
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the first quarter of 2024, the company reported a net loss of approximately $10.9 million or $0.23 per share, compared to a net loss of $5.7 million or $0.15 per share in the first quarter of 2023 [64][94] - General and administrative expenses increased by 30.6% to approximately $3.8 million compared to $2.9 million in the first quarter of 2023 [65] - Total operating expenses for the first quarter of 2024 were approximately $10.3 million, an increase of approximately 88% from $5.5 million in the same period in 2023 [65] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on the successful commercialization of MydCombi and clobetasol, with a potential blockbuster MicroPine in late Phase III development [40][45] - Clobetasol was approved by the FDA on March 4, 2024, and is expected to capture a mid-single-digit market share in a $1.3 billion annual market for topical ocular steroids [31][46] - The sales force has been trained and is making inroads into the market, having converted about 50 offices to date [34][51] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market for pediatric progressive myopia is estimated at $1.8 billion annually, with a similar opportunity in China [24] - The dry eye market is valued at approximately $3.6 billion annually in the U.S., presenting a significant opportunity for the company [33] - The company has entered into a collaboration agreement with SGN Nanopharma to develop a treatment for chronic dry eye, potentially leading to a Phase III-ready asset next year [32][50] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to establish a solid foundation for its portfolio with a second FDA-approved product to be launched soon and a focus on the expedited development of MicroPine [40][68] - The strategy includes reducing planned spending by approximately $800,000 per quarter and focusing resources on validating the Gen 2 device with the FDA and commercializing Mydcombi and clobetasol [66][96] - The company is exploring various options to ensure sufficient capital to support its growth strategy [121] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the potential of MicroPine, which could be a significant source of non-dilutive funding if approved [67] - The company is optimistic about the upcoming FDA meeting regarding the Gen 2 device, which is expected to lead to market readiness by the end of next year [70][117] - Management highlighted the importance of the Optejet technology in differentiating their products in the market [74] Other Important Information - The company has generated approximately $16 million in license fees from its agreements and has the potential to earn an additional $25 million in non-dilutive net license and development milestones [67] - The company has participated in several national ophthalmology medical meetings to raise awareness of its product portfolio [69][86] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the transition to the Gen 2 device? - The company plans to submit for an FDA meeting in mid-July and expects to make Gen 2 supply shortly thereafter, with a small bridging study to follow [70][101] Question: How does the company view the competition in the eye drop market? - The company believes that the Optejet device offers significant differentiation, as it is preferred by potential users for its convenience and ease of use [74] Question: What is the status of the Gen 2 device and its relevance to current products? - The Gen 2 device will be the only platform moving forward, and its validation against Mydcombi will be crucial for all other programs [107][112] Question: How is the company managing its cash runway? - The company has reduced spending and is exploring various options to ensure sufficient capital to support its growth strategy [121] Question: What are the expectations for the upcoming FDA approval for clobetasol? - The company is preparing for a robust commercial launch of clobetasol later in the summer and sees potential for further development of formulations for acute dry eye [78][98]