On March 18, 2022 Janux Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: JANX) (Janux), a biopharmaceutical company developing a broad pipeline of novel immunotherapies by applying its proprietary technology to its Tumor Activated T Cell Engager (TRACTr) and Tumor Activated Immunomodulator (TRACIr) platforms, reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2021 and provided a business update (Press release, Janux Therapeutics, MAR 18, 2022, View Source [SID1234610337]).
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"Janux made great strides in 2021 as we transitioned to a public company and advanced our pipeline of next generation immunotherapies utilizing our novel TRACTr and TRACIr platforms. We continue to build on this momentum by nominating a development candidate for our costimulatory bispecific program, the first development candidate discovered using our TRACIr platform," said David Campbell, Ph.D., President and CEO of Janux. "In 2022, we remain on-track to execute key milestones, including IND submissions for our PSMA-TRACTr and EGFR-TRACTr candidates, and we look forward to continuing to advance our additional pipeline programs in the year ahead."
RECENT BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS AND FUTURE MILESTONES:
TRACTr product candidates advancing as planned. Janux’s lead TRACTr programs of next-generation T cell engagers remain on-track, with two Investigational New Drug (IND) applications expected in 2022.
In the first half of 2022, Janux expects to submit an IND for its PSMA-TRACTr candidate, targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCPRC). cGMP manufacturing of drug substance and drug product has been completed.
In the second half of 2022, Janux expects to submit an IND application for its EGFR-TRACTr candidate, targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). cGMP manufacturing of drug substance has been completed.
In 2023, Janux expects to submit an IND application for its TROP2-TRACTr, targeting trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (TROP2).
Nominated first TRACIr development candidate, a PD-L1xCD28 costimulatory bispecific for the treatment of solid tumors. Janux has successfully applied its TRACIr platform to
develop a costimulatory bispecific product candidate against programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and Cluster of Differentiation 28 (CD28) to further enhance the anti-tumor activity of T cells, which we believe has the potential to be used as a single-agent or in combination with our current TRACTr pipeline and other modalities. This is Janux’s first program derived from its TRACIr platform. In 2023, Janux expects to submit an IND application for this program.
Strengthened management team with appointment of Byron Robinson, Ph.D., J.D., as Chief Strategy Officer. Dr. Robinson brings 30 years of industry expertise and experience from key strategy roles at large pharma companies. Prior to joining Janux, Dr. Robinson served as Senior Vice President of Clinical Development Strategy and Innovation at Merck KGaA. In this role, he was responsible for generating strategic insights for internal and external innovation for the generation of the Clinical Oncology Franchise Strategy for all Merck KGaA oncology assets. In addition, he also served as the Senior Vice President Global Program Leader for the avelumab program, where he advanced BAVENCIO through late-stage development, including eleven registrational Phase 3 trials and more than 240 clinical trials.
FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2021 FINANCIAL RESULTS:
Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments: As of December 31, 2021, Janux reported cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $375.0 million, compared to $7.8 million at December 31, 2020.
Research and development expenses: Research and development expenses were $11.2 million for the quarter and $26.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to $1.0 million and $3.0 million for the same quarter and year in 2020.
General and administrative expenses: General and administrative expenses were $3.9 million for the quarter and $10.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to $0.7 million and $1.8 million for the same quarter and year in 2020.
Net loss: Net loss was $13.4 million for the quarter and $32.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to $1.7 million and $6.8 million for the same quarter and year in 2020.