Company Interview / This ASX pharma says its pipeline is worth far more than the market thinks

AFT Pharmaceuticals (ASX: AFP) shares rallied after the company hosted its Investor R&D Day, with CEO Dr Hartley Atkinson arguing the market is only beginning to recognise the value of its expanding drug development pipeline.

The company is currently advancing eight patented pharmaceutical products, including one late-stage Phase III iron deficiency treatment involving more than 1,300 patients across multiple countries. Dr Atkinson says the treatment's key advantage is its ability to deliver a full iron dose in a single visit, potentially improving convenience for both patients and healthcare providers.

AFT also recently secured tentative US FDA approval for another product, although commercial sales in the United States cannot begin until 2029 because of an existing orphan drug exclusivity period. The company is instead targeting launches in markets including Australia, New Zealand and Canada while exploring options for earlier US market access.

Despite spending around $25 million a year on research and development, Atkinson believes investors have historically valued AFT primarily on earnings, overlooking the potential of its pipeline. He says independent research is helping close that gap.

Alongside its R&D program, AFT continues to expand across Asia and remains focused on achieving its $300 million revenue target, with Japan and China representing key long-term growth opportunities.