Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors

精彩内容罕见病“用药短缺”备受关注。近年来国家频频出台利好政策，以推动罕见病新药研发及市场准入。据不完全统计，2024年以来，至少有5款罕见病新药登场亮相，涵盖血液、皮肤、消化系统等治疗领域；9款新品有望于年内获批，涉及华东、诺华等知名药企。临床用药需求的激增，催生超说明书用药的规范化和普遍化，42个罕见血液病治疗药“解锁”新用法，人免疫球蛋白注射剂、利妥昔单抗注射剂等多款2022年在中国三大终端六大市场（统计范围见文末）销售额超30亿元的重磅品种在列。激励政策层出不穷，千亿罕见病药市场再起波澜“无药可用”是大多数罕见病患者的常态。据统计，目前全球共发现7000多种罕见病，有药可治的比例不足10%。我国有2000多万罕见病患者，每年新增患者超20万。确诊难、治疗方法少、可用药品少等难题交织，让罕见病群体身陷困境。近年来，随着罕见病药进保提速，罕见病目录相继发布，驱动罕见病新药研发及市场准入的利好政策陆续出台，叠加罕见病领域未被满足的需求大、市场竞争小等特点，越来越多企业加码布局罕见病药物的研发。一些“无药可治”的罕见病患者，或能在与时间的生死赛跑中等来“救命良药”。近年来国家发布的部分鼓励罕见病药研发和生产的相关政策来源：国家卫健委、国家药监局等，米内网整理《2023年度药品审评报告》显示，2023年国家药监局共批准45个罕见病药（不含化药4类罕见病药），获批产品涵盖血液、神经、代谢、免疫、罕见肿瘤等多个治疗领域，填补了我国多个罕见病的临床用药空白。如2023年4月获批上市的硫酸氢司美替尼胶囊，成为首个获批的Ⅰ型神经纤维瘤病（NF1）相关丛状神经纤维瘤（PN）治疗药；同年6月获批上市的卡谷氨酸分散片，用于N-乙酰谷氨酸合成酶缺乏症（NAGSD）、丙酸血症（PA）等引起的高氨血症，是我国首个获批用于该类疾病的治疗药物。从审评审批路径上看，共有15个品种通过优先审评审批程序得以加快上市，其中纳鲁索拜单抗注射液为石药集团的1类创新药，是全球首个IgG4 RANKL抑制剂，用于治疗不可手术切除或手术切除可能导致严重功能障碍的骨巨细胞瘤。与原有治疗药（地舒单抗）开展头对头研究显示，纳鲁索拜单抗具有显著临床优势，米内网数据显示，2022年在中国三大终端六大市场地舒单抗合计销售额超过8亿元，同比增长110.94%。2023年通过优先审评审批程序获批的罕见病药来源：国家药监局官网，米内网整理伴随临床用药需求的推动，以及激励创新研发政策的出台，罕见病药物市场持续升温。有业内专业机构指出，中国罕见病药市场于2016年及2020年分别占全球罕见病市场的0.4%及1%，预计2030年将激增至259亿美元，约合1872亿元（按实时汇率换算），市场潜力十足。9款罕见病新药上市可期，华东、诺华......蓄势待发据不完全统计，今年以来已有5款罕见病新药获批上市，包括C5抑制剂可伐利单抗注射液、铜吸收抑制剂醋酸锌片、GLP-2类似物替度格鲁肽、重组猪FⅧ（rpFⅧ）药物注射用舒索凝血素α和IL-36R抑制剂佩索利单抗注射液。这些产品的到来，将为阵发性睡眠性血红蛋白尿症、肝豆状核变性、短肠综合征、获得性血友病A、泛发性脓疱型银屑病等罕见病患者带来了新的治疗选择。展望2024年，还有哪些备受关注的罕见病新药在国内登场亮相，惠及更多患者？笔者结合公开资料及CDE优先审评公示信息，筛选出9款有望于今年获批上市的罕见病新药，以供大家参考。2024年有望获批的罕见病新药来源：米内网中国申报进度（MED）数据库注射用利纳西普由华东医药与Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals合作研发，是一款IL-1免疫抑制剂。米内网数据显示，2022年中国三大终端六大市场免疫抑制剂市场规模超过280亿元，2023年上半年突破155亿元，全年销售额有望再创新高。近年来中国三大终端六大市场免疫抑制剂销售趋势（单位：万元）来源：米内网格局数据库CDE官网显示，2023年1月和12月，该药相继被CDE纳入优先审评，分别针对成人和12岁及以上青少年冷吡啉相关周期性综合征（CAPS）、成人和12岁及以上青少年复发性心包炎（RP）。目前，国内暂无用于冷吡啉相关周期性综合征，以及复发性心包炎的有效治疗药物。2018年11月，注射用利纳西普被纳入CDE发布的《临床急需境外新药名单（第一批）》；2023年9月，CAPS及复发性心包炎均被收录于国家卫健委发布的《第二批罕见病目录》。盐酸伊普可泮胶囊是诺华研发的一款靶向补体旁路途径B因子的口服抑制剂。2023年6月，该药的上市申请被CDE纳入优先审评，用于治疗成人阵发性睡眠性血红蛋白尿症（PNH）患者。靶向抑制补体C5是PNH的标准疗法，米内网数据显示，目前全球仅有2款针对PNH治疗的C5抑制剂获批上市，其中阿斯利康的依库珠单抗已在国内获批。现有的C5抑制剂以输注的方式给药，且可能无法控制PNH症状，部分患者在接受抗C5治疗后仍有残存贫血和依赖输血。而盐酸伊普可泮胶囊是一种B因子抑制剂，B因子驱动了PNH中补体介导的溶血。该药通过作用免疫系统的补体旁路途径中的近端通路，可全面控制血管内外的红细胞破坏（血管内和血管外溶血）。该药已于2023年12月获FDA批准，作为口服单药疗法治疗成人PNH。盐酸伊普可泮胶囊项目进度来源：米内网项目进度数据库注射用Vonicog alfa是武田研发的一款重组血管性血友病因子。2023年1月，该产品的上市申请被CDE纳入优先审评，适应症为成人血管性血友病（VWD）患者，包括按需治疗和出血事件的控制，以及围手术期出血管理。血管性血友病为常见的遗传性出血性疾病之一，是因血管性血友病因子（VWF）基因突变引起血浆中的血管性血友病因子数量减少或质量异常所引起的疾病。注射用Vonicog alfa包含完整的VWF多聚体，含有超大多聚体（ULMs），半衰期长，可有效实现血管性血友病的替代治疗，并为患者提供个性化的出血控制方法。据悉，该药是全球首个且唯一一个重组血管性血友病因子产品，目前已在美国、欧盟、加拿大、瑞士、澳大利亚和日本等地获得上市许可，用于18岁及以上血管性血友病患者的按需治疗和出血事件控制，以及围手术期出血管理。注射用Vonicog alfa全球获批及申报上市情况来源：米内网全球药物研发数据库42个品种“解锁”新用法，多款超30亿重磅产品在列除了加快罕见病药上市步伐，针对罕见病用药可及性低等问题，广东省药学会于近日发布了《血液系统罕见病超药品说明书用药专家共识（2024版）》（下文简称《共识》），有望进一步提高部分罕见血液病获得治疗的可能性。来源：广东省药学会官网据梳理，《共识》由广东省药学会罕见病专家委员会组织编写，从12种血液系统罕见病共42种治疗药物遴选出62条用药方案凝结而成。从超说明书内容上看，新增针对血友病及其相关疾病治疗的用药信息最多，合计11条；用于朗格汉斯细胞组织细胞增生症（8条）、原发性轻链型淀粉样变（8条）、Castleman综合症（7条）、Erdheim-Chester病（7条）、湿疹-血小板减少-免疫缺陷综合征（7条）等位居其后。具体产品情况方面，超说明书适应症达3项及以上的品种有5个，分别为泼尼松片剂、环磷酰胺注射剂/片剂、环孢素注射剂/胶囊剂/溶液剂、沙利度胺片剂以及硼替佐米注射剂。从治疗亚类上看，抗肿瘤药为主力，占据14个席位；免疫抑制剂、止血药分别占9个和8个，免疫刺激剂和全身用皮质激素类则各占2个。罕见病药超说明书用药专家共识（血液系统-2024版）来源：广东省药学会官网，米内网整理环孢素是由11个氨基酸残基组成的环状多肽药物，主要用于器官移植后的免疫抑制、银屑病、肾病综合征等。在中国公立医疗机构终端，该品种2022年销售额超过20亿元，2023年上半年同比增长7.01%，中美华东制药、诺华、兴齐眼药市占比均达两位数。在本版《共识》中，环孢素新增了3项超说明书适应症，包括获得性血友病免疫抑制治疗、Castleman综合症及朗格汉斯细胞组织细胞增生症，将为罕见血液病患者提供了新的用药选择。2023年上半年中国公立医疗机构终端环孢素品牌格局来源：米内网中国公立医疗机构药品终端竞争格局硼替佐米是双肽基硼酸盐类似物，是全球首款人工合成的新型蛋白酶体竞争性抑制剂，主要用于多发性骨髓瘤和套细胞淋巴瘤的治疗。受国采影响，该品种在中国公立医疗机构终端销售额逐年下滑，从2020年的超17亿元跌至2022年的约6亿元。在本版《共识》中，硼替佐米被允许超说明书用于血液疾病治疗领域，涉及Castleman综合症、POEMS综合征、原发性轻链型淀粉样变等，有望拉动其销售市场的复苏。42个纳入本版《共识》的品种中，还包括人免疫球蛋白注射剂、利妥昔单抗注射剂、重组血小板生成素注射剂、吗替麦考酚酯注射剂/片剂/胶囊剂等2022年在中国三大终端六大市场销售规模超30亿元的重磅药，产品潜力有望进一步释放。来源：米内网数据库、国家药监局等注：米内网《中国三大终端六大市场药品竞争格局》，统计范围是：城市公立医院和县级公立医院、城市社区中心和乡镇卫生院、城市实体药店和网上药店，不含民营医院、私人诊所、村卫生室，不含县乡村药店；上述销售额以产品在终端的平均零售价计算。数据统计截至3月29日，如有疏漏，欢迎指正！本文为原创稿件，转载请注明来源和作者，否则将追究侵权责任。投稿及报料请发邮件到872470254@qq.com稿件要求详询米内微信首页菜单栏商务及内容合作可联系QQ：412539092【分享、点赞、在看】点一点不失联哦

- Pivotal trial found the enfortumab vedotin plus pembrolizumab combination significantly extended overall and progression-free survival vs platinum-containing chemotherapy- - If approved, enfortumab vedotin with KEYTRUDA would be the first combination in China to offer an alternative to chemotherapy, the current standard of care in first-line locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer- TOKYO, March 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE:4503, President and CEO: Naoki Okamura, "Astellas") today announced that on March 27, 2024 the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has accepted the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for enfortumab vedotin with KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) as a combination therapy for the first-line treatment of adult patients with previously untreated locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (la/mUC). If approved, enfortumab vedotin with KEYTRUDA has the potential to change the treatment paradigm, becoming the first combination treatment to offer an alternative to platinum-containing chemotherapy, the current standard of care in first-line la/mUC. Urothelial cancer (UC) encompasses cancers of both the lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra) and upper tract (ureter and renal pelvis), with disease that originates in the lower tract accounting for 90% to 95% of all UC cases.i,ii Globally, approximately 614,000 new cases of bladder cancer and approximately 220,000 deaths are reported annually.iii It is estimated that approximately 93,000 people in China were diagnosed with bladder cancer and approximately 41,000 deaths were reported in 2022.iv Ahsan Arozullah, M.D., M.P.H., Senior Vice President, Head of Oncology Development, Astellas "Locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer is a life-threatening condition in China with nearly half of those diagnosed succumbing to the disease. The CDE's acceptance of our sBLA for enfortumab vedotin and pembrolizumab brings us one step closer to delivering a much-needed, innovative new treatment option for this patient population." Professor Guo Jun, lead PI in China for the EV-302 trial, director of the Department of Melanoma and Urological Oncology at Beijing Cancer Hospital, executive board member of the Chinese Society Of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) "In China, the recommended first-line treatment for advanced urothelial cancer is platinum-based chemotherapy, and there are currently no other treatments approved in the first-line setting. Given the efficacy brought by chemotherapy, alternate treatment options are extremely needed to extend survival benefits and potentially improve the prognosis of those patients. The results of the EV-302 study demonstrated that enfortumab vedotin in combination with pembrolizumab, as the first non-platinum first-line treatment, can achieve a clinically meaningful improvement in response rate, nearly double the median progression-free survival, and significantly improve the overall survival benefit of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer compared to chemotherapy." The sBLA for the first-line use of this combination is based on results from the Phase 3 EV-302 clinical trial (also known as KEYNOTE-A39). The study found that the combination improved overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) with statistically significant and clinically meaningful results in patients with previously untreated la/mUC compared to platinum-containing chemotherapy. The safety results were consistent with those previously reported with this combination, and no new safety issues were identified. The NMPA is also reviewing enfortumab vedotin as a treatment for patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (la/mUC) who received prior treatment with a PD-1/L1 inhibitor and platinum-based chemotherapy. The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency is reviewing the enfortumab vedotin in combination with pembrolizumab therapy, as well as Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the combination therapy in December 2023. About EV-302 The EV-302 trial is an open-label, randomized, controlled Phase 3 study, evaluating enfortumab vedotin in combination with pembrolizumab versus platinum-containing chemotherapy in patients with previously untreated la/mUC. The study enrolled 886 patients with previously untreated la/mUC who were eligible for cisplatin- or carboplatin-containing chemotherapy regardless of PD-L1 status. Patients were randomized to receive either enfortumab vedotin in combination with pembrolizumab or platinum-containing chemotherapy. The dual primary endpoints of this trial are OS and PFS per RECIST v1.1 by blinded independent central review (BICR). Select secondary endpoints include ORR per RECIST v1.1 by BICR, DOR per RECIST v1.1 by BICR, and safety. The EV-302 trial is part of an extensive clinical program evaluating this combination in multiple stages of urothelial cancer and other solid tumors. Findings from EV-302 were presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2023 in October 2023. About Bladder and Urothelial Cancer Urothelial cancer, or bladder cancer, begins in the urothelial cells, which line the urethra, bladder, ureters, renal pelvis, and some other organs.v If bladder cancer has spread to surrounding organs or muscles, it is called locally advanced disease. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, it is called metastatic disease.vi Urothelial cancer accounts for 90% of all bladder cancers and can also be found in the renal pelvis, ureter, and urethra.iii Approximately 12% of cases are locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer at diagnosis.vii Ongoing Investigational Trials The EV-302 trial (NCT04223856) is an open-label, randomized, controlled Phase 3 study, evaluating enfortumab vedotin in combination with pembrolizumab versus platinum-containing chemotherapy in patients with previously untreated locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (la/mUC) who were eligible for cisplatin- or carboplatin-containing chemotherapy regardless of PD-L1 status. The EV-103 trial (NCT03288545) is an ongoing, multi-cohort, open-label, multicenter Phase 1b/2 study investigating enfortumab vedotin alone or in combination with pembrolizumab and/or chemotherapy in first- or second-line settings in patients with la/mUC and in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Enfortumab vedotin in combination with pembrolizumab is being investigated in an extensive program in multiple stages of urothelial cancer, including two Phase 3 clinical trials in MIBC in EV-304 (NCT04700124, also known as KEYNOTE-B15) and EV-303 (NCT03924895, also known as KEYNOTE-905). The use of enfortumab vedotin in combination with pembrolizumab in second-line urothelial cancer and MIBC has not been proven safe or effective. The EV-202 trial (NCT04225117) is an ongoing, multi-cohort, open-label, multicenter Phase 2 study investigating enfortumab vedotin alone in patients with previously treated advanced solid tumors. This study also has a cohort that is investigating enfortumab vedotin in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with previously untreated recurrent/ metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The EV-203 trial (NCT04995419) is a Phase 2, multicenter, single-arm bridging study in China designed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetic performance of enfortumab vedotin as treatment for patients in China. A total of 40 patients were enrolled in the study. About Enfortumab Vedotin Enfortumab vedotin is a first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that is directed against Nectin-4, a protein located on the surface of cells and highly expressed in bladder cancer.viii Nonclinical data suggest the anticancer activity of enfortumab vedotin is due to its binding to Nectin-4-expressing cells, followed by the internalization and release of the anti-tumor agent monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) into the cell, which result in the cell not reproducing (cell cycle arrest) and in programmed cell death (apoptosis).ix PADCEV (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv) U.S. Indication & Important Safety Information BOXED WARNING: SERIOUS SKIN REACTIONS PADCEV can cause severe and fatal cutaneous adverse reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), which occurred predominantly during the first cycle of treatment, but may occur later. Closely monitor patients for skin reactions. Immediately withhold PADCEV and consider referral for specialized care for suspected SJS or TEN or severe skin reactions. Permanently discontinue PADCEV in patients with confirmed SJS or TEN; or Grade 4 or recurrent Grade 3 skin reactions. Indication PADCEV®, in combination with pembrolizumab, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC). PADCEV, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or mUC who: have previously received a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) or programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor and platinum-containing chemotherapy, or are ineligible for cisplatin-containing chemotherapy and have previously received one or more prior lines of therapy. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Warnings and Precautions Skin reactions Severe cutaneous adverse reactions, including fatal cases of SJS or TEN occurred in patients treated with PADCEV. SJS and TEN occurred predominantly during the first cycle of treatment but may occur later. Skin reactions occurred in 70% (all grades) of the 564 patients treated with PADCEV in combination with pembrolizumab in clinical trials. When PADCEV was given in combination with pembrolizumab, the incidence of skin reactions, including severe events, occurred at a higher rate compared to PADCEV as a single agent. The majority of the skin reactions that occurred with combination therapy included maculo-papular rash, macular rash and papular rash. Grade 3-4 skin reactions occurred in 17% of patients (Grade 3: 16%, Grade 4: 1%), including maculo-papular rash, bullous dermatitis, dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, pemphigoid, rash, erythematous rash, macular rash, and papular rash. A fatal reaction of bullous dermatitis occurred in one patient (0.2%). The median time to onset of severe skin reactions was 1.7 months (range: 0.1 to 17.2 months). Skin reactions led to discontinuation of PADCEV in 6% of patients. Skin reactions occurred in 58% (all grades) of the 720 patients treated with PADCEV as a single agent in clinical trials. Twenty-three percent (23%) of patients had maculo-papular rash and 34% had pruritus. Grade 3-4 skin reactions occurred in 14% of patients, including maculo-papular rash, erythematous rash, rash or drug eruption, symmetrical drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthema (SDRIFE), bullous dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, and palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia. The median time to onset of severe skin reactions was 0.6 months (range: 0.1 to 8 months). Among patients experiencing a skin reaction leading to dose interruption who then restarted PADCEV (n=75), 24% of patients restarting at the same dose and 24% of patients restarting at a reduced dose experienced recurrent severe skin reactions. Skin reactions led to discontinuation of PADCEV in 3.1% of patients. Monitor patients closely throughout treatment for skin reactions. Consider topical corticosteroids and antihistamines, as clinically indicated. For persistent or recurrent Grade 2 skin reactions, consider withholding PADCEV until Grade ≤1. Withhold PADCEV and refer for specialized care for suspected SJS, TEN or for Grade 3 skin reactions. Permanently discontinue PADCEV in patients with confirmed SJS or TEN; or Grade 4 or recurrent Grade 3 skin reactions. Hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), including fatal events, occurred in patients with and without pre-existing diabetes mellitus, treated with PADCEV. Patients with baseline hemoglobin A1C ≥8% were excluded from clinical trials. In clinical trials of PADCEV as a single agent, 17% of the 720 patients treated with PADCEV developed hyperglycemia of any grade; 7% of patients developed Grade 3-4 hyperglycemia (Grade 3: 6.5%, Grade 4: 0.6%). Fatal events of hyperglycemia and DKA occurred in one patient each (0.1%). The incidence of Grade 3-4 hyperglycemia increased consistently in patients with higher body mass index and in patients with higher baseline A1C. The median time to onset of hyperglycemia was 0.5 months (range: 0 to 20 months). Hyperglycemia led to discontinuation of PADCEV in 0.7% of patients. Five percent (5%) of patients required initiation of insulin therapy for treatment of hyperglycemia. Of the patients who initiated insulin therapy for treatment of hyperglycemia, 66% (23/35) discontinued insulin at the time of last evaluation. Closely monitor blood glucose levels in patients with, or at risk for, diabetes mellitus or hyperglycemia. If blood glucose is elevated (>250 mg/dL), withhold PADCEV. Pneumonitis/Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Severe, life-threatening or fatal pneumonitis/ILD occurred in patients treated with PADCEV. When PADCEV was given in combination with pembrolizumab, 10% of the 564 patients treated with combination therapy had pneumonitis/ILD of any grade and 4% had Grade 3-4. A fatal event of pneumonitis/ILD occurred in two patients (0.4%). The incidence of pneumonitis/ILD, including severe events, occurred at a higher rate when PADCEV was given in combination with pembrolizumab compared to PADCEV as a single agent. The median time to onset of any grade pneumonitis/ILD was 4 months (range: 0.3 to 26 months). In clinical trials of PADCEV as a single agent, 3% of the 720 patients treated with PADCEV had pneumonitis/ILD of any grade and 0.8% had Grade 3-4. The median time to onset of any grade pneumonitis/ILD was 2.9 months (range: 0.6 to 6 months). Monitor patients for signs and symptoms indicative of pneumonitis/ILD such as hypoxia, cough, dyspnea or interstitial infiltrates on radiologic exams. Evaluate and exclude infectious, neoplastic and other causes for such signs and symptoms through appropriate investigations. Withhold PADCEV for patients who develop Grade 2 pneumonitis/ILD and consider dose reduction. Permanently discontinue PADCEV in all patients with Grade 3 or 4 pneumonitis/ILD. Peripheral neuropathy (PN) When PADCEV was given in combination with pembrolizumab, 67% of the 564 patients treated with combination therapy had PN of any grade, 36% had Grade 2 neuropathy, and 7% had Grade 3 neuropathy. The incidence of PN occurred at a higher rate when PADCEV was given in combination with pembrolizumab compared to PADCEV as a single agent. The median time to onset of Grade ≥2 PN was 6 months (range: 0.3 to 25 months). PN occurred in 53% of the 720 patients treated with PADCEV as a single agent in clinical trials including 38% with sensory neuropathy, 8% with muscular weakness and 7% with motor neuropathy. Thirty percent of patients experienced Grade 2 reactions and 5% experienced Grade 3-4 reactions. PN occurred in patients treated with PADCEV with or without preexisting PN. The median time to onset of Grade ≥2 PN was 4.9 months (range: 0.1 to 20 months). Neuropathy led to treatment discontinuation in 6% of patients. Monitor patients for symptoms of new or worsening PN and consider dose interruption or dose reduction of PADCEV when PN occurs. Permanently discontinue PADCEV in patients who develop Grade ≥3 PN. Ocular disorders were reported in 40% of the 384 patients treated with PADCEV as a single agent in clinical trials in which ophthalmologic exams were scheduled. The majority of these events involved the cornea and included events associated with dry eye such as keratitis, blurred vision, increased lacrimation, conjunctivitis, limbal stem cell deficiency, and keratopathy. Dry eye symptoms occurred in 30% of patients, and blurred vision occurred in 10% of patients, during treatment with PADCEV. The median time to onset to symptomatic ocular disorder was 1.7 months (range: 0 to 30.6 months). Monitor patients for ocular disorders. Consider artificial tears for prophylaxis of dry eyes and ophthalmologic evaluation if ocular symptoms occur or do not resolve. Consider treatment with ophthalmic topical steroids, if indicated after an ophthalmic exam. Consider dose interruption or dose reduction of PADCEV for symptomatic ocular disorders. Infusion site extravasation Skin and soft tissue reactions secondary to extravasation have been observed after administration of PADCEV. Of the 720 patients treated with PADCEV as a single agent in clinical trials, 1% of patients experienced skin and soft tissue reactions, including 0.3% who experienced Grade 3-4 reactions. Reactions may be delayed. Erythema, swelling, increased temperature, and pain worsened until 2-7 days after extravasation and resolved within 1-4 weeks of peak. Two patients (0.3%) developed extravasation reactions with secondary cellulitis, bullae, or exfoliation. Ensure adequate venous access prior to starting PADCEV and monitor for possible extravasation during administration. If extravasation occurs, stop the infusion and monitor for adverse reactions. Embryo-fetal toxicity PADCEV can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during PADCEV treatment and for 2 months after the last dose. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with PADCEV and for 4 months after the last dose. ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities  (≥20%) (PADCEV in combination with pembrolizumab) Increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), increased creatinine, rash, increased glucose, PN, increased lipase, decreased lymphocytes, increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), decreased hemoglobin, fatigue, decreased sodium, decreased phosphate, decreased albumin, pruritus, diarrhea, alopecia, decreased weight, decreased appetite, increased urate, decreased neutrophils, decreased potassium, dry eye, nausea, constipation, increased potassium, dysgeusia, urinary tract infection and decreased platelets. Most common adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities (≥20%) (PADCEV monotherapy) Increased glucose, increased AST, decreased lymphocytes, increased creatinine, rash, fatigue, PN, decreased albumin, decreased hemoglobin, alopecia, decreased appetite, decreased neutrophils, decreased sodium, increased ALT, decreased phosphate, diarrhea, nausea, pruritus, increased urate, dry eye, dysgeusia, constipation, increased lipase, decreased weight, decreased platelets, abdominal pain, dry skin. EV-302 Study: 440 patients with previously untreated la/mUC (PADCEV in combination with pembrolizumab) Serious adverse reactions occurred in 50% of patients treated with PADCEV in combination with pembrolizumab. The most common serious adverse reactions (≥2%) were rash (6%), acute kidney injury (5%), pneumonitis/ILD (4.5%), urinary tract infection (3.6%), diarrhea (3.2%), pneumonia (2.3%), pyrexia (2%), and hyperglycemia (2%).  Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3.9% of patients treated with PADCEV in combination with pembrolizumab including acute respiratory failure (0.7%), pneumonia (0.5%), and pneumonitis/ILD (0.2%). Adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of PADCEV occurred in 35% of patients. The  most common adverse reactions (≥2%) leading to discontinuation of PADCEV were PN (15%), rash (4.1%) and pneumonitis/ILD (2.3%). Adverse reactions leading to dose interruption of PADCEV occurred in 73% of patients. The  most common adverse reactions (≥2%) leading to dose interruption of PADCEV were PN (22%), rash (16%), COVID-19 (10%), diarrhea (5%), pneumonitis/ILD (4.8%), fatigue (3.9%), hyperglycemia (3.6%), increased ALT (3%) and pruritus (2.5%). Adverse reactions leading to dose reduction of PADCEV occurred in 42% of patients. The  most common adverse reactions (≥2%) leading to dose reduction of PADCEV were rash (16%), PN (13%) and fatigue (2.7%). EV-103 Study: 121 patients with previously untreated la/mUC who were not eligible for cisplatin-containing chemotherapy (PADCEV in combination with pembrolizumab) Serious adverse reactions occurred in 50% of patients treated with PADCEV in combination with pembrolizumab; the most common (≥2%) were acute kidney injury (7%), urinary tract infection (7%), urosepsis (5%), sepsis (3.3%), pneumonia (3.3%), hematuria (3.3%), pneumonitis/ILD (3.3%), urinary retention (2.5%), diarrhea (2.5%), myasthenia gravis (2.5%), myositis (2.5%), anemia (2.5%), and hypotension (2.5%).  Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 5% of patients treated with PADCEV in combination with pembrolizumab, including sepsis (1.6%), bullous dermatitis (0.8%), myasthenia gravis (0.8%), and pneumonitis/ILD (0.8%).  Adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of PADCEV occurred in 36% of patients; the most common (≥2%) were PN (20%) and rash (6%).  Adverse reactions leading to dose interruption of PADCEV occurred in 69% of patients; the most common (≥2%) were PN (18%), rash (12%), increased lipase (6%), pneumonitis/ILD (6%), diarrhea (4.1%), acute kidney injury (3.3%), increased ALT (3.3%), fatigue (3.3%), neutropenia (3.3%), urinary tract infection (3.3%), increased amylase (2.5%), anemia (2.5%), COVID-19 (2.5%), hyperglycemia (2.5%), and hypotension (2.5%).  Adverse reactions leading to dose reduction of PADCEV occurred in 45% of patients; the most common (≥2%) were PN (17%), rash (12%), fatigue (5%), neutropenia (5%), and diarrhea (4.1%). EV-301 Study: 296 patients previously treated with a PD-1/L1 inhibitor and platinum-based chemotherapy (PADCEV monotherapy) Serious adverse reactions occurred in 47% of patients treated with PADCEV; the most common (≥2%) were urinary tract infection, acute kidney injury (7% each), and pneumonia (5%).  Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3% of patients, including multiorgan dysfunction (1%), hepatic dysfunction, septic shock, hyperglycemia, pneumonitis/ILD, and pelvic abscess (0.3% each).  Adverse reactions leading to discontinuation occurred in 17% of patients; the most common (≥2%) were PN (5%) and rash (4%).  Adverse reactions leading to dose interruption occurred in 61% of patients; the most common (≥4%) were PN (23%), rash (11%), and fatigue (9%).  Adverse reactions leading to dose reduction occurred in 34% of patients; the most common (≥2%) were PN (10%), rash (8%), decreased appetite, and fatigue (3% each). EV-201, Cohort 2 Study: 89 patients previously treated with a PD-1/L1 inhibitor and not eligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy (PADCEV monotherapy) Serious adverse reactions occurred in 39% of patients treated with PADCEV; the most common (≥3%) were pneumonia, sepsis, and diarrhea (5% each). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 8% of patients, including acute kidney injury (2.2%), metabolic acidosis, sepsis, multiorgan dysfunction, pneumonia, and pneumonitis/ILD (1.1% each). Adverse reactions leading to discontinuation occurred in 20% of patients; the most common (≥2%) was PN (7%). Adverse reactions leading to dose interruption occurred in 60% of patients; the most common (≥3%) were PN (19%), rash (9%), fatigue (8%), diarrhea (5%), increased AST, and hyperglycemia (3% each). Adverse reactions leading to dose reduction occurred in 49% of patients; the most common (≥3%) were PN (19%), rash (11%), and fatigue (7%). DRUG INTERACTIONS Effects of other drugs on PADCEV (Dual P-gp and Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors) Concomitant use with dual P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase unconjugated monomethyl auristatin E exposure, which may increase the incidence or severity of PADCEV toxicities. Closely monitor patients for signs of toxicity when PADCEV is given concomitantly with dual P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Lactation Advise lactating women not to breastfeed during treatment with PADCEV and for 3 weeks after the last dose. Hepatic impairment Avoid the use of PADCEV in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment. For more information, please see the U.S. full Prescribing Information including BOXED WARNING for PADCEV here. About Astellas Astellas Pharma Inc. is a pharmaceutical company conducting business in more than 70 countries around the world. We are promoting the Focus Area Approach that is designed to identify opportunities for the continuous creation of new drugs to address diseases with high unmet medical needs by focusing on Biology and Modality. Furthermore, we are also looking beyond our foundational Rx focus to create Rx+® healthcare solutions that combine our expertise and knowledge with cutting-edge technology in different fields of external partners. Through these efforts, Astellas stands on the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into VALUE for patients. For more information, please visit our website at . About the Astellas, Pfizer and Merck Collaboration Astellas and Pfizer have a clinical collaboration agreement with Merck to evaluate the combination of Astellas' and Pfizer's PADCEV™ (enfortumab vedotin) and Merck's KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in patients with previously untreated metastatic urothelial cancer. KEYTRUDA is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA (known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada). Astellas Cautionary Notes In this press release, statements made with respect to current plans, estimates, strategies and beliefs and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements about the future performance of Astellas. These statements are based on management's current assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: (i) changes in general economic conditions and in laws and regulations, relating to pharmaceutical markets, (ii) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (iii) delays in new product launches, (iv) the inability of Astellas to market existing and new products effectively, (v) the inability of Astellas to continue to effectively research and develop products accepted by customers in highly competitive markets, and (vi) infringements of Astellas' intellectual property rights by third parties. Information about pharmaceutical products (including products currently in development) which is included in this press release is not intended to constitute an advertisement or medical advice. i Leow JJ, Liu Z, Tan TW, Lee YM, Yeo EK, Chong YL. Optimal Management of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: Current Perspectives. Onco Targets Ther. 2020;13:1-15. ii Petros FG. Epidemiology, clinical presentation, and evaluation of upper-tract urothelial carcinoma. Transl Androl Urol. 2020;9(4):1794-8. iii International Agency for Research on Cancer. Cancer Today: Bladder Globocan 2022 fact sheet (01-2024). 30-bladder-fact-sheet.pdf (who.int) iv International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Bladder Fact Sheet. Lyon, France. 2022 (02-2024). Available at: 160-china-fact-sheet.pdf (who.int) v National Cancer Institute. What is bladder cancer? . vi American Society of Clinical Oncology. Bladder cancer: introduction (12-2021). . viiNational Cancer Institute. Cancer stat facts: bladder cancer. . viii Challita-Eid PM, Satpayev D, Yang P, et al. Enfortumab vedotin antibody-drug conjugate targeting nectin-4 is a highly potent therapeutic agent in multiple preclinical cancer models. Cancer Res 2016;76(10):3003-13. ix PADCEV [package insert]. Northbrook, IL: Astellas Pharma US, Inc. SOURCE ASTELLAS PHARMA INC.

Launch of OLPRUVA® underway Topline results from KP1077 phase 2 study demonstrate clinically meaningful benefits for key IH symptoms Q4 2023 net revenue of $13.2M, and FY 2023 net revenue of $27.5M Conference call scheduled for today, March 28, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. ET CELEBRATION, Fla., March 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zevra Therapeutics Inc. (NasdaqGS: ZVRA) (Zevra, or the Company), a rare disease therapeutics company, today provided corporate updates and reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2023. “We made solid progress on our key priorities in 2023,” said Neil F. McFarlane, President and Chief Executive Officer of Zevra. “As we look to 2024, our strategic priorities are clear; first, successfully launch OLPRUVA® and ensure access for patients; second, prepare for the launch of arimoclomol; and third, advance the KP1077 development program in sleep disorders. Mr. McFarlane continued, “We are encouraged by the positive data from our Phase 2 study of KP1077 in patients with idiopathic hypersomnia. KP1077 has been well tolerated while demonstrating early signs of differentiated clinical benefits. These data will help inform our registrational study, which we will discuss with FDA at an end of phase 2 meeting.” Recent Business and Corporate Highlights: Completion of the Acquisition of Acer Therapeutics, Inc. (Acer): On November 20, 2023, the Company announced the completion of its acquisition of Acer. The acquisition brought multiple complementary rare disease assets, increased Zevra’s revenue potential, and bolstered Zevra’s commercial and development capabilities. OLPRUVA, an FDA-approved treatment indicated for certain urea cycle disorders (UCDs): To support the commercial launch, the Company accelerated the build-out of a focused and effective customer-facing team with decades of experience in rare diseases. The team includes Rare Disease Sales Specialists, Marketers, Patient Services and Market Access professionals, as well as Medical Science Liaisons and Patient Advocates who are in the field engaging with key customers, with our efforts largely focused on approximately 40 centers of excellence across the United States. To raise awareness of the benefits of OLPRUVA, the Company has established Quick Start, which is a 30-day free trial to allow patients and physicians to gain experience with the treatment. Zevra continues to partner with the patient community and UCD treatment centers of excellence to drive brand recognition, while also working with payors to ensure access to OLPRUVA. The Company has seen a meaningful increase in reimbursement coverage since the acquisition, and currently there is more than 70% overall coverage for OLPRUVA with commercial and government payors. The Company expects that OLPRUVA’s commercial operations and capabilities will provide scale and cost synergies to support and accelerate the launch and commercialization of arimoclomol, if approved. Arimoclomol, an investigational therapeutic candidate for the treatment of Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC), an ultra-rare, genetic, progressive and fatal neurological disease: During Q4 2023, the Company submitted a comprehensive data set to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) supporting its resubmission of the New Drug Application (NDA) for arimoclomol. On March 4, 2024, the Company announced that the FDA had extended the review period for the NDA, resulting in a revised Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) date of September 21, 2024. The FDA re-affirmed its intent to present the resubmission for discussion at an advisory committee meeting to be scheduled. If approved, arimoclomol will be a first-in-class, orally delivered treatment for NPC, and the Company will be eligible to receive a Priority Review Voucher. Zevra is preparing for the commercial launch of arimoclomol in the U.S., if approved, and will leverage the commercial infrastructure that is in place for OLPRUVA. The Company plans to publish real-world evidence data from its Expanded Access Program (EAP) and additional data from clinical studies regarding safety and efficacy, to inform physician treatment decision-making and support market access. The Company intends to complete the regulatory filing for arimoclomol in the U.S., and then continue its evaluation of optimal regulatory pathways to approval in the E.U. and other parts of the world. KP1077 (serdexmethylphenidate, or SDX), an investigational therapeutic candidate both for the treatment of idiopathic hypersomnia (IH), a rare sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, and for the treatment of narcolepsy: On March 26, 2024, the Company reported positive topline data from its placebo-controlled, double-blind, proof-of-concept Phase 2 study of KP1077 in patients with IH. KP1077 was well-tolerated at all dose levels evaluated in the trial, including the highest dose of 320 mg daily, regardless of dosing regimen (once or twice daily), supporting the study’s primary endpoint of safety and tolerability. KP1077 produced clinically meaningful improvement in excessive daytime sleepiness, as assessed by change from baseline in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. This improvement was maintained during both the five-week open-label titration period and throughout the 2-week double-blind withdrawal period for both dosing regimens. Patients administered KP1077 showed benefits in change from baseline for the IH Severity Scale, Sleep Inertia Visual Analog Scale and Brain Fog severity Scale at the end of the open-label dose titration, and at the end of the double-blind withdrawal period. The study successfully fulfilled the objectives of providing key information for the design of a potentially pivotal efficacy trial, and the results of the secondary efficacy endpoints are supportive of initiating a Phase 3 trial of KP1077. The Company plans to request an end-of-Phase 2 (EOP2) meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to seek guidance on the Phase 3 clinical trial design. The Company will present new data from a Phase 1 study completed under the narcolepsy IND, and the final results from its Phase 2 study of KP1077 in IH at the upcoming SLEEP 2024 conference. Overview of Q4 2023 and FY 2023 Financial Results: Net revenue for Q4 2023 was $13.2 million, compared to prior year Q4 net revenue of $2.2 million. The components of revenue during the current quarter include ongoing royalties from AZSTARYS®, reimbursements from the French EAP for arimoclomol, and some initial sales of OLPRUVA. Research and development (R&D) expenses were $11.4 million for Q4 2023, compared to $6.5 million in Q4 2022. The increase in R&D expenses was primarily driven by the ongoing Phase 2 clinical study in KP1077, and ongoing work supporting to support the arimoclomol NDA which was resubmitted to the FDA in December 2023. General and administrative (G&A) expenses were $14.7 million for Q4 2023, compared to $4.7 million in Q4 2022. The period-over-period increase was primarily related to an increase in personnel costs and professional fees associated with our commercial and business development activities. Net loss for Q4 2023 was ($19.6) million, or ($0.51) per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of ($3.0) million, or ($0.09) per basic and diluted share for the same period in 2022. Net revenue for FY 2023 was $27.5 million compared to prior year net revenue of $10.2 million. The period-over-period increase was primarily attributed to an increase of $18.5 in royalties and milestones received under the AZSTARYS License Agreement, which includes $15.0 million in one-time net sales milestone payments earned during FY 2023, an increase in sales of arimoclomol of $3.3 million, partially offset by a decrease in consulting revenue of $4.5 million. R&D expenses were $39.8 million for FY 2023, compared to $19.8 million for FY 2022. The increase in R&D expenses was primarily driven by the ongoing KP1077 Phase 2 clinical study in IH, along with work to prepare the arimoclomol NDA for resubmission. G&A expenses were $34.3 million for FY 2023, compared to $15.0 million in FY 2022. The period-over-period increase was primarily related to an increase in personnel costs and professional fees associated with our commercial and business development activities. Net loss for FY 2023 was ($46.0) million, or ($1.30) per basic and diluted share, which includes the non-cash impact of the change in fair value adjustment for the warrant liability of ($1.4) million, or ($0.04) per basic and diluted share. Net loss for FY 2022 was ($26.8) million, or ($0.78) per basic and diluted share. As of December 31, 2023, total cash, cash equivalents, and cash investments were $67.7 million, a decrease of $15.7 million compared to $83.4 million as of September 30, 2023. The decrease was driven, in part, by increased third-party R&D costs related to the KP1077 clinical development program, the arimoclomol program, and increased G&A expenses during the period as the Company invested in its commercial infrastructure. Based on our current operating forecast and available resources, our cash runway is expected to extend into 2026. Our cash runway forecast includes revenue from the expected sales of OLPRUVA, ongoing reimbursements from the French EAP for arimoclomol, and investments into the incremental commercial activities needed to support the launch of arimoclomol, if approved, and completion of the KP1077 development program for IH. Our cash runway forecast does not include any commercial revenue from arimoclomol which could follow a potential FDA approval, or the potential sale of the Priority Review Voucher which would be received upon approval. On November 17, 2023, Zevra completed the acquisition of Acer. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Acer continues as a wholly owned subsidiary of Zevra. The Merger included the acquisition of OLPRUVA® (sodium phenylbutyrate) for oral suspension, which was approved by the FDA on December 27, 2022, for the treatment of urea cycle disorders. Acer also has a pipeline of investigational product candidates, including celiprolol for the treatment of vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, patients with a confirmed type III collagen (COL3A1) mutation. At the effective time of the Merger (the "Effective Time"), each share of common stock of Acer, par value $0.0001 per share, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (excluding cancelled shares and any shares held by holders who have exercised their appraisal rights) were converted into the right to receive (i) 0.1210 fully paid and non-assessable shares of common stock of Zevra, par value $0.0001 per share, and (ii) one non-transferable contingent value right (“CVR”) issued by Zevra, which represents the right to receive one or more contingent payments up to an additional $76.0 million upon the achievement, if any, of certain commercial and regulatory milestones for Acer’s OLPRUVA and celiprolol products within specified time periods. Certain additional cash payments are also possible pursuant to the CVRs with respect to milestones involving Acer’s early-stage program ACER-2820 (emetine). As of December 31, 2023, total shares of common stock outstanding were 41,534,668, and fully diluted common shares outstanding were 58,230,596, which included 5,603,729 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants. On March 25, 2024, the Audit Committee (the “Audit Committee”) of the Company’s Board of Directors, after discussion with senior management and the Company’s independent registered public accountants, concluded that the Company’s previously issued audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, (collectively, the “Prior Financial Statements”) should no longer be relied upon. In connection with the preparation of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 (the “2023 Form 10-K”), the Audit Committee concluded that, in prior years it had not appropriately accounted for certain common stock warrants as liabilities. These errors led to understatements of derivative and warrant liability and additional paid-in capital and fluctuations in fair value adjustment related to derivative and warrant liability during the impacted periods. In addition, in connection with the restatements, the Company has concluded that the previously disclosed errors led to misstatements of fair value adjustment related to derivative and warrant liability, derivative and warrant liability, additional paid-in capital, and retained earnings/(accumulated deficit) that were previously disclosed in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations included in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2022, June 30, 2022, September 30, 2022, March 31, 2023, June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2023 (collectively, the “Prior Interim Financial Statements”). On March 25, 2024, the Audit Committee, after discussion with senior management and the Company’s independent registered public accountants, concluded that the Prior Interim Financial Statements should no longer be relied upon. The errors and corrective adjustments identified by the Company are non-cash in nature; and they do not impact results of operations or key metrics used by the Company in managing operations, such as revenue, operating expenses, and loss from operations. Conference Call Information Zevra will host a conference call and live audio webcast today at 4:30 p.m. ET, to discuss its corporate and financial results for Q4 and FY 2023. The audio webcast will be accessible via the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website, . An archive of the audio webcast will be available for 90 days beginning at approximately 5:30 p.m. ET, on March 28, 2024. Additionally, interested participants and investors may access the conference call by dialing either: (800) 245-3047 (U.S.) +1 (203) 518- 9765 (International) Conference ID: ZVRAQ423 About Urea Cycle Disorders UCDs are a group of rare, genetic disorders that can cause harmful ammonia to build up in the blood, potentially resulting in brain damage and neurocognitive impairments if ammonia levels are not controlled.i Any increase in ammonia over time is serious. Therefore, it is important to adhere to any dietary protein restrictions and have alternative medication options to help control ammonia levels. About OLPRUVA® OLPRUVA (sodium phenylbutyrate) was approved for the treatment of certain UCDs in December 2022 and has recently been marketed under the brand name, OLPRUVA®. OLPRUVA (sodium phenylbutyrate) for oral suspension is a prescription medicine used along with certain therapy, including changes in diet, for the long-term management of adults and children weighing 44 pounds (20 kg) or greater and with a body surface area (BSA) of 1.2 m2 or greater, with urea cycle disorders (UCDs), involving deficiencies of carbamylphosphate synthetase (CPS), ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC), or argininosuccinic acid synthetase (AS). Please see Important Safety Information and full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information. Important Safety Information Certain medicines may increase the level of ammonia in your blood or cause serious side effects when taken during treatment with OLPRUVA. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you or your child take, especially if you or your child take corticosteroids, valproic acid, haloperidol, and/or probenecid. OLPRUVA can cause serious side effects, including: 1) nervous system problems (neurotoxicity). Symptoms include sleepiness, tiredness, lightheadedness, vomiting, nausea, headache, confusion, 2) low potassium levels in your blood (hypokalemia) and 3) conditions related to swelling (edema). OLPRUVA contains salt (sodium), which can cause swelling from salt and water retention. Tell your doctor right away if you or your child get any of these symptoms. Your doctor may do certain blood tests to check for side effects during treatment with OLPRUVA. If you have certain medical conditions such as heart, liver or kidney problems, are pregnant/planning to get pregnant or breast-feeding, your doctor will decide if OLPRUVA is right for you. The most common side effects of OLPRUVA include absent or irregular menstrual periods, decreased appetite, body odor, bad taste or avoiding foods you ate prior to getting sick (taste aversion). These are not all of the possible side effects of OLPRUVA. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. About Niemann-Pick Disease Type C (NPC) Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is an ultra-rare, progressive, and neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder characterized by an inability of the body to transport cholesterol and other lipids within the cell, leading to an accumulation of these substances in various tissue areas, including brain tissue. The disease is caused by mutations in the NPC1 or NPC2 genes, which are responsible for making lysosomal proteins. Both children and adults can be affected by NPC with varying clinical presentations. Those living with NPC lose independence due to physical and cognitive limitations, with key neurological impairments presenting in speech, cognition, swallowing, ambulation, and fine motor skills. Disease progression is irreversible and can be fatal within months or take years to be diagnosed and advance in severity. About Arimoclomol Arimoclomol, Zevra’s orally delivered, first-in-class investigational product candidate for the treatment of NPC, has been granted Orphan Drug designation, Fast Track designation, Breakthrough Therapy designation, and Rare Pediatric Disease designation by the FDA, and Orphan Medicinal Product designation for the treatment of NPC by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The FDA has accepted the resubmission of the NDA for arimoclomol and has set a user fee goal date (PDUFA date) of September 21, 2024. About Idiopathic Hypersomnia (IH) Idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) is a rare sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Patients with IH experience daytime lapses into sleep, or an irrepressible need to sleep that persists even with adequate or prolonged nighttime sleep. Additionally, those with IH have extreme difficulty waking, otherwise known as sleep inertia, severe brain fog, and often fall asleep unintentionally or at inappropriate times. These symptoms of IH often lead to further, even more debilitating problems such as memory lapses, difficulty maintaining focus, and depression. It is estimated, based on claims data, that approximately 37,000 patients in the United States are currently diagnosed with IH, although the total patient population may be much larger due to some patients who have not yet been diagnosed, have been misdiagnosed, or are not currently seeking treatment. About KP1077 KP1077 (serdexmethylphenidate or SDX) is Zevra’s proprietary prodrug of d-methylphenidate (d-MPH) and its sole active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). KP1077 has been granted Orphan Drug Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of IH, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has classified SDX, the sole API in KP1077, as a Schedule IV controlled substance based on evidence suggesting SDX has a lower potential for abuse when compared to d-MPH, a Schedule II controlled substance. About Zevra Therapeutics Zevra Therapeutics is a rare disease company combining science, data, and patient needs to create transformational therapies for diseases with limited or no treatment options. Our mission is to bring life-changing therapeutics to people living with rare diseases. With unique, data-driven development and commercialization strategies, the Company is overcoming complex drug development challenges to make new therapies available to the rare disease community. Expanded access programs are made available by Zevra Therapeutics and its affiliates and are subject to the Company's Expanded Access Program (EAP) policy as published on its website at . Participation in these programs is subject to the laws and regulations of each jurisdiction under which each respective program is operated. Eligibility for participation in any such program is at the treating physician's discretion. For more information, please visit or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts, including without limitation statements regarding the promise and potential impact of our preclinical or clinical trial data, the initiation, timing and results of any clinical trials or readouts, the content, information used for, timing or results of any NDA submissions or resubmissions for arimoclomol or any other product candidates for any specific disease indication or at any dosage, the potential launch or commercialization of any of product candidates or products, the Company’s estimated extent of and impacts of the restatements and the timing of the filing of the 2023 Form 10-K, the sufficiency of our cash, cash equivalents and investments to fund our operating activities for any specific period of time, our plans to build out commercial teams for products or product candidates, and our strategic and product development objectives, including with respect to becoming a leading, commercially focused rare disease company. Forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to Zevra and its current plans or expectations. They are subject to several known and unknown uncertainties, risks, and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These and other important factors are described in detail in the “Risk Factors” section of Zevra’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as updated in Zevra’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, and Zevra’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, except as required by law, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change. Although we believe the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure that such expectations will prove correct. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any date after the date of this press release. __________________________ i Ah Mew N, et al. Urea cycle disorders overview [updated June 22, 2017]. In: Adam MP, Ardinger HH, Pagon RA, et al, eds. GeneReviews® [Internet]. University of Washington; 1993-2022. Accessed March 20, 2022. ZEVRA THERAPEUTICS, INC. STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Unaudited) Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 (As Restated) Revenue, net $ 27,461 $ 10,161 Operating expenses: Cost of revenue 2,945 222 Research and development 39,806 19,803 Selling, general and administrative 34,314 15,038 Acquired in-process research and development - 17,663 Total operating expenses 77,065 52,726 Loss from operations (49,604 ) (42,565 ) Other (expense) income: Interest expense (1,501 ) (335 ) Fair value adjustment related to derivative and warrant liability (98 ) 15,159 Fair value adjustment related to investments 613 (577 ) Interest and other income, net 4,541 1,513 Total other income 3,555 15,760 Loss before income taxes (46,049 ) (26,805 ) Income tax (expense) benefit - 33 Net loss $ (46,049 ) $ (26,772 ) Basic and diluted net loss per share of common stock: Net loss $ (1.30 ) $ (0.78 ) Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding: Basic and diluted 35,452,460 34,488,800 ZEVRA THERAPEUTICS, INC. BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except share and par value amounts) (Unaudited) December 31, 2023 2022 (As Restated) Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 43,049 $ 65,466 Securities at fair value 24,688 16,900 Short-term investments - other - 481 Accounts and other receivables 17,377 8,299 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,824 1,688 Total current assets 86,938 92,834 Inventories 9,841 671 Property and equipment, net 736 794 Operating lease right-of-use assets 790 988 Goodwill 4,701 - Long-term investments - other - 20,000 Intangible assets, net 69,227 - Other long-term assets 94 53 Total assets $ 172,327 $ 115,340 Liabilities and stockholders’ equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 28,403 $ 6,169 Line of credit payable 37,700 12,800 Current portion of operating lease liabilities 543 480 Current portion of discount and rebate liabilities 4,550 4,655 Other current liabilities 2,524 719 Total current liabilities 73,720 24,823 Secured promissory note 5,066 - Derivative and warrant liability 16,100 10,202 Operating lease liabilities, less current portion 456 843 Discount and rebate liabilities, less current portion 7,663 4,327 Other long-term liabilities 7,458 25 Total liabilities 110,463 40,220 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock: Undesignated preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding as of December 31, 2023 or December 31, 2022 - - Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized, 43,110,360 shares issued and 41,534,668 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2023; 35,450,257 shares issued and 34,540,304 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2022 4 3 Additional paid-in capital 472,664 436,269 Treasury stock, at cost (10,983 ) (7,536 ) Accumulated deficit (399,778 ) (353,729 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income (43 ) 113 Total stockholders' equity 61,864 75,120 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 172,327 $ 115,340 Zevra Contact Nichol Ochsner +1 (732) 754-2545 nochsner@zevra.com Russo Partners Contacts Adanna G. Alexander, Ph.D. +1 (646) 942-5603 adanna.alexander@russopartnersllc.com