Innovation Pharmaceuticals Inc (IPIX)

[Empiricst1]

Apologies for the jumble, but here is more than you may have ever wanted to know about the competitor to Brilacidin for ABSSSI, Daptomycin (Cubicin) "Dec 3, 2019 ... And these days, Cubicin sales are suffering from the generic competition that ensued. Revenues for the drug slipped 28% to $207 million in ... Merck/Cubist | FiercePharma
https://www.fiercepharma.com/special-report/merck-cubist-0";

And, as I read, the IV product was recently sold for approximately $500,000,000.00 with sales slipping to $207 million (above) because of the recent move of Cubicin to a gneneric..

(more of my commentary) The problem that Brilacidin faces is that despite that its one day regimen is vastly superior to the 7 day regimen of Cubicin (Daptomycin) it does not at this appear in hospital formularies, all across the nation, as Cubicin now does and as the Sandoz generic competitor does (see above). It would take a year or more of sales calls, articles and other advertising to make it a threat, of course after approval of a Ph3 for Brilacidin, if we can be so bold as to assume that. Even with the competition of Cubicin and generic competition, there is large money on the table (large for a little bio like IPIX). Worth $40 million investment, sure, but only if IPIX has the money or is borrowing it. And there is not much equity to support a loan by IPIX. I can see why Leo is hesitant at this stage of IPIX finances. And it is important to consider that sometimes generics are shoddy, as recent media stories regarding at least some Indian drugs have been, though most appear, or at least we can hope, they are of high quality. Brilacidin will carry no such burden in a head to head competition with Cubicin or the newer generics.

And finally, here is more about the Sandoz entry into the generic market for Cubicin: "Sandoz launches generic antibiotic Daptomycin in US, strategically growing injectables portfolio and strengthening hospital offering..."
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Jul 13, 2020
"Daptomycin is an antibacterial medicine used to treat adult patients with complicated skin and skin structure infections.
Daptomycin can be used to treat patients with MRSA or “superbug” infections2
Introduction of Daptomycin further enhances Sandoz industry-leading antibiotic portfolio, which covers 50 percent of antibiotics available worldwide
Princeton, New Jersey, July 13, 2020 — Sandoz Inc. today announced the US market introduction of Daptomycin for injection 500 mg, an AP-rated generic version of Cubicin® (daptomycin)*, for the treatment of adult patients with complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) caused by Gram-positive bacteria and certain bloodstream infections, including right-sided infective endocarditis."

"Daptomycin is an antibiotic that works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth1, and can be used for difficult to treat infections such as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) or “superbug” infections2. It is administered intravenously to patients under the direct supervision of their doctor.3"

“We continually strive to increase the value of our institutional portfolio with the addition of critical, high-quality, affordable medicines like Daptomycin, bringing us one step closer to delivering on our growth strategy and realizing our ambition to become the world’s leading and most valued generics company,” said Carol Lynch, President, Sandoz Inc. “Our sales force now has another important offering, further strengthening its arsenal of injectables for patients being treated in the hospital setting.”

"The immediate availability of Daptomycin bolsters Sandoz industry-leading portfolio of generic antibiotics, which covers over 50 percent of the antibiotics available worldwide. And it reinforces the Sandoz strategic focus on growing its injectables portfolio and overall offering in the hospital setting."