Quantum Genomics — Expecting an eventful 2021

Quantum Genomics (PAR: ALQGC)

Last close As at 12/10/2024

0.17

0.00 (2.35%)

Market capitalisation

EUR6m

More on this equity

Research: Healthcare

Quantum Genomics — Expecting an eventful 2021

Quantum Genomics is expecting two very key pieces of data for firibastat in 2021. First up will be top-line data from the Phase IIb QUORUM study in 294 heart failure patients, which is expected to read out by the end of Q221. Then data from the pivotal Phase III FRESH study in 500 difficult-to-treat or resistant hypertension patients is expected by the end of the year. If positive, these data should help open the door for partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies in the lucrative US and EU markets.

Analyst avatar placeholder

Written by

Healthcare

Quantum Genomics

Expecting an eventful 2021

Development update

Pharma & biotech

29 March 2021

Price

€4.56

Market cap

€123m

Net cash (€m) at 31 December 2020

27.1

Shares in issue

26.9m

Free float

96.9%

Code

ALQGC

Primary exchange

Euronext Paris

Secondary exchange

OTCQX

Share price performance

%

1m

3m

12m

Abs

2.5

(4.4)

86.5

Rel (local)

(2.1)

(11.4)

40.9

52-week high/low

€5.54

€1.93

Business description

Quantum Genomics is a biopharmaceutical company developing firibastat, a brain aminopeptidase A inhibitor for treating hypertension and heart failure. Its mechanism is implicated in the 25% of patients resistant to treatment. The Phase III programme will consist of two trials, one of which should readout by the end of 2021. The company is also expecting data from its Phase IIb in heart failure patients in Q221.

Next events

QUORUM Phase IIb heart failure data

Q221

FRESH Phase III hypertension data

YE21

Analysts

Maxim Jacobs

+1 646 653 7027

Nathaniel Calloway

+1 646 653 7036

Quantum Genomics is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Quantum Genomics is expecting two very key pieces of data for firibastat in 2021. First up will be top-line data from the Phase IIb QUORUM study in 294 heart failure patients, which is expected to read out by the end of Q221. Then data from the pivotal Phase III FRESH study in 500 difficult-to-treat or resistant hypertension patients is expected by the end of the year. If positive, these data should help open the door for partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies in the lucrative US and EU markets.

Year end

Revenue (€m)

PBT*
(€m)

EPS*
(€)

DPS
(€)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/19

0.0

(10.8)

(0.53)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/20

1.2

(13.9)

(0.50)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/21e

0.8

(20.8)

(0.65)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/22e

0.0

(22.5)

(0.68)

0.0

N/A

N/A

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

Phase III FRESH study data by year-end

The pivotal FRESH study is a three-month, 500-patient study comparing firibastat to placebo in difficult-to-treat or resistant hypertension patients who are already on treatments from two or three anti-hypertensive classes (firibastat or placebo will be added on top of the current treatment) yet still have systolic automated office blood pressure (AOBP) above 140mmHg. The primary endpoint will be a change from baseline in systolic AOBP. Data are expected by the end of 2021.

Pivotal REFRESH study launched

Quantum Genomics launched the REFRESH pivotal Phase III study, in 750 patients with difficult-to-treat or resistant hypertension. The study will test a 1,000mg once-daily formulation of firibastat (compared to two 250mg capsules twice a day in the FRESH study) and includes a six-month safety follow-up period (following the initial three-month treatment period) for all patients and 12-month follow up for 100 patients. The first patient is guided to be recruited in Q221 with results in mid-2023.

Phase IIb QUORUM study readout in Q221

The Phase IIb QUORUM study is enrolling 294 subjects from 40 centres in the US and Europe within 72 hours of suffering acute myocardial infarction (AMI), commonly referred to as a heart attack. The primary endpoint will be the change from baseline in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after a three-month treatment. Data are expected by the end of Q221.

Valuation: €982m or €36.53 per share

We have adjusted our valuation from €1,030m or €46.34 per share to €982m or €36.53 per share. The total valuation decrease is mainly due to pushing back our launch expectations to 2024 from 2023 as the REFRESH study is not expected to readout until 2023, while the per share value was affected by a higher number of shares outstanding. This was mitigated by rolling forward our NPVs and a higher level of net cash.

Additional regional partnerships signed

Quantum Genomics continues to sign licensing agreements for firibastat in difficult-to-treat/treatment-resistant hypertension. In December, the company announced an exclusive licensing and collaboration agreement with DongWha Pharm for South Korea. As part of the agreement, Quantum Genomics will receive upfront and milestone payments of up to US$18.5m and double-digit royalties. Importantly, DongWha Pharm plans to join the Phase III programme in difficult-to-treat/treatment-resistant hypertension, which will enable recruitment in the region. DongWha Pharma was established in 1897 and was the first Korean pharmaceutical company. It is vertically integrated and sells a wide variety of pharmaceutical and over-the-counter products. Revenue for 2020 was KRW272bn (~US$240m).

Also, Quantum Genomics signed a licensing agreement with Faran for Greece. Per this agreement, Quantum Genomics may receive up to US$12.1m in upfront and milestone payments as well as double-digit royalties. Faran may also join the Phase III programme in difficult-to-treat/treatment-resistant hypertension. Faran was founded in 1950 and sells products that treat a wide variety of diseases. Revenue in 2002 was approximately €52m.

With these two additional partnerships, Quantum Genomics currently has six licensing agreements in place covering an addressable market of around 60 million patients.

In addition to the new partnerships, Orient EuroPharma (OEP), the previously announced partner for South-East Asia (specifically, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar and Cambodia), Australia and New Zealand, acquired a €870,000 equity stake in Quantum Genomics in February.

Valuation

We have adjusted our valuation from €1,030m or €46.34 per share to €982m or €36.53 per share. The total valuation decrease is mainly due to pushing back our launch expectations to 2024 from 2023. While the company had disclosed the need for a second Phase III with 750 patients previously, precise timing was unknown. With the company now providing guidance for a data readout in mid-2023, our launch expectations are now for 2024. The per share value was affected by a higher number of shares outstanding primarily due to the December 2020 capital raise (described below). This was mitigated by rolling forward our NPVs and a higher level of net cash. We expect to revisit our valuation following the key upcoming results from the QUOROM and FRESH studies.

Exhibit 1: Quantum Genomics valuation table

Product

Main indication

Local

Status

Probability of success

Launch year

Peak sales ($m)

Patent protection

rNPV
(€m)

Firibastat

Hypertension

US

Phase III

50%

2024

$1,043

2031

515

Firibastat

Hypertension

Europe

Phase III

50%

2024

$901

2031

440

Firibastat

Development costs

 

 

 

 

(187)

Firibastat

Heart failure

US

Phase IIb

20%

2024

$539

2031

131

Firibastat

Heart failure

Europe

Phase IIb

20%

2024

$645

2031

157

Firibastat

Development costs

(101)

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

955

Net cash (31 December 2020 (€m)

27

Total firm value (€m)

982

Total shares (3 March 2021) (m)

26.9

Value per basic share (€)

36.53

Source: Edison Investment Research

Financials

The company reported an operational loss of €13.9m in 2020 compared to €10.8m in 2019 with the increase due to higher spending on clinical trials. We continue to expect an acceleration in spending due to the FRESH study and estimate an operating loss of €20.8m in FY21 (this is down from €21.6m as we have incorporated a €0.8m upfront payment from OEP). Once the company discloses additional upfront or milestone payments from its partnerships, we may revise this estimate downward accordingly. We have also introduced FY22 estimates, which feature an operating loss of €22.5m.

Quantum had €27.1m in net cash at the end of 2020. In December, the company raised €20m (4.445m shares at €4.50/share) through a private placement to institutional investors, including Otium Capital, the family office of French entrepreneur Pierre-Edouard Stérin. We forecast €20m in additional financing to the end of 2021 (previously €28m), which we model as illustrative debt. The need for additional funding past this point will depend on the FRESH data and the company’s ability to sign additional partnerships. Assuming no meaningful partnerships we model a financing need of an additional €50m to cover the company’s expenditures through to profitability.

Exhibit 2: Financial summary

€000s

2019

2020

2021e

2022e

Year end 31 December

PCG

PCG

PCG

PCG

PROFIT & LOSS

Revenue

 

 

0

1,203

800

0

Cost of Sales

0

0

0

0

Gross Profit

0

1,203

800

0

EBITDA

 

 

(10,760)

(13,858)

(20,772)

(22,477)

Operating Profit (before amort. and except.)

 

 

(10,760)

(13,858)

(20,772)

(22,477)

Intangible Amortisation

0

0

0

0

Other

(0)

0

0

0

Exceptionals

123

178

0

0

Operating Profit

(10,637)

(13,679)

(20,772)

(22,477)

Net Interest

0

0

0

0

Other

11

(5)

0

31

Profit Before Tax (norm)

 

 

(10,760)

(13,858)

(20,772)

(22,477)

Profit Before Tax (FRS 3)

 

 

(10,626)

(13,684)

(20,772)

(22,446)

Tax

1,547

2,148

2,700

2,922

Deferred tax

0

0

0

0

Profit After Tax (norm)

(9,213)

(11,710)

(18,072)

(19,555)

Profit After Tax (FRS 3)

(9,078)

(11,537)

(18,072)

(19,524)

Average Number of Shares Outstanding (m)

17.5

23.5

27.8

28.9

EPS - normalised (€)

 

 

(0.53)

(0.50)

(0.65)

(0.68)

EPS - FRS 3 (€)

 

 

(0.52)

(0.49)

(0.65)

(0.68)

Dividend per share (c)

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

BALANCE SHEET

Fixed Assets

 

 

884

1,454

1,859

2,166

Intangible Assets

360

760

760

760

Tangible Assets

27

27

431

739

Other

497

667

667

667

Current Assets

 

 

14,222

33,498

35,891

41,028

Stocks

333

1,747

1,747

1,747

Debtors

2,486

4,328

4,328

4,328

Cash

11,164

27,153

29,546

34,683

Other

239

270

270

270

Current Liabilities

 

 

(4,061)

(6,758)

(6,756)

(6,756)

Creditors

(4,060)

(6,756)

(6,756)

(6,756)

Short term borrowings

(1)

(2)

0

0

Long Term Liabilities

 

 

(874)

(1,059)

(21,059)

(46,059)

Long term borrowings

(6)

(5)

(20,005)

(45,005)

Other long term liabilities

(869)

(1,054)

(1,054)

(1,054)

Net Assets

 

 

10,171

27,135

9,934

(9,621)

CASH FLOW

Operating Cash Flow

 

 

(10,665)

(11,958)

(18,065)

(19,451)

Net Interest

0

0

0

0

Tax

0

0

0

0

Capex

(118)

(411)

(411)

(411)

Acquisitions/disposals

0

0

0

0

Financing

7,382

28,501

870

0

Dividends

0

0

0

0

Other

(232)

(143)

0

0

Net Cash Flow

(3,633)

15,989

(17,606)

(19,862)

Opening net debt/(cash)

 

 

(14,783)

(11,157)

(27,146)

(9,541)

HP finance leases initiated

0

0

0

0

Exchange rate movements

0

0

0

0

Other

7

(1)

1

0

Closing net debt/(cash)

 

 

(11,157)

(27,146)

(9,541)

10,322

Source: company reports, Edison Investment Research


General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Quantum Genomics and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Quantum Genomics. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 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 2021 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 Quantum Genomics and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Quantum Genomics. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 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 2021 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

More on Quantum Genomics

View All

Latest from the Healthcare sector

View All Healthcare content

Research: Industrials

Stern Groep — Riding pandemic waves

In 2020, Stern has taken the opportunity to restructure its balance sheet by impairing tax assets and goodwill, and accelerating its digital strategy. This places the company in a good position to weather the current storm and also to play an active part in European or local consolidation. We expect profitability to increase in the next years driven by the restructured organisation, a focus on margin over volume and an improving market environment. Downturns tend to be opportunities to invest in car dealerships, especially those that are likely to emerge stronger and, despite the remaining low visibility due to COVID-19, we believe that the valuation is undemanding, at 6.5x 2022e P/E.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to Edison

Get access to the very latest content matched to your personal investment style.

Sign up for free