Vadadustat clinical data on display for nephrologists and healthcare providersCAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Akebia Therapeutics®, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKBA), a biopharmaceutical company with the purpose to better the lives of people impacted by kidney disease, today announced it will present data at the 62nd European Renal Association (ERA) Congress on June 4-7, 2025, both virtually and live in Vienna. Akebia-supported presentations at ERA Congress 2025: A Win-Ratio Analysis of the Cardiovascu ...

Core Insights - FibroGen reported financial results for Q1 2025, highlighting a significant decrease in total revenue compared to the same period in 2024, with total revenue of $2.7 million versus $25.4 million [14] - The company is focused on advancing its lead asset, FG-3246, with a Phase 2 monotherapy dose optimization study expected to start in Q3 2025 [2][5] - FibroGen is in the process of selling its China operations to AstraZeneca for approximately $185 million, which is expected to close in Q3 2025 [5][6] Financial Performance - Total revenue for Q1 2025 was $2.7 million, a decrease from $25.4 million in Q1 2024 [14] - The net loss from continuing operations for Q1 2025 was $16.8 million, or $0.16 per share, compared to a net loss of $49.0 million, or $0.49 per share, in the previous year [14][19] - As of March 31, 2025, FibroGen reported $33.8 million in cash and cash equivalents in the U.S. and $128.4 million in total consolidated cash [14] Strategic Developments - The company has filed a Type C meeting request with the FDA to discuss the potential Phase 3 development program for roxadustat in treating anemia associated with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (LR-MDS) [2][7] - The anticipated initiation of the Phase 2 monotherapy trial of FG-3246 in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is set for Q3 2025 [5][11] - Topline results from the Phase 2 portion of the investigator-sponsored study of FG-3246 in combination with enzalutamide are expected in Q4 2025 [5][6] Transaction Details - The sale of FibroGen China to AstraZeneca is expected to provide a total consideration of approximately $185 million, which includes an enterprise value of $85 million plus estimated net cash of $100 million [5][6] - Upon closing, the transaction will extend FibroGen's cash runway into the second half of 2027 [5][14] Upcoming Milestones - The company anticipates feedback from the FDA regarding the development plan for roxadustat in Q3 2025 [7] - The Phase 2 trial of FG-3246 will also include FG-3180 to assess its diagnostic performance and correlation with CD46 expression [6][11]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues increased to $57.3 million in Q1 2025 from $32.6 million in Q1 2024, driven by net product revenues of $55.8 million compared to $31 million in the prior year [22][25] - Net income for Q1 2025 was $6.1 million, a significant improvement from a net loss of $18 million in Q1 2024 [25] - Cost of goods sold decreased to $7.6 million in Q1 2025 from $11.6 million in Q1 2024, attributed to the absence of a non-cash amortization charge related to Auryxia [23][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Vafcio generated $12 million in net product revenues in Q1 2025, exceeding guidance of $10 million to $11 million [6][22] - Auryxia net product revenues increased to $43.8 million in Q1 2025 from $31 million in Q1 2024, despite the entry of an authorized generic [22][23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The top five dialysis organizations have ordered Vafcio, with revenues primarily coming from small to mid-sized dialysis organizations treating approximately 150,000 patients collectively [7][14] - The VOICE study is progressing towards full enrollment, with about 75% of the target 2,200 subjects enrolled [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand the use of Vafcio in both dialysis and non-dialysis patient populations, with plans to initiate a Phase III VALOR trial in the second half of 2025 [10][11] - The focus remains on increasing the breadth and depth of prescribing among current customers while unlocking new customers [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the strong early performance of Vafcio, highlighting the importance of prescriber education and patient retention [6][7] - The company is confident in its financial position and believes it is financed to achieve profitability based on its current operating plan [25][26] Other Important Information - The company has at least 12 months of Vafcio inventory on hand in the U.S. and does not expect significant tariff-related impacts [24] - The average compliance rate in dialysis is expected to be around 65%, which will influence refill rates over time [60] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on timelines for adding Vafcio to protocols at large dialysis organizations - Management indicated that a large pilot is planned to operationalize protocols, with training expected to take about a month before broader rollout [29][31][34] Question: Shift from Auryxia prescriptions to authorized generic - Management noted that the impact of the authorized generic has been minimal in Q1 2025, with expectations of maintaining significant revenue until more generics are approved [47][50] Question: Net price dynamics as large dialysis providers come on board - Management acknowledged the competitive environment and indicated that net price per patient is expected to decrease as volumes increase, with some lumpiness in pricing [55][57] Question: Demand drivers for Vafcio and reimbursement trends - Management highlighted that demand is driven by clinical value and economic incentives, with positive trends in Medicare Advantage coverage [70][78] Question: Inventory stocking trends with large dialysis organizations - Management expects initial stocking for pilots but does not anticipate significant issues with inventory levels due to efficient distribution networks [84][86] Question: Market landscape for label expansion opportunities - Management expressed excitement about the non-dialysis market, estimating a significant patient population and potential revenue opportunities [90][92]