On May 11, 2020 CASI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: CASI), a U.S. biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative therapeutics and pharmaceutical products, reported financial results for the first quarter of 2020 (Press release, CASI Pharmaceuticals, MAY 11, 2020, View Source [SID1234557541]).
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Wei-Wu He, Ph.D., CASI’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Despite the unprecedented macro conditions impacting our global economy, I am pleased to report that we have made very encouraging progress this past quarter. Importantly, EVOMELA revenues were $3.4 million in Q1, driven in large part by the high unmet need in this patient population. EVOMELA has proven to be an essential drug for multiple myeloma patients and is the only form of melphalan commercially available in China."
Dr. He continued, "I am also pleased to report that, together with our partner Juventas Cell Therapy Ltd., our CNCT19 CAR-T development program targeting B-cell driven hematological malignancies are well underway, which was an incredible accomplishment during this period of uncertainty. We continue expecting to file an IMPD/CTA for CID-103, our novel anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody program, in the first half of 2020 and will provide additional guidance on initial enrollment expectations after we get a better sense for COVID-related impacts throughout our trial sites."
First Quarter 2020 Financial Results
Revenues consisted primarily of product sales of EVOMELA that launched in August of 2019. Revenue was $3.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared with $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2019.
Costs of revenues were $3.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, compared with $0 for the quarter ended March 31, 2019. The increase is due to the launch of EVOMELA that occurred during August of 2019. Costs of revenues have been impacted by a previous transitional supply agreement. A new supply agreement has been implemented with an alternate manufacturer; therefore, the Company expects unit cost of inventories of EVOMELA to be considerably reduced in the future.
Research and development expenses for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020 were $3.0 million, compared with $2.6 million for the same period in 2019. The increase in R&D expenses primarily reflects costs incurred related to the development of CID-103 and costs associated with the EVOMELA post marketing study, partially offset by reduced regulatory costs associated with our ANDAs and lower costs associated with preclinical development activities related to a 2019 terminated immune-oncology program.
General and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2020 were $4.1 million, compared with $5.7 million for the same period in 2019. The decrease in G&A expenses was primarily because the 2019 period included costs related to sales and marketing efforts to prepare for the August 2019 launch of EVOMELA, as well as lower professional fees and travel costs incurred during the 2020 period.
Selling and marketing expenses for the first quarter 2020 were $1.3 million, compared with $0 for the same period in 2019. The increase is due to selling costs related to commercial sales of EVOMELA that began in August of 2019.
Gain on disposal of intangible assets was $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and related to the sale of seven ANDAs during the 2020 period.
Acquired in-process R&D expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2020 were $1.1 million, relating to milestone fees payable as a result of the approval of Octreotide in the UK.
Net loss for the first quarter of 2020 was $8.2 million compared to $8.2 million for the same period in 2019.
As of March 31, 2020, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $53.9 million compared to $53.6 million as of December 31, 2019.
Further information regarding the Company, including its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, can be found at www.casipharmaceuticals.com.
Conference Call
The Company will host a conference call reviewing the first quarter highlights at 4:30 p.m. ET on Monday, May 11, 2020. On the call, CASI’s Chairman & CEO will provide an update on the Company’s business and upcoming milestones. The conference call can be accessed by dialing (833) 647-4459 (U.S.), 8008700181 (China), 58086567 (Hong Kong) to listen to the live conference call. The conference ID number for the live call is 8716619.