WAKIX® (pitolisant) Net Revenue Increased ~41% Year-over-Year to $128.3 Million for Fourth Quarter 2022; ~43% to $437.9 Million for Full Year 2022
Achieved Net Income of $181.5 Million for Full Year 2022
Average Number of Patients on WAKIX Increased to ~4,900
Continued Strong Momentum in Phase 3 Idiopathic Hypersomnia (“IH”) INTUNE Study
Conference Call and Webcast to be Held Today at 8:30 a.m. ET
PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA, February 21, 2023 — Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc. (“Harmony” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: HRMY), a pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative therapies for patients with rare neurological diseases, today reported financial results and business updates for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2022.
“We delivered another strong quarter in Q4, finishing the year with continued momentum in both our commercial business for WAKIX and in our clinical development programs for pitolisant,” stated Jeffrey M. Dayno, M.D., interim chief executive officer and chief medical officer of Harmony.
“Looking ahead, we remain confident in the ongoing performance of WAKIX. Harmony remains a growth story, with the focus on advancement of our life cycle management programs for pitolisant and acquisition of new assets to build out our pipeline to drive additional growth. With that as our focus, I am excited to lead the company forward.”
Fourth Quarter 2022 Financial Results
Net product revenues for the quarter ended December 31, 2022 were $128.3 million, compared to $91.2 million for the same period in 2021. The 40.7% growth versus the same period in 2021 is primarily attributed to strong commercial sales of WAKIX driven by continued organic demand. The average number of patients on WAKIX increased to approximately 4,900 for the quarter ended December 31, 2022.
GAAP net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2022, was $48.5 million, or $0.79 per diluted share, compared to GAAP net income of $22.7 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, for the same period in 2021. Non-GAAP adjusted net income was $61.9 million, or $1.01 per diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2022, compared to Non-GAAP adjusted net income of $30.4 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, for the same period in 2021.
Reconciliations of applicable GAAP financial measures to Non-GAAP financial measures are included at the end of this press release.
Harmony’s operating expenses include the following:
- Research and Development expenses were $10.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2022, as compared to $7.5 million for the same quarter in 2021, representing a 35.4% increase;
- Sales and Marketing expenses were $21.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2022, as compared to $19.1 million for the same quarter in 2021, representing a 10.3% increase;
- General and Administrative expenses were $22.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2022, as compared to $18.2 million for the same quarter in 2021, representing a 24.4% increase; and
- Total Operating Expenses were $53.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2022, as compared to $44.8 million for the same quarter in 2021, representing a 20.2% increase.
Full Year 2022 Financial Results
Net product revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022 were $437.9 million, compared to $305.4 million for 2021. The 43.4% growth versus the same period in 2021 is primarily attributed to strong commercial sales of WAKIX driven by continued organic demand.
GAAP net income for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $181.5 million, or $2.97 per diluted share, compared to GAAP net income of $34.6 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, for 2021. The increase in GAAP net income was primarily driven by the release of the valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets, which resulted in a $74.5 million income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2022, partially offset by a $30.0 million initial licensing fee as part of the 2022 Licensing and Commercialization Agreement with Bioprojet (the “2022 LCA”). Non-GAAP adjusted net income was $183.5 million, or $3.00 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to Non-GAAP adjusted net income of $91.7 million, or $1.55 per diluted share, for 2021.
Reconciliations of applicable GAAP financial measures to Non-GAAP financial measures are included at the end of this press release.
Harmony’s operating expenses include the following:
- Research and Development expenses were $70.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to $30.4 million for the prior year, representing a 133.4% increase, primarily driven by a $30.0 million initial licensing fee as part of the 2022 LCA;
- Sales and Marketing expenses were $79.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to $68.1 million for the prior year, representing a 16.4% increase;
- General and Administrative expenses were $84.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to $63.9 million for the prior year, representing a 31.5% increase; and
- Total Operating Expenses were $234.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to $162.4 million for the prior year, representing a 44.2% increase.
As of December 31, 2022, Harmony had cash, cash equivalents and investment securities of $345.7 million, compared to $234.3 million on December 31, 2021.
Recent Updates
- Continued strong momentum in patient enrollment in the Phase 3 registrational trial (INTUNE Study) in adult patients with IH, with approximately 85% of the planned clinical trial sites activated.
- Received the full data set from the Prader-Willi Syndrome (“PWS”) Phase 2 proof-of-concept study at the end of 2022, which we are analyzing in preparation for an end-of-Phase 2 meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) to discuss the results. We intend to advance our development program in patients with PWS to a Phase 3 trial.
- Enrollment continues in our Myotonic Dystrophy (“DM1”) study. We anticipate topline data from this Phase 2 proof-of-concept trial in the fourth quarter of 2023.
- Regarding a pediatric narcolepsy indication, our partner Bioprojet received a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency’s (“EMA”) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (“CHMP”) on January 26, 2023, and expects an approval for a pediatric narcolepsy indication from the EMA within 60 days of the positive CHMP opinion. We intend to work with Bioprojet on a path forward towards the submission to FDA of a supplemental new drug application for pediatric narcolepsy.
- Regarding pediatric exclusivity, we received feedback from the FDA on our Pediatric Written Request and will use this to prepare a proposed pediatric study request to submit to FDA in order to gain alignment with the agency, in pursuit of pediatric exclusivity for WAKIX.
Conference Call Today at 8:30 a.m. ET
We are hosting our fourth quarter and full year 2022 financial results conference call and webcast today, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The live and replayed webcast of the call will be available on the investor relations page of our website at https://ir.harmonybiosciences.com/. To participate in the live call by phone, dial (800) 225-9448 (domestic) or +1 (203) 518-9708 (international), and reference passcode HRMYQ422.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to our GAAP results, we present certain Non-GAAP metrics including Non-GAAP adjusted net income and Non-GAAP adjusted net income per share, which we believe provides important supplemental information to management and investors regarding our performance. These measurements are not a substitute for GAAP measurements, and the manner in which we calculate Non-GAAP adjusted net income and Non-GAAP adjusted net income per share may not be identical to the manner in which other companies calculate adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share. We use these Non-GAAP measurements as an aid in monitoring our financial performance from quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year and for benchmarking against comparable companies.
Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable GAAP measures; should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP; have no standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP; and are not prepared under any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. In addition, from time to time in the future there may be other items that we may exclude for purposes of our Non-GAAP financial measures; and we may in the future cease to exclude items that we have historically excluded for purposes of our Non-GAAP financial measures.
About WAKIX® (pitolisant) Tablets
WAKIX, a first-in-class medication, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness or cataplexy in adult patients with narcolepsy and has been commercially available in the U.S. since Q4 2019. It was granted orphan drug designation for the treatment of narcolepsy in 2010, and breakthrough therapy designation for the treatment of cataplexy in 2018. WAKIX is a selective histamine 3 (H₃) receptor antagonist/inverse agonist. The mechanism of action of WAKIX is unclear; however, its efficacy could be mediated through its activity at H₃ receptors, thereby increasing the synthesis and release of histamine, a wake promoting neurotransmitter. WAKIX was designed and developed by Bioprojet (France). Harmony has an exclusive license from Bioprojet to develop, manufacture and commercialize pitolisant in the United States.
Indications and Usage
WAKIX is indicated for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness or cataplexy in adult patients with narcolepsy.
Important Safety Information
Contraindications
WAKIX is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to pitolisant or any component of the formulation. Anaphylaxis has been reported. WAKIX is also contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
Warnings and Precautions
WAKIX prolongs the QT interval; avoid use of WAKIX in patients with known QT prolongation or in combination with other drugs known to prolong the QT interval. Avoid use in patients with a history of cardiac arrhythmias, as well as other circumstances that may increase the risk of the occurrence of torsade de pointes or sudden death, including symptomatic bradycardia, hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, and the presence of congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
The risk of QT prolongation may be greater in patients with hepatic or renal impairment due to higher concentrations of pitolisant; monitor these patients for increased QTc. Dosage modification is recommended in patients with moderate hepatic impairment and moderate or severe renal impairment (see full prescribing information). WAKIX is not recommended in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Adverse Reactions
In the placebo-controlled clinical trials conducted in patients with narcolepsy with or without cataplexy, the most common adverse reactions (≥5% and twice placebo) for WAKIX were insomnia (6%), nausea (6%), and anxiety (5%). Other adverse reactions that occurred at ≥2% and more frequently than in patients treated with placebo included headache, upper respiratory infection, musculoskeletal pain, heart rate increased, hallucinations, irritability, abdominal pain, sleep disturbance, decreased appetite, cataplexy, dry mouth, and rash.
Drug Interactions
Concomitant administration of WAKIX with strong CYP2D6 inhibitors increases pitolisant exposure by 2.2-fold. Reduce the dose of WAKIX by half.
Concomitant use of WAKIX with strong CYP3A4 inducers decreases exposure of pitolisant by 50%. Dosage adjustments may be required (see full prescribing information).
H1 receptor antagonists that cross the blood-brain barrier may reduce the effectiveness of WAKIX. Patients should avoid centrally acting H1 receptor antagonists.
WAKIX is a borderline/weak inducer of CYP3A4. Therefore, reduced effectiveness of sensitive CYP3A4 substrates may occur when used concomitantly with WAKIX. The effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives may be reduced when used with WAKIX and effectiveness may be reduced for 21 days after discontinuation of therapy.
Use in Specific Populations
WAKIX may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. Patients using hormonal contraception should be advised to use an alternative non-hormonal contraceptive method during treatment with WAKIX and for at least 21 days after discontinuing treatment.
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women who are exposed to WAKIX during pregnancy. Patients should be encouraged to enroll in the WAKIX pregnancy registry if they become pregnant. To enroll or obtain information from the registry, patients can call 1-800-833-7460. The safety and effectiveness of WAKIX have not been established in patients less than 18 years of age.
WAKIX is extensively metabolized by the liver. WAKIX is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment. Dosage adjustment is required in patients with moderate hepatic impairment.
WAKIX is not recommended in patients with end-stage renal disease. Dosage adjustment of WAKIX is recommended in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment.
Dosage reduction is recommended in patients known to be poor CYP2D6 metabolizers; these patients have higher concentrations of WAKIX than normal CYP2D6 metabolizers.
Please see the Full Prescribing Information for WAKIX for more information.
To report suspected adverse reactions, contact Harmony Biosciences at 1-800-833-7460 or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
About Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a rare, chronic, debilitating neurological disease of sleep-wake state instability that impacts approximately 165,000 Americans and is primarily characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and cataplexy – its two cardinal symptoms – along with other manifestations of REM sleep dysregulation (hallucinations and sleep paralysis), which intrude into wakefulness. EDS is the inability to stay awake and alert during the day and is the symptom that is present in all people living with narcolepsy. In most patients, narcolepsy is caused by the loss of hypocretin/orexin, a neuropeptide in the brain that supports sleep-wake state stability. This disease affects men and women equally, with typical symptom onset in adolescence or young adulthood; however, it can take up to a decade to be properly diagnosed.
About Idiopathic Hypersomnia
Idiopathic Hypersomnia (IH) is a rare and chronic neurological disease that is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) despite sufficient or even long sleep time. EDS in IH cannot be alleviated by naps, longer sleep or more efficient sleep. People living with IH experience significant EDS along with the symptoms of sleep inertia (prolonged difficulty waking up from sleep) and ‘brain fog’ (impaired cognition, attention, and alertness). The cause of IH is unknown, but it is likely due to alterations in areas of the brain that stabilize states of sleep and wakefulness. IH is one of the central disorders of hypersomnolence and, like narcolepsy, is a debilitating sleep disorder that can result in significant disruption in daily functioning.
About HBS-102
HBS-102, an investigational compound, is a melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) receptor 1 (MCHR1) antagonist that targets MCH neurons in the brain. It has the potential to be a first-in-class molecule with a novel mechanism of action that could offer a new approach to the treatment of a variety of rare neurological diseases.
About Harmony Biosciences
At Harmony Biosciences, we specialize in developing and delivering treatments for rare neurological diseases that others often overlook. We believe that where empathy and innovation meet, a better life can begin for people living with neurological diseases. Established by Paragon Biosciences, LLC, in 2017 and headquartered in Plymouth Meeting, PA, our team of experts from a wide variety of disciplines and experiences is driven by our shared conviction that innovative science translates into therapeutic possibilities for our patients, who are at the heart of everything we do. For more information, please visit www.harmonybiosciences.com.
Forward Looking Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our product WAKIX and the 2022 LCA with Bioprojet. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: our commercialization efforts and strategy for WAKIX; the rate and degree of market acceptance and clinical utility of WAKIX, pitolisant in additional indications, if approved, and any other product candidates we may develop or acquire, if approved; our research and development plans, including our development activities with Bioprojet, and plans to explore the therapeutic potential of pitolisant in additional indications; our ongoing and planned clinical trials; the availability of favorable insurance coverage and reimbursement for WAKIX; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including any current and future variants; the timing of and our ability to obtain regulatory approvals for pitolisant for other indications as well as any of our product candidates, including those we are developing with Bioprojet; our failure to achieve the potential benefits of the 2022 LCA with Bioprojet; our estimates regarding expenses, future revenue, capital requirements and needs for additional financing; our ability to identify additional products or product candidates with significant commercial potential that are consistent with our commercial objectives; our commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy; significant competition in our industry; our intellectual property position; loss or retirement of key members of management; failure to successfully execute our growth strategy, including any delays in our planned future growth; our failure to maintain effective internal controls; the impact of government laws and regulations; volatility and fluctuations in the price of our common stock; the significant costs and required management time as a result of operating as a public company; the fact that the price of Harmony’s common stock may be volatile and fluctuate substantially; and the significant costs and required management time as a result of operating as a public company. These and other important factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 21, 2023, and our other filings with the SEC could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management’s estimates as of the date of this press release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change.
About Harmony Biosciences
At Harmony Biosciences, we specialize in developing and delivering treatments for rare neurological diseases that others often overlook. We believe that where empathy and innovation meet, a better life can begin for people living with neurological diseases. Established by Paragon Biosciences, LLC, in 2017 and headquartered in Plymouth Meeting, PA, our team of experts from a wide variety of disciplines and experiences is driven by our shared conviction that innovative science translates into therapeutic possibilities for our patients, who are at the heart of everything we do. For more information, please visit www.harmonybiosciences.com.
