| ● | January 2024: Conducted bariatric fellows training for their Lap-Band® System, highlighting the Lap-Band® 2.0 FLEX. |
“During the first quarter and subsequent period, we have remained focused on delivering shareholder value and are on a path to profitability, executing the 2024 cost reductions we outlined in March. To that end, we continue to fine-tune our lead generation activities and invest in our growth drivers, including the commercial launch of the Lap-Band® 2.0 FLEX,” stated Paul F. Hickey, President and Chief Executive Officer of ReShape Lifesciences®. “With the adoption of GLP-1s, the stigma around obesity treatment is being replaced with medical intervention and we are steadfast in our confidence that the number of people seeking medical professionals, especially bariatric surgeons, will continue to increase. The first surgeries utilizing ReShape’s next generation, enhanced Lap-Band® 2.0 FLEX, designed to improve the patient experience, were successfully performed in February and additional surgeries have already taken place. Based on surgeon feedback, including those who have used the Lap-Band® 2.0 FLEX, we believe the market opportunity for the Lap-Band® franchise will increase, over time.
“In March, we significantly strengthened ReShape’s intellectual property portfolio surrounding the intragastric balloon system, having received a Notice of Allowance from the USPTO, and last week, had the patent issued. We will continue to build a defensive ‘moat’ around our product portfolio, innovation and commercialization efforts and, when necessary, we will take offensive action to defend our position utilizing non-dilutive funding. That said, as we continue through 2024, we are making significant progress implementing our 2024 cost reduction plan, which has included a further reduction in staff, expected to lower operating expenses by roughly 50%, compared to last year. These cuts are necessary to allow us to focus on our growth initiatives, by optimizing the commercialization of the Lap-Band® franchise. It is important to note that we are continuing our high priority search for synergistic M&A opportunities and, as previously reported, have engaged Maxim Group LLC, on an exclusive basis, to assist in this process. Finding the right partner will be key to the long-term success of ReShape Lifesciences. We look forward to providing further updates as the search continues.”
First Quarter Ended March 31, 2024, Financial and Operating Results
Revenue totaled $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, which represents a contraction of 15.0%, or $0.3 million compared to the same period in 2023. The primary reason is due to a decrease in sales volume primarily due to GLP-1 pharmaceuticals.
Gross Profit for both three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2024, was $1.2 million. Gross profit as a percentage of total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was 59.9% compared to 53.5% for the same period in 2023. The increase in gross profit percentage is due to the reduction in overhead related costs, primarily payroll, as the Company had a reduction of employees late in 2023.
Sales and Marketing Expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024, decreased by $1.2 million, or 53.3%, to $1.0 million, compared to $2.2 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease is primarily due to a decrease of $0.7 million in advertising and marketing expenses, including consulting and professional marketing services, as the Company has reevaluated its marketing approach and has moved to a targeted digital marketing campaign, resulting in a reduction of
