Novocure Reports First Quarter 2021 Financial Results and Provides Company Update

Quarterly net revenues of $134.7 million with 80% gross margin

Interim analysis for phase 3 pivotal LUNAR trial in non-small cell lung cancer concluded with favorable recommendation to continue the trial with reduced sample size

ST. HELIER, Jersey–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Novocure (NASDAQ: NVCR) today reported financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, highlighting continued commercial strength despite changes in patterns of care in some regions driven by COVID-19, as well as continued progress across the company’s clinical and product development programs. Novocure is a global oncology company working to extend survival in some of the most aggressive forms of cancer by developing and commercializing its innovative therapy, Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields). TTFields are electric fields that disrupt cancer cell division.

First quarter 2021 highlights include:

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

% Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial, in millions

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues

$

134,695

 

 

 

$

101,828

 

 

32

 

%

Gross Profit

$

108,310

 

 

 

$

77,332

 

 

40

 

%

Net income (loss)

$

(4,128

)

 

 

$

3,952

 

 

(204

)

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

$

21,145

 

 

 

$

15,064

 

 

40

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-financial

 

 

 

 

 

Active patients at period end(2)

3,454

 

 

 

3,095

 

 

12

 

%

Prescriptions received in period(3)

1,402

 

 

 

1,409

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Adjusted EBITDA is a non-U.S. GAAP measurement of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and share-based compensation.

(2) An “active patient” is a patient who is receiving treatment under a commercial prescription order as of the measurement date, including patients who may be on a temporary break from treatment and who plan to resume treatment in less than 60 days.

(3) A “prescription received” is a commercial order for Optune or Optune Lua that is received from a physician certified to treat patients for a patient not previously on Optune or Optune Lua. Orders to renew or extend treatment are not included in this total.

“Over the last several months, we have made progress across multiple clinical development programs intended to determine Tumor Treating Fields’ optimal use,” said William Doyle, Novocure’s Executive Chairman. “We continued to increase our understanding of the potential benefits of Tumor Treating Fields when used together with immunotherapies and continued to enroll patients in five late-stage clinical trials in multiple solid tumor types. The accelerated interim analysis of the LUNAR trial and the upcoming HEPANOVA data presentation represent the beginning of what we expect to be an exciting few years of data readouts from our pipeline.”

“Our track record of consistent execution and financial strength continued in the first quarter of 2021,” added Asaf Danziger, Novocure’s Chief Executive Officer. “We generated $135 million in net revenues with an 80% gross margin, and we invested $46 million in research and development intended to fuel future growth. With 3,454 active patients on therapy at the end of the quarter, we have treated nearly 20,000 patients globally, to date.”

First quarter 2021 financial update

For the quarter ended March 31, 2021, net revenues were $134.7 million, representing 32% growth compared to the first quarter 2020.

  • In the United States, net revenues totaled $85.9 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2021, representing 24% growth compared to the same period in 2020.
  • In Germany and other EMEA markets, net revenues totaled $35.0 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2021, representing 43% growth compared to the same period in 2020.
  • In Japan, net revenues totaled $8.3 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2021, representing 28% growth compared to the same period in 2020.
  • In Greater China, net revenues totaled $5.5 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2021, representing 237% growth compared to the same period in 2020.

For the three months ended March 31, 2021, the increase in net revenues from the first quarter of 2020 resulted primarily from an increase of 359 active patients in our currently active markets and a durable improvement in the net revenues booked per active patient.

We recorded $9.4 million in revenues from Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries billed under the coverage policy effective on September 1, 2019 in the first quarter 2021, an increase of 32% from the $7.1 million recognized in the same period in 2020. We have gained a good understanding of how to ensure timely processing of Medicare claims and we believe that we have sufficient experience to recognize approximately two-thirds of the expected contribution from Medicare beneficiaries. In the first quarter of 2021, incremental net revenues resulting from the successful appeal of previously denied claims for Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries billed prior to established coverage reverted to normalized levels from the first half of 2020.

Cost of revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $26.4 million compared to $24.5 million for the same period in 2020, representing an increase of 8%. The increase in cost of revenues was primarily due to the cost of shipping transducer arrays to a higher volume of commercial patients and increasing shipments of equipment to Zai Lab. Gross margin was 80% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to 76% for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Research, development and clinical trials expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were $45.9 million compared to $25.3 million for the same period in 2020, representing an increase of 82%. This was primarily due to an increase in clinical trial and personnel expenses for our phase 3 pivotal and post-marketing trials, an increase in development and personnel expenses to support our product development programs, increased investments in preclinical research and the expansion of our medical affairs activities.

Sales and marketing expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were $31.4 million compared to $28.8 million for the same period in 2020, representing an increase of 9%. This was primarily due to an increase in personnel and professional services costs to support our growing commercial business and reimbursement efforts.

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were $31.1 million compared to $26.6 million for the same period in 2020, representing an increase of 17%. This was primarily due to an increase in personnel costs and professional services.

Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $4.1 million compared to net income of $4.0 million for the same period in 2020.

At March 31, 2021, we had $864.4 million in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, an increase of $21.8 million compared to $842.6 million at December 31, 2020. The increase in our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments was primarily due to the cash flow from operations and the exercise of options.

First quarter 2021 operating statistics

There were 3,454 active patients at March 31, 2021, representing 12% growth compared to March 31, 2020, and 1% growth compared to December 31, 2020.

  • In the United States, there were 2,183 active patients at March 31, 2021, representing 8% growth compared to March 31, 2020.
  • In Germany and other EMEA markets, there were 1,000 active patients at March 31, 2021, representing 18% growth compared to March 31, 2020.
  • In Japan, there were 271 active patients at March 31, 2021, representing 22% growth compared to March 31, 2020.

Additionally, 1,402 prescriptions were received in the quarter ended March 31, 2021, representing no change compared to the same period in 2020, and a 1% decrease compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2020. We believe the prolonged disruption caused by COVID-19 is resulting in increased volatility across global health care systems, such as fluctuations in patient volumes and changes in patterns of care in certain regions, which had some impact on our business in the first quarter.

  • In the United States, 917 prescriptions were received in the quarter ended March 31, 2021, representing a 7% decrease compared to the same period in 2020.
  • In Germany and other EMEA markets, 382 prescriptions were received in the quarter ended March 31, 2021, representing 16% growth compared to the same period in 2020.
  • In Japan, 103 prescriptions were received in the quarter ended March 31, 2021, representing 10% growth compared to the same period in 2020.

First quarter 2021 non-U.S. GAAP measures

We also measure our performance based upon a non-U.S. GAAP measurement of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and shared-based compensation (“Adjusted EBITDA”). We believe Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors in evaluating our operating performance because it helps investors compare the results of our operations from period to period by removing the impact of earnings attributable to our capital structure, tax rate and material non-cash items, specifically share-based compensation.

Adjusted EBITDA was $21.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, an increase of $6.1 million, or 40%, from $15.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. This improvement in fundamental financial performance was driven by net revenue growth coupled with an ongoing commitment to disciplined management of expenses.

Recent clinical milestones

Earlier this April, we disclosed that an independent data monitoring committee (DMC) informed Novocure that the pre-specified interim analysis for the phase 3 pivotal LUNAR trial for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was accelerated given the length of accrual and the number of events observed, to date. The interim analysis included data from 210 patients accrued through February 2021. After review of the interim analysis, the DMC concluded that the LUNAR trial should continue with no evidence of increased systemic toxicity. The DMC went on to comment that the continued accrual to 534 patients as proposed in the original protocol, given the current rate of accrual and the interim data presented, is likely unnecessary and possibly unethical for patients randomized to control. For this reason, the DMC recommended an adjustment of accrual to approximately 276 patients with a 12-month follow-up following the enrollment of the last patient. The DMC believes this amended protocol would provide adequate data regarding toxicity and efficacy, providing sufficient overall power, as well as potentially providing important information regarding efficacy within treatment subgroups.

In April, we concluded our phase 2 pilot HEPANOVA trial investigating TTFields together with sorafenib, a kinase inhibitor, in 25 patients with advanced liver cancer. We have submitted an abstract for presentation at an upcoming medical conference in late June and look forward to discussing the full data set with clinicians, investigators and investors in the future.

In April, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved our investigational device exemption (IDE) application to initiate the KEYNOTE-B36 phase 2 pilot trial to study TTFields with pembrolizumab in first-line NSCLC through our clinical collaboration with MSD (Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA). We are currently evaluating clinical trial sites for initiation.

Anticipated clinical milestones

  • FDA response to IDE supplement incorporating recommended protocol changes to phase 3 pivotal LUNAR trial in NSCLC (Q2 2021)
  • Presentation of full data from phase 2 pilot HEPANOVA trial in advanced liver cancer (Q2 2021)
  • Interim analysis of phase 3 pivotal INNOVATE-3 trial in recurrent ovarian cancer (Q3 2021)
  • Data from phase 2 pilot EF-31 trial in gastric cancer (2022)
  • Interim analysis of phase 3 pivotal PANOVA-3 trial in locally advanced pancreatic cancer (2022)
  • Data from phase 3 pivotal METIS trial in brain metastases (2022)
  • Data from phase 2 pilot EF-33 trial with high-intensity arrays in recurrent glioblastoma (2022)
  • Final data from phase 3 pivotal INNOVATE-3 trial in recurrent ovarian cancer (2023)
  • Final data from phase 3 pivotal PANOVA-3 trial in locally advanced pancreatic cancer (2023)
  • Final data from phase 3 pivotal LUNAR trial in NSCLC (to be determined pending FDA approval of IDE supplement)

Conference call details

Novocure will host a conference call and webcast to discuss first quarter 2021 financial results at 8 a.m. EDT today, Thursday, April 29, 2021. Analysts and investors can participate in the conference call by dialing 855-442-6895 for domestic callers and 509-960-9037 for international callers, using the conference ID 2286525.

The webcast, earnings slides presented during the webcast and the corporate presentation can be accessed live from the Investor Relations page of Novocure’s website, www.novocure.com/investor-relations, and will be available for at least 14 days following the call. Novocure has used, and intends to continue to use, its investor relations website, as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD.

About Novocure

Novocure is a global oncology company working to extend survival in some of the most aggressive forms of cancer through the development and commercialization of its innovative therapy, Tumor Treating Fields. Novocure’s commercialized products are approved in certain countries for the treatment of adult patients with glioblastoma and in the U.S. for the treatment of adult patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. Novocure has ongoing or completed clinical trials investigating Tumor Treating Fields in brain metastases, non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer and glioblastoma.

Headquartered in Jersey, Novocure has U.S. operations in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Malvern, Pennsylvania and New York City. Additionally, the company has offices in Germany, Switzerland, Japan and Israel. For additional information about the company, please visit www.novocure.com or follow us at www.twitter.com/novocure.

Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to historical facts or statements of current condition, this press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements provide Novocure’s current expectations or forecasts of future events. These may include statements regarding anticipated scientific progress on its research programs, clinical trial progress, development of potential products, interpretation of clinical results, prospects for regulatory approval, manufacturing development and capabilities, market prospects for its products, coverage, collections from third-party payers and other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts. You may identify some of these forward-looking statements by the use of words in the statements such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe” or other words and terms of similar meaning. Novocure’s performance and financial results could differ materially from those reflected in these forward-looking statements due to general financial, economic, environmental, regulatory and political conditions as well as issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and other more specific risks and uncertainties facing Novocure such as those set forth in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 25, 2021 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Given these risks and uncertainties, any or all of these forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Therefore, you should not rely on any such factors or forward-looking statements. Furthermore, Novocure does not intend to update publicly any forward-looking statement, except as required by law. Any forward-looking statements herein speak only as of the date hereof. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits this discussion.

Consolidated Statements of Operations
USD in thousands (except share and per share data)

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

Year ended
December 31,

 

2021

 

2020

 

2020

 

Unaudited

 

Audited

Net revenues

$

134,695

 

 

 

$

101,828

 

 

 

$

494,366

 

 

Cost of revenues

26,385

 

 

 

24,496

 

 

 

106,501

 

 

Gross profit

108,310

 

 

 

77,332

 

 

 

387,865

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Research, development and clinical trials

45,916

 

 

 

25,271

 

 

 

132,010

 

 

Sales and marketing

31,357

 

 

 

28,834

 

 

 

118,017

 

 

General and administrative

31,125

 

 

 

26,608

 

 

 

107,437

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses

108,398

 

 

 

80,713

 

 

 

357,464

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

(88

)

 

 

(3,381

)

 

 

30,401

 

 

Financial expenses (income), net

2,646

 

 

 

2,432

 

 

 

12,299

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income tax

(2,734

)

 

 

(5,813

)

 

 

18,102

 

 

Income tax

1,394

 

 

 

(9,765

)

 

 

(1,706

)

 

Net income (loss)

$

(4,128

)

 

 

$

3,952

 

 

 

$

19,808

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income (loss) per ordinary share

$

(0.04

)

 

 

$

0.04

 

 

 

$

0.20

 

 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in
computing basic net income (loss) per share

102,633,545

 

 

 

99,877,567

 

 

 

100,930,866

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net income (loss) per ordinary share

$

(0.04

)

 

 

$

0.04

 

 

 

$

0.18

 

 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in
computing diluted net income (loss) per share

102,633,545

 

 

 

108,100,623

 

 

 

108,877,648

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets
USD in thousands (except share data)

 

March 31,
2021

 

December 31,
2020

 

Unaudited

 

Audited

ASSETS

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

314,547

 

 

$

234,674

 

Short-term investments

549,855

 

 

607,902

 

Restricted cash

11,430

 

 

11,499

 

Trade receivables, net

92,514

 

 

96,699

 

Receivables and prepaid expenses

18,922

 

 

21,245

 

Inventories

27,968

 

 

27,422

 

Total current assets

1,015,236

 

 

999,441

 

LONG-TERM ASSETS:

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

11,733

 

 

11,395

 

Field equipment, net

12,132

 

 

11,230

 

Right-of-use assets

17,741

 

 

19,009

 

Other long-term assets

10,788

 

 

10,908

 

Total long-term assets

52,394

 

 

52,542

 

TOTAL ASSETS

$

1,067,630

 

 

$

1,051,983

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets
USD in thousands (except share data)

 

March 31,
2021

 

December 31,
2020

 

Unaudited

 

Audited

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

Trade payables

$

52,703

 

 

 

$

53,647

 

 

Other payables, lease liabilities and accrued expenses

57,784

 

 

 

59,965

 

 

Total current liabilities

110,487

 

 

 

113,612

 

 

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

Long-term debt, net

559,584

 

 

 

429,905

 

 

Deferred revenue

9,577

 

 

 

12,139

 

 

Long-term leases

12,708

 

 

 

14,293

 

 

Employee benefits

2,963

 

 

 

5,171

 

 

Other long-term liabilities

177

 

 

 

337

 

 

Total long-term liabilities

585,009

 

 

 

461,845

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

695,496

 

 

 

575,457

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

Share capital –

 

 

 

Ordinary shares no par value, unlimited shares authorized; issued and outstanding:
103,187,460 shares and 102,334,276 shares at March 31, 2021 (unaudited) and
December 31, 2020, respectively

 

 

 

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

1,005,785

 

 

 

1,111,435

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

(1,948

)

 

 

(3,832

)

 

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)

(631,703

)

 

 

(631,077

)

 

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

372,134

 

 

 

476,526

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$

1,067,630

 

 

 

$

1,051,983

 

 

Non-U.S. GAAP financial measures reconciliation
USD in thousands

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

% Change

Net income (loss)

$

(4,128

)

 

 

$

3,952

 

 

 

(204

)

%

Add: Income tax

1,394

 

 

 

(9,765

)

 

 

(114

)

%

Add: Financial income (expenses), net

2,646

 

 

 

2,432

 

 

 

9

 

%

Add: Depreciation and amortization

2,370

 

 

 

1,888

 

 

 

26

 

%

EBITDA

$

2,282

 

 

 

$

(1,493

)

 

 

(253

)

%

Add: Share-based compensation

18,863

 

 

 

16,557

 

 

 

14

 

%

Adjusted EBITDA

$

21,145

 

 

 

$

15,064

 

 

 

40

 

%

 

Investors:
Adam Daney
investorinfo@novocure.com
610-723-7427

Media:
media@novocure.com
610-723-7428

Source: Novocure

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