Achieve Life Sciences names Omnicom as strategic partner for launch

SEATTLE/VANCOUVER - Achieve Life Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACHV) has appointed Omnicom (NYSE:OMC) as its strategic innovation partner and agency of record to support the planned U.S. commercial launch of cytisinicline, a treatment for nicotine dependence in smoking cessation. Omnicom, currently trading near its 52-week low with a market capitalization of $13.85 billion and showing strong financial metrics according to InvestingPro data, brings substantial experience to this partnership.

The partnership announcement comes one day after Achieve submitted its New Drug Application (NDA) for cytisinicline to the FDA on June 25, following the completion of two Phase 3 studies and enrollment in an ongoing open-label safety study.

Omnicom’s technology division Credera will lead the development of Achieve’s U.S. launch platform, incorporating AI-enabled marketing technology for precision targeting and engagement with healthcare professionals and patients.

"As an emerging biopharma company, we recognize we can’t follow the traditional playbook historically used to launch new medicines," said Jaime Xinos, Chief Commercial Officer of Achieve Life Sciences, according to the press release.

The collaboration brings together specialized talent from several Omnicom agencies, including Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, DDB Health, and Ketchum Health, to provide expertise in consumer brand development, medical education, and strategic communications.

The partnership will utilize technologies such as generative AI, predictive analytics, and social listening, while also establishing partnerships with healthcare apps, pharmacies, and data providers.

Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., with over 29 million adults still smoking. Cytisinicline is a plant-based alkaloid that targets nicotine receptors in the brain to reduce cravings and satisfaction associated with nicotine products.

If approved, cytisinicline would represent the first new treatment for nicotine dependence in decades, according to the company’s statement. For deeper insights into Omnicom’s financial health and growth potential, InvestingPro subscribers can access comprehensive analysis, including 8 additional ProTips and detailed financial metrics in the Pro Research Report, helping investors make more informed decisions about companies involved in breakthrough medical innovations.

In other recent news, Omnicom Group and Interpublic Group of Companies have received clearance from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission for Omnicom’s proposed acquisition of Interpublic. This marks a significant step forward in the merger process, although remaining regulatory approvals are still required. The FTC has imposed restrictions on the merger to prevent Omnicom from directing advertising away from media publishers based on political or ideological viewpoints. Meanwhile, BofA Securities has upgraded Omnicom’s stock rating from Underperform to Neutral, citing its current valuation and the CEO’s equity-based compensation as factors. The CEO of Omnicom, John D. Wren, has extended his term through 2028, with his future compensation tied to Omnicom’s performance. Wren’s strategic focus will include the acquisition and integration of Interpublic. These developments come amid broader regulatory discussions about political bias in advertising practices. The merger is anticipated to create the world’s largest media buying advertising agency.

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