On August 13, 2021 Chemomab Therapeutics Ltd. (Nasdaq: CMMB), a clinical-stage biotech company focused on the discovery and development of innovative therapeutics for fibrosis-related diseases with high unmet need, reported financial and operating results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021 and provided a business update (Press release, Anchiano Therapeutics, AUG 13, 2021, View Source [SID1234586537]).

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Recent Highlights

CM-101 Phase 2a SPRING trial in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) continues to enroll patients in the UK and Israel. The SPRING study is a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple dose trial designed to evaluate CM-101’s anti fibrotic effect, as well as its safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in PSC patients. Due to challenges resulting from the evolving conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Chemomab is expanding the trial sites to include additional territories with significant recruitment potential, and anticipates data in the second half of 2022.

CM-101 Phase 2a SPLASH trial in liver fibrosis remains on track, with data expected in the first half of 2022. The SPLASH study is a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple dose study designed to assess the mechanism of action, safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic effects, as well as the anti-fibrotic effects of subcutaneous (SC) CM-101 in NASH patients with fibrosis stage F2-F3.

CM-101 Phase 2 clinical trial of CM-101 for the treatment of Systemic Sclerosis. Chemomab continues the preparations for the Phase 2 trial in Systemic Sclerosis. The trial is planned to be a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to test CM-101’s effect on clinically relevant endpoints in diffuse Systemic Sclerosis patients. Chemomab expects to initiate the Phase 2 clinical trial in the first quarter of 2022.

Expanded partnership with AGC Biologics for the manufacture of CM-101. Under terms of the agreement, AGC Biologics, a leading global Biopharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) and Chemomab will work together to optimize, scale up and finalize the CM-101 manufacturing process under GMP conditions towards its testing in pivotal studies. AGC Biologics will manufacture the clinical trial materials at its site in Copenhagen to support Phase 2/3 clinical testing and launch readiness.

Presented a poster at the International Liver Congress 2021 (EASL) held virtually in June 2021. The poster, entitled: "The peri-ductular CCL24 rich niche promotes bile duct fibrosis related liver damage in primary sclerosing cholangitis" highlighted the pivotal role of CCL24 as a main driver of fibrosis in PSC-related pathophysiology and provided further support to the proposed CM-101 mechanism of action in PSC.

Chemomab is advancing in parallel three Phase 2 clinical trials with CM-101 in fibrotic indications; Systemic Sclerosis is planned to be initiated by early 2022 and clinical readouts from the ongoing clinical trials in PSC and liver fibrosis are expected during 2022.

"With two of our three planned Phase 2 trials enrolling patients and our strong cash position, we continue to make solid progress throughout our CM-101 pipeline. We remain highly focused on execution. In the beginning of 2022, we plan to initiate our third Phase 2 trial of CM-101 in Systemic Sclerosis and we look forward to anticipated data readouts in PSC and liver fibrosis in 2022." said Dr. Adi Mor, CEO of Chemomab. "Our agreement with AGC Biologics is an important step in ensuring the availability of clinical trial material for our future pivotal clinical studies and launch readiness. CM-101 is a very promising therapy with the potential to treat multiple severe and life-threatening inflammatory and fibrotic diseases and we believe we are well positioned to continue advancing our pipeline and executing upon our important milestones."

Second Quarter 2021 Financial Highlights

Cash and cash equivalents (including bank deposits) as of June 30, 2021 were $67 million compared to $58.2 million as of March 31, 2021 and $11.7 million as of December 31, 2020. The existing cash position is expected to fund the Company’s current operating plan until mid 2023.
Number of ADSs outstanding on a fully diluted basis as of June 30, 2021 was 12,584,362 (or 251,687,240 ordinary shares) which includes 699,806 ADSs (or 13,996,120 ordinary shares) sold during the quarter ended June 30, 2021 under the Company’s ATM program.
Research and Development expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2021 were $1.3 million, compared to $0.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020. The increase of $0.5 million was primarily related to clinical and pre-clinical activities. R&D expenses are expected to substantially increase over the next several quarters as Chemomab continues to advance the clinical programs.
General and administrative expenses were $1.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, compared to $0.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020. The increase of $1.2 million is primarily derived from expenses associated with public company operations.
Basic and diluted net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2021 was $2.8 million or ($0.01) per ordinary share, compared to $1.1 million, or ($0.01) per ordinary share, for the prior year period.
For further details on the Company’s financial results, including the results for the six and three months ended June 30, 2021, refer to the Form 10-Q filed with the SEC.