Iterum Therapeutics plc (NASDAQ:ITRM) shares are surging on Monday following the company’s announcement of a winding-up petition filed in the High Court in Ireland.

The spike may reflect a familiar pattern seen in distressed, low-priced biotech stocks, where speculative trading activity can increase despite risks such as delisting or significant equity loss.

At last check, Iterum Therapeutics shares had surged 140.45% to $0.0883 on Monday, with session volume reaching 681.37 million shares, far exceeding the 100-day average of 2.53 million.

Court Hearing Could Trigger Company Dissolution

The petition is set to be heard on April 13, 2026, and if a winding-up order is granted, it will lead to the appointment of Joint Provisional Liquidators, resulting in the eventual dissolution of the company.

The decision to pursue liquidation stems from limited cash resources and the inability to comply with Nasdaq listing requirements, which has left the company with no viable strategic alternatives.

Potential U.S. Withdrawal Of Drug

In addition, the company is likely to withdraw its product ORLYNVAH from the U.S. market, which is an oral antibiotic aimed at treating urinary tract infections.

The withdrawal will follow FDA procedures and involve consultations with third-party service providers.

Recent Business Update

In February, Iterum Therapeutics provided a business update that included several key developments.

The company signed a rebate agreement with a third top-tier Medicare Part D pharmacy benefit manager, complementing existing deals with the other two.

The update expands potential formulary access for ORLYNVAH to over 3.5 million Medicare lives, with coverage expected as early as the current quarter.

Iterum secured U.S. patent No. 12,544,337 covering its bilayer tablet combining sulopenem etzadroxil and probenecid, including manufacturing methods and use in treating conditions such as uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

The patent is expected to expire in December 2039 and is eligible for Orange Book listing, which would bring the total to five listed U.S. patents.

FDA Signals Additional Data Requirement

The FDA indicated that supporting ORLYNVAH as a step-down therapy for complicated urinary tract infections will require substantial evidence from a well-designed clinical trial via a supplemental NDA.

The agency advised Iterum to pursue a Type C meeting to align on trial design and endpoints.

ITRM Price Action: Iterum Therapeutics shares were up 140.45% at $0.0883 at the time of publication on Monday, according to Benzinga Pro data.

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