On May 9, 2022 Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLRX), a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing novel therapeutics for the treatment of fibrosis, reported first quarter 2022 financial results (Press release, Pliant Therapeutics, MAY 9, 2022, View Source [SID1234613999]).
Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:
Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing
Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!
"Our achievements so far in 2022 have built on the momentum we generated last year. We’ve advanced our portfolio, built upon the favorable safety profile of our lead asset and strengthened our financial position," said Bernard Coulie, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Pliant Therapeutics. "Solid execution across all areas of our business has allowed us to advance with confidence toward multiple near-term clinical milestones. The first of these will be the expected mid-year data readout of our INTEGRIS-IPF Phase 2a trial."
First Quarter and Recent Highlights
PLN-74809 Highlights
INTEGRIS-IPF Phase 2a trial data readout anticipated in mid-2022. All patients enrolled in the trial have completed treatment. This is a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating PLN-74809 in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) at once daily doses of 40, 80 and 160 mg. Data will include the primary and secondary endpoints of safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics. Exploratory efficacy endpoints will include quantitative lung fibrosis (QLF) imaging as well as pulmonary function tests and biomarkers.
Positive independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) review provides additional support for tolerability profile for PLN-74809. The DSMB recommended the INTEGRIS-IPF trial continue without modification. This review occurred after completion of enrollment and included all patients enrolled in all dose cohorts of the trial. To date, no safety concerns have been identified by the DSMB. The INTEGRIS-IPF trial completed enrollment in December 2021.
Phase 2a trial evaluating PLN-74809 at 320 mg for 6 months currently enrolling patients with IPF. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will evaluate PLN-74809 at a once daily dose of 320 mg administered for at least six months and up to 48 weeks in approximately 28 patients with IPF. The trial will evaluate primary and secondary endpoints of safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics. Exploratory efficacy endpoints will include QLF imaging as well as pulmonary function tests and biomarkers over 6 months of treatment.
FDA Fast Track designation received for PLN-74809 for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). FDA’s Fast Track designation is intended to facilitate and expedite the development and review of new drugs to treat serious or life-threatening conditions. The benefits of Fast Track designation include opportunities for frequent meetings with the FDA to discuss trial design, development plans and data needed to support drug approval, as well as the ability to submit a New Drug Application (NDA) on a rolling basis, and eligibility for priority review, if relevant criteria are met.
Expanded PLN-74809 Phase 1b proof-of-mechanism trial demonstrated durable inhibition of TGF-β signaling in the lungs of healthy participants. Results from an expanded Phase 1b proof-of-mechanism trial of PLN-74809 demonstrated on-target biological activity in the lungs of 36 healthy participants with inhibition of TGF-β activation by up to 92% and 76% at 6- and 24-hours, respectively, following seven days of once-daily dosing. TGF-β activation strongly contributes to fibrotic disorders including IPF.
EMA Orphan Drug designation received for PLN-74809 for the treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Benefits of the European Medicines Association (EMA) Orphan Drug designation include trial design assistance, a centralized EU approval process, and 10 years of market exclusivity. To qualify, an investigational medicine must target a seriously debilitating or life-threatening condition affecting fewer than five in 10,000 people in the EU and must show sufficient non-clinical or clinical data to suggest it may produce clinically relevant outcomes. PLN-74809 received Orphan Drug designation from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2018. Topline data from the ongoing Phase 2a INTEGRIS-PSC 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial is expected in the first half of 2023.
Early-Stage Development Programs
Oncology and muscular dystrophy programs progressing through Investigational New Drug (IND) enabling studies. IND application submissions for both programs expected by the end of 2022.
Corporate Highlights
Cash runway extended to mid-2024 with $100 million loan facility from Oxford Finance. Under the terms of the loan agreement, Pliant drew $10 million of an initial $25 million tranche at closing, with the remaining $15 million available through the end of the year. The Company has access to an additional $75 million over three tranches, $50 million of which is based on pre-determined milestones, and $25 million at Oxford’s discretion. The loan carries an interest-only period of 48 months (extendable to 60 months) and total term of 60 months (extendable to 72 months). Interest is based on a floating rate which is subject to both a floor and a cap. There are no warrants or financial covenants in the agreement.
First Quarter 2022 Financial Results
Research and development expenses were $20.9 million, as compared to $18.5 million for the prior-year quarter. The increase was due primarily to employee related expenses and higher costs related to the advancement of several programs and ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trials.
General and administrative expenses were $8.6 million, as compared to $6.6 million for the prior-year quarter. The increase was due to higher personnel-related and professional services expenses.
Net loss of $28.1 million as compared to $22.9 million for the prior-year quarter due to an increase in operating expenses and a decrease in collaboration revenue.
As of March 31, 2022, the Company had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $178.3 million. With the initial drawdown of $10.0 million from the Oxford Finance loan facility, the Company had pro-forma cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $188.3 million as of March 31, 2022. With the facility in place, Pliant expects to be able to fund operations to mid-2024.