Recently, Madrigal Pharmaceuticals achieved a significant milestone by securing FDA approval for Rezdiffra, its treatment for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). With the commercial launch on the horizon, Madrigal is now focused on securing substantial financial backing to support its market introduction efforts.
The pharmaceutical company has announced the pricing of 750,000 shares of common stock at $260 each. Additionally, it is offering pre-funded warrants for approximately 1.56 million shares at a similar price point. Through this strategy, Madrigal anticipates raising approximately $600 million to fund the launch of Rezdiffra, which notably received the FDA’s first approval for MASH treatment last Friday.
Originally set at $500 million, the financial target was increased by $100 million following strong interest. The proceeds from this offering are earmarked not only for the launch but also for a range of purposes including research and development, and potentially, acquisitions or licensing agreements, as outlined in a recent company statement. The closing of this offering is expected on March 21.
Madrigal plans to introduce this pioneering medication to the market in the second quarter of this year. Rezdiffra stands out as the inaugural therapy approved for treating MASH, specifically targeting patients with moderate to severe liver fibrosis, classified as stages F2 and F3 of the condition.
MASH, a condition affecting an estimated 5% of U.S. adults, has presented significant challenges for pharmaceutical companies aiming to enter this therapeutic area. Prior to Madrigal, Intercept Pharmaceuticals was a leading contender for FDA approval in this field, though it faced setbacks with two rejections for its candidate last year. Other major pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Genfit, have also ventured into the NASH space, but Madrigal’s Rezdiffra is the first to achieve phase 3 study goals for both MASH resolution and fibrosis improvement.
Rezdiffra is set to enter the market with a wholesale acquisition cost of $47,400, subject to discounts. Financial analysts from Evercore ISI have forecasted peak global sales to reach $5.5 billion, with expectations of generating approximately $2.6 billion by 2030. A significant advantage for Rezdiffra is the FDA’s approval without the need for a liver biopsy to determine patient eligibility, addressing concerns about the invasive procedure and its potential to limit access to the treatment.