Apellis(APLS) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, Cifovri net product revenue was $130 million, which was down due to inventory dynamics and funding shortages at third-party co-pay assistance programs [12][14][23] - Cifovri injection demand grew 4$358 million in cash and cash equivalents, indicating a strong liquidity position to fund operations towards profitability [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Cifovri maintained over 60% market share in geographic atrophy, with new patient starts exceeding 50% in Q1 and reaching 55% by late April [9][17] - Empavedi generated $20 million in net product revenue in Q1, with high compliance rates of 97% and a consistent safety profile [23] - The supplemental NDA for Empavedi was accepted by the FDA with a PDUFA date of July 28, indicating a significant upcoming launch opportunity [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The geographic atrophy market is expected to see continued but modest growth, with Cifovri positioned as a market leader [9] - The U.S. commercial opportunity for C3G and iCMPGN is estimated at 5,000 patients, with expectations for Empavedi to be used across all patient groups [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to capitalize on strong physician demand for Cifovri and is preparing for the launch of Empavedi in C3G and iCMPGN [24] - Strategic initiatives include enhancing disease state awareness and ensuring seamless access to treatment upon approval [20][22] - The company is focused on maintaining financial discipline while driving revenue growth and delivering meaningful treatments to patients [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges in the market, including funding shortages impacting demand but expressed confidence in the long-term growth potential of Cifovri [6][8] - The company is optimistic about the upcoming launch of Empavedi and its potential to transform treatment in C3G and iCMPGN [24] - Management emphasized the importance of transitioning patients from samples to commercial doses to mitigate the impact of co-pay assistance program funding issues [113] Other Important Information - The company welcomed Craig Wheeler to its Board of Directors, highlighting his extensive experience in the biopharmaceutical industry [25] - The management is closely monitoring tariff situations and is prepared to take steps to mitigate any adverse impacts [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on Q1 volume dynamics - Management clarified that Q1 saw a 4% growth in injections, with a drawdown of inventory impacting the number of vials delivered [30][34] Question: Expectations for copay assistance underfunding - Management does not expect the copay assistance underfunding issue to be resolved soon, but they are working to transition patients from samples to commercial doses [36][38] Question: Sales guidance considerations - Management indicated that they are not likely to provide sales guidance this year due to recent dynamics affecting the market [50][52] Question: Payer landscape post-label update - Management confirmed that Cifovri maintains preferred positioning with several large Medicare Advantage plans, and no significant changes were noted post-competitor label update [60] Question: Launch plans for C3G and ICMPGN - Management is actively profiling accounts and building relationships with key physician accounts in preparation for the launch of Empavedi [117]