MetaVia (NasdaqCM:MTVA) Conference February 25, 2026 10:15 AM ET Company ParticipantsHyung Heon Kim - President and CEOModeratorWelcome back, everyone. We have MetaVia Inc., trades on the Nasdaq under the symbol MTVA. It's a clinical stage biotech company focused on transforming cardiometabolic diseases. It's developing the treatment for obesity and vanogliprl for the treatment of MASH. Happy to welcome the president, H.H. Kim. Welcome back to the conference today. We're very much looking forward to hearing ...

Villigen, Switzerland, Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dr. Fabian Kausche, a distinguished animal health executive, joins ASTRA Therapeutics to strengthen strategic leadership and long-term value creation.Appointment reinforces ASTRA Therapeutics’ commitment to building a scalable, globally competitive animal health company focused on precision anti-parasitic innovation.Board strengthened ahead of future value-creation phases, including strategic partnerships and Series A financing. Villigen, Switzerland, ...

Core Points - The Supreme Court ruled that tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) exceeded President Trump's authority, leading to the removal of a significant batch of tariffs [1][6] - Tariffs enacted under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, aimed at protecting U.S. national security, remain in effect [2] Automotive Industry - Foreign vehicles and auto parts are still subject to a 25% tariff, which was implemented to encourage U.S. manufacturing [4] - Automakers are facing substantial financial impacts due to these tariffs, with Mercedes-Benz reporting a $1.2 billion hit to earnings in 2025 [5] - Ford anticipates a tariff bill similar to last year's $2 billion, while General Motors expects a $3.1 billion charge in 2025 and an additional $3 billion to $4 billion in 2026 [7] Furniture Industry - The furniture sector is affected by a 25% tariff on upholstered couches, kitchen cabinets, and vanities, which is set to increase to 50% in 2027 [11] - This industry is particularly sensitive to tariffs due to the high volume of imported goods [11] Steel and Aluminum Industry - Steel and aluminum imports continue to face a 50% tariff, impacting companies in home appliances, electronics, and beverage industries [13] Semiconductor Industry - A 25% tariff on certain semiconductors and chipmaking equipment remains in place, which took effect last month [14] Pharmaceutical Industry - While tariffs as high as 250% on pharmaceuticals have been avoided, there is potential for future tariffs under Section 232 if agreements with drugmakers are reversed [15][16] - Major pharmaceutical companies have agreed to lower drug prices to avoid tariffs for at least three years [16]

Core Insights - Zealand Pharma experienced significant growth in 2025, highlighted by a transformative partnership with Roche for petrelintide and strong clinical advancements, setting the stage for a pivotal 2026 [1][2] Financial Performance - Revenue for FY 2025 reached DKK 9,215 million, a substantial increase from DKK 63 million in FY 2024 [3] - Net operating expenses, excluding other operating items, were DKK -2,101 million, compared to DKK -1,324 million in FY 2024 [3] - The operating result improved to DKK 6,959 million from a loss of DKK -1,272 million in FY 2024 [3] - Cash position at the end of FY 2025 was DKK 15,109 million, up from DKK 9,022 million in FY 2024 [4] 2026 Financial Guidance - Expected net operating expenses for 2026 are projected to be between DKK 2,700 million and DKK 3,300 million, primarily driven by research and development activities [5][7] - Zealand Pharma is eligible for potential milestone payments from Roche totaling USD 700 million, including a development milestone of USD 575 million and an anniversary payment of USD 125 million [8] Strategic Developments - Zealand Pharma aims to establish a leading amylin-based franchise around petrelintide, with plans for a Phase 3 program initiation in H2 2026 [5][10] - The company outlined its ambitious Metabolic Frontier 2030 strategy, targeting five product launches and over 10 clinical pipeline programs by 2030 [5] - A new research site in Boston is planned to enhance drug discovery capabilities, integrating AI-driven approaches with over 25 years of peptide expertise [5][15] Clinical Pipeline and Milestones - Phase 2 data from the ZUPREME-1 trial for petrelintide is expected to be reported imminently, with Phase 3 development anticipated to begin soon after [2][10] - Survodutide's Phase 3 data from the SYNCHRONIZETM program is also expected to be reported throughout 2026, potentially leading to regulatory submissions [2][10] Organizational Growth - Zealand Pharma saw a 41% increase in employee count in 2025, with an improved employee engagement score of 8.9 out of 10 and a low turnover rate of 7.8% [15]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the second quarter was $116,000, compared to $0 in the same period last year, primarily from cost reimbursements under a collaboration agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim [6] - Total operating expenses increased to $7.4 million from $2.6 million in the prior year, driven by higher investments in obesity development programs and increased compensation costs [6][7] - Net loss for the quarter was $7.3 million, or $2.86 per share, compared to a net loss of $2.4 million, or $5.92 per share in the comparable period last year [8] - Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2025, were $14.5 million, up from $1.3 million at September 30, 2025 [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is advancing its melanocortin-4 receptor-based obesity pipeline, focusing on rare syndromic and genetic obesity disorders [10] - The lead oral small molecule MC4R agonist, PL7737, is progressing through IND-enabling toxicology studies, with an IND submission planned for the first half of 2026 [11] - The next generation selective melanocortin-4 receptor peptide agonists are also being developed, with an IND submission planned for the second half of 2026 [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has regained compliance with NYSE American listing standards, and its common stock resumed trading under the symbol PTN [5][13] - The focus remains on rare neuroendocrine obesity disorders, including hypothalamic obesity and Prader-Willi syndrome, which represent significant unmet medical needs [10][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deliver differentiated product profiles with a focus on enhancing patient tolerability and minimizing off-target effects [11] - A strategic shift was made by sub-licensing the dry eye disease clinical candidate, PL9643, to focus more on core obesity programs [12][13] - The company is positioned to pursue long-term value creation through multiple partnerships and a focused pipeline [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the differentiation of their products, particularly regarding tolerability and safety profiles compared to current treatments [17][34] - The company anticipates moving into phase II studies for Prader-Willi syndrome and hypothalamic obesity patients by mid-2027 [43] - Management highlighted the importance of combination therapies with GLP-1 based treatments as the market evolves [48] Other Important Information - The company completed a public offering of $18.2 million, strengthening its balance sheet and providing capital for advancing obesity programs [5][10] - The company expects its cash runway to extend beyond March 31, 2027, based on current operating plans [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: What preclinical signals give confidence in differentiation for PL7737? - Management highlighted the design of the compound to be more selective for the melanocortin-4 receptor, which should reduce hyperpigmentation and control GI side effects [17] Question: How will patient selection and endpoints be defined for phase one studies? - The focus will be on safety and confirming oral absorption, with weight reduction and control of hyperphagia as key metrics in the multiple-ascending dose study [19][20] Question: Is there an increased emphasis on Prader-Willi syndrome? - Management confirmed that while it has always been in the background, there is a focus on larger indications like hypothalamic obesity and Prader-Willi syndrome due to the number of patients [22] Question: How will the oral small molecule and weekly injection be positioned? - Both products are seen as complementary, with each suited for different patient populations [24][25] Question: What is the anticipated cash flow for the next quarters? - Management indicated that there were one-time extraordinary expenses in the previous quarter, and they expect operating expenses to decrease in the upcoming quarters [27][28]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q2 2026 was $116,000, compared to $0 in the same period last year, attributed to cost reimbursements from a collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim [7] - Total operating expenses increased to $7.4 million from $2.6 million in the prior year, primarily due to higher investments in obesity development programs and increased compensation costs [7] - Net loss for the quarter was $7.3 million, or $2.86 per share, compared to a net loss of $2.4 million, or $5.92 per share in the prior year [8] - Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2025, were $14.5 million, up from $1.3 million at September 30, 2025 [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is advancing its melanocortin-4 receptor-based obesity pipeline, focusing on rare syndromic and genetic obesity disorders [11] - The lead oral small molecule MC4R agonist, PL7737, is progressing through IND-enabling toxicology studies, with plans to submit an IND in the first half of 2026 [12] - A next-generation selective melanocortin-4 receptor peptide agonist is also in development, with an IND submission planned for the second half of 2026 [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company regained compliance with NYSE American listing standards, allowing its common stock to resume trading under the symbol PTN [6][14] - The focus remains on rare neuroendocrine obesity disorders, including hypothalamic obesity and Prader-Willi syndrome, which represent significant unmet medical needs [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deliver differentiated product profiles with a focus on enhancing patient tolerability and minimizing side effects [12] - A strategic sub-licensing of PL9643 for dry eye disease has allowed the company to sharpen its focus on core obesity programs while retaining potential future financial participation [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's financial position and pipeline, indicating that the successful public offering has provided the necessary capital to advance obesity programs [11][14] - The company anticipates a cash runway extending beyond March 31, 2027, based on current operating plans [10] Other Important Information - The company received approximately $3.8 million in upfront consideration from the sublicensing transaction, which will be recognized as licensed revenue in the quarter ending March 31, 2026 [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: What preclinical or translational signals give confidence in differentiation for PL7737? - The compound is designed to be more selective for the melanocortin-4 receptor, which should reduce hyperpigmentation and control GI side effects through its administration [17][18] Question: How will patient selection and endpoints be approached in the phase one study? - The phase one studies will primarily focus on safety, with the multiple-ascending dose study looking for reductions in body weight and control of hyperphagia [19][20] Question: Is there an increased emphasis on Prader-Willi syndrome? - Prader-Willi syndrome has always been in the background, but the company is focusing on larger indications with substantial patient populations [22] Question: How will the oral small molecule and weekly injection be positioned? - Both products are seen as complementary, with each suited for different patient populations [24][26] Question: What is the anticipated impact of GLP-1 therapies on product development? - The company is exploring combination therapies with GLP-1s to optimize treatment for patients with severe hyperphagia [49]

Core Viewpoint - Palatin Technologies, Inc. reported its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2026, highlighting advancements in its MC4R-based obesity programs and a strengthened financial position through a successful public offering [1][2]. Financial Results - For the second quarter ended December 31, 2025, Palatin recognized $116,036 in collaboration and license revenue, a significant increase from $0 in the same quarter last year, attributed to the agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim [2]. - Total operating expenses were $7.4 million, up from $2.6 million in the comparable quarter last year, primarily due to increased costs in MCR obesity development programs and higher compensation costs [2]. - The net loss for the quarter was $7.3 million, or $(2.86) per share, compared to a net loss of $2.4 million, or $(5.92) per share, in the same quarter last year [2][4]. - As of December 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $14.5 million, a significant increase from $1.3 million at the end of September 2025 [2][4]. Corporate Update - The company completed an $18.2 million public offering on November 12, 2025, which included the full exercise of the over-allotment option, allowing it to regain compliance with NYSE American listing standards [2]. - Palatin's obesity program focuses on developing differentiated MC4R agonists aimed at enhancing patient tolerability and addressing significant unmet medical needs in conditions like hypothalamic obesity and Prader-Willi syndrome [1][3]. - The company has initiated IND-enabling toxicology studies for its oral small-molecule MC4R agonist PL7737, with plans for clinical trial initiation in the first half of 2026 [1][3]. Obesity Program Update - PL7737 is expected to enter clinical evaluation in the first half of 2026, demonstrating meaningful weight loss and oral bioavailability in preclinical models [1]. - Next-generation selective peptide MC4R agonists are designed for once-weekly subcutaneous dosing, with clinical trials anticipated to start in the second half of 2026 [1]. - The obesity program aims to address rare and broader obesity indications, particularly focusing on neuroendocrine disorders [1][3]. Out-Licensing Programs Update - Collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim for retinal diseases could yield up to €12.5 million ($14.5 million) in research milestones and up to €260 million ($307 million) in development and commercial milestones [1]. - The sublicensing agreement for PL9643, an MC1R agonist for dry eye disease, provided $3.8 million in upfront consideration, enhancing the company's financial position [1][2]. - Active out-licensing discussions are ongoing for PL8177 (ulcerative colitis) and diabetic nephropathy programs, reflecting interest from potential partners [1].

Core Insights - AbbVie has entered a three-year deal to lower prices on certain Medicaid drugs while committing to invest $100 billion in US-based research, development, and capital projects, including manufacturing [1][5] - The agreement aligns with the US administration's goal to reshore pharmaceutical manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains [2] - AbbVie is expected to focus on expanding biologics manufacturing capacity and enhancing supply-chain resilience, reflecting a broader industry trend [3] Investment and Manufacturing Strategy - The $100 billion investment will likely be directed towards upgrading production technologies and expanding manufacturing capabilities, as evidenced by AbbVie's recent $175 million acquisition of a device manufacturing facility in Arizona [2][3] - The deal represents a significant increase in AbbVie's US investment plans, surpassing the previously announced $10 billion commitment [5] - Manufacturing is positioned as a strategic asset for AbbVie, rather than merely a compliance measure, in the current policy landscape [5] Policy Context - AbbVie's agreement is part of a broader trend where major pharmaceutical companies are accepting price concessions in exchange for tariff relief and regulatory predictability [4][6] - The growing list of "most-favored-nation" deals indicates that US drug pricing negotiations are increasingly focused on domestic manufacturing investments rather than just list prices or rebates [6][7]

Core Viewpoint - Reborn Bio-B (06938) has seen a stock increase of over 5%, currently trading at 72.45 HKD, following the announcement of its RBD5044 injection receiving implied approval for Phase II clinical trials from the National Medical Products Administration of China [1] Company Summary - RBD5044 is a siRNA drug targeting APOC3, a protein synthesized primarily in the liver that plays a crucial role in lipid metabolism [1] - The drug aims to address complications associated with hypertriglyceridemia, providing a treatment option for managing dyslipidemia [1] Industry Summary - The small nucleic acid drug sector is experiencing significant global growth, transitioning from technology validation to accelerated clinical realization and commercialization [1] - A total of 23 small nucleic acid drugs have been approved globally, covering various technical directions such as siRNA, ASO, and aptamers [1] - Although no products have been launched domestically, the number of research pipelines ranks second only to the United States, addressing multiple therapeutic areas including hyperlipidemia, hypertension, hepatitis B, kidney diseases, muscular diseases, and obesity [1] - Notable collaborations include over 9 billion USD in cumulative partnerships between WuXi AppTec and Novartis, and a 2 billion USD platform licensing deal between Reborn Bio and Boehringer Ingelheim [1] - Traditional pharmaceutical companies like China National Pharmaceutical Group are rapidly positioning themselves through acquisitions, indicating a positive development trend in the industry [1]

Core Viewpoint - Reborn Bio-B (06938) shares rose over 5%, currently up 5.62% at HKD 72.45, with a trading volume of HKD 6.483 million, following the announcement of the II phase clinical trial approval for its self-developed RBD5044 injection by the National Medical Products Administration of China [1] Company Summary - RBD5044 is a siRNA drug targeting APOC3, a protein synthesized primarily in the liver that plays a crucial role in lipid metabolism [1] - The drug aims to address complications associated with hypertriglyceridemia, providing a treatment option for managing dyslipidemia [1] Industry Summary - According to Guosheng Securities (002670), small nucleic acid drugs are entering a robust global development phase, transitioning from technical validation to clinical realization and accelerated commercialization [1] - A total of 23 small nucleic acid drugs have been approved globally, covering various technical directions such as siRNA, ASO, and aptamers [1] - Although no products have been launched domestically yet, the number of research pipelines ranks second to the U.S., covering multiple therapeutic areas including hyperlipidemia, hypertension, hepatitis B, kidney diseases, muscular diseases, and obesity [1] - Significant collaborations have emerged, such as the over USD 9 billion partnership between WuXi AppTec and Novartis, and a USD 2 billion platform licensing deal between Reborn Bio and Boehringer Ingelheim, indicating a positive development trend in the industry [1]