Valneva(US:VALN)2025-11-20 15:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues reached EUR 127 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, representing a growth of almost 9% compared to the same period in 2024 [4][16] - Product sales increased to EUR 119.4 million, up 6.2% from EUR 112 million in the first nine months of 2024 [14] - Operating loss reported at EUR 53.9 million compared to an operating profit of EUR 34.2 million in the prior year, primarily due to the sale of a priority review voucher in 2024 [18][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - IXIARO sales increased by 12.5% to EUR 74.3 million, driven by sales to the U.S. Department of Defense and increased sales in Europe [14] - DUKORAL sales decreased from EUR 22.3 million to EUR 21.5 million, impacted by foreign currency fluctuations and a transition to a new distributor in Germany [14][15] - IXCHIQ sales surged to EUR 7.6 million from EUR 1.8 million, aided by the supply of doses during a chikungunya outbreak [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The gross margin on commercial products, excluding IXCHIQ, improved to 57.2% from 48.6% in the prior year, driven by better manufacturing performance [16] - IXIARO's gross margin reached 63.2%, up from 58.8%, while DUKORAL's gross margin improved to 52.3% from 34.8% [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on strategic investments in R&D and anticipates continuous growth in product sales, particularly from the Lyme disease vaccine, VLA15, expected to be a significant growth driver [21][22] - Valneva is working on expanding IXCHIQ into low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and is exploring new partnerships to enhance market access [22][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the upcoming Lyme vaccine data, which could lead to sustained profitability post-commercialization [21][22] - The company is focused on reducing cash burn and maintaining a strong cash position to support future growth initiatives [4][19] Other Important Information - The company successfully completed debt refinancing, enhancing financial flexibility [5] - Cash at the end of September 2025 was reported at EUR 143.5 million, down from EUR 168.4 million at the end of 2024 [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timeline for FDA response regarding IXCHIQ - Management indicated there is no predefined process for the FDA response and hopes for a collaborative interaction, although no specific timeline can be provided [29][30] Question: Impact of currency and distributor shift on DUKORAL - Management acknowledged currency impacts and noted a technical delay in sales due to the transition to a new distributor in Germany, expecting continued growth for DUKORAL [31][32] Question: Timing for Lyme phase III readout - Management stated that Pfizer controls the process and is taking steps to ensure timely results, with no major delays anticipated [36][38] Question: IXCHIQ BLA suspension and proposed remedies - The response to the FDA focused on medical evidence and a positive risk-benefit ratio, with ongoing pharmacovigilance reviews [40][41] Question: Launch timeline for VLA15 - Management confirmed that timelines communicated by Pfizer support a launch in the autumn of 2027, contingent on regulatory submission next year [46] Question: Future growth drivers for IXCHIQ - Management sees growth opportunities in travel and endemic countries, with ongoing discussions for market access in various territories [47][48] Question: Funding considerations for Zika vaccine candidate - Management highlighted uncertainties around funding and regulatory pathways, indicating that substantial funding would be necessary to proceed with development [54][55]