Arovella Therapeutics — Strategic refocus on iNKT platform

Arovella Therapeutics (ASX: ALA)

Last close As at 27/03/2024

0.03

0.00 (0.00%)

Market capitalisation

AUD26m

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Research: Healthcare

Arovella Therapeutics — Strategic refocus on iNKT platform

Arovella has released its activity report for Q123, the key highlight of which was the company’s decision to focus exclusively on its invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cell platform and cease R&D operations on its legacy OroMist platform (of which Zolpimist is the flagship asset). We consider this move as sensible as it allows Arovella to focus its resources and efforts to progress its immunoncology franchise following the in-licensing of its iNKT portfolio in mid-2021. We also believe that the decision has been bolstered by the recently announced collaboration agreement with Imugene (which could potentially expand the platform’s utility into solid tumours, a space multi-fold the size of the current haematological focus). The restructuring will entail a one-time expense of A$300k in FY23 but management anticipates annual cost savings of A$1.5m thereafter. In light of the announcement, we will revisit our valuation and publish revised estimates for Arovella in due course.

Soo Romanoff

Written by

Soo Romanoff

Managing Director - Head of Content, Healthcare

Healthcare

Arovella Therapeutics

Strategic refocus on iNKT platform

Q123 trading update

Pharma and biotech

3 November 2022

Price

A$0.03

Market cap

A$20m

Cash balance (A$m) at 30 September 2022

4.3

Shares in issue

670.8m

Free float

98.4%

Code

ALA

Primary exchange

ASX

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

Business description

Arovella Therapeutics is a biotech company focused on the areas of oncology through its iNKT cell therapy platform. In 2021 it acquired a CAR-iNKT programme for haematological malignancies and a DKK1 antibody that has potential in multiple myeloma and solid tumours. In October 2022, the company announced that it would cease further development work on its legacy platform, OroMist (oromucosal spray versions of established medicines). ZolpiMist, the spray version of Ambien for insomnia, was the key asset under the OroMist platform and was recently launched in Australia.

Analysts

Soo Romanoff

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Jyoti Prakash, CFA

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Nidhi Singh

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Arovella Therapeutics is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Arovella has released its activity report for Q123, the key highlight of which was the company’s decision to focus exclusively on its invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cell platform and cease R&D operations on its legacy OroMist platform (of which Zolpimist is the flagship asset). We consider this move as sensible as it allows Arovella to focus its resources and efforts to progress its immunoncology franchise following the in-licensing of its iNKT portfolio in mid-2021. We also believe that the decision has been bolstered by the recently announced collaboration agreement with Imugene (which could potentially expand the platform’s utility into solid tumours, a space multi-fold the size of the current haematological focus). The restructuring will entail a one-time expense of A$300k in FY23 but management anticipates annual cost savings of A$1.5m thereafter. In light of the announcement, we will revisit our valuation and publish revised estimates for Arovella in due course.

Year end

Revenue
(A$m)

PBT*
(A$m)

EPS*
(c)

DPS
(c)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

06/21

0.3

(3.4)

(1.15)

0.0

N/A

N/A

06/22

0.3

(7.4)

(1.42)

0.0

N/A

N/A

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

The iNKT technology is a cell therapy platform using immune cells for primarily treating blood cancers (leukemia and lymphoma). In September, Arovella signed a collaboration agreement with Imugene to investigate if the applicability of its lead iNKT asset, ALA-101 can be expanded to solid tumours using Imugene’s onCARlytics platform. As a reminder, ALA-101 contains a chimeric antigen receptor and is being development as an ‘off-the-shelf’ treatment for blood cancers, which allows dual targeting of CD1d and CD19 expressed on the surface of cancer cells. Imugene’s oncolytic viral therapy, CF33-CD19, works by infecting solid tumour cancer cells and stimulating them to express CD19 on their surface. We therefore see potential in this combination treatment which, if successful, could expand ALA-101’s utility into the broader solid tumour space (solid tumours make up almost 90% of all diagnosed cancers). Data readout from preclinical studies is expected in H1 CY23.

As part of the business realignment, Arovella has decided to suspend all development activities for OroMist (its proprietary oromucosal drug delivery platform) and suspend operations at its Perth-based R&D facility. The closure would entail $300k in a one-time restructuring expense in FY23 but will help the company realise $1.5m in annual cost savings thereafter. Arovella is also reviewing its contractual arrangements for ZolpiMist (treatment of short-term insomnia), which was recently launched in Australia by distribution partner STADA Australia.

Arovella recorded an operating cash burn of A$1.8m in Q123, which is expected to reduce with the closure of the R&D facility. The period-end cash balance was A$4.3m. In light of the aforementioned developments, we have put our estimates on hold and we will revisit our valuation of the company.

General disclaimer and copyright

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

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United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

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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 Arovella Therapeutics and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Arovella Therapeutics. 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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