8-K
false000081803300008180332023-05-112023-05-11

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 11, 2023

 

Heron Therapeutics, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Delaware

001-33221

94-2875566

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

(Commission

File Number)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

4242 Campus Point Court, Suite 200, San Diego, CA

92121

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (858) 251-4400

N/A

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

HRTX

The Nasdaq Capital Market

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

 


Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On May 11, 2023, Heron Therapeutics, Inc. (“Company”) issued a press release announcing its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2023 (“Earnings Press Release”). A copy of the Earnings Press Release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1.

This Item 2.02 and the Earnings Press Release attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1, insofar as they disclose information regarding the Company’s results of operations or financial condition for the three months ended March 31, 2023, are being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit No.

Description

 

 

 

99.1

Earnings Press Release, dated May 11, 2023

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

 


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

Heron Therapeutics, Inc.

 

Date: May 11, 2023

 

/s/ Lisa Peraza

 

 

Lisa Peraza

 

 

Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer

 


EX-99.1

EXHIBIT 99.1

Heron Therapeutics Announces Financial Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 and Highlights Recent Corporate Updates

Net Product Sales for First Quarter of 2023 Grew 26% to $29.6 million, Compared to First Quarter Net Product Sales in 2022
Appointment of Craig Collard as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Jason Grillot as Vice President (VP), Sales and Marketing, of the Acute Care Franchise.

SAN DIEGO, May 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Heron Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: HRTX) (the “Company”), a commercial-stage biotechnology company focused on improving the lives of patients by developing and commercializing therapeutic innovations that improve medical care, today announced financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and highlighted recent corporate updates.

First quarter 2023 net product sales grew 26% to $29.6 million, compared to the first quarter of 2022. The sales growth was mainly driven by our oncology care franchise, which increased 15%, compared to the same period in 2022. First quarter also reflected continued advancement of our acute care franchise, with $3.5 million in net product sales from ZYNRELEF® and initial orders from the launch of APONVIE® in March.

With the appointment of Craig Collard as CEO in April and the recent hiring of Jason Grillot as VP of sales and marketing of the acute care franchise, the team is conducting a thorough review of the Company’s business practices and strategies to develop a long-term plan that maximizes the potential of the Company. We have identified two areas of immediate priority for our commercial team: first, is to enhance the value of ZYNRELEF through a broader and deeper penetration of accounts; second, to address application issues through training and expanded indications. Further, we are looking at ways to reduce cash burn through improved operational efficiency. We look forward to updating investors on these fronts in the coming months.

Acute Care Franchise

ZYNRELEF:
o
Net product sales of ZYNRELEF (bupivacaine and meloxicam) extended-release solution for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was $3.5 million.
o
Since launch on July 1, 2021 through March 31, 2023, 907 unique accounts purchased ZYNRELEF with 80% of those accounts reordering the product.
o
The supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for ZYNRELEF, to support expanded use in soft tissue and orthopedic surgical procedures remains on track for the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) approval goal date of October 23, 2023.

APONVIE:
o
The APONVIE (aprepitant) injectable emulsion, the only intravenous (IV) substance P/neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist (RA) indicated for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in adults, launched commercially in the U.S. on March 6, 2023.
o
Net product sales of APONVIE for the three months ended March 31, 2023 were $0.3 million.

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o
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services granted pass-through payment status for APONVIE, effective April 1, 2023, under C-code C9145.

Oncology Care Franchise

Oncology Care Franchise Net Product Sales: For the three months ended March 31, 2023, oncology care franchise net product sales were $25.8 million, which increased 15% from $22.4 million for the same period in 2022.
CINVANTI® Net Product Sales: Net product sales of CINVANTI (aprepitant) injectable emulsion for the three months ended March 31, 2023 were $22.8 million, compared to $20.3 million for the same period in 2022.
SUSTOL® Net Product Sales: Net product sales of SUSTOL (granisetron) extended-release injection for the three months ended March 31, 2023 were $3.0 million, compared to $2.1 million for the same period in 2022.

“We continued to make steady progress in the first quarter of 2023 at Heron, highlighted by the approval and launch of our fourth commercial product, APONVIE. We are pleased with the steady growth in the oncology care franchise and remain encouraged by the market potential for ZYNRELEF and APONVIE,” said Craig Collard, new Chief Executive Officer of Heron. “Looking ahead, we are focused on reducing our cash burn and advancing a streamlined organization that we believe will begin to show significant growth while also continuing to improve patient’s lives.”

Financial Results

 

Net product sales for the three months ended March 31, 2023 were $29.6 million, compared to $23.5 million for the same period in 2022.

For the three months ended March 31, 2023, total operating expenses were $62.7 million, compared to $86.4 million for the same period in 2022, representing a decrease of $23.7 million, or a 27% reduction year-over-year. This decrease was driven by cost management efforts and a reduction in development projects, offset by higher cost of goods sold and increased litigation expenses. Cost of product sales were $16.9 million in the first quarter of 2023, compared to $11.4 million for the same period in the prior year. The product gross margin rate decreased year-over-year primarily as a result of a one time inventory write-off due to short-dated product. Sales and marketing expenses decreased by $2.3 million, primarily due to a reduction in personnel expenses and external costs to support the ongoing commercialization of ZYNRELEF. Research and development expenses decreased by $28.3 million, primarily driven by lower personnel and project-related expenses, including manufacturing projects to increase operational efficiencies. General and administrative expenses increased by $1.3 million, primarily driven by increased litigation and activist shareholder issues.

Heron’s net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was $32.8 million, or $0.27 per share, compared to $63.9 million, or $0.63 per share, for the same period in 2022. Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2023 included non-cash, stock-based compensation expense of $7.9 million, compared to $10.9 million for the same period in 2022.

As of March 31, 2023, Heron had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $60.0 million, compared to $84.9 million as of December 31, 2022. Net cash used for operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was $24.9 million, compared to $43.9 million for the same period in 2022. The decrease in our net cash used for operating activities was primarily due to a decrease in net loss, the reduction in headcount implemented in June 2022 and changes in working capital.

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Conference Call and Webcast

Heron will host a conference call and webcast on May 11, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. ET. The conference call can be accessed by dialing (646) 307-1963 for domestic callers and (800) 715-9871 for international callers. Please provide the operator with the passcode 1933547 to join the conference call. The conference call will also be available via webcast under the Investor Relations section of Heron's website at www.herontx.com. An archive of the teleconference and webcast will also be made available on Heron’s website for 60 days following the call.

About ZYNRELEF for Postoperative Pain

ZYNRELEF is the first and only dual-acting local anesthetic that delivers a fixed-dose combination of the local anesthetic bupivacaine and a low dose of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug meloxicam. ZYNRELEF is the first and only extended-release local anesthetic to demonstrate in Phase 3 studies significantly reduced pain and significantly increased proportion of patients requiring no opioids through the first 72 hours following surgery compared to bupivacaine solution, the current standard-of-care local anesthetic for postoperative pain control. ZYNRELEF was initially approved by the FDA in May 2021 for use in adults for soft tissue or periarticular instillation to produce postsurgical analgesia for up to 72 hours after bunionectomy, open inguinal herniorrhaphy and total knee arthroplasty. In December 2021, the FDA approved an expansion of ZYNRELEF’s indication. In December 2022, we submitted an sNDA to support the proposed indication for greatly expanded use of ZYNRELEF in soft tissue and orthopedic surgical procedures, and the FDA assigned a PDUFA goal date of October 23, 2023. ZYNRELEF is now indicated in the U.S. in adults for soft tissue or periarticular instillation to produce postsurgical analgesia for up to 72 hours after foot and ankle, small-to-medium open abdominal, and lower extremity total joint arthroplasty surgical procedures. Safety and efficacy have not been established in highly vascular surgeries, such as intrathoracic, large multilevel spinal, and head and neck procedures.

Please see full prescribing information, including Boxed Warning, at www.ZYNRELEF.com.

About APONVIE for PONV

APONVIE is a substance NK1 RA, indicated for the prevention of PONV in adults. Delivered via a 30-second IV push, APONVIE 32 mg was demonstrated to be bioequivalent to oral aprepitant 40 mg with rapid achievement of therapeutic drug levels. APONVIE is the same formulation as Heron’s approved drug product CINVANTI. APONVIE is supplied in a single-dose vial that delivers the full 32 mg dose for PONV. APONVIE was approved by the FDA in September 2022.

Please see full prescribing information at www.APONVIE.com.

 

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About CINVANTI for Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) Prevention

CINVANTI, in combination with other antiemetic agents, is indicated in adults for the prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy (HEC) including high-dose cisplatin as a single-dose regimen, delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy (MEC) as a single-dose regimen, and nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of MEC as a 3-day regimen. CINVANTI is an IV formulation of aprepitant, an NK1 RA. CINVANTI is the first IV formulation to directly deliver aprepitant, the active ingredient in EMEND® capsules. Aprepitant (including its prodrug, fosaprepitant) is the only single-agent NK1 RA to significantly reduce nausea and vomiting in both the acute phase (0–24 hours after chemotherapy) and the delayed phase (24–120 hours after chemotherapy). The FDA-approved dosing administration included in the U.S. prescribing information for CINVANTI include 100 mg or 130 mg administered as a 30-minute IV infusion or a 2-minute IV injection.

Please see full prescribing information at www.CINVANTI.com.

About SUSTOL for CINV Prevention

SUSTOL is indicated in combination with other antiemetics in adults for the prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC) or anthracycline and cyclophosphamide (AC) combination chemotherapy regimens. SUSTOL is an extended-release, injectable 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 RA that utilizes Heron’s Biochronomer® drug delivery technology to maintain therapeutic levels of granisetron for ≥5 days. The SUSTOL global Phase 3 development program was comprised of two, large, guideline-based clinical studies that evaluated SUSTOL’s efficacy and safety in more than 2,000 patients with cancer. SUSTOL’s efficacy in preventing nausea and vomiting was evaluated in both the acute phase (0–24 hours after chemotherapy) and delayed phase (24–120 hours after chemotherapy).

Please see full prescribing information at www.SUSTOL.com.

About Heron Therapeutics, Inc.

Heron Therapeutics, Inc. is a commercial-stage biotechnology company focused on improving the lives of patients by developing and commercializing therapeutic innovations that improve medical care. Our advanced science, patentedtechnologies, and innovative approachto drug discovery and development have allowed us to create and commercialize a portfolio of products that aim to advance the standard-of-care for acute care and oncology patients. For more information, visit www.herontx.com.

Forward-looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Heron cautions readers that forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and assumptions as of the date of this news release and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including, but not limited to, uncertainties related to market conditions; the potential market opportunities for ZYNRELEF, APONVIE, CINVANTI and SUSTOL; the net product sales guidance for the oncology care franchise and the acute care franchise; the results of the commercial launch of APONVIE; the timing of the FDA’s review process and whether the FDA approves the sNDA for ZYNRELEF to further expand the U.S. label; the potential additional market opportunity for the expanded U.S. label, if approved; the expected future balances of Heron’s cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments; the expected duration over which Heron’s cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments balances will fund its operations; the ability for the Company to reach profitability; and other risks and uncertainties identified in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements reflect our analysis only on their stated date, and Heron takes no obligation to update or revise these statements except as may be required by law.

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Heron Therapeutics, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Revenues:

 

(unaudited)

 

Net product sales

 

$

29,615

 

 

$

23,457

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of product sales

 

 

16,854

 

 

 

11,355

 

Research and development

 

 

13,817

 

 

 

42,070

 

General and administrative

 

 

10,853

 

 

 

9,533

 

Sales and marketing

 

 

21,154

 

 

 

23,422

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

62,678

 

 

 

86,380

 

Loss from operations

 

 

(33,063

)

 

 

(62,923

)

Other income (expense)

 

 

295

 

 

 

(965

)

Net loss

 

$

(32,768

)

 

$

(63,888

)

 

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Heron Therapeutics, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands)

 

 

 

March 31, 2023

 

 

December 31, 2022

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

27,090

 

 

$

15,364

 

Short-term investments

 

 

32,932

 

 

 

69,488

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

 

51,448

 

 

 

52,049

 

Inventory

 

 

52,059

 

 

 

54,573

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

14,630

 

 

 

13,961

 

Total current assets

 

 

178,159

 

 

 

205,435

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

21,512

 

 

 

22,160

 

Right-of-use lease assets

 

 

7,071

 

 

 

7,645

 

Other assets

 

 

14,136

 

 

 

15,711

 

Total assets

 

$

220,878

 

 

$

250,951

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

4,065

 

 

$

3,225

 

Accrued clinical and manufacturing liabilities

 

 

21,273

 

 

 

24,468

 

Accrued payroll and employee liabilities

 

 

9,510

 

 

 

13,416

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

 

40,290

 

 

 

38,552

 

Current lease liabilities

 

 

2,762

 

 

 

2,694

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

77,900

 

 

 

82,355

 

Non-current lease liabilities

 

 

4,831

 

 

 

5,499

 

Non-current convertible notes payable, net

 

 

149,335

 

 

 

149,284

 

Other non-current liabilities

 

 

241

 

 

 

241

 

Total liabilities

 

 

232,307

 

 

 

237,379

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity (deficit):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

 

1,193

 

 

 

1,191

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

1,815,592

 

 

 

1,807,855

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

9

 

 

 

(19

)

Accumulated deficit

 

 

(1,828,223

)

 

 

(1,795,455

)

Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)

 

 

(11,429

)

 

 

13,572

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)

 

$

220,878

 

 

$

250,951

 

 

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Investor Relations and Media Contact:

David Szekeres
Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
Heron Therapeutics, Inc.

dszekeres@herontx.com

858-251-4447

 

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