On November 8, 2022 Quanterix Corporation (NASDAQ: QTRX), a company fueling scientific discovery through ultrasensitive biomarker detection, reported operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2022 (Press release, Quanterix, NOV 8, 2022, View Source [SID1234623407]).

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Financial Highlights

Revenue of $26.6M for Q3 2022 was flat versus Q3 2021 with the prior year NIH RADx funding excluded, and increased 13% over Q2 2022.
Pro-forma gross margin of 35% for Q3 2022 was up 670 bps over Q2 2022 and down 1470 bps from Q3 2021.
For additional information on the pro-forma financial measures included in this press release, please see "Use of Pro-Forma Financial Measures" and "Reconciliation of GAAP to Pro-Forma" below.

Business Highlights

The Bio-Hermes trial we are participating in is nearing completion. This is a prospective trial in partnership with the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation. This prospective validation trial for pTau-181 will generate data in support of our regulatory filing for FDA clearance of the test, which would be the first of its kind in the market.
Quanterix received funding from Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) to accelerate Alzheimer’s disease diagnostic plasma test development. This is a collaboration with Amsterdam University Medical Centers (Amsterdam UMC) on four phases of clinical trials to validate Quanterix’s multi-analyte test. We are approximately 50% through Phase 1 and showing promising results for Alzheimer’s detection and differential diagnosis of memory complaints, generating four abstracts and one presentation to date.
Published discoveries enabled through Quanterix’s SimoaÒ technology continue to be strong. The technology was highlighted in a record 159 new publications in the third quarter 2022, bringing total Simoa-specific inclusions to over 2,000.
"Our third quarter results were in line with expectations set last quarter when we launched a significant assay quality remediation program," said Masoud Toloue, President and Chief Executive Officer of Quanterix. "We are pleased with the quarter-over-quarter financial and business progress with both revenue and gross margin growing, the program is on track and proceeding to plan. While demand remains robust, we are managing our volume to ensure we deliver quality products to our customers while we focus our efforts to improve the quality and long-term scalability of our product offerings. Our team’s conviction is resolute and the urgency high as our Simoa technology remains the foundation for unlocking new discoveries and innovations in both research and clinical applications, every day."

Quanterix’s third quarter revenue was flat compared to prior year excluding RADx, with consumable revenue declining as the Company balanced demand with assay quality and process improvement initiatives. This shortfall was offset by strong services revenue driven by the Company’s collaboration agreement with Eli Lilly and Company.

Quanterix’s third quarter pro-forma gross margin of 35% declined 1470 bps from 49.8% in the third quarter of 2021. The decline is due primarily to increased inventory reserves (800 bps), the change in allocation of expenses between operating expense and cost of goods sold (500 bps) previously announced in Q2 of this year and a slight revenue decline. Third quarter pro-forma margin increased 670 bps from the prior quarter driven by expense reductions and product mix shift, which offset increased inventory reserves.

Strategic Business Re-Alignment Progress

In August of 2022, the Company announced a comprehensive restructuring and business re-alignment plan in order to fully realize the potential of its Simoa platforms and continue its leadership role in ultrasensitive translational biomarker detection. As a result of the restructuring and the corresponding impact to Quanterix’s stock price, the Company has incurred the following restructuring and related charges in Q3:

Goodwill impairment—$8.2 million;
Impairment of long-lived assets—$8.7 million;
Restructuring expenses—$3.4 million (mainly related to employee costs); and
Other lease costs—$0.6 million.
In addition, the assay redevelopment program designed to improve its ability to manufacture and deliver high-quality assays at scale is on target and moving forward aligned to the plan announced last quarter.

Conference Call

In conjunction with this announcement, Quanterix Corporation will host a conference call on November 8, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. EST. Individuals interested in listening to the conference call may do so by pre-registering here and obtaining a dial-in number and passcode.

A live webcast will also be available at: View Source You may also access the live webcast by visiting the News & Events page within the Investors section of the Quanterix website at www.quanterix.com. The webcast will be available on the Company’s website for one year following completion of the call.

On November 8., 2022 CohBar, Inc. (NASDAQ: CWBR), a clinical stage biotechnology company leveraging the power of the mitochondria and the peptides encoded in its genome to develop potential breakthrough therapeutics targeting chronic and age-related diseases, reported its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022 and highlighted recent corporate progress (Press release, CohBar, NOV 8, 2022, View Source [SID1234623406]).

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"I’m pleased with the team’s performance during the third quarter of 2022 in advancing our top priorities, including improving the formulation of CB5138-3, our product candidate for IPF," stated Dr. Joseph Sarret, Chief Executive Officer. "We continue to operate the company in a prudent financial manner, and we completed a reverse stock split, which was a necessary step to regain compliance with Nasdaq and enable potential access to institutional capital. Looking ahead, we are prioritizing activities that will support the planned clinical development of our IPF program and we look forward to communicating additional progress in the near future."

Recent Updates and Third Quarter 2022 Highlights

Formulation Work for CB5138-3 Ongoing: The company continues to advance CB5138-3, its lead program for IPF, through IND-enabling studies and formulation activities. In the second half of 2023, CohBar plans to submit an Investigational New Drug Application (IND) for CB5138-3 to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration pending a suitable formulation.

Strengthened Board with Appointment of Effie Tozzo, Ph.D: CohBar announced the appointment of Dr. Effie Tozzo as an independent director to the company’s board of directors. Dr. Tozzo brings 26 years of research and development expertise at both established pharmaceutical and innovative biotechnology companies, including extensive experience in mitochondria research.

Executed Reverse Stock Split: CohBar implemented a 1-for-30 reverse stock split effective on September 23, 2022. The company utilized this corporate action to regain compliance with Nasdaq’s $1.00 minimum bid price requirement. The company has since received a letter from Nasdaq confirming that it has achieved compliance with the listing requirements.
Third Quarter 2022 Financial Highlights

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments: The company had cash, cash equivalents and investments of $18.3 million as of September 30, 2022, compared to $26.2 million as of December 31, 2021. The cash burn for the quarter ended September 30, 2022 was approximately $1.9 million.

R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022, compared to $1.6 million in the prior year quarter. The decrease in research and development expenses was primarily due to lower program costs due to the timing of those expenses.

G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022, compared to $1.8 million in the prior year quarter. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was due to lower stock-based compensation costs.

Net Loss: For the three months ended September 30, 2022, net loss, which included $0.4 million of non-cash expenses, was $2.4 million, or $0.82 per basic and diluted share on a post-split basis. For the three months ended September 30, 2021, net loss, which included $0.7 million of non-cash expenses, was $3.4 million, or $1.61 per basic and diluted share on a post-split basis.
Details for the Conference Call:

A simultaneous webcast of the call will be accessible via the Investors section of the CohBar website at www.cohbar.com.
For individuals participating in the Investor Call or webcast, please call or login to the conference audio approximately 10 minutes prior to its start.

An audio replay of the call will be available beginning at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on November 8, 2022, through 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 29, 2022. To access the recording please dial (844) 512-2921 in the U.S. and Canada, or (412) 317-6671 internationally, and reference Conference ID# 10171343. The audio recording will also be available at www.cohbar.com during the same period.

On November 8, 2022 Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HALO) ("Halozyme") reported its financial and operating results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022 and provided an update on its recent corporate activities and outlook (Press release, Halozyme, NOV 8, 2022, View Source [SID1234623405]).

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"Our third quarter accomplishments are reflective of the expanded opportunities and capabilities at Halozyme that support an enhanced and extended revenue and earnings growth trajectory. DARZALEX SC and Phesgo have continued to demonstrate strong momentum driving 70% year-over-year royalty revenue growth in the third quarter. Our partners also continued to advance their development pipelines with ENHANZE. Our Wave 3 products represent the most near-term opportunities with the potential to launch between 2023 and 2025. We are excited for argenx’s biologics license application to the FDA for efgartigimod SC with ENHANZE for Myasthenia Gravis as well as Roche’s plans for regulatory submissions for Tecentriq SC in the U.S. and EU," said Dr. Helen Torley, president and chief executive officer of Halozyme. "Our leadership in drug delivery technologies and innovative commercial products have augmented our growth initiatives, diversified our revenue streams and extended revenue durability. We look forward to further strengthening our position as the drug delivery partner of choice for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies with both ENHANZE and our auto-injectors."

Recent Partner Highlights:

In October 2022, Roche Pharmaceuticals China announced the approval of Herceptin (trastuzumab injection subcutaneous with ENHANZE) in China for the treatment of patients with early-stage and metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer.
In September 2022, Janssen initiated a Phase 3 study of lazertinib and amivantamab with ENHANZE in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (PALOMA-3).
In September 2022, argenx announced the submission of a biologics license application ("BLA") to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") for subcutaneous ("SC") efgartigimod for the treatment of adults with generalized myasthenia gravis ("MG"). SC efgartigimod is co-formulated with ENHANZE.
In September 2022, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (a Member of the Roche Group) announced the submission of a New Drug Application in Japan for fixed-dose subcutaneous combination of pertuzumab and trastuzumab (same monoclonal antibodies as Phesgo in U.S. and EU).
In August 2022, Bristol Myers Squibb ("BMS") initiated a Phase 3 trial to compare the drug levels of nivolumab with ENHANZE administered subcutaneously versus intravenous administration in participants with melanoma following complete resection (CheckMate-6GE).
In August 2022, Roche announced that the Phase III IMscin001 study evaluating a subcutaneous formulation of Tecentriq (atezolizumab) with ENHANZE met its co-primary endpoints. The study showed non-inferior levels of Tecentriq in the blood (pharmacokinetics), when injected subcutaneously, compared with intravenous infusion, in cancer immunotherapy-naïve patients with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer for whom prior platinum therapy has failed. The safety profile of the SC formulation was consistent with IV Tecentriq. Roche announced that they will submit the data for regulatory approval to health authorities globally, including the FDA, resulting in revenue recognition of $19 million for Halozyme in Q3 2022 for associated milestones.
In July 2022, Takeda announced positive topline results from pivotal Phase 3 trial evaluating HYQVIA (Immunoglobulin infusion 10% (Human) with rHuPH20), for maintenance treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy ("CIDP").
Recent Corporate Highlights:

In August 2022, we completed the sale of $720 million in aggregate principal amount of 1.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2028. We used a portion of the net proceeds to facilitate an induced conversion with certain holders of our outstanding 1.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2024. In connection with the induced conversion, we paid the note holders $77.6 million in cash and issued 1.51 million shares. We also used portions of the net proceeds to repay all of the $250 million term loan facility due 2026.
In August 2022, we entered into an amendment to our revolving credit agreement that increased the size of the facility from $350 million to $575 million.
In the third quarter of 2022, we accelerated $100 million of planned share repurchases from 2023 into 2022, for a total of $200 million planned share repurchases in 2022. In August 2022, we repurchased 2.1 million shares of common stock in open market purchases for $90.2 million at an average price per share of $43.09 and entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement to repurchase $109.8 million of our common stock, for which we took an initial delivery of 2 million shares.
Third Quarter Financial Highlights:

Revenue for the third quarter was $209 million compared to $115.8 million for the third quarter of 2021. The 80% year-over-year increase was driven by an increase in royalty revenue primarily attributable to subcutaneous DARZALEX (daratumumab), the addition of product sales as a result of the Antares Pharma acquisition and an increase in revenues under collaborative agreements due to milestone recognitions from BMS and Roche. Revenue for the quarter included $99.6 million in royalties, an increase of 70% compared to $58.6 million in the prior year period.
Cost of sales for the third quarter was $47.3 million, compared to $18.6 million for the third quarter of 2021. The year-over-year increase was driven by an increase in product sales as a result of the Antares Pharma acquisition.
Amortization of intangibles expense in the third quarter was $27.2 million, an increase from no expense in the third quarter of 2021 due to the Antares Pharma acquisition, in which we acquired intangible assets that are amortized over a useful life related to the auto injector technology platform, XYOSTED and TLANDO.
Research and development expenses for the third quarter were $16.7 million, compared to $8.5 million for the third quarter of 2021. The increase is primarily due to planned investments in ENHANZE, the Antares Pharma acquisition and increases in compensation expense related to the ongoing combined larger workforce.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the third quarter were $34.5 million, compared to $13.2 million for the third quarter of 2021. The increase was primarily due to the Antares Pharma acquisition and an increase in compensation expense related to the ongoing combined larger workforce.
Operating Income in the third quarter of 2022 was $83.3 million, compared to operating income of $75.6 million in the third quarter of 2021.
Net Income: On a GAAP basis in the third quarter of 2022, net income was $61.6 million, compared with net income of $216.6 million in the third quarter of 2021, which includes the reversal of substantially all of the valuation allowance recorded against the Company’s deferred tax assets and resulted in the recognition of a non-cash income tax benefit during the quarter of $142.5 million. Non-GAAP net income was $103.3 million in the third quarter of 2022, compared with non-GAAP net income of $80.5 million in the third quarter of 2021.1 The Company notes that 2022 is the first year in which Halozyme is recording income tax expense as part of its income statement.
Earnings per Share: On a GAAP basis in the third quarter of 2022, diluted earnings per share was $0.44, compared with $1.48 in the third quarter of 2021. On a non-GAAP basis diluted earnings per share was $0.74, compared with diluted earnings per share of $0.55 in the third quarter of 2021.1
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $265.6 million on September 30, 2022, compared to $740.9 million on December 31, 2021.
Financial Outlook for 2022

The Company is reiterating its financial guidance for 2022, which was last provided on August 9, 2022 as a result of the close of the Antares Pharma transaction and strong year-to-date results. For the full year 2022, the Company expects:

Total revenue of $655 million to $685 million, representing growth of 48% to 55% over 2021 total revenue primarily driven by projected revenue contribution from the Antares business of $115 million to $125 million. The Company expects revenue from royalties to increase by approximately 70% over revenue from royalties in 2021, to approximately $350 million to $360 million.
GAAP operating income of $240 million to $265 million, which includes one-time transaction costs of approximately $45 million and amortization of approximately $80 million related to the Antares acquisition. Adjusting for these costs, we expect adjusted operating income of $365 million to $390 million. 1
GAAP net income of $170 million to $195 million and non-GAAP net income of $295 million to $320 million.1 The Company notes that 2022 will be the first full fiscal year in which Halozyme will record income tax expense as part of its income statement.
GAAP diluted earnings per share of $1.20 to $1.35 due to acquisition related costs in 2022.
Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share are expected to be $2.10 to $2.25,1 reflective of the projected accretion from the Antares Pharma acquisition.
The Company’s earnings per share guidance does not consider the impact of potential future share repurchases.

Webcast and Conference Call

Halozyme will host its Quarterly Update Conference Call for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022 today, Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT. The call will be webcast live through the "Investors" section of Halozyme’s corporate website and a recording will be made available following the close of the call. To access the webcast and additional documents related to the call, please visit the "Investors" section of www.halozyme.com.

On November 8, 2022 Lyell Immunopharma, Inc. (Lyell) (Nasdaq: LYEL), a clinical‑stage T-cell reprogramming company dedicated to developing curative cell therapies for patients with solid tumors, reported financial results for the third quarter of 2022 (Press release, Lyell Immunopharma, NOV 8, 2022, View Source [SID1234623404]).

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"In the past year we have advanced two product candidates into clinical development and have added LYL119, a second-generation CAR T-cell product candidate, to our pipeline of wholly owned novel cell therapies," said Liz Homans, CEO of Lyell. "As we continue to progress our pipeline, we are grateful for the support of physicians, clinical site staff, patients and their families and our dedicated and talented employees who enable our mission," said CEO Liz Homans. "Our strong financial position allows us to execute against our long-range plans with a cash runway into 2026, which takes us through important clinical milestones. These expected milestones include initial clinical data from both of our wholly owned product candidates, LYL797 and LYL845."

Recent Business Highlights

Announced FDA clearance of the IND for LYL845, a TIL product candidate enhanced with Lyell’s novel epigenetic reprogramming technology for solid tumors. LYL845 is an autologous TIL therapy enhanced with Lyell’s Epi-R reprogramming technology designed to create polyclonal T cell populations with properties of durable stemness and improved function.
The Phase 1 trial is expected to initially enroll patients with relapsed and/or refractory metastatic or locally advanced melanoma and subsequently expand into non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer.
Initial data presentation for LYL845 is expected in 2024.
Announced the presentation of five abstracts at the 2022 Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) Annual Meeting highlighting preclinical data on Lyell’s product candidates and new genetic and epigenetic reprogramming technologies. The abstracts showcase compelling preclinical data underlying Lyell’s lead TIL product candidate, LYL845, as well as preclinical data on new stackable genetic and epigenetic reprogramming technologies being incorporated into LYL119, its second-generation investigational ROR1-targeting CAR T-cell product candidate.
Presented the first-in-human Phase 1 trial design for LYL797, Lyell’s ROR1-targeted CAR T-cell therapy enhanced with genetic and epigenetic reprogramming for the treatment of solid tumors, at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress 2022 in Paris, France.
Patient screening in the Phase 1 trial of LYL797 was initiated in late March; however, clinical site activation was initially slower than anticipated. Lyell has undertaken several measures to accelerate administrative site activation activities and has also increased the number of sites that will participate in the trial. As a result, although site activations are now progressing well, enrollment has been slower than anticipated.
Despite the accelerated pace of site activations, in order to present a meaningful dataset in terms of both the number of patients and duration of response to therapy, the timing of presentation of initial data is now expected to occur in the first half of 2024.
Announced the appointment of Rahsaan W. Thompson, as Chief Legal Officer. Mr. Thompson is a biopharmaceutical industry veteran, with more than 20 years of experience with development stage and commercial companies.
Announced that GSK informed Lyell that, as part of a number of strategic actions it is taking, it is discontinuing its development of product candidates targeting NY-ESO-1, including the second-generation product candidates incorporating our genetic and epigenetic reprogramming technologies (LYL132 and LYL331). The termination of the collaboration agreement with Lyell will be effective December 24, 2022. Given the early stage of these second-generation programs, the decision is not based on any clinical efficacy or safety data from these programs.
Third Quarter 2022 Financial Results

Revenue

Revenue was approximately zero and $2.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. No additional research and development pursuant to the GSK Agreement was performed in the third quarter of 2022, which drove a decrease in revenue of $2.8 million.
GAAP and Non-GAAP Operating Expenses

Lyell reported a net loss of $70.3 million for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022, compared to a net loss of $48.9 million for the same period in 2021. Non-GAAP net loss, which excludes non-cash stock-based compensation, non-cash expenses related to the change in the estimated fair value of success payment liabilities and non-cash impairment adjustment of other investments, was $43.7 million for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022 compared to $35.7 million for the same period in 2021.
Research and development (R&D) expenses were $41.6 million for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022, compared to $31.4 million for the same period in 2021. The increase in R&D expenses was primarily driven by increases in personnel and infrastructure costs to support the expansion of our R&D and manufacturing capabilities. Non‑GAAP R&D expenses, which exclude non-cash stock-based compensation and non-cash expenses related to the change in the estimated fair value of success payment liabilities for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022, were $34.7 million, compared to $28.7 million for the same period in 2021.
General and administrative (G&A) expenses were $26.1 million for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022, compared to $21.2 million for the same period in 2021. The increase in G&A expenses was primarily due to a $4.3 million increase in stock-based compensation expense, primarily related to award modifications and new awards granted. Non‑GAAP G&A expenses, which exclude non-cash stock-based compensation, for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022 were $11.4 million, compared to $10.9 million for the same period in 2021. The increase in non-GAAP G&A expenses was driven by public company operating costs.
A discussion of non-GAAP financial measures, including reconciliations of the most comparable GAAP measures to non-GAAP financial measures, is presented below under "Non-GAAP Financial Measures."

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of September 30, 2022 were $750.7 million, compared to $898.3 million as of December 31, 2021. Certain clinical trial expenses projected for 2022 are now expected to be incurred in 2023. As a result of expense timing, as well as diligent expense management, Lyell believes that its cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities balances will be sufficient to meet working capital and capital expenditure needs into 2026.

On November 8, 2022 Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLRX), a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing novel therapeutics for the treatment of fibrosis, reported third quarter 2022 financial results (Press release, Pliant Therapeutics, NOV 8, 2022, View Source [SID1234623403]).

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"Our strong third quarter progress was highlighted by positive data from our lead candidate PLN-74809 in IPF, the further strengthening of our financial position through a successful public offering and the positive DSMB safety review of the ongoing INTEGRIS-IPF trial that added to the growing favorable safety profile of this novel drug candidate," said Bernard Coulie, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Pliant Therapeutics. "This progress sets the stage for several near-term clinical data readouts, including the 12-week and 24-week data from the INTEGRIS-IPF program in early 2023 and the first half of 2023, respectively."

Third Quarter and Recent Highlights

PLN-74809 (bexotegrast) Highlights

The International Nonproprietary Names (INN) Expert Group adopted "bexotegrast" as the unique non-proprietary or generic name for PLN-74809. Going forward, Pliant will use bexotegrast in place of PLN-74809.
Positive safety and efficacy data from Phase 2a INTEGRIS-IPF trial of PLN-74809 (bexotegrast) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). PLN-74809 (bexotegrast), at once-daily doses of 40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg, demonstrated a dose-dependent treatment effect on forced vital capacity (FVC) and quantitative lung fibrosis (QLF) and serum biomarkers of PRO-C3 versus placebo over 12 weeks of treatment. A treatment effect was observed at all three doses tested on top of standard of care therapy and as monotherapy. In addition, PLN-74809 (bexotegrast) was well tolerated over 12 weeks of treatment with no drug related serious adverse events (SAEs) and no treatment discontinuations due to adverse events.
Positive independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) review of the ongoing INTEGRIS-IPF Phase 2a trial. This regularly scheduled DSMB review was held in August after the completion of enrollment of the 320 mg cohort. The DSMB examined the safety data from all patients enrolled, approximately half of whom had completed at least 12 weeks of treatment, and recommended the INTEGRIS-IPF trial continue without modification.
INTEGRIS-IPF Phase 2a trial of PLN-74809 (bexotegrast) at 320 mg on track for 12-week data readout in early first quarter 2023. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial is also evaluating PLN-74809 (bexotegrast) 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 effect on FVC and QLF imaging as well as biomarkers. Trial enrollment was completed in the second quarter of 2022 with interim 12-week data expected early in the first quarter of 2023 and 24-week data expected in the first half of 2023.
Positive independent DSMB review of the ongoing INTEGRIS-PSC Phase 2a trial of PLN-74809 (bexotegrast) in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). This regularly scheduled DSMB review was held in October to examine the safety data from all patients enrolled. The DSMB recommended the INTEGRIS-PSC trial continue without modification. Topline data from this trial is expected in the third quarter of 2023.
Early-Stage Development Programs

Oncology program is completing Investigational New Drug (IND) enabling activities. Based on encouraging preclinical data generated to date, the Company is prioritizing the oncology program as the next program to enter clinical development. IND application submission is expected by the end of 2022.
Muscular dystrophy program progressing through IND enabling activities. IND application submission is expected in 2023.
Corporate Highlights

Closing of underwritten public offering of $230 million in common stock. The Company closed a public offering yielding $215.4 million in net proceeds to the Company, which included the underwriter’s exercise in full of their option to purchase additional shares. Pliant intends to use the net proceeds from the offering, together with its existing cash, cash equivalents and investments, to develop its ongoing and future preclinical and clinical programs including PLN-74809 (bexotegrast), further develop its integrin targeting platform, to fund working capital, operating expenses and capital expenditures, and for other general corporate purposes.
Appointment of Dr. Katharine Knobil to the Company’s Board of Directors. Dr. Knobil brings over 20 years of clinical development and medical affairs expertise from strategic leadership roles from across the globe to the Company. Dr. Knobil currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer at Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Third Quarter 2022 Financial Results

Research and development expenses were $24.6 million, as compared to $21.1 million for the prior-year quarter. The increase was due primarily to employee related expenses and higher manufacturing related costs which was partially offset by a decrease in clinical trial expenses given several Phase 1 studies completed prior to the third quarter of 2022.
General and administrative expenses were $8.8 million, as compared to $7.7 million for the prior-year quarter. The increase was due to higher personnel-related and professional services expenses.
Net loss of $30.6 million as compared to $27.0 million for the prior-year quarter due to an increase in operating expenses coupled with a slight decrease in collaboration revenues under the Novartis collaboration during the quarter.
As of September 30, 2022, the Company had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $360.2 million and considering full utilization of the Oxford loan facility, the Company expects to be able to fund operations to mid-2025.