Mallinckrodt Announces Availability of Acthar® Gel (repository corticotropin injection) Single-Dose Pre-filled SelfJect™ Injector in the U.S.

Rhea-AI Summary

Mallinckrodt plc announced the availability of Acthar Gel Single-Dose Pre-filled SelfJect Injector in the U.S., offering a new administration option for patients with chronic and acute inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Key points:

• SelfJect is the first and only ACTH product available in a self-injection device
• FDA approved the supplemental New Drug Application in February 2024
• Available in 40 USP units/0.5 mL and 80 USP units/1.0 mL versions
• Designed for subcutaneous administration by adults 18 years or older
• Simplifies injection process with fewer materials and steps
• Includes safety features like a hidden needle to prevent needlesticks
• Acthar Gel is accessible to over 220 million individuals covered by insurance
• Prescribed by over 9,200 healthcare professionals and used by more than 43,500 patients (2013-2021)

Positive

• Launch of SelfJect Injector provides a new, simplified administration option for Acthar Gel
• SelfJect design may improve patient adherence to treatment plans
• Acthar Gel is accessible to over 220 million individuals covered by insurance
• Prescribed by over 9,200 healthcare professionals and used by more than 43,500 patients (2013-2021)

Negative

• None.

Insights

Medical Research Analyst

The launch of Acthar Gel SelfJect represents a significant advancement in drug delivery for patients with inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. This new self-injection device offers several advantages:

• Simplified administration process
• Improved dosing accuracy
• Enhanced safety features (hidden needle, latex-free)

These improvements could potentially increase patient adherence and, consequently, treatment efficacy. However, it's important to note that while the delivery method has changed, the drug itself remains the same. The long-term impact on patient outcomes and market share will depend on how well this new format is received by patients and healthcare providers.

From an investor perspective, this development could strengthen Mallinckrodt's position in the competitive autoimmune and inflammatory disease market. However, the overall financial impact may be , as it's an improvement to an existing product rather than a new drug launch.

Financial Analyst

The introduction of the SelfJect injector for Acthar Gel is a strategic move by Mallinckrodt to enhance its product offering and potentially extend the lifecycle of a key revenue generator. While specific financial projections aren't provided, this development could have several implications:

• Potential for increased market share in the competitive autoimmune and inflammatory disease space
• Possible price premium for the new delivery format, potentially boosting revenues
• Enhanced patient retention due to easier administration, which could stabilize or grow the user base

However, investors should note that Acthar Gel has faced pricing pressures and scrutiny in the past. The impact on Mallinckrodt's financials will depend on market adoption rates and the company's pricing strategy for this new format. It's also worth monitoring whether this innovation leads to increased insurance coverage, as the press release mentions accessibility to over 220 million individuals covered by commercial insurance and Medicare.

– Acthar Gel is the first and only medication in its class of adrenocorticotropic hormone products available in a self-injection device to treat a range of chronic and acute inflammatory and autoimmune conditions¹ –

DUBLIN, Aug. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mallinckrodt plc, a global specialty pharmaceutical company, today announced the availability of the Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection) Single-Dose Pre-filled SelfJect™ Injector (herein referred to as "SelfJect"), offering a new administration option for Acthar Gel for appropriate patients with a range of chronic and acute inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.¹ The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) previously approved Mallinckrodt's supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for SelfJect in February 2024.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9111652-mallinckrodt-selfject-launch/

Acthar Gel is a naturally sourced complex mixture of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) analogs and other pituitary peptides.¹ Acthar Gel is approved by the FDA for the treatment of several autoimmune disorders and medical conditions known to cause inflammation.¹

Please see Indications and Important Safety Information for Acthar Gel below.

Acthar Gel is the first and only medication in its class of adrenocorticotropic hormone products available in two forms of administration ­­– multi-dose vial and syringe and SelfJect.¹ The color-coded device is pre-filled with Acthar Gel, available in 40 USP units/0.5 mL (green label) and 80 USP units/1.0 mL (purple label) versions.^1,2,3 SelfJect requires less preparation with fewer materials and steps for the administration of Acthar Gel compared to the multi-dose vial and syringe.^2,3 The latex-free device also has additional safety elements, including a hidden needle intended to help protect patients against needlesticks.^2,3,4 SelfJect is for subcutaneous administration by people 18 years of age or older and is designed to deliver the appropriate dose of Acthar Gel, as prescribed by a healthcare professional.^1,2,3

"The launch of SelfJect is a significant advancement for patients who take Acthar Gel as it is designed to simplify the injection process, help ensure accurate dosing, and has enhanced safety features. SelfJect supports patients by helping to make treatment easier to administer than a multi-dose vial and syringe, particularly for patients with dexterity issues,"⁵ said Kostas Botsoglou, MD, Managing Partner of Rheumatology Center of Western New York. "I'm looking forward to being able to provide this option to appropriate patients in my practice to help them adhere to their treatment plans, which are intended to better their chances for improved outcomes."

Acthar Gel has an established efficacy and safety profile, as well as a long track record of clinical experience spanning more than 70 years.¹ Acthar Gel is accessible to over 220 million individuals covered by commercial insurance and Medicare.⁶ Acthar Gel has been prescribed by over 9,200 healthcare professionals and used by more than 43,500 patients (2013 to 2021).⁷

"We're excited to deliver an option that not only helps to address the needs of the patient communities we serve, but also underscores our commitment to the modernization of Acthar Gel. We know that managing chronic and acute inflammatory and autoimmune conditions can be difficult, and we're proud to offer this new delivery device, designed to better support patients, caregivers, and medical professionals in managing appropriate conditions," said Lisa French, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer.

Mallinckrodt is committed to providing therapy for appropriate patients with difficult-to-treat conditions. Mallinckrodt offers a suite of services for eligible Acthar Gel patients including support with obtaining insurance coverage, commercial copay assistance, a patient assistance program, injection training services, and customized assistance by a nurse navigator. Mallinckrodt also offers a team of field-based experts who provide education for healthcare professionals on the reimbursement process as well as tools available for patients. For more information about Mallinckrodt's programs and patient support please visit ActharHCP.com.

For patients who prefer or require the traditional administration method, Acthar Gel continues to be available in the multi-dose vial. This method remains appropriate for patients who require doses other than 40 or 80 units.¹ SelfJect is not to be used for the treatment of infantile spasms. The process for starting new patients on Acthar Gel using SelfJect remains the same as for those starting with the multi-dose vial – there are no additional access steps for SelfJect. If a new customer is interested in learning more about SelfJect, they can reach out to their local representative or visit ActharHCP.com.

INDICATIONS

Acthar Gel is indicated for:

• Inducing a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus
• Monotherapy for the treatment of infantile spasms in infants and children under 2 years of age
• Treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis in adults. Controlled clinical trials have shown Acthar to be effective in speeding the resolution of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis. However, there is no evidence that it affects the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease
• Severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory processes involving the eye and its adnexa such as: keratitis, iritis, iridocyclitis, diffuse posterior uveitis and choroiditis, optic neuritis, chorioretinitis, anterior segment inflammation
• Symptomatic sarcoidosis
• Treatment during an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus
• Treatment during an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
• Adjunctive therapy for short-term administration (to tide the patient over an acute episode or exacerbation) in: psoriatic arthritis; rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy); ankylosing spondylitis

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Contraindications
Acthar is contraindicated:

• For intravenous administration
• In infants under 2 years of age who have suspected congenital infections
• With concomitant administration of live or live attenuated vaccines in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of Acthar
• In patients with scleroderma, osteoporosis, systemic fungal infections, ocular herpes simplex, recent surgery, history of the presence of a peptic ulcer, congestive heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, primary adrenocortical insufficiency, adrenocortical hyperfunction, or sensitivity to proteins of porcine origin

Warnings and Precautions

• The adverse effects of Acthar are related primarily to its steroidogenic effects
• Acthar may increase susceptibility to new infection or reactivation of latent infections
• Suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis may occur following prolonged therapy with the potential for adrenal insufficiency after withdrawal of the medication. Adrenal insufficiency may be minimized by tapering of the dose when discontinuing treatment. During recovery of the adrenal gland patients should be protected from the stress (e.g., trauma or surgery) by the use of corticosteroids. Monitor patients for effects of HPA axis suppression after stopping treatment
• Cushing's syndrome may occur during therapy but generally resolves after therapy is stopped. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms
• Acthar can cause elevation of blood pressure, salt and water retention, and hypokalemia. Monitor blood pressure and sodium and potassium levels
• Acthar often acts by masking symptoms of other diseases/disorders. Monitor patients carefully during and for a period following discontinuation of therapy
• Acthar can cause gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and gastric ulcer. There is also an increased risk for perforation in patients with certain GI disorders. Monitor for signs of perforation and bleeding
• Acthar may be associated with central nervous system effects ranging from euphoria, insomnia, irritability, mood swings, personality changes, and severe depression to psychosis. Existing conditions may be aggravated
• Patients with comorbid disease may have that disease worsened. Caution should be used when prescribing Acthar in patients with diabetes and myasthenia gravis
• Prolonged use of Acthar may produce cataracts, glaucoma, and secondary ocular infections. Monitor for signs and symptoms
• Acthar is immunogenic and prolonged administration of Acthar may increase the risk of hypersensitivity reactions. Cases of anaphylaxis have been reported in the postmarketing setting. Neutralizing antibodies with chronic administration may lead to loss of endogenous ACTH and Acthar activity
• There may be an enhanced effect in patients with hypothyroidism and in those with cirrhosis of the liver
• Long-term use may have negative effects on growth and physical development in children. Monitor pediatric patients
• Decrease in bone density may occur. Bone density should be monitored in patients on long-term therapy

Adverse Reactions

• Commonly reported postmarketing adverse reactions for Acthar include injection site reaction, asthenic conditions (including fatigue, malaise, asthenia, and lethargy), fluid retention (including peripheral swelling), insomnia, headache, and blood glucose increased
• The most common adverse reactions for the treatment of infantile spasms (IS) are increased risk of infections, convulsions, hypertension, irritability, and pyrexia. Some patients with IS progress to other forms of seizures; IS sometimes masks theses seizures, which may become visible once the clinical spasms from IS resolve

Pregnancy

• Acthar may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman

Please see full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.

ABOUT MALLINCKRODT
Mallinckrodt is a global business consisting of multiple wholly owned subsidiaries that develop, manufacture, market and distribute specialty pharmaceutical products and therapies. The company's Specialty Brands reportable segment's areas of focus include autoimmune and rare diseases in specialty areas like neurology, rheumatology, hepatology, nephrology, pulmonology, ophthalmology, and oncology; immunotherapy and neonatal respiratory critical care therapies; analgesics; and gastrointestinal products. Its Specialty Generics reportable segment includes specialty generic drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients. To learn more about Mallinckrodt, visit www.mallinckrodt.com.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELATED TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This release contains forward-looking statements, including with regard to Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection), the Acthar Gel Single-Dose Pre-filled SelfJect™ Injector, the potential of these products to improve health and treatment outcomes, their potential impact on patients and the availability of Acthar Gel Single-Dose Pre-filled SelfJect Injector in the U.S. in the future. The statements are based on assumptions about many important factors, including the following, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements: the effects of Mallinckrodt's recent emergence from bankruptcy; satisfaction of, and compliance with, regulatory and other requirements; actions of regulatory bodies and other governmental authorities; changes in laws and regulations; changes in market demand; issues with product quality, manufacturing or supply, or patient safety issues or adverse side effects or adverse reactions associated with Acthar Gel and Acthar Gel Single-Dose Pre-filled SelfJect Injector; and other risks identified and described in more detail in the "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of Mallinckrodt's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC, all of which are available on its website. The forward-looking statements made herein speak only as of the date hereof and Mallinckrodt does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events and developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

CONTACT

Media Inquiries
Green Room Communications
908-577-4531
mediainquiries@grcomms.com

Investor Relations
Derek Belz
Vice President, Investor Relations
314-654-3950
derek.belz@mnk.com

Mallinckrodt, the "M" brand mark, SelfJect, and the Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals logo are trademarks of a Mallinckrodt company. Other brands are trademarks of a Mallinckrodt company or their respective owners.

©2024 Mallinckrodt. US-2400528 08/24

References
¹ Acthar^® Gel (repository corticotropin injection) [prescribing information]. Bridgewater, NJ: Mallinckrodt ARD LLC.
² Acthar^® Gel (repository corticotropin injection) [Instructions for Use (40 U)]. Bridgewater, NJ: Mallinckrodt ARD LLC.
³ Acthar^® Gel (repository corticotropin injection) [Instructions for Use (80 U)]. Bridgewater, NJ: Mallinckrodt ARD LLC.
⁴ Data on File – ref-07435. Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
⁵ Data on File – ref-07341. Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
⁶ Data on File – ref-07530. Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
⁷ Data on File – ref-05336. Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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SOURCE Mallinckrodt plc

FAQ

What is the new Acthar Gel SelfJect Injector announced by Mallinckrodt (MNK)?

The Acthar Gel SelfJect Injector is a new self-injection device for administering Acthar Gel, approved by the FDA in February 2024. It's designed for subcutaneous use by adults 18 and older, offering a simplified injection process with fewer steps and materials compared to the multi-dose vial and syringe.

How does the Acthar Gel SelfJect Injector differ from the traditional administration method?

The SelfJect Injector is pre-filled with Acthar Gel, requires less preparation, and includes safety features like a hidden needle. It's available in 40 USP units/0.5 mL and 80 USP units/1.0 mL versions, while the traditional multi-dose vial remains available for patients requiring different doses.

What conditions can be treated with Acthar Gel using the new SelfJect Injector?

The SelfJect Injector can be used to administer Acthar Gel for various chronic and acute inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, as approved by the FDA. However, it is not to be used for the treatment of infantile spasms.

When did Mallinckrodt (MNK) receive FDA approval for the Acthar Gel SelfJect Injector?

Mallinckrodt received FDA approval for the supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for the Acthar Gel SelfJect Injector in February 2024.