Checkmate Pharmaceuticals Announces First Quarter 2022 Financial Results and Provides Business Update

On May 12, 2022 Checkmate Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: CMPI) ("Checkmate"), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing its proprietary technology to harness the power of the immune system to combat cancer, reported first quarter 2022 financial results and provided a business update (Press release, Checkmate Pharmaceuticals, MAY 12, 2022, View Source [SID1234614368]).

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"We remain focused on the execution of the clinical program for vidutolimod and are delighted with the opportunity to become part of Regeneron, who will help to accelerate the development of vidutolimod as a potential novel treatment for multiple tumor types," said Alan Bash, President and Chief Executive Officer of Checkmate. "This is an exciting opportunity for all stakeholders as we bring this innovative medicine forward and work to make a meaningful difference for patients with difficult to treat cancers."

Recent Business Updates

On April 19, 2022, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Checkmate Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced a definitive agreement for the acquisition of Checkmate by Regeneron at an all-cash price of $10.50 per share of Checkmate common stock. The proposed acquisition values Checkmate at a total equity value of approximately $250 million. On May 2, 2022, Scandinavian Acquisition Sub, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Regeneron, commenced a tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of Checkmate common stock. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2022.
First Quarter 2022 Financial Results

Research and development expenses (R&D): R&D expenses for the first quarter of 2022 were $11.6 million, compared to $10.4 million for the same period in the prior year. This increase was primarily driven by higher third-party contract research organization, internal personnel and consulting costs related to our ongoing clinical trials. First quarter 2021 expenses included the impact of a $2.0 million milestone payment to Kuros in March 2021, which became payable upon initiating dosing of the first patient in a Phase 2 clinical trial. There was no corresponding expense in Q1 2022.
General and administration expenses (G&A): G&A expenses for the first quarter of 2022 were $4.2 million, compared to $3.8 million for the same period in the prior year. This increase was primarily attributable to professional fees incurred in Q1 2022 in connection with the proposed acquisition by Regeneron and recruiting costs associated with hiring a chief executive officer in March 2022.
Cash, cash equivalents and investments: Cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale investments were $60.1 million as of March 31, 2022.