Item 1. Business
Item 1. Business
Overview
Neurocrine Biosciences is a neuroscience-focused, biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs, but few options. For three decades, we have applied our unique insight into neuroscience and the interconnections between brain and body systems to advance medicines for the treatment of under-addressed neurological, neuroendocrine and neuropsychiatric disorders and we will continue to relentlessly pursue medicines to ease the burden of debilitating diseases and disorders.
We launched INGREZZA in the U.S. in May 2017 as the first U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia and in August 2023 for the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington's disease. INGREZZA provides a once-daily dosing treatment option with a recommended dose of 40 mg taken for the first seven days of treatment for tardive dyskinesia and fourteen days for chorea associated with Huntington’s disease, and an option to take 40 mg, 60 mg, or 80 mg thereafter, depending on the patient’s dosing needs.
In 2023, INGREZZA helped more people affected by tardive dyskinesia than ever before, reflecting higher prescription demand driven by increased commercial activities, including the continued investment in our branded direct-to-consumer INGREZZA advertising campaign and benefit from the expansion of our sales force completed in April 2022. Going forward, key elements of our commercial strategy include maximizing the opportunity in INGREZZA through consistent and effective commercial execution, continued development of valbenazine as the best-in-class treatment for new patient populations and to lead the evolving understanding of VMAT2 biology and its role in disease. INGREZZA net product sales totaled $1.8 billion for 2023, $1.4 billion for 2022 and $1.1 billion for 2021 and accounted for approximately 99% of our total net product sales for 2023.
Our internal research and development efforts are focused on innovative therapies with clear and defined clinical and regulatory paths to approval. From time to time, we supplement our internal research and development efforts by in-licensing the rights to certain clinical development programs or by acquiring businesses that synergize with and allow us to capitalize on our existing development and commercial capabilities.
Commercial Products
Product Indication Major Markets
Tardive Dyskinesia U.S., Japan, Select Asian Markets (1)
Chorea Associated with Huntington’s Disease
Adrenal Insufficiency
U.S., United Kingdom, EU4 (2) (3)
Classic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
United Kingdom, EU4 (3)
Endometriosis U.S. (4)
Uterine Fibroids
U.S. (4)
(1) INGREZZA is marketed as DYSVAL ® (valbenazine) in Japan and REMLEAS ® (valbenazine) in other select Asian markets, where Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation retains commercialization rights.
(2) ALKINDI is marketed as ALKINDI SPRINKLE ® (hydrocortisone) in the U.S., where Eton Pharmaceuticals, Inc. retains commercialization rights.
(3) The EU4 market is made up of the following countries: Germany, France, Italy and Spain.
(4) AbbVie Inc. retains global commercialization rights to elagolix.
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Marketing and Distribution
Our specialty sales force consists of approximately 400 experienced sales professionals located in the U.S. and is divided into three dedicated sales teams focused on psychiatry, neurology and long-term care.
For INGREZZA, our customers in the U.S. consist of a limited network of specialty pharmacy providers that deliver INGREZZA to patients by mail, wholesale distributors that distribute INGREZZA primarily to certain specialty pharmacies, and specialty distributors that distribute INGREZZA primarily to closed-door pharmacies and government facilities. We rely on third-party service providers to perform a variety of functions related to the packaging, storage and distribution of INGREZZA.
Manufacturing and Supply
We currently rely on, and intend to continue to rely on, third-party manufacturers for the production of INGREZZA and our product candidates. Raw materials, active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and other supplies required for the production of INGREZZA and our product candidates are sourced from various third-party manufacturers and suppliers in quantities adequate to meet our needs. Continuing adequate supply of such raw materials and API is assured through our long-term commercial supply and manufacturing agreements with multiple manufacturers and our continued focus on the expansion and diversification of our third-party manufacturing relationships.
We believe our outsourced manufacturing strategy enables us to direct our financial resources to the maximization of our opportunity with INGREZZA, investment in our internal research and development programs and expansion of our clinical pipeline through business development opportunities.
Our third-party manufacturers, suppliers and service providers may be subject to routine current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) inspections by the FDA or comparable agencies in other jurisdictions. We depend on our third-party partners and our quality system oversight of them for continued compliance with cGMP requirements and applicable foreign standards.
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Clinical Development Programs
The following table highlights our current clinical development programs and the current phase of development for such programs.
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* Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation retains commercialization rights in Japan and other select Asian markets.
† Heptares Therapeutics Limited retains commercialization rights in Japan, where Neurocrine Biosciences retains the right to opt in to a 50:50 profit sharing arrangement upon certain development events.
(1) This program was in-licensed from Heptares Therapeutics Limited.
(2) This program was in-licensed from Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
(3) This program was in-licensed from Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc.
(4) This program was in-licensed from Sanofi S.A.
(5) This program was in-licensed from Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
Neurocrine Biosciences retains global rights unless otherwise noted.
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Neurology
Program Indication
Valbenazine. Valbenazine is a highly selective VMAT2 inhibitor. VMAT2 is a protein concentrated in the human brain that is essential for the transmission of nerve impulses between neurons. VMAT2 is primarily responsible for packaging and transporting monoamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin and histamine) in neurons. Specifically, dopamine enables neurotransmission among nerve cells that are involved in voluntary and involuntary motor control.
Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy. Dyskinetic cerebral palsy is a non-progressive, permanent disorder marked by involuntary movement and is a result of damage to the fetal or infant brain’s basal ganglia. The basal ganglia are responsible for submitting messages to the body to help coordinate and control movements. When damaged, voluntary movements are compromised, resulting in involuntary and abnormal movements. It affects development and movement and has long term effects on patients’ quality of life. The long-term outlook for patients with dyskinetic cerebral palsy will depend upon the severity of the brain damage and how well the treatment works. Dyskinetic cerebral palsy affects up to 15% of the estimated 500,000 to 1 million people affected by cerebral palsy in the U.S.
NBI-921352. NBI-921352 is a potent, highly selective Nav1.6 sodium channel inhibitor being developed to treat pediatric patients with SCN8A-DEE and other potential indications. We acquired the global rights to NBI-921352 in December 2019.
SCN8A Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy Syndrome, or SCN8A-DEE. SCN8A-DEE is a rare, extremely severe, single-gene epilepsy caused by mutations in the SCN8A gene that activates Nav1.6, the most highly expressed sodium channel in the excitatory pathways of the central nervous system. Children born with SCN8A-DEE typically start experiencing seizures between birth and 18 months of age, and most have multiple seizures per day. Other symptoms include learning difficulties, muscle spasms, low or high muscle tone, poor coordination, developmental delay and features similar to autism. As SCN8a mutations were discovered only recently, prevalence estimates will be determined in the future as awareness of and access to genetic surveillance increases. NBI-921352 has been granted orphan drug and rare pediatric disease designations for the treatment of SCN8A-DEE in the U.S.
Valbenazine in Pediatrics and Adults with Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy. We have an ongoing Phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of valbenazine for the treatment of dyskinetic cerebral palsy in pediatrics and adults (aged 6 to 70 years).
NBI-921352 in Pediatrics and Adolescents with SCN8A-DEE. We have ongoing the KAYAK TM study, a Phase 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study to evaluate the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of NBI-921352 as adjunctive therapy for seizures in adolescents (aged 12 to 21 years) with SCN8A-DEE. In January 2022, the study protocol was amended to include pediatrics (aged 2 to 11 years) with SCN8A-DEE.
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Neuroendocrinology
Program Indication
Crinecerfont. Crinecerfont is an investigational, oral, selective corticotropin-releasing factor type 1 (CRF1) receptor antagonist being developed to reduce and control excess adrenal androgens through a steroid-independent mechanism for the treatment of classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD).
Crinecerfont has received orphan drug designation in the U.S. from the FDA and in the European Union (EU) from the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Crinecerfont has also received Breakthrough Therapy designation in the U.S. from the FDA for the treatment of CAH due to 21-OHD in adults and pediatrics.
Classic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. CAH is a genetic disorder that causes little to no cortisol production and increased secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and androgens. In approximately 75% of cases, the adrenal glands cannot produce aldosterone, which can result in salt wasting adrenal crisis, causing extreme weakness, low blood pressure, shock, and even death. There are currently no non-steroidal FDA-approved treatments for CAH. CAH affects up to an estimated 30,000 people in the U.S. and 50,000 people in Europe.
EFMODY. EFMODY is a modified-release preparation of hydrocortisone that mimics the physiological circadian rhythm of cortisol and has been specifically designed for patients with diseases of cortisol deficiency, such as CAH and adrenal insufficiency.
Classic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia.
Adrenal Insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency is a rare condition caused by inadequate production of steroid hormones in the cortex of the adrenal glands. Adrenal insufficiency can result in severe fatigue and, if left untreated, adrenal crisis that may be life threatening.
Crinecerfont in Adults with CAH. In September 2023, we announced positive top-line data from the Phase 3 CAHtalyst™ clinical study of crinecerfont in adults with CAH due to 21-OHD. The Phase 3 adult study met its primary endpoint at Week 24, demonstrating that treatment with crinecerfont resulted in a statistically significant percent reduction in daily glucocorticoid (GC) dose versus placebo while maintaining androgen control (p-value <0.0001). The study also met important key secondary endpoints, with a statistically significant decrease in androstenedione at Week 4 versus placebo (p-value <0.0001). At Week 24, approximately 63% of patients on crinecerfont achieved a reduction to a physiologic GC dose versus approximately 18% on placebo (p-value <0.0001). The data from the Phase 3 adult study, including data from the open-label treatment period, will support New Drug Application (NDA) submission to the FDA in the second quarter of 2024.
Crinecerfont in Pediatrics with CAH. In October 2023, we announced positive top-line data from the Phase 3 CAHtalyst™ clinical study of crinecerfont in pediatrics (aged 2 to 17 years) with CAH due to 21-OHD. The Phase 3 pediatric study met its primary endpoint, demonstrating that treatment with crinecerfont resulted in a statistically significant decrease in serum androstenedione from baseline at Week 4 versus placebo following a GC stable period (p = 0.0002). Consistent with the results from the Phase 3 adult study, crinecerfont treatment led to a statistically significant percent reduction from baseline in daily GC dose while maintaining androgen control at Week 28 versus placebo (p < 0.0001). Approximately 30% of participants receiving crinecerfont achieved a reduction to a physiologic GC dose while maintaining androgen control compared to 0% of participants receiving placebo. The study also met the other key secondary endpoint demonstrating a statistically significant decrease in serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone from baseline at Week 4 versus placebo (p < 0.0001). The data from the Phase 3 pediatric study, including data from the open-label treatment period, will support NDA submission to the FDA in the second quarter of 2024.
EFMODY in Adolescents and Adults with CAH. We have an ongoing Phase 2 randomized, double-blind, active-controlled clinical study to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of twice-daily EFMODY compared with twice-daily Cortef ® (immediate-release hydrocortisone tablets) in adolescents and adults (aged 16 years and older) with CAH. We anticipate having top-line data for this clinical study in the first half of 2024.
EFMODY in Adults with Adrenal Insufficiency. We have ongoing the CHAMPAIN study, a Phase 2 randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, two-way crossover clinical study to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of twice-daily EFMODY compared with once-daily Plenadren ® (modified-release hydrocortisone tablets) in adults with primary adrenal insufficiency. We anticipate having top-line data for this clinical study in the first half of 2024.
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Neuropsychiatry
Program Indication
Valbenazine. Valbenazine is a highly selective VMAT2 inhibitor. VMAT2 is a protein concentrated in the human brain that is essential for the transmission of nerve impulses between neurons. VMAT2 is primarily responsible for packaging and transporting monoamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin and histamine) in neurons. Specifically, dopamine enables neurotransmission among nerve cells that are involved in voluntary and involuntary motor control.
Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a spectrum of serious neuropsychiatric brain diseases in which people interpret reality abnormally. Schizophrenia may result in some combination of hallucinations, delusions and extremely disordered thinking and behavior that impairs daily life. People with schizophrenia typically require lifelong treatment. Early treatment may help improve long-term prognosis and get symptoms under control before serious complications develop. Schizophrenia affects an estimated 3.5 million people in the U.S. All currently approved antipsychotic medications are believed to work through direct action on monoaminergic receptors, with approximately 40% of patients reporting negative side effects and approximately 30% not benefiting adequately from these medications.
NBI-1117568. NBI-1117568 is a potential first-in-class muscarinic M4 receptor agonist with the potential to be developed for the treatment of schizophrenia. As a selective M4 orthosteric agonist, NBI-1117568 offers the potential for an improved safety profile without the need for combination therapy to ameliorate off-target effects or for cooperativity with acetylcholine. Muscarinic receptors are central to brain function and validated as drug targets in psychosis and cognitive disorders. We acquired the global rights to NBI-1117568 in December 2021.
Luvadaxistat. Luvadaxistat is a potential first-in-class D-Amino Acid Oxidase (DAAO) inhibitor with the potential to be developed for the treatment of cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia. We acquired the global rights to luvadaxistat in June 2020.
Cognitive Impairment Associated with Schizophrenia, or CIAS. CIAS, which may include deficits in attention, working memory and executive function, has a negative impact on patients’ quality of life and ability to function. Although cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia are well characterized, no formal diagnostic criteria exist. Furthermore, no pharmacological agents are approved to treat the condition, and no marketed therapy tested to date has established clear, meaningful efficacy, which underscores the difficulty of drug development in this arena and accentuates the unmet need for proven treatment options. Approximately 80% of the estimated 3.5 million people affected by schizophrenia in the U.S. experience clinically relevant cognitive impairment.
NBI-1065845. NBI-1065845 is a potential first-in-class Alpha-Amino-3-Hydroxy-5-Methyl-4-Isoxazole Propionic Acid (AMPA) potentiator with the potential to be developed for the treatment of inadequate response to treatment in major depressive disorder. We acquired the global rights to NBI-1065845 in June 2020. NBI-1065845 is currently designated as a 50:50 profit-share product with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, which retains a one-time opt-out right to convert the designation to a royalty-bearing product.
Major Depressive Disorder. Major depressive disorder is one of the leading causes of disability and is characterized by a persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in daily activities that is present most of the day in addition to other symptoms that can impact normal daily functioning, relationships and overall quality of life. Treatments range from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, atypical antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants and psychotherapies, among others. Approximately 30% of the more than 16 million people affected by the disorder in the U.S. do not adequately respond to treatment.
Valbenazine in Adolescents and Adults with Schizophrenia. We have an ongoing Phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of valbenazine when administered orally once daily as adjunctive treatment in adolescents and adults (aged 13 years and older) with schizophrenia who have had an inadequate response to antipsychotics.
NBI-1117568 in Adults with Schizophrenia. We have an ongoing Phase 2 multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-arm, multi-stage clinical study to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of NBI-1117568 in adults with schizophrenia who are experiencing an acute exacerbation or relapse of symptoms. We anticipate having top-line data for this clinical study in the second half of 2024.
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Luvadaxistat in Adults with CIAS. We have ongoing the ERUDITE™ study, a Phase 2 randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled clinical study to evaluate the efficacy, safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of luvadaxistat when administered orally once daily as adjunctive treatment in adults with CIAS. We anticipate having top-line data for this clinical study in the second half of 2024.
NBI-1065845 in Adults with Inadequate Response to Treatment in Major Depressive Disorder. We have ongoing the SAVITRI™ study, a Phase 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of NBI-1065845 as adjunctive treatment in adults with inadequate response to treatment in major depressive disorder. We anticipate having top-line data for this clinical study in the first half of 2024.
Intellectual Property
We actively seek to protect our products, product candidates, and related inventions and improvements that we consider important to our business. We own a portfolio of U.S. and ex-U.S. patents and patent applications, and have also licensed rights to a number of U.S. and ex-U.S. patents and patent applications. Our owned and licensed patents and patent applications cover or relate to our products and product candidates, including certain formulations, uses to treat particular conditions, methods of administration, drug delivery technologies and delivery profiles, and methods of manufacturing.
Below is a description of the U.S. and ex-U.S. patents to INGREZZA and crinecerfont:
• INGREZZA, our highly selective VMAT2 inhibitor approved in the U.S. for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia and of chorea associated with Huntington’s disease, is covered by 22 issued, FDA Orange Book-listed U.S. patents which are set to expire between 2027 and 2040. Patent term extension corresponding to regulatory approval delay of 552 days has been received for U.S. Patent No. 8,039,627, which now expires in 2031 and covers valbenazine, the active pharmaceutical ingredient contained in INGREZZA. In Japan and in certain other East Asian markets, we are actively pursuing most of the patents corresponding to those listed in the FDA’s Orange Book entry for INGREZZA. In 2023, we entered into settlement agreements resolving all patent litigation brought by us against the companies that filed ANDAs seeking approval to market generic versions of INGREZZA, and all cases have been dismissed. Pursuant to the terms of the respective settlement agreements, such companies have the right to sell generic versions of INGREZZA in the U.S. beginning March 1, 2038, or earlier under certain circumstances. Refer to Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for a more detailed description of these matters.
• Crinecerfont, a CRF1 receptor antagonist under clinical development for the treatment of CAH in adults and children, is covered by U.S. Patent Nos. 10,905,690, 11,311,544, and 11,730,739, among other patents and pending patent applications, set to expire between 2035 and 2044 (not including any potential patent term extensions).
We also own, or have licensed rights to, patents covering our other products and earlier stage product candidates. In addition to the potential patent term extensions referenced above, the products and product candidates in our pipeline may be subject to additional terms of exclusivity that we may obtain by future patent issuances.
Separately, the U.S., the EU, and Japan each provide data and marketing exclusivity for new medicinal compounds. If this protection is available, no competitor may use the original applicant’s data as the basis of a generic marketing application during the period of data and marketing exclusivity, which is measured from the date of marketing approval by the FDA or corresponding foreign regulatory authority. This period of exclusivity is generally five years in the U.S., six years in Japan and 10 years in the EU, except that for biologics, the period of exclusivity in the U.S. is 12 years under the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act. In addition, if granted orphan drug designation, certain of our product candidates, including, for example, crinecerfont, may also be eligible for marketing exclusivity in the U.S. for seven years and EU for 10 years.
Refer to Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors for a discussion of the challenges we may face in obtaining or maintaining patent and/or trade secret protection and Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements f or a description of our legal proceedings related to intellectual property matters.
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Competition
The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries are subject to rapid and intense technological change. We face, and will continue to face, competition in the development and marketing of our products and product candidates from academic institutions, government agencies, research institutions and biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Many of our competitors have significantly greater financial resources and expertise in research and development, manufacturing, preclinical testing, conducting clinical trials, obtaining regulatory approval and marketing than we do.
Competition may also arise from, among other things, other drug development technologies, methods of preventing or reducing the incidence of disease, including vaccines, and new small molecule or other classes of therapeutic agents. Such developments by others (including the development of generic equivalents) may render our product candidates or technologies obsolete or noncompetitive.
• INGREZZA competes with AUSTEDO ® (deutetrabenazine), marketed by Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries, for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia in adults and chorea associated with Huntington's disease. A once-daily dosing of AUSTEDO (AUSTEDO XR) was introduced in February 2023. Additionally, there are a number of commercially available medicines used to treat tardive dyskinesia off-label, such as XENAZINE ® (tetrabenazine) and generic equivalents, and various antipsychotic medications (e.g., clozapine), anticholinergics, benzodiazepines (off-label), and botulinum toxin. In addition, there are several programs in clinical development by other companies targeting Huntington's disease.
• ORILISSA and ORIAHNN each compete with several FDA-approved products for the treatment of endometriosis, uterine fibroids, infertility and central precocious puberty. Additionally, there is also competition from surgical intervention, including hysterectomies and ablations. Separate from these options, there are many programs in clinical development which serve as potential future competition. Lastly, there are numerous medicines used to treat the symptoms of disease (vs. endometriosis or uterine fibroids directly) which may also serve as competition: oral contraceptives, NSAIDs and other pain medications, including opioids.
• For CAH, high doses of corticosteroids are the current standard of care to both correct the endogenous cortisol deficiency as well as reduce the excessive ACTH levels. In the U.S. alone, there are more than two dozen companies manufacturing steroid-based products. In addition, there are several programs in clinical development by other companies targeting CAH with a variety of approaches including gene therapy.
• Our investigational treatments for potential use in epilepsy may in the future compete with numerous approved anti-seizure medications and development-stage programs being pursued by several other companies. Commonly used anti-seizure medications include phenytoin, levetiracetam, brivaracetam, cenobamate, carbamazepine, clobazam, lamotrigine, valproate, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, lacosamide, perampanel and cannabidiol, among others. There are currently no FDA-approved treatments specifically indicated for the early infantile epileptic encephalopathy SCN8A-DEE; however, a number of different anti-seizure medications are currently used in these patient populations.
• Our investigational treatments for potential use in schizophrenia, anhedonia and depression may in the future compete with several development-stage programs being pursued by other companies. Currently, there are no FDA-approved treatments specifically indicated for anhedonia or CIAS; however, there are a number of different anti-psychotic medications currently used in these patient populations.
• Our investigational treatments for potential use in neurology, neuroendocrinology and neuropsychiatry may in the future compete with numerous approved products and development-stage programs being pursued by several other companies.
Collaboration and License Agreements
Refer to Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for more information on our significant collaboration and license agreements.
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Government Regulation
Our business activities are subject to extensive regulation by the U.S. and other countries. Regulation by government authorities in the U.S. and foreign countries is a significant factor in the development, manufacture, distribution, tracking, marketing and sale of our proposed products and in our ongoing research and product development activities. All of our products in development will require regulatory approval by government agencies prior to commercialization. The process of obtaining these approvals and the subsequent compliance with appropriate federal and state statutes and regulations require the expenditure of substantial time and financial resources.
In addition, federal and state healthcare laws, and equivalent supranational and foreign laws, restrict business practices in the pharmaceutical industry. These laws include, without limitation, federal, state and foreign fraud and abuse laws, false claims laws, data privacy and security laws, as well as transparency laws and industry codes of conduct regarding payments or other items of value provided to healthcare providers. We have a comprehensive compliance program designed to ensure our business practices remain compliant.
The U.S. federal Anti-Kickback Statute and equivalent foreign laws makes it illegal for any person or entity to knowingly and willfully, directly or indirectly, solicit, receive, offer, or pay any remuneration that is intended to induce the referral of business, including the purchase, order, lease of any good, facility, item or service for which payment may be made under programs such as a federal healthcare program, such as Medicare or Medicaid in the U.S.
Federal and equivalent foreign civil and criminal false claims laws and the federal civil monetary penalties law and equivalent foreign laws, which prohibit among other things, any person or entity from knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, for payment to, or approval by, federal programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, claims for items or services, including drugs, that are false or fraudulent or not provided as claimed and knowingly making, or causing to be made, a false record or to avoid or decrease an obligation to pay money to the federal government.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) created additional federal criminal statutes that prohibit, among other actions, knowingly and willfully executing, or attempting to execute, a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program, including private third-party payors and knowingly and willfully falsifying, concealing or covering up a material fact or making any materially false, fictitious or fraudulent statement in connection with the delivery of or payment for healthcare benefits, items or services and equivalent foreign laws.
We may be subject to HIPAA, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009 (HITECH) and their privacy and security regulations, which impose certain obligations, including the adoption of administrative, physical and technical safeguards to protect individually identifiable health information on covered entities subject to HIPAA (i.e., health plans, healthcare clearinghouses and certain healthcare providers) and their business associates that perform certain services for or on their behalf involving the use or disclosure of individually identifiable health information as well as their covered subcontractors.
The federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act requires certain manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologics and medical supplies to report annually to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) information related to payments or other transfers of value made to physicians (defined to include doctors, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists and chiropractors), other healthcare professionals (such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners) and teaching hospitals, as well as information regarding ownership and investment interests held by physicians and their immediate family members.
Also, many states have similar healthcare statutes or regulations that may be broader in scope and may apply regardless of payor. Additionally, to the extent that our product is sold in a foreign country, we may be subject to similar foreign laws.
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The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) prohibits corporations and individuals from engaging in certain activities to obtain or retain business or to influence a person working in an official capacity. It is illegal to pay, offer to pay or authorize the payment of anything of value to any foreign government official, government staff member, political party, or political candidate in an attempt to obtain or retain business or to otherwise influence a person working in an official capacity. The FCPA also imposes accounting standards and requirements on publicly traded U.S. corporations and their foreign affiliates, which are intended to prevent the diversion of corporate funds to the payment of bribes and other improper payments. Similar laws exist in other countries, such as the United Kingdom (UK) or in EU member states, that restrict improper payments to public and private parties. Many countries have laws prohibiting these types of payments within the respective country. In addition to these anti-corruption laws, we are subject to import and export control laws, tariffs, trade barriers, economic sanctions, and regulatory limitations on our ability to operate in certain foreign markets.
Failure to comply with these laws, where applicable, can result in significant penalties, including the imposition of significant civil, criminal and administrative penalties, damages, monetary fines, disgorgement, imprisonment, possible exclusion from participation in Medicare, Medicaid and other federal and equivalent foreign healthcare programs, and additional reporting requirements and regulatory oversight, any of which could adversely affect our ability to operate our business and our results of operations.
Development and Marketing Approval for Products. Preclinical studies generally are conducted in laboratory animals to evaluate the potential safety and efficacy of a product. Drug developers submit the results of preclinical studies to the FDA as a part of an investigational new drug application (IND) and to equivalent foreign authorities before clinical trials can begin in humans. Typically, clinical evaluation involves a time consuming and costly multi-phase process.
Phase 1 Clinical trials are conducted with a small number of subjects to determine the early safety profile, maximum tolerated dose and pharmacokinetic properties of the product in human volunteers or in patients with the target disease.
Phase 2 Clinical trials are conducted with groups of patients afflicted with a specific disease in order to determine preliminary efficacy, optimal dosages and expanded evidence of safety.
Phase 3 Larger, multi-center, comparative clinical trials are conducted with patients afflicted with a specific disease in order to determine safety and efficacy as primary support for regulatory approval by the FDA, the European Commission, or equivalent foreign authorities, to market a product candidate for a specific disease.
The FDA closely monitors the progress of each of the three phases of clinical trials that are conducted in the U.S. and may, at its discretion, re-evaluate, alter, suspend or terminate the testing based upon the data accumulated to that point and the FDA’s assessment of the risk/benefit ratio to the patient. Institutional Review Boards, Institutional Ethics Committees and Data Safety Monitoring Boards also closely monitor the conduct of our trials and may also place holds on our clinical trials or recommend that we voluntarily do so. Clinical trials conducted in foreign countries are also subject to oversight by regulatory authorities in those countries.
Once Phase 3 trials are completed, drug developers submit the results of preclinical studies and clinical trials to the FDA in the form of a new drug application (NDA) for approval to commence commercial sales. In most cases, the submission of an NDA is subject to a substantial application user fee. Under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA), the FDA has a goal of 10 months from the date of filing of a standard NDA for a new molecular entity to review and act on the submission. The FDA generally has a six-month review goal of priority NDAs.
In addition, under the Pediatric Research Equity Act of 2003 as amended and reauthorized, certain applications or supplements to an application must contain data that are adequate to assess the safety and effectiveness of the drug for the claimed indications in all relevant pediatric subpopulations, and to support dosing and administration for each pediatric subpopulation for which the product is safe and effective. The FDA may, on its own initiative or at the request of the applicant, grant deferrals for submission of some or all pediatric data until after approval of the product for use in adults or full or partial waivers from the pediatric data requirements.
The FDA also may require submission of a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy to ensure that the benefits of the drug outweigh its risks. The risk evaluation and mitigation strategy could include medication guides, physician communication plans, assessment plans and/or additional elements to assure safe use, such as restricted distribution methods, patient registries, or other risk minimization tools.
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The FDA conducts a preliminary review of all NDAs within the first 60 days after submission, before accepting them for filing, to determine whether they are sufficiently complete to permit substantive review. The FDA may request additional information rather than accept an application for filing. Once the submission is accepted for filing, the FDA begins an in-depth substantive review. The FDA reviews an NDA to determine, among other things, whether the drug is safe and effective for its intended use and whether the facility in which it is manufactured, processed, packaged or held meets standards designed to assure the product’s continued safety, quality and purity.
The FDA may refer an application for a novel drug to an advisory committee. An advisory committee is a panel of independent experts, including clinicians and other scientific experts, that reviews, evaluates and provides a recommendation as to whether the application should be approved and under what conditions. The FDA is not bound by the recommendations of an advisory committee, but it considers such recommendations carefully when making decisions.
Before approving an NDA, the FDA typically will inspect the facility or facilities where the product is manufactured. The FDA will not approve an application unless it determines that the manufacturing processes and facilities are in compliance with cGMP requirements and adequate to assure consistent production of the product within required specifications. Additionally, before approving an NDA, the FDA may inspect one or more clinical trial sites to assure compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) requirements.
After evaluating the NDA and all related information, including the advisory committee recommendation, if any, and inspection reports regarding the manufacturing facilities and clinical trial sites, the FDA may issue an approval letter, or, in some cases, a complete response letter. A complete response letter generally contains a statement of specific conditions that must be met in order to secure final approval of the application and may require additional clinical or preclinical testing in order for FDA to reconsider the application. Even with submission of this additional information, the FDA ultimately may decide that the application does not satisfy the regulatory criteria for approval. If and when those conditions have been met to the FDA’s satisfaction, the FDA will typically issue an approval letter. An approval letter authorizes commercial marketing of the drug with specific prescribing information for specific indications.
Even if the FDA approves a product, it may limit the approved indications for use of the product, require that contraindications, warnings or precautions be included in the product labeling, require that post-approval studies, including Phase 4 clinical trials, be conducted to further assess a drug’s safety after approval, require testing and surveillance programs to monitor the product after commercialization, or impose other conditions, including distribution and use restrictions or other risk management mechanisms under a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy, which can materially affect the potential market and profitability of the product. The FDA may prevent or limit further marketing of a product based on the results of post-marketing studies or surveillance programs. After approval, some types of changes to the approved product, such as adding new indications, manufacturing changes and additional labeling claims, are subject to further testing requirements and FDA review and approval.
We will also have to complete an approval process similar to that in the U.S. in order to commercialize our product candidates in each foreign country. The approval procedure and the time required for approval vary from country to country and may involve additional testing. Foreign approvals may not be granted on a timely basis, or at all. In addition, regulatory approval of prices is required in most countries other than the U.S., except for a certain limited number of drugs sold to certain Medicare beneficiaries beginning in 2023. The resulting prices may not be sufficient to generate an acceptable return to us or our corporate collaborators.
Orphan Drug Designation. Under the Orphan Drug Act, the FDA may grant orphan drug designation to a drug intended to treat a rare disease or condition, which is a disease or condition that affects fewer than 200,000 individuals in the U.S., or if it affects more than 200,000, there is no reasonable expectation that sales of the drug in the U.S. will be sufficient to offset the costs of developing and making the drug available in the U.S. Orphan drug designation must be requested before submitting an NDA. Orphan drug designation does not convey any advantage in or shorten the duration of the regulatory review and approval process.
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If the FDA approves a sponsor’s marketing application for a designated orphan drug for use in the rare disease or condition for which it was designated, the sponsor is eligible for a seven-year period of marketing exclusivity, during which the FDA may not approve another sponsor’s marketing application for a drug with the same active moiety and intended for the same use or indication as the approved orphan drug, except in limited circumstances, such as if a subsequent sponsor demonstrates its product is clinically superior. During a sponsor’s orphan drug exclusivity period, competitors, however, may receive approval for drugs with different active moieties for the same indication as the approved orphan drug, or for drugs with the same active moiety as the approved orphan drug, but for different indications. Orphan drug exclusivity could block the approval of one of our products for seven years if a competitor obtains approval for a drug with the same active moiety intended for the same indication before we do, unless we are able to demonstrate that grounds for withdrawal of the orphan drug exclusivity exist, or that our product is clinically superior. Further, if a designated orphan drug receives marketing approval for an indication broader than the rare disease or condition for which it received orphan drug designation, it may not be entitled to exclusivity.
Post-Approval Requirements. Drugs manufactured or distributed pursuant to FDA approvals are subject to pervasive and continuing regulation by the FDA, including, among other things, requirements relating to recordkeeping, periodic reporting, product sampling and distribution, advertising and promotion and reporting of adverse experiences with the product. After approval, most changes to the approved product, such as adding new indications or other labeling claims are subject to prior FDA review and approval. There also are continuing, annual program user fee requirements for any marketed products, as well as new application fees for supplemental applications with clinical data.
The FDA may impose a number of post-approval requirements as a condition of approval of an NDA. For example, the FDA may require post-marketing testing, including Phase 4 clinical trials, and surveillance to further assess and monitor the product’s safety and effectiveness after commercialization.
In addition, drug manufacturers and other entities involved in the manufacture and distribution of approved drugs are required to register their establishments with the FDA and state agencies and are subject to periodic unannounced inspections by the FDA and these state agencies for compliance with cGMP requirements. Changes to the manufacturing process are strictly regulated and often require prior FDA approval before being implemented. FDA regulations also require investigation and correction of any deviations from cGMP requirements and impose reporting and documentation requirements upon the sponsor and any third-party manufacturers that the sponsor may decide to use. Accordingly, manufacturers must continue to expend time, money and effort in the area of production and quality control to maintain cGMP compliance.
Once an approval is granted, the FDA may withdraw the approval if compliance with regulatory requirements and standards is not maintained or if problems occur after the product reaches the market. Later discovery of previously unknown problems with a product, including adverse events of unanticipated severity or frequency, or with manufacturing processes, or failure to comply with regulatory requirements, may result in mandatory revisions to the approved labeling to add new safety information; imposition of post-market studies or clinical trials to assess new safety risks; or imposition of distribution or other restrictions. Other potential consequences include, among other things:
• restrictions on the marketing or manufacturing of the product, complete withdrawal of the product from the market or product recalls;
• fines, warning letters or holds on post-approval clinical trials;
• refusal of the FDA to approve pending NDAs or supplements to approved NDAs, or suspension or revocation of product approvals;
• product seizure or detention, or refusal to permit the import or export of products; or
• injunctions or the imposition of civil or criminal penalties.
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The FDA strictly regulates marketing, labeling, advertising and promotion of products that are placed on the market. Drugs may be promoted only for the approved indication(s) and in accordance with the provisions of the approved label. However, companies may share truthful and not misleading information that is otherwise consistent with a product’s FDA approved labeling. The FDA and other agencies actively enforce the laws and regulations prohibiting pre-approval promotion of investigational drugs, as well as the promotion of off-label uses of approved drugs, and a company may be subject to significant liability. Physicians may prescribe legally available products for uses that are not described in the product’s labeling and that differ from those tested by us and approved by the FDA. The FDA does not regulate behavior of physicians in their choice of treatments. The FDA does, however, restrict manufacturer’s communications on the subject of off-label use of their products.
Reimbursement
Significant uncertainty exists as to the coverage and reimbursement status of any product candidates for which we obtain regulatory approval. In the U.S. and other countries, sales of any products for which we receive regulatory approval will depend, in part, on the extent to which third-party payors provide coverage and establish adequate reimbursement levels for such drug products.
In the U.S., third-party payors include federal and state healthcare programs, government authorities, private managed care providers, private health insurers and other organizations. No uniform policy for coverage and reimbursement exists in the U.S., and coverage and reimbursement can differ significantly from payor to payor. Third-party payors often rely upon Medicare coverage policy and payment limitations in setting their own reimbursement rates, but also have their own methods and approval process apart from Medicare determinations. As a result, the coverage determination process is often a time-consuming and costly process that will require us to provide scientific and clinical support for the use of our drug products to each payor separately, with no assurance that coverage and adequate reimbursement will be obtained in the first instance or applied consistently.
Third-party payors are increasingly challenging the price, examining the medical necessity and reviewing the cost-effectiveness of drug products and medical services, in addition to questioning their safety, efficacy and clinical appropriateness. Such payors may limit coverage to specific drug products on an approved list, also known as a formulary, which might not include all of the FDA-approved drugs for a particular indication. We may need to conduct expensive pharmaco-economic studies in order to demonstrate the medical necessity and cost-effectiveness of our products, in addition to the costs required to obtain the FDA approvals. Nonetheless, our products or product candidates, including INGREZZA, may not be considered medically necessary or cost-effective.
Moreover, the process for determining whether a third-party payor will provide coverage for a drug product may be separate from the process for setting the price of a drug product or for establishing the reimbursement rate that such a payor will pay for the drug product. A payor’s decision to provide coverage for a drug product does not imply that an adequate reimbursement rate will be approved. Further, one payor’s determination to provide coverage for a drug product does not assure that other payors will also provide coverage for the drug product. Adequate third-party payor reimbursement may not be available to enable us to maintain price levels sufficient to realize an appropriate return on our investment in product development.
The marketability of any product or product candidates for which we or our collaborators receive regulatory approval for commercial sale may suffer if third-party payors fail to provide coverage and adequate reimbursement. In addition, emphasis on managed care in the U.S. has increased and we expect will continue to increase the pressure on pharmaceutical pricing. Coverage policies and third-party payor reimbursement rates may change at any time. Even if favorable coverage and reimbursement status is attained for one or more products for which we receive regulatory approval, less favorable coverage policies and reimbursement rates may be implemented in the future.
Healthcare Reform Measures
The U.S. and some foreign jurisdictions have enacted a number of legislative and regulatory proposals to change the healthcare system in ways that could affect our ability to sell our products profitably. In the U.S., the pharmaceutical industry and the cost of prescription drugs has been a continuous focus of these efforts and has been significantly affected by major legislative initiatives.
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Most recently, in August 2022, President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA), which, among other things, (1) directs the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to negotiate the price of certain high-expenditure, single-source drugs and biologics covered under Medicare, (2) redesigns the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit to lower patient out-of-pocket costs and increase manufacturer liability and (3) requires drug manufacturers to pay rebates on drugs whose prices increase greater than the rate of inflation. The IRA also extends enhanced subsidies for individuals purchasing health insurance coverage in the ACA marketplaces through plan year 2025 and eliminates the “donut hole” under the Medicare Part D program beginning in 2025 by significantly lowering the beneficiary maximum out-of-pocket cost to $2,000 through a newly established manufacturer discount program. These provisions take effect progressively starting in 2023. On August 29, 2023, HHS announced the list of the first 10 drugs that will be subject to price negotiations, although the Medicare drug price negotiation program is currently subject to legal challenges. It is currently unclear how the IRA will be implemented; however, it is likely to have a significant impact on the pharmaceutical industry and prescription drug pricing.
While the IRA targets high-expenditure drugs that have been on the market for several years without generic or biosimilar competition, we expect to qualify for the small biotech manufacturer exemption that is set to expire in 2029. However, the qualification for this exemption is subject to various requirements and there is no assurance that we will continue to qualify for this exemption in the future. Further, the loss of this exemption or the potential loss of this exemption, including as a result of a potential acquisition or strategic transaction, could have an adverse impact on our business.
The most significant prior revisions to federal law governing the pharmaceutical industry and prescription drug pricing were enacted through the March 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (collectively, the ACA). This law was intended to broaden access to health insurance by reducing the number of uninsured persons, reducing or constraining the growth of healthcare spending, enhancing remedies against fraud and abuse, adding transparency requirements for the healthcare and health insurance industries, imposing taxes and fees on the health industry and imposing additional health policy reforms.
We expect that these health reform measures may result in more rigorous coverage criteria and lower reimbursement for prescription drugs, as well as result in additional downward pressure on any price that we receive for any approved product. Any reduction in reimbursement from Medicare or other government-funded programs may result in a similar reduction in payments from private third-party payors.
Other significant legislative changes impacting the pharmaceutical industry and prescription drug pricing have been adopted since the ACA was enacted. These changes include, among others, aggregate reductions to Medicare payments to providers of up to 2% per fiscal year pursuant to the Budget Control Act of 2011, which began in 2013 and, due to subsequent legislative amendments, including the Investment and Jobs Act, will remain in effect through 2032.
At the state level, legislatures have increasingly passed legislation and implemented regulations designed to examine and/or control pharmaceutical and biological product pricing, including price or patient reimbursement constraints, discounts, restrictions on certain product access and marketing cost disclosure and transparency measures, and, in some cases, designed to encourage importation from other countries and bulk purchasing. For example, on January 5, 2024, the FDA approved Florida’s Section 804 Importation Program (SIP) proposal to import certain drugs from Canada for specific state healthcare programs. It is unclear how this program will be implemented, including which drugs will be chosen, and whether it will be subject to legal challenges in the United States or Canada. Other states have also submitted SIP proposals that are pending review by the FDA. Any such approved importation plans, when implemented, may result in lower drug prices for products covered by those programs. Further, certain states through legislation have created a state prescription drug affordability board (PDAB) to help control costs of drugs for that state. The functions of the PDABs vary by state, and may include among others, negotiating the price the state pays for certain drugs, recommending or setting upper limits on drug prices, performing drug affordability reviews, and advising state lawmakers on additional ways to reduce the state’s drug spending. It is possible that the actions taken by the PDABs may result in lower prices for certain drug products sold in their states.
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Proposed Healthcare Reform Measures
The U.S. and some foreign jurisdictions are considering a number of legislative and regulatory proposals to change the healthcare system in ways that could affect our ability to sell our products profitably. Among policy makers and payors in the U.S. and elsewhere, there is significant interest in promoting changes in healthcare systems with the stated goals of containing healthcare costs, improving quality or expanding access. In the U.S., the pharmaceutical industry has been a particular focus of these efforts and may be significantly affected by major legislative initiatives.
We are currently unable to predict what other additional legislation or regulation, if any, relating to the healthcare industry may be enacted in the future or what effect recently enacted federal legislation or any such additional legislation or regulation would have on our business.
Regulation and Procedures Governing Approval of Medicinal Products in the EU
To market any product outside of the U.S., a company must also comply with numerous and varying regulatory requirements of other countries and jurisdictions regarding quality, safety and efficacy and governing, among other things, clinical trials, marketing authorization, commercial sales and distribution of products. Whether or not it obtains FDA approval for a product, an applicant will need to obtain the necessary approvals by the comparable foreign regulatory authorities before it can initiate clinical trials or marketing of the product in those countries or jurisdictions. Specifically, the process governing approval of medicinal products in the EU generally aligns with the requirements in the U.S. It entails satisfactory completion of pharmaceutical development, nonclinical studies and adequate and well-controlled clinical trials to establish the safety and efficacy of the medicinal product for each proposed indication.
The requirements and process governing the conduct of clinical trials, product licensing, pricing and reimbursement may vary from country to country. In all cases, the clinical trials must be conducted in accordance with GCP and the applicable regulatory requirements and the ethical principles that have their origin in the Declaration of Helsinki. Medicines used in clinical trials must be manufactured in accordance with cGMP and in a GMP licensed facility, which can be subject to GMP inspections.
Clinical Trials in the EU. In the EU, the Clinical Trials Regulation (EU) No 536/2014 (CTR) entered into application on January 31, 2022 repealing and replacing the former Clinical Trials Directive 2001/20 (CTD). The regulation introduces a streamlined application procedure via a single entry point, the “EU portal”, the Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS); a single set of documents to be prepared and submitted for the application as well as simplified reporting procedures for clinical trial sponsors. A harmonized procedure for the assessment of applications for clinical trials has been introduced and is divided into two parts.
The extent to which on-going clinical trials will be governed by the CTR will depend on the duration of the individual clinical trial. For clinical trials in relation to which an application for approval was made on the basis of the CTD before January 31, 2023, the CTD will continue to apply on a transitional basis until January 31, 2025. By that date, all ongoing trials will become subject to the provisions of the CTR. The CTR will apply to clinical trials from an earlier date if the related clinical trial application was made on the basis of the CTR or if the clinical trial has already transitioned to the CTR framework before January 31, 2025.
Marketing Authorizations. In the EU, medicinal products can only be commercialized after a related marketing authorization (MA) has been granted. To obtain an MA for a product in the EU, an applicant must submit a marketing authorization application (MAA) either under a centralized procedure administered by the EMA or one of the procedures administered by the competent authorities of EU Member States (decentralized procedure, national procedure or mutual recognition procedure). An MA may be granted only to an applicant established in the EU.
The centralized procedure provides for the grant of a single MA by the European Commission that is valid throughout the European Economic Area (which is comprised of the 27 EU Member States plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein). Pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 726/2004, the centralized procedure is compulsory for specific products, including for (i) medicinal products derived from biotechnological processes, (ii) products designated as orphan medicinal products, (iii) advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), and (iv) products with a new active substance indicated for the treatment of HIV/AIDS, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, auto-immune and other immune dysfunctions and viral diseases. For products with a new active substance indicated for the treatment of other diseases and products that are highly innovative or for which a centralized process is in the interest of patients, authorization through the centralized procedure is optional on related approval.
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Accelerated assessment may be granted by the EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) in exceptional cases, when a medicinal product targeting an unmet medical need is expected to be of major interest from the point of view of public health and, in particular, from the viewpoint of therapeutic innovation. If the CHMP accepts a request for accelerated assessment, the time limit of 210 days will be reduced to 150 days (excluding clock stops). The CHMP can, however, revert to the standard time limit for the centralized procedure if it considers that it is no longer appropriate to conduct an accelerated assessment.
An MA has, in principle, an initial validity of five years. The MA may be renewed after five years on the basis of a re-evaluation of the risk-benefit balance by the EMA or by the competent authority of the EU Member State in which the original MA was granted. The European Commission or the competent authorities of the EU Member States may decide on justified grounds relating to pharmacovigilance, to proceed with one further five-year renewal period for the MA. Once subsequently definitively renewed, the MA shall be valid for an unlimited period. Any authorization which is not followed by the actual placing of the medicinal product on the EU market (for a centralized MA) or on the market of the authorizing EU Member State within three years after authorization ceases to be valid (the so-called sunset clause).
Upon receiving an MA, innovative medicinal products are generally entitled to receive eight years of data exclusivity and 10 years of market exclusivity. Data exclusivity, if granted, prevents regulatory authorities in the EU from referencing the innovator’s data to assess a generic application or biosimilar application for eight years from the date of authorization of the innovative product, after which a generic or biosimilar MAA can be submitted, and the innovator’s data may be referenced. The market exclusivity period prevents a successful generic or biosimilar applicant from commercializing its product in the EU until 10 years have elapsed from the initial MA of the reference product in the EU. The overall ten-year period may, occasionally, be extended for a further year to a maximum of 11 years if, during the first eight years of those ten years, the MA holder obtains an authorization for one or more new therapeutic indications which, during the scientific evaluation prior to their authorization, are held to bring a significant clinical benefit in comparison with existing therapies.
Orphan Designation and related Exclusivity in the EU . In the EU, Regulation (EC) No. 141 provides that a medicinal product can be designated as an orphan medicinal product by the European Commission if its sponsor can establish that: (i) the product is intended for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of life-threatening or chronically debilitating conditions; (ii) either (a) such conditions affect not more than five in 10,000 persons in the EU when the application is made, or (b) the product without the benefits derived from orphan status, would not generate sufficient return in the EU to justify the necessary investment in developing the medicinal product; and (iii) there exists no satisfactory authorized method of diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of the condition that has been authorized in the EU, or even if such method exists, the product will be of significant benefit to those affected by that condition.
Upon grant of a marketing authorization, orphan medicinal products are entitled to a ten-year period of market exclusivity for the approved therapeutic indication, which means that the EMA cannot accept another marketing authorization application or accept an application to extend for a similar product and the European Commission cannot grant a marketing authorization for the same indication for a period of ten years. The period of market exclusivity is extended by two years for orphan medicinal products that have also complied with an agreed PIP. The period of market exclusivity may, however, be reduced to six years if, at the end of the fifth year, it is established that the product no longer meets the criteria on the basis of which it received orphan medicinal product destination.
Post-Authorization Obligations in the EU. Where an MA is granted in relation to a medicinal product in the EU, the holder of the MA is required to comply with a range of regulatory requirements applicable to the manufacturing, marketing, promotion and sale of medicinal products. Similar to the U.S., both MA holders and manufacturers of medicinal products are subject to comprehensive regulatory oversight by the EMA, the European Commission and/or the competent regulatory authorities of the individual EU Member States. The holder of an MA must establish and maintain a pharmacovigilance system and appoint an individual qualified person for pharmacovigilance who is responsible for oversight of that system. Key obligations include expedited reporting of suspected serious adverse reactions and submission of periodic safety update reports (PSURs).
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In the EU, the advertising and promotion of medicinal products are subject to both EU and EU Member States’ laws governing promotion of medicinal products, interactions with physicians and other healthcare professionals, misleading and comparative advertising and unfair commercial practices. General requirements for advertising and promotion of medicinal products, such as direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription medicinal products are established in EU law. However, the details are governed by regulations in individual EU Member States and can differ from one country to another.
Brexit and the Regulatory Framework in the UK. The UK’s withdrawal from the EU on January 31, 2020, commonly referred to as Brexit, has changed the regulatory relationship between the UK and the EU. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is now the UK’s standalone regulator for medicinal products and medical devices. Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) is now a third country to the EU. Northern Ireland continues to follow the EU regulatory rules.
The UK regulatory framework in relation to clinical trials is governed by the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004, as amended, which is derived from the CTD, as implemented into UK national law through secondary legislation. In October 2023, the MHRA announced a new Notification Scheme for clinical trials which enables a more streamlined and risk-proportionate approach to initial clinical trial applications for Phase 4 and low-risk Phase 3 clinical trial applications.
Marketing authorizations in the UK are governed by the Human Medicines Regulations (SI 2012/1916), as amended. This legislation includes procedures to prioritize access to new medicines that will benefit patients, including a 150-day assessment route, a rolling review procedure and the International Recognition Procedures (IRP) which entered into application on January 1, 2024. Since January 1, 2024, the MHRA may rely on the IRP when reviewing certain types of marketing authorization applications. There is no pre-marketing authorization orphan designation for medicinal products in the UK. Instead, the MHRA reviews applications for orphan designation in parallel to the corresponding marketing authorization application. The criteria are essentially the same as those in the EU but have been tailored for the market.
Human Capital
Our Employees. We have grown to a team of more than 1,400 employees as of December 31, 2023, primarily employed in the U.S. Our highly qualified and experienced team, which includes scientists, physicians and professionals across sales, marketing, manufacturing, regulatory, finance and other essential functions are critical to our success. We also leverage temporary workers to provide flexibility for our business needs. During 2023, we added approximately 200 new employees to our team.
We expect to add additional employees in 2024 with a focus on expanding our research and development organization. We continually evaluate our business needs and opportunities and balance in-house with external expertise and capacity. Currently, we rely on third-party contract manufacturers.
Our Culture. The success of our human capital management investments is evidenced by our low employee turnover, a number which is regularly reviewed by our Board of Directors as part of their oversight of our human capital strategy. In recognition of our efforts, in 2023, we were ranked #8 in Fortune Best Workplaces in Biopharma TM .
Employee Engagement, Talent Development & Benefits. We believe that our future success largely depends upon our continued ability to attract and retain highly skilled employees. We provide our employees with competitive salaries and bonuses, opportunities for equity ownership, development programs that enable continued learning and growth and a robust employment package that promotes well-being across all aspects of their lives, including healthcare, retirement planning and paid time off. As part of our promotion and retention efforts, we also invest in ongoing leadership development programs as well as offer tuition reimbursement. In addition, we regularly conduct employee surveys to gauge employee engagement and identify areas of focus.
Diversity & Inclusion. Much of our success is rooted in the diversity of our teams and our commitment to inclusion. We value diversity at all levels and continue to focus on extending our diversity and inclusion initiatives across our entire workforce. We believe that our business benefits from the different perspectives a diverse workforce brings, and we pride ourselves on having a strong, inclusive and positive culture based on our shared mission and values.
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Corporate Information
We were originally incorporated in California in January 1992 and reincorporated in Delaware in May 1996. Our principal executive offices are located at 12780 El Camino Real, San Diego, California 92130. Our telephone number is (858) 617-7600.
Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to reports filed pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are available free of charge on our website at www.neurocrine.com , as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are available on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website at www.sec.gov . Additionally, copies of our Annual Report will be made available, free of charge, upon written request. Information found on, or accessible through, our website is not a part of, and is not incorporated into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.