On May 15, 2025 Akari Therapeutics, Plc (Nasdaq: AKTX), a biotechnology company developing novel Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs) with immuno-oncology payloads for the treatment of cancer, reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 and provided a corporate update (Press release, Akari Therapeutics, MAY 15, 2025, View Source [SID1234653207]).
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"We remain laser focused on becoming a key player in the ADC space and advancing our novel ADC platform built around immuno-oncology payloads and our lead asset AKTX-101, an ADC targeting Trop2 with our immuno-oncology payload, PH1. We continue to develop and execute a clear path forward for our ADC pipeline and support these efforts with ongoing activities and building the team that we believe positions us for success in the near and long term," commented Abizer Gaslightwala, President and Chief Executive Officer of Akari. "In particular, we were pleased to recently welcome Mark Kubik, a seasoned leader in the Antibody Drug Conjugate space, as Head of Business Development, Oncology and believe his expertise will be invaluable as we continue to advance our novel ADC platform technology."
Leveraging its innovative payload platform, the Company is advancing a pipeline of potentially first-in-class, best-in-class ADC candidates across a wide range of cancer tumor targets. These initial candidates have shown significant tumor-killing activity in preclinical models with the ability to robustly activate the immune system to drive durable, and sustained outcomes.
Upcoming Expected Value-Driving Milestones
Novel ADC’s With Immuno-Oncology Payloads
Anticipate presenting preclinical data showing that a proof-of-concept ADC with PH1 payload exhibits robust immuno-oncology activity, at a scientific conference in second half of 2025.
Complete additional preclinical studies for novel PH1 payload exploring activity in prostate cancer cell lines.
Explore preclinical activity for AKTX-101 in different solid tumor indications including lung, as single agent and in combination with other approved agents.
Continue to focus on operational excellence and efficient capital allocation to advance novel payload ADC platform.
Ongoing efforts to seek strategic partners for research collaborations on PH1 immuno-oncology payload across customized tumor targets. Continued discussions with partners on advancing AKTX-101 ADC (Trop2/PH1 payload) through additional IND-enabling activities.
Non-Core Asset Out Licensing
Continue efforts to out-license non-core assets across inflammation, ophthalmology, and rare diseases as a source of non-dilutive capital to invest into ADC platform.
Summary of Financial Results for First Quarter 2025
The net loss from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $3.7 million compared to $5.6 million for the same period in 2024.
The Company reported research and development expenses of $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to approximately $2.3 million for the same period in 2024. The decrease was primarily due to our decision to suspend our HSCT-TMA clinical stage program with nomacopan in May 2024.
General and administrative expenses were approximately $2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to approximately $3.7 million for the same period in 2024. The decrease was primarily due to (i) decreases in legal and professional fees (primarily related to the Merger) and (ii) a decrease in directors’ and officers’ insurance.
As of March 31, 2025, the Company had cash of approximately $2.6 million. The net proceeds from the Company’s March 2025 offering, after deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses, were approximately $6.0 million, of which $4.0 million was received in April 2025.