FibroGen Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Provides Business Update

Rhea-AI Summary

FibroGen reported Q2 2024 financial results and provided a business update. Key points include:

• Implementing a significant cost reduction plan in the U.S., reducing workforce by ~75%
• Focusing R&D on FG-3246 and PET46 for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC)
• Q2 net revenue growth of 14% year-over-year, driven by strong roxadustat performance in China
• Raising full-year net product revenue guidance to $135-$150 million
• Cash runway projected into 2026
• Disappointing results from pamrevlumab pancreatic cancer trials
• Positive interim results for FG-3246 in mCRPC presented at ASCO 2024
• Topline results from Phase 2 FG-3246 study expected in 1H 2025

Positive

• Q2 net revenue growth of 14% year-over-year, driven by strong roxadustat performance in China
• Raising full-year net product revenue guidance to $135-$150 million
• Cash runway projected into 2026
• Positive interim results for FG-3246 in mCRPC presented at ASCO 2024
• Roxadustat continues to be the number one brand based on value share in the anemia of CKD market in China
• 33% increase in roxadustat volume in China year-over-year

Negative

• Implementing significant cost reduction plan in the U.S., reducing workforce by approximately 75%
• Disappointing results from pamrevlumab pancreatic cancer trials
• Net loss of $15.5 million in Q2 2024

Insights

Financial Analyst

FibroGen's Q2 2024 results present a mixed financial picture. The company's revenue growth of 14% year-over-year, driven by strong roxadustat sales in China, is a positive sign. However, the significant cost reduction plan, including a 75% workforce reduction in the U.S., raises concerns about future growth prospects.

The raised full-year net product revenue guidance to $135-$150 million is encouraging, but it's important to note that this is primarily based on roxadustat's performance in China. The company's cash position of $147.1 million with a runway into 2026 provides some financial stability, but it may limit aggressive R&D investments.

The shift in focus to FG-3246 and PET46 for mCRPC represents a strategic pivot that could impact future revenue streams. Investors should closely monitor the progress of these programs, as they now represent the company's main growth drivers.

Oncology Researcher

The disappointing results from pamrevlumab's pancreatic cancer trials are a significant setback for FibroGen's oncology pipeline. However, the preliminary data from the FG-3246 study in mCRPC shows promise. The median rPFS of 10.2 months in combination with enzalutamide and 8.7 months as monotherapy are encouraging for heavily pre-treated patients.

The safety profile, while showing typical MMAE-based ADC side effects, appears manageable. The 20% partial response rate and 36% PSA reduction rate in monotherapy are noteworthy. However, it's important to await more robust data from the ongoing studies.

The shift to focus R&D on FG-3246 and PET46 is a rational move given the recent trial outcomes. The upcoming Phase 2 results in 1H 2025 and the planned monotherapy study initiation in Q1 2025 will be critical in determining the potential of this new direction.

Market Research Analyst

FibroGen's market position in China remains strong, with roxadustat maintaining its number one brand status in the anemia of CKD market. The 33% volume growth year-over-year is impressive and suggests continued market penetration. However, the company's global strategy appears to be in flux following the pamrevlumab setback.

The pivot to FG-3246 and PET46 for mCRPC represents a significant market opportunity, given the high unmet need in this indication. However, this space is increasingly competitive, with several ADCs in development. FibroGen's success will depend on differentiation and clinical performance.

The potential approval of roxadustat for chemotherapy-induced anemia in China could open a new market segment. However, investors should be cautious about over-reliance on the Chinese market, as regulatory and pricing pressures could impact future growth. The company's reduced U.S. presence may also affect its ability to compete effectively in the global biopharmaceutical market.

• Company implementing significant cost reduction plan in the U.S. due to results in late-stage pamrevlumab pancreatic cancer trials, including a reduction of U.S. workforce by approximately 75%
  
• Focus R&D investment on FG-3246 and PET46, a first-in-class anti-CD46 antibody-drug conjugate and companion PET imaging agent for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC)
  

• Presented compelling preliminary data from dose escalation portion of Phase 1b/2 investigator-sponsored study of FG-3246, in combination with enzalutamide, in patients with mCRPC at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting
  
  • Topline results from Phase 2 portion of the study expected in 1H 2025

• Anticipate initiation of Phase 2 monotherapy dose optimization study of FG-3246 in mCRPC in 1Q 2025
  
• Second quarter net revenue growth of 14% year over year, driven by strong performance of roxadustat in China, with robust year over year volume growth of 33%
  
  • Raising full year net product revenue guidance to $135 million to $150 million, representing full year total roxadustat net sales in China¹ between $320 million to $350 million

• Cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable balance of $147.1 million; cash runway projected into 2026
  

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FibroGen, Inc. (NASDAQ: FGEN) today reported financial results for the second quarter 2024 and provided an update on the company’s recent developments.

“While we are disappointed with the results from the pamrevlumab pancreatic cancer trials, we continue to be very excited about the prospects of FG-3246 and PET46, our CD46 targeted antibody-drug conjugate and companion PET imaging agent. We have released compelling Phase 1 data on FG-3246 as a monotherapy and in combination with enzalutamide in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. In addition, roxadustat continues its strong momentum in China, exceeding $92 million in net sales in the second quarter,” said Thane Wettig, Chief Executive Officer, FibroGen. “Looking ahead, we expect topline data from the Phase 2 portion of the FG-3246 + enzalutamide combination study in mCRPC in the first half of 2025 and plan on initiating our Phase 2 monotherapy study in mCRPC in the first quarter of 2025 with a more focused and streamlined organization. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to our FibroGen colleagues who have dedicated so much of their time and energy for the prospect of bringing much needed therapies to some of the most challenging and deadly diseases affecting humanity.”

Recent Developments and Key Events of Second Quarter 2024:

• Implementing significant cost reduction plan in the U.S.
  • Headcount in the U.S. will be reduced by approximately 75%.
• Focusing R&D investment on FG-3246 and PET46, a first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate and companion PET imaging agent for mCRPC.
• Announced positive interim results from the dose escalation portion of the investigator-sponsored Phase 1b/2 study conducted by the University of California San Francisco of FG-3246 (FOR46), a potential first-in-class anti-CD46 antibody drug conjugate (ADC) with a MMAE-containing payload, in combination with enzalutamide in patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting.
  • The presentation included data from 17 biomarker unselected patients in the dose escalation portion of the trial. Over 70% of the patients in the study received at least two prior ARSIs, which included prior enzalutamide treatment.
  • The primary endpoint was determination of the maximally tolerated dose (MTD) of FG-3246 in combination with enzalutamide. The MTD was established at 2.1 mg/kg ABW, with primary G-CSF prophylaxis, in combination with enzalutamide 160 mg/day. The combination treatment demonstrated an encouraging preliminary estimate of median radiographic progression free survival (rPFS) of 10.2 months with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) declines observed in 71% (12/17) of evaluable patients.
• Additional data from a total of 56 biomarker unselected and heavily pre-treated patients in a Phase 1 monotherapy study of FG-3246 in mCRPC reported.
  • Efficacy analysis (includes adenocarcinoma patients receiving doses ≥ 1.2 mg/kg):
    • The median radiographic progression free survival (rPFS) in this patient population was 8.7 months.
    • For RECIST evaluable patients, 20% met the criteria of a partial response, or measurable tumor reduction in size of ≥ 30%, with a median duration of response of 7.5 months.
    • PSA reductions of ≥ 50% were observed in 36% of PSA evaluable patients.
  • Safety analysis:
    • The most frequent adverse events were consistent with other MMAE-based antibody drug conjugates and included infusion-related reactions, fatigue, weight loss, neutropenia, and peripheral neuropathy.
• Reported topline results from the pamrevlumab arm of PanCAN Precision Promise Phase 2/3 adaptive platform trial for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC), in which the trial did not meet the primary endpoint.
• Reported topline results from the LAPIS Phase 3 study of pamrevlumab in patients with locally advanced, unresectable pancreatic cancer (LAPC), in which the trial did not meet the primary endpoint.
  

Upcoming Milestones:

    Roxadustat

• Expect approval decision for roxadustat in chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA) in China in the second half of 2024. If approved, FibroGen will receive a $10 million milestone payment from AstraZeneca.
  

    Oncology Pipeline

• Topline results from the Phase 2 portion of the investigator-sponsored Phase 1b/2 study conducted by the University of California San Francisco of FG-3246 in combination with enzalutamide in patients with mCRPC expected in 1H 2025.
• Anticipate initiation of Phase 2 monotherapy dose optimization study of FG-3246 in mCRPC in 1Q 2025.

China:

• Second quarter FibroGen net product revenue under U.S. GAAP from the sale of roxadustat in China was $49.6 million compared to $23.9 million in the first quarter of 2023, an increase of 108% year over year.
• Second quarter total roxadustat net sales in China¹ by FibroGen and the distribution entity jointly owned by FibroGen and AstraZeneca (JDE) was $92.3 million, compared to $76.4 million in the second quarter of 2023, an increase of 21% year over year, driven by a 33% increase in volume.
• Roxadustat continues to be the number one brand based on value share in the anemia of CKD market in China.
• For 2024, FibroGen’s expected full year net product revenue under U.S. GAAP is raised to a range between $135 million to $150 million, representing expected full year roxadustat net sales in China¹ by FibroGen and the JDE of $320 million to $350 million, due to continued strong performance in China.

Financial:

• Total revenue for the second quarter of 2024 was $50.6 million, as compared to $44.3 million for the second quarter of 2023, an increase of 14% year over year. Total revenue increase was driven by strong performance of roxadustat in China and changes in net product revenue assumptions under U.S. GAAP.
• Net loss for the second quarter of 2024 was $15.5 million, or $0.16 net loss per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $87.7 million, or $0.90 net loss per basic and diluted share one year ago.
• At June 30, 2024, FibroGen reported $147.1 million in cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable.
• We expect our cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable to be sufficient to fund our operating plans into 2026.

Conference Call and Webcast Details
FibroGen management will host a conference call and webcast today, Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time to discuss financial results and provide a business update. Interested parties may access the conference call by dialing 1-877-300-8521 (in the U.S.) or 1-412-317-6026 (outside the U.S.). The call will be available via webcast by clicking here or on the “Events and Presentation” page on the FibroGen website.

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). Several other licensing applications for roxadustat have been submitted by partners, Astellas and AstraZeneca, to regulatory authorities across the globe, and are currently under review. Astellas and FibroGen are collaborating on the development and commercialization of roxadustat for the potential treatment of anemia in territories including Japan, Europe, Turkey, Russia, and the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Middle East, and South Africa. AstraZeneca and FibroGen continue to collaborate on the development and commercialization of roxadustat in China.

About FibroGen
FibroGen, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on accelerating the development of novel therapies at the frontiers of cancer biology. Roxadustat (爱瑞卓^®, EVRENZO^TM) 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. Roxadustat is in clinical development for chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA) and a Supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) has been accepted for review by the China Health Authority. 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 an associated CD46-targeted PET biomarker. In addition, FibroGen has expanded its research and development portfolio to include two immuno-oncology product candidates for the treatment of solid tumors. 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”, statements regarding the expectation that cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable will be sufficient to fund FibroGen’s operating plans into 2026, 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, 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.

________________________
_{¹ Total roxadustat net sales in China includes sales made by the distribution entity as well as FibroGen China’s direct sales, each to its own distributors. The distribution entity jointly owned by AstraZeneca and FibroGen is not consolidated into FibroGen’s financial statements.}

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)

	June 30, 2024				December 31, 2023
	(Unaudited)				(1)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	140,714			$	113,688
Short-term investments		-				121,898
Accounts receivable, net		6,412				12,553
Inventory		25,397				41,565
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		36,936				41,855
Total current assets		209,459				331,559
Restricted time deposits		1,658				1,658
Property and equipment, net		10,917				13,126
Equity method investment in unconsolidated variable interest entity		6,912				5,290
Operating lease right-of-use assets		61,212				68,093
Other assets		3,045				3,803
Total assets	$	293,203			$	423,529
Liabilities, stockholders’ equity and non-controlling interests
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	9,938			$	17,960
Accrued and other liabilities		113,574				172,891
Deferred revenue		9,546				12,740
Operating lease liabilities, current		15,531				14,077
Total current liabilities		148,589				217,668
Product development obligations		17,397				17,763
Deferred revenue, net of current		131,192				157,555
Operating lease liabilities, non-current		58,376				66,537
Senior secured term loan facilities, non-current		72,478				71,934
Liability related to sale of future revenues, non-current		54,532				51,413
Other long-term liabilities		1,012				2,858
Total liabilities		483,576				585,728
Redeemable non-controlling interests		21,480				21,480
Total stockholders’ deficit attributable to FibroGen		(232,340	)			(204,166	)
Nonredeemable non-controlling interests		20,487				20,487
Total deficit		(211,853	)			(183,679	)
Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interests and deficit	$	293,203			$	423,529

(1)   The condensed consolidated balance sheet amounts at December 31, 2023 are derived from audited financial statements.

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

		Three Months Ended June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
		(Unaudited)
Revenue:
License revenue		$	—			$	1,000			$	—			$	7,000
Development and other revenue			269				5,158				1,147				9,050
Product revenue, net			49,643				23,889				80,181				48,049
Drug product revenue, net			729				14,272				25,216				16,381
Total revenue			50,641				44,319				106,544				80,480
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold			5,178				5,708				30,931				9,199
Research and development			34,106				95,478				72,498				169,964
Selling, general and administrative			22,276				31,181				45,097				65,455
Total operating costs and expenses			61,560				132,367				148,526				244,618
Loss from operations			(10,919	)			(88,048	)			(41,982	)			(164,138	)
Interest and other, net:
Interest expense			(4,783	)			(3,069	)			(9,779	)			(5,441	)
Interest income and other income (expenses), net			(1,281	)			2,652				1,289				3,687
Total interest and other, net			(6,064	)			(417	)			(8,490	)			(1,754	)
Loss before income taxes			(16,983	)			(88,465	)			(50,472	)			(165,892	)
Benefit from income taxes			(262	)			(235	)			(229	)			(161	)
Investment income in unconsolidated variable interest entity			1,177				550				1,766				1,346
Net loss		$	(15,544	)		$	(87,680	)		$	(48,477	)		$	(164,385	)
Net loss per share - basic and diluted		$	(0.16	)		$	(0.90	)		$	(0.49	)		$	(1.71	)
Weighted average number of common shares used to calculate net loss per share - basic and diluted			99,835				97,729				99,408				96,218

For Investor Inquiries:
David DeLucia, CFA
Vice President of Corporate FP&A / Investor Relations
ir@fibrogen.com

For Media Inquiries:
Simon Miller
Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Communications
media@fibrogen.com

FAQ

What were FibroGen's Q2 2024 financial results?

FibroGen reported Q2 2024 total revenue of $50.6 million, a 14% increase year-over-year, and a net loss of $15.5 million or $0.16 per share.

How is FibroGen's roxadustat performing in China?

Roxadustat in China showed strong performance with Q2 net product revenue of $49.6 million, a 108% increase year-over-year. Total roxadustat net sales in China reached $92.3 million, up 21% year-over-year.

What is FibroGen's updated revenue guidance for 2024?

FibroGen raised its full-year net product revenue guidance to $135-$150 million, representing expected full-year roxadustat net sales in China between $320-$350 million.

What are the key developments in FibroGen's oncology pipeline?

FibroGen is focusing R&D on FG-3246 and PET46 for mCRPC. Positive interim results for FG-3246 were presented at ASCO 2024, and topline results from the Phase 2 study are expected in 1H 2025.

How is FibroGen addressing recent setbacks in its clinical trials?

Following disappointing results from pamrevlumab pancreatic cancer trials, FibroGen is implementing a significant cost reduction plan, including a 75% reduction in U.S. workforce, and focusing R&D efforts on FG-3246 and PET46 for mCRPC.