2012-02-14 07:02:14 -
Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd /
Actelion announces Full Year 2011 financial results
. Processed and transmitted by Thomson Reuters ONE.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Product sales of CHF 1,713.0 million, up 7% in local currencies - Non-GAAP EBIT
of CHF 520.6 million, up 8% in local currencies - 2011 Non-GAAP diluted EPS of
CHF 3.31 - Net Loss of CHF 146.3 million due to legal provisions - Company
renews commitment to dividend payment - End of Study procedures initiated in
late January 2012 for Phase III study with macitentan in Pulmonary Arterial
Hypertension
ALLSCHWIL/BASEL, SWITZERLAND - 14 February 2012 - Actelion Ltd (SIX: ATLN) today
announced financial results for the full year 2011.
In CHF Million
| Results | Results | % Variance | % Variance
(except for per share data) | FY 2011 | FY 2010 | |
| | | In CHF | In LC
-----------------------------+---------+---------+------------+------------
Total net revenues | 1,796.1 | 1,929.0 | (7) | 5
-----------------------------+---------+---------+------------+------------
Product sales | 1,713.0 | 1,826.3 | (6) | 7
-----------------------------+---------+---------+------------+------------
US GAAP EBIT | 12.2 | 457.3 | (97) | (95)
-----------------------------+---------+---------+------------+------------
Non-GAAP EBIT | 520.6 | 619.3 | (16) | 8
-----------------------------+---------+---------+------------+------------
US GAAP EPS (fully diluted) | (1.23) | 3.22 | - | -
-----------------------------+---------+---------+------------+------------
| | | |
| | | |
As of 31 December 2011, Actelion had cash and cash equivalents of CHF 1.3
billion. In addition, Actelion holds 13.3 million treasury shares (including
2.9 million shares purchased via the second line).
Jean-Paul Clozel, M.D. and Chief Executive Officer of Actelion commented: "In a
difficult economic environment, Actelion has achieved a strong result with
product sales of more than 1.7 billion Swiss Francs. Following 10 years of
strong sales growth, a very difficult pricing environment and a maturing product
portfolio will result in a transition period in which we are preparing for new
products to reach the market. In this period, we are focused and committed to
optimizing the earning power of our business."
Jean-Paul Clozel added: "In the weeks ahead, our key focus will be on delivering
the results of our Phase III morbidity/mortality study with macitentan in
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. End of Study procedures were initiated at the
end of January 2012, so we anticipate top-line results in the second quarter of
2012."
Jean-Paul Clozel concluded: "Later in 2012, the company also expects to initiate
the Phase III program for ponesimod in multiple sclerosis as well as to finalize
the evaluation of potential strategic partnerships for both ponesimod and
setipiprant."
Andrew J. Oakley, Chief Financial Officer of Actelion commented: "Our 2011
results have been adversely affected by the ongoing economic crisis. Prices for
medications are under pressure and the worsening sovereign debt crisis required
additional provisions. Accordingly, sales growth of 7 percent and Non-GAAP EBIT
growth of 8 percent, both in local currencies, shows the underlying strength of
our business. However, the ongoing legal case in the United States and the
related provisions resulted in the company reporting, for the Full Year 2011, a
net loss."
Andrew J. Oakley continued: "The difficult economic environment also determines
the outlook for 2012. Unforeseen events excluded, Actelion expects product sales
- in local currencies - to decrease in the low-to-mid single digit range. This
forecast is mostly the result of increased pricing pressure globally and
increased competitive pressure in the United States."
Andrew J. Oakley added: "For 2012, the company has set itself the target to
maintain core earnings at the 2011 level, on a local currency basis."
The company defines core earnings as product sales minus cash operating
expenses. In 2011, Actelion's core earnings amounted to CHF 437.5 million (up
13 percent in local currencies compared to 2010).
Andrew J. Oakley concluded: "Through optimizing the earnings power of the
company in 2012 and beyond, the Board of Directors is in a position to ask
shareholders at the upcoming Annual General Meeting of 4(th) May to approve the
payment of an unchanged annual dividend of CHF 0.80 per share."
Revenue performance
Product sales for the full year of 2011 were CHF 1,713.0 million (FY 2010
CHF 1,826.3 million), an increase of 7% in local currencies with 41% coming from
the United States, 39% from Europe, 10% from Japan and 10% from the rest of the
world. Product sales growth was almost entirely driven by patient demand.
In 2011, Tracleer(®) (bosentan) again delivered excellent sales growth of 5% in
local currencies and 8% in units, 10 years after its market introduction. These
gains translated into total Tracleer sales of CHF 1,522.1 million for 2011
compared to CHF 1,636.1 million for the same period in 2010.
In March 2011, there was a shift in the competitive dynamics for Tracleer in the
United States (US) when a competitor's product received a change to its label
and a simplified risk evaluation and mitigation survey (REMS) obligation.
Actelion has, as a result, seen a gradual decline in the share of new
prescriptions for Tracleer in the US. Actelion continues to highlight that the
proven efficacy of Tracleer is unsurpassed.
Outside the US, Tracleer sales were driven by the continued growth in the
utilization of endothelin receptor antagonists in PAH and digital ulcers as a
consequence of systemic sclerosis. The successful conversion of sitaxentan
patients to Tracleer following the withdrawal of sitaxentan in early 2011 also
contributed to Tracleer sales in Europe and Australia.
The launch of Actelion's fourth product in the US, Veletri(®) (epoprostenol for
injection), a parenteral prostacyclin formulation providing the efficacy of
epoprostenol with an increased stability at room temperature, is proceeding
well. Positive feedback from prescribers is reflected in the continued growth
momentum of Veletri in the US. Sales of this product for the full year 2011
amounted to CHF 14.7 million. Registration in Japan and Europe with the second
generation formulation is ongoing and, based on current estimates, Veletri could
become available in these markets in 2013.
During the full year of 2011, Ventavis(®) (iloprost) sales in the US amounted to
CHF 106.4 million compared to CHF 118.7 million in the full year of 2010. In
local currencies, this represents an increase of 7%. This increase was due to a
price increase of 4.5% in January 2011 and to an effective price gain through
lower rebates. There was a small decrease in the units shipped due to increased
competition.
Sales of Zavesca(®) (miglustat) for the full year of 2011 increased by 12% in
local currencies to reach CHF 68.4 million compared to CHF 68.7 million during
2010. Sales growth stems from the continued uptake of Zavesca in Niemann-Pick
type C disease (NP-C). The continued increase of NP-C patients on Zavesca
therapy is somewhat masked by a decline in the number of patients with type 1
Gaucher disease under treatment with Zavesca. This decline is due to patients
returning to enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) following a shortage of ERT in
2010.
Otto Schwarz, Chief Operating Officer of Actelion commented: "2011 proved to be
another commercially successful year for Actelion, with sales growth driven by
strong demand for our products in all major markets and significant progress in
emerging markets. Our performance is particularly satisfying, given the changing
competitive environment in the United States and the challenging macro-economic
environment, especially in Europe, that gave rise to pricing pressure and
concern over the liquidity of national governments."
Otto Schwarz concluded: "We must now ensure that all physicians treating PAH
continue to fully appreciate that only Tracleer has consistently, in three major
studies, demonstrated the ability to improve a patient's functional class. Such
an improvement in functional class is the key target in any goal-oriented
treatment of PAH."
Contract revenues for the full year of 2011 were CHF 83.1 million compared to
CHF 102.6 million in the full year of 2010, a decrease of 19%. During the first
half of 2011 the company recognized the remaining deferred revenue of its
ongoing collaboration with GSK.
Operating expenses
Total operating expenses for the year 2011 were CHF 1,783.9 million compared to
CHF 1,471.7 million for 2010, an increase of 21%. This increase is driven by
provisions related to the litigation award of CHF 340.6 million and of CHF 43.0
million made for doubtful debts including an increased sovereign debt risk from
amounts owed to the company by public hospitals and institutions in Southern
Europe.
Research and Development (R&D) expenses for 2011 were CHF 457.7 million compared
to CHF 484.3 million in 2010. Non-GAAP R&D expenses for 2011, which excludes
stock-based compensation expense and amortization and depreciation, were CHF
399.8 million compared to CHF 428.7 million in 2010 which represents a 5%
decrease in local currencies.
Selling, General and Administrative expenses (SG&A) for 2011 were CHF 749.9
million compared to CHF 744.1 million in 2010. Non-GAAP SG&A expenses for 2011,
which excludes stock-based compensation expense and amortization and
depreciation, were CHF 679.3 million compared to CHF 680.6 million in 2010. A
7% local currency increase was driven by provisions of CHF 43.0 million related
to doubtful debts in Southern Europe.
Operating income
Operating income for the full year of 2011 was CHF 12.2 million compared to CHF
457.3 million for the same period in 2010, a decrease of 95% in local
currencies, again due to the litigation and doubtful debt provisions.
In order to better compare the company's underlying performance, Actelion
continues to report Non-GAAP EBIT, which excludes employee stock options,
amortization and depreciation as well as other one-off elements that distort
comparison. Non-GAAP EBIT for the full year 2011 was CHF 520.6 million, an
increase of 8% in local currencies compared to the same period last year.
Net loss
Net loss for 2011 amounted to CHF 146.3 million compared to net income of CHF
390.6 million during the full year of 2010.
Net loss for the period includes interest income of CHF 6.2 million, interest
expense of CHF 21.9 million, amortization of debt discount of CHF 18.1 million,
impairment on financial assets of CHF 24.7 million (charges related to Greek
bonds and the Trophos option), other financial expense of CHF 22.9 million, as
well as an income tax expense of CHF 77.0 million. The tax rate for the full
year 2011, adjusted for the litigation provision and its impact on the tax line
was 17.3%.
The net loss translates into a loss per share of CHF 1.23 compared to fully
diluted earnings per share of CHF 3.22 in the full year 2010.
Non-GAAP earnings per share on a fully diluted basis decreased by 27% to CHF
3.31. In local currencies, this represents a decrease of 4 percent.
Clinical Development update
Guy Braunstein, Head of Global Clinical Development commented: "Throughout 2011
we have delivered on our objective to advance the development pipeline,
reporting high quality data in several key programs. During 2012, we will
continue to deliver excellence in the conduct of our studies. This year we
anticipate the results of several mid-stage studies, especially Phase II dose-
finding study for setipiprant in asthma and the Phase II study for ponesimod in
psoriasis. More importantly, we are expecting to report top-line results or the
Phase III morbidity / mortality study with macitentan in PAH in the second
quarter of this year."
Actelion currently has over 15 compounds in clinical development studied in
multiple therapeutic areas. The company is currently pursuing Phase III programs
with three different compounds:
Macitentan in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Macitentan is being investigated in a Phase III study, SERAPHIN, designed to
evaluate the efficacy and safety of this highly potent, tissue-targeting,
endothelin receptor antagonist. The primary endpoint is morbidity and all-cause
mortality in patients with symptomatic PAH.
Global enrollment was completed in December 2009, with more than 700 patients
included in the trial. The study is event-driven and, having reached the
required number of events, End of Study procedures have been initiated.
Consequently results are expected in the second quarter of 2012.
In addition, Actelion has initiated a pivotal Phase III program with macitentan
in patients with ischemic digital ulcers associated with systemic sclerosis in
December 2011.
Selexipag in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Selexipag is being investigated in a Phase III study, GRIPHON, designed to
evaluate the efficacy and safety of this first-in-class, orally available,
selective IP receptor agonist in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
The primary endpoint is morbidity and all-cause mortality in patients with
symptomatic PAH. GRIPHON is currently enrolling a target of 1,150 patients
around the world.
Given current recruitment rates, the target enrollment is predicted to be
completed in early 2013. Consequently, final results could be available mid-
2014. There will be an interim analysis for efficacy and futility at around two
thirds of the total number of required events.
Setipiprant in allergic rhinitis
Actelion's CRTH2 receptor antagonist, setipiprant, blocks the effects of
prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) in inflammation and, as a consequence, the amplification
and maintenance of allergic reactions. It is currently being evaluated in two
allergic disorders: Asthma and allergic rhinitis.
In December 2011, the company initiated a Phase III study to evaluate the
efficacy, safety, and tolerability of setipiprant in adolescent, adult and
elderly patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). The study aims to
demonstrate the efficacy of a single dose of setipiprant taken twice-a-day
versus placebo on several symptomatic indicators over 2 weeks.
The future development path and optimal partner selection is dependent on the
ongoing Phase II study results in asthma due in the first half of 2012.
The mid-stage clinical development programs include:
Ponesimod in multiple sclerosis and psoriasis
Actelion's selective S1P(1) receptor agonist, ponesimod, is currently in
development as an immunomodulator, with the potential for once-a-day oral dosing
for multiple autoimmune disorders.
A Phase IIb dose-finding study with ponesimod in multiple sclerosis was
successfully completed in July 2011. The study assessed efficacy, safety and
tolerability of three ponesimod doses (10 mg, 20 mg or 40 mg) versus placebo,
administered orally once daily for 24 weeks. With 464 patients enrolled, this is
the largest ever dose-finding study conducted in this autoimmune disorder of the
central nervous system.
In this study, ponesimod significantly reduced the cumulative number of new
active lesions on monthly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans performed
from weeks 12 to 24, with the most effective dose showing statistical
significance (p<0.0001).
Despite the small overall number of confirmed relapses in this study, there was
a clinically meaningful effect observed on annualized relapse rate, an important
secondary endpoint.
Ponesimod is also being investigated in a dose-finding study in patients with
moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis. The study is designed to evaluate
the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of two doses of this compound
administered for up to 28 weeks. Enrollment of a target 320 patients commenced
in the fourth quarter of 2010 and the study is expected to report results in the
second half of 2012.
Setipiprant in asthma
Setipiprant is being studied in a Phase II dose-ranging study in adult patients
with only partly controlled asthma in addition to the ongoing clinical
evaluations of setipiprant in seasonal allergic rhinitis. Having established the
proof-of-mechanism, a 12 week study is being conducted to demonstrate a change
in Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV) following administration of different doses of
setipiprant. The study is fully enrolled with more than 400 patients and is
expected to report results in the first half of 2012.
Cadazolid in Clostridium difficile infection
Actelion's first potent, novel antibiotic, cadazolid, is being investigated in a
Phase II study in patients with Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). The study
is designed to investigate the efficacy, safety and tolerability profile of
three doses of study drug in an estimated 92 patients. Global enrollment
commenced in the fourth quarter of 2010, recruitment is slower than anticipated
and therefore study results are expected in the second half of 2012.
Actelion's cardiovascular compound
Actelion is conducting a proof-of-concept study with its novel cardiovascular
compound. The study will provide the information required to determine the
potential target indications in the cardiovascular space, results are expected
in the first half of 2012.
Expanding Phase I portfolio
During 2011, Actelion initiated Phase I programs for seven compounds, bringing
the total of Phase I compounds to eight, which includes a follow-up compound to
the S1P(1) receptor agonist ponesimod.
Six novel compounds entered into man in 2011, these being a more potent CRTH2
antagonist (follow-up compound to setipiprant), a cardiovascular compound, an
immunology compound, a dual orexin receptor antagonist (follow-up compound to
almorexant), a compound addressing a metabolic disease and an anti-malarial
compound.
Finally, following excellent preclinical results, a Phase I open-label study was
initiated with macitentan in patients with recurring glioblastoma.
Martine Clozel, Chief Scientific Officer of Actelion commented: "Actelion's
long-term future depends upon continued discovery of novel drugs coming from
Actelion's labs. In 2011 seven new Phase I programs were initiated, an
outstanding achievement for a company of our age and size. Our continued
dedication to innovative drug discovery and commitment to help patients will
support our goal to deliver a steady flow of new compounds which may offer new
treatment options for patients."
Human Resources
At the end of 2011, Actelion employed 2,570 professionals worldwide, an increase
of 5% (or 129 positions) compared to the end of 2010. Of the total number of
employees more than 1,000 are located at the corporate headquarters in
Switzerland.
Legal update
In 2008, a lawsuit was filed by Asahi Kasei Pharma Corporation against Actelion
Ltd, certain subsidiaries and three individual officers in a Californian
Superior Court. The action arises from a dispute involving the license and
development agreement between Asahi and CoTherix for the drug compound fasudil
that has been terminated upon the acquisition of CoTherix in 2007.
During 2011, the case was heard in trial court and resulted in a jury award of
compensatory and punitive damages. Following post-trial motions the trial court
entered a final judgment of USD 407.325 million and additional prejudgment
interest and costs of USD 8.3 million, in November 2011. The company and its
external advisors believe that the jury verdict and trial court judgment are
neither supported by the facts nor correct as a matter of law. The company
strongly believes that there are significant grounds for a successful appeal,
notice of which was filed with the California Courts of Appeal in December 2011.
In 2010, the company reported that that its fully owned US subsidiary Actelion
Pharmaceuticals US, Inc. had received a subpoena from the United States
Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California, requesting documents
relating, among others, to marketing and sales practices of Tracleer in the US.
The corresponding investigation is ongoing.
Annual Report
Full details on the progress made in 2011 are available in Actelion's 2011
Annual Report, available from www.actelion.com
NOTE TO THE SHAREHOLDERS:
The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders to approve the Business Report of the
year ending 31 December 2011 will be held on 4 May 2012. Following the
shareholders decision at the AGM 2011, the Board of Directors has also included
a compensation report which is now submitted to the shareholders for a
consultative vote at Annual General Meeting 2012.
Other items - which will form part of the agenda - include the nomination of
Prof. Peter Gruss, Head of the German research organization Max Planck Society,
to Actelion's Board of Directors and a proposal to continue the annual payment
of a dividend.
Shareholders holding more than CHF 1,000,000 nominal value of shares (i.e.
2,000,000 shares at nominal value of CHF 0.50), being entitled to add items to
the agenda of the general meeting of shareholders, are invited to send in
proposals, if any, to Actelion Ltd, attention Corporate Secretary,
Gewerbestrasse 16, CH-4123 Allschwil, to arrive no later than 19 March 2012. Any
proposal received after the deadline will be disregarded.
In order to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders,
shareholders must be registered in the Company's shareholder register by 25
April 2012 at the latest.
Upcoming events
* Q1 Financial Results 2012 reporting on 19 April 2012
* Actelion will hold its Annual General Meeting on 4 May 2012
* HY Financial Results 2012 reporting on 19 July 2012
###
For Documentation Purposes
Full Financial Statement:
The full financial statement for the full year of 2011 can be found as a PDF
attached to the media release. It is also available on www.actelion.com in the
Investor section
www.actelion.com/en/investors/financial-information/finance-
archive/index.page?
Non-GAAP to US GAAP reconciliation for FY2011
In CHF Million | |
| FY'11 | FY'10
| |
--------------------------------+-------+-------
Non-GAAP EBIT | 520.6 | 619.3
--------------------------------+-------+-------
Stock option expenses | 84.9 | 83.2
--------------------------------+-------+-------
Amortization and depreciation | 82.9 | 78.8
--------------------------------+-------+-------
Litigation provision | 340.6 | -
--------------------------------+-------+-------
US GAAP EBIT | 12.2 | 457.3
| |
Non-GAAP EPS
In CHF Million | |
| FY'11 | FY'10
| |
------------------------------------------+--------+--------
Income before income tax expense | (69.3) | 440.9
------------------------------------------+--------+--------
Depreciation and amortization | 82.9 | 78.8
------------------------------------------+--------+--------
Stock-based compensation | 84.9 | 83.2
------------------------------------------+--------+--------
Litigation Provision | 340.6 | -
------------------------------------------+--------+--------
Interest expense on litigation provision | 19.7 | -
------------------------------------------+--------+--------
Non-Cash amortization of debt discount | 17.3 | 18.7
------------------------------------------+--------+--------
Tax expense (17.3% for FY2011) | (82.4) | (70.9)
------------------------------------------+--------+--------
Non-GAAP Net income | 393.8 | 550.6
------------------------------------------+--------+--------
Diluted Non-GAAP EPS in CHF | 3.31 | 4.54
| |
Key Financial Figures for
FY 2011
In CHF Million | Results | Results | % Variance | % Variance
| FY 2011 | FY 2010 | |
(except for per share data) | | | In CHF | In LC
-----------------------------+---------+---------+------------+------------
Product sales | 1,713.0 | 1,826.3 | (6) | 7
-----------------------------+---------+---------+------------+------------
Non-GAAP OPEX | 1,275.6 | 1,309.6 | (3) | 4
-----------------------------+---------+---------+------------+------------
Non-GAAP EBIT | 520.6 | 619.3 | (16) | 8
-----------------------------+---------+---------+------------+------------
Core earnings | 437.5 | 516.6 | (15) | 13
-----------------------------+---------+---------+------------+------------
US GAAP EBIT | 12.2 | 457.3 | (97) | (95)
-----------------------------+---------+---------+------------+------------
Diluted EPS - US GAAP | (1.23) | 3.22 | - | -
| | | |
Notes to the editor:
Actelion Ltd.
Actelion Ltd is a biopharmaceutical company with its corporate headquarters in
Allschwil/Basel, Switzerland. Actelion's first drug Tracleer®, an orally
available dual endothelin receptor antagonist, has been approved as a therapy
for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Actelion markets Tracleer® through its own
subsidiaries in key markets worldwide, including the United States (based in
South San Francisco), the European Union, Japan, Canada, Australia and
Switzerland. Actelion, founded in late 1997, is a leading player in innovative
science related to the endothelium - the single layer of cells separating every
blood vessel from the blood stream. Actelion's over 2,500 employees focus on
the discovery, development and marketing of innovative drugs for significant
unmet medical needs. Actelion shares are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange
(ticker symbol: ATLN) as part of the Swiss blue-chip index SMI (Swiss Market
Index SMI®).
For further information please contact:
Roland Haefeli
Senior Vice President, Head of Investor Relations & Public Affairs
Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Gewerbestrasse 16, CH-4123 Allschwil
+41 61 565 62 62
+1 650 624 69 36
www.actelion.com
Conference Call Information
An investor conference call & webcast will be held at 14.00 hrs, CEST to discuss
the results as well as to provide an update on the development pipeline.
Date/Time:
14 February 2012 14.00 hrs - 15.00 hrs Basel (CET)
13.00 hrs - 14.00 hrs UK (GMT)
08.00 a.m. - 09.00 a.m. US (EST)
Conference Call Connect #:
Dial-in participants should start calling the number below 10-15 minutes before
the conference is due to start.
Dial: Europe: +41 (0)44 580 00 74
UK: +44 (0)203 367 94 54
US: +1 866 907 59 23
Participant's mode:
Listen only
Webcast Access:
Webcast participants should visit the Actelion website
www.actelion.com/
10-15 minutes before the conference is due to start.
If you experience any access problems go directly to the URL:
gaia.world-television.com/actelion/20120214/trunc
Participant's mode:
Listen and watch only
Webcast Replay:
The archived Investor Webcast will be available for replay through
www.actelion.com/ approximately 60 minutes after the call has ended.
Financial Fact Sheet:
hugin.info/131801/R/1585149/496229.pdf
Press Release PDF:
hugin.info/131801/R/1585149/496226.pdf
Financial Statement:
hugin.info/131801/R/1585149/496230.pdf
Webcast:
gaia.world-television.com/actelion/20120214/trunc
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Source: Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd via Thomson Reuters ONE
[HUG#1585149]
