Verona Pharma plc (Nasdaq: VRNA) has announced a strong initial launch for Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) in the US market for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The company reported preliminary unaudited net product sales of approximately $36 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 and $42 million for the full year.
Ohtuvayre's Market Impact
According to Verona Pharma, Ohtuvayre has been prescribed by more than 3,500 unique healthcare professionals, with over 16,000 prescriptions filled in 2024. Approximately 45% of Tier 1 HCPs have prescribed Ohtuvayre. This inhaled therapy, combining bronchodilator and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory activities, has shown promising early adoption across a broad COPD patient population, including those receiving background single, dual, and triple therapy.
"2024 was another transformational year for Verona with the approval and US launch of Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)," said David Zaccardelli, Pharm. D., President and Chief Executive Officer. He further noted the positive feedback from healthcare professionals and patients, citing robust refill rates and increasing prescriber depth.
Ongoing Clinical Development
Verona Pharma is also progressing with the clinical development of ensifentrine. Enrollment has been completed in a Phase 2 dose-ranging trial with glycopyrrolate, a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), to support a fixed-dose combination program for COPD via a nebulizer. The results are expected to support the initiation of a Phase 2b trial with a fixed-dose combination of ensifentrine and glycopyrrolate in the third quarter of 2025. Additionally, the company is enrolling subjects in a Phase 2 trial to assess the efficacy and safety of nebulized ensifentrine in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFBE).
Financial Position
As of December 31, 2024, Verona Pharma anticipates reporting approximately $400 million in cash and cash equivalents, compared to $271.8 million at the end of 2023. The company sold $100 million of its ordinary shares under its “at the market” equity offering program in the fourth quarter of 2024, strengthening its financial position for ongoing development and commercialization efforts.
About Ohtuvayre
Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) is the first inhaled therapy for the maintenance treatment of COPD that combines bronchodilator and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory activities in one molecule. Ensifentrine has potential applications in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, asthma and other respiratory diseases.
