Vernalis plc: Announcement of Preliminary Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2006
: VNLS) today announces its preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2006.
In 2006 Vernalis made significant progress in advancing its drug candidates, establishing its US commercial operations and re-launching Apokyn(r). As a result of these investments, the company expects significant news flow in 2007 from four clinical programmes as well as increased revenues of its two marketed products, Apokyn(r) and Frova(r).
Simon Sturge, CEO of Vernalis, commented:
"2006 was a year of significant investment, both in our US sales and marketing operation, and in progressing our clinical portfolio. In the US we launched a number of new marketing initiatives for Apokyn(r) which are now gaining traction. We eagerly await the potential label expansion of Frova(r) for menstrual migraine and expect to see the benefit from our investment in the development portfolio with a number of programmes finishing clinical trials in the middle of the year."
Vernalis' CEO Simon Sturge and CFO Tony Weir will discuss the company's 2006 results at an analyst/investor presentation and conference call today at 9:30 a.m. GMT.
The conference call may be accessed by dialling: International dial in +44 (0) 1452 542 300, UK Free Phone 0800 953 1444 - Conference ID 2341055. A replay facility will be available for 7 days following the call by dialling: International dial in +44 (0) 1452 550 000, UK Free Phone 0800 953 1533 - Replay access number 2341055. There will also be a live webcast which can be accessed by visiting the Investor section of the Company's website, www.vernalis.com. Following the webcast, an archived version of the call will be available at the same address.
Notes to Editors
About Vernalis
Vernalis is a speciality bio-pharmaceutical company focused on products marketed to specialist neurologists. The company has two marketed products, Frova(r) and Apokyn(r), and a development pipeline focused on central nervous system disorders. The company has eight products in registration/clinical development and collaborations with leading, global pharmaceutical companies including Novartis (Virt-X: NOVN.VX - news) , Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: BIIB - news) and Serono. Vernalis has established a US commercial operation to promote Apokyn(r) and co-promote Frova(r) alongside its North American licensing partner, Endo Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ENDP - news) , progressing the company towards its goal of becoming a sustainable, self-funding, R&D-driven, speciality bio-pharmaceutical company. For further information about Vernalis, please visit: www.vernalis.com
Vernalis Forward-Looking Statement
This news release may contain forward-looking statements that reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events including the clinical development and regulatory approval of the Company's products, the Company's ability to find partners for the development and commercialisation of its products, as well as the Company's future capital raising activities. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual events could differ materially from those projected herein and depend on a number of factors including the success of the Company's research strategies, the applicability of the discoveries made therein, the successful and timely completion of clinical studies, the uncertainties related to the regulatory process, the ability of the Company to identify and agree beneficial terms with suitable partners for the commercialisation and/or development of its products, as well as the achievement of expected synergies from such transactions, the acceptance of Frova(r) and Apokyn(r) and other products by consumers and medical professionals, the successful integration of completed mergers and acquisitions and achievement of expected synergies from such transactions, and the ability of the Company to identify and consummate suitable strategic and business combination transactions.
1. Strategy and operational review
Vernalis' strategic goal is to become a sustainable, self-funding, R&D driven speciality bio-pharmaceutical company primarily focused on drugs for the treatment of Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders. In February of last year Vernalis established a commercial operation in North America focused on specialist neurologists that markets Apokyn(r) and co-promotes Frova(r) alongside its partner Endo. Vernalis has a strong research capability that expects to add one novel pre-clinical candidate every 18 months. Vernalis intends to continue to market products to specialist neurologists in North America, and to enter into out-licensing or co-promotion agreements for products in other territories or marketed to different physician groups.
Marketed Products
Apokyn(r) - Advanced Parkinson's Disease
Apokyn(r) is the only acute, intermittent therapy available in the U.S. for the treatment of "off" episodes (re-emergence of Parkinson's disease symptoms) associated with advanced Parkinson's disease. It is used as an adjunct to other Parkinson's disease medications and is administered, as needed, by means of an injector pen to treat periods of poor mobility in people with advanced disease.
In April 2004, Apokyn(r) received FDA approval with Orphan Drug designation to treat advanced Parkinson's disease patients in the U.S. who experience the severe "on/off" motor fluctuations that are unresponsive to other oral Parkinson's disease therapies. Approximately 112,000 patients with Parkinson's disease experience such "off" episodes despite optimal oral Parkinson's disease therapy. Apokyn(r) was launched in the U.S. in July 2004 and Vernalis acquired the North American commercial rights from Mylan in November 2005.
Mylan stopped promoting Apokyn(r) in July 2005. When Vernalis re-launched this promotion-sensitive product in February 2006, new prescriptions had diminished to almost zero. Apokyn(r) is sensitive to promotion due to the need to clarify appropriate patient candidates and to assist physicians and their staff with the Apokyn(r) initiation and titration process. Proper initiation and titration is important to ensure that each patient is individually titrated to their optimal dose and to help minimise the risk of first dose side effects.
Gross sales for Apokyn(r) for the full year 2006 amount to $5.6 million of which $3.3 million were reported in the second half. The revenues were marginally below previously announced guidance of around $6 million predominantly as a consequence of an under-reporting of patients who had discontinued treatment during the period prior to acquisition by Vernalis. This reporting deficit was identified in mid-2006 and a true picture of the patient population was established in the second half of 2006. The primary reason for the high discontinuation rate was that a number of patients were originally titrated to a sub-optimal dose and were therefore not receiving the full clinical benefit from Apokyn(r). The resulting lower drug usage also reduced revenues. Also, the introduction of a sampling programme for new patient initiations, while key for establishing patients on an appropriate dose regime, has had the short-term impact of delaying initiation prescriptions.
During H2 2006, Vernalis established several marketing initiatives to make physicians and patients aware of the benefits of Apokyn(r) at optimal dosing levels and help reduce the barriers that prevent patients from starting to use the product. These efforts include a comprehensive support programme (The APOKYN(r) Circle of Care(TM)) which includes a nurse call centre, home healthcare visits and a pilot clinical liaison programme where nurses assist both physicians and patients through the whole treatment cycle. These initiatives are expected to become fully effective about 6-months after their introduction and hence improve prescription levels during 2007.
Vernalis' U.S. sales efforts and new marketing initiatives have already resulted in a significant turnaround in both new prescriptions and increased dose levels, which reinforces our confidence in the potential of Apokyn(r) and the Company expects gross sales in the range of $9 million to $10 million in 2007.
Apokyn(r) is indicated for the acute, intermittent treatment of hypomobility or "off" episodes associated with advanced Parkinson's disease. It is used as an adjunct to other Parkinson's disease medications. Apokyn(r) is associated with severe nausea and vomiting and should be given with a concomitant antiemetic (trimethobenzamide).
Frova(r) - Acute Migraine
Frova(r) is a selective 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist approved as an acute oral treatment for migraine headache and its associated symptoms. Frova(r) belongs to the triptan class of drugs and is distinguished from other triptans by its exceptionally long half-life. Frova(r) is also being developed for the short term prevention of menstrual migraine (MM) (see below).
Vernalis has licensed North American rights for Frova(r) to Endo Pharmaceuticals (Endo) which reported U.S. net sales of the product of $40.6 million for 2006 ($38.1 million in 2005). Vernalis is co-promoting Frova(r) in the U.S. with Endo under an arrangement that started in February 2006. Vernalis received a fixed payment of $15 million from Endo in September 2006 and from 1 January 2007 Vernalis' return is a variable royalty, at an initial rate of 20 per cent should the label be expanded for the intermittent, short-term prevention of MM.
In Europe, frovatriptan is marketed in 13 countries by Menarini. The drug was approved throughout the then 15 member states of the European Union via the mutual recognition procedure (MRP) in January 2002. In 2006, Menarini launched frovatriptan in Slovakia, Finland, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Portugal, Switzerland and all seven Central American countries. Menarini received approval for the drug in Turkey, with a launch planned in 1Q 2007, and also applied for marketing authorisation in Russia, with approval expected 1H 2007. Importantly, Menarini received reimbursement and pricing approval for frovatriptan in France and plan to launch in 1Q 2007. Vernalis revenues for 2006 from Menarini amounted to GBP3.6 million (GBP3.0 million in 2005).
Frova(r) is approved for the treatment of migraines in adults. The most common adverse events include dizziness, fatigue, paresthesia, flushing, and headache.
Development Portfolio
Pain Franchise
Frova(r) - Prevention of Menstrual Migraine (MM)
Vernalis has completed a series of studies aimed at obtaining approval for Frova(r) for the intermittent, short-term prevention of MM and Vernalis' partner, Endo, filed a Supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) in the US with the FDA in July 2006. The FDA has accepted this submission and has informed us that it will provide its response by 19 May 2007 (the PDUFA date) which is ten months after the sNDA submission date. If this application is successful a $40 million milestone is due to Vernalis from Endo, though Endo reserves the right to pay $20 million in cash and retain the remaining $20 million as partial payment due on its outstanding loan to Vernalis.
The Frova(r) sNDA is supported by data from four clinical studies (two double-blind, placebo-controlled efficacy studies, an open-label safety study and a pharmacokinetic study). The results from three of these studies were reported in prior years, with the positive results from the second efficacy study, the last of the four studies, being reported in May 2006.
In 2H 2007, Vernalis' European partner, Menarini, plans to submit an application to extend the current indication to include prevention of menstrual migraine throughout Europe under the mutual recognition procedure with France acting as the reference member state. If successful it would lead to an extension of the existing indication for acute treatment in 25 EU countries.
V3381 - Neuropathic Pain
V3381 is a novel drug candidate that was licensed from Chiesi Farmaceutici (Chiesi) which is being developed as a treatment for neuropathic pain. It has a dual mechanism of action (an NMDA antagonist and an MAO-A inhibitor) which gives it the potential to modulate pain at both central and peripheral sites.
In August 2006 Vernalis started a Phase IIa trial of V3381 in patients with neuropathic pain resulting from long-standing diabetes. The randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study is designed to assess safety, pharmacokinetics and preliminary efficacy of repeat dosing of V3381, with efficacy being assessed on a numerical point pain rating scale recorded using daily diaries. The trial, which is being conducted in the U.S. and Canada, will include approximately 30 patients and is planned to complete in mid-2007.
V1003 - Post-Operative Pain
In March 2006, Vernalis completed a Phase IIa study of V1003 for the management of post-operative pain. The study achieved its primary end point of pain relief over the period of eight hours from drug administration. Despite this initial positive efficacy result, there is uncertainty surrounding the future development of V1003 as Vernalis and its partner, Reckitt Benckiser (LSE: RB.L - news) , continue to discuss the most appropriate path forwards for nasal delivery of buprenorphine.
Vernalis has two other pre-clinical programmes based on the proprietary intranasal formulation for the delivery of buprenorphine in partnership with Reckitt Benckiser; V1004 for the treatment of chronic pain and V1005 for the treatment of opiate addiction.
Neurology Franchise
V10153 - Ischaemic Stroke
V10153 is a novel thrombolytic protein which is being developed for the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke. Ischaemic stroke is the most common type of stroke, accounting for over 80 per cent of all strokes and occurs when a blood clot forms and blocks blood flow in an artery supplying blood to a part of the brain (as distinct from a haemorrhagic stroke which is caused by bleeding). Current therapeutic options for stroke sufferers are severely limited since the only current approved therapy, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA), must be administered within the first three hours after a stroke has occurred.
In late 2005 Vernalis started a multi-centre Phase II clinical study of V10153 to determine whether this novel thrombolytic can safely benefit patients who have recently experienced an acute ischaemic stroke if administered up to nine hours after the stroke has occurred. The study is designed to identify a safe and potentially efficacious dose of V10153 and is targeted to complete patient enrolment in 1H 2007 with data being reported in mid-2007.
Vernalis has contracted the process development, scale-up and cGMP manufacturing of V10153 to Diosynth Biotechnology. Diosynth has now completed drug substance manufacturing of V10153 for use in the Phase III stroke trials.
V1512 - Parkinson's Disease
V1512 combines Levodopa (L-dopa) methylester, an enhanced soluble form of L-dopa, with Carbidopa that was licensed from Chiesi. V1512 is fully soluble in water and is presented in a patented, effervescent formulation as a potential novel treatment for Parkinson's disease. L-dopa has been the cornerstone of Parkinson's disease treatment for four decades; however, after many years of treatment it may become less effective, and other problems such as motor complications and unwanted movements, known as dyskinesias, can emerge. There is evidence that some of these problems, such as a delay in the onset of effect of some L-dopa doses during the day, may be due to erratic absorption of the drug into the bloodstream caused by impaired functioning of the stomach and small intestine. Normal gut motility, called peristalsis, is essential for passage of food and solid dose form drugs (tablets and capsules) through the stomach to the parts of the intestine where absorption into the bloodstream takes place. V1512, being fully soluble in water, is administered in liquid form and therefore would be less susceptible to impaired gut motility as it could quickly pass through to the small intestine assisted only by gravity.
In November 2006, Vernalis started a bridging study to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of V1512 in patients with Parkinson's disease comparing the plasma profiles of the drug following repeated doses, with those of Sinemet(r), the most widely-prescribed form of L-dopa and Carbidopa combination in the US. Regulatory submissions will be targeted for North America and Europe. It is intended to submit to the FDA for a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) prior to starting the Phase III programme in mid-2007. Under Section 119(a) of the US FDA Modernization Act the SPA process allows a protocol to be adequately assessed by the FDA in terms of study size and design in order to determine whether the study design is adequate to form the basis of an efficacy claim in the proposed indication. A written agreement on the protocol, which occurs before the study commences, becomes part of the administrative record.
V2006 - Parkinson's Disease
V2006 is an adenosine A2A receptor antagonist in development as a novel treatment for Parkinson's disease. A2A receptor antagonists act indirectly on dopaminergic systems and may possess advantages over conventional dopaminergic therapies.
Vernalis has completed a suite of Phase I trials and its partner, Biogen Idec, will start patient dosing in a Phase II trial of V2006 imminently. Vernalis received a milestone payment of $3 million at the end of 2006 in recognition of the start of the Phase II programme. Vernalis has an option to co-promote products arising out of this collaboration in the U.S.
Apomorphine - Parkinson's Disease
In November 2005, Vernalis entered into a collaboration with Britannia Pharmaceuticals Limited (Britannia) to explore the development of new formulations of apomorphine for the U.S. market. Vernalis has rights to Britannia's technology to develop a continuous sub-cutaneous infusion of apomorphine and rights to negotiate terms for a nasal powder formulation of apomorphine, which is currently in clinical development in Europe.
Other Programmes
V24343 - Obesity
In December 2006 Vernalis started a Phase I trial of V24343, a cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1) antagonist, as a potential treatment for obesity, type II diabetes and related disorders. CB1 receptors are widely expressed both in peripheral tissues involved in lipid and glucose metabolism and in the brain regions controlling appetite. Blockade of these receptors by selective CB1 receptor antagonists is thought to cause weight loss and help attenuate risk factors for obesity related disorders such as cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes. The efficacy of CB1 receptor antagonists in the treatment of obesity, type II diabetes and associated disorders has been clinically demonstrated in recent trials of the Sanofi Aventis product, Rimonabant.
The Phase I double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study in overweight and mildly obese volunteers is being conducted in two parts; a single ascending dose followed by a multiple ascending doses and is expected to complete in mid-2007. The primary objectives of the Phase I programme are to evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of single and multiple doses of V24343. Overweight and mildly obese subjects are being recruited into the trial to ensure that the evaluation of V24343 is carried out in a clinically relevant population.
Hsp90 inhibitors - Oncology
Inhibition of Hsp90 is believed to have significant potential in the treatment of a broad range of cancers. Vernalis has a research collaboration with Novartis utilising Vernalis' structure-based design technology to identify potent and specific inhibitors of this novel drug target for use against various cancers. The two companies are conducting a joint research programme under which Novartis provides research funding to Vernalis for an initial three-year period from August 2004. In addition, Novartis is responsible for funding and conducting the development of product candidates as well as for commercialisation.
In December 2006, Vernalis announced that Novartis had selected a second clinical development candidate; an oral follow on to an intra-venous (IV) compound, triggering a milestone payment of $1.5 million to Vernalis. Novartis expects to start a Phase I clinical trial with the IV compound in mid-2007.
Research
Vernalis has a strong research capability focused on the discovery of drug development candidates to treat CNS diseases and cancer. The current therapeutic focus in CNS is pain and Parkinson's disease, where, for the latter, both symptomatic and disease modifying strategies are being pursued. Emphasis is placed on drug targets for which there is both strong evidence of therapeutic relevance and which are amenable to the Company's drug candidate discovery technology. Where appropriate, Vernalis seeks collaborations in this area, an example of which is its adenosine A2A receptor antagonist programme partnered with Biogen Idec. In cancer the emphasis is on targets that are capable of having pleiotropic effects on cancer cells i.e. single targets that can modulate the action of multiple growth promoting pathways used by cancer cells. With this approach it is hoped to produce effective treatments by preventing a tumour being able to survive by using a different complementary growth pathway. This pleiotropic approach to targets is illustrated by the Company's Hsp90 programme partnered with Novartis.
Vernalis uses and develops structure-based drug discovery methods for its programmes in order to increase the quality and discovery rate of drug candidate compounds. The Company's approach is to generate as much 3-dimensional protein-molecule structural information as possible in the hit identification phase using virtual screening, a distinctive fragment (small parts of molecules) based discovery process, and molecular modelling. In turn, this structural information is used to design novel hit compounds, often combining key interaction features from a number of fragments and compounds together. These hits are then optimised using structure-guided medicinal chemistry. Drug candidate compounds emerging from this discovery process in both therapeutic areas are regularly reviewed and considered for partnering or internal development.
2. Financial Review
Income Statement
Revenue was GBP16.3 million (2005: GBP14.1 million) and comprised GBP2.6 million (2005: GBP0.5 million) in respect of Apokyn(r), GBP3.9 million (2005: GBP3.0 million) in respect of Frova(r), GBP9.8 million (2005: GBP10.0 million) in respect of revenues recognised under collaboration and similar agreements and other revenue of GBP0.1 million (2005: GBP0.2 million).
The rights to Apokyn(r) were acquired from Mylan in November 2005. Revenues for 2006 amounted to gross sales of $5.6 million less provisions of $0.8 million for potential returns, rebates and allowances.
The Frova(r) revenues comprised GBP3.6 million (2005: GBP3.0 million) from Europe where the product is promoted by Menarini, and the release of a provision of GBP0.3 million (2005: GBP0) relating to North American returns and rebates in respect of the period prior to the licensing agreement with Endo. During 2006, an anniversary payment of $15 million was received from Endo, part of which is accounted for within collaboration income. The variable royalty on North American sales of Frova(r) commenced on 1 January 2007.
Revenues from collaborations and similar agreements included GBP3.2 million (2005: GBP3.2 million) in respect of Frova(r), including recognition of a proportion of the $15 million anniversary payment from Endo that was received in September 2006. In addition, GBP1.5 million (2005: GBP0) was recognised following initiation of the BIIB014 (formerly V2006) Phase II programme by Biogen Idec and consequent payment of $3 million to Vernalis. Other collaboration income amounted to GBP5.1 million (2005: GBP7.2 million) and related to the release of deferred income of previously received initial payments from Biogen Idec and Novartis and the funding from Endo in respect of the US co-promotion of Frova(r).
Cost of sales increased to GBP6.8 million (2005: GBP5.0 million). This comprised GBP0.5 million (2005: GBP0.1 million) in respect of Apokyn(r), reflecting product costs and royalties payable to Britannia, GBP1.2 million (2005: GBP1.2 million) in respect of European sales of Frova(r) and GBP5.1 million (2005: GBP3.7 million) of other charges, principally amortisation of the acquisition costs of Frova(r) and Apokyn(r) incurred in prior years.
Other income of GBP0.6 million (2005: GBP0) results from compensation received for damaged inventory of Frova(r).
Research and development expenditure increased to GBP38.9 million (2005: GBP26.5 million). The 2006 expenditure includes an impairment charge of GBP9.8 million in respect of V1003. The valuation of V1003 has been reduced to zero due to the uncertainty surrounding its future development. Excluding this amount, research and development expenditure increased to GBP29.1 million (2005: GBP26.5 million) and comprised GBP17.5 million (2005: GBP17.3 million) on internally-funded R&D and GBP11.6 million (2005: GBP9.2 million) on external costs associated with development of the product portfolio. The increase in external costs is due to investment across the broader portfolio, particularly V1512 and V3381, and manufacture of Phase III material for V10153; this was offset by reduced costs, compared with 2005, on the clinical development of Frova(r) for the short-term prevention of MM.
Sales and marketing expenditure increased to GBP9.0 million (2005: GBP1.6 million) reflecting the launch of Apokyn(r) in February 2006 and the full operation of the US commercial business.
General and administrative expenditure was GBP12.2 million (2005: GBP14.4 million) and comprised goodwill impairment of GBP0.7 million (2005: GBP6.4 million), vacant lease provisions of GBP1.2 million (2005: GBP0) and other expenditure of GBP10.3 million (2005: GBP8.0 million). The increase in other expenditure was due to the overhead costs of operating in the USA and Canada (GBP2.1 million), and increases in professional fees (GBP0.6 million).
The operating loss before exceptional items was GBP38.3 million (2005: GBP26.9 million). The total operating loss for the year was GBP50.0 million (2005: GBP33.3 million).
Interest receivable and similar income increased to GBP8.1 million (2005: GBP4.4 million). Bank interest was GBP2.3 million (2005: GBP2.0 million) with the increase due to both slightly higher average cash balances during the year and slightly higher interest rates. Exchange gains increased to GBP5.7 million (2005: GBP1.8 million) and relates principally to the retranslation of the dollar-dominated loan from Endo (GBP3.9 million) and retranslation of the dollar-dominated contingent deferred consideration that may become due pursuant to the acquisition of Cita (GBP1.4 million). These amounts arise due to the strengthening of sterling from $1.72 at the beginning of the year to $1.96 at the end of the year. The exchange gains and losses are not matched under hedge accounting because, in the case of the loan from Endo, it is expected to be repaid out of future dollar receipts from Endo and, in the case of the contingent deferred consideration, it is not certain when or what amount will be due. In 2005 an implicit interest receipt of GBP0.5 million was recorded relating to the fair value accounting for the $15 million anniversary payment from Endo in September 2006.
Interest payable and similar charges reduced to GBP3.6 million (2005: GBP5.5 million). The reduction was due to lower exchange losses of GBP1.3 million (2005: GBP3.7 million). The principal exchange loss recorded in 2005 related to the loan from Endo and occurred due to the weakening of sterling against the dollar in 2005. Loan interest was unchanged at GBP1.5 million. Charges relating to the fair value accounting for deferred obligations increased to GBP0.8 million (2005: GBP0.3 million).
The tax credit of GBP3.1 million (2005: GBP1.6 million) represents amounts that are expected to be received in the UK and Canada under current legislation on research and development tax credits for small and medium sized companies.
The loss for the year ended 31 December 2006 before exceptional items was GBP30.7 million (2005: GBP26.4 million). The increase is due to higher sales and marketing costs resulting from the acquisition of Apokyn(r) and establishment of the US commercial organisation. The total loss for the year was GBP42.4 million (2005: GBP32.8 million).
Balance Sheet
Non current assets decreased to GBP71.6 million (2005: GBP91.7 million). The principal factor was the reduction of intangible assets to GBP66.4 million (2005: GBP84.3 million). This reduction resulted from the regular amortisation charge of GBP4.7 million, the impairment in respect of V1003 of GBP9.8 million and an exchange adjustment on Canadian intangibles of GBP3.4 million. In addition, goodwill reduced to GBP3.4 million (2005: GBP4.9 million) as a result of adjustment to the price paid to acquire Cita relating to the tax credits receivable and the likely timing of the satisfaction of the contingent deferred consideration.
Current assets reduced to GBP50.8 million (2005: GBP93.1 million). Trade and other receivables decreased to GBP12.3 million (2005: GBP24.0 million). Trade receivables increased to GBP3.1 million (2005: GBP2.3 million) due principally to the amounts due in respect of sales of Apokyn(r). Research and development tax credits receivable increased to GBP5.0 million (2005: GBP4.0 million) due to the higher claim in the year, principally in respect of the Canadian operations. Other receivables decreased to GBP0.6 million (2005: GBP13.0 million). The 2005 balance included the second anniversary payment of GBP8.7 million from Endo, received in September 2006, and the unwinding of GBP3.6 million in respect of tax-assisted finance arrangements entered into by Cita prior to its acquisition by Vernalis. In addition prepayments and accrued income decreased to GBP3.0 million (2005: GBP4.2 million). Cash resources, comprising held to maturity financial assets of GBP16.1 million (2005: GBP28.1 million) and cash and cash equivalents of GBP21.5 million (2005: GBP40.2 million), decreased to GBP37.6 million (2005: GBP68.3 million). The reasons for the decreases are explained in the cash flow section below.
Non-current liabilities reduced to GBP47.8 million (2005: GBP69.6 million). The reduction is principally due to the classification of GBP14.9 million in respect of the Endo loan within current liabilities. For the purpose of classification of creditors, it is assumed that Frova(r) will be approved by the FDA for the short-term prevention of MM during 2007. This event would trigger a payment of $40 million from Endo to Vernalis. Endo has the right to withhold 50 per cent of this payment, together with 50 per cent of any royalty payments, and use them to reduce the balance outstanding on the loan. In addition, following recognition of another year's deferred revenue in the income statement, GBP4.5 million of deferred income has been transferred from non-current to current liabilities.
Current liabilities increased to GBP36.8 million (2005: GBP32.3 million) with the increase due to the reclassification of GBP14.9 million in respect of the Endo loan within current liabilities. This was offset by a reduction of GBP2.6 million in trade creditors and accruals, due principally to unpaid transaction costs in 2005, a reduction of GBP3.6 million in respect of the Cita tax-assisted financing referred to above and a reduction of GBP1.2 million to the deferred consideration that could become payable pursuant to the acquisition of Cita. In addition provisions reduced by GBP2.8 million due to the occupancy of part of the premises at Granta Park by Pfizer (NYSE: PFE - news) and the resolution of rebates and returns in respect of Frova(r).
Cash Flow
Cash resources, comprising held to maturity financial assets and cash and cash equivalents decreased to GBP37.6 million (2005: GBP68.3 million). The decrease in cash resources was GBP30.7 million (2005: GBP34.0 million) which comprises GBP31.9 million (2005: GBP15.8 million) utilised in the operations of the business offset by GBP1.6 million generated from investing activities (2005: utilisation of GBP18.7 million) and GBP0.6 million of exchange losses (2005: GBP0.5 million gains). The increase in the amount utilised in the operations of this business is consistent with the expenditure analysis above and principally relates to the additional costs of the US and Canadian operations, sales and marketing support for Apokyn(r) and investment in the broader portfolio of development candidates. The amount generated from investments is principally interest received on financial assets and cash deposits. In 2005 the amount used in investing activities arose due to the acquisition of Apokyn(r) from Mylan for $23 million, a payment of GBP2.8 million to GSK in respect of the royalty buy-out for Frova(r) and GBP3.1 million of costs associated with business combinations during 2005.
Outlook for 2007
The potential approval of Frova(r) for the short-term prevention of MM is the most significant factor affecting the financial position of the Company. The FDA has indicated it will provide its response to the Company's sNDA submission by 19 May 2007 (PDUFA date). If this application is successful a $40 million milestone is due to Vernalis from Endo, though Endo reserves the right to pay $20 million in cash and retain the remaining $20 million as partial payment due on its outstanding loan to Vernalis.
Vernalis' variable royalty on Frova(r) sales in North America commenced on 1 January 2007. 2007 Apokyn(r) revenues are expected to increase to between $9 million to $10 million. There is also the potential to generate income from new collaborative arrangements for V10153, V3381 and V24343 if the ongoing trials with these products, all of which are expected to complete in the summer, are positive.
External development costs are expected to be similar to 2006 with the largest element of expenditure being the Phase III programmes with V1512. This Phase III programme is expected to start in the second half of the year, after the FDA has responded on the Frova(r) sNDA. Internal R&D costs and general costs are expected to be at similar levels to 2006 and it is anticipated there will be a small increase to sales and marketing costs reflecting a full year's charge in respect of infrastructure established in 2006.... |
