On May 6, 2021 Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ACOR) reported its financial results for the first quarter 2021 (Press release, Acorda Therapeutics, MAY 6, 2021, View Source [SID1234579333]).

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"We were pleased to see the increase in INBRIJA net sales in the first quarter of 2021 over the same quarter of 2020. In addition, our organic growth, measured by the increase in dispensed cartons, was 25% compared to the first quarter of 2020 and also an acceleration versus last quarter. This is an encouraging sign that we may be starting to see the impact of a receding pandemic on our business," said Ron Cohen, M.D., Acorda’s President and Chief Executive Officer. "We continue to see renewed interest in ex-US commercial partnerships for INBRIJA, owing to the reduced cost of goods that resulted from the sale of our manufacturing operations to Catalent earlier this year, as well as clarity from the GBA in Germany indicating that an early benefit assessment would not be required. We are in active discussions with several parties for commercialization both in Europe and around the world."

"We were also pleased to see stable year-over-year quarterly sales for AMPYRA for the first time since it went generic in September 2018 and believe this is due to the strategies we have executed to maintain the brand. The strength of the AMPYRA brand is an important contributor to Acorda’s financial stability and to our goal of becoming cash-flow neutral by the end of 2022," Cohen continued. "We also plan to address our $69 million convertible debt payment that is coming due in June of 2021."

First Quarter 2021 Financial Results

For the quarter ended March 31, 2021, the Company reported INBRIJA net revenue of $5 million, compared to $4.4 million for the same quarter in 2020.

For the quarter ended March 31, 2021, the Company reported AMPYRA net revenue of $20.3 million compared to $20.1 million for the same quarter in 2020. In September 2018, AMPYRA lost its exclusivity and generics entered the market. Consequently, the Company expects AMPYRA revenue to continue to decline.

Research and development (R&D) expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 were $4.7 million, including $0.2 million of share-based compensation compared to $7.7 million, including $0.4 million of share-based compensation for the same quarter in 2020.

Sales, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 were $34.0 million, including $0.5 million of share-based compensation compared to $41.1 million, including $1.5 million of share-based compensation for the same quarter in 2020.

Change in fair value of derivative liability for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 was $0.2 million compared to $(26.5) million for the same quarter in 2020.

Benefit from income taxes for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 was $3.2 million compared to a benefit from income taxes of $7.0 million for the same quarter in 2020.

The Company reported a GAAP net loss of $33.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, or $3.53 per diluted share. GAAP net loss in the same quarter of 2020 was $6.5 million, or $0.81 per diluted share.

Non-GAAP net loss for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 was $23.3 million, or $2.46 per diluted share. Non-GAAP net loss in the same quarter of 2020 was $24.4 million, or $3.06 per diluted share. This quarterly non-GAAP net loss measure, more fully described below under "Non-GAAP Financial Measures," excludes share-based compensation charges, non-cash interest charges on our debt, changes in the fair value of acquired contingent consideration, asset impairment charges, changes in the fair value of derivative liability related to our 2024 convertible senior secured notes, and expenses that pertain to non-routine corporate restructurings. A reconciliation of the GAAP financial results to non-GAAP financial results is included with the attached financial statements.

At March 31, 2021, the Company had cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, and restricted cash of $148.4 million, compared to $102.9 million at year end 2020. Restricted cash includes $31.1 million in escrow related to the 6% semi-annual interest portion, payable in cash or stock, of the 2024 convertible senior secured notes. If the Company elects to pay interest due in stock, the restricted cash will be released from escrow.

Financial Guidance

For the full-year 2021, Acorda continues to expect AMPYRA net revenue to be $75 – $85 million, and operating expenses to be $130 – $140 million. The operating expense guidance is a non-GAAP projection that excludes restructuring costs and share-based compensation as more fully described below under "Non-GAAP Financial Measures."
Webcast and Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call and webcast in conjunction with its first quarter 2021 update and financial results today at 4:30 p.m. EDT.

To participate in the Webcast/Conference Call, please note there is a new pre-registration process.

To register for the Webcast, use the link below:
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To register for the Conference Call, use the link below:
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**When registering please type your phone number with no special characters**

Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email with Webcast/Conference Call details. For the Webcast you will receive an email 2 hours prior to the start of the call with the link to join. The presentation will be available on the Investors section of www.acorda.com.

A replay of the call will be available from 7:30 p.m. EDT on May 6, 2021 until 11:59 p.m. EDT on June 3, 2021. To access the replay, please dial (800) 585-8367 (domestic) or (416) 621-4642 (international); reference code 2996776. The archived webcast will be available in the Investor Relations section of the Acorda website at www.acorda.com.