Heron Therapeutics(HRTX) - 2025 Q1 - Quarterly Report

Product Approvals and Indications - ZYNRELEF, a dual-acting local anesthetic, is the first modified-release local anesthetic classified by the FDA as an extended-release product, significantly reducing pain and increasing the proportion of patients requiring no opioids post-surgery[96]. - ZYNRELEF received FDA approval for expanded indications in December 2021 and January 2024, and a prior approval supplement for the Vial Access Needle was approved in September 2024[97]. - APONVIE, the first intravenous formulation of an NK1 receptor antagonist for postoperative nausea and vomiting, was approved by the FDA in September 2022 and became commercially available in March 2023[99][100]. - CINVANTI, an IV formulation of aprepitant, is indicated for the prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with highly emetogenic and moderately emetogenic cancer, and was approved by the FDA in November 2017[101][104]. - SUSTOL, the first extended-release 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, is indicated for preventing nausea and vomiting associated with MEC and AC chemotherapy regimens, and was approved by the FDA in August 2016[105][107]. Financial Performance - Net product sales for the three months ended March 31, 2025, were $38.9 million, an increase of 12.4% compared to $34.7 million in 2024[112]. - Acute care net product sales increased by 89.4% or $4.9 million, primarily driven by increased units sold and new customers for ZYNRELEF and APONVIE[113]. - Oncology net product sales decreased by 2.2% during the same period, attributed to market competition[114]. - Gross profit margin improved to 78.3% in Q1 2025 from 75.6% in Q1 2024, despite a 0.2% increase in cost of product sales[115]. - Net income for Q1 2025 was $2.6 million, compared to a net loss of $3.2 million in Q1 2024[123]. - Net cash used in operating activities decreased to $8.9 million in Q1 2025 from $9.5 million in Q1 2024, attributed to improved net income and reduced operating spend[124]. Expenses and Cost Management - Research and development expenses decreased by 50.5% to $2.3 million, primarily due to reduced headcount and development activities[117]. - General and administrative expenses decreased by 15.2% to $12.7 million, mainly due to reduced headcount and legal expenses[118]. - Sales and marketing expenses increased by 7.6% to $12.3 million, reflecting increased spending to support revenue growth in acute care products[119]. Regulatory and Market Considerations - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved a 3-year transitional pass-through status for ZYNRELEF effective April 1, 2022, allowing separate reimbursement outside of the surgical bundle payment[98]. - The omnibus spending bill H.R. 2617 includes the NOPAIN Act, directing CMS to provide separate Medicare reimbursement for non-opioid treatments, including ZYNRELEF, from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2027[98]. - The company faces various risks, including competition, regulatory challenges, and market acceptance of its products, which may impact future performance[92]. Technology and Development Focus - The proprietary Biochronomer Technology allows for sustained release of pharmacological agents over days to weeks with a single administration, enhancing therapeutic delivery[108]. - The company is focused on advancing its product candidates through clinical studies and obtaining regulatory approvals within anticipated timelines[94]. Financial Position - Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaled $50.7 million as of March 31, 2025, with concerns about refinancing $150 million in Senior Convertible Notes due in May 2026[121].