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Aquestive(AQST) - 2023 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reduced its outstanding debt from $51.5 million on December 31, 2022, to $42.4 million on March 31, 2023, through principal prepayments and scheduled amortization [22] - Total revenues increased from $10.1 million in Q1 2022 to $11.1 million in Q1 2023, marking a 10% increase [24] - Net income for Q1 2023 was $8.1 million, compared to a net loss of $13.2 million in Q1 2022 [25] - Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA loss improved to $3.9 million in Q1 2023 from a loss of $8.1 million in Q1 2022 [25] - Cash and cash equivalents were approximately $26.9 million as of March 31, 2023 [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - License and royalty revenue saw an 82% increase, co-development and research fees increased by 12%, and manufacture and supply revenue rose by 6% compared to the previous year [24] - The company anticipates additional revenue from licensed products for the remainder of 2023 [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focused on expanding its collaborations and potential deals in both the US and international markets, particularly in Europe and China [19][58] - The company aims to bring Libervant to market before 2027, with ongoing discussions regarding US market access [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on building a healthy balance sheet, filing Anaphylm for FDA review, and obtaining US market access for Libervant [10] - The company plans to continue pursuing non-dilutive sources of capital and managing expenses to extend its cash runway [22][23] - The company is preparing for an upcoming FDA advisory committee meeting that will provide insights into the FDA's stance on alternate delivery methods for epinephrine [11][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about advancements in scientific research and development for anaphylaxis treatments [11] - The company is focused on addressing the challenges of patient compliance with carrying rescue medications, noting that over 50% of patients do not carry their prescribed medication [14] - Management highlighted the importance of understanding the FDA's views on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in relation to their product development [32][54] Other Important Information - The company has successfully settled legal issues, generating $8.5 million in non-dilutive financing [9] - The company has received FDA clearance for the brand name Anaphylm, which is seen as a strategic move to enhance patient engagement [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Anaphylm and PK bracketing - Management discussed the importance of the upcoming FDA advisory committee meeting and its implications for understanding FDA interactions and pharmacokinetics [31][32] Question: Gap between EpiPen approval and current standards - Management noted that there has never been an efficacy study for epinephrine, and they are interested in how the FDA will evaluate the pharmacokinetic curves [36] Question: Administration instructions for Anaphylm - Management clarified that the administration parameters are straightforward but require thorough understanding to ensure proper usage [44] Question: Timing of protocol submission - Management indicated that they would wait for insights from the advisory committee before confirming timelines for protocol submission [40] Question: Potential of Sympazan under Assertio - Management expressed optimism about the sales trajectory of Sympazan since the collaboration began, noting an increase in prescriptions [62]