Ascendis Pharma (ASND) FY 2025 Conference September 03, 2025 08:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsJan Møller Mikkelsen - President, CEO & DirectorScott Smith - EVP & CFOConference Call ParticipantsDerek Archila - MD & Equity Research Analyst - BiotechnologyDerek ArchilaIt's a long way to say, yeah. All right. Let's get started here. Welcome everyone to the 2025 Wells Fargo Healthcare Conference. My name is Derek Archila. We're going to be kicking off today with Ascendis Pharma. From the company, we have Jan Mikk ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing increasing revenue generation quarter by quarter, indicating a positive cash contribution and independence from financial markets [3][4] - The peak sales potential for YORVIPATH is estimated at $5 billion, with a significant portion expected from the U.S. in the initial years before shifting to ex-U.S. markets [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - YORVIPATH is positioned as a replacement therapy for hypoparathyroidism, with strong intellectual property protection extending to 2042, and a stable growth trajectory observed since its launch [4][6] - The company has a diversified strategy for ex-U.S. markets, with direct market efforts in 14 countries and partnerships in others, including Japan [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., there are approximately 80,000 to 100,000 diagnosed patients with hypoparathyroidism, indicating a substantial unmet medical need [5] - The competitive landscape for YORVIPATH is clearing, with no other products in clinical development offering similar benefits [6][7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to develop three independent product opportunities addressing major unmet medical needs, leveraging its TransCon technology [2][3] - Future plans include label expansion for existing products and the development of new compounds targeting both rare diseases and broader indications [3][42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing growth of YORVIPATH and the potential for TransCon CNP, with a priority review by the FDA expected soon [21][29] - The company is focused on building a sustainable pipeline and expanding its commercial infrastructure, with a goal of increasing clinical trial efforts in the coming years [42][44] Other Important Information - The partnership with Novo Nordisk remains strong, with no changes impacting the collaboration on TransCon semaglutide [35] - The company is exploring new therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular diseases, while continuing to focus on rare disease endocrinology [43][44] Q&A Session Summary Question: What drives the uptake of YORVIPATH in the U.S.? - The uptake is driven by a steady flow of new prescribers and prescriptions, with improvements expected in the infrastructure for patient transfers from prescription to treatment [11][12] Question: How does the company differentiate its products from competitors? - The differentiation lies in the continuous exposure provided by TransCon technology, which minimizes injection site reactions and maintains stable hormone levels [22][24] Question: What is the company's strategy for TransCon CNP? - The strategy involves positioning TransCon CNP as a transformative treatment for achondroplasia, focusing on both naive and switch patients [26][29] Question: How does the company view its cost base and earnings power moving forward? - The company has maintained cost efficiency and is looking to expand its pipeline, with expectations of turning a corner in cash generation in the near future [44][50]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has achieved revenue generation that is increasing quarter by quarter, indicating a positive cash contribution [3] - The peak sales potential for YORVIPATH is estimated at $5 billion, with a significant portion expected from the U.S. in the first four to five years [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - YORVIPATH is positioned as a replacement therapy for hypoparathyroidism, with strong intellectual property protection extending to 2042 [4] - The company has a diversified strategy for ex-U.S. markets, with direct market efforts in 13-14 countries and plans to expand further [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., there are approximately 80,000 to 100,000 diagnosed patients with hypoparathyroidism, highlighting a significant unmet medical need [5] - The competitive landscape for YORVIPATH is clearing, with no other products in clinical development offering similar benefits [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to develop three independent product opportunities addressing major unmet medical needs, leveraging its TransCon technology [2] - Future plans include label expansion and the development of new compounds targeting both rare diseases and broader indications [3][42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to generate positive cash flow and remain independent of financial markets [3] - The company is focused on building a sustainable growth model through its pipeline and partnerships, particularly in rare diseases and metabolic disorders [43] Other Important Information - The company is preparing for the FDA's priority review of TransCon CNP, which is expected to differentiate itself from competitors like BioMarin's VOXZOGO [21] - The partnership with Novo Nordisk remains strong, with no changes impacting the collaboration on TransCon semaglutide [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: What drives the uptake of YORVIPATH in the U.S.? - The uptake is driven by a steady flow of new prescribers and prescriptions, with improvements expected in the infrastructure for patient transfers from prescription to treatment [11][12] Question: How does the company view competition for longer-acting formulations? - The company has opted for a daily formulation for YORVIPATH to ensure patient stability before considering a weekly product [15][16] Question: What is the differentiation of TransCon CNP compared to competitors? - TransCon CNP offers continuous exposure without injection site reactions and has shown meaningful clinical effects beyond linear growth [22][24] Question: How does the company plan to expand its TransCon platform? - The company is focused on developing multiple product opportunities across various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular diseases [42][43] Question: What is the company's approach to cost management and earnings power? - The company has maintained cost efficiency and is looking to expand its pipeline while generating cash from operations [44][50]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ascendis Pharma reported a significant increase in first quarter revenue for Europath, reaching €44.7 million, up from €13.6 million in the previous quarter [28] - Total revenue for the first quarter was €101 million, which includes non-product revenue from collaboration partners [30] - R&D costs for the first quarter totaled €86.6 million, compared to €70.7 million in the same quarter of the previous year [30] - SG&A expenses increased to €101 million from €66.8 million year-over-year, primarily due to global commercial expansion [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Europath's global revenue grew to €45 million in the first quarter, reflecting strong U.S. demand and a growing patient base [13][28] - Skytrofa generated €51.3 million in revenue for the quarter, with stable pricing and market share despite seasonal impacts [29][19] - The company expects Europath to significantly contribute to revenue in 2025, with a potential to become a multi-billion euro product [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., Europath was prescribed by over 1,000 unique prescribers for more than 1,750 patients, marking a successful launch [11] - The company estimates there are over 400,000 patients globally with chronic hypoparathyroidism, with 70,000 in the U.S. alone [18] - Skytrofa holds approximately 7% market share in the total growth hormone market in the U.S. and around 43% in the non-active growth hormone market [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Ascendis Pharma aims to be a leading biopharma company, focusing on the commercialization and development of Skytrofa and Europath [10] - The company is committed to expanding its product portfolio, with TransCon CNP being a key component in treating achondroplasia [12] - Ascendis Pharma is exploring market opportunities beyond endocrinology and rare diseases, indicating a strategic shift towards broader therapeutic areas [5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strong launch of Europath and its potential to become cash flow positive [10] - The company anticipates substantial revenue growth driven by the global launch of Europath and continued contributions from Skytrofa [32] - Management highlighted the importance of addressing unmet medical needs and the positive trends in reimbursement for Europath [38][40] Other Important Information - Ascendis Pharma's proprietary TransCon technology platform is fundamental to the development of its medicines, allowing for differentiated treatment benefits [26] - The company is collaborating with Novo Nordisk for the development of TransCon technology-based products in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the expected reimbursement rate for Yorvapath? - Management estimates that 17% to 18% of patients will ultimately get reimbursed once Yorvapath reaches steady state [38] Question: Can you provide the split between U.S. and ex-U.S. revenue for Yorvapath? - Management indicated that while specific numbers are not disclosed, there is steady growth expected outside the U.S. with an acceleration anticipated in the second half of the year [48] Question: What is the depth of prescribing for Yorvapath? - Management noted that they cannot definitively categorize patients as well-controlled or uncontrolled but expect a steady flow of patients transitioning from conventional therapies [66][70] Question: How is the company addressing payer dynamics? - Management emphasized that they are well-equipped to navigate reimbursement challenges, leveraging experience from previous product launches [75] Question: What are the competitive dynamics with new entrants in the market? - Management expressed confidence that their product addresses significant unmet medical needs and that new entrants may not significantly impact their market position [114]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ascendis Pharma reported a significant increase in first quarter revenue for Europath, reaching €44.7 million, up from €13.6 million in the previous quarter [28] - Total revenue for the first quarter was €101 million, which includes non-product revenue from collaboration partners [30] - R&D costs for the first quarter totaled €86.6 million, compared to €70.7 million in the same quarter of the previous year [30] - SG&A expenses increased to €101 million from €66.8 million year-over-year, primarily due to global commercial expansion [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Europath's first quarter global revenue grew to €45 million, reflecting strong U.S. demand and a growing patient base [13][28] - Skytrofa revenue for the quarter was €51.3 million, with stable pricing and market share, although impacted by seasonal dynamics [29][18] - The company expects Europath to significantly contribute to revenue in 2025, with ongoing growth in both U.S. and international markets [16][28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - As of March 31, Europath was prescribed by over 1,000 unique prescribers for more than 1,750 patients in the U.S. [11] - The company estimates over 400,000 patients globally and around 70,000 in the U.S. are living with chronic hypoparathyroidism, with a significant portion being candidates for treatment with Europath [17] - Skytrofa holds approximately 7% market share in the total growth hormone market in the U.S. and around 43% in the non-active growth hormone market [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Ascendis Pharma aims to be a leading biopharma company, focusing on the global launch of Europath and the development of TransCon CNP for growth disorders [10][12] - The company is committed to expanding its product portfolio and addressing unmet medical needs in endocrinology and rare diseases [25] - Ascendis Pharma plans to submit an MAA for TransCon CNP in the EU in Q3 2025, with ongoing clinical trials to support its growth strategy [23][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strong launch performance of Europath and its potential to become a multi-billion euro product [17] - The company anticipates substantial revenue growth driven by the global launch of Europath and continued contributions from Skytrofa [32] - Management highlighted the importance of favorable reimbursement dynamics and ongoing patient adherence as key factors for future success [41][42] Other Important Information - Ascendis Pharma recognized a non-cash gain of €33.6 million from its share of profit loss of associates due to the Visa IPO [31] - The company ended the first quarter with cash and cash equivalents totaling €518 million, down from €560 million at the end of 2024 [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for reimbursement of Yorvapath - Management estimates that 17% to 18% of patients prescribed Yorvapath will ultimately get reimbursed, with ongoing positive trends in payer policies [39][40] Question: Split between U.S. and ex-U.S. revenue for Yorvapath - Management indicated steady growth in ex-U.S. markets, with expectations for acceleration in the second half of the year as more countries achieve full reimbursement [48] Question: Status of negotiations with commercial payers - Conversations with payers have been positive, with multiple favorable policies in place, and the company expects to continue gaining traction [54] Question: Proportion of new prescriptions from NATPARA or PTH naive patients - The majority of new patients are coming from conventional therapy, with about 10% to 15% having been on some form of PTH previously [58][62] Question: Depth of prescribing for Yorvapath - Management noted that they cannot definitively categorize patients as well-controlled or uncontrolled, but they are focusing on those frequently seeing endocrinologists [66][70] Question: Feedback on the titration process for Yorvapath - Adherence rates are consistent with clinical trials, and dropout rates are under 1%, indicating strong patient retention [100][101] Question: Plans for clinical utility trials for milder patients - Management is evaluating the long-term benefits of treatment for society and considering how to demonstrate the economic value of Yorvapath [108]