Allergan, Inc. (NYSE: AGN) (“Allergan” or the “Company”) today announced
updates on three of the Company’s key R&D pipeline programs, including
abicipar pegol (Anti-VEGF DARPin®), bimatoprost
sustained-release implant for glaucoma and SEMPRANA™ (dihydroergotamine)
inhalation aerosol (formerly referred to as LEVADEX®). In
addition, Allergan announced that it has received approval from the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for OZURDEX®
(dexamethasone intravitreal implant) 0.7 mg as a treatment option for
diabetic macular edema (DME) in adult patients who have an artificial
lens implant (pseudophakic) or who are scheduled for cataract surgery
(phakic).
“Allergan has a long track record of delivering stockholder value by
efficiently investing in R&D to provide important new treatment options
to address unmet patient needs,” said David E.I. Pyott, Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, Allergan. “As a company that is well-known for
industry leading R&D and innovation, we are pleased to announce the FDA
approval of OZURDEX®, which marks our 12th FDA
approval since 2010. In addition, we are pleased to share updates on
several of our key R&D pipeline programs including abicipar pegol
(Anti-VEGF DARPin®), which has been recognized
as the most important value driver in our pipeline. With one of the most
productive R&D pipelines in the industry, we are committed to advancing
our R&D programs as we continue to deliver a steady stream of new
treatments across the five specialty areas of our broad and balanced
portfolio.”
Anti-VEGF DARPin®
Allergan has completed the topline analysis of data from the Company’s
Stage 3, Phase 2 study of abicipar pegol (Anti-VEGF DARPin®)
in neovascular, or “wet,” age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These
data along with data from previous studies were reviewed with the FDA at
an end of a Phase 2 meeting where the FDA supported Allergan’s decision
to advance abicipar pegol to Phase 3 clinical trials and agreed with the
proposed Phase 3 study plan.
The abicipar pegol Stage 3, Phase 2 study was designed to, in addition
to assessing safety and efficacy, determine the appropriate dose of
abicipar pegol that would provide equal or better visual acuity
improvement but require less frequent injections than ranibizumab (LUCENTIS®).
In the double-masked trial, a total of 64 patients were randomized to
abicipar pegol 1mg (n=25), abicipar pegol 2mg (n=23) or ranibizumab
0.5mg (n=16) and were followed for 20 weeks. All patients received doses
at the start of the trial and at 4 and 8 weeks. Patients in the
ranibizumab arm of the study received additional doses at 12 and 16
weeks. Patients who were treated with either dose of abicipar pegol
received sham injections at 12 and 16 weeks. Patients in all arms of the
study were well matched for demographics and baseline characteristics.
The analysis of the topline data showed that after 16 weeks, mean visual
acuity improvement from baseline was 8.2 letters for abicipar pegol 2mg,
6.3 letters for abicipar pegol 1mg, and 5.3 letters for ranibizumab.
After 20 weeks, (12 weeks after the last abicipar injection and 4 weeks
after the last ranibizumab injection) mean visual acuity improvement
from baseline was 9.0 letters for abicipar pegol 2mg, 7.1 letters for
abicipar pegol 1mg, and 4.7 letters for ranibizumab. In addition,
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) data was supportive of the visual
acuity data. Although the study was not powered to show statistically
significant differences between treatment groups, and further data will
be completed and submitted to the FDA, these data suggest that abicipar
at the 2mg dose is at least as effective as monthly ranibizumab with a
longer duration of action.
There were no serious adverse events reported in any study group. Two
patients in the abicipar pegol 2mg arm and three patients in the
abicipar pegol 1mg group experienced ocular inflammation adverse events.
The complete data from the Stage 3, Phase 2 study will be presented at a
retina meeting in the second half of 2014.
Allergan has been working to enhance the manufacturing process for
abicipar pegol and will initiate Phase 3 studies in the second quarter
of 2015, when material from the new manufacturing process is available.
In the phase 3 program, Allergan will compare abicipar 2mg dosed every 8
weeks, abicipar 2mg dosed every 12 weeks and ranibizumab dosed every 4
weeks. All patients in the phase 3 program will receive three loading
doses of drug.
Bimatoprost Sustained-Release Implant
Allergan has reviewed data from its Phase 2 clinical trials of
bimatoprost sustained-release implant for the treatment of elevated
intraocular pressure and glaucoma. Patients in this trial received a
bimatoprost sustained-release implant in one eye and topical bimatoprost
in the contralateral eye. The data suggests that bimatoprost
sustained-release implant efficacy is comparable to daily topical
bimatoprost with duration of 4-6 months.
Allergan has shared the bimatoprost sustained-release implant data with
the FDA and the FDA is supportive of the company’s decision to advance
to Phase 3 clinical trials. The Phase 3 clinical trials will be
initiated by the end of 2014. If approved, the bimatoprost
sustained-release implant may have the potential to change the treatment
paradigm for patients who currently rely on daily topical eye drops to
treat their condition.
OZURDEX®
(dexamethasone intravitreal implant) 0.7 mg
Allergan has received approval from the FDA for OZURDEX® as a
new treatment option for diabetic macular edema (DME) in adult patients
who have an artificial lens implant (pseudophakic) or who are scheduled
for cataract surgery (phakic). OZURDEX® is a
sustained-release biodegradable steroid implant that demonstrated
long-term efficacy without the need for monthly injections.1
DME currently impacts more than 560,000 Americans.2 It is an
eye condition that can occur in people with diabetes (types 1 and 2) and
causes fluid to leak into the part of the eye where focusing occurs
(macula), causing blurred vision, vision loss and eventual blindness.3
The OZURDEX® implant uses the proprietary and innovative
NOVADUR® solid polymer delivery system – a biodegradable
implant that releases medicine over an extended period of time – to
suppress inflammation, which plays a key role in the development of DME.1
“The approval of OZURDEX® for certain patients with DME
further strengthens Allergan's leadership position in ophthalmology and
the retina subspecialty,” said Scott M. Whitcup, M.D., Executive Vice
President, Research and Development and Chief Scientific Officer,
Allergan. “In addition to receiving this important FDA approval, we are
also pleased that two of our innovative pipeline programs are advancing
to Phase 3 clinical development. These therapies involve novel molecules
or innovative drug delivery systems which may help to improve patient
outcomes.”
SEMPRANA™ (dihydroergotamine), formerly LEVADEX®
Allergan has received a Complete Response Letter (CRL) from the FDA to
its New Drug Application (NDA) for SEMPRANA™ (dihydroergotamine),
formerly referred to as LEVADEX®, which is being developed as
an acute treatment of migraine in adults. In the CRL, the FDA
acknowledged that Allergan has made improvements in the canister filling
process.
The two specific items listed in the CRL are related to specifications
around content uniformity on the improved canister filling process and
on standards for device actuation. There were no issues related to the
clinical safety and efficacy of the product and Allergan received draft
labeling from the FDA for the product in June 2013. Allergan plans to
meet with the FDA and will work to fully address these issues to the
satisfaction of the FDA. The Company estimates that the next FDA action
will occur by the end of the second quarter of 2015.
Important Information
Allergan is committed to a full development program to maximize the
potential of abicipar pegol (Anti-VEGF DARPin®)
and bimatoprost sustained-release implant and has an extensive track
record in ophthalmology R&D and in bringing multi-billion dollar
products to market. For additional detail about Allergan’s unique
capabilities and market information, please see information which was
filed on a Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
(the “SEC”) and is posted to www.allergan.com.
Allergan will file an additional Form 8-K with the SEC following the
conference call to provide context regarding the actual value of the
recent proposal by Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. to offer
a Contingent Value Right (CVR) relating to potential sales of abicipar
pegol. This information will also be posted to www.allergan.com.
Allergan will host a telephone conference call and a Webcast on Monday,
June 30, 2014 to discuss key R&D pipeline programs. You may
participate in this call by dialing 1-888-790-1916 for domestic
locations or 1-517-319-9297 for international locations. A passcode, Allergan,
will be required. David Pyott, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer, Jeff Edwards, Executive Vice President, Finance and Business
Development, Chief Financial Officer, and Dr. Scott Whitcup, Executive
Vice President, Research and Development, Chief Scientific Officer, will
provide an update on key R&D pipeline programs beginning promptly at
7:30 a.m. Pacific Time (10:30 a.m. Eastern Time) before answering
questions. The live Webcast can be accessed through the Allergan
Website, www.allergan.com,
beginning at 7:15 a.m. Pacific Time (10:15 a.m. Eastern Time).
A replay of the discussion will be available shortly after the call and
can be accessed through www.allergan.com,
or by dialing 1-866-479-2457 for domestic locations or 1-203-369-1532
for international locations. A passcode will not be required. The replay
will be available for one week following the live call.
FDA Approved Uses for OZURDEX®
(dexamethasone intravitreal implant) 0.7 mg
OZURDEX® (dexamethasone intravitreal implant) is a
prescription medicine that is an implant injected into the eye
(vitreous) and used:
-
To treat adults with swelling of the macula (macular edema) following
branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) or central retinal vein occlusion
(CRVO)
-
To treat adults with non-infectious inflammation of the uvea (uveitis)
affecting the back segment of the eye
-
To treat adults with diabetic macular edema who have an artificial
lens implant (pseudophakic) or who are scheduled for cataract surgery
(phakic).
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
OZURDEX® should not be used if you have any infections or
diseases in the eye, or surrounding eye area, including most viral
diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva, including active herpes viral
infection of the eye, vaccinia, varicella, mycobacterial infections, and
fungal diseases.
OZURDEX® should not be used if you have advanced glaucoma.
OZURDEX® should not be used if you have a posterior lens
capsule that is not intact.
You should not use OZURDEX® if you are allergic to any of its
ingredients.
Injections into the vitreous in the eye, including those with OZURDEX®,
are associated with serious eye infection (endophthalmitis), eye
inflammation, increased eye pressure, and retinal detachments. Your eye
doctor may monitor you regularly after the injection.
Use of corticosteroids may produce posterior subcapsular cataracts,
increased eye pressure, glaucoma, and may increase the establishment of
secondary eye infections due to bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Let your
doctor know if you have a history of ocular herpes simplex.
There may be a risk of the implant moving into the front chamber of the
eye if you had the posterior capsule of the lens removed or if you have
a tear in the capsule.
The most common side effects reported in patients for retinal vein
occlusion and uveitis include: increased eye pressure, conjunctival
blood spot, eye pain, eye redness, ocular hypertension, cataract,
vitreous detachment, and headache.
The most common side effects reported in patients with diabetic macular
edema include: cataract, increased eye pressure, conjunctival blood
spot, reduced vision, inflammation of the conjunctiva, specks that float
in the field of vision, swelling of the conjunctiva, dry eye, vitreous
detachment, vitreous opacities, retinal aneurysm, foreign body
sensation, corneal erosion, inflammation of the cornea, anterior chamber
inflammation, retinal tear, drooping eyelid and high blood pressure.
After repeated injections with OZURDEX®, a cataract may
occur. If this occurs, your vision will decrease and you will need an
operation to remove the cataract and restore your vision. You may
develop increased eye pressure with OZURDEX® that will need
to be managed with eye drops, and rarely, with surgery.
In the days following injection with OZURDEX®, you may be at
risk for potential complications including in particular, but not
limited to, the development of serious eye infection or increased eye
pressure. If your eye becomes red, sensitive to light, painful, or
develops a change in vision, you should seek immediate care from your
eye doctor. You may experience temporary visual blurring after receiving
an injection and should not drive or use machinery until your vision has
resolved.
Please click
here for full Prescribing Information.
ABOUT ALLERGAN, INC.
Allergan is a multi-specialty health care company established more than
60 years ago with a commitment to uncover the best of science and
develop and deliver innovative and meaningful treatments to help people
reach their life's potential. Today, we have approximately 11,600 highly
dedicated and talented employees, global marketing and sales
capabilities with a presence in more than 100 countries, a rich and
ever-evolving portfolio of pharmaceuticals, biologics, medical devices
and over-the-counter consumer products, and state-of-the-art resources
in R&D, manufacturing and safety surveillance that help millions of
patients see more clearly, move more freely and express themselves more
fully. From our beginnings as an eye care company to our focus today on
several medical specialties, including eye care, neurosciences, medical
aesthetics, medical dermatology, breast aesthetics, and urologics,
Allergan is proud to celebrate more than 60 years of medical advances
and proud to support the patients and customers who rely on our products
and the employees and communities in which we live and work. For more
information regarding Allergan, go to: www.allergan.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the
meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to statements
by Mr. Pyott and Dr. Whitcup, and other statements regarding updates on
Allergan’s R&D pipeline programs. These statements are based on current
expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove
inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results
could vary materially from Allergan's expectations and projections.
Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, general industry
and medical device market conditions; challenges related to achieving
regulatory approval from the FDA on a timely and cost-efficient manner;
technological advances and patents attained by competitors;
inconsistency of treatment results among patients; potential
difficulties in manufacturing; challenges related to new product
marketing, such as the unpredictability or market acceptance for new
products and/or the acceptance of new indications for such products; and
governmental laws and regulations affecting domestic and foreign
operations. Allergan expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to
update these forward-looking statements except as required by law.
Additional information concerning these and other risks can be found in
press releases issued by Allergan, as well as Allergan's public filings
with the SEC, including the discussion under the heading "Risk Factors"
in Allergan's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Copies of Allergan's press releases and
additional information about Allergan are available at www.allergan.com
or you can contact the Allergan Investor Relations Department by calling
1-714-246-4636.
Important Additional Information
This communication does not constitute an offer to buy or solicitation
of an offer to sell any securities. The Company has filed a preliminary
solicitation statement with the SEC on June 16, 2014 and intends to file
a definitive solicitation statement with the SEC. Any definitive
solicitation statement will be mailed to stockholders of the Company.
INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF ALLERGAN ARE ENCOURAGED TO READ THESE AND
ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT THE COMPANY MAY FILE WITH THE SEC
CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT
INFORMATION. Investors and stockholders will be able to obtain free
copies of these documents as they become available and any other
documents filed with the SEC by the Company at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
In addition, copies will also be available at no charge at the Investors
section of the Company's website at www.allergan.com.
Copies of these materials may also be requested from Allergan's
information agent, Innisfree M&A Incorporated, toll-free at 877-800-5187.
The Company, its directors and certain of its officers and employees are
participants in solicitations of Company stockholders. Information
regarding the names of the Company's directors and executive officers
and their respective interests in the Company by security holdings or
otherwise is set forth in the Company's proxy statement for its 2014
annual meeting of stockholders, filed with the SEC on March 26, 2014, as
supplemented by the proxy information filed with the SEC on April 22,
2014. Additional information can be found in the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on
February 25, 2014 and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended March 31, 2014, filed with the SEC on May 7, 2014. To the extent
holdings of the Company's securities have changed since the amounts
printed in the proxy statement for the 2014 annual meeting of
stockholders, such changes have been reflected on Initial Statements of
Beneficial Ownership on Form 3 or Statements of Change in Ownership on
Form 4 filed with the SEC.
© 2014 Allergan, Inc. Irvine, CA 92612. ® marks and ™ owned
by Allergan, Inc. All rights reserved.
SEMPRANA is a registered trademark of Map Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Allergan, Inc.
LUCENTIS is a registered trademark of Genentech, a member of the
Roche Group
DARPin is a registered trademark of Molecular Partners AG
1 2014 OZURDEX® Prescribing Information
2 Bressler, NM, Varma R, Doan Q, et al. Prevalence of Visual
Impairment from Diabetic Macular Edema and Relationship to Eye Care from
the 2005 - 2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
(NHANES). Retina Society 45th Annual Scientific Meetings, Washington,
DC. October 4-7, 2012.
3 Chen E, Looman M, Laouri M, Gallagher M, Van Nuys K,
Lakdawall D, et al. Burden of illness on diabetic macular edema:
literature review. Curr Med Res Opin. 2010;26:1587-1597.
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