MoonLake Immunotherapeutics Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Provides a Business Update
MoonLake Immunotherapeutics (NASDAQ:MLTX) reported Q3 2024 financial results with $493.9 million in cash and equivalents, providing runway through 2026. R&D expenses increased to $35.7 million from $23.7 million in Q2, while G&A expenses rose to $7.4 million from $6.9 million. The company's Phase 3 clinical program in hidradenitis suppurativa is progressing with primary endpoint readout expected mid-2025. Multiple clinical trials are planned, including Phase 3 studies in psoriatic arthritis and adolescent HS, plus Phase 2 trials in palmoplantar pustulosis and axial spondyloarthritis, scheduled to commence around year-end.
MoonLake Immunotherapeutics (NASDAQ:MLTX) ha riportato i risultati finanziari per il terzo trimestre del 2024 con 493,9 milioni di dollari in contante e equivalenti, garantendo così la sostenibilità fino al 2026. Le spese per R&S sono aumentate a 35,7 milioni di dollari rispetto ai 23,7 milioni di dollari del secondo trimestre, mentre le spese G&A sono salite a 7,4 milioni di dollari dai 6,9 milioni di dollari precedenti. Il programma clinico di Fase 3 dell'azienda per la hidradenite suppurativa è in progresso, con la lettura degli endpoint primari prevista per metà 2025. Sono previsti diversi studi clinici, inclusi studi di Fase 3 in artrite psoriasica e HS adolescenziale, oltre a studi di Fase 2 in pustolosi palmoplantare e spondiloartrite assiale, che dovrebbero iniziare verso la fine dell'anno.
MoonLake Immunotherapeutics (NASDAQ:MLTX) informó los resultados financieros del tercer trimestre de 2024 con 493,9 millones de dólares en efectivo y equivalentes, lo cual asegura su funcionamiento hasta 2026. Los gastos de I+D aumentaron a 35,7 millones de dólares desde los 23,7 millones de dólares en el segundo trimestre, mientras que los gastos generales y administrativos subieron a 7,4 millones de dólares desde los 6,9 millones de dólares. El programa clínico de Fase 3 de la empresa sobre hidradenitis supurativa está avanzando, con la lectura del objetivo primario prevista para mediados de 2025. Se planean múltiples ensayos clínicos, incluidos estudios de Fase 3 en artritis psoriásica y HS en adolescentes, además de ensayos de Fase 2 en pustulosis palmoplantar y espondiloartritis axial, que se espera que comiencen a fines de año.
MoonLake Immunotherapeutics (NASDAQ:MLTX)는 2024년 3분기 재무 결과를 발표했으며, 4억 9천 390만 달러의 현금 및 현금성 자산을 보유하고 있어 2026년까지 운영이 가능하다고 밝혔습니다. 연구 및 개발 비용은 2분기 2천 370만 달러에서 3천 570만 달러로 증가했으며, 일반 관리비는 2천 690만 달러에서 740만 달러로 증가했습니다. 회사의 만성 농포성 염증(두드러기)의 3상 임상 프로그램이 진행 중이며, 주요 종속변수 결과는 2025년 중반에 예상됩니다. 여러 임상 시험이 계획되어 있으며, 여기에는 건선 관절염 및 청소년 HS에 대한 3상 연구, 그리고 수포성 식물 장벽 및 축성 척추관절염에 대한 2상 시험이 포함되며, 연말에 시작될 예정입니다.
MoonLake Immunotherapeutics (NASDAQ:MLTX) a rapporté les résultats financiers du troisième trimestre 2024 avec 493,9 millions de dollars en liquidités et équivalents, assurant ainsi sa trésorerie jusqu'en 2026. Les dépenses de R&D ont augmenté à 35,7 millions de dollars contre 23,7 millions de dollars au deuxième trimestre, tandis que les dépenses générales et administratives sont passées à 7,4 millions de dollars contre 6,9 millions de dollars. Le programme clinique de Phase 3 de l'entreprise sur l'hidradenite suppurative progresse, avec un résultat attendu pour l'objectif principal prévu à la mi-2025. Plusieurs essais cliniques sont prévus, y compris des études de Phase 3 sur l'arthrite psoriasique et l'HS chez les adolescents, ainsi que des essais de Phase 2 sur la pustulose palmoplantaire et la spondylarthrite axiale, qui devraient commencer vers la fin de l'année.
MoonLake Immunotherapeutics (NASDAQ:MLTX) hat die finanziellen Ergebnisse für das dritte Quartal 2024 mit 493,9 Millionen Dollar in bar und Äquivalenten veröffentlicht, was eine Finanzierung bis 2026 sichert. Die F&E-Ausgaben stiegen auf 35,7 Millionen Dollar von 23,7 Millionen Dollar im zweiten Quartal, während die allgemeinen und administrativen Ausgaben auf 7,4 Millionen Dollar von 6,9 Millionen Dollar anstiegen. Das 3-phasige klinische Programm des Unternehmens zur Hidradenitis suppurativa schreitet voran, wobei die primäre Ergebnisbewertung für Mitte 2025 erwartet wird. Mehrere klinische Studien sind geplant, darunter 3-phasige Studien zur psoriatischen Arthritis und zur adolescenten HS sowie 2-phasige Studien zur palmoplantaren Pustulose und zur axialen Spondyloarthritis, die gegen Ende des Jahres beginnen sollen.
- Strong cash position of $493.9 million providing runway through 2026
- Phase 3 HS program on track for mid-2025 primary endpoint readout
- Multiple clinical trials advancing across various indications
- Strong market performance of other IL-17 inhibitors validating market opportunity
- R&D expenses increased 50.6% quarter-over-quarter to $35.7 million
- G&A expenses increased to $7.4 million from $6.9 million in previous quarter
Insights
The Q3 results reveal a strong financial position with
The increased R&D spending and G&A expenses (
The clinical development strategy shows impressive breadth and depth, with multiple Phase 3 and Phase 2 trials targeting significant inflammatory conditions. The dual inhibition of IL-17A and IL-17F dimers through Nanobody® technology represents a distinctive therapeutic approach. Key catalysts include:
- VELA-1 and VELA-2 Phase 3 trials in HS with mid-2025 readout
- IZAR-1 and IZAR-2 Phase 3 trials in PsA, including first-ever IL-23 inhibitor comparison
- Novel adolescent HS trial (VELA TEEN)
- Additional Phase 2 programs in PPP and axSpA
The comprehensive clinical program spanning dermatological and rheumatological conditions positions sonelokimab as a potential best-in-class therapy with broader applications than current market alternatives.
MoonLake Immunotherapeutics Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Provides a Business Update
- Ended the third quarter with
$493.9 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term marketable debt securities, expected to support a roadmap rich in potential catalysts and a cash runway to the end of 2026 - Strong market performance of other IL-17 inhibitors in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and other inflammatory indications validating large market opportunity for sonelokimab
- Phase 3 clinical program in HS is progressing as per plan with primary endpoint readout anticipated as of mid-2025
- Preparations for Phase 3 clinical program in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) completed with patient enrollment expected to commence imminently
- Additional Phase 2 programs, including trials in palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), and Phase 3 trial in adolescent HS, on track to commence around year-end
ZUG, Switzerland, November 7, 2024 – MoonLake Immunotherapeutics (NASDAQ:MLTX) (“MoonLake” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on creating next-level therapies for inflammatory diseases, today announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2024.
During this period, MoonLake has made significant progress with the clinical development of its Nanobody® sonelokimab, which targets IL-17A and IL-17F dimers and are heavily implicated in the pathology of several Type 3 dermatological and rheumatological inflammatory conditions.
Dr. Jorge Santos da Silva, Chief Executive Officer of MoonLake Immunotherapeutics, said: “MoonLake continued to make good clinical progress with sonelokimab in the third quarter across several large dermatology and rheumatology indications, with multiple Phase 3 and Phase 2 trials either underway or starting soon. The strong clinical data that we continue to build on suggests that the ability to inhibit all IL-17A and IL-17F containing dimers, together with the molecular advantages of our Nanobody®, translate into higher clinical responses for patients, and provide ample opportunity for differentiation of sonelokimab versus all competitors. We look forward to 2025 with multiple data catalysts, including the expected primary readout of our Phase 3 VELA program in HS as of mid-year.”
Q3 highlights:
- Phase 3 HS program progressing well: clinical study sites across North America and Europe are actively enrolling patients into the identical VELA-1 and VELA-2 studies, to enable the anticipated primary endpoint readout as of mid-2025
- Preparations for the Phase 3 PsA program completed: imminent enrollment of first patients into the IZAR-1 study for bio-naïve* patients and into the IZAR-2 study for TNF-IR** patients, the first study including an IL-23 inhibitor as an active reference arm
- Preparation for first ever dedicated clinical trial in adolescent HS on track: Phase 3 VELA TEEN clinical trial scheduled to commence around year-end
- Preparations for three additional Phase 2 trials advancing well: the LEDA trial in PPP and the S-OLARIS trial in axSpA anticipated to start around year-end, and the P-OLARIS trial in patients with seronegative spondylarthritis scheduled to start in early 2025
- Strong commercial performance of other IL-17 inhibitors in both HS and other inflammatory indications continues to outperform “street” expectations, leading to greater awareness and diagnosis, driving market growth and further validating the significant commercial opportunity for sonelokimab with its highly differentiated molecular characteristics (small Nanobody® size and both IL17A and IL-17F dimer binding) and potentially best in class clinical data to date
* Patients without previous exposure to biologics
** Patients with an inadequate response to TNF inhibitors
Third quarter 2024 financial results
As of September 30, 2024, MoonLake held cash, cash equivalents and short-term marketable debt securities of
Matthias Bodenstedt, Chief Financial Officer at MoonLake Immunotherapeutics, said: “MoonLake delivered a solid financial performance in Q3, with a strong cash position to at least the end of 2026. We continue to maintain a tight control of costs with a laser focus on value and delivery of our core company goals. We are incredibly fortunate to be custodians of sonelokimab which, as a pipeline-in-a-product across multiple large indications, could be worth over
Upcoming investor and medical conferences:
- American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Conference, November 14-19 Washington DC, US
- Jefferies London Healthcare Conference, November 19-21, 2024, London, UK
- Citi’s 19th Annual BioPharma Conference, December 3-5, Miami, US
- JP Morgan Annual Healthcare Conference, January 13-16, San Francisco, US
- 14th Conference of the European Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation e.V., Vilnius, Lithuania, February 12-14
- American Academy of Dermatology 2025 Annual Meeting, 7-11 March, Orlando, Florida
-Ends-
About MoonLake Immunotherapeutics
MoonLake Immunotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company unlocking the potential of sonelokimab, a novel investigational Nanobody® for the treatment of inflammatory disease, to revolutionize outcomes for patients. Sonelokimab inhibits IL-17A and IL-17F by inhibiting the IL-17A/A, IL-17A/F, and IL17F/F dimers that drive inflammation. The company’s focus is on inflammatory diseases with a major unmet need, including hidradenitis suppurativa and psoriatic arthritis – conditions affecting millions of people worldwide with a large need for improved treatment options. MoonLake was founded in 2021 and is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland. Further information is available at www.moonlaketx.com.
About Sonelokimab
Sonelokimab (M1095) is an investigational ~40 kDa humanized Nanobody® consisting of three VHH domains covalently linked by flexible glycine-serine spacers. With two domains, sonelokimab selectively binds with high affinity to IL-17A and IL-17F, thereby inhibiting the IL-17A/A, IL-17A/F, and IL-17F/F dimers. A third central domain binds to human albumin, facilitating further enrichment of sonelokimab at sites of inflammatory edema.
Sonelokimab is being assessed in two lead indications, HS and PSA, and MoonLake is pursuing other indications in dermatology and rheumatology.
For HS, sonelokimab is being assessed in the Phase 3 trials, VELA-1 and VELA-2, following the successful outcome of MoonLake’s end-of-Phase 2 interactions with the FDA and as well as positive feedback from its interactions with the EMA announced in February 2024. In June 2023, topline results of the MIRA trial (NCT05322473) at 12 weeks showed that the trial met its primary endpoint, the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR)75, which is a higher measure of clinical response versus the HiSCR50 measure used in other clinical trials, setting a landmark milestone. In October 2023, the full dataset from the MIRA trial at 24 weeks showed that maintenance treatment with sonelokimab led to further improvements in HiSCR75 response rates and other high threshold clinical and patient relevant outcomes. The safety profile of sonelokimab in the MIRA trial was consistent with previous trials with no new safety signals detected.
For PsA, sonelokimab is being assessed in the Phase 3 trials, IZAR-1 and IZAR-2, following the announcement in March 2024 of the full dataset from the global Phase 2 ARGO trial (M1095-PSA-201) evaluating the efficacy and safety of the Nanobody® sonelokimab over 24 weeks in patients with active PsA. Significant improvements were observed across all key outcomes, including up to
A Phase 2 trial is expected to be initiated in 2024 for palmo-plantar pustulosis (PPP), a debilitating inflammatory skin condition affecting a significant number of patients. In addition, in 2024, a Phase 3 trial is expected to be initiated in adolescent HS, a condition that typically manifests at this early stage of a patient’s life, and the period in which irreversible damage and inflammatory remission is most critical.
Sonelokimab also is also planned to be assessed for seronegative spondyloarthritis with a Phase 2 trial in radiographic and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) expected to start by end of 2024, and a Phase 2 trial in axSpA with PsA in 2025. The trials are expected to feature an innovative design complementing traditional clinical outcomes with modern imaging techniques.
Sonelokimab has also been assessed in a randomized, placebo-controlled third party Phase 2b trial (NCT03384745) in 313 patients with moderate-to-severe plaque-type psoriasis. High threshold clinical responses (Investigator’s Global Assessment Score 0 or 1, and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 90/100) were observed in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque-type psoriasis. Sonelokimab was generally well tolerated, with a safety profile similar to the active control, secukinumab (Papp KA, et al. Lancet. 2021; 397:1564-1575).
In an earlier third party Phase 1 trial in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque-type psoriasis, sonelokimab has been shown to decrease (to normal skin levels) the cutaneous gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (Svecova D. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019;81:196–203).
About Nanobodies®
Nanobodies® represent a new generation of antibody-derived targeted therapies. They consist of one or more domains based on the small antigen-binding variable regions of heavy-chain-only antibodies (VHH). Nanobodies® have a number of potential advantages over traditional antibodies, including their small size, enhanced tissue penetration, resistance to temperature changes, ease of manufacturing, and their ability to be designed into multivalent therapeutic molecules with bespoke target combinations.
The terms Nanobody® and Nanobodies® are trademarks of Ablynx, a Sanofi company.
About the VELA program
The VELA program is expected to enroll 800 patients across two similarly designed Phase 3 trials (VELA-1 and VELA-2) with the aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Nanobody® sonelokimab, administered subcutaneously, in adult patients with active moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa. Similar to the design of the landmark Phase 2 MIRA trial, the primary endpoint of the program is the percentage of participants achieving Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response 75 (HiSCR75), defined as a ≥
About IZAR
IZAR-1 (NCT06641076) and IZAR-2 (NCT06641089) are global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trials designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sonelokimab compared with placebo in a total of approximately 1,500 adults with active PsA, with a primary endpoint of superiority to placebo in ACR 50 response at Week 16. IZAR-1 will enroll biologic-naïve patients and include an evaluation of radiographic progression, while IZAR-2 will enroll patients with an inadequate response to tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors (TNF-IR) — reflecting patients commonly seen in clinical practice — and will be the first PsA trial to include a risankizumab active reference arm. Both trials will also assess a range of secondary endpoints reflecting the multiple disease manifestations characteristic of PsA. These include skin and nail outcomes, multidomain outcomes, and patient-reported outcome measures such as pain and quality of life assessments.
About Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a severely debilitating chronic skin condition resulting in irreversible tissue destruction. HS manifests as painful inflammatory skin lesions, typically around the armpits, groin, and buttocks. Over time, uncontrolled and inadequately treated inflammation can result in irreversible tissue destruction and scarring. The disease affects 0.05–
About Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic, progressive and complex inflammatory disease that manifests across multiple domains, leading to substantial functional impairment and decreased quality of life. The clinical features of PsA are diverse, comprising both musculoskeletal (peripheral arthritis, spondylitis, dactylitis, and enthesitis) and non-musculoskeletal (skin and nail disease) domains. PsA occurs in up to
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding MoonLake’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future including, without limitation, statements regarding: plans for and timing of clinical trials, including initiation of Phase 3 VELA TEEN trial of sonelokimab in adolescents with HS, commencement of clinical trials of sonelokimab in PPP, axSpA and seronegative spondylarthritis, topline results of the Phase 3 VELA program of sonelokimab in HS and enrollment of first patents into Phase 3 IZAR-1 and IZAR-2 trials, the efficacy and safety of sonelokimab for the treatment of HS, PsA, PPP, axSpA and seronegative spondylarthritis, including in comparison to existing standards or care or other competing therapies, clinical trials and research and development programs and the anticipated timing of the results from those studies and trials, potential market opportunities for sonelokimab and our anticipated cash usage and the period of time we anticipate such cash to be available. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward- looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that statement is not forward looking.
Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by MoonLake and its management, as the case may be, are inherently uncertain. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with MoonLake’s business in general and limited operating history, difficulty enrolling patients in clinical trials, state and federal healthcare reform measures that could result in reduced demand for MoonLake’s product candidates and reliance on third parties to conduct and support its preclinical studies and clinical trials and the other risks described in or incorporated by reference into MoonLake’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Nothing in this press release should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements in this press release, which speak only as of the date they are made and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the cautionary statements herein. MoonLake does not undertake or accept any duty to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or in the events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
CONTACT
MoonLake Immunotherapeutics Investors
Carla Bretes, Director IR & BD ir@moonlaketx.com
MoonLake Immunotherapeutics Media
Patricia Sousa, Director Corporate Affairs
media@moonlaketx.com
ICR Healthcare
Mary-Jane Elliott, Ashley Tapp, Namrata Taak
Tel: +44 (0) 20 3709 5700
MoonLake@ICRHealthcare.com
MOONLAKE IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in USD, except share data)
September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) | December 31.2023 | |||
Current assets | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 375,656,291 | $ 451,169,337 | ||
Short-term marketable debt securities | 118,268,400 | 59,838,900 | ||
Other receivables | 2,407,062 | 1,056,862 | ||
Prepaid expenses - current | 15,984,425 | 2,102,203 | ||
Total current assets | 512,316,178 | 514,167,302 | ||
Non-current assets | ||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 3,251,197 | 3,628,480 | ||
Property and equipment, net | 581,378 | 320,865 | ||
Prepaid expenses - non-current | 2,064,575 | 8,423,468 | ||
Total non-current assets | 5,897,150 | 12,372,813 | ||
Total assets | $ 518,213,328 | $ 526,540,115 | ||
Current liabilities | ||||
Trade and other payables | $ 10,710,603 | $ 1,837,684 | ||
Short-term portion of operating lease liabilities | 1,444,893 | 1,197,876 | ||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 7,925,524 | 6,930,120 | ||
Total current liabilities | 20,081,020 | 9,965,680 | ||
Non-current liabilities | ||||
Long-term portion of operating lease liabilities | 1,935,709 | 2,499,990 | ||
Pension liability | 694,959 | 583,426 | ||
Total non-current liabilities | 2,630,668 | 3,083,416 | ||
Total liabilities | 22,711,688 | 13,049,096 | ||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15) | ||||
Equity | ||||
Class A Ordinary Shares: | 6,305 | 6,047 | ||
Class C Ordinary Shares: | 84 | 251 | ||
Additional paid-in capital | 675,343,443 | 609,969,236 | ||
Accumulated deficit | (189,988,477) | (116,657,472) | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 2,833,970 | 2,357,621 | ||
Total shareholders’ equity | 488,195,325 | 495,675,683 | ||
Noncontrolling interests | 7,306,315 | 17,815,336 | ||
Total equity | 495,501,640 | 513,491,019 | ||
Total liabilities and equity | $ 518,213,328 | $ 526,540,115 | ||
MOONLAKE IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(Unaudited)
(Amounts in USD, except share and per share data)
For the Three Months Period Ended | ||||
September 30, | June 30, | |||
2024 | 2024 | |||
Operating expenses | ||||
Research and development | $ (35,735,514) | $ (23,662,147) | ||
General and administrative | (7,376,495) | (6,916,054) | ||
Total operating expenses | (43,112,009) | (30,578,201) | ||
Operating loss | (43,112,009) | (30,578,201) | ||
Other income, net | 7,089,691 | 5,898,148 | ||
Loss before income tax | (36,022,318) | (24,680,053) | ||
Income tax expense | (92,106) | (78,701) | ||
Net loss | $ (36,114,424) | $ (24,758,754) | ||
Of which: net loss attributable to controlling interests shareholders | (35,390,337) | (24,267,012) | ||
Of which: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests shareholders | (724,087) | (491,742) | ||
Net unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities and short term investments | (325,510) | 652,097 | ||
Actuarial gain (loss) on employee benefit plans | (115,629) | (76,479) | ||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | (441,139) | 575,618 | ||
Comprehensive loss | $ (36,555,563) | $ (24,183,136) | ||
Comprehensive loss attributable to controlling interests shareholders | (35,822,526) | (23,703,201 | ||
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | (733,037) | (479,935) | ||
Weighted-average number of Class A Ordinary Shares, basic and diluted | 62,896,782 | 62,874,637 | ||
Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to controlling interests shareholders | $ (0.56) | $ (0.39) |
FAQ
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