Lyra Therapeutics Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update
- Lyra Therapeutics, Inc. (LYRA) anticipates topline results from ENLIGHTEN I Phase 3 trial of LYR-210 in Q2 2024.
- LYR-220 demonstrates positive results in the BEACON Phase 2 clinical trial for CRS patients.
- The Company's financials show a steady growth with cash reserves to fund operations till Q1 2025.
- The increase in research and development expenses for the full year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022.
- The impairment charges related to long-lived assets recorded for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
- The net loss for the full year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022.
Insights
The release of Phase 3 clinical trial results is a significant event for biotechnology companies, particularly for those like Lyra Therapeutics, which are focused on innovative treatments for chronic conditions such as CRS. The anticipation of the ENLIGHTEN I trial data for LYR-210 is a pivotal moment that could potentially shift the company's trajectory. Positive results could lead to FDA approval and eventual market entry, addressing a significant patient population. Conversely, unfavorable outcomes could impact the company's valuation and future funding needs.
From a research and development perspective, the company's increased investment in clinical trials is a strategic move to advance its product pipeline. However, it is also a considerable risk, as the success of these trials is not guaranteed. The mentioned cash runway into the first quarter of 2025 suggests the company has sufficient funds to complete its current trials, which is important for investor confidence. Nonetheless, the net loss widening compared to the previous year indicates that the company is still in a heavy investment phase with no product revenue to offset R&D and administrative expenses.
Lyra Therapeutics' financial health, as indicated by their cash reserves, is stable in the short term, which is reassuring for investors concerned about the company's ability to fund ongoing clinical trials. The flat cash balance, despite increased R&D spending, may reflect prudent cash management or successful fundraising efforts. However, the increase in net loss year-over-year suggests that the company's burn rate is accelerating, which is not uncommon for a clinical-stage biotech firm but warrants monitoring as it approaches the commercialization phase.
The impairment charge recorded for long-lived assets, although not substantially different from the previous year, indicates potential overestimation of asset values or a change in the expected utility of these assets. Investors should consider how these charges might affect the company's balance sheet and future financial statements. Additionally, the specific details of the impairment could provide insight into management's expectations for certain assets.
The CRS treatment market is one that is underserved and presents a sizeable opportunity for companies like Lyra Therapeutics. The company's focus on long-acting, anti-inflammatory nasal inserts could meet a significant unmet need for patients who fail current medical management. With an estimated four million potential patients in the U.S. alone, the market potential for LYR-210 and LYR-220 is substantial. The clinical trial results will not only affect Lyra's stock but could also influence the competitive landscape of CRS treatments.
Moreover, the differentiation of LYR-210 and LYR-220 based on patient anatomy and surgical history demonstrates a tailored approach to treatment, which could be favorable in terms of market adoption and physician preference. The company's strategic focus on delivering a steady dose of corticosteroid for six months with a single administration could be a strong selling point if the efficacy and safety profiles are confirmed in Phase 3 trials.
-- Data from ENLIGHTEN I Pivotal Phase 3 Trial of LYR-210 in Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) Anticipated Q2 2024 --
WATERTOWN, Mass., March 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lyra Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: LYRA) (“Lyra” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing long-acting, anti-inflammatory nasal inserts for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), today reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023 and provided a corporate update.
“We look forward to reporting topline results from our ENLIGHTEN I pivotal Phase 3 trial of our lead product candidate, LYR-210, in CRS patients in the second quarter of this year,” said Maria Palasis, Ph.D., President and CEO of Lyra. “We believe the positive findings from our Phase 2 studies, including the recent BEACON trial results of our next product candidate, LYR-220, de-risk our pivotal program and validate the potential of our nasal insert to treat CRS.”
Dr. Palasis continued, “By maintaining a steady dose of corticosteroid at the site of disease for six months with a single administration of LYR-210 or LYR-220, we believe our product candidates have the potential to address the needs of up to four million CRS patients who fail current medical management in the United States.”
LYR-210 and LYR-220 are bioabsorbable nasal inserts designed to be administered in a simple, in-office procedure and are intended to deliver six months of continuous mometasone furoate drug therapy (7500µg MF) to the sinonasal passages for the treatment of CRS with a single administration. LYR-210 has a smaller dimension and is intended for patients with narrow anatomy, primarily those who have not undergone ethmoid sinus surgery (ESS). LYR-220, a larger insert, is designed for CRS patients whose nasal cavity is enlarged due to previous ESS.
Upcoming 2024 Milestones
- Report topline results from ENLIGHTEN I pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial of LYR-210 in Q2 2024
- Complete enrollment in ENLIGHTEN II, the second pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial of LYR-210, in the second half of 2024
- Report results from ENLIGHTEN I 52-week extension study in Q4 2024
- End of Phase 2 meeting for LYR-220 with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the second half of 2024
Program Highlights
BEACON Phase 2 Clinical Trial of LYR-220 in CRS Patients who Have Had Prior Ethmoid Sinus Surgery
- In September 2023, Lyra announced positive topline results from the BEACON Phase 2 clinical trial of LYR-220 in adult patients with CRS who have recurrent symptoms despite prior ESS:
- LYR-220 demonstrated statistically significant and clinically relevant improvements in Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) score (-16.8; p=0.007) and in a composite of the 3 cardinal symptoms of CRS (nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, facial pain/pressure; 3CS) (-1.50; p=0.02) compared to sham control at 24 weeks, with statistically significant improvement observed as early as week 2 in SNOT-22 and at week 4 in 3CS.
- Patients with impaired smell at baseline showed statistically significant improvement in their sense of smell compared to control at week 24 (-0.87; p=0.026).
- LYR-220 demonstrated statistically significant improvement in ethmoid sinus opacification as measured by computed tomography (CT) scans at week 24 (p=0.035). These data provide objective radiological evidence of improvement with LYR-220 treatment.
- At End of Study, Week 28, patients receiving LYR-220 showed continued symptomatic improvement compared to sham control in both SNOT-22 (-17.6; p=0.007) and in 3CS (-1.28; p=0.063).
- The study met its primary safety endpoint, with no serious adverse events observed. The most commonly reported adverse events included sinusitis, nasopharyngitis, bronchitis, and COVID-19.
The Phase 2 BEACON trial was a randomized, controlled, parallel-group study intended to evaluate the safety and placement feasibility of the LYR-220 (7500µg MF) matrix, over a 28-week period, in symptomatic CRS patients who have had prior ESS. The study consisted of two parts: Part 1 was designed primarily to assess the feasibility and tolerability of two 7500µg MF matrix designs; in Part 2, 42 patients were randomized 1:1 to receive LYR-220 or sham control.
ENLIGHTEN Pivotal Program of LYR-210 in CRS Patients who have not had Ethmoid Sinus Surgery
The ENLIGHTEN program consists of two pivotal Phase 3 clinical trials, ENLIGHTEN I and ENLIGHTEN II, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LYR-210 for the treatment of CRS. The Company designed each trial to evaluate 180 CRS patients who have failed medical management and have not had prior ESS, randomized 2:1 to either LYR-210 (7500µg mometasone furoate (MF)) or control over 24 weeks. The ENLIGHTEN I trial also includes an extension phase to further assess the safety and repeat use of LYR-210 through 52 weeks. The goal of the two pivotal trials is to support a New Drug Application to the FDA for LYR-210.
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Highlights
- Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments were
$102.8 million as of December 31, 2023, compared to$102.6 million as of September 30, 2023. Management believes its existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments balance are sufficient to fund the Company’s planned operations into the first quarter of 2025. - Research and development expenses for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023 were
$12.2 million and$48.0 million , respectively, compared to$9.5 million and$38.8 million for the same periods in 2022. The increase year over year was primarily driven by higher clinical development costs related to the Company’s three clinical trials and employee-related expenses. - General and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023 were
$4.4 million and$19.1 million , respectively, compared to$4.4 million and$17.6 million for the same periods in 2022. The increase year over year was primarily driven by higher employee-related costs. - The Company recorded an impairment charge of
$1.6 million related to long-lived assets for the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company recorded an impairment charge of$1.3 million related to long-lived assets for the year ended December 31, 2022. - Net loss for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023 was
$15.1 million and$62.7 million , respectively, compared to$14.2 million and$55.3 million for the same periods in 2022.
About Lyra Therapeutics
Lyra Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing long-acting, anti-inflammatory nasal inserts for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Lyra has two product candidates, LYR-210 and LYR-220, in late-stage development for CRS, a highly prevalent inflammatory disease of the paranasal sinuses which leads to debilitating symptoms and significant morbidities. LYR-210 and LYR-220 are bioabsorbable nasal inserts designed to be administered in a simple, in-office procedure and are intended to deliver six months of continuous mometasone furoate drug therapy (7500µg MF) to the sinonasal passages for the treatment of CRS with a single administration. LYR-210, being evaluated in the ENLIGHTEN Phase 3 clinical program, has a smaller dimension and is intended for patients with narrow anatomy, primarily patients who have not undergone ethmoid sinus surgery. LYR-220 is a larger insert designed for CRS patients whose nasal cavity is enlarged due to previous ethmoid sinus surgery. These two product candidates are designed to treat the estimated four million CRS patients in the United States who fail medical management each year. For more information, please visit www.lyratx.com and follow us on LinkedIn.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the Company’s cash runway into the first quarter of 2025, the enrollment and success of the ENLIGHTEN Phase 3 program and BEACON Phase 2 program, the timing for reporting top line data from the Company’s clinical trials including ENLIGHTEN I, whether positive results from our Phase 2 studies, including the BEACON trial of LYR-220 de-risk our pivotal program and validate the potential of our nasal insert to treat CRS, whether our product candidates maintain a steady dose of corticosteroid at the site of disease for six months with a single administration, the anticipated demand and market size for our product candidates, and the safety and efficacy of the our product candidates. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: the fact that the Company has incurred significant losses since inception and expects to incur additional losses for the foreseeable future; the Company's need for additional funding, which may not be available; the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern; the Company’s limited operating history; the fact that the Company has no approved products; the fact that the Company’s product candidates are in various stages of development; the fact that clinical trial data is subject to change until the completion of the applicable clinical study report, or the fact that the Company may not be successful in its efforts to identify and successfully commercialize its product candidates; the fact that clinical trials required for the Company’s product candidates are expensive and time-consuming, and their outcome is uncertain; the fact that the FDA may not conclude that the Company’s product candidates satisfy the requirements for the Section 505(b)(2) regulatory approval pathway; the Company’s potential inability to obtain required regulatory approvals; effects of recently enacted and future legislation; the possibility of system failures or security breaches; effects of significant competition; the fact that the successful commercialization of the Company’s product candidates will depend in part on the extent to which governmental authorities and health insurers establish coverage, adequate reimbursement levels and pricing policies; failure to achieve market acceptance; product liability lawsuits; the fact that the Company must scale its in-house manufacturing capabilities or rely on third parties for the manufacture of materials for its research programs, pre-clinical studies and clinical trials and commercial supply; the Company's reliance on third parties to conduct its preclinical studies and clinical trials; the Company's inability to succeed in establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships; the Company's reliance on certain suppliers critical to its production; failure to obtain and maintain or adequately protect the Company's intellectual property rights; failure to retain key personnel or to recruit qualified personnel; difficulties in managing the Company's growth; effects of natural disasters, terrorism and wars; the fact that the global pandemic caused by COVID-19 could adversely impact the Company's business and operations, including the Company's clinical trials; the fact that the price of the Company's common stock may be volatile and fluctuate substantially; significant costs and required management time as a result of operating as a public company and any securities class action litigation. These and other important factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 22, 2024 and its other filings with the SEC could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management's estimates as of the date of this press release. While the Company may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it disclaims any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause its views to change.
| LYRA THERAPEUTICS, INC. | ||||||||
| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS | ||||||||
| (in thousands, except share and per share data) | ||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Collaboration revenue | $ | 1,558 | $ | 1,363 | ||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||
| Research and development | 48,029 | 38,797 | ||||||
| General and administrative | 19,057 | 17,556 | ||||||
| Loss on impairment of long-lived assets | 1,592 | 1,316 | ||||||
| Total operating expenses | 68,678 | 57,669 | ||||||
| Loss from operations | (67,120) | (56,306) | ||||||
| Other income: | ||||||||
| Interest income | 4,499 | 1,041 | ||||||
| Total other income | 4,499 | 1,041 | ||||||
| Loss before income tax expense | (62,621) | (55,265) | ||||||
| Income tax expense | (59) | (13) | ||||||
| Net loss | (62,680) | (55,278) | ||||||
| Other comprehensive income: | ||||||||
| Unrealized holding gain on short-term investments, net of tax | 23 | 10 | ||||||
| Comprehensive loss | $ | (62,657) | $ | (55,268) | ||||
| Net loss per share —basic and diluted | $ | (1.26) | $ | (1.83) | ||||
| Weighted-average common shares outstanding—basic and diluted | 49,804,283 | 30,235,689 | ||||||
| LYRA THERAPEUTICS, INC. | ||||||||
| CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||
| (in thousands, except share and per share data) | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Current assets: | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 22,353 | $ | 32,550 | ||||
| Short-term investments | 80,400 | 65,344 | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 2,068 | 2,935 | ||||||
| Total current assets | 104,821 | 100,829 | ||||||
| Property and equipment, net | 2,043 | 2,243 | ||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 33,233 | 2,223 | ||||||
| Restricted cash | 1,392 | 1,392 | ||||||
| Other assets | 1,111 | 3,281 | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 142,600 | $ | 109,968 | ||||
| Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 3,131 | $ | 2,616 | ||||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 9,374 | 9,030 | ||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | 5,434 | 1,549 | ||||||
| Deferred revenue | 1,658 | 1,275 | ||||||
| Total current liabilities | 19,597 | 14,470 | ||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion | 21,447 | 667 | ||||||
| Deferred revenue, net of current portion | 12,136 | 14,077 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 53,180 | 29,214 | ||||||
| Commitments and contingencies | ||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity: | ||||||||
| Preferred stock, December 31, 2023 and 2022; no shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 2022 | — | — | ||||||
| Common stock, December 31, 2023 and 2022; 57,214,550 and 31,827,659 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively | 57 | 32 | ||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 400,685 | 329,387 | ||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax | 33 | 10 | ||||||
| Accumulated deficit | (311,355) | (248,675) | ||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 89,420 | 80,754 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and stock and stockholders’ equity | $ | 142,600 | $ | 109,968 | ||||
Contact Information:
Ellen Cavaleri, Investor Relations
615.618.6228
ecavaleri@lyratx.com
FAQ
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