On February 15, 2022 Palatin Technologies, Inc. (NYSE American: PTN), a biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class medicines based on molecules that modulate the activity of the melanocortin and natriuretic peptide receptor systems, reported results for its fiscal second quarter ended December 31, 2021 (Press release, Palatin Technologies, FEB 15, 2022, View Source [SID1234608116]).
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"We are pleased to have initiated a Phase 3 pivotal study of PL9643 in patients with dry eye disease and expect topline results in the second half of calendar year 2022," stated Carl Spana, Ph.D., President and CEO of Palatin. "Regarding Vyleesi, our focused plan continues to show positive trends for our targeted value metrics related to commercial insurance reimbursement and net revenue per dispensed prescription."
Dr. Spana further commented, "Our strong cash position of approximately $47 million at December 31, 2021, provides us with a sufficient operating cash runway through at least March 2023, including advancing our novel and differentiating melanocortin-based programs, including topline data readouts in the second half of calendar year 2022 for our Phase 3 pivotal study of PL9643 in dry eye disease and for our Phase 2 clinical trial of PL8177 in ulcerative colitis."
Second Quarter Ended Fiscal Year 2022 Financial Highlights
Net loss for the quarter ended December 31, 2021, was $8.7 million, or $0.04 per common share, compared to a net loss of $10.0 million, or $0.04 per common share, for the same period in 2020.
As of December 31, 2021, the Company had cash and investments of $47.3 million, compared to $53.4 million as of September 30, 2021, and $60.1 million as of June 30, 2021, and no debt.
Business Highlights and Updates
Anti-Inflammatory / Autoimmune Programs
PL9643 melanocortin agonist for the treatment of dry eye disease (DED):
Initiated pivotal Phase 3 clinical program in DED patients in December 2021. Topline data readout expected in the second half of calendar year 2022.
■PL8177 melanocortin agonist for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC):
Presented the positive effects of PL8177 on treating UC in an animal disease model, including genomic data characterizing the anti-inflammatory effects of melanocortin agonists at the 2022 Crohn’s and Colitis Congress.
A Phase 2 oral formulation study of PL8177 in UC is currently scheduled to start in the first half of calendar year 2022. Topline data readout currently expected in the second half of calendar year 2022.
Presented the protective effects of PL8331 and PL9654 in mouse models of retinopathy, at the 2021 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS). Awarded "Top Ten Poster" Designation.
Vyleesi (bremelanotide injection) / Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD): Goal of the Vyleesi program is to demonstrate product value in the marketplace with an objective of re-licensing the U.S. rights to a committed women’s healthcare company.
For the quarter ended December 31, 2021:
Gross product sales decreased 18% and net product revenue increased 144%, over the comparable quarter in 2020.
Gross product sales decreased 46% and net product revenue decreased 55%, over the prior quarter ended September 30, 2021. This decrease was primarily a result of the pharmacy distributors minimizing their end of year inventory levels.
Second Fiscal Quarter Ended December 31, 2021 Financial Results
Revenue
Total revenue consists of gross product sales of Vyleesi, net of allowances and accruals, and license and contract revenue.
Vyleesi gross product sales to pharmacy distributors for the quarter ended December 31, 2021, amounted to $0.8 million, with net product revenue of $72,140, compared to gross product sales of $0.9 million, with negative net product revenue of $(163,971), for the comparable quarter in 2020. Gross product sales decreased 18% and net product revenue increased 144%, over the comparable quarter in 2020.
For the quarter ended December 31, 2021, Palatin recognized $250,000 in license and contract revenue pursuant to its license agreement with Fosun Pharma. There were no license revenues recognized during the comparable quarter in 2020.
Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses for the quarter ended December 31, 2021, were $8.8 million, compared to $9.1 million for the comparable quarter in 2020.
The decrease in operating expenses was the result of decreased commercial expenses related to Vyleesi, offset by increased research and development expenses primarily related to the advancement of PL9643 into a pivotal phase 3 clinical trial.
Other (Expenses) / Income
Total other expenses, net, consist mainly of unrealized foreign currency losses of $234,078 and $745,002, respectively, for the quarters ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Cash Flows
Palatin’s net cash used in operations for the quarter ended December 31, 2021, was $6.3 million, compared to net cash used in operations of $14.4 million for the same period in 2020. The decrease is mainly due to a one-time negotiated payment of approximately $7 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2020 related to inventory purchase commitments of Vyleesi, assumed as part of our Termination Agreement with AMAG Pharmaceuticals, which included $16.3 million of payments by AMAG to Palatin.
Net Loss
Palatin’s net loss for the quarter ended December 31, 2021, was $8.7 million, or $0.04 per basic and diluted common share compared to a net loss of $10.0 million, or $0.04 per basic and diluted common share, for the same period in 2020.
The difference between the quarter ended December 31, 2021, and the quarter ended December 31, 2020, was due to the combination of the increase in revenue recognized, the decrease in operating expenses and the decrease in unrealized foreign currency losses recorded for the quarter ended December 31, 2021, compared to the same period in 2020.
Total prescriptions dispensed were flat compared to the same period in 2020, and the prior quarter ended September 30, 2021.
Commercial insurance reimbursement and net revenue per prescription dispensed increased over the comparable quarter in 2020, and the prior quarter ended September 30, 2021.
Patients and healthcare providers can learn more about HSDD and Vyleesi at www.vyleesi.com and www.vyleesipro.com
Research and Development Infrastructure: Continued to strengthen the R&D department with key appointments who have demonstrated a high-level of expertise in their fields to support the advancement of our programs.
Cash Position
As of December 31, 2021, Palatin’s cash and cash equivalents were $47.3 million with $0.6 million of accounts receivable, compared to cash and cash equivalents of $53.4 million with $0.9 million of accounts receivable as of September 30, 2021 and $60.1 million of cash and cash equivalents with $1.6 million of accounts receivable as of June 30, 2021.
Based on its current operating plan, Palatin believes that existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to fund currently anticipated operating expenses through at least March 31, 2023.
Conference Call / Webcast
Palatin will host a conference call and audio webcast on February 15, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the quarter ended December 31, 2021 results of operations in greater detail and provide an update on corporate developments. Individuals interested in listening to the conference call live can dial 1-800-289-0720 (US/Canada) or 1-856-344-9142 (International), conference ID 8966903. The audio webcast and replay can be accessed by logging on to the "Investor/Webcasts" section of Palatin’s website at View Source A telephone and audio webcast replay will be available one hour after the completion of the call. To access the telephone replay, dial 1-888-203-1112 (US/Canada) or 1-719-457-0820 (International), passcode 8966903. The webcast and telephone replay will be available through February 22, 2022.
About Melanocortin Receptor Agonists and Inflammation
The melanocortin receptor ("MCr") system has effects on inflammation, immune system responses, metabolism, food intake, and sexual function. There are five melanocortin receptors, MC1r through MC5r. Modulation of these receptors, through use of receptor-specific agonists, which activate receptor function, or receptor-specific antagonists, which block receptor function, can have medically significant pharmacological effects.
Many tissues and immune cells located in the eye (and other places, for example the gut and kidney) express melanocortin receptors, empowering our opportunity to directly activate natural pathways to resolve disease inflammation.