Achieve Life Sciences (ACHV) 2025 Conference Transcript

Achieve Life Sciences (ACHV) Conference Summary Company Overview - Achieve Life Sciences is focused on addressing nicotine dependence through its drug cytisinicline, which is positioned as a potential blockbuster treatment for smoking and vaping cessation [3][4][5] Industry Context - The U.S. faces a significant public health crisis with approximately 46 million individuals affected by nicotine dependence, including 29 million smokers and 17 million vapers [3][4] - The vaping population has increased by 6 million in the last 24 months, highlighting a growing concern [4] Key Points and Arguments 1. Market Opportunity: - The addressable market for nicotine dependence treatment is substantial, with an estimated annual market opportunity of $11 billion based on previous treatments like Chantix [33][35] - There are 15.4 million annual attempts to quit smoking, indicating a high demand for effective cessation tools [33] 2. Product Development: - Cytisinicline is expected to be the first new treatment for nicotine dependence in nearly 20 years, with an NDA filing planned for the end of June 2025 and anticipated FDA approval by mid-2026 [5][22] - The drug has shown a differentiated efficacy profile in clinical trials, with odds ratios of 5.3 and 5.8 in two phase three trials, indicating a significantly higher likelihood of quitting compared to existing treatments [19][20] 3. Clinical Trials: - Cytisinicline has undergone two large-scale phase three clinical trials involving over 1,600 patients, demonstrating robust efficacy and tolerability [5][25] - A phase two clinical trial for vaping cessation showed an odds ratio of 2.65, with plans for a phase three trial starting in early 2025 [27][23] 4. Regulatory Pathway: - The NDA submission is expected to be accepted within 74 days, with a clear regulatory pathway outlined by the FDA [22][43] 5. Commercial Strategy: - Achieve Life Sciences plans a targeted digital marketing strategy focusing on primary care physicians and patients, leveraging the lack of competition in the smoking cessation market since Chantix became generic [30][39] - The company aims to change the narrative around nicotine dependence from a lack of willpower to a medical condition, enhancing awareness and acceptance of cytisinicline [35][36] 6. Safety and Tolerability: - Cytisinicline has a favorable safety profile, with side effects significantly lower than those of existing treatments like Chantix, particularly in terms of nausea and vomiting [20][21] Additional Insights - The company has a strong intellectual property position and a proven leadership team, which is expected to drive shareholder value [43][44] - There is potential for future indications beyond nicotine dependence, including cannabis use, although the focus remains on the immediate market opportunity [50][52] Conclusion - Achieve Life Sciences is positioned to make a significant impact in the nicotine dependence treatment market with cytisinicline, addressing a critical public health issue while leveraging a well-defined commercial strategy and strong clinical data [44][54]