Core Insights - CorMedix (CRMD) and Mirum Pharmaceuticals (MIRM) attract investors in the rare-disease biotech sector due to smaller patient populations that can yield significant revenue through premium pricing and regulatory incentives [1] - Both companies benefit from clearer clinical endpoints and faster regulatory pathways, allowing quicker market entry compared to traditional drugs [1] CorMedix (CRMD) Overview - CorMedix's lead product, DefenCath, received FDA approval in late 2023 as the first antimicrobial catheter lock solution in the U.S., aimed at reducing catheter-related bloodstream infections in kidney failure patients [2] - DefenCath generated $167.6 million in net sales in the first nine months of 2025, indicating strong market adoption [7] - The company plans to expand DefenCath's label into total parenteral nutrition and has diversified its revenue through a $300 million acquisition of Melinta Therapeutics, adding seven approved therapies to its portfolio [7] - Despite initial success, CorMedix's future outlook is cautious, with 2026 revenue guidance of $300-$320 million and projected 2027 revenues of $100-$140 million, reflecting pricing pressures and limited growth [8][11] Mirum Pharmaceuticals (MIRM) Overview - Mirum's lead product, Livmarli, is approved for treating cholestatic pruritus in patients with Alagille syndrome and has seen a 70% year-over-year increase in net sales, reaching $161.4 million in the first nine months of 2025 [3][12] - The company has expanded its portfolio with a new tablet formulation of Livmarli and additional bile acid products from the acquisition of Travere Therapeutics, generating $118.8 million in the first nine months of 2025 [16] - MIRM's revenue guidance for 2026 is approximately $630-$650 million, supported by a broader product base and ongoing clinical studies for new therapies [16][28] Comparative Analysis - Both companies exhibit a similar risk-reward profile, but MIRM presents a clearer growth narrative with multiple revenue drivers, while CRMD's outlook is clouded by conservative guidance and reliance on a single product [4][9] - MIRM's shares have increased by 75.3% over the past six months, contrasting with CRMD's 38% decline, indicating market preference for MIRM's growth potential [23] - Valuation metrics show MIRM trading at a price/book ratio of 16.02, significantly higher than CRMD's 1.43, reflecting investor confidence in MIRM's growth prospects [24] Investment Recommendation - Mirum Pharmaceuticals is viewed as the better investment opportunity due to its strong sales growth, diversified revenue streams, and multiple growth levers, while CorMedix faces more uncertainty and competitive pressures [25][29]

Core Insights - Mirum Pharmaceuticals (MIRM) shares increased by 7.1% following the announcement of strong preliminary results for Q4 and full-year 2025, which boosted investor confidence [1][6] Financial Performance - Preliminary net product sales for Mirum in 2025 were approximately $520 million, exceeding the management's guidance of $500-$510 million provided in November 2025 [2][6] - Estimated net product sales for Livmarli were around $359 million for 2025, while Cholbam and Ctexli contributed approximately $161 million [4] - For Q4 2025, estimated net product sales were about $149 million, including $106 million from Livmarli and around $43 million from Cholbam and Ctexli [5] 2026 Sales Outlook - Mirum forecasts net product sales of approximately $630-$650 million for 2026 [6][7] - The company is conducting a phase III study for Livmarli aimed at treating pruritus in rare cholestatic conditions, with enrollment expected to complete in the first half of 2026 [7] Pipeline Developments - Mirum's lead pipeline candidate, volixibat, is under evaluation in two phase IIb studies for primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis, with top-line data from the VISTAS study anticipated in Q2 2026 [8] - A definitive agreement to acquire Bluejay Therapeutics was announced in December 2025, which will enhance Mirum's portfolio in rare liver diseases [9] - A phase II study has been initiated for MRM-3379, a PDE4D inhibitor targeting Fragile X syndrome [10]

Core Insights - Mirum Pharmaceuticals' revenue is primarily driven by its lead product, Livmarli, which has shown consistent sales growth since its launch [1][3][11] Product Overview - Livmarli is an orally administered IBAT inhibitor approved for treating cholestatic pruritus in patients with Alagille syndrome and certain patients with PFIC in the U.S. and Europe [2] - A new tablet formulation of Livmarli has been approved, enhancing convenience for older patients [3] Financial Performance - In the first nine months of 2025, Livmarli's net product sales reached $253.6 million, reflecting a 70% year-over-year increase [3] - Mirum anticipates total revenues for 2025 to be between $500 million and $510 million, up from a previous estimate of $490 million to $510 million, driven by Livmarli and bile acid products [6] Product Portfolio Expansion - Mirum has made progress with other marketed products, Cholbam and Ctexli, which were added to its portfolio following the acquisition of Travere Therapeutics' bile acid products in 2023 [5][6] Pipeline Developments - Mirum's lead pipeline candidate, volixibat, is currently under evaluation in two phase IIb studies for primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis [7] Competitive Landscape - Mirum faces competition from Albireo AB's Bylvay, which directly competes with Livmarli in the PFIC and ALGS markets [9] - GSK is developing linerixibat, another IBAT inhibitor, which could pose significant competition for Mirum's pipeline candidate volixibat [10][12] Stock Performance and Valuation - Over the past six months, Mirum's shares have increased by 35.9%, outperforming the industry and the S&P 500 [13] - The company's shares are trading at a premium, with a price/book ratio of 11.87 compared to the industry average of 3.55 [14] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Mirum's 2025 loss per share has narrowed from 67 cents to 41 cents, while estimates for 2026 have shifted from earnings of 4 cents per share to a loss of 29 cents [15]

Core Insights - Mirum Pharmaceuticals has initiated the phase II BLOOM study for MRM-3379, a PDE4D inhibitor aimed at treating Fragile X syndrome (FXS), with the first patient enrolled [1][6] - The study will focus on safety, tolerability, and potential clinical benefits, with top-line data expected in 2027 [2][6] - FXS affects approximately 50,000 males in the U.S. and Europe, and currently, there are no approved therapies for this condition [2] Company Developments - MRM-3379 has shown promise in improving cognitive and behavioral symptoms associated with FXS in preclinical studies, indicating a potential novel treatment approach [3] - Mirum's lead product, Livmarli, is approved for treating cholestatic pruritus in patients with Alagille syndrome and progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis, generating significant revenue [7][8] - Livmarli's net product sales reached $253.6 million in the first nine months of 2025, reflecting a 70% year-over-year increase [8] Pipeline Progress - Mirum is advancing other products, including Cholbam capsules and Ctexli tablets, which are also approved for rare diseases, contributing to revenue growth [9] - The lead pipeline candidate, volixibat, is undergoing evaluation in two phase IIb studies for primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis, with top-line data expected in 2026 [9][10] Market Performance - Year-to-date, Mirum's shares have increased by 69.3%, outperforming the industry average rise of 20.3% [4]

Core Insights - Mirum Pharmaceuticals' lead product, Livmarli, is the primary revenue driver for the company, significantly contributing to its top-line growth [1][3][13] Product Overview - Livmarli is an orally administered ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT) inhibitor approved for treating cholestatic pruritus in patients with Alagille syndrome (ALGS) and certain patients with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) [2] - A new tablet formulation of Livmarli was approved by the FDA earlier this year, enhancing convenience for older patients [3] Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, Livmarli's net product sales reached $161.4 million, reflecting a 79.1% year-over-year increase [3] - Mirum has raised its revenue guidance for 2025 to a range of $490-$510 million, up from the previous estimate of $435-$450 million, due to strong sales performance [6][13] Market Dynamics - Mirum's acquisition of Travere Therapeutics' bile acid products in 2023 has diversified its revenue stream, adding Cholbam capsules and Ctexli tablets to its portfolio [5] - Competition is intensifying in the market, particularly from Albireo AB's Bylvay, which directly competes with Livmarli [8] Pipeline Developments - Mirum's lead pipeline candidate, volixibat, is currently undergoing evaluation in two phase IIb studies for primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis [9] Valuation and Stock Performance - Year-to-date, Mirum's shares have increased by 74.6%, outperforming the industry average of 7.4% [14] - The company's shares are trading at a premium, with a price/book ratio of 14.21 compared to the industry average of 3.35 [15] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 loss per share has improved from 84 cents to 69 cents, with 2026 estimates shifting from a loss of 13 cents to earnings of 3 cents [16]

Core Insights - CorMedix (CRMD) and Mirum Pharmaceuticals (MIRM) are focusing on treatments for underserved medical conditions, creating niches in areas often overlooked by larger pharmaceutical companies [1] CorMedix (CRMD) - CorMedix's lead product, DefenCath, is the first FDA-approved antimicrobial catheter lock solution in the U.S., aimed at reducing catheter-related bloodstream infections in adult patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis [2] - DefenCath generated $78.8 million in net revenues in the first half of 2025, prompting CorMedix to raise its full-year revenue guidance for 2025 [6] - The company plans to expand DefenCath's label into total parenteral nutrition to increase its customer base [7] - CorMedix acquired Melinta Therapeutics for $300 million, adding seven marketed therapies and diversifying its revenue streams [8] - The acquisition of Melinta is a strategic move to mitigate competition in the CRBSI market from established players like Pfizer and Amphastar [10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CorMedix's 2025 sales and EPS indicates a year-over-year increase of approximately 411% and 607%, respectively [19] Mirum Pharmaceuticals (MIRM) - Mirum's lead product, Livmarli, is approved for treating cholestatic pruritus in patients with Alagille syndrome and has generated $161.4 million in net product sales in the first half of 2025, reflecting a 79.1% year-over-year increase [3][14] - Livmarli's sales momentum is expected to continue, supported by a new tablet formulation launched in June 2025 [13] - MIRM's revenue is heavily reliant on Livmarli, making it vulnerable to regulatory setbacks and competitive pressures, particularly from Albireo's Bylvay [18][29] - Mirum's strategic acquisition of Travere Therapeutics' bile acid products has diversified its revenue stream, generating $78 million in the first half of 2025 [17] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Mirum's 2025 sales implies a year-over-year increase of around 51%, with a projected 61% narrowing of loss per share [19] Comparative Analysis - Year-to-date, CRMD shares have gained 39.1%, while MIRM shares have increased by 78.7%, compared to a 3.5% return for the industry [24] - MIRM's shares trade at a higher price/book (P/B) ratio of 14.35 compared to CRMD's 3.47, indicating a more expensive valuation [25] - CorMedix is viewed as a stronger investment option due to its expanding product portfolio and growth trajectory, while Mirum's reliance on Livmarli poses risks [27][31]