Milestone Pharmaceuticals Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results and Provides Regulatory and Corporate Update
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Insights
The recent financial results and regulatory updates from Milestone Pharmaceuticals Inc. indicate a strategic focus on developing etripamil for PSVT and AFib-RVR. The company's successful fundraising through a public offering, raising approximately $32.4 million, is a positive move towards ensuring a stable cash runway into 2026. This financing is essential for the continuation of etripamil's development, which is important for the company's future revenue streams.
From a financial perspective, the decrease in research and development expenses in 2023 compared to the previous year reflects the completion of Phase 3 studies, which might be seen as a cost-saving measure. However, the increase in commercial expenses highlights the company's efforts to prepare for the potential market entry of etripamil. Investors should note that while these expenses are necessary for future growth, they contribute to the net loss reported for both the fourth quarter and the full year of 2023.
While no revenue was recorded for the fourth quarter, the full year's revenue shows a decrease from the previous year. This reduction is attributed to the milestone payments received under the agreement with Ji Xing Pharmaceuticals, which were lower in 2023. Investors should consider the implications of this revenue fluctuation in the context of the company's overall financial health and the potential for future earnings upon successful commercialization of etripamil.
The regulatory pathway updates for etripamil in PSVT and AFib-RVR are indicative of Milestone's progress in addressing the FDA's concerns. The resubmission of the NDA for PSVT in early 2Q 2024 and the FDA's reiteration of the regulatory pathway for AFib-RVR are key milestones that could significantly impact the company's valuation and market position.
The positive results from the ReVeRA Phase 2 study of etripamil in AFib-RVR, presented at the AHA Scientific Sessions 2023, suggest that etripamil has the potential to offer a novel therapeutic option for patients. This is particularly relevant given the unmet medical need for rapid and effective symptom relief in AFib-RVR. The data's publication in a reputable journal adds credibility to the study outcomes, which could positively influence prescribers and stakeholders' perceptions of the drug's efficacy and safety profile.
Looking forward, the anticipated End of Phase 2 meeting in mid-2024 will be critical for finalizing the registrational study protocol. The company's ability to adhere to the FDA guidance and successfully navigate the regulatory process will be decisive factors in etripamil's time to market and overall success.
Assessing the potential market impact of etripamil, it's important to consider the competitive landscape and the demand for new treatments in PSVT and AFib-RVR. The therapeutic market for cardiac arrhythmias is competitive, with several established treatments. However, etripamil's unique nasal delivery system could differentiate it from other therapies and offer convenience to patients.
The company's investment in expanding its commercial capabilities suggests a strategic preparation for a successful product launch. Understanding the target market size, patient demographics and the current treatment paradigm will be essential in forecasting the adoption rate of etripamil, should it gain approval. The company's positioning and marketing strategies will play a significant role in capturing market share from existing treatments and defining its commercial success.
Investors should monitor the progression of the FDA's approval process and the company's marketing efforts as these will be pivotal in determining the financial impact of etripamil's potential market entry.
- On track to resubmit NDA for etripamil in PSVT early 2Q 2024
- Recent financing extends cash runway into 2026
- FDA reiterated prior guidance on regulatory pathway for AFib-RVR, End of Phase 2 Meeting expected mid-2024
MONTREAL and CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Milestone Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: MIST) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2023 and provided a regulatory and corporate update.
“We look forward to resubmitting our NDA imminently. With the completion of our recent financing and potential future synthetic royalty payment, we believe we are well positioned to advance etripamil through potential approval and launch in PSVT,” said Joseph Oliveto, President and Chief Executive Officer of Milestone Pharmaceuticals. “We’re excited to continue this positive momentum as we execute on our programs and advance etripamil.”
Corporate Updates
- In March 2024, completed a public offering of common shares and pre-funded warrants, raising net proceeds of approximately
$32.4 million . Milestone intends to use the proceeds from the Offering to continue the development of etripamil in its lead indication of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) and its subsequent indication of atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular rate (AFib-RVR), as well as for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
Recent Program Updates
Etripamil for Patients with PSVT
- Announced Plans to Resubmit New Drug Application (NDA) for Etripamil for PSVT in early 2Q 2024. Milestone held a Type A meeting with the FDA in February 2024 regarding steps required to resolve the items raised in the Refusal to File (RTF) letter received in December 2023. The Company is working to restructure the data sets that capture timing of reported adverse events (AEs) in the clinical etripamil studies and is reformatting certain data files to facilitate FDA’s analyses. The Company expects a standard NDA review period following resubmission of the NDA.
Etripamil for Patients with AFib-RVR
- Phase 3 guidance received from FDA in 1Q2024 meeting. FDA reiterated prior guidance regarding the availability of a single-study supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) pathway contingent on obtaining approval for the NDA in PSVT. FDA further concurred with respect to key study elements including powering, inclusion criteria, patient population, and statistical analyses, and offered clarification with respect to the endpoints to guide the design of the Phase 3 study. We anticipate progressing to an End of Phase 2 meeting to finalize the registrational study protocol in mid-2024.
- Positive Results from ReVeRA Phase 2 Study of Etripamil in AFib-RVR Presented as Featured Science at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2023 and Simultaneously Published in Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology. In November 2023, Milestone announced positive data from the ReVeRA Phase 2 study that show that patients with AFib-RVR receiving etripamil demonstrated rapid and statistically superior ventricular rate reduction and improved symptom-relief when compared to placebo. Safety and tolerability reported in the 56-patient safety population who received etripamil was generally consistent with that observed in the Company’s extensive safety database from the PSVT program. The results were presented as a Featured Science presentation at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2023 and simultaneously published in Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, which can be found here.
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results
- As of December 31, 2023, Milestone had cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments of
$66.0 million , compared to$64.6 million as of December 31, 2022. - There was no revenue recorded for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with
$3.5 million the fourth quarter of 2022. Revenue for the full year ended December 31, 2023 was$1.0 million compared to$5.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2022. Revenue in 2023 was related to a milestone payment received from Ji Xing Pharmaceuticals, under the Company’s License and Collaboration Agreement. Revenue in 2022 was related to two milestone payments received under the agreement with Ji Xing Pharmaceuticals. - Research and development expense for the fourth quarter of 2023 was
$5.5 million , compared with$10.6 million for the prior year period. For the full year ended December 31, 2023, research and development expense was$31.1 million , compared with$39.8 million for the prior year. The decrease year over year was primarily due to lower clinical expenses as a result of the completion of Phase 3 studies, partially offset by an increase in drug manufacturing consulting costs, drug manufacturing personnel costs and regulatory consulting costs. - General and administrative expense for the fourth quarter of 2023 was
$3.4 million , compared with$4.1 million for the prior year period. For the full year ended December 31, 2023, general and administrative expense was$15.9 million , compared with$15.7 million for the prior year. - Commercial expense for the fourth quarter of 2023 was
$5.0 million , compared with$2.6 million for the prior year period. For the full year ended December 31, 2023, commercial expense was$15.1 million , compared with$9.1 million for the prior year. The increase in commercial expense year over year was a result of additional personnel and professional costs required to expand capabilities and operations in anticipation of potential commercialization. - For the fourth quarter of 2023, net loss was
$13.6 million , compared to$13.2 million for the prior year period. For the full year ended December 31, 2023, Milestone's net loss was$59.7 million , compared to$58.4 million for the prior year.
For further details on the Company’s financials, refer to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC.
About Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia
An estimated two million people in the United States are currently diagnosed with PSVT which is a type of arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm. PSVT is characterized by episodes of sudden onset rapid heartbeats often exceeding 150 to 200 beats per minute. The heart rate spike is unpredictable and may last several hours. The rapid heart rate often causes disabling severe palpitations, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, dizziness or lightheadedness, and distress, forcing patients to limit their daily activities. The uncertainty of when an episode of PSVT will strike or how long it will persist can provoke anxiety in patients and negatively impact their day-to-day life between episodes. The impact and morbidity from an attack can be especially detrimental in patients with underlying cardiovascular or medical conditions, such as heart failure, obstructive coronary disease, or dehydration. Many health care providers are dissatisfied with the lack of effective treatment options with patients often requiring prolonged, burdensome, and costly trips to the emergency department or even invasive cardiac ablation procedures.
About Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Ventricular Rate
An estimated five million Americans suffer from AFib, a common arrhythmia marked by an irregular, disruptive and often rapid heartbeat. The incidence of AFib is expected to grow to approximately 10 million by 2025 and up to about 12 million by 2030. A subset of patients with AFib experience episodes of abnormally high heart rate most often accompanied by palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, and weakness. While these episodes, known as AFib-RVR, may be treated by oral calcium channel blockers and/or beta blockers, patients frequently seek acute care in the emergency department to address symptoms. In 2016, nearly 800,000 patients were admitted to the emergency department due to AFib symptoms where treatment includes medically supervised intravenous administration of calcium channel blockers or beta blockers, or electrical cardioversion. With little available data for AFib-RVR, Milestone's initial market research indicates that 30 to
About Etripamil
Etripamil is Milestone's lead investigational product. It is a novel calcium channel blocker nasal spray under clinical development for frequent and often highly symptomatic episodes of PSVT and AFib-RVR. It is designed as a self-administered rapid response therapy for patients thereby bypassing the need for immediate medical oversight. If approved, etripamil is intended to provide health care providers with a new treatment option to enable on-demand care and patient self-management. This portable, self-administered treatment may provide patients with active management and a greater sense of control over their condition. CARDAMYST™, the conditionally approved brand name for etripamil nasal spray, is well studied with a robust clinical trial program that includes a completed Phase 3 clinical-stage program for the treatment of PSVT and Phase 2 trial for the treatment of patients with AFib-RVR.
About Milestone Pharmaceuticals
Milestone Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: MIST) is a biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing innovative cardiovascular solutions to improve the lives of people living with complex and life-altering heart conditions. The Company’s focus on understanding unmet patient needs and improving the patient experience has led us to develop new treatment approaches that provide patients with an active role in self-managing their care. Milestone's lead investigational product is etripamil, a novel calcium channel blocker nasal spray that is being studied for patients to self-administer without medical supervision to treat highly symptomatic episodic attacks associated with PSVT and AFib-RVR.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "believe," "continue," "could," "demonstrate," "designed," "develop," "estimate," "expect," "may," "pending," "plan," "potential," "progress," "will", “intend” and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions, or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Milestone's expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release. Each of these forward-looking statements involves risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include statements regarding: the timing and outcomes of future interactions with U.S. and foreign regulatory bodies, including the FDA, including the timing of the FDA’s potential review of the NDA, once resubmitted, and the timing of the End of Phase 2 meeting; our cash runway; our ability to receive the synthetic royalty payment; our ability to advance etripamil through approval and launch in PSVT; our ability to launch etripamil for PSVT; our intended use of proceeds from the March 2024 public offering of common shares and pre-funded warrants; our future target addressable market; and the ability of etripamil to provide health care providers with a new treatment option to enable on-demand care and patient self-management and to provide patients with active management and a greater sense of control over their condition. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, whether a Type A meeting will be granted and whether our future interactions with the FDA will have satisfactory outcomes; whether and when, if at all, our NDA for etripamil will be approved by the FDA; whether the FDA will require additional trials or data which may significantly delay and put at risk our efforts to obtain approval and may not be successful, the risks inherent in biopharmaceutical product development and clinical trials, including the lengthy and uncertain regulatory approval process; uncertainties related to the timing of initiation, enrollment, completion, evaluation and results of our clinical trials; risks and uncertainty related to the complexity inherent in cleaning, verifying and analyzing trial data; and whether the clinical trials will validate the safety and efficacy of etripamil for PSVT or other indications, among others, general economic, political, and market conditions, including deteriorating market conditions due to investor concerns regarding inflation, Russian hostilities in Ukraine and ongoing disputes in Israel and Gaza and overall fluctuations in the financial markets in the United States and abroad, risks related to pandemics and public health emergencies, and risks related the sufficiency of Milestone's capital resources and its ability to raise additional capital in the current economic climate. These and other risks are set forth in Milestone's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including in its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, under the caption "Risk Factors," as such discussion may be updated from time to time by subsequent filings Milestone may make with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, Milestone assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in expectations, even as new information becomes available.
| Milestone Pharmaceuticals Inc. Consolidated Statements of Loss (in thousands of US dollars, except share and per share data) | |||||||||
| Years Ended | |||||||||
| December 31, | |||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 1,000 | $ | 5,000 | |||||
| Operating expenses | |||||||||
| Research and development, net of tax credits | $ | 31,052 | $ | 39,829 | |||||
| General and administrative | 15,932 | 15,718 | |||||||
| Commercial | 15,114 | 9,095 | |||||||
| Loss from operations | (61,098 | ) | (59,642 | ) | |||||
| Interest income | 3,967 | 1,254 | |||||||
| Interest expense | (2,554 | ) | — | ||||||
| Net loss and comprehensive loss | $ | (59,685 | ) | $ | (58,388 | ) | |||
| Weighted average number of shares and pre-funded warrants outstanding, basic and diluted | 42,955,779 | 42,450,316 | |||||||
| Net loss per share, basic and diluted | $ | (1.39 | ) | $ | (1.38 | ) | |||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| Milestone Pharmaceuticals Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands of US dollars, except share data) | ||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Current assets | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 13,760 | $ | 7,636 | ||||
| Short-term investments | 52,243 | 56,949 | ||||||
| Research and development tax credits receivable | 643 | 331 | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses | 3,178 | 6,005 | ||||||
| Other receivables | 3,208 | 882 | ||||||
| Total current assets | 73,032 | 71,803 | ||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 1,917 | 2,423 | ||||||
| Property and equipment | 277 | 257 | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 75,226 | $ | 74,483 | ||||
| Liabilities, and Shareholders' Equity | ||||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 6,680 | $ | 5,644 | ||||
| Operating lease liabilities | 546 | 495 | ||||||
| Total current liabilities | 7,226 | 6,139 | ||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion | 1,457 | 1,996 | ||||||
| Senior secured convertible notes | 49,772 | — | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 58,455 | 8,135 | ||||||
| Shareholders’ Equity | ||||||||
| Common shares, no par value, unlimited shares authorized 33,483,111 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023, 34,286,002 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022 | 260,504 | 273,900 | ||||||
| Pre-funded warrants - 9,577,257 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 8,518,257 as of December 31, 2022 | 48,459 | 34,352 | ||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 33,834 | 24,437 | ||||||
| Accumulated deficit | (326,026 | ) | (266,341 | ) | ||||
| Total shareholders’ equity | 16,771 | 66,348 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | 75,226 | $ | 74,483 | ||||
Contact:
Kim Fox, Vice President, Communications
704-803-9295
Investor Relations
Chris Calabrese
ccalabrese@lifesciadvisors.com
Kevin Gardner
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