Gain Therapeutics Reports Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter and Year End 2024 and Provides Corporate Update

Rhea-AI Summary

Gain Therapeutics (NASDAQ: GANX) has reported its Q4 and full-year 2024 financial results, highlighting significant progress in the development of GT-02287 for Parkinson's disease treatment. The company has initiated dosing in its Phase 1b trial, with first analysis expected in Q2 2025.

Financial highlights for 2024 include:

• Net loss decreased to $20.4 million ($0.89 per share) from $22.3 million in 2023
• R&D expenses decreased to $10.8 million from $11.5 million in 2023
• G&A expenses reduced to $9.6 million from $10.8 million in 2023
• Cash position at $10.4 million as of December 31, 2024

Recent developments include new clinical data showing >50% increase in GCase activity among GT-02287 recipients, favorable safety profiles, and the appointment of Gene Mack as President and CEO. The company plans to submit an IND to FDA by year-end 2025.

Positive

• Phase 1 trial showed >50% increase in GCase activity with favorable safety profile
• Net loss decreased by $1.9 million year-over-year
• R&D expenses reduced by $0.7 million to $10.8 million
• G&A expenses decreased by $1.2 million to $9.6 million

Negative

• Cash position declined from $16.8M to $10.4M year-over-year
• Continued net losses of $20.4 million in 2024

Insights

Financial Analyst

Gain Therapeutics' financial results reveal a company making tangible progress in operational efficiency while facing typical biotech cash management challenges. The firm reported a $20.4 million net loss for 2024 ($0.89 per share), narrowing from the previous year's $22.3 million loss ($1.71 per share). Both R&D and G&A expenses decreased year-over-year by 6.1% and 11.1% respectively, demonstrating improved cost control.

The concerning metric is Gain's cash position of $10.4 million as of December 31, 2024, down from $16.8 million a year prior. With approximately $20 million in annual expenses, this represents less than six months of runway without additional financing. While not explicitly addressed in the report, this cash burn rate indicates Gain will likely need to secure additional capital in the near term, creating potential dilution risk for existing shareholders.

The timing is critical – Gain expects first analysis from their Phase 1b Parkinson's trial by Q2 2025, representing a potential value inflection point. Their strategy appears focused on generating compelling clinical data before pursuing additional funding, which could potentially improve financing terms. For a microcap biotech with only $60.7 million market capitalization, positive clinical data could significantly impact valuation, though investors should recognize the inherent funding challenges facing early-stage biotechs.

Biotech Expert

Gain Therapeutics' clinical program for GT-02287 represents a mechanistically differentiated approach to Parkinson's disease treatment. The Phase 1 data presented at the Michael J. Fox Foundation conference revealed two critical findings: adequate CNS penetration (essential for neurological therapies) and robust target engagement with >50% increase in glucocerebrosidase (GCase) activity at clinically relevant doses.

The GCase enzyme is particularly significant in Parkinson's pathology, especially for patients with GBA1 mutations, which represent the most common genetic risk factor for the disease. By enhancing GCase activity, GT-02287 aims to address the underlying lysosomal dysfunction rather than merely treating symptoms - a potential disease-modifying approach rather than symptomatic relief.

The recently initiated Phase 1b trial represents the crucial transition from healthy volunteers to actual Parkinson's patients. The Q2 2025 readout will assess whether the biochemical target engagement translates to meaningful clinical signals. Importantly, their preclinical data now suggests broader impact beyond GCase, including mitochondrial health benefits, which could expand therapeutic potential beyond GBA1 mutation carriers to the broader Parkinson's population.

The formation of a specialized Clinical Advisory Board and engagement with FDA for potential US expansion demonstrates appropriate preparation for later-stage development. While still early in clinical development, Gain's systematic approach aligns with successful drug development practices in the neurodegenerative space.

First Analysis from Phase 1b Study of GT-02287 in Parkinson’s Disease Expected in Q2 2025

BETHESDA, Md., March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gain Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: GANX) (“Gain”, or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company leading the discovery and development of the next generation of allosteric small molecule therapies, today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024, and provided a corporate update.

“2024 was a year of significant progress for Gain, as we made important advancements related to both the scientific understanding and clinical development of our lead candidate GT-02287, in development for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease with or without GBA1 mutation,” said Gene Mack, President and CEO of Gain. “Building upon this momentum in 2025, we have recently initiated dosing in our Phase 1b trial of GT-02287 and look forward to sharing results from a first analysis of the study anticipated for the end of the second quarter of 2025. We believe the observations from this analysis will mark a significant value inflection point for the GT-02287 program and importantly, inform the planning of our Phase 2 study during the second half of 2025. At the same time, we are working towards expanding GT-02287 clinical development to the U.S. and continue to have productive dialogue with the FDA. We look forward to providing continued updates on our progress as we aim to achieve these milestones throughout the year.”

Fourth Quarter 2024 and Recent Corporate Highlights

Pipeline Updates

• First participant dosed in the Phase 1b trial of GT-02287 in Parkinson’s disease. First analysis is anticipated at the end of the second quarter 2025.
• Presented new clinical data from a Phase 1 study of GT-02287 in healthy volunteers that demonstrated favorable safety and tolerability, plasma exposure in the projected therapeutic range, CNS exposure, and target engagement with a statistically significant >50% increase in glucocerebrosidase (GCase) activity among those receiving GT-02287 at clinically relevant doses during the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s 16^th Annual Parkinson’s Disease Therapeutics Conference in October 2024 in New York, NY.
• Presented preclinical data elucidating a broader impact on the biology of Parkinson’s disease than was previously understood to be associated with GT-02287 stabilization and modulation of GCase, including important observations of its role in supporting mitochondrial health at the Society for Neuroscience 2024 conference in October 2024 in Chicago, IL.
• Presented a poster highlighting the use of the Company’s Magellan™ drug discovery platform to identify allosteric inhibitors targeting discoidin domain receptor 2 at the 36^th EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium in October 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.

Corporate Updates

• Gene Mack was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 6, 2025. Gianluca Fuggetta assumed the role of Senior Vice President Finance and Principal Financial Officer.
• Announced formation of Clinical Advisory Board composed of leading experts in Parkinson’s disease to support the advancement of GT-02287 through late-stage clinical development.
• Commenced pre-Investigational New Drug (IND) engagement with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in preparation for expansion of GT-02287 Phase 2 clinical development to include the United States.
  

Upcoming Anticipated Milestones

• First analysis from Phase 1b trial evaluating GT-02287 in Parkinson’s disease patients expected at the end of Q2 2025.
• IND submission to FDA expected by year end 2025.

Year End 2024 Financial Results

Research and development (R&D) expenses decreased by $0.7 million to $10.8 million for year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $11.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in research and development expenses was primarily related to higher recognition of research grant income principally comprised of a tax credit for eligible research and development expenses in Australia. These increases were partially offset by higher costs during 2024 associated with the Phase 1 clinical trial of the Company’s lead program compound GT-02287 for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

General and administrative (G&A) expenses decreased by $1.2 million to $9.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $10.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to lower personnel and stock-based compensation costs.

Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $20.4 million, or $0.89 per share, basic and diluted, compared to $22.3 million, or $1.71 per share, basic and diluted, for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in net loss for 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily
attributable to decreases in R&D expenses of $0.7 million and G&A expenses of $1.2 million.

Cash, cash equivalent and marketable securities were $10.4 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $16.8 million as of December 31, 2023.

About GT-02287
Gain Therapeutics’ lead drug candidate, GT-02287, is in clinical development for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) with or without a GBA1 mutation. The orally administered, brain-penetrant small molecule is an allosteric enzyme modulator that restores the function of the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase (GCase) which becomes misfolded and impaired due to mutations in the GBA1 gene, the most common genetic abnormality associated with PD, or other age-related stress factors. In preclinical models of PD, GT-02287 restored GCase enzymatic function, reduced aggregated α-synuclein, neuroinflammation and neuronal death, and improved motor function and cognitive performance. Additionally, GT-02287 significantly reduced plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels, an emerging biomarker of neurodegeneration.

Compelling preclinical data in models of both GBA1-PD and idiopathic PD, demonstrating a disease-modifying effect after administration of GT-02287, suggest that GT-02287 may have the potential to slow or stop the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

Gain’s lead program in Parkinson’s disease has been awarded funding support early in its development from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) and The Silverstein Foundation for Parkinson’s with GBA, as well as from the Eurostars-2 joint program with co-funding from the European Union Horizon 2020 research and Innosuisse – Swiss Innovation Agency.

About Gain Therapeutics, Inc.
Gain Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company leading the discovery and development of next generation allosteric therapies. Gain’s lead drug candidate, GT-02287 is currently being evaluated for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease with or without a GBA1 mutation. Results from a Phase 1 study of GT-02287 in healthy volunteers demonstrated favorable safety and tolerability, plasma exposure in the projected therapeutic range, CNS exposure, and target engagement and modulation of GCase enzyme.

Gain’s unique approach enables the discovery of novel, allosteric small molecule modulators that can restore or disrupt protein function. Deploying its highly advanced Magellan™ platform, Gain is accelerating drug discovery and unlocking novel disease-modifying treatments for untreatable or difficult-to-treat disorders including neurodegenerative diseases, rare genetic disorders and oncology.

Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains “forward-looking statements” made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are typically preceded by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “will,” “may,” “should,” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements reflect management’s current knowledge, assumptions, judgment and expectations regarding future performance or events. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such statements are reasonable, they give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct or that those goals will be achieved, and you should be aware that actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, statements regarding: the development of the Company’s current or future product candidates including GT-02287; expectations regarding the timing of results from a Phase 1b clinical study for GT-02287; expectations regarding the timing of patient enrollment for a Phase 1b clinical study for GT-02287; the timing of any submissions to the FDA or other regulatory bodies and agencies; and the potential therapeutic and clinical benefits of the Company’s product candidates. For a further description of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the Company’s business in general, please refer to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. We have no obligation, and expressly disclaim any obligation, to update, revise or correct any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Investor Contacts:
Apaar Jammu and Chuck Padala
ajammu@gaintherapeutics.com
chuck@lifesciadvisors.com

Media Contacts:
Russo Partners
Nic Johnson and Elio Ambrosio
nic.johnson@russopartnersllc.com
elio.ambrosio@russopartnersllc.com
(760) 846-9256

Gain Therapeutics, Inc Consolidated Statements of Operations
		Year Ended December 31,
		2024				2023
Revenues:
Collaboration revenues		$	—			$	55,180
Other income			—				—
Total revenues			—				55,180
Operating expenses:
Research and development			(10,791,058	)			(11,520,613	)
General and administrative			(9,559,534	)			(10,787,700	)
Total operating expenses			(20,350,592	)			(22,308,313	)
Loss from operations			(20,350,592	)			(22,253,133	)
Other income (expense):
Interest income, net			357,096				494,234
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net			119,120				(429,346	)
Loss before income tax			(19,874,376	)			(22,188,245	)
Income tax			(536,815	)			(79,275	)
Net loss		$	(20,411,191	)		$	(22,267,520	)
Net loss per shares:
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders - basic and diluted		$	(0.89	)		$	(1.71	)
Weighted average common stock - basic and diluted			22,881,415				13,011,361

Gain Therapeutics, Inc Consolidated Balance Sheets
			December 31,				December 31,
			2024				2023
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents			$	10,385,863			$	11,794,949
Marketable securities - current				—				4,999,704
Tax credits				271,079				242,577
Prepaid expenses and other current assets				945,536				741,638
Total current assets				11,602,478				17,778,868
Noncurrent assets:
Property and equipment, net				103,619				125,962
Internal-use software				134,268				193,375
Operating lease - right-of-use assets				219,715				459,215
Restricted cash				31,695				34,021
Long-term deposits and other noncurrent assets				32,109				17,890
Total noncurrent assets				521,406				830,463
Total assets			$	12,123,884			$	18,609,331
Liabilities and stockholder's equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable			$	946,259			$	1,318,965
Operating lease liability - current				160,913				229,693
Other current liabilities				2,441,761				2,160,366
Deferred grant income - current				252,211				1,122,138
Loans - current				110,177				118,797
Total current liabilities				3,911,321				4,949,959
Noncurrent liabilities:
Defined benefit pension plan				443,623				307,454
Operating lease liability - noncurrent				53,598				229,855
Deferred grant income - noncurrent				47,441				94,786
Loans - noncurrent				328,327				449,053
Total noncurrent liabilities				872,989				1,081,148
Total liabilities			$	4,784,310			$	6,031,107
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; nil shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023			$	—			$	—
Common stock, $0.0001 par value: 50,000,000 shares authorized; 27,132,588 and 16,206,680 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively				2,713				1,621
Additional paid-in capital				88,779,318				73,113,079
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income				(247,549	)			247,241
Accumulated deficit				(60,783,717	)			(38,516,197	)
Loss of the period				(20,411,191	)			(22,267,520	)
Total stockholders’ equity				7,339,574				12,578,224
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity			$	12,123,884			$	18,609,331

FAQ

When will Gain Therapeutics (GANX) release Phase 1b trial results for GT-02287 in Parkinson's disease?

The first analysis from the Phase 1b trial of GT-02287 is expected at the end of Q2 2025.

What were GANX's financial losses for full-year 2024?

Gain Therapeutics reported a net loss of $20.4 million ($0.89 per share) for 2024, down from $22.3 million in 2023.

How much cash does GANX have as of December 2024?

Gain Therapeutics had $10.4 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of December 31, 2024.

What were the key clinical results for GANX's GT-02287 in healthy volunteers?

GT-02287 showed favorable safety, plasma exposure in therapeutic range, CNS exposure, and >50% increase in GCase activity at clinically relevant doses.

When does GANX plan to submit IND application to FDA for GT-02287?

Gain Therapeutics expects to submit the IND application to FDA by the end of 2025.