Olema Oncology Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update

Rhea-AI Summary

Olema Oncology (Nasdaq: OLMA) reported Q2 2024 financial results and provided a corporate update. Key highlights:

- Presented promising interim clinical results for palazestrant-ribociclib combination at ESMO Breast Cancer Congress
- Completed IND-enabling studies for OP-3136, with FDA filing expected in late 2024
- Cash position of $239.1 million as of June 30, 2024
- Net loss of $30.4 million for Q2 2024, up from $20.1 million in Q2 2023
- GAAP R&D expenses increased to $29.1 million from $18.0 million year-over-year
- GAAP G&A expenses rose to $4.4 million from $3.6 million year-over-year

Upcoming milestones include initiating a Phase 1b/2 study of palazestrant with everolimus in Q3 2024 and presenting updated Phase 2 results for palazestrant-ribociclib combination at a future medical meeting.

Positive

• Promising interim clinical results for palazestrant-ribociclib combination with 85% preliminary clinical benefit rate
• Strong cash position of $239.1 million as of June 30, 2024
• Successful completion of IND-enabling studies for OP-3136
• Advancement of palazestrant into late-stage clinical trials

Negative

• Increased net loss to $30.4 million in Q2 2024 from $20.1 million in Q2 2023
• Higher R&D expenses of $29.1 million, up from $18.0 million year-over-year
• Increased G&A expenses to $4.4 million from $3.6 million year-over-year

Insights

Oncology Research Analyst

The interim results for palazestrant in combination with ribociclib are promising. The 85% clinical benefit rate across 13 CBR-eligible patients is highly encouraging, suggesting potential efficacy in treating ER+/HER2- breast cancer. The well-tolerated safety profile with no new signals is important for patient compliance and long-term treatment. However, we need to see more mature efficacy data to fully assess the combination's potential.

The advancement of OP-3136, a novel KAT6 inhibitor, to IND-enabling studies is significant. KAT6 inhibitors represent a new class of epigenetic regulators with potential in cancer treatment. The planned IND filing in late 2024 indicates steady progress in Olema's pipeline diversification strategy.

Financial Analyst

Olema's financial position remains solid with $239.1 million in cash and equivalents as of June 30, 2024. This provides a substantial runway for ongoing clinical trials and pipeline development. However, the increased net loss of $30.4 million compared to $20.1 million in Q2 2023 reflects higher R&D expenses, which rose to $29.1 million from $18.0 million. This 51% increase in R&D spending is justified by the advancement of palazestrant into late-stage trials and the KAT6 inhibitor program, but investors should monitor the burn rate closely.

Market Research Analyst

Olema's focus on targeted therapies for women's cancers positions it in a growing market segment. The positive interim results for palazestrant-ribociclib combination could potentially disrupt the current treatment landscape for ER+/HER2- breast cancer. The ongoing OPERA-01 Phase 3 trial for palazestrant monotherapy in 2nd/3rd-line metastatic breast cancer is a key catalyst to watch. If successful, it could significantly expand Olema's market potential. The diversification into KAT6 inhibitors with OP-3136 demonstrates a strategic approach to pipeline expansion, potentially opening new market opportunities beyond breast cancer.

• Presented promising interim clinical results from the ongoing study of palazestrant in combination with ribociclib at the 2024 ESMO Breast Cancer Congress. Updated results expected to be presented at a future medical meeting

• Successfully completed Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies for OP-3136, Olema’s novel KAT6 inhibitor, with IND application expected to be filed with FDA in late 2024. Additional pre-clinical data for OP-3136 to be presented in the fourth quarter
• Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $239.1 million as of June 30, 2024
  

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Olema Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Olema”, “Olema Oncology”, Nasdaq: OLMA), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of targeted therapies for women’s cancers, today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024, and provided a corporate update.

“The clinical data we presented at the ESMO Breast Cancer Annual Congress in May demonstrated that the palazestrant-ribociclib combination was well tolerated with no new safety signals or enhancement of toxicity. The preliminary efficacy data is highly encouraging and we look forward to updating with more mature efficacy,” said Sean P. Bohen, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Olema Oncology. “The OPERA-01 Phase 3 clinical trial for palazestrant as a monotherapy in second/third-line metastatic breast cancer is ongoing, and later this year we are looking forward to presenting new data on our KAT6 inhibitor, OP-3136, and filing an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the FDA.”

Second Quarter 2024 Highlights

• Presented interim Phase 1b/2 clinical results of palazestrant (OP-1250) in combination with ribociclib at the ESMO Breast Cancer Annual Congress 2024 in Berlin, Germany. Results showed palazestrant in combination with ribociclib was well tolerated with no new safety signals or enhancement of toxicity and no meaningful impact on drug exposure of either therapy. In addition, a preliminary clinical benefit rate (CBR) of 85% was observed across 13 CBR-eligible patients.
• Presented trial-in-progress poster on OPERA-01, a pivotal Phase 3 monotherapy clinical trial in the second- and third-line setting of ER+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer, at the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL.
• Successfully completed IND-enabling studies for OP-3136 in support of a potential IND filing in late 2024
  

Upcoming Milestones

• Initiate Phase 1b/2 clinical study of palazestrant in combination with mTOR inhibitor, everolimus, in the third quarter of 2024.
• Present pre-clinical data supporting the Investigational New Drug (IND) application for OP-3136, an orally-bioavailable KAT6 inhibitor, anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2024.
• File an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for OP-3136 in late 2024 and advance clinical development.
• Present updated Phase 2 clinical study results for palazestrant in combination with CDK4/6 inhibitor, ribociclib, anticipated at a future medical meeting.

Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of June 30, 2024, were $239.1 million.

Net loss for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, was $30.4 million, as compared to $20.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2023. The increase in net loss for the second quarter was primarily related to increased spending on clinical development and research activities as a result of late-stage clinical trials for palazestrant and the advancement of our KAT6 inhibitor program, as well as general and administrative activities. The increase was partially offset by higher interest income earned from marketable securities.

GAAP research and development (R&D) expenses were $29.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, as compared to $18.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2023. The increase in R&D expenses was primarily related to increased spending on clinical development activities as we continue to advance palazestrant into late-stage clinical trials, research-related activities associated with the advancement of our KAT6 inhibitor program, and personnel related costs, including non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $1.3 million.

Non-GAAP R&D expenses were $24.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, which excluded $4.2 million non-cash stock-based compensation expense. Non-GAAP R&D expenses were $15.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, excluding $3.0 million non-cash stock-based compensation expense. A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release can be found at the end of this press release.

GAAP G&A expenses were $4.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, as compared to $3.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2023. The increase in G&A expenses was primarily due to increased spending on corporate-related costs, and an increase in non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $0.3 million.

Non-GAAP G&A expenses were $2.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, excluding $1.5 million non-cash stock-based compensation expense. Non-GAAP G&A expenses were $2.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, excluding $1.2 million non-cash stock-based compensation expense. A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release can be found at the end of this press release.

About Palazestrant (OP-1250)

Palazestrant (OP-1250) is a novel, orally-available small molecule with dual activity as both a complete estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist (CERAN) and selective ER degrader (SERD). It is currently being investigated in patients with recurrent, locally advanced or metastatic ER-positive (ER+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer. In clinical studies, palazestrant completely blocks ER-driven transcriptional activity in both wild-type and mutant forms of metastatic ER+ breast cancer and has demonstrated anti-tumor efficacy along with attractive pharmacokinetics and exposure, favorable tolerability, CNS penetration, and combinability with CDK4/6 inhibitors. Palazestrant has been granted U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Fast Track designation for the treatment of ER+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer that has progressed following one or more lines of endocrine therapy with at least one line given in combination with a CDK4/6 inhibitor. It is being evaluated both as a single agent in an ongoing Phase 3 clinical trial, OPERA-01, and in Phase 1/2 combination studies with CDK4/6 inhibitors (palbociclib and ribociclib), a PI3Ka inhibitor (alpelisib), and an mTOR inhibitor (everolimus). For more information on OPERA-01, please visit www.opera01study.com.

About Olema Oncology

Olema Oncology is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to transforming the standard of care and improving outcomes for women living with cancer. Olema is advancing a pipeline of novel therapies by leveraging our deep understanding of endocrine-driven cancers, nuclear receptors, and mechanisms of acquired resistance. In addition to our lead product candidate, palazestrant (OP-1250), a proprietary, orally-available complete estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist (CERAN) and a selective ER degrader (SERD), Olema is developing a potent KAT6 inhibitor (OP-3136). Olema is headquartered in San Francisco and has operations in Cambridge, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit us at www.olema.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Information

The results presented in this press release include both GAAP information and non-GAAP information. As used in this release, non-GAAP R&D expense is defined by Olema as GAAP R&D expense excluding stock-based compensation expense, and non-GAAP G&A expense is defined by Olema as GAAP G&A expense excluding stock-based compensation expense. We use these non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate our ongoing operations and for internal planning and forecasting purposes. We believe that non-GAAP financial information, when taken collectively, may be helpful to investors because it provides consistency and comparability with past financial performance. However, non-GAAP financial information is presented for supplemental informational purposes only, has limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP. Other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate similarly titled non-GAAP measures differently or may use other measures to evaluate their performance, all of which could reduce the usefulness of our non-GAAP financial measures as tools for comparison. Investors are encouraged to review the related GAAP financial measures and the reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures and not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “goal,” “may,” “potential,” “upcoming,” “will” and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include those related to the timelines for initiation and enrollment for potential clinical studies and for results of clinical trials of palazestrant (OP-1250) as a monotherapy and in combination trials, Olema’s financial condition and resources, results of operations, cash position, potential beneficial characteristics, including but not limited to safety, tolerability, activity, efficacy and therapeutic effects of palazestrant, the potential of palazestrant to advance the standard of care for women living with cancer, palazestrant’s combinability with other drugs, the initiation of a phase 1b/2 clinical study of palazestrant in combination with everolimus and timing thereof, and the sufficiency and timing of Olema’s preclinical program, including the potential beneficial characteristics of its KAT6 inhibitor compounds and the timing of a potential IND application and advancement into clinical development for OP-3136. Because such statements deal with future events and are based on Olema’s current expectations, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties, and actual results, performance or achievements of Olema could differ materially from those described in or implied by the statements in this press release. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, those discussed in the section titled “Risk Factors” in Olema’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, and future filings and reports that Olema makes from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, Olema assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, including in the event that actual results differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements.

Olema Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Data
(in thousands)
		June 30,			December 31,
		2024			2023
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities		$	239,104		$	261,807
Total assets			254,557			276,945
Total current liabilities			26,535			21,621
Total liabilities			27,394			23,050
Total stockholders’ equity			227,163			253,895
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	254,557		$	276,945

Olema Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
	Three Months Ended June 30,							Six Months Ended June 30,
	2024			2023				2024			2023
Operating expenses:
Research and development (1)	$	29,109		$	17,989			$	58,992		$	40,815
General and administrative (2)		4,421			3,612				8,877			10,388
Total operating expenses		33,530			21,601				67,869			51,203
Loss from operations		(33,530	)		(21,601	)			(67,869	)		(51,203	)
Other income:
Interest income		3,108			1,550				6,460			2,855
Other income (expense)		40			(44	)			57			(33	)
Total other income		3,148			1,506				6,517			2,822
Net loss	$	(30,382	)	$	(20,095	)		$	(61,352	)	$	(48,381	)
Net loss per share, basic and diluted	$	(0.54	)	$	(0.49	)		$	(1.10	)	$	(1.20	)
Weighted average shares used to compute net loss per share, basic and diluted		56,282,402			40,720,294				55,928,363			40,470,041
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Information
(In thousands)
	Three Months Ended June 30,							Six Months Ended June 30,
	2024			2023				2024			2023
(1) Research and development reconciliation
GAAP research and development (3)	$	29,109		$	17,989			$	58,992		$	40,815
Less: share-based compensation expense		4,233			2,969				7,645			6,057
Non-GAAP research and development	$	24,876		$	15,020			$	51,347		$	34,758
(2) General and administrative reconciliation
GAAP general and administrative	$	4,421		$	3,612			$	8,877		$	10,388
Less: share-based compensation expense		1,491			1,201				2,988			2,743
Non-GAAP general and administrative	$	2,930		$	2,411			$	5,889		$	7,645
(3) Research and development expenses for the six-months ended June 30, 2024 include a $5.0 million milestone payment in connection to the Aurigene Agreement.

IR and Media Contact:
Geoffrey Mogilner, Investor Relations and Communications
ir@olema.com

FAQ

What were Olema Oncology's (OLMA) Q2 2024 financial results?

Olema Oncology reported a net loss of $30.4 million for Q2 2024, with cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $239.1 million as of June 30, 2024. GAAP R&D expenses were $29.1 million, and GAAP G&A expenses were $4.4 million.

What clinical data did Olema Oncology (OLMA) present at the ESMO Breast Cancer Congress 2024?

Olema presented interim Phase 1b/2 clinical results of palazestrant in combination with ribociclib. The combination was well-tolerated with no new safety signals, and showed a preliminary clinical benefit rate of 85% across 13 CBR-eligible patients.

When does Olema Oncology (OLMA) plan to file an IND for OP-3136?

Olema Oncology plans to file an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the FDA for OP-3136, their novel KAT6 inhibitor, in late 2024.

What are Olema Oncology's (OLMA) upcoming milestones for 2024?

Olema plans to initiate a Phase 1b/2 study of palazestrant with everolimus in Q3 2024, present pre-clinical data for OP-3136 in Q4 2024, file an IND for OP-3136 in late 2024, and present updated Phase 2 results for palazestrant-ribociclib combination at a future medical meeting.