Cardiff Oncology Announces Third Quarter 2020 Results and Highlights

Rhea-AI Summary

Cardiff Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: CRDF) reported third quarter highlights and financial results for the period ending September 30, 2020. Key achievements include positive clinical data for onvansertib in treating KRAS-mutated colorectal cancer at the ESMO conference, showcasing a 91% disease control rate among participants. The company raised approximately $100 million from a public stock offering, enhancing its financial position for ongoing and new projects. As of September 30, it held $36.4 million in cash, with total operating expenses of $4.5 million for the quarter.

Positive

• Closed $100 million public offering, strengthening financial position.
• Presented strong clinical data showing 91% disease control in KRAS-mutated mCRC patients.
• Positive efficacy data from onvansertib in overcoming Zytiga® resistance in mCRPC patients.

Negative

• Operating expenses rose to $4.5 million, reflecting increased clinical program costs.
• Net cash used in operating activities increased to $3.5 million for the quarter.

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Cardiff Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: CRDF), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing drugs to treat cancers with the greatest medical need for new treatment options, including KRAS-mutated colorectal cancer, castration-resistant prostate cancer and leukemia, today announced company highlights and financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2020. The Company is issuing this press release in lieu of conducting a conference call.

"Cardiff Oncology has seen robust growth over the past few months, which has been driven primarily by clinical data sets demonstrating safety and efficacy of onvansertib in solid tumor indications," said Dr. Mark Erlander, chief executive officer of Cardiff Oncology. "Data from our lead KRAS-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) program presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) conference, shows that the addition of onvansertib to standard-of-care therapy has led to durable responses and a significant improvement in the objective response rate (ORR) versus historical ORR's of standard-of-care alone, highlighting onvansertib's ability to address a critical unmet need in second-line treatment. We have also seen progress in our metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) program, presenting positive biomarker and efficacy data demonstrating onvansertib's ability to overcome Zytiga® resistance across known androgen receptor resistance mechanisms, at the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) Scientific Retreat."

Dr. Erlander continued, "alongside our recent clinical achievements, we also executed on a major corporate milestone in early October with the Company closing an underwritten public offering of its common stock for gross proceeds of approximately $100 million. These funds will enable us to continue executing on our current programs and also initiate new clinical programs in other cancer indications."

Program highlights for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 include:

KRAS-mutated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC) Program:

Presented clinical data at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Virtual Congress 2020 confirming the efficacy of onvansertib and the durability of response in second line KRAS-mutated mCRC patients

Newly announced data from a Phase 1b/2 clinical trial evaluating onvansertib in combination with FOLFIRI/bevacizumab in second line KRAS-mutated mCRC were featured in an electronic poster at the ESMO Virtual Congress 2020. These data further demonstrate the safety, efficacy and durability of response of onvansertib in combination with FOLFIRI/bevacizumab and suggest that changes in plasma KRAS mutation levels may serve as a predictive biomarker of patient response. Data highlights from the presentation included:

• 10 of 11 (91%) patients achieved disease control (SD – stable disease plus PR – partial response), with only 1 patient progressing in <6 months while on treatment
• 5 of 11 (45%) patients achieved a PR; 4 patients had a confirmed PR with 1 patient going on to curative surgery; 1 patient with an initial PR went off study prior to confirmatory scan due to a non-treatment related event
• 8 of 11 (73%) patients demonstrated durable response ranging from 6 to >12 months, and 4 patients remain on treatment
• Patients achieving a PR showed the greatest decreases in plasma KRAS mutation levels (ranging from -78% to -100%) after one cycle of therapy
• Data demonstrated that onvansertib in combination with FOLFIRI/bevacizumab is safe and well tolerated

Hosted a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) call discussing KRAS-mutated colorectal cancer and highlighting data from the onvansertib Phase 1b/2 trial

The call featured KOLs Afsaneh Barzi, M.D., Ph.D. (City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center) and Heinz-Josef Lenz, M.D., FACP (USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center). In addition to a discussion of the latest data from the Phase 1b/2 trial of onvansertib in KRAS-mutated mCRC, the call also included an overview of the history of KRAS in clinical practice, the challenges of drug development and targeting of KRAS and the value of KRAS as a biomarker for patient selection and predicting response to treatment. You may access a replay of the event by clicking here. 

Highlights for the period subsequent to the quarter end include:

Corporate Milestones:

Strengthened balance sheet with gross proceeds of approximately $100 million in offering of common stock

On October 2^nd, Cardiff Oncology closed an underwritten offering of 6,500,000 shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $13.50 per share, before deducting underwriter discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses. The underwriters also exercised an option to purchase an additional 975,000 shares at the public offering price (less underwriting discounts and commissions). Cardiff Oncology intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for clinical development of onvansertib, working capital and for other general corporate purposes.

Clinical Milestones:

Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC) Program:

Presented positive efficacy and biomarker data from Phase 2 mCRPC trial demonstrating ability of onvansertib to overcome Zytiga® resistance at the 27^th Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) Scientific Retreat

An electronic poster presented at the PCF retreat featured new data and analyses related to an ongoing Phase 2 trial evaluating onvansertib in combination with Zytiga® (abiraterone acetate) and prednisone in mCRPC patients. The poster included efficacy data demonstrating success in achieving the primary endpoint of disease control in patients showing initial resistance to Zytiga®; safety across three different dose and dosing schedules, as well as the potential clinical benefit for patients with the basal molecular tumor subtype. Additional highlights from the presentation included:

• 8 of 26 (31%) evaluable patients achieved the primary endpoint of disease control (defined by a lack of prostate specific antigen progression) after 12 weeks of treatment
• 14 of 26 (54%) evaluable patients had stable disease (SD) after 12 weeks of treatment
• 8 of 26 (31%) evaluable patients had a durable SD (>7 months)
• Of 8 patients harboring androgen receptor alterations associated with Zytiga® resistance, 3 achieved disease control at 12 weeks, 4 had SD at 12 weeks and 3 had a durable SD (>7 months)
• Median time on treatment was 9.2 months for patients with a decrease in circulating tumor cell (CTC) count (n=5) vs. 4.9 months for patients with a CTC increase (n=5)
• Genetic analyses identified a gene signature (biomarker) associated with onvansertib and Zytiga® synergy in prostate cancer cells that is significantly enriched in the basal molecular subtype of prostate cancer patients
• Data shows that the combination of onvansertib and Zytiga® is safe across all evaluated dosing schedules

Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results:

As of September 30, 2020, Cardiff Oncology had approximately $36.4 million in cash and cash equivalents.

Total operating expenses were approximately $4.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, an increase of $0.2 million from $4.3 million for the same period in 2019. The increase in operating expenses is attributed to an increase in costs associated with clinical programs and outside services, stock-based compensation and staff costs.

Net cash used in operating activities in the third quarter of 2020 was $3.5 million, an increase of $0.3 million from $3.2 million for the same period in 2019.  The increase is attributed to increases in operating expenses and the net changes in our operating assets and liabilities.

Research and development expenses increased by approximately $0.1 million to $2.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, from $2.8 million for the same period in 2019. The increase in research and development expenses was primarily due to expenses associated with clinical programs and outside services.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by approximately $0.2 million to $1.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 from $1.4 million for the same period in 2019. The increase is primarily due to an increase in stock-based compensation, staff costs and facilities, off-set by a decrease in outside services.

About Cardiff Oncology, Inc.
Cardiff Oncology (formerly Trovagene, Inc.) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company with the singular mission of developing new treatment options for cancer patients in indications with the greatest medical need.  Our goal is to overcome resistance, improve response to treatment and increase overall survival.  We are developing onvansertib, a first-in-class, third-generation Polo-like Kinase 1 (PLK1) inhibitor, in combination with standard-of-care chemotherapy and targeted therapeutics.  Our clinical development programs incorporate tumor genomics and biomarker technology to enable assessment of patient response to treatment. We have three ongoing clinical programs that are demonstrating the safety and efficacy of onvansertib: a Phase 1b/2 study of onvansertib in combination with FOLFIRI/Avastin® in KRAS-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC); a Phase 2 study of onvansertib in combination with Zytiga® (abiraterone)/prednisone in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC); and a Phase 2 study of onvansertib in combination with decitabine in relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML). For more information, please visit https://www.cardiffoncology.com.  

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "forecast," "estimated" and "intend" or other similar terms or expressions that concern Cardiff Oncology's expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. These forward-looking statements are based on Cardiff Oncology's current expectations and actual results could differ materially. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, our need for additional financing; clinical trials involve a lengthy and expensive process with an uncertain outcome, and results of earlier studies and trials may not be predictive of future trial results; our clinical trials may be suspended or discontinued due to unexpected side effects or other safety risks that could preclude approval of our product candidates; risks related to business interruptions, including the outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus, which could seriously harm our financial condition and increase our costs and expenses; uncertainties of government or third party payer reimbursement; dependence on key personnel; limited experience in marketing and sales; substantial competition; uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; dependence upon third parties; our ability to develop tests, kits and systems and the success of those products; regulatory, financial and business risks related to our international expansion and risks related to failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations. There are no guarantees that any of our technology or products will be utilized or prove to be commercially successful. Additionally, there are no guarantees that future clinical trials will be completed or successful or that any precision medicine therapeutics will receive regulatory approval for any indication or prove to be commercially successful. Investors should read the risk factors set forth in Cardiff Oncology's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, and other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. While the list of factors presented here is considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements included herein are made as of the date hereof, and Cardiff Oncology does not undertake any obligation to update publicly such statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Cardiff Oncology Contact:
Vicki Kelemen
Chief Operating Officer
858-952-7652
vkelemen@cardiffoncology.com  

Investor Contact:
Joyce Allaire
LifeSci Advisors
212-915-2569
jallaire@lifesciadvisors.com  

Media Contact:
Karen O'Shea, Ph.D.
LifeSci Communications
929-469-3860
koshea@lifescicomms.com

 

Cardiff Oncology, Inc. Condensed Statements of Operations (in thousands, except for per share amounts) (unaudited)
	Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020				2019				2020				2019
Revenues:
Royalties	$	136			$	52			$	247			$	151
Services	—				—				—				1
Total revenues	136				52				247				152
Costs and expenses:
Research and development	2,855				2,819				8,036				8,298
Selling, general and administrative	1,644				1,440				4,800				4,243
Total operating expenses	4,499				4,259				12,836				12,541
Loss from operations	(4,363)				(4,207)				(12,589)				(12,389)
Interest income	16				54				67				188
Gain (loss) from change in fair value of derivative financial instruments—warrants	(144)				13				(186)				27
Other income (expense), net	(6)				(1)				(2)				2
Net loss	(4,497)				(4,141)				(12,710)				(12,172)
Preferred stock dividend	(6)				(6)				(18)				(18)
Deemed dividend on preferred stock	—				—				(3,266)				(268)
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$	(4,503)			$	(4,147)			$	(15,994)			$	(12,458)
Net loss per common share — basic and diluted	$	(0.19)			$	(0.69)			$	(1.00)			$	(2.40)
Weighted-average shares outstanding — basic and diluted	23,341				6,025				15,942				5,180

 

Cardiff Oncology, Inc. Condensed Balance Sheets (in thousands) (unaudited)
	September 30, 2020				December 31, 2019
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	36,405			$	10,195
Accounts receivable and unbilled receivable	205				204
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,579				955
Total current assets	38,189				11,354
Property and equipment, net	683				878
Operating lease right-of-use assets	423				697
Other assets	156				158
Total Assets	$	39,451			$	13,087
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	610			$	656
Accrued expenses	3,643				3,260
Note payable	305				—
Operating lease liabilities	884				866
Total current liabilities	5,442				4,782
Derivative financial instruments—warrants	190				4
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion	207				861
Other Liabilities	89				129
Total Liabilities	5,928				5,776
Stockholders' equity	33,523				7,311
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	39,451			$	13,087

 

Cardiff Oncology, Inc. Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands) (unaudited)
	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2020				2019
Operating activities
Net loss	$	(12,710)			$	(12,172)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Impairment loss	34				—
Depreciation	349				373
Stock based compensation expense	821				615
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments—warrants	186				(27)
Release of clinical trial funding commitment	868				509
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	(739)				712
Net cash used in operating activities	(11,191)				(9,990)
Investing activities:
Capital Expenditures	(154)				(68)
Net cash used in investing activities	(154)				(68)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from sales of common stock, preferred stock and warrants, net of expenses	18,279				4,386
Costs related to the clinical trial funding commitment	(8)				(40)
Proceeds from exercise of options	7				—
Proceeds from exercise of warrants, net of expenses	18,972				3,291
Borrowings under note payable	305				—
Net cash provided by financing activities	37,555				7,637
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	26,210				(2,421)
Cash and cash equivalents—Beginning of period	10,195				11,453
Cash and cash equivalents—End of period	$	36,405			$	9,032

 

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cardiff-oncology-announces-third-quarter-2020-results-and-highlights-301167453.html

SOURCE Cardiff Oncology, Inc.

FAQ

What are Cardiff Oncology's latest clinical results for onvansertib?

Cardiff Oncology reported a 91% disease control rate in KRAS-mutated mCRC patients, with 45% achieving partial response.

How much money did Cardiff Oncology raise in its recent public offering?

Cardiff Oncology raised approximately $100 million from its underwritten public offering.

What are the financial results for Cardiff Oncology in Q3 2020?

As of September 30, 2020, Cardiff Oncology had $36.4 million in cash and $4.5 million in operating expenses for the quarter.

What did Cardiff Oncology present at the ESMO conference?

At the ESMO conference, Cardiff presented positive data on the efficacy and durability of onvansertib for KRAS-mutated mCRC.

What is the significance of the recent data for mCRPC from Cardiff Oncology?

The data indicates that onvansertib can overcome Zytiga® resistance, showing promise for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.