Novocure reported financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, highlighting commercial strength and strategic investment across clinical, product development and commercial initiatives intended to fuel future growth.
Quarterly net revenues of $133.6 million with 77% gross margin
Last patient enrolled in phase 3 pivotal INNOVATE-3 trial for recurrent ovarian cancer
ST. HELIER, Jersey--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Novocure (NASDAQ: NVCR) today reported financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, highlighting commercial strength and strategic investment across clinical, product development and commercial initiatives intended to fuel future growth. Novocure is a global oncology company working to extend survival in some of the most aggressive forms of cancer by developing and commercializing its innovative therapy, Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields). TTFields are electric fields that disrupt cancer cell division.
Third quarter 2021 highlights include:
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | % | 2021 | 2020 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Financial, in millions | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues | $ | 133.6 | $ | 132.7 | 1 | % | $ | 401.8 | $ | 350.4 | 15 | % | ||||||||||
| Gross Profit | $ | 103.4 | $ | 104.3 | (1) | % | $ | 316.6 | $ | 272.0 | 16 | % | ||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (13.1) | $ | 9.3 | (241) | % | $ | (31.9) | $ | 14.9 | (314) | % | ||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA(1) | $ | 19.9 | $ | 37.3 | (47) | % | $ | 59.2 | $ | 80.4 | (26) | % | ||||||||||
| Non-financial | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Active patients at period end(2) | 3,502 | 3,361 | 4 | % | 3,502 | 3,361 | 4 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Prescriptions received in period(3) | 1,380 | 1,371 | 1 | % | 4,232 | 4,202 | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||
(1) Adjusted EBITDA is a non-U.S. GAAP measurement of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and share-based compensation.
(2) An “active patient” is a patient who is receiving treatment under a commercial prescription order as of the measurement date, including patients who may be on a temporary break from treatment and who plan to resume treatment in less than 60 days.
(3) A “prescription received” is a commercial order for Optune or Optune Lua that is received from a physician certified to treat patients for a patient not previously on Optune or Optune Lua. Orders to renew or extend treatment are not included in this total.
“The third quarter was another period of solid execution at Novocure,” said William Doyle, Novocure’s Executive Chairman. “We generated $134 million in net revenues and invested $48 million across our research, clinical and product development initiatives. We recently completed enrollment in our phase 3 INNOVATE-3 trial and our phase 2 EF-31 trial, and announced a new collaboration with global oncology leader, Roche. The fundamentals of our business are strong, and we are energized by the opportunities before us to help many more cancer patients and to drive the growth of our company.”
“As we look ahead, we are nearing a key inflection point for patients and our organization as several of our late-stage clinical trials approach full enrollment,” added Asaf Danziger, Novocure’s Chief Executive Officer. “We have completed enrollment in our INNOVATE-3 trial studying recurrent ovarian cancer, and our LUNAR trial studying non-small cell lung cancer is expected to enroll the final patient by year-end. As this cycle of late-stage trials nears conclusion, we are eager to further explore the efficacy of TTFields in new indications, together with other treatment modalities, and in partnerships with global oncology leaders.”
Third quarter 2021 financial update
For the quarter ended September 30, 2021, net revenues were $133.6 million, representing 1% growth compared to the third quarter 2020.
- In the United States, net revenues totaled $88.0 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2021, representing a 5% decrease compared to the same period in 2020.
- In EMEA markets, net revenues totaled $30.3 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2021, representing 7% growth compared to the same period in 2020.
- In Japan, net revenues totaled $8.8 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2021, representing 17% growth compared to the same period in 2020.
- In Greater China, net revenues totaled $6.5 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2021, representing 52% growth compared to the same period in 2020.
For the three months ended September 30, 2021, the increase in net revenues from the third quarter of 2020 resulted primarily from an increase of 141 active patients in our currently active markets and the launch of Optune® in China.
We recorded $10.6 million in revenues from Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries in the third quarter 2021, an increase of 9% from the $9.7 million recognized in the same period in 2020. We believe we have completed the administrative ramp-up associated with processing Medicare claims and efficiently pursuing appeals. In the third quarter of 2021, we did not record a material amount of incremental net revenue resulting from the successful appeal of previously denied claims for Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries billed prior to established coverage.
Cost of revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2021 was $30.2 million compared to $28.4 million for the same period in 2020, representing an increase of 6%. The increase in cost of revenues was primarily due to the cost of shipping transducer arrays to a higher volume of commercial patients and increasing shipments of equipment to Zai Lab. Gross margin was 77% for the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to 79% for the three months ended September 30, 2020.
Research, development and clinical trials expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2021 were $48.1 million compared to $32.8 million for the same period in 2020, representing an increase of 47%. This was primarily due to an increase in clinical trial and personnel expenses for our phase 3 pivotal and label expansion trials, an increase in development and personnel expenses to support our product development programs, and increased investments in preclinical research and the expansion of our medical affairs activities.
Sales and marketing expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2021 were $32.6 million compared to $29.4 million for the same period in 2020, representing an increase of 11%. This was primarily due to an increase in personnel and professional services costs as we continue to enhance our commercial capabilities in anticipation of potential future approvals in new indications.
General and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2021 were $31.2 million compared to $27.1 million for the same period in 2020, representing an increase of 15%. This was primarily due to an increase in personnel costs and professional services.
Net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2021 was $13.1 million compared to net income of $9.3 million for the same period in 2020.
At September 30, 2021, we had $933.8 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, an increase of $91.2 million compared to $842.6 million at December 31, 2020. The increase in our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments was primarily due to the cash flow from operations and the exercise of options.
Third quarter 2021 operating statistics
There were 3,502 active patients at September 30, 2021, representing 4% growth compared to September 30, 2020.
- In North America, there were 2,223 active patients at September 30, 2021, representing no change compared to September 30, 2020.
- In EMEA markets, there were 987 active patients at September 30, 2021, representing 9% growth compared to September 30, 2020.
- In Japan, there were 292 active patients at September 30, 2021, representing 21% growth compared to September 30, 2020.
Additionally, 1,380 prescriptions were received in the quarter ended September 30, 2021, representing 1% growth compared to the same period in 2020.
- In North America, 931 prescriptions were received in the quarter ended September 30, 2021, representing a 3% decrease compared to the same period in 2020.
- In EMEA markets, 339 prescriptions were received in the quarter ended September 30, 2021, representing 3% growth compared to the same period in 2020.
- In Japan, 110 prescriptions were received in the quarter ended September 30, 2021, representing 28% growth compared to the same period in 2020.
Third quarter 2021 non-U.S. GAAP measures
We also measure our performance based upon a non-U.S. GAAP measurement of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and shared-based compensation (“Adjusted EBITDA”). We believe Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors in evaluating our operating performance because it helps investors compare the results of our operations from period to period by removing the impact of earnings attributable to our capital structure, tax rate and material non-cash items, specifically share-based compensation.
Adjusted EBITDA was $19.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, a decrease of $17.4 million, or 47%, from $37.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020. The decrease was driven by increased investments in research and development activities intended to further our exploration of TTFields therapy, and in sales and marketing readiness initiatives in anticipation of future potential launches in new indications. Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenues reached 15% in the quarter, despite research and development investment reaching 36% of third quarter net revenues. We believe these focused investments are critical to our efforts to realize the long-term potential of the TTFields platform.
Recent achievements
- In September, the FDA granted breakthrough device designation to the NovoTTF-200T™ system for the treatment of advanced liver cancer, in part based on clinical data from Novocure’s phase 2 HEPANOVA trial. Our team, along with trial investigators, are actively designing a phase 3 pivotal trial studying the efficacy of TTFields together with atezolizumab and bevacizumab for the first-line treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic liver cancer.
- In September, we announced a clinical trial collaboration with Roche to evaluate the use of TTFields together with atezolizumab for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer.
- In October, we announced the last patient had been enrolled in our phase 2 pilot EF-31 trial for the treatment of gastric cancer.
- Today, we announced that the last patient was enrolled in our phase 3 pivotal INNOVATE-3 trial for the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer.
Anticipated clinical milestones
- Data from phase 2 pilot EF-31 trial in gastric cancer (2022)
- Data from phase 2 pilot EF-33 trial with high-intensity arrays in recurrent glioblastoma (2022)
- Final data from phase 3 pivotal LUNAR trial in NSCLC (2022)
- Last patient enrollment in phase 3 pivotal PANOVA-3 trial in locally advanced pancreatic cancer (2023)
- Data from phase 3 pivotal METIS trial in brain metastases (2023)
- Final data from phase 3 pivotal INNOVATE-3 trial in recurrent ovarian cancer (2023)
- Final data from phase 3 pivotal PANOVA-3 trial in locally advanced pancreatic cancer (2024)
Conference call details
Novocure will host a conference call and webcast to discuss second quarter 2021 financial results at 8 a.m. EDT today, Thursday, October 28, 2021. Analysts and investors can participate in the conference call by dialing 855-442-6895 for domestic callers and 509-960-9037 for international callers, using the conference ID 6394785.
The webcast, earnings slides presented during the webcast and the corporate presentation can be accessed live from the Investor Relations page of Novocure’s website, www.novocure.com/investor-relations, and will be available for at least 14 days following the call. Novocure has used, and intends to continue to use, its investor relations website, as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD.
About Novocure
Novocure is a global oncology company working to extend survival in some of the most aggressive forms of cancer through the development and commercialization of its innovative therapy, Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields). TTFields are electric fields that disrupt cancer cell division. Novocure’s commercialized products are approved for the treatment of adult patients with glioblastoma and malignant pleural mesothelioma. Novocure has ongoing or completed clinical trials investigating Tumor Treating Fields in brain metastases, gastric cancer, glioblastoma, liver cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer and ovarian cancer.
Headquartered in Jersey, Novocure has U.S. operations in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Malvern, Pennsylvania and New York City. Additionally, the company has offices in Germany, Switzerland, Japan and Israel. For additional information about us, visit Novocure.com and follow @Novocure on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Forward-Looking Statements
In addition to historical facts or statements of current condition, this press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements provide Novocure’s current expectations or forecasts of future events. These may include statements regarding anticipated scientific progress on its research programs, clinical trial progress, development of potential products, interpretation of clinical results, prospects for regulatory approval, manufacturing development and capabilities, market prospects for its products, coverage, collections from third-party payers and other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts. You may identify some of these forward-looking statements by the use of words in the statements such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe” or other words and terms of similar meaning. Novocure’s performance and financial results could differ materially from those reflected in these forward-looking statements due to general financial, economic, environmental, regulatory and political conditions as well as issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and other more specific risks and uncertainties facing Novocure such as those set forth in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 25, 2021 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Given these risks and uncertainties, any or all of these forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Therefore, you should not rely on any such factors or forward-looking statements. Furthermore, Novocure does not intend to update publicly any forward-looking statement, except as required by law. Any forward-looking statements herein speak only as of the date hereof. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits this discussion.
| Consolidated Statements of Operations | |||||||||||||||||||
| USD in thousands (except share and per share data) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | Year ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| Unaudited | Unaudited | Audited | |||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues | $ | 133,606 | $ | 132,660 | $ | 401,818 | $ | 350,413 | $ | 494,366 | |||||||||
| Cost of revenues | 30,206 | 28,395 | 85,190 | 78,365 | 106,501 | ||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 103,400 | 104,265 | 316,628 | 272,048 | 387,865 | ||||||||||||||
| Operating costs and expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Research, development and clinical trials | 48,141 | 32,818 | 144,372 | 88,008 | 132,010 | ||||||||||||||
| Sales and marketing | 32,580 | 29,364 | 98,075 | 86,658 | 118,017 | ||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 31,231 | 27,061 | 95,116 | 79,073 | 107,437 | ||||||||||||||
| Total operating costs and expenses | 111,952 | 89,243 | 337,563 | 253,739 | 357,464 | ||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | (8,552) | 15,022 | (20,935) | 18,309 | 30,401 | ||||||||||||||
| Financial expenses (income), net | 1,981 | 3,983 | 5,567 | 9,032 | 12,299 | ||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | (10,533) | 11,039 | (26,502) | 9,277 | 18,102 | ||||||||||||||
| Income taxes | 2,591 | 1,755 | 5,391 | (5,614) | (1,706) | ||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (13,124) | $ | 9,284 | $ | (31,893) | $ | 14,891 | $ | 19,808 | |||||||||
| Basic net income (loss) per ordinary share | $ | (0.13) | $ | 0.09 | $ | (0.31) | $ | 0.15 | $ | 0.20 | |||||||||
| Weighted average number of ordinary | 103,731,147 | 101,234,306 | 103,281,380 | 100,601,427 | 100,930,866 | ||||||||||||||
| Diluted net income (loss) per ordinary share | $ | (0.13) | $ | 0.09 | $ | (0.31) | $ | 0.14 | $ | 0.18 | |||||||||
| Weighted average number of ordinary | 103,731,147 | 108,643,814 | 103,281,380 | 108,113,416 | 108,877,648 | ||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Balance Sheets | |||||||
| USD in thousands (except share data) | |||||||
| September 30, | December 31, | ||||||
| Unaudited | Audited | ||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||
| CURRENT ASSETS: | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 689,837 | $ | 234,674 | |||
| Short-term investments | 243,948 | 607,902 | |||||
| Restricted cash | 855 | 11,499 | |||||
| Trade receivables, net | 94,129 | 96,699 | |||||
| Receivables and prepaid expenses | 17,595 | 21,245 | |||||
| Inventories | 22,642 | 27,422 | |||||
| Total current assets | 1,069,006 | 999,441 | |||||
| LONG-TERM ASSETS: | |||||||
| Property and equipment, net | 11,699 | 11,395 | |||||
| Field equipment, net | 12,553 | 11,230 | |||||
| Right-of-use assets | 16,460 | 19,009 | |||||
| Other long-term assets | 10,735 | 10,908 | |||||
| Total long-term assets | 51,447 | 52,542 | |||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 1,120,453 | $ | 1,051,983 | |||
| Consolidated Balance Sheets | |||||||
| USD in thousands (except share data) | |||||||
| September 30, | December 31, | ||||||
| Unaudited | Audited | ||||||
| LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES: | |||||||
| Trade payables | $ | 60,005 | $ | 53,647 | |||
| Other payables, lease liabilities and accrued expenses | 64,544 | 59,965 | |||||
| Total current liabilities | 124,549 | 113,612 | |||||
| LONG-TERM LIABILITIES: | |||||||
| Long-term debt, net | 561,388 | 429,905 | |||||
| Deferred revenue | 7,464 | 12,139 | |||||
| Long-term leases | 11,478 | 14,293 | |||||
| Employee benefits | 2,031 | 5,171 | |||||
| Other long-term liabilities | 379 | 337 | |||||
| Total long-term liabilities | 582,740 | 461,845 | |||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | 707,289 | 575,457 | |||||
| COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | |||||||
| SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: | |||||||
| Share capital - | |||||||
| Ordinary shares no par value, unlimited shares authorized; issued and outstanding: 103,817,566 shares and 102,334,276 shares at September 30, 2021 (unaudited) | — | — | |||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 1,073,532 | 1,111,435 | |||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (900) | (3,832) | |||||
| Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) | (659,468) | (631,077) | |||||
| TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | 413,164 | 476,526 | |||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | $ | 1,120,453 | $ | 1,051,983 | |||
| Non-U.S. GAAP financial measures reconciliation | |||||||||||||||||||||
| USD in thousands | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | % Change | 2021 | 2020 | % Change | ||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (13,124) | $ | 9,284 | (241) | % | $ | (31,893) | $ | 14,891 | (314) | % | |||||||||
| Add: Income tax | 2,591 | 1,755 | 48 | % | 5,391 | (5,614) | (196) | % | |||||||||||||
| Add: Financial income (expenses), net | 1,981 | 3,983 | (50) | % | 5,567 | 9,032 | (38) | % | |||||||||||||
| Add: Depreciation and amortization | 2,734 | 2,188 | 25 | % | 7,584 | 6,677 | 14 | % | |||||||||||||
| EBITDA | $ | (5,818) | $ | 17,210 | (134) | % | $ | (13,351) | $ | 24,986 | (153) | % | |||||||||
| Add: Share-based compensation | 25,758 | 20,121 | 28 | % | 72,502 | 55,448 | 31 | % | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 19,940 | $ | 37,331 | (47) | % | $ | 59,151 | $ | 80,434 | (26) | % | |||||||||
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211028005421/en/
Investors:
Ingrid Goldberg
investorinfo@novocure.com
610-723-7427
Media:
Leigh Labrie
media@novocure.com
610-723-7428
Source: Novocure
View this news release online at:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211028005421/en
