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PDS Biotech Provides Business Update and Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

On August 13, 2024 PDS Biotechnology Corporation (Nasdaq: PDSB) ("PDS Biotech" or the "Company"), a late-stage immunotherapy company focused on transforming how the immune system targets and kills cancers and the development of infectious disease vaccines, reported a business update and announced financial results for the second quarter of 2024 (Press release, PDS Biotechnology, AUG 13, 2024, View Source [SID1234645819]).

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"We are exiting the second quarter with momentum. We have aligned with the FDA on the design of the Phase 3 registrational trial of Versamune HPV + pembrolizumab compared to pembrolizumab as a potential treatment for first-line recurrent/metastatic HPV16-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma ("HNSCC")," said Frank Bedu-Addo, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of PDS Biotech. "This clinical trial is supported by the maturing data from our VERSATILE-002 Phase 2 trial, including encouraging survival, disease control response rates and safety data. We look forward to the presentation of updated data from the VERSATILE-002 trial at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2024 Congress in September."

Kirk Shepard, M.D., Chief Medical Officer stated, "As a result of the recent VERSATILE-002 trial results, we have revised the statistical endpoints of the VERSATILE-003 Phase 3 trial to provide additional robustness to our trial design. Our goal now is to work with our clinical research organization to initiate the trial of the combination, which we believe has potential as the first targeted immunotherapy for HPV16-positive HNSCC. We anticipate that future studies of PDS01ADC have the potential to provide additional clinical benefit to an effective targeted immunotherapy."

Recent Developments

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Announced alignment with FDA to initiate Phase 3 VERSATILE-003 trial in HPV16-positive first-line recurrent or metastatic HNSCC.

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This trial will be designed to investigate the combination of Versamune HPV + pembrolizumab compared to pembrolizumab, and this design reflects updated statistical endpoints based on recent and more mature survival data from the VERSATILE-002 trial.

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PDS Biotech has initiated preparatory activities in connection with the planned start of the Phase 3 VERSATILE-003 trial in Q4 2024.

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Abstract by Jared Weiss, M.D., UNC Lineberger Cancer Center (Lead Investigator), presenting updated data from the VERSATILE-002 trial evaluating first-line treatment with Versamune HPV in combination with KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) in patients with HPV16-positive recurrent/metastatic HNSCC accepted for presentation at the ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress 2024.

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Provided a survival data update from the ongoing VERSATILE-002 trial in HPV16-positive HNSCC based on data cut from May 17, 2024.

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Median overall survival is 30 months, consistent with data cut as of November 30, 2023.

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Abstract by Adam Grippin, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center presenting updated results from the IMMUNOCERV trial evaluating treatment of high-risk locally advanced cervical cancer with Versamune HPV in combination with chemoradiotherapy accepted for oral presentation at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting 2024.

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Abstract by Renee Donahue, Ph.D., of the National Cancer Institute presenting preliminary biomarker results from a Phase 2 trial evaluating treatment of biochemically recurrent prostate cancer with PDS01ADC in combination with enzalutamide accepted for oral presentation at the 12th Annual Meeting of the International Cytokine and Interferon Society 2024.

Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results
Reported net loss was approximately $8.3 million, or $0.23 per basic share and diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to a net loss of $11.5 million, or $0.37 per basic share and diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease was due to lower operating expenses.

Research and development expenses decreased to approximately $4.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, from $8.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease of $3.5 million was primarily attributable to lower clinical trial and manufacturing costs.

General and administrative expenses decreased to approximately $4.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, from approximately $4.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease of $0.5 million was primarily attributable to lower personnel costs and professional fees.

Total operating expenses decreased to approximately $8.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, from $12.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023.

Net interest expenses increased to approximately $0.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, from $0.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023.

Cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2024, totaled approximately $57.7 million.

Panbela Provides Business Update and Reports Q2 2024 Financial Results

On August 13, 2024 Panbela Therapeutics, Inc. (OTCQB: PBLA), a clinical stage company developing disruptive therapeutics for the treatment of patients with urgent unmet medical needs, reported a business update and provides financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 (Press release, Panbela Therapeutics, AUG 13, 2024, View Source [SID1234645818]). As previously announced, management is hosting an earnings call today at 4:30 p.m. ET.

Q2 2024 and Recent Highlights:

Clinical

• Phase 3 ASPIRE clinical trial received favorable third independent safety review: DSMB recommended continuation without modification.
• Completed Oral Presentation at Digestive Disease Week (DDW): Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Eflornithine (Difluoromethylornithine, DFMO) in Patients with Gastric Premalignant Conditions in the High Incidence Areas of Latin American.
• Provided revised timing for the interim data analysis for its ongoing ASPIRE trial, evaluating ivospemin (SBP-101) in combination with standard-of-care for metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC). The analysis is now expected in Q1 2025 due to a lower-than-anticipated event rate, which suggests the potential for improved survival outcomes for patients in the trial. Financial / Business
• Gained eligibility for quotation of common stock on the OTCQB.
• Issuance of a New Patent in the US and Canada for Claims of a Fixed Dose Combination of Eflornithine and Sulindac.

Jennifer K. Simpson, PhD, MSN, CRNP, President & CEO of Panbela, commented:

"In the second quarter, we continued to make significant progress in our clinical programs and corporate initiatives. Our Phase III ASPIRE clinical trial received a favorable third independent safety review, with the Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) recommending continuation without modification. We were also honored to have an oral presentation at Digestive Disease Week (DDW), where we evaluated the safety and efficacy of eflornithine (difluoromethylornithine, DFMO) in patients with gastric premalignant conditions in high incidence areas of Latin America. Furthermore, we recently announced revised timing for the interim data analysis of our ongoing ASPIRE trial, evaluating ivospemin (SBP-101) in combination with standard-of-care for metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC).

Due to a lower-than-anticipated event rate, which suggests the potential for improved survival outcomes for patients in the trial, the analysis is now expected in Q1 2025. This is a testament to the potential of our lead candidate, ivospemin, and its ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients with mPDAC. As we move forward, Panbela remains committed to advancing our clinical programs, exploring new indications, and creating value for our stockholders. With several key milestones on the horizon, including the highly anticipated overall survival interim analysis in our Phase III ASPIRE Trial, we are excited about the future and the potential impact our therapies can have on patients in need."

Second Quarter ended June 30, 2024 Financial Results General and administrative expenses were approximately $1.1 million in the quarter, compared to $1.6 million in the same period last year. The decrease is due primarily to reduced legal and compensation expense. Research and development expenses were approximately $7.0 million, compared to $4.2 million in the same period last year. This increase is primarily due to significant growth in the number of active sites and enrollment in project ASPIRE. Net loss in the quarter was approximately $7.1 million, or $1.47 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $5.8 million, or $159.15 per diluted share, in the same period last year. This increased loss is due to the incremental research and development expenses. Total cash was $59,000 as of June 30, 2024. Total current assets were $0.8 million and current liabilities were $16.8 million as of the same date.

In April, Panbela’s partner in Pediatric Neuroblastoma, US WorldMeds, provided a nondilutive payment of approximately $0.8 million in exchange for a reduction in the potential future milestone payments. In July, Panela secured a loan from this same partner for $1.5 million. Notes payable, plus accrued interest, on the balance sheet, the result of the acquisition of Cancer Prevention Pharmaceuticals, Inc., totaled approximately $4.3 million. The current portion of the notes payable plus accrued interest totaled approximately $1.1 million.

Nkarta Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Corporate Highlights

On August 13, 2024 Nkarta, Inc. (Nasdaq: NKTX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing engineered natural killer (NK) cell therapies, reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024 (Press release, Nkarta, AUG 13, 2024, View Source [SID1234645816]).

"Patients remain our focus, and early execution on our clinical trials across disease areas is a testament to that commitment," said Paul J. Hastings, CEO of Nkarta. "NKX019 has the potential to reach people living with a wide range of autoimmune diseases, and we will continue to evaluate ways to maximize our impact in this field. Our cellular engineering enables us to evaluate a reduced toxicity lymphodepletion regimen, to limit hospitalization and patient burden, and spare the complications of other agents."

Continued execution in clinical development of NKX019 for autoimmune diseases

Received clearance from FDA of second Investigational New Drug (IND) application for NKX019 in autoimmune disease, supporting the planned initiation of Ntrust-2, a clinical trial of NKX019 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis, myositis and vasculitis. Patients enrolled in Ntrust-2 will receive three doses of NKX019 on Days 0, 3, and 7 following lymphodepletion (LD) with single-agent cyclophosphamide (cy).
Initiation of an investigator-sponsored trial (IST) of NKX019 in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with or without LN by researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Patients enrolled in the IST will receive three doses of NKX019 on Days 0, 7, and 14 following LD with single-agent cy.
Autoimmune milestones 2024-2025

Initiation of patient enrollment in Ntrust-2 clinical trial expected by year-end 2024.
Preliminary clinical data from Ntrust-1 and Ntrust-2 clinical trials planned for 2025.
Mid-year update for NKX019 in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Nkarta presented follow-up data from its Phase 1 clinical trial of NKX019 in relapsed/refractory NHL at the Pan Pacific Lymphoma Conference in July 2024, including follow-up on 4 patients who were retreated and re-entered complete response (CR), demonstrating the safety and encouraging effectiveness (4/4 CR) of retreatment.
Nkarta previously opened a cohort with a compressed (7-day) dosing schedule, where patients with large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) who have progressed following CAR T therapy receive NKX019 on Days 0, 3, and 7 following LD with fludarabine (flu) and cy.
Nkarta has completed enrollment of patients into the 7-day dosing cohort in LBCL following CAR T and expects to announce data from this cohort in late-2024.
Future development of NKX019 in NHL will be contingent on favorable outcomes from the seven patients that have been treated in the new cohort.
Leadership Updates

In July 2024, Nadir Mahmood, Ph.D., joined Nkarta as President, and David R. Shook, M.D., was promoted to Chief Medical Officer, Head of Research & Development, with both executives reporting to Paul J. Hastings, Chief Executive Officer.
In June 2024, George Vratsanos, M.D., FACR, an accomplished biopharmaceutical executive with scientific and clinical expertise in immunology and autoimmunity, joined Nkarta’s Board of Directors.
Second Quarter 2024 and Recent Financial Highlights

Nkarta had cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and investments in marketable securities of $426.7 million as of June 30, 2024.
Research and development (R&D) expenses were $23.1 million for the second quarter of 2024. Non-cash stock-based compensation expense included in R&D expense was $2.2 million for the second quarter of 2024.
General and administrative (G&A) expenses were $7.6 million for the second quarter of 2024. Non-cash stock-based compensation expense included in G&A expense was $2.2 million for the second quarter of 2024.
Net loss was $25.0 million, or $0.34 per basic and diluted share, for the second quarter of 2024. This net loss includes non-cash charges of $6.7 million that consisted primarily of share-based compensation and depreciation expenses.
Financial Guidance

Nkarta expects its current cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to fund its current operating plan into late 2027.
About NKX019
NKX019 is an allogeneic, cryopreserved, off-the-shelf immunotherapy candidate that uses natural killer (NK) cells derived from the peripheral blood of healthy adult donors. It is engineered with a humanized CD19-directed CAR for enhanced cell targeting and a proprietary, membrane-bound form of interleukin-15 (IL-15) for greater persistence and activity without exogenous cytokine support. CD19 is a biomarker for normal B cells as well as those implicated in autoimmune disease and B cell-derived malignancies.

About Ntrust Clinical Trials in Autoimmune Disease
Ntrust-1 and Ntrust-2 are multi-center, open label, dose escalation clinical trials that build on academic studies of durable, drug-free remissions in patients with autoimmune disease after CD19-targeted cell therapy. Both trials will assess the safety of NKX019 in people living with autoimmune diseases as well as its ability to enable long-term remissions via a "reset" of the immune system through the elimination of pathogenic B cells. Per the trial protocols, patients receive three-dose cycles of NKX019 at 1 billion or 1.5 billion cells per dose following single-agent lymphodepletion with cyclophosphamide, an agent with an established safety profile across autoimmune diseases. Leveraging the engineering of NKX019, no patients in either trial will receive supplemental cytokines or antibody-based therapeutics. This approach is designed to evaluate the single-agent activity of NKX019 and facilitate a more rapid path to regulatory approval.

In the Ntrust-1 study, patients with refractory lupus nephritis receive NKX019 on Days 0, 7 and 14. Patients in Ntrust-1 may also receive additional cycles to restore response.

Once initiated, Ntrust-2 will enroll patients with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (myositis), and ANCA-associated vasculitis into parallel cohorts, and NKX019 will be dosed on Days 0, 3, and 7, a regimen that may be advantageous across all Nkarta clinical trials. Each trial is designed to initially enroll up to 12 patients.

Mural Oncology Announces Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Provides Update on Pipeline Progress

On August 13, 2024 Mural Oncology plc (Nasdaq: MURA), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing novel, investigational engineered cytokine therapies designed to address areas of unmet need for patients with a variety of cancers, reported financial results for the second quarter of 2024 and provided a business update (Press release, Mural Oncology, AUG 13, 2024, View Source [SID1234645815]).

"We’ve seen resurgent interest across the industry in cytokines as powerful tools to fight cancer and Mural is in a unique position to deliver promising drug candidates that have the potential to overcome the limitations of prior approaches," said Caroline Loew, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Mural Oncology. "Since becoming an independent company late last year, we’ve rapidly worked to shape and grow a nimble organization focused on delivering meaningful new immunotherapy treatments to cancer patients. We believe each of our programs is engineered with a differentiated approach that we hope will play out significantly in the clinic starting early next year."

Recent Corporate Highlights and Upcoming Milestones

Mural appointed George Golumbeski, Ph.D., to its board of directors in July. Dr. Golumbeski currently serves as a partner at DROIA Ventures, a specialist biotech investment firm focused on therapeutics for oncology and genetic disease. Prior to DROIA, he served as President and Head of Corporate Development for GRAIL and Executive Vice President of Business Development for Celgene. He has nearly 30 years of extensive experience with strategic collaborations, M&A, in-licensing, out-licensing, and alliance management.
Mural’s late-stage clinical trials of nemvaleukin alfa continue to progress toward readouts in the first half of 2025. The company is focused on two foundational indications for nemvaleukin, where the majority of patients do not have any currently approved therapies.

ARTISTRY-7 is a potentially registrational, phase 3 clinical trial evaluating nemvaleukin in combination with pembrolizumab compared to investigators’ choice of chemotherapy in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Patient enrollment in this trial is now complete. Mural continues to expect to report interim overall survival (OS) results based on approximately 75% of events in the first quarter of 2025. The company anticipates reporting final OS results in the second quarter of 2026.
Mural expects to report top-line data results from cohort 2 of ARTISTRY-6 in the first half of 2025. This is a potentially registrational, phase 2 clinical trial evaluating nemvaleukin as a monotherapy in patients with mucosal melanoma.
Mural is also evaluating a less-frequent intravenous (LFIV) dose of nemvaleukin in patients with cutaneous melanoma in cohort 3 (monotherapy) and cohort 4 (combination therapy) in ARTISTRY-6. The company expects preliminary data readouts in the monotherapy cohort in the first half of 2025, and in the combination cohort with pembrolizumab in the second half of 2025.
In June, Mural presented data from ARTISTRY-3, an evaluation of the LFIV dosing of nemvaleukin, at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) annual meeting. This data from ARTISTRY-3 informed the LFIV dose currently being used in cohort 3 and cohort 4 of ARTISTY-6. In the ARTISTRY-3 trial, the company evaluated escalating LFIV infusions, all of which were generally well tolerated. The safety profile in all dosing schedules evaluated was consistent with nemvaleukin’s known mechanism of action, and no dose limiting toxicities were observed. Although administering higher doses per cycle than in previous trials evaluating nemvaleukin, no new safety signals were identified. The desired pharmacodynamic (PD) effects were also seen across all evaluated doses. Expansion of antitumor CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells was observed concurrent with minimal expansion of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs).

Mural’s preclinical interleukin-18 (IL-18) and IL-12 programs remain on track, with nominations for both development candidates expected this year.

Mural’s enhanced IL-18 is engineered to deliver a more sustained immune response for cancer treatment. Native IL-18 is a potent immune-stimulating cytokine, but its efficacy is blunted by IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP), a high affinity decoy receptor that binds with and neutralizes IL-18, thereby rendering it ineffective. Native IL-18 is also limited by its short half-life. Mural’s IL-18 variant contains mutations that eliminate binding to IL-18BP while minimally impacting the native IL-18 structure. The company has also fused IL-18 to protein scaffolds to extend the half-life and increase IL-18’s exposure. Together, Mural believes these have demonstrated a more durable immunological effect in preclinical studies.
The company’s enhanced IL-12 is engineered to leverage native IL-12’s anti-tumor potency while mitigating its hallmark toxicity. Native IL-12 is a highly potent pro-inflammatory cytokine, but because of its very narrow therapeutic index, it can also be incredibly toxic with systemic exposure. Mural’s IL-12 variant splits the molecule into two inactive monomers, and these individual subunits are then separately fused to antibody fragments and sequentially injected, which deliver and concentrate IL-12 specifically in the tumor microenvironment with the goal of limiting systemic exposure. In preclinical studies, Mural believes its engineered IL-12 achieved the desired reduction in serum while maintaining tumor concentrations providing the potential to reduce systemic toxicities.
Financial Results for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2024

Cash Position: As of June 30, 2024, cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities were $204.7 million.
R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $27.5 million for the second quarter of 2024 compared to $42.5 million for the second quarter of 2023. The decrease in R&D expenses was primarily due to different team composition compared to the personnel allocated to us by Alkermes, our former parent, prior to the separation, as well as decreased spend on the ARTISTRY-1 and ARTISTRY-2 trials as activities related to these trials wound down in 2023 and decreased spend on the ARTISTRY-7 trial due to the timing of patient enrollment.
G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $6.7 million for the second quarter of 2024 compared to $4.7 million for the second quarter of 2023. The increase in expenses was primarily due to costs associated with operating as a standalone company after the separation. This includes employee-related expenses and professional fees.
Net Loss: Net loss was $31.6 million for the second quarter of 2024 compared to $50.2 million for the second quarter of 2023.
Financial Guidance

The company reaffirms guidance that its cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities are expected to fund its operations into the fourth quarter of 2025.
As noted previously, management forecasts lower operating expenses in 2025 versus 2024 due to the timing of clinical trial expenses.
About Nemvaleukin
Nemvaleukin alfa (nemvaleukin) is a novel, engineered cytokine designed to leverage antitumor effects of the IL-2 pathway while mitigating the hallmark toxicities that limit its use. Nemvaleukin selectively binds to the intermediate-affinity IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) and is sterically occluded from binding to the high-affinity IL-2R. Because of this molecular design, nemvaleukin treatment leads to preferential expansion of antitumor CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells, with minimal expansion of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells. Nemvaleukin is currently being evaluated in two potentially registrational late-stage trials.

Mersana Therapeutics Provides Business Update and Announces Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

On August 13, 2024 Mersana Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRSN), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing a pipeline of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting cancers in areas of high unmet medical need, reported a business update and announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024 (Press release, Mersana Therapeutics, AUG 13, 2024, View Source [SID1234645814]).

"The second quarter of 2024 was a time of continued progress at Mersana as we advanced dose escalation in Phase 1 clinical trials of XMT-1660, our lead Dolasynthen ADC candidate, and XMT-2056, our lead Immunosynthen ADC candidate," said Martin Huber, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Mersana Therapeutics. "At the same time, we made further progress in our collaborations while also benefiting from last year’s efforts to reduce operating expenses. We believe these collective accomplishments have put us in a strong position as we approach our initial clinical data readout for XMT-1660, which is planned for the second half of this year."

Recent Accomplishments, Strategic Priorities and Expected Milestones

XMT-1660: Mersana continues to advance its Phase 1 clinical trial of XMT-1660, the company’s lead Dolasynthen ADC candidate targeting B7-H4. The dose escalation portion of the trial is ongoing at a dose level of 80 milligrams per meter squared every four weeks, and a maximum tolerated dose has yet to be established. Additionally, the company has been proactively exploring more frequent dosing and enrolling patients in backfill cohorts to inform the optimal dose and schedule for expansion. Mersana plans to share initial safety, tolerability, efficacy and biomarker data from dose escalation and backfill cohorts and plans to initiate the expansion portion of the trial in the second half of 2024.

XMT-2056: Mersana continues to enroll patients in the dose escalation portion of its Phase 1 clinical trial of XMT-2056, the company’s lead Immunosynthen ADC candidate targeting a novel HER2 epitope. GSK plc has an exclusive global license option to co-develop and commercialize XMT-2056. Additionally, mechanistic underpinnings related to Mersana’s Immunosynthen platform were recently described in a Nature Communications publication entitled, "Tumor Cell-Directed STING Agonist Antibody Drug Conjugates Induce Type III Interferons and Anti-Tumor Innate Immune Responses."

Collaborations: Mersana continues to advance its Johnson & Johnson and Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany collaborations. The collaboration with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany focuses on the discovery of novel Immunosynthen ADCs for up to two targets. The collaboration with Johnson & Johnson focuses on the discovery of novel Dolasynthen ADCs for up to three targets. In August 2024, Mersana earned an $8 million development milestone under the Johnson & Johnson collaboration, for which payment is due in the third quarter of 2024.

Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of June 30, 2024 were $162.7 million. Mersana continues to expect that its capital resources will be sufficient to support its current operating plan commitments into 2026.
Net cash used in operating activities for the second quarter of 2024 was $21.8 million.
Collaboration revenue for the second quarter of 2024 was $2.3 million, compared to $10.7 million for the same period in 2023. The year-over-year change was primarily related to reduced collaboration revenue recognized under Mersana’s collaboration and license agreements with Johnson & Johnson and Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
Research and development (R&D) expenses for the second quarter of 2024 were $17.2 million, compared to $49.0 million for the same period in 2023. Included in R&D expenses for the second quarter of 2024 were $2.4 million in non-cash stock-based compensation expenses. The year-over-year decline in R&D expenses was primarily related to reduced costs associated with manufacturing and clinical activities for UpRi, a discontinued ADC candidate, and reduced employee compensation expense following the company’s restructuring in 2023.
General and administrative (G&A) expenses for the second quarter of 2024 were $10.5 million, compared to $18.2 million during the same period in 2023. Included in G&A expenses for the second quarter of 2024 were $2.0 million in non-cash stock-based compensation expenses. The year-over-year decline in G&A expenses was primarily related to reduced consulting and professional services fees and reduced employee compensation expense following the aforementioned restructuring.
Net loss for the second quarter of 2024 was $24.3 million, or $0.20 per share, compared to a net loss of $54.3 million, or $0.47 per share, for the same period in 2023.
Conference Call Reminder
Mersana will host a conference call today at 8:00 a.m. ET to discuss business updates and its financial results for the second quarter of 2024. To access the call, please dial 833-255-2826 (domestic) or 412-317-0689 (international). A live webcast of the presentation will be available on the Investors & Media section of the Mersana website at www.mersana.com, and a replay of the webcast will be available in the same location following the conference call for approximately 90 days.