On May 11, 2023 Phio Pharmaceuticals Corp. (Nasdaq: PHIO), a clinical stage biotechnology company whose proprietary INTASYL RNAi platform technology is designed to make immune cells more effective in killing tumor cells, reported its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 and provided a business update (Press release, Phio Pharmaceuticals, MAY 11, 2023, View Source [SID1234631530]).

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"Expecting to commence the Phase 1 clinical trial in adoptive cell therapy (ACT) with our partner AgonOx, by the end of the second quarter of 2023 is the next major milestone in our development strategy," said Robert Bitterman, Phio Pharmaceuticals’ President and Chief Executive Officer. "The trial in collaboration with AgonOx is designed to assess safety and potential enhanced therapeutic benefit from the administration of Phio’s PH-762 treated ‘double positive’ CD8 tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (DP TIL) in patients with melanoma and other advanced solid tumors."

Recent Business Updates

Presented two abstracts at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2023 in April, which included:
In vivo data showing that intratumoral administration of mPH-762 stimulated a local anti-tumor immune response and generated systemic tumor-reactive memory T cells. These data further support intratumoral use of PH-762 in the clinical setting, with deeper understanding of the mechanism of abscopal efficacy.
Pre-clinical data showing that intratumoral administration of dual-targeting PD-1/CTLA-4 INTASYL may provide an effective treatment option, with an improved safety profile compared to a combination PD-1/CTLA-4 systemic therapy.
Will be presenting an abstract at the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy in May 2023, which includes:
Pre-clinical data demonstrating that using INTASYL to silence TIGIT and CBLB-B may be used to improve the anti-tumor response of NK cells, creating a more effective cell therapy for treating cancer.
Strengthened the balance sheet in April 2023 through an equity offering priced at-the-market under Nasdaq rules for net proceeds of approximately $1.7 million, after deducting placement agent fees and offering expenses.
Financial Results

Cash Position

At March 31, 2023, the Company had cash of $9.0 million as compared with $11.8 million at December 31, 2022. Subsequent to the end of the first quarter of 2023, the Company completed an equity offering of common stock and warrants for net proceeds of approximately $1.7 million, after deducting placement agent fees and offering expenses. The Company expects its current cash will be sufficient to fund currently planned operations into the first quarter of 2024.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses increased 35% to approximately $2.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 compared with approximately $1.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2022. The increase in research and development expenses was primarily driven by a ramp up in clinical-related expenses for the Company’s planned intratumoral and ACT clinical trials with PH-762 as compared to the prior year period. The Company anticipates research and development expenses to continue to increase as a result of clinical-related activities as our pipeline programs progress in clinical development.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses increased 39% to approximately $1.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 compared with approximately $1.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2022. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to increased professional service fees for legal, patent and public relations related services as compared to the prior year period.

Net Loss

Net loss increased 36% to approximately $3.6 million, or $3.15 per share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, compared with $2.6 million, or $2.34 per share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2022. The increase in net loss was primarily attributable to the increases in research and development and general and administrative expenses, as described above.

About INTASYL

INTASYL compounds are chemically modified siRNAs that provide efficient, spontaneous cellular uptake and potent, long lasting intracellular activity, targeting a broad range of cell types and tissues. INTASYL drugs are designed to precisely target specific proteins that reduce the body’s ability to fight cancer, without the need for specialized formulations or drug delivery systems. INTASYL has demonstrated preclinical efficacy in both Direct-to-Tumor and Adoptive Cell Therapy (ACT) applications.

In comparison to biologics and cell and gene therapies, INTASYL has a favorable preclinical toxicity and safety profile, and a streamlined chemical synthesis that reduces costs and offers substantial dosing convenience to the prescriber and patient.