On May 12, 2022 Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: CRNX), a clinical stage pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapeutics for rare endocrine diseases and endocrine-related tumors, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022 (Press release, Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, MAY 12, 2022, View Source [SID1234614481]).
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"We continue to build the foundation needed to establish Crinetics as the world’s leading endocrine company, as recent progress has strengthened our clinical dataset, balance sheet and leadership team," said Scott Struthers, Ph.D., founder and chief executive officer of Crinetics. "This is highlighted by CRN04777’s recent Phase 1 top-line results, which further demonstrated the molecule’s dose-dependent effects on biomarkers that are critically important to the pathophysiology and medical management of hyperinsulinism. Later this quarter, we expect to report data from a healthy volunteer study designed to evaluate CRN04894’s potential to counteract the effects of excess ACTH with a novel mechanism of action. The pharmacologic proof-of-concept these Phase 1 studies aim to achieve highlights the unique efficiency of our endocrine drug development paradigm. Looking forward, we will continue to combine the advantages of this paradigm with the efforts of our deeply talented drug discovery team to thoughtfully expand our pipeline as we work to advance our current clinical-stage candidates towards registration."
First Quarter 2022 and Recent Highlights
Reported positive top-line results from multiple-ascending dose (MAD) cohorts of the CRN04777 Phase 1 study. In March 2022, Crinetics announced positive data from the MAD cohorts of a Phase 1 study of CRN04777, a somatostatin receptor type 5 (SST5) agonist being developed as a treatment for congenital and syndromic hyperinsulinisms. The results built upon previously reported pharmacologic proof-of-concept data from the trial’s single-ascending dose (SAD) cohorts, as they showed strong dose-dependent suppression of fasting insulin as well as dose-dependent suppression of sulfonylurea-induced insulin secretion. Pharmacokinetic data indicated CRN04777 was orally bioavailable and supported a once daily dosing schedule. CRN04777 was shown to be well tolerated in the Phase 1 trial, with no dose discontinuations due to adverse events. Crinetics plans to initiate a Phase 2 study of CRN04777 in congenital hyperinsulinism patients in the second half of 2022, following discussions with global regulators.
Entered into strategic licensing agreement with Sanwa Kagaku Kenkyusho Co., Ltd. ("Sanwa") for the development and commercialization of paltusotine in Japan. Crinetics received $13 million upfront in connection with the license agreement and is also eligible to receive payments related to development, regulatory, and commercial milestones. In addition, Crinetics will be eligible to receive tiered royalties on net product sales in Japan should paltusotine receive marketing approval in Japan. In exchange, Sanwa was granted an exclusive right to develop and commercialize paltusotine in Japan and will assume all costs associated with clinical trials and regulatory applications in the territory. Crinetics retains all rights to develop and commercialize paltusotine outside of Japan.
Strengthened balance sheet with successful $125 million common stock offering. In April 2022, Crinetics completed an underwritten follow-on offering of 5,625,563 shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $22.22 per share, raising gross proceeds of approximately $125.0 million.
Strengthened company leadership with appointments to management team and Board of Directors. In the first quarter of 2022, Crinetics built upon its strong leadership and scientific expertise by appointing James Hassard to the role of chief commercial officer, Chris Robillard to the role of chief business officer, and Dr. Rogério Vivaldi Coelho and Caren Deardorf to the Board of Directors.
First Quarter 2022 Financial Results
Research and development expenses were $28.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to $17.6 million for the same period in 2021. The increase was primarily attributable to increased spending on manufacturing and development activities of $7.0 million associated with our clinical and nonclinical activities for paltusotine and our other clinical and preclinical programs, and an increase in personnel costs of $3.0 million, of which stock-based compensation was $1.4 million.
General and administrative expenses were $8.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to $5.3 million for the same period in 2021. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in personnel costs of $2.1 million, of which stock compensation was $1.0 million.
Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2022, was $34.6 million, compared to a net loss of $22.9 million for the same period in 2021.
Revenues were $3.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022, consisting of license revenue recognized from the Sanwa license agreement.
Unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and investments totaled $319.7 million as of March 31, 2022, compared to $333.7 million as of December 31, 2021. The $319.7 million in unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and investments does not include the $125.0 million in gross proceeds from the company’s April 2022 common stock offering. Based on its current plans, the company expects that current cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments will fund its current operating plan into the second half of 2024.
The company had 53,505,809 common shares outstanding as of May 9, 2022.