On May 17, 2021 Palatin (NYSE American: PTN), a biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class medicines based on molecules that modulate the activity of the melanocortin peptide receptor system, reported results for its third fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2021 (Press release, Palatin Technologies, MAY 17, 2021, View Source [SID1234580143]).
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"I am excited with Palatin’s evolution and development advancements utilizing our proprietary melanocortin agonists to treat patients with inflammatory and autoimmune conditions," stated Carl Spana, Ph.D., President and CEO of Palatin. "We are hosting a KOL webinar on May 21st to introduce our growing portfolio of melanocortin agonists to treat the harmful effects of inflammation in the eye. On the clinical front, we are targeting to commence a Phase 3 trial of PL9643 in patients with dry eye disease in the second half of calendar year 2021. The emerging profile of PL9643, with its rapid therapeutic onset and excellent tolerability profile, is a potentially distinct advantage over commercially available dry eye therapies. In addition, we are targeting to commence a Phase 2 study with an oral formulation of PL8177 in ulcerative colitis patients in the second half of calendar year 2021."
"I am also pleased with the progress we have made with the Vyleesi program," continued Spana. "Our quarter ended March 31, 2021 reflected significant increases in gross sales, net sales, prescriptions, and insurance coverage over the prior quarter."
Business Highlights and Updates
Anti-Inflammatory / Autoimmune Programs
PL9643 for the treatment of dry eye disease (DED):
Announced positive results from its Phase 2 clinical study reflecting statistically significant improvements in multiple signs and symptoms in the moderate to severe patient population after 2 weeks of dosing and at the 12-week visit. There were no safety signals identified and PL9643 had excellent ocular tolerability.
A Phase 3 clinical trial is currently planned for the second half of calendar year 2021, with data readout potentially in the first half of calendar year 2022.
Presented two presentations of the Company’s melanocortin platform, including Phase 2 clinical trial results for PL9643 in dry eye disease and preclinical data in retinal disease, at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2021 Annual Meeting, held virtually May 1-7, 2021.
PL8177 for the treatment of ulcerative colitis:
A Phase 2 proof-of-concept clinical study with an oral formulation of PL8177 in ulcerative colitis patients is targeted to start second half of calendar year 2021, with data readout potentially in mid-calendar year 2022.
Key Opinion Leader webinar planned for May 21, 2021 on melanocortin agonists for treating ocular indications, with a primary focus on PL9643 and data from the Company’s recently completed Phase 2 clinical trial for dry eye disease:
Introduces the Company’s growing portfolio of melanocortin agonists to treat the harmful effects of inflammation in the eye.
Vyleesi (bremelanotide injection) / Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
Quarter ended March 31, 2021 gross product sales increased 89%, net revenue increased 154%, and prescriptions increased 24%, over the prior quarter ended December 31, 2020.
Geo-targeted marketing efforts expected to drive healthcare provider and consumer engagement. The current digital campaign applications reach thousands of healthcare providers and millions of premenopausal women monthly and has resulted in increased website and telemedicine traffic and conversions.
The Company continues to focus on expanding access and reimbursement coverage. The Company estimates that it has achieved approximately 75% of commercially insured lives and approximately 50% of commercial formulary coverage, including two of the three major pharmacy benefit managers and numerous regional plans.
Prescription increases and expanding access and reimbursement coverage have resulted in more favorable gross-to-net adjustments and positive quarterly net product revenue for the first time.
Palatin has filed an election to extend the patent term of U.S. patent 6,794,489 to June 26, 2025. This Vyleesi patent has claims to the bremelanotide composition of matter as well as methods for stimulating sexual response.
Third Quarter 2021 Results
Total net revenues, consisting of net product revenues of Vyleesi, were $88,741. There was no revenue reported for the third quarter of 2020.
Vyleesi gross sales amounted to $1,780,020, with net product revenue of $88,741, net of allowances and accruals, compared to gross sales for the prior quarter ended December 31, 2020 of $943,950, with net product revenue of $(163,971), net of allowances and accruals.
Total operating expenses were $6.6 million, compared to $5.7 million for the same period in 2020. The increase was mainly due to commercial expenses related to Vyleesi.
Palatin’s net loss was $(5.7) million, or $(0.02) per share, compared to a net loss of $(5.4) million, or $(0.02) per share, for the comparable quarter of 2020.
As of March 31, 2021, the Company had $68.6 million in cash and cash equivalents and $1.9 million in accounts receivable, compared to $82.9 million in cash and cash equivalents and no accounts receivable as of June 30, 2020, with no outstanding debt.
Conference Call / Webcast
Palatin will host a conference call and audio webcast on May 17, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the quarter ended March 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 1-866-248-8441 (US/Canada) or 1-856-344-9206 (international), conference ID 6765353 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 approximately 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 6765353. The webcast and telephone replay will be available through May 24, 2021.