Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q2 2025 grew 15% year over year to $47.6 million, with adjusted EPS rising 14% to $1.6 per share, reflecting solid execution and continued operating leverage [32] - Royalty revenue increased 57% from the prior year to $36.4 million, underscoring the strength and momentum of partnered programs [32] - GAAP net income for the quarter was $4.8 million or $0.24 per diluted share, compared to a GAAP net loss of $51.9 million or $2.88 per share in the prior year period [38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Key drivers of royalty revenue growth included strong performance from Varonis O2VARE, Trevyr's FILSPARI, Recordati's Carziva, and Merck's CapXiv and Vaxnuvanse [33] - Varonis reported a 45% sequential increase in Q2 2025 sales to $103 million, with expectations for continued strong launch trajectory [34] - FILSPARI showed strong commercial momentum, with Trevyr reporting Q2 sales in line with internal estimates, indicating robust year-over-year growth [34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Merck's CapXiv generated $129 million in sales, a 21% sequential increase, while Vaxnuvanse generated $229 million in net sales, representing a 20% year-over-year increase [35] - Record ID reported sales of Carziva grew 12% in 2025, reaching €78.5 million, with Ligand earning a high teens royalty on Carziva sales [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deliver profitable compounding growth by remaining disciplined in its investment approach and identifying high-quality assets that address significant unmet needs [21] - The strategic merger of Pylthos with Channel Therapeutics and a $40 million investment in Orchestra Biomed reflect the company's commitment to innovative therapies and expanding its portfolio [8][26] - The company is optimistic about the potential of its royalty assets, particularly with the expected blockbuster status of O2VARE by 2027 [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding the strong launch trajectories of therapies and the potential for significant revenue growth from O2VARE and FILSPARI [44] - The company anticipates that Merck's acquisition of Verona will accelerate the launch of O2VARE, enhancing its market potential [76] - Management acknowledged the ongoing pricing pressure in the pharmaceutical industry but emphasized the importance of investing in high clinical value drugs to navigate this environment [63] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $245 million in cash and investments, with approximately $450 million in deployable capital factoring in its undrawn credit facility [32] - The deconsolidation of Peltos effective July 1 will impact future financial reporting, with the estimated fair value of Ligand's stake in Peltos at approximately $100 million [41] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for the Peltos launch - Management is optimistic about the launch of ZELSUMI, citing strong demand and a capable commercial team [47][48] Question: Impact of Vilsparri REMS removal on uptake - The removal of REMS restrictions is expected to enhance uptake, particularly among earlier stage patients [50][51] Question: Guidance on revenue and EPS growth - Management explained that operating expenses are being cautiously managed, and tax rates are impacting net income due to increased foreign revenue [56][57] Question: Merck's ownership of Verona and its impact on O2VARE - Management believes Merck's global capabilities will accelerate O2VARE's rollout compared to its previous management by Verona [76] Question: Orchestra Biomed's commercialization pathway - Medtronic and Tarumo are the commercial partners for Orchestra Biomed's AVIM technology and Virtu SAB balloon, respectively [77]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total revenue of over $45 million for Q1 2025, representing a 46% increase from $31 million in the same period last year [33][34] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for Q1 2025 was $1.33, up from $1.20 in Q1 2024 [42] - Royalty revenue increased by 44% year-over-year, totaling $27.5 million in Q1 2025 [34][35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Varonis' O2VARE reported net sales of $71.3 million in Q1 2025, nearly double the previous quarter's results [37] - Trevyr's Filspari achieved first-quarter U.S. sales of $56 million, representing over 180% year-over-year growth [38] - Merck's Capaxib reported Q1 sales of $107 million, more than double the prior quarter [39] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has over $200 million in cash and investments, with no debt and access to a $125 million revolving credit facility [8] - The current biopharmaceutical financing environment is challenging, leading to increased demand for royalty financing [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deliver profitable and compounding growth through a diversified portfolio of royalty assets [14][16] - A focus on acquiring late-stage development assets and commercial assets with superior risk-reward profiles is central to the company's strategy [15][17] - The company anticipates long-term royalty revenue growth to meet or exceed a 22% compound annual growth rate [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future prospects, citing a strong start to 2025 and the potential for significant growth drivers [44] - The company is navigating short-term disruptions due to policy changes but remains focused on delivering clinical value [50][56] - Management noted that the current environment presents opportunities for mergers and acquisitions in the biotech sector [49] Other Important Information - The company executed a strategic transaction to merge its subsidiary, Pylthos Therapeutics, with Channel Therapeutics, raising $50 million in equity capital [22] - ZELSUVME, an FDA-approved therapy for molluscum contagiosum, is positioned as a first-line treatment option [29][31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Current environment for the space and special situations - Management noted an increase in special situations due to difficult financing markets for biotech companies, presenting good opportunities for the company [48][50] Question: Impact of most favored nation's status for drug pricing - Management indicated that while there may be short-term disruptions, the long-term outlook remains positive as most partners focus on the U.S. market [55][58] Question: Investment capacity and opportunities - Management expects to invest above the normal pace this year due to the number of good opportunities, while maintaining diversification limits [76][78] Question: Launch timing for ZELSUVME - The launch is expected to be independent of the merger closing, with preparations already underway [83] Question: Revenue trends for the year - Management anticipates a balanced revenue cadence throughout the year, reiterating guidance for Captisol and royalty revenue [88]