Akebia Therapeutics(AKBA) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues increased to $57.3 million in Q1 2025 from $32.6 million in Q1 2024, driven by net product revenues of $55.8 million compared to $31 million in the prior year [22][25] - Net income for Q1 2025 was $6.1 million, a significant improvement from a net loss of $18 million in Q1 2024 [25] - Cost of goods sold decreased to $7.6 million in Q1 2025 from $11.6 million in Q1 2024, attributed to the absence of a non-cash amortization charge related to Auryxia [23][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Vafcio generated $12 million in net product revenues in Q1 2025, exceeding guidance of $10 million to $11 million [6][22] - Auryxia net product revenues increased to $43.8 million in Q1 2025 from $31 million in Q1 2024, despite the entry of an authorized generic [22][23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The top five dialysis organizations have ordered Vafcio, with revenues primarily coming from small to mid-sized dialysis organizations treating approximately 150,000 patients collectively [7][14] - The VOICE study is progressing towards full enrollment, with about 75% of the target 2,200 subjects enrolled [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand the use of Vafcio in both dialysis and non-dialysis patient populations, with plans to initiate a Phase III VALOR trial in the second half of 2025 [10][11] - The focus remains on increasing the breadth and depth of prescribing among current customers while unlocking new customers [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the strong early performance of Vafcio, highlighting the importance of prescriber education and patient retention [6][7] - The company is confident in its financial position and believes it is financed to achieve profitability based on its current operating plan [25][26] Other Important Information - The company has at least 12 months of Vafcio inventory on hand in the U.S. and does not expect significant tariff-related impacts [24] - The average compliance rate in dialysis is expected to be around 65%, which will influence refill rates over time [60] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on timelines for adding Vafcio to protocols at large dialysis organizations - Management indicated that a large pilot is planned to operationalize protocols, with training expected to take about a month before broader rollout [29][31][34] Question: Shift from Auryxia prescriptions to authorized generic - Management noted that the impact of the authorized generic has been minimal in Q1 2025, with expectations of maintaining significant revenue until more generics are approved [47][50] Question: Net price dynamics as large dialysis providers come on board - Management acknowledged the competitive environment and indicated that net price per patient is expected to decrease as volumes increase, with some lumpiness in pricing [55][57] Question: Demand drivers for Vafcio and reimbursement trends - Management highlighted that demand is driven by clinical value and economic incentives, with positive trends in Medicare Advantage coverage [70][78] Question: Inventory stocking trends with large dialysis organizations - Management expects initial stocking for pilots but does not anticipate significant issues with inventory levels due to efficient distribution networks [84][86] Question: Market landscape for label expansion opportunities - Management expressed excitement about the non-dialysis market, estimating a significant patient population and potential revenue opportunities [90][92]