Final Results
Ardana PLC
29 June 2005
Ardana: Preliminary Announcement for the
year ended 31 March 2005
Ardana plc (LSE: ARA) today announces its Preliminary Results for the year ended
31 March 2005.
Ardana is an emerging pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery,
development and marketing of innovative products to improve human reproductive
health, and to address areas of considerable unmet need in this $23.8 billion
market.
Ardana's listing on the Official List of the London Stock Exchange on 9 March
2005 comprised a total of 16,400,000 shares at 128 pence per share,
corresponding to gross proceeds for the Company of £21 million (£18.5 million
net of expenses).
Highlights
Financial
- Successful listing on the Official List of the London Stock Exchange
in March 2005, raising £18.5 million (net of expenses)
- Series B £9 million fund raising completed May 2004
- Loss before tax for the year ended 31 March 2005 of £8.4 million
(2004: £15.2 million)
- Cash and liquid resources at 31 March 2005 of £29.2 million (2004:
£11.2 million)
Product
- Invicorp(TM) licensed-in for Europe (June 2004)
- Striant(TM) SR launched in the UK (June 2004)
- European mutual recognition process for Striant(TM) SR completed
(October 2004)
Pipeline
- Positive results in Phase II trial of Teverelix in Prostate cancer
(SC) (February 2005)
Corporate
- MRC collaboration agreement extended to July 2008 (December 2004)
- Mr Simon Best appointed Chairman (April 2004)
- Dr Maureen Lindsay appointed Chief Executive Officer (April 2004)
- Mr Graham Lee appointed Chief Financial Officer (May 2004)
- Dr John Brown appointed as Non Executive Director (May 2004)
Post Balance Sheet events
- Positive results in Phase I trial of Oral Growth Hormone Secretagogue
(April 2005)
- Positive results in Phase II trial of Teverelix in Prostate Cancer
(IM) (May 2005)
- Positive results in Phase II trial of Teverelix in BPH (May 2005)
- Agreement with Cytochemia AG, German marketing partner for Striant(TM)
SR (June 2005)
- Ms Carol Ferguson appointed as Non Executive Director (June 2005)
Dr Maureen Lindsay, CEO, commented '2004 has been a milestone year for Ardana in
terms of making significant progress towards our objective of building a
successful pharmaceutical business in the field of reproductive health.
Our UK sales and marketing team is in place and our first product, Striant(TM)
SR has been launched. A second product, Invicorp(TM), is undergoing European
Mutual Recognition to enable marketing to commence, and our development
programmes are all progressing well. We are confident that we will be able to
build on this successful beginning as a public company and continue to deliver
good news on a number of fronts during the coming year.'
Enquiries
For more information contact:
Maureen Lindsay + 44 (0) 131 226 8550
Ardana
Julia Phillips/Davina Langdale +44 (0)20 7831 3113
Financial Dynamics
(corporate and financial media relations):
Nicki Brimicombe + 44 (0)1883 732353
NB Public Relations
(trade and technical media relations):
Notes for Editors
Ardana plc is an emerging pharmaceutical company focused on the development and
marketing of innovative products to improve human reproductive health, a $23.8
billion market*.
Ardana's strategy is to manage risk by maintaining a broad and balanced product
pipeline through its network of leading research institutions and through the
acquisition of products and intellectual property rights. The Company's four
lead products reflect this strategy: Striant(TM) SR, a testosterone replacement
therapy that has already been by launched by Ardana through its own specialist
sales force in the UK as a treatment for men with primary or secondary
hypogonadism; Teverelix LA, in development for three initial indications
(prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and endometriosis); Testo
Bi-gel, a dermal testosterone delivery system to treat male hypogonadism, which
will shortly enter Phase II trials; and Invicorp, a combination drug treatment
for male erectile dysfunction, for which the Company has marketing and
manufacturing rights in Europe. In addition, Ardana has a strong portfolio of
follow-on products in development.
Prior to flotation, Ardana raised in excess of £43 million in four funding
rounds from investors including DVC Deutsche Venture Capital, Albany Venture
Managers Limited and 3i Bioscience Investment Trust, Merlin Biosciences Limited,
MVM Limited (MVM), Techno Venture Management (TVM), ABN-AMRO Participates, 3i
Group plc, ISIS Equity Partners plc, Scottish Widows Investment Partnership Ltd,
Saffron Hill Ventures, Mitsubishi Corporation and Green Highlander, LLC.
For further information please see www.ardana.co.uk
*Source: IMS Retail Drug Monitor October 2004: key drug purchases in the 12
months to October 2004 for the Genito-Urinary and Hormone classes
Statements contained within this press release may contain forward-looking
comments which involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to
vary from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In some cases, you
can identify such forward-looking statements by terminology such as 'may', '
will', 'could', 'forecasts', 'expects', 'plans', 'anticipates', 'believes', '
estimates', 'predicts', 'potential', or 'continue'. Predictions and
forward-looking references in this press release are subject to the satisfactory
progress of research which is, by nature, unpredictable. Forward projections
reflect management's best estimates based on information available at the time
of issue.
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
Ardana's development has been rapid since its inception in 2000. We have now
raised over £60 million in a series of fund raisings and have entered an
exciting new phase as a publicly-listed Company.
Since its inception Ardana has focused on the key therapy areas of reproductive
health, specifically encompassing reproductive endocrinology, urology, sexual
dysfunction, gynaecology and obstetrics.
Ardana's success to date has been achieved by maintaining this strategic focus,
developing a cost effective operating model and ensuring that it delivers on its
promises.
This financial year proved to be another busy year in the building and
development of the Company and the business. The Chief Executive's Statement
details the development of the business achievements in the year, of which the
following have been key:
1. Launch of Striant(TM) SR
2. In-license of Invicorp(TM)
3. Acquisition of Bi-Gel technology patents
4. Clinical development of Teverelix LA
The Group's strategy includes continued investment in its research capabilities
and I am pleased to say that we concluded a new three year agreement with the UK
Medical Research Council (MRC) in December 2004 which gives Ardana exclusive
rights to commercialise selected research areas in the MRC Human Reproductive
Sciences Unit (HRSU) in Edinburgh, Scotland. This contract is a refinement of
the five-year agreement that Ardana secured on its inception in 2000. The
partnership will also afford the HRSU additional funding for selected projects
and help it to meet the objective of translating basic research on human
reproduction into tangible health benefits.
The HRSU, which employs over 100 staff, is recognised by the World Health
Organisation as one of the leading academic centres of excellence in
reproductive biology in the world and it has been at the forefront of this area
of research for the last 30 years. The HRSU has already contributed a series of
exciting and innovative early stage projects to the Ardana pipeline, the most
advanced of which is a novel prostate cancer therapy which has promise but is
still in pre-clinical evaluation. This deal ensures that we will continue to
benefit from the HRSU's unique expertise in those areas of strategic importance
to Ardana.
The Board continues to evolve with the Company. I would like to thank David
Brister and Hubert Birner, our outgoing Non-Executive Directors, for the
support, advice and encouragement they have given the Company over the last few
years. We are now in the process of increasing the number of Non-Executive
Directors and I am pleased to welcome Carol Ferguson to the Board.
Following our successful listing in March 2005 Ardana has entered an exciting
new phase. I believe we are well positioned to meet the challenges that face
us. The Board of Directors and I look forward to delivering our key strategic
aims and generating value for our shareholders.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S STATEMENT
Since Ardana's foundation in 2000, we have pursued a four-part strategy to
create value within the business by:
• Maintaining a broad and balanced portfolio to manage risk, focusing on the
therapeutic area of human reproductive health;
• Actively pursuing an in-licensing and acquisition programme for products
and technologies to maintain a robust pipeline, including near-term
commercial products and potential high value development candidates;
• Retaining value within the Ardana Group by building a sales and marketing
capability in leading European markets, through both our own infrastructure
and partnerships; and
• Maintaining a lean organisation by selective outsourcing in order to
achieve flexibility.
During the last year we have successfully achieved our goals towards the
delivery of this strategy. Our clinical trials have progressed well for all our
compounds in development. In June we acquired a license to market Invicorp(TM)
in Europe and acquired the EU patent for BiGel. We set up the UK sales team and
launched our first product Striant(TM) SR in June. On the research side, in
December we agreed an extension to the collaboration deal with the MRC for
another three years, our work with the University of Montreal progresses well
and we have initiated support for the University of Manchester. On the
financial front we completed our last private funding round in May 2004 which we
followed up with the successful launch onto the London Stock Exchange's main
market in March 2005.
Our achievements and financing have allowed us to expand our management team. In
addition to setting up the sales team we have filled other key positions within
the organisation in support of our clinical development, manufacturing and
marketing activities.
Ardana's strategy is to manage risk by continuing to maintain a broad and
balanced pipeline of products and product candidates through relationships with
leading research institutions and the acquisition of products and intellectual
property rights. We have already established a targeted sales force in the UK
and it is our intention to establish a specialist sales and marketing
infrastructure in the five largest European markets to support the future launch
of additional products, as and when commercially appropriate. It is intended
that this infrastructure will be in place to support the launch of Teverelix LA
in Europe. We believe that having our own sales and marketing capability will
allow us to keep more value in the Company for the benefit of our shareholders.
In the interim, commercialisation will be by a combination of our own sales
teams and strategic partnerships. Currently, Ardana's key customers are
endocrinologists and urologists and, as the portfolio expands, the customer
profile will include other reproductive health specialists such as obstetricians
and gynaecologists. These groups of clinicians are a small, well circumscribed
group, easily addressed by a small team of sales representatives.
Ardana's portfolio of products continue to progress well at each stage of their
development.
Striant(TM) SR
An effective, unique and innovative controlled-release buccal tablet containing
30 mg of testosterone indicated for testosterone replacement therapy in men with
hypogonadism, the most common hormone deficiency in men. The Striant(TM) SR
tablet is applied to the gum above the front incisor tooth, providing a novel
method of delivery compared with existing testosterone replacement products. In
April 2004, marketing authorisation was granted for this product in the UK,
where Ardana commenced commercial sales in June 2004. Striant(TM) SR has
received a positive opinion under the Mutual Recognition Procedure in several
other European countries. Ardana intends to roll-out the sale and distribution
of Striant(TM) SR across European-licensed territories on a country-by-country
basis through local partners, starting with Germany in 2005. Ardana announced
in June 2005 the appointment of Cytochemia AG to market and distribute
Striant(TM) SR in Germany under licence.
Teverelix LA
A long-acting formulation of a GnRH antagonist that binds with a receptor in the
pituitary gland, to provide dose-dependent control of the release of sex
hormones such as testosterone in men and oestrogen in women. GnRH is considered
to be the master switch by which the body controls the production of sex
hormones. The benefit of Teverelix LA is that its mode of action means that it
can be used both as an ''on/off'' and ''dimmer'' switch for hormone release.
This is important in those diseases where the progression of the disease relies
on a supply of the sex hormones. Thus for the malignant diseases Teverelix LA
can switch off and stop the production of either testosterone or oestrogen and
for the benign diseases it can reduce (or 'dim') the levels of the sex hormones
in a dose dependent manner thus alleviating the effects of the disease without
causing the side-effects of castration. Ardana is developing Teverelix LA
initially to treat three major indications:
• prostate cancer
• benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
• endometriosis.
In trials conducted to date, Teverelix LA has shown to be well tolerated and
demonstrates a dose-dependent reduction of testosterone in men and oestradiol in
women.
Teverelix LA - Prostate Cancer
In February and May 2005 we announced successful results from two Phase II
studies of Teverelix LA in patients with advanced prostate cancer. The
progression of prostate cancer is driven by male sex hormones (androgens) such
as testosterone. It is widely accepted that reducing levels of these hormones
in advanced disease can help slow the growth of the cancer and prolong survival.
The production of testosterone can be reduced either surgically, with the
removal of the testicles, or through medicines that affect production of
testosterone. These studies confirmed that Teverelix LA can attain and maintain
suppression of testosterone to castration levels in patients with advanced
prostate cancer, is generally well tolerated and was also shown to rapidly
reduce and normalise PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) levels, a biological marker
that is elevated in most patients with prostate cancer.
These studies give Ardana further insight into how Teverelix LA should be used
to achieve the optimal clinical effect in the treatment of prostate cancer,
which is widely acknowledged to be a multi-billion dollar market. We believe
that this compound has considerable potential in the treatment of the disease,
and will now enter a longer term Phase II clinical trial with a potential
product launch by the end of 2009.
Teverelix LA - Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
In May 2005 we announced successful results from a Phase II study of Teverelix
LA in patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Teverelix LA
demonstrated statistically significant symptomatic improvements, increasing over
the time of the study. In addition, statistically significant improvements were
seen in maximum urine flow rates, prostate size and patient's quality of life.
BPH is a common benign disease occurring in men over the age of 50, and
increases in prevalence with age. BPH is characterised by an enlargement of the
prostate gland, which results in urinary flow problems such as hesitancy, weak
or interrupted stream, urgency and more frequent urination, especially at night.
The growth of prostatic tissue is driven by male sex hormones (known as
androgens), primarily testosterone and its more potent metabolite
dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Reducing levels of these hormones can reduce the
size and growth of the prostate.
In previous clinical studies, Teverelix LA has been shown to decrease
testosterone and subsequently DHT in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore,
Teverelix LA can reduce testosterone levels to the low end of the normal range,
avoiding a chemical castration and its related symptoms.
We are very encouraged by this study which provides proof of concept of
Teverelix LA as a potential treatment for BPH. This trial demonstrated that
Teverelix LA was well tolerated, without any signs of allergic reactions, and
caused a rapid and prolonged improvement of the symptoms of BPH. These findings
suggest that Teverelix LA, administered by subcutaneous injection two to three
times per year, could be used not only for the improvement of BPH symptoms but
also to delay the progression of BPH. We believe that this compound has
considerable potential in the treatment of BPH which currently has a substantial
pharmaceutical market worth €3.9 billion per annum.
A second and longer term Phase II clinical trial for BPH is expected to commence
in H2 2005.
Teverelix LA - Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a hormone responsive condition arising in women in which the
tissue lining the uterus (the endometrium) is deposited outside the uterus.
This can potentially develop into cysts, which are usually benign but can cause
pain and is associated with heavy menstruation and infertility.
Reducing levels of female sex hormones (ie oestrogen) can cause endometrial
growths to shrink. Our first Phase I trial completed this year showed that
Teverelix LA can decrease oestrogen in a dose-dependent manner. The first Phase
II trial to demonstrate clinical proof-of-concept in patients is expected to
commence in H1 2006.
Testo Bi-gel
Testo Bi-gel is a trans-dermal testosterone delivery system being developed for
the treatment of male hypogonadism. Testo Bi-gel is formulated as a cream
consisting of both oil-based and water-based gel substances together with the
active ingredient, testosterone. We believe this product offers important
advantages over existing gel-based testosterone products and that clinical proof
of concept has been established through a successful feasibility study completed
this year.
Although used to treat the same condition, we believe Testo Bi-gel addresses a
different market segment than Striant(TM) SR as it offers a dermal rather than
oral application. Phase II clinical trials of Testo Bi-gel are expected to
commence during H2 2005.
Invicorp(TM)
We acquired Invicorp(TM) in June 2004 from Senetek plc for the European market.
It is an injectable treatment for erectile dysfunction. Marketing authorisation
for Invicorp(TM) has been granted in Denmark and we intend to initiate European
mutual recognition proceedings in 2005.
Oral GHS
We have been conducting early stage clinical development on an oral formulation
of a Growth Hormone Secretagogue, EP01572, which is potentially useful as a
treatment for growth hormone deficiency disorders and metabolic complications
associated with critical illness.
The results of the Phase I trial announced in April 2005 showed that EP01572
stimulates growth hormone release in a selective manner and was well tolerated.
We shall now be progressing the compound into Phase II clinical trials. The
growth hormone market is worth about €2 billion per annum worldwide and as the
majority of products are injectables we believe that EP01572 will offer an
attractive alternative for patients.
Terbutaline Vaginal Gel
We are currently conducting Phase II trials on a form of Terbutaline formulated
as a bio-adhesive vaginal gel for use as treatment for infertility linked to
endometriosis. We expect the results from this trial to be available during H1
2006.
Other products
Our business development team, alongside expanding our portfolio in the field of
reproductive medicine, continues to look to create value by out-licensing other
compounds that we own which are not core to our strategy.
Operationally we continue to maximise value and manage risk in the business
through our flexible and low cost business model. We are strategically building
our sales and marketing capability across Europe with our lead commercial
product Striant(TM) SR, to be followed by Invicorp(TM) and Testo BiGel, so that
we can build a solid relationship with our customers, understand the market and
demonstrate Ardana's commitment to the area in advance of the launch of
Teverelix in the larger indications. We are rapidly expanding our partnerships
in research, regulatory and manufacturing, all of whom are directed by our in
house team of experienced managers.
Our intention is to ensure that Teverelix, Testo BiGel and GHS are optimally
developed and marketed worldwide. To this end we are looking for partners to
commercialise the products outside Europe and it is our intention to have a
collaboration deal for Teverelix LA in the first half of 2006.
We are very pleased to have successfully completed our launch onto the London
Stock Exchange and by the response we have received from investors and potential
investors to the Ardana story. With £18.5 million raised in the IPO, we are in
excellent shape to continue our investment in progressing our product
development programmes, as well as commercialising our first products as they
come to market in key European territories.
We have achieved a great deal in the relatively short period of time since
Ardana was founded in 2000, and we look forward to meeting the challenges that
will face us as we further develop and expand the business.
Anticipated news flow
H2 2005 FDA meeting on Teverelix LA in prostate cancer and BPH.
H2 2005 Results from Phase II trial of Testo BiGel
H2 2005 Announcement of further European partners for Striant(TM) SR
H1 2006 Results from Phase II trial of Terbutaline
H1 2006 Teverelix LA collaboration
Unaudited consolidated profit and loss account
For the year ended 31 March 2005
Notes Unaudited Unaudited
Year ended Year ended
31 March 2005 31 March 2004*
£ £
TURNOVER 84,013 88,959
Cost of Sales (10,746) -
______ ______
GROSS PROFIT 73,267 88,959
Research and development costs (4,010,545) (12,439,031)
Other operating costs (5,094,842) (3,272,594)
______ ______
Total operating costs (9,105,387) (15,711,625)
Other operating income 78,560 -
Exchange gain 5,348 132,080
______ ______
Operating loss (8,948,212) (15,490,586)
Net interest receivable 523,359 273,559
______ ______
LOSS ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES BEFORE TAXATION (8,424,853) (15,217,027)
Tax on loss on ordinary activities 478,556 466,112
______ ______
LOSS FOR THE YEAR (7,946,297) (14,750,915)
______ ______
Loss per share (basic and diluted) 5 (20.5p) (49.2p)
* Refer to Basis of Preparation in Note 1.
The results for the year shown above are derived entirely from continuing
activities.
Unaudited consolidated balance sheet
As at 31 March 2005
Notes Unaudited Unaudited
31 March 2005 31 March 2004*
£ £
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets 32,394 34,149
______ ______
CURRENT ASSETS
Stocks 107,271 -
Debtors 2 1,307,882 1,029,396
Cash at bank and in hand (including liquid 29,181,946 11,153,607
resources) ______ ______
30,597,099 12,183,003
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 3 (3,840,737) (3,302,307)
______ ______
NET CURRENT ASSETS 26,756,362 8,880,696
______ ______
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 26,788,756 8,914,845
Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one 4 (1,373,249) (3,006,213)
year ______ ______
NET ASSETS 25,415,507 5,908,632
______ ______
CAPITAL & RESERVES
Called-up share capital 555,628 155,543
Share Premium 26,948,599 -
Merger reserve 34,451,498 34,451,498
Own shares (100,788) (135,276)
Profit and loss account (36,439,430) (28,563,133)
______ ______
TOTAL EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS FUNDS 25,415,507 5,908,632
______ ______
* Refer to Basis of Preparation in Note 1.
Unaudited consolidated cash flow statement
Year ended 31 March 2005
Unaudited Unaudited
Year ended Year ended
31 March 31 March 2004*
2005 £
£
Net cash outflow from operating activities (10,304,601) (9,672,320)
______ ______
Returns on investments and servicing of finance
Interest received 523,450 273,748
Interest paid (91) (189)
______ ______
Net cash inflow from returns on investments and 523,359 273,559
servicing of finance
Net cash inflow from taxation 383,774 123,405
______ ______
Capital expenditure
Purchase of tangible fixed assets (35,824) (36,984)
Sale of tangible assets 8,459 37,857
Net sale of investments 104,488 47,224
______ ______
Net cash inflow from capital expenditure 77,123 48,097
______ ______
Net cash inflow from management of liquid resources
Increase on amounts placed on short term deposit (17,958,923) (6,733,517)
Financing
Ordinary share capital issued 27,348,684 15,999,995
______ ______
Increase in cash in year 69,416 39,219
______ ______
* Refer to Basis of Preparation in Note 1.
Notes to the Financial Information
1. The financial information disclosed in the announcement does not
constitute the Company's statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2005,
which will be finalised on the basis of the financial information set out by the
directors in this preliminary announcement and delivered to the Registrar of
Companies after the Company's Annual General Meeting in September 2005. The
financial information for the year ended 31 March 2004 is derived from the
statutory accounts of Ardana Bioscience Limited for that year and which have
been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditors reported on the
accounts of Ardana Bioscience Limited for the year ended 31 March 2004; their
report was unqualified and did not contain a statement under S237(2) or (3) of
Companies Act 1985.
On 5 May 2004, Ardana Limited acquired the entire issued share capital of Ardana
Bioscience Limited in exchange for the issue of shares to shareholders on a
one-for-one basis.
The restructuring represented a change in identity of this Company, being the
holding company, rather than an acquisition of the business. The restructuring
has been accounted for using merger accounting and so the financial information
is presented as if the Company and its subsidiaries had always been part of the
same group. The results and cash flows of the entities are combined from the
beginning of the year in which the merger occurred and their assets and
liabilities are combined at the amounts at which they were previously recorded.
The comparatives are presented as if the companies in the Ardana plc Group had
been owned and controlled by the Company throughout the year ended 31 March
2004.
2. Debtors
31 March 31 March
2005 2004
(unaudited) (unaudited)
£ £
Trade debtors 33,619 19,039
Other debtors 140,113 82,350
Tax credit recoverable 944,668 849,886
Prepayments and accrued income 189,482 78,121
_____ _____
1,307,882 1,029,396
_____ _____
3. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
31 March 31 March
2005 2004
(unaudited) (unaudited)
£ £
Trade creditors 1,089,046 866,696
Deferred consideration 1,716,561 1,670,118
Other taxes and social security 160,143 39,074
Other creditors and accruals 874,987 726,419
______ ______
3,840,737 3,302,307
______ ______
4. Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year
31 March 31 March
2005 2004
(unaudited) (unaudited)
£ £
Deferred consideration 1,373,249 3,006,213
______ ______
5. Loss per share is based on the loss on ordinary activities after
taxation as shown in the consolidated profit and loss account and on the
weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue of 38,717,240 (2004:
29,998,974). The weighted average number of shares in issue in 2004 has been
re-stated to take account of the rebasing in February 2005.
6. Reconciliation of movements in shareholders' funds
31 March 31 March
2005 2004
(unaudited) (unaudited)
£ £
(Loss)/profit for the financial year (7,946,297) (14,750,915)
New shares issued 27,348,684 19,999,995
Net movement in own shares 34,488 47,224
Gain on sale of EBT shares 70,000 -
_____ _____
Net increase in shareholders' funds 19,506,875 5,296,304
Opening shareholders' funds 5,908,632 612,328
_____ _____
Closing shareholders' funds 25,415,507 5,908,632
_____ _____
7. The directors do not propose a dividend for the period (2004: £Nil).
This information is provided by RNS
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