Basilea Pharmaceutica — Incremental acquisition to arsenal; new guidance

Basilea Pharmaceutica (SIX: BSLN)

Last close As at 04/11/2024

CHF43.65

0.45 (1.04%)

Market capitalisation

CHF575m

More on this equity

Research: Healthcare

Basilea Pharmaceutica — Incremental acquisition to arsenal; new guidance

Basilea has bolstered its drug pipeline with the in-licensing of fosmanogepix, a broad-spectrum antifungal candidate, from Amplyx Pharmaceuticals (a Pfizer affiliate). Fosmanogepix is a clinical-stage, potentially first-in-class broad-spectrum antifungal treatment and Basilea plans to initiate Phase III trials in mid-2024. Deal consideration includes $37m in upfront payments and milestones of up to $496m ($110m to Pfizer, and $396m from previous agreements), of which the majority relates to regulatory and commercial milestone events, and tiered single-digit royalties. We view this as a favourable transaction for Basilea and note that it is in line with the company’s previously disclosed plans to expand its late-stage product pipeline. In our view, fosmanogepix represents a promising near-term commercial opportunity as the legacy portfolio matures, provided that the data continue to be supportive. As part of this new update, management has also provided revised full-year 2023 financial guidance. We will update our model and valuation to reflect this deal. Our 2023 and 2024 estimates are under review.

Soo Romanoff

Written by

Soo Romanoff

Managing Director - Head of Content, Healthcare

misael-moreno-fN6K30xtiKE-unsplash-Basilea

Healthcare

Basilea Pharmaceutica

Incremental acquisition to arsenal; new guidance

Licensing update

Pharma and biotech

14 November 2023

Price

CHF35.8

Market cap

CHF431m

Net debt (CHF) at 30 June 2023

38.1

Shares in issue (excluding 1.12m treasury shares)

11.98m

Free float

90%

Code

BSLN

Primary exchange

SIX

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

Business description

Basilea Pharmaceutica is focused on treating infectious diseases. Its marketed products are Cresemba (an antifungal) and Zevtera (an anti-MRSA broad-spectrum antibiotic).

Analysts

Soo Romanoff

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Jyoti Prakash, CFA

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Dr Arron Aatkar

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Basilea Pharmaceutica is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Basilea has bolstered its drug pipeline with the in-licensing of fosmanogepix, a broad-spectrum antifungal candidate, from Amplyx Pharmaceuticals (a Pfizer affiliate). Fosmanogepix is a clinical-stage, potentially first-in-class broad-spectrum antifungal treatment and Basilea plans to initiate Phase III trials in mid-2024. Deal consideration includes $37m in upfront payments and milestones of up to $496m ($110m to Pfizer, and $396m from previous agreements), of which the majority relates to regulatory and commercial milestone events, and tiered single-digit royalties. We view this as a favourable transaction for Basilea and note that it is in line with the company’s previously disclosed plans to expand its late-stage product pipeline. In our view, fosmanogepix represents a promising near-term commercial opportunity as the legacy portfolio matures, provided that the data continue to be supportive. As part of this new update, management has also provided revised full-year 2023 financial guidance. We will update our model and valuation to reflect this deal. Our 2023 and 2024 estimates are under review.

Year end

Revenue (CHFm)

PBT*
(CHFm)

EPS*
(CHFc)

DPS
(CHFc)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/21

148.1

(6.6)

(56.9)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/22

147.8

12.3

104.1

0.0

34.4

N/A

Note: *PBT and EPS are normalised, excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles, exceptional items and share-based payments.

Basilea has announced the acquisition of fosmanogepix, a clinical-stage antifungal therapy with broad-spectrum activity against yeasts and moulds, including multidrug-resistant fungi. Fosmanogepix is a potential first-in-class candidate with a novel mechanism of action, formulated for both intravenous and oral administrations. To date, Amplyx has completed safety and efficacy studies in a Phase I/II programme, including three open-label Phase II studies. Most recently, the results from a Phase II clinical trial (n=20) for fosmanogepix demonstrated a success rate of 80%, and a 30-day survival rate of 85%, for the treatment of Candidemia, an invasive yeast infection. Fosmanogepix holds fast track and orphan drug designations from the FDA and has also been designated as a qualified infectious disease product, potentially providing it with 12 years of market exclusivity in the US (orphan drug seven years + five years related to QIDP), if approved. In our opinion, this acquisition marks a positive step forward for Basilea, spearheading the company’s efforts towards an expanded product pipeline as its lead asset Cresemba matures.

As part of the announcement, management has also provided revised financial guidance for FY23. Total revenue is now expected to be CHF154–157m (CHF157–160m previously) due to lower than expected Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) reimbursements. More importantly, operating profit expectations have been revised to CHF11–15m (CHF50–55m previously), which we believe largely stems from the company recognising the $37m upfront consideration as R&D expenses in its accounts. We will present our revised estimates and valuation, incorporating the latest acquisition and revised guidance for the year, in due course.

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Basilea Pharmaceutica and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Basilea Pharmaceutica. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

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Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

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United Kingdom

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This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

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London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Basilea Pharmaceutica and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Basilea Pharmaceutica. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2023 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

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