Group 1 - Ligand Pharmaceuticals will report its second quarter 2025 financial results on August 7, 2025, and will hold a conference call at 8:30 AM ET to discuss the results and provide a business update [1][2] - The company operates a business model focused on generating value for stockholders through a diversified portfolio of biotech and pharmaceutical product revenue streams, supported by a low corporate cost structure [3] - Ligand partners with leading pharmaceutical companies to leverage their expertise in late-stage development, regulatory management, and commercialization to generate revenue [3] Group 2 - Ligand's Captisol® platform technology optimizes the solubility and stability of drugs, while the NITRICIL™ platform technology allows for tunable dosing and adjustable drug release profiles [3] - The company has established multiple alliances and licenses with major pharmaceutical companies, including Amgen, Merck, Pfizer, Jazz, Gilead Sciences, and Baxter International [3]

Core Insights - Ligand Pharmaceuticals' partner Pelthos Therapeutics has launched ZELSUVMI™, the first FDA-approved at-home treatment for molluscum contagiosum, leading to a $5 million milestone payment for Ligand [1][2] Company Overview - Ligand Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company focused on supporting the clinical development of high-value medicines through financing and licensing technologies [4] - The company aims to create a diversified portfolio of biotech and pharmaceutical revenue streams while maintaining a low corporate cost structure [4] - Ligand partners with leading pharmaceutical companies to leverage their expertise in late-stage development, regulatory management, and commercialization [4] Product Details - ZELSUVMI™ (berdazimer) is a nitric oxide-releasing topical gel indicated for treating molluscum contagiosum in patients aged one year and older [3] - It is the first and only approved topical prescription medication that can be applied at home, outside of a medical setting [3] - The product was developed using Ligand's proprietary NITRICIL™ technology platform [3] Financial Aspects - Following the merger between Pelthos Therapeutics and Channel Therapeutics, Ligand now owns 56% of Pelthos [2] - Ligand is entitled to a 13% royalty on worldwide sales of ZELSUVMI and can earn up to an additional $5 million in commercial sales milestones [2]

Financial Performance and Outlook - Ligand reported $311 million in cash and investments as of March 31, 2024 [5] - The company projects long-term royalty revenue CAGR of >20% and EPS CAGR of >25% [5, 8] - 2024 financial guidance includes royalty revenue of $90 million - $95 million, representing 16% growth over 2023 [9] - Core adjusted diluted EPS for 2024 is projected at $4.25 - $4.75, a 17% increase over 2023 [9] - Total revenue for 2024 is guided at $130 million - $142 million, including Captisol revenue of $25 million – $27 million and contract revenue of $15 million - $20 million [9] Royalty Portfolio and Pipeline - Ligand has 8 major commercial-stage royalty streams and over 80 additional active programs with economic rights [5] - Kyprolis reported $376 million in Q1 2024 sales and is projected to exceed $1.5 billion in total 2024 global sales [28] - Filspari reported $19.8 million in Q1 2024 sales and has the potential to be Ligand's largest royalty stream [28] - Vaxneuvance reported $219 million in Q1 2024 sales [28] - Rylaze reported $103 million in Q1 2024 sales [28]

Financial Performance and Guidance - Ligand's total revenue guidance for 2024 is $160-$165 million[21], with royalty revenue expected to be $105-108 million[22], representing a 27% increase from 2023[30] - The company anticipates adjusted EPS of $550-$570 in 2024[22], a 38% growth[30] - For 2025, Ligand forecasts total revenue of $180-$200 million[34], with royalty revenue growing by 30% over 2024[35] - Ligand projects royalty receipts to grow at a CAGR of 22% from 2024 to 2029[24, 40] Investment and Portfolio Activity - Ligand deployed $192 million across 8 different investments in 2024[21] - The company's Q4 pipeline includes over 30 actionable opportunities, representing over $1 billion of potential investments[61] - Ligand acquired Apeiron Biologics in July 2024 for approximately $100 million, gaining rights to Qarziba royalties[70] Key Products and Platforms - Ligand's Captisol platform is used in 16 approved products[99, 104] - Verona's Ohtuvayre, in which Ligand has royalty rights, achieved over $11 million in sales in the first 4 months following approval[75] - Travere's Filspari generated $356 million in Q3 2024, with 31% growth from Q2 2024[80] - Merck's Capvaxive, another royalty asset for Ligand, protects against strains that cause 84% of invasive pneumococcal disease[88]

Core Viewpoint - The merger between Channel Therapeutics Corporation and LNHC, Inc. has been completed, leading to the formation of Pelthos Therapeutics Inc., which will focus on launching ZELSUVMI™ for treating molluscum contagiosum infections starting July 2025 [1][2]. Company Overview - Pelthos Therapeutics Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to commercializing innovative therapeutic products for high unmet patient needs [1][7]. - The company will trade on the NYSE American exchange under the ticker symbol "PTHS" beginning July 2, 2025 [1]. Merger Details - The merger involved CHRO Merger Sub Inc., a subsidiary of Channel Therapeutics, merging with LNHC, Inc., a subsidiary of Ligand Pharmaceuticals, with LNHC continuing as a subsidiary of Channel [1]. - The merger is seen as a significant milestone for Pelthos, facilitating the launch of ZELSUVMI™ and creating shareholder value [2][5]. Financial Aspects - Concurrent with the merger, Pelthos closed a $50.1 million equity private placement from strategic investors, which includes the cancellation of approximately $18.8 million in bridge capital previously advanced to support ZELSUVMI™'s commercial launch [3][5]. - The private placement involves investments in Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and common stock [3]. Product Information - ZELSUVMI™ (berdazimer) is a topical gel approved for treating molluscum contagiosum in adults and pediatric patients aged one year and older [4][6]. - It is the first and only prescription medication for this condition that can be administered at home, making it a novel treatment option [4][6]. - The product was developed using Pelthos' proprietary nitric oxide-based technology platform, NITRICIL™ [6]. Market Opportunity - Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin infection affecting an estimated 16.7 million people in the United States, indicating a significant market opportunity for ZELSUVMI™ [4].

Core Insights - Pelthos Therapeutics Inc. is set to launch ZELSUVMI™ for treating Molluscum contagiosum infections in July 2025, following the completion of a merger with Channel Therapeutics Corporation [1][2] - Ligand Pharmaceuticals has invested $18 million in Pelthos and will receive a 13% royalty on worldwide sales of ZELSUVMI [1][2] - Pelthos will begin trading on the NYSE American exchange under the ticker symbol "PTHS" on July 2, 2025 [1] Company Developments - The merger between Ligand's subsidiary LNHC, Inc. and Channel Merger Sub Inc. has been completed, forming Pelthos Therapeutics Inc. [1][2] - Pelthos raised $50.1 million in equity capital, with $32 million from a group of strategic investors and $18 million from Ligand [2] - The capital raised will support the commercial launch of ZELSUVMI and includes the cancellation of approximately $18.8 million in bridge capital previously advanced to Pelthos [2] Product Information - ZELSUVMI (berdazimer) is a topical gel approved for treating Molluscum contagiosum, a common skin infection affecting an estimated 16.7 million people in the U.S. [3] - It is the first and only prescription medication for this condition that can be administered at home by patients or caregivers [3] - Pelthos is also evaluating the development of Channel's existing NaV 1.7 programs for various types of chronic pain and post-surgical nerve blocks [3]

Core Insights - The article discusses the author's perspective on investing as a learning process, emphasizing that both successes and failures contribute to valuable lessons learned in the investment journey [1]. Company Insights - The focus is on Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: LGND), highlighting its strong growth potential and the opportunity to gain exposure to numerous therapies through investment in the company [1]. Analyst's Position - The author has a beneficial long position in Ligand Pharmaceuticals and Gilead Sciences (GILD), indicating confidence in the future performance of these stocks [2].

Company Overview - Ligand Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company focused on supporting the clinical development of high-value medicines through financing and licensing technologies [3] - The company's business model aims to create a diversified portfolio of biotech and pharmaceutical product revenue streams while maintaining a low corporate cost structure [3] - Ligand partners with leading pharmaceutical companies to leverage their expertise in late-stage development, regulatory management, and commercialization [3] Upcoming Investor Day - Ligand Pharmaceuticals will host an Investor Day in New York City on December 9, 2025, at 10 a.m. Eastern Time [1] - The event will feature presentations from Ligand's senior management team discussing the company's strategy, investment activity, royalty portfolio, and long-term financial outlook [2] - A live webcast of the event will be available on Ligand's Investor Relations website, with a detailed agenda and dial-in information to be provided closer to the event [2] Technology Platforms - Ligand operates two infrastructure-light royalty-generating technology platforms: Captisol® and NITRICIL™ [3] - The Captisol® platform is designed to optimize the solubility and stability of drugs through a chemically modified cyclodextrin structure [3] - The NITRICIL™ platform allows for tunable dosing and adjustable drug release profiles, targeting a broad range of indications [3] Partnerships and Alliances - Ligand has established multiple alliances and licenses with major pharmaceutical companies, including Amgen, Merck, Pfizer, Jazz, Gilead Sciences, and Baxter International [3]

Core Viewpoint - Ligand Pharmaceuticals is celebrating significant milestones, including the ringing of The Nasdaq Opening Bell, which reflects the company's transformation into a profitable and infrastructure-light organization focused on biopharmaceuticals [2][3]. Company Overview - Ligand Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company that supports the clinical development of high-value medicines through financing and licensing technologies [3]. - The company's business model aims to create a diversified portfolio of revenue streams from biotech and pharmaceutical products while maintaining a low corporate cost structure [3]. - Ligand partners with leading pharmaceutical companies to leverage their expertise in late-stage development, regulatory management, and commercialization [3]. Recent Developments - The company has made significant progress over the past few years, focusing on acquiring and generating royalties from a diverse portfolio of biopharmaceutical products [2]. - Ligand operates two infrastructure-light royalty-generating technology platforms: Captisol® and NITRICIL™ [3]. - Captisol® optimizes drug solubility and stability, while NITRICIL™ allows for tunable dosing and adjustable drug release profiles [3]. Future Commitment - Ligand is committed to building on its recent momentum and supporting partners in developing breakthrough medicines for patients, aiming to create long-term value for shareholders [2].

Revenue Growth - Total revenue and other income increased by $14.4 million, or 46%, to $45.3 million in Q1 2025 compared to $31.0 million in Q1 2024[175]. - Royalties increased by $8.4 million, or 44%, to $27.5 million in Q1 2025 compared to $19.1 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to income from Qarziba and an increase in Filspari sales[175]. - Captisol sales increased by $4.2 million, or 46%, to $13.5 million in Q1 2025 compared to $9.2 million in Q1 2024[175]. - Verona reported Ohtuvayre net sales of $71.3 million for Q1 2025, representing a 95% increase compared to the prior quarter[168]. - Merck announced Capvaxive sales of $107 million for Q1 2025, a 120% increase over the prior quarter[171]. Operating Costs and Expenses - Total operating costs and expenses increased by $53.6 million, or 191%, to $81.5 million in Q1 2025 compared to $28.0 million in Q1 2024[179]. - Cost of Captisol increased by $2.0 million, or 68%, to $4.8 million in Q1 2025 compared to $2.9 million in Q1 2024[180]. - Research and development expenses increased to $50.1 million in Q1 2025 from $6.0 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to a funding arrangement related to the D-Fi royalty rights[181]. - General and administrative expenses rose to $18.8 million in Q1 2025, compared to $11.0 million in Q1 2024, mainly due to employee-related costs and operating costs for the Pelthos business[182]. Financial Position - As of March 31, 2025, cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaled $208.9 million, a decrease of $47.3 million from the previous year, primarily due to cash paid for the Castle Creek transaction[187]. - The company had $124.4 million available for borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility as of March 31, 2025, after utilizing $0.6 million for letters of credit[194]. - The company entered into a $75 million revolving credit facility on October 12, 2023, which was later increased to $125 million on July 8, 2024[192]. - As of March 31, 2025, the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities associated with prior acquisitions was $5.5 million[196]. Net Loss and Cash Flow - The net loss from short-term investments was $12.4 million in Q1 2025, a significant decrease from a net gain of $110.8 million in Q1 2024, driven by unrealized losses on Viking shares[183]. - Cash used in operating activities was $25.4 million in Q1 2025, compared to cash provided of $18.7 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to the Castle Creek transaction[197]. Strategic Initiatives - The merger with Channel Therapeutics is expected to close in the summer of 2025, supported by $50 million in capital from strategic investors[164]. - The combined company will focus on accelerating the commercialization of ZELSUVMI, the first prescription therapy for molluscum infections approved for home use[166]. - A royalty financing agreement was closed with Castle Creek Biosciences for a $75 million investment to support a Phase 3 clinical study[167]. Tax Rate - The effective tax rate for Q1 2025 was 15.4%, down from 24.1% in Q1 2024, influenced by various non-deductible items and foreign operations income[186]. Stock Repurchase Program - The company has a stock repurchase program authorized for up to $50 million, which remains available as of March 31, 2025[190].