eton20231213_8k.htm
false 0001710340 0001710340 2024-03-14 2024-03-14
 
 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
 
FORM 8-K
 
 
 
CURRENT REPORT
 
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
March 14, 2024
 
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)
 
 
 
ETON PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
 
001-38738
 
37-1858472
(State
 
(Commission
 
(I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation)
 
File Number)
 
Identification Number)
 
 
21925 W. Field Parkway, Suite 235
 
 
Deer Park, Illinois 60010-7208
 
 
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
 
 
(847) 787-7361
 
 
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
 
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
 
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
   
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
   
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
   
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each class
 
Trading symbol(s)
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share
 
ETON
 
NASDAQ Global Market
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
 
Emerging growth company
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
 
 
 

 
 
Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
 
On March 14, 2024, Eton Pharmaceuticals, Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2023. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
 
The information in this Item 2.02 and the attached Exhibit 99.1 are being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section. The information in this Item 2.02 and the attached exhibit shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits
 
Exhibit 99.1
 
104
 
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
 
2

 
 
 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
Date: March 14, 2024
By:  
/s/ James R. Gruber                                      
   
James R. Gruber
   
Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
   
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
3
ex_606409.htm

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

Eton Pharmaceuticals Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results

 

 

Q4 2023 revenue of $7.3 million, representing a 109% increase from Q4 2022, marking the twelfth consecutive quarter of sequential product sales growth
 

Full year 2023 revenues reached $31.6 million with product sales and royalty revenues of $26.1 million, a 132% increase from 2022
 

Announced successful results from ET-400’s pivotal bioequivalence study, NDA submission planned for Q2 2024
 

Management to hold conference call today at 4:30pm ET

 

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 a 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: investorrelations@etonpharma.com.

 

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: lwilson@insitecony.com

 

 

 

 

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