On May 9, 2019 Surface Oncology (NASDAQ:SURF), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing next-generation immunotherapies that target the tumor microenvironment, reported financial results and corporate highlights for the first quarter of 2019 (Press release, Surface Oncology, MAY 9, 2019, View Source [SID1234536051]).

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"2019 is an important execution year for Surface and we are off to a fantastic start. During the first quarter, we continued to make strong progress on a number of fronts, including the expansion of both our executive team and scientific advisory board, as well as the advancement of our next wave of product programs, SRF617 and SRF388, towards initial clinical trials," said Jeff Goater, chief executive officer.

Recent Corporate Highlights:

Addition of F. Steven Hodi, M.D., Dana Farber Cancer Institute, to our Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Hodi is a clinical pioneer in the field of cancer immunotherapy and his groundbreaking work in melanoma with checkpoint inhibitors led to the first wave of cancer immunotherapy drug approvals.

Appointment of Wendy Dwyer as chief business officer. Ms. Dwyer brings over 20 years of transactional experience, including prior business development leadership roles at AstraZeneca, Ipsen Biosciences and Endo Pharmaceuticals.

The Novartis-sponsored phase 1 trial of NZV930 (CD73) continues to progress, now enrolling patients in seven countries.

IND filings for both SRF617 (CD39) and SRF388 (IL-27) remain on track for Q4 of 2019.

Surface Oncology scientists co-authored the paper, "IL-27 and TCR Stimulation Promote T Cell Expression of Multiple Inhibitory Receptors," which was published in ImmunoHorizons.
Financial Results:

As of March 31, 2019, cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $140.2 million, compared to $158.8 million on December 31, 2018.

Research and development (R&D) expenses were $14.3 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019, compared to $11.1 million for the same period in 2018. The increase was primarily driven by expenditures associated with Surface’s advancing product pipeline, including increased R&D personnel costs associated with the growth of the Company. R&D expenses included $0.6 million in stock-based compensation expense for the first quarter of 2019.

General and administrative (G&A) expenses were $5.1 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019, compared to $3.4 million for the same period in 2018. The increase in G&A expenses is primarily due to increased personnel costs and professional fees associated with the growth of the company and operating as a public company. G&A expenses included $0.8 million in stock-based compensation expense for the first quarter of 2019.

For the first quarter ended March 31, 2019, net loss was $4.2 million, or basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders of $0.15. Net income was $31.2 million for the same period in 2018 or diluted net income per share attributable to common stockholders of $1.05. Income from the first quarter of 2018 was driven by milestones from our partnership with Novartis.

Financial Outlook:

Based upon its current operating plan, Surface continues to have a projected cash runway through 2021.