Palatin Technologies, Inc. (AMEX:PTN) Q4 2023 Earnings Call Transcript

Michael Higgins: Yes. And that looks great. So we’ll refer to that again in our notes. But another exciting program coming up here might be in obesity considering its melanocortin target that you have for your pipeline? Any update or feedback for us on interest in the obesity space?

Carl Spana: I’ll just say – I’m going to say a few of these. Steve’s kind of looking at me, he is giving me to glare. I want to say a few things there. Many of you, of course, know we’ve had a very strong interest in obesity because, in part, many of the people that may be listening to this are a little bit younger, not even around one as we have. The melanocortin-4 receptor was probably the first validated target for obesity treatment. And many of the – most of the larger companies did have programs looking for small molecules. And unfortunately, it’s a very difficult target for small molecules, but a very good melanocortin peptides. I know, Michael, you’re aware, you cover [setmelanotide] in the [indiscernible] product.

We have published on two studies that we conducted with bremelanotide showing very nice weight loss using bremelanotide in obese patients. We also had a very nice collaboration with AstraZeneca for a number of years. So we have a tremendous experience in the role of the melanocortin system in regulating food and taking obesity with excellent compounds good insight on how to develop small molecules. So we’re quite excited about the current growth in that marketplace. And there is a coming attraction. There’s an obesity week coming up in a couple of weeks. I’m sure you’re well aware of that. And so I would just say stay tuned.

Michael Higgins: Definitely. I’ll be down there in Dallas for that. So look forward to that. Question for you, last one, and I can jump back in the queue or keep going, you let me know. But one last one here for now anyway is on Vyleesi. Listening to your comments on the program and your conversation tea with Joe about where to go with this. And occurs to me that with successful advancement in erectile dysfunction, you could market this as the only drug for sexual dysfunction in both men and women that will be unique, that would get a lot of attention. Any thoughts about hanging out of the program a bit longer, at least through some Phase II data with the combination study?

Carl Spana: Well, since you brought the topic up about [erectile] dysfunction, there are also clinicians that are prescribing it for men that have other types of sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunctions due to SSRI use, low desire due to stress factors and other things. And it works very well in those, and there may be some upcoming data at a meeting about that in the near future. So I personally believe that this will be the more treatment for both male and female sexual dysfunction.

Steve Wills: So let me just jump in also, Michael, in that, listen, we couldn’t be any more excited with the results we’ve had and some of the things that we’re not going to elaborate on today on where we think with the right investment, very significant normative value for both patients and different types of patients, albeit the pre the post and the male that you’re referencing. So 100%, we’re analyzing and assessing that. And we have to balance that with, okay, you have several potential transactions that you could maybe move forward with – and even if you feel that strongly, and we do, we think there is a lot of value. The longer we keep Vyleesi and we keep having these results, the more value you’re going to get in the future.