Marinus Pharmace Stock Price, News & Analysis

Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (MRNS) plans to release its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2023, on May 11, 2023. A conference call will follow at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on the same day. Investors can access the call via the company's website. Marinus focuses on developing innovative therapeutics for seizure disorders, with its commercial product, ZTALMY® (ganaxolone), approved by the U.S. FDA for treating seizures associated with CDKL5 deficiency disorder in patients aged two and older. The company is also studying ganaxolone in other rare seizure disorders, including its use in Phase 3 trials for tuberous sclerosis complex and refractory status epilepticus. The drug acts as a GABA_A receptor modulator, aiming to enhance treatment for both adult and pediatric patients.

Marinus Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: MRNS) has appointed Marvin H. Johnson, Jr. to its Board of Directors, bringing over 34 years of experience from Merck & Co. Johnson's expertise in launching products, especially in neurology, is expected to enhance the commercial success of Marinus' approved product, ZTALMY® (ganaxolone). His role will focus on the upcoming launch for refractory status epilepticus indications. Johnson previously held senior roles overseeing multi-billion dollar sales and marketing organizations at Merck, which underscores his capability to drive growth at Marinus. The company remains committed to developing innovative therapeutics for seizure disorders while navigating the complexities of clinical and commercial operations.

Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNS) has announced the grant of inducement awards in the form of stock options to five new employees. A total of 93,825 non-qualified stock options will be granted at an exercise price of $6.41 per share, aligning with the closing stock price on April 5, 2023. The options vest over four years, with 25% vesting on the first anniversary of each employee's start date and the remainder vesting in equal monthly installments. This initiative is in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) to attract talent. Marinus focuses on developing innovative therapeutics for seizure disorders, including its FDA-approved product ZTALMY® (ganaxolone). Ganaxolone is currently under evaluation in Phase 3 trials for additional indications.

Marinus Pharmaceuticals has received orphan drug designation from the FDA for ganaxolone, aimed at treating Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). This marks the seventh such designation for the drug, underscoring its potential to serve rare epilepsy cases. Marinus plans to start a multiple ascending dose study for a new ganaxolone formulation in Q2 2023 and aims to finalize its clinical program design for LGS by the end of the year. The orphan drug status provides benefits such as market exclusivity upon approval, FDA fee exemptions, and tax credits for clinical trials, emphasizing the company's commitment to addressing unmet needs in the seizure disorder market.

Marinus Pharmaceuticals reported net product revenue of $2.3 million for Q4 2022 and $2.9 million for the full year. The company projects 2023 ZTalmy net revenues between $15 million and $17 million. Phase 3 trials for refractive status epilepticus and tuberous sclerosis complex are ongoing, with topline data expected in 2H 2023 and Q1 2024. Cash and equivalents stood at $240.6 million as of Dec 31, 2022, and the company aims to maintain a minimum cash balance of $15 million into the second half of 2024. However, Marinus faced a net loss of $34.3 million in Q4 2022, despite successful operational advancements.