Dianthus Therapeutics Highlights Recent Business Achievements and Reports Q2 Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

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

• Phase 2 MaGic trial in generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG) ongoing; top-line results expected in 2H'25
• IND cleared for Phase 2 MoMeNtum trial in Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN); top-line results anticipated in 2H'26
• Phase 2 trial in Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) to start 2H'24
• $360.7 million cash position, providing runway into 2H'27
• Q2 2024 net loss of $17.6 million or $0.51 per share
• R&D expenses increased to $18.1 million, G&A expenses rose to $6.0 million

DNTH103, the company's lead candidate, is advancing in multiple autoimmune indications with potential for best-in-class profile.

Positive

• Strong cash position of $360.7 million providing runway into 2H'27
• Phase 2 trials progressing in multiple indications (gMG, MMN, CIDP)
• IND cleared for Phase 2 MoMeNtum trial in MMN
• Potential best-in-class profile for DNTH103 across multiple autoimmune diseases

Negative

• Increased net loss to $17.6 million in Q2 2024 compared to $11.1 million in Q2 2023
• R&D expenses increased to $18.1 million from $10.3 million year-over-year
• G&A expenses rose to $6.0 million from $2.5 million year-over-year

Insights

Financial Analyst

Dianthus Therapeutics' Q2 2024 results reveal a strong financial position with $360.7 million in cash, providing runway into 2H'27. This substantial cash reserve is important for funding ongoing clinical trials and future developments. R&D expenses increased to $18.1 million, up from $10.3 million in Q2 2023, reflecting intensified clinical activities. G&A expenses rose to $6.0 million from $2.5 million, indicating expanded operations. The net loss widened to $17.6 million ($0.51 per share) compared to $11.1 million ($12.73 per share) in Q2 2023. While losses have increased, the lower per-share loss suggests improved capital efficiency post-public offering. The company's focus on DNTH103 across multiple indications presents a diversified pipeline strategy, potentially mitigating risk.

Medical Research Analyst

Dianthus' DNTH103 shows promise as a potentially best-in-class complement inhibitor. The ongoing Phase 2 MaGic trial in gMG and the FDA-cleared Phase 2 MoMeNtum trial in MMN demonstrate progress in clinical development. The planned Phase 2 trial in CIDP further expands the potential indications. The YTE half-life extension technology could offer a significant advantage with less frequent dosing. Recent presentations at AAN and EAN conferences suggest a differentiated safety profile and competitive pharmacodynamic potency compared to riliprubart. However, with top-line results for gMG and MMN trials expected in 2H'25 and 2H'26 respectively, investors should be prepared for a long-term horizon before potential commercialization.

Phase 2 MaGic trial in generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG) ongoing; top-line results anticipated in 2H’25

IND for Phase 2 MoMeNtum trial in Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN) cleared by FDA in June; top-line results anticipated in 2H’26

Phase 2 trial in Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) to initiate 2H’24 Approximately $361 million of cash provides runway into 2H’27

NEW YORK and WALTHAM, Mass., Aug. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dianthus Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNTH), a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to advancing the next generation of antibody complement therapeutics to treat severe autoimmune diseases, today reported financial results for the second quarter ending June 30, 2024, and provided an update on recent business achievements.

“The second quarter of 2024 highlighted the Dianthus team’s continued focus on execution and operational excellence as we advance our clinical programs for DNTH103 in generalized Myasthenia Gravis, Multifocal Motor Neuropathy, and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy,” said Marino Garcia, Chief Executive Officer of Dianthus Therapeutics. “We believe DNTH103 may be a potentially best-in-class, potent classical complement pathway inhibitor with infrequent, subcutaneous self-administration and a differentiated safety profile across our three initial indications of gMG, MMN and CIDP. We continue to be confident in the pipeline-in-a-product potential of DNTH103 across multiple autoimmune diseases, supported by our proof-of-concept in vitro data presented at EAN and recent competitor clinical data that further validate targeting the classical pathway and active C1s.”

Recent Business Highlights and Upcoming Milestones

DNTH103

DNTH103 is an investigational, clinical-stage, potent monoclonal antibody engineered to selectively target the classical pathway by inhibiting only the active form of the C1s protein, a clinically validated complement target. DNTH103 is enhanced with YTE half-life extension technology designed to enable a more convenient subcutaneous, self-administered injection dosed as infrequently as once every two weeks. DNTH103 has the potential to be a best-in-class pipeline-in-a-product across a range of autoimmune disorders with high unmet need.

• Phase 2 MaGic gMG trial ongoing: The MaGic trial is a global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 study in patients with gMG who are acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive. Initial top-line results from this trial are anticipated to be available in the second half of 2025.
• Phase 2 IND cleared for MoMeNtum MMN trial: The MoMeNtum trial is a global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 study designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of DNTH103 in patients with MMN. Initial top-line results from this trial are anticipated to be available in the second half of 2026.
• One oral presentation highlighted DNTH103 at AAN 2024: An oral presentation at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting in Denver highlighted preclinical and in vitro data describing the differentiated safety profile and neurotransmission activity of DNTH103 and a review of previously released Phase 1 healthy volunteer data.
• Two DNTH103 posters presented at EAN 2024: Two poster presentations at the 10th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) in Helsinki highlighted preclinical and in vitro data describing the potentially differentiated profile of DNTH103 in disease models of gMG and CIDP, in addition to head-to-head affinity and pharmacodynamic (PD) potency data for DNTH103 compared to riliprubart.
• Planning for CIDP Phase 2 trial ongoing: Dianthus remains on track to initiate a Phase 2 trial of DNTH103 in CIDP in the second half of 2024.
  

Corporate

• Effective July 1, 2024, Alison Lawton was appointed Chair of the Dianthus Therapeutics Board of Directors. She succeeded Lonnie Moulder, who remains on the Board of Directors.
  

Second-Quarter 2024 Financial Results

• Cash Position - $360.7 million of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as of June 30, 2024 is projected to provide runway into the second half of 2027.
• R&D Expenses - Research and development (R&D) expenses for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 were $18.1 million, inclusive of $1.4 million of stock-based compensation, compared to $10.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, which included $0.1 million of stock-based compensation. This increase in R&D expenses was primarily driven by higher clinical costs, chemistry, manufacturing and controls (CMC) costs and increased headcount to support DNTH103 Phase 1 and Phase 2 development.
• G&A Expenses - General and administrative (G&A) expenses for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 totaled $6.0 million, inclusive of stock-based compensation of $1.8 million, compared to $2.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, which included $0.3 million of stock-based compensation. This increase in G&A expenses was primarily due to higher headcount and consulting and professional fees.
• Net Loss - Net loss for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 was $17.6 million or $0.51 per share (basic and diluted) compared to $11.1 million or $12.73 per share (basic and diluted) for the quarter ended June 30, 2023.

About DNTH103
DNTH103 is an investigational, clinical-stage, potent monoclonal antibody engineered to selectively target the classical pathway by inhibiting only the active form of the C1s protein, a clinically validated complement target. DNTH103 is enhanced with YTE half-life extension technology designed to enable a more convenient subcutaneous, self-administered injection dosed as infrequently as once every two weeks. Additionally, selective inhibition of the classical complement pathway may lower patient risk of infection from encapsulated bacteria by preserving immune activity of the lectin and alternative pathways. As the classical pathway plays a significant role in disease pathology, DNTH103 has the potential to be a best-in-class pipeline-in-a-product across a range of autoimmune disorders with high unmet need. Dianthus is building a neuromuscular franchise with DNTH103 following the initiation of the Phase 2 MaGic trial in generalized Myasthenia Gravis in 1Q’24, regulatory clearance for Multifocal Motor Neuropathy in 2Q’24, and planned initiation of a Phase 2 trial in Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy in 2H’24.

DNTH103 is an investigational agent that is not approved as a therapy in any indication in any jurisdiction worldwide.

About Dianthus Therapeutics
Dianthus Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to designing and delivering novel, best-in-class monoclonal antibodies with improved selectivity and potency. Based in New York City and Waltham, Mass., Dianthus is comprised of an experienced team of biotech and pharma executives who are leading the development of next-generation antibody complement therapeutics, aiming to deliver transformative medicines for people living with severe autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

To learn more, please visit www.dianthustx.com and follow us on LinkedIn. 

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release, other than purely historical information, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, express or implied statements regarding future plans and prospects, including statements regarding the expectations or plans for discovery, preclinical studies, clinical trials and research and development programs, in particular with respect to DNTH103, and any developments or results in connection therewith, including the target product profile of DNTH103; the anticipated timing of the initiation and results from those studies and trials; expectations regarding the time period over which the Company’s capital resources are expected to be sufficient to fund its anticipated operations; and expectations regarding the market and potential opportunities for complement therapies, in particular with respect to DNTH103. The words “opportunity,” “potential,” “milestones,” “runway,” “will,” “anticipate,” “achieve,” “near-term,” “catalysts,” “pursue,” “pipeline,” “believe,” continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “ intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “predict,” “project,” “ should,” “strive,” “would,” “aim,” “target,” “commit,” and similar expressions (including the negatives of these terms or variations of them) generally identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that statement is not forward looking.

Actual results could differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements due to various factors, risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, that preclinical testing of DNTH103 and data from clinical trials may not be predictive of the results or success of ongoing or later clinical trials, that the development of DNTH103 or the Company's other compounds may take longer and/or cost more than planned, that the Company may be unable to successfully complete the clinical development of the Company’s compounds, that the Company may be delayed in initiating, enrolling or completing its planned clinical trials, and that the Company's compounds may not receive regulatory approval or become commercially successful products. These and other risks and uncertainties are identified under the heading "Risk Factors" included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2023, and other filings that the Company has made and may make with the SEC in the future. Nothing in this press release should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved.

The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date they are made and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the cautionary statements herein. Dianthus undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Contact
Jennifer Davis Ruff
Dianthus Therapeutics
jdavisruff@dianthustx.com

Dianthus Therapeutics, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share and per share data) (unaudited)
ASSETS	June 30, 2024				December 31, 2023
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	314,169			$	132,325
Short-term investments		46,538				41,393
Receivable from related party		840				294
Unbilled receivable from related party		835				184
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		3,305				3,255
Total current assets		365,687				177,451
Property and equipment, net		189				185
Right-of-use operating lease assets		442				615
Other assets and restricted cash		2,641				1,154
Total assets	$	368,959			$	179,405
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	3,695			$	2,610
Accrued expenses		5,857				6,504
Current portion of deferred revenue – related party		100				100
Current portion of operating lease liabilities		377				417
Total current liabilities		10,029				9,631
Deferred revenue – related party		682				736
Long-term operating lease liabilities		30				168
Total liabilities		10,741				10,535
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock		-				-
Common stock		29				15
Additional paid-in capital		479,004				258,231
Accumulated deficit		(120,778	)			(89,423	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)		(37	)			47
Total stockholders' equity		358,218				168,870
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	368,959			$	179,405

Dianthus Therapeutics, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (in thousands, except share and per share data) (unaudited)
		Three Months Ended June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Revenues:
License revenue - related party		$	1,863			$	969			$	2,737			$	1,445
Operating expenses:
Research and development			18,070				10,253				31,148				16,100
General and administrative			5,997				2,492				11,637				4,804
Total operating expenses			24,067				12,745				42,785				20,904
Loss from operations			(22,204	)			(11,776	)			(40,048	)			(19,459	)
Other income/(expense):
Interest income			4,708				687				8,930				1,293
Loss on currency exchange, net			(31	)			(28	)			(43	)			(37	)
Other expense			(80	)			(23	)			(194	)			(26	)
Total other income			4,597				636				8,693				1,230
Net loss		$	(17,607	)		$	(11,140	)		$	(31,355	)		$	(18,229	)
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted		$	(0.51	)		$	(12.73	)		$	(0.99	)		$	(20.84	)
Weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding including shares issuable under equity-classified pre-funded warrants, used in computing net loss per share of common stock, basic and diluted			34,227,038				874,900				31,794,881				874,805
Comprehensive loss:
Net loss		$	(17,607	)		$	(11,140	)		$	(31,355	)		$	(18,229	)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income:
Change in unrealized (losses)/gains related to available-for-sale debt securities			(10	)			38				(84	)			142
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income			(10	)			38				(84	)			142
Total comprehensive loss		$	(17,617	)		$	(11,102	)		$	(31,439	)		$	(18,087	)

FAQ

What are the key clinical trials Dianthus Therapeutics (DNTH) is currently conducting?

Dianthus Therapeutics is conducting Phase 2 trials for DNTH103 in generalized Myasthenia Gravis (MaGic trial), Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MoMeNtum trial), and plans to initiate a trial in Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy in 2H 2024.

When does Dianthus Therapeutics (DNTH) expect top-line results from its gMG and MMN trials?

Dianthus Therapeutics anticipates top-line results from the Phase 2 MaGic trial in gMG in the second half of 2025, and from the Phase 2 MoMeNtum trial in MMN in the second half of 2026.

What was Dianthus Therapeutics' (DNTH) financial position as of Q2 2024?

As of June 30, 2024, Dianthus Therapeutics had $360.7 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, providing a runway into the second half of 2027.

What is DNTH103 and what indications is it targeting?

DNTH103 is Dianthus Therapeutics' investigational monoclonal antibody targeting the classical complement pathway. It is being developed for generalized Myasthenia Gravis, Multifocal Motor Neuropathy, and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy.