Vaxart Inc (VXRT) Q2 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Revenue Surge and Strategic Advances

GuruFocus.com
2024-10-10
  • Revenue: $6.4 million for Q2 2024, compared to $1.4 million in Q2 2023.
  • Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Investments: $62.6 million at the end of Q2 2024.
  • Additional Funding: Received approximately $64.7 million from BARDA after Q2 2024.
  • Cash Runway: Anticipated to extend into 2026 based on current plans.
  • Warning! GuruFocus has detected 6 Warning Signs with VXRT.

Release Date: August 08, 2024

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Vaxart Inc (NASDAQ:VXRT) received a significant BARDA contract valued at up to $453 million under Project NextGen, highlighting the promise of their oral vaccine platform.
  • The company reported positive top-line results for their Phase 1 clinical trial in the norovirus program, partially funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
  • Vaxart Inc (NASDAQ:VXRT) has extended its financial runway into 2026, enhancing its capital position to invest in innovation.
  • The company is actively engaged in productive discussions with the FDA regarding their COVID-19 and norovirus programs, indicating progress in regulatory pathways.
  • Revenue for the second quarter of 2024 increased to $6.4 million from $1.4 million in the same quarter of 2023, primarily due to the BARDA contract.

Negative Points

  • The initiation of the Phase 2b COVID trial is pending FDA alignment, indicating potential delays in the trial's start.
  • The company faces challenges in recruiting 10,000 adults for the Phase 2b COVID trial, which could impact the trial timeline.
  • Vaxart Inc (NASDAQ:VXRT) has not provided detailed information on the additional data requested by the FDA for the norovirus program, indicating ongoing regulatory hurdles.
  • The company has removed RSV from its development pipeline, suggesting a shift in focus and potential missed opportunities in that area.
  • Despite progress, the company acknowledges the inherent uncertainty in clinical development and regulatory processes, which could impact future outcomes.

Q & A Highlights

Q: For the Norovirus program, can you provide more color on the additional details requested by the FDA, and how do you anticipate the design of the Phase 2b trial will be in comparison to prior Phase 2 studies? A: The FDA is reviewing our pre-clinical and clinical norovirus data. We are not providing detailed information on the nature of these discussions as they are ongoing. The impact on the Phase 2b trial design will depend on the outcomes of these discussions.

Q: What steps remain to initiate the Phase 2b COVID study, and what additional information is needed from the FDA before getting their approval to start the study? A: We continue to have productive dialogue with the FDA and have addressed some comments. We have completed preparations of our manufacturing processes and have sufficient vaccine supply. Key activities include trial site activation and subcontracting with vendors. We will provide updates as warranted.

Q: Once the Phase 2b COVID trial initiates, describe the subject enrollment process. What challenges might you face in recruiting 10,000 adults for the study? A: We view this as an opportunity for our clinical trial management team to demonstrate recruitment capabilities. The study demographics will represent the U.S. population, with 25% of participants at high risk for severe COVID-19 disease.

Q: What was the $64.7 million payment for, and what milestones do you need to achieve for the COVID Phase 2b study to earn additional funds from BARDA? A: The $64.7 million payment was for achieving a milestone in the ATI contract by executing a contract with the CRO. Remaining funding is not tied to specific milestones but will be reimbursed for costs as we prepare and execute the COVID-19 Phase 2b trial.

Q: Is there reason to believe your norovirus vaccine is more robust against emerging norovirus strains, and how do you position yourself in the norovirus landscape? A: We believe generating a mucosal response is critical for an effective norovirus vaccine. Our candidates demonstrate both serum and mucosal responses, which may allow us to be more successful. Our focus is on healthy adults, not infants, which differentiates our program.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

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