ARCA biopharma Announces Third Quarter 2022 Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

ARCA biopharma (Nasdaq: ABIO) announced a strategic review process to explore development options and potential transactions to enhance stockholder value. As of September 30, 2022, the company reported cash and cash equivalents of $43.9 million, down from $53.4 million at year-end 2021, but sufficient to fund operations through 2023. R&D expenses decreased to $1.0 million from $3.4 million year-over-year, attributed to a workforce reduction and trial completions. The net loss narrowed to $2.3 million, or $0.16 per share, compared to $4.7 million, or $0.33 per share in Q3 2021.

Positive

• Net loss decreased to $2.3 million from $4.7 million YoY.
• Total operating expenses reduced to $2.6 million from $4.7 million YoY.
• R&D expenses significantly lowered to $1.0 million from $3.4 million YoY.

Negative

• Cash and cash equivalents declined to $43.9 million from $53.4 million.
• General and administrative expenses increased to $1.5 million from $1.3 million, primarily due to restructuring.

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

WESTMINSTER, Colo., Oct. 28, 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 third quarter 2022 financial results and provided a corporate update.

In May 2022, the Company retained Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. to act as its financial advisor to explore and evaluate strategic options for maximizing stockholder value. Potential strategic alternatives that may be explored or evaluated as part of this process include the potential for an acquisition, merger, business combination or other strategic transaction involving the Company. The Board has not set a timetable for the conclusion of this review, nor has it made any decisions related to any further actions or potential strategic options at this time. There can be no assurance, however, that this process will result in any such transaction.

Third Quarter 2022 Summary Financial Results

Cash and cash equivalents were $43.9 million as of September 30, 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 end of 2023. The Company’s review of its strategic options may impact this projection.

Research and development (R&D) expenses were $1.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, compared to $3.4 million for the corresponding period in 2021. In the third quarter of 2022, ARCA implemented a strategic reduction of the workforce and recorded total restructuring charges of approximately $0.8 million, of which $0.5 million and $0.3 million were recognized in research and development and general and administrative expenses, respectively, in connection with the restructuring, all in the form of one-time termination benefits. The $2.4 million decrease in R&D expenses in the third quarter was primarily related to the completion of enrollment in the rNAPc2 Phase 2b clinical trial in the fourth quarter of 2021, partially offset by the restructuring charges discussed above. R&D expenses in 2022 are expected to be lower than 2021.

General and administrative (G&A) expenses were $1.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, compared to $1.3 million for the corresponding period in 2021. The $0.2 million increase in G&A expenses was primarily a result of the restructuring charges discussed above. G&A expenses in 2022 are expected to be slightly higher than 2021 as we maintain administrative activities to support our ongoing operations along with the one-time termination benefits recorded in the third quarter 2022.

Total operating expenses for the quarter ended September 30, 2022 were $2.6 million compared to $4.7 million for the third quarter of 2021.

Net loss for the quarter ended September 30, 2022 was $2.3 million, or $0.16 per basic and diluted share, compared to $4.7 million, or $0.33 per basic and diluted share in the third 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:
Jeff Dekker
720.940.2122
ir@arcabio.com

(Tables follow)

ARCA BIOPHARMA, INC.

BALANCE SHEET DATA
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

	September 30, 2022		December 31, 2021
Cash and cash equivalents	$	43,939	$	53,359
Working capital	$	42,613	$	50,923
Total assets	$	44,965	$	54,924
Total stockholders’ equity	$	42,727	$	51,043

ARCA BIOPHARMA, INC.

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited)

	Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
	September 30,								September 30,
	2022				2021				2022				2021
	(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Costs and expenses:
Research and development	$	1,024			$	3,438			$	4,688			$	9,891
General and administrative		1,528				1,278				4,360				3,764
Total costs and expenses		2,552				4,716				9,048				13,655
Loss from operations		(2,552	)			(4,716	)			(9,048	)			(13,655	)
Interest and other income		222				4				301				9
Other loss		(3	)			—				(5	)			—
Net loss	$	(2,333	)		$	(4,712	)		$	(8,752	)		$	(13,646	)
Net loss per share:
Basic and diluted	$	(0.16	)		$	(0.33	)		$	(0.61	)		$	(0.99	)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic and diluted		14,410,143				14,410,143				14,410,143				13,733,259

FAQ

What were ARCA biopharma's Q3 2022 financial results?

ARCA biopharma reported a net loss of $2.3 million or $0.16 per share in Q3 2022, an improvement from a net loss of $4.7 million or $0.33 per share in Q3 2021.

What is the cash position of ARCA biopharma as of September 30, 2022?

As of September 30, 2022, ARCA biopharma held cash and cash equivalents of $43.9 million, down from $53.4 million at the end of 2021.

What strategic options is ARCA biopharma evaluating?

ARCA biopharma is reviewing strategic options, including potential acquisitions, mergers, or business combinations to enhance stockholder value.

How did ARCA biopharma's R&D expenses change in Q3 2022?

R&D expenses for ARCA biopharma decreased to $1.0 million in Q3 2022 from $3.4 million in the same quarter of 2021 due to workforce reductions and completion of clinical trials.