Ipsen submits marketing authorization applications in the U.S. and Europe for Somatuline® (lanreotide) in the treatment of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs)

Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., the U.S. affiliate of Ipsen (Euronext: IPN; ADR: IPSEY) today announced that it has submitted a Supplemental New Drug Application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Somatuline® Depot 120mg injection for the treatment of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs).

In the European Union, Ipsen has submitted national marketing authorization variations for Somatuline® Autogel® 120mg injection to the drug regulatory authorities in 25 countries.

Following EU and U.S. submissions, Ipsen intends to implement worldwide submission roll-out.

Regulatory submission is supported by the results of the CLARINET® Phase III study, which demonstrated the antiproliferative effect of Somatuline® in the treatment of patients with GEP-NETs. The data from CLARINET® showed that investigational treatment with Somatuline® substantially prolonged time to disease progression or death versus placebo (hazard ratio 0.47, p=0.0002). Safety data generated from the CLARINET® study were consistent with the known safety profile of Somatuline®.

Marc de Garidel, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ipsen stated: “There are significant unmet medical needs among GEP-NET patients and Ipsen is committed to help address them. The submission of supplemental marketing authorization applications in the U.S. and variations in Europe for Somatuline® is evidence of our commitment to targeted oncology, and we are pleased to be able to submit them in our planned timeframe.”

The data from CLARINET® is purely investigational, as Somatuline® is not authorized for the indication of antiproliferative treatment of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) in any market. In many countries where it is marketed as Somatuline® Autogel®, Somatuline® is approved for treatment of acromegaly and for the symptoms associated with neuroendocrine tumors, which can include the treatment of GEP-NET patients experiencing symptoms from carcinoid syndrome, and Somatuline® is approved in many countries for the treatment of acromegaly. Somatuline® Depot is approved in the U.S. for the treatment of acromegaly but not for the treatment of GEP-NETs or the symptoms thereof.

About gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) are serious and rare types of cancer. They constitute a heterogeneous group of tumors most often arising from cells in the gastrointestinal tract and the pancreas; although rare, their incidence has been on the rise (4-6 fold increase in the last 30 years). They have the ability to secrete functional amines and peptides and based on the type and amount of these bioactive substances in circulation, they can or cannot result in an identifiable hormonal clinical syndrome. GEP-NETs can be clinically silent for long periods of time, delaying the diagnosis until late presentation with hormonal related symptoms or with symptoms related to tumor mass effect such as intestinal obstruction or abdominal pain.

About Somatuline® Depot

In the United States, Somatuline® Depot is indicated for the long-term treatment of patients with acromegaly who have had an inadequate response to or cannot be treated with surgery and/or radiotherapy.

Somatuline® Depot is not indicated for the treatment of GEP-NETs.

The active substance in Somatuline® Depot is lanreotide acetate, a somatostatin analogue that inhibits the secretion of several endocrine, exocrine and paracrine functions.

Select Important Safety Information about Somatuline® Depot for the Treatment of Acromegaly

Warnings and Precautions

• Somatuline may reduce gallbladder motility and lead to gallstone formation. Periodic monitoring may be needed

• Patients may experience hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Glucose level monitoring is recommended and antidiabetic treatment adjusted accordingly

• Somatuline may decrease heart rate. In cardiac studies, the most common cardiac adverse reactions were sinus bradycardia, bradycardia, and hypertension. Dose adjustment of coadministered drugs that decrease heart rate may be necessary

• Somatuline may decrease bioavailability of cyclosporine. Cyclosporine dose may need to be adjusted

Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reactions (incidence >5%) were diarrhea (37%), cholelithiasis (20%), abdominal pain (19%), nausea (11%), injection-site reaction (9%), constipation (8%), flatulence (7%), headache (7%), arthralgia (7%), vomiting (7%), and loose stools (6%).

Use in Special Populations

Patients with moderate and severe renal impairment or moderate and severe hepatic impairment: Initial dose is 60 mg every 4 weeks.

Please see the full Prescribing Information for Somatuline Depot at http://somatulinedepot.com/pdf/pi_2013november.pdf

About CLARINET®

CLARINET® is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of Lanreotide’s antiproliferative response in patients with enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00353496). This 96-week multinational study was conducted in collaboration with the UK & Ireland Neuroendocrine Tumour Society (UKI NETS) and the European Neuroendocrine Tumour Society (ENETS).

A total of 204 patients from 48 centers across 14 countries with well or moderately differentiated non-functioning enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and a proliferation index (Ki67) of <10%, were randomized to treatment with Somatuline® Autogel® 120 mg (n=101) or placebo (n=103). At enrollment, primary tumor locations were pancreas (44%), midgut (36%), hindgut (7%) and unknown (13%). Most patients had stable disease (96%) and were treatment-naïve (84%). Thirty percent of patients had a Ki67 of 3% to ≤10% (WHO grade 2) and 33% had a hepatic tumor load >25%.

The primary efficacy endpoint was time to either disease progression (centrally assessed using Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors, RECIST 1.0) or death. Two baseline computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans (12 to 24 weeks) were performed, followed by additional scans at 12-week intervals during the first year and 24-week intervals during the second year up to 96 weeks.

About Ipsen

Ipsen is a global specialty-driven pharmaceutical company with total sales exceeding €1.2 billion in 2013. Ipsen’s ambition is to become a leader in specialty healthcare solutions for targeted debilitating diseases. Its development strategy is supported by 3 franchises: neurology, endocrinology and uro-oncology. Moreover, the Group has an active policy of partnerships. Ipsen's R&D is focused on its innovative and differentiated technological platforms, peptides and toxins. In 2013, R&D expenditure totaled close to €260 million, representing more than 21% of Group sales. Moreover, Ipsen also has a significant presence in primary care. The Group has close to 4,600 employees worldwide. Ipsen’s shares are traded on segment A of Euronext Paris (stock code: IPN, ISIN code: FR0010259150) and eligible to the “Service de Règlement Différé” (“SRD”). The Group is part of the SBF 120 index. Ipsen has implemented a Sponsored Level I American Depositary Receipt (ADR) program, which trade on the over-the-counter market in the United States under the symbol IPSEY. For more information, visit www.ipsen.com.

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