Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASE OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
Market and Shareholder Information
Our common stock has been listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol "SUPN" since May 1, 2012.
On December 31, 2022, the closing price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market was $35.67 per share. As of December 31, 2022, we had 16 holders of record of our common stock. The actual number of common stockholders is greater than the number of record holders and includes stockholders who are beneficial owners but whose shares are held in street name by brokers and other nominees. This number of holders of record also does not include stockholders whose shares may be held in trust by other entities.
Dividends
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our capital stock, and we do not currently anticipate declaring or paying cash dividends on our capital stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain all of our future earnings, if any, to finance operations. Any future determination relating to our dividend policy will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on a number of factors, including future earnings, capital requirements, financial conditions, future prospects, contractual restrictions and covenants, and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.
Option Grants
During the three-month period ended December 31, 2022, the Company granted options to employees to purchase an aggregate of 56,850 shares of common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $35.23 per share. The options are exercisable for a period of ten years from the grant date. These issuances were exempt from registration in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act as transactions not involving any public offering.
Performance Graph
The following graph sets forth the Company's total cumulative stockholder return as compared to the NASDAQ Stock Market Composite Index and the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index for the period beginning December 31, 2017, and ending December 31, 2022.
Total stockholder return assumes $100 invested at the beginning of the period in the common stock of the Company, the stocks represented in the NASDAQ Composite Index and the NASDAQ Pharmaceutical, respectively. Total return assumes reinvestment of dividends; the Company has paid no dividends on its common stock. Historical price performance should not be relied upon as indicative of future stock performance.
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* $100 invested on 12/31/2017 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. Fiscal year ending December 31.
Performance Graph Data
Supernus
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. NASDAQ Composite
Index NASDAQ
Pharmaceuticals
Index NASDAQ Biotechnology Index
December 31, 2017 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
December 31, 2018 83.36 97.16 88.43 91.14
December 31, 2019 59.52 132.81 98.32 114.02
December 31, 2020 63.14 192.47 122.84 144.15
December 31, 2021 73.17 235.15 109.09 144.18
December 31, 2022 89.51 158.65 87.93 129.59
The performance graph and related information shall not be deemed "soliciting material" or be "filed" with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference into such filing.
The preceding graph and related table compare the cumulative total return on our common stock with the cumulative total returns of the Nasdaq Composite Index, the Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals Index, and the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index, assuming an investment of $100.00 on December 31, 2017 and the reinvestment of dividends. The Nasdaq Biotechnology Index has replaced the Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals Index in this analysis as data from the Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals Index is no longer accessible and the presentation herein was calculated manually by a third-party data provider. During this transition year, we have continued to include the Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals Index in the graph and table.
ITEM 6. RESERVED.
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition to historical information, some of the information in this discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements reflecting our current expectations and involving risk and uncertainties. For example, statements regarding our expectations as to our plans and strategy for our business, future financial performance, expense levels, and liquidity sources are forward-looking statements. Our actual results and the timing of those events could differ materially from those discussed in our forward-looking statements because of many factors, including those set forth under the "Risk Factors" section and elsewhere in this report.
Unless the content requires otherwise, the words "Supernus," "we," "our" and "the Company" refer to Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and/or one or more of its subsidiaries, as the case may be. These terms are used solely for the convenience of the reader. Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and each of its subsidiaries are distinct legal entities. For example, MDD US Operations, LLC, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is the exclusive licensee and distributor of APOKYN in the United States and its territories. Adamas Operations, LLC, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., wholly owns the patents and patent applications related to GOCOVRI and Osmolex ER and has a license agreement with Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., granting Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. rights to market and sell GOCOVRI and Osmolex ER.
Overview
We are a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing products for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Our diverse neuroscience portfolio includes approved treatments for epilepsy, migraine, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), hypomobility in Parkinson’s Disease (PD), cervical dystonia, chronic sialorrhea, dyskinesia in PD patients receiving levodopa-based therapy, and drug-induced extrapyramidal reactions in adult patients. The Company is developing a broad range of novel CNS product candidates including new potential treatments for hypomobility in PD, epilepsy, depression, and other CNS disorders.
We have a portfolio of commercial products and product candidates.
Commercial Products
• Trokendi XR ® (topiramate) is the first once-daily extended-release topiramate product indicated for the treatment of epilepsy in patients 6 years of age and older in the United States (U.S.) market. It is also indicated for the prophylaxis of migraine headache in adults and adolescents 12 years and older.
• Oxtellar XR ® (oxcarbazepine) is indicated as therapy for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in patients 6 years of age and older. It is also the first once-daily extended-release oxcarbazepine product indicated for the treatment of epilepsy in the U.S. market.
• Qelbree ® (viloxazine extended-release capsules) is a novel non-stimulant product indicated for the treatment of ADHD in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older. On April 2, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Qelbree for the treatment of ADHD in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years of age. In May 2021, the Company launched Qelbree for pediatric patients in the U.S. On April 29, 2022, the FDA approved Qelbree for treatment of ADHD in adult patients. The Company launched Qelbree for adult patients in May 2022.
• GOCOVRI ® (amantadine) extended-release capsules is the first and only FDA approved medicine indicated for the treatment of dyskinesia in patients with PD receiving levodopa-based therapy, with or without concomitant dopaminergic medications, and as an adjunctive treatment to levodopa/carbidopa with PD experiencing "off" episodes.
• APOKYN ® (apomorphine hydrochloride injection) is a product indicated for the acute, intermittent treatment of hypomobility, "off" episodes ("end-of-dose wearing off" and unpredictable "on/off" episodes) in patients with advanced PD.
• XADAGO ® (safinamide) is a once-daily product indicated as adjunctive treatment to levodopa/carbidopa in patients with PD experiencing "off" episodes.
• Osmolex ER ® (amantadine) extended-release is a once-daily product for the treatment of PD and drug-induced extrapyramidal reactions in adult patients.
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• MYOBLOC ® (rimabotulinumtoxinB injection) is a product indicated for the treatment of cervical dystonia and chronic sialorrhea in adults. It is the only botulinum toxin type B available on the market.
Research and Development
We are committed to the development of innovative product candidates in neurology and psychiatry, including the following:
Product Candidate Indication Development NDA
SPN-830 Continuous treatment of motor fluctuations ("off" episodes) in PD patients Complete Response Letter (CRL) received from FDA in October 2022
SPN-820 Treatment-resistant depression Phase II
SPN-817 Treatment-resistant seizures Phase I
SPN-830 (apomorphine infusion device)
SPN-830 is a late-stage drug/device combination product candidate for the continuous treatment of motor fluctuations ("off" episodes) in PD patients that are not adequately controlled with oral levodopa and one or more adjunct PD medications. If approved, it would be the only continuous infusion of apomorphine available in the U.S. and an important step for PD patients that would have otherwise been candidates for potentially invasive surgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation. Continuous slow infusion may also limit some of the side effects of a bolus injection of apomorphine.
In December 2021, we resubmitted the NDA to the FDA. In February 2022, we received a notice from the FDA that the resubmission of the NDA for SPN-830 was considered as a Standard Review and was assigned a PDUFA target action date in early October 2022. In October 2022, the FDA issued a Complete Response Letter (CRL) regarding the NDA for SPN-830. The CRL requires additional information and analysis related to the infusion device and drug product across several areas of the NDA including, but not limited to, labeling, product quality and manufacturing, device performance and risk analysis. In addition, the FDA mentions that approval of the NDA requires inspections that could not be completed in a timely manner due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. The CRL does not request additional efficacy and safety clinical studies. The FDA has made an initial determination that the amendment to the Company’s application in response to the CRL will be subject to a Class 2, or six-month, review timeline. In February 2023, the FDA granted the Company a Type C meeting request to discuss the CRL with the meeting scheduled in April 2023.
SPN-820 (NV-5138)
SPN-820 is a first-in-class, orally active small molecule that activates brain mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), a gatekeeper of cellular metabolism and renewal. SPN-820 binds to and modulates sestrin, which senses amino acid availability in the brain, a potent natural activator of mTORC1.
SPN-817 (huperzine A)
SPN-817 represents a novel mechanism of action (MOA) for an anticonvulsant. SPN-817 is a novel synthetic form of
huperzine A, whose MOA includes potent acetylcholinesterase inhibition, with pharmacological activities in CNS conditions such as epilepsy. The development will initially focus on the drug's anticonvulsant activity, which has been shown in preclinical models to be effective for the treatment of partial seizures and Dravet Syndrome. SPN-817 is in clinical development and has received Orphan Drug designation for several epilepsy indications from the FDA.
Adamas Reorganization
In the first quarter of 2022 and subsequent to the Adamas Acquisition, the Company completed a reorganization of the Adamas legal entities in an effort to obtain operational, legal and other benefits that also resulted in certain state tax efficiencies. The reorganization had no effect on the consolidated financial statements other than certain state tax efficiencies. (See Note 12, Income Taxes.
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COVID-19 Impact
While the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic did not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022, we continue to closely monitor the events and circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on all aspects of our business operations. Since the situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic remains fluid and the duration uncertain, the long-term nature and extent of the impacts of the pandemic on our business operations and financial position cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. See “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information on risk factors that could impact our business and our results.
Operational Highlights
Qelbree Update
• Total IQVIA prescriptions were 117,635 in the fourth quarter of 2022, an increase of 24% compared to total prescriptions of 94,681 in the third quarter of 2022. In January 2023, the most recent month available, total prescriptions reached 42,881.
• Continued healthy growth in the U.S. attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder market with 2022 total number of prescriptions reaching more than 90 million, an increase of 9% compared to 2021, according to IQVIA.
• The average price per Qelbree prescription continued to increase in the fourth quarter of 2022, driven by increases in the average daily dose and prescription size.
• Executed a second significant pharmacy benefit manager contract effective January 2023, and continued making progress in securing and improving managed care coverage.
• Qelbree continues to expand its base of prescribers, with approximately 16,822 prescribers in the fourth quarter of 2022, up from 14,265 prescribers from the third quarter of 2022.
Product Pipeline Update
SPN-830 (apomorphine infusion device) - Continuous treatment of motor fluctuations (“off” episodes) in Parkinson's Disease (PD)
• The Company will be meeting with the FDA in April 2023 to discuss the CRL received in October 2022. The Company will announce the timing for our resubmission after our discussion with the FDA.
SPN-820 - Novel first-in-class activator of mTORC1
• The Phase II multi-center randomized double-blind placebo-controlled parallel design study of SPN-820 in adults with treatment-resistant depression is ongoing. The study will examine the efficacy and safety of SPN-820 over a course of five weeks of treatment in approximately 270 patients. The primary outcome measure is the change from baseline to end of treatment period on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) Total Score, a standard depression rating scale.
SPN-817 – A novel product candidate for the treatment of epilepsy
• The Company has commenced an open-label Phase II clinical study of SPN-817 in patients with treatment-resistant seizures. Depending on rate of enrollment, the Company expects to have data in the first half of 2024 .
Critical Accounting Policies and the Use of Estimates
The significant accounting policies and basis of presentation for our consolidated financial statements are described in Part II, Item 8 — Financial Statements and Supplementary Data , Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with the U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP), requiring us to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses, and other related disclosures. Some judgments can be subjective and complex, and therefore, actual results could differ materially from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
We believe the judgments, estimates, and assumptions associated with the following critical accounting policies have the greatest potential impact on our consolidated financial statements:
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• Revenue recognition; and
• Impairment of intangible assets.
Revenue Recognition
Our principal source of revenue is product sales. Revenue from product sales is recognized when physical control of our products is transferred to our customers, who are primarily pharmaceutical wholesalers, specialty pharmacies, and distributors. Product sales are recorded net of various forms of variable consideration, including: estimated rebates; sales discounts; and an estimated liability for future product returns (collectively, "sales deductions").
The variability in the net transaction price for our products arises primarily from the aforementioned sales deductions. Significant judgment is required in estimating certain sales deductions, including rebates and returns. In making these estimates, we consider: historical experience; product price increases; current contractual arrangements under applicable payor programs; unbilled claims; processing time lags for claims; inventory levels in the wholesale, specialty pharmacy, and retail distribution channel; and product life cycle. We adjust our estimates at the earlier of when the most likely amount of consideration we expect to receive changes, or when the consideration becomes fixed. Variable consideration on product sales is only recognized when it is probable that a significant reversal will not occur. If actual results in the future vary from our estimates, we adjust our estimates in the period identified. These adjustments could materially affect net product sales and earnings in the period in which the adjustment(s) is recorded. Refer to Part II, Item 8—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data , Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion on each of the different sales deductions. While sales rebates have been relatively predictable based on historical experience such that there have not been material changes in estimates in prior periods, there have been critical estimates associated with rebates and returns that may result in significant variability as further discussed below.
Returns
We maintain a return policy that allows our customers to return products within a specified period of time. Sales of our products are not subject to a general right of return; however, we will accept return of expired product 6 months prior to and up to 12 months subsequent to the product's expiry date for certain products. Our products have a shelf life of up to 48 months from date of manufacture. The product return accrual is estimated principally based on historical experience, the level and estimated shelf life of inventory in the distribution channel, changes in the current wholesaler prices, our return policy and expected market events, including generic competition. The time lag from date of sale of our products when we accrue our provision for product returns and the time at which we issue credit for expired product can occur up to several years after the sale of our product. Estimates associated with our provision for product returns are particularly susceptible to adjustment given the extensive time lag. In regards to Trokendi XR, the Company has entered into settlement agreements with third parties, permitting the sale of a generic version of Trokendi XR on or after January 1, 2023. The Company is actively monitoring returns activity in light of the loss of exclusivity and potential sales decline based on timing of generic entry. The recent entry of a generic competitor may cause our future Trokendi XR product return rates to change from historical trends, and this change could have a material effect on the future provision for product returns. Historically, we have experienced changes in estimates in return reserve calculations, but those adjustments have not been material to net earnings. However, given the extensive number of inputs and assumptions, described above, future changes in our return reserves could be material.
Rebates
Rebates are discounts which we pay under either public sector or private sector health care programs. Rebates paid under public sector programs are generally mandated under law, whereas private sector rebates are generally contractually negotiated by us with managed care providers. Both types of rebates vary over time. Rebate amounts are typically based upon the volume of purchases using contractual or statutory prices, which may vary by product and by payer. For each type of rebate, the factors used in the calculations of the accruals for that rebate include the identification of the products subject to the rebate, applicable price terms and estimated lag time between sale and payment of the rebate, which can be significant. In order to establish the rebate accruals, we use both internal and external data to estimate the level of inventory in the distribution channel and the rebate claims processing lag time for each type of rebate. To estimate the rebate percentage or net price, we track sales by product and by customer or payer. We evaluate inventory data reported by wholesalers, available prescription volume information, product pricing, historical experience and other factors in order to determine the adequacy of our accruals. We regularly monitor our accruals and record adjustments when rebate trends, rebate programs and contract terms, legislative changes, or other significant events indicate that a change in reserve is appropriate. Historically, adjustments to rebate accruals have not been material to net earnings.
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Specifically, a significant portion of rebates we pay are on state Medicaid programs. We participate in state Medicaid programs wherein the lag time from the date of sale of our product when we accrue for provision for rebates and the ultimate invoicing by the individual state Medicaid program can occur up to several quarters after the sale of our product. Because of the time lag for Medicaid, in any particular quarter, our adjustments may incorporate revisions of accruals for prior periods. Estimates associated with our participation in state Medicaid programs are particularly susceptible to adjustment given the extensive time lag. Historically, adjustments to rebate accruals have not been material to net earnings, but there continues to be an extensive time lag related to certain programs that could result in variability in future periods.
For a roll-forward of the accrued sales deductions, see the section entitled Results of Operations - Revenues - Sales deductions and related accruals .
Impairment of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
In 2020, t he Company acquired the right to further develop and commercialize SPN-830 (apomorphine infusion device), a late-stage product candidate (IPR&D intangible asset). The In Process Research and Development (IPR&D) intangible asset represents the estimate of the fair value of acquired technology which has not yet reached technological feasibility. The primary basis for determining the technological feasibility is obtaining specific regulatory approvals. IPR&D is accounted for as an indefinite-lived intangible asset until completion or abandonment of the IPR&D project. Upon completion of the development project, the IPR&D will be amortized over its estimated useful life. We review intangible assets with indefinite lives f or impairment annually or more often if impairment indicators are identified. Our annual evaluation is generally based on an assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying amount. If the Company is unable to conclude that the indefinite intangible asset is not impaired during its qualitative assessment, the Company will perform a quantitative assessment by estimating the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and comparing the fair value to the carrying amount. The significant inputs and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the IPR&D intangible asset include: the timing and probability of success of clinical and regulatory approvals for the IPR&D asset, the estimated future cash flows from product sales, and the timing and projection of costs and expenses. We believe that the timing and probability of success of clinical and regulatory approval for the IPR&D asset is key and directly drives the timing and realization of the estimated future cashflows from product sales and the incurrence of costs and expenses. The drug regulatory approval process is inherently uncertain, lengthy, and difficult. The FDA has substantial discretion in the drug approval process, including the ability to delay, limit or deny approval of a product candidate for many reasons. In addition, the actual review and approval process time required may vary substantially based upon the type, complexity, and novelty of the product or disease. Any adverse action by the FDA can potentially impact our estimated fair value of the IPR&D intangible asset. In October 2022, the FDA issued a CRL regarding the NDA for SPN-830. We consider the positive results of clinical trials, industry benchmarks, available market data, and recent communications with the FDA regarding SPN-830 in determining the probability of technical and regulatory success input and assumption. The carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset was $124.0 million as of December 31, 2022. Although we believe the assumptions, judgments, and estimates we have used in our assessments are reasonable and appropriate, a material change in any of our assumptions or external factors could lead to impairment charges. If the IPR&D project is abandoned or regulatory approvals are not obtained, we may have a full or partial impairment charge related to the IPR&D, calculated as the excess carrying value of the IPR&D assets over the estimated fair value.
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Results of Operations
In this section, we discuss the results of our operations for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, includes a discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020, in Part II,