Full Press Release Details
CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IONS) (the “Company”) today reported financial results and provided key updates for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2025.
"2025 was a defining year for Ionis, marked by the successful execution of our first two independent launches and multiple positive data readouts across our pipeline, positioning Ionis for continued success in 2026,” said Brett P. Monia, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Ionis. “This year, we are poised for two additional independent launches of groundbreaking therapies — olezarsen for severe hypertriglyceridemia, our first launch in a broad patient population, and zilganersen for Alexander disease, our first launch from our leading neurology pipeline. Our partnered pipeline is also on track for multiple groundbreaking Phase 3 readouts, beginning with the recent positive data for bepirovirsen in chronic hepatitis B to be followed by two cardiovascular outcome trials — the pelacarsen Lp(a) HORIZON trial mid-year 2026 and the eplontersen CARDIO-TTRansform trial in the second half of 2026. Together, this progress positions Ionis to continue delivering a steady cadence of transformative medicines to people living with serious diseases, fueling substantial growth and long-term value creation."
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Summary Financial Results(1):
| Three months ended | Year ended | |||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||
| (amounts in millions) | ||||||||
| Total revenue | $203 | $227 | $944 | $705 | ||||
| Operating expenses | $418 | $337 | $1,326 | $1,180 | ||||
| Operating expenses on a non-GAAP basis | $375 | $301 | $1,192 | $1,050 | ||||
| Loss from operations | ($215) | ($110) | ($382) | ($475) | ||||
| Loss from operations on a non-GAAP basis | ($172) | ($74) | ($248) | ($345) | ||||
| (1) Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP basis contained later in this release. |
Recent Financial Highlights
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Financial Results
"In 2025 we exceeded our revenue guidance, driven by growing commercial revenue from our independent launches and substantial R&D revenue from continued pipeline success," said Elizabeth L. Hougen, chief financial officer of Ionis. "In 2026, we will continue to invest in go-to-market activities to support our ongoing and upcoming independent launches, including the recent expansion of our top-tier sales force ahead of our expected olezarsen sHTG launch. We anticipate growth in product revenues, together with additional royalties, to position Ionis to achieve cash flow breakeven in 2028 and generate substantial and sustainable positive cash flow for years to come."
Recent Highlights - Wholly Owned Medicines
Recent Highlights – Partnered Medicines
Revenue
Ionis’ revenue was comprised of the following:
| Three months ended | Year ended | ||||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | ||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
| Revenue: | (amounts in millions) | ||||||||
| Commercial revenue: | |||||||||
| Product sales, net: | |||||||||
| TRYNGOLZA sales, net | $50 | $- | $108 | $- | |||||
| DAWNZERA sales, net | 7 | - | 8 | - | |||||
| Total product sales, net | 57 | - | 116 | - | |||||
| Royalty revenue: | |||||||||
| SPINRAZA royalties | 54 | 64 | 212 | 216 | |||||
| WAINUA royalties | 16 | 10 | 49 | 20 | |||||
| Other royalties | 6 | 3 | 24 | 21 | |||||
| Total royalty revenue | 76 | 77 | 285 | 257 | |||||
| Other commercial revenue | 8 | 9 | 35 | 36 | |||||
| Total commercial revenue | 141 | 86 | 436 | 293 | |||||
| Research and development revenue: | |||||||||
| Collaborative agreement revenue | 52 | 97 | 466 | 333 | |||||
| WAINUA joint development revenue | 10 | 44 | 42 | 79 | |||||
| Total research and development revenue | 62 | 141 | 508 | 412 | |||||
| Total revenue | $203 | $227 | $944 | $705 |
Commercial revenue for the fourth quarter and the year ended December 31, 2025, increased 64% and 49%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2024. This increase was primarily driven by TRYNGOLZA product sales. Higher royalty revenue also contributed to the year over year increase.
The remainder of the Company’s revenue came from programs under its R&D collaborations, including a $280 million upfront payment for the global license of sapablursen to Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. in the second quarter of 2025, reflecting the value that Ionis’ pipeline and technology continue to generate.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses increased modestly for the fourth quarter and the year ended December 31, 2025, which was in line with expectations. The increase was driven by investments to support the launches of TRYNGOLZA, DAWNZERA and WAINUA.
Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2025, Ionis’ cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments increased to $2.7 billion, compared to $2.3 billion on December 31, 2024, primarily due to the refinancing proceeds Ionis received from its convertible debt issuance in the fourth quarter, which Ionis plans to use to repay its 2026 Convertible Notes.
2026 Financial Guidance
The Company’s 2026 financial guidance reflects its evolution to a fully integrated commercial-stage biotechnology company independently launching multiple medicines and advancing commercialization efforts for additional upcoming planned launches. As a result, the Company expects to earn substantial revenue from numerous diverse sources, including increasing commercial revenue. The Company is currently awaiting acceptance of its olezarsen sNDA submission, as such the Company’s 2026 financial guidance assumes a standard review timeline. With acceptance anticipated shortly, the Company expects to provide TRYNGOLZA and DAWNZERA product level guidance at its first quarter 2026 earnings. The Company expects a modest increase in its non-GAAP operating expenses in line with its plan to invest in independent launches and advance its wholly owned pipeline of innovative medicines. The Company expects that these investments will enable Ionis to deliver accelerating value. Overall, the Company anticipates total revenue to grow approximately 20 percent year over year and its non-GAAP operating loss to be similar to 2025, excluding the one-time sapablursen upfront payment recognized in 2025.
| Full Year 2026 Guidance | ||||
| Revenue | $800- $825 million | |||
| Operating loss on a non-GAAP basis | $500-550 million | |||
| Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments | ~$1.6 billion |
Webcast and Other Updates
Management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss Ionis’ fourth quarter and full year 2025 results at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Interested parties may access the webcasthere. A webcast replay will be available for a limited time at the same address. To access the Company’s fourth quarter and full year 2025 earnings slides clickhere.
Ionis’ Marketed Medicines
INDICATION for TRYNGOLZA®(olezarsen)
TRYNGOLZA®(olezarsen) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglycerides in adults with familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS).
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
CONTRAINDICATIONS
TRYNGOLZA is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity to TRYNGOLZA or any of the excipients in TRYNGOLZA. Hypersensitivity reactions requiring medical treatment have occurred.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Hypersensitivity reactions (including symptoms of bronchospasm, diffuse erythema, facial swelling, urticaria, chills and myalgias) have been reported in patients treated with TRYNGOLZA. Advise patients on the signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions and instruct patients to promptly seek medical attention and discontinue use of TRYNGOLZA if hypersensitivity reactions occur.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common adverse reactions (incidence >5% of TRYNGOLZA-treated patients and >3% higher frequency than placebo) were injection site reactions, decreased platelet count and arthralgia.
Please see fullPrescribing Informationfor TRYNGOLZA.
INDICATION for DAWNZERATM(donidalorsen)
DAWNZERA™ (donidalorsen) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for prophylaxis to prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
CONTRAINDICATIONS
DAWNZERA is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, to donidalorsen or any of the excipients in DAWNZERA.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported in patients treated with DAWNZERA. If signs and symptoms of serious hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue DAWNZERA and institute appropriate therapy.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 5%) are injection site reactions, upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, and abdominal discomfort.
Please see fullPrescribing Informationfor DAWNZERA.
INDICATION for WAINUA®(eplontersen)
WAINUA injection, for subcutaneous use, 45 mg is indicated for the treatment of the polyneuropathy of hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis in adults.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION for WAINUA®(eplontersen)
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Reduced Serum Vitamin A Levels and Recommended SupplementationWAINUA leads to a decrease in serum vitamin A levels. Supplement with recommended daily allowance of vitamin A. Refer patient to an ophthalmologist if ocular symptoms suggestive of vitamin A deficiency occur.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Most common adverse reactions (≥9% in WAINUA-treated patients) were vitamin A decreased (15%) and vomiting (9%).
Please see link toU.S. Full Prescribing Informationfor WAINUA.
For more information about SPINRAZA and QALSODY, visithttps://www.spinraza.com/andhttps://www.qalsody.com/, respectively. QALSODY is approved under accelerated approval based on reduction in plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) observed in patients treated with QALSODY. Continued approval may be contingent upon verification of clinical benefit in confirmatory trial(s).
About Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
For three decades, Ionis has invented medicines that bring better futures to people with serious diseases. Ionis currently has marketed medicines and a leading pipeline in neurology, cardiometabolic disease and select areas of high patient need. As the pioneer in RNA-targeted medicines, Ionis continues to drive innovation in RNA therapies in addition to advancing new approaches in gene editing. A deep understanding of disease biology and industry-leading technology propels our work, coupled with a passion and urgency to deliver life-changing advances for patients. To learn more about Ionis, visitIonis.comand follow us onX (Twitter),LinkedInandInstagram.
Ionis Forward-looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements regarding Ionis’ business, financial guidance and the therapeutic and commercial potential of our commercial medicines, additional medicines in development, technologies and our expectations regarding development and regulatory milestones. Any statement describing Ionis’ goals, expectations, financial or other projections, intentions or beliefs is a forward-looking statement and should be considered an at-risk statement. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties including those inherent in the process of discovering, developing and commercializing medicines that are safe and effective for use as human therapeutics, and in the endeavor of building a business around such medicines. Ionis’ forward-looking statements also involve assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove correct, could cause its results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although Ionis’ forward-looking statements reflect the good faith judgment of its management, these statements are based only on facts and factors currently known by Ionis. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements for any reason. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These and other risks concerning Ionis' programs are described in additional detail in Ionis' annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and most recent Form 10-Q, which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these and other documents are available from the Company.
In this press release, unless the context requires otherwise, “Ionis,” “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” all refer to Ionis Pharmaceuticals and its subsidiaries.
IONIS®is a registered trademark of Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. TRYNGOLZA®is a registered trademark of Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. DAWNZERATMis a trademark of Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. AKCEATMis a trademark of Akcea Therapeutics, Inc. TEGSEDITMis a trademark of Akcea Therapeutics, Inc. WAYLIVRATMis a trademark of Akcea Therapeutics, Inc. SPINRAZA®and QALSODY®are registered trademarks of Biogen. WAINUA®is a registered trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies.
| IONIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. | |||||||
| SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |||||||
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations | |||||||
| (In Millions, Except Per Share Data) | |||||||
| Three months ended | Year ended | ||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | ||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| (unaudited) | |||||||
| Revenue: | |||||||
| Commercial revenue: | |||||||
| Product sales, net | $57 | $- | $116 | $- | |||
| Royalty revenue | 76 | 77 | 285 | 257 | |||
| Other commercial revenue | 8 | 9 | 35 | 36 | |||
| Total commercial revenue | 141 | 86 | 436 | 293 | |||
| Research and development revenue: | |||||||
| Collaborative agreement revenue | 52 | 97 | 466 | 333 | |||
| WAINUA joint development revenue | 10 | 44 | 42 | 79 | |||
| Total research and development revenue | 62 | 141 | 508 | 412 | |||
| Total revenue | 203 | 227 | 944 | 705 | |||
| Expenses: | |||||||
| Cost of sales | 8 | 4 | 16 | 11 | |||
| Research, development andpatent | 280 | 245 | 916 | 902 | |||
| Selling, general andadministrative | 130 | 88 | 394 | 267 | |||
| Total operating expenses | 418 | 337 | 1,326 | 1,180 | |||
| Loss from operations | (215) | (110) | (382) | (475) | |||
| Other income (expense): | |||||||
| Interest expense related to the sale of future royalties | (18) | (19) | (73) | (73) | |||
| Other income, net | 5 | 22 | 75 | 88 | |||
| Loss before income tax benefit (expense) | (228) | (107) | (380) | (460) | |||
| Income tax benefit (expense) | (1) | 3 | (1) | 6 | |||
| Net loss | ($229) | ($104) | ($381) | ($454) | |||
| Basic and diluted net loss per share | ($1.41) | ($0.66) | ($2.38) | ($3.04) | |||
| Shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share | 162 | 158 | 160 | 150 | |||
| IONIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. | |||||||
| Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Basis: | |||||||
| Condensed Consolidated Operating Expenses, Loss From Operations, and Net Loss(In Millions) | |||||||
| Three months endedDecember 31, | Year endedDecember 31, | ||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| (unaudited) | |||||||
| As reported research, development and patent expenses according to GAAP | $280 | $245 | $916 | $902 | |||
| Excluding compensation expense related to equity awards | (29) | (25) | (90) | (92) | |||
| Non-GAAP research, development and patent expenses | $251 | $220 | $826 | $810 | |||
| As reported selling, general and administrative expenses according to GAAP | $130 | $88 | $394 | $267 | |||
| Excluding compensation expense related to equity awards | (13) | (11) | (42) | (37) | |||
| Non-GAAP selling, general and administrative expenses | $117 | $77 | $352 | $230 | |||
| As reported operating expenses according to GAAP | $418 | $337 | $1,326 | $1,180 | |||
| Excluding compensation expense related to equity awards | (43) | (36) | (134) | (130) | |||
| Non-GAAP operating expenses | $375 | $301 | $1,192 | $1,050 | |||
| As reported loss from operations according to GAAP | ($215) | ($110) | ($382) | ($475) | |||
| Excluding compensation expense related to equity awards | (43) | (36) | (134) | (130) | |||
| Non-GAAP loss from operations | ($172) | ($74) | ($248) | ($345) | |||
| As reported net loss according to GAAP | ($229) | ($104) | ($381) | ($454) | |||
| Excluding compensation expense related to equity awards and related tax effects | (43) | (36) | (134) | (130) | |||
| Non-GAAP net loss | ($186) | ($68) | ($247) | ($324) |
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Basis
As illustrated in the Selected Financial Information in this press release, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP loss from operations, and non-GAAP net loss were adjusted from GAAP to exclude compensation expense related to equity awards and the related tax effects. Compensation expense related to equity awards are non-cash. These measures are provided as supplementary information and are not a substitute for financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Ionis reports these non-GAAP results to better enable financial statement users to assess and compare its historical performance and project its future operating results and cash flows. Further, the presentation of Ionis’ non-GAAP results is consistent with how Ionis’ management internally evaluates the performance of its operations.
| IONIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. | ||||
| Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets | ||||
| (In Millions) | ||||
| December 31, | December 31, | |||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
| (unaudited) | ||||
| Assets: | ||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments | $2,677 | $2,298 | ||
| Contracts receivable | 66 | 92 | ||
| Other current assets | 247 | 230 | ||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 123 | 94 | ||
| Right-of-use assets | 239 | 162 | ||
| Other assets | 172 | 127 | ||
| Total assets | $3,524 | $3,003 | ||
| Liabilities and stockholders’ equity: | ||||
| Current portion of deferred contract revenue | $74 | $79 | ||
| 0% convertible senior notes due 2026, net – current | 432 | - | ||
| Other current liabilities | 277 | 229 | ||
| 0% convertible senior notes due 2030, net | 751 | - | ||
| 1.75% convertible senior notes due 2028, net | 568 | 565 | ||
| 0% convertible senior notes due 2026, net | - | 629 | ||
| Liability related to sale of future royalties, net | 551 | 542 | ||
| Long-term lease liabilities | 262 | 162 | ||
| Long-term obligations, less current portion | 28 | 52 | ||
| Long-term deferred contract revenue | 92 | 157 | ||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 489 | 588 | ||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $3,524 | $3,003 |
Key 2026 Value Driving Events(1)
| New Product Launches | |||
| Program | Indication | Location | |
| DAWNZERA | HAE | EU | Achieved |
| Olezarsen | sHTG | U.S. | ● |
| Zilganersen | Alexander disease | U.S. | ● |
| Bepirovirsen | CHB | U.S. & Japan | ● |
| Regulatory Actions | |||
| Program | Indication | Regulatory Action | |
| Donidalorsen | HAE | EU approval decision | Achieved |
| Olezarsen | sHTG | U.S. approval decision | ● |
| EU submission | ● | ||
| Zilganersen | Alexander disease | U.S. submission | ● |
| U.S. approval decision | ● | ||
| Nusinersen(high dose) | SMA | EU approval decision | Achieved |
| U.S. approval decision | ● | ||
| Eplontersen | ATTR-CM | Regulatory submission(s) | ● |
| Bepirovirsen | HBV | Regulatory submission(s) | ● |
| Regulatory decision(s) | ● | ||
| Pelacarsen | Lp(a)- CVD | U.S. submission | ● |
| Key Phase 3 Clinical Events | |||
| Program | Indication | Event | |
| Obudanersen | Angelman syndrome | Phase 3 enrollment completion | ● |
| Bepirovirsen | HBV | B-Well data | Achieved |
| Pelacarsen | Lp(a)-CVD | Lp(a) HORIZON data | ● |
| Eplontersen | ATTR-CM | CARDIO-TTRansform data | ● |
| Sefaxersen | IgAN | IMAGINATION data | ● |
| Ulefnersen | FUS-ALS | FUSION data | ● |
| Salanersen | SMA | Phase 3 initiation | ● |
| Sapablursen | Polycythemia Vera | Phase 3 initiation | ● |
| Key Phase 2 Clinical Events | |||
| Program | Indication | Event | |
| IONIS-MAPTRx/ BIIB080 | Alzheimer’s disease | Phase 2 CELIA data | ● |
| Tominersen | Huntington’s disease | Phase 2 GENERATION HD2 data | ● |
| Tonlamarsen | Uncontrolled hypertension | Phase 2 data | ● |
| (1) Timing expectations based on current assumptions and subject to change. | |||
| ● Indicates that the milestone is anticipated in 2026. |