GW Pharmaceuticals plc Reports Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2018 Financial Results and Operational Progress

Globe Newswire 27-Nov-2018 4:00 PM

- Epidiolex^® (cannabidiol) oral solution (CV), first FDA-approved plant-derived cannabinoid medicine launched in the U.S. -
- Conference call today at 4:30 p.m. EST -

LONDON and CARLSBAD, Calif., Nov. 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GW Pharmaceuticals plc (NASDAQ:GWPH, GW, the Company or the Group)), the world leader in the development and commercialization of cannabinoid prescription medicines, announces financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended 30 September 2018.

"We are proud to have recently launched Epidiolex, the first and only FDA-approved plant-derived cannabinoid medicine and a much needed new treatment option for patients with LGS and Dravet syndrome, two of the most difficult-to-treat forms of childhood-onset epilepsy. We are pleased with both the response of the medical community to the product launch and with the coverage decisions made to date by insurance providers, and we are committed to ensuring that appropriate patients can access treatment," stated Justin Gover, GW's Chief Executive Officer. "We also announced positive results from an additional Phase 3 trial in Dravet syndrome, further reinforcing the potential for Epidiolex to produce clinically meaningful seizure reductions in this patient population. The recent U.S. launch of Epidiolex introduces a new chapter for GW as a commercial-stage company and reinforces our world leadership in cannabinoid science. We fully expect to maintain this leadership as we leverage the potential of our cannabinoid product pipeline to meet unmet needs of patients across a range of therapeutic areas."

OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

• Epidiolex
  
  • Commercial:
    
    • Epidiolex launched on November 1st in the U.S. and now available by prescription
    • Sales organization actively engaging with clinicians
      
      • Awareness and interest high amongst patients and physicians
      • Physician education programs providing strong support for initial introduction into clinics
      • Patient and clinician websites active pre and post-launch
      • Epidiolex demand coming from both major centers of excellence and local epilepsy clinics
    • Active engagement with U.S. payors ongoing
      
      • Epidiolex now covered on growing number of formularies
    • U.S. supply chain distribution network operational and filling prescriptions
    • Commercial footprint in place in 5 major European markets in preparation for 2019 European launches
  • Regulatory:
    
    • DEA rescheduled Epidiolex to Schedule V
      
      • Scheduling decision specific to FDA approved CBD
    • European submission under review by the EMA with decision expected in Q1 2019
  • Clinical trials
    
    • Positive results in second Dravet syndrome Phase 3 trial
      
      • Primary endpoint achieved in both Epidiolex doses (10 mg/kg/day and 20 mg/kg/day) compared to placebo
      • Both Epidiolex doses also demonstrated statistically significant improvements versus placebo in all key secondary endpoints
    • Phase 3 trial in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex fully recruited with data expected H1 2019
      
      • sNDA submission expected in H2 2019
    • IND submitted for pivotal Rett Syndrome study with expected start in H1 2019.
  • Manufacturing
    
    • Commercial Epidiolex product shipments to the U.S. ongoing and sufficient to meet expected demand
    • Continued investment in expanded facilities to meet anticipated long-term demand  
  • Expanded access program and open label extension:
    
    • Approximately 1,000 patients in these programs to be transitioned to commercial product during first half of 2019
  • Life-cycle management
    
    • Several new formulations of CBD in development including capsule and modified oral solution
  • Exclusivity
    
    • 7-year orphan exclusivity confirmed by FDA, 6-month pediatric extension expected
    • Key favorable patent grants by USPTO related to the use of CBD in epilepsy, including claims for the treatment of relevant seizure types associated with LGS and Dravet syndrome, as well as the use of CBD with clobazam
      
      • Includes two new patents related to the treatment of drop seizures
      • Patents align directly with new Epidiolex FDA label and listed in Orange Book
      • Patent expiry dates to 2035
    • Additional patent applications under review and being filed as new data is generated
• Pipeline progress
  
  • Sativex^® (nabiximols)  
    
    • Initial U.S. target indication: Multiple Sclerosis spasticity
      
      • Three positive Phase 3 trials completed in Europe
      • FDA meeting expected in December to determine optimal regulatory pathway in the U.S
    • U.S. development and commercialization rights wholly owned by GW
    • Over 10 placebo-controlled trials already completed in other indications, representing significant U.S. lifecycle management opportunities
  • CBDV
    
    • 10-patient investigator-initiated expanded access program for seizures associated with autism underway
      
      • Initial data on 5 patients to be presented at American Epilepsy Society Annual Meeting shows encouraging signals on seizures and autism-related outcomes
    • Investigator-led 100 patient placebo-controlled trial in autism spectrum disorder due to commence in Q4 2018
    • Open label study in Rett syndrome and seizures due to commence Q1 2019
  • CBD:THC in Glioblastoma
    
    • Phase 2 study showed significant increase in median survival for patients taking CBD:THC of 662 days compared to 369 days on placebo
    • Orphan Drug Designation from both FDA and EMA for CBD:THC to treat glioblastoma
  • Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (NHIE) intravenous CBD program
    
    • Phase 1 trial complete
    • Orphan Drug and Fast Track Designations granted from FDA and EMA
    • Phase 2 trial expected to start in H1 2019

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (U.S. GAAP)

• Cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2018 were $354.9 million compared to $322.2 million as of September 30, 2017
• Revenue for the year ended September 30, 2018 was $12.7 million compared to $8.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2017
• Net loss for the year ended September 30, 2018 was $295.2 million compared to $170.5 million for the year ended September 30, 2017
• October equity financing resulted in net proceeds of $324.2 million

Conference Call and Webcast Information
GW Pharmaceuticals will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the fourth quarter year-end 2018 financial results today at 4:30 pm EST. To participate in the conference call, please dial 877-407-8133 (toll free from the U.S. and Canada) or 201-689-8040 (international). Investors may also access a live audio webcast of the call via the investor relations section of the Company's website at http://www.gwpharm.com. A replay of the call will also be available through the GW website shortly after the call and will remain available for 90 days. Replay Numbers: (toll free):1-877-481-4010 or 919-882-2331 (international). For both dial-in numbers please use conference Replay ID: 41034.

About GW Pharmaceuticals plc and Greenwich Biosciences, Inc.
Founded in 1998, GW is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing novel therapeutics from its proprietary cannabinoid product platform in a broad range of disease areas. GW, along with its U.S. subsidiary Greenwich Biosciences, has received U.S. FDA approval for EPIDIOLEX (cannabidiol) oral solution for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) or Dravet syndrome in patients two years of age or older. The Company has submitted a regulatory application in Europe for the adjunctive treatment of seizures associated with LGS and Dravet syndrome. The company continues to evaluate EPIDIOLEX in additional rare epilepsy conditions and currently has an ongoing clinical trial in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). GW commercialized the world's first plant-derived cannabinoid prescription drug, Sativex® (nabiximols), which is approved for the treatment of spasticity due to multiple sclerosis in numerous countries outside the United States and for which the company is now planning a U.S. Phase 3 trial. The Company has a deep pipeline of additional cannabinoid product candidates which includes compounds in Phase 1 and 2 trials for epilepsy, glioblastoma, and schizophrenia. For further information, please visit www.gwpharm.com.

About EPIDIOLEX^® (cannabidiol) oral solution

EPIDIOLEX, the first prescription, plant-derived cannabinoid medicine in the United States and the first in a new class of anti-epileptic medications, is a pharmaceutical formulation of highly purified cannabidiol (CBD) now FDA approved for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) or Dravet syndrome in patients two years of age or older. GW has submitted a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for EPIDIOLEX with an expected decision date in the first quarter of 2019. GW has received Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for EPIDIOLEX for the treatment of seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). The Company has also received Orphan Designation from the EMA for EPIDIOLEX for the treatment of seizures associated with LGS, Dravet syndrome, and TSC. GW is currently conducting an additional Phase 3 clinical trial in the treatment of seizures associated with TSC.

Important Safety Information

CONTRAINDICATION: HYPERSENSITIVITY

EPIDIOLEX (cannabidiol) oral solution is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to cannabidiol or any ingredients in the product.

WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS

Hepatocellular Injury:

EPIDIOLEX can cause dose-related transaminase elevations. Concomitant use of valproate and elevated transaminase levels at baseline increase this risk. Transaminase and bilirubin levels should be obtained prior to starting treatment, at one, three, and six months after initiation of treatment, and periodically thereafter, or as clinically indicated. Resolution of transaminase elevations occurred with discontinuation of EPIDIOLEX, reduction of EPIDIOLEX and/or concomitant valproate, or without dose reduction. For patients with elevated transaminase levels, consider dose reduction or discontinuation of EPIDIOLEX or concomitant medications known to affect the liver (e.g., valproate or clobazam). Dose adjustment and slower dose titration is recommended in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment. Consider not initiating EPIDIOLEX in patients with evidence of significant liver injury.

Somnolence and Sedation:

EPIDIOLEX can cause somnolence and sedation that generally occurs early in treatment and may diminish over time; these effects occur more commonly in patients using clobazam and may be potentiated by other CNS depressants.

Suicidal Behavior and Ideation:

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including EPIDIOLEX, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Inform patients, caregivers, and families of the risk and advise to monitor and report any signs of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, or unusual changes in mood or behavior. If these symptoms occur, consider if they are related to the AED or the underlying illness.

Withdrawal of Antiepileptic Drugs:

As with most AEDs, EPIDIOLEX should generally be withdrawn gradually because of the risk of increased seizure frequency and status epilepticus.

Adverse Reactions:

The most common adverse reactions in patients receiving EPIDIOLEX (=10% and greater than placebo) include somnolence; decreased appetite; diarrhea; transaminase elevations; fatigue, malaise, and asthenia; rash; insomnia, sleep disorder and poor-quality sleep; and infections. Hematologic abnormalities were also observed.

Pregnancy:

EPIDIOLEX should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Encourage women who are taking EPIDIOLEX during pregnancy to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry.

Drug Interactions:

Moderate or strong inhibitors or inducers of CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 may affect EPIDIOLEX exposure. EPIDIOLEX may affect exposure to CYP2C19 substrates (e.g., clobazam, diazepam) or others. Concomitant use of EPIDIOLEX and valproate increases the incidence of liver enzyme elevations. Dosage adjustment of EPIDIOLEX or other concomitant medications may be necessary.

Drug Abuse:

EPIDIOLEX is a Schedule V controlled substance and has a low potential for abuse.

Indications:

EPIDIOLEX (cannabidiol) oral solution is indicated for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) or Dravet syndrome (DS) in patients 2 years of age and older.

Please refer to the EPIDIOLEX full Prescribing Information for additional important information.

Forward-looking statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements that reflect GW's current expectations regarding future events, including statements regarding financial performance, the timing of clinical trials, the timing and outcomes of regulatory or intellectual property decisions,  the relevance of GW products commercially available and in development, the clinical benefits of EPIDIOLEX (cannabidiol) oral solution and the safety profile and commercial potential of EPIDIOLEX. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual events could differ materially from those projected herein and depend on a number of factors, including (inter alia), the success of GW's research strategies, the applicability of the discoveries made therein, the successful and timely completion and uncertainties related to the regulatory process, and the acceptance of Sativex, EPIDIOLEX and other products by consumer and medical professionals. A further list and description of risks and uncertainties associated with an investment in GW can be found in GW's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the current report on Form 8K filed on 1 October, 2018. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. GW undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.

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