On November 10, 2020 Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLRX) (the Company), a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing novel therapeutics for the treatment of fibrosis, reported third quarter 2020 financial results (Press release, Pliant Therapeutics, NOV 10, 2020, View Source [SID1234570492]).
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"Reflecting back on the first three quarters of 2020, I’m proud of the progress we’ve made despite the challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic," said Bernard Coulie, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and President of Pliant Therapeutics. "We closed a successful IPO, took important steps in advancing our clinical programs across four indications, and further strengthened our leadership team. Looking ahead, with a strong cash position to advance our robust pipeline, we remain deeply committed to bringing novel treatments to people with fibrotic diseases."
Recent Highlights
Enrollment of Phase 2a 12-week trials of PLN-74809 in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) progressing. After resuming enrollment earlier in the year, Pliant has remained in close coordination with its global trial sites in order to facilitate enrollment in both Phase 2a trials. The Company also continues to open additional trial sites as COVID-19 related restrictions are eased. The hybrid approach to clinical trial participation utilizing home-health solutions to maximize patient safety is expected to aid in trial recruitment.
Phase 2a PET imaging trial of PLN-74809 in IPF is enrolling. The Phase 2a PET trial will evaluate safety, tolerability, and target engagement of PLN-74809 in IPF patients. We expect to report preliminary data by the first half of 2021.
Completed dosing of an extended Phase 1 dose escalation trial of PLN-74809 in healthy volunteers. PLN-74809 has completed dosing multiple ascending dose cohorts of 120mg and 160mg once daily in an extended dose escalation trial. The pharmacokinetic profile remains in line with previous cohorts, and PLN-74809 remains generally well tolerated with no drug related severe adverse events or serious adverse events reported in either cohort.
Phase 2a trial of PLN-74809 treatment of COVID-19 related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has been initiated. The Company initiated a Phase 2a trial evaluating safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics (PK) of PLN-74809, as well as exploratory clinical outcome measures in patients hospitalized with severe and critical COVID-19.
Phase 1 trial of PLN-1474 in healthy volunteers is nearing completion. The Phase 1 trial is designed to evaluate safety and tolerability, as well as PK of PLN-1474 in approximately 100 healthy volunteers across a dose range compared to placebo. After resuming enrollment following delays related to COVID-19, the trial remains on track to deliver topline data by the first quarter of 2021. PLN-1474 is partnered with Novartis.
COVID-19 Preparedness
Pliant continues to develop policies and procedures to enable the Company to operate safely and productively during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company has experienced delays in clinical trial operations which have impacted, and may further impact the expected timing of data readouts. Pliant is working closely with clinical sites to continue site initiation and operation activities in compliance with study protocols while observing government and institutional guidelines. The Company intends to provide more specific guidance regarding clinical trial progress and the timing of data readouts as the impacts of the pandemic become better understood.
Third-Quarter 2020 Financial Results
Related party revenue was $4.8 million, as compared to none for the prior-year quarter.
Research and development expenses were $16.9 million, as compared to $10.8 million for the prior-year quarter. The increase was due primarily to higher costs related to the advancement of several programs and ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trials.
General and administrative expenses were $4.6 million, as compared to $2.6 million for the same period in 2019. The increase was due to higher personnel-related and professional services expenses.
Net loss of $16.5 million as compared to a net loss of $13.3 million for the prior-year quarter.
As of September 30, 2020, Pliant had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $294.0 million, compared to $312.5 million as of June 30, 2020. Pliant believes it has sufficient funds to meet its operating and capital requirements into 2023.