Ocuphire Pharma Announces Financial Results for Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 and Provides Corporate Update
- Successful 2023 for Ocuphire with focus on retina pipeline and APX3330 in diabetic retinopathy.
- Top-line efficacy and safety results reported for APX3330 in Phase 2 trial for DR.
- FDA alignment on registrational primary endpoint for APX3330 Phase 3.
- Approval of RYZUMVI for pharmacologically-induced mydriasis by FDA.
- Financially, Ocuphire had $50.5 million in cash as of December 31, 2023.
- License and collaboration revenue of $19.0 million for the full year 2023.
- Net loss of $10.0 million for the year, compared to a net income of $17.9 million in 2022.
- None.
Insights
The financial results of Ocuphire Pharma, Inc. reflect a significant shift from a net income position in 2022 to a net loss in 2023. This change is primarily due to the absence of the large upfront payment received under the Viatris License Agreement in the previous year, which was a one-time event. The reported net loss of $10.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to a net income of $17.9 million in the prior year, is a considerable reversal, impacting earnings per share from a positive $0.90 to a negative ($0.46).
The company's cash position of approximately $50.5 million, which is projected to fund operations into mid-2025, indicates a runway of about 1.5 years. This is a critical factor for investors as it suggests that, barring any additional financing or revenue-generating activities, the company may need to seek additional capital within that timeframe. The milestone payment of $10 million from Viatris, a result of FDA approval for RYZUMVI™, is a positive development; however, it's a non-recurring revenue source and therefore the sustainability of future revenues is uncertain.
Investors should also consider the increase in general and administrative expenses, which rose significantly due to payroll, stock-based compensation and other related costs. While these increases are often seen in growing companies, they do contribute to the net loss and should be monitored for efficiency and alignment with the company's strategic goals.
Ocuphire's update on the clinical development of APX3330 for diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a pivotal aspect in evaluating the company's potential. DR is a common complication of diabetes and a leading cause of blindness; thus, a successful treatment could address a large unmet medical need. The alignment with the FDA on the registrational primary endpoint for APX3330 and the submission of a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) for Phase 3 trials are important steps toward potential commercialization. However, the market should note that clinical trials are inherently risky and the drug's market potential will only be realized upon successful completion of Phase 3 trials and subsequent FDA approval.
Furthermore, the FDA's approval of RYZUMVI™ for the treatment of pharmacologically-induced mydriasis and the continued development of phentolamine ophthalmic solution (PS) for other indications, funded by Viatris, suggest a diversification of the company's portfolio. This could mitigate risk and offer multiple streams of potential future revenue, although the actual market impact of these products will depend on the outcomes of ongoing Phase 3 trials and market acceptance post-launch.
The biopharmaceutical sector, particularly in the field of ophthalmology, is highly competitive with a constant need for innovation and successful product development. Ocuphire's strategic focus on retinal and refractive eye disorders positions the company in a specialized market with significant growth potential. The successful launch of RYZUMVI™ in the first half of 2024 could provide an early revenue stream and validate Ocuphire's commercial capabilities.
However, the company's long-term success hinges on the progression of its late-stage clinical programs, particularly APX3330. The market's response to Ocuphire's updates will likely be cautious optimism, tempered by the understanding that clinical outcomes and regulatory approvals are uncertain and can significantly influence the company's valuation and stock performance. Investors should monitor the company's ability to manage its cash burn rate, as well as the execution of its clinical and commercial strategies, which are critical for sustaining investor confidence.
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., March 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ocuphire Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: OCUP), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing small-molecule therapies for the treatment of retinal and refractive eye disorders, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023, and provided a corporate update.
“Ocuphire had a successful 2023, with notable achievements on the regulatory and development fronts, paving the way for further progress in the year ahead,” said George Magrath, M.D., M.B.A., M.S., CEO of Ocuphire. “Our strategic focus is on the advancement of our retina pipeline, and we are preparing our late-stage clinical program to progress APX3330 in diabetic retinopathy (“DR”). We believe APX3330 may represent a promising oral treatment option for delaying disease progression in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy who otherwise are monitored and untreated until they progress to sight-threatening disease.”
Clinical and Regulatory Updates
APX3330
- In January 2023, Ocuphire reported top-line efficacy and safety results from the ZETA-1 Phase 2 trial conducted in 103 subjects with DR, including moderately severe and severe non-proliferative DR (“NPDR”) and mild proliferative DR (“PDR”), as well as patients with diabetic macular edema without loss of central vision. Trends toward efficacy were seen on the ≥3-step worsening on a binocular diabetic retinopathy severity scale (“DRSS”) Person Scale. APX3330 also demonstrated favorable safety and tolerability in diabetic patients.
- In October 2023, Ocuphire held an End-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA and aligned on the registrational primary endpoint of 3-step or more worsening on binocular DRSS Person scale.
- In February 2024, Ocuphire submitted a Special Protocol Assessment (“SPA”) to seek agreement on the clinical trial protocol and statistical analysis plan for Phase 3. Specifics on the study design and the anticipated timing will be shared if and when an agreement is reached with the FDA.
Phentolamine ophthalmic solution
- In September 2023, Ocuphire and Viatris, Inc. (“Viatris”) announced FDA approval of PS under the brand name RYZUMVI™ for the treatment of pharmacologically-induced mydriasis. In 2023, the Company received a cash payment in the amount of
$10 million from Viatris upon achieving this regulatory approval milestone in connection with its license agreement with Viatris. RYZUMVI is expected to launch in the first half of 2024. - The Company received an agreement from the FDA under a SPA for the clinical trial protocol and planned statistical analysis of the LYNX-2 Phase 3 trial to evaluate PS for the proposed indication for the treatment of decreased visual acuity under dim (mesopic) light conditions after keratorefractive surgery. Viatris is expected to continue Phase 3 development of this indication in the first half of 2024.
- The VEGA-2 Phase 3 study achieved a primary endpoint in presbyopia. Viatris is expected to continue Phase 3 development in the first half 2024.
- Development of PS in treatment of presbyopia and in decreased visual acuity under dim (mesopic) light conditions after keratorefractive surgery is expected to be funded by Viatris, under terms of the license agreement with Viatris.
Corporate Updates
- In August 2023, Ocuphire entered into a common stock purchase agreement with Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC (“LPC”), pursuant to which Ocuphire has the sole right, but not the obligation, to direct LPC to purchase up to
$50 million of shares of our common stock. - In November 2023, Ocuphire appointed George Magrath, M.D., M.B.A., M.S., as Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board of Directors. Dr. Magrath succeeded Rick Rodgers, M.B.A., Interim Chief Executive Officer and President. Mr. Rodgers remains a member of the Board of Directors.
- In November 2023, Ocuphire appointed Joseph (Joe) K. Schachle, M.B.A., as Chief Operating Officer.
- In February 2024, Ocuphire appointed Nirav Jhaveri, C.F.A, M.B.A. as Chief Financial Officer and Ashwath (Ash) Jayagopal, Ph.D., M.B.A. as Chief Scientific and Development Officer.
Financial Highlights for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year Ended December 31, 2023
As of December 31, 2023, Ocuphire had cash and cash equivalents of approximately
License and collaboration revenue was
General and administrative expenses were
Research and development expenses were
Net loss was
For further details on Ocuphire’s financial results, refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
About Ocuphire Pharma
Ocuphire is a clinical-stage ophthalmic biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing small-molecule therapies for the treatment of retinal and refractive eye disorders.
Ocuphire’s lead retinal product candidate, APX3330, is a small-molecule inhibitor of Ref-1 (reduction oxidation effector factor-1 protein). Ref-1 is a regulator of the transcription factors HIF-1α and NF-κB. Inhibiting REF-1 reduces levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (“VEGF”) and inflammatory cytokines which are known to play key roles in ocular angiogenesis and inflammation. APX3330 is an oral tablet to be administered twice per day for the treatment of DR. A Phase 2 study in subjects with DR and an End-of-Phase 2 meeting have recently been completed, and a SPA is planned to be submitted.
DR affects approximately 10 million people with diabetes and is projected to impact over 14 million Americans by 2050. DR is classified as NPDR, the early stage of the disease in which symptoms may be mild or non-existent or PDR, which is the more advanced stage of diabetic eye disease that can be highly symptomatic with loss of vision. Approximately 8 million DR patients have NPDR that will progress to PDR, if left untreated. Despite the risk for visual loss associated with this disease, over
Ocuphire has also in-licensed APX2009 and APX2014, which are second-generation analogs of APX3330. The unique mechanism of action of these Ref-1 inhibitors, which reduce both angiogenesis and inflammation, could potentially be beneficial in treating other retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and geographic atrophy. Ocuphire is currently evaluating local delivery routes in addition to the systemic (oral) route as part of its pipeline expansion in retinal therapies. Ocuphire also has a partnership with Viatris, Inc. to develop and commercialize PS (initially known as Nyxol). PS is a non-selective alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist designed to reduce pupil size by uniquely blocking the alpha-1 receptors found on the iris dilator muscle without affecting the ciliary muscle. PS was approved by the FDA for the treatment for pharmacologically-induced mydriasis under the brand name RYZUMVI™ in September 2023. PS is also in Phase 3 clinical development for the treatment of presbyopia and for the treatment of decreased visual acuity under dim (mesopic or low) light conditions after keratorefractive surgery.
For more information, visit www.ocuphire.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the End-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA to align on late-stage registration endpoints and study parameters, the launching of RYZUMVI, the continued development of PS and LDP, the sufficiency of cash on hand to meet future funding needs, and the potential of APX3330 as an oral treatment for patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
These forward-looking statements relate to us, our business prospects and our results of operations and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties posed by many factors and events that could cause our actual business, prospects and results of operations to differ materially from those anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those described under the heading “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “ongoing,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. We undertake no obligation to revise any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that might subsequently arise.
These forward-looking statements are based upon Ocuphire’s current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation:
- The success and timing of regulatory submissions and pre-clinical and clinical trials, including enrollment and data readouts;
- Regulatory requirements or developments;
- Changes to or unanticipated events in connection with clinical trial designs and regulatory pathways;
- Delays or difficulties in the enrollment of patients in clinical trials;
- Substantial competition and rapid technological change;
- Our development of sales and marketing infrastructure;
- Future revenue losses and profitability;
- Our relatively short operating history;
- Changes in capital resource requirements;
- Risks related to the inability of Ocuphire to obtain sufficient additional capital to continue to advance its product candidates and its preclinical programs;
- Domestic and worldwide legislative, regulatory, political and economic developments;
- Employee misconduct;
- Changes in market opportunities and acceptance;
- Reliance on third-parties;
- Future, potential product liability and securities litigation;
- System failures, unplanned events, or cyber incidents;
- The substantial number of shares subject to potential issuance associated with our Equity Line of Credit arrangement with LPC;
- Risks that our partnership with Viatris, or our other licensing arrangements, may not facilitate the commercialization or market acceptance of Ocuphire’s product candidates;
- Future fluctuations in the market price of our common stock;
- The success and timing of commercialization of any of Ocuphire’s product candidates; and
- Obtaining and maintaining Ocuphire’s intellectual property rights.
The foregoing review of important factors that could cause actual events to differ from expectations should not be construed as exhaustive. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in this report and in our other reports filed with the SEC that advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Ocuphire undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.
Contacts
| Corporate | Investor Relations |
| George Magrath, M.D., M.B.A., M.S. CEO ir@ocuphire.com | Corey Davis, Ph.D. LifeSci Advisors cdavis@lifesciadvisors.com |
| Ocuphire Pharma, Inc. Balance Sheets (in thousands, except share amounts and par value) | ||||||||
| As of December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Current assets: | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 50,501 | $ | 42,634 | ||||
| Accounts receivable | 926 | 1,298 | ||||||
| Contract assets and unbilled receivables | 1,407 | 3,552 | ||||||
| Prepaids and other current assets | 1,099 | 1,453 | ||||||
| Short-term investments | 15 | 49 | ||||||
| Total current assets | 53,948 | 48,986 | ||||||
| Property and equipment, net | — | 6 | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 53,948 | $ | 48,992 | ||||
| Liabilities and stockholders’ equity | ||||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 2,153 | $ | 1,069 | ||||
| Accrued expenses | 1,815 | 1,684 | ||||||
| Derivative liability | 74 | — | ||||||
| Total current liabilities | 4,042 | 2,753 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 4,042 | 2,753 | ||||||
| Commitments and contingencies | ||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity: | ||||||||
| Preferred stock, par value | — | — | ||||||
| Common stock, par value | 2 | 2 | ||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 131,370 | 117,717 | ||||||
| Accumulated deficit | (81,466 | ) | (71,480 | ) | ||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 49,906 | 46,239 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 53,948 | $ | 48,992 | ||||
| Ocuphire Pharma, Inc. Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income (in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||||||
| For the Year Ended December 31, | For the Three Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
| License and collaborations revenue | $ | 19,049 | $ | 39,850 | $ | 1,691 | $ | 39,850 | |||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 11,959 | 7,269 | 3,279 | 2,054 | |||||||||||||||
| Research and development | 17,653 | 14,355 | 3,841 | 3,586 | |||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 29,612 | 21,624 | 7,120 | 5,640 | |||||||||||||||
| (Loss) income from operations | (10,563 | ) | 18,226 | (5,429 | ) | 34,210 | |||||||||||||
| Financing costs | (1,328 | ) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | — | (9 | ) | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Fair value change in derivative liabilities | 80 | — | 19 | — | |||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense), net | 1,837 | (14 | ) | 613 | 46 | ||||||||||||||
| (Loss) income before income taxes | (9,974 | ) | 18,203 | (4,797 | ) | 34,256 | |||||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | (12 | ) | (315 | ) | 2 | (315 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Net (loss) income | (9,986 | ) | 17,888 | (4,795 | ) | 33,941 | |||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive (loss) income | $ | (9,986 | ) | $ | 17,888 | $ | (4,795 | ) | $ | 33,941 | |||||||||
| Net (loss) income per share: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | (0.46 | ) | $ | 0.90 | $ | (0.21 | ) | $ | 1.63 | |||||||||
| Diluted | $ | (0.46 | ) | $ | 0.87 | $ | (0.21 | ) | $ | 1.58 | |||||||||
| Number of shares used in per share calculations: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 21,589,821 | 19,931,080 | 22,992,239 | 20,807,734 | |||||||||||||||
| Diluted | 21,589,821 | 20,597,212 | 22,992,239 | 21,476,348 | |||||||||||||||
FAQ
What were the key achievements highlighted by Ocuphire in 2023?
What were the results of the ZETA-1 Phase 2 trial for APX3330?
What FDA alignment was achieved for APX3330 in October 2023?
What was the FDA approval related to Phentolamine ophthalmic solution 0.75% (PS)?
What were Ocuphire's financial highlights for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023?
