On August 12, 2020 Phio Pharmaceuticals Corp. (Nasdaq: PHIO), a biotechnology company developing the next generation of immuno-oncology therapeutics based on its proprietary self-delivering RNAi (INTASYL) therapeutic platform, reported its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 and provided a business update (Press release, Phio Pharmaceuticals, AUG 12, 2020, View Source [SID1234563516]).

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"The second quarter was an exciting period for our team as we presented during three major medical conferences new preclinical data from animal studies that validate the potential of our INTASYL RNAi technology as a cancer immunotherapy platform for innovative therapeutics. For example, we now have in vivo data showing the ability and safety of INTASYL technology to reprogram immune cells, such as T cells, in situ through intratumoral application, resulting in impressive anti-tumoral efficacy," said Dr. Gerrit Dispersyn, President and CEO of Phio.

"The recent data we presented from studies conducted with our lead asset, PH-762, our BRD4 targeting INTASYL compound, PH-894, as well as other pipeline products, support our advancement of these products into additional studies. We are currently planning to initiate clinical studies with PH-762 in 2021, and the required steps needed to initiate these clinical trials are underway. Due to the potential for delays related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot provide more specific guidance as to exactly when the studies will be initiated."

Quarter in Review and Recent Corporate Updates

Announced detailed data that provide support for the potential of PH-804, the Company’s TIGIT targeting INTASYL compound, as an immuno-oncology therapeutic and a viable alternative to anti-TIGIT antibodies in a presentation at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting II. These data provide insight around the mechanisms of action of the tumor growth suppression with PH-804.
Presented new data at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2020 Virtual Scientific Program that show how intratumoral delivery of INTASYL compounds inhibited tumor growth by overcoming the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment as shown by changes in T cell composition and activation. Therefore, the Company believes these pipeline programs show great promise in the treatment of solid tumors.
Presented data at the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) (Free ASGCT Whitepaper) 2020 Annual Meeting that details how INTASYL compares favorably to other technologies for improving cells used in adoptive cell therapy (ACT) for the treatment of solid tumors, especially in cases where permanent gene modification is not required or is undesirable.
Hosted a key opinion leader (KOL) call on intratumoral therapy with self-delivering RNAi that featured a presentation by Professor Caroline Robert, M.D., Ph.D., of the Gustave Roussy Institute, on the promising new avenues to treat melanoma patients. Her presentation included scientific and clinical rationale for intratumoral neoadjuvant therapy and the role that INTASYL technology can play in such therapeutic approaches.
Announced ongoing preclinical work and planning that are underway that would support the planned initiation of clinical trials with PH-762 in 2021, assuming no additional delays due the COVID-19 pandemic.
Raised total net proceeds of $3.5 million through financing activities completed in April 2020.
Financial Results

Cash Position

At June 30, 2020, the Company had cash of $18.9 million as compared with $6.9 million at December 31, 2019. During the second quarter of 2020, the Company received net proceeds of $3.8 million from the exercise of outstanding warrants and raised $3.5 million in net proceeds through an equity offering completed in April. The Company expects its cash will be sufficient to fund currently planned operations for at least the next 12 months.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses were approximately $0.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, compared to approximately $1.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2019. The decrease is primarily due to a reduced use of an outside interim temporary labor consultant and a reduction in patent-related expenses as compared to the prior year period.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses were relatively steady at $0.9 million for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.

Net Loss

Net loss was $1.7 million, or $0.34 per share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, compared with $2.0 million, or $4.62 per share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2019. The decrease in net loss was primarily attributable to a decrease in research and development expenses, as discussed above. The change in net loss per share was primarily due to an increase in the number of shares outstanding as a result of our capital raise activities as compared to the prior year period.