Biodesix(BDSX) - 2021 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Performance - The company reported record revenue of $28.9 million for Q1 2021, representing a year-over-year increase of 466% and a sequential increase of 7% from Q4 2020 [7][30]. - COVID-19 testing services revenue was $23.2 million in Q1 2021, with an 8% sequential growth over Q4 2020 [32]. - Lung diagnostic revenue increased to $4.0 million in Q1 2021, up 10% year-over-year and 8% sequentially from Q4 2020 [33]. - Biopharma services revenue was $1.7 million in Q1 2021, a 12% increase year-over-year but a 12% decline sequentially from Q4 2020 [37]. - The net loss for Q1 2021 was $7.0 million, an improvement from a net loss of $9.7 million in Q1 2020 [47]. Business Lines Performance - COVID-19 testing services significantly contributed to overall revenue growth, while lung diagnostic testing showed signs of recovery as pulmonologists began seeing more non-COVID patients [31][35]. - The company has six diagnostic tests available, focusing on lung disease, with Nodify XL2 and Nodify CDC tests aimed at assessing lung cancer risk [17]. - The new liquid biopsy next-generation sequencing test is expected to launch commercially in the first half of 2022, with a 72-hour turnaround time [22][25]. Market Data - The company estimates a target addressable market greater than $29 billion for its core business in lung disease diagnostics [16]. - The overall demand for COVID-19 testing is expected to decline throughout the year, but the company anticipates recurring demand in the fall for schools and travel [68]. Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focused on expanding its sales force, aiming to double its size in 2021 to better reach physicians [20][82]. - The introduction of the cPass COVID-19 Neutralization Antibody Detection test and the new NGS test are part of the company's strategy to enhance its product portfolio [57][101]. - The competitive landscape for the liquid biopsy test is acknowledged as crowded, but the company believes its offerings will complement existing tests [60][65]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the recovery of lung diagnostic testing as pulmonologists return to normal workflows [56]. - The company is not providing specific revenue or earnings guidance due to the evolving nature of the pandemic but expects year-over-year revenue growth [51]. - The management highlighted the importance of adapting to changing healthcare needs and maintaining a disciplined focus on costs while investing in growth [54]. Other Important Information - The company ended Q1 2021 with $55.3 million in cash and cash equivalents, reflecting a reduction due to increased working capital [48]. - A new $30 million term loan was secured to enhance financial flexibility, allowing for continued growth and expansion of the clinical pipeline [49][50]. Q&A Session Summary Question: What remains to be done for the 52 Gene Liquid Biopsy panel before commercialization? - The company is working towards commercialization and regulatory submission, ensuring readiness to scale the test [61][63]. Question: What is the expected contribution of COVID testing revenue throughout the year? - The company anticipates a decline in COVID testing revenue but expects recurring demand in the fall [68]. Question: How is the company addressing the backlog of patients needing diagnostic workups? - The company is doubling its sales force and focusing on in-person sales calls as pulmonologists return to normal patient volumes [82][84]. Question: What allows the company to achieve a 72-hour turnaround time for the NGS test? - The company has expanded its laboratory capacity and operates 24/7, leveraging resources from COVID testing [88][90]. Question: What is the go-to-market strategy for the neutralizing antibody test? - The company aims to position itself as a comprehensive COVID solution provider, reaching out to existing testing partners to introduce the new test [100][101].