Somatropin (Merck Serono SA)

- Results for all three TransCon hGH starting dose cohorts, in first clinical trial of an indication outside of growth hormone deficiency, showed a safety and tolerability profile comparable to daily somatropin - Annualized height velocity was similar at Week 26 in once-weekly TransCon hGH-treated and daily somatropin-treated children COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Dec. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ascendis Pharma A/S (Nasdaq: ASND) today announced positive Week 26 topline results from New InsiGHTS, its Phase 2 randomized, open-label, active-controlled trial in the U.S. to investigate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of once-weekly TransCon hGH (lonapegsomatropin; approved for pediatric growth hormone deficiency) compared to daily somatropin in prepubertal children with Turner syndrome. New InsiGHTS randomized and dosed 49 children with Turner syndrome aged 1 to 10 years old into one of four treatment groups 1:1:1:1 – one of three starting doses of TransCon hGH (0.24, 0.30, or 0.36 mg/kg/week) or an active comparator of daily somatropin with a starting dose of 0.35 mg/kg/week. Doses were individualized based on IGF-1. On the primary endpoint of annualized height velocity and secondary endpoint of change from baseline in height SDS, children treated with TransCon hGH demonstrated improved growth similar to daily somatropin at Week 26, independent of starting dose.In the trial, TransCon hGH was generally safe and well tolerated, with no discontinuations related to study drug and with comparable safety and tolerability to daily somatropin. “Week 26 topline data from the New InsiGHTS Trial showed that once-weekly TransCon hGH provided comparable safety and endocrine benefits to those seen with the established use of daily somatropin in Turner syndrome,” said Jan Mikkelsen, Ascendis Pharma’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “These positive results lay the foundation for our planned basket trial in 2025 to support label expansion.” Ascendis expects Week 52 results for lonapegsomatropin-treated children compared to daily somatropin-treated children in 2025. About Turner SyndromeTurner syndrome is the most common congenital sex chromosomal condition in females, with an estimated prevalence of 1 out of every 2,000 to 2,500 live female births. Short stature, associated with short stature homeobox-containing gene (SHOX) haploinsufficiency, is the most common clinical feature of Turner syndrome. Clinical manifestations of Turner syndrome affect multiple organ systems and are associated with significant and potentially life-threatening complications including cardiovascular disease, ovarian dysfunction, endocrine disease, renal malformation, liver disease, sensorineural hearing loss, and varied neuropsychological manifestations. About Ascendis Pharma A/SAscendis Pharma is applying its innovative TransCon technology platform to build a leading, fully integrated biopharma company focused on making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. Guided by its core values of Patients, Science, and Passion, Ascendis uses its TransCon technologies to create new and potentially best-in-class therapies. Ascendis is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark and has additional facilities in Europe and the United States. Please visit ascendispharma.com to learn more. Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release regarding Ascendis’ future operations, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to (i) the timing of Week 52 results for lonapegsomatropin-treated patients compared to daily somatropin-treated patients, (ii) Ascendis’ plans for a basket trial in 2025 and SKYTROFA’s potential label expansion, (iii) Ascendis’ ability to apply its TransCon technology platform to build a leading, fully integrated biopharma company, and (iv) Ascendis’ use of its TransCon technologies to create new and potentially best-in-class therapies. Ascendis may not actually achieve the plans, carry out the intentions or meet the expectations or projections disclosed in the forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions, expectations, and projections disclosed in the forward-looking statements. Various important factors could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements that Ascendis makes, including the following: dependence on third party manufacturers, distributors and service providers for Ascendis’ products and product candidates; unforeseen safety or efficacy results in Ascendis’ development programs or on-market products; unforeseen expenses related to commercialization of any approved Ascendis products; unforeseen expenses related to Ascendis’ development programs; unforeseen selling, general and administrative expenses, other research and development expenses and Ascendis’ business generally; delays in the development of its programs related to manufacturing, regulatory requirements, speed of patient recruitment or other unforeseen delays; Ascendis’ ability to obtain additional funding, if needed, to support its business activities; the impact of international economic, political, legal, compliance, social and business factors. For a further description of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to Ascendis’ business in general, see Ascendis’ prospectus supplement filed on September 20, 2024 and Ascendis’ current and future reports filed with, or submitted to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including its Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on February 7, 2024. Forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future licensing, collaborations, acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures, or investments that Ascendis may enter into or make. Ascendis does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Ascendis, Ascendis Pharma, the Ascendis Pharma logo, the company logo, and TransCon are trademarks owned by the Ascendis Pharma group. © December 2024 Ascendis Pharma A/S. Investor Contacts:Media Contact:Scott SmithMelinda BakerAscendis PharmaAscendis Pharmair@ascendispharma.com+1 (650) 709-8875 media@ascendispharma.comPatti Bank ICR Healthcare +1 (415) 513-1284 patti.bank@icrhealthcare.com

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to art. 53 SIX Swiss Exchange Listing Rules MEDIA RELEASE Strong third-quarter biosimilars growth of 37% in constant currencies from existing portfolio and recent launchesGenerics growth acceleration driven by EuropeThird-quarter net sales¹ of USD 2.6 billion, up 12% in constant currencies (up 11% in USD)Nine-month net sales of USD 7.6 billion, up 9% in constant currencies (up 8% in USD)Net sales growth guidance increased to high-single digit in constant currencies (from mid- to high-single digit) and core EBITDA margin² guidance of around 20% confirmed Basel, October 30, 2024 – Sandoz (SIX:SDZ/OTCQX:SDZNY), the global leader in generic and biosimilar medicines, today announced net sales for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2024. For the third quarter, net sales were USD 2.6 billion, an increase of 12% in constant currencies compared to the same quarter of the prior year. For the first nine months of 2024, net sales were USD 7.6 billion, an increase of 9% in constant currencies compared to the prior year. Richard Saynor, Chief Executive Officer of Sandoz, said: “We remain focused on execution, meeting key milestones in our biosimilars business and progressing on our journey as a standalone company. In recent months, we received approval for Pyzchiva® and Enzeevu™ in the US, launched Pyzchiva® in Europe and see continued strong uptake of Hyrimoz® in the US. “Net sales growth was achieved across generics and biosimilars, with generics accelerating in the third quarter and strong double-digit biosimilars growth in both the third quarter and first nine months. Additionally, all three regions contributed to this strong performance. We expect momentum in our business to continue, driving margin expansion through favorable product mix and leveraging our cost base. We have further advanced on our path to simplifying our business, including progression on the transformation program we launched earlier this year.” THIRD-QUARTER AND NINE-MONTH SALES Net sales for the third quarter were USD 2.6 billion, up 12% in constant currencies, compared to the third quarter of 2023. Volume contributed 13 percentage points of growth. This was partially offset by price erosion of 1 percentage point. Biosimilars were the key driver of growth in the quarter, while generics experienced solid demand. Growth accelerated in both businesses. Net sales for the first nine months of 2024 were USD 7.6 billion, up 9% in constant currencies compared to prior year. Volume contributed 11 percentage points of growth. This was partially offset by price erosion of 2 percentage points. The growth was primarily driven by biosimilars, with strong demand for both the base business and new in-market organic and acquired products in the US. Net sales by business Q3 2024Q3 2023 Change % 9M 20249M 2023 Change %USD millions unless indicated otherwise USDcc* USDcc*Generics 1 8541 794 34 5 5585 512 12Biosimilars 741 543 3637 2 0841 592 3132Net sales to third parties 2 5952 337 1112 7 6427 104 89 *constant currencies Generics overviewNet sales for the third quarter were USD 1.9 billion, up 4% in constant currencies, compared to the third quarter of 2023. Net sales for the first nine months were USD 5.6 billion, up 2% in constant currencies versus prior year. Growth in the Europe region accelerated in the third quarter, mainly driven by recent launches. The momentum continued in the International region, aided by demand for the antifungal agent Mycamine® and favorable pricing dynamics, partly offset by the divestment of the Chinese business. North America declined due to timing of new launches in the US. Biosimilars overviewNet sales for the third quarter were USD 741 million, up 37% in constant currencies, compared to the third quarter of 2023. Net sales for the first nine months were USD 2.1 billion, up 32% in constant currencies versus prior year. The strong double-digit biosimilars growth reflects the uptake of Hyrimoz® (adalimumab) in the US, the acquisition of Cimerli® (ranibizumab), the continued strong demand for our first-ever biosimilar, Omnitrope® (somatropin), and the launches of Tyruko® (natalizumab) and Pyzchiva® (ustekinumab) in Europe. Net sales by region Q3 2024Q3 2023 Change % 9M 20249M 2023 Change %USD millions unless indicated otherwise USDcc USDccEurope 1 3621 204 1312 3 9963 751 76North America 598 510 1718 1 7421 514 1515International 635 623 28 1 9041 839 49Net sales to third parties 2 5952 337 1112 7 6427 104 89 Europe overviewNet sales for the third quarter were USD 1.4 billion, up 12% in constant currencies, compared to the third quarter of 2023. Net sales for the first nine months were USD 4.0 billion, up 6% in constant currencies versus prior year. Strong growth in biosimilars continues, led by demand for Omnitrope® and the contribution from the recent launches of Tyruko® and Pyzchiva®. Generics momentum accelerated in the third quarter, driven by recent launches and the lapping of the strong prior-year comparison in the first half. North America overviewNet sales for the third quarter were USD 598 million, up 18% in constant currencies, compared to the third quarter of 2023. Net sales for the first nine months were USD 1.7 billion, up 15% in constant currencies versus prior year. Growth was driven by the ongoing uptake of Hyrimoz® in the US, the acquisition of Cimerli®, share gain of Omnitrope® in the US and the launch of Wyost®/Jubbonti® in Canada. This was partly offset by a decline in generics sales due to the timing of new launches in the US. International overviewNet sales for the third quarter were USD 635 million, up 8% in constant currencies, compared to the third quarter of 2023. Net sales for the first nine months were USD 1.9 billion, up 9% in constant currencies versus prior year. This was primarily a result of strong volume growth across both generics and biosimilars, contribution from the acquisition of Mycamine® in the prior year, favorable price dynamics and recent launches, partly offset by the divestment of the Chinese business in the second quarter. GUIDANCE 2024 On the back of strong momentum in its biosimilars business and solid generics demand, the company is increasing its full-year 2024 net sales guidance to high-single digit growth in constant currencies versus prior year (from mid- to high-single digit) and is confirming its core EBITDA margin guidance of around 20%. THIRD-QUARTER STRATEGIC MILESTONES Sandoz continued to execute on its strategy and passed additional milestones in its biosimilars portfolio. On July 1, the company announced the US FDA approval of biosimilar Pyzchiva® for all indications of the reference medicine. The company intends to launch Pyzchiva® in the US among the first wave of ustekinumab biosimilars in February 2025. On July 25, Sandoz announced the launch of biosimilar Pyzchiva® across Europe to treat chronic inflammatory diseases. Pyzchiva® was the first biosimilar to launch in Europe with all reference medicine strengths, including an initiation dose for Crohn’s disease. On August 12, Sandoz received FDA approval for Enzeevu™ to treat neovascular age-related macular degeneration. This approval further enhances the company’s leading US ophthalmology portfolio and increases access for patients. Launch timing will be dependent on several factors, including the progress and outcome of pending or potential litigation or any potential settlements. KEY LINKS Webcast – Live at 9am CET Analyst call presentationAnalyst consensus DISCLAIMER This media release contains forward-looking statements, which offer no guarantee with regard to future performance. These statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance at the time the statements are made. They are subject to risks and uncertainties including, but not confined to, future global economic conditions, exchange rates, legal provisions, market conditions, activities by competitors and other factors outside of the control of Sandoz. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those forecasted or expected. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and Sandoz undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.This media release includes non-IFRS financial measures as defined by Sandoz. An explanation of non-IFRS measures can be found in the Supplementary financial information of the Half-Year Report 2024. ABOUT SANDOZ Sandoz (SIX: SDZ; OTCQX: SDZNY) is the global leader in generic and biosimilar medicines, with a growth strategy driven by its Purpose: pioneering access for patients. More than 20,000 people of 100 nationalities work together to ensure 800 million patient treatments are provided by Sandoz, generating substantial global healthcare savings and an even larger social impact. Its leading portfolio of approximately 1,500 products addresses diseases from the common cold to cancer. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Sandoz traces its heritage back to 1886. Its history of breakthroughs includes Calcium Sandoz in 1929, the world’s first oral penicillin in 1951, and the world’s first biosimilar in 2006. In 2023, Sandoz recorded net sales of USD 9.6 billion. CONTACTS Global Media Relations contacts Investor Relations contactsGlobal.MediaRelations@sandoz.comInvestor.Relations@sandoz.comSteffen Kurzawa+41 79 800 8501Laurent de Weck+41 79 795 7364Joerg E. Allgaeuer+49 171 838 4838Tamara Hackl+41 79 790 5217 SUPPORTING FINANCIAL INFORMATION Quarterly net sales 2024 Q1 2024Change % Q2 2024Change % Q3 2024Change %USD millions unless indicated otherwise USDcc USDcc USDccGenerics 1 86901 1 835-11 1 85434Biosimilars 6232121 7203537 7413637Net sales to third parties 2 49256 2 55579 2 5951112 Q1 2024Change % Q2 2024Change % Q3 2024Change %USD millions unless indicated otherwise USDcc USDcc USDcc Europe 1 32642 1 30823 1 3621312North America 52466 6202223 5981718International 642412 62759 63528Net sales to third parties 2 49256 2 55579 2 5951112 2023 Q1 2023Change % Q2 2023Change % Q3 2023Change % Q4 2023Change %USD millions unless indicated otherwise USDcc* USDcc* USDcc* USDcc* Generics 1 86826 1 85046 1 79454 1 92066Biosimilars 5161117 5331314 54374 6232926Net sales to third parties 2 38449 2 38358 2 33764 2 5431110 Q1 2023Change % Q2 2023Change % Q3 2023Change % Q4 2023Change %USD millions unless indicated otherwise USDcc* USDcc* USDcc* USDcc* Europe 1 2701016 1 2771412 1 204113 1 272104North America 496-5-3 508-4-2 510-4-3 6152020International 618-14 598-38 623312 656414Net sales to third parties 2 38449 2 38358 2 33764 2 5431110 ¹ Net sales in this document refer systematically to net sales to third parties. In the first nine months of 2023, third-party sales excluded sales to our former parent. Post spin-off, sales to our former parent are reported as third-party sales.² An explanation of non-IFRS measures can be found in the Supplementary financial information of the Half-Year Report 2024 Attachment 241030_Q3 and 9M Sales 2024_ Media Release.pdf