IMV Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Financial and Operational Results

Rhea-AI Summary

IMV Inc. has announced its financial results for 2020, highlighting significant progress in its immunotherapy pipeline, especially Maveropepimut-S. With cash reserves of $46.4 million, the company aims to advance its clinical programs, including two Phase 2 trials and exploratory studies in multiple solid tumors. IMV reported a net loss of $34.9 million, attributed to increased research and administrative expenses. The company is poised for 2021 with multiple milestones, including FDA engagement and new clinical trials for its promising DPX-based therapies.

Positive

• Advancement of Maveropepimut-S in multiple cancer indications.
• Successful Phase 2 study in r/r DLBCL with promising biomarkers.
• Strong cash position of $46.4 million to fund future operations.

Negative

• Net loss of $34.9 million for 2020, higher by $7.5 million from 2019.
• Increased operational expenses in R&D and G&A.

IMV Inc. (the “Company” or “IMV”) (TSX: IMV; NASDAQ: IMV), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering a novel class of immunotherapies, today announced its financial and operational results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2020.

“Notwithstanding the challenges everyone faced in 2020, IMV’s commitment to provide effective and well-tolerated immunotherapies to patients with hard-to-treat cancer resulted in significant progress on multiple fronts with our lead compound, Maveropepimut-S, and with other DPX-based candidates,” said Fred Ors, Chief Executive Officer at IMV Inc. “We see 2021 as a transformational year for IMV as we are advancing Maveropepimut-S in both relapsed, refractory DLBCL (“r/r DLBCL”), advanced recurrent ovarian cancer. Additionally, we now have encouraging early data in two other solid cancer indications. We continue to explore the power of our versatile delivery platform with new DPX-based cancer immunotherapies, like DPX-SurMAGE, a dual-targeted cancer immunotherapy that is expected to enter clinical trials later this year and DPX-BRAF that is currently evaluated in preclinical studies in animal models.”

Clinical Program Updates

Maveropepimut-S: Phase 2 SPiReL Study in r/r DLBCL

As reported in May 2020, this Phase 2 study in r/r DLBCL met its primary efficacy endpoint. In December 2020, the study's lead investigator, Neil Berinstein, MD, hematologist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center provided an update during a poster presentation at the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting. In November 2020, Dr. Berinstein also presented at The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) 35th Anniversary Annual Meeting where he announced the discovery of a potential predictive biomarker.

In his presentation during the annual ASH meeting, Dr. Neil Berinstein described the results from the SPiReL study:

• In the PD-L1+ population (n=7), subjects
  • Have significantly higher median Progression Free Survival (PFS) of 230 days, compared to the PD-L1 negative subjects (70 days) with a p-value of 0.007, suggestive of a strong predictive biomarker for this treatment combination,
  • Demonstrated an objective response in six subjects, including three subjects who have completed one-year of study treatment,
  • Demonstrated an ORR and a DCR at both 85.7% in evaluable PD-L1+.

• Peripheral blood was assessed for survivin-specific ELISpot responses in 15 subjects with available samples. All 3 subjects with a CR, and 3 of 4 subjects with a PR, had positive ELISpot responses, while only 1 subject with SD and 1 subject with PD demonstrated survivin-specific ELISpot response suggestive of an association between the clinical responses with the mechanism of action of DPX-Survivac.
• Treatment was well tolerated. The majority of treatment-related adverse events were grade 1 and 2 severity. A majority of these were injection site reactions associated with the subcutaneous administration of DPX-Survivac.

Based on these results, IMV recently engaged with the FDA which provided productive feedback. The Company is working with Merck to finalize the protocol of the Phase 2b clinical study which is expected to begin in Q2 2021.

Maveropepimut-S: Phase 2 DeCidE1 Study in Advanced, Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

Top line data presented in December 2020 demonstrated clinically meaningful activity with long-lasting clinical benefits, and an excellent safety/tolerability profile.

• 15/19 (79%) evaluable subjects demonstrated disease control. Clinical responses were observed across platinum-sensitive, platinum-resistant, and platinum-refractory patients.
• 7/19 evaluable subjects (37%) achieved clinical benefit with partial/stable responses lasting > 6 months, and 5 subjects (26%) achieved clinical benefit with partial/stable responses lasting > 12 months.
• Treatment was well-tolerated with the majority of adverse events being grade 1-2 reactions at the injection site.

IMV is currently analyzing translational data with the goal of better understanding the mechanism of action of Maveropepimut-S and identifying potential predictive biomarkers. Once the analysis of the translational data is completed, the Company will request a meeting with the FDA in the second half of the year to finalize the design of a Phase 2b trial.

Maveropepimut-S: Phase 2 Basket Trial in Multiple Advanced Metastatic Solid Tumors

The objective of this exploratory trial conducted in collaboration with Merck is to identify and select the best solid tumor opportunities for the combination of IMV’s T cell therapy with Merck’s anti PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor, Keytruda^®, and CPA. Recruitment in five cancer indications follows a Simon two-stage design and each indication has prespecified success thresholds defined by the expected effect of Keytruda^® as a monotherapy agent in that indication.

The combination therapy is evaluated in patients with metastatic bladder cancer, liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC), ovarian cancer (with and without CPA), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and tumors shown to be positive for the microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) biomarker. At the time of this update, 116 subjects were enrolled on the study and sufficient data was available for four of the five indications.

• The combination therapy achieved the thresholds in two indications: metastatic bladder and MSI-H tumor cancers. IMV is pleased to announce that the combination therapy will be further evaluated in these two indications.
• The combination therapy did not meet the prespecified criteria to progress to the next stage in NSCLC and ovarian cancer. The Company will discuss with its partner Merck to decide whether these indications should be further explored.
• In the Hepatocellular Carcinoma (liver) HCC indication, IMV and its partner Merck have decided to adjust some of the enrollment criteria in order to accelerate enrollment rates. An update will be provided when the enrollment goal is met.

DPX-COVID-19: A DPX-Based Vaccine Against SARS-CoV-2

Due to the evolution of the regulatory landscape, the emergence of new variants and the regulatory approval of vaccines by a number of countries, the Company is currently conducting complementary preclinical studies, including evaluating the impact of new variants, and will provide an update once these preclinical studies are completed.

As the scientific community gains a better understanding of the duration of the protection induced by the current and soon-to-be approved vaccines, their efficacy against new emerging variants and the possible need to revaccinate, the Company’s goal is to generate sufficient clinical evidence supporting the claim that DPX-based vaccines, which have a different mechanism of action than traditional vaccines, can represent a compelling long-lasting solution to COVID-19 and to other future pandemics.

Once available, IMV intends to submit preclinical study results supporting the Phase 1/2 clinical trial in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

2020 Operational Highlights

IMV strengthened its financial position in May 2020 with a private placement for gross proceeds of $25.1 million in addition to gross proceeds of $40.8 million (US $30 million) raised under its March and June At-The-Market facilities. This translates to cash and cash equivalents of $46.4 million at the end of the fiscal year.

Company appointed Andrew Hall, B.Med.Sci., M.Sc. as Chief Business Officer: Mr. Hall joined IMV in November 2020. He brings more than 20 years of executive experience in biopharmaceuticals and life sciences, and has spent his career focused on corporate and portfolio strategy, as well as business development and commercial operations with industry leaders such as Celgene, Merck, Schering-Plough, and Bristol-Meyers Squibb spearheading new product development, analytics and commercial strategy for immunology and inflammation, oncology, women's health, cardiovascular portfolios and more.

Overview of Year-End 2020 Financial Results

As of December 31, 2021, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $46.4 million and working capital of $45.5 million, compared with $14.1 million and $13.2 million, respectively as of December 31, 2019. The increase in cash primarily reflects proceeds from the $25.1 million private placement completed on May 7th, the 6,841,773 common shares issued for gross proceeds of $40.8 million (US$30 million) under its March and June At-The-Market facilities and $2.3 million from the exercise of 611,888 common share warrants. Based on its current operating plan, IMV expects its current cash position will be sufficient to fund operations for at least the next 12 months.

Research and development expenses were $26.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared with $19.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. This increase of $7.6 million was mainly due to a rise in expenses related to the ongoing basket trial, personnel costs due to an increase in headcount, and pre-clinical development of DPX-COVID-19, which was offset by the increase in government assistance described below.

General and administrative expenses were $15.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared with $10.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. This increase was mainly attributable to an increase in insurance premium and, to a lesser extent, an increase in foreign exchange loss and non-cash deferred share unit compensation. These increases were partly offset by a decrease in travel costs due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and a decrease in non-cash stock backed compensation.

Government assistance totaled $6.7 million for fiscal 2020 compared with $2.4 million in fiscal 2019. This increase is mainly explained by various government grants for the development of DPX-COVID-19, reimbursed for eligible development expenditures incurred to date.

The net loss and comprehensive loss of $34.9 million ($0.58 per share) for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $7.5 million higher than the net loss and comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2019 and can be further explained by a $5.1 million increase in general and administrative expenditures, a $7.6 million increase in research and development expenditures, partly offset by a $4.3 million increase in COVID-19 specific government funding.

As of March 16, 2021, the number of issued and outstanding common shares was 67,711,045 and a total of 4,997,282 stock options, warrants and deferred share units were outstanding.

The Corporation's audited annual consolidated results of operations, financial condition and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2020 and the related management's discussion and analysis (MD&A) are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar as well as the Company’s website at https://www.imv-inc.com/investors/financial-information/financial-results.

All dollar amounts noted herein are denominated in Canadian dollars (unless otherwise noted herein).

2021 Expected Milestones

Maveropepimut-S

• Q1 2021: Finalization of clinical protocol and collaboration agreement with partner for Phase 2B clinical trial in r/r DLBCL
• Q2 2021: Translational and Biomarker analysis update for Ovarian cancer DeCidE1 trial
• Q2 2021: Initiation of r/r DLBCL Phase 2B trial
• H2 2021: Meeting with the FDA and final clinical design for a Phase 2B study in Advanced Recurrent Ovarian Cancer
• H2 2021: Updated results for the basket trial.

DPX-SurMAGE

• H2 2021: Initiation of a Phase 1 clinical study in bladder cancer.

DPX-COVID-19

• Q2 2021: Submission of pre-clinical manuscript.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

Management will host a conference call and webcast today March 17, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. ET. Investment professionals are invited to join the conference call by dialing (866) 211-3204 (U.S. and Canada) or (647) 689-6600 (international) using the conference ID# 8998652. Other interested parties can access the live audio webcast at this link: https://ir.imv-inc.com/events-and-presentations.

About IMV

IMV Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to making immunotherapy more effective, more broadly applicable, and more widely available to people facing cancer and other serious diseases. IMV is pioneering a new class of cancer immunotherapies based on the Company’s proprietary delivery platform (DPX). This patented technology leverages a differentiated mechanism of action that generates a targeted and durable immune activation with limited side effects. IMV’s lead candidate, Maveropepimut-S, is a T cell-activating immunotherapy that combines the utility of the platform with a novel cancer target: survivin. IMV is currently assessing Maveropepimut-S in advanced ovarian cancer, as well as a combination therapy in multiple clinical studies with Merck. IMV is also developing a DPX-based vaccine to fight against COVID-19. Visit www.imv-inc.com and connect with us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

IMV Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking information under applicable securities law. All information that addresses activities or developments that we expect to occur in the future is forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements use such word as “will”, “may”, “potential”, “believe”, “expect”, “continue”, “anticipate” and other similar terminology. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management on the date the statements are made. In the press release, such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the FDA potentially granting accelerated regulatory approval of Maveropepimut-S, the potential for synergistic action and results from the use of combined immunotherapies by the Company, the Company’s ability to reach agreement with its collaboration partners and the timing of expected results from other Maveropepimut-S’s studies with other tumor types. However, they should not be regarded as a representation that any of the plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in this press release due to risks affecting the Company, including access to capital, the successful design and completion of clinical trials and the timely receipt of all regulatory approvals to commence, and then continue, clinical studies and trials and the receipt of all regulatory approvals to commercialize its products. IMV Inc. assumes no responsibility to update forward-looking statements in this press release except as required by law. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, and those risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the ability to access capital, the successful and, generally, the timely completion of clinical trials and studies and the receipt of all regulatory approvals as well as other risks detailed from time to time in our ongoing quarterly filings and annual information form. Investors are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements and are encouraged to read IMV’s continuous disclosure documents, including its current annual information form, as well as its audited annual consolidated financial statements which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.

IMV INC.
Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share and per share amounts)
		Years ended December 31,
		2020 $		2019 $
Revenue
Subcontract revenue		3		59
Interest Income		298		509
Total revenue		301		568
Expenses
Research and development		26,605		18,986
General and administrative		15,205		10,140
Government assistance		(6,690)		(2,432)
Accreted interest and valuation adjustments		36		1,239
Total operating expenses		35,156		27,933
Net loss and comprehensive loss		(34,855)		(27,365)
Basic and diluted loss per share		(0.58)		(0.55)
Weighted-average shares outstanding		60,305,264		49,653,578

IMV INC.
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except for share and per share amounts)
		December 31,				December 31,
		2020				2019
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	46,362			$	14,066
Accounts receivable			2,012				845
Prepaid expenses			5,645				3,032
Investment tax credits receivable			1,942				1,661
Total current assets			55,961				19,604
Property and equipment			2,839				2,830
Total assets		$	58,800			$	22,434
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$	9,240			$	6,157
Current portion of long-term debt			1,094				88
Current portion of lease obligations			139				100
Total current liabilities			10,473				6,405
Lease obligation			1,216				1,208
Long-term debt			7,736				8,373
Total liabilities			19,425				15,986
Equity			39,375				6,448
Total liabilities and equity		$	58,800			$	22,434

 

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FAQ

What are the latest developments for IMV Inc. in 2021?

IMV Inc. plans to finalize clinical protocols and initiate Phase 2B trials for Maveropepimut-S in relapsed DLBCL and advanced ovarian cancer, along with new data updates throughout the year.

What is IMV's current financial position?

As of the end of 2020, IMV reported cash and cash equivalents of $46.4 million, sufficient to fund operations for at least the next 12 months.

What were the key financial results for IMV Inc. in 2020?

IMV reported a net loss of $34.9 million for 2020, primarily due to increased research and administrative expenses.

What clinical trials is IMV planning for Maveropepimut-S?

IMV is advancing Maveropepimut-S through Phase 2B trials in both relapsed/refractory DLBCL and advanced recurrent ovarian cancer.

What is the significance of the SPiReL study for IMV?

The SPiReL study demonstrated significant efficacy in r/r DLBCL, showing higher median progression-free survival in PD-L1 positive subjects.