Vanda Pharmaceuticals' Fanapt® (iloperidone) Receives U.S. FDA Approval for the Acute Treatment of Bipolar I Disorder
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Insights
The FDA approval of Fanapt for bipolar I disorder marks a strategic expansion for Vanda Pharmaceuticals, potentially widening its market share within the psychiatric medication sector. The approval leverages Fanapt's existing schizophrenia treatment reputation to address a significant portion of the 2.8% U.S. adult population diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This could lead to increased revenue streams and bolster market confidence in Vanda's commitment to addressing unmet medical needs.
Investors should note the potential for market growth, given the high prevalence of severe bipolar cases. However, the competitive landscape includes numerous established treatments, so Fanapt's uptake rate and market penetration will be critical to monitor. Vanda's financial health and diverse pipeline are positive indicators, but actual sales performance post-launch will be the true test of this strategy's efficacy.
The introduction of Fanapt as a treatment for bipolar I disorder could represent a significant clinical advancement. The drug's well-known safety profile, stemming from its use in schizophrenia, may ease concerns among healthcare providers when considering this new option for their patients. The statistically significant results from the pivotal study, particularly the improvements observed as early as Week 2, suggest that Fanapt may offer a faster therapeutic benefit compared to some existing treatments.
From a clinical perspective, the ability to tailor treatments to individual patient needs is paramount and Fanapt's flexible dosing could be a deciding factor for its adoption in psychiatric practice. However, long-term real-world effectiveness and adherence will be the ultimate measures of its impact on patient outcomes.
The approval of Fanapt for bipolar I disorder has implications for healthcare spending, especially within the mental health segment. The cost-effectiveness of Fanapt, relative to other treatments, will be an important consideration for both insurers and healthcare providers. Given the chronic nature of bipolar disorder and the severity of symptoms, treatments that can reduce hospitalization rates and improve quality of life may offer economic benefits beyond the direct cost of medication.
It is essential to analyze how Fanapt's pricing strategy aligns with healthcare payers' willingness to reimburse and its impact on patients' out-of-pocket expenses. While the drug's approval may improve patient care, its economic success will hinge on a careful balance between pricing, insurance coverage and the value it provides relative to other treatment options.
Fanapt® Treatment is Now Available to Adult Patients for the Acute Treatment of Manic or Mixed Episodes Associated with Bipolar I Disorder
Approval Represents Significant Novel Indication for Vanda's Fanapt® Franchise
"Manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder are highly complex conditions, which require a host of trusted options to meet individual patient needs. With over 100,000 patient years of experience, Fanapt is a familiar therapeutic agent that offers flexible dosing with a well-known safety profile. This FDA approval gives patients and service providers a new treatment option for managing bipolar I disorder," said Mihael H. Polymeropoulos M.D., Vanda's President, CEO and Chairman of the Board.
Bipolar disorder is a serious, highly prevalent psychiatric chronic condition affecting approximately
Stephen Stahl, MD, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California San Diego, said, "Many patients today are still unable to find suitable treatment options for effectively managing bipolar disorder. Tailoring the right treatment for the right patient is critical for effective care, and the approval of Fanapt represents an important milestone. Fanapt possesses a well-studied safety profile, and its approval will provide patients with a new and effective option for treating a highly complex disorder."
The approval of Fanapt® for the acute treatment of adults with manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder was based on a pivotal study randomizing approximately 400 patients. The primary endpoint measured in Week 4 of treatment was assessed by the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), a rating scale of clinical severity in the core symptoms of mania. At the end of the study (Week 4), Fanapt® treated patients showed a larger improvement than placebo treated patients, and this difference was highly statistically significant (p=0.000008). YMRS was assessed at the end of Weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4. Statistically significant benefit in the Fanapt® treated group over placebo was observed as early as the Week 2 assessment. The safety profile of Fanapt® in this study was similar to that seen in Fanapt® studies previously conducted for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults.
Dr. Polymeropoulos continued, "Today's announcement marks a significant step forward for one of Vanda's leading franchises and underscores the effectiveness of our strategy in pursuing innovative therapies that address high unmet medical needs to improve the lives of patients. With this as our foundation, we have established a resilient business, with a diverse product pipeline, a history of revenue growth and strong financial position. We remain focused on providing critical medicines to patients across the world while creating sustainable, long-term value."
References:
- Harvard Medical School, 2007. National Comorbidity Survey (NSC). (2017, August 21). Retrieved from https://www.hcp.med.harvard.edu/ncs/index.php
About Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Vanda is a leading global biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative therapies to address high unmet medical needs and improve the lives of patients. For more on Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc., please visit www.vandapharma.com and follow us on X @vandapharma.
About Fanapt®
For full
INDICATION AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Fanapt® (iloperidone) is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults and the acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adults. Titrate the dosage of Fanapt® to avoid orthostatic hypotension.
BOXED WARNING: INCREASED MORTALITY IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA-RELATED PSYCHOSIS:
Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. Fanapt® is not approved for use in patients with dementia-related psychosis.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Known hypersensitivity to Fanapt® or to any components in the formulation. Anaphylaxis, angioedema, and other hypersensitivity reactions have been reported.
WARNING AND PRECAUTIONS
- In placebo-controlled trials in elderly subjects with dementia, patients randomized to risperidone, aripiprazole, and olanzapine had a higher incidence of stroke and transient ischemic attack, including fatal stroke. See boxed warning.
- QT prolongation: Fanapt® prolongs QT interval and may be associated with arrhythmia and sudden death. Avoid use of Fanapt® in combination with other drugs that are known to prolong QTc; use caution and consider dose modification when prescribing Fanapt® with other drugs that inhibit Fanapt® metabolism. Monitor serum potassium and magnesium in patients at risk for electrolyte disturbances.
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a potentially fatal symptom, has been reported in association with antipsychotic drugs including Fanapt®. Manage with immediate discontinuation of drug, treatment if needed, and close monitoring.
- Tardive dyskinesia: The risk of tardive dyskinesia may increase as the duration of treatment and total cumulative dose increases. Discontinue Fanapt® if clinically appropriate.
- Metabolic changes: Atypical antipsychotic drugs have been associated with metabolic changes that may increase cardiovascular/cerebrovascular risk. These metabolic changes include hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and weight gain. Hyperglycemia, in some cases extreme and associated with ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar coma or death, has been reported in patients treated with antipsychotics. Weight gain has been reported. Monitor glucose, lipids, and weight when starting Fanapt® and thereafter.
- Seizures: Use Fanapt® cautiously in patients with a history of seizures or with conditions that lower seizure threshold.
- Orthostatic hypotension: Dizziness, tachycardia, and syncope can occur with standing. More rapid titration would be expected to increase the rate of orthostatic hypotension and syncope.
- Fanapt® may cause somnolence, postural hypotension, motor and sensory instability, which may lead to falls causing fractures or other injuries. For patients with diseases, conditions, or medications that could exacerbate these effects, complete fall risk assessments initially and recurrently during therapy.
- Leukopenia, neutropenia, and agranulocytosis have been reported with antipsychotics. Patients with a pre-existing low white blood cell count (WBC) or a history of leukopenia/neutropenia should have their complete blood count (CBC) monitored frequently during the first few months of therapy and should discontinue Fanapt® at the first sign of a decline in WBC in the absence of other causative factors.
- Hyperprolactinemia: As with other drugs that antagonize dopamine D2 receptors, Fanapt® elevates prolactin levels. Galactorrhea, amenorrhea, gynecomastia, and impotence have been reported with prolactin-elevating compounds.
- Body temperature regulation: Appropriate care is advised when prescribing Fanapt® for patients who will be experiencing conditions which may contribute to an elevation in core body temperature.
- Dysphagia: Esophageal dysmotility and aspiration have been associated with antipsychotic drug use. Fanapt® should be used cautiously in patients at risk for aspiration pneumonia, including the elderly and those with advanced Alzheimer's dementia.
- Priapism: Cases have been reported in association with Fanapt® treatment.
- Potential for cognitive and motor impairment: Use caution when operating machinery.
- Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS): IFIS has been observed in some patients treated with alpha-1 adrenergic blockers. Instruct patients to tell their ophthalmologist about their use of Fanapt® before cataract or glaucoma surgery.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
- Commonly observed adverse reactions (incidence ≥
5% and 2-fold greater than placebo) were:- Schizophrenia: dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, nasal congestion, orthostatic hypotension, somnolence, tachycardia, and weight increased.
- Bipolar mania: tachycardia, dizziness, dry mouth, hepatic enzymes increased, nasal congestion, weight increased, hypotension, and somnolence.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
- The dose of Fanapt® should be reduced by one-half in patients co-administered a strong CYP2D6 or CYP3A4 inhibitor.
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
- Fanapt® may cause extrapyramidal symptoms and/or withdrawal symptoms in neonates with third trimester exposure. Nursing mothers are advised not to breastfeed while taking Fanapt®.
- The safety and effectiveness of Fanapt® has not been established in children and adolescents.
- Fanapt® is not recommended for patients with severe hepatic impairment.
- The dose of Fanapt® should be reduced by one-half in patients who are poor metabolizers of CYP2D6.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Various statements in this release, including, but not limited to statements regarding Vanda's ability to make Fanapt® available to patients with manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder and the commercial opportunity for Fanapt®, are "forward-looking statements" under the securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions that involve risks, changes in circumstances and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in Vanda's forward-looking statements include, among others, market acceptance of Fanapt® as an acute treatment for adults with manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder, Vanda's dependence on third-party manufacturers to manufacture Fanapt® in sufficient quantities and quality, and the effectiveness of Vanda's sales and marketing infrastructure. Therefore, no assurance can be given that the results or developments anticipated by Vanda will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, Vanda. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the various risks and uncertainties that affect Vanda's business and market, particularly those identified in the "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements", "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of Vanda's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated by Vanda's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other filings with the
All written and verbal forward-looking statements attributable to Vanda or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to herein. Vanda cautions investors not to rely too heavily on the forward-looking statements Vanda makes or that are made on its behalf. The information in this press release is provided only as of the date of this press release, and Vanda undertakes no obligation, and specifically declines any obligation, to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Corporate Contact:
Kevin Moran
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc.
202-734-3400
pr@vandapharma.com
Jim Golden / Jack Kelleher / Dan Moore
Collected Strategies
VANDA-CS@collectedstrategies.com
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