On August 9, 2021 Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLRX) ("the Company"), a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing novel therapeutics for the treatment of fibrosis, reported second quarter 2021 financial results
(Press release, Pliant Therapeutics, AUG 9, 2021, View Source [SID1234586129]).

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"Driven by our progress throughout the second quarter, enrollment continues to be on track for our Phase 2a trials of PLN-74809 in IPF and PSC with strong advancement in our development stage oncology and DMD programs," said Bernard Coulie, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Pliant Therapeutics. "PLN-74809 continues to demonstrate a favorable safety profile as additional dose cohorts from the single and multiple ascending dose Phase 1a trial show PLN-74809 to be generally well tolerated at all dose levels tested, with a predictable pharmacokinetic profile similar to previous dose cohorts."

Second Quarter and Recent Highlights

Single ascending dose (SAD) cohorts up to 640 mg and multiple ascending dose (MAD) cohorts up to 320 mg completed in extended Phase 1a dose escalation trial of PLN-74809 in healthy volunteers. PLN-74809 has completed dosing of additional SAD cohorts of up to 640 mg and MAD cohorts of up to 320 mg once daily dose in an extended dose escalation trial. The pharmacokinetic profile remains generally dose proportional with PLN-74809 continuing to be generally well tolerated, with no severe adverse events or serious adverse events reported.

Enrollment on track for PLN-74809 Phase 2a trial in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). INTEGRIS-IPF is a 12-week randomized, dose-ranging, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of PLN-74809 in IPF patients. This trial is evaluating exploratory endpoints including quantitative lung fibrosis score, or QLF, imaging as well as pulmonary function tests. Enrollment is currently on track to be completed by the end of 2021.

Enrollment on track for PLN-74809 Phase 2a trial in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). INTEGRIS-PSC is a 12-week randomized, dose-ranging, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of PLN-74809 in PSC patients. The trial is evaluating exploratory endpoints including fibrosis biomarkers such as Pro-C3 and ELF, changes in ALP, and liver imaging. Enrollment is currently on track to be completed in the first half of 2022.

Image analysis from PLN-74809 Phase 2a positron emission tomography (PET) trial underway, including addition of a 320 mg cohort, with preliminary data anticipated upon completion of the analysis. This open-label, dose ranging trial is evaluating target receptor occupancy levels of PLN-74809 in the lungs of IPF patients across ascending single-dose cohorts, utilizing a PET tracer of the integrin αvβ6. The Company recently amended the protocol to increase the maximum dose to 320 mg. In the second quarter, the first patients were dosed in this cohort.

Preclinical stage integrin-based programs continue to progress. The Company’s early-stage programs targeting oncology and muscular dystrophies continue to advance toward the clinic. The oncology program is focused on increasing tumor checkpoint sensitivity through small molecule inhibition of αvβ8. The muscular dystrophy program is focused on improving muscle function through activation of an integrin compensatory mechanism with a monoclonal antibody.

Resources redeployed in support of ongoing PLN-74809 Phase 2a trials in IPF and PSC. Despite the rise of recently identified COVID-19 variants, the broad availability of vaccines, as well as the increased and successful measures taken over the past nine months to contain the virus have resulted in a dramatic decrease in the number of severe and critical COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Given the declining number of addressable patients, the Company has discontinued enrollment in the PLN-74809 Phase 2a COVID-19-related ARDS trial allowing for resources to be directed toward our lead indications.
COVID-19 Preparedness
The Company continues to develop and maintain policies and procedures to enable us to operate safely and productively during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company has experienced delays in clinical trial operations which have impacted and may further impact the expected timing of data readouts. The Company continues to work closely with clinical sites to continue site initiation and operation activities in compliance with study protocols while observing government and institutional guidelines.

Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results

Research and development expenses were $19.2 million, as compared to $17.5 million for the prior-year quarter. The increase was due primarily to employee related expenses and higher costs related to the advancement of several programs and ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trials.
General and administrative expenses were $5.5 million, as compared to $3.0 million for the prior-year quarter. The increase was due to higher personnel-related and professional services expenses.
Net loss of $22.8 million as compared to $17.0 million for the prior-year quarter due an overall increase in expense associated with our research and development programs as well as personnel-related costs.
As of June 30, 2021, the Company had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $244.0 million. The Company believes it has sufficient funds to meet its operating and capital requirements into 2023.