BEDMINSTER, N.J. and DUBLIN, Ireland, March 21, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amarin Corporation plc (NASDAQ:AMRN), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the commercialization and development of therapeutics to improve cardiovascular health, along with Biologix FZCo, a company based in the United Arab Emirates and a pioneer in the distribution of pharmaceutical and biological products in the Middle East and North Africa, today announced that the Ministry of Public Health in Lebanon has approved Vascepa® (icosapent ethyl) capsules as a prescription medication for use in Lebanon as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglyceride (TG) levels in adult patients with severe (TG > 500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia. This approval is a result of the collaborative effort by the parties since the start of their 2016 agreement to register and commercialize Vascepa in multiple countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

“We are excited that patients in Lebanon will have the opportunity to benefit from Vascepa,” said John F. Thero, president and chief executive officer of Amarin. “Biologix, our distribution partner for the MENA region, is demonstrating its expertise in gaining regulatory approvals for innovative products and will now begin using its experience to promote appropriate use of Vascepa. We hope that this will be the first of a series of anticipated approvals to be received for Vascepa outside the United States.”
               
The approval of Vascepa in Lebanon is the first of a series of anticipated approvals for Vascepa in the MENA region.  While the timing of additional approvals is difficult to predict given the varied regulatory processes in each country, additional approvals for Vascepa by other countries in the MENA region are possible in 2018 with additional approvals to follow.  The revenue potential for Vascepa outside the United States is anticipated to be relatively modest until Vascepa is approved in additional countries.   

Under the agreement, Biologix is responsible for registering Vascepa in the licensed territory, as well as providing all marketing, sales, and distribution services for the product. Amarin is responsible for providing regulatory assistance, supply and maintaining intellectual property in the region.

About Amarin

Amarin Corporation plc is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the commercialization and development of therapeutics to improve cardiovascular health.  Amarin’s product development program leverages its extensive experience in lipid science and the potential therapeutic benefits of polyunsaturated fatty acids.  Vascepa® (icosapent ethyl), Amarin’s first FDA approved product, is a highly-pure, omega-3 fatty acid product available by prescription.  For more information about Vascepa visit www.vascepa.com.  For more information about Amarin visit www.amarincorp.com.

About Biologix FZCo

Biologix FZCO (Biologix) is a leading promoter and distributor of Biotech products in the MENA region, based in Dubai, UAE. The company was founded in 2002 by Lebanese nationals and is serviced by Algorithm, a leading Lebanon based, pharmaceutical manufacturers company that has operations across the Middle East and North Africa.  Biologix offers regulatory, medical, marketing, sales and distribution support to its partners with a direct presence in 17 countries of the Middle East and North Africa including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Yemen, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Syria and Morocco. Biologix focuses on the following therapeutics areas: oncology-hematology, cardio-metabolic, neurology, rare diseases and pain & inflammation.

About VASCEPA® (icosapent ethyl) Capsules

Vascepa® (icosapent ethyl) capsules are a single-molecule prescription product consisting of the omega-3 acid commonly known as EPA in ethyl-ester form. Vascepa is not fish oil, but is derived from fish through a stringent and complex FDA-regulated manufacturing process designed to effectively eliminate impurities and isolate and protect the single molecule active ingredient. Vascepa, known in scientific literature as AMR101, has been designated a new chemical entity by the FDA.  Amarin has been issued multiple patents internationally based on the unique clinical profile of Vascepa, including the drug’s ability to lower triglyceride levels in relevant patient populations without raising LDL-cholesterol levels. 

FDA-Approved Indication and Usage

  • Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) is indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglyceride (TG) levels in adult patients with severe (≥500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia.
  • The effect of Vascepa on the risk for pancreatitis and cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia has not been determined.

Important Safety Information for Vascepa

  • Vascepa is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction) to Vascepa or any of its components.
  • Use with caution in patients with known hypersensitivity to fish and/or shellfish.
  • The most common reported adverse reaction (incidence > 2% and greater than placebo) was arthralgia (2.3% for Vascepa, 1.0% for placebo). There was no reported adverse reaction > 3% and greater than placebo.
  • Patients receiving treatment with Vascepa and other drugs affecting coagulation (e.g., anti-platelet agents) should be monitored periodically.
  • In patients with hepatic impairment, monitor ALT and AST levels periodically during therapy.
  • Patients should be advised to swallow Vascepa capsules whole; not to break open, crush, dissolve, or chew Vascepa.
  • Adverse events and product complaints may be reported by calling 1-855-VASCEPA or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

FULL VASCEPA PRESCRIBING INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.VASCEPA.COM.

Vascepa has been approved for use by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglyceride levels in adult patients with severe (≥500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia. Nothing in this press release should be construed as promoting the use of Vascepa in any indication that has not been approved by the FDA.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about the potential for successful development and commercialization of Vascepa in the MENA region; the efficacy, safety and therapeutic benefits of Vascepa and the commercial success of the collaboration effort and agreement; and the potential and timing for regulatory approvals and commercial opportunities that may result therefrom and in other territories outside the United States. These forward-looking statements are not promises or guarantees and involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described or projected herein, including the ability to effectively commercialize Vascepa, will depend in part on the parties’ ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals in the MENA region, create market demand for Vascepa through education, marketing and sales activities, achieve market acceptance of Vascepa, receive adequate levels of reimbursement from third-party payers, develop and maintain a consistent source of commercial supply at a competitive price, and maintain patent and exclusivity protection. Other factors include uncertainties associated with clinical trials, regulatory reviews, commercial success, new collaborations and the ability of commercial partners to work together effectively to achieve intended results. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other risks associated with an investment in Amarin can be found in Amarin’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Amarin undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.

Availability of Other Information About Amarin

Investors and others should note that Amarin communicates with its investors and the public using the company website (http://www.amarincorp.com/), the investor relations website (http://investor.amarincorp.com/), including but not limited to investor presentations and investor FAQs, Securities and Exchange Commission filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts.  The information that Amarin posts on these channels and websites could be deemed to be material information.  As a result, Amarin encourages investors, the media, and others interested in Amarin to review the information that is posted on these channels, including the investor relations website, on a regular basis.  This list of channels may be updated from time to time on Amarin’s investor relations website and may include social media channels.  The contents of Amarin’s website or these channels, or any other website that may be accessed from its website or these channels, shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933.

Amarin Contact Information

Investor Relations:
Elisabeth Schwartz
Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
Amarin Corporation plc
In U.S.: +1 (908) 719-1315
[email protected]

Lee M. Stern
Trout Group 
In U.S.: +1 (646) 378-2992
[email protected]

Media Inquiries:
Kristie Kuhl
Finn Partners
In U.S.: +1 (212) 583-2791
[email protected]