Neuren’s US Partner Acadia Reports Sales Growth and Future Prospects
Neuren Pharmaceuticals (ASX:NEU) has seen positive developments in its partnership with Acadia Pharmaceuticals, which reported a 14% increase in quarterly net sales. The Nasdaq-listed company recorded sales of US$96.1 million for the quarter, showing continued growth for the third consecutive quarter. This success is attributed to a record number of patients receiving shipments of Daybue, the Rett syndrome treatment developed by Neuren.
Despite this progress, Neuren acknowledges that two-thirds of eligible patients in the US have yet to try Daybue. The drug, which received FDA approval in March 2023, is expected to gain European approval in the March 2026 quarter. Acadia, which holds global rights to Daybue, is projected to generate between US$380-405 million in net sales, translating to approximately $62-67 million in royalties for Neuren in 2025.
The company also reported earnings of $14.7 million in the June quarter, a 16% year-on-year increase. Royalties are considered pure profit, highlighting the financial benefits of the partnership.
Increasing Patient Numbers and Persistence
Acadia reported a record 987 patients receiving Daybue in the latest quarter, up from 954 in the previous quarter. Despite concerns about side effects, 50% of patients persisted with treatment after 12 months. Neuren notes that 70% of active patients have now been on therapy for 12 months or longer, an increase from 65% previously.
However, the company estimates that two-thirds of the 5,500 to 5,800 diagnosed US patients have not yet tried Daybue. This presents an opportunity for further growth as the drug gains more recognition and acceptance.
IDT Australia Faces Challenges Amid Leadership Change
IDT Australia (ASX:IDT), a veteran contract drug maker, has experienced a significant drop in share price following the sudden departure of CEO Paul McDonald. The company also issued a lacklustre trading update, forecasting a revenue increase for the year ending June 30, 2025, but a widening loss. McDonald, who had been in the role for nearly three years, will be replaced as the company searches for a new leader.
Chairman Mark Simari will take over as executive chair during the transition. IDT expects full-year revenue to reach $19.9 million, a 40% increase, driven by disbursement revenue from raw material costs and equipment charges. However, the company anticipates a net loss of $7.5 million, compared to a $5.4 million deficit in the previous year, due to bad debts from two defaulting customers.
Founded in 1975, IDT has faced a complex history, including missing out on a government-funded Covid vaccine plant. Today, the company focuses on gene technology, antibody drug conjugates, medical marijuana, and psychedelic treatments for mental disorders.
Excitement Around Future Clinical Trials in 2026
Investors are looking forward to a range of advanced clinical trial results in 2026, as highlighted at the Bioshares summit in Hobart. Several drug developers are making progress in their respective fields.
Actinogen Medical (ASX:ACW) is on track to report interim results from its phase IIb/III trial for Xanamia, a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, by January next year. The trial involves 220 patients across Australia and the US, targeting excess cortisol levels in the brain—a novel approach.
Cynata Therapeutics (ASX:CYP) expects to release results from its phase III osteoarthritis trial between February and April 2026. The company’s mesenchymal stromal cells aim to modulate the immune system and enable tissue repair.
Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals (ASX:CUV) is advancing its proposed treatment for vitiligo, a condition affecting about 1% of the population. With a fully enrolled phase III trial, the company expects a readout in the June half. If approved, the drug could generate US$490-570 million in revenue in its first two years.
Imricor’s Potential in Cardiac Ablation Technology
Imricor Medical Systems (ASX:IMR) is gaining attention for its cardiac ablation catheter technology, which uses real-time MRI guidance rather than x-ray. Broker Canaccord estimates that the company could be worth more than twice its current valuation, with potential for significant revenue growth.
The firm projects that 120 US hospitals could use Imricor’s device within five years, leading to a $2.50 per share valuation. However, the company faces challenges with constrained hospital budgets and is expected to see a material revenue ramp in 12-18 months.
Imricor is currently conducting trials for FDA approval of atrial flutter procedures, with a decision expected by the end of 2026. The company aims to target the US$12 billion arrhythmia market, with global revenue projections reaching US$250 million in five years.