Pharming Group's Joenja Approved in Japan for APDS Treatment
Pharming Group earlier announced that Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has approved Joenja, an oral, selective phosphoinositide 3-kinase delta inhibitor, for the treatment of activated PI3K delta syndrome in adult and pediatric patients aged 4 years and older. "With this approval, Joenja becomes the first treatment approved in Japan specifically for APDS and the first approved treatment anywhere globally, for children aged 4 to 11 with the disease. Under an agreement with Pharming, OrphanPacific, Inc. serves as the Marketing Authorization Holder for Joenja in Japan and in collaboration with Pharming, is responsible for supply and distribution of the product. The launch of Joenja is expected following agreement with the MHLW on its National Health Insurance drug price," the company stated.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Analyst Views on PHAR
About PHAR
About the author

- Positive EMA Opinion: The European Medicines Agency's expert panel issued a positive opinion recommending marketing authorization for Pharming Group's Joenja, marking a significant advancement for the company in the rare immunodeficiency treatment sector.
- Broad Indication: Joenja targets patients aged 12 and older with activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase delta syndrome, which affects approximately 1-2 individuals per million globally, and if approved, it will be the first therapy for this condition, addressing a critical market need.
- Significant Market Potential: Already available in the U.S. and U.K., Joenja's potential EU approval would allow it to be marketed across 27 member states, as well as Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, significantly enhancing Pharming's market share and revenue prospects.
- Review Process Ahead: The European Commission will review the EMA's decision within about two months, and if authorized, it will lay the groundwork for Pharming's business expansion in Europe, further driving the company's growth strategy.
- Positive EMA Opinion: The European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has issued a positive opinion recommending Joenja® (leniolisib) for the treatment of activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase delta syndrome (APDS), potentially making it the first approved treatment for APDS in the EU.
- Clinical Data Support: This positive opinion is based on results from a multinational, triple-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II/III clinical trial involving 31 patients aged 12 and older with APDS, demonstrating significant improvements in immune dysregulation and deficiency, indicating Joenja's potential clinical impact.
- Market Access Outlook: If approved, Joenja will receive centralized marketing authorization valid across all 27 EU member states, as well as Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, greatly enhancing treatment options for patients and addressing the significant unmet medical need in APDS.
- Global Strategic Expansion: Joenja is already approved in the U.S. and U.K. for patients aged 12 and older, and the EMA's positive opinion aligns with recent approval in Japan, reflecting Pharming's commitment to APDS treatment globally and positioning the company for further growth in the rare disease sector.
- Drug Approval: Pharming's Joenja (leniolisib) has been approved by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare as the first treatment specifically for activated PI3K delta syndrome (APDS), marking a significant milestone for pediatric patients aged 4 to 11 and enhancing treatment options in Japan and globally.
- Market Collaboration: Under an agreement, OrphanPacific, Inc. will serve as the Marketing Authorization Holder for Joenja in Japan, responsible for supply and distribution, which will expedite the drug's market introduction and ensure timely access for patients in need of treatment.
- Clinical Trial Results: The approval was based on Pharming's Phase III clinical trial data for APDS, demonstrating that Joenja significantly reduced lymphadenopathy and increased the percentage of naïve B cells, establishing its efficacy and providing new hope for affected patients.
- Global Expansion Plans: Leniolisib is currently under regulatory review in the European Economic Area, Canada, and several other countries, while also being evaluated in two Phase II clinical trials for primary immunodeficiencies with immune dysregulation, showcasing Pharming's commitment to expanding its global footprint in rare disease treatments.
- Significant Revenue Growth: Pharming Group reported total revenues of $106.5 million in Q4 2025, reflecting a 15% year-over-year increase, while full-year revenues grew by 27% to $376.1 million, showcasing the company's strong growth potential in the biotech sector.
- Improved Profitability: The company achieved an operating profit of $26 million in 2025, a substantial turnaround from a loss in 2024, with Q4 operating cash flow reaching $55 million, enhancing financial stability and cash reserves compared to the end of 2024.
- Strong Product Performance: RUCONEST delivered a 26% global revenue growth, while Joenja reached $19.8 million in Q4 2025, marking a 53% increase year-over-year, indicating resilience in market competition and robust product demand.
- Optimistic Outlook: Pharming reaffirmed its 2026 revenue guidance of $405 million to $425 million, expecting continued growth for RUCONEST and Joenja despite new competitive pressures, with management expressing confidence in future market expansion and R&D investments.
- Earnings Highlights: Pharming's Q4 2025 GAAP EPS stands at $0.01, aligning with expectations, while revenue reaches $106.5 million, reflecting a 14.9% year-over-year growth and exceeding market expectations by $0.6 million, indicating the company's stable performance in the market.
- RUCONEST® Revenue Growth: RUCONEST® generated $86.7 million in revenue, marking a 9% increase compared to Q4 2024, highlighting sustained demand for the product and the company's competitive position in this segment.
- Strong Joenja® Performance: Joenja® saw a remarkable 53% revenue increase to $19.8 million in Q4, showcasing the product's market acceptance and the success of the sales strategy, which is expected to further drive overall company performance.
- Cash Flow and Future Outlook: Operating cash flow amounted to $10.7 million, up from $9.3 million in Q4 2024, while cash and cash equivalents rose from $168.9 million to $181.1 million; the 2026 total revenue guidance of $405 million to $425 million reflects the company's confidence in future growth prospects.
- Securities Fraud Investigation: Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims against Pharming Group N.V. regarding potential securities fraud by the company and its executives, which could lead to significant investor losses.
- FDA Response Letter: On February 1, 2026, Pharming announced that the FDA issued a Complete Response Letter for its Joenja® supplemental New Drug Application, requesting additional pediatric pharmacokinetic data to ensure safety for lower weight children.
- Significant Stock Drop: Following the FDA's announcement, Pharming's American Depositary Receipt (ADR) price fell by $3.495, or 17.07%, closing at $16.975 per ADR on February 2, 2026, indicating market concerns about the company's future.
- Law Firm Background: Pomerantz LLP is a prominent firm in corporate and securities class litigation, established over 85 years ago, dedicated to fighting for the rights of victims of securities fraud and has historically recovered multimillion-dollar damages for class members.








