FibroGen Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

FibroGen (NASDAQ: FGEN) has announced the sale of FibroGen China to AstraZeneca for approximately $160 million, comprising an $85 million enterprise value plus estimated $75 million net cash at closing. The transaction, expected to close by mid-2025, will extend the company's cash runway into 2027.

Key financial results for 2024 show total revenue from continuing operations at $29.6 million, down from $46.8 million in 2023. The company reported a net loss of $153.1 million ($1.53 per share) for 2024, improved from a $323.0 million loss ($3.32 per share) in 2023.

Notable upcoming milestones include:

• Initiation of Phase 2 monotherapy trial for FG-3246 in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer by mid-2025
• Expected topline results from Phase 2 combination study with enzalutamide in 2H 2025
• Planned FDA meeting in Q2 2025 regarding roxadustat development for anemia in lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome

Positive

• Sale of China business for $160M strengthens balance sheet
• Cash runway extended into 2027 post-China sale
• Net loss improved from $323.0M in 2023 to $153.1M in 2024
• Successful implementation of cost reduction program

Negative

• Revenue declined 37% from $46.8M in 2023 to $29.6M in 2024
• Q4 2024 revenue decreased to $3.1M from $3.6M in Q4 2023
• Continued net losses ($153.1M in 2024)

Insights

Financial Analyst

FibroGen's sale of its China operations to AstraZeneca for $160 million represents a strategic pivot that significantly strengthens the company's financial position. This transaction provides $85 million in enterprise value plus approximately $75 million in estimated net cash, extending their runway into 2027 upon closing by mid-2025.

The financial restructuring is substantial – FibroGen will use proceeds to repay its term loan to Morgan Stanley Tactical Value, simplifying its capital structure while retaining roxadustat rights in the U.S. and markets outside China. This allows management to focus resources on advancing their clinical pipeline, particularly their CD46-targeting ADC program.

Fourth quarter financial results show modest improvement in their burn rate. While quarterly revenue declined slightly to $3.1 million from $3.6 million year-over-year, the net loss dramatically improved to $8.7 million from $62.5 million. Similarly, full-year 2024 losses of $153.1 million represent a substantial improvement over 2023's $323 million loss.

The completed cost reduction program has clearly delivered results, reducing cash burn while maintaining development of key assets. With $51 million in U.S. cash/receivables and $121.1 million in consolidated cash before the AstraZeneca transaction, FibroGen has positioned itself for a focused development strategy centered on its novel CD46-targeting assets in prostate cancer with two key readouts expected in 2025.

Oncology Expert

FibroGen's clinical development focus on FG-3246, a CD46-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), represents a promising approach in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). CD46 is increasingly recognized as a compelling target in prostate cancer due to its overexpression in tumor cells while maintaining expression in normal tissues, potentially offering a favorable therapeutic window.

The company's dual-track development strategy is scientifically sound. Their planned Phase 2 monotherapy dose optimization study will establish optimal dosing while collecting critical efficacy data. Simultaneously, the investigator-sponsored trial at UCSF evaluating FG-3246 in combination with enzalutamide represents a mechanistically rational approach, as ADCs often demonstrate enhanced efficacy when combined with established therapies.

The companion diagnostic approach with FG-3180 (CD46 PET imaging agent) is particularly noteworthy. This strategy allows for potential patient selection based on CD46 expression levels, facilitating a precision medicine approach. If successful, this could identify patients most likely to benefit from FG-3246 therapy, improving clinical outcomes and accelerating regulatory pathways.

For roxadustat, the planned FDA meeting regarding development in lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (LR-MDS) addresses a significant unmet need. MDS patients often suffer from severe anemia requiring frequent transfusions, and alternatives to current treatments are needed. If roxadustat can demonstrate efficacy in this indication, it could provide a meaningful new option for these patients while creating additional value from FibroGen's existing asset.

• Announced sale of FibroGen China to AstraZeneca for a total consideration of approximately $160 million
  • Transaction expected to close by mid-2025

• Upon close of sale of FibroGen China, cash runway extended into 2027
  

• Initiation of the Phase 2 monotherapy trial of FG-3246, a potential first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting CD46 in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), expected by mid-2025
  

• Topline results from Phase 2 portion of the investigator-sponsored study of FG-3246 in combination with enzalutamide in patients with mCRPC expected in 2H 2025
  

• FibroGen to host conference call and webcast presentation today at 5:00 PM ET
  

SAN FRANCISCO, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FibroGen, Inc. (NASDAQ: FGEN) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2024 and provided an update on the company’s recent developments.

“We entered 2025 optimistic about our future, highlighted by the planned initiation of the Phase 2 monotherapy trial of FG-3246, our first-in-class ADC targeting CD46 for the treatment of mCRPC, by mid-2025,” said Thane Wettig, Chief Executive Officer. “Through the successful implementation of our cost reduction plan, and upon the closing of our recently announced sale of FibroGen China, we will be a leaner and more focused organization, with a stronger financial position and a cash runway that takes us into 2027, with multiple potential value-creating milestones in sight.”

Recent Developments and Key Highlights of 2024:

• Announced the sale of FibroGen China to AstraZeneca for a total consideration of approximately $160 million, representing an enterprise value of $85 million plus estimated net cash held in China at closing of approximately $75 million. The transaction is expected to close by mid-2025.
  • Upon closing, FibroGen will repay its term loan to Morgan Stanley Tactical Value, further simplifying the Company’s capital structure.
  • FibroGen maintains its rights to roxadustat in the U.S. and in all markets outside of China, South Korea, and those licensed to Astellas.
• Appointed David DeLucia, CFA, as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
• Completed previously announced cost reduction program.
  

Upcoming Milestones:

FG-3246 (CD46 Targeting ADC) and FG-3180 (CD46 Targeting PET Imaging Agent)

• Anticipate initiation of Phase 2 monotherapy dose optimization study of FG-3246 in mCRPC by mid-2025.
  • Phase 2 trial will include a sub-study of FG-3180 to enable assessment of its diagnostic performance and the potential correlation between CD46 expression and response to FG-3246.
• Topline results from the Phase 2 portion of the investigator-sponsored Phase 1b/2 study conducted by UCSF of FG-3246 in combination with enzalutamide in patients with mCRPC expected in 2H 2025.
  • Phase 2 portion of the study will include data on FG-3180.

Roxadustat

• Plan to meet with FDA in 2Q 2025 to determine the potential next steps for the development of roxadustat in anemia associated with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (LR-MDS), an indication with significant unmet medical need, in the U.S.
  

Financial:

• Total revenue from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $3.1 million, as compared to $3.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2023.
• Total revenue from continuing operations for the full year 2024 was $29.6 million, as compared to $46.8 million for the full year 2023.
• Net loss from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $8.7 million, or $0.08 net loss per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $62.5 million, or $0.63 net loss per basic and diluted share, one year ago.
• Net loss from continuing operations for the full year 2024 was $153.1 million, or $1.53 net loss per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $323.0 million, or $3.32 net loss per basic and diluted share, for the full year 2023.
• At December 31, 2024, FibroGen reported $51.0 million in cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable in the U.S. and $121.1 million in total consolidated cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable.
• Upon closing of the announced sale of FibroGen China, the Company expects its cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable to be sufficient to fund operations into 2027.

Conference Call and Webcast Presentation

The FibroGen management team will host a conference call and webcast presentation to discuss the financial results and provide a business update. A live Q&A session will follow the brief presentation. Interested parties may access a live audio webcast of the conference call here. To access the call by phone, please register here, and you will be provided with dial in details. A replay of the webcast will also be available for a limited time on the Events & Presentations page on FibroGen’s website.

About FG-3246

FG-3246 (FOR46) is a potential first-in-class fully human antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), exclusively in-licensed from Fortis Therapeutics, and is being developed by FibroGen for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and potentially other tumor types. FG-3246 binds to an epitope of CD46, a cell receptor target, that induces internalization upon antibody binding, is present at high levels in prostate cancer and other tumor types and demonstrates very limited expression in most normal tissues. FG-3246 is comprised of an anti-CD46 antibody, YS5, linked to the anti-mitotic agent, MMAE, which is a clinically and commercially validated ADC payload. FG-3246 has demonstrated anti-tumor activity in both preclinical and clinical studies.

FG-3246 is currently in an ongoing Phase 1b/2 study being conducted at UCSF as an investigator-sponsored trial to evaluate FG-3246 in combination with enzalutamide. An additional investigator-sponsored radiopharmaceutical marker trial using a zirconium-89 positron emission tomography (PET) tracer for CD46 that utilizes the YS5 antibody is also underway at UCSF. The initiation of the Phase 2 monotherapy dose optimization trial for FG-3246 in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer is anticipated by mid-2025. FG-3246 is an investigational drug and not approved for marketing by any regulatory authority.

About Roxadustat

Roxadustat, an oral medication, is the first in a new class of medicines comprising HIF-PH inhibitors that promote erythropoiesis, or red blood cell production, through increased endogenous production of erythropoietin, improved iron absorption and mobilization, and downregulation of hepcidin. Roxadustat is in clinical development for chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA) and a Supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) has been accepted by the China Health Authority. 

Roxadustat is approved in China, Europe, Japan, and numerous other countries for the treatment of anemia of CKD in adult patients on dialysis (DD) and not on dialysis (NDD). FibroGen has the sole rights to roxadustat in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and in all markets not held by AstraZeneca or licensed to Astellas. Astellas and FibroGen are collaborating on the commercialization of roxadustat for the treatment of anemia in territories including Japan, Europe, Turkey, Russia, and the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Middle East, and South Africa.

About FibroGen

FibroGen, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on development of novel therapies at the frontiers of cancer biology and anemia. Roxadustat (爱瑞卓®, EVRENZO™) is currently approved in China, Europe, Japan, and numerous other countries for the treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on dialysis and not on dialysis. The Company continues to evaluate a development plan for roxadustat in anemia associated with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (LR-MDS) in the U.S. FG-3246 (also known as FOR46), a first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting CD46 is in development for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. This program also includes the development of FG-3180, an associated CD46-targeted PET biomarker. For more information, please visit www.fibrogen.com. 

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements regarding FibroGen’s strategy, future plans and prospects, including statements regarding its commercial products and clinical programs and those of its collaboration partners Fortis and UCSF. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the efficacy, safety, and potential clinical or commercial success of FibroGen products and product candidates, statements under the caption “Upcoming Milestones”, the net cash portion of the purchase price and closing of the sale of FibroGen China as well as the payoff of the Morgan Stanley Tactical Value term loan, statements regarding cash, such as the expectation that cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable will be sufficient to fund FibroGen’s operating plans into 2027, and statements about FibroGen’s plans and objectives. These forward-looking statements are typically identified by use of terms such as “may,” “will”, “should,” “on track,” “could,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue” and similar words, although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently. FibroGen’s actual results may differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties related to the continued progress and timing of its various programs, including the enrollment and results from ongoing and potential future clinical trials, and other matters that are described in FibroGen’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, each as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the risk factors set forth therein. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release, and FibroGen undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement in this press release, except as required by law.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)

		December 31, 2024				December 31, 2023
		(Unaudited)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	50,482			$	81,553
Short-term investments			—				121,898
Accounts receivable, net			481				5,121
Inventory			3,155				17,173
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			31,542				40,038
Current assets held for sale			110,849				65,776
Total current assets			196,509				331,559
Restricted time deposits			—				1,658
Property and equipment, net			—				4,785
Operating lease right-of-use assets			—				64,939
Other assets			1,405				2,538
Long-term assets held for sale			16,611				18,050
Total assets		$	214,525			$	423,529
Liabilities, stockholders’ equity and non-controlling interests
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	5,064			$	15,778
Accrued and other liabilities			62,035				132,987
Deferred revenue			27,290				12,740
Operating lease liabilities, current			—				12,647
Current liabilities held for sale			38,917				43,516
Total current liabilities			133,306				217,668
Product development obligations			17,012				17,763
Deferred revenue, net of current			114,708				157,555
Operating lease liabilities, non-current			—				65,033
Senior secured term loan facilities, non-current			73,092				71,934
Liability related to sale of future revenues, non-current			58,864				51,413
Other long-term liabilities			822				2,858
Long-term liabilities held for sale			356				1,504
Total liabilities			398,160				585,728
Redeemable non-controlling interests			21,480				21,480
Total stockholders’ deficit attributable to FibroGen			(225,602	)			(204,166	)
Nonredeemable non-controlling interests			20,487				20,487
Total deficit			(205,115	)			(183,679	)
Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interests and deficit		$	214,525			$	423,529

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share data)

		Three Months Ended December 31,								Years Ended December 31,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
		(Unaudited)
Revenue:
License revenue		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	9,649
Development and other revenue			416				2,575				1,948				18,401
Drug product revenue, net			2,720				1,052				27,673				18,753
Total revenue			3,136				3,627				29,621				46,803
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold			(5,845	)			1,201				15,561				3,962
Research and development			6,870				48,710				95,692				266,473
Selling, general and administrative			8,345				16,378				49,330				86,483
Restructuring charge			900				—				19,454				12,606
Total operating costs and expenses			10,270				66,289				180,037				369,524
Loss from operations			(7,134	)			(62,662	)			(150,416	)			(322,721	)
Interest and other, net:
Interest expense			(2,217	)			(2,175	)			(8,247	)			(8,095	)
Interest income and other income (expenses), net			688				2,314				5,296				7,594
Total interest and other, net			(1,529	)			139				(2,951	)			(501	)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes			(8,663	)			(62,523	)			(153,367	)			(323,222	)
Benefit from income taxes			2				10				(269	)			(252	)
Loss from continuing operations			(8,665	)			(62,533	)			(153,098	)			(322,970	)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax			26,647				6,301				105,519				38,738
Net income (loss)		$	17,982			$	(56,232	)		$	(47,579	)		$	(284,232	)
Loss from continuing operations per share – basic and diluted		$	(0.08	)		$	(0.63	)		$	(1.53	)		$	(3.32	)
Income from discontinued operations per share – basic and diluted			0.26				0.06				1.05				0.40
Net income (loss) per share – basic and diluted		$	0.18			$	(0.57	)		$	(0.48	)		$	(2.92	)
Weighted average number of common shares used to calculate net income (loss) per share – basic and diluted			100,830				98,496				100,044				97,303

For Investor Inquiries:
David DeLucia, CFA
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
ir@fibrogen.com

FAQ

What is the value of FibroGen's China business sale to AstraZeneca?

AstraZeneca is acquiring FibroGen China for approximately $160 million, consisting of $85 million enterprise value plus estimated $75 million in net cash at closing.

When will FGEN's sale of its China operations close?

The sale of FibroGen China to AstraZeneca is expected to close by mid-2025.

What was FibroGen's (FGEN) revenue and net loss for full year 2024?

FibroGen reported $29.6 million in revenue and a net loss of $153.1 million ($1.53 per share) for full year 2024.

How long will FGEN's cash runway extend after the China business sale?

Upon closing the China business sale, FibroGen's cash runway is expected to extend into 2027.

What are the key clinical trial milestones for FGEN's FG-3246 in 2025?

FibroGen plans to initiate Phase 2 monotherapy trial by mid-2025 and expects topline results from Phase 2 combination study with enzalutamide in 2H 2025.