NeuroPace(US:NPCE)2025-08-12 21:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record revenue of $23.5 million for Q2 2025, representing a 22% increase compared to $19.3 million in the prior year period [6][25]. - Gross margin was above 77%, with RNS gross margin exceeding 80%, reflecting strong operational discipline [6][9]. - Operating expenses, excluding one-time items, grew 13% year-over-year, significantly below the revenue growth rate [6][29]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from the RNS System grew 16% in the quarter and 21% year-to-date in 2025, driven by increased sales and prescriber engagement [7][25]. - The company is winding down its distribution agreement with Dixie Medical, which is expected to phase out by the end of 2026 [26][29]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is expanding access to RNS Therapy through new service sites and clinical indication expansion, contributing to the growth in prescribers and active accounts [5][6]. - Project CARE continues to drive growth by enabling referrals and implants in community settings, with sequential increases in site engagement and implant volumes [8][25]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on deepening adoption of RNS Therapy while expanding access through new clinical indications and service sites [5][6]. - The strategic direction includes enhancing the RNS platform with AI-powered tools and advancing clinical development programs [17][19]. - The company plans to continue engaging with CMS to advocate for improvements in reimbursement structures [20]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the durability and trajectory of growth, raising full-year revenue guidance to a range of $94 million to $98 million [9][26]. - The company anticipates total gross margin to trend towards 80% over time as RNS volumes scale and lower-margin sales phase out [27][28]. - Management remains optimistic about the long-term growth potential of the RNS system, expecting to achieve cash flow breakeven by 2027 [34][47]. Other Important Information - The company completed a refinancing of its existing debt, enhancing financial flexibility and removing near-term debt maturity concerns [9][34]. - The post-approval study of the RNS system has shown compelling results, particularly in reducing generalized tonic-clonic seizures [11][12]. Q&A Session Summary Question: FDA submission strategy for IgE - The company plans to pursue an indication involving the totality of data across the entire population, demonstrating clinically meaningful treatment effects [40][41]. Question: Outlook for gross margin - Management indicated that the higher gross margin performance was encouraging, and while guidance implies a potential decline, it reflects a conservative approach [42][45]. Question: Dynamics with existing base and Project CARE - The company reported strong implant growth from Project CARE, with existing accounts contributing positively to implant volumes [51][53]. Question: Long-range plan and RNS growth - Management remains confident in achieving a 20% growth rate for the RNS business, even with the divestiture of Dixie revenue [84][89]. Question: Development of next-gen RNS offering - The next-generation platform is on track, with ongoing testing and characterization of key components meeting or exceeding expectations [96][98]. Question: Therapeutic partnerships - The company is actively pursuing collaborations, including a recent agreement with UCB, and sees potential for future partnerships to expand [99][100].