Palatin Technologies(PTN) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the fiscal third quarter ended March 31, 2025, Palatin reported total operating expenses of $4.8 million, a decrease from $9.2 million in the same quarter last year, primarily due to reduced spending on MCR programs [6][7] - The net loss for the quarter was $4.8 million, down from $8.4 million for the same period in 2024, driven by decreased operating expenses [7] - Cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2025, were $2.5 million, down from $9.5 million as of June 30, 2024 [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Palatin did not record any product sales for the quarter due to the completion of the sale of Vyleesi's worldwide rights for up to $171 million in December 2023 [6] - Positive top-line data was reported for the Phase II study of the melanocortin-four receptor obesity program, showing a weight reduction of 4.4% for the combined treatment compared to 1.6% for the placebo [10] - The Phase II study of PL-8177 for ulcerative colitis showed clinical remission in 33% of treated patients versus 0% for placebo, indicating significant efficacy [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is actively engaged in business development discussions for its obesity and ulcerative colitis programs, which aligns with its strategy to out-license these programs [12][13] - The pharmacological treatment of obesity is expected to enter a multi-year cycle of innovation, with a market value projected to exceed $100 billion annually [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing its R&D efforts on melanocortin-four receptor obesity assets, believing they will play a critical role in future obesity treatment [15] - The next-generation melanocortin-four receptor compounds aim to eliminate skin darkening side effects and improve dosing convenience, with a goal of once-weekly or once-daily administration [22][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed disappointment over the NYSE's decision to suspend trading and delist the company's stock, indicating they are assessing all available options [5] - The management believes the recent positive clinical data will enhance business development opportunities and is optimistic about future partnerships [12][14] Other Important Information - The company is actively seeking multiple funding sources to address future operating cash requirements [8] - The FDA granted orphan drug status to PL-7737 for treating obesity due to leptin receptor deficiency, which is expected to support its development [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will a higher dose of remelanotide increase weight loss? - Management indicated that higher doses of bremelanotide have been studied and can achieve weight loss comparable to single-agent treatments like Wegovy [17] Question: Will weight maintenance become a focus in future generations of treatments? - Management confirmed that newer compounds will be evaluated for long-term weight maintenance, addressing the rebound weight regain issue [19][20] Question: What benefits will the next generation of MC4Rs have over the first generation? - Management highlighted that the next generation aims to eliminate pigmentation issues and improve dosing frequency, making them more competitive in the market [21][22]