Rapport Therapeutics Reports Second Quarter Financials and Provides Business Update

Rhea-AI Summary

Rapport Therapeutics (RAPP) reported Q2 2024 financials and provided a business update. Key highlights include:

1. Completed IPO, raising $174.4 million in gross proceeds

2. Phase 2a trial of RAP-219 in focal epilepsy on track for Q3 2024 initiation, with topline data expected mid-2025

3. Two additional proof-of-concept trials for RAP-219 planned: peripheral neuropathic pain (2H 2024) and bipolar disorder (2025)

4. Q2 2024 net loss: $18.1 million

5. Cash position: $336.1 million, expected to fund operations through end of 2026

6. Advancing preclinical programs, including RAP-199 and two nAChR discovery-stage programs

Positive

• Successful IPO raising $174.4 million in gross proceeds
• Strong cash position of $336.1 million, funding operations through 2026
• On track to initiate Phase 2a trial for RAP-219 in focal epilepsy in Q3 2024
• Expansion of RAP-219 clinical trials to peripheral neuropathic pain and bipolar disorder
• Advancement of preclinical programs, including RAP-199 and nAChR modulators

Negative

• Increased net loss of $18.1 million in Q2 2024 compared to $6.4 million in the prior year period
• Research and development expenses increased to $15.7 million from $4.7 million year-over-year
• General and administrative expenses rose to $5.1 million from $1.9 million year-over-year

Insights

Financial Analyst

Rapport Therapeutics' Q2 financials reveal a strong cash position of $336.1 million, bolstered by a successful IPO raising $174.4 million in gross proceeds. This funding is expected to support operations through 2026, providing a solid runway for their clinical development pipeline. The net loss of $18.1 million for Q2 2024 reflects increased R&D expenses ($15.7 million) and G&A costs ($5.1 million), indicative of the company's aggressive growth strategy and transition to a public entity. While the increased spending might concern some investors, it's important to note that it's aligned with the company's clinical development goals and necessary public company operations. The financial outlook appears stable, with sufficient capital to fund multiple clinical trials and potential milestones through 2026.

Medical Research Analyst

Rapport's lead candidate, RAP-219, shows promising potential in multiple indications. The Phase 2a trial for focal epilepsy, set to begin in Q3 2024 with topline data expected mid-2025, could be a significant catalyst. The use of intracranial EEG data as a biomarker-based primary endpoint is innovative and may provide early efficacy signals. Additionally, the expansion into peripheral neuropathic pain and bipolar disorder demonstrates the versatility of their TARPγ8 targeting approach. The safety profile from Phase 1 trials is encouraging, with no serious adverse events reported. The development of a long-acting injectable formulation could be a game-changer in epilepsy treatment, potentially improving patient adherence. However, investors should note that these are still early-stage trials and success in later phases is not guaranteed.

Market Research Analyst

Rapport Therapeutics is positioning itself in the competitive CNS disorder market with a unique approach using their RAP technology platform. The focus on precision neuroscience aligns with current trends in personalized medicine. The company's pipeline, targeting epilepsy, neuropathic pain and bipolar disorder, addresses significant unmet needs in large markets. The potential for a long-acting injectable anti-seizure medication could be a major differentiator in the epilepsy market. However, the company faces stiff competition from established players and other biotechs in the CNS space. The departure of Terry-Ann Burrell from the board, while not unusual post-IPO, may raise some governance questions. Investors should monitor the company's ability to meet clinical milestones and manage cash burn as key indicators of future success. The multiple near-term catalysts provide opportunities for value inflection but also carry execution risks.

• Completed initial public offering, raising $174.4 million in gross proceeds, including full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares and a concurrent private placement, to fund clinical development of precision neuroscience pipeline
• Phase 2a trial of RAP-219 in focal epilepsy initiation on track, with topline data expected in mid-2025
• On track to begin two additional proof of concept clinical trials of RAP-219 in patients with peripheral neuropathic pain in 2H 2024, and patients with bipolar disorder in 2025
• Terry-Ann Burrell, who was recently appointed as vice chairman of investment banking at JPMorgan, will transition off the Board of Directors of Rapport following the Company’s Form 10-Q filing
• Ended the quarter with $336.1 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, excluding restricted cash, which is expected to fund operations through the end of 2026
  

BOSTON, Mass. and SAN DIEGO, Aug. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rapport Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: RAPP), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on discovery and development of transformational small molecule medicines for patients suffering from central nervous system (CNS) disorders, today announced financial results for the second quarter of 2024 and provided a business update.

“Following our recent IPO, the Rapport team is relentlessly focused on advancing our pipeline, which has the potential to transform the treatment of many CNS disorders. Our receptor associated protein (RAP) technology platform provides a foundation for a portfolio of precision neuroscience product candidates designed to overcome the limitations of existing standards of care,” said Abraham N. Ceesay, chief executive officer of Rapport Therapeutics.

“With several near-term milestones ahead, this is an exciting time for Rapport. We are on track to initiate a Phase 2a trial in the third quarter of 2024 for our lead product candidate, RAP-219, in patients with focal epilepsy and look forward to advancing RAP-219 with the goal of it becoming a potentially transformational treatment option in this area of significant unmet need,” Ceesay continued. “I also want to congratulate TA Burrell on her new role and thank her for her invaluable service and insightful contributions as a Board member during the pivotal transition of Rapport to a public company.”

BUSINESS UPDATES

RAP-219 Lead Program

RAP-219 is designed to selectively target TARPγ8, a RAP which is associated with the neuronal AMPAR (neuronal α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor), a clinically validated target for epilepsy. The Company is also evaluating RAP-219 as a potential treatment for peripheral neuropathic pain and bipolar disorder.

• The Company reported data from a multiple ascending dose (MAD) trial, which demonstrated RAP-219 was generally well tolerated at target therapeutic exposures, with no serious adverse events and no drug-related treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) above Grade 1. In an earlier Phase 1 single ascending dose (SAD) study, all treatment related TEAEs were Grade 1 or 2 and were generally consistent with the effects seen in non-clinical toxicology studies. There were no clinically meaningful abnormal changes in lab values or ECGs, nor were there any relevant vital sign changes in the SAD or MAD trials.
• A second MAD trial (MAD-2) has been initiated to assess dosing regimens that may accelerate therapeutic exposure, which will inform dosing for the Company’s Phase 2a trial for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Results from the MAD-2 trial are expected in the second half of 2024.
• A Phase 1 human positron emission tomography (PET) trial in healthy adult volunteers was initiated to confirm brain target receptor occupancy across a range of RAP-219 dosing and exposure levels. Results are expected in the first half of 2025.
• The Company continues to progress the development of a long-acting injectable formulation of RAP-219 as the first potential anti-seizure medication (ASM) in a depot formulation, offering greater ease-of-use and potentially improved patient adherence.

Focal Epilepsy

• The Company is on track to initiate a Phase 2a proof-of-concept trial in focal epilepsy in the third quarter of 2024 and expects topline results in mid-2025.
• For the Phase 2a trial, the Company plans to enroll adult patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy who have an implanted responsive neurostimulation (RNS) device.  Intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) data output from the RNS device consists of “long episodes” which are organized epileptiform activity that often indicate electrographic seizures. Changes in long episodes, the Phase 2a trial’s biomarker-based primary endpoint, have been demonstrated to predict efficacy of ASMs.

Peripheral Neuropathic Pain

• At the recent International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) 2024 World Congress on Pain, the Company presented data demonstrating a TARPγ8 AMPAR NAM’s analgesic activity across a broad range of preclinical pain models.
• The Company is on track to initiate a Phase 2a trial in peripheral neuropathic pain in the second half of 2024.

Bipolar Disorder

• The Company plans to initiate a Phase 2a trial in bipolar disorder patients with acute mania in 2025.
  

Preclinical and Discovery Programs

• The Company is advancing a TARPγ8 targeted molecule with differentiated chemical and pharmacokinetic properties, RAP-199, with a Phase 1 trial expected to begin in the first half of 2025.
• The Company is also evaluating two RAP-enabled nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) discovery-stage programs – modulators of α6 nAChR for the potential treatment of chronic pain, and modulators of α9α10 nAChR for the potential treatment of hearing loss.
  

SECOND QUARTER 2024 FINANCIAL RESULTS

• Net loss was $18.1 million for the second quarter of 2024, as compared to $6.4 million for the prior year period.
• Research and development expense was $15.7 million for the second quarter of 2024, as compared to $4.7 million for the prior year period. The increase in research and development expense was primarily driven by operational costs related to clinical development and costs to support the progression of the Company’s overall pipeline.
• General and administrative expense was $5.1 million for the second quarter of 2024, as compared to $1.9 million for the prior year period. The increase in general and administrative expense was primarily driven by costs associated with the growth of the business, in addition to costs incurred to satisfy the requirements of becoming and operating as a public company.
• The Company ended the quarter with $336.1 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, compared to $193.2 million as of March 31, 2024. The increase was primarily the result of the completion of the Company’s IPO and concurrent private placement of its common stock on June 7, 2024.
• The Company expects that current cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments as of June 30, 2024, will enable the Company to fund its operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements through the end of 2026.
• The Company completed its IPO and a concurrent private placement, raising $174.4 million in gross proceeds (which included full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares); net proceeds were $157.6 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions, placement agent fees, and other offering and private placement costs of $16.8 million and will fund the clinical development of Rapport’s precision neuroscience pipeline.
  

About RAP-219

RAP-219 is a clinical-stage AMPAR (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor) negative allosteric modulator (NAM) designed to achieve neuroanatomical specificity through its selective targeting of a receptor associated protein (RAP) known as TARPγ8, which is associated with the neuronal AMPAR, a clinically validated target for epilepsy. Whereas AMPARs are distributed widely in the central nervous system, TARPγ8 is expressed only in discrete regions, including the hippocampus, a key site involved in focal epilepsy. Because of this restricted expression of TARPγ8 in forebrain regions, the Company believes RAP-219 has the potential to provide a differentiated clinical profile, including improved activity and tolerability along with a higher therapeutic index, potentially providing more patients with sustained therapeutic benefit without intolerable side effects, as compared to traditional antiseizure medications.

About Rapport Therapeutics

Rapport Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to discovering and developing transformational precision neuromedicines for patients suffering from central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The Company’s founders have made pioneering discoveries related to the function of receptor associated proteins (RAPs) in the brain. Their findings form the basis of Rapport’s RAP technology platform, which enables a differentiated approach to generate precision small molecule product candidates with the potential to overcome many limitations of conventional neurology drug discovery. Rapport’s precision neuroscience pipeline includes the Company’s lead clinical program, RAP-219, designed to achieve neuroanatomical specificity through its selective targeting of a RAP expressed in only discrete regions of the brain. The Company is currently advancing RAP-219 in clinical trials in focal epilepsy, peripheral neuropathic pain, and bipolar disorder. Additional preclinical and late-stage discovery stage programs are also underway, targeting CNS disorders including chronic pain and hearing disorders.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains​ “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, each as amended. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, express or implied statements regarding: the clinical development of RAP-219 for the treatment of drug-resistant focal epilepsy, peripheral neuropathic pain and bipolar disorder, including the initiation, timing, progress and results of our ongoing and planned clinical trials; the potential activity and tolerability of RAP-219; the potential of Rapport’s RAP technology platform; the ongoing and planned development of RAP-199 and Rapport’s discovery-stage programs; and expectations for Rapport’s uses of capital, expenses and financial results, including its cash runway through the end of 2026.

Forward looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could negatively affect Rapport’s business, operating results, financial condition and stock value. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated include: risks relating to the company’s research and development activities; Rapport’s ability to execute on its strategy including obtaining the requisite regulatory approvals on the expected timeline, if at all; uncertainties relating to preclinical and clinical development activities; the company’s dependence on third parties to conduct clinical trials, manufacture its product candidates and develop and commercialize its product candidates, if approved; Rapport’s ability to attract, integrate and retain key personnel; risks related to the company’s financial condition and need for substantial additional funds in order to complete development activities and commercialize a product candidate, if approved; risks related to regulatory developments and approval processes of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and comparable foreign regulatory authorities; risks related to establishing and maintaining Rapport’s intellectual property protections; and risks related to the competitive landscape for Rapport’s product candidates; as well as other risks described in​ “Risk Factors,” in the company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), as well as subsequent filings with the SEC. Rapport expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in its expectations or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law, and claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Contact
Julie DiCarlo
Head of Communications & IR
Rapport Therapeutics
jdicarlo@rapportrx.com

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Data (In thousands) (unaudited)
		June 30, 2024				December 31, 2023
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	110,164			$	70,169
Short-term investments			225,975				77,309
Restricted cash			105				85
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			4,422				3,309
Total current assets			340,666				150,872
Property and equipment, net			3,474				1,916
Operating lease right of use asset, net			1,769				2,084
Other assets			189				551
Total assets		$	346,098			$	155,423
Liabilities, Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)
Current liabilities
Accounts payable		$	1,875			$	2,502
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			5,517				5,631
Operating lease liability			703				670
Total current liabilities			8,095				8,803
Series B preferred stock tranche right liability			—				4,200
Operating lease liability, net of current portion			1,117				1,476
Total liabilities			9,212				14,479
Commitments and contingencies
Series A convertible preferred stock			—				89,487
Series B convertible preferred stock			—				77,091
Stockholders’ equity (deficit)
Undesignated preferred stock			—				—
Common Stock			36				4
Additional paid-in capital			423,261				19,796
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			(183	)			4
Accumulated deficit			(86,228	)			(45,438	)
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)			336,886				(25,634	)
Total liabilities, convertible preferred stock, and stockholders’ equity (deficit)		$	346,098			$	155,423

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (In thousands, except share and per share data) (unaudited)
		For the three months ended June 30,
		2024				2023
Operating expenses
Research and development		$	15,689			$	4,721
General and administrative			5,111				1,909
Total operating expenses			20,800				6,630
Loss from operations			(20,800	)			(6,630	)
Other income (expense):
Interest income			2,679				221
Change in fair value of preferred stock tranche right liability			—				—
Total other income (expense), net			2,679				221
Net loss before income taxes			(18,121	)			(6,409	)
Provision for income taxes			—				2
Net loss		$	(18,121	)		$	(6,411	)
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted		$	(1.70	)		$	(4.45	)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted			10,666,528				1,440,109

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (In thousands) (unaudited)
		For the Three Months Ended June 30,
		2024				2023
Net cash used in operating activities		$	(16,352	)		$	(6,599	)
Net cash used in investing activities			(107,104	)			(86	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			159,353				(90	)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		$	35,897			$	(6,775	)

FAQ

What was Rapport Therapeutics' (RAPP) Q2 2024 net loss?

Rapport Therapeutics (RAPP) reported a net loss of $18.1 million for the second quarter of 2024.

How much did Rapport Therapeutics (RAPP) raise in its IPO?

Rapport Therapeutics (RAPP) raised $174.4 million in gross proceeds from its initial public offering and concurrent private placement.

When is Rapport Therapeutics (RAPP) expecting topline data for RAP-219 in focal epilepsy?

Rapport Therapeutics (RAPP) expects topline data for the Phase 2a trial of RAP-219 in focal epilepsy in mid-2025.

What is Rapport Therapeutics' (RAPP) cash position as of Q2 2024?

Rapport Therapeutics (RAPP) ended Q2 2024 with $336.1 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments.

When will Rapport Therapeutics (RAPP) initiate clinical trials for RAP-219 in peripheral neuropathic pain?

Rapport Therapeutics (RAPP) plans to initiate a Phase 2a trial for RAP-219 in peripheral neuropathic pain in the second half of 2024.