Sage Therapeutics Q3 2024 Earnings Call Transcript

Quartr
Provided by Quartr
October 29, 2024

There are 13 speakers on the call.

Operator

Good afternoon. Welcome to Sage Therapeutics Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results Conference Call. Currently, all participants are in a listen only mode. This call is being webcast live on the Investors and Media section of Sage's website at sagerx.com. This call is a property of Sage Therapeutics and recording, reproduction or transmission of this call without the expressed written consent of Sage Therapeutics is strictly prohibited.

Operator

Please note that this call is being recorded. I would now like to introduce Katie Plant, Manager of Investor Relations at Sage.

Speaker 1

Good afternoon, and thank you for joining Sage Therapeutics' Q3 2024 Financial Results Conference Call. Before we begin, I encourage everyone to go to the Investors and Media section of our website atsagerx.com, where you can find the press release and slides related to today's call. I would like to point out that we will be making forward looking statements, which are based on our current expectations and beliefs. These statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, and our actual results may differ materially. Please review the risk factors discussed in today's press release and in our SEC filings for additional details.

Speaker 1

We will begin the call with prepared remarks by Barry Green, our Chief Executive Officer, who will provide an overview of our progress during the Q3 of 2024. Our Chief Business Officer, Chris Bunecki, will provide an update on the ongoing commercialization of ZERZUVE. We will then be joined by Laura Gault, our Chief Medical Officer, who will review development activities across our programs. We will then be joined by Kimi Iguchi, our Chief Financial Officer, who will review our financial results from the Q3 of 2024. Mike Quirk, our Chief Scientific Officer, will be available for questions during the Q and A portion of the call.

Speaker 1

With that, I will now turn the call over to Barry.

Speaker 2

Thanks, Katie, and thank you everyone for joining us this afternoon. Discovering new medicines and bringing them to market, especially in brain health is a formidable challenge, but when successful has potential for major advances in human health. The impact of our work in postpartum depression is an important example of this. However, other areas of drug development, including the most devastating brain health conditions remain the next frontier. Recent pipeline setbacks require us to further focus our business priorities.

Speaker 2

We announced earlier this month that we are implementing a reorganization of our business operations intended to strengthen our balance sheet and focus investment to support the ongoing launch of ZERZUVE for the treatment of women with PPD, our upcoming readout in Huntington's disease and exploring opportunities across our early stage pipeline. This decision was necessary. We believe that this restructuring will right size Sage for future success. I'm grateful to all our employees, including those departing for their impact on our business and dedication to making a difference for patients. As you've seen in our recent press release, we're also making the strategic decision to stop making ZULRESSO commercially available after December 31, 2024.

Speaker 2

As we've noted, we've made progress in supporting more women with PPD since the launch of XERZUVE and we see this important treatment accelerating change in the PPD treatment paradigm. With the increased demand for ZULRESSO in the treatment of women with PPD, we're also seeing an expected decrease in demand for ZULRESSO. We believe healthcare providers who prescribe ZULRESSO will continue to transition to ZERZUVE and that women with PPD will be well supported by ZERZUVE. It's a logical business decision to discontinue availability and focus our resources on ZERZUVE so we can help even more women with PPD. Now as we are focused on PPD, Sage and Biogen will also not pursue further development of zuranolone as a treatment for major depressive disorder in the U.

Speaker 2

S. Based on the significant new investment and time we expect would be needed to conduct the additional studies and we're prioritizing our resources on supporting the PPD patient community. We're grateful to all the patients, providers and advocates who have supported our clinical trials and efforts in MDD. We believe these decisions will provide us with the agility, cash runway and focus to advance our business. We continue to build a foundation for the future that's supported by the momentum we're seeing with ZERZUVE.

Speaker 2

Last year, we set a goal to establish ZERZUVE as a first line therapy and standard of care for women with PPD. We're making progress as demonstrated in our 3rd consecutive quarter of solid growth. ZERZUVE has a critical role in advancing PPD care by helping to support a dialogue between healthcare providers and women with PPD, a condition that has often been stigmatized and undertreated. As a result, more women have the potential to be treated for PPD and more OBGYNs should begin to screen, diagnose and treat this disorder. We believe the shift in practice patterns is starting among OBGYNs who are now integrating maternal mental health with obstetric care and initiating medical treatment for PPD.

Speaker 2

In fact, once an OBGYN has written XERZUVE, on average, we see an encouraging increase in the number of women with PPD they treat based on written prescriptions for all medications. Of those healthcare prescribers prescribing XERZUVE, the majority are using XERZUVE as a first line PPD treatment. We're seeing broad and favorable coverage for ZERZUVA and PPD and progress across the ecosystem continues to energize our efforts. This launch, LUMUVA and PPD are going online and sharing their treatment success stories, medical associations are publishing screening guidelines, payers are recognizing the benefit of innovation and the media continue to discuss PPD as an urgent and treatable medical condition. While progress in overall screening rates for PPD is encouraging, it should be the first step in the delivery process to ensure women who are diagnosed with PPD understand their options for care.

Speaker 2

Chris will provide more specific breakdown of our commercial performance in Q3. Looking ahead, we plan to continue to scale with success and believe that our strategic investments, including our recent sales force expansion will accelerate the demand and market growth for ZERJUVA and PPD. Now turning to the pipeline. Earlier this month, we reported that the Phase 2 LIGHTWEIGHT study in Alzheimer's disease did not meet the primary endpoint. We're disappointed for the millions of patients suffering with Alzheimer's disease.

Speaker 2

We look forward to reporting top line data from the Phase 2 DIMENSION study of dals and Amdur in people with cognitive impairment associated with Huntington's disease expected later this year. Finally, we announced in September that Biogen has decided to terminate our collaboration and license agreement for the SAGE-three twenty four program. With the termination of this agreement, Sage will have full ownership of SAGE-three twenty four and we plan to continue to evaluate potential indications if any for the program. We anticipate that any future investment in SAGE-three twenty four will be based on a broader portfolio review and pipeline prioritization. Our commitment to advanced brain health medicines endures through our successes and setbacks.

Speaker 2

Patient impact, long term growth and value creation remain our guiding principles. With that, I'll turn the call over to Chris to provide additional context on the ongoing commercialization of XERZUVE. Chris?

Speaker 3

Thanks, Barry. We have achieved notable progress in our launch of XERZUVE over the Q3. We are making notable strides in our goal to establish XERZUVE as the first line therapy and standard of care for women with PPD. XERZUVE generated $22,100,000 in total revenue in the Q3 of 2024, of which Sage recognized $11,000,000 in collaboration revenue. This represents a 49% growth in revenue over the Q2.

Speaker 3

We also observed increased demand as measured by shipments in the 3rd quarter with approximately 2,000 prescriptions filled and delivered to women with BPD. This represents an approximately 40% growth compared to the 2nd quarter. Inventory levels have normalized since the initial build at launch. Additionally, we saw a reduction in the percentage of free goods as commercial and Medicaid policies covering XERZUVE have been implemented. Prescriber trends also signal encouraging growth of XERZUVE as a treatment for women with PPD.

Speaker 3

We're building from a strong foundation with data that suggests 90% aided brand awareness among OBGYNs and psychiatrists. Prescribers and repeat writers continue to increase quarter over quarter with most new prescriptions initiating after an interaction with a sales representative. These data and trends reinforce our view that this is a promotionally sensitive market with potential to further scale as we've recently done with our field sales force expansion. DIRZUVAY is being prescribed across a breadth of HCPs who treat PPD. Importantly, OBGYNs continue to lead the way accounting for 70% of all prescribers.

Speaker 3

A majority of the OBGYNs who first wrote a script prior to July 2024 have written multiple prescriptions. This is noteworthy as OBGYNs are at the forefront of peripartum care seeing these women at the most critical time to screen, diagnose and treat PPD. At the same time, we continue to recognize broad and equitable coverage as a critical element of our efforts to ensure women with PPD get access to this important treatment. As of today, more than 90% of commercial and Medicaid lives are covered with a vast majority of policies enabling first line access to XERZUVE for women with PPD without burdensome prior authorizations. I'm pleased to report that all three national PBMs have now developed favorable coverage policies for XERZUVE in the treatment of PPD.

Speaker 3

The progress we've made this quarter speaks to the need and strong value proposition for XERZUVE in the treatment of women with PPD. Barry articulated our growth strategy when we launched XERZUVE at the end of 2023 to think big about the opportunity in PPD, start with a focused approach and scale strategically with success. Our plan to accelerate growth of XERZUVE in PPD is centered around 3 key areas. First, we plan to continue to expand the HCP prescriber base through field force expansion and increasing peer to peer engagement, education and awareness programs in Q4. Sage's expanded sales force is in the field as of the start of Q4.

Speaker 3

We plan to support repeat writing in PPD by prioritizing a positive clinical and brand experience, including through an efficient prescription fulfillment process. Our goal is for HCPs in women with PPD prescribed XERZUVE to feel supported throughout the process. And finally, we plan to leverage targeted media, digital channels and social media influencers to empower more women to discuss their PPD symptoms with their ACP and ask if XERZUVA is an appropriate treatment option. We are inspired by the ongoing efforts of the PPD community to create real and lasting change in the healthcare system, which fuels our shared commitment to support women with BPD. I look forward to sharing updates on our commercialization efforts in the coming quarters.

Speaker 3

With that, I will turn it over to Laura to highlight our pipeline updates. Laura?

Speaker 1

Thanks, Chris, and good afternoon, everyone. We continue to believe that tirzubay is contributing to the growing momentum in the healthcare community to recognize and treat PPD. I'm encouraged by the progress we are making and the potential to help even more women with PPD. With regard to the clinical stage pipeline, in early October, we announced the results from the Phase 2 LIGHTEWAVE study in Alzheimer's disease. Unfortunately, there was not a statistically significant difference from baseline to day 84 in participants treated with 1,000 mTOR versus placebo as assessed by the waste floor coding test, the primary endpoint.

Speaker 1

A difference between 1,000 mTOR and placebo was also not observed for secondary endpoints. Given these results, we do not plan to pursue further clinical development of 1,000 mTOR and Alzheimer's disease. While we are disappointed by the findings from the LIGHTWEIGHT study, we extend our gratitude to all the participants, investigators, care partners, patient advocates and the broader Alzheimer's community, all of whom contributed to this important research. We are also conducting the Phase 2 DIMENSION study that evaluates 1,000 mDOR in people with cognitive impairment associated with Huntington's disease. This cognitive impairment affects the ability of people with Huntington's disease to work and care for themselves, and there are currently no treatments.

Speaker 1

We look forward to the top line data from the DIMENSION study, which are expected later this year. We continue to evaluate options across our early stage pipeline, including one I'll highlight today, SAGE-three nineteen. This work is built on the insight that alterations in inhibitory GABA signaling may play an important role in the pathophysiology of many brain health disorders. Phase 3 19 is an extra synaptic preferring GABA A receptor positive allosteric modulator or PAM that is designed to be differentiated from the other GABAPAMs in our portfolio. With Phase-three nineteen, we see an opportunity to treat neurodevelopmental disorders where current treatment options are limited.

Speaker 1

I want to close on a note of appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our team. They are on the front lines of advancing our understanding of the treatment of brain health disorders. Now, I will turn the call over for a review of our financials. Kimi?

Speaker 4

Thanks, Laura. Our financial results for the Q3 2024 are detailed in our press release issued this afternoon. As Chris mentioned, we reported collaboration revenue from the sales of XERZUVE of $11,000,000 in the Q3. As a reminder, our reported collaboration revenue is 50% of the net revenues Biogen reports for XERZUVE. Note that certain variables in the Q4 including holidays could influence revenue.

Speaker 4

Turning to operating expenses. R and D expenses were $54,600,000 in the Q3 2024. SG and A expenses were $53,200,000 in the Q3 of 2024. We expect operating expenses to decrease in 2025 relative to 2024. Our net loss for the Q3 of 2024 was $93,600,000 We ended the Q3 of 2024 with cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of approximately 569,000,000 dollars As we stated in our reorganization announcement earlier this month, we anticipate that implementation of the reorganization will extend our cash runway and we plan to update cash runway guidance in the near future.

Speaker 4

Finally, I want to thank my colleagues for the opportunity to work alongside you as we built a company with a tremendous team. I'm proud of our efforts, especially in revolutionizing the approach to postpartum depression. It's been a privilege to make an impact in this area and I wish you all continued success. I'll now turn it over to Katie to handle Q and A with the operator. Katie?

Speaker 1

Thanks, Kimi. I will ask that you limit yourself to one question. If you have an additional question, feel free to return to the queue. Now, I will turn it over to the operator to oversee Q and A. Operator?

Speaker 4

Thank you.

Operator

And our first question today comes from Anupam Rama with JPMorgan.

Speaker 3

Hey, guys. Thanks so much for taking the question. I know it's only been a few weeks, but wondering what color you can provide on sort of what you're seeing on script trends from the sales force expansion? Thanks so much.

Speaker 2

Hey, Anupam, thanks. Appreciate it. So as we highlighted in the prepared remarks, we put the sales force in for the Q4. So they're out there in the field. Given the promotional sensitivity we've seen with the territories that were already, we're confident that we're going to see an uptick with these, but it's too early to provide any guidance or color other than they're in the field and operating effectively.

Speaker 3

Got it. Thanks so much for taking our question.

Speaker 2

Thank you.

Operator

And the next question will come from Salveen Richter with Goldman Sachs.

Speaker 5

Hi, guys. This is Shneur on for Salveen. Thanks for taking our question. Just a couple from our side. Could you speak to your early stage pipeline and if we'll be seeing any data there next year or

Speaker 2

Let me start with specialty pharma and Zsuve, then I'll turn it over to Laura to talk about the pipeline. So as we talked about in the last quarter, working with specialty pharmas is newer to the OBGYNs. And just to be clear, OBGYNs and that healthcare provider office is the right place to intercept PPD for moms early in the disease progress. So as we educate and implement additional solutions that process is getting better and better. We're not really hearing much complaints about drug getting shipped to mom's homes.

Speaker 2

In fact, it's a very efficient process that continues to improve quarter on quarter. Lori, you want to talk about the early stage pipeline?

Speaker 1

Yes, sure. So as I highlighted on the call, one of the interesting compounds in our early stage pipeline is SAGE-three nineteen. And that differentiates from other equity in our GABA portfolio because it is an extra synaptic preferring molecule. And so, as compared to Benzodiazepines or to our prior GABA compounds that have been in development, it has a different pharmacological profile that we hope will translate into a different profile in the clinic. In preclinical data, we have seen that this compound behaves differently than Benzodiazepines and the balance to GABA compounds.

Speaker 1

And it is currently in Phase 1 and we look forward to starting to uncover some of the information about how this molecule will differentiate in the clinic during the Phase 1 program. With regard to the rest of the early pipeline, the approach that we've taken to develop our pipeline is to really understand the role of neurosteroids in impacting brain circuitry. And we've started with the GABAA platform and followed with the NMDA platform. But these are just two examples of how neurosteroids could influence various circuitry in the brain. And so in our earlier stage pipeline, we're looking to identify other opportunities for neurosteroids for a platform approach.

Speaker 1

Thank you.

Operator

And our next question will come from Yasmeen Rahimi with Piper Sandler.

Speaker 6

Thanks, Tim. First of all, Kimi, it's been great working with you and you'll be greatly missed. Same goes to Chris, to all of you. And thank you for your contribution at Sage. Just want to maybe start that.

Speaker 6

And in terms of my question, I guess, given sort of the setbacks recently around the pipeline product, what evidence can you point us to get clients excited going into the Huntington's disease readout here at year end? Appreciate color.

Speaker 2

Yes. Thanks. And Kimi is going to look forward to her retirement, but certainly has done a wonderful job helping to build Sage. Let me start and then I'll ask Laura to talk about Huntington and some of the earlier data we saw. So look, we as you heard on the call, we're off to a very strong start with the launch of ZERZUVE and PPD.

Speaker 2

And we think seeing that continued growth of shipments quarter to quarter and really the transformation of PPD is very exciting for us. Additionally, we have an earlier stage pipeline that we already commented on and seeing those data move along, we think create a short, medium and potentially longer term value as we follow the science there and apply all the lessons learned from all the compounds we've already got data on to earlier stage compounds. We were learning a lot over the last 4 years and applying those learnings to earlier stage pipeline. You should see some different thinking moving forward there. Laurie, you want to talk about dalazine or Huntington's and some of the earlier data and some of the hope we have for the upcoming data readout?

Speaker 1

Sure. So for those who may not be familiar, the DIMENSION study is our study of 1,000 mDOR in patients with Huntington's disease who have cognitive impairment. And we are expecting results from that study before the end of the year. We have very strong scientific rationale for this study that relies on really two approaches. The first is decades of research into the role of the NMDA receptor in learning and memory.

Speaker 1

And the second is a later recognition that a neuroactive steroid 24S hydroxycholesterol is reduced in patients with Huntington's. Now this is a neuro steroid that binds to the NMDA receptor and modulates it. And we expect that 1,000,000 MR could be expected to modulate the receptor in the same way, restoring the function of the NMDA system towards normal. One of the interesting factors of a study in Huntington's disease is that it is a genetically defined and younger population than what we've seen in some of our other studies. That means this population is more homogeneous, it has fewer medical comorbidities and as a consequence, it's easier to detect a signal in this population.

Speaker 1

So as we said, we don't anticipate that the results we've seen in prior studies will necessarily predict the results from DIMENSION. We're looking forward to seeing the results from those studies later this year.

Speaker 6

Thank you so much.

Speaker 2

Thanks, Yaz.

Operator

And the next question will come from Jay Olson with Oppenheimer.

Speaker 7

Hey, thanks for providing this update. Could you please talk about the TachiyaTree collaboration that Biogen has initiated and the potential for that opportunity to drive uptake in PPD through telehealth? Thank you.

Speaker 2

Yes, Jay, that's a great question. I'll start and then I'll ask Chris to talk about it. So as we think about the paradigm shift we're trying to drive in PPD, it really does start with those that see moms before, during and then obviously at the birthing event and then directly after the pregnancy. And that is OBGYNs and nurse practitioners and physicians assistants that help them. So that's the right timeframe in place to screen and then if properly diagnosed, diagnose and treat.

Speaker 2

And as you saw from this quarter, over 70% of the scripts are in fact coming from OBGYN. So we are intercepting PPD early in the disease process. That's great. Some women don't get screened and diagnosed and others frankly don't go on to develop symptoms until multiple months after birth. So they're outside the practice of OBGYNs.

Speaker 2

So it's important for us to have access and educate psychiatrists and primary care physicians, so that those moms that have gotten out of the OBGYN, potential screening and diagnosis can get treatment for their PPD symptoms if diagnosed. And that's really where the other disease the other specialties come in as well as tachyatry. Chris, you want to talk further about that? Yes.

Speaker 3

Barry, I think you hit it. Telehealth and organizations like Tawke Eretry are a much needed resource for new mothers as they navigate the challenges of motherhood. And effectively what they do is they meet that woman at a place and time where she needs supportive care, she's able to do so from whatever environment that she's in. So we really believe, I think as you said that this is going to expand the opportunity for so many women to engage with healthcare professional and gain deeper insight into how to manage through their postpartum depression.

Speaker 2

Yes. And Jay, I think you highlighted this in terms of further uptake. It might take in certain areas of the country weeks to months to get into a psychiatrist. So this provides immediate access to mom really need that help that Chris just highlighted.

Speaker 7

Super helpful. Thank you very much.

Speaker 2

Thanks, Jay.

Operator

And the next question will come from Muthu Baral with TD Cowen.

Speaker 1

Hi. This is Athena on for Muthu. Thanks for taking the question. Another on your early stage pipeline. What is your timeline to unveiling promising early stage assets with cost effective development?

Speaker 1

And would these assets also be neuro focused or neuropsych focused? Thank you.

Speaker 2

Thanks for the question, Athena. Let me ask Laura to start and then Mike, you might want to chime in there as well.

Speaker 1

Yes. So, right now, we are in the process of evaluating all of the potential assets across our portfolio and are conducting a portfolio prioritization process. When that is complete, we will share more, the details about the early pipeline.

Speaker 8

And then just to build a little bit on what Laura said earlier, I think from the beginning of Sage, there were two elements that we really focused in on in trying to understand the best way to bring forward new medicines in brain health disorders. And one, as Laura mentioned, was understanding how the neuropathology of neurocircuits and the role neurocircuits play across a range of brain health disorders. And the other one is really around our in house chemistry platform that's focused on understanding, usually neuroactosteroids, but I think more broadly, endogenous steroids and how they engage those neural circuits. And so while we focused, our clinical pipeline right now is really emphasize the GABA and NMDA receptors as critical ways of interacting with these narrow circuits. We've also been working on research on understanding the other endogenous pathways within our chemistry platform that can engage these circuits that go beyond just the GABA and NMDA receptor.

Speaker 8

And as we continue to evaluate those opportunities, we'll have more information to

Speaker 4

share. Got it. Thank you.

Speaker 2

Thanks, Athena.

Operator

And we'll take a question from Amy Fadia with Needham.

Speaker 5

Hi, good evening. Thanks for taking my question. With regards to some of the efforts in conjunction with Biogen to support women that are sort of ending up being treated by a psychiatrist rather than an OBGYN. Can you just sort of step back and give us a sense of sort of how the market dynamics or how the market is split with regards to the number of women that actually get seen by an OBGYN versus a psychiatrist and help us understand also from the sense of the severity of PPD, if you've been able to get a better sense of how the severity level of these patients differs across the market? That will be helpful.

Speaker 5

Thank you.

Speaker 2

Dami, thanks for the question. That's a good one. So just the numbers, as we've highlighted over 70% of the prescriptions are coming from OBGYN, which we think is the right place to intercept PPD. PPD like any disease, the earlier in the disease onset you can treat, the better off typically the outcomes. And as we all know that an under treated mom has devastating consequences, not just for mom, but for baby.

Speaker 2

So the ideal state is in during pregnancy or directly after the baby is born for the OBGYN office to be the primary spot of standard screening and if appropriate diagnosis and then if appropriate treatment with an intervention. What we're seeing and we highlighted this in the remarks is that once a OBGYN uses XERZUVA, they're seeing more PPD and they're using XERZUVA more often than not and seeing that PPD. So that's the dynamic we want to create. Now as we highlighted, not every mom with PPD gets picked up in the weeks being treated by OBGYN and several women develop symptoms weeks or months after delivering a baby that are PPD symptoms. And that's where primary care and psychiatry comes in.

Speaker 2

But just to be clear, our real focus is to continue to grow awareness in the OBGYN office because that's the right primary intervention for PPD and we want to continue to see that the scripts flowing from OBGYNs.

Speaker 1

Amit.

Speaker 2

Okay. You also asked about the severity. Thanks Amit. You also asked about the severity. So let's hit that quickly.

Speaker 2

So we are seeing mild, moderate and severe PPD treated at all specialty levels. So it's not really differentiating by specialty. The other thing we're working on from a disease state awareness is really to help the healthcare community understand that since PPD doesn't really fit into the buckets of mild, medium, severe. A woman could show up on Monday and being diagnosed with mild PPD, only develop severe PPD on Friday. So if someone has PPD, they need to be they need an intervention, whether it's another treatment through UHV or talk therapy, they need help.

Speaker 4

Got it. Thank you.

Operator

And moving on to Brian Abrahams with RBC Capital Markets.

Speaker 3

Hi there. Thanks so much for taking my question. I'm curious, what will you guys be looking for in dimension on SDMT and across the secondary endpoints in order to move 1,000,000 MR forward? Would signals and trends across all or some of these endpoints be enough? And how has the bar evolved given the decision since the decision to restructure and refocus resources?

Speaker 3

Thanks.

Speaker 2

Hey, Brian. Thanks for the question. I'll ask Laura to start and I'll circle back with potential additional color.

Speaker 1

Yes. So, in the DIMENSION study, we have recently adjusted the primary endpoint to the SDMT, the simple digit modalities test. And this is a test that's been around for nearly 100 years in multiple forms. Clinicians are aware of it. Regulators are familiar with it.

Speaker 1

And it's considered a reliable measure of cognition over time. We are looking in this study for obviously a clinically meaningful change between cells and mTOR and placebo on this endpoint. And we'd like to see that supported by meaningful changes on the secondary endpoint, which is an endpoint of function called the independent scale in Huntington's disease and across some of the other secondary endpoints.

Speaker 3

Thanks, Blair.

Speaker 2

Thanks, Brad.

Operator

And the next question will come from Tazeen Ahmad with Bank of America.

Speaker 9

Hi, good afternoon and thanks for taking my questions. On SIRZURVE, can you potentially give us a little bit of color on breast and death of use? Are most of the scripts coming from physicians who have had experience prescribing it before and are adding to their prescriptions for other patients? And can you just talk about the rate with which you're adding new prescribers now relative to

Speaker 1

when the launch first started?

Speaker 9

And then, to go back to MDD, can you give us a little bit of color on the details around your decision to not pursue MDD? Is it that the trial would be difficult to design or is it more that you feel you want to focus your resources on PPD? Thanks.

Speaker 2

Yes, Tazeen, good set of questions. Let me start with MDD and then I'll provide some comment on Zuvi, but just turn it over to Chris to elaborate further. So in terms of MDD, as we thought about the clinical trials required to generate a potential indication, the risk relative to our portfolio and our resource allocation. We think we're best off continuing to create ZERLYUVE as the key to unlock the blockbuster potential and PT helping more and more moms. That's the right place for us to use our balance sheet, take risk and spend other money, particularly after more focused size of company.

Speaker 2

In terms of and obviously, Biogen also aligns with that decision. In terms of XERZUVE, our strategy is to drive both breadth and depth of prescribers. So our field force, our non perishable motion, our marketing, our direct to consumer, all out there driving breadth and depth.

Speaker 3

Chris, you

Speaker 2

want to provide some more color?

Speaker 3

Yes. So Barry, to reinforce what you said, we're seeing XERZUVA prescribed across that breadth and depth of prescribers that you mentioned who treat PPD. Obviously, led by OBGYNs with 70% of prescribers being OBGYNs that we saw in the Q3. And many of them are using XERZUVE as a first line therapy. So of course, over time, over the course of the quarter, what we see is that prescribers are increasing and repeat utilization of prescriptions are also increasing as physicians gain more experience with this medication.

Speaker 3

Obviously, that's enabled by the experience they have, the medication working as it did in our pivotal studies when they see it in the real world setting, supported by the access and reimbursement ecosystem that we have that enables first line access for this medication. So in effect, what we have happening here is a number of different commercialization factors coming together enabling breadth and depth of utilization across that group of physicians that we've talked about.

Operator

And we'll take our next question from Vikram Beharthorn with Morgan Stanley.

Speaker 10

Hi, everyone. Thanks for taking our question. This is Morgan on for Vikram. So we have 2. First, what magnitude of sales uplift do you think that the recent sales force expansion for XERZUVE could drive?

Speaker 10

And how over what period of time in terms of months or quarters do you think it will take to see this pull through? And then our second question is, do you think that the current ZERZUVE sales force is rightly sized or could there be any additional investments into the sales force in 2025? Thank you.

Speaker 2

Morgan, that was actually three questions, way to get it in there. I'll start and I'll ask Chris to provide any comment. So just to back up, when we thought about the launch, we thought very big about the potential of PPD. We've said it a number of times. We see the blockbuster potential in XERZUVE helping many, many women suffering with PPD.

Speaker 2

The epidemiology, the diagnosis rates, treatment rates support this and we're already seeing tremendous use of XERZUVE frontline by many of those healthcare providers educated. So we're off to a really strong start with a third full growth. The field force is calling on targets, some of whom have been called on, some of who have not. Those called on, we should see immediate impact. Those newer ones might take 1 or 2 or 3 calls to see the impact, but it shouldn't we should be seeing some impact next quarter.

Speaker 2

And then in terms of growth, we see growth quarter to quarter here for pretty extended period of time. I can't really provide a forecast or guidance there. But again, based upon the numbers, epidemiologically half of women a year are suffer from PPD, less than half of those are diagnosed and less or half of those are treated. We're trying to change all of that. The number of treated with XERZUVE, the increased diagnosis and increased awareness.

Speaker 2

So we see this continuing to grow for an extended period of time quarter on quarter. As we see success, we might continue to invest in DTC, marketing, non personal motion including additional sales force expansion if it's warranted and will drive further success.

Speaker 3

What I would add Barry is that what we've learned very quickly is this is a promotionally responsive market. It's promotionally responsive to field force effort. It's promotionally responsive to non personal efforts, which is why we're investing in both of these as we go forward. We want to certainly make sure that if there is opportunity that we're capitalizing on that opportunity right now. I think you hit it.

Speaker 3

We'll continue to assess the investments required to grow the market as we move forward. But again, through promotional responsiveness and what we've learned the time is right, right now to be doing the things that we're doing.

Speaker 9

Thank you.

Speaker 2

Thanks, Morgan.

Operator

And the next question comes from Yuri Ihrer with Mizuho.

Speaker 11

Thanks for taking my questions. Yes, so first question is, could you maybe elaborate a bit on coverage, particularly with, I guess, Medicaid reviews? I think in the last quarter, you were saying that several large states were conducting reviews. Just wondering how much more coverage have you gotten from Medicaid versus commercial lives? And second question, would you give the number of prescriptions that were written in 3Qs?

Speaker 11

I might have missed, I didn't see in the press release. Thanks.

Speaker 2

Yes. I'll start and then I'll ask Chris to comment. So last quarter we highlighted that we were going to provide shipments and revenues going forward and drop prescriptions. So we've done that. In terms of coverage, I characterize coverage as way ahead of schedule in terms of where we are launched both in terms of commercial PBM and Medicaid.

Speaker 2

But Chris, you want to provide more color?

Speaker 3

I mean, as a part of our strategy, Barry, what we've historically said is that access and reimbursement is paramount to a successful launch, which is why we've worked so hard on ensuring that in this area, both with respect to commercial plans as well as Medicaid. What we've seen is that approximately 90% of all commercial Medicaid lives are now covered with a vast majority of really the policies enabling first line access to ZSUVIA without burdensome prior authorizations. Again, it was a goal for us as we set out to launch this medication. I think with regard to Medicaid and the specificity of Medicaid, while we haven't given out the exact percentages of Medicaid, what we can't say is the majority of Medicaid plans for which we've worked, there was a pathway to the utilization of ZERZUVA again in the sense of no owner's prior authorizations and no step at it. So regardless of whether you're a commercially insured patient or you're someone with Medicaid, there's a high likelihood that not only are you able to get this medication, but you get it in the first line and you're able to do so rather affordably.

Speaker 3

So very encouraged by what we've seen so far, more work clearly to be done. And as I think the other thing that we said earlier today is that we now have 3 of 3 national PBMs. So the wins in our sales from a market access perspective.

Speaker 11

Okay. Thank you.

Operator

And moving on to Danielle Brill with Raymond James.

Speaker 3

Hey, guys. This is Alex on for Danielle. Thanks for taking the question. Question on DIRZUVA. Just wondering how much insight you have into the DIRZUVA patient demographics.

Speaker 3

Just curious if you have any visibility whether XERZUVE is being prescribed to mothers with a prior history of PPD or MDD for that matter. And additionally curious whether you're able to see a breakdown of percent of patients prescribed ZERZUFA who are first time mothers versus those having their second or third child for example? Thanks.

Speaker 2

Yes, Alex, thanks for the question.

Speaker 3

Chris, do you want to start? So what I would say about what we know about patients, we actually know quite a bit. The mix of patients that we see, some do have a prior history of major depressive disorder and a significant group of the patient population has no prior history. They're new to the experience of postpartum depression. But also say that across severity types mild, moderate or severe, we're seeing utilization of XERZUVE without focus on any one of those particular areas.

Speaker 3

And I think what's really important about that is it says that clinicians aren't making a determination based upon severity from a scale. They're really assessing the needs of the mother when she presents in front of them with the signs and symptoms of PPD, while also taking into consideration prior history. So what we have effectively happening here is that mothers with PPD have access to this medication. As I said, they have access with Tuzarzumab as a first line therapy in many cases, which is really exciting because what it means is that there's the ability to fundamentally change the way PPD is not only thought about terms of screening and diagnosis, but the way it's ultimately treated.

Speaker 2

Yes. And just to round that out, I guess to take the opposite side of that, Alex, we're not seeing really limited to prior history or not or limited to severity. It's being used across all kinds of PPD, including new mothers or mothers with, as I said, their second or third or more children, which is great. That's the dynamic we want to see.

Speaker 3

That's very helpful. Thanks so much.

Speaker 2

Thanks, Alex.

Operator

And the next question comes from Joel Beatty with Baird.

Speaker 3

Hi, thanks. Maybe a follow-up to the last question is how is the use of KIRZUVA in patients who are already on a treatment for depression? Is that a setting for growth and do OBGYN feel comfortable prescribing there or is that more a setting who has ever been managing the depression?

Speaker 2

Yes, Joel. So what we're seeing again, majority of scripts over 70% are coming from OB GYNs, which suggested that as the OB GYNs do and ACOG guides them to do, they're screening they need to screen and diagnose for PPD. So we're seeing that. And as we highlighted with the previous question, we're seeing moms being prescribed XERZUVE with or without prior history, irrespective of number the child they had and across all ranges of severity, mild, immediate, severe, which we shouldn't be using anyway. We are also seeing ZERSUVA used as monotherapy on top of an antidepressant that a mom may have been on or reinitiated and concomitant use.

Speaker 2

So what's really good here is that we're seeing the opportunity for growth across all segments. There's not one segment that's prime for growth. It's really across all these segments. Again, that's exactly what we want to see at this point in launch.

Speaker 4

Thanks.

Speaker 2

Thanks, Joel.

Operator

And we will go to Mark Goodman with Leerink.

Speaker 12

Yes. Two questions. 1, Barry, on business development, are you looking outside at all for new products? Or should we be thinking internally developed and those products that we've talked about in the past that are preclinical and moving forward and that's how we should think about your pipeline? And then just the other question is, can you talk about the inventory change in the quarter?

Speaker 12

You were 5.5 weeks last quarter. Where are you at the end of the Q3? And how much revenue did that eat into what you actually reported? Thanks.

Speaker 2

Yes, Mark. Thanks for the questions. I'll take the BD one and ask Chris to talk about inventory. So as we highlighted, we continue to be very intellectually curious. And to be frank, anything we've liked that we might want to bring in, others have really liked too and it's gone for pretty significant pieces of equity or cash.

Speaker 2

So we'll continue to evaluate any potential opportunities that we believe support our business priorities and advance new therapeutic options for patients, including bringing business development in and bringing our pipeline forward. So we are open for opportunities there. Chris, you want to take the inventory piece?

Speaker 3

So with respect to inventory, today we haven't commented on days on hand or weeks on hand for the revenue impact of inventory. But what we can say is that the strong revenue growth in Q3 was largely driven by an increase in demand and that revenue from shipped units to PPD patients increased by approximately 40% in the 3rd quarter. And our belief is that where we stand right now inventory levels have largely normalized off of where they were from the initial build and we're exactly where we should be as of the 3rd full quarter of launch.

Speaker 2

Yes. What I'll highlight on the inventory side, as we continue Ed, Mark?

Speaker 12

No, I was going to say, didn't you say that your target was 3 to 4 weeks or I think I heard that maybe last quarter or is that correct?

Speaker 2

Yes. So what I was going to say is the as we continue to see double digit growth quarter to quarter, the number of units in inventory will obviously grow because to cover 3 or 4 weeks of hand, you need a bigger number. So we'll continue to see inventory grow because demand continues to grow. That 3 to 4 week target you highlighted is something we've highlighted in the past. Again, that's a decision that wholesalers and specialty farmers will be making.

Speaker 12

Thanks.

Speaker 2

Thank you.

Operator

Thank you. And that will conclude the Q and A portion of today's call. With that, I will turn it back to Barry for closing remarks.

Speaker 2

Hey, thanks Justin and thanks again for all the questions everyone for joining us this afternoon to review our results for the Q3 of 2024. I know I said in the call, but I do want to take a moment to thank Kimi for her remarkable service to the company. Kimi has been instrumental in originating our exceptional culture, balancing top and bottom line and really driving a greediness and a fortitude that's part of the company now, really helping us to think about short, medium and long term value. So we wish Kimi the best and look forward to hearing about all her travels and adventures with Poly. In closing, we're encouraged by the strength of ZERZUVE's launch momentum as a treatment for women with PPD and deliberate in our plan to sustain growth through our commercialization efforts.

Speaker 2

We're also looking forward to sharing top line data from the dementia study of Dalzentamdor in people with cognitive impairment associated with Huntington's disease anticipated before the end of the year. And finally, we're making strategic decisions intended to build for short, medium and long term value creation. Thanks again everyone and have a great day.

Operator

Thank you. That does conclude today's conference. We do thank you for your participation. Have an excellent day.

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Key Takeaways

  • The company announced a reorganization to streamline operations, focus on the ZERZUVE launch for postpartum depression, pursue its upcoming Huntington’s disease readout, and deepen investment in early‐stage assets, while discontinuing ZULRESSO and halting MDD development.
  • In Q3, ZERZUVE generated $22.1 million in net product revenue ($11 million to Sage), marking a 49% sequential increase, with approximately 2,000 prescriptions filled (+40% sequential growth) and over 90% commercial and Medicaid coverage.
  • Obstetricians and gynecologists drive ZERZUVE adoption—accounting for 70% of scripts—and the company has expanded its field sales force and leveraged broad payer coverage to position ZERZUVE as a first‐line therapy for women with PPD.
  • Pipeline updates included a Phase 2 Alzheimer’s study that failed to meet its primary endpoint, while top‐line results from the Phase 2 DIMENSION trial in Huntington’s disease are expected later this year; Sage also regained full rights to SAGE-324 and is advancing early‐stage GABA‐PAM assets like SAGE-319.
  • Financially, Sage reported a Q3 net loss of $93.6 million, ended the quarter with approximately $569 million in cash and securities, and expects reduced operating expenses in 2025, with the restructuring aimed at extending its cash runway.
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Earnings Conference Call
Sage Therapeutics Q3 2024
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