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Lexeo Therapeutics Reports First Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Operational Highlights

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Lexeo Therapeutics reported strong financial results for the first quarter of 2024, closing an oversubscribed $95 million equity financing in March, with a cash balance of $195.1 million. The company is dedicated to developing treatments for genetically defined cardiovascular diseases and APOE4-associated Alzheimer's disease. Lexeo completed an in-license agreement with Cornell University for intellectual property rights related to ongoing clinical trials, with anticipated milestones for multiple gene therapy candidates in 2024.

Positive
  • Strong financial results with $195.1 million cash balance at the end of Q1 2024

  • Completed an oversubscribed $95 million equity financing in March 2024

  • In-license agreement with Cornell University to support regulatory discussions and strengthen FA cardiomyopathy data package

  • Phase 1/2 clinical trial for PKP2-ACM patients progressing well with data update expected in 2H 2024

Negative
  • Net loss of $21.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024

  • R&D expenses of $15.7 million in Q1 2024, compared to $16.4 million in Q1 2023

  • G&A expenses of $7.5 million in Q1 2024, compared to $2.9 million in Q1 2023

Insights

The recent closing of Lexeo Therapeutics' oversubscribed $95 million equity financing signals a robust market confidence in the company's future prospects. With a cash balance of $195.1 million at the end of Q1 2024, the firm is well-capitalized, which is reassuring for investors worried about dilutive fundraising in the near term. This cash runway into 2027 grants them considerable time to advance their clinical programs without the immediate concern for additional capital. The comparison of R&D expenses year-over-year shows a slight decrease, reflecting a potential efficiency in resource allocation. However, the increase in G&A expenses from $2.9 million to $7.5 million should be monitored for cost-control efficacy. The net loss widening from $18.7 million to $21.7 million could concern investors looking for a narrowing loss over time, but given the nature of clinical-stage companies investing heavily in R&D, it's not unusual. The fact that the company has secured a Fast Track designation and in-licensed promising IP, suggests positive regulatory and developmental momentum.

Lexeo Therapeutics' recent strategic in-license agreement with Cornell University is a pivotal step for the company. Acquiring intellectual property rights, including clinical data for AAVrh.10hFXN (LX2006), is important for their regulatory engagement strategy. The FDA's Fast Track designation for LX2006 is a positive signal that may lead to an expedited review process, potentially reducing time to market and improving investor sentiment. Monitoring the upcoming interim data readout in mid-2024 for LX2006 and other candidates such as LX2020 will be important, as positive results could significantly impact the company's valuation. The focus on genetically defined cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer's disease leverages high unmet medical needs, potentially increasing the significance of these clinical milestones for shareholders.

Lexeo's pipeline progress, particularly with HEROIC-PKP2 Phase 1/2 clinical trial for PKP2-associated cardiomyopathy, targets underserved therapeutic areas which could lead to a strong market position upon successful development. The increased interest in gene therapies and the Fast Track designation from the FDA for one of their key assets could attract further investor interest. On the flip side, the gene therapy industry is highly competitive and subject to rapid advancements, hence the company's long-term success is contingent on sustained innovation and positive clinical outcomes. With the interim data for several candidates expected soon, the company's stock might experience significant volatility based on these outcomes.

Closed an oversubscribed $95 million equity financing in March with Q1 2024 cash balance of $195.1 million at quarter-end, expected to provide runway into 2027

Completed in-license agreement with Cornell University for intellectual property rights, including current and future clinical data from an ongoing investigator-initiated trial of AAVrh.10hFXN (LX2006) to support regulatory discussions

Interim readout of combined data set of LX2006 at multiple doses anticipated in mid-2024; Lexeo expects to provide analysis of natural history data and baseline characteristics of these study participants in advance of interim readout

Phase 1/2 clinical trial of LX2020 (HEROIC-PKP2) currently recruiting patients; data update from Cohort 1 on track for 2H 2024

NEW YORK, May 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lexeo Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: LXEO), a clinical stage genetic medicine company dedicated to pioneering treatments for genetically defined cardiovascular diseases and APOE4-associated Alzheimer’s disease, today reported first quarter 2024 financial results and provided operational highlights.

“We continue to make great progress in advancing our suite of gene therapy candidates. We are pleased by the potential to strengthen our FA cardiomyopathy data package through our recent agreement with Cornell University, which we believe will enable us to generate a more robust safety data package and potentially facilitate an accelerated path to regulatory engagements for LX2006,” said R. Nolan Townsend, Chief Executive Officer of Lexeo Therapeutics. “We also are proud to have initiated our Phase 1/2 clinical trial for patients with PKP2-ACM, a devastating disease with limited therapeutic options, and we look forward to sharing interim clinical results in the second half of the year.”

Business and Program Updates

  • LX2006 for the Treatment of FA Cardiomyopathy: In April 2024, Lexeo announced the license of intellectual property rights from Cornell University, including current and future clinical data from an ongoing Weill Cornell Medicine investigator-initiated trial of AAVrh.10hFXN (LX2006).
    • In March 2024, Lexeo announced preliminary frataxin protein expression data from Cohort 2 of the SUNRISE-FA Phase 1/2 clinical trial, demonstrating an increase in post-administration frataxin protein levels, as measured by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry compared to pre-treatment baseline levels.
    • Additionally, in April 2024, the FDA granted Fast Track designation (FTD) to LX2006, which Lexeo expects will facilitate its clinical development. The FDA has previously granted Rare Pediatric Disease designation and Orphan Drug designation to LX2006.
  • LX2020 for the Treatment of PKP2-ACM: All previously reported milestones on track with HEROIC-PKP2 Phase 1/2 clinical trial currently recruiting patients.
  • Closed $95 Million PIPE Financing: In March 2024, Lexeo announced the closing of an oversubscribed $95 million equity financing. Lexeo anticipates that current cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities will be sufficient to fund operating and capital expenditures into 2027.

Expected Upcoming Milestones

  • LX2006 for the treatment of Friedreich ataxia cardiomyopathy
    • Interim data readout in mid-2024
  • LX2020 for the treatment of PKP2-ACM
    • Interim data readout (Cohort 1) in 2H 2024
  • LX1001 for the treatment of APOE4-associated Alzheimer’s disease
    • Interim Phase 1/2 data readout (all cohorts) in 2H 2024
  • LX2021 for the treatment of DSP cardiomyopathy
    • Initiate IND-enabling studies in 2024

First Quarter Financial Results

  • Cash Position: As of March 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents were $195.1 million, which we believe will be sufficient to fund operations into 2027.
  • R&D Expenses: R&D expenses were $15.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $16.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023.
  • G&A Expenses: G&A expenses were $7.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023.
  • Net Loss: Net loss was $21.7 million or $0.77 per share (basic and diluted) for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $18.7 million or $11.58 per share (basic and diluted) for the three months ended March 31, 2023.

About Lexeo Therapeutics
Lexeo Therapeutics is a New York City-based, clinical stage genetic medicine company dedicated to transforming healthcare by applying pioneering science to fundamentally change how genetically defined cardiovascular diseases and APOE4-associated Alzheimer’s disease are treated. Using a stepwise development approach, Lexeo is leveraging early proof-of-concept functional and biomarker data to advance a pipeline of cardiovascular and APOE4-associated Alzheimer’s disease programs.

Forward looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including, but not limited to, Lexeo’s expectations and plans regarding its current product candidates and programs, including statements regarding the anticipated benefits of the license agreement between Lexeo Therapeutics and Cornell University and the data to be provided thereunder and the timing of the initiation of and results from Lexeo’s clinical trials, expectations regarding the time period over which Lexeo’s capital resources will be sufficient to fund its anticipated operations and estimates regarding Lexeo’s financial condition. Words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “objective,” “intend,” “should,” “could,” “can,” “would,” “expect,” “believe,” “design,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “develop,” “plan” or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While Lexeo believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current information available to the company as well as certain estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties (including, without limitation, those set forth in Lexeo’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)), many of which are beyond the company’s control and subject to change. Actual results could be materially different from those indicated by such forward looking statements as a result of many factors, including but not limited to: risks and uncertainties related to global macroeconomic conditions and related volatility; expectations regarding the initiation, progress, and expected results of Lexeo’s preclinical studies, clinical trials and research and development programs; the unpredictable relationship between preclinical study results and clinical study results; delays in submission of regulatory filings or failure to receive regulatory approval; liquidity and capital resources; and other risks and uncertainties identified in Lexeo’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the annual period ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 11, 2024, and subsequent future filings Lexeo may make with the SEC. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties. Lexeo claims the protection of the Safe Harbor contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for forward-looking statements. Lexeo expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter any statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Media Response:
Janine Bogris
(201) 245-6838
Janine.Bogris@inizioevoke.com

Investor Response:
Stephen Jasper
(858) 525-2047
stephen@gilmartinir.com


Lexeo Therapeutics, Inc.
Selected Condensed Financial Information
(unaudited, in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
     
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations    
   Three Months Ended March 31, 
   2024  2023 
Operating expenses       
Research and development   15,742   16,438 
General and administrative   7,549   2,852 
Total operating expenses   23,291   19,290 
Operating loss   (23,291)  (19,290)
Other income and expense       
Other income (expense), net   (5)  (4)
Interest expense   (37)  (50)
Interest income   1,651   687 
Total other income and expense   1,609   633 
Loss from operations before income taxes   (21,682)  (18,657)
Income taxes   -   - 
Net loss and comprehensive loss  $(21,682) $(18,657)
Net loss per common share, basic and diluted  $(0.77) $(11.58)
Weighted average number of shares outstanding used in computation of net loss per common share, basic and diluted   27,979,838   1,610,793 


Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Data      
  March 31,  December 31, 
  2024  2023 
Cash, cash equivalents, and investments $195,060  $121,466 
Total assets  213,205   139,807 
Total liabilities  30,255   26,272 
Total stockholders' equity  182,950   113,535 

FAQ

What was Lexeo Therapeutics' cash balance at the end of Q1 2024?

Lexeo Therapeutics had a cash balance of $195.1 million at the end of Q1 2024.

What was the amount of the oversubscribed equity financing closed by Lexeo Therapeutics in March 2024?

Lexeo Therapeutics closed an oversubscribed $95 million equity financing in March 2024.

What agreement did Lexeo Therapeutics complete with Cornell University?

Lexeo Therapeutics completed an in-license agreement with Cornell University for intellectual property rights related to ongoing clinical trials.

What clinical trial is Lexeo Therapeutics currently recruiting patients for?

Lexeo Therapeutics is currently recruiting patients for the Phase 1/2 clinical trial for PKP2-ACM patients.

Lexeo Therapeutics, Inc.

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Biotechnology
Biological Products, (no Disgnostic Substances)
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