Oramed Letter to Shareholders
Oramed Pharmaceuticals has issued a Letter to Shareholders, highlighting several key developments. The company announced a $20 million stock repurchase program, reflecting confidence in its value. Oramed is actively engaging with the FDA on a new Phase 3 protocol for its oral insulin program, targeting specific patient subgroups. The company has received $40 million from the $102 million principal of Scilex Holding Company's Senior Secured Note, with the next $20 million installment due in September. Additionally, Oramed is finalizing a joint venture with Hefei Tianhui Biotech Co., (HTIT), which includes significant investments to support clinical and business activities. These initiatives aim to drive shareholder value and advance Oramed's oral drug delivery platforms.
- Oramed announced a $20 million stock repurchase program, showing confidence in its value.
- Received $40 million from Scilex Holding Company's $102 million Senior Secured Note, with a $20 million installment due in September.
- Finalizing a joint venture with HTIT, including $70 million from HTIT and $25 million from Oramed, to support the Phase 3 trial and other activities.
- There is uncertainty regarding the closure of the proposed transactions with HTIT, despite identified synergies.
Insights
The $20 million stock repurchase program suggests that Oramed's management believes its stock is undervalued. This can signal confidence in the company's future prospects and is often seen as a way to return value to shareholders. Stock repurchases tend to reduce the number of outstanding shares, increasing earnings per share (EPS) assuming profits remain constant, which can be attractive to investors.
However, it's essential to consider the potential opportunity cost of this capital allocation. While buybacks can provide short-term support for share prices, the company might have alternatively invested this money into research and development, marketing, or other growth initiatives. For Oramed, which is in a clinical stage, these investments could be critical to long-term success.
The Scilex Senior Secured Note repayment is another positive sign, enhancing Oramed's cash position. Receiving $40 million thus far, with an additional $20 million expected in September, provides liquidity which could be utilized for further clinical trials or business operations. It also demonstrates Scilex's ability to meet its financial obligations, reducing the risk related to this receivable.
Retail investors should recognize that while these financial maneuvers are beneficial, the long-term value hinges on the successful development and commercialization of Oramed’s clinical programs.
The Phase 3 Oral Insulin Program is a critical initiative for Oramed, focusing on diabetes management. The adaptive trial design, which targets specific patient subgroups identified from prior phases, shows a thoughtful approach to increasing the chances of success. This focus on significant responders can help address specific unmet needs in diabetes treatment, enhancing patient outcomes if successful.
Phase 3 trials are pivotal as they provide the data needed for regulatory approval. The engagement with the U.S. FDA is crucial, as it demonstrates a proactive regulatory strategy. Success in this trial could lead to substantial value creation, but investors should be aware of the inherent risks and long timelines associated with clinical trials.
From an investor’s perspective, understanding the nuances of clinical trials, including endpoints, trial design and regulatory interactions, is essential. These factors can significantly influence the likelihood of trial success and subsequent market approval.
The Joint Venture with HTIT could be a strategic move to leverage synergies between Oramed’s innovation and HTIT's manufacturing capabilities. The $70 million capital commitment from HTIT and $25 million from Oramed indicate substantial investment geared towards the U.S. market, a key area for pharmaceutical growth.
This JV could expedite the commercialization of Oramed's oral insulin and POD™ pipeline, potentially reducing time-to-market. However, JVs also come with complexities such as integration risks and management of cross-border partnerships.
For retail investors, it's important to monitor the progress of this JV closely, as its success could significantly alter Oramed's market position and revenue potential. The complexity and uncertainty surrounding these partnerships should be considered, as they carry both high rewards and risks.
Given Oramed's strong cash reserves and strategic initiatives, the company appears well-positioned, but sustained progress and execution are pivotal.
- Stock Repurchase Program
- Scilex Senior Secured Note
- Phase 3 Oral Insulin Trial in US
- JV with Chinese Partner, HTIT
Dear Shareholders,
In light of our recent announcement regarding Oramed's
Scilex Senior Secured Note
The repayment schedule from Scilex Holding Company for its Senior Secured Note commenced on December 21, 2023, with fixed installments due quarterly. As of today, Oramed has received
Phase 3 Oral Insulin Program
Oramed has proactively engaged in constructive dialogue with the
Oramed-HTIT Joint Venture Update
Oramed and its long-term partner, Hefei Tianhui Biotech Co., Ltd. (HTIT), are finalizing the formation of a joint venture (JV) centered around Oramed's cutting-edge oral drug delivery technology. The
The JV will receive a significant capital infusion, with HTIT committing
While synergies exist, the proposed transactions are complex, and there is no certainty that we will be able to close on any or all of them. We will keep you informed as progress is made.
In summary, Oramed maintains a strong cash position, bolstered by solid progress on the Scilex note transaction. We are making strides towards initiating a new Phase 3 trial for our oral insulin program while actively pursuing the joint venture opportunity with HTIT. These strategic initiatives position us to drive significant shareholder value. Thank you for your continued support as we work diligently to achieve major milestones. We look forward to providing updates on our progress.
Sincerely,
Nadav Kidron
Chief Executive Officer
About Oramed Pharmaceuticals
Oramed Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq/TASE: ORMP) is a platform technology pioneer in the field of oral delivery solutions for drugs currently delivered via injection. The Company's novel Protein Oral Delivery (POD™) technology is designed to protect drug integrity and increase absorption. Oramed has offices in
Forward-looking statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other Federal securities laws. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates" and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. For example, we are using forward-looking statements when we discuss Oramed's opportunities and ability to increase shareholder value, our potential repurchase of our shares, the benefits of the Scilex note and related transactions, the value of Scilex, its growth trajectory, commercial portfolio and infrastructure and clinical stage pipeline, the anticipated regulatory approval of HTIT's clinical trial data and the timing of such approval, the expected timing and achievement of milestones, the potential development, benefits, safety, efficacy and timing of our oral insulin program, our intention to begin a Phase 3 oral insulin trial in the
Company Contact:
+1-844-9-ORAMED
ir@oramed.com
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SOURCE Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc.
FAQ
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