Respiri — Commercialization efforts gathering steam

Respiri (ASX: RSH)

Last close As at 27/03/2024

0.03

0.00 (0.00%)

Market capitalisation

AUD25m

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Research: Healthcare

Respiri — Commercialization efforts gathering steam

The Respiri/Access Telehealth collaboration continues to make steady gains in the US with the partners announcing their fourth commercial deal to date, with Arkansas Heart Hospital (AHH), a healthcare facility focussed on cardiovascular health. The program will focus on assessing the utility of Respiri’s wheezo device in a remote patient monitoring (RPM) setting using Access Telehealth’s cloud-based RPM solution, Remotli. The target population will include cardiovascular patients also suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a common comorbidity. The deal follows close on the heels of the recent agreement signed with Minnesota Lung Center, although we note that, unlike the former, the AHH deal forgoes the requirement for an initial pilot study. Patient recruitment is expected to commence with immediate effect. As with the previous deals, we expect the monitoring services to be eligible for reimbursement under the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’s (CMS’s) Current Procedural Terminology reimbursement codes for RPM. The market has reacted positively to the news, with the stock closing 18% higher.

Soo Romanoff

Written by

Soo Romanoff

Managing Director - Head of Content, Healthcare

Healthcare

Respiri

Commercialization efforts gathering steam

Commercialization update

Healthcare equipment

28 November 2022

Price

A$0.045

Market cap

A$36m

US$0.67/A$

Pro-forma net cash (A$m) at September 2022 including A$0.84m raised post period

1.5

Shares in issue

801.2m

Free float

83%

Code

RSH/RSHUF

Primary exchange

ASX

Secondary exchange

OTCQB

Share price performance

Business description

Respiri is an Australia-based medical device and SaaS company focused on respiratory health management through its integrated wheezo platform. The device is a breath sensor that works with the respiri mobile applications to record data such as wheeze rates, breath recordings and other environmental factors and medication usage, which can be accessed by physicians in real time. Wheezo received FDA clearance in March 2021 and was launched in the US in December 2021.

Analysts

Soo Romanoff

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Jyoti Prakash, CFA

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Respiri is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

The Respiri/Access Telehealth collaboration continues to make steady gains in the US with the partners announcing their fourth commercial deal to date, with Arkansas Heart Hospital (AHH), a healthcare facility focussed on cardiovascular health. The program will focus on assessing the utility of Respiri’s wheezo device in a remote patient monitoring (RPM) setting using Access Telehealth’s cloud-based RPM solution, Remotli. The target population will include cardiovascular patients also suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a common comorbidity. The deal follows close on the heels of the recent agreement signed with Minnesota Lung Center, although we note that, unlike the former, the AHH deal forgoes the requirement for an initial pilot study. Patient recruitment is expected to commence with immediate effect. As with the previous deals, we expect the monitoring services to be eligible for reimbursement under the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’s (CMS’s) Current Procedural Terminology reimbursement codes for RPM. The market has reacted positively to the news, with the stock closing 18% higher.

Year

end

Revenue
(A$m)

EBITDA*
(A$m)

PBT*
(A$m)

EPS*
(c)

P/Revenue
(x)

P/E
(x)

06/21

1.4

(8.4)

(8.5)

(1.22)

21.2

N/A

06/22

0.8

(6.2)

(6.3)

(0.87)

37.1

N/A

06/23e

5.0

(2.3)

(2.3)

(0.29)

5.9

N/A

06/24e

8.1

0.4

0.4

0.03

3.7

123.3

Note: *EBITDA, PBT & EPS are normalised, excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles, exceptional items and share-based payments. FY23 & FY24 EPS adjusted for new shares.

AHH, located in Little Rock, Arkansas, is one of the largest privately held cardiovascular disease (CVD) focussed hospitals in the US. The 112-bed facility employs nine cardiologists and, according to the American Hospital Directory, delivered 21,758 annual patient days of care, recording $647.3m in annual patient billing as per the latest available information. Importantly, AHH holds a five-star rating from the CMS, the highest accolade accorded to a hospital. In 2021, of the 4,586 hospitals rated by the CMS, only 455 received a five-star rating.

The RPM contract with AHH includes the full suite of RPM services, including Remotli, remote monitoring and patient engagement. The program has been selected by AHH as an add-on to the current standard of care for CVD patients who also suffer from COPD. The hospital will use wheezo to track and monitor patient physiologic data following hospital discharge and between follow-ups.

According to a 2018 scientific journal, the prevalence of COPD ranges between 13% and 39% in heart failure patients and 10–15% in cases of atrial fibrillation. Moreover, one-third of patients with ischemic heart disease are believed to also suffer from COPD. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reports 5.6% of the US population to be suffering from COPD (or c 18.5m people) which, despite the large patient population, continues to lack adequate tracking and monitoring.

We note that the deal with AHH is differentiated from the previous three as it calls for a full rollout of the program across all target patients, unlike the pilot studies which were a prerequisite for the other deals. We believe that this would allow Respiri to tap a larger patient population and to help build evidence-based data on the utility of wheezo as a remote monitoring tool for respiratory management.

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Respiri and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Respiri. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2022 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Respiri and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Respiri. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2022 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

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