Tarsus Pharmaceuticals(TARS) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, Tarsus Pharmaceuticals generated over $78 million in Xtendi sales, a year-over-year increase of 217%, driven by approximately 72,000 bottles dispensed to patients [4][20] - The gross to net discount was approximately 47%, reflecting strong coverage and an adjustment to Medicare accrual estimates [20][21] - Total operating expenses were approximately$ 104.6 million, an increase of $14 million compared to Q4 2024, primarily due to direct-to-consumer advertising and related marketing costs [21][22] - The company ended the quarter with approximately$ 407.9 million in cash and cash equivalents, bolstered by a recent equity raise of approximately $135 million [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Xtendi's sales growth was driven by an expanded sales force and increased prescribing frequency among eye care professionals (ECPs), with a 110% increase in ECPs writing more than one prescription per week compared to Q3 2024 [13][14] - The company anticipates dispensing between 85,000 to 90,000 bottles in Q2 2025, with a gross to net discount expected in the range of 45% to 47% [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported that over 90% of commercial and Medicare lives are covered, significantly reducing barriers to physician adoption [15][20] - The DTC campaign has led to a 140% increase in average weekly website visits in March 2025 compared to December 2024 [15][18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Tarsus aims to establish itself as a leader in eye care by creating new categories of treatment, with a focus on Xtendi and the upcoming Xembi launch [4][11] - The company is exploring global opportunities for Xtendi, particularly in Japan and Europe, with potential regulatory approval in Europe expected by 2027 [7][8] - Tarsus is also advancing its pipeline with TPO4 for ocular rosacea, targeting a significant and underserved market [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth trajectory of Xtendi, citing strong sales force performance and effective DTC campaigns as key drivers [19][26] - The company anticipates continued revenue growth, despite potential headwinds in Q3 due to seasonal factors, with stronger growth expected in Q4 [25][26] Other Important Information - The company has a proven blueprint for success and is well-positioned for sustained revenue growth in the coming years [11][26] - Management highlighted the importance of patient education and awareness as critical components of their growth strategy [78] Q&A Session Summary Question: Have there been any disruptions in meeting with the FDA regarding pipeline products? - Management confirmed there have been no delays in meeting schedules and they are on track to start trials in the second half of the year [30][31] Question: What is the current split between Medicare and commercial prescriptions? - The script volume is currently split relatively equally between Medicare and commercial prescriptions, with Medicare coverage acting as a significant growth driver [33][34] Question: What are the key drivers for repeat prescribing? - Key drivers include an expanded sales force and improved coverage, which have led to increased frequency of prescribing among doctors [38][40] Question: How is the feedback from the ORION Registry and MGD data being received? - Doctors are responding positively to the new data, which is prompting them to diagnose more patients and consider a broader range of conditions [54] Question: What are the potential factors affecting future guidance? - Factors include the impact of the DTC campaign and macroeconomic events, which may affect visibility for long-range guidance [63] Question: What is the expected level of stocking in the channel? - The company does not anticipate changes in stocking levels, which have remained consistent at around two to two and a half weeks [66]