest expense | (3,909 | ) | (1,103 | ) | (11,589 | ) | (2,780 | ) | |||||||||
| Interest and other income, net | 2,402 | 887 | 7,732 | 1,596 | |||||||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (48,244 | ) | $ | (30,494 | ) | $ | (175,607 | ) | $ | (101,944 | ) | |||||
| Net loss per common share, basic and diluted | $ | (0.20 | ) | $ | (0.16 | ) | $ | (0.79 | ) | $ | (0.62 | ) | |||||
| Shares used in computing net loss per | |||||||||||||||||
| common share, basic and diluted | 244,925 | 188,726 | 221,130 | 165,733 | |||||||||||||
| As of | As of | ||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Balance Sheet Data | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash and investments | $ | 170,026 | $ | 138,357 | |||||||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | 1,987 | 2,071 | |||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | 44,543 | 44,543 | |||||||||||||||
| Total assets | 229,429 | 194,299 | |||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt, net | 99,508 | 48,579 | |||||||||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | (1,765,327 | ) | (1,589,720 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Total stockholders' equity | 94,622 | 117,124 | |||||||||||||||
For Investor Inquiries:
Lisa DeFrancesco
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
lexinvest@lexpharma.com
For Media Inquiries:
Alina Cocuzza
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
acocuzza@lexpharma.com
FAQ
What are the key milestones reported by Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. regarding INPEFA (sotagliflozin)?
What were the financial highlights for the fourth quarter of 2023 for Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.?
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