Eversana Life Science Services LLC

Analysis of real-world data compared patients on GIMOTI (n=51) to Oral Metoclopramide (n=41), both taking GLP-1s, showing significant statistical improvement for GIMOTI over Oral Metoclopramide in All Cause Emergency Department Visits (-91%, p=0.001), All Cause Office Visits (-41%, p=0.027) and All Cause Hospital Outpatient Visits (-89%, p=0.032) within 6-month index period Data presented at American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 2024; the submission garnered both the Presidential Poster Award as one of the top 5% of data accepted to the conference and selected as the Outstanding Research Award in the Stomach Category First study to show Gimoti’s potential as supportive care for GLP-1 therapy SOLANA BEACH, Calif., Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Evoke Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: EVOK), a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing treatments for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, with a particular emphasis on GIMOTI® (metoclopramide) nasal spray, together with EVERSANA, a leading provider of global commercial services to the life sciences industry, today announced the presentation of data for GLP-1 users with diabetic gastroparesis using GIMOTI at the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 2024 Annual Meeting. The real-world retrospective study evaluated the impact of GIMOTI (metoclopramide nasal spray) in patients with diabetic gastroparesis (DGP) who were concurrently using GLP-1 receptor agonists. GLP-1 drugs are commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes, and with the approval of GLP-1 medications, there have been increasing reports of these drugs exacerbating GI symptoms, specifically gastroparesis. GLP-1 medications function, in part, by causing delayed gastric emptying. Delayed gastric emptying, in the absence of mechanical obstruction, is the definition of gastroparesis. In a recent National Institute of Health (NIH) study (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38399414/), an estimated 5.1% of patients in their study (n=10,328) on GLP-1 medications had gastroparesis. The GIMOTI study compared healthcare resource utilization (HRU) between patients using GIMOTI nasal metoclopramide (NMCP) and those on oral metoclopramide (OMCP), specifically focusing on individuals with a prior GLP-1 prescription. Significant reductions across a collection of outcomes were observed in patients treated with GIMOTI versus oral metoclopramide. Key Study Findings Presented at ACG 2024: Patients with prior GLP-1 history had reduced HRU after taking NMCP In NMCP patients, all-cause emergency department (ED) visits decreased by 55% (mean [SD]: 0.25 [1.13] post-index vs. 0.55 [1.30] pre-index; p=0.063); andDGP-related ED visits decreased by 28% (mean [SD]: 0.18 [0.99] post-index vs. 0.25 [1.28] pre-index; p=0.203). In patients taking GLP-1, those that took NMCP had fewer healthcare visits compared to those taking OMCP All-cause and DGP-related ED visits were 91% lower (cIRR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.42; p=0.001) and 89% lower (cIRR: 0.11, 95% CI: 0, 0.93; p=0.046) for NMCP vs. OMCP; andAll-cause Hospital Outpatient visits were 89% lower (cIRR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.73; p = 0.032)All-cause and DGP-related office visits were 41% lower (cIRR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.37, 0.94; p=0.027) and 66% lower (cIRR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.017, 0.65; p=0.001) for NMCP vs. OMCP. NMCP can be used to effectively treat patients with gastroparesis taking GLP-1 treatment and avoid costly healthcare visits All-cause clinic, outpatient, and inpatient visits showed similar trends favoring NMCP vs. OMCP.In DGP patients with a prior claim for GLP-1, NMCP use was associated with numerically and significantly reduced all-cause and DGP-related HRU compared to pre-treatment utilization and OMCP-treated controls. "This data is particularly encouraging given the rising number of patients using GLP-1 agonists for diabetes, many of whom also suffer from gastroparesis," said Matt D’Onofrio, CEO of Evoke Pharma. "Our goal is to provide data regarding Gimoti as supportive care for diabetic gastroparesis for those also on GLP-1 agonists. This study, combined with the earlier real-world data presented at key conferences, reinforces GIMOTI's potential to improve outcomes for patients and reduce the overall financial burden on the healthcare system." The study's specific cohort consisted of 92 total patients between the nasal metoclopramide (NMCP, N=51) and oral metoclopramide (OMCP, N=41) groups. The NMCP group had a slightly older average age (55.1 years) compared to the OMCP group (53.1 years). A notable portion of the NMCP group (31.4%) had experienced hospitalizations or emergency department visits before treatment, compared to 19.5% in the OMCP group. In a separate study, a post-hoc analysis focused on safety data for a female subgroup from a previous Phase 3 study that included 36 women using GLP-1 drugs during the 28-day study. Among these, 13 were treated with GIMOTI and 23 with placebo. The majority (94%) of the participants completed the study, with no serious adverse events reported in either group. This analysis indicated no series safety issues and a trend toward nausea improvement when GLP-1 drugs were used with NMCP. "Our continued focus is helping patients that have gastroparesis and diabetes. The fact that up to 20 million patients (KFF Health Tracking Poll (April 23-May 1, 2024) (kff.org/KFF Health Tracking Poll)) may have taken or are currently taking GLP-1s for their diabetes, indicates this is an important patient constituency the medical community needs to monitor and address," said Chris Quesenberry, Chief Commercial Officer of Gimoti. "Evoke Pharma, through its clinical development program and real-world evidence studies, is uniquely positioned to provide clinicians with information that may inform treatment decisions. This study provides insight that clinicians who treated their patients with diabetic gastroparesis, who were also taking a GLP-1, benefitted in taking GIMOTI®, an innovative, non-oral therapy that does not rely on a dysfunctional gut to work." The results presented at ACG 2024 build on a growing body of real-world data that underscores GIMOTI's ability to significantly reduce HRU in patients with diabetic gastroparesis. Earlier studies presented at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2024 and ACG 2023 demonstrated that patients treated with GIMOTI showed fewer hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and physician office visits compared to those using oral metoclopramide. Also, these studies highlighted that GIMOTI reduced healthcare costs by over $15,000 per patient in a six-month period compared to oral metoclopramide​​. "These studies further confirm the important role of GIMOTI in managing diabetic gastroparesis and supports its use for patients concurrently on GLP-1 agonists," said Dr. Michael Cline, Medical Director of the Gastroparesis Clinic at Cleveland Clinic, an author of the study. "In my practice, I’ve treated patients arriving with gastroparesis while on a GLP-1. This data demonstrates a significant reduction in emergency room visits, office visits, and overall healthcare resource utilization, which not only improves patient outcomes but also reduces the strain on healthcare systems. The nasal delivery of metoclopramide offers a distinct advantage for patients with delayed gastric emptying, ensuring they receive the relief they need without the complications or unknown absorption associated with oral medications." EVERSANA was named Evoke’s commercialization partner to support commercialization efforts of GIMOTI, first in 2020 and then an extended partnership was announced in February 2022. Slides referencing data to the studies can be found under news and presentations of the Evoke Pharma investor relations website. About Evoke Pharma, Inc. Evoke is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused primarily on the development of drugs to treat GI disorders and diseases. The company developed, commercialized and markets GIMOTI, a nasal spray formulation of metoclopramide, for the relief of symptoms associated with acute and recurrent diabetic gastroparesis in adults. Diabetic gastroparesis is a GI disorder affecting millions of patients worldwide, in which the stomach takes too long to empty its contents resulting in serious GI symptoms as well as other systemic complications. The gastric delay caused by gastroparesis can compromise absorption of orally administered medications. Prior to FDA approval to commercially market GIMOTI, metoclopramide was only available in oral and injectable formulations and remains the only drug currently approved in the United States to treat gastroparesis. Visit www.EvokePharma.com for more information. Follow Evoke Pharma on LinkedInFollow Evoke Pharma on Twitter About Gimoti® (metoclopramide) nasal spray GIMOTI is indicated for the relief of symptoms in adults with acute and recurrent diabetic gastroparesis. Important Safety Information: WARNING: TARDIVE DYSKINESIA Metoclopramide can cause tardive dyskinesia (TD), a serious movement disorder that is often irreversible. The risk of developing TD increases with duration of treatment and total cumulative dosage.Discontinue GIMOTI in patients who develop signs or symptoms of TD. In some patients, symptoms may lessen or resolve after metoclopramide is stopped.Avoid treatment with metoclopramide (all dosage forms and routes of administration) for longer than 12 weeks because of the increased risk of developing TD with longer-term use. GIMOTI is not recommended for use in: Pediatric patients due to the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia (TD) and other extrapyramidal symptoms as well as the risk of methemoglobinemia in neonates.Moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B or C), moderate or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 60 mL/minute), and patients concurrently using strong CYP2D6 inhibitors due to the risk of increased drug exposure and adverse reactions. GIMOTI is contraindicated: In patients with a history of tardive dyskinesia (TD) or a dystonic reaction to metoclopramide.When stimulation of gastrointestinal motility might be dangerous (e.g., in the presence of gastrointestinal hemorrhage mechanical obstruction, or perforation).In patients with pheochromocytoma or other catecholamine-releasing paragangliomas. Metoclopramide may cause a hypertensive/pheochromocytoma crisis, probably due to release of catecholamines from the tumor.In patients with epilepsy. Metoclopramide may increase the frequency and severity of seizures.In patients with hypersensitivity to metoclopramide. Reactions have included laryngeal and glossal angioedema and bronchospasm. Potential adverse reactions associated with metoclopramide include: Tardive dyskinesia (TD), other extrapyramidal effects (EPS), parkinsonism symptoms, motor restlessness, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), depression, suicidal ideation and suicide, hypertension, fluid retention, hyperprolactinemia, effects on the ability to drive and operate machinery. Most common adverse reactions (≥5%) for GIMOTI are: dysgeusia, headache, and fatigue. These are not all of the possible side effects of GIMOTI. Call your doctor for medical advice about whether you should take GIMOTI and the possible risk factors and side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Safe Harbor Statement Evoke cautions you that statements included in this press release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “could,” “intend,” “target,” “project,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negatives of these terms or other similar expressions. These statements are based on the company’s current beliefs and expectations. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding: GIMOTI’s potential to reduce HRU by diabetic gastroparesis patents taking GLP-1 therapies; the possibility that increased use of GLP-1 agonists could increase the need for treatment of gastroparesis or increase the patient base for GIMOTI; and Evoke’s belief that GIMOTI can improve treatment of gastroparesis in patients taking GLP-1 agonists. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Evoke that any of its plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ from those set forth in this press release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in Evoke’s business, including, without limitation: Evoke and EVERSANA may not be able to successfully drive market demand for GIMOTI; the results of market research studies may not predict acceptance by patients, healthcare providers or payors; GLP-1 agonists may not increase the number of patients diagnosed with gastroparesis, which remains speculative; alternative treatments for gastroparesis may be developed or approved and may be shown to be superior to GIMOTI; Evoke’s ability to obtain additional financing as needed to support its operations; Evoke may use its capital resources sooner than expected; Evoke’s ability to maintain compliance with Nasdaq’s stockholder’s equity requirements; Evoke’s dependence on third parties for the manufacture of GIMOTI; Evoke is entirely dependent on the success of GIMOTI; inadequate efficacy or unexpected adverse side effects relating to GIMOTI that could result in recalls or product liability claims; Evoke’s ability to maintain intellectual property protection for GIMOTI; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in Evoke’s prior press releases and in the periodic reports it files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and Evoke undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This caution is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. About EVERSANA EVERSANA® is a leading independent provider of global services to the life sciences industry. The company’s integrated solutions are rooted in the patient experience and span all stages of the product life cycle to deliver long-term, sustainable value for patients, prescribers, channel partners and payers. The company serves more than 650 organizations, including innovative start-ups and established pharmaceutical companies, to advance life sciences solutions for a healthier world. To learn more about EVERSANA, visit eversana.com or connect through LinkedIn and X. Investor & Media Contact: Daniel Kontoh-Boateng DKB Partners Tel: 862-213-1398 dboateng@dkbpartners.net A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cfc46127-a976-498b-8e19-d5c879171b81

SOLANA BEACH, Calif., Sept. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Evoke Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: EVOK), a specialty pharmaceutical company focused primarily on treatments for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases with an emphasis on GIMOTI® (metoclopramide) nasal spray, announced that management will participate in the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Advanced Practice Providers Conference taking place from September 12 – 14, 2024 at the Gaylord National Resort Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. “As a meeting sponsor for four consecutive years, we are excited to engage with the advanced practice providers community at the 7th Annual GHAPP conference, a unique event dedicated to nurse practitioners and physician assistants who play a pivotal role in managing patients with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, including patients with gastroparesis,” said Matt D’Onofrio, CEO of Evoke Pharma. “This year, we look forward to discussing GIMOTI and its positive impact on patients suffering from diabetic gastroparesis.” Evoke Pharma’s management and commercial team will host a booth at the conference to facilitate discussions with attendees. “My high level of involvement with GI patients allows me to witness the firsthand challenges of those dealing with gastroparesis. GIMOTI’s nasal delivery offers a promising new option that can improve patient outcomes for those suffering from this disease. My patients benefit from GIMOTI, even if they are having symptoms, as GIMOTI does not rely on the dysfunctional gut to work. I continue to observe this with patients being prescribed GIMOTI in my practice,” Demittre Sorenson PA-C, Center for Advanced GI, Maitland, FL. “The GHAPP conference is a tremendous opportunity for advanced practice providers to learn more about innovative treatments like GIMOTI and to discuss how we can better support patient needs.“ About GHAPP The Gastroenterology & Hepatology Advanced Practice Providers (GHAPP) association is dedicated to developing educational programs, providing professional advancement services, and assembling resources for—and guided by—advanced practice providers (APPs). The GHAPP conference is the only conference specifically designed by APPs for the purpose of meeting the educational needs of APPs who specialize in the management of patients with GI disorders and chronic liver disease. About Evoke Pharma, Inc. Evoke is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused primarily on the development of drugs to treat GI disorders and diseases. The company developed, commercialized and markets GIMOTI, a nasal spray formulation of metoclopramide, for the relief of symptoms associated with acute and recurrent diabetic gastroparesis in adults. Diabetic gastroparesis is a GI disorder affecting millions of patients worldwide, in which the stomach takes too long to empty its contents resulting in serious GI symptoms as well as other systemic complications. The gastric delay caused by gastroparesis can compromise absorption of orally administered medications. Prior to FDA approval to commercially market GIMOTI, metoclopramide was only available in oral and injectable formulations and remains the only drug currently approved in the United States to treat gastroparesis. Visit www.EvokePharma.com for more information. Follow Evoke Pharma on LinkedInFollow Evoke Pharma on Twitter Safe Harbor Statement Evoke cautions you that statements included in this press release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should, ”expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “could,” “intend,” “target,” “project,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negatives of these terms or other similar expressions. These statements are based on the company’s current beliefs and expectations. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding: guidance regarding 2024 net product sales; potential future prescribing trends for GIMOTI based on Evoke’s or EVERSANA’s marketing efforts; Evoke’s commercialization plans, the potential market opportunity for GIMOTI, Evoke’s partnership with ASPN Pharmacies, growth in prescriptions, patients taking GIMOTI and the conversion of prescriptions to fills, and Evoke’s expected cash runway. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Evoke that any of its plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ from those set forth in this press release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in Evoke’s business, including, without limitation: Evoke may not be able to achieve its guidance for 2024 including as a result of decreased demand for GIMOTI; Evoke’s and EVERSANA’s ability to successfully drive market demand for GIMOTI; Evoke’s ability to obtain additional financing as needed to support its operations; Evoke may use its capital resources sooner than expected; warrant holders may choose not to exercise any of the outstanding warrants; Evoke’s dependence on third parties for the manufacture of GIMOTI; Evoke is entirely dependent on the success of GIMOTI; inadequate efficacy or unexpected adverse side effects relating to GIMOTI that could result in recalls or product liability claims; Evoke’s ability to maintain intellectual property protection for GIMOTI; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in Evoke’s prior press releases and in the periodic reports it files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and Evoke undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This caution is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investor & Media Contact: Daniel Kontoh-Boateng DKB Partners Tel: 862-213-1398 dboateng@dkbpartners.net

Various kinds of medical pills with Rx sign on smartphone screen , online pharmacy concept Atstock Productions/iStock Big Pharma has finally gotten its arms around something advocates have wanted for a long time: direct-to-consumer sales. Eli Lilly and Pfizer are leading the way. Big Pharma is finally beginning to offer what patient advocates have been asking for: a direct-to-consumer option to buy medicines straight from the manufacturer. This past week, Eli Lilly announced the addition of starter Zepbound vials to its DTC platform, called LillyDirect, expanding options for patients to self-pay for the popular weight loss drug. A day later, Pfizer announced the digital portal PfizerForAll , which provides access to the New York pharma giant’s vaccines, plus migraine and respiratory drugs. The two programs connect patients to telehealth care and a third-party service for the delivery of medicine. “It does just make the full digital telehealth pharmacy experience online really seamless,” Dedham Group Principal Manny Jurado told BioSpace . “It’s like you’re able to integrate everything into almost more or less a one-stop shop.” Jurado says these DTC approaches are a long time coming. Advocates have been calling for a new way for patients to access medicines that could help bring down costs by cutting out the so-called middle-men that pharma industry groups say push up prices. But DTC adoption has been slow. These latest announcements are a welcome advancement, Jurado said. “I’m sure pharma already had a lot of plans about this multiple years ago, but it’s now finally that we’re able to see it come to fruition,” he said, acknowledging the complexity of developing these programs in terms of compliance and regulatory hurdles. While the process cuts out the trip to the pharmacy, patients are not exactly receiving the medicine from Lilly or Pfizer’s personal storage rooms. Jurado said the pharmas have contracted third-party providers for the actual distribution. He noted that the DTC idea is not new. Amgen and AbbVie have existing platforms and the pharma industry has played around with the idea previously with minimal success. Now that Lilly and Pfizer are diving in, he suspects more—including Lilly’s chief rival Novo Nordisk —will follow suit. Zepbound Pushes Lilly Toward DTC Option Lilly was a natural entrant given the craze around Zepbound and the supply hurdles the company has faced. LillyDirect launched in January , just two months after Zepbound’s approval. Then last week, Lilly announced the availability of single-dose vials of Zepbound at a 50% discount compared to the list price of other treatments in the incretin class. CEO David Ricks said during a fourth quarter earnings call in February that the idea came from the challenges patients have experienced accessing obesity treatment. “Finding medicines in their pharmacies, that’s a been a challenge,” Ricks said on the call. “And I think particularly as supplies are tight, many patients report driving to five, six, seven pharmacies to find the medicine they need. This simplifies that process.” The direct pharmacy also gives patients confidence that they are getting a genuine Lilly-manufactured drug, as compounded or illicit versions of Zepbound have trickled into the market, the CEO added. “We haven’t thought about it as a way to create some new retail distribution business. It’s a way to serve the patients that want our medicines better,” Ricks said. But Lilly will benefit from getting new patients started on treatment, Jurado said. While the online pharmacy serves as an option for patients whose insurance has denied coverage of the weight loss drug, the single-dose vial offered through LillyDirect is just a starter dose—patients will eventually have to step up to a higher dose which will need to be accessed another way, according to Jurado. In addition, as the coverage landscape for weight loss medication evolves, cash-pay patients will likely switch over to insurance and long-term care. Lilly did not frame the new vial offering as a way to cut costs for patients. The drug launched last year in its injectable form with a list price of $1,059.87 a month for the various doses. But removing the injectable from the equation does lead to a savings in terms of the overall price and some of the manufacturing complexity. A number of third-party providers have been pulled together to deliver LillyDirect. EVERSANA and others are conducting pre-authorizations; Form Health and 9amHealth are doing the telehealth services; and TruePill and Amazon Pharmacy are offering the pharmacy services, among other providers. Pfizer tackles an ‘overwhelming’ system While Lilly is doubling down in DTC, Pfizer is just getting started. With PfizerForAll, patients can purchase prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and diagnostic tests, available for pick-up at a local pharmacy or through home delivery. The service will also connect patients with in-person or online appointments with healthcare professionals and offer a scheduling tool for adult COVID-19, flu, pneumococcal pneumonia and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations. In addition, PfizerForAll provides access to the company’s savings programs, which include solutions for co-pay and insurance. “People often experience information overload and encounter roadblocks when making decisions for themselves or their family in our complex and often overwhelming U.S. healthcare system. This can be extremely time-consuming and lead to indecision or inaction – and as a result, poor health outcomes,” Aamir Malik, Pfizer’s executive vice president and chief U.S. commercial officer, said in an August 27 statement. “We are pleased to offer PfizerForAll to help relieve this burden on people, especially as we enter the fall season in the U.S., and streamline the path for those seeking better health.” While Lilly is trying to address a nearly insatiable demand for its weight loss drug, Jurado said that migraine medicines have also been in demand. Pfizer markets Nurtec and Zavzpret. “We’re seeing more and more of these pseudo-retail type products and retail therapies starting to make more sense from a direct-to-consumer standpoint and ease of online access,” Jurado said, adding that migraine treatment requires a neurologist, which can be hard to access. Pfizer has stated plans to expand the program, potentially to a broader range of conditions. In announcing PfizerForAll, Pfizer also did not mention slashing prices as a reason behind the move. While the program connects patients to existing affordability programs, no new options were released to coincide with the DTC launch. Ready, Set, Launch When contacted by BioSpace , AbbVie pointed to the Synthroid Delivers program, which offers the brand name thyroid hormone medicine directly to patients for $25 per month for a 90-day prescription. AbbVie uses Eagle Pharmacy to fulfill the orders. Amgen did not return multiple requests for comment, but STAT identified the company as one that has used virtual care in the past for its migraine drugs. Jurado suspects there may soon be more companies joining the DTC marketplace. “I would assume that there’s going to be a lot of other players who are either potentially launching, or are even thinking about launching,” Jurado said.