Werewolf Therapeutics Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results and Provides Business Update

Rhea-AI Summary

Werewolf Therapeutics, Inc. (HOWL) provides a business update and financial results for Q4 and full year 2023. The company plans to present additional clinical data from WTX-124 and WTX-330 in 2024. The updated cash guidance ensures funding through at least Q2 2025. Financially, collaboration revenue decreased in Q4 2023 compared to 2022, while research and development expenses decreased. Net loss also decreased for both Q4 and full year 2023.

Insights

Medical Research Analyst

The announcement of upcoming clinical trial data for Werewolf Therapeutics' candidates WTX-124 and WTX-330 is significant for stakeholders as it marks critical milestones in the company's pipeline progression. The Phase 1/1b clinical trial results for WTX-124 are particularly noteworthy as they will provide further evidence on the efficacy and safety of the drug, potentially influencing its future development and marketability. The recommended dose for expansion (RDE) is a pivotal point in clinical trials, as it sets the stage for broader testing and closer examination of the drug's therapeutic index. Additionally, the combination of WTX-124 with pembrolizumab could be a strategic move to target multiple solid tumor types, leveraging the potential synergistic effects of both therapies.

WTX-330's preliminary data will also be closely watched, as it targets a different set of conditions, specifically immunotherapy insensitive or resistant tumors. The performance of this molecule could open new avenues for treatment in a challenging patient population. The company's cash guidance, indicating a runway through at least Q2 2025, provides a cushion for ongoing R&D without immediate financial pressures. However, the decrease in collaboration revenue year-over-year suggests a need to monitor the company's revenue streams and their sustainability.

Financial Analyst

From a financial perspective, Werewolf Therapeutics' update provides a mixed picture. On the one hand, the company's cash position appears robust, with an increase in cash and cash equivalents year-over-year and an extended operational runway. This financial stability is crucial for investors as it suggests the company can continue its research without the need for immediate additional financing, which could dilute shareholder value. On the other hand, the decline in collaboration revenue in the fourth quarter compared to the previous year could raise questions about the company's ability to generate consistent revenue from its partnerships, such as the one with Jazz Pharmaceuticals.

Research and development expenses have decreased significantly from the previous year, which could indicate increased efficiency in the company's R&D processes or a strategic reprioritization of projects. However, this could also mean a scaling back of R&D activities, which may impact the long-term pipeline potential. The net loss figures, while slightly lower year-over-year, continue to underscore the company's pre-revenue status and the inherent risks involved in biotech investments.

Market Research Analyst

The market impact of Werewolf Therapeutics' upcoming clinical data presentations will largely depend on the outcomes of the trials. Positive results could significantly enhance investor confidence and drive up the stock's value, as they would de-risk the investment proposition and bring the company closer to potential commercialization. The field of conditionally activated therapeutics is a burgeoning area in oncology and Werewolf's success could position it as a leader in this niche, particularly if its INDUKINE platform demonstrates a favorable therapeutic index and antitumor activity.

Conversely, any setbacks in the clinical trials could have a detrimental effect on investor sentiment. The retirement of the Chief Scientific Officer, while not uncommon, could introduce uncertainty regarding the continuity of scientific leadership. However, the company's reassurance of a strong leadership team mitigates such concerns. Overall, the company's trajectory will be closely monitored by the market, with particular attention to its ability to maintain its cash runway and deliver on its R&D promises.

–  Additional monotherapy dose-escalation data from ongoing Phase 1/1b clinical trial of WTX-124 expected to be presented in the first half of 2024  –

–  WTX-124 recommended dose for expansion (RDE), initiation of monotherapy dose expansion arms and initial combination dose-escalation data also expected in the first half of 2024  –

–  Preliminary data from Phase 1 clinical trial of WTX-330 expected in the second quarter of 2024  –

–  Updated cash guidance provides runway through at least the second quarter of 2025  –

WATERTOWN, Mass., March 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Werewolf Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company” or “Werewolf”) (Nasdaq: HOWL), an innovative biopharmaceutical company pioneering the development of conditionally activated therapeutics engineered to stimulate the body’s immune system for the treatment of cancer, today provided a business update and reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023.

“Werewolf made considerable progress in 2023, setting up 2024 as a year of execution across our pipeline,” said Daniel J. Hicklin, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Werewolf. “In the first half of this year, we plan to present additional clinical data from our Phase 1/1b clinical trial of WTX-124, including updated monotherapy data and initial combination data, which we anticipate will build on the promising signals of antitumor activity and improved therapeutic index that we observed in the data presented at SITC last year. In addition, we plan to share data further demonstrating the performance of our platform in our preclinical programs at AACR. We also plan to share initial clinical data from WTX-330, our second clinical candidate, in the second quarter of 2024.”

“Additionally, I would like to express my deep appreciation to Cindy Seidel-Dugan, Ph.D., Werewolf’s Chief Scientific Officer, who is retiring effective March 29, 2024, after a long and successful career in the biopharmaceutical industry. Cindy was a founding member of the Werewolf Executive Team and has been instrumental in establishing Werewolf’s innovative science, developing our INDUKINE technology, and shepherding our lead candidates through the discovery and IND-enabling process. We have benefited greatly from Cindy’s significant expertise, and the strong scientific leadership team she has built that will ensure continued success going forward. We wish Cindy the very best in her retirement.”

Recent Highlights and Upcoming Milestones

WTX-124: a systemically delivered, conditionally activated Interleukin-2 (IL-2) INDUKINE molecule being developed as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab in multiple solid tumor types.

• In November 2023, at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) 38^th Annual Meeting, Werewolf presented first-in-human monotherapy data from the Phase 1/1b clinical trial of WTX-124. These preliminary data established proof of mechanism for WTX-124 and proof of concept for Werewolf’s INDUKINE design hypothesis.
• In the first half of 2024, Werewolf expects to present additional interim dose-escalation data from the monotherapy dose-escalation arm, nominate a recommended dose for expansion and initiate monotherapy dose expansion arms.
• Additionally, Werewolf continues to progress combination dose escalation cohorts of the Phase 1/1b clinical trial and plans to report initial clinical data from this arm in the first half of 2024.
  

WTX-330: a systemically delivered, conditionally activated Interleukin-12 (IL-12) INDUKINE molecule being developed in refractory and/or immunologically unresponsive tumors.

• Werewolf is progressing Study WTX-330x2101, its Phase 1, multi-center, open-label clinical trial evaluating WTX-330 as a monotherapy in patients with immunotherapy insensitive or resistant advanced or metastatic solid tumors or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Werewolf plans to report initial data from the Phase 1 study in the second quarter of 2024.
  

Preclinical Portfolio: includes development candidates WTX-712 and WTX-518, INDUKINE molecules targeting IL-21 and IL-18, respectively, for treatment of cancer.

• Werewolf plans to present preclinical data from WTX-712 and WTX-518 at the 2024 AACR Annual Meeting on antitumor activity in the delivery of IL-21 or IL-18, respectively, to the tumor microenvironment in mouse tumor models. These programs are currently progressing through IND-enabling work.
  
  
  • Abstract Number: 4078
    Title: WTX-712, a conditionally active IL-21 INDUKINETM molecule, induces a strong anti-tumor phenotype through a differentiated mechanism
    Session Date and Time: Tuesday, April 9, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
    
  • Abstract Number: 4074
    Title: Discovery of WTX-518, an IL-18 pro-drug that is conditionally activated within the tumor microenvironment and induces regressions in mouse tumor models
    Session Date and Time: Tuesday, April 9, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Additional Updates:

• In January 2024, Werewolf appointed Michael Atkins, M.D., to its Board of Directors. Dr. Atkins has served as a member of Werewolf’s Scientific Advisory Board since August 2018 and has more than 30 years of experience in translational and clinical research, specializing in melanoma, kidney cancer, and cancer immunotherapy.
  

Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023:

• Cash position: As of December 31, 2023, cash and cash equivalents were $134.3 million, compared to $129.3 million as of December 31, 2022. The Company also had restricted cash and cash equivalents of $21.2 million and $1.2 million as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Based on updated forecasting the Company now expects that its existing cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2023, and gross proceeds of $17.7 million under the at-the-market sales facility received from January 1, 2024 through March 1, 2024, will be sufficient to fund its operational expenses and capital expenditure requirements through at least the second quarter of 2025.
• Collaboration revenue: Collaboration revenue was $1.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $7.3 million for the same period in 2022, and $19.9 million for the full year 2023, compared to $16.4 million for the same period in 2022. Collaboration revenue consists of revenue recognized from the Company’s licensing agreement with Jazz Pharmaceuticals (Jazz) and includes fixed payments received from Jazz, plus costs incurred for research services to be reimbursed by Jazz.
• Research and development expenses: Research and development expenses were $9.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $15.9 million for the same period in 2022. Research and development expenses were $41.8 million for the full year 2023, compared to $53.8 million for the full year 2022.
• General and administrative expenses: General and administrative expenses were $4.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $4.6 million for the same period in 2022. General and administrative expenses were $18.7 million for the full year 2023, compared to $18.7 million for the full year 2022.
• Net loss: Net loss was $12.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $11.9 million for the same period in 2022. Net loss was $37.4 million for the full year 2023, compared to $53.8 million for the full year 2022.
  

About Werewolf Therapeutics:
Werewolf Therapeutics, Inc. is an innovative clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering the development of therapeutics engineered to stimulate the body’s immune system for the treatment of cancer. We are leveraging our proprietary PREDATOR™ platform to design conditionally activated molecules that stimulate both adaptive and innate immunity with the goal of addressing the limitations of conventional proinflammatory immune therapies. Our INDUKINE™ molecules are intended to remain inactive in peripheral tissue yet activate selectively in the tumor microenvironment. Our most advanced product candidates, WTX-124 and WTX-330, are systemically delivered, conditionally activated Interleukin-2 (IL-2), and Interleukin-12 (IL-12) INDUKINE molecules for the treatment of solid tumors. WTX-124 is in development as a monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab in multiple solid tumor types. WTX-330 is in development as a single agent in refractory and/or immunotherapy unresponsive or resistant advanced or metastatic solid tumors and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risk and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, contained in this press release, including statements regarding Werewolf’s strategy, future operations, prospects, plans, and objectives of management; the projection of the cash runway; the expected timeline for the preclinical and clinical development of product candidates and the availability of data from such preclinical and clinical development; the potential activity and efficacy of product candidates in preclinical studies and clinical trials; and the anticipated safety profile of product candidates; constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “aim,” “anticipate,” “approach,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “design,” “designed to,” “engineered,” “estimate,” “expect,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “objective,” “ongoing,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “promise,” “should,” “target,” “will,” or “would,” or the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. The Company may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: uncertainties inherent in the development of product candidates, including the conduct of research activities and the initiation and completion of preclinical studies and clinical trials; uncertainties as to the availability and timing of results from preclinical studies and clinical trials; the timing of and the Company’s ability to submit and obtain regulatory approval for investigational new drug applications; whether results from preclinical studies will be predictive of the results of later preclinical studies and clinical trials; whether preliminary data from a clinical trial will be predictive of the results of the trial and future clinical trials; the Company’s ability to manage cash resources and obtain additional cash resources to fund the Company’s foreseeable and unforeseeable operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements; as well as the risks and uncertainties identified in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s most recent Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and in subsequent filings the Company may make with the SEC. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company’s views as of the date of this press release. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its views to change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

Werewolf Therapeutics, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) (amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
	Three Months Ended December 31,								Year Ended December 31,
		2023				2022				2023				2022
Revenue:
Collaboration revenue	$	1,501			$	7,283			$	19,943			$	16,401
Operating expenses:
Research and development		9,649				15,859				41,776				53,761
General and administrative		4,814				4,603				18,670				18,696
Total operating expenses		14,463				20,462				60,446				72,457
Operating loss		(12,962	)			(13,179	)			(40,503	)			(56,056	)
Other income		959				1,249				3,135				2,246
Net loss	$	(12,003	)		$	(11,930	)		$	(37,368	)		$	(53,810	)
Net loss per share, basic and diluted	$	(0.33	)		$	(0.39	)		$	(1.05	)		$	(1.86	)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted		36,570,280				30,734,797				35,646,572				28,863,935

Werewolf Therapeutics, Inc. Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Data (unaudited) (amounts in thousands)
	December 31, 2023				December 31, 2022
Cash and cash equivalents	$	134,343			$	129,315
Working capital	$	118,992			$	116,211
Total assets	$	174,833			$	160,245
Total deferred revenue	$	1,340			$	7,660
Total notes payable, net of discount and issuance costs	$	39,323			$	—
Total stockholders’ equity	$	111,374			$	122,337

Investor Contact:
Josh Rappaport
Stern IR
212.362.1200
Josh.rappaport@sternir.com

Media Contact:
Amanda Sellers
VERGE Scientific Communications
301.332.5574
asellers@vergescientific.com

Company Contact:
Ellen Lubman
Chief Business Officer
Werewolf Therapeutics
elubman@werewolftx.com

FAQ

What are the upcoming milestones for WTX-124 and WTX-330 in 2024?

Werewolf plans to present additional clinical data from WTX-124, including updated monotherapy data and initial combination data, in the first half of 2024. They also expect to report initial data from WTX-330 in the second quarter of 2024.

What is the cash position of Werewolf as of December 31, 2023?

As of December 31, 2023, Werewolf had cash and cash equivalents of $134.3 million, with updated forecasting indicating funding through at least the second quarter of 2025.

How did collaboration revenue and research and development expenses change in Q4 2023 compared to 2022?

Collaboration revenue decreased to $1.5 million in Q4 2023 from $7.3 million in 2022. Research and development expenses also decreased to $9.6 million in Q4 2023 from $15.9 million in 2022.

What was the net loss for Werewolf in Q4 and full year 2023?

The net loss for Werewolf was $12.0 million in Q4 2023, compared to $11.9 million in 2022. For the full year 2023, the net loss was $37.4 million, down from $53.8 million in 2022.