WIXOM, Mich., May 09, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rockwell Medical, Inc. (NASDAQ:RMTI), a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company targeting end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) with innovative products for the treatment of iron replacement, secondary hyperparathyroidism and hemodialysis, reported results for the quarter ended March 31, 2017.

Q1 2017 Financial Highlights

• Sales were $14.6 million, or $1.0 million higher than Q1 2016, primarily due to higher domestic sales.
• Sequentially, sales increased approximately 9% over the fourth quarter 2016.
• Gross profit increased to $2.4 million compared to $1.7 million in Q1 2016.
• SG&A expense was $6.1 million compared $5.0 million in Q1 2016.
• R&D expense was $1.2 million compared to $1.3 million in Q1 2016.
• Net loss was $4.7 million or ($0.09) per share compared to a $4.8 million loss or ($0.10) per share in Q1 2016.
• Cash and investments were $52.7 million as of March 31, 2017.
• Net working capital was $64.4 million as of March 31, 2017.

2017 Corporate Highlights

• Nominated pharmaceutical executive David T. Domzalski to the Board of Directors to strengthen the Board, contribute to the Company’s growth and development and facilitate shareholder value.
• Received allowance for a Triferic ESA sparing patent in China with claims also covering composition and use.
• Triferic presentations featured at the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) 2017 Spring Clinical Meetings in Orlando, Florida covering Triferic in peritoneal dialysis and pharmacokinetic studies of Triferic in support of other indications.
• Presented data on Triferic intravenous (IV) administration at the 19th International Conference on Dialysis.
• Selected to present Triferic (ferric pyrophosphate citrate) as an innovative, unique mode-of-action therapy at the 7th International Congress of the International BioIron Society (IBIS) in Los Angeles, at UCLA.

Mr. Robert L. Chioini, chairman and chief executive officer of Rockwell stated, “We continue to be pleased with the progress we are making in our commercialization efforts for both Triferic and Calcitriol. With regards to gaining add-on reimbursement for Triferic, we are working with all key stakeholders and we feel strongly that our efforts will result in Triferic receiving this proper designation. Feedback reported from our Triferic drug sample program continues to be favorable and impressive relating to improving patient outcomes and lowering cost. Calcitriol manufacture is progressing nicely. Lab tests are meeting product specification and we remain on track with our FDA submission.” 

Conference Call Information
Rockwell Medical will be hosting a conference call to review its first quarter 2017 results on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at 4:30 p.m. EDT.  Investors are encouraged to call a few minutes in advance at (888) 203-7667, or for international callers (719) 457-2617, passcode #5087785 or to listen to the call via webcast at the Rockwell Medical IR web page: http://ir.rockwellmed.com/

About Triferic
Triferic is the only FDA approved drug indicated to replace iron and maintain hemoglobin in hemodialysis patients suffering from anemia. Via dialysate during each dialysis treatment, Triferic replaces the 5-7 mg iron loss that occurs in all patients, effectively maintaining their iron balance. Unlike IV iron products, Triferic binds iron immediately and completely to transferrin (carrier of iron in the body) upon entering the blood and it is then transported directly to the bone marrow to be incorporated into hemoglobin, with no increase in ferritin (stored iron and inflammation) and no anaphylaxis, addressing a significant unmet need in overcoming Functional Iron Deficiency (FID) in ESRD patients. Please visit www.triferic.com to view the Triferic mode-of-action (MOA) video and for more information.

About Rockwell Medical
Rockwell Medical is a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company targeting end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) with innovative products and services for the treatment of iron replacement, secondary hyperparathyroidism and hemodialysis.

Rockwell’s recent FDA approved drug Triferic is indicated for iron replacement and maintenance of hemoglobin in hemodialysis patients. Triferic delivers iron to patients during their regular dialysis treatment, using dialysate as the delivery mechanism. Triferic has demonstrated that it safely and effectively delivers sufficient iron to the bone marrow and maintains hemoglobin, without increasing iron stores (ferritin). Rockwell intends to market Triferic to hemodialysis patients in the U.S. dialysis market and globally.

Rockwell’s FDA approved generic drug Calcitriol is for treating secondary hyperparathyroidism in dialysis patients. Calcitriol (active vitamin D) injection is indicated in the management of hypocalcemia in patients undergoing chronic renal dialysis. It has been shown to significantly reduce elevated parathyroid hormone levels. Reduction of PTH has been shown to result in an improvement in renal osteodystrophy.  Rockwell intends to market Calcitriol to hemodialysis patients in the U.S. dialysis market.

Rockwell is also an established manufacturer and leader in delivering high-quality hemodialysis concentrates/dialysates to dialysis providers and distributors in the U.S. and abroad. As one of the two major suppliers in the U.S., Rockwell’s products are used to maintain human life by removing toxins and replacing critical nutrients in the dialysis patient’s bloodstream. Rockwell has three U.S. manufacturing/distribution facilities.

Rockwell’s exclusive renal drug therapies support disease management initiatives to improve the quality of life and care of dialysis patients and are intended to deliver safe and effective therapy, while decreasing drug administration costs and improving patient convenience. Rockwell Medical is developing a pipeline of drug therapies, including extensions of Triferic for indications outside of hemodialysis. Please visit www.rockwellmed.com for more information.

Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including, but not limited to, Rockwell’s intention to sell and market Calcitriol and Triferic. Words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “predict,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan”, “intend” or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While Rockwell Medical believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation those set forth in Rockwell Medical’s SEC filings. Thus, actual results could be materially different. Rockwell Medical expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Triferic^® is a registered trademark of Rockwell Medical, Inc.

Michael Rice, Investor Relations; 646-597-6979

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