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FDA grants Orphan Drug status to Harmony's PWS treatment

Published 02/20/2024, 09:14 PM
© Reuters.
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PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa. - Harmony Biosciences Holdings , Inc. (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:HRMY) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Orphan Drug designation to its drug pitolisant, aimed at treating Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). The Orphan Drug status is a critical milestone in the development of treatments for rare diseases, providing incentives such as tax credits, FDA fee waivers, and market exclusivity upon approval.

Prader-Willi syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by uncontrolled hunger, behavioral issues, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms stemming from hypothalamic dysfunction. It affects an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 individuals in the United States. Harmony's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kumar Budur, expressed optimism about the potential of pitolisant as a treatment option for PWS, highlighting the high unmet medical needs within the PWS community.

Harmony Biosciences is preparing to launch the Phase 3 TEMPO study, a pivotal trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of pitolisant in managing excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and behavioral disturbances in patients with PWS. The global study, expected to commence in the first quarter of 2024, will involve patients aged six and older in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled setting.

Harmony Biosciences, established in 2017, focuses on addressing the needs of those living with rare neurological conditions. The company emphasizes the translation of innovative science into therapeutic possibilities for patients.

This announcement is based on a press release statement.

InvestingPro Insights

As Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HRMY) makes strides in developing treatments for rare diseases, the company's financial health and market performance offer additional insights. With a market capitalization of $1.98 billion, Harmony Biosciences is positioned as a significant player in the biopharmaceutical space. The company's price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio stands at 13.31, reflecting investor perceptions of its earnings potential. Notably, the adjusted P/E ratio for the last twelve months as of Q3 2023 is slightly lower at 12.58, suggesting a more favorable valuation when considering normalized earnings.

Investors may also take interest in the company's robust revenue growth, which was 35.22% for the last twelve months as of Q3 2023. Such a strong performance is indicative of Harmony Biosciences' capability to expand its market reach and effectively monetize its product offerings. Additionally, the company's gross profit margin of 80.63% during the same period underscores its efficiency in controlling the costs associated with its goods sold.

Two InvestingPro Tips highlight the company's strategic financial management: Harmony Biosciences has been aggressively buying back shares, signaling confidence from management in the company's future prospects. Moreover, the valuation implies a strong free cash flow yield, which is an attractive quality for investors seeking companies with solid financial health and the potential for growth.

For readers interested in a deeper analysis, there are more InvestingPro Tips available, including insights into the company's debt levels, liquidity, and profitability forecasts. Subscribers can access these additional tips, offering a comprehensive view of Harmony Biosciences' financial landscape, by visiting InvestingPro. Don't forget to use coupon code PRONEWS24 to get an additional 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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