Release Details

FibroGen Reports Second Quarter 2023 Financial Results

August 7, 2023
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  • Topline data from three late-stage pamrevlumab trials expected through 1H 2024, including the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) Precision PromiseSM Phase 2/3 study in metastatic pancreatic cancer
  • Robust roxadustat volume growth of over 40% in China
  • Entered into exclusive license for FOR46, a first-in-class CD46-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
  • Implemented cost reduction plan extending cash runway into 2026
  • Thane Wettig appointed Interim CEO

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FibroGen, Inc. (NASDAQ: FGEN) today reported financial results for the second quarter 2023 and provided an update on the Company’s recent developments.

“We saw another record quarter of roxadustat sales in China, and we recently submitted the sNDA to the China Health Authority for chemotherapy-induced anemia,” said Thane Wettig, Interim Chief Executive Officer, FibroGen. “As I assume the leadership role, I am very optimistic about our future. Within the next year, we have three pamrevlumab read-outs and key milestones for our early-stage pipeline, which combined with our deeply experienced team and strong cash position, set us up well for delivering value to patients and shareholders.”

Recent Developments and Key Events of Second Quarter 2023:

  • Appointed Thane Wettig as Interim Chief Executive Officer.
  • Entered into exclusive license for FOR46 (now FG-3246), a first-in-class CD46-targeting ADC for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
  • Reported positive topline data from Company’s Phase 3 clinical study of roxadustat for treatment of anemia in patients receiving concurrent chemotherapy treatment for non-myeloid malignancies in China.
  • Filed Supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) with China Health Authority for roxadustat in patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia.
  • Announced a non-dilutive term loan facility with investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Tactical Value (MSTV), which resulted in proceeds to FibroGen of $75 million.
  • Reported negative topline results from MATTERHORN Phase 3 clinical study of roxadustat for treatment of anemia in patients with transfusion-dependent lower risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).
  • Reported negative topline results from the LELANTOS-1 Phase 3 study of pamrevlumab for the treatment of non-ambulatory patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
  • Reported negative topline results from the ZEPHYRUS-1 Phase 3 study of pamrevlumab in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Discontinued ZEPHYRUS-2 Phase 3 study of pamrevlumab in patients with IPF.
  • Implemented a cost reduction plan, resulting in an expected reduction of total annualized U.S. GAAP expenses of $100-120 million.

China Performance:

  • Achieved second quarter net product revenue under U.S. GAAP from the sale of roxadustat in China of $23.9 million compared to $23.3 million in the second quarter of 2022.
  • Achieved second quarter total roxadustat net sales in China1 by FibroGen and the distribution entity (JDE) jointly owned by FibroGen and AstraZeneca of $76.4 million, compared to $53.1 million in the second quarter of 2022, an increase of 44%, driven by over 40% growth in volume.
  • Roxadustat continues to be the number one brand based on value share in the anemia of chronic kidney disease market in China.

Upcoming Milestones:

    Pamrevlumab

  • Topline data from the LELANTOS-2 Phase 3 study of pamrevlumab in ambulatory DMD patients expected in 3Q 2023.
  • Topline data from the LAPIS Phase 3 study of pamrevlumab in locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer (LAPC) expected in 1Q 2024.
  • Topline data from the PanCAN Precision PromiseSM Phase 2/3 study of pamrevlumab in metastatic pancreatic cancer expected in 1H 2024.

    Early-Stage Oncology Pipeline

  • Anticipate the initiation of a Phase 2 trial of FG-3246, a first-in-class ADC targeting a novel epitope on CD46 for mCRPC in 2H 2024.
  • Anticipate the filing of two INDs: FG-3165 (anti-Gal9 antibody) in 1Q 2024 and FG-3175 (anti-CCR8 antibody) in 2H 2024.

Financial:

  • Total revenue for the second quarter of 2023 was $44.3 million, as compared to $29.8 million for the second quarter of 2022, an increase of 49%.
  • Net loss for the second quarter of 2023 was $87.7 million, or $0.90 net loss per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $72.6 million, or $0.78 net loss per basic and diluted share one year ago.
  • Research and development expenses for the second quarter of 2023 included a one-time, non-cash charge of acquired in-process research and development expenses of $24.6 million, or $0.25 impact to net loss per basic and diluted share, resulting from the recent exclusive license for FG-3246 from Fortis Therapeutics.
  • At June 30, 2023, cash – defined as cash, cash equivalents, investments, and accounts receivable – was $361.3 million, including proceeds received during the quarter from the Company’s use of its at-the-market equity facility and the closing of the recently announced term loan.
  • We expect our cash, cash equivalents, investments, and accounts receivable to be sufficient to fund our operating plans into 2026.

_______________________
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.

Conference Call and Webcast Details
FibroGen will host a conference call and webcast today, Monday, August 7, 2023, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time to discuss financial results and provide a business update. Interested parties may access a live audio webcast of the conference call via the “Investor Relations” page of the Company’s website at www.fibrogen.com. To access the call by phone, please go to this link (registration link), and you will be provided with dial in details. To avoid delays, we encourage participants to dial in to the conference call fifteen minutes ahead of the scheduled start time. A replay of the webcast will also be available for a limited time at the following link (webcast replay).

About Pamrevlumab
Pamrevlumab is a potential first-in-class antibody being developed by FibroGen to inhibit the activity of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a common factor in fibrotic and proliferative disorders characterized by persistent and excessive scarring that can lead to organ dysfunction and failure. Pamrevlumab is in Phase 3 clinical development for the treatment of locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer (LAPC), ambulatory Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), and in Phase 2/3 for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted Orphan Drug Designation, and Fast Track designation to pamrevlumab for the treatment of patients with DMD and LAPC. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has also granted Rare Pediatric Disease Designation to pamrevlumab for the treatment of patients with DMD. Pamrevlumab has demonstrated a safety and tolerability profile that has supported ongoing clinical investigation in DMD, LAPC, and metastatic pancreatic cancer. Pamrevlumab is an investigational drug and not approved for marketing by any regulatory authority. For information about our pamrevlumab studies please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.

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) in China.

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. FibroGen and AstraZeneca are collaborating on the development and commercialization of roxadustat for the potential treatment of anemia in the U.S., China, and other markets not licensed to Astellas.

About FibroGen
FibroGen, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company committed to discovering, developing, and commercializing a pipeline of first-in-class therapeutics. The Company applies its pioneering expertise in connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) biology and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) to advance innovative medicines for the treatment of unmet needs. Pamrevlumab, an anti-CTGF human monoclonal antibody, is in clinical development for the treatment of locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer (LAPC), metastatic pancreatic cancer, and ambulatory Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Roxadustat (爱瑞卓®, EVRENZO™) is currently approved in China, Europe, Japan, and numerous other countries for the treatment of anemia in CKD patients on dialysis and not on dialysis. Roxadustat is in clinical development for chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA) in China. FibroGen recently expanded its research and development portfolio to include product candidates in the immuno-oncology space along with an exclusive license for FG-3246. 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 the development and commercialization of the company’s product candidates, the potential safety and efficacy profile of its product candidates, and its clinical programs. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements under the caption “Upcoming Milestones”, statements regarding the expected cost reduction savings, the statement that FibroGen expects its cash, cash equivalents, investments, and accounts receivable to be sufficient to fund its operating plans into 2026, and statements about FibroGen’s plans and objectives and typically are 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, 2022, and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, 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.

 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
 
    June 30, 2023     December 31, 2022
    (Unaudited)     (1)

Assets		        
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $ 152,585     $ 155,700  
Short-term investments   183,131       266,308  
Accounts receivable, net   25,599       16,299  
Inventory   41,179       40,436  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   8,863       14,083  
Total current assets   411,357       492,826  
           
Restricted time deposits   2,072       2,072  
Long-term investments   —       4,348  
Property and equipment, net   16,829       20,605  
Equity method investment in unconsolidated variable interest entity   6,112       5,061  
Operating lease right-of-use assets   74,404       79,893  
Other assets   4,353       5,282  
Total assets $ 515,127     $ 610,087  
           
Liabilities, stockholders’ equity and non-controlling interests        
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable $ 12,802     $ 30,758  
Accrued and other liabilities   162,769       219,773  
Deferred revenue   7,490       12,739  
Operating lease liabilities, current   11,011       10,292  
Total current liabilities   194,072       273,562  
           
Product development obligations   17,365       16,917  
Deferred revenue, net of current   165,416       185,722  
Operating lease liabilities, non-current   73,813       79,593  
Senior secured term loan facilities, non-current   71,408       —  
Liability related to sale of future revenues, non-current   48,399       49,333  
Other long-term liabilities   4,961       6,440  
Total liabilities   575,434       611,567  
           
Redeemable non-controlling interests   21,480       —  
Total stockholders’ deficit attributable to FibroGen   (102,274 )     (21,447 )
Nonredeemable non-controlling interests   20,487       19,967  
Total deficit   (81,787 )     (1,480 )
Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interests and deficit $ 515,127     $ 610,087  
                 
(1) The condensed consolidated balance sheet amounts at December 31, 2022 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,		  
  2023     2022     2023     2022  
  (Unaudited)  
Revenue:                      
License revenue $ 1,000     $ —     $ 7,000     $ 22,590  
Development and other revenue   5,158       5,457       9,050       17,219  
Product revenue, net   23,889       23,256       48,049       42,137  
Drug product revenue, net   14,272       1,093       16,381       8,687  
Total revenue   44,319       29,806       80,480       90,633  
                       
Operating costs and expenses:                      
Cost of goods sold   5,708       6,809       9,199       11,048  
Research and development   95,478       70,963       169,964       159,981  
Selling, general and administrative   31,181       30,258       65,455       60,820  
Total operating costs and expenses   132,367       108,030       244,618       231,849  
Loss from operations   (88,048 )     (78,224 )     (164,138 )     (141,216 )
                       
Interest and other, net:                      
Interest expense   (3,069 )     (141 )     (5,441 )     (238 )
Interest income and other income (expenses), net   2,652       5,199       3,687       4,876  
Total interest and other, net   (417 )     5,058       (1,754 )     4,638  
                       
Loss before income taxes   (88,465 )     (73,166 )     (165,892 )     (136,578 )
Provision for income taxes   (235 )     23       (161 )     136  
Investment income in unconsolidated
   variable interest entity		   550       565       1,346       885  
Net loss $ (87,680 )   $ (72,624 )   $ (164,385 )   $ (135,829 )
                       
Net loss per share - basic and diluted $ (0.90 )   $ (0.78 )   $ (1.71 )   $ (1.46 )
                       
Weighted average number of common shares used to
   calculate net loss per share - basic and diluted		   97,729       93,475       96,218       93,260  
                               

Contacts:
FibroGen, Inc.

Investors:
David DeLucia, CFA
Head of Corporate FP&A / Investor Relations
ddelucia@fibrogen.com

Media:
Michael Szumera
mszumera@fibrogen.com 


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Source: FibroGen, Inc.