Zevra Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZVRA) announced that Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer R. LaDuane Clifton will step down from his role effective December 31, 2025, to pursue other professional opportunities. The company’s CEO and President, Neil F. McFarlane, praised Clifton’s leadership since 2015 and noted that the firm’s strong financial foundation will support its next growth phase.
Clifton has been a key architect of Zevra’s transformation from a development‑stage company into a commercial‑stage rare‑disease biopharma. Under his stewardship, the company launched its first approved product, OLPRUVA, and secured FDA approval for MIPLYFFA in September 2024. His departure marks the end of a 10‑year tenure that has seen the company build a robust cash position of $217 million and a net margin of 41.9% in 2025.
In its most recent quarter, Zevra reported earnings per share of ($0.01), beating analyst expectations of ($0.04) by $0.03. The beat was driven by disciplined cost management and a favorable mix of high‑margin commercial sales, offsetting a slight revenue miss of $26.06 million versus the consensus estimate of $26.64 million. The revenue shortfall was largely attributable to a modest decline in U.S. commercial sales, which were partially offset by growth in international markets and the launch of MIPLYFFA in new indications.
Investors reacted with caution to the CFO transition, citing uncertainty about leadership continuity. No new financial metrics or guidance were disclosed, and the company confirmed it is actively searching for a successor who can maintain the financial discipline that has underpinned its growth. CEO McFarlane emphasized that the company’s “strong financial foundation” will continue to support its expansion plans, including the commercialization of its rare‑disease pipeline and the scaling of its commercial operations.
"Since joining the Company in 2015, LaDuane has provided steady leadership and invaluable guidance," McFarlane said. "He has played a pivotal role in our journey as we navigated our transition from development stage into a commercial‑stage company focused on rare disease and leaves Zevra with a strong financial foundation to support the next phase of our growth." Clifton added, "It has been a great honor to be a part of the Zevra journey. As I move on to my next endeavors, I am confident that the corporate foundation we have built will sustain and propel the Company into a bright future ahead."
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