Purple Biotech Reports First Quarter 2024 Financial Results
Purple Biotech announced its Q1 2024 financial results. Key highlights include interim Phase 2 data for CM24 in pancreatic cancer to be presented at ASCO 2024, suggesting a reduced risk of disease progression and death. Topline data expected in Q4 2024. Positive efficacy data for NT219 in head and neck cancer were presented at ESMO-TAT 2024, with a Phase 2 trial planned for 2024. The company reported a net loss of $3.8 million, down from $4.9 million in Q1 2023, and operating losses decreased to $4.5 million. Purple Biotech's cash position stands at $10.8 million, providing a runway into Q1 2025. Sales, general, and administrative expenses decreased by 37.5% to $1 million.
- Interim Phase 2 data for CM24 in pancreatic cancer to be presented at ASCO 2024.
- NT219 demonstrated positive efficacy in head and neck cancer with planned Phase 2 trial in 2024.
- Net loss decreased to $3.8 million in Q1 2024 from $4.9 million in Q1 2023.
- Operating loss decreased by 11.8% to $4.5 million.
- Sales, general, and administrative expenses decreased by 37.5% to $1 million.
- Cash position of $10.8 million, providing a runway into Q1 2025.
- Research and development expenses remained high at $3.4 million.
- Net proceeds from ADS sales were only $358,000, suggesting capital raised.
Insights
Purple Biotech's Q1 2024 financial results present a mixture of cost management success and ongoing financial strain. The company reported a
The interim data for CM24 in pancreatic cancer are notable. The mention of reduced risk of disease progression and death in combination with nivolumab (a PD-1 inhibitor) and standard chemotherapy is promising. For those unfamiliar, PD-1 inhibitors help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Pancreatic cancer is particularly challenging due to its aggressive nature and late diagnosis, so any improvement in treatment is significant. The Phase 2 results expected at ASCO 2024 will be crucial—positive outcomes could mark significant advancements in treatment options. However, it’s essential to remain cautious until full data is available, as interim results can sometimes overstate efficacy.
The progression of NT219 into Phase 2 trials for head and neck cancer is also promising. The reported
CM24 Phase 2 Pancreatic Cancer Interim Data Selected for Late Breaking Abstract Poster Presentation at ASCO 2024 – Interim results to be Announced June 1, 2024
REHOVOT, Israel, May 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Purple Biotech Ltd. ("Purple Biotech" or "the Company") (NASDAQ/TASE: PPBT), a clinical-stage company developing first-in-class therapies that harness the power of the tumor microenvironment to overcome tumor immune evasion and drug resistance, today announced financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2024.
“We look forward to presenting compelling interim Phase 2 CM24 data for the treatment of pancreatic cancer at ASCO 2024, where we were selected for a Late Breaking Abstract presentation. These data suggest an exciting medical direction, demonstrating potentially reduced risk of disease progression and death in a very difficult to treat indication. Following the announcement of interim results at ASCO on June 1, 2024, we expect to present topline data before the end of year; these clinical milestones will potentially mark significant catalysts for the value of our development pipeline,” stated Gil Efron, Chief Executive Officer of Purple Biotech. “We also continue to make solid progress on NT219, which is headed into a Phase 2 trial in head and neck cancer, as well as on our tri-specific antibody platform following a Pre-IND meeting with the FDA that provided a clear path forward for our development plan through Phase 1.”
Q1 2024 and Recent Clinical & Corporate Highlights:
- CM24 Pancreatic Cancer Study Selected for Late Breaking Abstract Poster Presentation at ASCO 2024
- Interim data suggest reduced risk of progression or death in the CM24/nivolumab plus standard of care Nal-IRI/5FU/LV arm of the study supported by higher overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) and decreasing CA19-9 in the experimental arm. Full interim data have been submitted to the ASCO Meeting.
- Interim data to be announced on June 1, 2024 in conjunction with the ASCO presentation
- Topline data expected Q4 2024
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) selected Purple Biotech’s poster titled “Interim results of the Randomized Phase 2 Cohort of Study FW-2020-01 Assessing the Efficacy, Safety and Pharmacodynamics of CM24 in combination with Nivolumab and Chemotherapy in Advanced/metastatic Pancreatic Cancer” for a Late Breaking presentation at ASCO’s 2024 Annual Meeting.
The Phase 2 study is evaluating CM24 in combination with Bristol Myers Squibb’s PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab plus standard of care (SoC) chemotherapy in second line pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients compared to SoC chemotherapy alone. The experimental arms of the study dosed patients with CM24 plus nivolumab and one of two SoC chemotherapies, gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel or Nal-IRI/5FU/LV, while the control arms dosed with either respective chemotherapy alone. Approximately 60 patients have been enrolled in the randomized study across 18 centers in the U.S., Spain and Israel. Data from the gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel arm is not yet mature for analysis.
- Phase 2 study of NT219 in combination with cetuximab as a 2nd Line treatment for R/M SCCHN is planned to commence in 2024.
- NT219 Positive Efficacy Data in Head & Neck Cancer Presented at ESMO-TAT 2024.
- Posters presented at AACR 2024 demonstrated NT219’s efficacy in suppressing cancer stem cells, overcoming resistance to KRAS inhibitors and potential biomarkers for NT219 therapy.
- Established Head & Neck Cancer Scientific Advisory Board.
In a presentation at ESMO-TAT 2024, NT219 in combination with cetuximab demonstrated safety and early activity in patients with Recurrent/Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (R/M SCCHN) with dose-proportional PK values. Of the 7 evaluable R/M SCCHN patients treated at the maximum doses of 50 and 100mg/kg in which anti-tumor activity was observed, the tumor objective response rate (ORR) was
Key findings were shared in two poster presentations at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) 2024 annual meeting in San Diego, California. NT219 was found to significantly suppress cancer stem cells, suggesting a novel therapy and new mechanism to combat cancer recurrence and overcoming resistance to KRAS(G12C) and KRAS(G12D) inhibitors in NSCLC and PDAC cells, respectively. NT219 reverses acquired resistance to KRAS inhibitors by addressing both cellular escape pathways and cancer stem cell mechanisms. Potential biomarkers for NT219 therapy were presented in an additional poster at AACR 2024, and on-target effects of the therapy were demonstrated in patients’ tumors. Analysis of patients’ biopsies pre-treatment suggests activated IGF1R and STAT3 as potential biomarkers for this therapy.
In preparation for its upcoming Phase 2 trial of NT219, Purple Biotech convened a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) specifically focused on the R/M SCCHN indication. The SAB is comprised of head and neck cancer key opinion leaders including oncologists, researchers, and investigators. The SAB has provided valuable guidance on clinical studies for NT219 in combination with cetuximab as a second/third line treatment and potentially in combination with a PD1 inhibitor as a first line treatment.
- Proof of Concept Achieved for Tri-Specific Antibody Platform Technology
- Platform has potential to produce a pipeline of promising drug candidates across numerous solid cancer tumors
- Lead asset, IM1240, expected to be ready for Phase 1 study by early 2026
Purple Biotech’s tri-specific platform is a T cell engager via the anti-CD3 arm, and an NK cell engager via the anti-NKG2A arm, which also functions as an important immune checkpoint inhibitor of both NK cells and specific subsets of T cells; this tri-specific approach unleashes both innate and adaptive immune systems against the tumor. Preclinical studies demonstrated an anti-tumor response and synergistic effects of the NK cell engager with the conditionally-activated T cell engager. The tri-body platform’s cleavable capping technology confines therapeutic activity to the local tumor micro environment, which increases the anticipated therapeutic window in patients.
Financial Results for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2024
Research and Development Expenses were
Sales, General and Administrative Expenses were
Operating Loss was
Adjusted Operating Loss (as reconciled below) was
Net Loss was
Adjusted Net Loss (as reconciled below) for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was
As of March 31, 2024, Purple Biotech had cash and cash equivalents and short-term deposits of
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company sold, under the Open Market Sale AgreementSM with Jefferies LLC, approximately 504,000 ADSs, at an average price of $0.742 per ADS. Net proceeds to the Company were approximately
Non-IFRS Financial Measures
This press release includes information about certain financial measures that are not prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), including adjusted operating loss and adjusted net loss. These non-IFRS measures are not based on any standardized methodology prescribed by IFRS and are not necessarily comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Adjusted operating loss and adjusted net loss adjust for share-based compensation expenses. The Company's management and board of directors utilize these non-IFRS financial measures to evaluate the Company's erformance. The Company provides these non-IFRS measures of the Company's performance to investors because its management believes that these non- IFRS financial measures, when viewed with the Company's results under IFRS and the accompanying reconciliations, are useful in identifying underlying trends in ongoing operations. However, these non-IFRS measures are not measures of financial performance under IFRS and, accordingly, should not be considered as alternatives to IFRS measures as indicators of operating performance. Further, these non-IFRS measures should not be considered measures of the Company's liquidity. A reconciliation of certain IFRS to non-IFRS financial measures has been provided in the tables included in this press release.
About Purple Biotech
Purple Biotech Ltd. (NASDAQ/TASE: PPBT) is a clinical-stage company developing first-in-class therapies that seek to overcome tumor immune evasion and drug resistance. The Company's oncology pipeline includes NT219, CM24 and IM1240. NT219 is a dual inhibitor, novel small molecule that simultaneously targets IRS1/2 and STAT3. A Phase 1 dose escalation study is being concluded and a phase 2 study of NT219 at its recommended Phase 2 level in combination with cetuximab in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic SCCHN is planned. CM24 is a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks CEACAM1, an immune checkpoint protein that supports tumor immune evasion and survival through multiple pathways. The Company is advancing CM24 as a combination therapy with anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors in a Phase 2 study for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The Company has entered into a clinical collaboration agreement with Bristol Myers Squibb for the Phase 2 clinical trials to evaluate the combination of CM24 with the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab in addition to chemotherapy. Additionally, the Company is advancing a preclinical platform of a conditionally-activated tri-specific antibody that engages both T cells and NK cells to induce a strong, localized immune response within the tumor microenvironment. The cleavable capping technology confines the compound's therapeutic activity to the local tumor microenvironment, and thereby potentially increases the anticipated therapeutic window in patients. The third arm specifically targets the Tumor Associated Antigen (TAA). The technology presents a novel mechanism of action by unleashing both Innate and adaptive immune systems to mount an optimal anti-tumoral immune response. IM1240 is the first tri-specific antibody in development that targets 5T4, which is expressed in a variety of solid tumors and is correlated with advanced disease, increased invasiveness and poor clinical outcomes. The Company's corporate headquarters are located in Rehovot, Israel. For more information, please visit https://purple-biotech.com/.
Forward-Looking Statements and Safe Harbor Statement
Certain statements in this press release that are forward-looking and not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that are not statements of historical fact, and may be identified by words such as "believe", "expect", "intend", "plan", "may", "should", "could", "might", "seek", "target", "will", "project", "forecast", "continue" or "anticipate" or their negatives or variations of these words or other comparable words or by the fact that these statements do not relate strictly to historical matters. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements reflect our current views, expectations, beliefs or intentions with respect to future events, and are subject to a number of assumptions, involve known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond our control, as well as uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be significantly different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, among others, risks relating to: the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; product development for NT219, CM24 and IM1240; the process by which such early stage therapeutic candidates could potentially lead to an approved drug product is long and subject to highly significant risks, particularly with respect to a joint development collaboration; the fact that drug development and commercialization involves a lengthy and expensive process with uncertain outcomes; our ability to successfully develop and commercialize our pharmaceutical products; the expense, length, progress and results of any clinical trials; the impact of any changes in regulation and legislation that could affect the pharmaceutical industry; the difficulty in receiving the regulatory approvals necessary in order to commercialize our products; the difficulty of predicting actions of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any other applicable regulator of pharmaceutical products; the regulatory environment and changes in the health policies and regimes in the countries in which we operate; the uncertainty surrounding the actual market reception to our pharmaceutical products once cleared for marketing in a particular market; the introduction of competing products; patents obtained by competitors; dependence on the effectiveness of our patents and other protections for innovative products; our ability to obtain, maintain and defend issued patents; the commencement of any patent interference or infringement action against our patents, and our ability to prevail, obtain a favorable decision or recover damages in any such action; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions, and other factors that are discussed in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 and in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including our cautionary discussion of risks and uncertainties under "Risk Factors" in our Registration Statements and Annual Reports. These are factors that we believe could cause our actual results to differ materially from expected results. Other factors besides those we have listed could also adversely affect us. Any forward-looking statement in this press release speaks only as of the date which it is made. We disclaim any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement or other information contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. You are advised, however, to consult any additional disclosures we make in our reports to the SEC, which are available on the SEC's website, https://www.sec.gov.
CONTACTS:
Company Contact:
Lior Fhima
Chief Financial Officer
IR@purple-biotech.com
Purple Biotech Ltd.
Consolidated Unaudited Statements of Financial Position as of:
| March 31 | December 31 | |||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| USD thousands | USD thousands | |||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 9,985 | 14,489 | ||||||
| Short term deposits | 848 | 850 | ||||||
| Other investments | 21 | 73 | ||||||
| Other current assets | 548 | 376 | ||||||
| Total current assets | 11,402 | 15,788 | ||||||
| Non-current assets | ||||||||
| Right to use assets | 278 | 316 | ||||||
| Fixed assets, net | 139 | 154 | ||||||
| Intangible assets | 28,044 | 28,044 | ||||||
| Total non – current assets | 28,461 | 28,514 | ||||||
| Total assets | 39,863 | 44,302 | ||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||
| Lease liability – short term | 186 | 188 | ||||||
| Accounts payable | 3,477 | 3,532 | ||||||
| Other payables | 2,801 | 3,463 | ||||||
| Warrants | 2,046 | 2,518 | ||||||
| Total current liabilities | 8,510 | 9,701 | ||||||
| Non-current liabilities | ||||||||
| Lease liability | 121 | 163 | ||||||
| Post-employment benefit liabilities | 141 | 141 | ||||||
| Total non–current liabilities | 262 | 304 | ||||||
| Equity | ||||||||
| Share capital, no par value | - | - | ||||||
| Share premium | 133,696 | 133,184 | ||||||
| Receipts on account of warrants | 28,467 | 28,467 | ||||||
| Capital reserve for share-based payments | 10,166 | 10,088 | ||||||
| Capital reserve from transactions with related parties | 761 | 761 | ||||||
| Capital reserve from hedging | 4 | 19 | ||||||
| Capital reserve from transactions with non-controlling interest | (859 | ) | (859 | ) | ||||
| Accumulated loss | (141,215 | ) | (137,453 | ) | ||||
| Equity attributable to owners of the Company | 31,020 | 34,207 | ||||||
| Non-controlling interests | 71 | 90 | ||||||
| Total equity | 31,091 | 34,297 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | 39,863 | 44,302 | ||||||
Purple Biotech Ltd.
Consolidated Unaudited Statement of Operations for the three months ended
| March 31 | March 31 | |||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| USD thousands | USD thousands | |||||||
| Research and development expenses | 3,423 | 3,498 | ||||||
| Sales, general and administrative expenses | 1,043 | 1,624 | ||||||
| Operating loss | 4,466 | 5,122 | ||||||
| Finance expenses | 17 | 59 | ||||||
| Finance income | (702 | ) | (278 | ) | ||||
| Finance income, net | (685 | ) | (219 | ) | ||||
| Loss for the period | 3,781 | 4,903 | ||||||
| Other Comprehensive Loss: | ||||||||
| Items that will be transferred to profit or loss: | ||||||||
| Loss from cash flow hedges | 15 | 1 | ||||||
| Total comprehensive loss for the period | 3,796 | 4,904 | ||||||
| Loss attributable to: | ||||||||
| Owners of the Company | 3,762 | 4,878 | ||||||
| Non-controlling interests | 19 | 25 | ||||||
| 3,781 | 4,903 | |||||||
| Total comprehensive loss attributable to | ||||||||
| Owners of the Company | 3,777 | 4,879 | ||||||
| Non-controlling interests | 19 | 25 | ||||||
| 3,796 | 4,904 | |||||||
| Loss per share data | ||||||||
| Basic and diluted loss per ADS – USD | 0.14 | 0.25 | ||||||
| Number of ADSs used in calculating basic and diluted loss per ADS | 27,113,434 | 19,838,608 | ||||||
Reconciliation of Adjusted Operating Loss for the three months ended
| March 31 | March 31 | |||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| USD thousands | USD thousands | |||||||
| Operating loss for the period | 4,466 | 5,122 | ||||||
| Less ESOP expenses | (266 | ) | (752 | ) | ||||
| 4,200 | 4,370 | |||||||
Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Loss for the three months ended
| March 31 | March 31 | |||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| USD thousands | USD thousands | |||||||
| Net loss for the period | 3,781 | 4,903 | ||||||
| Less ESOP expenses | (266 | ) | (752 | ) | ||||
| Less finance income from financial instruments | 607 | - | ||||||
| 4,122 | 4,151 | |||||||
Consolidated Unaudited Statements of Cash Flow
| For the three months ended | ||||||||
| March 31, | ||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| USD thousands | USD thousands | |||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||
| Loss for the period | (3,781 | ) | (4,903 | ) | ||||
| Adjustments: | ||||||||
| Depreciation | 48 | 46 | ||||||
| Finance income, net | (685 | ) | (219 | ) | ||||
| Share-based payments | 266 | 752 | ||||||
| (4,152 | ) | (4,324 | ) | |||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| Changes in other investments and other current assets | (213 | ) | (329 | ) | ||||
| Changes in accounts payable | (46 | ) | 250 | |||||
| Changes in other payables | (671 | ) | (1,500 | ) | ||||
| Changes in post-employment benefit liabilities | - | (161 | ) | |||||
| (930 | ) | (1,740 | ) | |||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | (5,082 | ) | (6,064 | ) | ||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||
| Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired | - | (3,549 | ) | |||||
| Proceed from other investments | 187 | - | ||||||
| Decrease in short term deposits | - | 15,803 | ||||||
| Interest received | 125 | 352 | ||||||
| Acquisition of fixed assets | - | (3 | ) | |||||
| Net cash provided by investing activities | 312 | 12,603 | ||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of ADSs | 374 | 395 | ||||||
| ADS issuance expenses paid | (50 | ) | (75 | ) | ||||
| Repayment of lease liability | (45 | ) | (42 | ) | ||||
| Interest paid | (11 | ) | (14 | ) | ||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 268 | 264 | ||||||
| Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | (4,502 | ) | 6,803 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period | 14,489 | 15,030 | ||||||
| Effect of translation adjustments on cash and equivalents | (2 | ) | 50 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period | 9,985 | 21,883 | ||||||
FAQ
What are the financial highlights for Purple Biotech's Q1 2024 results?
When will Purple Biotech present the interim Phase 2 data for CM24?
What is the significance of the ASCO 2024 presentation for Purple Biotech?
What are the planned future trials for Purple Biotech's NT219?
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What was the decrease in sales, general, and administrative expenses in Q1 2024?
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