Sign in

    Anish Nikhanj

    Senior Associate in Biotechnology Equity Research at RBC Capital Markets

    Anish Nikhanj is a Senior Associate in Biotechnology Equity Research at RBC Capital Markets, specializing in the biotechnology sector with detailed research coverage for major life sciences companies. Since joining RBC in August 2022, he has contributed to the analysis of leading biotech firms, leveraging his doctorate from the University of Alberta to deepen insights for institutional investors. Previously, Nikhanj advanced through roles in equity research, and he is FINRA-registered with securities licenses relevant to his role. Recognized for academic rigor and commitment to data-driven investment research, he maintains an active presence in the finance industry.

    Anish Nikhanj's questions to Verastem (VSTM) leadership

    Anish Nikhanj's questions to Verastem (VSTM) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Anish Nikhanj, on for Leonid Timmasheev, asked how the launch curve for AvmapKefaxin Jakobak might change with the transition to specialty distributors and requested color on the breakdown of patient history by lines of therapy.

    Answer

    President and CEO Dan Paterson suggested that with the full distribution network and publications now in place, they expect an acceleration and a steady uptick, benefiting from the drug's long duration of therapy. COO Matthew Ros added that the patient mix is consistent with pre-launch research and the RAMP 201 trial, including patients with multiple prior therapies as well as those at their first recurrence.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Anish Nikhanj's questions to Nuvation Bio (NUVB) leadership

    Anish Nikhanj's questions to Nuvation Bio (NUVB) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Anish Nikhanj, on behalf of Leonard Timmashev, requested a breakdown of the 70 patients who started Iptrozy, asking how many were from the early access program (EAP) versus new commercial patients, and the split between free drug and paid drug.

    Answer

    CEO Dr. David Hung clarified that none of the 70 patients were from clinical trials. He stated that only six patients came from the EAP, meaning 90% were new starts post-approval. He added that the majority are commercially paid patients, with a small minority on the free drug program who are expected to convert to paid commercial drug in the following month.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Anish Nikhanj's questions to Nuvation Bio (NUVB) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Anish Nikhanj requested a breakdown of the 70 patients on Iptrozy, asking how many were from the early access program (EAP), on a free drug program, or were paid commercial patients.

    Answer

    David Hung, Founder, President & CEO, clarified that only six of the 70 patients were from the EAP, meaning 90% were new starts post-approval. He added that the majority are paid commercial patients, with a 'relatively small minority' on the free drug program who are expected to convert to paid therapy in the following month.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Anish Nikhanj's questions to EXELIXIS (EXEL) leadership

    Anish Nikhanj's questions to EXELIXIS (EXEL) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Anish Nikhanj of RBC Capital Markets asked how Exelixis is balancing zanzalutinib's development between being a life-cycle extension for cabozantinib (in RCC, NET) and expanding into broader, new indications.

    Answer

    CEO Michael Morrissey explained the strategy is to maximize zanzalutinib's impact by pursuing both paths. This includes new combinations in existing areas (like with belzutifan in RCC), head-to-head trials in NET, and expanding into new, large opportunities like earlier-line CRC to build a franchise that will 'eclipse' cabozantinib.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Anish Nikhanj's questions to Verrica Pharmaceuticals (VRCA) leadership

    Anish Nikhanj's questions to Verrica Pharmaceuticals (VRCA) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Anish Nikhanj, on for Gregory Renza, asked about the conversion time from accounts receivable to revenue for YCANTH and how the expansion into pharmacy benefits is improving patient access.

    Answer

    Executive Jayson Rieger stated that with 60-day payment terms and more frequent, smaller distributor orders, the conversion of accounts receivable to cash should stabilize. He added that YCANTH access is improving through growth in both pharmacy distribution and medical benefit (buy-and-bill) channels, supported by new independent pharmacy partnerships and robust payer coverage.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Anish Nikhanj's questions to MANNKIND (MNKD) leadership

    Anish Nikhanj's questions to MANNKIND (MNKD) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Anish Nikhanj of RBC Capital Markets questioned the rationale behind the upcoming Afrezza adult label update and its potential to increase uptake. He also asked about supply chain risks from the macro backdrop for the company's key products.

    Answer

    Executive Michael Castagna stated the label change aims for a better conversion dose to improve time-in-range, with approval expected in Q4. CFO Christopher Prentiss added that since key products are manufactured in their Connecticut facility, they feel good about managing through the evolving tariff situation, noting key materials are either exempt or manageable.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Anish Nikhanj's questions to MANNKIND (MNKD) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Anish Nikhanj, on behalf of RBC Capital Markets, questioned the anticipated launch trajectory and hurdles for Afrezza in pediatrics and the expected revenue contribution from the Cipla partnership in India.

    Answer

    Executive Michael Castagna identified three critical factors for the pediatric launch: a seamless reimbursement hub, strong institutional selling capabilities, and effective education campaigns. Regarding the Cipla deal, he stated that while the first shipment is expected by year-end, the primary initial benefit will be improved manufacturing efficiency and COGS, with a more significant sales inflection anticipated in 2026.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Anish Nikhanj's questions to MANNKIND (MNKD) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Anish Nikhanj, on behalf of Gregory Renza at RBC Capital Markets, asked about the economic value proposition for MNKD-101 versus competitors and whether MNKD-201 could potentially be used in progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF).

    Answer

    Executive Michael Castagna detailed MNKD-101's value proposition, which includes leveraging clofazimine's known efficacy while minimizing systemic side effects and reducing patient burden with a 28-day on, 56-day off dosing schedule. Regarding MNKD-201, he acknowledged the potential for PPF and stated they would hope for indication extrapolation, but the initial focus remains on IPF due to the larger patient population and trial predictability.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Anish Nikhanj's questions to Fulcrum Therapeutics (FULC) leadership

    Anish Nikhanj's questions to Fulcrum Therapeutics (FULC) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Anish Nikhanj, on for Gregory Renza at RBC Capital Markets, asked about the potential impact of FDA shifts on pociredir's development, particularly regarding endpoint selection like HbF as a surrogate marker. He also inquired about the company's discovery pipeline and how it plans to differentiate its novel HbF inducers from other mechanisms.

    Answer

    Iain Fraser, Head of Development, responded that the company plans to engage with the FDA in an end-of-Phase I meeting after the 20-milligram cohort data is available to discuss the development path. Regarding the pipeline, he stated that Fulcrum is looking 'broadly and agnostically' at compounds that induce HbF and is closely monitoring other mechanisms entering the clinic, such as WIZ degraders and DNMT1 inhibitors.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Anish Nikhanj's questions to Fulcrum Therapeutics (FULC) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Anish Nikhanj from RBC Capital Markets questioned the FDA's receptiveness to using HbF induction as a surrogate for VOC reduction and asked about Fulcrum's pipeline and business development interests outside of hematology.

    Answer

    Executive Iain Fraser confirmed that Fulcrum is actively pursuing discussions with the FDA this year to use HbF as a surrogate endpoint, citing abundant supporting data. CEO Alexander Sapir stated that while the company's focus remains on rare benign hematology, they are conducting preclinical experiments with their PRC2 inhibitors in prostate cancer models, prompted by promising data from other companies, though a move into oncology is not a current strategic goal.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Anish Nikhanj's questions to CorMedix (CRMD) leadership

    Anish Nikhanj's questions to CorMedix (CRMD) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Anish Nikhanj, on for Gregory Renza, questioned the trends in Medicare Advantage coverage under TDAPA and the key strategies CorMedix is using to maximize DefenCath uptake to secure a favorable post-TDAPA add-on adjustment.

    Answer

    Executive Joseph Todisco highlighted that Medicare Advantage claims grew from nearly zero at launch to 40% in Q1 2025, a positive trend. He explained that to prepare for the post-TDAPA environment, CorMedix is conducting a real-world evidence study with U.S. Renal Care. The pharmacoeconomic data from this study will be crucial for direct contract negotiations with Medicare Advantage plans to secure sustainable, separate reimbursement.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Anish Nikhanj's questions to INOVIO PHARMACEUTICALS (INO) leadership

    Anish Nikhanj's questions to INOVIO PHARMACEUTICALS (INO) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Anish Nikhanj, on for Gregory Renza, asked about the company's commercial assumptions for INO-3107, specifically regarding the potential product label and which data points would be emphasized to highlight its strengths against competitors.

    Answer

    CEO Dr. Jacqueline Shea emphasized the compelling product profile, including durable efficacy, tolerability, and a patient-centric, office-based administration. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael Sumner added that while the label is a negotiation with the FDA, they aim to include the durable clinical effect data, which is highly relevant for the chronic nature of RRP and important for physicians.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Anish Nikhanj's questions to Pacira BioSciences (PCRX) leadership

    Anish Nikhanj's questions to Pacira BioSciences (PCRX) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Anish Nikhanj, on for Gregory Renza, inquired about the onboarding and ordering process for the new GPO contracts and how the NOPAIN Act's ASP+6% reimbursement can be leveraged to defend EXPAREL against a potential generic.

    Answer

    CEO Frank Lee explained that it is still early for the GPO contracts and the company will work closely with customers to ensure adoption. Regarding generics, he emphasized that multiple patents protect EXPAREL, not just the one in the recent litigation ruling, and that the company continues to innovate. He stated that an at-risk launch is not considered imminent.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Anish Nikhanj's questions to APTO leadership

    Anish Nikhanj's questions to APTO leadership • Q3 2023

    Question

    The analyst, speaking on behalf of Gregory Renza, inquired about the expansion of tuspetinib into high-risk MDS and CMML, asking for the supporting data, the mechanistic rationale, and how the company is thinking about resource allocation and potential collaborations for this new venture.

    Answer

    Dr. Bejar explained the clinical rationale, citing the similar pathophysiology between high-risk MDS and AML and observations of MDS-like mutations in their trial patients. William Rice outlined the resource allocation priorities, placing the TUS/VEN/HMA triplet pilot study first, followed by the MDS/CMML expansion, and then the registrational trials. He also mentioned significant interest from larger pharmaceutical companies in the MDS indication.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI