Palatin Technologies, Inc. (NYSE American: PTN), a specialized biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class medicines based on molecules that modulate the activity of the melanocortin and natriuretic peptide receptor systems, today announced financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended June 30, 2020.
Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2020 Financial Highlights
- Net loss for the fourth quarter ended June 30, 2020 was $(7.3) million, or $(0.03) per basic and diluted share, compared to net income of $52.2 million, or $0.25 per basic and $0.23 per diluted share for the comparable quarter of 2019;
- Net loss for the year ended June 30, 2020 was $(22.4) million, or $(0.10) per basic and diluted share, compared to net income of $35.8 million, or $0.17 per basic and $0.16 per diluted share for the year ended June 30, 2019;
- The difference between the quarter and year ended June 30, 2020 compared to the quarter and year ended June 30, 2019 was due to the recognition of license and contract revenue pursuant to our license agreement with AMAG of $60.3 million for the quarter and year ended June 30, 2019;
- As of June 30, 2020, the Company had $82.9 million in cash and cash equivalents, compared to $43.5 million as of June 30, 2019, and no debt.
Recent Business Highlights and Updates
- In July 2020 mutually terminated the January 2017 license agreement granting AMAG Pharmaceuticals ("AMAG") exclusive North American rights to market Vyleesi® (bremelanotide), the first and only on demand treatment for premenopausal women suffering from acquired, generalized, hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), a condition affecting one in ten premenopausal women;
- Completed enrollment of a Phase 2 clinical study with PL9643 for the treatment of dry eye disease (DED). Final patient and topline data readout is targeted for the fourth calendar quarter of 2020;
- A Phase 2 proof-of-concept clinical study with an oral formulation of PL8177 in ulcerative colitis patients is targeted to start in the first half of calendar year 2021.
"We are pleased to have completed enrollment last month in our PL9643 Phase 2 clinical study in subjects with dry eye disease. Data readout is targeted for the fourth calendar quarter of 2020. We believe that, if approved, PL9643's potentially quick onset to efficacy and favorable tolerability and safety profile may provide a treatment option to the millions of individuals suffering from DED," stated Carl Spana, Ph.D., President and CEO of Palatin.
"We believe that Vyleesi is an important treatment for the millions of premenopausal women suffering from HSDD. Our goal with the Vyleesi program is to demonstrate value in the marketplace by increasing patient demand and access. Our objective is to re-license the U.S. rights to a committed women's healthcare company. Having taken steps to ensure no disruption for patient access to Vyleesi, we are working to expand awareness of the condition and treatment in a highly-targeted and informed manner, enhance and stream-line patient access, and increase insurance coverage."
Dr. Spana further commented, "Our strong cash position of $83 million at June 30, 2020 and no debt, coupled with the $12 million received in July 2020 from AMAG, plus an additional $4.3 million due from AMAG March 31, 2021, provides us the financial resources to significantly advance our Anti-Inflammatory and Autoimmune programs, and make complimentary targeted investments to our Vyleesi program."
"The entire Palatin team thanks healthcare workers across the nation for their selfless efforts in the treatment and care of COVID-19 patients. I would also like to thank all of our employees for their dedication and commitment to ensure the advancement of our development programs and clinical trial patient support," continued Spana. "Although Palatin has experienced limited adverse impact on operations from the pandemic, we are cognizant there may be further disruptions to business activity based on a resurgence of the virus and have taken steps to be as prepared as possible for this potential outcome."
Programs Overview
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) / Vyleesi® (bremelanotide injection)In July 2020, Palatin announced the mutual termination of its License Agreement with AMAG for Vyleesi. Under the terms of the termination agreement, Palatin regained all North American development and commercialization rights for Vyleesi. AMAG made a $12.0 million payment to Palatin at closing and will make a $4.3 million payment to Palatin on March 31, 2021. Palatin assumed all Vyleesi manufacturing agreements, and AMAG will transfer all information, data, and assets related exclusively to Vyleesi, including, but not limited to, existing inventory. AMAG will provide certain transitional services to Palatin for a period of time to ensure continued patient access to Vyleesi and regulatory compliance during the transition back to Palatin. Palatin will reimburse AMAG for the agreed upon costs of the transition services.
Palatin is exploring its options pertaining to enhancing the commercialization of Vyleesi, including but not limited to, discussions with potential collaboration partners that currently market female healthcare products. Palatin continues collaboration discussions for territories outside the currently licensed territories of China and Korea and anticipates executing multiple agreements through calendar year 2021.
In the interim, the Company's strategy implements an informed and highly targeted approach to marketing, focusing on telemedicine, social media, and digital advertising. The Company is committed to working with payers and healthcare professionals to ensure women with HSDD have continued and affordable access to Vyleesi. Vyleesi remains commercially available through specialty pharmacies Avella and BioPlus. Patients also have the ability to connect with a healthcare provider through telemedicine. Patients and healthcare providers can learn more about HSDD and Vyleesi at www.vyleesi.com.
Vyleesi is the first FDA-approved product for the as-needed treatment for premenopausal women who experience distress or interpersonal difficulty due to low sexual desire. This treatment is available as a subcutaneous self-injection in a prefilled disposable autoinjector pen for use in anticipation of a sexual encounter.
Anti-Inflammatory / Autoimmune ProgramsEnrollment in a Phase 2 clinical study with PL9643 was completed in August 2020. Data readout is targeted for the fourth calendar quarter of 2020. If results from the Phase 2 study support advancing to Phase 3, the Company will initiate a Phase 3 efficacy study as early as mid-calendar year 2021.
A Phase 2 proof-of-concept clinical study with an oral formulation of PL8177 in ulcerative colitis patients is targeted to start in the first half of calendar year 2021, with data readout potentially in the first half of calendar year 2022.
The Company continues its assessment and development work related to the treatment of patients with diabetic retinopathy, with an IND targeted for mid-calendar year 2021.
The Company currently anticipates filing an IND and commencing clinical trials with PL8177 for non-infectious uveitis, for which FDA granted orphan drug designation, in the second half of calendar year 2021.
Palatin is advancing its COVID-19 development plan and is conducting all the required activities needed to file an IND and begin clinical studies with PL8177 in COVID-19 patients. These activities will be completed in the fourth calendar quarter of 2020, allowing the Company to potentially file an IND with the FDA and initiate a clinical study of PL8177 for the treatment of COVID-19 patients early in the first calendar quarter of 2021.
The landscape for treating and conducting clinical studies in COVID-19 patients is rapidly evolving. This impacts the design, risk, and ability to conduct clinical studies in COVID-19 patients. Considering the risk and uncertainty of conducting COVID-19 clinical studies, the start of a PL8177 clinical study is subject to receiving external funding and operational support. The Company is in the process of applying to government programs that provide such support.
Natriuretic Peptide Receptor (NPR) System Program
PL3994, an NPR-A agonist, will be evaluated in a Phase 2A clinical study in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction. The proposed study is a collaboration with two major academic medical centers and is supported by an American Heart Association grant. The study is now anticipated to start patient enrollment in the fourth calendar quarter of 2020.
Genetic Obesity Program
Palatin's melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4r) peptide PL8905 and orally active small molecule PL9610 are currently under investigation for the treatment of rare genetic metabolic and obesity disorders. These programs are under internal evaluation for orphan designations, potential development, and licensing.
Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2020 Financial Results
RevenuePalatin recognized no revenues for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 and $117,989 in license and contract revenue for the year ended June 30, 2020 related to our license agreement with AMAG.
For the quarter and year ended June 30, 2019, Palatin recognized $60.3 million in license and contract revenue related to our license agreement with AMAG.
Operating ExpensesTotal operating expenses for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 were $7.4 million compared to $8.1 million for the comparable quarter of 2019. The decrease in operating expenses was due to the overall reduction in research and development expenses and a decrease in general and administrative expenses.
For the year ended June 30, 2020, Palatin incurred $23.7 million of operating expenses, compared to $24.6 million for the year ended June 30, 2019. The decrease in operating expenses was due to the overall reduction in research and development expenses offset by an increase in general and administrative expenses.
Other Income/Expense, net
Total other income, net, for the quarter and year ended June 30, 2020 was $90,667 and $1.2 million, respectively.
Total other income, net, for the quarter and year ended June 30, 2019 was $38,476 and $28,707, respectively.
The difference is related primarily to the increase in investment income and secondarily to the decrease in interest expense related to venture debt.
Cash Position
Palatin's cash and cash equivalents were $82.9 million with no accounts receivable as of June 30, 2020, compared to cash and cash equivalents of $43.5 with accounts receivable of $60.3 million at June 30, 2019.
Management believes that its existing capital resources will be sufficient to fund the Company's planned operations through at least September 30, 2021.
About Palatin Technologies, Inc.
Palatin Technologies, Inc. is a specialized biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class medicines based on molecules that modulate the activity of the melanocortin and natriuretic peptide receptor systems, with targeted, receptor-specific product candidates for the treatment of diseases with significant unmet medical need and commercial potential. Palatin's strategy is to develop products and then form marketing collaborations with industry leaders in order to maximize their commercial potential. For additional information regarding Palatin, please visit Palatin's website at www.Palatin.com.
