ARCA biopharma Announces First Quarter 2022 Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

ARCA biopharma (ABIO) reported its Q1 2022 financial results, highlighting a cash position of $49.1 million, down from $53.4 million at year-end 2021. The company is engaged in a strategic review to enhance stockholder value through potential asset development and collaborations. R&D expenses decreased to $2.2 million from $2.9 million in Q1 2021, while general and administrative costs slightly decreased to $1.1 million. The net loss narrowed to $3.3 million, or $0.23 per share, compared to $4.1 million, or $0.33 per share, in the same quarter last year.

Positive

• Net loss reduced from $4.1 million in Q1 2021 to $3.3 million in Q1 2022.
• Cash and cash equivalents at $49.1 million are projected to fund operations until mid-2023.

Negative

• Cash and cash equivalents declined by $4.3 million from the end of 2021.
• R&D expenses decreased due to completed enrollment in a clinical trial, implying less ongoing development.

• Company is currently engaged in a strategic review process, evaluating additional development of its assets, collaborations and other strategic options

WESTMINSTER, Colo., May 02, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ARCA biopharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: ABIO), a biopharmaceutical company applying a precision medicine approach to developing genetically targeted therapies for cardiovascular diseases, today reported first quarter 2022 financial results and provided a corporate update.

Dr. Michael Bristow, ARCA’s President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are in the process of evaluating options for creating stockholder value, including potential development of our assets, partnering and other strategic options.”

In April, the Board of Directors established a Special Committee to evaluate strategic options for maximizing stockholder value.

First Quarter 2022 Summary Financial Results

Cash and cash equivalents were $49.1 million as of March 31, 2022, compared to $53.4 million as of December 31, 2021. ARCA believes that its current cash and cash equivalents, will be sufficient to fund its operations at the current levels through at least the middle of 2023. The Company’s review of its strategic options may impact this projection.

Research and development (R&D) expenses were $2.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, compared to $2.9 million for the corresponding period in 2021. The $0.7 million decrease in R&D expenses in the first quarter was primarily related to the completion of enrollment in the rNAPc2 Phase 2b clinical trial in the fourth quarter of 2021. R&D expenses in 2022 are expected to be lower than 2021.

General and administrative (G&A) expenses were $1.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, compared to $1.2 million for the corresponding period in 2021. The $0.1 million decrease in expenses was primarily a result of lower personnel costs, offset by increases in consulting costs. G&A expenses in 2022 are expected to be consistent with those in 2021 as the Company maintains administrative activities to support its ongoing operations.

Total operating expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 were $3.3 million compared to $4.1 million for the first quarter of 2021.

Net loss for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 was $3.3 million, or $0.23 per basic and diluted share, compared to $4.1 million, or $0.33 per basic and diluted share in the first quarter of 2021.

About ARCA biopharma
ARCA biopharma is dedicated to developing genetically and other targeted therapies for cardiovascular diseases through a precision medicine approach to drug development. At present, ARCA is evaluating options for development of its assets, including partnering and other strategic options. For more information, please visit www.arcabio.com or follow the Company on LinkedIn.

Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" for purposes of the safe harbor provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding potential future development plans for Gencaro and rNAPc2, if any, the Company’s review of strategic options. Such statements are based on management's current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results and performance could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties associated with: ARCA’s financial resources and whether they will be sufficient to meet its business objectives and operational requirements; ARCA may not be able to raise sufficient capital on acceptable terms, or at all, to continue development of rNAPc2 or Gencaro or to otherwise continue operations in the future; results of earlier clinical trials may not be confirmed in future clinical trials; the protection and market exclusivity provided by ARCA’s intellectual property; risks related to the drug discovery and the regulatory approval processes; the Company’s ability to complete a strategic transaction, and, the impact of competitive products and technological changes. These and other factors are identified and described in more detail in ARCA’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including without limitation ARCA’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, and subsequent filings. ARCA disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Investor & Media Contact:
Derek Cole
720.940.2163
derek.cole@arcabio.com

(Tables follow)

ARCA BIOPHARMA, INC.
BALANCE SHEET DATA (in thousands) (unaudited)
	March 31, 2022			December 31, 2021
Cash and cash equivalents	$	49,059		$	53,359
Working capital	$	47,820		$	50,923
Total assets	$	51,014		$	54,924
Total stockholders’ equity	$	47,938		$	51,043

ARCA BIOPHARMA, INC. STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)
	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2022				2021
	(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Costs and expenses:
Research and development	$	2,179			$	2,876
General and administrative		1,098				1,226
Total costs and expenses		3,277				4,102
Loss from operations		(3,277	)			(4,102	)
Interest and other income		7				2
Other loss		(2	)			—
Net loss	$	(3,272	)		$	(4,100	)
Net loss per share:
Basic and diluted	$	(0.23	)		$	(0.33	)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic and diluted		14,410,143				12,356,928

 

FAQ

What were ABIO's Q1 2022 financial results?

In Q1 2022, ABIO reported a net loss of $3.3 million ($0.23 per share) and maintained cash and equivalents of $49.1 million.

How are ABIO's cash reserves impacting its operations?

ABIO's cash reserves of $49.1 million are expected to fund operations through at least mid-2023.

What is ARCA biopharma's strategy for increasing stockholder value?

ARCA is currently engaged in a strategic review to explore options for asset development and collaborations.