On May 12, 2020 Surface Oncology (Nasdaq: SURF), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing next-generation immunotherapies that target the tumor microenvironment, reported financial results and corporate highlights for the first quarter 2020, as well as anticipated corporate milestones for 2020 (Press release, Surface Oncology, MAY 12, 2020, View Source [SID1234557561]).
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"I am pleased to report that Surface has made substantial clinical progress to date in 2020; achieving important milestones with both of our highly differentiated lead programs, SRF617 and SRF388, while rapidly working through a safe transition to a largely virtual operation due to the current pandemic," said Jeff Goater, chief executive officer. "Over the past few months, we announced the dosing of the first patients in the Phase 1 dose ascending trials for both of our lead product programs. In partnership with our clinical sites, we are following the latest FDA guidance regarding safe conduct of clinical trials during this time. We look forward to providing our initial clinical update for both programs before the end of this year."
Recent Corporate Highlights:
In March, initiated a Phase 1/1b clinical trial of SRF617, which targets CD39, an important component of the adenosine axis. This trial is designed to provide rapid evaluation of SRF617 via multiple arms, including as a monotherapy and in combination with both chemotherapy and other immuno-oncology agents
In April, initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial of SRF388, which targets the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-27. Surface Oncology is the first company to advance an IL-27 targeted therapy into clinical development. The development of SRF388 is informed by a compelling translational hypothesis in which hepatocellular and renal cell carcinoma are prioritized, both of which are characterized by high levels of circulating EBI3, a subunit of IL-27
Disclosed our development candidate SRF114, a monoclonal antibody targeting the chemokine receptor CCR8. SRF114 is a highly specific antibody that is designed to deplete immuno-suppressive cells present in the tumor microenvironment
Entered into a clinical collaboration with Arcus Biosciences (NYSE: RCUS) in January 2020, to evaluate SRF617 in combination with AB928 (a dual A2a/A2b adenosine receptor antagonist) in clinical trials
Continued progression of the ongoing Phase 1/1b trial of NZV930 (targeting CD73) by Surface Oncology’s partner Novartis
Promoted Lisa McGrath to senior vice president, human resources
Selected Anticipated 2020 Corporate Milestones:
Anticipated preclinical data presentations at multiple key medical and scientific conferences throughout 2020, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Virtual Annual Meeting in May and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Virtual Annual Meeting II in June
Anticipated initial clinical updates for both SRF617 and SRF388 by the end of 2020
Financial Results:
As of March 31, 2020, cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $90.1 million, compared to $105.2 million on December 31, 2019.
Revenue recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $38.6 million, compared to $14.4 million for the same period in 2019. The increase was a result of the expiration of the final Novartis option purchase period in January 2020 and the corresponding recognition of the remaining deferred revenue under the collaboration.
Research and development (R&D) expenses were $11.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to $14.3 million for the same period in 2019. This decrease was primarily driven by a reduction in expenses associated with contract manufacturing and other IND enabling activities, as a result of the SRF617 and SRF388 IND filings in 2019. R&D expenses included $0.7 million in stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2020.
General and administrative (G&A) expenses were $4.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to $5.1 million for the same period in 2019. This decrease was primarily due to decreased personnel costs and professional fees. G&A expenses included $1.2 million in stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2020.
For the three months ended March 31, 2020, net income was $22.6 million, or basic net income per share attributable to common stockholders of $0.81, and diluted net income per share attributable to common stockholders of $0.74. Net loss was $4.2 million for the same period in 2019, or basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders of $0.15.
Financial Outlook:
Surface Oncology continues to project that current cash and cash equivalents are sufficient to fund the Company into 2022. Anticipated milestones under the NZV930 collaboration with Novartis and additional capital potentially available under the K2 HealthVentures debt financing, in aggregate, would extend Surface Oncology’s cash runway into the second half of 2022.