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    Serge Belanger

    Managing Director in BioPharma Equity Research at Needham & Company

    Serge Belanger is a Managing Director in BioPharma Equity Research at Needham & Company, specializing in biotechnology and biopharmaceutical stocks, with extensive coverage of companies such as Arcutis Biotherapeutics, NewAmsterdam Pharma, Cytokinetics, Omeros, Liquidia Technologies, and Clearside Biomedical. He has released over 860 research ratings across 34 healthcare companies, maintaining a high proportion of Buy ratings and achieving a price target met ratio of over 27%, with top recommendations delivering returns like a 95.7% gain on KalVista Pharmaceuticals in just two weeks. Belanger joined Needham in 2009 after earlier roles at Fulcrum Global Partners and Susquehanna International Group, and was previously a senior research scientist at Adolor Corporation. He holds an MBA in Finance from NYU Stern and BSc/MSc degrees from McGill University, and is FINRA-registered with securities analyst credentials.

    Serge Belanger's questions to Liquidia (LQDA) leadership

    Serge Belanger's questions to Liquidia (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 (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 (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 HERON THERAPEUTICS, INC. /DE/ (HRTX) leadership

    Serge Belanger's questions to HERON THERAPEUTICS, INC. /DE/ (HRTX) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Asked if the salesforce changes involved expansion or just refocusing, inquired about any observed impact from the NO PAIN Act on ZINRALF uptake since April, and requested the new pro forma share count following the recent financing transactions.

    Answer

    The salesforce change was a strategic refocusing to create dedicated teams without a significant expansion or cost increase. The company has not seen an immediate impact from the NO PAIN Act but noted that reimbursement conversations are changing, expecting a gradual shift as commercial payers come on board. The pro forma common share count is approximately 183 million, and on a fully converted basis, it's about 208 million shares.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to HERON THERAPEUTICS, INC. /DE/ (HRTX) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Serge Belanger questioned if the salesforce changes were a refocusing or an expansion, inquired about any noticeable changes in ZINRELEF uptake since the NO PAIN Act implementation, and asked for the new pro forma share count following the recent financing transactions.

    Answer

    COO Mark Hensley confirmed the salesforce change is a refocusing to create dedicated teams without meaningfully adding to costs. CEO Craig Collard stated there has been no immediate impact from the NO PAIN Act, but reimbursement conversations are becoming more productive, with a significant shift expected over the next year as commercial payers come on board. CFO Ira Duarte provided the pro forma share count as approximately 183 million common shares, or 208 million on a fully converted basis.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to HERON THERAPEUTICS, INC. /DE/ (HRTX) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Serge Belanger asked about the overall Q1 business trends, whether typical seasonality was observed, and requested details on the drivers behind the increased full-year EBITDA guidance.

    Answer

    Craig Collard, Chief Executive Officer, confirmed that Q1 trends were consistent with typical seasonality (e.g., co-pay resets) but was pleased that Heron's unit volume grew while the market declined. He also mentioned plans for targeted commercial expansion. Ira Duarte, Chief Financial Officer, added that the revised EBITDA guidance was a result of the strong Q1 performance, operational spending efficiencies, and anticipated lower legal costs following the recent litigation settlement.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to HERON THERAPEUTICS, INC. /DE/ (HRTX) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Inquired about the drivers behind ZYNRELEF's recent momentum, the expected impact of the NOPAIN Act, and the outlook for operating expenses in 2025.

    Answer

    ZYNRELEF's momentum is driven by multiple factors including the CrossLink partnership, which is showing 30% higher growth in associated accounts. The NOPAIN Act is creating positive 'noise' for non-opioid alternatives. Operating expenses are expected to be slightly higher in 2025 due to specific R&D and legal costs.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to HERON THERAPEUTICS, INC. /DE/ (HRTX) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Serge Belanger of Needham & Company asked if the lower Q3 operating expense represents a new baseline, inquired about the CINVANTI litigation timeline, and questioned the potential impact of the NOPAIN Act on ZYNRELEF in 2025.

    Answer

    CFO Ira Duarte clarified that the Q3 OpEx dip was due to timing and not a new baseline, suggesting a blend of Q2 and Q3 levels is more representative. CEO Craig Collard stated a decision on the CINVANTI litigation is expected by December 14, expressing high confidence in a favorable outcome. Regarding the NOPAIN Act, Collard believes it will be a 'tremendous help' by significantly increasing awareness for ZYNRELEF as a non-opioid alternative, creating a major tailwind for the franchise.

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

    Serge Belanger's questions to Amphastar Pharmaceuticals (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 (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 (TRVI) leadership

    Serge Belanger's questions to Trevi Therapeutics (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 (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 (COLL) leadership

    Serge Belanger's questions to COLLEGIUM PHARMACEUTICAL (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 (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 (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 (ARQT) leadership

    Serge Belanger's questions to Arcutis Biotherapeutics (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 (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 (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 (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 (EOLS) leadership

    Serge Belanger's questions to Evolus (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 (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 (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 Esperion Therapeutics (ESPR) leadership

    Serge Belanger's questions to Esperion Therapeutics (ESPR) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Serge Belanger of Needham & Company inquired about the remaining prior authorizations for NEXLETOL and NEXLIZET, the potential for improving the current 80%+ approval rate, and the expected balance sheet impact from the working capital benefits of the manufacturing tech transfer to Daiichi Sankyo Europe.

    Answer

    Chief Business Officer Betty Swartz highlighted that the new field reimbursement team has already reached 1,100 targets, achieving approval rates well over 80%, with specific payers like CVS and Aetna exceeding 90%. She noted 192 million lives are now aligned with the new label. CFO Ben Halladay explained that the working capital benefit will appear as reduced inventory on Esperion's balance sheet in the second half of 2025 as their production ramps down and Daiichi Sankyo's ramps up.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to Esperion Therapeutics (ESPR) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Asked if the Q4 Medicare contract impact would continue into 2025 and questioned the reasons for a prescription slowdown in early Q1.

    Answer

    The negative Medicare gross-to-net impact from Q4 is not expected to linger in 2025 due to reforms. The early Q1 prescription slowdown is a typical seasonal trend due to insurance deductible resets, and the company still anticipates growth for the quarter.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to Esperion Therapeutics (ESPR) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Inquired about how product usage has changed with updated utilization management, its position relative to PCSK9 inhibitors, the timing of the 65% Medicare coverage, and the structure of milestone payments from the Otsuka collaboration.

    Answer

    Executives stated that product use has expanded into primary prevention and statin-intolerant patients, taking some market share from ezetimibe and PCSK9s. The 65% Medicare coverage is current, having been accelerated by payers, with more contracts expected. The Otsuka milestones are tied to regulatory filing, approval, and pricing in Japan, with payments expected by the end of 2025.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to BIOCRYST PHARMACEUTICALS (BCRX) leadership

    Serge Belanger's questions to BIOCRYST PHARMACEUTICALS (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 (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 (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 (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 Verrica Pharmaceuticals (VRCA) leadership

    Serge Belanger's questions to Verrica Pharmaceuticals (VRCA) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Serge Belanger questioned the split between commercial and Medicaid coverage within the total addressable market for molluscum and asked about the current and expected gross-to-net percentage for YCANTH.

    Answer

    Executive Jayson Rieger noted that pediatricians typically see a higher percentage of Medicaid patients while dermatologists see more commercially insured patients, with growth occurring in both segments. Interim CFO John Kirby declined to provide a specific gross-to-net figure but suggested it could be estimated using the reported revenue and dispensed applicator unit numbers.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to Verrica Pharmaceuticals (VRCA) leadership • Q2 2024

    Question

    Asked about the potential for new YCANTH distributor partnerships and their impact on net pricing, whether the VP-315 data derisks development for squamous cell carcinoma, the current prescriber mix between dermatologists and pediatricians, and any observed off-label use.

    Answer

    The company remains opportunistic about new partnerships and expects net pricing to remain in the 45-50% range. For VP-315, the current focus is on basal cell carcinoma, though other indications like squamous cell may be considered later. They noted that while dermatologists are the main prescribers, the pediatric sales force is making quick inroads. The company cannot comment on or support any off-label use.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to Pacira BioSciences (PCRX) leadership

    Serge Belanger's questions to Pacira BioSciences (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 (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 (CRMD) leadership

    Serge Belanger's questions to CorMedix (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 (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 Clearside Biomedical (CLSD) leadership

    Serge Belanger's questions to Clearside Biomedical (CLSD) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Serge Belanger asked for an estimate of the total cost for the planned Phase 3 program, questioned Clearside's capacity to run such a large trial, and inquired about the rationale for choosing a non-inferiority design over a superiority trial.

    Answer

    CFO Charlie Deignan stated that while not providing a specific number, similar Phase 3 studies cost around $55-60 million each, and he reminded listeners that Clearside has experience running concurrent Phase 3 trials. Dr. Victor Chong, Chief Medical Officer, added that the two non-inferiority trial design is a proven, less risky regulatory path that is well-established with the FDA for retinal drugs.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to Clearside Biomedical (CLSD) leadership • Q4 2023

    Question

    Asked if the early rescues seen in the prior OASIS trial created an expectation for higher dropouts in the ODYSSEY trial, inquired about potential expansion of CLS-AX into other indications like DME, and asked for an update on XIPERE's commercial performance.

    Answer

    The executive attributed the early rescues in the open-label OASIS trial to site-specific nervousness and does not expect a similar issue in the double-masked ODYSSEY trial. He confirmed that for now, CLS-AX development is focused solely on wet AMD. The CFO addressed the XIPERE question by stating they cannot report sales ahead of their partner and that Clearside is not yet eligible for royalties.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to OMEROS (OMER) leadership

    Serge Belanger's questions to OMEROS (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 (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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    Serge Belanger's questions to RVNC leadership

    Serge Belanger's questions to RVNC leadership • Q1 2024

    Question

    Asked about DAXXIFY's net pricing in Q1, the specific goal of the coupon program, and the company's plans to increase DAXXIFY's low consumer awareness.

    Answer

    The Q1 net price reduction was solely due to a consumer coupon pilot, and future programs will be structured differently. The coupon was designed to drive trial in a subset of accounts. After focusing first on re-engaging providers, the company is now increasing its social and digital marketing spend to build consumer brand awareness.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to RVNC leadership • Q4 2023

    Question

    Asked about the DAXXIFY launch in cervical dystonia, focusing on the nature of the secured commercial payer coverage, how it compares to competitors, and plans for Medicare.

    Answer

    Mark Foley detailed that they have secured over 50% of commercial lives, with nearly two-thirds of that being for first-line therapy without restrictive step-edits, giving them a strong competitive position. Regarding off-label use, coverage will vary by payer policy. For Medicare, which represents about 20% of the market, he stated they already have 100% coverage, positioning them well for the launch.

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    Serge Belanger's questions to RVNC leadership • Q3 2023

    Question

    Asked about Q3 vial volume trends before the price change, whether the new price better positions DAXXIFY for new patients, and if a promotional 'DAXXI day' is planned for Q4.

    Answer

    The company noted that Q3 was back-end loaded, with September showing strong reorder volume after the price change. The new pricing is primarily aimed at facilitating the switch of existing toxin users at the practice level, rather than attracting new patients. They do not plan to hold a 'DAXXI day' in Q4, as their strategy focuses on product differentiation and education over promotions.

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