Phathom Pharmaceuticals has achieved a significant milestone with its first FDA approvals for two novel Helicobacter pylori treatments, marking a successful transition from its 2019 spinout from Takeda. The company simultaneously announced securing $260 million in financing to support the commercial launch of these treatments.
The FDA has granted approval for Voquezna Triple Pak (vonoprazan/amoxicillin/clarithromycin) and Voquezna Dual Pak (vonoprazan/amoxicillin), with market launches planned for the third quarter. These treatments address a significant medical need, as H. pylori affects approximately 115 million people in the United States.
Clinical Efficacy and Advantages
The PHALCON-HP trial demonstrated compelling results for both treatments. In patients without antibiotic-resistant strains, Voquezna Triple Pak achieved an 84.7% eradication rate, while Voquezna Dual Pak showed 78.5% efficacy, compared to 78.8% for traditional lansoprazole-based triple therapy.
More notably, in clarithromycin-resistant infections, both Voquezna treatments significantly outperformed the standard of care. The Triple Pak and Dual Pak achieved eradication rates of 65.8% and 69.6% respectively, while the lansoprazole-based therapy only reached 31.9%.
Strategic Financing and Future Development
The newly secured financing package includes an immediate $100 million, with an additional $160 million contingent upon approval for erosive esophagitis, expected in the first quarter of 2023. This non-dilutive capital, provided by Sagard Healthcare Partners, NovaQuest Capital Management, and Hercules Capital, will support both the H. pylori treatment launch and ongoing development programs.
Market Impact and Unmet Needs
"New therapies that have the potential to address the limitations of current treatments are needed," stated Terrie Curran, Phathom's chief executive. The current challenge in H. pylori treatment stems from declining eradication rates due to antibiotic resistance, inadequate acid suppression, and complex treatment regimens.
Vonoprazan, the cornerstone of these new treatments, was initially developed by Takeda's gastrointestinal R&D teams as a more potent and durable acid suppressor than traditional proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). The drug has already demonstrated commercial success in Asian markets, including Japan, where it generated approximately $900 million in sales for Takeda last year.
Pipeline Expansion
Beyond H. pylori treatment, Phathom is advancing vonoprazan's development in additional indications. The company is preparing for potential approval in erosive esophagitis and conducting phase 3 trials in non-erosive reflux disorder, suggesting a broader therapeutic potential for their lead compound.
