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Marker Therapeutics Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Provides Business Updates

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Marker Therapeutics (Nasdaq: MRKR) reported Q2 2024 financial results and provided business updates. Key highlights include:

1. Preliminary safety and efficacy data from the Phase 1 APOLLO study of MT-601 in lymphoma patients showed objective responses in 3 out of 3 participants.

2. MT-601 was well-tolerated with no cytokine release syndrome or neurotoxicity observed.

3. Marker received a $2 million NIH SBIR grant to support MT-601 clinical investigation.

4. Q2 2024 financial results: $7.8 million in cash and cash equivalents, $2.3 million in R&D expenses, $1.1 million in G&A expenses, and a net loss of $2.2 million.

5. The company expects its cash to fund operations into Q4 2025.

Marker Therapeutics (Nasdaq: MRKR) ha riportato i risultati finanziari del secondo trimestre 2024 e ha fornito aggiornamenti aziendali. I principali punti salienti includono:

1. Dati preliminari di sicurezza ed efficacia dallo studio di Fase 1 APOLLO su MT-601 in pazienti affetti da linfoma hanno mostrato risposte oggettive in 3 su 3 partecipanti.

2. MT-601 è stato ben tollerato, senza osservare sindrome da rilascio di citochine o neurotossicità.

3. Marker ha ricevuto un finanziamento di $2 milioni tramite il programma NIH SBIR per supportare l'investigazione clinica di MT-601.

4. Risultati finanziari del secondo trimestre 2024: $7.8 milioni in contanti e equivalenti, $2.3 milioni in spese di R&S, $1.1 milioni in spese generali e amministrative, e una perdita netta di $2.2 milioni.

5. L'azienda prevede che la sua liquidità sosterrà le operazioni fino al quarto trimestre del 2025.

Marker Therapeutics (Nasdaq: MRKR) reportó los resultados financieros del segundo trimestre de 2024 y proporcionó actualizaciones sobre el negocio. Los puntos destacados incluyen:

1. Los datos preliminares de seguridad y eficacia del estudio de Fase 1 APOLLO de MT-601 en pacientes con linfoma mostraron respuestas objetivas en 3 de 3 participantes.

2. MT-601 fue bien tolerado sin observarse síndrome de liberación de citoquinas o neurotoxicidad.

3. Marker recibió una subvención de $2 millones del NIH SBIR para apoyar la investigación clínica de MT-601.

4. Resultados financieros del segundo trimestre de 2024: $7.8 millones en efectivo y equivalentes, $2.3 millones en gastos de I+D, $1.1 millones en gastos administrativos y generales, y una pérdida neta de $2.2 millones.

5. La compañía espera que su efectivo financie las operaciones hasta el cuarto trimestre de 2025.

Marker Therapeutics (Nasdaq: MRKR)는 2024년 2분기 재무 결과를 발표하고 사업 업데이트를 제공했습니다. 주요 내용은 다음과 같습니다:

1. 림프종 환자에 대한 MT-601의 1상 APOLLO 연구에서 안전성과 효능에 대한 예비 데이터가 3명의 참가자 모두에서 객관적인 반응을 보였습니다.

2. MT-601은 사이토카인 방출 증후군이나 신경 독성이 관찰되지 않을 정도로 잘 견딜 수 있었습니다.

3. Marker는 MT-601 임상 연구를 지원하기 위해 NIH SBIR 보조금으로 200만 달러를 받았습니다.

4. 2024년 2분기 재무 결과: 현금 및 현금성 자산 780만 달러, 연구 및 개발 비용 230만 달러, 일반 관리 비용 110만 달러, 순손실 220만 달러입니다.

5. 이 회사는 2025년 4분기까지 운영을 지원할 수 있는 자금이 있을 것으로 예상하고 있습니다.

Marker Therapeutics (Nasdaq: MRKR) a annoncé les résultats financiers du deuxième trimestre 2024 et a fourni des mises à jour sur ses activités. Les points clés incluent :

1. Des données préliminaires sur la sécurité et l'efficacité de l'étude de phase 1 APOLLO concernant le MT-601 chez des patients atteints de lymphome ont montré des réponses objectives chez 3 participants sur 3.

2. Le MT-601 a été bien toléré, sans observation de syndrome de libération de cytokines ou de neurotoxicité.

3. Marker a reçu une subvention de 2 millions de dollars du NIH SBIR pour soutenir l'investigation clinique du MT-601.

4. Résultats financiers du deuxième trimestre 2024 : 7,8 millions de dollars en liquidités et équivalents, 2,3 millions de dollars de dépenses de R&D, 1,1 million de dollars de dépenses générales et administratives, et une perte nette de 2,2 millions de dollars.

5. L'entreprise s'attend à ce que sa trésorerie finance ses opérations jusqu'au quatrième trimestre 2025.

Marker Therapeutics (Nasdaq: MRKR) hat die finanziellen Ergebnisse des zweiten Quartals 2024 veröffentlicht und Geschäftsaktualisierungen bereitgestellt. Die wichtigsten Highlights umfassen:

1. Vorläufige Sicherheits- und Wirksamkeitsdaten aus der Phase-1-Studie APOLLO zu MT-601 bei Lymphomapatienten zeigten objektive Ansprechen bei 3 von 3 Teilnehmern.

2. MT-601 wurde gut vertragen, ohne dass ein Zytokinfreisetzungssyndrom oder Neurotoxizität beobachtet wurde.

3. Marker erhielt einen NIH SBIR-Zuschuss von 2 Millionen US-Dollar zur Unterstützung der klinischen Untersuchung von MT-601.

4. Finanzielle Ergebnisse für das zweite Quartal 2024: 7,8 Millionen US-Dollar in bar und Baräquivalente, 2,3 Millionen US-Dollar für F&E-Ausgaben, 1,1 Millionen US-Dollar für allgemeine Verwaltungskosten und ein Nettodverlust von 2,2 Millionen US-Dollar.

5. Das Unternehmen erwartet, dass seine Liquidität die Betriebsfinanzierung bis ins vierte Quartal 2025 unterstützen wird.

Positive
  • Preliminary efficacy data shows objective responses in 3 out of 3 lymphoma patients treated with MT-601
  • MT-601 demonstrated good safety profile with no cytokine release syndrome or neurotoxicity
  • Received $2 million NIH SBIR grant for MT-601 clinical investigation
  • Cash runway extended into Q4 2025
  • Reduced G&A expenses from $2.5 million in Q2 2023 to $1.1 million in Q2 2024
Negative
  • Net loss of $2.2 million in Q2 2024
  • Cash position decreased to $7.8 million as of June 30, 2024

Insights

Marker Therapeutics' Q2 2024 results show promising clinical progress and improved financial efficiency. The company reported $7.8 million in cash, extending their runway into Q4 2025. R&D expenses remained stable at $2.3 million, while G&A expenses significantly decreased to $1.1 million from $2.5 million year-over-year. The net loss narrowed to $2.2 million from $4.1 million. The $2 million NIH SBIR grant for MT-601 research is a positive, non-dilutive funding source. However, investors should note that Marker remains pre-revenue and will likely require additional funding for continued clinical development beyond 2025.

The preliminary results for MT-601 in lymphoma patients are encouraging. Three out of three participants showed objective responses, with no significant adverse events reported. Notably, the absence of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) is promising for patient safety. These early results suggest MT-601 could potentially address an unmet need for patients who have relapsed after CAR-T therapy or are ineligible for it. However, it's important to await more comprehensive data from a larger patient cohort to fully assess efficacy and durability of response. The expansion into pancreatic cancer and AML/MDS trials further diversifies Marker's pipeline, potentially broadening its market impact if successful.

Marker Therapeutics is positioning itself well in the competitive cell therapy market. The company's focus on post-CAR-T relapse and patients ineligible for CAR-T therapy addresses a growing niche as CAR-T treatments become more widespread. The $2 million NIH grant not only provides funding but also validates the scientific merit of MT-601. The company's efficient operational structure, evidenced by reduced G&A expenses, is commendable in the capital-intensive biotech sector. However, investors should be aware that Marker faces significant competition from larger, well-funded companies in the cell therapy space. The success of MT-601 and other pipeline candidates will be important for Marker's long-term market position and potential partnerships or acquisition interest.

Preliminary safety and efficacy with sustained objective responses observed in patients with lymphoma treated with MT-601 in Phase 1 APOLLO study

MT-601 was well tolerated with no observation of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or immune effector cell associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS)

Marker Therapeutics to receive $2 million funding from NIH Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to support clinical investigation of MT-601 in patients with lymphoma

HOUSTON, Aug. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Marker Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: MRKR), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company focusing on developing next-generation T cell-based immunotherapies for the treatment of hematological malignancies and solid tumors, today reported corporate updates and financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024.

“The second quarter of 2024 was characterized by ongoing momentum in our clinical programs,” said Juan Vera, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Marker Therapeutics. “Following the positive outcomes reported in the first quarter, we continued to advance our Phase 1 APOLLO study investigating MT-601 in patients with lymphoma who have relapsed after anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy or where CAR-T therapy is not an option. In April, Geoffrey Shouse, D.O., Ph.D., the Principal Investigator at City of Hope National Medical Center, presented encouraging data from the APOLLO study, at the 11th Global Summit on Hematologic Malignancies. The data showed that three out of three participants had objective responses, and that treatment was well tolerated among all patients with no significant treatment-related adverse events, further signifying the potential benefit of MT-601 in patients with lymphoma. We are gratified by these preliminary results and expect to provide a more comprehensive clinical update on the APOLLO study in the upcoming quarter.”

“Additionally, after the close of the quarter, we announced that Marker has been awarded a $2 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support our Phase 1 APOLLO study evaluating the safety and efficacy of MT-601 in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) who have relapsed following anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy. We were pleased to receive this highly competitive grant, which reinforces the potential scientific merit and the capacity of the APOLLO study to address an unmet medical need,” added Dr. Vera.

PROGRAM UPDATES & EXPECTED MILESTONES

MT-601 (Lymphoma)

  • Marker’s lead program is investigating MT-601 in the nationwide multicenter Phase 1 APOLLO study (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT05798897) in patients with lymphoma who relapsed after anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy or where CAR-T cells are not an option.
  • The Company previously reported preliminary safety and efficacy with sustained objective responses observed in three study participants treated at City of Hope National Medical Center (Press Release, April 8, 2024). Treatment was well tolerated among all study participants with no observation of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or immune effector cell associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS).
  • All study participants continue to be observed for long-term treatment effects and durability of response. The Company is enrolling additional study participants in the Phase 1 APOLLO trial and expect to provide an update on safety and durability during the third quarter.
  • The Company was awarded a $2 million grant from NIH Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) to support the clinical investigation of MT-601 in patients with lymphoma who have relapsed following anti-CD CAR-T cell therapy (Press Release, August 12, 2024).

MT-601 (Pancreatic)

  • Investigational New Drug (IND) application cleared by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for multicenter Phase 1 trial to investigate MT-601 in combination with front-line chemotherapy in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.
  • Clinical advancement will be pending additional financial support from non-dilutive funding activities.

MT-401-OTS (Acute Myeloid Leukemia or Myelodysplastic Syndrome)

  • U.S. FDA has granted an IND to investigate MT-401 as an “Off-the-Shelf” (MT-401-OTS) product in patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) or Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS).
  • MT-401-OTS is manufactured from healthy donors, and Marker has established a cellular inventory for MT-401-OTS with ongoing efforts to further expansion.
  • Marker has non-clinical proof-of-concept data supporting the potential clinical benefits of MT-401-OTS in patients with AML or MDS (Press Release, August 7, 2023).
  • The Company secured non-dilutive funding to support the clinical investigation of MT-401-OTS and anticipates the clinical program initiation of MT-401-OTS during the fourth quarter of 2024.

SECOND QUARTER 2024 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Cash Position and Guidance: At June 30, 2024, Marker had cash and cash equivalents of $7.8 million. The Company believes that its existing cash and cash equivalents will fund its operating expenses into the fourth quarter of 2025, inclusive of available drawdowns from grant funds.

R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $2.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to $2.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2023.

G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $1.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to $2.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2023.

Net Loss: Marker reported a net loss from continuing operations of $2.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to $4.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2023.

“The financial performance in the past quarter demonstrates the benefits that we are seeing from our restructuring efforts that we initiated in the second quarter of 2023, including our agreement with Cell Ready, and the favorable impact that they are having on our business, especially our Operating Expenses. Unlike most small, pre-revenue companies in the Cell Therapy space, our extremely efficient structure, combined with our successful grant funding initiatives, are allowing us to maximize our cash runway and to focus the majority of our available funds on our clinical programs,” concluded Dr. Vera.

About multiTAA-specific T cells

The multi-tumor associated antigen (multiTAA)-specific T cell platform is a novel, non-genetically modified cell therapy approach that selectively expands tumor-specific T cells from a patient's/donor’s blood capable of recognizing a broad range of tumor antigens. Unlike other T cell therapies, multiTAA-specific T cells allow the recognition of hundreds of different epitopes within up to six tumor-specific antigens, thereby reducing the possibility of tumor escape. Since multiTAA-specific T cells are not genetically engineered, Marker believes that its product candidates will be easier and less expensive to manufacture, with an improved safety profile, compared to current engineered T cell approaches, and may provide patients with meaningful clinical benefits.

About Marker Therapeutics, Inc.

Marker Therapeutics, Inc. is a Houston, TX-based clinical-stage immuno-oncology company specializing in the development of next-generation T cell-based immunotherapies for the treatment of hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Clinical trials that enrolled more than 200 patients across various hematological and solid tumor indications showed that the Company’s autologous and allogeneic multiTAA-specific T cell products were well tolerated and demonstrated durable clinical responses. Marker’s goal is to introduce novel T cell therapies to the market and improve patient outcomes. To achieve these objectives, the Company prioritizes the preservation of financial resources and focuses on operational excellence. Marker’s unique T cell platform is strengthened by non-dilutive funding from U.S. state and federal agencies supporting cancer research.

To receive future press releases via email, please visit: https://www.markertherapeutics.com/email-alerts.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in this news release concerning the Company’s expectations, plans, business outlook or future performance, and any other statements concerning assumptions made or expectations as to any future events, conditions, performance or other matters, are “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs, projections, outlook, analyses or current expectations concerning, among other things: our research, development and regulatory activities and expectations relating to our non-engineered multi-tumor antigen specific T cell therapies; the effectiveness of these programs or the possible range of application and potential curative effects and safety in the treatment of diseases; and the timing, conduct and success of our clinical trials of our product candidates, including MT-601 for the treatment of patients with lymphoma. Forward-looking statements are by their nature subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated in such statements. Such risks, uncertainties and factors include, but are not limited to the risks set forth in the Company’s most recent Form 10-K, 10-Q and other SEC filings which are available through EDGAR at WWW.SEC.GOV. The Company assumes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this press release except as may be required by law.

  
Marker Therapeutics, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
 
  
 June 30,
2024
 December 31,
2023
 
ASSETS        
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents$7,800,464  $15,111,450  
Prepaid expenses and deposits 1,384,394   988,126  
Other receivables 2,490,147   1,027,815  
  Total current assets 11,675,005   17,127,391  
Total assets$ 11,675,005  $ 17,127,391  
         
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY        
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities$1,679,672  $1,745,193  
Related party payable 292,569   1,329,655  
  Total current liabilities 1,972,241   3,074,848  
Total liabilities 1,972,241   3,074,848  
         
Stockholders' equity:        
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 5 million shares authorized, 0 shares issued and
outstanding at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively
 -   -  
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 30 million shares authorized, 8.9 million shares
issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively
(see Note 8)
 8,922   8,891  
Additional paid-in capital 450,565,204   450,329,515  
Accumulated deficit (440,871,362)  (436,285,863) 
Total stockholders' equity 9,702,764   14,052,543  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$ 11,675,005  $ 17,127,391  
  


  
Marker Therapeutics, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)

 
  
 For the Three Months Ended
June 30,
 For the Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 2024 2023 2024 2023 
Revenues:                
Grant income$1,169,236  $762,658  $2,413,297  $1,996,995  
Total revenues 1,169,236   762,658   2,413,297   1,996,995  
Operating expenses:                
Research and development 2,335,430   2,377,993   4,910,446   5,754,492  
General and administrative 1,141,871   2,518,725   2,359,934   4,686,044  
Total operating expenses 3,477,301   4,896,718   7,270,380   10,440,536  
Loss from operations (2,308,065)  (4,134,060)  (4,857,083)  (8,443,541) 
Other income (expenses):                
Interest income 115,388   35,080   271,584   119,734  
Loss from continuing operations (2,192,677)  (4,098,980)  (4,585,499)  (8,323,807) 
Discontinued operations:                
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax -   (2,179,657)  -   (2,922,406) 
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations -   8,794,426   -   8,794,426  
Income from discontinued operations -   6,614,769   -   5,872,020  
Net income/(loss)$ (2,192,677) $ 2,515,789  $ (4,585,499) $ (2,451,787) 
                 
Net loss per share:                
Loss from continuing operations, basic and diluted$(0.25) $(0.47) $(0.51) $(0.95) 
Income from discontinued operations, basic and diluted$-  $0.75  $-  $0.67  
Net income/(loss) per share, basic and diluted$(0.25) $0.29  $(0.51) $(0.28) 
                 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:                
Basic 8,918,233   8,798,956   8,910,097   8,760,209  
Diluted 8,918,233   8,798,956   8,910,097   8,760,209  
  


  
Marker Therapeutics, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)

 
  
 For the Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 2024 2023 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:        
Net loss$(4,585,499) $(2,451,787) 
Less: income from discontinued operations, net of tax -   5,872,020  
Net loss from continuing operations (4,585,499)  (8,323,807) 
Reconciliation of net loss to net cash used in operating activities:        
Stock-based compensation 142,018   539,858  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
Prepaid expenses and deposits (396,268)  (238,223) 
Other receivables (1,462,332)  655,904  
Related party payable (1,037,086)  -  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (65,521)  197,030  
   Net cash used in operating activities - continuing operations (7,404,688)  (7,169,238) 
   Net cash used in operating activities - discontinued operations -   (5,775,680) 
   Net cash used in operating activities (7,404,688)  (12,944,918) 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:        
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities - discontinued operations -   18,664,122  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities -   18,664,122  
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:        
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net 36,902   619,974  
Proceeds from stock options exercise 56,800   736  
Net cash provided by financing activities 93,702   620,710  
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (7,310,986)  6,339,914  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period 15,111,450   11,782,172  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period$7,800,464  $18,122,086  
  

Contacts
Investors
TIBEREND STRATEGIC ADVISORS, INC.
Jonathan Nugent
205-566-3026
jnugent@tiberend.com


FAQ

What were the key findings from Marker Therapeutics' MT-601 APOLLO study for lymphoma?

The Phase 1 APOLLO study of MT-601 showed objective responses in 3 out of 3 lymphoma patients, with good tolerability and no cytokine release syndrome or neurotoxicity observed.

How much funding did Marker Therapeutics (MRKR) receive from the NIH SBIR program?

Marker Therapeutics received $2 million in funding from the NIH Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to support clinical investigation of MT-601 in lymphoma patients.

What was Marker Therapeutics' (MRKR) cash position as of June 30, 2024?

As of June 30, 2024, Marker Therapeutics had cash and cash equivalents of $7.8 million.

How long does Marker Therapeutics (MRKR) expect its current cash to fund operations?

Marker Therapeutics expects its existing cash and cash equivalents to fund operating expenses into the fourth quarter of 2025, including available grant fund drawdowns.

Marker Therapeutics, Inc.

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