• Revenue: $134 million for Q3 2024, a 7% decrease compared to the same period last year; $479 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, a 3% increase year-over-year.
• SPINRAZA Royalties: $57 million for Q3 2024; $152 million year-to-date.
• WAINUA Product Sales: $23 million for Q3 2024; $44 million year-to-date, with a 44% increase in Q3 compared to Q2.
• Operating Expenses: SG&A expenses increased 13% for Q3 2024 and 26% year-to-date, driven by higher sales and marketing expenses.
• Cash Position: Projected to end 2024 with $2.2 billion in cash following a recent equity offering.
• Employee Base: Over 1,000 employees as of the report.
• 2024 Revenue Guidance: Expected to exceed $575 million.
• Recent Milestone Payment: $30 million from AstraZeneca for UK approval of WAINUA.

• Warning! GuruFocus has detected 3 Warning Signs with IONS.

Release Date: November 06, 2024

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

Positive Points

• Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:IONS) is on the verge of its first independent launch with olezarsen, targeting familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS), a rare disease with no approved treatments in the U.S.
• The company anticipates three additional independent launches over the next three years, indicating a strong pipeline and growth potential.
• Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:IONS) has shown significant progress in its wholly owned neurology franchise, including the advancement of ION582 for Angelman syndrome into Phase III development.
• The company has generated positive data from its donidalorsen clinical program, which could become a preferred prophylactic treatment for hereditary angioedema (HAE).
• Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:IONS) has a robust financial position, with a recent equity offering extending its cash runway to support upcoming commercial launches and pipeline advancements.

Negative Points

• Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:IONS) reported a 7% decrease in revenues for the third quarter compared to the same period last year, indicating potential financial challenges.
• The company faces competition in the FCS market, with a competitor potentially entering the market a few quarters after Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:IONS)'s launch.
• There are concerns about the payer dynamics for olezarsen, given its likely high pricing as an ultra-rare disease treatment.
• The Phase III cardio transform study for WAINUA has been extended to full completion, potentially delaying the data readout to the second half of 2026.
• Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:IONS) is still in discussions with the FDA regarding labeling for olezarsen, which could impact the timing and success of its launch.

Q & A Highlights

Q: How soon will Ionis Pharmaceuticals be able to launch olezarsen for FCS post-approval, and what are the expected pricing and labeling discussions? A: Brett Monia, CEO, stated that they are in labeling discussions with the FDA and are pleased with the progress. Kyle Jenne, EVP of Commercial, mentioned that the team is ready to launch by December 19, with product expected in the channel before year-end. Pricing will be in the ultra-rare category, expected to be communicated upon approval.

Q: Will there be any interim looks during the Phase III Angelman study, and how was the primary endpoint determined? A: Brett Monia, CEO, confirmed there are no plans for interim data looks. The study design was robust, and the FDA was supportive of their proposal after minor discussions, indicating strong alignment on the primary endpoint.

Q: What is the rationale for the timing of the cardio transform study readout, and has there been any change in the approach? A: Brett Monia, CEO, explained that the decision was made to run the study to full completion with all patients completing 140 weeks of treatment. This approach ensures the most comprehensive data set, with the readout expected in the second half of 2026.

Q: How many FCS patients have been identified, and what is the strategy to saturate the market before competitors? A: Brett Monia, CEO, emphasized the importance of their medical affairs team in educating physicians and identifying patients. The nine-month lead over competitors is seen as significant, allowing for a strong initial launch and continued patient identification.

Q: How does Ionis plan to handle payer dynamics for FCS, given the high pricing, and is there any plan to extend the ATTR cardiomyopathy study? A: Kyle Jenne, EVP of Commercial, noted that payers have been receptive to the pricing due to the ultra-rare nature of FCS. Brett Monia, CEO, mentioned that while the current plan is to complete the study at 140 weeks, they will consider extending it if beneficial for the drug.

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