Sequana Medical — A step closer on DSR heart failure programme

Sequana Medical (BRU: SEQUA)

Last close As at 19/04/2024

2.95

0.14 (4.98%)

Market capitalisation

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Research: Healthcare

Sequana Medical — A step closer on DSR heart failure programme

Sequana Medical provided an update following encouraging data from its Phase IIa SAHARA Direct Sodium Removal (DSR) study in patients with persistent congestion despite maximal loop diuretic therapy. The DSR approach continues to demonstrate its potential in reducing persistent congestion, an area of unmet need given that c 90% of the more than one million US hospitalisations for heart failure (HF) are due to fluid overload. All 10 evaluable SAHARA patients enrolled in the original cohort design met proof of concept, with a >30% mean reduction of NT-proBNP (indicating improved cardio-renal status), a mean 6kg weight loss and a significant reduction in their loop diuretic dosing (nine out of 10 had a reduction of more than 90%). Following further analysis showing treatment persistence (eg a reduced need for diuretics) for up to 11 months, Sequana believes that a focused three- to four-week session of DSR therapy using a peritoneal catheter (‘short-term DSR’) could be sufficient to provide six to 12 months of therapeutic effect. As alfapump implantation may not be needed to reach a sustained treatment effect, Sequana is focusing future DSR development on this short-term DSR approach using its second-generation product (DSR 2.0).

Written by

Pooya Hemami

Analyst - Healthcare

Healthcare

Sequana Medical

A step closer on DSR heart failure programme

DSR programme update

Pharma and biotech

19 July 2022

Price

€5.14

Market cap

€122m

Net cash (€m) at 31 December 2021 (excluding €0.8m lease liabilities)

2.3

Shares in issue

23.75m

Free float

45%

Code

SEQUA

Primary exchange

Euronext

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

Business description

Based in Belgium, Sequana Medical develops devices based on its alfapump platform for the treatment of diuretic-resistant fluid overload in liver disease, malignant ascites and heart failure. Alfapump is CE marked for refractory ascites and is in a pivotal North American study for this indication.

Analyst

Pooya Hemami, CFA

+1 646 653 7026

Sequana Medical is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Sequana Medical provided an update following encouraging data from its Phase IIa SAHARA Direct Sodium Removal (DSR) study in patients with persistent congestion despite maximal loop diuretic therapy. The DSR approach continues to demonstrate its potential in reducing persistent congestion, an area of unmet need given that c 90% of the more than one million US hospitalisations for heart failure (HF) are due to fluid overload. All 10 evaluable SAHARA patients enrolled in the original cohort design met proof of concept, with a >30% mean reduction of NT-proBNP (indicating improved cardio-renal status), a mean 6kg weight loss and a significant reduction in their loop diuretic dosing (nine out of 10 had a reduction of more than 90%). Following further analysis showing treatment persistence (eg a reduced need for diuretics) for up to 11 months, Sequana believes that a focused three- to four-week session of DSR therapy using a peritoneal catheter (‘short-term DSR’) could be sufficient to provide six to 12 months of therapeutic effect. As alfapump implantation may not be needed to reach a sustained treatment effect, Sequana is focusing future DSR development on this short-term DSR approach using its second-generation product (DSR 2.0).

Year end

Revenue (€m)

PBT*
(€m)

EPS*
(€)

DPS
(€)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/20

1.0

(19.0)

(1.25)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/21

0.4

(24.4)

(1.36)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/22e

0.6

(23.3)

(0.98)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/23e

0.7

(22.8)

(0.96)

0.0

N/A

N/A

Note: *PBT and EPS are normalised, excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles, exceptional items and share-based payments.

DSR 2.0, based on icodextrin and dextrose, is expected to have an improved therapeutic and favourable safety profile compared to first-generation infusate (DSR 1.0) studied in SAHARA and RED DESERT, as it is designed to provide a slower and longer dwelling time. Furthermore, the regulatory approval pathway for short-term DSR therapy with DSR 2.0 could be more straightforward than the alfapump DSR combination studied in SAHARA and RED DESERT, since DSR 2.0 would be regulated as a drug by the FDA, whereas the alfapump DSR combination would likely have needed to be regulated as a drug-device combination.

Sequana also plans to expand SAHARA to include a cohort of up to five patients who will use DSR 2.0 (instead of DSR 1.0), with results expected in Q422. The data are expected to support Sequana’s US IND filing for MOJAVE, a Phase Ib/IIa US trial assessing DSR 2.0 as short-term DSR therapy in chronic HF patients with persistent congestion. The MOJAVE IND is expected to be filed in Q422, with recruitment planned to start in early 2023 leading to the release of top-line data in H124. Sequana remains on track to report primary efficacy data from the POSEIDON alfapump North American pivotal study in Q422, and expects to file a US premarket application in H223, a slight delay to its prior estimate of mid-2023 given that the biocompatibility testing required to support the application has been extended by c three months. We await further details from the conference call planned today before revising our estimates.

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Sequana Medical and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Sequana Medical. 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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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 Sequana Medical and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Sequana Medical. 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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