Malcolm Hoffman

Malcolm Hoffman of BMO Capital Markets, on for Evan Seigerman, requested more context on the paused development of four NovaRock molecules and its implications. He also asked if AbCellera is considering U.S.-based manufacturing redundancies to mitigate risks associated with its Canadian facilities.

Answer

President and CEO Dr. Carl L. Hansen clarified that the pause in NovaRock's programs is believed to be related to fundraising efforts, a common challenge in the current environment. Regarding manufacturing, Dr. Hansen explained the Canadian facility is built to support Phase I and II trials, and moving products to the U.S. for trials is not expected to be an issue. He noted that considerations for commercial manufacturing locations are a topic for the distant future.

Malcolm Hoffman of BMO Capital Markets asked about the initial preparations for the upcoming CTA filings for ABCL575 and ABCL635, and if there were any notable nuances between a CTA and a U.S. IND filing process.

Answer

CEO Carl L. Hansen responded that IND-enabling studies began over 18 months ago and that extensive work has been done to prepare the clinical teams and plans. He confirmed that both programs have progressed smoothly, all necessary preparations are in place, and there are no particularly noteworthy considerations at this stage. He expressed confidence in the team and the plan to execute.

Malcolm Hoffman asked for quantification of how much of the updated revenue guidance reflects a stronger quarter for COVID-19 vaccines versus contributions from the BMS collaboration and UK government agreements, and if there were any minor changes on the COVID front.

Answer

Uğur Şahin, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, explained that the COMIRNATY (COVID-19 vaccine) business is performing within expectations with stable market share and pricing, assuming lower volumes, and is on track to close the year in line with outlook. He clarified that the updated revenue guidance mainly reflects the BMS collaboration, with $700 million recognized in Q3 2025 as part of the total $3.5 billion expected between 2025-2028, to be recognized in broadly equal amounts over the next three years.

Malcolm Hoffman, on behalf of Herbert Desta, asked for quantification of how much the updated revenue guidance reflects a stronger quarter for COVID-19 vaccines versus updates from the BMS collaboration and UK government agreements, seeking clarity on the relative contributions.

Answer

Uğur Şahin, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, stated that COMIRNATY maintains a stable position with strong market share and pricing, performing within expectations despite assumed lower volumes. He clarified that the updated revenue guidance primarily reflects the BMS collaboration, which will contribute $3.5 billion in upfront and non-contingent payments between 2025 and 2028, recognized broadly equally over the next three years.

Malcolm Hoffman, on for Evan Seigerman, noted the improvement in Daybue's 12-month-plus patient persistence (from 65% to 70%) and asked for further explanation, questioning if it was related to provider comfort in managing the product's profile.

Answer

Chief Commercial Officer Thomas Garner attributed the improvement to several factors, including better education of the patient community, caregivers, and HCPs on how to utilize the product. He noted that the user base is becoming more comfortable with titration and that learnings from COEs are being amplified into the community, all reinforced by the new customer model.

Malcolm Hoffman of BMO Capital Markets asked about the drivers that could push NUPLAZID's full-year gross-to-net percentage toward the high or low end of its 22.5% to 25.5% guidance range.

Answer

CFO Mark Schneyer explained that the primary factor influencing the gross-to-net percentage is patient payer mix, which can fluctuate quarterly and is outside the company's control. He also mentioned that any future pricing actions would be another variable affecting the final figure.

Malcolm Hoffman, on for Evan Seigerman, asked for Scholar Rock's thoughts on the recent sales rebound for Spinraza and how that might affect long-term market dynamics for apitegromab as a combination therapy.

Answer

CEO David Hallal emphasized that the SAPPHIRE trial demonstrated apitegromab's benefit regardless of the background SMN therapy. He stated that Scholar Rock will monitor the dynamics of the entire SMN market but is confident in its position to help all patients, including those on Zolgensma, which will be further explored in the upcoming OPAL study.

Malcolm Hoffman, on behalf of Evan Seigerman, asked about the potential impact of proposed U.S. tariffs and the company's overall exposure to China.

Answer

CFO Geoffrey Porges confirmed that revenue from China is minimal, substantially less than 5%, and does not pose a significant risk. He further contextualized the company's low geopolitical risk by noting that exposure to the NIH and total U.S. government funding is also very low (less than 1%), insulating the business from potential volatility in U.S. academic research funding.