Ardelyx honors inaugural Derek Forfang award winners

WALTHAM, Mass. - Ardelyx, Inc. (NASDAQ:ARDX), a biopharmaceutical company with a market capitalization of $1.3 billion and impressive revenue growth of 168% in the last twelve months, has recognized five individuals with the first Derek Forfang Patient Advocate Award on World Kidney Day. According to InvestingPro analysis, the company maintains strong liquidity with a current ratio of 4.58, indicating robust financial health despite current market challenges. The award, named after the late Derek Forfang who dedicated his life to improving the chronic kidney disease (CKD) community, celebrates the contributions of patient advocates in the field.

The awardees, selected by the Derek Forfang Patient Advisory Council, include Mary Baliker, Erich Ditschman (posthumously), Nichole Jefferson, Curtis Warfield, and David M. White. These recipients have been acknowledged for their tireless efforts in advocating for CKD patients and raising awareness of the challenges faced by this community.

Mary Baliker, a healthcare advocate for over 40 years, has lived with kidney disease since age nine, undergoing hemodialysis and receiving multiple kidney transplants. She has published peer-reviewed articles and authored "Maria Never Gives Up," a book to support children with chronic illnesses.

Erich Ditschman, who passed away on New Year’s Day 2025, was recognized for his mentorship and work in policy change and home dialysis education. He co-founded a home hemodialysis database, contributing to the creation of Home Dialyzors United.

Nichole Jefferson, a kidney transplant recipient, has focused her advocacy on health equity, early detection, and patient empowerment, particularly in underserved communities.

Curtis Warfield, also a transplant recipient, has been instrumental in shaping kidney care policies and advocating for health equity and patient education. His work has been recognized with the NKF Celeste Castillo Lee Patient Engagement Award and the NKF of Indiana Patient Volunteer Award.

David M. White, a grateful kidney transplant recipient, collaborates with various organizations to ensure patient perspectives influence healthcare decisions, advocating for policy changes to improve CKD outcomes.

These advocates will be honored at a reception during the National Kidney Foundation’s Spring Clinical Meetings.InvestingPro data reveals Ardelyx’s commitment to operational efficiency, maintaining a healthy gross profit margin of 69.16%. The company’s financial metrics and growth trajectory are extensively detailed in InvestingPro’s comprehensive research report, one of 1,400+ deep-dive analyses available to subscribers.

Ardelyx’s commitment to the CKD community extends beyond this award. The company has two commercial products approved in the United States for related conditions and has established partnerships for the development and commercialization of its drugs internationally. While operating with moderate debt levels, InvestingPro analysis suggests the company is currently slightly undervalued, with additional ProTips and detailed financial metrics available to subscribers seeking deeper insights into this growing biopharmaceutical player. This recognition is based on a press release statement from Ardelyx, Inc.

In other recent news, Ardelyx, Inc. has reported several notable developments impacting its business outlook. The company announced the approval of its kidney disease drug, tenapanor, by China’s Center for Drug Evaluation, triggering a $5 million milestone payment from partner Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical. This approval could potentially unlock up to $100 million in additional developmental and commercialization milestones for Ardelyx. Meanwhile, Ardelyx’s fourth-quarter 2024 net sales for Xphozah reached $57.2 million, marking an 11.1% increase from the previous quarter, with full-year sales totaling $160.9 million.

Analyst opinions on Ardelyx’s stock have varied. Piper Sandler has maintained a Neutral rating with an $8 price target, citing uncertainties around Xphozah’s market performance due to its exclusion from Medicare Part D. In contrast, Scotiabank initiated coverage with a Sector Outperform rating and a $15 price target, expressing optimism about Ardelyx’s valuation and future sales potential for Xphozah. BTIG also initiated coverage with a Buy rating and a $14 price target, noting significant growth in Ibsrela’s prescription volume and highlighting potential profitability driven by Ardelyx’s strategic focus on non-Medicare markets.

H.C. Wainwright has kept a Neutral rating with a $5.50 price target, reflecting cautious sentiment regarding Ardelyx’s sales targets and market challenges. These varied perspectives from analysts highlight the differing views on Ardelyx’s potential for growth amidst market changes and product developments.

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