Achieve Life Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACHV) Q3 2023 Earnings Call Transcript

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Cindy Jacobs: It’s Cindy. So we’ve had a lot of interest from our KOLs and other investigators of considering that once obviously approved for smoking cessation through brands and so we’re supportive in those types of investigators on trials to kind of look at the other areas of addiction that cytisinicline could be helpful. And with that, then watch and see what we should pursue as a company.

John Vandermosten: And is that something that you talked to with potential buyers at this point. I might those get split off you pursue that on your own and they lift out the nicotine addiction part? Or is that – would that kind of all go together, do you think? I mean, again, I know it’s early, but just I’m wondering kind of how the thought would be on that and maybe conversations that you’ve had.

John Bencich: Yes. So I think in terms of discussions with commercial innovation partners, I think this is really looking at the totality of this. We’re not looking at splitting this apart in terms of multiple pieces like as we indicated on a larger scale before we’ve had term sheet ex U.S. from parties, in particular, a lot of interest coming out of Asia. Our continued belief is that this asset belongs in the hands of a single global partner, one that does have strong U.S. capabilities to maximize the opportunity here in the U.S. And so that’s what we’re looking for. We think that really kind of resolves around the entirety of the asset, not covering it up into specific indications.

John Vandermosten: Okay. And then looking at the potential sales force that might work the best for this after approval, are there any characteristics that you kind of look forward? And I’m sure you have a number of suitors that you’re talking to and obviously, on your side, you want to see something that’s attractive there to know what you can target and negotiate hardest with. What are some of those features that you look for in the sales force that would allow cytisinicline to kind of layer on easily and have them be very effective.

John Bencich: Yes, I think when we look at this overall indication. I think historically, where we see it moving forward and will continue to be a primary care call point. So from our perspective, having reps on the ground that can hit that call point. This could be an asset that’s basically plugged and played into an existing sales force out there. We think that’s kind of the easiest path forward. But there could be other opportunities when you look at more specialty companies that have either a CNS focus or addiction focus. So I think there’s a number of angles, but I think a strong overlap with the call point is one of the key considerations for us.

John Vandermosten: Okay. And then any hints on a brand name that you guys might be working on or looking for?

John Bencich: We do. A good question. This is something that we precleared with the agency already. Obviously, it’s not fully blessed until the NDA review gets through the end. But that’s one of the components we did pretty clear early just to make sure that we have that ready to roll.

John Vandermosten: Great. All right. Thank you, John. Thank you, Cindy.

John Bencich: Thank you.

Operator: At this time, I will turn the floor back to management for closing remarks.

John Bencich: Yes. Thanks, operator, and thanks, everyone, for joining us today. We appreciate all the continued interest. It’s been a tremendous year with data coming out of not only our second confirmatory Phase 3 trial, but also the first ever randomized placebo-controlled trial in vaping and publication of our first Phase 3 trial in JAMA. So really excited about where the program sits today and the interest that we continue to see from commercialization organization. We look forward to driving this forward expeditiously and providing updates as we proceed. So thanks, everyone, again for joining us today.

Operator: Thank you. This will conclude today’s conference. You may disconnect your lines at this time. Thank you for your participation.

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