WALTHAM, Mass. - Syndax Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:SNDX) has entered into a $350 million synthetic royalty funding agreement with Royalty Pharma (NASDAQ: RPRX), focusing on U.S. net sales of Syndax’s drug Niktimvo™ (axatilimab-csfr), an approved treatment for chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). This financial deal is expected to propel Syndax towards profitability, with a proforma cash approaching $800 million as of June 30.
Michael A. Metzger, CEO of Syndax, expressed confidence that the transaction would fund the company’s operations through profitability while maintaining a stake in Niktimvo’s profits and its future growth potential. Syndax anticipates the U.S. launch of Niktimvo no later than early first quarter of 2025, in collaboration with Incyte (NASDAQ:INCY), which holds exclusive commercialization rights outside of the U.S.
Royalty Pharma's CEO, Pablo Legorreta, acknowledged Niktimvo's potential to address the severe complications of chronic GVHD, a condition with a clear need for more treatment options. Under the terms of the agreement, Syndax received an upfront payment of $350 million in exchange for a 13.8% royalty on U.S. net sales of Niktimvo, with royalty payments ceasing upon reaching a multiple of 2.35x.
Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) & Co. LLC and Cooley LLP served as exclusive financial and legal advisors to Syndax, respectively, while Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and Dechert LLP provided legal counsel to Royalty Pharma.
Niktimvo is a first-in-class anti-CSF-1R antibody, co-commercialized by Syndax and Incyte for the U.S. market. The drug is currently being investigated in combination trials for chronic GVHD and other potential indications, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
The agreement between Syndax and Royalty Pharma is based on a press release statement and aims to support the upcoming planned launches and continued development of Niktimvo and revumenib, another drug in Syndax’s pipeline. The partnership reflects a strategic move to advance treatment options for chronic GVHD patients and potentially enhance Syndax's financial stability and market presence.
In other recent news, Royalty Pharma reported a significant 12% increase in Q2 portfolio receipts, surpassing its high-single digit growth forecast. The company invested $2 billion in new royalty transactions and acquired royalties on six therapies. Following the FDA approval of Voranigo, which is expected to drive growth with potential peak sales reaching $1 billion, Royalty Pharma raised its full-year 2024 guidance, now expecting portfolio receipts to range between $2.7 billion and $2.775 billion.
In the realm of strategic partnerships, Royalty Pharma recently entered into an agreement with Ascendis Pharma (NASDAQ:ASND) involving a $150 million upfront payment in exchange for a 3% royalty on U.S. net sales of Yorvipath, a novel drug for hypoparathyroidism. This was followed by a milestone with the FDA's approval of a new schizophrenia treatment, Cobenfy, triggering a $25 million payment from Royalty Pharma to PureTech Health as part of a previously established royalty agreement.
In terms of analyst notes, TD Cowen and Goldman Sachs have both maintained a Buy rating on Royalty Pharma shares, expressing confidence in the company's strategic approach and its potential for sustainable growth. These recent developments highlight Royalty Pharma's ongoing commitment to strategic partnerships and investment in drug development.
InvestingPro Insights
Royalty Pharma's (NASDAQ: RPRX) involvement in this $350 million synthetic royalty funding agreement with Syndax Pharmaceuticals aligns well with its business model of investing in biopharmaceutical royalties. This deal could potentially contribute to Royalty Pharma's future revenue growth, which is particularly noteworthy given that the company's revenue growth was -5.24% over the last twelve months as of Q2 2024, according to InvestingPro data.
Despite the recent revenue decline, Royalty Pharma maintains a strong financial position. The company boasts a healthy gross profit margin of 55.46% and an impressive operating income margin of 42.91% for the same period. These robust margins suggest that Royalty Pharma has the financial flexibility to engage in significant deals like the one with Syndax.
InvestingPro Tips highlight that Royalty Pharma "has raised its dividend for 5 consecutive years" and is "trading at a low P/E ratio relative to near-term earnings growth." These factors may appeal to income-focused investors and those looking for potential value in the healthcare sector. The company's current dividend yield stands at 3.1%, which could provide a steady income stream for shareholders while they wait for potential growth from deals like the one with Syndax to materialize.
It's worth noting that InvestingPro offers 8 additional tips for Royalty Pharma, providing investors with a more comprehensive analysis of the company's financial health and market position.
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