Drugs targeting rare diseases have become an important sector for biotech firms. Oversight of them is growing ever more politicised and unstable https://t.co/TzbMzG3tSj ...

Manufacturing drugs that target rare diseases is replete with extraordinary financial promise, scientific risk and knotty ethical considerations. Regulating them is becoming more challenging https://t.co/8Bbu4XMEgF ...

Zevra Therapeutics (ZVRA) Q2 2025 Earnings Call August 12, 2025 04:30 PM ET Speaker0Good afternoon and thank you for joining Zebra's Second Quarter twenty twenty five Financial Results and Corporate Update Conference Call. Today's call is being recorded and will be available via the Investor Relations section of the company's website later today. The host for today's call is Nicole Osher, Zebra's Vice President of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications. Please go ahead.Speaker1Thank you, and welcom ...

Core Insights - Pharming Group N.V. reported a strong second quarter with a total revenue growth of 26% and positive operating profit, driven by significant growth in RUCONEST® and Joenja® [2][7][29] - The company raised its full-year revenue guidance to between US$335 million and US$350 million, up from the previous range of US$325 million to US$340 million [7][44] Financial Performance - Total revenues for Q2 2025 increased by 26% to US$93.2 million compared to Q2 2024, with RUCONEST® revenue growing by 28% to US$80.4 million and Joenja® revenue increasing by 15% to US$12.8 million [7][29][30] - Operating profit for Q2 2025 was US$10.8 million, a significant improvement from a loss of US$3.1 million in Q2 2024 [7][31] - For the first half of 2025, total revenues rose by 33% to US$172.3 million, with RUCONEST® revenues up 37% to US$149.0 million [35][36] Product Development and Market Expansion - Joenja® is showing accelerated uptake, with patient growth in the first half of 2025 surpassing the total for all of 2024 [2][11] - A recent study published in the journal Cell suggests that the prevalence of APDS may be up to 100 times higher than previously estimated, potentially expanding Joenja®'s addressable patient population [3][16] - The company launched Joenja® in the U.K. and submitted a regulatory filing for leniolisib in Japan, indicating ongoing efforts to expand market access [4][20] Strategic Initiatives - Pharming is working on mitigating the impact of U.S. tariffs, although it does not expect a material impact on its business [5] - The company is on track to reduce general and administrative expenses by 15% or US$10 million to optimize capital allocation for sustainable growth [26] - The acquisition of Abliva AB was completed, increasing Pharming's ownership to 100% [25] Cash Flow and Financial Position - Cash and marketable securities increased to US$130.8 million at the end of Q2 2025, up from US$108.9 million at the end of Q1 2025, primarily due to cash generated from operations [7][34] - The company reported a net profit of US$4.6 million for Q2 2025, compared to a net loss of US$1.2 million in Q2 2024 [33]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Scholar Rock reported a strong start to 2025, with significant progress in bringing up epitigromab for SMA patients globally [6][9] - The company ended the quarter with $364.4 million in cash, indicating a solid financial position to support upcoming initiatives [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The phase three SAPPHIRE trial for epitigromab showed statistically significant improvement in motor function, with patients treated having a threefold higher chance of a three-point or greater increase in Hammersmith Scale compared to placebo [7][13] - The company is preparing for a U.S. commercial launch of epitigromab anticipated in Q3 2025, with plans to expand into Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America [9][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 10,000 SMA patients in the U.S. and around 35,000 globally have received SMN-targeted therapies, highlighting the market potential for epitigromab [21] - The company is focusing on the dual modality treatment approach for SMA, combining SMN-targeted therapies with muscle-targeting therapies [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Scholar Rock aims to establish itself as a fully integrated global biopharmaceutical company, with a focus on SMA and potential expansion into other neuromuscular disorders [9][27] - The company is also exploring the EMBRAZE study to understand its role in treating obesity, indicating a diversification of its research focus [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the upcoming U.S. launch of epitigromab and the potential for sustainable growth through the end of the decade [9][27] - The company is committed to ensuring that no patient with SMA is left behind, emphasizing its responsibility to patients and families [28] Other Important Information - The BLA for epitigromab was granted priority review by the FDA, with a PDUFA date set for September 22, 2025 [8][15] - The company has an additional $100 million under its debt facility to support the upcoming launch, extending its financial runway into 2027 [25][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: How have discussions with U.S. payers gone regarding coverage for combination therapy? - Management indicated that early discussions with payers have been positive, with a focus on the need for better therapeutic options for SMA patients [31][34] Question: Can you provide an update on interactions with the FDA regarding the upadacumab review? - Management reported that interactions with the FDA have been routine and constructive, with no issues anticipated for the September 22 PDUFA date [36][37] Question: What are the expectations for the EMBRAZE study data in June? - Management confirmed that the primary focus will be on the 24-week data, with additional follow-up information provided as necessary [41][42] Question: How do you evaluate the potential to secure a commercial partner for Europe? - Management stated that they do not prioritize seeking a partner outside the U.S., feeling confident in their ability to serve patients directly [86] Question: What are the expectations for launch dynamics and early demand post-approval? - Management noted that while they will not provide specific guidance, they are optimistic due to the existing infrastructure and patient population [68][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2024, the company reported net revenue of $12 million, which included $10.1 million from MIPLYFFA, $0.1 million from OLPRUVA, and $1.1 million from net reimbursements from the French EAP for arimoclomol [41][44] - The full year 2024 net revenue was $23.6 million, with a net loss of $105.5 million or $2.28 per share, compared to a net loss of $46 million or $1.30 per share in 2023 [44][46] - Operating expenses for Q4 were $24.5 million, with R&D expenses decreasing to $8.4 million, while SG&A expenses increased to $16.1 million [43][45] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - MIPLYFFA's launch exceeded expectations, with 109 patient enrollment forms received in Q4, reflecting strong demand in the NPC community [10][23] - OLPRUVA saw four new enrollments in Q4, an increase from three in Q3, with market access remaining consistent at 76% of covered lives [12][35] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company estimates approximately 900 people with NPC in the U.S., with 300 to 350 diagnosed, indicating a significant market opportunity for MIPLYFFA [24][28] - The European market is expected to have around 1,100 patients living with NPC, with plans to submit a marketing authorization application in the second half of 2025 [11][53] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand MIPLYFFA's availability outside the U.S. and is focused on regulatory submissions in Europe [11][20] - The strategic plan includes four pillars: commercial excellence, pipeline and innovation, talent and culture, and corporate foundation [7][19] - The company is rationalizing its in-house discovery efforts and outsourcing activities to focus investments where there is the greatest potential for impact [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the early success of MIPLYFFA and the potential for significant market penetration in both the U.S. and Europe [20][28] - The company is focused on building financial strength and disciplined capital allocation to support long-term transformation [19][47] Other Important Information - The company refinanced existing debt and completed a secondary offering, providing financial stability [19] - A priority review voucher was monetized for $150 million, expected to provide non-dilutive capital for future growth [20][46] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide guidance on the European filing timeline? - Management indicated plans to file in the second half of 2025 and is confident in the acceptance of the filing based on improved long-term data [53][56] Question: How do you expect the European market dynamics to affect patient identification? - The European market is more mature, with more patients diagnosed and treated due to the long-standing presence of miglustat [53] Question: Can you provide more quantitative details on MIPLYFFA sales during the quarter? - MIPLYFFA revenue of $10.1 million included initial patient dispenses and refills, with inventory levels maintained at target levels [65] Question: What is the expected long-term net patient addition rate? - The focus will be on finding diagnosed but untreated patients, with expectations for steady growth in patient enrollments [67] Question: How many patients are currently treated at centers of excellence? - Most diagnosed patients have connections to centers of excellence, with ongoing efforts to expand treatment access [78] Question: What is the average time from enrollment to reimbursement? - It is too early to provide specifics, but initial experiences indicate a quick turnaround for some patients [104] Question: Have there been any patient denials for enrollment? - A few patients have faced initial denials, but the company has robust support systems in place to assist them [108]