- Encouraging start to first independent launch with TRYNGOLZATM -
- On track for second independent launch with donidalorsen PDUFA August 21, 2025 -
- Increasing 2025 financial guidance by more than 20% -
CARLSBAD, Calif., April 30, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IONS) (the "Company") today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.
"With an encouraging start to the TRYNGOLZA launch for familial chylomicronemia syndrome, the first of four independent launches expected over the next two years, Ionis’ new chapter as a fully integrated, commercial-stage biotechnology company is well underway," said Brett P. Monia, Ph.D., chief executive officer, Ionis. "We look forward to continued momentum this year, including our second independent launch for donidalorsen in hereditary angioedema and Phase 3 results for olezarsen for severe hypertriglyceridemia in the third quarter. We also continue to advance our next wave of wholly owned neurology medicines, including ION582 for Angelman syndrome, which is on track to start Phase 3 development shortly. Our advancing pipeline of transformational medicines, together with strong commercial and financial execution, position Ionis to deliver increasing value for all stakeholders."
First Quarter 2025 Summary Financial Results(1):
Three months ended |
||||||||
2025 |
2024 |
|||||||
(amounts in millions) |
||||||||
Total revenue |
$ |
132 |
$ |
119 |
||||
Operating expenses |
$ |
278 |
$ |
269 |
||||
Operating expenses on a non-GAAP basis |
$ |
249 |
$ |
238 |
||||
Loss from operations |
$ |
(146 |
) |
$ |
(150 |
) |
||
Loss from operations on a non-GAAP basis |
$ |
(117 |
) |
$ |
(119 |
) |
(1) |
Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP basis contained later in this release. |
Recent Financial Highlights
Full Year 2025 Guidance |
Previous |
New |
||
Revenue |
>$600 million |
$725-750 million |
||
Operating loss on a non-GAAP basis |
<$495 million |
<$375 million |
||
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments |
~$1.7 billion |
~$1.9 billion |
Recent Highlights - Marketed Medicines
Recent Highlights - Late-Stage Wholly Owned Pipeline
Recent Highlights - Partnered Pipeline
First Quarter 2025 Financial Results
"We are increasing our 2025 financial guidance including raising revenue guidance by more than 20 percent due to our strong first quarter results and recent successful licensing transactions. We are also substantially improving our operating loss and cash guidance and now expect to end the year with approximately $1.9 billion in cash. Our strong financial position and commitment to drive operating leverage position Ionis to advance our strategic priorities and successfully navigate the dynamic macroeconomic environment," said Elizabeth L. Hougen, chief financial officer, Ionis. "Our first quarter results reflected encouraging early performance in the TRYNGOLZA launch, adding product revenue to our P&L for the first time. Moving forward, the three additional independent launches anticipated over the next couple of years position Ionis to deliver substantial and growing product revenue. This product revenue coupled with anticipated increasing royalty revenue from multiple partner launches and disciplined investment, position Ionis to achieve sustained positive cash flow."
Revenue
Ionis’ revenue was comprised of the following:
Three months ended |
||||||
2025 |
2024 |
|||||
Revenue |
(amounts in millions) |
|||||
Commercial revenue: |
||||||
Product sales, net: |
||||||
TRYNGOLZA sales, net |
$ |
6 |
$ |
- |
||
Total product sales, net |
6 |
- |
||||
Royalty revenue: |
||||||
SPINRAZA royalties |
48 |
38 |
||||
WAINUA royalties |
9 |
1 |
||||
Other royalties |
7 |
10 |
||||
Total royalty revenue |
64 |
49 |
||||
Other commercial revenue: |
||||||
TEGSEDI and WAYLIVRA revenue, net |
6 |
9 |
||||
Other revenue |
- |
1 |
||||
Total other commercial revenue |
6 |
10 |
||||
Total commercial revenue |
76 |
59 |
||||
Research and development revenue: |
||||||
Collaborative agreement revenue |
46 |
49 |
||||
WAINUA joint development revenue |
10 |
11 |
||||
Total research and development revenue |
56 |
60 |
||||
Total revenue |
$ |
132 |
$ |
119 |
Commercial revenue for the first quarter of 2025 increased 28% compared to the same period in 2024, driven in part by revenue from U.S. product sales from the launch of TRYNGOLZA. Higher royalty revenues from SPINRAZA, WAINUA and QALSODY also contributed to the year over year increase.
The remainder of the Company’s revenue came from programs under its R&D collaborations, reflecting the value that Ionis’ pipeline and technology continues to generate.
Operating Expenses
SG&A expenses increased in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 primarily due to the launches of WAINUA and TRYNGOLZA, and advancing launch preparation activities for donidalorsen. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in R&D expenses as several late-stage studies ended. Overall, this led to a slight increase in total operating expenses.
Balance Sheet
As of March 31, 2025, Ionis’ cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments were $2.1 billion, compared to $2.3 billion at December 31, 2024. Ionis’ working capital decreased over the same period primarily due to the Company’s lower cash and short-term investments balance. Ionis generated $280 million from the global license of sapablursen in the second quarter.
Webcast
Management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss Ionis’ first quarter 2025 results at 11:30 a.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Interested parties may access the webcast here. A webcast replay will be available for a limited time at the same address. To access the Company’s first quarter 2025 earnings slides click here.
Ionis’ Marketed Medicines
INDICATION for TRYNGOLZA™ (olezarsen)
TRYNGOLZA™ (olezarsen) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglycerides in adults with familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS).
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
CONTRAINDICATIONS
TRYNGOLZA is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity to TRYNGOLZA or any of the excipients in TRYNGOLZA. Hypersensitivity reactions requiring medical treatment have occurred.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Hypersensitivity reactions (including symptoms of bronchospasm, diffuse erythema, facial swelling, urticaria, chills and myalgias) have been reported in patients treated with TRYNGOLZA. Advise patients on the signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions and instruct patients to promptly seek medical attention and discontinue use of TRYNGOLZA if hypersensitivity reactions occur.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common adverse reactions (incidence >5% of TRYNGOLZA-treated patients and >3% higher frequency than placebo) were injection site reactions, decreased platelet count and arthralgia.
Please see full Prescribing Information for TRYNGOLZA.
INDICATION for WAINUA™ (eplontersen)
WAINUA injection, for subcutaneous use, 45 mg is indicated for the treatment of the polyneuropathy of hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis in adults.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION for WAINUA™ (eplontersen)
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Reduced Serum Vitamin A Levels and Recommended Supplementation WAINUA leads to a decrease in serum vitamin A levels. Supplement with recommended daily allowance of vitamin A. Refer patient to an ophthalmologist if ocular symptoms suggestive of vitamin A deficiency occur.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Most common adverse reactions (≥9% in WAINUA-treated patients) were vitamin A decreased (15%) and vomiting (9%).
Please see link to U.S. Full Prescribing Information for WAINUA.
For more information about SPINRAZA and QALSODY, visit https://www.spinraza.com/ and https://www.qalsody.com/, respectively. QALSODY is approved under accelerated approval based on reduction in plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) observed in patients treated with QALSODY. Continued approval may be contingent upon verification of clinical benefit in confirmatory trial(s).
About Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
For three decades, Ionis has invented medicines that bring better futures to people with serious diseases. Ionis currently has six marketed medicines and a leading pipeline in neurology, cardiology and select areas of high patient need. As the pioneer in RNA-targeted medicines, Ionis continues to drive innovation in RNA therapies in addition to advancing new approaches in gene editing. A deep understanding of disease biology and industry-leading technology propels our work, coupled with a passion and urgency to deliver life-changing advances for patients. To learn more about Ionis, visit Ionis.com and follow us on X (Twitter), LinkedIn and Instagram.
Ionis’ Forward-looking Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements regarding Ionis’ business, financial guidance and the therapeutic and commercial potential of our commercial medicines, additional medicines in development and technologies. Any statement describing Ionis’ goals, expectations, financial or other projections, intentions or beliefs is a forward-looking statement and should be considered an at-risk statement. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties including those inherent in the process of discovering, developing and commercializing medicines that are safe and effective for use as human therapeutics, and in the endeavor of building a business around such medicines. Ionis’ forward-looking statements also involve assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove correct, could cause its results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although Ionis’ forward-looking statements reflect the good faith judgment of its management, these statements are based only on facts and factors currently known by Ionis. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements for any reason. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These and other risks concerning Ionis' programs are described in additional detail in Ionis' annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and most recent Form 10-Q, which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these and other documents are available from the Company.
In this press release, unless the context requires otherwise, "Ionis," "Company," "we," "our" and "us" all refer to Ionis Pharmaceuticals and its subsidiaries.
Ionis Pharmaceuticals® is a registered trademark of Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. TRYNGOLZATM is a trademark of Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Akcea Therapeutics® is a registered trademark of Akcea Therapeutics, Inc. TEGSEDI® is a registered trademark of Akcea Therapeutics, Inc. WAYLIVRA® is a registered trademark of Akcea Therapeutics, Inc. SPINRAZA® and QALSODY® are registered trademarks of Biogen. WAINUATM is a registered trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies.
IONIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (In Millions, Except Per Share Data) |
||||||||
Three months ended |
||||||||
2025 |
2024 |
|||||||
(unaudited) |
||||||||
Revenue: |
||||||||
Commercial revenue: |
||||||||
Product sales, net |
$ |
6 |
$ |
- |
||||
Royalty revenue |
64 |
49 |
||||||
Other commercial revenue |
6 |
10 |
||||||
Total commercial revenue |
76 |
59 |
||||||
Research and development revenue: |
||||||||
Collaborative agreement revenue |
46 |
49 |
||||||
WAINUA joint development revenue |
10 |
11 |
||||||
Total research and development revenue |
56 |
60 |
||||||
Total revenue |
132 |
119 |
||||||
Expenses: |
||||||||
Cost of sales |
1 |
2 |
||||||
Research, development and patent |
201 |
214 |
||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
76 |
53 |
||||||
Total operating expenses |
278 |
269 |
||||||
Loss from operations |
(146 |
) |
(150 |
) |
||||
Other income (expense): |
||||||||
Interest expense related to the sale of future royalties |
(19 |
) |
(18 |
) |
||||
Other income, net |
18 |
25 |
||||||
Loss before income tax expense |
(147 |
) |
(143 |
) |
||||
Income tax expense |
- |
- |
||||||
Net loss |
$ |
(147 |
) |
$ |
(143 |
) |
||
Basic and diluted net loss per share |
$ |
(0.93 |
) |
$ |
(0.98 |
) |
||
Shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share |
159 |
146 |
||||||
IONIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Basis: Condensed Consolidated Operating Expenses, Loss From Operations, and Net Loss (In Millions) |
||||||||
Three months ended |
||||||||
2025 |
2024 |
|||||||
(unaudited) |
||||||||
As reported research, development and patent expenses according to GAAP |
$ |
201 |
$ |
214 |
||||
Excluding compensation expense related to equity awards |
(20 |
) |
(22 |
) |
||||
Non-GAAP research, development and patent expenses |
$ |
181 |
$ |
192 |
||||
As reported selling, general and administrative expenses according to GAAP |
$ |
76 |
$ |
53 |
||||
Excluding compensation expense related to equity awards |
(9 |
) |
(9 |
) |
||||
Non-GAAP selling, general and administrative expenses |
$ |
67 |
$ |
44 |
||||
As reported operating expenses according to GAAP |
$ |
278 |
$ |
269 |
||||
Excluding compensation expense related to equity awards |
(29 |
) |
(31 |
) |
||||
Non-GAAP operating expenses |
$ |
249 |
$ |
238 |
||||
As reported loss from operations according to GAAP |
$ |
(146 |
) |
$ |
(150 |
) |
||
Excluding compensation expense related to equity awards |
(29 |
) |
(31 |
) |
||||
Non-GAAP loss from operations |
$ |
(117 |
) |
$ |
(119 |
) |
||
As reported net loss according to GAAP |
$ |
(147 |
) |
$ |
(143 |
) |
||
Excluding compensation expense related to equity awards and related tax effects |
(29 |
) |
(31 |
) |
||||
Non-GAAP net loss |
$ |
(118 |
) |
$ |
(112 |
) |
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Basis
As illustrated in the Selected Financial Information in this press release, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP loss from operations, and non-GAAP net loss were adjusted from GAAP to exclude compensation expense related to equity awards and the related tax effects. Compensation expense related to equity awards are non-cash. These measures are provided as supplementary information and are not a substitute for financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Ionis reports these non-GAAP results to better enable financial statement users to assess and compare its historical performance and project its future operating results and cash flows. Further, the presentation of Ionis’ non-GAAP results is consistent with how Ionis’ management internally evaluates the performance of its operations.
IONIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (In Millions) |
||||||
March 31, |
December 31, |
|||||
(unaudited) |
||||||
Assets: |
||||||
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments |
$ |
2,145 |
$ |
2,298 |
||
Contracts receivable |
40 |
92 |
||||
Other current assets |
234 |
230 |
||||
Property, plant and equipment, net |
103 |
94 |
||||
Right-of-use assets |
159 |
162 |
||||
Other assets |
132 |
127 |
||||
Total assets |
$ |
2,813 |
$ |
3,003 |
||
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity: |
||||||
Current portion of deferred contract revenue |
$ |
81 |
$ |
79 |
||
Other current liabilities |
169 |
229 |
||||
1.75% convertible senior notes, net |
566 |
565 |
||||
0% convertible senior notes, net |
629 |
629 |
||||
Liability related to sale of future royalties, net |
536 |
542 |
||||
Long-term lease liabilities |
159 |
162 |
||||
Long-term obligations, less current portion |
56 |
52 |
||||
Long-term deferred contract revenue |
141 |
157 |
||||
Total stockholders’ equity |
476 |
588 |
||||
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity |
$ |
2,813 |
$ |
3,003 |
||
Key 2025 and 2026 Value Driving Events(1)
New Product Launches |
|||
Program |
Indication |
2025 |
2026 |
Donidalorsen (U.S.) |
HAE |
• |
|
TRYNGOLZA (U.S.) |
FCS |
Achieved |
|
WAINZUA (EU) |
ATTRv-PN |
Achieved |
|
Olezarsen (U.S.) |
sHTG |
• |
|
Zilganersen (U.S.) |
Alexander disease |
• |
Regulatory Actions |
||||
Program |
Indication |
Regulatory Action |
2025 |
2026 |
Donidalorsen |
HAE |
U.S. approval decision |
• |
|
EU approval decision |
• |
|||
TRYNGOLZA |
FCS |
EU approval decision |
• |
|
Olezarsen |
sHTG |
U.S. submission |
• |
|
U.S. approval decision |
• |
|||
Zilganersen |
Alexander disease |
U.S. submission |
• |
|
U.S. approval decision |
• |
|||
Nusinersen (higher dose) |
SMA |
U.S. and EU submissions |
Achieved |
|
U.S. approval decision |
• |
|||
WAINZUA |
ATTRv-PN |
EU approval decision |
Achieved |
|
Pelacarsen |
Lp(a)- CVD |
U.S. submission |
• |
|
Bepirovirsen |
HBV |
Regulatory submission(s) |
• |
|
Regulatory decision(s) |
• |
Key Phase 3 Clinical Events |
||||
Program |
Indication |
Event |
2025 |
2026 |
Olezarsen |
sHTG |
CORE, CORE2 and Essence data |
• |
|
Zilganersen |
Alexander disease |
Phase 3 data |
• |
|
ION582 |
Angelman syndrome |
Phase 3 study start |
• |
|
Phase 3 enrollment completion |
• |
|||
Pelacarsen |
Lp(a)-CVD |
Lp(a) HORIZON data |
• |
|
Bepirovirsen |
HBV |
B-Well data |
• |
|
Eplontersen |
ATTR-CM |
CARDIO-TTRansform data |
• |
|
Sefaxersen |
IgAN |
IMAGINATION data |
• |
|
Ulefnersen |
FUS-ALS |
FUSION data |
• |
(1) | Timing expectations based on current assumptions and subject to change. |
• |
Indicates that the milestone is anticipated in the respective year. |
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250430859857/en/
Contacts
Ionis Investor Contact:
D. Wade Walke, Ph.D.
IR@ionis.com
760-603-2331
Ionis Media Contact:
Hayley Soffer
media@ionis.com
760-603-4679
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