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Achieve Life Sciences(ACHV) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-08-07 13:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Achieve Life Sciences closed the second quarter with a strengthened balance sheet following a successful $45 million public offering in June, which included common stock and warrants [29] - As of June 30, 2025, the company had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaling $55.4 million, expected to support operations into 2026 [29] - Total operating expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, were $12.6 million and $25.5 million respectively, consistent with expectations as the company increased investment in regulatory and pre-commercial planning [30] - The net loss for the same periods was $12.7 million and $25.5 million respectively [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved three transformative milestones: the submission of a new drug application (NDA) for cytisinicline, a strategic partnership with Omnicom, and a capital raise of $49 million [5][6] - The NDA submission is supported by data from over 2,000 clinical trial participants, including results from two Phase III studies and long-term safety data [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - There are approximately 29 million smokers in the U.S., with over 15 million attempting to quit each year, highlighting a significant market opportunity for cytisinicline [7] - The annual cost of smoking-related health issues in the U.S. is over $600 billion, indicating a substantial public health burden [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to change the narrative around nicotine dependence, positioning it as a medical condition that requires effective treatment options [7][24] - Achieve is focused on a data-driven approach to its commercial launch strategy, leveraging a proprietary AI-enabled platform for decision-making and performance optimization [19][26] - The strategic partnership with Omnicom is intended to enhance brand development, market access, and stakeholder engagement ahead of the product launch [18][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the regulatory process and anticipates receiving the FDA's Day 74 NDA acceptance letter in mid-September [31] - The company is committed to executing its strategy with financial prudence while preparing for a potential product launch in late 2026 [31][32] - Management highlighted the importance of building relationships with payers to ensure rapid access to cytisinicline following approval [22][23] Other Important Information - The company plans to complete the ORCA-OL study database by the end of the year and aims to present the results in 2026 [15][68] - Achieve is actively engaging with the FDA and has requested a priority review for the NDA submission, although a standard review is currently anticipated [50] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will the 120-day safety update include only 100 patients or the full 290? - The company will submit all subjects available at the time of the database cut, which will be more than 100 but not the full 290 [34] Question: How will commercial spending ramp up ahead of launch? - The company will incrementally increase pre-commercial activities prior to approval, with a disciplined approach to commercial investment [35][36] Question: Will cytisinicline be priced at a premium compared to generic options? - The company views cytisinicline as a branded product at a premium price, supported by its differentiated profile [37] Question: What initial contact methods will be used to reach providers? - The company plans to identify individual needs of targeted physicians and engage through various channels, including social media and email [40][42] Question: What is the overall safety profile of cytisinicline? - The safety profile remains consistent with previous data, with no new safety signals identified [46][47] Question: Will there be any updates on future clinical development before the end of the year? - The company plans to complete the ORCA-OL study database quickly and aims to present data at conferences in 2026 [66][68]
Achieve Life Sciences (ACHV) 2025 Conference Transcript
2025-06-04 22:30
Achieve Life Sciences (ACHV) Conference Summary Company Overview - Achieve Life Sciences is focused on addressing nicotine dependence through its drug cytisinicline, which is positioned as a potential blockbuster treatment for smoking and vaping cessation [3][4][5] Industry Context - The U.S. faces a significant public health crisis with approximately 46 million individuals affected by nicotine dependence, including 29 million smokers and 17 million vapers [3][4] - The vaping population has increased by 6 million in the last 24 months, highlighting a growing concern [4] Key Points and Arguments 1. **Market Opportunity**: - The addressable market for nicotine dependence treatment is substantial, with an estimated annual market opportunity of $11 billion based on previous treatments like Chantix [33][35] - There are 15.4 million annual attempts to quit smoking, indicating a high demand for effective cessation tools [33] 2. **Product Development**: - Cytisinicline is expected to be the first new treatment for nicotine dependence in nearly 20 years, with an NDA filing planned for the end of June 2025 and anticipated FDA approval by mid-2026 [5][22] - The drug has shown a differentiated efficacy profile in clinical trials, with odds ratios of 5.3 and 5.8 in two phase three trials, indicating a significantly higher likelihood of quitting compared to existing treatments [19][20] 3. **Clinical Trials**: - Cytisinicline has undergone two large-scale phase three clinical trials involving over 1,600 patients, demonstrating robust efficacy and tolerability [5][25] - A phase two clinical trial for vaping cessation showed an odds ratio of 2.65, with plans for a phase three trial starting in early 2025 [27][23] 4. **Regulatory Pathway**: - The NDA submission is expected to be accepted within 74 days, with a clear regulatory pathway outlined by the FDA [22][43] 5. **Commercial Strategy**: - Achieve Life Sciences plans a targeted digital marketing strategy focusing on primary care physicians and patients, leveraging the lack of competition in the smoking cessation market since Chantix became generic [30][39] - The company aims to change the narrative around nicotine dependence from a lack of willpower to a medical condition, enhancing awareness and acceptance of cytisinicline [35][36] 6. **Safety and Tolerability**: - Cytisinicline has a favorable safety profile, with side effects significantly lower than those of existing treatments like Chantix, particularly in terms of nausea and vomiting [20][21] Additional Insights - The company has a strong intellectual property position and a proven leadership team, which is expected to drive shareholder value [43][44] - There is potential for future indications beyond nicotine dependence, including cannabis use, although the focus remains on the immediate market opportunity [50][52] Conclusion - Achieve Life Sciences is positioned to make a significant impact in the nicotine dependence treatment market with cytisinicline, addressing a critical public health issue while leveraging a well-defined commercial strategy and strong clinical data [44][54]
Achieve Life Sciences(ACHV) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-13 13:32
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - As of March 31, 2025, the company's cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaled $23.2 million [19] - Total operating expenses for Q1 2025 were $12.9 million, resulting in a net loss of $12.8 million [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focused on the NDA submission for cytisinicline, which is expected to be submitted in June 2025 [6][12] - The ORCA-OL open label study has over 100 patients with one year of exposure to cytisinicline, demonstrating strong tolerability [10][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., over 29 million adults smoke cigarettes, and 11 million vape, with more than half wanting to quit but fewer than 10% succeeding due to inadequate tools [7] - Cytisinicline, if approved, will be the first new nicotine dependence drug in nearly 20 years, addressing a significant unmet need in the market [8][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to change the perception of nicotine dependence as a serious medical condition that requires treatment, similar to how GLP-1 medications have reframed obesity treatment [9] - The management is focused on ensuring a high-quality NDA submission and preparing for a potential commercial launch in 2026 [19][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the NDA submission process and the potential impact of cytisinicline on public health, particularly in treating nicotine dependence and related chronic conditions like COPD [21][66] - The company is committed to prudent cash management to extend its cash runway while focusing on the NDA submission [20] Other Important Information - The ORCA-three clinical trial results published in JAMA Internal Medicine reaffirm cytisinicline's efficacy and tolerability for helping adult smokers quit [16] - The company convened a Scientific Advisory Board meeting with leading experts to discuss cytisinicline and gather insights for the NDA filing and commercial plans [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: How long before we see the full safety data from the long-term study? - The company expects to complete the study by June to September 2025 and will present the data after the NDA submission [27] Question: What were some of the key takeaways from the SAB meeting? - The SAB meeting highlighted the enthusiasm of key opinion leaders for cytisinicline and discussed its potential applications in various settings [30][32] Question: What are your plans for pre-commercial efforts to increase awareness of cytisinicline? - The company is focusing on awareness, availability, and access, ensuring the drug is ready for sale and working on pricing and payer strategies [36][38] Question: What is the status of any partnership discussions for non-dilutive capital? - The company is specifying its needs for partnerships related to COPD and is in discussions with potential candidates [44] Question: Have there been any changes in interactions with the FDA? - There have been no significant changes; interactions have remained consistent as the company approaches the NDA submission [48] Question: How are pricing discussions with payers going? - Initial conversations have occurred, but strong perspectives will emerge once pricing is set [52] Question: Will the company rely on external partners for commercialization? - The company will heavily rely on agency partners to implement its strategy and digital launch roadmap [59] Question: When will commercialization begin after product approval? - The company anticipates needing some time post-approval to ensure a strong launch, but aims to start as close to approval as possible [61]
Achieve Life Sciences Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Highlights Updates in Cytisinicline Program
Globenewswireยท 2025-05-13 11:30
Core Viewpoint - Achieve Life Sciences plans to submit a New Drug Application (NDA) for cytisinicline to the FDA in June 2025, marking a significant milestone in the development of a new treatment for smoking cessation [1][2]. Company Developments - The company reported financial results for Q1 2025, with cash and equivalents totaling $23.2 million and a net loss of $12.8 million for the quarter [10][20]. - Achieve has successfully completed the FDA's long-term exposure requirements for cytisinicline, demonstrating safety data on over 300 participants completing six months and 100 participants completing one year of treatment [6][8]. - The company conducted a Science Advisory Board (SAB) meeting with leading experts to discuss clinical progress and NDA preparations [9]. Clinical Trial Results - The Phase 3 ORCA-3 trial results published in JAMA Internal Medicine confirmed cytisinicline's efficacy and tolerability, showing reduced nicotine cravings and extended quit rates through 24 weeks [5][8]. - In the ORCA-OL long-term exposure trial, 75% of the 479 enrolled participants remained on treatment, indicating the potential for cytisinicline to shift the treatment paradigm for smoking cessation [4][6]. Market Context - There are approximately 29 million adults in the U.S. who smoke combustible cigarettes, with tobacco use being the leading cause of preventable death [13]. - Cytisinicline has been granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the FDA, addressing the critical need for effective treatments for nicotine dependence, including e-cigarette cessation [14][15].
Achieve Life Sciences(ACHV) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-03-11 18:52
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - As of December 31, 2024, the company's cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities were $34.4 million, up from $15.6 million on December 31, 2023, indicating a significant increase in liquidity [34] - Total operating expenses for Q4 2024 were $12.2 million, and for the year ended December 31, 2024, they were $39.1 million, reflecting the company's ongoing investment in its strategic initiatives [35] - The net loss for Q4 2024 was $12.4 million, and for the year, it was $39.8 million, showing a consistent financial performance as the company transitions towards commercialization [35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focused on the NDA submission for cytisinicline, a treatment for nicotine dependence, with plans to submit by the end of Q2 2025 [7][43] - The ORCA Open Label Long-Term Safety Exposure clinical trial has completed enrollment with 479 participants, meeting FDA requirements for the NDA submission [11][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company aims to address the nicotine dependence crisis, which affects approximately 29 million Americans, with 15 million attempting to quit each year [14] - The health risks associated with smoking and vaping are becoming increasingly evident, highlighting the need for effective treatment options like cytisinicline [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Achieve Life Sciences is transitioning from a clinical to a commercial company, with a planned commercial launch of cytisinicline in Q3 2026 [9][13] - The company has received Breakthrough Therapy designation for cytisinicline as a treatment for vaping cessation, indicating strong regulatory support for its development [11][22] - The strategic focus includes enhancing awareness, access, and availability of cytisinicline, with a digital-first approach to engage both healthcare providers and patients [27][117] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management emphasized the urgency for new nicotine dependence treatments due to the ineffectiveness of existing options and the rising prevalence of vaping [8][9] - The company is confident in its ability to file the NDA as planned and is focused on bringing cytisinicline to market to help millions of individuals seeking to quit nicotine [23][43] Other Important Information - The company has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of a new CFO and board members with extensive experience in corporate strategy and commercialization [12] - The company is conducting quality audits on NDA documents to ensure high standards for submission [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on NDA submission requirements - Management confirmed that the focus is on ensuring the quality of the NDA, with external consultants assisting in the preparation process [48][51] Question: Commercial access and potential barriers - The company is considering a specialty pharmacy model to track prescriptions and mitigate access barriers, while also preparing for payer discussions [54][56] Question: Potential partnerships for comorbid indications - Management indicated that while there is interest in partnerships, the immediate focus remains on the NDA submission [62][90] Question: Future DSMC reviews and CMC status - Management confirmed that one more DSMC review is expected, focusing on long-term safety data, and that CMC sections are nearly complete [70][72] Question: Sales ramp and market segmentation - The company anticipates a slow sales ramp post-launch, focusing on high-volume prescribers and motivated patients [80][84] Question: Patient satisfaction with current treatments - Research indicates low satisfaction rates with existing treatments like varenicline, suggesting a strong opportunity for cytisinicline [113][115] Question: Vaping study expectations - The company is preparing for a Phase 3 study with a sample size that accommodates higher placebo rates, ensuring robust statistical power [145]