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    Serge BelangerNeedham & Company

    Serge Belanger's questions to Liquidia Corp (LQDA) leadership

    Serge Belanger's questions to Liquidia Corp (LQDA) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Serge Belanger from Needham & Company asked for a breakdown of the Q2 revenue between channel inventory and patient demand, an update on payer coverage status, and the latest on the '327 patent litigation, including decision timing.

    Answer

    CFO & COO Michael Kaseta explained that the 'vast, vast majority' of Q2 revenue was from initial channel loading, which has been largely absorbed in Q3. He confirmed contracts are signed with three major payers to achieve parity access. General Counsel Rusty Schundler stated that post-trial briefing for the '327 patent case is complete, and while timing is uncertain, the judge's accelerated schedule could indicate a faster decision.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to Liquidia Corp (LQDA) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Serge Belanger of Needham & Company asked about the current level of physician awareness of YUTREPIA and whether the launch would see initial warehousing demand or a more gradual, evaluation-based uptake.

    Answer

    Chief Commercial Officer Scott Moomaw stated that while pre-launch communication is limited, a 'loud' launch with a full suite of marketing activities will rapidly build awareness. He anticipates the initial focus will be on new patients, though some demand may come from physicians seeking to transition patients who have reverted to nebulized TYVASO. CEO Dr. Roger Jeffs added that the long-term strategy includes competing with oral prostacyclins, targeting a total $4 billion market opportunity.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to Liquidia Corp (LQDA) leadership • Q2 2024

    Question

    Serge Belanger of Needham & Company, LLC asked for an update on the timeline for the United Therapeutics lawsuit against the FDA and questioned how this case might be a gating factor for the YUTREPIA NDA decision.

    Answer

    General Counsel Russell Schundler responded that the court has not yet indicated whether it will hold an oral argument or rule on the briefs for the motion to dismiss, so no timeline is available. He reiterated the company's policy of not commenting on specific communications with the FDA or speculating on what influences the agency's decision-making process.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to Amphastar Pharmaceuticals Inc (AMPH) leadership

    Serge Belanger's questions to Amphastar Pharmaceuticals Inc (AMPH) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Serge Belanger of Needham & Company inquired about Amphastar's full-year revenue guidance, second-half expectations for Baqsimi sales, and the company's confidence in the near-term approval of its drug candidate, AMP-002.

    Answer

    CFO Bill Peters confirmed the company maintains its guidance for flat year-over-year sales, supported by two potential product approvals. He stated that Baqsimi is on track for high single-digit unit growth and a 3% price increase. EVP Tony Marrs added that the company remains optimistic about an AMP-002 approval due to ongoing, productive engagement with the FDA.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to Amphastar Pharmaceuticals Inc (AMPH) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Serge Belanger from Needham & Company, LLC requested more details on the BAQSIMI-MannKind collaboration, specifically regarding the increase in sales force size and prescriber targets. He also asked for an update on the competitive landscape for epinephrine and the likelihood of Pfizer's return to the market.

    Answer

    CFO William Peters explained that the MannKind partnership more than doubles the number of salespeople detailing BAQSIMI, expanding national coverage. On epinephrine, he noted that while the multi-dose vial market has 4-5 competitors, Amphastar remains the sole U.S. supplier of the prefilled syringe. He added that a key competitor's return to the market is not expected in the first or second quarter.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to Trevi Therapeutics Inc (TRVI) leadership

    Serge Belanger's questions to Trevi Therapeutics Inc (TRVI) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Serge Belanger of Needham & Company requested more context on the Lester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) data from the CORAL trial and asked about future presentations of other secondary endpoints. He also asked about operating expense projections.

    Answer

    Chief Development Officer James Cassella highlighted the statistically significant improvements across all LCQ domains, which complement the objective cough data. Chief Commercial Officer Farrell Simon noted the importance of LCQ for demonstrating value and reimbursement. CFO Lisa Delfini confirmed that operating expenses are expected to remain relatively flat for the remainder of the year.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to Trevi Therapeutics Inc (TRVI) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Serge Belanger of Needham & Company requested an update on the respiratory physiology study, asking if it remains on track and if its design has been modified in light of the recent data from the RCC trial.

    Answer

    Executive Jennifer Good confirmed the respiratory physiology study is currently screening patients and remains on track to provide data for the end-of-Phase II meeting with the FDA. She mentioned that given recent findings, the team is contemplating whether the highest dose of 108mg is still necessary for this study.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to Collegium Pharmaceutical Inc (COLL) leadership

    Serge Belanger's questions to Collegium Pharmaceutical Inc (COLL) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    John, on behalf of Serge Belanger from Needham and Company, asked about the specific growth levers Collegium plans to use for Jornay PM during the critical Q3 back-to-school season. He also requested an update on the generic competition landscape for the company's pain portfolio.

    Answer

    EVP & CCO Scott Dreyer explained that the key levers for Jornay PM growth are raising awareness among both healthcare providers (HCPs) to drive adoption and among patients/caregivers to stimulate direct requests for the brand. EVP & CFO Colleen Tupper addressed the generics question, confirming no new threats have emerged. She reiterated that for BELBUCA, the last filer has received five CRLs, and for Nucynta, potential entrants lack access to commercial-scale quantities of the active ingredient, tapentadol, with the earliest potential entry for Teva in January 2027 remaining contingent on approval.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to Collegium Pharmaceutical Inc (COLL) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Serge Belanger asked for an update on the overall ADHD market growth rate, the breakdown of Jornay's prescriber base between pediatricians and psychiatrists, and the source of Jornay's recent market share gains.

    Answer

    Chief Commercial Officer Scott Dreyer stated that the overall ADHD market is growing at approximately 5-6%. He detailed the prescriber base as roughly 40% pediatricians, 40% neuropsychiatry, and the remaining 20% split between PCPs and mid-level practitioners. Dreyer explained that the primary driver of Jornay's market share growth is patients switching from generic immediate-release products, supplemented by some switching from other branded medications.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to Collegium Pharmaceutical Inc (COLL) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Serge Belanger of Needham & Company inquired about the integration of Jornay PM, specifically asking about the current size of its sales force and any planned modifications. He also sought clarity on recent formulary changes for Xtampza and Belbuca, asking about the volume of prescriptions at risk from a formulary removal and the potential for conversion on a new formulary addition.

    Answer

    Executive Scott Dreyer stated the current sales force is approximately 150 people and that the company is assessing an expansion to maximize Jornay PM's potential, with details to be included in future OpEx guidance. Regarding formulary changes, Dreyer explained that the removal from one Part D plan affects about 12% of Belbuca and 18% of Xtampza prescriptions but will be net revenue positive. The new formulary addition will not report prescription data to IQVIA, resulting in a net negative impact on reported scripts but a positive impact on revenue.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to Arcutis Biotherapeutics Inc (ARQT) leadership

    Serge Belanger's questions to Arcutis Biotherapeutics Inc (ARQT) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Serge Belanger of Needham & Company asked for a reconciliation between the 28% quarter-over-quarter revenue growth and the 13% script growth. He also inquired about the Medicare Part D opportunity, including its size and the expected timing for securing coverage, and asked if there were plans to expand the sales force.

    Answer

    Chief Commercial Officer Todd Edwards explained the variance was primarily due to the recovery of distribution channel inventory to normal levels after a drawdown in Q1, not abnormal stocking. CEO Frank Watanabe and CCO Todd Edwards noted that securing Medicare Part D coverage is challenging due to financial disruption for payers from the IRA, making timing uncertain. Frank Watanabe also confirmed there are no current plans to expand the Arcutis dermatology sales force.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to Arcutis Biotherapeutics Inc (ARQT) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Serge Belanger from Needham & Company asked why Arcutis was able to avoid the typical Q1 seasonality seen with other products and inquired if the 80% insurance coverage rate for ZORYVE prescriptions could improve further.

    Answer

    Todd Edwards, Chief Commercial Officer, attributed the strong Q1 demand growth (10% QoQ) to the franchise's momentum and the 'portfolio effect,' where clinicians prescribing for multiple indications use more ZORYVE overall. He noted this drove new-to-brand prescriptions, offsetting typical Q1 headwinds. Regarding coverage, he stated that the 80% reimbursement rate is considered an 'optimal steady state' and he expects it to remain in that range, with minimal changes expected.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to Arcutis Biotherapeutics Inc (ARQT) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Serge Belanger from Needham & Company asked about the extent of Medicare and Medicaid coverage at the start of 2025 and the timeline for further expansion. He also posed a broader strategic question about the company's priority between near-term profitability versus pipeline and business development investments.

    Answer

    Chief Commercial Officer Todd Edwards reported that as of early 2025, 1 in 2 Medicaid beneficiaries have access to ZORYVE, with ongoing negotiations for Medicare Part D. President and CEO Frank Watanabe stated that the top priority remains investing in ZORYVE's growth to drive shareholder value, viewing the 2026 cash break-even target as a means to gain operational flexibility rather than an end in itself. He characterized the company's approach to pipeline and BD as opportunistic, not imperative.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to Arcutis Biotherapeutics Inc (ARQT) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Serge Belanger of Needham & Company asked about the expected proportion of the Medicare Part D market Arcutis will have coverage for in 2025 and whether the company anticipates changes in the competitive landscape given a competitor's product has changed ownership.

    Answer

    Chief Commercial Officer Todd Edwards and CEO Frank Watanabe clarified that Medicare Part D coverage will be a progressive, plan-by-plan process similar to commercial insurance, not a single event covering the entire market. On the competitive front, Frank Watanabe noted that a competitor's delayed AD approval is a positive, but Arcutis's primary competition remains topical steroids and Opzelura, and it is too early to assess the impact of the competitor's ownership change.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to Evolus Inc (EOLS) leadership

    Serge Belanger's questions to Evolus Inc (EOLS) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Serge Belanger from Needham & Company noted the historical resilience of the aesthetics market and asked what makes the current consumer slowdown different. He also inquired about any observed changes in market pricing due to tariffs or competition.

    Answer

    President & CEO David Moatazedi suggested this downturn is unique because it disproportionately affects consumers earning under $150,000, who are feeling the effects of inflation. He stated that he has not seen significant market-wide price changes related to tariffs, noting that neurotoxins are currently exempt.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to Evolus Inc (EOLS) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Serge Belanger asked about market seasonality, specifically if the typical Q4 to Q1 revenue step-down was more pronounced this year and if that could signal a strong Q2 rebound. He also inquired if Evolus has observed any changes in injector purchasing behavior, such as stocking up ahead of potential new tariffs on pharmaceuticals.

    Answer

    CEO David Moatazedi explained that while Evolus has historically bucked market seasonality due to high growth, its moderating growth rate will likely cause it to align more with traditional patterns. He noted the market slowdown in the back half of last year will affect year-over-year comps. CFO Sandra Beaver stated that while Evolus is taking prudent steps to manage inventory ahead of potential tariffs, the company has not seen any change in purchasing behavior from practices, as there is no immediate view that costs will be passed on.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to Evolus Inc (EOLS) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Serge Belanger inquired about the outlook for new account additions in 2025 given the Evolysse launch and whether the Evolysse injection procedure requires significantly different training compared to other fillers.

    Answer

    CEO David Moatazedi stated that new account additions will likely decrease from the historical rate of ~500 per quarter as the sales team prioritizes training existing customers on Evolysse. CMO Rui Avelar added that Evolysse training is straightforward, as the gel is well-balanced, forgiving with a low inflammation profile, and efficient, meaning less product is often needed to achieve optimal correction.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc (BCRX) leadership

    Serge Belanger's questions to BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc (BCRX) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Serge Belanger from Needham & Company asked for more detail on the gross-to-net improvement, a comparison of new patient additions to 2024 levels, and whether the current sales force requires expansion.

    Answer

    President & CCO Charlie Gayer confirmed the gross-to-net is in the lower end of the 15-20% range and that Q2 new patient adds significantly surpassed Q1, which was already the best quarter since launch year. He stated that the sales force is perfectly sized and highly efficient, and adding more reps would be unnecessary. CEO Jon Stonehouse reinforced that this efficient commercial infrastructure is a key asset to be leveraged for future products.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc (BCRX) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Serge Belanger asked if there is potential for the ORLADEYO paid rate to improve further beyond the current level, which is near the 85% target. He also inquired if the source of new patients (e.g., from prophylaxis vs. acute-only) had changed in the first quarter.

    Answer

    Chief Commercial Officer Charlie Gayer confirmed they will strive to exceed the 85% paid-rate goal, noting that the rate in the Medicare segment is already at 89%, which shows further improvement is possible. He also stated that the mix of new patients in Q1 was fundamentally very similar to the trends seen since launch, with a balanced contribution from different prescriber tiers, indicating broad and sustainable growth.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc (BCRX) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Serge Belanger asked for the number of patients on ORLADEYO at year-end 2024 compared to 2023 and questioned whether the positive impact from the IRA on paid rates could also help drive new patient volume.

    Answer

    Chief Commercial Officer Charlie Gayer did not provide a specific patient count but confirmed that new patient additions in 2024 were well above the annual average required to meet long-term revenue goals. He acknowledged that improved reimbursement confidence from the IRA could potentially boost new patient starts over time, though this has not been a direct driver yet. CEO Jon Stonehouse highlighted the company's patient services as a key competitive advantage.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc (BCRX) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Serge Belanger asked how current patient additions are tracking against the company's long-term targets and how the launch of new competitive prophylactics in 2025 might impact the switching opportunity for ORLADEYO.

    Answer

    Chief Commercial Officer Charlie Gayer confirmed that patient additions are 'very much on track' with their goals. He stated that market research indicates new injectable competitors will primarily compete with existing injectables, not with ORLADEYO's oral formulation. CEO Jon Stonehouse added that increased discussion about switching therapies presents a net opportunity, as patients and physicians open to change would logically consider the oral option first.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to Pacira Biosciences Inc (PCRX) leadership

    Serge Belanger's questions to Pacira Biosciences Inc (PCRX) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Serge Belanger from Needham & Company asked for color on recent surgical volume trends and whether the competitive landscape for EXPAREL has intensified, particularly from products like ZYNRELEF.

    Answer

    CCO Brendan Teehan noted a nominal, low single-digit decline in surgery room hours during the first quarter. CEO Frank Lee stated that the competitive landscape has not significantly changed, emphasizing that the primary competition remains short-acting bupivacaine and that Pacira has substantial room for market penetration growth.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to Pacira Biosciences Inc (PCRX) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Speaking on behalf of Serge Belanger, an analyst asked if iovera is expected to follow a similar uptake trajectory to EXPAREL given its new reimbursement code. The analyst also inquired about Pacira's appetite for a potential settlement agreement regarding the EXPAREL generic litigation.

    Answer

    CEO Frank Lee declined to comment on any potential settlement discussions but reiterated strong confidence in the company's IP estate and noted more patents are expected. An executive, likely CCO Brendan Teehan, addressed the iovera question, highlighting the new C-code as a key growth driver that provides physicians up to $256 in additional reimbursement. He noted that iovera is at a different stage in its lifecycle than EXPAREL and will receive selective investment to capitalize on the improved reimbursement landscape and new SmartTip for low back pain.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to CorMedix Inc (CRMD) leadership

    Serge Belanger's questions to CorMedix Inc (CRMD) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Serge Belanger inquired about the inpatient market opportunity a year after launch, its potential size relative to the outpatient segment, and any ongoing efforts to modify or improve the TDAPA reimbursement process.

    Answer

    CEO Joseph Todisco acknowledged the slow ramp in the inpatient market but highlighted recent progress, with shipments doubling to 6% of the total in April and a dedicated sales team now operational. He stated its ultimate size depends on LDO uptake. Regarding TDAPA, he mentioned monitoring the upcoming CMS proposed rule and supporting legislative initiatives aimed at codifying and improving the pathway, though he cautioned the legislative route is challenging.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to CorMedix Inc (CRMD) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Serge Belanger of Needham & Company asked about the concentration of Q3 sales from the anchor customer, U.S. Renal Care, and whether their successful implementation process could be replicated with new partners. He also inquired about the upcoming transition from WAC to ASP-based reimbursement under TDAPA and its potential impact on ordering patterns.

    Answer

    CEO Joseph Todisco confirmed that U.S. Renal Care accounted for over 90% of Q3 sales and that CorMedix is actively working to replicate their successful implementation model with other customers, particularly the new LDO. Regarding reimbursement, Todisco stated the transition from WAC to ASP is anticipated, has been structured into agreements, and is not expected to impact ordering patterns or be problematic, as significant ASP erosion is not expected initially.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to Omeros Corp (OMER) leadership

    Serge Belanger's questions to Omeros Corp (OMER) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    John, on behalf of Serge Belanger from Needham & Company, asked about Omeros's manufacturing scalability for narsoplimab to support market demand and its pre-launch efforts to increase physician awareness.

    Answer

    Chairman and CEO Gregory Demopulos and Chief Commercial Officer Nadia Dac responded. Dr. Demopulos confirmed that the company has sufficient drug supply manufactured to support the narsoplimab launch for the first two to three years. Ms. Dac added that a targeted field team has been building awareness of TA-TMA diagnosis and treatment with top transplant centers, noting that the topic is now a mainstream discussion among physicians who are actively seeking a solution.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to Omeros Corp (OMER) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Serge Belanger of Needham & Company asked for the potential size and cost of the OMS906 (zaltenibart) Phase III program and whether Omeros's current cash balance is sufficient to fund it or if a partner would be sought.

    Answer

    Executive Gregory Demopulos stated that Omeros is confident it can advance the program independently but remains open to partnering discussions. Chief Medical Officer Andreas Grauer specified that each of the two randomized trials is expected to enroll slightly below 100 patients. VP of Clinical J. Whitaker added that strong prior efficacy data allows for smaller trials and that rapid enrollment is anticipated, which should positively impact costs.

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