On November 12, 2019 TCR2 Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: TCRR), a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing the next generation of novel T cell therapies for patients suffering from cancer, reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2019 and provided a corporate update (Press release, TCR2 Therapeutics, NOV 12, 2019, View Source [SID1234551113]).

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"We continued to make clinical progress in the third quarter of 2019 and are positioned to deliver data for our two lead programs next year with interim updates anticipated from the ongoing Phase 1 portion of the TC-210 trial and the upcoming Phase 1 portion of the TC-110 trial," said Garry Menzel, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of TCR2 Therapeutics. "2020 represents an important period for the Company in establishing TRuC-T Cells as a viable therapeutic option for cancer patients. We look forward to providing updates not only on TC-210 and TC-110 but also on additional targets and enhancements designed to combat the harsh tumor microenvironment."

Recent Developments

TCR2 expanded the executive team with the appointment of Angela Justice, Ph.D., as its first Chief People Officer. In her new role, Dr. Justice will be responsible for leading all aspects of TCR2’s human resources function including further development of the Company’s commitment to a performance-driven culture of innovation and Human Capital strategy.

Anticipated Milestones

TCR2 anticipates an interim update of the Phase 1 portion of the TC-210 Phase 1/2 clinical trial for patients with mesothelin-expressing solid tumors in 1H20.

TCR2 anticipates an interim update of the upcoming Phase 1 portion of the TC-110 Phase 1/2 clinical trial for patients with CD19+ non-Hodgkin lymphoma or adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2H20.

TCR2 remains on track to be operational at its manufacturing facility in Stevenage, UK, by year end.

Financial Highlights

Cash Position: TCR2 ended the third quarter of 2019 with $169.0 million in cash, cash equivalents, and investments compared to $123.2 million as of December 31, 2018. Net cash used in operations was $31.0 million in the first nine months of 2019 compared to $12.3 million in the first nine months of 2018. TCR2 projects net cash use of $45-50 million in 2019.

R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $11.4 million for the third quarter of 2019 compared to $5.4 million for the third quarter of 2018. The increase in R&D expenses is primarily related to increase in headcount, activities related to the Phase 1/2 clinical trial of the Company’s lead solid tumor product candidate, TC-210, and activities related to the IND submission of the Company’s lead hematologic cancer product candidate, TC-110.

G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $3.5 million for the third quarter of 2019 compared to $1.7 million for the third quarter of 2018. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to an increase in personnel costs and costs associated with operations as a public company.

Net loss: Net loss was $13.8 million for the third quarter of 2019 compared to $6.4 million for the third quarter of 2018, driven predominantly by increased R&D expense in the quarter.

Upcoming Events

TCR2 Therapeutics management are scheduled to participate at the following upcoming conferences.

Jefferies 2019 London Healthcare Conference: Garry E. Menzel, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of TCR2 Therapeutics, will present on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 11:20AM GMT in London, UK.

The 31st Annual Piper Jaffray Healthcare Conference: M. Ian Somaiya, Chief Financial Officer of TCR2 Therapeutics, will present on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at 9:30AM ET in New York, NY.