On November 15, 2021 Palatin Technologies, Inc., (NYSE American: PTN), a biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class medicines based on molecules that modulate the activity of the melanocortin peptide receptor systems, reported results for its first fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2021 (Press release, Palatin Technologies, NOV 15, 2021, View Source [SID1234595588]).

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"I am excited with the significant advancement of our melanocortin agonist programs and their differentiating product profiles, which include the expected initiation of a Phase 3 pivotal study of PL9643 in patients with dry eye disease next month, and a Phase 2 clinical trial of PL8177 for ulcerative colitis in the first half of calendar year 2022," stated Carl Spana, Ph.D., President and CEO of Palatin.

"Regarding Vyleesi, our measured plan is showing positive trends for our targeted value metrics with net revenue up 98% and net revenue per prescription up 45% over the prior quarter ended June 30, 2021," concluded Dr. Spana.

Recent Highlights and Upcoming Events

Anti-Inflammatory / Autoimmune Programs
PL9643 melanocortin agonist for the treatment of dry eye disease (DED):
Palatin remains on track to initiate its pivotal Phase 3 clinical program in DED patients in December 2021, with data readout expected in the second half of calendar year 2022.
Presented Phase 2 clinical trial results for PL9643 in DED at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Annual Meeting.
Presented Phase 2 clinical trial results for PL9643 in DED and preclinical data in retinal disease, at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2021 Annual Meeting.
PL8177 melanocortin agonist for the treatment of ulcerative colitis:
A Phase 2 oral formulation study of PL8177 in ulcerative colitis is currently scheduled to start in the first half of calendar year 2022, with data readout expected in the second half of calendar year 2022.
Conducted a Featured Speaker presentation on Vyleesi and two poster presentations of PL9643 and PL8177 at the TIDES USA hybrid conference.
Hosted a Key Opinion Leader webinar 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. Introduced the Company’s growing portfolio of melanocortin agonists to treat the harmful effects of inflammation in the eye.
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.
Research and Development Infrastructure: Strengthened R&D department with key appointments who have demonstrated a high-level of expertise in their fields to support the advancement of our development programs.
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 September 30, 2021:
Gross product sales increased 18%, net revenue increased 98%, net revenue per prescription dispensed increased 45%, despite a 13% decrease in total prescriptions dispensed, over the prior quarter ended June 30, 2021.
Market access, reimbursement coverage, and refill rates increased over the prior quarter ended June 30, 2021.
Patients and healthcare providers can learn more about HSDD and Vyleesi at www.vyleesi.com and www.vyleesipro.com
First Quarter Ended Fiscal Year 2022 Financial Results

Revenue

Total net revenues consist of gross product sales of Vyleesi, net of allowances and accruals.

Vyleesi gross product sales for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, amounted to $1.4 million, with net product revenue of $159,482, compared to gross product sales for the period July 25 (the date Palatin regained North American rights to Vyleesi) to September 30, 2020, of $809,100, with negative net product revenue of $(288,560).

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, were $7.4 million, compared to $3.7 million for the comparable quarter of 2020.

The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to the gain of $1.6 million (which reduced expenses) recorded during the quarter ended September 30, 2020, as a result of the Vyleesi Termination Agreement with AMAG Pharmaceuticals, and secondarily to increased commercial expenses related to Vyleesi.

Cash Flows

Palatin’s net cash used in operations for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, was $6.4 million, compared to net cash provided by operations of $3.8 million for the same period in 2020. The difference is due to the cash received in excess of the gain on termination of the Vyleesi agreement with AMAG.

Net Loss

Palatin’s net loss for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, was $7.1 million, or $0.03 per basic and diluted common share compared to a net loss of $3.9 million or $0.02 per basic and diluted common share for the same period in 2020.

The difference between the quarter ended September 30, 2021, and the quarter ended September 30, 2020, was primarily due to the gain of $1.6 million recorded during the quarter ended September 30, 2020, as a result of the Vyleesi Termination Agreement with AMAG Pharmaceuticals and secondarily to increased commercial expenses related to Vyleesi.

Cash Position

As of September 30, 2021, Palatin’s cash and cash equivalents were $53.4 million with $0.9 million of accounts receivable, compared to cash and cash equivalents of $60.1 million 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 calendar year 2022.

Conference Call / Webcast

Palatin will host a conference call and audio webcast on November 15, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the quarter ended September 30, 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 1-877-614-0009 (US/Canada) or 1-856-344-9283 (international), conference ID 3594800. 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 3594800. The webcast and telephone replay will be available through November 22, 2021.

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.