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AxoGen Touts Post-BLA Growth Plan, 75%+ Gross Margin Outlook at J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-15 20:07
Core Insights - AxoGen's strategy focuses on expanding the adoption of peripheral nerve repair and improving profitability following the approval of its biologics license application (BLA) for the Avance Nerve Graft [3][4][5] Product and Technology - The Avance Nerve Graft is a decellularized human nerve allograft designed to bridge nerve gaps without requiring a secondary harvest site, complemented by AxoGuard and Avive products to support healing [1][19] - The Avance product is characterized as "immunologically benign" while retaining bioactive properties to support axon regeneration [1] Market and Growth Strategy - Management targets an annual growth rate of 15% to 20% and expects to achieve a gross margin of over 75% post-BLA [4][6] - The company has added approximately 20 million covered lives, although around 35% of commercial lives remain uncovered, indicating room for growth in reimbursement [3][11] Clinical Pathways and Education - AxoGen targets four major clinical care pathways, emphasizing the importance of education in nerve care, with over 70% of clinical literature published in the last five years driving demand for procedural training [2][7] - The company aims to make nerve repair an expected intervention in clinical care rather than an underutilized option [2] Financial Performance and Projections - AxoGen is currently cash-flow positive and can fund its strategic initiatives through operations, with expectations of normalized profitability following the transition to biologics licensure [4][14] - Management anticipates that gross margins will experience some pressure in 2026 but expects improvements in 2027 as operational initiatives take effect [13] Regulatory and Reimbursement Developments - The recent BLA approval is expected to address payer objections that previously categorized Avance as experimental, facilitating better reimbursement opportunities [11][12] - A new CMS outpatient code effective January 1 is anticipated to enhance the economic viability of outpatient nerve procedures, which have been limited under previous reimbursement structures [12] Future Opportunities - AxoGen is exploring international markets with a focus on those with clear regulatory pathways leading to reimbursement [16] - The company is also monitoring clinical signals from a prostate trial involving 100 patients, with results expected in the second half of 2026 [3][15]