Avadel appoints new COO to boost narcolepsy drug growth

DUBLIN - Avadel Pharmaceuticals plc (NASDAQ:AVDL), a company specializing in pharmaceutical development with a market capitalization of $928 million, today announced the appointment of Susan Rodriguez as Chief Operating Officer. Ms. Rodriguez, an experienced biopharma executive, will oversee the company’s commercial strategy and operations, focusing on the narcolepsy treatment LUMRYZ. According to InvestingPro data, the company has demonstrated impressive growth with revenue surging over 250% in the last twelve months.

Rodriguez brings over three decades of industry experience to Avadel, having previously served as Chief Commercial Officer at Ardelyx and CEO of Tolmar Pharmaceuticals. Her background includes launching therapies in gastroenterology, nephrology, and oncology, with a particular emphasis on rare diseases. The appointment comes at a crucial time for Avadel, which maintains strong financial health with a current ratio of 2.73 and impressive gross profit margins exceeding 90%.

Gregory J. Divis, CEO of Avadel, expressed confidence in Rodriguez’s ability to lead the company through a critical phase, as they aim to meet the growing demand for LUMRYZ and explore its potential use for idiopathic hypersomnia. The company’s stock has shown strong momentum, gaining 11% in the past week, and appears undervalued according to InvestingPro Fair Value analysis.

LUMRYZ, an extended-release sodium oxybate oral suspension, is the first FDA-approved once-at-bedtime treatment for cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness in adult and pediatric narcolepsy patients. The FDA granted LUMRYZ Orphan Drug Exclusivity for seven years following its approvals in May 2023 and October 2024.

The drug’s efficacy was supported by the REST-ON Phase 3 trial, which demonstrated significant improvements in narcolepsy symptoms. The once-nightly dosing regimen of LUMRYZ offers a major contribution to patient care compared to existing twice-nightly oxybate treatments.

Avadel’s forward-looking statements highlight the anticipated therapeutic benefits and market potential of LUMRYZ, along with Rodriguez’s expected contribution to the company’s growth. However, these statements are subject to the inherent risks and uncertainties of the pharmaceutical industry.

This news is based on a press release statement from Avadel Pharmaceuticals plc. For deeper insights into Avadel’s financial health, growth prospects, and detailed analysis, investors can access the comprehensive Pro Research Report, available exclusively on InvestingPro, along with 10 additional ProTips and extensive financial metrics.

In other recent news, Avadel Pharmaceuticals has received a favorable ruling from the United States Court of Appeals, allowing the company to seek FDA approval for its drug LUMRYZ in treating conditions beyond narcolepsy. This decision permits Avadel to initiate new clinical trials for LUMRYZ, including its use in treating Idiopathic Hypersomnia. Additionally, Avadel reported steady demand for LUMRYZ, with Q1 2025 patient demand metrics showing improvement over the last quarter of 2024. The company has also initiated four patent infringement lawsuits against Jazz Pharmaceuticals, asserting that Jazz’s Xywav product infringes on multiple Avadel patents. In other updates, Avadel announced significant equity grants to key executives, aligning their interests with those of shareholders. Meanwhile, H.C. Wainwright has maintained its Buy rating and $21 price target for Avadel, noting the company’s fourth-quarter revenue of $50 million met expectations. The firm projects 2025 sales of $255 million, slightly above Avadel’s guidance midpoint. Avadel also highlighted its efforts to expand its market and improve patient persistence, particularly among those switching from other treatments.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.