Avalo Reports 2024 Financial Results and Recent Business Updates
Rhea-AI Summary
Avalo Therapeutics (NASDAQ: AVTX) reported its 2024 financial results and business updates. The company ended 2024 with $134.5 million in cash, supported by a $185 million private placement, providing runway into at least 2027.
Key financial metrics include:
- Net loss of $35.1 million in 2024, up from $31.5 million in 2023
- R&D expenses increased to $24.4 million
- G&A expenses rose to $17.2 million
- Basic net loss per share was $7.94
The company's Phase 2 LOTUS trial for AVTX-009 in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is ongoing, with topline data expected in 2026. The trial will evaluate approximately 180 adults with HS. Jennifer Riley joined as Chief Strategy Officer effective January 2025 to guide strategy and pipeline planning.
Positive
- Strong cash position of $134.5 million providing runway into 2027
- Secured $185 million through private placement
- Phase 2 LOTUS trial progressing with clear timeline for 2026 data readout
- Plans to expand AVTX-009 into second indication
Negative
- Net loss increased to $35.1 million from $31.5 million year-over-year
- R&D expenses increased by $10.7 million to $24.4 million
- G&A expenses rose by $6.9 million to $17.2 million
- Operating expenses increased by $39.7 million
News Market Reaction 1 Alert
On the day this news was published, AVTX gained 2.88%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
- Topline data from Phase 2 LOTUS Trial of AVTX-009 for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa expected in 2026
- Appointed Jennifer Riley as Chief Strategy Officer
- Cash on hand of approximately
$135 million as of December 31, 2024 expected to provide runway into at least 2027
WAYNE, Pa. and ROCKVILLE, Md., March 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avalo Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVTX), a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on the treatment of immune dysregulation, today announced business updates and year-end financial results for 2024.
“2024 was a transformational year for Avalo, and I am proud of the accomplishments the team has made in a short amount of time,” said Dr. Garry Neil, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. “In March 2024, we acquired AVTX-009, a promising monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-1β. We filed our IND application with the FDA, designed and launched the Phase 2 LOTUS trial in hidradenitis suppurativa (“HS”) and rapidly progressed its initiation, including IND activation in July and enrollment of the first patient in October. Our primary focus in 2025 is executing the LOTUS trial to release data in 2026, while exploring broader applications for AVTX-009 and announcing a second indication.”
Recent Corporate Highlights and Upcoming Anticipated Milestones:
- Initiation of Phase 2 LOTUS trial: The global study design includes approximately 180 adults with HS to evaluate the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous bi-weekly and monthly dosing regimens compared to placebo.
- Topline data is expected in 2026.
- Second Indication Exploration: Avalo continues to evaluate AVTX-009 for additional immune-mediated diseases with plans to announce a second indication.
- Appointment of Jennifer Riley as Chief Strategy Officer: Effective January 1, 2025, Ms. Riley is guiding strategy and pipeline planning for HS and other inflammatory market opportunities.
2024 Financial Update:
- Cash and cash equivalents were
$134.5 million as of December 31, 2024, supported by$185 million in gross proceeds received from a private placement in 2024. Net cash used in operating activities was$49.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, which includes$12.5 million of milestone payments to former shareholders of AlmataBio, Inc. pursuant to the terms of the acquisition. The Company’s current cash on hand is expected to fund operations into at least 2027.
- Research and development expenses were
$24.4 million in 2024, an increase of$10.7 million from 2023, driven by costs of the Phase 2 LOTUS trial, which were partially offset by discontinued legacy program expenses from the prior year.
- General and administrative expenses were
$17.2 million in 2024, an increase of$6.9 million from 2023, primarily driven by employee compensation costs, including stock-based compensation expense, as well as increased consulting, legal and other professional expenses following and largely related to the acquisition and financing in the first quarter of 2024.
- Net loss was
$35.1 million for 2024, an increase of$3.6 million from the net loss of$31.5 million in 2023, mainly driven by a$39.7 million increase in operating expenses; this was partially offset by a$37.7 million increase in other income primarily related to the warrants issued as part of the private placement in 2024. The increase in operating expenses was attributable to a$27.6 million acquired in-process research and development charge for the acquisition of AlmataBio, Inc, as well as increases to research and development expenses and the general and administrative expenses as discussed above. Basic net loss per share, based on 4,426,149 weighted average common shares, was$7.94 for 2024 compared to a basic net loss per share of$113.58 , based on 227,727 weighted average common shares outstanding, for 2023. Diluted net loss per share, based on 7,496,389 weighted average diluted common shares and which excludes the change in fair value of the warrant liability from diluted net loss, was$20.91 for 2024 compared to$113.58 , based on 227,727 weighted average diluted common shares outstanding, for 2023.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Current assets: | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 134,546 | $ | 7,415 | ||||
| Other receivables | 611 | 136 | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 3,714 | 843 | ||||||
| Restricted cash, current portion | 19 | 1 | ||||||
| Total current assets | 138,890 | 8,395 | ||||||
| Property and equipment, net | 1,209 | 1,965 | ||||||
| Goodwill | 10,502 | 10,502 | ||||||
| Restricted cash, net of current portion | 131 | 131 | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 150,732 | $ | 20,993 | ||||
| Liabilities, mezzanine equity and stockholders’ equity | ||||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 283 | $ | 446 | ||||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 6,317 | 4,172 | ||||||
| Derivative liability, current | 360 | — | ||||||
| Total current liabilities | 6,960 | 4,618 | ||||||
| Royalty obligation | 2,000 | 2,000 | ||||||
| Deferred tax liability, net | 270 | 155 | ||||||
| Derivative liability, non-current | 8,120 | 5,550 | ||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | 350 | 1,366 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 17,700 | 13,689 | ||||||
| Mezzanine equity: | ||||||||
| Series D Preferred Stock— | — | — | ||||||
| Series E Preferred Stock— | — | — | ||||||
| Stockholders’ equity: | ||||||||
| Common stock— | 10 | 1 | ||||||
| Series C Preferred Stock— | — | — | ||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 503,285 | 342,437 | ||||||
| Accumulated deficit | (370,263 | ) | (335,134 | ) | ||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 133,032 | 7,304 | ||||||
| Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and stockholders’ equity | $ | 150,732 | $ | 20,993 | ||||
The consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 have been derived from the audited financial statements, but do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles accepted in the United States for complete financial statements.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share data)
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||
| Product revenue, net | $ | 441 | $ | 1,408 | ||||
| License and other revenue | — | 516 | ||||||
| Total revenues, net | 441 | 1,924 | ||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||
| Cost of product sales | (366 | ) | 1,284 | |||||
| Research and development | 24,437 | 13,784 | ||||||
| Acquired in-process research and development | 27,641 | — | ||||||
| General and administrative | 17,241 | 10,300 | ||||||
| Goodwill impairment | — | 3,907 | ||||||
| Total operating expenses | 68,953 | 29,275 | ||||||
| Loss from operations | (68,512 | ) | (27,351 | ) | ||||
| Other income (expense): | ||||||||
| Excess of initial warrant fair value over private placement proceeds | (79,276 | ) | — | |||||
| Change in fair value of warrant liability | 121,611 | — | ||||||
| Private placement transaction costs | (9,220 | ) | — | |||||
| Change in fair value of derivative liability | (2,930 | ) | (720 | ) | ||||
| Interest income (expense), net | 3,317 | (3,417 | ) | |||||
| Other expense, net | (5 | ) | (42 | ) | ||||
| Total other income (expense), net | 33,497 | (4,179 | ) | |||||
| Loss before income taxes | (35,015 | ) | (31,530 | ) | ||||
| Income tax expense | 114 | 14 | ||||||
| Net loss | $ | (35,129 | ) | $ | (31,544 | ) | ||
| Net loss per share of common stock: | ||||||||
| Basic | $ | (7.94 | ) | $ | (113.58 | ) | ||
| Diluted | $ | (20.91 | ) | $ | (113.58 | ) | ||
The consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 have been derived from the audited financial statements, but do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements.
About Avalo Therapeutics
Avalo Therapeutics is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on the treatment of immune dysregulation. Avalo’s lead asset is AVTX-009, an anti-IL-1β mAb, targeting inflammatory diseases. For more information about Avalo, please visit www.avalotx.com.
About AVTX-009
AVTX-009 is a humanized monoclonal antibody (IgG4) that binds to interleukin-1β (IL-1β) with high affinity and neutralizes its activity. IL-1β is a central driver in the inflammatory process. Overproduction or dysregulation of IL-1β is implicated in many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. IL-1β is a major, validated target for therapeutic intervention. There is evidence that inhibition of IL-1β could be effective in hidradenitis suppurativa and a variety of inflammatory diseases in dermatology, gastroenterology, and rheumatology.
About the LOTUS Trial
The LOTUS Trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group Phase 2 trial with two AVTX-009 dose regimens to evaluate the efficacy and safety of AVTX-009 in approximately 180 adults with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa. Subjects will be randomized (1:1:1) to receive either one of two dosing regimens of AVTX-009 or placebo during a 16-week treatment phase. The primary efficacy endpoint is the proportion of subjects achieving Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR75) at Week 16. Secondary objectives include but are not limited to: proportion of patients achieving HiSCR50 and HiSCR90 as well as change from baseline in: International HS Severity Score System (IHS4), draining fistula count, abscess and inflammatory nodule (AN) count and patients achieving at least a
About Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by painful nodules, abscesses, and tunnels that form in areas of the body such as the armpits, groin, and buttocks, severely impacting the quality of life of affected individuals.1 HS is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed and therefore estimates of HS vary between 0.2
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may include forward-looking statements made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various factors (many of which are beyond Avalo’s control), which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements. Such statements may include, without limitation, statements with respect to Avalo’s plans, objectives, projections, expectations and intentions and other statements identified by words such as “projects,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “continue,” “seeks,” “aims,” “predicts,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “potential,” or similar expressions (including their use in the negative), or by discussions of future matters such as: drug development costs, timing of trials and trial results and other risks, including reliance on investigators and enrollment of patients in clinical trials; reliance on key personnel; regulatory risks; integration of AVTX-009 into our operations; general economic and market risks and uncertainties, including those caused by the war in Ukraine and the Middle East; and those other risks detailed in Avalo’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, available at www.sec.gov. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law, Avalo expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Avalo’s expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.
References
1Patel ZS et al. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2017;21(12):49.
2Egeberg A, et al. JAMA Dermatol 2016;152:429–34
3Phan K, et al Biomed Dermatol 2020; 4: 2-6
4Jfri, A, et al. JAMA Dermatol. 2021;157(8):924-31
5Nguyen TV, et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2021;35(1):50-61
For media and investor inquiries
Christopher Sullivan, CFO
Avalo Therapeutics, Inc.
ir@avalotx.com
410-803-6793
or
Meru Advisors
Lauren Glaser
lglaser@meruadvisors.com
FAQ
When will Avalo (AVTX) release topline data for its Phase 2 LOTUS trial in hidradenitis suppurativa?
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