Lucid Diagnostics Provides Business Update and Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Lucid Diagnostics Inc. (NASDAQ: LUCD) reported its Q2 2024 financial results and business update. Key highlights include:

- EsoGuard® test volume increased 31% quarterly and 44% annually
- EsoGuard revenue was $1.0M, flat compared to Q1 but up 514% year-over-year
- 3,147 commercial EsoGuard tests performed, a single-quarter record
- Positive clinical data released from ENVET-BE and ESOGUARD BE-1 studies
- Cash and cash equivalents of $24.9M as of June 30, 2024
- GAAP net loss of $11.0M or $(0.23) per share
- Non-GAAP adjusted loss of $9.7M or $(0.20) per share

The company is focused on securing broad coverage and reimbursement to drive EsoGuard revenue growth.

Positive

• EsoGuard test volume increased 31% quarterly and 44% annually
• EsoGuard revenue up 514% year-over-year to $1.0M
• Record 3,147 commercial EsoGuard tests performed in Q2
• Positive clinical data from ENVET-BE and ESOGUARD BE-1 studies
• Cash position improved to $24.9M from $18.9M at end of 2023
• Raised $11.6M through Series B-1 Convertible Preferred Stock issuance

Negative

• GAAP net loss of $11.0M for the quarter
• Operating expenses increased to $12.2M
• EsoGuard revenue flat compared to Q1 2024

Insights

Financial Analyst

Lucid Diagnostics' Q2 2024 results show mixed signals. On the positive side, EsoGuard test volume increased 31% quarterly and 44% annually, indicating growing market adoption. Revenue was $1.0 million, flat from Q1 but up 514% year-over-year. However, the company still faces significant losses, with a GAAP net loss of $11.0 million.

The cash position improved to $24.9 million, bolstered by a $11.6 million Series B-1 Convertible Preferred Stock issuance. This provides some runway, but cash burn remains a concern given the $9.7 million non-GAAP adjusted loss for the quarter.

Overall, while test volume growth is encouraging, Lucid needs to significantly improve its path to profitability and secure broader insurance coverage to become financially sustainable long-term.

Medical Research Analyst

The release of positive clinical data for EsoGuard is a significant development. The ENVET-BE study showed a 2.4-fold increased positive yield of invasive endoscopy when using EsoGuard as a triage tool. Additionally, the ESOGUARD BE-1 study demonstrated 88% sensitivity and 99% negative predictive value. These results strongly support EsoGuard's clinical utility and accuracy.

The American Foregut Society's advocacy for EsoGuard coverage aligns with these findings and could influence insurance decisions. However, it's important to note that while these results are promising, broader acceptance and coverage by major insurers will be key to EsoGuard's commercial success. The meeting with CMS Medicare Administrative Contractor is a positive step, but concrete outcomes are yet to be seen.

Market Research Analyst

Lucid's market strategy shows promise but faces challenges. The #CheckYourFoodTube Precancer Testing Events, especially those with upfront contracted payments, indicate growing market acceptance and could be a significant revenue driver if scaled effectively.

The company's focus on securing medical policy coverage in biomarker legislation states and pilots with national plans is strategic. However, the success of this approach remains to be seen. The robust pipeline of direct contracting engagements with benefits brokers and self-insured entities could provide a more immediate path to revenue growth.

While test volume growth is encouraging, the flat quarter-over-quarter revenue suggests pricing or reimbursement challenges. Lucid's ability to convert clinical success and market strategies into sustainable revenue growth will be important for long-term success.

EsoGuard^® test volume increased 31 percent quarterly; 44 percent annually

Clinical data now well-positioned for final push towards broad coverage and reimbursement

Over 50 high-volume #CheckYourFoodTube Precancer Testing Events in 2Q24, including first with upfront contracted payment

Conference call and webcast to be held today, August 12^th at 8:30 AM EDT

NEW YORK, Aug. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lucid Diagnostics Inc. (Nasdaq: LUCD) ("Lucid" or the "Company") a commercial-stage, cancer prevention medical diagnostics company, and subsidiary of PAVmed Inc. (Nasdaq: PAVM, PAVMZ) ( "PAVmed"), today provided a business update for the Company and presented financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2024.

Conference Call and Webcast

The webcast will take place on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 8:30 AM and will be accessible in the investor relations section of the Company's website at luciddx.com.  Alternatively, to access the conference call by telephone, U.S.-based callers should dial 1-800-836-8184 and international listeners should dial 1-646-357-8785. All listeners should provide the operator with the conference call name "Lucid Diagnostics Business Update" to join.

Following the conclusion of the conference call, a replay will be available for 30 days on the investor relations section of the Company's website at luciddx.com.

Business Update Highlights

"I am very pleased with the excellent progress Lucid has made on multiple fronts during the second quarter and recent weeks, specifically the progress made related to EsoGuard's clinical data," said Lishan Aklog, M.D., Lucid's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We are now fully armed with a complete body of clinical data and well-positioned for our final push towards broad coverage and reimbursement to drive EsoGuard revenue and revenue growth."

Highlights from the second quarter and recent weeks:

• For the quarter, EsoGuard^® Esophageal DNA Test revenue was $1.0M, which was flat compared to 1Q24 and represents a 514 percent annual increase from 2Q23.
• Lucid's CLIA-certified clinical laboratory performed 3,147 commercial EsoGuard tests in 2Q24, a single-quarter record, which represents a 31 percent increase sequentially from 1Q24 and a 44 percent annual increase from 2Q23.
• Released ENVET-BE clinical utility study positive data showing that triaging with a noninvasive EsoGuard test results in a 2.4-fold increased positive yield of invasive endoscopy.
• Released ESOGUARD BE-1 clinical validation study positive data showing excellent EsoGuard sensitivity of 88% and NPV of 99%.
• Held productive meeting with CMS Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) Palmetto GBA's Molecular Diagnostics Program (MolDX) focused on EsoGuard's clinical data.
• Held first major #CheckYourFoodTube Precancer Testing Event with upfront contracted payment.
• American Foregut Society published formal statement strongly advocating for commercial payor coverage of EsoGuard to align with guidelines and biomarker legislation.
• Continuous revenue cycle management improvements, including prior authorization appeals, physician advocacy, etc., while maintaining stable out-of-network allowed amounts.
• Robust pipeline of direct contracting engagements with benefits brokers, third-party administrators, and self-insured entities.
• Actively executing on aggressive market access strategy focused on securing medical policy coverage with regional plans in biomarker legislation states and pilots with national plans.

Financial Results

• For the three months ended June 30, 2024, EsoGuard related revenues were $1.0 million. Operating expenses were approximately $12.2 million, which included stock-based compensation expenses of $1.2 million. GAAP net loss attributable to common stockholders was approximately $11.0 million or $(0.23) per common share.
• As shown below and for the purpose of illustrating the effect of stock-based compensation and other non-cash income and expenses on the Company's financial results, the Company's non-GAAP adjusted loss for the three months ended June 30, 2024 was approximately $9.7 million or $(0.20) per common share.
• Lucid had cash and cash equivalents of $24.9 million as of June 30, 2024, compared to $18.9 million as of December 31, 2023. During the quarter ended June 30, 2024, he Company issued Series B-1 Convertible Preferred Stock Series resulting in gross proceeds of approximately $11.6 million.
• The unaudited financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, were filed with the SEC on Form 10-Q on August 12, 2024, and available at www.luciddx.com or www.sec.gov.

Lucid Non-GAAP Measures

• To supplement our unaudited financial results presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), management provides certain non-GAAP financial measures of the Company's financial results. These non-GAAP financial measures include net loss before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), and non-GAAP adjusted loss, which further adjusts EBITDA for stock-based compensation expense and other non-cash income and expenses, if any. The foregoing non-GAAP financial measures of EBITDA and non-GAAP adjusted loss are not recognized terms under U.S. GAAP.
  
  
• Non-GAAP financial measures are presented with the intent of providing greater transparency to the information used by us in our financial performance analysis and operational decision-making. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful information to assist investors, shareholders, and other readers of our unaudited financial statements in making comparisons to our historical financial results and analyzing the underlying performance of our results of operations. These non-GAAP financial measures are not intended to be, and should not be, a substitute for, considered superior to, considered separately from, or as an alternative to, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.
  
  
• Non-GAAP financial measures are provided to enhance readers' overall understanding of our current financial results and to provide further information for comparative purposes. Management believes the non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to management and investors by isolating certain expenses, gains, and losses that may not be indicative of our core operating results and business outlook. Specifically, the non-GAAP financial measures include non-GAAP adjusted loss, and its presentation is intended to help the reader understand the effect of the loss on the issuance or modification of convertible securities, the periodic change in fair value of convertible securities, the loss on debt extinguishment, and the corresponding accounting for non-cash charges on financial performance. In addition, management believes non-GAAP financial measures enhance the comparability of results against prior periods.
  
  
• A reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measure of all non-GAAP financial measures included in this press release for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, and 2023 are as follows:

 

Condensed consolidated statements of operations (unaudited)
(in thousands except per-share amounts)		For the three months ended June 30,				For the six months ended June 30,
		2024		2023		2024		2023
Revenue		$                976		$                159		$             1,977		$                605
Operating expenses		12,168		11,743		23,960		26,505
Other (Income) expense		(187)		(203)		(366)		1,728
Net Loss		(11,005)		(11,381)		(21,617)		(27,628)
Net income (loss) per common share, basic and diluted		$             (0.23)		$             (0.27)		$             (0.62)		$             (0.40)
Net loss attributable to common stockholders		(11,005)		(11,381)		(29,113)		(27,628)
Preferred Stock dividends and deemed dividends		—		—		7,496		—
Net income (loss) as reported		(11,005)		(11,381)		(21,617)		(27,628)
Adjustments:
Depreciation and amortization expense1		229		633		730		1,245
Interest expense, net2		(101)		87		(157)		43
EBITDA		(10,877)		(10,661)		(21,044)		(26,340)
Other non-cash or financing related expenses:
Stock-based compensation expense3		1,201		1,399		2,135		4,607
ResearchDx acquisition paid in stock1		—		—		—		713
Operating expenses issued in stock1		90		23		113		23
Change in FV convertible debt2		(599)		(290)		(890)		499
Offering costs convertible debt2		—		—		—		1,186
Debt extinguishments loss - Senior Secured Convertible Note2		513		—		681		—
Non-GAAP adjusted (loss)		$           (9,672)		$           (9,529)		$         (19,005)		$         (19,312)
Basic and Diluted shares outstanding		48,212		41,834		46,613		41,405
Non-GAAP adjusted (loss) income per share		$(0.20)		$(0.23)		$(0.41)		$(0.47)

1 Included in general and administrative expenses in the financial statements.

2 Included in other income and expenses.

3 Stock-based compensation ("SBC") expense included in operating expenses is detailed as follows in the table below by category within operating expenses for the non-GAAP Net operating expenses:

 

Reconciliation of GAAP Operating Expenses to Non-GAAP Net Operating Expenses
(in thousands except per-share amounts)		For the three months ended June 30,				For the six months ended June 30,
		2024		2023		2024		2023
Cost of revenues		$             1,614		$             1,549		$             3,269		$             2,887
Stock-based compensation expense3		(44)		(25)		(80)		(44)
Net cost of revenues		1,570		1,524		3,189		2,843
Amortization of intangible assets		105		505		477		1,010
Sales and marketing		4,210		4,032		8,404		8,159
Stock-based compensation expense3		(365)		(367)		(715)		(723)
Net sales and marketing		3,845		3,665		7,689		7,436
General and administrative		4,867		3,830		8,937		10,730
Depreciation expense		(124)		(128)		(253)		(235)
RDx Settlement in Stock		—		—		—		(713)
Operating expenses issued in stock		(90)		(23)		(113)		(23)
Stock-based compensation expense3		(610)		(844)		(941)		(3,512)
Net general and administrative		4,043		2,835		7,630		6,247
Research and development		1,372		1,827		2,873		3,719
Stock-based compensation expense3		(182)		(163)		(399)		(328)
Net research and development		1,190		1,664		2,474		3,391
Total operating expenses		12,168		11,743		23,960		26,505
Depreciation and amortization expense		(229)		(633)		(730)		(1,245)
RDx Settlement in Stock		—		—		—		(713)
Operating expenses issued in stock		(90)		(23)		(113)		(23)
Stock-based compensation expense3		(1,201)		(1,399)		(2,135)		(4,607)
Net operating expenses		$           10,648		$             9,688		$           20,982		$           19,917

About EsoGuard and EsoCheck
Millions of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are at risk of developing esophageal precancer and a highly lethal form of esophageal cancer ("EAC"). Over 80 percent of EAC patients die within five years of diagnosis, making it the second most lethal cancer in the U.S. The mortality rate is high even in those diagnosed with early stage EAC. The U.S. incidence of EAC has increased 500 percent over the past four decades, while the incidences of other common cancers have declined or remained flat. In nearly all cases, EAC silently progresses until it manifests itself with new symptoms of advanced disease. All EAC is believed to arise from esophageal precancer, which occurs in approximately 5 percent to 15 percent of at-risk GERD patients. Early esophageal precancer can be monitored for progression to late esophageal precancer which can be cured with endoscopic esophageal ablation, reliably halting progression to cancer.

Esophageal precancer screening is already recommended by clinical practice guidelines for the millions of GERD patients with multiple risk factors, including age over 50 years, male sex, White race, obesity, smoking history, and a family history of esophageal precancer or cancer. Unfortunately, fewer than 10 percent of those recommended for screening undergo traditional invasive endoscopic screening. The profound tragedy of an EAC diagnosis is that death could likely have been prevented if the at-risk GERD patient had been screened and then undergone surveillance and curative treatment at the precancer stage.

The only missing element for a viable esophageal cancer prevention program has been the lack of an easily-accessible, in-office screening tool that can detect esophageal precancer. Lucid believes EsoGuard, performed on samples collected non-endoscopically with EsoCheck, is the missing element – the first and only commercially available test capable of serving as a widespread screening tool to prevent esophageal cancer deaths through the early detection of esophageal precancer in at-risk GERD patients. An updated American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) clinical practice guideline and an American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) clinical practice update both endorse non-endoscopic biomarker tests as an acceptable alternative to costly and invasive endoscopy for esophageal precancer screening. EsoGuard is the only such test currently available in the United States.

EsoGuard is a Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) based DNA  methylation assay performed on surface esophageal cells collected with EsoCheck, which quantifies methylation at 31 sites on two genes, Vimentin (VIM) and Cyclin A1 (CCNA1). The assay was initially evaluated in a 408-patient, multicenter, case-control study published in Science Translational Medicine and showed greater than 90 percent sensitivity and specificity at detecting esophageal precancer and cancer.

EsoCheck is a CE Marked and FDA 510(k) cleared noninvasive swallowable balloon capsule catheter device capable of sampling surface esophageal cells in a less than three-minute office procedure. It consists of a vitamin pill-sized rigid plastic capsule tethered to a thin silicone catheter from which a soft silicone balloon with textured ridges emerges to gently swab surface esophageal cells. When vacuum suction is applied, the balloon and sampled cells are pulled into the capsule, protecting them from contamination and dilution by cells outside of the targeted region during device withdrawal. Lucid believes this proprietary Collect+Protect™ technology makes EsoCheck the only noninvasive esophageal cell collection device capable of such anatomically targeted and protected sampling. The sample is sent by overnight express mail to Lucid's CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited, NYS CLEP approved laboratory, LucidDx Labs, for EsoGuard testing.

About Lucid Diagnostics
Lucid Diagnostics Inc. is a commercial-stage, cancer prevention medical diagnostics company, and subsidiary of PAVmed Inc. Lucid is focused on the millions of patients with GERD, also known as chronic heartburn, who are at risk of developing esophageal precancer and cancer. Lucid's EsoGuard^® Esophageal DNA Test, performed on samples collected in a brief, noninvasive office procedure with its EsoCheck^® Esophageal Cell Collection Device - the first and only commercially available tools designed with the goal of preventing esophageal cancer and cancer deaths through widespread, early detection of esophageal precancer in at-risk patients.

For more information, please visit luciddx.com and for more information about its parent company PAVmed, please visit pavmed.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are any statements that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements, which are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of Lucid Diagnostics' management, are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that may cause such differences include, among other things, volatility in the price of Lucid Diagnostics' common stock; general economic and market conditions; the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the cost and time required to advance Lucid Diagnostics' products to regulatory submission; whether regulatory authorities will be satisfied with the design of and results from Lucid Diagnostics' clinical and preclinical studies; whether and when Lucid Diagnostics' products are cleared by regulatory authorities; market acceptance of Lucid Diagnostics' products once cleared and commercialized; Lucid Diagnostics' ability to raise additional funding as needed; and other competitive developments. These factors are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of them are beyond Lucid Diagnostics' control. In addition, new risks and uncertainties may arise from time to time and are difficult to predict. For a further list and description of these and other important risks and uncertainties that may affect Lucid Diagnostics' future operations, see Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors," in Lucid Diagnostics' most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as the same may be updated in Part II, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in any Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by Lucid Diagnostics after its most recent Annual Report.  Lucid Diagnostics disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in its expectations or in events, conditions, or circumstances on which those expectations may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements.

 

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SOURCE Lucid Diagnostics

FAQ

What was Lucid Diagnostics' (LUCD) EsoGuard test volume growth in Q2 2024?

Lucid Diagnostics' EsoGuard test volume increased 31% quarterly and 44% annually in Q2 2024, with 3,147 commercial tests performed.

How much revenue did Lucid Diagnostics (LUCD) generate from EsoGuard in Q2 2024?

Lucid Diagnostics generated $1.0 million in revenue from EsoGuard tests in Q2 2024, representing a 514% increase from Q2 2023 but flat compared to Q1 2024.

What was Lucid Diagnostics' (LUCD) net loss for Q2 2024?

Lucid Diagnostics reported a GAAP net loss of $11.0 million, or $(0.23) per share, for Q2 2024.

What clinical study results did Lucid Diagnostics (LUCD) release in Q2 2024?

Lucid Diagnostics released positive data from the ENVET-BE clinical utility study and the ESOGUARD BE-1 clinical validation study, showing increased endoscopy yield and high EsoGuard sensitivity, respectively.