KemPharm, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2018 Results

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Conference Call and Live Audio Webcast with Slide Presentation Scheduled for Today at 4:30 p.m. ET

Development Highlights:

  • Announced top line results from KP415.E01 efficacy and safety trial in children with ADHD
  • Announced top line results from intravenous human abuse potential trial with KP415 Prodrug (KP415.A03)

Financial Highlights:

  • Net loss of $0.65 per basic share and $0.91 per diluted share for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, compared to net loss of $0.44 per basic and diluted share for the quarter ended June 30, 2017
  • Total cash and security-related amounts were $29.3 million at June 30, 2018

CORALVILLE, Iowa, Aug. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KemPharm, Inc. KMPH, a specialty pharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of proprietary prodrugs, today reported its corporate and financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2018, including an update on clinical development events related to its prodrug development pipeline.

"The second quarter was highlighted by important advances involving our ADHD prodrug portfolio and our co-lead product candidate, KP415, including top line data from the efficacy and safety trial of KP415 (KP415.E01) and top line data from the intravenous (KP415.A03) human abuse potential trial with our KP415 prodrug (serdexmethylphenidate)," said Travis C. Mickle, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of KemPharm. "In summary, the KP415.E01 trial met the pre-specified primary and secondary efficacy endpoints, and we believe the totality of this data indicates an overall treatment effect of KP415 consistent with a 30-minute onset and 13-hour duration.  Similarly, we were very pleased with the data from the KP415.A03 study, in which we observed that serdexmethylphenidate was not readily converted to the active d-methylphenidate when injected, demonstrating the potential of our prodrug to inhibit a common route of methylphenidate abuse."

"We believe the results from these two studies suggest that KP415 offers the potential to be a differentiated methylphenidate product that is able to address key unmet needs in ADHD treatment, including early onset of action, duration of therapy and lower abuse potential," Mickle continued. "With these milestones achieved, and with data forthcoming from the oral and intranasal human abuse potential studies of serdexmethylphenidate, we remain well positioned to file a potential New Drug Application (NDA) for KP415 in early 2019."

Q2 2018 Financial Results:

For the quarter ended June 30, 2018, KemPharm's reported net loss was $10.0 million, or $0.65 per basic share and $0.91 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $6.5 million, or $0.44 per basic and diluted share for the same period in 2017. Net loss for Q2 2018 was driven primarily by a loss from operations of $13.9 million and net interest expense and other items of $1.7 million, partially offset by non-cash fair value adjustment income of $5.6 million. Loss from operations increased from $8.2 million in Q2 2017 to $13.9 million in Q2 2018, which was primarily due to an increase of $5.8 million in research and development expenses, partially offset by a decrease of $0.1 million in general and administrative expenses.

As of June 30, 2018, total cash and security-related amounts, which is comprised of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, marketable securities and trade date receivables was $29.3 million, which was a decrease of $7.9 million compared to March 31, 2018. 

Conference Call Information:

KemPharm will host a conference call and live audio webcast with slide presentation on Thursday, August 9, 2018, at 4:30 p.m. ET, to discuss its corporate and financial results for the second quarter of 2018. Interested participants and investors may access the conference call by dialing either:

  • (866) 395-2480 (U.S.)
  • (678) 509-7538 (international)
  • Conference ID: 5597261  

An audio webcast with slide presentation will be accessible via the Investor Relations section of the KemPharm website http://investors.kempharm.com/. An archive of the webcast and presentation will remain available for 90 days beginning later today, August 9, 2018, at approximately 5:30 p.m. ET.

Recent and Q2 2018 Activities:

  • Announced Top Line Results from KP415.E01 Efficacy and Safety Trial in Children With ADHD

    On July 9, 2018, KemPharm announced top line results from a pivotal efficacy and safety clinical trial of KP415.  Results from the trial (KP415.E01) indicated that KP415 successfully met the primary efficacy endpoint in patients with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) between the ages of 6 and 12 years. The trial was a multicenter, randomized, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled analog laboratory classroom clinical trial in 150 children aged 6-12 years old with a diagnosis of ADHD to assess the efficacy and safety of KP415. Subjects who received KP415 met the trial's primary and secondary efficacy endpoints, showing statistically significant improvement on both the Swanson, Kotkin, Agler, M-Flynn, and Pelham Scale (SKAMP) and the Permanent Product Measure of Performance (PERMP) scale.
  • Announced Topline Results from an Intravenous Human Abuse Potential Trial with KP415 Prodrug

    On May 10, 2018, KemPharm announced topline results from the first of three human abuse potential trials to be conducted with the prodrug contained in both KP415 and KP484 (serdexmethylphenidate).  This single-center study (KP415.A03) was designed to measure the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic effects of serdexmethylphenidate, d-methylphenidate hydrochloride and placebo after intravenous (IV) administration in recreational stimulant users.  Serdexmethylphenidate and d-methylphenidate hydrochloride were dosed at equimolar (equivalent) levels.  Serdexmethylphenidate demonstrated statistically significant differences compared to d-methylphenidate hydrochloride in the primary endpoint, maximal Drug Liking (Emax), and no statistical difference compared to placebo.  Secondary endpoints including Emax of Overall Drug Liking, Feeling High, and Good Effects were also significantly reduced for serdexmethylphenidate compared to d-methylphenidate hydrochloride, and similar for serdexmethylphenidate compared to placebo.  Additionally, Emax of Take Drug Again was statistically lower for serdexmethylphenidate compared to d-methylphenidate hydrochloride. Collectively, these findings indicate that IV administration of the serdexmethylphenidate resulted in effects that were statistically similar to placebo as measured by multiple endpoints that are commonly used to assess human abuse potential.

About KemPharm:

KemPharm is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of proprietary prodrugs to treat serious medical conditions through its proprietary LATTM (Ligand Activated Therapy) platform technology.  KemPharm utilizes its proprietary LAT platform technology to generate improved prodrug versions of FDA-approved drugs in the high need areas of ADHD, pain and other central nervous system disorders. KemPharm's co-lead clinical development candidates are KP415 and KP484, both based on a prodrug of methylphenidate, but with differing extended-release/effect profiles for the treatment of ADHD.  In addition, KemPharm has received FDA approval for APADAZ®, an immediate-release combination product candidate of benzhydrocodone, a prodrug of hydrocodone, and acetaminophen.  KemPharm is also advancing KP201/IR, an acetaminophen-free immediate-release formulation of the Company's benzhydrocodone prodrug candidate. Both APADAZ and KP201/IR are intended for the treatment of acute pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. For more information on KemPharm and its pipeline of prodrug product candidates visit www.kempharm.com or connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

APADAZ

APADAZ was developed from KemPharm's proprietary LAT platform technology and is intended for the short-term (no more than 14 days) management of acute pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. KemPharm believes APADAZ is unique among prescription opioids in that it contains a prodrug that is chemically inert, or inactive, on its own.  When ingested, enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract cleave the ligand from the prodrug (benzhydrocodone) and release the parent drug (hydrocodone), which can then exert its therapeutic effect.  The final approved product labeling for APADAZ includes these and other data points but concludes that the overall results of the clinical program did not demonstrate abuse-deterrence by current measurement standards.

The approval of APADAZ via the 505(b)(2) pathway was based in part on pharmacokinetic studies with Vicoprofen®, Ultracet®, and Norco® in which APADAZ demonstrated exposure to hydrocodone and acetaminophen (APAP) that is expected to result in therapeutic effects equivalent to currently approved immediate-release hydrocodone/APAP combination products when administered orally as intended.

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Indication:
APADAZ contains an opioid agonist and acetaminophen and is indicated for the short-term (no more than 14 days) management of acute pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate.

Limitations of Use:
Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, reserve APADAZ for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics] have not been or are not expected tolerated, or have not provided adequate analgesia, or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia.

Important Safety Information:

APADAZ is contraindicated in patients with: significant respiratory depression; acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in absence of resuscitative equipment; known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus; and hypersensitivity to hydrocodone or acetaminophen.

APADAZ contains benzhydrocodone, a Schedule II controlled substance.  APADAZ can be abused and is subject to misuse, addiction, and criminal diversion.

Potential risks associated with APADAZ include addiction, abuse, and misuse, life-threatening respiratory depression, neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, risks of concomitant use or discontinuation of cytochrome P450 CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers, acetaminophen hepatoxicity risks from concomitant use with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, risk of life-threatening respiratory depression in patients with chronic pulmonary disease or in elderly, cachectic, or debilitated patients, adrenal insufficiency, severe hypotension, serious skin reactions, risks of use in patients with increased intracranial pressure, brain tumors, head injury, or impaired consciousness, hypersensitivity/anaphylaxis, risks of use in patients with gastrointestinal conditions, risk of use in patients with seizure disorders, and withdrawal, risks of driving and operating machinery. 

Potential drug interactions with APADAZ include:

  • Serotonergic Drugs: Concomitant use may result in serotonin syndrome.  Discontinue APADAZ if serotonin syndrome is suspected.
  • Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics: Avoid use with APADAZ because they may reduce analgesic effect of APADAZ or precipitate withdrawal symptoms.
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Can potentiate the effects of hydrocodone. Avoid concomitant use in patients receiving MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping treatment with an MAOI.

Most common adverse reactions (>5%) are nausea, somnolence, vomiting, constipation, pruritus, dizziness, and headache.

The Full Prescribing Information for APADAZ contains the following Boxed Warning:

WARNING: ADDICTION, ABUSE, AND MISUSE; LIFE-THREATENING RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION; ACCIDENTAL INGESTION; NEONATAL OPIOID WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME; CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 INTERACTION; HEPATOTOXICITY; and RISKS FROM CONCOMITANT USE WITH BENZODIAZEPINES OR OTHER CNS DEPRESSANTS

Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse:

APADAZ exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Assess each patient's risk prior to prescribing APADAZ and monitor all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions.

Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression:

Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of APADAZ.  Monitor for respiratory depression, especially during initiation of APADAZ or following a dose increase.

Accidental Ingestion:

Accidental ingestion of even one dose of APADAZ, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of hydrocodone.

Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome:

Prolonged use of APADAZ during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated, and requires management according to protocols developed by neonatology experts.  If prolonged opioid use is required in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available.

Cytochrome P450 3A4 Interaction:

The concomitant use of APADAZ with all cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors may result in an increase in hydrocodone plasma concentrations, which could increase or prolong adverse reactions and may cause potentially fatal respiratory depression. In addition, discontinuation of a concomitantly used cytochrome P450 3A4 inducer may result in an increase in hydrocodone plasma concentration. Monitor patients receiving APADAZ and any CYP3A4 inhibitor or inducer.

Hepatotoxicity:

APADAZ contains acetaminophen. Acetaminophen has been associated with cases of acute liver failure, at times resulting in liver transplant and death. Most of the cases of liver injury are associated with the use of acetaminophen at doses that exceed 4000 milligrams per day, and often involve more than one acetaminophen-containing product.

Risks From Concomitant Use With Benzodiazepines Or Other CNS Depressants:

Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.

  • Reserve concomitant prescribing of APADAZ and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.
  • Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required.
  • Follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.

For Important Safety Information including full prescribing information, visit: www.kempharm.com

Caution Concerning Forward Looking Statements:

This press release may contain forward-looking statements made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts, and can be identified by the use of words such as "may," "will," "expect," "project," "estimate," "anticipate," "plan," "believe," "potential," "should," "continue" or the negative versions of those words or other comparable words. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future actions or performance. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to KemPharm and its current plans or expectations and are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks that could significantly affect current plans. Risks concerning KemPharm's business are described in detail in KemPharm's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, and KemPharm's other Periodic and Current Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  KemPharm is under no obligation to (and expressly disclaims any such obligation to) update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

  
Investor Contacts:  Media Contact:
Jason Rando / Joshua Drumm, Ph.D.
Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.
212-375-2665 / 2664
jrando@tiberend.com
jdrumm@tiberend.com
Daniel L. Cohen
Executive VP, Government and Public Relations
KemPharm, Inc.
202-329-1825
dcohen@kempharm.com
  


     
KEMPHARM, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
     
  Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30,
  2018 2017 2018 2017
Revenue $  $  $  $ 
Operating expenses:                
Research and development  10,488   4,650   22,125   8,764 
General and administrative  3,420   3,574   6,552   6,840 
Total operating expenses  13,908   8,224   28,677   15,604 
Loss from operations  (13,908)  (8,224)  (28,677)  (15,604)
Other (expense) income:                
Interest expense related to amortization of debt issuance costs and discount  (390)  (390)  (780)  (780)
Interest expense on principal  (1,419)  (1,443)  (2,861)  (2,884)
Fair value adjustment related to derivative and warrant liability  5,562   3,523   (4,179)  (3,693)
Interest and other income, net  123   13   238   114 
Total other (expense) income  3,876   1,703   (7,582)  (7,243)
Loss before income taxes  (10,032)  (6,521)  (36,259)  (22,847)
Income tax benefit  39   4   47   8 
Net loss $(9,993) $(6,517) $(36,212) $(22,839)
                 
Net loss per share:                
Basic $(0.65) $(0.44) $(2.41) $(1.56)
Diluted $(0.91) $(0.44) $(2.41) $(1.56)
                 
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding:                
Basic  15,317,536   14,649,586   15,056,161   14,648,291 
Diluted  16,548,751   14,649,586   15,056,161   14,648,291 
                 


      
KEMPHARM, INC.
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and par value amounts)
      
  June 30,
2018
  December 31,
2017
   (unaudited)      
Assets         
Current assets:         
Cash and cash equivalents $16,497   $10,871 
Restricted cash  1,100    1,100 
Marketable securities  11,702    31,358 
Trade date receivables      2,005 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  1,610    1,662 
Total current assets  30,909    46,996 
Property and equipment, net  1,841    2,004 
Long-term investments      3,250 
Other long-term assets  1,250    206 
Total assets $34,000   $52,456 
          
Liabilities and stockholders' deficit         
Current liabilities:         
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $13,967   $7,875 
Current portion of convertible notes  3,333    3,333 
Current portion of capital lease obligation  190    189 
Other current liabilities  113    112 
Total current liabilities  17,603    11,509 
Convertible notes, less current portion, net  86,845    89,398 
Derivative and warrant liability  11,888    7,709 
Capital lease obligation, less current portion  466    562 
Other long-term liabilities  743    794 
Total liabilities  117,545    109,972 
          
Stockholders' deficit:         
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized, 15,905,146 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2018 (unaudited); 14,657,430 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017  2    1 
Additional paid-in capital  117,391    107,209 
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding as of June 30, 2018 (unaudited) or December 31, 2017       
Accumulated deficit  (200,938)   (164,726)
Total stockholders' deficit  (83,545   (57,516)
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit $34,000   $52,456 
          

 

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