FLORHAM PARK - Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: PHAT), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel treatments for gastrointestinal diseases, today announced the placement of VOQUEZNA (vonoprazan) tablets for the treatment of adults with Erosive Esophagitis, commonly referred to as Erosive GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), and relief of heartburn associated with Erosive Esophagitis on the Express Scripts national formularies, effective immediately.
VOQUEZNA is the first and only FDA-approved potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB) and the first new class of Erosive GERD treatment to become available in the United States in over 30 years. Commercial access for VOQUEZNA tablets is now estimated at 60 million covered lives in the United States.
'We are thrilled to announce VOQUEZNA has been added to Express Scripts' national formularies, highlighting one of the largest pharmacy benefit management companies in the U.S. is now providing millions of patients the potential for immediate access to our novel treatment for Erosive GERD,' said Martin Gilligan, Chief Commercial Officer of Phathom. 'This formulary placement aligns with our expectations of offering broad access with a single step through a generic proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Given that most Erosive GERD patients have already undergone treatment with a PPI, and many continue to express dissatisfaction with their current regimens, we are pleased with this outcome. Additionally, we are actively engaging with the other major PBMs and health plans to further increase coverage and ensure that patients suffering from Erosive GERD have widespread access to VOQUEZNA.'
Erosive GERD, also referred to as Erosive Esophagitis, is a subtype of GERD that affects approximately 20 million people in the U.S. Research shows high dissatisfaction among patients and prescribers with current therapies1 and according to medical claims analysis, approximately 35% of Erosive GERD patients treated with a prescription PPI switch to a different PPI within three months of initial treatment.2
Phathom is also offering programs for eligible patients who face coverage or affordability issues, including co-pay assistance for patients with commercial insurance.
About VOQUEZNA
VOQUEZNA (vonoprazan) tablets contain vonoprazan, an oral small molecule potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB), approved in the U.S. for the treatment of adults with Erosive Esophagitis, also known as Erosive GERD, and the relief of heartburn associated with Erosive GERD. PCABs are a novel class of medicines that block acid secretion in the stomach. Vonoprazan is the first gastric anti-secretory agent from a novel class approved in the United States in over 30 years, and has shown rapid, potent, and durable anti-secretory effects. PCABs are a novel class of medicines that block acid secretion in the stomach. Phathom in-licensed the U.S. rights to vonoprazan from Takeda, which markets the product in Japan and numerous other countries in Asia and Latin America.
About Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Phathom Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel treatments for gastrointestinal diseases. Phathom has in-licensed the exclusive rights in the United States, Europe, and Canada to vonoprazan, a first-in-class potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB).
Forward-Looking Statements
Phathom cautions you that statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the Company's current beliefs and expectations. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding patient access and continued expansion in commercial coverage with other payers. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Phathom that any of its plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ from those set forth in this press release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in Phathom's business, including, without limitation: we may not be able to successfully commercialize VOQUEZNA which will depend on a number of factors including coverage and reimbursement levels from governmental authorities and health insurers as well as market acceptance by healthcare providers; the inherent risks of clinical development of vonoprazan; Phathom's dependence on third parties in connection with product manufacturing, research and preclinical and clinical testing; regulatory developments in the United States and foreign countries; unexpected adverse side effects or inadequate efficacy of vonoprazan that may limit its development, regulatory approval and/or commercialization, or may result in recalls or product liability claims; Phathom's ability to access additional capital under its term loan facility and royalty interest finance agreements is subject to certain conditions; Phathom's ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for vonoprazan; Phathom's ability to comply with its license agreement with Takeda and other risks described in the Company's prior press releases and the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including under the heading 'Risk Factors' in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent filings with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and Phathom undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, which is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Contact:
Nick Benedetto
Tel: 1-877-742-8466
Email: media@phathompharma.com
Eric Sciorilli
Tel: 1-877-742-8466
Email: ir@phathompharma.com
PHATHOM PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. 
