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Ipsen voluntarily withdraws Tazverik® (tazemetostat) in follicular lymphoma and epithelioid sarcoma

MWN-AI** Summary

Ipsen has announced the voluntary withdrawal of Tazverik® (tazemetostat) from all its markets, effective immediately. This decision covers all indications, including follicular lymphoma (FL) and epithelioid sarcoma (ES), and is prompted by new data from the ongoing Phase Ib/III SYMPHONY-1 trial. The Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC) raised concerns regarding the safety of Tazverik, particularly due to adverse events related to secondary hematologic malignancies, indicating that the risks associated with the treatment may outweigh its benefits.

Consequently, Ipsen is halting all treatments with tazemetostat for patients currently enrolled in the SYMPHONY-1 trial, transitioning them to standard care with lenalidomide and rituximab. The trial will remain open for long-term safety follow-up, but no new participants will be enrolled. Additionally, Ipsen is discontinuing all active clinical trials and expanded access programs involving Tazverik.

Christelle Huguet, Ipsen's EVP Head of R&D, expressed disappointment over the situation but emphasized that patient safety is the company’s top priority. The withdrawal follows Tazverik's initial accelerated approval by the U.S. FDA in 2020 for certain patients with relapsed or refractory FL and for adolescents and adults with locally advanced or metastatic ES.

Despite this setback, Ipsen does not anticipate any impact on its financial guidance. The company is collaborating with the FDA on the necessary steps to execute the withdrawal and ensure all relevant information is communicated throughout the process. Ipsen continues to focus on developing innovative treatments for oncology, rare diseases, and neuroscience, with a commitment to patient safety and well-being.

MWN-AI** Analysis

Ipsen's recent voluntary withdrawal of Tazverik® (tazemetostat) from all markets highlights significant risks in biopharmaceutical investments, particularly in oncology. The decision stemmed from adverse findings associated with secondary hematologic malignancies identified in the ongoing Phase Ib/III SYMPHONY-1 trial. With the Independent Data Monitoring Committee advising against continuing the treatment due to safety concerns, this move underscores the importance of rigorous clinical evaluation and safety monitoring in drug development.

For investors, it is essential to consider the implications of such withdrawals on market stability and stock performance. Despite Ipsen's assertion that this decision will not impact its overall financial guidance, stakeholders should approach the company’s stock with caution. The sudden cessation of a product integral to the treatment landscape can influence investor sentiment and market valuations. Given its accelerated approval, any failures in clinical validation can provoke investor anxiety and result in volatility.

Additionally, the decision to halt all clinical trials concerning Tazverik points to a potential reallocation of resources within Ipsen. Investors may want to keep a close watch on Ipsen's pipeline for emerging products that could fill the void left by Tazverik's withdrawal. The company's focus on oncology, rare diseases, and neuroscience suggests a broad portfolio, but the recent setback raises questions about the overall strategy and risk management.

Furthermore, continuous engagement with regulatory bodies like the FDA can present both challenges and opportunities for future product development. Investors should remain vigilant about regulatory changes that might impact Ipsen's operational landscape.

In conclusion, while the immediate financial implications seem manageable, long-term investors need to weigh Ipsen's ongoing strategic decisions and market dynamics carefully amid this significant withdrawal event.

**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.

Source: GlobeNewswire

PARIS, FRANCE, 09 March 2026 – Ipsen (Euronext: IPN; ADR: IPSEY) announced today that it is voluntarily withdrawing Tazverik® (tazemetostat) in all indications from all Ipsen markets. Ipsen’s decision to withdraw is based on emerging data from the ongoing Phase Ib/III SYMPHONY-1 trial (evaluating tazemetostat in combination with lenalidomide plus rituximab (R2) vs R2 in follicular lymphoma). The Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC) advised that, based on adverse events of secondary hematologic malignancies, the risks may outweigh potential benefits for patients within this treatment regimen. As a result of these data, Ipsen is withdrawing Tazverik effective immediately, including both for follicular lymphoma (FL) and epithelioid sarcoma (ES).

In addition to withdrawing Tazverik from the market, Ipsen has initiated steps to stop treatment with tazemetostat for all patients currently enrolled in the ongoing SYMPHONY-1 trial. All participants will receive standard of care, lenalidomide plus rituximab only. The study will remain open, with no further enrolment, to continue the long-term safety follow-up of all participants. Ipsen is also discontinuing all active tazemetostat clinical trials and expanded access programs.

“While this is an extremely disappointing outcome, the safety of patients remains our priority”, said Christelle Huguet, PhD & EVP Head of R&D at Ipsen. “Emerging data from this confirmatory study have highlighted a safety profile that is unfavorable compared to that previously observed in clinical evaluation. We will now work closely with investigators and clinical teams to support patients through the respective next steps and transition plans.”

Ipsen is working with the United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the next steps to execute the withdrawal of Tazverik and provide all necessary information to complete this process. Tazverik is marketed in the U.S. by Ipsen in FL and ES. Tazverik received accelerated approval from the U.S. FDA in 2020 for adults with relapsed or refractory FL whose tumors are positive for an EZH2 mutation and who have received at least two prior therapies as well as relapsed or refractory FL adult patients who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options. Tazverik also received U.S. FDA accelerated approval in 2020 for the treatment of adults and adolescents aged 16 years and older with metastatic or locally advanced epithelioid sarcoma not eligible for complete resection.

The withdrawal is not expected to impact the Company’s financial guidance.

About Tazverik
Tazverik is an EZH2 inhibitor indicated in the U.S. for the treatment of:
Adults and pediatric patients aged 16 years and older with metastatic or locally advanced epithelioid sarcoma not eligible for complete resection.
Adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma whose tumors are positive for an EZH2 mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test and who have received at least two prior systemic therapies.
Adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options.
These indications are approved under accelerated approval regulatory pathways based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for these indications may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
View the U.S. Full Prescribing Information here
Tazverik is available in Japan, Macau, Hong Kong & China via Ipsen partners.

About SYMPHONY-1
SYMPHONY?1 (EZH?302; NCT04224493) is an Ipsen?led global Phase Ib/III study evaluating Tazverik® in combination with lenalidomide and rituximab (R²) as a second?line therapy for relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma. This study also serves as the confirmatory trial required under the accelerated approval pathway for Tazverik® in follicular lymphoma.

The trial spans 229 sites across 15 countries, including the U.S., EU, China, and others, and includes independently powered analyses for EZH2?wild?type and EZH2?mutant patient populations.

About Ipsen
We are a global biopharmaceutical company with a focus on bringing transformative medicines to patients in three therapeutic areas: Oncology, Rare Disease and Neuroscience. Our pipeline is fueled by internal and external innovation and supported by nearly 100 years of development experience and global hubs in the U.S., France and the U.K. Our teams in more than 40 countries and our partnerships around the world enable us to bring medicines to patients in more than 100 countries. 

Ipsen is listed in Paris (Euronext: IPN) and in the U.S. through a Sponsored Level I American Depositary Receipt program (ADR: IPSEY). For more information, visit ipsen.com.

Ipsen Contacts

 
  
Investors  
Henry Wheelerhenry.wheeler@ipsen.com+33 7 66 47 11 49
Khalid Deojeekhalid.deojee@ipsen.com+33 6 66 01 95 26
   
Médias    
Sally Bainsally.bain@ipsen.com+1 857 320 0517
Anne Liontasanne.liontas.ext@ipsen.com+33 7 67 34 72 96
   

Disclaimers and/or forward-looking statements

The forward-looking statements, objectives and targets contained herein are based on Ipsen’s management strategy, current views and assumptions. Such statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those anticipated herein. All of the above risks could affect Ipsen’s future ability to achieve its financial targets, which were set assuming reasonable macroeconomic conditions based on the information available today. Use of the words ‘believes’, ‘anticipates’ and ‘expects’ and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, including Ipsen’s expectations regarding future events, including regulatory filings and determinations. Moreover, the targets described in this document were prepared without taking into account external-growth assumptions and potential future acquisitions, which may alter these parameters. These objectives are based on data and assumptions regarded as reasonable by Ipsen. These targets depend on conditions or facts likely to happen in the future, and not exclusively on historical data. Actual results may depart significantly from these targets given the occurrence of certain risks and uncertainties, notably the fact that a promising medicine in early development phase or clinical trial may end up never being launched on the market or reaching its commercial targets, notably for regulatory or competition reasons. Ipsen must face or might face competition from generic medicine that might translate into a loss of market share. Furthermore, the research and development process involves several stages each of which involves the substantial risk that Ipsen may fail to achieve its objectives and be forced to abandon its efforts with regards to a medicine in which it has invested significant sums. Therefore, Ipsen cannot be certain that favorable results obtained during preclinical trials will be confirmed subsequently during clinical trials, or that the results of clinical trials will be sufficient to demonstrate the safe and effective nature of the medicine concerned. There can be no guarantees a medicine will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that the medicine will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Other risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and healthcare legislation and risks arising from unexpected regulatory or political changes such as changes in tax regulation and regulations on trade and tariffs, such as protectionist measures, especially in the United States; global trends toward healthcare cost containment; technological advances, new medicine and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new-medicine development, including obtaining regulatory approval; Ipsen’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of Ipsen’s patents and other protections for innovative medicines; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions. Ipsen also depends on third parties to develop and market some of its medicines which could potentially generate substantial royalties; these partners could behave in such ways which could cause damage to Ipsen’s activities and financial results. Ipsen cannot be certain that its partners will fulfil their obligations. It might be unable to obtain any benefit from those agreements. A default by any of Ipsen’s partners could generate lower revenues than expected. Such situations could have a negative impact on Ipsen’s business, financial position or performance. Ipsen expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward looking statements, targets or estimates contained in this press release to reflect any change in events, conditions, assumptions or circumstances on which any such statements are based, unless so required by applicable law. Ipsen’s business is subject to the risk factors outlined in its registration documents filed with the French Autorité des Marchés Financiers. The risks and uncertainties set out are not exhaustive and the reader is advised to refer to Ipsen’s latest Universal Registration Document, available on ipsen.com.

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FAQ**

How does the voluntary withdrawal of Tazverik® impact Ipsen IPSEF's overall pipeline and future growth projections?

The voluntary withdrawal of Tazverik® could significantly hinder Ipsen's overall pipeline and growth projections by limiting revenue streams, reducing its oncology portfolio's competitiveness, and necessitating strategic adjustments to compensate for the loss.

What specific measures is Ipsen IPSEF taking to support patients affected by the withdrawal of Tazverik® and the ongoing clinical trials?

Ipsen IPSEF is implementing comprehensive patient support initiatives, including alternative treatment options, access to clinical trial information, and dedicated patient assistance programs to address the impact of Tazverik® withdrawal on affected individuals.

Given the withdrawal, how does Ipsen IPSEF plan to address potential investor concerns regarding its market position and R&D priorities?

Ipsen IPSEF plans to address potential investor concerns by focusing on strategic partnerships, reinforcing its commitment to innovation in targeted therapeutic areas, and transparently communicating its R&D priorities and market strategies.

What insights has Ipsen IPSEF gained from the SYMPHONY-1 trial data that could influence the direction of their future oncology programs?

Ipsen IPSEF's analysis of SYMPHONY-1 trial data suggests potential biomarkers for patient selection and highlights the significance of targeting specific molecular pathways, which may refine and enhance their future oncology programs in developing more effective therapies.

**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Ipsen (OTC: IPSEF).

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