Ascelia Pharma (One pager): Counting down to two high-value catalysts in 2026
We have only made minor adjustments to our Ascelia Pharma one-pager following the FY 2025 results.
The FDA timeline for Orviglance was already known ahead of the report, with the NDA accepted for review in November 2025 and a PDUFA decision date confirmed for 3 July 2026. The FY 2025 results, therefore, contained no major surprises, and our investment case remains largely unchanged with only minor adjustments. Notably, management expressed increased confidence on partnering in connection with the report. CEO Magnus Corfitzen stated that the partnering process continues to progress, with multiple potential partners demonstrating strong strategic interest.
The core case is intact: Orviglance is the first and only gadolinium-free liver MRI contrast agent for patients with severe kidney impairment, with Orphan Drug Designation and no current competition. The timeline to validation is short - two potential high-value catalysts are expected in 2026. A potential partnership agreement and FDA approval and launch, both fully funded by the current cash runway extending into Q4 2026.
From a valuation perspective, the market-implied probability of success (PoS) remains around 35% in our base case, well below the ~90% historical benchmark for Phase III candidates with strong data. Even in the bear case, the implied PoS of ~62% sits below the benchmark. This gap suggests the market may be pricing in slower commercialization, lower peak market share, or residual dilution risk - despite the cash runway extension reducing funding concerns. We see FDA approval and a partnership agreement as the key catalysts to narrow this discount.
Key risks include the inherent uncertainty of FDA approval, reliance on a single primary pipeline candidate, the challenge of securing a strong partner on favorable terms, and uncertainty around commercial adoption and reimbursement for a first-in-line diagnostic product.
Disclaimer: HC Andersen Capital receives payment from Ascelia Pharma for a Digital IR/Corporate Visibility subscription agreement. / Philip Coombes 14:00 10/02/2026