Release Date: November 06, 2024
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
- Medivir AB (OSTO:MVIR, Financial) presented promising mature data at the ESMO Congress, showing a median time to progression of 10.9 months for their FSRS and Lenvima combination, significantly longer than current second-line treatments.
- The company announced a clinical trial collaboration with A I, which includes a supply agreement for Lenvima, reducing potential costs by $15 to $20 million.
- Medivir AB (OSTO:MVIR) retains full rights to their FSRS asset despite the collaboration, allowing flexibility for future partnerships or equity financing.
- The FSRS and Lenvima combination has shown a favorable safety profile, with stable liver function and minimal impact on platelets and neutrophils, enabling long-term treatment.
- There is a significant unmet need in second-line liver cancer treatment, and Medivir AB (OSTO:MVIR) is positioned to potentially be the first approved option in this space, targeting a market valued at over $2.5 billion by 2030.
Negative Points
- Medivir AB (OSTO:MVIR) reported an operating loss of SEK 46 million for Q3, higher than the previous year, due to ongoing clinical and CMC costs.
- The company is in need of additional capital to fund the upcoming phase 2B study, exploring various financing options including equity financing and partnerships.
- Despite the promising data, the competitive landscape in oncology remains challenging, with many ongoing studies in first-line liver cancer treatment.
- The growth of liver cancer incidence is increasing, driven by factors like obesity and fatty liver disease, which could complicate treatment landscapes.
- Medivir AB (OSTO:MVIR) faces uncertainty regarding the future of their oncology programs with partners like IGM Biosciences, which could impact their strategic plans.
Q & A Highlights
Q: Can you discuss the financial impact of the collaboration with A I, particularly regarding the cost savings from A I supplying Lenvatinib for the upcoming randomized study?
A: Magnus Christensen, CFO: The collaboration with A I results in significant cost savings. If we were to purchase Lenvatinib on the open market for the study, it would cost us between $15 to $20 million. This collaboration eliminates that expense, representing a substantial financial benefit for us.
Q: Does A I have any rights of first refusal or similar rights in the collaboration?
A: Magnus Christensen, CFO: No, A I does not have any rights of first refusal or similar rights. We retain all global rights for FSRS.
Q: Regarding the competitive landscape, do you see potential for combining FSRS with immunotherapies in the future?
A: Jens Lindberg, CEO: While theoretically possible, our current focus is on second-line treatment where immunotherapies have already been used. However, in the future, combining FSRS with immunotherapies in earlier lines could be explored.
Q: Could you elaborate on your capital raising process for the phase two B study?
A: Magnus Christensen, CFO: We are exploring various financing options, including equity financing and partnerships. The collaboration with A I strengthens our position by reducing costs, making us more attractive for potential partners.
Q: Do you plan to provide more readouts from the ongoing phase two A study?
A: Jens Lindberg, CEO: Yes, we plan to provide treatment data early next year. We are currently working on a solution for patients still benefiting from the treatment.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
