Praxis Precision Medicines Provides Corporate Update and Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2023 Financial Results
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Insights
The recent update from Praxis Precision Medicines highlights several pivotal developments that are likely to influence the company's financial trajectory. The successful completion of an underwritten public offering raising over $160 million, coupled with a strategic licensing partnership in Greater China, represents a significant bolstering of the company's capital reserves and expansion of its market reach. These moves are poised to extend the company's cash runway into 2026, providing a cushion for ongoing R&D activities without the immediate need for further capital raising, which is typically dilutive to existing shareholders.
Moreover, the progress in the company's clinical pipeline, particularly the anticipated completion of enrollment for Phase 3 studies of ulixacaltamide and the expected delivery of topline results from multiple studies in 2024, is poised to be a catalyst for stock valuation. Positive data could lead to an increase in investor confidence, potentially driving up the stock price, while any setbacks could have the opposite effect. The PRIME designation by the European Medicines Agency for elsunersen indicates recognition of the drug's potential and could streamline the regulatory process, potentially leading to faster market access and revenue generation.
From a financial perspective, the lowered R&D and G&A expenses in 2023 compared to the previous year suggest a more efficient allocation of resources, which is crucial for a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company where cash burn rate is a critical metric for investors.
The therapeutic areas addressed by Praxis—central nervous system disorders such as essential tremor and various epilepsies—are areas of high unmet medical need, which can command significant market premiums if the treatments prove effective. The reported 43% median reduction in seizures from the EMBRAVE study of elsunersen and the positive preliminary analysis of the PRAX-628 study are particularly noteworthy. Such efficacy results are promising for patient outcomes and may position Praxis as a leader in precision medicine for CNS disorders if the results are sustained in Phase 3 trials and beyond.
PRIME designation for elsunersen is a testament to the drug's potential benefits, as it is granted to therapies that may offer a major therapeutic advantage over existing treatments. This could lead to expedited review and approval processes, which is a significant advantage in the competitive pharmaceutical landscape.
The company's approach to incorporating feedback from regulatory agencies such as the FDA in their study design, as seen with the modified Activities of Daily Living scale for ulixacaltamide, demonstrates a strategic alignment with regulatory expectations, potentially smoothing the path to market approval.
Praxis Precision Medicines' strategic focus on CNS disorders taps into a growing market driven by an aging population and increased prevalence of neurological conditions. The choice to partner with Tenacia Biotechnology for the commercialization of ulixacaltamide in Greater China indicates a targeted approach to accessing one of the largest and fastest-growing pharmaceutical markets in the world, which could significantly impact future revenue streams.
The company's portfolio diversification, with multiple compounds in different stages of clinical development, mitigates risk and provides multiple opportunities for success. The anticipation of topline results from ongoing studies in the next year will likely keep investor interest piqued, as these data points will be critical in assessing the company's potential for long-term growth and profitability.
It is also important to note the company's prudent financial management, as evidenced by the reduction in operating expenses and successful capital raises. These efforts to maintain a strong balance sheet are essential for sustaining investor confidence, particularly in the high-risk biotechnology sector where the time to profitability can be extensive.
Over 3,000 referrals received to date meet pre-qualifying eligibility criteria for ulixacaltamide Phase 3 studies in the Essential3 program for essential tremor (ET); enrollment on track to be completed in 1H 2024 with topline results in 2H 2024
Topline results from the PRAX-628 study in epilepsy patients with photo-paroxysmal response (PPR) expected in 1Q 2024; preliminary analysis of 15 mg cohort exceeded expectations
Tolerability and efficacy results from Part 1 of the EMBRAVE study of elsunersen were presented at the American Epilepsy Society 2023 Annual Meeting, showing
Announced licensing partnership with Tenacia Biotechnology to develop and commercialize ulixacaltamide for ET in Greater China with total potential consideration of over
Completed underwritten public offering with over
BOSTON, March 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ: PRAX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company translating genetic insights into the development of therapies for central nervous system (CNS) disorders characterized by neuronal excitation-inhibition imbalance, today provided a corporate update and reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full-year 2023.
“2023 was a transformational year for Praxis. Living by our Dare for More™ motto, we made significant advancements across our portfolio of precision therapies for CNS disorders, established strategic collaborations and strengthened our financial position, which we believe will carry us beyond our upcoming milestones in the year ahead,” said Marcio Souza, president and chief executive officer of Praxis. “Notably, the strong participation we are seeing in our Essential3 Phase 3 studies in ulixacaltamide for essential tremor continues to highlight the significant unmet need for new therapies in essential tremor. We are also encouraged by the latest data supporting our highly differentiated epilepsy portfolio, including elsunersen and PRAX-628.”
Mr. Souza continued, “Looking ahead, we plan to report topline results from the PRAX-628 study in the first quarter, complete enrollment in Essential3 in the first half of this year and expect topline results from the Phase 2 EMBOLD study of PRAX-562 for the treatment of pediatric patients with DEEs mid-year. Together, these advancements, through patient-guided development strategies, will further position Praxis at the forefront of precision medicine for CNS disorders.”
Recent Highlights and Anticipated Milestones:
Cerebrum™ Small Molecule Platform
- Ulixacaltamide for ET: In November 2023, Praxis initiated Essential3, the Phase 3 program for ulixacaltamide. Enrollment in Essential3 is expected to complete in the first half of 2024, with topline results expected in the second half of 2024 to support a planned New Drug Application (NDA) submission in 2025.
- Essential3 is comprised of two simultaneous Phase 3 studies including a 12-week, parallel design study and a 12-week randomized withdrawal study for stable responders.
- Essential3 incorporates learnings from the Phase 2 Essential1 study including the use of a single 60 mg dose, using a modified Activities of Daily Living scale (mADL11) as the primary endpoint based on feedback from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and conducting the study in a decentralized manner. In the Phase 2 Essential1 study, mADL11 produced a statistically significant and clinically meaningful response in ulixacaltamide when compared to placebo after 8 weeks of treatment (p=0.042, nominal).
- Essential3 has over 3,000 referrals who have met the pre-qualifying eligibility criteria from the ongoing recruitment campaign started in November 2023.
- PRAX-628 for Focal Epilepsy: The Phase 2a PPR study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PRAX-628 across two cohorts, dosed at 15 mg and 45 mg, continues to advance, with plans to report topline results in the first quarter of 2024.
- PPR studies measure electroencephalogram (EEG) signatures after intermittent photic stimulation and are widely used as a marker of anti-seizure efficacy and to aid in dose determination.
- Preliminary analysis of the 15 mg cohort exceeded Praxis’ drug activity expectations and confirmed its decision to initiate a Phase 2b study of PRAX-628 in focal epilepsy in the second half of 2024.
- The Phase 2a study builds on positive results from the Phase 1 dose escalation study in healthy volunteers.
- PRAX-628 was generally well-tolerated at all tested doses. Pharmacokinetic data demonstrated dose-dependent exposure supporting once-daily dosing without titration to achieve potentially therapeutically effective drug concentration levels.
- Further analysis of patients in the Phase 1 study using qEEG data showed a pharmacodynamic effect at all dose levels and was significantly different from placebo.
- PRAX-562 for SCN2A and SCN8A DEEs: Praxis expects topline results from the PRAX-562 Phase 2 EMBOLD study for the treatment of pediatric patients with DEEs in mid-2024.
- The EMBOLD study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 clinical study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, efficacy (motor seizure frequency) and pharmacokinetics of PRAX-562 in pediatric patients aged 2 to 18 years with DEEs, followed by an open-label extension. Up to 20 participants with SCN2A-DEE or SCN8A-DEE are expected to be enrolled.
Solidus™ Antisense Oligonucleotide (ASO) Platform
- Elsunersen (PRAX-222) for SCN2A Gain-of-Function (GoF) Developmental Epilepsies: At the American Epilepsy Society 2023 Annual Meeting, Praxis shared data from Part 1 of the EMBRAVE study, where four patients were dosed once a month for a four-month period. Results showed a
43% median reduction in seizures from baseline, a48% increase in seizure-free days from baseline and no drug-related treatment-emergent adverse events or serious adverse events.- Elsunersen received PRIME designation from the European Medical Agency (EMA) for the treatment of SCN2A GoF DEEs. The EMA’s PRIME designation provides enhanced development support for priority medicines that target an unmet need and was granted based on the Part 1 data from the EMBRAVE study that showed a reduction in seizures and improvement in seizure free days, as well as preclinical data.
- Praxis is completing multiple global regulatory interactions in the first quarter of 2024 in anticipation of starting the pivotal phase of the program later this year.
Corporate Update:
- In January 2024, Praxis completed an underwritten public offering. The net proceeds from the offering were approximately
$161.7 million . As of February 29, 2024, Praxis had cash and cash equivalents of$247.6 million , which is anticipated to fund operations into 2026. - In January 2024, Praxis announced a licensing partnership with Tenacia Biotechnology to develop and commercialize ulixacaltamide for the treatment of ET in Greater China, including mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, with total potential consideration of over
$275 million .
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results:
As of December 31, 2023, Praxis had
Praxis recognized
Research and development expenses were
General and administrative expenses were
Praxis incurred a net loss of
As of December 31, 2023, Praxis had 8.8 million shares of common stock outstanding.
About Ulixacaltamide
Ulixacaltamide is a differentiated and highly selective small molecule inhibitor of T-type calcium channels designed to block abnormal neuronal burst firing in the Cerebello-Thalamo-Cortical (CTC) circuit correlated with tremor activity. Ulixacaltamide, the most advanced program within Praxis’ Cerebrum™ small molecule platform, is currently in late-stage development for the treatment of essential tremor, www.praxisessentialtremor.com.
About PRAX-628
PRAX-628 is a next-generation, functionally selective small molecule targeting the hyperexcitable state of sodium-channels in the brain that is currently being developed as a once daily, oral treatment for adult focal onset epilepsy. Preclinical data demonstrates PRAX-628 is differentiated from standard of care, with the potential to be best-in-class for focal epilepsy. In vitro, PRAX-628 has demonstrated superior selectivity for disease-state NaV channel hyperexcitability. In vivo studies of PRAX-628 have demonstrated unprecedented potency in the maximal electroshock seizure (MES) model, a highly predictive translational model for efficacy in focal epilepsy. Data from the PRAX-628-101 study demonstrated that PRAX-628 can be safely dosed in healthy subjects to greater than 15 times the predicted human equivalent of the rodent MES EC50.
About Elsunersen (PRAX-222)
Elsunersen (PRAX-222) is an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) designed to selectively decrease SCN2A gene expression, directly targeting the underlying cause of early-seizure-onset SCN2A-DEE to treat seizures and other symptoms in patients with gain-of-function SCN2A mutations. In vitro studies of PRAX-222 have demonstrated reduction in both SCN2A gene expression and protein levels. In vivo, PRAX-222 has demonstrated significant, dose-dependent reduction in seizures, improvement in behavioral and locomotor activity and increased survival in SCN2A mouse models, with potential to be the first disease-modifying treatment for SCN2A-DEE. PRAX-222 has received Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) and Rare Pediatric Disease Designation (RPD) from the FDA, and ODD and PRIME designations from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of SCN2A-DEE. The PRAX-222 program is ongoing under a collaboration with Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and RogCon, Inc. To learn more about the EMBRAVE study, please visit https://www.embravestudy.com/.
About PRAX-562
PRAX-562 is a first-in-class small molecule in development for the treatment of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) as a preferential inhibitor of persistent sodium current, shown to be a key driver of seizure symptoms in early onset SCN2A-DEE and SCN8A-DEE. PRAX-562’s mechanism of sodium channel block is consistent with superior selectivity for disease state sodium channel (NaV) channel hyperexcitability. In vivo studies of PRAX-562 have demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of seizures up to complete control of seizure activity in SCN2A, SCN8A and other DEE mouse models. PRAX-562 has been generally well-tolerated in three Phase 1 studies and has demonstrated biomarker changes indicative of NaV channel blocking effects. PRAX-562 has received ODD and RPD from the FDA, and ODD from the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of SCN2A-DEE and SCN8A-DEE. To learn more about the EMBOLD study, please visit https://www.emboldstudy.org/.
About Praxis
Praxis Precision Medicines is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company translating insights from genetic epilepsies into the development of therapies for CNS disorders characterized by neuronal excitation-inhibition imbalance. Praxis is applying genetic insights to the discovery and development of therapies for rare and more prevalent neurological disorders through our proprietary small molecule platform, Cerebrum™, and antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) platform, Solidus™, using our understanding of shared biological targets and circuits in the brain. Praxis has established a diversified, multimodal CNS portfolio including multiple programs across movement disorders and epilepsy, with four clinical-stage product candidates. For more information, please visit www.praxismedicines.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter/X.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws, including express or implied statements regarding Praxis’ future expectations, plans and prospects, including, without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated timing of our clinical trials, the development of our product candidates, the anticipated timing of regulatory submissions and interactions and our projected cash runway, as well as other statements containing the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “endeavor,” “estimate,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will” or “would” and similar expressions that constitute forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
The express or implied forward-looking statements included in this press release are only predictions and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, without limitation: uncertainties inherent in clinical trials; preliminary analyses from ongoing studies differing materially from final data from preclinical studies and completed clinical trials; the expected timing of clinical trials, data readouts and the results thereof, and submissions for regulatory approval or review by governmental authorities; regulatory approvals to conduct trials; and other risks concerning Praxis’ programs and operations as described in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 to be filed and other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although Praxis’ forward-looking statements reflect the good faith judgment of its management, these statements are based only on information and factors currently known by Praxis. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made in this press release speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Praxis undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
| PRAXIS PRECISION MEDICINES, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Amounts in thousands) (Unaudited) | |||||||
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||
| Assets | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 81,300 | $ | 61,615 | |||
| Marketable securities | — | 38,874 | |||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 3,580 | 10,351 | |||||
| Property and equipment, net | 588 | 971 | |||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 2,064 | 2,901 | |||||
| Other non-current assets | 416 | 416 | |||||
| Total assets | $ | 87,948 | $ | 115,128 | |||
| Liabilities and stockholders’ equity | |||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 5,815 | $ | 14,672 | |||
| Accrued expenses | 7,416 | 15,850 | |||||
| Operating lease liabilities | 2,495 | 3,500 | |||||
| Deferred revenue | 2,553 | 5,000 | |||||
| Common stock | 13 | 5 | |||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 723,577 | 606,918 | |||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | — | (173 | ) | ||||
| Accumulated deficit | (653,921 | ) | (530,644 | ) | |||
| Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 87,948 | $ | 115,128 | |||
| PRAXIS PRECISION MEDICINES, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended December 31, | Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Collaboration revenue | $ | 515 | $ | — | $ | 2,447 | $ | — | |||||||
| Operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||
| Research and development | 18,388 | 28,329 | 86,766 | 155,040 | |||||||||||
| General and administrative | 9,933 | 13,124 | 42,054 | 59,946 | |||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 28,321 | 41,453 | 128,820 | 214,986 | |||||||||||
| Loss from operations | (27,806 | ) | (41,453 | ) | (126,373 | ) | (214,986 | ) | |||||||
| Other income: | |||||||||||||||
| Other income, net | 928 | 280 | 3,096 | 957 | |||||||||||
| Total other income | 928 | 280 | 3,096 | 957 | |||||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (26,878 | ) | $ | (41,173 | ) | $ | (123,277 | ) | $ | (214,029 | ) | |||
| Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted | $ | (2.97 | ) | $ | (12.98 | ) | $ | (18.69 | ) | $ | (69.65 | ) | |||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted | 9,060,813 | 3,172,981 | 6,594,316 | 3,073,100 | |||||||||||
FAQ
How many referrals have been received for ulixacaltamide Phase 3 studies?
When are the topline results from the PRAX-628 study in epilepsy patients expected?
What reduction in seizures was shown in the EMBRAVE study of elsunersen?
What is the total potential consideration for the licensing partnership with Tenacia Biotechnology?
