Third Time Lucky for Amylin's Bydureon - Analyst Blog
January 30 2012 - 8:45AM
Zacks
It proved to be third time lucky for Amylin
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (AMLN) and Alkermes
plc (ALKS) with the companies finally gaining US Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) approval for their once-weekly type II
diabetes treatment, Bydureon (exenatide extended-release for
injectable suspension).
Bydureon, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist,
gained approval as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve
glycemic control in adults with type II diabetes. This means that
Bydureon can be used as a monotherapy, as well as in combination
with commonly prescribed oral diabetes therapies.
Approval was granted with a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation
Strategy (REMS) and post-marketing requirements. The REMS will keep
healthcare professionals informed about the risk of acute
pancreatitis and the potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors
associated with the use of Bydureon, and ensure that the benefits
of Bydureon outweigh these potential risks.
Bydureon US Launch Slated for Feb 2012
Amylin is all set for the US launch of Bydureon in Feb 2012. The
company intends to have two commercial units - one focused on
exenatide and the other on specialty and orphan diseases.
While the exenatide team will consist of 650 diabetes sales
specialists, the specialty and orphan disease team will initially
focus on promoting Symlin. However, we note that once launched,
Bydureon will face intense competition from Novo
Nordisk’s (NVO) Victoza which already has a significant
head-start in the GLP-1 market.
Amylin is looking to expand the exenatide franchise further and
intends to commence a phase III study with a once-weekly suspension
formulation of exenatide in mid 2012. A phase III program for the
monthly suspension formulation of exenatide is scheduled to
commence in 2013. Meanwhile, Amylin intends to file for approval of
Bydureon Pen in 2012 with a potential launch later this year/early
next year.
Amylin is looking to further strengthen its exenatide franchise
by focusing on driving Byetta (exenatide) sales. The company, which
terminated its exenatide agreement with Eli Lilly and
Company (LLY) in November 2011, is currently looking for
an ex-US partner. Partnering exenatide should maximize the value of
the product.
Our Take
Bydureon’s approval comes as a major relief for Amylin. The US
regulatory path for Bydureon had not been smooth with the candidate
having received two complete response letters (CRLs) from the FDA
earlier. We expect both Amylin and Alkermes shares to react
positively to the long-awaited approval. Encouraging data and a
convenient dosing regimen (once-weekly dosing) could very well help
Bydureon gain share. We believe Bydureon peak sales could exceed a
billion dollars.
ALKERMES INC (ALKS): Free Stock Analysis Report
AMYLIN PHARMA (AMLN): Free Stock Analysis Report
LILLY ELI & CO (LLY): Free Stock Analysis Report
NOVO-NORDISK AS (NVO): Free Stock Analysis Report
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