Ionis Beats on Q2 Earnings & Sales, Stock Up 5% on Raised '25 Outlook

Core Insights - Ionis Pharmaceuticals reported second-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 86 cents, significantly exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 27 cents, compared to an adjusted loss of 24 cents in the same period last year [1] - Total revenues reached $452 million, doubling year-over-year and surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $271 million [2] Revenue Streams - Ionis has licensed Spinraza to Biogen, which is responsible for its commercialization, and receives royalties from its sales. Spinraza is approved for treating spinal muscular atrophy globally [3] - Ionis also earns royalties from Biogen's Qalsody, approved for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with SOD1 mutations, launched in the U.S. in 2023 and in the EU in May 2024 [3] - The FDA approved Wainua (eplontersen) for treating hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloid polyneuropathy in December 2023, co-marketed with AstraZeneca in the U.S. [4] - Following Wainua's U.S. launch, Ionis began receiving royalties from AstraZeneca, which are included in commercial revenues [5] Commercial Revenue Performance - Commercial revenues rose 43% year-over-year to $103 million, driven by Tryngolza product sales and Wainua royalties, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $88 million [7] - Tryngolza contributed $19 million in sales, up from $6 million in the previous quarter, indicating strong launch momentum [8] - Spinraza royalties totaled $54 million, down 5% year-over-year, with sales of $393 million, reflecting an 8% decline compared to the previous year [8] - Wainua royalty revenues amounted to $10 million, with sales of $44 million recorded by AstraZeneca [9] R&D Revenue Growth - R&D revenues surged 128% year-over-year to $349 million, driven by a $280 million upfront payment for out-licensing rights for a rare blood cancer drug to Ono Pharmaceutical [12] - Collaborative agreement revenues totaled $337 million, compared to $141 million in the year-ago quarter [13] Cost and Guidance Updates - Adjusted operating costs rose 8% year-over-year to $282 million, with SG&A costs increasing 42% to support commercialization efforts [14] - Ionis raised its 2025 revenue outlook to $825-$850 million, up from the previous guidance of $725-$750 million, reflecting strong uptake for Tryngolza [15] - The adjusted operating loss is now expected to be between $300-$325 million, down from previous guidance of less than $375 million [18] Updates on Wholly-Owned Candidates - Tryngolza is being evaluated in three late-stage studies for severe hypertriglyceridemia, with positive data from the ESSENCE study [20] - Donidalorsen is under FDA review for hereditary angioedema, with a decision expected next month [21] - Zilganersen is in a late-stage study for Alexander disease, with data expected in 2025 [22] Partnered Candidates Developments - AstraZeneca and Ionis are developing Wainua for ATTR-CM, with data from the phase III CARDIO-TTRANSform study expected in the second half of 2026 [23] - Novartis is developing pelacarsen for elevated Lp(a)-driven cardiovascular disease, with data expected this year [24] - AstraZeneca initiated a phase IIb study on opemalirsen for APOL1-mediated kidney disease, triggering a $30 million milestone payment to Ionis [25]