Newron Pharmaceuticals — Sarizotan fails to shine

Newron Pharmaceuticals (SIX: NWRN)

Last close As at 21/12/2024

CHF8.11

−0.16 (−1.93%)

Market capitalisation

CHF158m

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Research: Healthcare

Newron Pharmaceuticals — Sarizotan fails to shine

On 4 May Newron Pharmaceuticals announced that the pivotal Rett syndrome STARS study of sarizotan had not met the primary or any secondary endpoints. The company will focus now on its novel schizophrenia drug, Evenamide. This clinical programme, due to resume in 2020, is on hold due to COVID-19. Newron drew a €7.5m EIB loan on 15 April and had €39m in cash in December 2019.

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Healthcare

Newron Pharmaceuticals

Sarizotan fails to shine

Trial update

Pharma & biotech

5 May 2020

Price

CHF1.80

Market cap

CHF32m

Cash (€m) at December plus April EIB loan

46.5

Shares in issue

17.5m

Free float

99.6%

Code

NMRN

Primary exchange

SIX

Secondary exchange

XETRA

Share price performance

Business description

Newron Pharmaceuticals is a CNS-focused company. Xadago for Parkinson’s disease is sold in Europe, Japan and the US. Evenamide, a novel schizophrenia therapy, may start Phase III trials from 2021.

Analysts

Dr John Savin MBA

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Dr Susie Jana

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Newron Pharmaceuticals is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

On 4 May Newron Pharmaceuticals announced that the pivotal Rett syndrome STARS study of sarizotan had not met the primary or any secondary endpoints. The company will focus now on its novel schizophrenia drug, Evenamide. This clinical programme, due to resume in 2020, is on hold due to COVID-19. Newron drew a €7.5m EIB loan on 15 April and had €39m in cash in December 2019.

Year end

Revenue (€m)

PBT*

(€m)

EPS*
(€)

DPS
(€)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/18

4.03

(15.01)

(0.84)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/19

7.04

(20.16)

(1.13)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/20e

5.56

(17.05)

(0.96)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/21e

6.63

(29.44)

(1.65)

0.0

N/A

N/A

Note: *PBT and EPS are normalised, excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles, share-based payments. FY20 and FY21 forecasts are retained but subject to further guidance.

The STARS study of sarizotan showed no efficacy so development has stopped. In our former valuation of CHF340m, now withdrawn, we had assumed a 30% probability of success and discounted value of CHF211m.

Newron will now focus on Evenamide for schizophrenia. In H119, the FDA delayed the two planned pivotal studies due to safety concerns. On 9 January, Newron announced that it would run a four-week exploratory safety study in patients with schizophrenia. However, on 31 March Newron announced a delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As yet, there is no revised timeline. We anticipate that the safety study may conclude by mid-2021, which would allow Phase III studies possibly from Q321. We have not changed our expectation for sales to start in 2025.

We have retained current FY20 and FY21 forecasts. Xadago (safinamide) royalties are as previously forecast. In the US, WorldMeds Pharma, the Xadago sublicensee, has exited the CNS market by selling its portfolio, including Xadago, to Supernus Pharmaceuticals. This may be beneficial to Newron from 2021 if it leads to more sales investment. A trial to gain a label extension in L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia is being planned. There may, however, be lower R&D costs in 2020 due to trial delays and no registration costs. In 2021, potential pre-marketing costs for sarizotan will not now be incurred so SG&A might be lower.

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Newron Pharmaceuticals and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Newron Pharmaceuticals. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 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.

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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

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Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

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United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

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Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Newron Pharmaceuticals and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Newron Pharmaceuticals. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 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 2020 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.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

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