GuruFocus -
- Total (EPA:TTEF) Revenue: $51.6 million for Q3 2024, up from $34 million in Q3 2023.
- US Net Product Revenue: $31.1 million, a 53% increase from $20.3 million in Q3 2023.
- Sequential Quarterly Net Revenue Growth: 10%.
- Collaboration Revenue: $20.5 million, a 50% increase from $13.7 million in Q3 2023.
- Research and Development Expenses: $10.4 million, down 30% from $14.9 million in Q3 2023.
- Selling, General and Administrative Expenses: $40 million, up 20% from $33.2 million in Q3 2023.
- Total Net Loss: $29.5 million, compared to a net loss of $41.3 million in Q3 2023.
- Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share: $0.15, compared to $0.37 in Q3 2023.
- Cash and Cash Equivalents: $144.7 million as of September 30, 2024.
- Full-Year 2024 Operating Expense Guidance: $225 million to $245 million, including $20 million in non-cash expenses related to stock compensation.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
- Esperion Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:ESPR) reported a 53% year-over-year growth in US net product revenue for Q3 2024, driven by the successful launch of expanded labels for NEXLETOL and NEXLIZET.
- The company has expanded its Medicare and commercial formulary coverage, now reaching over 65% of Medicare insured lives and more than 92% of commercially insured lives.
- Esperion has strengthened its balance sheet by monetizing European royalties and terminating a previous revenue interest facility, enhancing financial stability.
- International growth is promising, with strong prescription and revenue growth in Europe and new approvals in Taiwan, contributing to increased royalty revenue.
- The company is actively presenting new data at major scientific conferences, enhancing the visibility and credibility of its products among healthcare providers globally.
- Despite revenue growth, Esperion Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:ESPR) reported a net loss of $29.5 million for Q3 2024, although this is an improvement from the previous year.
- The company faces gross-to-net headwinds due to changes in managed care contracts, impacting immediate revenue despite expectations of future growth.
- There is a need to work through seasonal price headwinds and external factors like holidays and natural disasters, which could affect Q4 performance.
- Esperion's products still face competition from established treatments like ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors, which could impact market share.
- The company is experiencing increased selling, general, and administrative expenses, primarily due to expanded commercial operations and promotional costs.
A: Eric Warren, Chief Commercial Officer, explained that the strength is driven by improved access and increased physician confidence. The company is confident that Q4 will outperform Q3 despite potential headwinds.
Q: How is the product being used now with updated utilization management criteria, and what is the current Medicare coverage?
A: Eric Warren noted increased use in primary prevention and statin-intolerant patients. Betty Swartz, Chief Business Officer, stated that Medicare coverage has increased to over 65%, with expectations for further expansion.
Q: Can you provide details on the milestone payments in the Otsuka collaboration?
A: Benjamin Halladay, CFO, outlined that milestones are tied to the filing and approval of the JNDA, inclusion in the US label, and pricing, with expectations for completion by the end of 2025.
Q: What are the ongoing payer dynamics, and what percentage of lives are not required to step through a generic alternative?
A: Sheldon Koenig, CEO, stated that the step edit through ezetimibe has been removed, and no concessions were needed for these changes, reflecting recognition of the clinical benefits.
Q: What is the net price outlook, and were there any inventory changes in the US channel in Q3?
A: Benjamin Halladay confirmed stable inventory levels and noted that while Q4 will see standard cyclicality, the IRA benefits are expected to smooth out gross-to-net over the year.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.