eton20240426_8k.htm
false 0001710340 0001710340 2024-05-09 2024-05-09


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
 
May 9, 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 of
(Commission
(I.R.S. Employer
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. ☐
 
 

 
 
2.02: Results of Operations and Financial Condition
 
On May 9, 2024, Eton Pharmaceuticals, Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. 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.
 
2

 
9.01: Financial Statements and Exhibits
 
Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
Exhibit 99.1   Press Release issued by Eton Pharmaceuticals, Inc. on May 9, 2024 relating to financial results
104
 
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
 
 
3

 
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: May 9, 2024
By:
/s/ James R. Gruber
   
James R. Gruber
   
Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
   
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
4
ex_661640.htm

Exhibit 99.1

 

Eton Pharmaceuticals Reports First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

 

Q1 2024 revenue of $8.0 million, representing 50% growth over Q1 2023 and the 13th straight quarter of sequential product sales growth

Acquired PKU GOLIKE®, launched Nitisinone, and submitted a new drug application (NDA) for product candidate ET-400

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

 

DEER PARK, Ill., MAY 9, 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 ended March 31, 2024.

 

“We have had a very productive start to 2024. In addition to reporting record product sales and our 13th straight quarter of sequential product sales growth, we acquired PKU GOLIKE which adds a compelling new commercial growth asset to our metabolic portfolio. We also launched Nitisinone and submitted an NDA for our highly anticipated ET-400 product candidate,” said Sean Brynjelsen, CEO of Eton Pharmaceuticals.

 

“It’s an exciting time for Eton as we continue to execute on our vision. With strong growth expected from our existing products, plus the additions of PKU GOLIKE and Nitisinone, we are positioned for a very strong 2024 as we gear up for the potential launch of ET-400 in early 2025,” concluded Brynjelsen.  

 

First quarter and Recent Business Highlights

 

13th straight quarter of sequential growth in product sales and royalty revenue. Eton reported first quarter 2024 product sales of $8.0 million, representing 50% growth over the prior year, driven primarily by the ongoing momentum of ALKINDI SPRINKLE® and Carglumic Acid. The Company expects sequential quarter-over-quarter growth of product sales to continue throughout 2024 and beyond.

 

Acquired U.S. rights to PKU GOLIKE, a medical formula for patients with phenylketonuria (PKU). An estimated 8,000 PKU patients in the U.S. rely on medical formulas such as PKU GOLIKE. The condition is managed by metabolic geneticists and their support staff, the same healthcare professionals that Eton is actively engaged with on its other metabolic products. The U.S. market for PKU medical formulas is estimated to be approximately $100 million annually. With GOLIKE’s attractive product benefits and Eton’s commercial infrastructure, the Company’s goal is to capture at least 10% market share, or $10 million annually, in the coming years.

Submitted NDA to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for ET-400. In April, Eton submitted an NDA for ET-400, its proprietary patented formulation of hydrocortisone oral solution. The anticipated 10-month review would allow for potential approval in the first quarter of 2025. The Company continues to see strong interest in the product candidate and believes that ET-400 and ALKINDI SPRINKLE can combine to achieve peak sales of over $50 million annually.

 

Continued growth in ALKINDI SPRINKLE and Carglumic Acid. In the first quarter, the Company launched an ALKINDI SPRINKLE sampling program, which allows physicians to hold product and immediately start a patient on treatment. The Company estimates that Carglumic Acid has now captured over 50% of the patient population and continues to see new patient additions. The launches of Betaine and Nitisinone have further strengthened Eton’s relationships with the metabolic community and have helped increase the frequency of interactions with Carglumic Acid prescribers.

 

Launched rare disease product Nitisinone. The product was launched in February 2024 with full patient and provider support services. The Nitisinone market is estimated to be $50 million annually, split across multiple participants. Eton expects to capture a share of the existing market and the Nitisinone launch should provide the Company with additional opportunities to cross-sell Carglumic Acid and PKU GOLIKE.

 

First Quarter Financial Results

 

Net Revenue: Net revenues for the first quarter of 2024 were $8.0 million compared with $5.3 million in the prior year period, an increase of 50%. The increase was driven primarily by growth in ALKINDI SPRINKLE and Carglumic Acid.

 

Gross Profit: Gross profit for the first quarter of 2024 was $5.0 million compared with $3.3 million in the prior year period, with the increase also driven primarily by growth in ALKINDI SPRINKLE and Carglumic Acid.

 

Research and Development (R&D) Expenses: R&D expenses for the first quarter of 2024 were $0.7 million compared to $0.5 million in the prior year period due to increased development costs associated with product candidate ET-400 and other products in the Company’s R&D pipeline. While the Company expects an increase in second quarter R&D expenses with a $2.0 million ET-400 filing fee, R&D spend for 2024 is forecasted to be approximately $4.0 million excluding the one-time filing fee.

 

General and Administrative (G&A) Expenses: G&A expenses for the first quarter of 2024 were $5.2 million compared to $5.3 million in the prior year period, with the decrease due to a slight reduction in employee related expenses and logistics costs.

 

Net Income: Net loss for the first quarter of 2024 was $0.8 million or $0.03 per basic and diluted share compared to a net loss of $2.7 million or $0.10 per diluted share in the prior year period.

 

Cash Position: As of March 31, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $16.7 million and expects continued sales growth to result in positive operating cash flow throughout the remainder of 2024.

 

 

 

Conference Call and Webcast Information

 

As previously announced, Eton Pharmaceuticals will host a its first quarter 2024 conference call as follows:

 

Date                                    May 9, 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 five commercial rare disease products: ALKINDI SPRINKLE®, PKU GOLIKE®, 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)

(Unaudited)

 

   

For the three months ended

 
   

March 31,

   

March 31,

 
   

2024

   

2023

 

Revenues:

               

Licensing revenue

 

$

   

$

 

Product sales and royalties

   

7,966

     

5,304

 

Total net revenues

   

7,966

     

5,304

 
                 

Cost of sales:

               

Licensing revenue

   

     

 

Product sales and royalties

   

2,959

     

1,958

 

Total cost of sales

   

2,959

     

1,958

 
                 

Gross profit

   

5,007

     

3,346

 
                 

Operating expenses:

               

Research and development

   

651

     

535

 

General and administrative

   

5,156

     

5,345

 

Total operating expenses

   

5,807

     

5,880

 
                 

Loss from operations

   

(800

)

   

(2,534

)

                 

Other income (expense):

               

Other income

   

     

 

Interest expense, net

   

(11

)

   

(126

)

Total other income (expense)

   

(11

)

   

(126

)

                 

Loss before income tax expense

   

(811

)

   

(2,660

)

                 

Income tax expense

   

     

 
                 

Net loss

 

$

(811

)

 

$

(2,660

)

Net loss per share, basic

 

$

(0.03

)

 

$

(0.10

)

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic

   

25,763

     

25,525

 

Net loss per share, diluted

 

$

(0.03

)

 

$

(0.10

)

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, diluted

   

25,763

     

25,525

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eton Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

   

March 31, 2024

   

December 31, 2023

 
   

(Unaudited)

         

Assets

               

Current assets:

               

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

16,655

   

$

21,388

 

Accounts receivable, net

   

4,240

     

3,411

 

Inventories

   

2,318

     

911

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   

1,050

     

1,129

 

Total current assets

   

24,263

     

26,839

 
                 

Property and equipment, net

   

57

     

58

 

Intangible assets, net

   

6,388

     

4,739

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets, net

   

74

     

92

 

Other long-term assets, net

   

12

     

12

 

Total assets

 

$

30,794

   

$

31,740

 
                 

Liabilities and stockholders equity

               

Current liabilities:

               

Accounts payable

 

$

2,263

   

$

1,848

 

Current portion of debt, net of discount

   

5,020

     

5,380

 

Accrued liabilities

   

8,017

     

9,013

 

Total current liabilities

   

15,300

     

16,241

 
                 

Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion

   

     

22

 
                 

Total liabilities

   

15,300

     

16,263

 
                 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)

               
                 

Stockholders equity

               

Common stock, $0.001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 25,690,562 and 25,688,062 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively

   

26

     

26

 

Additional paid-in capital

   

120,349

     

119,521

 

Accumulated deficit

   

(104,881

)

   

(104,070

)

Total stockholders equity

   

15,494

     

15,477

 
                 

Total liabilities and stockholders equity

 

$

30,794

   

$

31,740

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eton Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

   

Three months ended

   

Three months ended

 
   

March 31, 2024

   

March 31, 2023

 

Cash flows from operating activities

               

Net loss

 

$

(811

)

 

$

(2,660

)

                 

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

               

Stock-based compensation

   

821

     

872

 

Depreciation and amortization

   

252

     

213

 

Debt discount amortization

   

25

     

29

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

               

Accounts receivable

   

(829

)

   

(1,022

)

Inventories

   

(1,407

)

   

120

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

   

79

     

191

 

Accounts payable

   

414

     

(530

)

Accrued liabilities

   

(1,017

)

   

1,239

 

Net cash used in operating activities

   

(2,473

)

   

(1,548

)

                 

Cash flows from investing activities

               

Purchases of product license rights

   

(1,868

)

   

 

Purchases of property and equipment

   

(14

)    

 

Net cash used in investing activities

   

(1,882

)

   

 
                 

Cash flows from financing activities

               

Repayment of long-term debt

   

(385

)

   

 

Proceeds from stock option exercises

   

7

     

132

 

Payment of tax withholding related to net share settlement of stock option exercises

   

     

(181

)

Net cash used in financing activities

   

(378

)

   

(49

)

                 

Change in cash and cash equivalents

   

(4,733

)

   

(1,597

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   

21,388

     

16,305

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

16,655

   

$

14,708

 
                 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information

               

Cash paid for interest

 

$

190

   

$

216

 

Cash paid for income taxes

 

$

   

$