DEER PARK, Ill., March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eton Pharmaceuticals, Inc (“Eton” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: ETON), an innovative pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing treatments for rare diseases, today reported financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2023.
“We finished 2023 by delivering our twelfth straight quarter of sequential product sales growth and another quarter of positive operating cash flow. The growth trajectory continues for ALKINDI SPRINKLE® and Carglumic Acid, and we are excited for the Company’s prospects for 2024 and beyond,” said Sean Brynjelsen, CEO of Eton Pharmaceuticals.
“In addition to the strong performance of our commercial products, we are pleased to report favorable developments in our pipeline. In recent weeks, we received positive study results for both ET-400 and ET-600, which brings both products one step closer to NDA submission. We look forward to submitting our NDA for ET-400 in the second quarter of this year and ET-600 early next year,” concluded Brynjelsen.
Fourth Quarter and Recent Business Highlights
Twelfth straight quarter of sequential growth in product sales. Eton reported fourth quarter 2023 product sales and royalty revenue of $7.3 million, representing a 109% year-over-year increase and 4% growth over the third quarter of 2023, driven primarily by the ongoing momentum of ALKINDI SPRINKLE and Carglumic Acid. The Company anticipates continued growth of product sales in 2024.
Recorded positive cash flow from operations. Eton generated $0.4 million of operating cash during the fourth quarter of 2023, with total cash and cash equivalents of $21.4 million as of December 31, 2023.
Passed pivotal bioequivalence study for ET-400. In February, Eton received preliminary data showing that ET-400, its proprietary formulation of oral hydrocortisone, passed its pivotal bioequivalence study. All other major filing pre-requisites have been completed, and the Company expects to submit the NDA to the FDA for ET-400 when the final clinical study report is available in the second quarter of 2024. This would allow for a potential FDA approval as early as the first quarter of 2025.
Awarded U.S. patent for ET-400. The patent, which covers the Company’s proprietary formulation, expires in 2043 and is expected to be listed in the FDA’s Orange Book upon the product’s approval. The Company has additional patent applications related to the product under review with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Passed pilot bioequivalence study for ET-600. The Company plans to run the pivotal study in the second half of 2024, which would allow for a potential NDA submission in early 2025.
Initiated ALKINDI SPRINKLE sampling program. The Company’s sampling program went live in February 2024, allowing pediatric endocrinology offices to stock ALKINDI SPRINKLE samples so that newly diagnosed or converting patients can immediately start therapy on ALKINDI SPRINKLE in the presence of their physician. Eton has already seen strong demand for samples from physicians and expects the sampling program to have a positive impact on adoption and 2024 revenue growth.
Launched ultra-rare disease product Nitisinone capsules. The product was launched in February 2024 with full patient and provider support services. Eton believes its commercial advantages, existing relationships with prescribers, and experienced sales force will allow the Company to capture a meaningful percentage of the $50 million market.
Fourth Quarter Financial Results
Net Revenue: Net product sales and royalty revenues for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased by 109% to $7.3 million compared to $3.5 million in the prior year period, driven primarily by growth in ALKINDI SPRINKLE and Carglumic Acid. Total net revenues were $7.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $8.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. The prior year period included $5.0 million in licensing revenue resulting from a milestone payment received from Azurity Pharmaceuticals.
Gross Profit: Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $3.6 million. Fourth quarter 2023 gross profit was negatively impacted by a $1.0 million one-time payment to Diurnal PLC as a result of ALKINDI SPRINKLE net sales triggering a commercial success-based milestone under terms of the product’s licensing agreement. Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2022 was $6.4 million and benefited from a $5.0 million milestone payment received from Azurity Pharmaceuticals.
Research and Development (R&D) Expenses: R&D expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 were $1.0 million compared to $0.9 million in the prior year period.
General and Administrative (G&A) Expenses: G&A expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 were $4.6 million compared to $4.4 million in the prior year period. The slight increase in G&A expenses was primarily due to personnel additions.
Net Loss: Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $2.3 million or $0.09 per basic and diluted share compared to net income of $0.9 million or $0.04 per diluted share in the prior year period.
Cash Position: As of December 31, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $21.4 million.
Conference Call and Webcast Information
As previously announced, Eton Pharmaceuticals will host its fourth quarter 2023 conference call as follows:
| Date | March 14, 2024 | |
| Time | 4:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. CT) | |
| Register* (Audio Only) | Click here |
In addition to taking live questions from participants on the conference call, management will be answering emailed questions from investors. Investors can email questions to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The live webcast can be accessed on the Investors section of Eton’s website at https://ir.etonpharma.com/. An archived webcast will be available on Eton’s website approximately two hours after the completion of the event and for 30 days thereafter.
* Conference call participants should register to obtain their dial-in and passcode details. Please be sure to register using a valid email address.
About Eton Pharmaceuticals
Eton is an innovative pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing treatments for rare diseases. The Company currently has four FDA-approved rare disease products: ALKINDI SPRINKLE®, Carglumic Acid, Betaine Anhydrous, and Nitisinone. The Company has three additional product candidates in late-stage development: ET-400, ET-600, and ZENEO® hydrocortisone autoinjector. For more information, please visit our website at www.etonpharma.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements associated with the expected ability of Eton to undertake certain activities and accomplish certain goals and objectives. These statements include but are not limited to statements regarding Eton’s business strategy, Eton’s plans to develop and commercialize its product candidates, the safety and efficacy of Eton’s product candidates, Eton’s plans and expected timing with respect to regulatory filings and approvals, and the size and growth potential of the markets for Eton’s product candidates. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “goal,” “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon Eton’s current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks associated with the process of discovering, developing and commercializing drugs that are safe and effective for use as human therapeutics, and in the endeavor of building a business around such drugs. These and other risks concerning Eton’s development programs and financial position are described in additional detail in Eton’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Eton undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.
Investor Relations:
Lisa M. Wilson, In-Site Communications, Inc.
T: 212-452-2793
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
| Eton Pharmaceuticals, Inc. STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||
| For the three months ended | For the years ended | |||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||
| Licensing revenue | $ | — | $ | 5,000 | $ | 5,500 | $ | 10,000 | ||||||||
| Product sales and royalties, net | 7,313 | 3,498 | 26,142 | 11,251 | ||||||||||||
| Total net revenues | 7,313 | 8,498 | 31,642 | 21,251 | ||||||||||||
| Cost of sales: | ||||||||||||||||
| Licensing revenue | 1,000 | 650 | 1,000 | 1,640 | ||||||||||||
| Product sales and royalties | 2,683 | 1,488 | 9,581 | 5,293 | ||||||||||||
| Total cost of sales | 3,683 | 2,138 | 10,581 | 6,933 | ||||||||||||
| Gross profit (loss) | 3,630 | 6,360 | 21,061 | 14,318 | ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
| Research and development | 1,047 | 944 | 3,322 | 3,996 | ||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 4,575 | 4,354 | 18,931 | 18,582 | ||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 5,622 | 5,298 | 22,253 | 22,578 | ||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from operations | (1,992 | ) | 1,062 | (1,192 | ) | (8,260 | ) | |||||||||
| Other (expense) income: | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest and other (expense) income, net | (17 | ) | (150 | ) | 503 | (761 | ) | |||||||||
| Gain on PPP loan forgiveness | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Gain on equipment sale | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income tax expense | (2,008 | ) | 912 | (689 | ) | (9,021 | ) | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | 247 | — | 247 | — | ||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (2,256 | ) | $ | 912 | $ | (936 | ) | $ | (9,021 | ) | |||||
| Net loss per share, basic | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | 0.04 | $ | (0.04 | ) | $ | (0.36 | ) | |||||
| Net loss per share, diluted | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | 0.04 | $ | (0.04 | ) | $ | (0.36 | ) | |||||
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic | 25,741 | 25,381 | 25,645 | 25,146 | ||||||||||||
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, diluted | 25,741 | 25,691 | 25,645 | 25,146 | ||||||||||||
| Eton Pharmaceuticals, Inc. BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | ||||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Current assets: | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 21,388 | $ | 16,305 | ||||
| Accounts receivable, net | 3,411 | 1,852 | ||||||
| Inventories | 911 | 557 | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 1,129 | 1,290 | ||||||
| Total current assets | 26,839 | 20,004 | ||||||
| Property and equipment, net | 58 | 72 | ||||||
| Intangible assets, net | 4,739 | 4,754 | ||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets, net | 92 | 188 | ||||||
| Other long-term assets, net | 12 | 12 | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 31,740 | $ | 25,030 | ||||
| Liabilities and stockholders’ equity | ||||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 1,848 | $ | 1,766 | ||||
| Current portion of long-term debt | 5,380 | 1,033 | ||||||
| Accrued liabilities | 9,013 | 3,662 | ||||||
| Total current liabilities | 16,241 | 6,461 | ||||||
| Long-term debt, net of discount and including accrued fees | — | 5,384 | ||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion | 22 | 107 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 16,263 | 11,952 | ||||||
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 14) | ||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity | ||||||||
| Common stock, $0.001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 25,688,062 and 25,353,119 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively | 26 | 25 | ||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 119,521 | 116,187 | ||||||
| Accumulated deficit | (104,070 | ) | (103,134 | ) | ||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 15,477 | 13,078 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 31,740 | $ | 25,030 | ||||
| Eton Pharmaceuticals, Inc. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) | ||||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (936 | ) | $ | (9,021 | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | ||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | 3,137 | 4,218 | ||||||
| Common stock issued for product candidate licensing rights | — | — | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 901 | 1,774 | ||||||
| Debt discount amortization | 117 | 127 | ||||||
| Gain on forgiveness of PPP loan | — | — | ||||||
| Gain on sale of equipment | — | — | ||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts receivable | (1,559 | ) | 3,619 | |||||
| Inventories | (354 | ) | (7 | ) | ||||
| Prepaid expenses and other assets | 161 | 1,902 | ||||||
| Accounts payable | 53 | (8 | ) | |||||
| Accrued liabilities | 5,295 | 2,217 | ||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 6,815 | 4,821 | ||||||
| Cash used in investing activities | ||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of equipment | — | — | ||||||
| Purchases of property and equipment | — | (38 | ) | |||||
| Purchase of product licensing rights | (775 | ) | (2,750 | ) | ||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (775 | ) | (2,788 | ) | ||||
| Cash flows from financing activities | ||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of issuance costs | — | — | ||||||
| Proceeds from sales of common stock, net of offering costs | — | — | ||||||
| Proceeds from PPP and EIDL loans | — | — | ||||||
| Debt paydown | (1,155 | ) | (385 | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan and stock option and stock warrant exercises | 198 | 251 | ||||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (957 | ) | (134 | ) | ||||
| Change in cash and cash equivalents | 5,083 | 1,899 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 16,305 | 14,406 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | $ | 21,388 | $ | 16,305 | ||||
| Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information | ||||||||
| Cash paid for interest | $ | 842 | $ | 730 | ||||
| Cash paid for income taxes | $ | 247 | $ | — | ||||
| Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities: | ||||||||
| Adjustment of operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities due to tenant allowance | $ | 29 | $ | — | ||||
| Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities | $ | — | $ | 188 | ||||
| Last Trade: | US$8.62 |
| Daily Change: | -0.08 -0.92 |
| Daily Volume: | 94,011 |
| Market Cap: | US$222.740M |
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