Basilea Pharmaceutica — Milestone march continues for Cresemba

Basilea Pharmaceutica (SIX: BSLN)

Last close As at 20/11/2024

CHF40.35

0.60 (1.51%)

Market capitalisation

CHF532m

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Research: Healthcare

Basilea Pharmaceutica — Milestone march continues for Cresemba

Basilea Pharmaceutica has reported another US$1.25m milestone payment from its partner Pfizer in Asia-Pacific and China, triggered by Cresemba sales in this region crossing a pre-defined threshold. This is the fourth milestone payment for Cresemba from the region this year, adding to the already strong H2 results (c CHF33m/US$38.5m milestone payments recorded in H224 so far; CHF35m in 2024 to date). The Asia-Pacific region, particularly China (which accounts for c 20% of the market potential for Cresemba), is of key importance to Basilea, as its lead product approaches maturity in the US and European markets (exclusivity until late 2027). Note that Cresemba has recorded in-market sales of US$505m for the 12 months ending 30 June 2024, robust 20% y-o-y growth.

Jyoti Prakash

Written by

Jyoti Prakash

Analyst, Healthcare

Healthcare

Basilea Pharmaceutica

Milestone march continues for Cresemba


Milestone update

Pipeline update

Pharma and biotech

11 October 2024

Price

CHF45.15

Market cap

CHF546m

US$1.16/CHF

Net debt (CHFm) at 30 June 2024

26.2

Shares in issue (excluding 1.12m treasury shares)

12.1m

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). In late 2023, it expanded its clinical pipeline to include two antifungals, Phase III-ready, novel broad-spectrum antifungal treatment fosmanogepix (two Phase III trials to start in 2024) and Phase II asset BAL2062, and one antibiotic, tonabacase. In January 2024, Basilea acquired the preclinical LptA inhibitor antibiotics programme from Spexis.

Analysts

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 Pharmaceutica has reported another US$1.25m milestone payment from its partner Pfizer in Asia-Pacific and China, triggered by Cresemba sales in this region crossing a pre-defined threshold. This is the fourth milestone payment for Cresemba from the region this year, adding to the already strong H2 results (c CHF33m/US$38.5m milestone payments recorded in H224 so far; CHF35m in 2024 to date). The Asia-Pacific region, particularly China (which accounts for c 20% of the market potential for Cresemba), is of key importance to Basilea, as its lead product approaches maturity in the US and European markets (exclusivity until late 2027). Note that Cresemba has recorded in-market sales of US$505m for the 12 months ending 30 June 2024, robust 20% y-o-y growth.

Year end

Revenue (CHFm)

PBT*
(CHFm)

EPS*
(CHFc)

DPS
(CHFc)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/22

147.8

12.3

104.1

0.0

43.4

N/A

12/23

157.6

10.8

89.7

0.0

50.3

N/A

12/24e

203.0

38.9

499.4

0.0

9.0

N/A

12/25e

219.1

50.7

419.3

0.0

10.8

N/A

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

Basilea will receive another US$1.25m (c CHF1.1m) milestone payment for Cresemba, bolstering the already strong year for its lead drug, with c CHF35m in milestones booked so far in FY24. This most recent milestone is the fourth this year from Asia-Pacific and China, which reflects the strong sales uptake in the region. China is the second largest pharmaceutical market globally (after the US) and is of particular importance for Basilea, given that it accounts for c 20% of the market opportunity for Cresemba. Licensing partner Pfizer first received regulatory approval for Cresemba in China in December 2021; currently both the oral and IV formulations are approved for invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis in the country. Based on management guidance, we estimate that another c CHF4–5m in milestone payments will be received during the remainder of the year, likely from Japan and potentially Latin America.

Cresemba continues to deliver sustained sales momentum, with in-market sales of US$505m in the 12 months to June (20% y-o-y growth), more than 50% of which is currently contributed by the US, although we note that this proportion has been reducing, which reflects increased traction in other regions. Cresemba is approved and marketed in over 70 countries, with a global market share of c 15% (of best-in-class antifungals) and a market-leading c 40% share in the US in terms of value.

FY24 has also been rewarding for Basilea’s other programmes, including the anti-bacterial treatment Zevtera, which received US regulatory approval in April 2024, and fosmanogepix, a novel antifungal, which recently commenced a Phase III trial in candidemia/invasive candidiasis. Last month, Basilea announced a multi-year R&D agreement with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority potentially worth US$268m over a 12-year period. The initial payment of US$29m, earmarked for the clinical development of fosmanogepix and BAL2062 (currently undergoing preclinical profiling, which may lead to moving directly into a Phase II study), de-risks the near-term development plans, in our view. We expect the next catalyst to be news of a US distribution partner for Zevtera, which we anticipate before the year-end.

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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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 2024 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

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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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