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Kyverna Therapeutics Provides Business Update and Reports First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

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Kyverna Therapeutics (Nasdaq: KYTX) reported its Q1 2024 financial results, highlighting progress in autoimmune disease therapies. The company treated 30 patients by May 14, 2024, including those with myasthenia gravis, lupus nephritis, and multiple sclerosis. KYV-101, their CD19 CAR T-cell therapy, showed promising early clinical data and received Orphan Drug Designation for myasthenia gravis. Kyverna's balance sheet was strengthened by $366.9 million from their February IPO. However, the company reported a net loss of $26.7 million for Q1 2024, up from a $11.1 million loss in Q1 2023, with operating expenses increasing significantly.

Positive
  • Treated 30 patients with autoimmune diseases as of May 14, 2024.
  • KYV-101 granted Orphan Drug Designation by FDA for myasthenia gravis.
  • Strong balance sheet with approximately $366.9 million from February IPO.
  • Progress in clinical trials across rheumatology and neurology.
  • Published early clinical data showing first-in-disease use of KYV-101 in refractory progressive multiple sclerosis.
Negative
  • Reported a net loss of $26.7 million for Q1 2024, compared to $11.1 million in Q1 2023.
  • Net cash used in operating activities was $25.5 million in Q1 2024, up from $11.5 million in Q1 2023.
  • Increased operating expenses leading to higher net losses.

Insights

Kyverna Therapeutics' financial results reveal both challenges and strengths that investors should carefully consider. The company's net loss increased significantly from $11.1 million in Q1 2023 to $26.7 million in Q1 2024. This represents a near doubling of losses and suggests either increased R&D expenditure or operational inefficiencies. Although higher losses can be expected from a clinical-stage biotech firm, the jump is notable and should be monitored for signs of continued escalation.

On the positive side, Kyverna has managed to strengthen its balance sheet substantially with $369.8 million in cash and marketable securities, largely due to the recent IPO. This strong cash position provides ample runway for ongoing and future clinical trials, reducing immediate financial risks. For retail investors, the company's robust liquidity is reassuring, but the increasing net loss should be a focal point for assessing long-term sustainability.

From a medical research standpoint, the advancement of Kyverna's lead product candidate, KYV-101, is noteworthy. The clinical trials cover several autoimmune disorders, including myasthenia gravis, lupus nephritis and multiple sclerosis. The Orphan Drug Designation for myasthenia gravis is particularly significant as it could provide regulatory benefits such as market exclusivity and tax credits. The early clinical data on KYV-101's first-in-disease use for refractory progressive multiple sclerosis is promising and will be closely scrutinized in upcoming scientific meetings.

However, investors should be aware that clinical trials are inherently risky and the transition from promising early data to regulatory approval can be fraught with challenges. The breadth of indications being pursued is ambitious, which could either be a strategic diversification or a dilution of focus. How effectively Kyverna manages these trials will be important in determining future success.

  • Advanced clinical development in two broad areas of autoimmune disease: rheumatology and neurology
  • Treated 30 patients cumulatively as of May 14, 2024, including eight patients with myasthenia gravis, seven patients with lupus nephritis, and four patients with multiple sclerosis
  • Strong balance sheet, bolstered by recent public offering

EMERYVILLE, Calif., May 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: KYTX), a patient-centered, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing cell therapies for patients suffering from autoimmune diseases, today reported its business highlights and financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.

"We continue to build momentum in the clinical development of our lead product candidate, KYV-101, as we seek to bring autoimmune CAR T-cell therapies to more patients across both the US and Europe," said Peter Maag, Chief Executive Officer of Kyverna. "We are excited to build on our leadership position in 2024 and continue to execute diligently on our promise to bring hope to patients living with autoimmune disorders."

First Quarter 2024 and Recent Business Highlights

  • Advanced clinical development of KYV-101, our proprietary CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for autoimmunity, in clinical trials and investigator-initiated trials across the US and Europe
  • Treated 30 patients cumulatively as of May 14, 2024, including eight patients with myasthenia gravis, seven patients with lupus nephritis, and four patients with multiple sclerosis
  • Published early clinical data showing first-in-disease use of KYV-101 in patients with refractory progressive multiple sclerosis
  • KYV-101 granted Orphan Drug Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of myasthenia gravis
  • Progressed the global KYSA clinical trial program in multiple indications across rheumatology and neurology: Phase 1/2 trials in lupus nephritis (KYSA-1 and KYSA-3), a Phase 1/2 trial in systemic sclerosis (KYSA-5), a Phase 2 trial in myasthenia gravis (KYSA-6), and a Phase 2 trial in multiple sclerosis (KYSA-7)
  • Strengthened balance sheet with approximately $366.9 million in gross proceeds from our initial public offering in February 2024

Upcoming Milestones

  • Interim patient data releases and symposia at EULAR in second quarter of 2024, ECTRIMS in third quarter of 2024 and ACR in fourth quarter of 2024
  • Regulatory progress in rheumatology and neurology in the US and Europe
  • Ongoing progress with Ingenui-T, our manufacturing process designed to improve patient experience and manufacturing efficiencies
  • Updates on KYV-201, our allogeneic CD19 CAR T-cell product candidate

Financial Results for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2024

For the quarter ended March 31, 2024, the company reported a net loss of $26.7 million, or a net loss per common share of $1.12, compared to a net loss of $11.1 million, or a net loss per common share of $12.10, for the same period in 2023.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2024, net cash used in operating activities was $25.5 million, compared to $11.5 million for the same period in 2023.

Kyverna reported $369.8 million in cash, cash equivalents, and available-for-sale marketable securities as of March 31, 2024, inclusive of approximately $336.2 million in net proceeds raised from its initial public offering that was completed in February 2024, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering costs. 

About Kyverna Therapeutics

Kyverna is a patient-centered, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing cell therapies for patients suffering from autoimmune diseases.

Our lead CAR T-cell therapy candidate, KYV-101 is advancing through clinical development with sponsored clinical trials across two broad areas of autoimmune disease: rheumatology and neurology, including Phase 2 trials for multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis, a Phase 1/2 trial for systemic sclerosis, and two ongoing multi-center, open-label Phase 1/2 trials in the United States and Germany for patients with lupus nephritis.

Kyverna's pipeline includes next-generation chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies in both autologous and allogeneic formats with properties intended to be well suited for use in B cell-driven autoimmune diseases. For more information, please visit www.kyvernatx.com.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains forward looking statements that are based on management's beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management of Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. ("Kyverna", "we", "our," or the "Company"). All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release are forward looking statements. Forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning: the Company's future results of operations and financial position, business strategy, drug candidates, planned preclinical studies and clinical trials, results of preclinical studies and named patient activities, ongoing clinical trials, research and development costs, plans for manufacturing, regulatory approvals, timing and likelihood of success, as well as plans and objectives of management for future operations. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the factors described under the Risk Factors section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC on March 26, 2024 and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed by the Company. Actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward looking statements. When evaluating Kyverna's business and prospects, careful consideration should be given to these risks and uncertainties. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and Kyverna undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements.

For more information, please contact:

Investor Contact:
George Thampy
Kyverna Therapeutics
InvestorRelations@kyvernatx.com 

Media Contact:
Consort Partners for Kyverna
kyvernatx@consortpartners.com 

Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc.

Condensed Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)




Three Months Ended March 31,




2024



2023


Operating expenses







Research and development


$

22,476



$

8,711


General and administrative



6,882




2,734


Total operating expenses



29,358




11,445


Loss from operations



(29,358)




(11,445)


Interest income



2,735




349


Interest expense



(44)




(44)


Other expense, net



(26)




(3)


Total other income, net



2,665




302


Net loss



(26,693)




(11,143)


Other comprehensive gain (loss)







Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale marketable securities, net



(5)




18


Total other comprehensive gain (loss)



(5)




18


Net loss and other comprehensive loss


$

(26,698)



$

(11,125)


Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted


$

(1.12)



$

(12.10)


Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, basic and diluted



23,754,062




921,260


 

Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc.

Condensed Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)




March 31,



December 31,




2024



2023


Assets







Current assets







Cash and cash equivalents


$

224,287



$

34,647


Available-for-sale marketable securities



145,507




22,896


Prepaid expenses and other current assets



5,694




3,121


Total current assets



375,488




60,664


Restricted cash



570




565


Property and equipment, net



2,714




2,326


Operating lease right-of-use assets



8,486




6,494


Finance lease right-of-use assets



1,552




1,790


Other non-current assets



1,174




3,356


Total assets


$

389,984



$

75,195


Liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred stock and stockholders'
   equity (deficit)







Current liabilities







Accounts payable


$

7,451



$

4,358


Accrued compensation



1,363




2,812


Accrued license expense – related party



6,250




6,250


Other accrued expenses and current liabilities



3,083




3,519


Operating lease liabilities, short-term portion



2,739




1,964


Finance lease liabilities, short-term portion



979




956


Total current liabilities



21,865




19,859


Operating lease liabilities, net of short-term portion



6,461




5,238


Finance lease liabilities, net of short-term portion



667




921


Total liabilities



28,993




26,018


Commitments and contingencies







Redeemable convertible preferred stock, no par value; no shares authorized, issued and

outstanding as of March 31, 2024;  $0.00001 par value, 114,556,997 shares authorized

as of December 31, 2023; 114,556,997 shares issued and outstanding as of December

31, 2023; liquidation preference of $181,250 as of December 31, 2023






180,574


Stockholders' equity (deficit)







Preferred stock, 10,000,000 shares authorized, $0.00001 par value, no shares issued

and outstanding as of March 31, 2024; no shares authorized, issued, and outstanding as

of December 31, 2023







Common stock, $0.00001 par value; 490,000,000 and 140,492,016 shares authorized as

of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively; 43,115,244 and 1,250,103

shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023,

respectively







Additional paid-in capital



523,728




4,642


Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)



(1)




4


Accumulated deficit



(162,736)




(136,043)


Total stockholders' equity (deficit)



360,991




(131,397)


Total liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred stock and
   stockholders' equity (deficit)


$

389,984



$

75,195


 

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SOURCE Kyverna Therapeutics

FAQ

What is the financial result of Kyverna Therapeutics for Q1 2024?

Kyverna Therapeutics reported a net loss of $26.7 million for Q1 2024.

What progress has Kyverna Therapeutics made in clinical development?

Kyverna has advanced clinical development of KYV-101 in treating autoimmune diseases including myasthenia gravis, lupus nephritis, and multiple sclerosis.

How much did Kyverna Therapeutics raise from its IPO in February 2024?

Kyverna Therapeutics raised approximately $366.9 million from its February 2024 IPO.

What is KYV-101 and its significance?

KYV-101 is Kyverna's proprietary CD19 CAR T-cell therapy for autoimmunity, which has shown promising early clinical data and received Orphan Drug Designation for myasthenia gravis.

What were Kyverna Therapeutics' operating expenses for Q1 2024?

Kyverna reported net cash used in operating activities of $25.5 million for Q1 2024.

Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc.

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Biotechnology
Biological Products, (no Disgnostic Substances)
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United States of America
EMERYVILLE