Amarin Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Provides Business Update

Rhea-AI Summary

Amarin plc (NASDAQ:AMRN) reported Q2 2024 financial results and provided a business update. Key highlights include:

- Total net revenue of $67.5 million, down 16% year-over-year
- Cash position of $307 million
- Net income of $1.5 million, or $0.00 per share
- Non-GAAP adjusted net income of $5.9 million, or $0.01 per share
- Completed CEO transition with Aaron Berg appointed as President and CEO
- Received regulatory approval for VASCEPA in China for cardiovascular risk reduction
- Secured national reimbursement for VAZKEPA in Portugal and Greece
- Delivered $50 million in annual savings from 2023 restructuring

The company faces challenges from generic competition in the U.S. but continues to focus on operational execution and expanding VASCEPA/VAZKEPA globally.

Positive

• Strong cash position of $307 million providing financial stability
• Regulatory approval for VASCEPA in China for cardiovascular risk reduction
• Secured national reimbursement for VAZKEPA in Portugal and Greece
• Delivered $50 million in annual savings from 2023 restructuring
• Non-GAAP adjusted net income of $5.9 million, or $0.01 per share

Negative

• Total net revenue decreased 16% year-over-year to $67.5 million
• U.S. net product revenue declined 32% year-over-year due to generic competition
• A large national pharmacy benefit manager no longer covers VASCEPA as the exclusive icosapent ethyl product
• Gross margin on net product revenue decreased to 48% from 64% in Q2 2023 (excluding inventory restructuring charge)

Financial Analyst

Amarin's Q2 2024 results present a mixed financial picture. The company reported $67.5 million in total net revenue, a 16% decrease year-over-year. This decline was primarily driven by a 27% drop in net product revenue, largely due to U.S. generic competition impacting VASCEPA's net selling price.

However, there are some positive aspects to consider:

• The company maintained a strong cash position of $306.7 million, providing financial stability.
• Gross margin improved to 48% from 42% in the previous year.
• Operating expenses decreased by 24%, reflecting successful cost-cutting measures.
• The company reported a net income of $1.5 million, compared to a net loss in the same period last year.

The $15 million milestone payment for CVRR approval in China boosted licensing revenue, highlighting the potential of international markets. However, the loss of coverage by a major U.S. PBM is concerning and could further impact U.S. sales.

While Amarin has made progress in reducing expenses and preserving cash, the company faces challenges in the U.S. market. The focus on European expansion and RoW markets could be important for future growth. Investors should closely monitor the company's ability to execute its international strategy and maintain financial stability in the face of U.S. market pressures.

Market Research Analyst

Amarin's Q2 2024 results reveal significant market dynamics affecting the company's performance. The 27% decrease in net product revenue, primarily due to U.S. generic competition, underscores the challenges in the domestic market. This is further exacerbated by a major PBM's decision to no longer cover VASCEPA as the exclusive icosapent ethyl product, potentially leading to further erosion of U.S. market share.

However, international markets present growth opportunities:

• Regulatory approval for VASCEPA in China for cardiovascular risk reduction
• Secured national reimbursement in Portugal and Greece
• New patent in Europe extending VAZKEPA exclusivity until 2039

These developments suggest a strategic pivot towards global markets, which could help offset U.S. revenue declines. The company's focus on operational execution and exploring opportunities to expand VASCEPA/VAZKEPA's impact globally aligns with this shift.

The $50 million share repurchase program, although not yet initiated, signals confidence in the company's long-term value. However, the delay in implementation may indicate caution given market conditions.

Investors should watch for Amarin's ability to capitalize on international opportunities, particularly in China and Europe, while managing the challenging U.S. market landscape. The company's success in these areas will be important for its future growth trajectory.

-- Cash Position of $307 Million Provides Stable and Strong Capital Foundation –
-- Total Net Revenue of $68 Million ($124 Million Year-To-Date) Reflecting Continuing Efforts to Maximize VASCEPA/VAZKEPA Performance Globally --
-- Leadership Transition Completed with Appointment of Aaron Berg as President and CEO --

DUBLIN and BRIDGEWATER, N.J., July 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amarin Corporation plc (NASDAQ:AMRN), today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024, and provided a business update.

Commenting on the Company, Aaron Berg, Amarin’s President and CEO, said, “As I begin in my new role as CEO of Amarin, my focus is clear: drive value by focusing on operational execution and performance while urgently evaluating opportunities to expand the impact of VASCEPA/VAZKEPA to benefit millions of patients worldwide. That is our commitment to patients, providers, employees and of course, shareholders.”

Berg continued, “We have a great product in VASCEPA^®/VAZKEPA^®. It is a product supported by overwhelming science, a strong IP position outside of the U.S. and the opportunity to impact the significant challenge of CV risk for patients globally. While the value of the product is real, and we have delivered some success with it, we have much more work to do to better realize the value of VASCEPA/VAZKEPA.”

Second Quarter and Recent Operational Events

• Completed CEO transition with Board of Directors' appointment of Aaron Berg as President and Chief Executive Officer
• Amarin’s partner EDDINGPHARM received regulatory approval for VASCEPA (icosapent ethyl) for cardiovascular risk reduction indication in China
• Received a Decision to Grant from the European Patent Office (EPO) for a new patent covering VAZKEPA^® (icosapent ethyl) that extends VAZKEPA exclusivity until 2039
• Secured receipt of national reimbursement for VAZKEPA (icosapent ethyl) in Portugal
• Secured receipt of national reimbursement for VAZKEPA (icosapent ethyl) in Greece and established exclusive marketing and commercialization agreement with Vianex S.A. in country
• The Company has delivered $50 million of annual savings based on the reduction in force announced in July 2023
• Informed by a large national pharmacy benefit manager (“PBM”) that, effective July 1, 2024, the PBM no longer covers VASCEPA as the exclusive icosapent ethyl product for its Commercial national formularies and has transitioned VASCEPA to not covered
• Presented new data, including subgroup analyses from the landmark REDUCE-IT outcomes trial and mechanistic data on icosapent ethyl (IPE)/eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session & Expo.

Financial Update

Financial Highlights

($ in millions)	3 months ended June 30, 2024		3 months ended June 30, 2023		% Change
Total Net Revenue	$67.5		$80.2		-16%
Operating Expenses1	$43.3		$56.6		-24%
Cash	$306.7		$313.0		-2%

¹ – Excludes restructuring expense of $10.0 million in the 3 months ended June 30, 2023

Total net revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2024 was $67.5 million, compared to $80.2 million in the corresponding period of 2023, a decrease of 16%. Net product revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2024 was $47.5 million, compared to $65.2 million in the corresponding period of 2023, a decrease of 27%. This decrease was driven primarily by an impact in net selling price due to US generic competition. U.S. net product revenue was $43.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $64.6 million in the corresponding period of 2023. For the three months ended June 30, 2024, European net product revenue was $3.5 million and Rest of World (RoW) net product revenue was $0.2 million.

Licensing and royalty revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2024 was $20.0 million, which includes recognition of a $15.0 million milestone payment related to obtaining CVRR approval in China and $4.0 million of non-cash payment related to previously received partnership milestones. Licensing and royalty revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2023 was $15.0 million.

Cost of goods sold for the three months ended June 30, 2024 was $24.7 million, compared to $37.5 million in the corresponding period of 2023. Overall gross margin on net product revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 was 48% and 42%, respectively. Excluding the inventory restructuring charge in Q2 2023 gross margin was 64%.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2024 was $38.5 million, compared to $51.0 million in the corresponding period of 2023. This decrease was primarily due to the organization restructuring plan enacted in July 2023.

Research and development expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2024 were $4.7 million, compared to $5.6 million in the corresponding period of 2023.

The Company has delivered $50.0 million of annual savings based on the reduction in force announced in July 2023.

Under U.S. GAAP, the Company reported a net income of $1.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, or basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.00. This net income includes $4.4 million in non-cash stock-based compensation. For the three months ended June 30, 2023, the Company reported net loss of $17.6 million, or basic and diluted loss per share of $0.04. This net loss included $1.8 million in non-cash stock-based compensation expense.

Excluding non-cash stock-based compensation expense and restructuring expense, non-GAAP adjusted net income was $5.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 or non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.01, compared with non-GAAP adjusted net income of $8.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023 or non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.02. As of June 30, 2024, the Company reported aggregate cash and investments of $306.7 million.

Update on Amarin’s Share Repurchase Program

On January 10, 2024, Amarin announced plans to initiate a share repurchase program to purchase up to $50.0 million of the Company's ordinary shares held in the form of American Depository Shares. The Company received shareholder and U.K. High Court approval of the share repurchase program in April and May 2024, respectively. The Company has not commenced any share repurchases to date, but will continue to monitor business and market conditions.

2024 Financial Outlook 

The Company continues to make progress on reducing operating expenses and managing its cash position, including having delivered $50 million of annual savings based on the reduction in force announced in July 2023. The Company reiterates its belief that current cash and investments and other assets are adequate to support continued operations. The Company will continue to focus on cash preservation and prudently invest in the right opportunities which are value additive, including accelerating revenues in Europe and maximizing cash generation from RoW and the U.S. markets.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

Amarin will host a conference call on July 31, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. ET to discuss this information. The conference call can be accessed on the investor relations section of the company's website at www.amarincorp.com, or via telephone by dialing 888-506-0062 within the United States, 973-528-0011 from outside the United States, and referencing conference ID 409616. A replay of the call will be made available for a period of two weeks following the conference call. To listen to a replay of the call, dial 877-481-4010 from within the United States and 919-882-2331 from outside of the United States, and reference conference ID 50766. A replay of the call will also be available through the company's website shortly after the call.

About Amarin
Amarin is an innovative pharmaceutical company leading a new paradigm in cardiovascular disease management. We are committed to increasing the scientific understanding of the cardiovascular risk that persists beyond traditional therapies and advancing the treatment of that risk for patients worldwide. Amarin has offices in Bridgewater, New Jersey in the United States, Dublin in Ireland, Zug in Switzerland, and other countries in Europe as well as commercial partners and suppliers around the world. 

About VASCEPA^®/VAZKEPA^® (icosapent ethyl) Capsules 
VASCEPA (icosapent ethyl) capsules are the first prescription treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) comprised solely of the active ingredient, icosapent ethyl (IPE), a unique form of eicosapentaenoic acid. VASCEPA was launched in the United States in January 2020 as the first drug approved by the U.S. FDA for treatment of the studied high-risk patients with persistent cardiovascular risk despite being on statin therapy. VASCEPA was initially launched in the United States in 2013 based on the drug’s initial FDA approved indication for use as an adjunct therapy to diet to reduce triglyceride levels in adult patients with severe (≥500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia. Since launch, VASCEPA has been prescribed more than twenty million times. VASCEPA is covered by most major medical insurance plans. In addition to the United States, VASCEPA is approved and sold in Canada, China, Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates. In Europe, in March 2021 marketing authorization was granted to icosapent ethyl in the European Union for the reduction of risk of cardiovascular events in patients at high cardiovascular risk, under the brand name VAZKEPA. In April 2021 marketing authorization for VAZKEPA (icosapent ethyl) was granted in Great Britain (applying to England, Scotland and Wales). VAZKEPA (icosapent ethyl) is currently approved and sold in Europe in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Austria, the UK, Spain and the Netherlands. 

United States 
Indications and Limitation of Use 

VASCEPA is indicated: 

• As an adjunct to maximally tolerated statin therapy to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization and unstable angina requiring hospitalization in adult patients with elevated triglyceride (TG) levels (≥ 150 mg/dL) and 
  • established cardiovascular disease or 
  • diabetes mellitus and two or more additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease. 
• As an adjunct to diet to reduce TG levels in adult patients with severe (≥ 500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia. 

The effect of VASCEPA on the risk for pancreatitis in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia has not been determined. 

Important Safety Information 

• VASCEPA is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction) to VASCEPA or any of its components. 
• VASCEPA was associated with an increased risk (3% vs 2%) of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter requiring hospitalization in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The incidence of atrial fibrillation was greater in patients with a previous history of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. 
• It is not known whether patients with allergies to fish and/or shellfish are at an increased risk of an allergic reaction to VASCEPA. Patients with such allergies should discontinue VASCEPA if any reactions occur. 
• VASCEPA was associated with an increased risk (12% vs 10%) of bleeding in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The incidence of bleeding was greater in patients receiving concomitant antithrombotic medications, such as aspirin, clopidogrel or warfarin. 
• Common adverse reactions in the cardiovascular outcomes trial (incidence ≥3% and ≥1% more frequent than placebo): musculoskeletal pain (4% vs 3%), peripheral edema (7% vs 5%), constipation (5% vs 4%), gout (4% vs 3%), and atrial fibrillation (5% vs 4%). 
• Common adverse reactions in the hypertriglyceridemia trials (incidence >1% more frequent than placebo): arthralgia (2% vs 1%) and oropharyngeal pain (1% vs 0.3%). 
• Adverse events may be reported by calling 1-855-VASCEPA or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. 
• Patients receiving VASCEPA and concomitant anticoagulants and/or anti-platelet agents should be monitored for bleeding. 

FULL U.S. FDA-APPROVED VASCEPA PRESCRIBING INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.VASCEPA.COM.

Europe 
For further information about the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for VAZKEPA^® in Europe, please visit:  https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/12964/smpc.

Globally, prescribing information varies; refer to the individual country product label for complete information.

Use of Non-GAAP Adjusted Financial Information Included in this press release are non-GAAP adjusted financial information as defined by U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation G. The GAAP financial measure most directly comparable to each non-GAAP adjusted financial measure used or discussed, and a reconciliation of the differences between each non-GAAP adjusted financial measure and the comparable GAAP financial measure, is included in this press release after the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Non-GAAP adjusted net (loss) income was derived by taking GAAP net loss and adjusting it for non-cash stock-based compensation expense, restructuring expense and other one-time expenses. Management uses these non-GAAP adjusted financial measures for internal reporting and forecasting purposes, when publicly providing its business outlook, to evaluate the company’s performance and to evaluate and compensate the company’s executives. The company has provided these non-GAAP financial measures in addition to GAAP financial results because it believes that these non-GAAP adjusted financial measures provide investors with a better understanding of the company’s historical results from its core business operations.

While management believes that these non-GAAP adjusted financial measures provide useful supplemental information to investors regarding the underlying performance of the company’s business operations, investors are reminded to consider these non-GAAP measures in addition to, and not as a substitute for, financial performance measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP measures have limitations in that they do not reflect all of the amounts associated with the company’s results of operations as determined in accordance with GAAP. In addition, it should be noted that these non-GAAP financial measures may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies, and management may utilize other measures to illustrate performance in the future.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including beliefs about Amarin’s key achievements in 2023 and the potential impact and outlook for achievements in 2024 and beyond; Amarin’s 2024 financial outlook and cash position; Amarin’s overall efforts to expand access and reimbursement to VAZKEPA across global markets; and the overall potential and future success of VASCEPA/VAZKEPA and Amarin generally. These forward-looking statements are not promises or guarantees and involve substantial risks and uncertainties. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other risks associated with an investment in Amarin can be found in Amarin's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including Amarin’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2024 and annual report on Form 10-K for the full year ended 2023. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Amarin undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. Amarin’s forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of significant transactions the company may enter into, such as mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures or any material agreements that Amarin may enter into, amend or terminate.

Implementation of the share repurchase program is subject to approval by the Company’s Board of Directors in view of market conditions prevailing generally at the time and taking into account the Company’s financial position. There can be no assurance as to whether the Company will repurchase any of its shares or as to the amount of any such repurchases. On January 9, 2024, Amarin entered into a conditional share repurchase agreement (the “Repurchase Agreement") with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. ("Cantor") to purchase up to $50 million of Amarin’s ordinary shares held in the form of ADSs. Cantor may be unable to repurchase some or all of the ADSs within the parameters provided for in the share repurchase agreement, and the share repurchase may not have the expected results.

Availability of Other Information About Amarin

Investors and others should note that Amarin communicates with its investors and the public using the company website (www.amarincorp.com), the investor relations website (www.amarincorp.com/investor-relations), including but not limited to investor presentations and investor FAQs, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. The information that Amarin posts on these channels and websites could be deemed to be material information. As a result, Amarin encourages investors, the media, and others interested in Amarin to review the information that is posted on these channels, including the investor relations website, on a regular basis. This list of channels may be updated from time to time on Amarin’s investor relations website and may include social media channels. The contents of Amarin’s website or these channels, or any other website that may be accessed from its website or these channels, shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933.

Amarin Contact Information
Investor & Media Inquiries:   
Mark Marmur 
Amarin Corporation plc   
PR@amarincorp.com

-Tables to Follow-

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA
(U.S. GAAP)
Unaudited
	June 30, 2024				December 31, 2023
	(in thousands)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	215,924			$	199,252
Restricted cash		525				525
Short-term investments		90,739				121,407
Accounts receivable, net		123,691				133,563
Inventory		239,408				258,616
Prepaid and other current assets		31,552				11,618
Total current assets		701,839				724,981
Property, plant and equipment, net		49				114
Long-term inventory		71,294				77,615
Operating lease right-of-use asset		7,540				8,310
Other long-term assets		1,287				1,360
Intangible asset, net		17,846				19,304
TOTAL ASSETS	$	799,855			$	831,684
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	54,383			$	52,762
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		176,159				204,174
Current deferred revenue		—				2,341
Total current liabilities		230,542				259,277
Long-Term Liabilities:
Long-term deferred revenue		—				2,509
Long-term operating lease liability		8,099				8,737
Other long-term liabilities		9,335				9,064
Total liabilities		247,976				279,587
Stockholders’ Equity:
Common stock		305,046				302,756
Additional paid-in capital		1,906,903				1,899,456
Treasury stock		(65,276	)			(63,752	)
Accumulated deficit		(1,594,794	)			(1,586,363	)
Total stockholders’ equity		551,879				552,097
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	799,855			$	831,684

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA
(U.S. GAAP)
Unaudited
	Three months ended June 30,								Six months ended June 30,
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)								(in thousands, except per share amounts)
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Product revenue, net	$	47,514			$	65,187			$	102,670			$	149,841
Licensing and royalty revenue		19,977				14,980				21,340				16,301
Total revenue, net		67,491				80,167				124,010				166,142
Less: Cost of goods sold		24,722				23,199				49,337				48,993
Less: Cost of goods sold - restructuring inventory		—				14,300				—				26,554
Gross margin		42,769				42,668				74,673				90,595
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative (1)		38,547				50,953				78,436				110,540
Research and development (1)		4,746				5,642				10,344				11,323
Restructuring		—				10,032				—				10,032
Total operating expenses		43,293				66,627				88,780				131,895
Operating loss		(524	)			(23,959	)			(14,107	)			(41,300	)
Interest income, net		3,271				3,001				6,654				5,222
Other income, net		145				3,043				1,689				3,667
Income (loss) from operations before taxes		2,892				(17,915	)			(5,764	)			(32,411	)
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes		(1,370	)			355				(2,667	)			(1,609	)
Net income (loss)	$	1,522			$	(17,560	)		$	(8,431	)		$	(34,020	)
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	0.00			$	(0.04	)		$	(0.02	)		$	(0.08	)
Diluted	$	0.00			$	(0.04	)		$	(0.02	)		$	(0.08	)
Weighted average shares:
Basic		410,851				407,848				410,565				407,017
Diluted		411,395				407,848				410,565				407,017
(1) - Excluding non-cash stock-based compensation, selling, general and administrative expenses were $35,019 and $50,002 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and research and development expenses were $3,887 and $4,758, respectively, for the same periods.

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP NET INCOME (LOSS)
Unaudited
	Three months ended June 30,								Six months ended June 30,
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)								(in thousands, except per share amounts)
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Net income (loss) for EPS1- GAAP		1,522				(17,560	)			(8,431	)			(34,020	)
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense		4,387				1,835				9,605				7,391
Restructuring inventory		—				14,300				—				26,554
Restructuring expense		—				10,032				—				10,032
Advisor fees		—				—				—				6,270
Adjusted net income for EPS1- non-GAAP	$	5,909			$	8,607			$	1,174			$	16,227
1basic and diluted
Earnings per share:
Basic - non-GAAP	$	0.01			$	0.02			$	0.00			$	0.04
Diluted - non-GAAP	$	0.01			$	0.02			$	0.00			$	0.04
Weighted average shares:
Basic		410,851				407,848				410,565				407,017
Diluted		411,395				408,932				411,110				408,932

FAQ

What was Amarin's (AMRN) total net revenue for Q2 2024?

Amarin's total net revenue for Q2 2024 was $67.5 million, a 16% decrease compared to $80.2 million in Q2 2023.

How much cash does Amarin (AMRN) have as of June 30, 2024?

Amarin reported a cash position of $306.7 million as of June 30, 2024.

What was Amarin's (AMRN) net income for Q2 2024?

Amarin reported a net income of $1.5 million, or $0.00 per share, for Q2 2024.

Has Amarin (AMRN) received any new regulatory approvals for VASCEPA in 2024?

Yes, Amarin's partner EDDINGPHARM received regulatory approval for VASCEPA in China for cardiovascular risk reduction indication in 2024.

How much annual savings has Amarin (AMRN) achieved from its 2023 restructuring?

Amarin has delivered $50 million of annual savings based on the reduction in force announced in July 2023.