Ionis Pharmaceuticals Stock Price, News & Analysis

Ionis Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: IONS) reported a 20% revenue increase for Q3 2022, totaling $160 million, driven by significant partner payments across various programs. Operating expenses remained stable at $219 million, while the net loss decreased to $47 million, reflecting improved operational efficiency. The company has increased its cash guidance to approximately $2.0 billion. Notably, positive Phase 3 study data for eplontersen and new facility construction underscore Ionis's growth potential. The company reaffirmed its annual guidance for revenue and expenses.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals announced that GSK presented positive results from the Phase 2b B-Clear study of bepirovirsen, an investigational treatment for chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB). The study demonstrated sustained clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV DNA in patients for 24 weeks post-treatment. GSK plans to move bepirovirsen into Phase 3 trials in the first half of 2023. Initial findings suggest better responses in patients with low baseline HBsAg levels.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals presented positive Phase 2 results for IONIS-FB-L_Rx in treating immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), achieving a 44% mean reduction in proteinuria after 6 months. The study maintained kidney function in all patients and showed robust reductions in plasma complement Factor B and urinary complement fragment Ba. Roche plans to advance IONIS-FB-L_Rx into Phase 3 development in H1 2023, addressing a significant unmet medical need in IgAN treatment.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals announced positive Phase 2b results for fesomersen presented at Kidney Week 2022. This investigational medicine targets Factor XI reduction to prevent thrombosis in patients on hemodialysis. The study showed no increased risk of major bleeding, achieving median FXI reductions of 53.1%, 72.2%, and 86.6% across different doses. Additionally, incidences of dialysis circuit clotting and AV-access thrombosis decreased significantly. Ionis will regain rights to fesomersen from Bayer and is seeking a new partner for its market delivery.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: IONS) will host a live webcast on November 9, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. ET to discuss its financial results for the third quarter of 2022. The webcast can be accessed through Ionis’ investor relations website, and a replay will be available shortly after. With over 30 years in RNA-targeted therapy, Ionis has established itself as a leader in this field and currently markets three medicines while advancing a robust late-stage pipeline featuring key cardiovascular and neurological franchises.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals has entered into a long-term lease agreement with Sudberry Properties to develop a new chemistry and manufacturing facility in Oceanside, California. The new 217,000-square-foot facility will enhance Ionis' production capabilities, expected to be operational by 2025, with active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing starting in mid-2026. The facility will incorporate sustainability features, including solar energy generation. Ionis maintains a right of first offer to purchase the property after the lease term.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals announced results from the Phase 2b SOLANO study for ION449 (AZD8233), showing a statistically significant 62.3% reduction in LDL-C after 28 weeks. Despite this success, AstraZeneca will not proceed to Phase 3 due to unmet pre-specified efficacy criteria. The drug was deemed generally safe and well-tolerated. AstraZeneca will analyze the results further for next steps. This study is crucial as hypercholesterolemia poses significant cardiovascular risks, with many patients not achieving LDL-C targets.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: IONS) announced positive interim results from the 35-week Phase 3 NEURO-TTRansform study of eplontersen for hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloid polyneuropathy (ATTRv-PN). The treatment showed an 81.2% reduction in serum transthyretin (TTR) levels and significant improvements in neuropathy impairment and quality of life compared to a placebo group. Eplontersen was well-tolerated with no significant adverse events leading to discontinuation. Following these results, Ionis and AstraZeneca plan to seek regulatory approval.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: IONS) announced participation in key investor conferences featuring fireside chats this September 2022. These events include the Wells Fargo Healthcare Conference on September 7, Citi's BioPharma Conference on September 8, and the Morgan Stanley Global Healthcare Conference on September 12. Live webcasts will be available on the Ionis website, with replays accessible within 48 hours post-event.

Ionis leads in RNA-targeted therapies, with three marketed medicines and a strong pipeline in cardiovascular and neurological sectors.