Q1 2024 Earnings Summary
- Tandem Diabetes Care is experiencing strong demand for its new Mobi insulin pump, which is redefining wearability and attracting new users, particularly those switching from multiple daily injections (MDI). This supports market expansion for the company. ,
- The insulin pump market is growing, with pump penetration in Type 1 diabetes increasing to nearly 40% by the end of 2023, up from mid- to high 30% in 2022. Tandem expects continued growth in 2024 and the long term due to advancements in technology and their new product portfolio meeting patient needs.
- Tandem has achieved pricing improvements, resulting in higher average selling prices (ASPs) of approximately $4,000 per pump, enhancing revenue without impacting demand. This is due to successful negotiations with payers recognizing the value of their Control-IQ technology.
- New pump starts are expected to be flat to slightly down for the remainder of the year, indicating potential stagnation in new customer growth. Leigh Vosseller stated, "From a guidance perspective, I'm still thinking about along the lines of new starts being flat to slightly down..."
- The company is refraining from providing timelines on new product launches, which may suggest potential delays or uncertainties in their product roadmap. John Sheridan mentioned, "we're going to refrain from talking about dates on those products any longer for competitive reasons."
- With pump penetration at nearly 40% in the Type 1 population, future market growth may slow down due to market saturation. Leigh Vosseller noted, "by the time we exited 2023, that pump penetration has grown to nearly 40% in the type 1 population..."
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Mobi Launch and Market Expansion
Q: How is Mobi's initial uptake and impact on market share?
A: Mobi's launch has exceeded expectations, with strong uptake among both new customers and renewals. Management reports that Mobi is redefining wearability, attracting interest from multiple daily injection (MDI) users and competitive conversions, supporting their belief that Mobi is a market expander. -
Guidance and Inclusion of Mobi Sales
Q: Is guidance factoring in incremental Mobi sales?
A: The current guidance does not include incremental sales from Mobi, as management wants to see sustainable trends before incorporating them. They took into account the overachievement in Q1 but returned to baseline expectations for the remainder of the year. They plan to evaluate trends in coming quarters before updating guidance. -
Pump Pricing and ASP Outlook
Q: Are higher pump prices expected to continue?
A: Yes, the average selling price (ASP) in the U.S. came in higher and is expected to remain around $4,000 per pump for the rest of the year. This is due to successful price negotiations with payers. Pricing is the same for both t:slim and Mobi, and the higher ASPs were contemplated in the initial guidance. -
Type 2 Diabetes Opportunity and GLP-1 Impact
Q: How does GLP-1 usage affect the type 2 diabetes opportunity?
A: Management believes that automated insulin delivery systems are complementary to GLP-1s. In a recent study, type 2 patients using Control-IQ required less insulin and significantly improved their A1c levels, even with GLP-1 usage. They are preparing internally for the type 2 market and expect to commercialize in 2025, pending study completion and FDA approval. -
Development of Tubeless Mobi
Q: Is there still a need to offer a tubeless Mobi?
A: Despite positive feedback on Mobi's current version, management believes that offering a tubeless version will drive additional demand. They continue to develop it and are excited about its potential to provide users with more flexibility and wear options. -
Pump Market Growth and Penetration
Q: Are you seeing acceleration in pump market growth?
A: Pump penetration grew to nearly 40% in the type 1 population by the end of 2023, up from the mid- to high-30% range in 2022. The market has grown every year since 2018 due to advancements in technology, and management expects continued growth in 2024 and beyond. -
Pharmacy Channel and Access
Q: How critical is progress on the pharmacy channel?
A: Progress on the pharmacy channel is important for improving patient access and reducing out-of-pocket costs. Management is in active conversations with payers and is happy to be past the question of if they can move into this channel, focusing now on when. They believe it will complement their product portfolio and drive business growth. -
International Sales and Order Shifts
Q: How did order timing affect international sales?
A: Some international distributors shifted orders from Q4 last year into Q1 this year, waiting for G7 integration. This resulted in stronger Q1 sales but is expected to normalize in Q2. The shift was a one-time event, and management anticipates continued growth in the international market. -
Installed Base Numbers
Q: What is the current installed base of customers?
A: As of the end of the first quarter, the installed base is about 460,000 customers worldwide, with approximately 315,000 in the U.S. and 145,000 outside the U.S. This reflects a growing number of users and a strong renewal opportunity. -
Competitive Environment Outside the U.S.
Q: How is the competitive environment overseas?
A: The competitive environment outside the U.S. is within expectations, with competitors like Omnipod and Ypsomed entering new markets. Tandem is focused on bringing their technology to international markets quickly and expanding their footprint by adding in-country support. They believe their upcoming products will be a significant competitive response.