Palatin Technologies(PTN) - 2026 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q2 2026 was $116,000, compared to $0 in the same period last year, attributed to cost reimbursements from a collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim [7] - Total operating expenses increased to $7.4 million from $2.6 million in the prior year, primarily due to higher investments in obesity development programs and increased compensation costs [7] - Net loss for the quarter was $7.3 million, or $2.86 per share, compared to a net loss of $2.4 million, or $5.92 per share in the prior year [8] - Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2025, were $14.5 million, up from $1.3 million at September 30, 2025 [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is advancing its melanocortin-4 receptor-based obesity pipeline, focusing on rare syndromic and genetic obesity disorders [11] - The lead oral small molecule MC4R agonist, PL7737, is progressing through IND-enabling toxicology studies, with plans to submit an IND in the first half of 2026 [12] - A next-generation selective melanocortin-4 receptor peptide agonist is also in development, with an IND submission planned for the second half of 2026 [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company regained compliance with NYSE American listing standards, allowing its common stock to resume trading under the symbol PTN [6][14] - The focus remains on rare neuroendocrine obesity disorders, including hypothalamic obesity and Prader-Willi syndrome, which represent significant unmet medical needs [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deliver differentiated product profiles with a focus on enhancing patient tolerability and minimizing side effects [12] - A strategic sub-licensing of PL9643 for dry eye disease has allowed the company to sharpen its focus on core obesity programs while retaining potential future financial participation [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's financial position and pipeline, indicating that the successful public offering has provided the necessary capital to advance obesity programs [11][14] - The company anticipates a cash runway extending beyond March 31, 2027, based on current operating plans [10] Other Important Information - The company received approximately $3.8 million in upfront consideration from the sublicensing transaction, which will be recognized as licensed revenue in the quarter ending March 31, 2026 [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: What preclinical or translational signals give confidence in differentiation for PL7737? - The compound is designed to be more selective for the melanocortin-4 receptor, which should reduce hyperpigmentation and control GI side effects through its administration [17][18] Question: How will patient selection and endpoints be approached in the phase one study? - The phase one studies will primarily focus on safety, with the multiple-ascending dose study looking for reductions in body weight and control of hyperphagia [19][20] Question: Is there an increased emphasis on Prader-Willi syndrome? - Prader-Willi syndrome has always been in the background, but the company is focusing on larger indications with substantial patient populations [22] Question: How will the oral small molecule and weekly injection be positioned? - Both products are seen as complementary, with each suited for different patient populations [24][26] Question: What is the anticipated impact of GLP-1 therapies on product development? - The company is exploring combination therapies with GLP-1s to optimize treatment for patients with severe hyperphagia [49]