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Coherus BioSciences Reports First Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Provides Business Update

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Coherus BioSciences reported net revenue of $77.1 million in Q1 2024, with significant increases in UDENYCA sales and LOQTORZI launch. The company entered into a partnership for toripalimab development, replaced term loan with new debt, and presented positive clinical data. Despite increased expenses, Coherus showed a strong financial performance, with net income of $102.9 million and cash reserves of $259.8 million.

Positive
  • Net revenue of $77.1 million in Q1 2024, driven by strong UDENYCA sales and successful LOQTORZI launch.

  • Partnership with CRI for toripalimab development in ovarian cancer, demonstrating commitment to expanding immunotherapy pipeline.

  • Agreement with ENB Therapeutics for combination study with LOQTORZI, showcasing strategic collaborations for innovative treatments.

  • Successful replacement of $75 million term loan with new debt and royalty financing, enhancing capital structure.

  • Positive clinical data presentation at 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting for CHS-114, a potential oncology treatment, indicating pipeline advancement.

  • Net income of $102.9 million in Q1 2024, a significant improvement compared to previous year's net loss.

  • Robust cash reserves of $259.8 million as of March 31, 2024, showing financial strength and stability.

Negative
  • Increase in COGS and R&D expenses in Q1 2024, impacting profit margins despite revenue growth.

  • Selling, general, and administrative expenses rose due to one-time charges and higher processing fees, affecting overall operational costs.

  • Non-GAAP net loss of $35.8 million in Q1 2024, highlighting underlying financial challenges despite reported net income.

  • Guidance for combined R&D and SG&A expenses for 2024 in the range of $250 to $265 million, indicating continued operational costs and potential financial pressure.

Insights

The disclosed net revenue of $77.1 million signifies a robust year-over-year increase, primarily leveraged by the sales surge in UDENYCA® and the market introduction of LOQTORZI®. The divestiture of CIMERLI® to Sandoz notably contributed to a one-time gain which significantly bolstered the net income to $102.9 million for the quarter. This kind of gain is non-recurring and investors should consider the underlying operational performance excluding such one-time events when assessing the company's ongoing profitability.

It is also noteworthy that the replacement of the existing debt with new financing extends the debt maturity to May 2029, offering a more comfortable liquidity position in the medium term. However, the new royalty financing agreement could potentially impact future revenue. The decrease in R&D expenses is indicative of strategic cost control, though it's pertinent to ensure that it does not come at the expense of long-term innovation and pipeline development.

The increase in UDENYCA® sales and the launch of LOQTORZI® indicate a successful expansion within the oncology market segment. The 25% market share for the UDENYCA franchise can be seen as a testament to Coherus BioSciences' competitive positioning within the biosimilar market. Nonetheless, the growth trajectory should be monitored closely for sustainability, especially as the market for biosimilars becomes increasingly competitive.

The strategic partnership with CRI and ENB Therapeutics for the development of toripalimab in ovarian cancer may bring additional value to the company's pipeline. The implications of the novel immuno-oncology pipeline's progression are twofold: it may unlock long-term growth opportunities if successful, but it also increases the R&D risk profile. Investors should balance the potential of pipeline advancements with the inherent risks of clinical development.

 Net revenue of $77.1 million in Q1 2024  

– CRI and ENB Therapeutics development partnership for toripalimab in ovarian cancer –

– New debt and royalty financing replaces $75 million term loan, with debt maturity of May 2029 –

– Conference call today at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time –

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., May 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coherus BioSciences, Inc. (Coherus, Nasdaq: CHRS), today reported financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 and recent business highlights: 

RECENT BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

UDENYCA® RESULTS and ONBODY™ LAUNCH UPDATE

  • UDENYCA net product sales were $42.7 million in Q1 2024, an increase of 18% compared to $36.2 million in Q4 2023 and a 63% increase compared to the $26.2 million in Q1 2023. Total unit demand grew 36% in Q1 2024 compared to Q4 2023 and represented a 108% increase compared to Q1 2023.
  • UDENYCA Autoinjector presentation unit demand grew 158% in Q1 2024 compared to Q4 2023.
  • UDENYCA ONBODY, a novel and proprietary state-of-the-art delivery system for pegfilgrastim-cbqv, was launched in February 2024. High customer demand and confirmed payer coverage drove early robust uptake.
  • Based on data from IQVIA, UDENYCA franchise market share for Q1 2024 was 25%, an increase of 10 market share points in Q1 2024 compared to Q4 2023.

LOQTORZI® LAUNCH UPDATE

  • LOQTORZI, the first and only FDA-approved treatment for recurrent, locally advanced or metastatic NPC, commercially launched on January 2, 2024.
  • Academic research hospital formulary position achieved on 55% of the 33 NCCN institutions, with the remaining institutional reviews scheduled or in process. Formulary position is expected to be achieved with all NCCN institutions by the end of Q2 2024.
  • Payer coverage has been confirmed on >85% of medical benefit lives in health plans including Medicare Fee for Service, Medicare Advantage, and national and regional commercial plans respectively.
  • LOQTORZI net sales in Q1 of $2.0 million, tracking to early launch stage expectations, with patient accrual momentum building.
  • Product-specific, permanent J Code has been granted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and will take effect July 1, 2024.

 NOVEL IMMUNO-ONCOLOGY PIPELINE ADVANCES 

  • Coherus entered into an agreement with the Cancer Research Institute (CRI) to supply LOQTORZI for a combination study with ENB-003, a first-in-class small molecule inhibitor of endothelin B receptor. Endothelin B receptor is implicated in tumorigenesis and tumor immune suppression for several solid tumors including ovarian cancer. CRI is overseeing the iPROC study.
  • Clinical data from the dose escalation stage of the Phase 1 study of CHS-114, a highly selective antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC)-enhanced anti-CCR8 antibody, will be presented at the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting in June.

“The strength of our company’s first-quarter performance reflects our ongoing commitment to driving top-line revenues, controlling operating expenses, advancing our pipeline, and improving our capital structure,” said Denny Lanfear, Coherus’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The progress we reported today aligns with these objectives, consistent with our overarching mission to become a sustainable and growing oncology company improving outcomes for cancer patients.”

FIRST QUARTER 2024 FINANCIAL RESULTS

Net revenue was $77.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024, and included $42.7 million of net sales of UDENYCA, $2.0 million of net sales of LOQTORZI, which was launched on January 2, 2024, $3.9 million of net sales of YUSIMRY®, and $28.2 million of net sales of CIMERLI®, which was divested to Sandoz on March 1, 2024. Net revenue was $32.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2023.

Cost of goods sold (COGS) was $34.6 million and $16.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. CIMERLI® COGS included a low to mid 50% royalty on gross profits and UDENYCA® COGS includes a mid-single digit royalty on net sales payable through the first half of 2024. The increase in COGS was primarily driven by higher royalty costs and an increase in product costs from the mix of products sold and the launch of new products.

Research and development (R&D) expense was $28.5 million and $34.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease was primarily due to savings from reduced headcount and lower costs related to biosimilar products, partially offset by increased costs related to moving LOQTORZI production from China to the United States.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was $56.5 million compared to $49.2 million for the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily due to the net $6.8 million charge in Q1 2024 associated with the full write-off of the outlicense intangible asset and associated release of the CVR liability related to NZV930, obtained in the Surface Oncology acquisition, and higher third-party processing fees from multiple products being commercialized, partially offset by savings from reduced headcount.

Gain on Sale, net for the divestiture of the ophthalmology franchise, which closed during the three months ended March 31, 2024, was $153.6 million, and reflects total cash proceeds of $187.8 million, net of assets transferred to Sandoz, assets derecognized, transactions costs of $7.2 million and other employee transition related expenses.

Net income for the first quarter of 2024 was $102.9 million, or $0.83 per share on a diluted basis, compared to a net loss of $75.7 million, or $(0.96) per share on a diluted basis for the same period in 2023.

Non-GAAP net loss for the first quarter of 2024 was $35.8 million, or $(0.32) per share on a diluted basis, compared to non-GAAP net loss of $59.5 million, or $(0.75) per share on a diluted basis for the same period in 2023. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for a discussion on how Coherus calculates non-GAAP net loss and a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.

Cash, cash equivalents and investments in marketable securities were $259.8 million as of March 31, 2024, compared to $117.7 million as of December 31, 2023. Proceeds from the divestiture of our ophthalmology franchise received in March 2024 were used to pay down $175.0 million of the total $250.0 in principal on Coherus’ 2027 Term Loans in April 2024.

2024 R&D and SG&A Expense Guidance 
Coherus projects combined R&D and SG&A expenses for 2024 to be in the range of $250 to $265 million. This guidance includes approximately $40 million of stock-based compensation expense and excludes the effects of acquisitions, collaborations, investments, divestitures including expenses incurred on behalf of and reimbursed by Sandoz to satisfy Coherus’ obligations under the Transition Services Agreement (TSA), restructuring, the exercise of rights or options related to collaboration programs, and any other transactions or circumstances not yet identified or quantified. This guidance is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. See Forward-Looking Statements described in the section below.

Conference Call Information

When: Thursday, May 9, 2024, starting at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time

To access the conference call:
Dial: (800) 715-9871 (toll-free USA and Canada); (646) 307-1963 (international)

Conference ID: 4442005

Webcast: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/jqq7phbt/

An archived webcast will be available on the “Investors” section of the Coherus website at https://investors.coherus.com/events-presentations.

About Coherus BioSciences 

Coherus is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the research, development and commercialization of innovative immunotherapies to treat cancer. Coherus is developing an innovative immuno-oncology pipeline that is expected to be synergistic with its proven commercial capabilities in oncology. 

Coherus’ immuno-oncology pipeline includes multiple antibody immunotherapy candidates focused on enhancing the innate and adaptive immune responses to enable a robust immunologic response and enhance outcomes for patients with cancer. Casdozokitug is a novel anti-IL-27 antibody currently being evaluated in two ongoing clinical studies: a Phase 1/2 study in advanced solid tumors and a Phase 2 study in hepatocellular carcinoma. CHS-114 is a highly selective, competitively positioned, ADCC-enhanced anti-CCR8 antibody currently in a Phase 1 study as a monotherapy in patients with advanced solid tumors. CHS-1000 is a preclinical candidate targeting immune-suppressive mechanisms via the novel pathway ILT4 with a response from the FDA on our IND filing expected in the second quarter of 2024. 

Coherus markets LOQTORZI® (toripalimab-tpzi), a novel next-generation PD-1 inhibitor, UDENYCA® (pegfilgrastim-cbqv), a biosimilar of Neulasta®, and YUSIMRY® (adalimumab-aqvh), a biosimilar of Humira®

Neulasta® is a registered trademark of Amgen, Inc.

Humira® is a registered trademark of AbbVie Inc.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding Coherus’ ability to identify synergies between its I-O pipeline and its commercial operations; Coherus’ expected timing for an FDA response to its IND for CHS-1000; Coherus’ future projections for R&D expense and SG&A expense; and Coherus’ expectations about revenues and long term growth.

Such forward-looking statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause Coherus’ actual results, performance or achievements to differ significantly from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the risks and uncertainties inherent in the clinical drug development process; risks related to Coherus’ existing and potential collaboration partners; risks of Coherus’ competitive position; the risks and uncertainties of the regulatory approval process, including the speed of regulatory review and the timing of Coherus’ regulatory filings; the risk of FDA review issues; the risks of competition; the risk that Coherus is unable to complete commercial transactions and other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of Coherus’ products and product candidates; and the risks and uncertainties of possible litigation. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Coherus undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. For a further description of the significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to Coherus’ business in general, see Coherus’ quarterly filing on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2024 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about the date of this press release, including the section therein captioned “Risk Factors” and in other documents Coherus files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Coherus’ results for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of its operating results for any future periods. 

UDENYCA®, UDENYCA® ONBODY™, YUSIMRY® and LOQTORZI®, whether or not appearing in large print or with the trademark symbol, are trademarks of Coherus, its affiliates, related companies or its licensors or joint venture partners unless otherwise noted. Trademarks and trade names of other companies appearing in this press release are, to the knowledge of Coherus, the property of their respective owners.

Coherus Contact Information:
For Investors:
Jami Taylor
Head of Investor Relations
IR@coherus.com

For Media:
Jodi Sievers
VP, Corporate Communications
media@coherus.com


Coherus BioSciences, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)
      
 Three Months Ended
 March 31, 
 2024  2023 
Net revenue$77,063  $32,436 
Costs and expenses:     
Cost of goods sold 34,586   16,874 
Research and development 28,470   34,154 
Selling, general and administrative 56,532   49,153 
Total costs and expenses 119,588   100,181 
Loss from operations (42,525)  (67,745)
Interest expense (11,116)  (9,712)
Gain on Sale Transaction, net 153,647    
Other income (expense), net 2,869   1,728 
Income (loss) before income taxes 102,875   (75,729)
Income tax provision     
Net income (loss)$102,875  $(75,729)
      
Net income (loss) per share:     
Basic$0.91  $(0.96)
Diluted$0.83  $(0.96)
      
Weighted-average number of shares used in computing net income (loss) per share:     
Basic 112,749,306   79,268,853 
Diluted 125,529,971   79,268,853 
        


Coherus BioSciences, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
      
 March 31,  December 31, 
 2024 2023
Assets     
Cash and cash equivalents$259,775  $102,891 
Investments in marketable securities    14,857 
Trade receivables, net 251,951   260,522 
TSA receivables, net 32,194    
Inventory 127,623   130,100 
Intangible assets, net 57,104   71,673 
Other assets 34,898   49,561 
Total assets$763,545  $629,604 
      
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit      
Accrued rebates, fees and reserve$155,775  $169,645 
TSA payables and other accrued liabilities 30,770    
Term loans 247,452   246,481 
Convertible notes 227,220   226,888 
Other liabilities 184,172   180,015 
Total stockholders’ deficit (81,844)  (193,425)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit$763,545  $629,604 
 


Coherus BioSciences, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
      
 Three Months Ended
 March 31, 
 2024 2023
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of the period$103,343  $63,987 
      
Net cash used in operating activities (46,766)  (68,732)
      
Proceeds from maturities of investments in marketable securities 6,200   17,500 
Proceeds from sale of investments in marketable securities 8,688    
Cash received from Sale Transaction 187,823    
Other investing activities, net 52   26 
Net cash provided by investing activities 202,763   17,526 
      
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under ATM Offering, net of issuance costs 1,507   6,835 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options 291   103 
Taxes paid related to net share settlement (745)  (2,781)
Other financing activities (166)  (353)
Net cash provided by financing activities 887   3,804 
      
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 156,884   (47,402)
      
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of the period$260,227  $16,585 
      
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash     
Cash and cash equivalents$259,775  $16,145 
Restricted cash balance 452   440 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$260,227  $16,585 
 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement the financial results presented in accordance with GAAP, Coherus has also included in this press release non-GAAP net loss, and the related per share measures, which exclude from net income (loss), and the related per share measures, stock-based compensation expense, certain acquisition-related expenses, amortization of intangible assets, gain on divestiture, impairments of intangible assets, contingent consideration, loss on debt extinguishment and restructuring charges related to our reduction in workforce. These non-GAAP financial measures are not prepared in accordance with GAAP, do not serve as an alternative to GAAP and may be calculated differently than similar non-GAAP financial information disclosed by other companies. Coherus encourages investors to carefully consider its results under GAAP, as well as its supplemental non-GAAP financial information and the reconciliation between these presentations set forth below, to more fully understand Coherus’ business.

Coherus believes that the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures provides useful supplemental information to, and facilitates additional analysis by, investors. In particular, Coherus believes that these non-GAAP financial measures, when considered together with its financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP, can enhance investors’ and analysts’ ability to meaningfully compare Coherus’ results from period to period, and to identify operating trends in Coherus’ business. Coherus also regularly uses these non-GAAP financial measures internally to understand, manage and evaluate its business and to make operating decisions.


Coherus BioSciences, Inc.
Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income (Loss) to Non-GAAP Net Loss
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)
      
 Three Months Ended
 March 31, 
 2024 2023
GAAP net income (loss)$102,875  $(75,729)
Adjustments:     
Stock-based compensation expense(1) 7,319   11,333 
Gain on Sale Transaction, net (153,647)   
Impairment of out-license asset and remeasurement of CVR liability, net 6,772    
Restructuring charges related to reduction in workforce(1)    4,876 
Amortization of intangible assets 930    
Non-GAAP net loss$(35,751) $(59,520)
      
GAAP     
Net income (loss) per share, basic$0.91  $(0.96)
Net income (loss) per share, diluted$0.83  $(0.96)
Shares used in computing basic net income (loss) per share 112,749,306   79,268,853 
Shares used in computing diluted net income (loss) per share 125,529,971   79,268,853 
      
Non-GAAP     
Net loss per share, basic and diluted$(0.32) $(0.75)
Shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share 112,749,306   79,268,853 
 

(1) In the quarter ended March 31, 2023, stock-based compensation of $1.0 million was classified within Restructuring charges related to reduction in workforce.


FAQ

What was Coherus BioSciences' net revenue in Q1 2024?

Coherus BioSciences reported net revenue of $77.1 million in Q1 2024.

What partnership did Coherus enter for toripalimab development?

Coherus BioSciences entered a partnership with CRI for toripalimab development in ovarian cancer.

What financial update did Coherus provide in Q1 2024?

Coherus BioSciences reported net income of $102.9 million in Q1 2024, a significant improvement compared to the previous year.

What was the impact of expenses on Coherus' financial results in Q1 2024?

Increased COGS, R&D expenses, and selling, general, and administrative expenses affected Coherus' profit margins and operational costs in Q1 2024.

Coherus BioSciences, Inc.

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Biotechnology
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