VIVUS reports Q2 2009 financials

VIVUS, Inc. (Nasdaq: VVUS), a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development and commercialization of novel therapeutic products, today reported its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2009.

Second Quarter Results

Net loss for the second quarter of 2009 was $13.2 million, or $0.19 per share, as compared to net income of $3.6 million, or $0.06 per share, for the second quarter of 2008. The net loss in the second quarter of 2009 as compared to the net income in the second quarter of 2008 is primarily due to a decrease in license and other revenue as a result of the last portion of K-V Pharmaceutical ("K-V") deferred license revenue being recognized in the second quarter of 2009, and increased operating expenses. The increase in operating expenses, as compared to the second quarter of 2008, was primarily attributable to spending related to our phase 3 clinical trials of avanafil, our investigational product candidate for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Spending on Qnexa, our investigational product for obesity, was consistent quarter over quarter.

Total revenue for the second quarter of 2009 was $14.7 million, as compared to $25.3 million for the second quarter of 2008. Product revenues from the sale of MUSE in the second quarter of 2009 were $4.1 million, as compared to $4.2 million in the second quarter of 2008. License and other revenue of $10.6 million and $21 million in the second quarters of 2009 and 2008, respectively, primarily relates to the sale in 2007 of Evamist to K-V. All of the deferred revenue related to the sale of Evamist has now been recognized. Since we had received the $150 million in cash from the sale of Evamist and we had no related contingencies, the recognition of license revenue and the corresponding reduction of deferred revenue related to the Evamist sale had no impact on our cash flows from operations in 2009 or 2008.

Six Month Results

Net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was $20 million, or $0.29 per share, compared to a net loss of $3.5 million or $0.06 per share for the same period in 2008. The increase in the net loss in the six months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008 is primarily due to the decrease in K-V deferred license revenue, an increase in operating expenses primarily due to our phase 3 clinical trials of avanafil and increased legal expenses and costs related to the Acrux arbitration and a decrease in interest income. With the completion of the Acrux arbitration, legal expenses are expected to decrease in the second half of 2009. For the six-month period ending June 30, 2009, total revenues were $37 million, compared to $48 million for the same period in 2008. The decrease in total revenues is primarily due to the reduction in K-V deferred license revenue in the six months ended June 30, 2009.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Available for Sale Securities

VIVUS had cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities of $144.2 million at June 30, 2009, as compared to $189.2 million at December 31, 2008. The decrease in cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities of $45 million is the net result of cash used for operating and investing activities partially offset by cash provided by financing activities, including $6.7 million in cash from the Deerfield financing received in the first six months of 2009.

Qnexa Update

The phase 3 Qnexa development program remains on schedule. In total, over 3,750 patients were enrolled in two 56-week studies. The EQUIP study (OB-302) will determine the impact of Qnexa on patients that are considered morbidly obese (BMI>35). The CONQUER study (OB-303) enrolled patients that are considered overweight (BMI>27) with at least two co-morbidities including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetics. Top-line results for both of these studies are expected in the third quarter of 2009.

"The highlight of the second quarter was the two podium presentations of Qnexa at this year's American Diabetes Association Scientific Session. The medical and scientific communities have long recognized the link between obesity and type 2 diabetes. Now they are beginning to recognize the importance of weight loss in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The top-line results from the year-long studies of Qnexa for the treatment of obesity are expected in the third quarter of 2009. Progress on the preparation of the NDA for Qnexa in obesity also remains on schedule for an expected filing by the end of 2009," stated Leland Wilson, president and chief executive officer of VIVUS. "Pivotal studies for avanafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction are also in process, with results expected in the fourth quarter of 2009."