ULURU Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2013 Financial Results

ADDISON, Texas, Aug. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- ULURU Inc. (OTCQB: ULUR) today announced its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2013 and provided a review of its operating activities.

During the second quarter continued progress was made towards the expansion of commercialization of Altrazeal^® in international markets:

• Orders were received from 4 new markets, and production was initiated for the following;
  • Czech Republic, Slovakia, Portugal and South Africa;
• Advanced discussions on the expansion of strategic relationships for major territories; and
• Initiated a controlled clinical study to demonstrate the cost effectiveness of Altrazeal^®.

Commenting on the business activities, Kerry P. Gray, President and CEO, stated, "Our previous guidance for revenue growth and positive cash flow in the fourth quarter remains unchanged. Our international partnership activities have now been expanded to include Latin America and Asia. These activities will further accelerate our global growth. We remain focused on achieving our commercialization objectives for the upcoming 18 months of marketing Altrazeal^® in 50 markets and we believe we are on track to achieve this objective. Activities have also commenced to further enhance the clinical package supporting Altrazeal^® by undertaking additional controlled studies to demonstrate clinical benefit and cost advantage."  

For the second quarter of 2013, the Company reported a net loss of $0.8 million, or $0.06 per share, compared with a net loss of $0.9 million, or $0.11 per share, for the same period last year.  For the six months ended June 30, 2013, the reported net loss was $1.5 million, or $0.12 per share, compared with a net loss of $1.7 million, or $0.21 per share, for the same period last year.

Commenting on the financial results Kerry P. Gray, President and CEO, stated, "Our revenues for the second quarter were lower than projected as orders for five international territories have been re-scheduled to occur in the third and fourth quarter of this year.  Production of initial orders are taking longer than projected due to the lead time for materials and the time it takes to receive approval of foreign language artwork for printed materials. For subsequent orders this will no longer be an issue. From an expense perspective, we continue to monitor our expenses very closely and all expenditures are targeted towards enhancing our commercial efforts.  Despite a significant increase in commercial activities, in particular production, we have continued to reduce our operating expenses in the first half of the year which are now $365,000 below prior year. We continue to believe that the Company is positioned to improve profitability on a quarter by quarter basis for the next 18 months."

Operating Results

Revenues

Revenues for the second quarter of 2013 were $29,000, as compared to $56,000 for the second quarter of 2012.  The decrease of $27,000 in revenues is primarily attributable a decrease of $17,000 in royalties related to the domestic sale of Aphthasol^®.  For the six months ended June 30, 2013 revenue is marginally higher than the same period in 2012, reflecting a $44,000 increase in Altrazeal^® sales partially offset by a reduction of $33,000 in Aphthasol^® royalties.

Research and Development

Research and development expenses for the second quarter of 2013 were $211,000, including $5,000 in share-based compensation, as compared to $171,000 for the second quarter 2012, which included $2,000 in share-based compensation.  The increase of $40,000 in research and development expenses was primarily due to an increase of $78,000 in direct research costs related to Altrazeal^®.  These expense increases were partially offset by a decrease of $45,000 in scientific compensation principally due to a lower head count.

Research and development expenses were $376,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2013, including $6,000 in share-based compensation, compared to $364,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2012, which included $9,000 in share-based compensation.  The increase of $12,000 in research and development expenses was primarily due to an increase of $138,000 in direct research costs related to Altrazeal^®.  This expense increase was partially offset by a decrease of $106,000 in scientific compensation related to share-based compensation and a lower head count, and a decrease of $20,000 in clinical study costs. 

Selling, General and Administrative

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2013 were $352,000, including $17,000 in share-based compensation, as compared to $514,000, which included $4,000 in share-based compensation, for the second quarter of 2012.  The decrease of approximately $162,000 in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to a decrease of $103,000 in sales & marketing costs due to a revised sales and marketing plan and a lower head count, a decrease of $67,000 in investor relations consulting and a decrease of $21,000 in insurance costs.  These expense decreases were partially offset by an increase of $21,000 in bad debt costs and an increase of $11,000 in director fees.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $612,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2013, including $25,000 in share-based compensation, compared to $990,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2012, which included $21,000 in share-based compensation.  The decrease of $378,000 in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to a decrease of $214,000 in sales & marketing costs due to a revised sales and marketing plan and a lower head count, a decrease of $88,000 in investor relations consulting and a decrease of $42,000 in insurance costs.

Other income and Other expenses

Interest expense for the second quarter of 2013 was $128,000 as compared to $31,000 for the second quarter of 2012.  The increase of approximately $97,000 is primarily attributable to costs associated with our convertible debt.

About ULURU Inc.:

ULURU Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development of a portfolio of wound management and oral care products to provide patients and consumers improved clinical outcomes through controlled delivery utilizing its innovative Nanoflex^® Aggregate technology and OraDisc™ transmucosal delivery system. For further information about ULURU Inc., please visit our website at www.uluruinc.com.  For further information about Altrazeal^®, please visit our website at www.altrazeal.com.

This press release contains certain statements that are forward-looking within the meaning of Section 27a of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including but not limited to statements made relating to future financial performance of ULURU Inc. (the "Company"), the advancement of licensing discussions for additional markets, the anticipated launch of Altrazeal^® in various markets and countries, the demonstration of clinical benefits and cost benefits of Altrazeal^®,  the completion of strategic alliances, the anticipated escalation of revenues, positive cash flows, and improved profitability in 2013, and the acceptance of Altrazeal^® by medical practitioners.  When used in this press release, the words "believe," "expect" and "anticipate" and similar expressions may be indicative of forward-looking statements including without limitation statements relating to the regulatory results for our products.  These statements by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of an unanticipated event. Further, management cannot assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.   These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the risk factors detailed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and other reports filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact: Company
Kerry P. Gray
President & CEO
Terry K. Wallberg
Vice President & CFO
(214) 905-5145

SOURCE ULURU Inc.