Ionis Pharmaceuticals Stock Price, News & Analysis

Ionis Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: IONS) announced significant results from a clinical trial of IONIS-ENAC-2.5_Rx, an investigational antisense medicine for cystic fibrosis (CF). The trial demonstrated a mean 55.6% reduction in ENaC mRNA expression at a 75 mg dose (p<0.05), marking a breakthrough in aerosol delivery methods. This study lays the groundwork for future developments in treating CF and other lung diseases. The company plans to present additional data at the 2020 North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference from Oct. 21-23 and initiate a study for COPD later this year.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: IONS) announced that Frank Bennett, Ph.D., received the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Society. Dr. Bennett was honored for his significant contributions to antisense oligonucleotide drugs aimed at correcting severe genetic diseases. He is a founding member of Ionis and leads neurological programs. Additionally, Ionis scientists won the Paper of the Year Award for their research on a new antisense mechanism, reinforcing the company's leadership in RNA-targeted therapeutics.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: IONS) and Genuity Science have announced a multi-year collaboration focused on accelerating the development of therapeutics for up to 20 diseases. Genuity Science will leverage whole-genome sequencing and deep phenotype data, enhancing Ionis' antisense technology to expedite drug development. The partnership involves upfront payments, milestone incentives, and royalties, aimed at increasing discovery opportunities and understanding genetic disease complexities.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: IONS) announced that the FDA has granted orphan drug designation to ION373 for treating Alexander disease, a rare neurodegenerative disease. This designation is crucial as it highlights the urgent need for effective treatments for this debilitating condition, which affects roughly one in one million births.

The FDA's Orphan Drug Act offers significant incentives, including a seven-year market exclusivity after approval. Ionis previously received similar status from the EMA, reflecting global recognition of ION373's potential in addressing unmet medical needs.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: IONS) announced its participation in several virtual investor conferences. Management will present at the Wells Fargo Healthcare Conference on September 10, 2020, followed by the Morgan Stanley Global Healthcare Conference on September 14, 2020, the BofA Global Healthcare Conference on September 18, 2020, and the Oppenheimer Life Sciences Summit on September 22, 2020. The presentation details will be available on Ionis' website, with live webcasts and later replays offered. Ionis leads in RNA-targeted drug development.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: IONS) has published promising results from a compassionate-use study of its investigational drugs, IONIS-PKK_Rx and IONIS-PKK-L_Rx, for treating severe hereditary angioedema (HAE). The study shows these antisense medicines effectively reduced plasma prekallikrein activity and cut breakthrough attack rates in patients. Notably, one patient achieved complete resolution of symptoms. Ionis is advancing the development of IONIS-PKK-L_Rx, which offers a potential monthly treatment option, aiming to improve patient outcomes.

Akcea Therapeutics and Ionis Pharmaceuticals announced positive results from the Phase 2 clinical trial of vupanorsen (AKCEA-ANGPTL3-L_Rx) at the ESC Congress 2020. The trial showed significant reductions in triglyceride levels, achieving a maximum reduction of 53% with the 80 mg dose. The therapy demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with injection site reactions being the most common adverse events. This investigational antisense therapy targets ANGPTL3 to reduce cardiovascular risks. Pfizer plans further Phase 2b studies to optimize dosing.

Akcea Therapeutics (NASDAQ: AKCA) and Ionis Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: IONS) announced positive results from the Phase 2 study of AKCEA-APOCIII-L_Rx, presented at the ESC Congress 2020. The study demonstrated significant reductions in triglyceride levels (TG) and apoC-III, with a notable 62% reduction in TG at the highest dose administered. Furthermore, 91% of patients achieved TG levels below 150 mg/dL at six months. The drug exhibited a favorable safety profile, with plans for a Phase 3 trial targeting familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) later this year.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals will host a live webcast on September 2 at 10:00 a.m. ET to discuss its cardio-renal franchise. The 90-minute session will feature presentations from its executives, including Brett P. Monia and Sam Tsimikas. Key topics will include advances in RNA-targeted drug discovery and specific medicines aimed at treating triglyceride-driven diseases, thrombosis, and treatment-resistant hypertension. The webcast can be accessed at www.ionispharma.com.