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

Rhea-AI Summary

Marker Therapeutics (MRKR) reported Q3 2024 financial results and business updates. The company received two $2 million NIH SBIR grants to support MT-601 clinical trials in lymphoma and pancreatic cancer patients. The ongoing Phase 1 APOLLO study for MT-601 in lymphoma patients shows promising activity, with preliminary data expected by year-end. Financial highlights include $9 million in cash and cash equivalents, expected to fund operations into October 2025. Q3 2024 showed R&D expenses of $3.5 million, G&A expenses of $0.9 million, and a net loss of $2.3 million.

Positive

• Secured $4 million in non-dilutive funding through NIH SBIR grants
• Preliminary MT-601 trial data showed sustained objective responses with no severe adverse effects
• Reduced G&A expenses from $1.4M to $0.9M year-over-year
• Decreased net loss from $3.0M to $2.3M compared to Q3 2023

Negative

• R&D expenses increased 75% YoY from $2.0M to $3.5M
• cash runway extending only to October 2025
• Operating at a loss with $2.3M net loss in Q3 2024

Insights

Financial Analyst

The Q3 results reveal mixed financial signals. While $9 million cash position provides runway into October 2025, the burn rate remains significant with R&D expenses increasing by 75% to $3.5 million. The silver lining comes from reduced G&A expenses, down 35.7% to $0.9 million and a narrower net loss of $2.3 million vs $3.0 million year-over-year.

The non-dilutive funding through two $2 million NIH SBIR grants strengthens the balance sheet without shareholder dilution. However, with a small market cap of $31.2 million, additional funding may be needed beyond October 2025 to support multiple clinical programs. The company's focus on cost management while advancing clinical trials demonstrates fiscal responsibility, though investors should monitor cash burn closely.

Medical Research Analyst

The clinical progress of MT-601 shows promise in both lymphoma and pancreatic cancer applications. Key developments include:

• Ongoing enrollment in Phase 1 APOLLO study with preliminary positive safety profile
• Early efficacy signals with sustained objective responses in three participants
• Notably, no severe adverse effects like ICANS observed
• Expansion into pancreatic cancer planned for 2025

The company's multi-pronged approach, including MT-401-OTS for AML/MDS, demonstrates pipeline diversity. The NIH grant validation strengthens confidence in the technology platform. However, while early results are encouraging, more extensive efficacy data expected in Q4 2024 will be important for determining therapeutic potential.

Marker Therapeutics to receive two grants from NIH Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to support clinical investigation of MT-601 in patients with lymphoma and metastatic pancreatic cancer

HOUSTON, Nov. 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 third quarter ended September 30, 2024.

“As we approach the end of 2024, we continue to build momentum across our clinical and corporate programs,” said Juan Vera, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Marker Therapeutics. “During the third quarter, we made significant progress in our ongoing Phase 1 APOLLO study investigating MT‑601 in patients with lymphoma who have relapsed after anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy or where CAR-T cells are not an option. Enrollment is ongoing and we expect to be able to report preliminary safety and efficacy data by the end of this year. We, along with our study investigators, have been encouraged by the promising activity shown in this platform and look forward to continuing assessments from the trial.”

“We also recently strengthened our financial position with the receipt of two, $2 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  The non-dilutive funding will be used to support further development of MT-601 in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma who have relapsed following anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy, as well as assist in funding the clinical investigation of MT‑601 in pancreatic cancer. We continue to make meaningful progress and remain focused on execution as we move our programs through the clinical trials,” 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 have relapsed after anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy or where CAR-T cells are not an option.
• The Company previously reported that one of the Principal Investigators presented 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 severe adverse effects such as 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 expects to provide an update on safety and durability during the fourth quarter of 2024.
• Marker Therapeutics 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-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy (Press Release, August 12, 2024).

MT-601 (Pancreatic)

• The Company was awarded a $2 million grant from NIH Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program to support the clinical investigation of MT-601 in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.
• The Company expects to start the clinical program of MT-601 in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer in 2025.

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

• The Company previously secured non-dilutive funding to support the clinical investigation of MT‑401‑OTS in patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) or Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and anticipates clinical program initiation during the first half of 2025.

THIRD QUARTER 2024 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Cash Position and Guidance: At September 30, 2024, Marker had cash and cash equivalents of $9 million. The Company believes that its existing cash and cash equivalents will fund its operating expenses into October 2025. This estimate is subject to the Company’s ability to effectively manage its costs and utilize drawdowns of available grant funds.

R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $3.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to $2.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 as a result of our increased clinical trial activity in the quarter.

G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $0.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to $1.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 reflecting the savings from the reorganization that was completed in late 2023.

Net Loss: Marker reported a net loss from continuing operations of $2.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to $3.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.

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.

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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)
	September 30,				December 31,
	2024				2023
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	8,999,664			$	15,111,450
Prepaid expenses and deposits		1,166,274				988,126
Other receivables		744,410				1,027,815
Total current assets		10,910,348				17,127,391
Total assets	$	10,910,348			$	17,127,391
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	2,557,335			$	1,745,193
Related party payable		903,438				1,329,655
Total current liabilities		3,460,773				3,074,848
Total liabilities		3,460,773				3,074,848
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 5 million shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding at September 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 September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (see Note 9)		8,923				8,891
Additional paid-in capital		450,620,206				450,329,515
Accumulated deficit		(443,179,554	)			(436,285,863	)
Total stockholders’ equity		7,449,575				14,052,543
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	10,910,348			$	17,127,391

Marker Therapeutics, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
	For the Three Months Ended												For the Nine Months Ended
	September 30,												September 30,
	2024						2023						2024					2023
Revenues
Grant income	$	1,926,020						$	257,606				$	4,339,317				$	2,254,601
Total revenues		1,926,020							257,606					4,339,317					2,254,601
Operating expenses:
Research and development		3,471,216							2,044,980					8,381,661					7,799,472
General and administrative		854,677							1,412,672					3,214,611					6,098,716
Total operating expenses		4,325,893							3,457,652					11,596,272					13,898,188
Loss from operations		(2,399,873			)				(3,200,046	)				(7,256,955	)				(11,643,587	)
Other income (expenses):
Interest income		91,681							218,085					363,264					337,819
Loss from continuing operations		(2,308,192			)				(2,981,961	)				(6,893,691	)				(11,305,768	)
Discontinued operations:
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		—							—					—					(2,922,406	)
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations before income taxes		—							—					—					8,794,426
Income from discontinued operations		—							—					—					5,872,020
Net (loss) income	$	(2,308,192			)			$	(2,981,961	)			$	(6,893,691	)			$	(5,433,748	)
Net (loss) earnings per share:
Loss from continuing operations, basic and diluted	$	(0.26			)			$	(0.34	)			$	(0.77	)			$	(1.29	)
Income from discontinued operations, basic	$	—						$	—				$	—				$	0.67
Income from discontinued operations, diluted	$	—						$	—				$	—				$	0.66
Net loss per share	$	(0.26			)			$	(0.34	)			$	(0.77	)			$	(0.62	)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic		8,923,170							8,825,881					8,914,487					8,782,340
Diluted		8,923,170							8,825,881					8,914,487					8,834,512

Marker Therapeutics, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
	For the Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
	2024				2023
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net loss	$	(6,893,691	)		$	(5,433,748	)
Less: gain from discontinued operations, net of tax		—				5,872,020
Net loss from continuing operations		(6,893,691	)			(11,305,768	)
Reconciliation of net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Stock-based compensation		195,320				714,899
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expenses and deposits		(178,148	)			(80,116	)
Other receivables		283,405				2,318,691
Related party payable		(426,217	)			367,915
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		812,142				(159,567	)
Deferred revenue		—				107,530
Net cash used in operating activities - continuing operations		(6,207,189	)			(8,036,416	)
Net cash used in operating activities - discontinued operations		—				(6,035,961	)
Net cash used in operating activities		(6,207,189	)			(14,072,377	)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Net cash provided by investing activities - discontinued operations		—				18,664,122
Net cash provided by investing activities		—				18,664,122
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net		36,902				1,014,640
Proceeds from stock options exercise		58,501				85,342
Net cash provided by financing activities		95,403				1,099,982
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents		(6,111,786	)			5,691,727
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period		15,111,450				11,782,172
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	$	8,999,664			$	17,473,899

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

FAQ

What were Marker Therapeutics (MRKR) Q3 2024 financial results?

In Q3 2024, MRKR reported $9M in cash and cash equivalents, R&D expenses of $3.5M, G&A expenses of $0.9M, and a net loss of $2.3M.

How much funding did MRKR receive from NIH SBIR grants in 2024?

MRKR received two separate $2 million SBIR grants from NIH, totaling $4 million, to support MT-601 clinical trials in lymphoma and pancreatic cancer.

When will MRKR report preliminary data from the MT-601 APOLLO study?

MRKR expects to report preliminary safety and efficacy data from the Phase 1 APOLLO study by the end of 2024.

How long will MRKR's current cash position last?

MRKR's current cash position of $9 million is expected to fund operations into October 2025.