On May 10, 2018 Regulus Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: RGLS), a biopharmaceutical company leading the discovery and development of innovative medicines targeting microRNAs, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018 and provided a pipeline update (Press release, Regulus, MAY 10, 2018, View Source [SID1234526494]).

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"We are very pleased with the progress being made on advancing our pipeline, including the recent initiation of the multiple ascending dose (MAD) study for RGLS4326; the advancement of two new pre-clinical programs in important areas of unmet need; and the continued advancement of the RG-012 program," said Jay Hagan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Regulus. "These two new pre-clinical programs represent attractive areas of development for Regulus beyond our two chronic kidney disease programs."

Pipeline Update

RGLS4326 for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD): As previously announced, a Phase 1 MAD study was recently initiated in healthy volunteers. This trial was initiated based on data from the ongoing Phase 1 single ascending dose (SAD) trial, in which RGLS4326 has been determined to be well tolerated to date. The Phase 1 SAD study has completed dose escalation and continues in the planned follow-up phase, which is on-track for completion in the second half of 2018. Data from both studies will provide pharmacokinetics and safety data in advance of the Phase 2 proof-of-concept (POC) study estimated for initiation in the second half of 2019.

Pre-clinical programs: Based on robust human in vitro data and murine in vivo data, the Company announced today it is advancing programs in Hepatitis B virus and immunology (targets undisclosed).

RG-012 for Alport syndrome: The Phase 2 HERA study is ongoing and data from the Phase 1 renal biopsy study is anticipated by year-end 2018.

Financial Results

Cash Position: As of March 31, 2018, Regulus had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $45.1 million.

Research and Development (R&D) Expenses: R&D expenses were $11.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, compared to $15.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. The decrease was primarily the result of a reduction in personnel-related costs subsequent to our May 2017 corporate restructuring and the wind-down of clinical activities related to the RG-101 program.

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General and Administrative (G&A) Expenses: G&A expenses were $3.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, compared to $4.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2017.

Revenue: Revenue was less than $0.1 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

Net Loss: Net loss was $16.0 million, or $0.15 per share (basic and diluted), for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, compared to a net loss of $20.0 million, or $0.38 per share (basic and diluted), for the quarter ended March 31, 2017.

Conference Call Details

Regulus will host a conference call and webcast today at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss first quarter financial results and provide a general business update. A live webcast of the call will be available online at www.regulusrx.com. To access the call, please dial (877) 257-8599 (domestic) or (970) 315-0459 (international) and refer to conference ID 8993969. To access the replay of the call, dial (855) 859-2056 (domestic) or (404) 537-3406 (international), conference ID 8993969. The webcast and telephone replay will be archived on the company’s website following the call