Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Reports Strong First Quarter 2026 Results With 97% Year-Over-Year LINZESS U.S. Net Sales Growth; Maintains Full-Year 2026 Financial Guidance

– LINZESS® (linaclotide) U.S. net sales of $273 million in Q1 2026, primarily driven by improved net price and 5% EUTRx demand growth year-over-year –

– Total revenue of $107 million, GAAP net income of $41 million and adjusted EBITDA of $77 million in Q1 2026 –

On track to begin site initiations for Phase 3 confirmatory trial of apraglutide in short bowel syndrome with intestinal failure (SBS-IF) in the second quarter of 2026 –

sNDA for LINZESS treatment of functional constipation (FC) in patients 2 to 5 years of age accepted and granted priority review by FDA; PDUFA date set for May 24th

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IRWD), a biotechnology company developing and commercializing life‑changing therapies for people living with gastrointestinal (GI) and rare diseases, today reported its first quarter 2026 results and recent business performance.

“Our first quarter of 2026 delivered strong financial performance, driven by significantly improved net price and mid-single digit prescription growth for LINZESS, positioning us well to achieve our full-year 2026 financial guidance,” said Tom McCourt, chief executive officer of Ironwood. “We expect strong first quarter revenue to result in significant operating cash flows in the second quarter of 2026, which will help support repayment of our 2026 convertible notes at maturity in June.”

“We remain on track for site initiation for the confirmatory STARS‑2 Phase 3 clinical trial in the second quarter,” said Michael Shetzline, chief medical officer, senior vice president and head of research and drug development at Ironwood. “Building on the positive results from STARS, we believe that the highly potent, selective, and long-acting pharmacologic properties of apraglutide have the potential to drive best-in-class efficacy and tolerability with once-weekly dosing and redefine the standard of care in SBS-IF. Importantly, the long-term data generated to date show compelling enteral autonomy outcomes, with rapid and sustained reductions in parenteral support over time.”

First Quarter 2026 Financial Highlights1

(in thousands, except for per share amounts)

Q1 2026

Q1 2025

Total revenue

$

106,506

$

41,143

 

Total costs and expenses

 

33,933

 

70,251

 

GAAP net income (loss)

 

40,773

 

(37,386

)

GAAP net income (loss) – per share basic

 

0.25

 

(0.23

)

GAAP net income (loss) – per share diluted

 

0.24

 

(0.23

)

Adjusted EBITDA2

 

76,671

 

(4,742

)

Non-GAAP net income (loss)

 

40,945

 

(23,228

)

Non-GAAP net income (loss) per share – basic

 

0.25

 

(0.14

)

Non-GAAP net income (loss) per share – diluted

 

0.24

 

(0.14

)

 

1

Refer to the Reconciliation of GAAP Results to Non-GAAP Financial Measures table and to the Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA table at the end of this press release. Refer to Non-GAAP Financial Measures for additional information.

2

Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by subtracting stock-based compensation, net restructuring expenses, net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, from GAAP net income (loss).

First Quarter and Full Year 2026 Corporate Highlights

U.S. LINZESS

Apraglutide

First Quarter 2026 Financial Results

 

2026 Guidance

(May 2026)

U.S. LINZESS Net Sales

$1.125 - $1.175 billion

Driven by improved net price and low-single

digit percentage demand growth

Total Revenue1

$450 - $475 million

Adjusted EBITDA2

>$300 million

 

1

Ironwood’s U.S. collaborative arrangements revenue includes reimbursement from AbbVie for a portion of Ironwood’s commercial expenses related to sales of LINZESS in the U.S.

2

Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by subtracting stock-based compensation, net restructuring expenses, net interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization from GAAP net income (loss). For purposes of this guidance, we have assumed that Ironwood will not incur material expenses related to business development activities in 2026. Ironwood does not provide guidance on GAAP net income or a reconciliation of expected adjusted EBITDA to expected GAAP net income because, without unreasonable efforts, it is unable to predict with reasonable certainty the non-GAAP adjustments used to calculate adjusted EBITDA. These adjustments are uncertain, depend on various factors and could have a material impact on GAAP net income for the guidance period. Management believes this non-GAAP information is useful for investors, taken in conjunction with Ironwood’s GAAP financial statements, because it provides greater transparency and period-over-period comparability with respect to Ironwood’s operating performance. These measures are also used by management to assess the performance of the business. Investors should consider these non-GAAP measures only as a supplement to, not as a substitute for or as superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures are unlikely to be comparable with non-GAAP information provided by other companies.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Ironwood presents non-GAAP net income (loss) and non-GAAP net income (loss) per share to exclude amortization of acquired intangible assets, and net restructuring expenses, all net of tax effect. Non-GAAP adjustments are further detailed below:

Management believes this non-GAAP information is useful for investors, taken in conjunction with Ironwood’s GAAP financial statements, because it provides greater transparency and period-over-period comparability with respect to Ironwood’s operating performance. These measures are also used by management to assess the performance of the business. Investors should consider these non-GAAP measures only as a supplement to, not as a substitute for or as superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures are unlikely to be comparable with non-GAAP information provided by other companies. For a reconciliation of non-GAAP net income (loss) and non-GAAP net income (loss) per share to GAAP net income (loss) and GAAP net income (loss) per share, respectively, and for a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to GAAP net income (loss), please refer to the tables at the end of this press release.

Ironwood does not provide guidance on GAAP net income or a reconciliation of expected adjusted EBITDA to expected GAAP net income because, without unreasonable efforts, it is unable to predict with reasonable certainty the non-GAAP adjustments used to calculate adjusted EBITDA. These adjustments are uncertain, depend on various factors and could have a material impact on GAAP net income for the guidance period.

Conference Call Information

Ironwood will host a conference call and webcast at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, May 7th, 2026 to discuss its first quarter results and recent business activities. Individuals interested in participating in the call should dial (888) 596-4144 (U.S. and Canada) or (646) 968-2525 (international) using conference ID number and event passcode 3647053. To access the webcast, please visit the Investors section of Ironwood’s website at www.ironwoodpharma.com. The call will be available for replay via telephone starting Thursday, May 7th, 2026, at approximately 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time, running through 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, May 21st, 2026. To listen to the replay, dial (800) 770-2030 (U.S. and Canada) or (609) 800-9909 (international) using conference ID number 3647053. The archived webcast will be available on Ironwood’s website for 1 year beginning approximately one hour after the call has completed.

About Ironwood Pharmaceuticals

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: IRWD) is a biotechnology company developing and commercializing life-changing therapies for people living with gastrointestinal (GI) and rare diseases. Ironwood is advancing apraglutide, a next-generation, long-acting synthetic GLP-2 analog being developed for short bowel syndrome patients who are dependent on parenteral support. In addition, Ironwood has been a pioneer in the development of LINZESS® (linaclotide), the U.S. branded prescription market leader for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) or chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). Building upon our history of innovation, we keep patients at the heart of our R&D and commercialization efforts to reduce the burden of diseases and address significant unmet needs.

Founded in 1998, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with a site in Basel, Switzerland.

We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.ironwoodpharma.com. In addition, follow us on X and on LinkedIn.

About LINZESS (Linaclotide)

LINZESS® is the #1 prescribed brand in the U.S. for the treatment of patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (“IBS-C”) or chronic idiopathic constipation (“CIC”), based on IQVIA data. LINZESS is a once-daily capsule that helps relieve the abdominal pain and constipation, associated with IBS-C in adults and pediatric patients 7 years of age and older. LINZESS has also been shown to relieve constipation, infrequent stools, hard stools, straining, and incomplete evacuation associated with CIC in adult patients. LINZESS relieves constipation in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years with functional constipation.

LINZESS is not a laxative; it is the first medicine approved by the FDA in a class called GC-C agonists. LINZESS contains a peptide called linaclotide that activates the GC-C receptor in the intestine. Activation of GC-C is thought to result in increased intestinal fluid secretion and accelerated transit and a decrease in the activity of pain-sensing nerves in the intestine. The clinical relevance of the effect on pain fibers, which is based on nonclinical studies, has not been established.

In the United States, Ironwood and AbbVie co-develop and co-commercialize LINZESS for the treatment of adults with IBS-C or CIC. In Europe, AbbVie markets linaclotide under the brand name CONSTELLA® for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe IBS-C. In Japan, Ironwood's partner, Astellas, markets linaclotide under the brand name LINZESS for the treatment of adults with IBS-C or CIC. Ironwood also has partnered with AstraZeneca for development and commercialization of LINZESS in China, and with AbbVie for development and commercialization of linaclotide in all other territories worldwide.

LINZESS Important Safety Information

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

LINZESS® (linaclotide) is indicated for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adults and pediatric patients 7 years of age and older, and for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults, and for the treatment of functional constipation (FC) in pediatric patients 6 years of age and older.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: RISK OF SERIOUS DEHYDRATION IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS LESS THAN 2 YEARS OF AGE

 

LINZESS is contraindicated in patients less than 2 years of age. In nonclinical studies in neonatal mice, administration of a single, clinically relevant adult oral dose of linaclotide caused deaths due to dehydration.

Contraindications

Warnings and Precautions

Risk of Serious Dehydration in Pediatric Patients Less Than 2 Years of Age

Diarrhea

Common Adverse Reactions (incidence ≥2% and greater than placebo)

Please see full Prescribing Information including Boxed Warning:
https://www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/linzess_pi.pdf

LINZESS® and CONSTELLA® are registered trademarks of Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Any other trademarks referred to in this press release are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, including statements about Ironwood’s ability to execute on its mission; Ironwood’s strategy, business, financial position and operations; Ironwood’s ability to drive growth and profitability; the commercial potential of LINZESS; Ironwood’s financial performance and results, and guidance and expectations related thereto; LINZESS prescription demand growth, LINZESS U.S. net sales, total revenue and adjusted EBITDA in 2026; our expectation that the first quarter revenue will result in significant operating cash flows in the second quarter of 2026, which will help support repayment of the senior convertible notes at maturity; the planned confirmatory STARS‑2 Phase 3 clinical trial design, endpoints and timing to initiate such trial; and our belief that highly potent, selective, and long-acting pharmacologic properties of apraglutide have the potential to drive best-in-class efficacy and tolerability with once-weekly dosing and redefine the standard of care in SBS-IF. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and Ironwood undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Applicable risks and uncertainties include those related to the effectiveness of development and commercialization efforts by us and our partners; preclinical and clinical development, manufacturing and formulation development of linaclotide, apraglutide, and our other product candidates; the risk of uncertainty relating to pricing and reimbursement policies in the U.S., which, if not favorable for our products, could hinder or prevent our products’ commercial success; the risk that clinical programs and studies, including for linaclotide pediatric programs and apraglutide, may not progress or develop as anticipated, including that studies are delayed or discontinued for any reason, such as safety, tolerability, enrollment, manufacturing, economic or other reasons; the risk that findings from our completed nonclinical studies and clinical trials may not be replicated in later trials and earlier-stage clinical trials may not be predictive of the results we may obtain in later-stage clinical trials or of the likelihood of regulatory approval; the risk that apraglutide will not be approved by the FDA or other regulatory agencies; the risk of competition or that new products may emerge that provide different or better alternatives for treatment of the conditions that our products are approved to treat; the risk that healthcare reform and other governmental and private payor initiatives may have an adverse effect upon or prevent our products’ or product candidates’ commercial success; the efficacy, safety and tolerability of linaclotide and our product candidates; the risk that the commercial and therapeutic opportunities for LINZESS, apraglutide or our other product candidates are not as we expect; decisions by regulatory and judicial authorities; the risk we may never get additional patent protection for linaclotide, apraglutide and other product candidates, that patents for linaclotide, apraglutide or other products may not provide adequate protection from competition, or that we are not able to successfully protect such patents; the risk that we are unable to manage our expenses or cash use, or are unable to commercialize our products as expected; the risk that the development of any of our linaclotide pediatric programs and/or apraglutide is not successful or that any of our product candidates does not receive regulatory approval or is not successfully commercialized; outcomes in legal proceedings to protect or enforce the patents relating to our products and product candidates, including abbreviated new drug application litigation; the risk that financial and operating results may differ from our projections; developments in the intellectual property landscape; challenges from and rights of competitors or potential competitors; the risk that our planned investments do not have the anticipated effect on our company revenues; developments in accounting guidance or practice; Ironwood’s or AbbVie’s accounting practices, including reporting and settlement practices as between Ironwood and AbbVie; the risk that our indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition or restrict our future operations; and the risks listed under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and in our subsequent Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

March 31,

2026

December 31,

2025

Assets

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

220,471

 

$

215,456

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

105,842

 

 

46,745

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

5,979

 

 

11,977

 

Total current assets

 

332,292

 

 

274,178

 

Property and equipment, net

 

3,166

 

 

3,408

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

8,896

 

 

9,340

 

Intangible assets, net

 

1,838

 

 

2,040

 

Deferred tax assets

 

84,237

 

 

103,433

 

Other assets

 

4,137

 

 

4,502

 

Total assets

$

434,566

 

$

396,901

 

Liabilities and stockholders’ deficit

 

 

Accounts payable

$

3,237

 

$

2,898

 

Accrued research and development costs

 

2,044

 

 

3,149

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

27,903

 

 

33,239

 

Current portion of operating lease liabilities

 

3,268

 

 

3,252

 

Current portion on convertible senior notes

 

199,855

 

 

199,680

 

Total current liabilities

 

236,307

 

 

242,218

 

Operating lease obligations, net of current portion

 

9,233

 

 

9,870

 

Revolving credit facility

 

385,000

 

 

385,000

 

Other liabilities

 

21,170

 

 

21,648

 

Total stockholders’ deficit

 

(217,144

)

 

(261,835

)

Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit

$

434,566

 

$

396,901

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 

2026

2025

Total revenues

$

106,506

 

$

41,143

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

Research and development

 

21,940

 

 

27,432

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

12,033

 

 

24,260

 

Restructuring, net

 

(40

)

 

18,559

 

Total costs and expenses

 

33,933

 

 

70,251

 

Income from operations

 

72,573

 

 

(29,108

)

Other income (expense):

 

 

Interest expense and other financing costs

 

(9,141

)

 

(8,070

)

Interest and investment income

 

1,698

 

869

 

Other

 

42

 

 

37

 

Other income (expense), net

 

(7,401

)

 

(7,164

)

Income before income taxes

 

65,172

 

 

(36,272

)

Income tax expense

 

(24,399

)

 

(1,114

)

GAAP net income (loss)

$

40,773

 

$

(37,386

)

 

 

 

GAAP net income (loss) per share—basic

$

0.25

 

$

(0.23

)

GAAP net income (loss) per share—diluted

$

0.24

 

$

(0.23

)

 

Reconciliation of GAAP Results to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

(In thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)

 

A reconciliation between net income (loss) on a GAAP basis and on a non-GAAP basis is as follows:

 

 

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 

2026

2025

GAAP net income (loss)

$

40,773

 

$

(37,386

)

Adjustments:

 

 

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

 

202

 

 

202

 

Restructuring expenses, net

 

(40

)

 

18,559

 

Tax effect of adjustments

 

10

 

 

(4,603

)

Non-GAAP net income (loss)1

$

40,945

 

$

(23,228

)

 

A reconciliation between basic net income (loss) per share on a GAAP basis and on a non-GAAP basis is as follows:

 

 

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 

2026

2025

GAAP net income (loss) per share – basic

$

0.25

$

(0.23

)

Plus: Net income (loss) per share – basic

 

 

Adjustments to GAAP net income (loss) per share

 

 

 

(as detailed above)

 

-

 

0.09

 

Non-GAAP net income (loss) per share – basic

$

0.25

$

(0.14

)

Weighted average number of common shares used to calculate net income (loss) per share — basic

 

163,451

 

160,974

 

 

A reconciliation between diluted net income (loss) per share on a GAAP basis and on a non-GAAP basis is as follows:

 

 

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 

2026

2025

GAAP net income (loss) per share – diluted

$

0.24

$

(0.23

)

Plus: Net income (loss) per share – diluted

 

 

Adjustments to GAAP net income (loss) per share

 

(as detailed above)

 

-

 

0.09

 

Non-GAAP net income (loss) per share – diluted

$

0.24

$

(0.14

)

Weighted average number of common shares used to calculate net income (loss) per share — diluted

 

166,690

 

160,974

 

 

Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

 

A reconciliation of GAAP net income (loss) to adjusted EBITDA:

 

 

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 

2026

2025

GAAP net income (loss)

$

40,773

 

$

(37,386

)

Adjustments:

 

Stock-based compensation

 

3,653

 

 

5,291

 

Restructuring expenses, net

 

(40

)

 

18,559

 

Interest expense

 

9,141

 

 

8,070

 

Interest and investment income

 

(1,698

)

 

(869

)

Income tax expense

 

24,399

 

 

1,114

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

443

 

 

479

 

Adjusted EBITDA1

$

76,671

 

$

(4,742

)

____________________________________

1

Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by subtracting restructuring expenses, net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization and stock-based compensation, from GAAP net income.

 

U.S. LINZESS Commercial Collaboration1

Revenue/Expense Calculation

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 

2026

2025

LINZESS U.S. net sales as reported by AbbVie2

$

272,525

 

$

138,477

 

AbbVie & Ironwood commercial costs, expenses and other discounts3

 

64,627

 

 

66,907

 

Commercial profit on sales of LINZESS

$

207,898

 

$

71,570

 

Commercial Margin4

 

76

%

 

52

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ironwood’s share of net profit

 

103,949

 

 

35,785

 

Reimbursement for Ironwood’s commercial expenses5

 

273

 

 

2,983

 

Ironwood’s U.S. collaborative arrangements revenue

$

104,222

 

$

38,768

 

___________________________________

1

The purpose of this table is to present calculations of Ironwood’s share of net profit (loss) generated from the sales of LINZESS in the U.S. and Ironwood’s collaboration revenue/expense; however, the table does not present the research and development expenses related to LINZESS in the U.S. that are shared equally between the parties under the collaboration agreement. Please refer to the table at the end of this press release for net profit for the U.S. LINZESS brand collaboration with AbbVie.

2

LINZESS net sales are recognized using AbbVie’s revenue recognition accounting policies and reporting conventions. As a result, certain rebates and discounts are classified as LINZESS U.S. commercial costs, expenses and other discounts within Ironwood’s calculation of collaborative arrangements revenue.

3

Includes certain discounts recognized and cost of goods sold incurred by AbbVie; also includes commercial costs incurred by AbbVie and Ironwood that are attributable to the cost-sharing arrangement between the parties.

4

Commercial margin is defined as commercial profit on sales of LINZESS as a percent of total LINZESS U.S. net sales.

5

Year-over-year decrease reflects impact of the reduction to Ironwood’s commercial expenses and corresponding reimbursement from AbbVie due to Ironwood’s strategic reorganization announced in January 2025.

 

US LINZESS Full Brand Collaboration1

Revenue/Expense Calculation

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 

2026

2025

LINZESS U.S. net sales as reported by AbbVie2

$

272,525

$

138,477

AbbVie & Ironwood commercial costs, expenses and other discounts3

 

64,627

 

66,907

AbbVie & Ironwood R&D Expenses4

 

3,202

 

5,678

Total net profit on sales of LINZESS

$

204,696

$

65,892

_________________________________

1

Ironwood collaborates with AbbVie on the development and commercialization of linaclotide in North America. Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, Ironwood receives 50% of the net profits and bears 50% of the net losses from the commercial sale of LINZESS in the U.S. The purpose of this table is to present calculations of the total net profit (loss) generated from the sales of LINZESS in the U.S., including the commercial costs and expenses and the research and development expenses related to LINZESS in the U.S. that are shared equally between the parties under the collaboration agreement.

2

LINZESS net sales are recognized using AbbVie’s revenue recognition accounting policies and reporting conventions. As a result, certain rebates and discounts are classified as LINZESS U.S. commercial costs, expenses and other discounts within Ironwood’s calculation of collaborative arrangements revenue.

3

Includes certain discounts recognized and cost of goods sold incurred by AbbVie; also includes commercial costs incurred by AbbVie and Ironwood that are attributable to the cost-sharing arrangement between the parties.

4

Expenses related to LINZESS in the U.S. are shared equally between Ironwood and AbbVie under the collaboration agreement.

 

Company contact:
Greg Martini
Chief Financial Officer
gmartini@ironwoodpharma.com

Investors:
Precision AQ
Stephanie Ascher
Stephanie.Ascher@precisionaq.com