Exicure, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2018 Financial Results and Reviews Corporate Progress

On May 15, 2018 Exicure, Inc., the pioneer in gene regulatory and immunotherapeutic drugs utilizing three-dimensional, spherical nucleic acid (SNA) constructs, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018, and provided an update on corporate progress (Press release, Exicure, MAY 15, 2018, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2349297 [SID1234526643]).

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"Exicure continues to drive forward our SNA technology through ongoing clinical development. In the fourth quarter of 2017, we launched a Phase 1 clinical trial of AST-008, our TLR9 agonist developed for immuno-oncology applications. We expect to report results from this trial in the third quarter of 2018," said Dr. David Giljohann, Chief Executive Officer of Exicure. "We are also expanding our efforts in neurology, where pre-clinical results have suggested our spherical nucleic acid platform has advantages over existing technology. We look forward to presenting animal data later this summer."

Corporate Progress

Launched Phase 1 clinical trial of AST-008, a TLR9 agonist for immuno-oncology applications. Received authorization from Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the United Kingdom to conduct a Phase 1 clinical trial of AST-008 in the United Kingdom and began dosing healthy subjects during the fourth quarter of 2017. Our current plan anticipates preparing and commencing a Phase 1b/2 clinical trial for AST-008 late this year.
Began dosing patients in the Phase 1 clinical trial of XCUR17 in early April 2018. This trial is designed to test safety and efficacy of the drug. Twenty-five patients will be enrolled and dosed over a period of 26 days. We expect trial data during the third quarter of this year.
Generated pre-clinical data utilizing an SNA designed to stimulate the production of SMN2 mRNA for application in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). These data suggest that the SNA design may potentially have superior pharmacodynamics properties compared to other nucleic acid therapeutic designs. We are currently collecting in vivo data in SMA mouse models.
Informed by our sponsoring market maker that FINRA has cleared our Form 211. This important step in our path toward trading on the OTCQB has been completed. We are now addressing final administrative items and expect to announce beginning of trading in the near future.
Strengthened management team with the appointment of Matthias Schroff as Chief Operating Officer. Dr. Schroff brings to Exicure a proven track record in clinical development and deep experience in the immuno-oncology, RNAi and gene expression, and TLR9 biology.
Pipeline Updates

AST-008: AST-008 is an SNA consisting of toll-like receptor 9, or TLR9 agonists designed for immuno-oncology applications. The Phase 1 clinical trial of AST-008 evaluates the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of AST-008 by subcutaneous administration in healthy volunteers. Our current plan anticipates preparing and commencing a Phase 1b/2 clinical trial for AST-008 late this year. The Company ultimately plans to clinically advance AST-008 in combination with checkpoint inhibitors.

XCUR17: XCUR17 is an antisense SNA that targets the mRNA encoding IL-17RA, a protein that is considered essential in the initiation and maintenance of psoriasis. Our Phase 1 trial of XCUR17 is a microplaque study in patients with mild to moderate psoriasis.

AST-005: AST-005 is an SNA containing TNF antisense oligonucleotides and is intended to be applied in a gel to psoriatic lesions. AST-005 is the subject of our collaboration with Purdue Pharma L.P. Purdue Pharma has notified Exicure it has declined to exercise its option to develop AST-005 at this time, but that it also intends to retain rights relating to the TNF target, and Purdue reserves its right to continue joint development, with Exicure, of new anti-TNF drug candidates and to retain its exclusivity and other rights to AST-005.

First Quarter 2018 Financial Results and Financial Guidance

Cash Position: As of March 31, 2018, Exicure had cash and cash equivalents of $21.1 million compared to $25.8 million as of December 31, 2017.

Research and Development (R&D) Expenses: Research and development expenses were $3.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, compared to $3.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. The decrease in research and development expense of $0.2 million was primarily due to a net decrease in costs related to our clinical development programs of $0.6 million, partially offset by higher employee-related expenses of $0.2 million and higher platform and discovery-related expense of $0.2 million.

General and Administrative (G&A) Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $2.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, compared to $1.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. The increase in general and administrative expenses of $0.6 million was primarily due to higher legal costs associated with preparation and filing of form S-1 to register the shares of common stock sold last year in connection with our merger and private placement. Also contributing to the increase versus the prior quarter were expenses associated with being a public company and salary increases and new hires.

Net Loss: Net loss was $5.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, compared to net loss of $2.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. The $2.9 million increase in net loss is due principally to a $2.4 million decrease in non-cash collaboration revenue in addition to the net increase in operating expenses of $0.4 million discussed above. The quarter ended March 31, 2017 included $2.4 million of collaboration revenue which represented the amortization of deferred revenue associated with the upfront cash payment of $10.0 million received in December of 2016 connected with the Purdue collaboration. On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 606 and recorded any remaining unamortized deferred revenue under the Purdue collaboration to the beginning balance of accumulated deficit at January 1, 2018.

Cash Runway Guidance: Exicure believes that, based on its current operating plans and estimates of expenses, as of the date of this press release, its existing cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2018, will be sufficient to meet its anticipated cash requirements through March 31, 2019.

Eleven Biotherapeutics Reports First Quarter Financial Results and Pipeline Updates

On May 15, 2018 Eleven Biotherapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: EBIO), a late-stage clinical company developing next-generation antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapies for the treatment of cancer, reported pipeline updates and operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 (Press release, Eleven Biotherapeutics, MAY 15, 2018, View Source [SID1234526642]).

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"2018 is set to be a transformational year for the company and, already in the first quarter, we have made important progress in advancing our lead program, Vicinium, for high-grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, or NMIBC," said Stephen Hurly, president and chief executive officer of Eleven Biotherapeutics. "Our Phase 3 registration trial, the VISTA Trial, investigating Vicinium for patients with high-grade NMIBC, is progressing well and recently completed enrollment. We look forward to presenting three-month data from the trial in an oral presentation at the American Urological Association Annual Meeting on May 21st, a significant catalyst for the company and our Vicinium program. High-grade NMIBC is a disease for which there is a desperate need for new treatment options, and we look forward to further exploring Vicinium as a potential treatment for these patients."

Pipeline Progress and Updates

Eleven Biotherapeutics will present three-month data from its ongoing Phase 3 VISTA Trial, which is evaluating Vicinium for the treatment of patients with high-grade NMIBC who have been previously treated with bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). The data will be presented during a plenary session on Monday, May 21, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. PDT at the American Urological Association Annual Meeting being held in San Francisco. In March 2018, the company announced enrollment completion in the VISTA Trial.
In April 2018, Eleven Biotherapeutics presented preclinical data from its deBouganin program at the 2018 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting. DeBouganin is a potent deimmunized plant-based toxin designed for systemic use in the treatment of cancer and other indications. The data presented suggest that VB6-845d, a next generation ADC that is composed of an anti-EpCAM antibody fragment fused to deBouganin, mediates tumor cell killing by an immunogenic cell death (ICD) pathway. The potential cross-priming effect initiated by VB6-845d-induced ICD suggests that VB6-845d in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors may enhance their effectiveness in EpCAM-positive epithelial cancers. Additionally, in collaboration with Crescendo Biologics, the company presented data demonstrating that a potent fusion protein comprised of the company’s deBouganin payload and Crescendo’s Humabody is expressible as a soluble protein in E. coli supernatant and capable of potent killing of cancer cell lines.
First Quarter 2018 Financial Results

Cash Position: Cash and cash equivalents were $19.7 million as of March 31, 2018, compared to $20.3 for the same period in 2017.
Revenue: There was no revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, compared to $0.4 million for the same period in 2017. The decrease was due to a reduction in revenue recognized from the company’s license agreement with F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd and Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. (Roche).
R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $3.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, compared to $2.9 million for the same period in 2017. The increase was due primarily to increases in clinical costs.
G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $2.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, compared to $2.2 million for the same period in 2017. The decrease was due primarily to reductions in legal and professional costs.
Net Loss: Net loss was $4.0 million, or $0.11 per share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, compared to net loss of $6.1 million, or $0.25 per share, for the same period in 2017. The decrease was due primarily to the change in the fair value of contingent consideration.
Financial Guidance: Following Eleven Biotherapeutics’ $10.0 million financing in March 2018 and receipt of approximately $4.2 million from the exercise of common stock warrants through mid-May, the company maintains it will have capital to fund its current operating plans into early 2019.
Conference Call Information
The company will host a conference call on May 21, 2018 at 5 p.m. ET to review the data being presented at AUA. To participate in the conference call, please dial (844) 831-3025 (domestic) or (315) 625-6887 (international) and refer to conference ID 4453267. The webcast can be accessed in the Investor Relations section of the company’s website at www.elevenbio.com. The replay of the webcast will be available in the investor section of the company’s website at www.elevenbio.com for 60 days following the call.

About Vicinium
Vicinium, also known as VB4-845, is Eleven Biotherapeutics’ lead product candidate and is a next-generation antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), developed using the company’s proprietary Targeted Protein Therapeutics platform, for the treatment of high-grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Vicinium is comprised of a recombinant fusion protein that targets epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) antigens on the surface of tumor cells to deliver a potent protein payload, Pseudomonas Exotoxin A (ETA). Vicinium is constructed with a stable, genetically engineered peptide linker to ensure the payload remains attached until it is internalized by the cancer cell, which is believed to decrease the risk of toxicity to healthy tissues, thereby improving its safety. In prior clinical studies conducted by Eleven Biotherapeutics, EpCAM has been shown to be overexpressed in NMIBC cells with minimal to no EpCAM expression observed on normal bladder cells. Eleven Biotherapeutics is currently conducting the Phase 3 VISTA Trial, designed to support the registration of Vicinium for the treatment of high-grade NMIBC in patients who have previously received two courses of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and whose disease is now BCG-unresponsive. Three-month data from the ongoing trial are planned for presentation at the 2018 American Urological Association Annual Meeting on May 21, 2018, with 12-month data anticipated in mid-2019. Additionally, Eleven Biotherapeutics believes that Vicinium’s cancer cell-killing properties promote an anti-tumor immune response that may potentially combine well with immuno-oncology drugs, such as checkpoint inhibitors. The activity of Vicinium in BCG-unresponsive NMIBC is also being explored at the US National Cancer Institute in combination with AstraZeneca’s immune checkpoint inhibitor durvalumab.

CohBar, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2018 Financial Results

On May 15, 2018 CohBar, Inc. (NASDAQ: CWBR) ("CohBar" or the "Company"), an innovative biotechnology company developing mitochondria based therapeutics (MBTs) to treat age-related diseases, reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018 (Press release, CohBar, MAY 15, 2018, View Source [SID1234526641]).

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"We raised $4.6 million in additional funding since the beginning of the year to further support our pre-clinical and clinical activities," said Simon Allen, CohBar CEO, "and our latest findings regarding CB4211’s novel mechanism of action were accepted for presentation at a major scientific conference next month. Our planned clinical entry will mark significant milestones both for CohBar’s transition to a clinical-stage company, and for the transformation of naturally occurring mitochondrial peptides into a novel class of therapeutics for the potential treatment of a range of age-related diseases."

Recent and First Quarter 2018 Business and Preclinical Development Highlights:

CB4211 Mechanism of Action Findings Accepted for Presentation at Major Scientific Conference in June. The Company will be presenting its findings to date about the molecular mechanisms underlying CB4211’s efficacy in animal models of NASH at a major scientific conference in June 2018. The Company’s ongoing investigation identified CB4211’s interaction with a cell-surface receptor that plays a key role in metabolic regulation.

Completed Private Placement. With the final closing in April 2018, the Company issued and sold a total of $3.9 million of non-convertible unsecured promissory notes, together with warrants to purchase 780,500 shares of the Company’s common stock. Insider participation accounted for more than $500,000 of the financing. An additional $0.7 million was raised from warrant and option exercises during the first quarter.

Investment and Scientific Community Outreach. During the first quarter, CohBar’s CEO Simon Allen presented an overview of the Company and its clinical development program at the H.C. Wainwright & Co. 2nd Annual NASH Investor Conference, and met with institutional investors and NASH scientific and medical experts at the BIO CEO and Investor Conference, and at the 30th Annual ROTH Conference.

First Quarter 2018 Financial Highlights

Cash and Investments. CohBar had cash, cash equivalents and investments of $8,456,656 on March 31, 2018, compared to $8,452,459 on December 31, 2017.

R&D Expenses. Research and development expenses were $2,680,983 in the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to $1,292,780 in the prior year first quarter. The increase was due primarily to costs related to our clinical and IND-enabling activities, and an increase in stock-based compensation for option grants made during the current year quarter, and for prior grants to consultants that are revalued at each balance sheet date.

G&A Expenses. General and administrative expenses were $913,088 in the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to $940,089 in the prior year quarter. The decrease in general and administrative expenses were related to lower stock-based compensation costs compared to the prior year first quarter, offset by increases in insurance premiums and directors fees related to the addition of a new Board member announced at the end of 2017.

Net Loss. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, net loss was $3,586,585, or $0.09 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $2,232,110, or $0.06 per basic and diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

CohBar will not be hosting a first quarter 2018 investor conference call. The Company will be conducting an investor teleconference in conjunction with its Annual Shareholder Meeting scheduled for June 19, 2018. Details of the Annual Shareholder Meeting will be announced in early June.

About CohBar’s Lead Program

CohBar’s lead preclinical development program is based on MOTS-c, a mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) that was discovered in 2012 by CohBar founder Professor Dr. Pinchas Cohen and his academic collaborators, whose research has shown that MOTS-c plays a significant role in the regulation of metabolism. The Company has developed CB4211, a novel and improved analog of MOTS-c, which has demonstrated significant therapeutic potential in preclinical models of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and obesity.

Cancer Genetics Reports First Quarter 2018 Financial Results and Provides Strategic Business Updates

On May 15, 2018 Cancer Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:CGIX), a leader in enabling precision medicine for oncology through molecular markers and diagnostics, reported financial and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018 as well as an update on its strategic direction and key organizational initiatives (Press release, Cancer Genetics, MAY 15, 2018, View Source [SID1234526639]).

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John A. Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Genetics said, "Our progress during the first quarter aligned with our transformation strategy for 2018, which focuses on leveraging our core competencies and market-leading portfolio of diagnostics to accelerate the path to profitability and improve our competitive position.

"We are particularly pleased with the expansion of our Biopharma and Discovery Services businesses, where we are continuing to capitalize on the significant synergies that exist to add new clients and expand revenue among existing clients. Our oncology-focused testing, genomic services and biomarker insight capabilities are among the strongest in the industry, and add substantive value to our partners’ development efforts. We are currently supporting over 300 clinical trial and discovery projects, including 101 clinical trials that are focused on the growing trends associated with immuno-oncology product development, and are continuing to add more as we expand our capabilities and further establish ourselves as a major player in this space.

Mr. Roberts added, "In addition to expanding Biopharma and Discovery Services activities, there are two other keys to executing this strategy, which we believe will drive revenue growth and operating cost reductions. These were the divestiture of certain non-strategic assets and the reduction of our geographic footprint. We advanced both of these initiatives since the beginning of 2018."

"In an effort to further optimize efficiency across the organization, we recently completed the sale of our India operation to REPROCELL Incorporated and made the strategic decision to consolidate our Los Angeles laboratory operations, relocating our comprehensive solid tumor test portfolio and capabilities to our New Jersey and North Carolina facilities during the second and third quarters of 2018. These actions represent an important step in focusing our business, simplifying our operating structure and generating monetary value for the Company, and are consistent with the execution of the transformation strategy."

Mr. Roberts concluded, "Overall, we are pleased with the advancements we have made since the beginning of 2018. We are continuing to leverage synergies and implement strategies aimed at accelerating growth, while reducing expenses associated with non-core activities. We remain committed to optimizing our proprietary and unique test and service offerings to drive a leadership position in precision oncology."

FIRST QUARTER 2018 AND RECENT OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Received special 510(k) clearance from the FDA for the Tissue of Origin (TOO) test to identify tumor origin and differentiate between metastatic, poorly differentiated, or undifferentiated cancers.
Completed sale of wholly-owned subsidiary BioServe Biotechnologies (India) Private Limited to REPROCELL for $1.9 million in April 2018.
As part of 2018 transformation strategy, began the consolidation of the west coast molecular profiling laboratory and relocation of most of these activities to New Jersey and North Carolina laboratories. The consolidation of this facility is expected to reduce operating expenses by over $4 million annually once completed, with completion planned for September 2018.
FIRST QUARTER 2018 FINANCIAL RESULTS

On January 1, 2018 the Company adopted the FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" ("ASC 606"). The Company also adopted several FASB Accounting Standards Updates ("ASUs"). Financial information for the three months ended March 31, 2017 has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for that period. Additional information on the recently adopted accounting standards is included in the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2018.

The Company reported total revenue of $7.7 million for the first quarter of 2018 compared to revenue of $7.0 million in the first quarter of 2017, an increase of 10% or $0.7 million.

Biopharma services revenue totaled $3.7 million in the first quarter, flat compared to $3.7 million during the first quarter 2017. Biopharma projects are dependent on the timing, size and duration of our contracts with pharmaceutical and biotech companies and clinical research organizations, and can fluctuate in comparable periods. The Company increased the number of clinical studies and trials it is supporting to 241, up from 140 in Q1 2017. The Company’s book-to-bill ratio moved from 1.2 in Q1 2017 to 1.3 in Q1 2018.

​Clinical Services revenue decreased by approximately $0.7 million in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same period in 2017, from $3.0 million to $2.3 million. The decrease in revenue was primarily related to the adoption of ASC 606, and a 16% decline in test volume in the NJ lab.

The Company’s Discovery Services contributed $1.7 million in revenue for the first quarter of 2018, an increase of approximately $1.4 million compared to $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2017. The increase was driven by a full quarter of vivoPharm revenue following its acquisition in August 2017, as well as growing demand for the Company’s early-stage discovery and bioinformatics analysis capabilities.

Gross profit margin was 33.7% or $2.6 million in Q1 2018, compared to 40% or $2.8 million in the first quarter 2017. Gross profit and gross margin percentage were impacted by a reduction in the number of non-revenue generating test validations, an increased focus among clinical and medical staff on customer-driven initiatives, and the continued rationalization of the Company’s cost structure from prior acquisitions and efforts to introduce greater efficiency in its laboratory operations.

Total operating expenses for the first quarter of 2018 were approximately $7.5 million, an increase of 35.5% compared to $5.6 million during the first quarter of 2017. The increase in total operating expenses is primarily related to the addition of SG&A expenses from the vivoPharm acquisition of $0.9 million, increases in sales and marketing costs of $0.4 million in the comparable periods as the Company ramped up clinical sales during the second half of 2017, non-cash charges associated with severance related payroll and benefit costs of $0.5 million in Q1 2018 and an increase in bad debt reserve of $0.5 million related to its Clinical Services business.

Net loss was $(4.5) million or $(0.16) per share for the first quarter of 2018, compared to a net loss of $(9.6) million or $(0.51) per share for the first quarter of 2017.

Cash and cash equivalents, excluding restricted cash of $0.4 million as of March 31, 2018 totaled $4.0 million, compared to $9.9 million as of December 31, 2017.

As announced on April 2, 2018, the Company engaged Raymond James & Associates, Inc. as a financial advisor to assist with evaluating options for the Company’s strategic direction. These options may include raising additional capital, the acquisition of another company and / or complementary assets, the sale of the Company, or another type of strategic partnership.

ONCOCYTE REPORTS FIRST QUARTER 2018 FINANCIAL RESULTS

On May 15, 2018 OncoCyte Corporation (NYSE American:OCX), a developer of novel, non-invasive tests for the early detection of cancer, reported financial and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018 (Press release, Oncocyte, MAY 15, 2018, View Source [SID1234526638]).

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"We have completed initial sample testing and begun analyzing the data collected in the confirmation study of our DetermaVu lung cancer diagnostic test. This study is being conducted on alternative diagnostic testing platforms using newly discovered biomarkers and seeks to confirm previous results," said William Annett, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are on track to meet our mid-year timeline for the results of this study. If the remaining DetermaVu studies are successful, our goal remains to complete the final Clinical Validation study in 2018."

As recently reported, OncoCyte discovered and filed patent applications for an additional 190 novel lung cancer biomarkers that may enable DetermaVu to provide better differentiation between malignant and benign lung nodules for improved lung cancer diagnosis. Our current study is analyzing a combination of the biomarkers OncoCyte used in earlier studies and newly discovered biomarkers. All 160 study samples have now been run on two established commercial diagnostic testing platforms and the data are being analyzed.

The outcome of the study will determine whether the 190 novel biomarkers will further increase the accuracy of DetermaVu and whether the diagnostic testing platforms being tested will provide consistent and robust support for the further clinical development studies that are necessary for commercialization.

Timeline and Upcoming Milestones

Data analysis from all 160 samples is expected to be completed by mid-year, at which time a decision will be made as to the diagnostic testing platform the Company will use going forward. Once the appropriate platform is selected, OncoCyte will work to optimize and lock a new algorithm based on the diagnostic testing platform and the new panel of biomarkers selected for the test, and then conduct an R&D Validation Study which will include an Analytic Validation Study. All samples necessary for carrying out these studies are in-house, enabling rapid advancement through each study. If these studies are successful, the Company will conduct a Clinical Validation study, which it expects to complete in 2018.

Other Recent Developments

Bolstered the balance sheet through a $10 million private placement of common stock with two current investors.

Discovered and filed patent applications for 190 novel lung cancer biomarkers that may enhance OncoCyte’s lung cancer test and enable better differentiation of malignant from benign lung nodules for improved lung cancer diagnosis.

Enhanced abilities to rapidly prototype, evaluate, and develop lung cancer diagnostic products through the continued growth of our well-characterized lung cancer clinical sample bank.

Strengthened the Board of Directors by adding Ronald Andrews, Jr., an executive with over 30 years’ experience in the molecular diagnostics and genomics industries. In addition, Cavan Redmond, a Director since 2015, was appointed Chairman of the Board.
First Quarter 2018 Financial Results

For the first quarter ended March 31, 2018, OncoCyte incurred a net loss of $3.8 million, or $0.12 per share, compared to a net loss of $4.7 million, or $0.16 per share, in the first quarter of 2017.

Operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2018 were $3.9 million, and were $3.4 million on an as adjusted basis.

Research and development expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 were $1.5 million compared to $1.8 million for the same period in 2017, a decrease of $0.3 million. This decrease is primarily attributable to decreases in compensation and related expenses, including stock-based compensation expenses.

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2018 were $1.8 million compared to $2.0 million for the same period in 2017, a decrease of $0.2 million. This decrease is mainly attributable to a $1.1 million shareholder noncash expense for the issuance of certain warrants during the three months ended March 31, 2017. The decrease was partially offset by increases in legal, compliance and business development costs, and compensation related expenses, including noncash stock-based compensation expense primarily related to stock options granted to an executive hired in the fourth quarter of 2017.

At March 31, 2018, OncoCyte had cash and cash equivalents of $12.6 million and marketable securities valued at $0.95 million. An additional $2 million was received on May 10, 2018 as the final installment of a stock purchase commitment in a private placement of common stock during March 2018. The Company believes its resources, coupled with prudent expense management, are sufficient to execute its near-term strategies.

Cash used in operations was approximately $2.75 million for the first quarter of 2018, as reported, or just over $900,000 per month, which represents a reduced annualized cash used in operations compared to 2017.

Conference Call

OncoCyte will host a conference call today, May 15, 2018, at 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT to discuss financial results.

The dial-in number in the U.S./Canada is 800-263-0877; for international participants, the number is +1-323-794-2094. For all callers, please refer to Conference ID 6365614. To access the live webcast, go to the investor relations section on the Company’s website, View Source

A replay of the conference call will be available for seven business days beginning about two hours after the conclusion of the live call, by calling 888-203-1112 toll-free (from U.S./Canada); international callers dial +1-719-457-0820. Use the Conference ID 6365614. Additionally, the archived webcast will be available at View Source