Verona Pharma, a biopharmaceutical company focused on respiratory diseases, has announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2024, showcasing an exceptional start to the US launch of its groundbreaking COPD treatment, Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine). The report highlights the drug's rapid adoption by healthcare professionals, its potential to redefine the COPD treatment paradigm, and the company's continued pipeline expansion.

Ohtuvayre's Transformative Impact on COPD Care

Unprecedented Demand and Broad Utilization

In the first seven weeks of its launch, Ohtuvayre recorded an impressive .6 million in net sales, with October's figures exceeding the entire third quarter. This rapid acceleration is a testament to the drug's immediate appeal among healthcare professionals, who have already prescribed it to over 2,200 unique patients and filled more than 5,000 prescriptions. Notably, Ohtuvayre has been prescribed across a diverse COPD population, including those on single, dual, and nearly 50% on triple therapy, underscoring its versatility and potential to benefit a wide range of patients.

Unlocking New Possibilities in COPD Treatment

Ohtuvayre's unique combination of bronchodilator and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory activities in a single molecule has captured the attention of the medical community. Initial patient and healthcare provider reports have been extremely encouraging, suggesting that Ohtuvayre can improve COPD symptoms regardless of disease severity. This broad utilization aligns with market research and reinforces the company's belief that Ohtuvayre represents a significant advancement in COPD treatment, with the potential to redefine the treatment paradigm.

Expanding the Therapeutic Horizons

Alongside the successful Ohtuvayre launch, Verona Pharma has initiated two promising Phase 2 clinical trials. The first is a dose-ranging study with glycopyrrolate, a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), supporting the development of a nebulized fixed-dose combination program with ensifentrine for COPD maintenance treatment. The second trial is assessing the efficacy and safety of nebulized ensifentrine in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFBE), further expanding the drug's potential applications.

Securing Reimbursement and Regulatory Milestones

Verona Pharma has also achieved significant milestones in the regulatory and reimbursement realms. The company received notification from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that its permanent, product-specific J-code for Ohtuvayre, J7601, has been accepted and will be effective January 1, 2025, ensuring seamless coverage and access for patients. Additionally, the company's development partner in Greater China, Nuance Pharma, has completed enrollment in its pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating ensifentrine for the maintenance treatment of COPD in China, with results expected in 2025.

Showcasing Ohtuvayre at Leading Medical Conferences

Verona Pharma has also been actively engaging with the medical community, presenting additional analyses of data from the Phase 3 ENHANCE trials with ensifentrine at the European Respiratory Society International Congress 2024 and the CHEST Annual Meeting 2024. These presentations have generated significant interest, with approximately 1,500 healthcare professionals visiting the company's medical and commercial booths for Ohtuvayre at the CHEST conference.

Robust Financial Position to Fuel Continued Growth

Verona Pharma's strong financial position, with 6.0 million in cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2024, combined with the 0 million in strategic financing completed in May 2024, positions the company to fund its planned operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements through at least the end of 2026. This solid financial foundation will enable the company to continue its momentum, drive the successful commercialization of Ohtuvayre, and advance its robust pipeline of respiratory disease therapies.