Serodus
Setting the scene for a significant shift
Outlook | 22 March 2017
Serodus
Setting the scene for a significant shift
Outlook | 22 March 2017
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Serodus is approaching a major inflection point in its relatively short life. Although it has four programmes in its portfolio, the focus is on SER150 as it progresses through clinical development for diabetic nephropathy. Promising Phase IIa data has spurred interest from several industry parties to collaborate in taking SER150 further. Much will hinge on whether the FDA grants Breakthrough Therapy Designation, which would shorten and facilitate the route to market. We value Serodus at between $134m and $308m.
| Year-end: December | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 |
| Sales (€m) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Adj. PBT (€m) | (1.3) | (2.0) | (3.6) | (2.7) |
| Net Income (€m) | (1.3) | (2.0) | (3.6) | (2.7) |
| Adj. EPS (€) | (0.11) | (0.09) | (0.13) | (0.06) |
| Cash (€m) | 0.6 | 2.4 | 2.0 | 0.6 |
| EBITDA (€m) | (1.3) | (2.0) | (3.6) | (2.7) |
Outlook
22 March 2017
| Price (NOK) | N/A |
| Market Cap (NOKm) | N/A |
| Enterprise Value | N/A |
| Shares in issue | 44.5m |
| 12 month range (NOK) | N/A |
| Free float | N/A |
| Primary exchange | N/A |
| Other exchanges | N/A |
| Sector | Healthcare |
| Company Code | N/A |
| NOK/EUR | 9.0 |
| Corporate client | Yes |
Company description
Serodus is a private Scandinavian drug development company focused on the complications of diabetes. Its lead asset is SER150, which is in Phase II for diabetic nephropathy.
Analysts
Mick Cooper PhD
mcooper@trinitydelta.org
+44 (0) 20 3637 5042
Franc Gregori
fgregori@trinitydelta.org
+44 20 3637 5041
Table of Contents
Serodus is a Scandinavian drug development company that has built, through acquisition and in-licensing, an attractive portfolio of pre-clinical and clinical assets. The focus has been on the treatment of diabetes and its co-morbidities; targeting indications with clear unmet clinical needs. The pipeline consists of four programmes; two of which are in clinical development and two are at the pre-clinical stages. SER150 is the most advanced and addresses diabetic nephropathy. Serodus operates a lean structure, out-sourcing the required functions through a network of contract research organizations (CROs) and contract manufacturers. The strategy centres on taking programmes through to the “proof of concept” stage (typically Phase II) and then seeking to out-licence or partner ahead of the later clinical stages. The management is experienced and credible, with a proven track record of bringing new compounds to the market and concluding major deals. The company was listed on the Oslo Axess exchange in April 2013 and delisted in February 2017.
We value Serodus using an rNPV model. We have employed conservative assumptions throughout; for example, erring on the cautious side for factors such as the timing of various developmental phases, market launches, adoption curves, and patient penetration. Similarly, we do not include the implicit value of the earlier pre-clinical programmes. Despite this, our valuation suggests that the potential of SER150 is such that, even when discounting aggressively, the value of Serodus ranges from $134m to $308m, with the higher valuation being dependent on the FDA granting Breakthrough Therapy Designation to SER150.
Serodus has recently de-listed from the Oslo Axess (February 2017). This followed feedback from its major investors that the valuation consistently failed to reflect the progress being achieved and its underlying asset strength, together with indications from a number of potential new investors who were not willing to invest in such a public company. Whilst their support will provide near-term funding, it is clear that substantial sums will be required to progress SER150 through the key Phase II/III studies and beyond. This stage would typically be partnered with a major pharmaceutical player and, given SER150’s profile, we would expect no shortage of potential collaborators.
Serodus is subject to the sensitivities commonly associated with drug discovery and development. These include clinical trial failure, IP protection and litigation, and regulatory, execution and commercial risks. Specific sensitivities include reliance on third parties (eg CROs, contract manufacturers, etc) to progress development; the financial terms of potential licensing deals and collaborations; the strength of the patent estate and other barriers to entry; and the earlier pipeline requiring further clinical validation.
Through a combination of acquisition and licensing, Serodus has created an interesting pipeline of clinical and pre-clinical programmes. The most advanced, and commercially appealing, is SER150; which was in-licensed from Evolva. It addresses diabetic nephropathy, a large and growing clinical need, where its novel anti-inflammatory profile (inhibiting thromboxane synthase as well as blocking the thromboxane receptor) offers the prospect of disease modification. Extensive, and costly, clinical trials are required to assess its potential; however the next value inflection point will arise if the FDA grants SER150 a Breakthrough Therapy Designation. Serodus is actively seeking a partner to advance SER150. Our rNPV-based valuation, based on conservative assumptions, values Serodus at between $134m and £308m.
Serodus has a strong and well-respected management team that has sought out attractive product candidates from external sources. The team has a proven track record of taking products to market and executing licensing deals. The initial therapeutic focus was on cardiovascular diseases and, taking advantage of previous personal experience, the first drug that was brought in was SER100 from Zealand Pharma for pulmonary hypertension. In 2013, again exploiting previous knowledge, SER130 and SER140 were acquired through the acquisition of Phlogo and widened the focus onto diabetes and its co-morbidities. In 2014, exploiting a poorly understood set-back in a key early stage clinical trial, SER150 (previously known as EV-077) was in-licensed from Evolva on favourable terms.
The strategy is to maintain a lean structure, using an established network of specialists such as contract research organizations (CROs), universities, and contract manufacturers to progress the programmes to “proof of concept” stages before either out-licensing or partnering with established larger pharmaceutical players for the later, and more expensive, clinical trials. The pipeline (see Exhibit 1 overleaf) currently consists of two programmes in clinical development and two that could enter Phase I in the next 18 months. Three are being developed for diabetes-related indications and the fourth has orphan drug designation for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). All address clear medical needs; however, in our view, it is SER150 that offers most potential.
SER150 is an oral small molecule anti-inflammatory with a novel mode of action that both inhibits thromboxane synthase (TS) and blocks the thromboxane receptor (TXA2). SER150 is believed to specifically inhibit the inflammatory processes in the arterioles and glomeruli of the kidney and so reduce the progression of renal impairment typically seen in diabetic nephropathy. Currently the standard of care involves treatment with an ACE inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) antihypertensive but these, whilst effective, do not address the underlying causes of the renal damage.
The pathogenesis behind the progression of diabetic nephropathy is still not fully understood, with complex signalling between many classes of cells believed to result in abnormal inflammatory responses. Thromboxane is known to be an important mediator but prior studies with a variety of blockers and antagonists failed to demonstrate significant benefit. It is thought that combined blockade of the two pathways may overcome these limitations, which underpins the rationale for SER150 being examined in such nephropathies.
SER150 was first evaluated in a Phase IIa trial performed by Evolva (as EV-077) in diabetic patients who had no known diabetic nephropathy. But, for what are now uncertain reasons, the dose was selected as 300mg twice daily. The results were encouraging, with positive outcomes against both primary and secondary measures, but signals indicative of possible liver toxicity were detected and the programme was halted. Serodus examined the data and an evaluation of the pre-clinical data package suggested that the desired efficacy could be achieved at doses an order of magnitude lower. Animal models indicated that at such doses the potential liver issues would not arise.
Serodus performed a Phase IIa study evaluating two dose strengths (15mg and 30mg twice daily) for one month in 72 patients with known diabetic nephropathy across ten centres in Germany. Top line results were announced in January 2017 that showed no toxicity concerns and confirmed that a strong trend towards reduced protein (albumin) excretion in the urine was seen. No safety issues, biochemical abnormalities or bleeding tendencies were identified and the adverse events were distributed evenly between the active and placebo groups and mild to moderate in intensity. A statistically significant reduction in albumin excretion from baseline was observed in both the high- and low-dose groups and a very strong trend towards reduction was observed compared to the placebo arm.
Breakthrough therapy designation is intended to expedite the development and review of drugs for serious or life-threatening conditions. The criteria for breakthrough therapy designation require preliminary clinical evidence that demonstrates the drug may have substantial improvement on at least one clinically significant endpoint over available therapy.
A breakthrough therapy designation conveys all of the fast track program features, more intensive FDA guidance on an efficient drug development program, an organizational commitment involving senior managers, and eligibility for rolling review and priority review. These will include:
- holding meetings with the sponsor and the review team throughout the development of the drug;
- providing timely advice to, and interactive communication with, the sponsor regarding the development of the drug to ensure that the development program to gather the nonclinical and clinical data necessary for approval is as efficient as practicable;
- taking steps to ensure that the design of the clinical trials is as efficient as practicable, when scientifically appropriate, such as by minimizing the number of patients exposed to a potentially less efficacious treatment;
- assigning a cross-disciplinary project lead for the FDA review team to facilitate an efficient review of the development program and to serve as a scientific liaison between the cross-discipline members of the review team (ie clinical, pharmacology-toxicology, chemistry, manufacturing and control, compliance) for coordinated internal interactions and communications with the sponsor through the review division’s Regulatory Health Project Manager;
- involving senior managers and experienced review staff, as appropriate, in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary review.
Serodus has discussed these results with a number of expert bodies, with the feedback supporting the view that SER150 would be viewed favourably for classification as a Breakthrough Therapy by the FDA. There are multiple benefits of such a designation (summarised in Exhibit 2), including the possibility of a smaller approval study (followed by a more exhaustive Phase IV trial post marketing) and the saving up to 3 to 4 years to the point of commercialisation.
The patient population suffering from diabetic nephropathy is large and growing. The development strategy for SER150 has yet to be clarified but, typically, the clinical trials required for products that address such chronic and prevalent conditions tend to be large (involving 1,000s of patients) and lengthy (usually one year plus). The trials programme for SER150 would depend firstly on whether Breakthrough Therapy designation were granted and then on the guidance given. We estimate that, assuming it were granted, the expectation would be for a Phase II/III clinical study involving 500-1,000 patients evaluated over a six month to one year period.
A positive outcome would result in a rapid approval conditional on the results being corroborated by a larger Phase III/IV study that would complete within a year or so post-marketing. The costs of such a programme are difficult to gauge with any accuracy, but we estimate it to be around $100m to $150m. Clearly, Serodus would seek to partner SER150 ahead of embarking on such a programme but, in our view, would need to raise capital to enable the required preparatory work (such as ensuring sufficient active material to conclude the trials is available and finishing the pre-clinical dossiers) to be undertaken.
The market opportunity is significant. WHO estimates the number of people globally with diabetes has increased from 100m in 1980 to 442m in 2014 and that the prevalence among adults has risen from 4.7% to 8.5% during the same period. Diabetic nephropathy is one of the more important complications and whilst its understanding may have changed in recent years, it is still expected to affect around a third of diabetic patients. Global Data estimates that there will be circa 20m patients with diabetic nephropathy by 2022 in the seven major markets alone.
Since the inflammation is a progressive process causing loss of the renal function, SER150 could potentially become a material element of any treatment plan. Assuming the results seen in the Phase IIa study are replicated in the confirmatory trials, then SER150 would likely be employed as add-on therapy to existing treatments (ACE and ARBs). Even assuming only very modest penetrations, SER150 could be a sizeable commercial success. If the profile were to show that SER150 treatment delays progression or were capable of disease modification then the market potential would be significant.
Whilst, understandably, SER150 is the primary focus, Serodus also has three other programmes. The other diabetes related drugs are SER140, which has the potential to stop progression of Type 2 diabetes, and SER130, which is ready to enter the clinic for the reduction of scarring in patients with myocardial infarction. Its final programme is SER100 for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH), which is ready to enter a Phase IIa trial.
SER140 is a small (a tetramer of 14 amino acids) peptide that is a potent antagonist of the IL-1β receptor. In animal models it has been shown to protect pancreatic β-cells from cytokine-induced (L-1β mediated) apoptosis and to reduce the fundamental low-grade inflammation associated with diabetes progression. Pre-clinical studies are continuing in two animal models to establish the maximum tolerated does. A clinical study, most likely a Phase I/IIa trial, to examine safety and tolerability in diabetic patients could start in H118. Successful outcomes would mean that SER140 could offer a disease modifying treatment option.
SER130 is a small (16 amino acid) peptide that is an anti-inflammatory IL-4 receptor agonist. It mimics the response of endogenous human IL-4 and so inhibits a cascade of pro-inflammatory responses. It is being developed as a treatment for AMI (acute myocardial infarction) scar reduction in diabetic patients. Diabetics are believed to have chronic hyperactive low-grade inflammation that exacerbates the pro-inflammatory responses seen following an AMI. SER130 would act by restoring the balance and so, hopefully, reducing the infarct damage. The pre-clinical work is nearing completion and a Phase I/IIa study could start in H217.
SER100 is a small molecule targeting the ORL-1 (Opiate Receptor-Like) receptor, where its competitive activity (it is a partial agonist) is thought to result in potent but selective vasodilation. A promising pre-clinical programme has shown its value in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and a Phase I study demonstrated good safety and tolerability. A Phase IIa trial could start in H118. In October 2016 the FDA granted SER100 Orphan Drug status.
In common with other companies undertaking drug development, Serodus is subject to a number of important sensitivities. These notably include the risk of a pivotal clinical trial failing to demonstrate the expected result; the strength of the patent estate and having the ability to protect against litigation; the failure to obtain timely regulatory clearances; as well as the usual execution and commercial risks associated with smaller pharmaceutical companies.
Specific sensitivities include an explicit reliance on third parties to progress development, which, despite the ensuring the use of high quality Contract Research Organisations (CRO) and third-party manufacturers, remains largely outside of their control.
Similarly, future commercial outcomes depend highly on the financial terms of potential licensing deals and collaborations, particularly for SER150.
The strength of the patent estate, and other barriers to entry, is also critical and to a degree untested. For instance, SER150 appears to have composition of matter patents lasting through to 2027. However, the degree and utility of any likely supplemental protection is as yet unknown.
Elsewhere within the portfolio, the earlier pipeline carries a higher risk as it still requires further clinical development and validation.
Serodus can be viewed as a classic drug development company and is well suited being valued using an rNPV methodology. Typically the rNPV of the individual clinical projects (adjusted for the success probabilities) are summed and netted against the costs of running the operation. However, for Serodus we have only modelled SER150 (see Exhibit 3).
The success probabilities of each project are based on standard industry criteria for each stage of the clinical development process but are flexed to reflect the inherent risks of the individual programme, the indication targeted, and the trial design. Understandably, it follows that it is the later stage products that have a higher current value, with the step change occurring typically at Phase II when the proof of concept is usually established.
We use a 12.5% discount rate, which is our standard rate for such early stage companies. We also employ conservative assumptions in terms of the commercial potential for the clinical programmes; including likely reimbursement, market penetration, licensing and royalty rates, and market adoption. Maintaining our conservative stance, we have attributed no value to the pre-clinical programmes; similarly we only model SER150 potential in diabetic nephropathy, although Evolva showed that the drug could be used to treat other complications of diabetes.
We value Serodus at between $134m and $308m depending on whether Breakthrough Therapy designation is granted and the timing of a potential partnering deal (Exhibit 3). Our peak sales estimate are based on 35% of diabetics in the US and Western Europe suffering from diabetic nephropathy and 10% penetration of this market, with the drug priced at $4,000 pa in the US and 50% of this price in Europe. It also takes into account that up to 30% of the total licensing income will be paid to Evolva. Our valuations indicate how much the potential Breakthrough Therapy Designation is worth to Serodus, as it would provide a faster route to market for SER150 and should result in the drug being partnered on more favourable terms.
At this stage, there is considerable uncertainty about the eventual pricing of SER150 and its potential market penetration, and these assumptions together with the discount rate have a significant effect on the peak sales calculation and valuation of Serodus. A sensitivity analysis of these factors is shown in Exhibits 4, 5 and 6.
Even a relatively modest success with SER150 could see a material uplift in our rNPV model. It is also worth noting that any progress with the other portfolio products represents upside too.
Serodus had a cash position of NOK5.6m (€0.6m) at FY16. Its operating costs in FY16 were only NOK24.5m (€2.7m), 19% less that in FY15, thanks to Serodus’ very lean operating structure. However, its operating costs will have to increase significantly in FY17 and beyond to fund the next clinical trial with SER150, including the manufacturing of the drug substance, and to advance the other products in its portfolio.
The company has not communicated the amounts that it needs to raise in order to advance the products in its pipeline through to value inflection points. This is understandable given the various scenarios and uncertainties. However it is clear that priority will be given to the development of SER150 and SER140, both of which have blockbuster potential. We estimate that such a comprehensive clinical programme would cost between $100m and $150m.
Serodus could sign a licensing deal for SER150 in FY17 with a significant upfront payment, and have its partner bear all subsequent costs. However, in our view, the earliest that a deal is likely to be concluded is in Q417. Hence, it would be prudent for Serodus to raise sufficient capital to complete the Phase II/III trial, assuming Breakthrough Therapy Designation is granted, (or the Phase IIb study should it be required) ahead of serious partnering discussions to strengthen its negotiating position.
Serodus ASA
c/o Borgersen & Partners
Akersgate 45
0158 Oslo
Tel: +(1) 301 944 1700
| Person | Position | Biography |
| Svein S. Jacobsen | Non-Executive Chairman | Elected Chairman in 2012. He also serves as Chairman of Strongpoint, Fluid Control, Presentasjonsdata, Ericsen & Horgen, and Falkenberg. Previously, he was CFO and VP of Finance of Tomra Systems ASA, from 1984 and CEO and President from 1988 to 1996. |
| Eva Steiness MD | CEO | Joined Serodus in 2010. From 1989 to 1998 she was Exec SVP for R&D at Lundbeck and was responsible for the development of Cipramil (citalopram), the blockbuster antidepressant drug. In 1998 she founded Zealand Pharma and was CEO until 2007 and led the development of lixisenatide (Lyxumia) for Type 2 diabetes (launced by Sanofi). She was also Chairman of Genmab, a Director of several Lundbeck affiliates, and Chairman of the Danish Governmental Advisory Board on Research Politics. |
| Tore Kvam | CFO | Joined in 2014. Tore Kvam has worked for over 15 years as CFO in both early stage and established companies, including CellCura, Rubik Solution Group, and Factor Insurance Group. |
| Dr Jurgen Langharig | VP Business Development | Joined in 2015. Jurgen Langharig has over 30 years of experience in international marketing/business development having worked at Sandoz (now Novartis), Nycomed (now Takeda), Novo Nordisk, Zealand Pharma and most recently was VP Business Development at Bavarian Nordic. |
| No. of shares (m) | % holding | |
| Viggo Harboe Holding 2006 | 12.6 | 28.3 |
| Danske Bank | 5.1 | 11.5 |
| Bjorns Invest | 3.8 | 8.5 |
| Eva Steiness | 2.3 | 5.1 |
| MP Pensjon PK | 1.8 | 4.0 |
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