Omeros Corporation Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

On May 15, 2025 Omeros Corporation (Nasdaq: OMER) reported recent highlights and developments as well as financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, which include (Press release, Omeros, MAY 15, 2025, View Source [SID1234653177]):

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● Net loss for the first quarter of 2025 was $33.5 million, or $0.58 per share, compared to a net loss of $37.2 million, or $0.63 per share for the first quarter of 2024.

● At March 31, 2025, we had $52.4 million of cash and short-term investments available for operations and debt servicing, a decrease of $37.7 million from December 31, 2024.

● In March 2025, we resubmitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") our Biologics License Application ("BLA") seeking regulatory approval for narsoplimab in hematopoietic stem cell transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy ("TA-TMA"). FDA accepted the resubmission for review as a class 2 resubmission and, pursuant to the Prescription Drug User Fee Act ("PDUFA"), assigned a target date for FDA action of September 25, 2025.

● We are also preparing a European marketing authorization application ("MAA") for narsoplimab in TA-TMA, which we expect to submit in the second quarter of 2025.

● On May 12, 2025, we entered into exchange agreements with holders of our 5.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026 (the "2026 Convertible Notes"). We exchanged $70.8 million in aggregate principal amount of our 2026 Convertible Notes for newly issued 9.50% Convertible Senior Notes due in June 2029, on a one-for-one basis. In addition, we reached an agreement with two affiliated holders to convert $10.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Convertible Notes into shares of our common stock in three separate tranches, with the conversion of the entire principal to be completed no later than September 15, 2025. Following these transactions, the outstanding principal balance of the 2026 Convertible Notes will be reduced to approximately $17.1 million. Significantly, the reduction in the principal amount of our 2026 Convertible Notes eliminated the need to avoid an accelerated maturity of the entire balance of our term loan by making a $20.0 million prepayment and paying a $1.0 million prepayment premium on or prior to November 2025.

● During the first quarter we elected to temporarily suspend or pause certain activities and programs to prioritize the allocation of our currently available capital to the development of commercial infrastructure and capacities needed to ensure the successful launch of narsoplimab, assuming approval by FDA of our BLA, and to the completion of our ongoing clinical trials with enrolled patients.

● Last quarter we began initiating clinical trial sites for our Phase 3 program evaluating zaltenibart (formerly known as OMS906) for the treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria ("PNH"); however, based on the anticipated ramp up in spending on those trials and the need to prioritize the use of currently available capital, we determined to pause our Phase 3 PNH program temporarily. We are working with our vendors and investigators to ensure that the program is ready to be restarted with as little disruption to the timeline as possible after securing capital. We expect to complete remaining activities in our ongoing clinical trial evaluating zaltenibart for the treatment of PNH in treatment-naïve patients and to continue the long-term extension study, which enrolls zaltenibart-treated PNH patients who have completed any of our prior zaltenibart studies.

● Although preparations for the anticipated commercial launch of narsoplimab will continue, we have determined to suspend our expanded access program ("EAP") for narsoplimab, also known as compassionate use, to eliminate direct costs associated with drug supply and external management of the EAP program. We remain committed to supporting patients who are currently being treated under the EAP and discontinuation of the EAP will not affect these patients. Additionally, our ongoing study of narsoplimab in pediatric patients with TA-TMA will continue.

● Development spending on our long-acting, next generation MASP-2 inhibitor, OMS1029 has already been limited. That asset is Phase 2 ready, with drug product needed to support Phase 2 trials having been manufactured and stored, pending the selection of the first indication and the availability and allocation of resources to initiate Phase 2 studies.

● Spending in other areas of our complement programs, including our small-molecule MASP-2 and MASP-3 programs, is also being reduced or halted as part of our effort to focus resources on core development priorities.

"We are pleased that our BLA for narsoplimab in TA-TMA has been accepted by FDA, which is a significant milestone for our narsoplimab program and for Omeros," said Gregory A. Demopulos, M.D., Omeros’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We have already received and are responding to FDA’s information requests, and our highest priority as an organization is to obtain approval for narsoplimab. For this reason, we have taken action to reduce expenses and prioritize spending on the narsoplimab launch and other key priorities. In parallel, through the recently completed exchange of the large majority of our 2026 convertible notes for convertible notes maturing in 2029 and converting a small portion to equity, our total debt will be reduced by approximately $10.0 million and our near-term debt maturities will be lowered by over $100 million, reducing our short-term debt repayment obligations from approximately $118 million to approximately $17 million. This should position us well to raise additional capital for our operations."

First Quarter and Recent Clinical Developments

● Recent developments regarding OMS527, our phosphodiesterase 7 ("PDE7") inhibitor program focused on addictions and compulsive disorders as well as movement disorders, include:

● Work on the planned randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, inpatient Phase 1b clinical trial comparing the safety and efficacy of OMS527 to placebo in the treatment of adults with cocaine use disorder ("CUD") is ongoing with committed funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a part of the National Institutes of Health, in the amount of $4.02 million for the year commencing April 1, 2025. Enrollment in the study is expected to begin later this year and a readout of data from the study is anticipated late this year or in early 2026.

● Recent developments regarding our oncology platform comprising signaling-driven immunomodulators, oncotoxins, and an adoptive T-cell technology combined with an immunostimulator, include:

● In April 2025, we established the Omeros Oncology Clinical Steering Committee to advance Omeros’ OncotoX biologics program focused on acute myeloid leukemia ("AML"). The clinical steering committee is composed of leaders in AML treatment and research at the premier cancer centers across the United States. These experts in the treatment of AML are expected to help guide clinical development of our potential AML therapeutic.

● We continue on a limited basis to progress pre-clinical studies within our novel oncology program, including IND-enabling studies in our OncotoX-AML program. In both in vivo and in vitro models with human cell lines, our OncotoX-AML therapeutic has consistently demonstrated superior efficacy to current AML standard of care treatments. OncotoX-AML shows broad application across AML regardless of genetic mutation including TP53, NPM1, KMT2a, and FLT3. IND-enabling work is ongoing with an estimated timeline to clinical entry of 18-24 months.

Financial Results

Net loss for the first quarter of 2025 was $33.5 million, or $0.58 per share, compared to a net loss of $37.2 million, or $0.63 per share for the first quarter of 2024.

At March 31, 2025, we had $52.4 million of cash and short-term investments available for operations and debt service, a decrease of $37.7 million from December 31, 2024.

For the first quarter of 2025, we earned OMIDRIA royalties of $6.7 million on Rayner’s U.S. net sales of $22.3 million. This compares to earned OMIDRIA royalties of $9.4 million during the first quarter of 2024 on U.S. net sales of $31.2 million. Per the terms of our original 2022 and amended 2024 agreements with DRI Health Acquisition LP, ("DRI"), all U.S. based royalties through 2031 are remitted from Rayner to DRI through an escrow agent.

Total operating expenses for the first quarter of 2025 were $35.0 million compared to $39.0 million for the first quarter of 2024. The $4.1 million decrease was primarily due to the wind down of our clinical program developing narsoplimab for IgA nephropathy offset by increased clinical development costs with Phase 2 of our zaltenibart program.

Interest expense during the first quarter of 2025 was $3.7 million compared to $8.2 million during the prior year quarter. The decrease was due to repurchasing and retiring $118.1 million of par on our 2026 Notes in June 2024 and recording a non-cash remeasurement adjustment in the prior year to increase the OMIDRIA royalty obligation to reflect the sale of expanded royalties to DRI.

During the first quarter of 2025, we earned $1.1 million in interest and other income compared to $3.4 million in the first quarter of 2024. The difference is primarily due to lower cash and investments available to invest in the current quarter.

Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax, was $4.1 million, or $0.07 per share, in the first quarter of 2025 compared to $6.7 million, or $0.11 per share, in the first quarter of 2024. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in OMIDRIA royalties earned in the current quarter.

Conference Call Details

Omeros’ management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the financial results and to provide an update on business activities. The call will be held today at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time; 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

For online access to the live webcast of the conference call, go to Omeros’ website at View Source

To access the live conference call via phone, participants must register at the following URL View Source to receive a unique PIN. Once registered, you will have two options: (1) Dial in to the conference line provided at the registration site using the PIN provided to you, or (2) choose the "Call Me" option, which will instantly dial the phone number you provide. Should you lose your PIN or registration confirmation email, simply re-register to receive a new PIN.

A replay of the call will be made accessible online at View Source

SparX Biopharmaceutical Corp Announces Research Agreement with Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America to Advance Novel Antibody-Drug Conjugates

On May 15, 2025 SparX Biopharmaceutical Corp ("SparX"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering next-generation antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technologies, reported the signing of a research agreement with Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. (MTPA) (Press release, Sparx Therapeutics, MAY 15, 2025, View Source [SID1234653195]). This collaboration aims to advance an innovative ADC program: a conceptually novel immune cell target-based ADC.

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The research with MTPA will focus on an ADC against a first-in-class immune cell target, with the potential to serve as a universal tumor-targeting strategy across multiple cancer types.

"This collaboration marks significant milestone for SparX, reflecting the strength of our novel target discovery capabilities" said Gui-Dong Zhu, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of SparX Biopharmaceutical Corp. "We are excited to work alongside MTPA to bring transformative ADC therapies to patients worldwide."

New Novartis data at ASCO and EHA showcase momentum of pioneering portfolio with promising pipeline

On May 15, 2025 Novartis reported it will present data from 60 company or investigator sponsored abstracts that have the potential to change clinical practice, at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) 2025 Congress (Press release, Novartis, MAY 15, 2025, View Source [SID1234653249]).

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"The breadth of our oncology and hematology portfolio – anchored by Kisqali, Pluvicto, Scemblix and Fabhalta – demonstrates our leadership in both solid tumors and hematologic diseases," said Shreeram Aradhye, M.D., President, Development and Chief Medical Officer, Novartis. "At ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) and EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper), we will present new data on these priority medicines as well as updates from our pipeline and our industry-leading radioligand therapy research."

Novartis will also highlight its US partnerships with the National Football League (NFL), Alliance for Breast Cancer Policy, and ZERO Prostate Cancer, which encourage people to make proactive decisions about their health and advance patient-centered policy solutions to help improve outcomes.

"We’re witnessing a profound shift in how people move through their cancer journey, with cancer diagnoses occurring at younger ages and, simultaneously, older patients living longer and approaching aging with new vigor," said Victor Bultó, President, US, Novartis. "As a leader in driving medical advances in oncology, we have the responsibility to also make a difference in areas beyond treatment innovation. By partnering across the ecosystem, our goal is to advance the conversation around earlier detection and meet the evolving needs of this next generation of cancer patients."

Key highlights of data accepted by ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) include:

Medicine Abstract Title Abstract Number/ Presentation Details
Kisqali
(ribociclib)* Efficacy and safety of ribociclib (RIB) + nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor (NSAI) in NATALEE: Analysis across menopausal status and age Abstract #516
Rapid Oral
June 1, 8:00 – 9:30am CDT
Kisqali
(ribociclib) Real-world (RW) analysis of characteristics and risk of recurrence (ROR) in Black patients (pts) with HR+/HER2− early breast cancer (EBC) eligible for NATALEE Abstract #527
Poster Presentation
June 2, 9:00am – 12:00pm CDT
Kisqali
(ribociclib) Adjuvant WIDER: A phase 3b trial of ribociclib (RIB) + endocrine therapy (ET) as adjuvant treatment (tx) in a close-to-clinical-practice patient (pt) population with HR+/HER2− early breast cancer (EBC) Abstract #TPS617
Poster Presentation
June 2, 9:00am – 12:00pm CDT
Kisqali
(ribociclib) First-line (1L) ribociclib (RIB) + endocrine therapy (ET) vs combination chemotherapy (combo CT) in clinically aggressive hormone receptor (HR)+/HER2− advanced breast cancer (ABC): A subgroup analysis of patients (pts) with or without liver metastases (mets) from RIGHT Choice Abstract #1069
Poster Presentation
June 2, 9:00am – 12:00pm CDT
Scemblix
(asciminib) Efficacy and safety of asciminib (ASC) in patients (pts) with chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML-CP) after 1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI): Interim analysis (IA) of the phase 2 ASC2ESCALATE trial Abstract #6516
Rapid Oral
May 30, 1:00 – 2:30pm CDT
Scemblix
(asciminib) Primary endpoint results of the phase 3b ASC4START trial of asciminib (ASC) vs nilotinib (NIL) in newly diagnosed chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML-CP): Time to treatment discontinuation due to adverse events (TTDAE) Abstract #6501
Oral Presentation
June 2, 3:00 – 6:00pm CDT
Pluvicto
(lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) Clinical outcomes of prompt versus deferred 177Lu-PSMA-617 initiation for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) based on prior androgen receptor pathway inhibitor (ARPI) and taxane chemotherapy exposure: a real-world PRostatE Cancer dISease observatION (PRECISION) data platform analysis Abstract #e17030
Online Publication
Pluvicto
(lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) Real-world outcomes among patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) receiving guideline-recommended therapies after treatment with 177Lu-PSMA-617: a real-world PRostatE Cancer dISease observatION (PRECISION) data platform analysis Abstract #e17035
Online Publication
Pluvicto
(lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) PSMA-delay castration (DC): An open-label, multicenter, randomized phase 3 study of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 versus observation in patients with metachronous PSMA-positive oligometastatic prostate cancer (OMPC) Abstract #TPS5127
Poster Presentation
June 2, 9:00am – 12:00pm CDT
Key highlights of data accepted by EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) include:

Medicine Abstract Title Abstract Number/ Presentation Details
Fabhalta
(iptacopan) APPULSE-PNH: Oral iptacopan monotherapy demonstrates clinically meaningful hemoglobin (Hb) increases in patients (pts) with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and Hb ≥10 g/dL on anti-C5 therapy Abstract #S183
Oral Presentation
June 13, 5:00 – 6:15pm CEST

Fabhalta
(iptacopan) The 2-year safety and efficacy of iptacopan monotherapy in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) from APPLY- and APPOINT-PNH studies who entered the roll-over extension program (REP) Abstract #PF660
Poster Presentation
June 13, 6:30 – 7:30pm CEST

Scemblix
(asciminib) Asciminib (ASC) shows superior tolerability vs nilotinib (NIL) in newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (CML-CP): Primary endpoint results of the phase (Ph) 3b ASC4START trial Abstract #S166
Oral Presentation
June 13, 5:00 – 6:25pm CEST

Scemblix
(asciminib) Improved patient-reported outcomes (PROs) with asciminib (ASC) vs investigator-selected tyrosine kinase inhibitors (IS-TKIs) in newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): ASC4FIRST wk 48 analysis Abstract #PS1588
Poster Presentation
June 14, 6:30 – 7:30pm CEST

Scemblix
(asciminib)

Interim analysis (IA) results from ASC2ESCALATE support asciminib (ASC) as a treatment (Tx) option in chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML-CP) after 1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) Abstract #PF595
Poster Presentation
June 13, 6:30 – 7:30pm CEST

Pelabresib
(DAK539) Pelabresib in combination with ruxolitinib for janus kinase inhibitor-naive patients with myelofibrosis: 72-week follow-up with long-term efficacy outcomes of the phase III MANIFEST-2 study Abstract #S223
Oral Presentation
June 12, 5:00 – 6:15pm CEST

Ianalumab
(VAY736) A Phase 2 Study of Ianalumab in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia previously treated with at least two lines of therapy (VAYHIT3) Abstract #S312
Oral Presentation
June 15, 11:00am – 12:15pm CEST

Rapcabtagene autoleucel
(YTB323) Rapcabtagene Autoleucel (YTB323) in patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A phase II trial clinical update Abstract #PF1152
Poster Presentation
June 13, 6:30 – 7:30pm CEST

Full year financial results Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2025

On May 15, 2025 Eisai reported financial results and business update for the full year 2024 (Presentation, Eisai, MAY 15, 2025, View Source [SID1234653940]).

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Aura Biosciences Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Business Highlights

On May 15, 2025 Aura Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: AURA), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing precision therapies for solid tumors designed to preserve organ function, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, and provided recent business highlights (Press release, Aura Biosciences, MAY 15, 2025, View Source [SID1234653160]).

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"Aura has started 2025 with strong momentum, making meaningful strides across both our ocular and urologic oncology programs," said Elisabet de los Pinos, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Aura. "Our global Phase 3 CoMpass trial in early-stage choroidal melanoma continues to advance, and we enrolled the first patient in our multi-dose Phase 1b/2 trial in NMIBC. At Aura, we remain deeply focused on transforming the treatment landscape in ocular and urologic cancers—two areas where patients urgently need innovative therapies."

Recent Pipeline Developments

Early-Stage Choroidal Melanoma

Update on Ongoing Phase 3 CoMpass Trial: CoMpass is the first registration-enabling study in early-stage choroidal melanoma. The study is a global, Phase 3, randomized trial evaluating bel-sar treatment against a sham control arm and includes an enrichment strategy to enroll approximately 100 patients with documented tumor growth.

The CoMpass trial is actively enrolling globally. To identify appropriate patients to meet the enrichment strategy of documented growth, the Company has enabled a pre-screening ‘run in’ period. Globally, since June 2024, investigators have registered over 220 patients in a pre-screening tool as having met initial enrollment criteria for the study, highlighting the global need for a frontline vision-preserving therapy. Given the momentum in the study globally, the Company believes study enrollment may be completed as early as the end of 2025.

The Company previously received Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA and the European Medicines Agency and Fast Track designation from the FDA for the treatment of early-stage choroidal melanoma. The CoMpass trial is under a Special Protocol Assessment agreement with the FDA.

Additional Ocular Oncology Indications

In addition to early-stage choroidal melanoma, bel-sar is being explored for metastases to the choroid and cancers of the ocular surface. These three ocular oncology indications have a collective incidence of greater than 60,000 patients annually in the United States and Europe.

Metastases to the Choroid

Metastases to the choroid is an indication with high unmet medical need and no approved therapies. Bel-sar has the potential to treat a wide variety of tumor types that metastasize from several primary tumors. The Company has initiated a Phase 2 clinical trial in metastases to the choroid from breast and lung cancer and have activated sites with patients in prescreening in the United States. The Company is currently implementing a protocol amendment for the Phase 2 trial to broaden the inclusion criteria beyond breast and lung cancer to include all metastases from different solid tumors as a basket study approach. The Company believes that this approach, in addition to advancing bel-sar in metastases to the choroid, can provide clinical insights into multiple tumor types that could be impacted by bel-sar. The Company expects initial data from this trial in 2025.

Metastases to the choroid represents the second potential ocular oncology indication for bel-sar, affecting approximately 20,000 patients annually in the United States and Europe. The Company previously received FDA Fast Track designation for bel-sar in this indication.

Cancers of the Ocular Surface

The Company’s third potential ocular oncology indication is cancers of the ocular surface, which affects approximately 35,000 patients in the United States and Europe annually and has no approved therapies. We continue to advance pre-clinical activities in cancers of the ocular surface, and we plan to initiate a Phase 1 trial in 2025.

Bladder Cancer

Patent Application Filed for New Formulation of Bel-sar for Use in Bladder Cancer: The Company has filed a patent application for a new formulation of bel-sar for use in urologic oncology. This new formulation is designed to enable convenient in-office urologist procedures with enhanced storage and handling at refrigerator temperatures, as well as an adjusted volume and concentration.

Positive Data from Completed Phase 1 Window-of-Opportunity Trial: In the completed Phase 1 window-of-opportunity trial for NMIBC, the administration of a single, low dose of the ocular formulation of bel-sar resulted in multiple clinical complete responses among patients with intermediate and high-risk NMIBC. These histopathologic outcomes highlight robust cell-mediated immunity and a urothelial field effect. Additionally, the study demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with only grade 1 drug-related adverse events occurring in less than 10% of patients. Detailed data can be accessed here: link. Based on these findings, the Company believes bel-sar has the potential to transform treatment of patients with intermediate and high-risk NMIBC with its immune-ablative, front-line approach.

Ongoing Phase 1b/2 Trial: Based on the positive data from the Phase 1 window of opportunity trial, the Company is advancing the development of bel-sar in NMIBC. The ongoing Phase 1b/2 trial will evaluate additional doses and cycles of bel-sar in approximately 26 intermediate and high-risk patients. The trial will evaluate two approaches: an immune ablative design and a multimodal neoadjuvant design. In the immune ablative approach, bel-sar will be administered in two cycles without the need for a transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT). In the multimodal neoadjuvant cohorts, bel-sar will be administered in two cycles ahead of TURBT. For both approaches, patients will be monitored for response assessments and recurrence at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.

Endpoints of this trial include multiple efficacy assessments, such as complete response rate at 3 months and durability of response up to 12 months in the immune ablative cohorts and recurrence-free survival in the neoadjuvant cohorts. Patients will also be monitored for safety. The Company expects initial efficacy data at 3 months by year-end 2025.

The Company has filed a patent application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office covering the new formulation, which if issued, would provide patent coverage for this formulation into 2046.

Corporate Updates


The Company strengthened the leadership team with the appointment of Tony Gibney as Chief Finance and Business Officer. Mr. Gibney is an experienced biotechnology leader and former investment banker who brings over 30 years of experience dedicated to leading and advising biotechnology companies across their businesses, including corporate strategy, business development, finance and investor relations, among others. Following his investment banking career, he has worked as Chief Business Officer at Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Iveric Bio, Inc. and as Chief Business and Financial Officer at Fog Pharmaceuticals, Inc.


The Company hosted a virtual urologic oncology investor event on March 24, 2025. A replay of the webcast is available on the "Investors & Media" page under the "Events & Presentations" section of Aura’s website at View Source

First Quarter 2025 Financial Results


As of March 31, 2025, Aura had cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities totaling $128.0 million. The Company believes its current cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities are sufficient to fund its operations into the second half of 2026.


Research and development expenses increased to $23.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 from $17.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, primarily due to ongoing clinical and contract research organization costs associated with the progression of the Company’s Phase 3 trial of bel-sar in early-stage choroidal melanoma and manufacturing and development costs for bel-sar.


General and administrative expenses increased to $5.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 from $5.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. General and administrative expenses include $1.6 million and $1.4 million of stock-based compensation for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The increase was primarily driven by higher personnel expenses related to the growth of the Company.


Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $27.5 million compared to $19.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024.