SEATTLE, March 15, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aptevo Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: APVO ), a biotechnology company focused on developing novel oncology and hematology therapeutics, today announced the successful manufacture of a recent bulk drug substance (BDS) batch of IXINITY ® [Coagulation Factor IX (Recombinant)]. Consequently, Aptevo anticipates that new supply will be available beginning in May 2017, after the completion of routine final drug product (FDP) manufacturing activities.
Launched in the United States in 2015 and wholly-owned by Aptevo, IXINITY is an intravenous recombinant factor IX therapeutic for use in people with Hemophilia B – a hereditary bleeding disorder characterized by a deficiency of clotting factor IX in the blood, which is necessary to control bleeding.
“I’m extremely pleased that our team has resolved the BDS manufacturing challenge with IXINITY, enabling us to introduce a new supply of IXINITY to meet existing and future demand,” said Marvin L. White, President and Chief Executive Officer. “With the BDS challenge now firmly behind us, and new supply ready to enter the market shortly, we intend to aggressively resume our new customer acquisition efforts and return IXINITY to its growth trajectory.”
“We are especially grateful to people with Hemophilia B taking IXINITY for their support and patience. It appears we have retained the vast majority of people on IXINITY therapy, as we proactively communicated with the Hemophilia B community and worked closely with our channel partners to manage existing inventory and minimize the healthcare impact of a potential supply interruption of IXINITY,” noted Mr. White. “We look forward to introducing new supply of IXINITY and to providing the opportunity for additional people with Hemophilia B to select IXINITY as their replacement factor IX therapy of choice.”
About Hemophilia B
Hemophilia B is a congenital bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of coagulation factor IX. It affects approximately 1:25,000 male births, with approximately 4,000 persons affected in the U.S. The clinical spectrum may include spontaneous or trauma-induced bleeding into joints, muscles, and soft tissues, resulting in joint damage, reduction in mobility, and severe arthritis, all of which negatively impact health-related quality of life. The primary aim of care is to prevent and treat bleeding by replacing the deficient clotting factor.
About IXINITY
IXINITY is indicated for the control and prevention of bleeding episodes and for perioperative management for adults and children ≥12 years of age with Hemophilia B. IXINITY is not indicated for induction of immune tolerance in patients with Hemophilia B. IXINITY contains recombinant coagulation factor IX (trenonacog alfa). Trenonacog alfa is a purified single chain glycoprotein derived from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and has an amino acid sequence that is comparable to the Thr148 allelic form of plasma-derived factor IX. No human or animal proteins are added during any stage of manufacturing or formulation of IXINITY. The recombinant factor IX is purified by a chromatography purification process. The process includes three validated steps for virus inactivation and removal. The process also includes a validated manufacturing step to reduce the presence of CHO proteins in the final drug product.
Indications and Important Risk Information
IXINITY [Coagulation Factor IX (Recombinant)] Lyophilized Powder for Solution for Intravenous Injection is a coagulation factor IX (recombinant) indicated in adults and children ≥ 12 years of age with Hemophilia B for control and prevention of bleeding episodes, and for perioperative management. IXINITY is not indicated for induction of immune tolerance in patients with Hemophilia B. IXINITY is contraindicated in patients who have known hypersensitivity to IXINITY or its excipients, including hamster protein.
Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may occur following IXINITY administration. Discontinue use of IXINITY if hypersensitivity symptoms occur, and initiate appropriate treatment. Regularly evaluate patients for the development of factor IX inhibitors by appropriate clinical observations and laboratory tests. If expected factor IX activity plasma levels are not attained, or, if bleeding is not controlled as expected with a certain dose, perform an assay that measures factor IX inhibitor concentration. An association between the occurrence of a factor IX inhibitor and allergic reactions has been reported. Individuals with factor IX inhibitors may be at increased risk of severe hypersensitivity reactions or anaphylaxis if re-challenged.
Nephrotic syndrome may occur with IXINITY. Nephrotic syndrome has been reported following attempted immune tolerance induction in Hemophilia B patients with factor IX inhibitors and a history of allergic reactions. Thromboembolism may occur when using IXINITY (e.g., pulmonary embolism, venous thrombosis, and arterial thrombosis). Patients may develop hypersensitivity to hamster (CHO) protein as IXINITY contains trace amounts. The most common adverse drug reaction observed in >2% of patients in clinical trials was headache.
Please see full Prescribing Information at www.IXINITY.com .
About Aptevo Therapeutics Inc.
Aptevo Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on novel oncology and hematology therapeutics to meaningfully improve patients’ lives. Our core technology is the ADAPTIR™ (modular protein technology) platform. Aptevo has four commercial products in the areas of hematology and infectious diseases, as well as various investigational stage product candidates in immuno-oncology.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements, other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding Aptevo’s outlook, financial performance or financial condition, our technology and related pipeline, collaboration and partnership opportunities, commercial portfolio and any other statements containing the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “forecasts,” “estimates,” “will” and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Aptevo’s current intentions, beliefs and expectations regarding future events. Aptevo cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be accurate. Investors should realize that if underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could differ materially from Aptevo’s expectations. Investors are, therefore, cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, and, except as required by law, Aptevo does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement to reflect new information, events or circumstances.
There are a number of important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including possible negative effects on our business operations, assets or financial results as a result of the separation; a deterioration in our business or prospects; the ability of our contractors and suppliers to supply product and materials; our ability and the ability of our contractors and suppliers to maintain compliance with cGMP and other regulatory obligations; the results of regulatory inspections; adverse developments in our customer-base or markets; adverse developments in the U.S. or global capital markets, credit markets or economies generally; and changes in regulatory, social and political conditions. Additional risks and factors that may affect results are set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Aptevo’s most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on November 14, 2016. The foregoing sets forth many, but not all, of the factors that could cause actual results to differ from our expectations in any forward-looking statement.
Aptevo Therapeutics Stacey Jurchison Senior Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications 206-859-6628 JurchisonS@apvo.com
