Avalo Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Provides Business Updates

Rhea-AI Summary

Avalo Therapeutics (Nasdaq: AVTX) reported Q2 2024 financial results and business updates. Key highlights include:

- Expected enrollment of first patient in Phase 2 LOTUS Trial of AVTX-009 for hidradenitis suppurativa in H2 2024
- Appointment of Dr. Mittie Doyle as CMO and Paul Varki as CLO
- Cash position of $93.4 million as of June 30, 2024, with runway into 2027
- Net loss of $22.8 million for H1 2024, up $4.7 million from H1 2023
- IND for AVTX-009 in hidradenitis suppurativa activated in July 2024
- Plans to develop AVTX-009 in at least one other chronic inflammatory indication

The company's focus remains on initiating the LOTUS Trial and announcing a second indication in H2 2024.

Positive

• Cash position of $93.4 million as of June 30, 2024, with expected runway into 2027
• IND for AVTX-009 in hidradenitis suppurativa activated, allowing commencement of Phase 2 LOTUS Trial
• Plans to develop AVTX-009 in at least one additional chronic inflammatory indication

Negative

• Net loss increased by $4.7 million to $22.8 million in H1 2024 compared to H1 2023
• Total operating expenses increased by $25.3 million, primarily due to $27.6 million IPR&D expense from AlmataBio acquisition

Insights

Financial Analyst

Avalo Therapeutics' Q2 2024 results reveal a mixed financial picture. The company's cash position of $93.4 million provides a substantial runway into 2027, which is positive for long-term stability. However, the net loss increased by $4.7 million compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to a $27.6 million IPR&D expense from the AlmataBio acquisition.

The company's focus on AVTX-009 for hidradenitis suppurativa shows promise, with the IND activation in July 2024. This progress, combined with plans for a second indication, could drive future value. However, investors should note the lack of current revenue streams and increased operating expenses, which could pressure finances if clinical trials don't yield positive results.

Medical Research Analyst

The activation of the IND for AVTX-009 in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a significant milestone. HS is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition with treatment options, representing a substantial market opportunity. The planned enrollment of the first patient in the Phase 2 LOTUS Trial in H2 2024 indicates steady progress.

Avalo's strategy to develop AVTX-009 for at least one other chronic inflammatory indication demonstrates a broader vision for the drug's potential. This approach could mitigate risk and expand market opportunities. However, investors should be aware that Phase 2 trials are still early-stage and success is not guaranteed. The appointment of Dr. Mittie Doyle as CMO adds valuable expertise to guide these critical clinical developments.

• Expects to enroll first patient in Phase 2 LOTUS Trial of AVTX-009 in hidradenitis suppurativa in the second half of 2024
• Appointed Dr. Mittie Doyle as Chief Medical Officer and Paul Varki as Chief Legal Officer
• Cash on hand of approximately $93.4 million as of June 30, 2024 with expected cash runway into 2027
  

WAYNE, Pa. and ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avalo Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVTX), today announced business updates and financial results for the second quarter of 2024.

“The team has made outstanding progress in a short amount of time toward initiating the Phase 2 LOTUS Trial, as highlighted by the activation of the IND in July,” said Dr. Garry Neil, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. “Furthermore, the Company is immediately benefiting from the addition of Mittie and Paul to the leadership team as CMO and CLO, respectively. Their deep expertise and leadership experience will guide us as we focus on initiating the LOTUS Trial, as well as the evaluation and announcement of a second indication, both of which we believe are on track for the second half of the year.”

Program Updates and Milestones:

• AVTX-009: Anti-IL-1β monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting inflammatory diseases.
  • Avalo is pursuing the development of AVTX-009 in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).
  • In July 2024, Avalo announced that the Investigational New Drug Application (IND) for the treatment of HS is active, permitting Avalo to commence its Phase 2 LOTUS Trial in patients with HS.
  • Avalo expects to enroll the first patient in its global Phase 2 LOTUS Trial in the second half of 2024.
  • In addition to hidradenitis suppurativa, Avalo plans to develop AVTX-009 in at least one other chronic inflammatory indication.
    

Second Quarter 2024 Financial Update:

As of June 30, 2024, Avalo had $93.4 million in cash and cash equivalents. Net cash used in operating activities was $22.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, which includes a $7.5 million milestone payment to AlmataBio, Inc. pursuant to the acquisition in the first quarter. The Company’s current cash on hand is expected to fund operations into 2027.

For the six months ended June 30, 2024, Avalo generated a net loss of $22.8 million, representing a $4.7 million increase in net loss as compared to the same period in 2023. Total operating expenses increased by $25.3 million and was primarily driven by the recognition of $27.6 million of acquired in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) expense from the acquisition of AlmataBio, Inc. in the first quarter of 2024. The increase in operating expenses was partially offset by a $21.7 million increase in other income, net which largely related to the loss associated with warrant liability from the private placement in the first quarter being more than offset by the warrant liability change in fair value in the second quarter. Net loss per share of common stock decreased as a result of the increase in the shares outstanding from the second quarter of 2023, partially offset by the increase in net loss.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands, except share and per share data)
		June 30, 2024				December 31, 2023
		(unaudited)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	93,426			$	7,415
Other receivables			33				136
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			2,435				843
Restricted cash, current portion			—				1
Total current assets			95,894				8,395
Property and equipment, net			1,780				1,965
Goodwill			10,502				10,502
Restricted cash, net of current portion			131				131
Total assets		$	108,307			$	20,993
Liabilities, mezzanine equity and stockholders’ (deficit) equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	654			$	446
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			7,888				4,172
Warrant liability			82,855				—
Contingent consideration			5,000				—
Total current liabilities			96,397				4,618
Royalty obligation			2,000				2,000
Deferred tax liability, net			168				155
Derivative liability			10,710				5,550
Other long-term liabilities			1,183				1,366
Total liabilities			110,458				13,689
Mezzanine equity:
Series C Preferred Stock—$0.001 par value; 34,326 and 0 shares of Series C Preferred Stock authorized at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively; 22,358 and 0 shares of Series C Preferred Stock issued and outstanding at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively			11,457				—
Series D Preferred Stock—$0.001 par value; 1 and 0 shares of Series D Preferred Stock authorized at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively; 1 and 0 shares of Series D Preferred Stock issued and outstanding at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively			—				—
Series E Preferred Stock—$0.001 par value; 1 and 0 shares of Series E Preferred Stock authorized at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively; 1 and 0 shares of Series E Preferred Stock issued and outstanding at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively			—				—
Stockholders’ (deficit) equity:
Common stock—$0.001 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023; 1,034,130 and 801,746 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively			1				1
Additional paid-in capital			344,352				342,437
Accumulated deficit			(357,961	)			(335,134	)
Total stockholders’ (deficit) equity			(13,608	)			7,304
Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and stockholders’ (deficit) equity		$	108,307			$	20,993

The consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 have been derived from the reviewed and audited financial statements, respectively, 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)
		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
		June 30,								June 30,
			2024				2023				2024				2023
Revenues:
Product revenue, net		$	—			$	643			$	—			$	1,117
Total revenues, net			—				643				—				1,117
Operating expenses:
Cost of product sales			343				708				263				1,259
Research and development			4,601				4,658				6,716				10,667
Acquired in-process research and development			103				—				27,641				—
General and administrative			4,528				2,427				7,721				5,134
Total operating expenses			9,575				7,793				42,341				17,060
			(9,575	)			(7,150	)			(42,341	)			(15,943	)
Other income (expense):
Excess of initial warrant fair value over private placement proceeds			—				—				(79,276	)			—
Change in fair value of warrant liability			112,046				—				112,046				—
Private placement transaction costs			—				—				(9,220	)			—
Change in fair value of derivative liability			(5,040	)			(40	)			(5,160	)			(220	)
Interest income (expense), net			1,039				(996	)			1,138				(1,945	)
Other expense, net			—				—				—				(25	)
Total other income (expense), net			108,045				(1,036	)			19,528				(2,190	)
Income (loss) before taxes			98,470				(8,186	)			(22,813	)			(18,133	)
Income tax expense			7				7				14				15
Net income (loss)		$	98,463			$	(8,193	)		$	(22,827	)		$	(18,148	)
Net income (loss) per share of common stock1:
Basic		$	4.21			$	(140.73	)		$	(24.11	)		$	(338.85	)
Diluted		$	(14.07	)		$	(140.73	)		$	(30.63	)		$	(338.85	)

¹ Amounts for prior periods presented have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the 1-for-240 reverse stock split effected on December 28, 2023.

The unaudited consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 have been derived from the reviewed 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. Avalo also has two additional drug candidates, which include quisovalimab (anti-LIGHT mAb) and AVTX-008 (BTLA agonist fusion protein). 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. The primary efficacy endpoint is the proportion of subjects achieving Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR75) at Week 16. Subjects will be randomized (1:1:1) to receive either one of two doses of AVTX-009 or placebo.

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 0.2-1.7% of the population worldwide.^2-5 The exact cause of HS is not fully understood but is believed to involve a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. While advances in treatment have been made, limited treatment options are available. IL-1β plays a crucial role in the inflammatory cascade underlying HS, contributing to tissue damage, inflammation, and disease progression. Given the involvement of IL-1β in the inflammatory process of HS, we believe therapies that target IL-1β offer a potential treatment option for HS.

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

Chris Brinzey
ICR Westwicke
Chris.brinzey@westwicke.com 
339-970-2843

FAQ

When does Avalo Therapeutics (AVTX) expect to enroll the first patient in the Phase 2 LOTUS Trial?

Avalo Therapeutics expects to enroll the first patient in the Phase 2 LOTUS Trial for AVTX-009 in hidradenitis suppurativa in the second half of 2024.

What was Avalo Therapeutics' (AVTX) cash position as of June 30, 2024?

Avalo Therapeutics reported a cash position of $93.4 million as of June 30, 2024, with an expected cash runway into 2027.

What was Avalo Therapeutics' (AVTX) net loss for the first half of 2024?

Avalo Therapeutics reported a net loss of $22.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, which is a $4.7 million increase compared to the same period in 2023.

What key appointments did Avalo Therapeutics (AVTX) make to its leadership team in Q2 2024?

Avalo Therapeutics appointed Dr. Mittie Doyle as Chief Medical Officer and Paul Varki as Chief Legal Officer in Q2 2024.