October 20, 2022 - HNSBF

The Hidden Goldmine in Hansa Biopharma's Q3 Transcript: Why Wall Street is Missing the Boat

Hansa Biopharma, a Swedish biopharmaceutical company specializing in rare immunologic diseases, might be flying under the radar, but a closer look at their recent Q3 2022 earnings call reveals a hidden goldmine that most analysts seem to be missing. While the market fixates on the initial, expected volatility of Idefirix sales, a deeper dive into the transcript uncovers a subtle yet powerful shift in Hansa's strategic narrative – one that points to an explosive future for the company.

The crux of this overlooked story lies in the evolving narrative around NiceR, Hansa's next-generation enzyme platform for repeat dosing. While previous discussions positioned NiceR as a long-term potential, the Q3 transcript reveals a clear acceleration in Hansa's thinking.

The IND-enabling tox studies are expected to be completed by the end of the year, paving the way for clinical trials as early as 2023. This accelerated timeline alone is a significant signal, but the true game-changer is the broadened scope of potential applications for NiceR.

Hansa is no longer just exploring repeat dosing in autoimmune diseases, they're now actively targeting oncology, gene therapy (in tandem with both Sarepta and AskBio), and even the potential for repeat dosing in transplant indications like AMR. This strategic shift towards multiple high-value, repeat-dosing markets could transform Hansa from a niche player into a dominant force in the immunotherapy landscape.

Let's quantify this shift. The global oncology market is a behemoth, projected to reach $474.2 billion by 2028. Gene therapy, still nascent but with immense potential, is expected to hit $35.5 billion by 2030. Even if NiceR captures a small fraction of these markets, the revenue potential dwarfs Hansa's current valuation.

But the story gets even more compelling. Hansa's CEO, Soren Tulstrup, subtly hinted at the possibility of a faster ramp-up in the US market for Idefirix compared to Europe. He cited the 'very valuable experience' being gained by leading US transplant centers through the ConfIdeS trial, which is familiarizing them with the complexities of using Idefirix in highly sensitized patients. This hands-on experience during the trial could translate into a smoother and more rapid adoption once Idefirix receives FDA approval, potentially surpassing even the optimistic projections.

Furthermore, the Q3 transcript highlighted the publication of the first international guidelines for desensitization treatment by the European Society for Organ Transplantation. While these guidelines are currently focused on harmonizing definitions and approaches, the second phase, currently underway, will directly evaluate patient outcomes – a crucial factor in determining Idefirix's long-term clinical and commercial success. Positive results here could solidify Idefirix's position as the gold standard in desensitization, unlocking significant market share and revenue growth.

R&D Expenses Over Time

Hansa emphasizes the importance of R&D for its long-term success. The chart below depicts the growth in R&D expenses, showcasing their commitment to innovation.

Here's the hypothesis: Wall Street is underestimating the combined impact of these factors. The market is focused on the short-term volatility of Idefirix sales, overlooking the explosive potential of NiceR and the possibility of a faster-than-expected US launch. This creates a potential undervaluation of Hansa Biopharma, offering a significant investment opportunity for those who recognize the hidden goldmine within their Q3 transcript.

"Fun Fact: Hansa Biopharma was recently certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the third consecutive year. This employee-centric focus could be a key driver of their long-term innovation and success."

A final thought: Hansa's technology platform, built on the foundation of their unique antibody-cleaving enzyme technology, has the potential to disrupt multiple therapeutic areas. The Q3 transcript provides a glimpse into a future where Hansa, armed with NiceR and a growing pipeline of transformative drug candidates, could become a dominant force in the global immunotherapy market. This is a story that Wall Street, with its short-term focus, is currently missing – and those who recognize it now could reap significant rewards in the years to come.