Senseonics(SENS) - 2021 Q4 - Annual Report

Product Development and Approval - The Eversense E3 CGM system received FDA approval in February 2022, with commercialization expected to begin in the U.S. in Q2 2022[22]. - The Eversense CGM system can now be used as a therapeutic device to replace fingerstick blood glucose measurements, following FDA's non-adjunctive indication approval in June 2019[32]. - The company plans to seek Investigational Device Exemption from the FDA for a 365-day sensor clinical trial in the first half of 2022[19]. - The Eversense system demonstrated a Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MARD) of 8.8% during the 90-day trial, indicating high accuracy compared to YSI blood reference values[52]. - The PROMISE trial showed a MARD of 8.5%-9.6% for the Eversense system, with reduced calibration requirements and an extended sensor life of 180 days[55]. - The Eversense sensor is designed to last up to six months, significantly longer than other CGM sensors that last between 7 and 14 days[59]. - The Eversense CGM system is sold in two kits: the disposable Eversense Sensor Pack and the durable Eversense Smart Transmitter Pack[41]. - The company is developing a next-generation sensor designed to extend sensor duration up to 365 days, aiming to support long-term implantable CGM for Type 2 patients not on intensive insulin therapy[65]. Commercialization and Market Strategy - The company entered a commercialization agreement with Ascensia in August 2020, granting exclusive distribution rights for the 90-day and 180-day Eversense CGM systems worldwide[20]. - Ascensia is responsible for sales, marketing, and patient onboarding, while the company retains product development and manufacturing responsibilities[21]. - The commercialization agreement with Ascensia grants exclusive rights to distribute the 90-day and six-month Eversense CGM systems worldwide, with sales support for the 90-day product starting on October 1, 2020[67]. - Approximately 200 million people in the U.S. may have coverage for the Eversense 90-day product through commercial or government payors, with a focus on transitioning to six-month coverage for successful commercialization of the Eversense E3[71]. - The company aims to grow the installed base of users and increase patient awareness of Eversense through targeted marketing efforts[23]. - The company expects a substantial majority of future revenue to come from its Commercialization Agreement with Ascensia, which is critical for the growth of product adoption[149]. - The company's revenue is heavily dependent on Ascensia's success in marketing Eversense and establishing necessary commercial infrastructure[170]. - Market acceptance of Eversense is contingent upon effective education of patients and healthcare providers regarding its benefits compared to traditional monitoring methods[176]. Financial Performance and Challenges - As of December 31, 2021, the company had incurred significant net losses totaling $302.5 million, $175.2 million, and $115.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively, with an accumulated deficit of $951.0 million[147]. - The company has not achieved profitability and does not expect to do so for several years, anticipating significant increases in expenses[148]. - The company's stock price has been highly volatile, influenced by broader market conditions and the performance of emerging medtech and biotechnology companies[150]. - The company is reliant on a single product, Eversense, for its business strategy and market acceptance[176]. - The ongoing impact of COVID-19 on global financial markets could affect the company's liquidity and overall financial condition[162]. Regulatory Compliance and Risks - The Eversense System is classified as a Class III medical device and requires pre-market approval under section 515 of the FDCA[93]. - Compliance with the FDA's Quality System Regulation (QSR) is mandatory, which includes stringent design, testing, and quality assurance procedures[95]. - The company must conduct post-market surveillance studies and report any incidents that may have caused or contributed to death or serious injury[96]. - The Medical Device Regulation (EU) 2017/745 requires compliance with General Safety and Performance Requirements (GSPRs) to affix the CE mark, essential for marketing in the EEA[100]. - Non-compliance with regulatory requirements can lead to significant penalties, including fines, product recalls, and criminal prosecution[108]. - The company must adhere to labeling and promotional regulations, prohibiting off-label promotion of medical devices[97]. - International sales of medical devices are subject to varying local regulations, which may differ significantly from FDA requirements[98]. - The company must navigate stringent foreign regulations, which could impose severe penalties for noncompliance[175]. Operational and Market Competition - The CGM market is competitive, with major players like Dexcom, Medtronic, and Abbott, all of which have received FDA approval for their systems[78]. - The company faces challenges with some commercial payors denying coverage, labeling Eversense as "experimental and investigational," which may hinder widespread adoption[72]. - The company operates in a highly competitive market for diabetes monitoring, with risks from technological advancements by competitors[146]. - The competitive landscape includes well-capitalized companies like Dexcom and Abbott, which have received FDA approval for their CGM systems[194]. - The introduction of new technologies and competitive products could render Eversense less competitive or obsolete, significantly reducing potential sales[200]. - The diabetes market is highly competitive, with frequent product introductions by competitors potentially leading to market confusion and pricing pressures that could adversely affect sales[201]. Supply Chain and Manufacturing - The company relies on third-party manufacturers for Eversense production, which poses risks to gross margins and operating results if manufacturing capabilities are not met[204]. - The company depends on a limited number of suppliers for Eversense components, and any loss or inability of these suppliers to deliver could harm business operations[206]. - Manufacturing disruptions at suppliers' facilities could adversely affect the company's business and operating results[210]. - Regulatory compliance issues with suppliers could expose the company to significant risks, including product recalls and increased expenses[209]. Employee and Organizational Structure - The company has a workforce of 89 employees, with over half holding advanced degrees, and no employees are represented by a labor union[134]. - The company has implemented a year-end market adjustment review process to ensure competitive pay, resulting in adjustments effective January 1, 2022, to maintain pay equity[139]. - The company is committed to diversity, with approximately one third of its workforce being female as of the end of 2021[136]. - The company has a focus on continuous employee development, requiring quarterly feedback sessions between employees and managers[138].

Senseonics(SENS) - 2021 Q4 - Annual Report - Reportify