RAPT Therapeutics Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results
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Insights
The reported net loss of RAPT Therapeutics for both the fourth quarter and the full year of 2023 represents a significant increase compared to the previous year. This uptick in net loss is a critical factor for investors, as it suggests a higher cash burn rate. The company's solid cash position of $158.9 million, however, provides a buffer that may support ongoing research and development (R&D) activities. It is imperative to assess the sustainability of this cash reserve in relation to the increased R&D expenditure, particularly as it relates to the development of zelnecirnon.
Investors should also consider the implications of the clinical hold on zelnecirnon trials. While patient safety must be the priority, any delays in clinical trials can have a material impact on the company's timeline for potential revenue generation. The market typically reacts to such uncertainties and the ability of the company to resolve these issues swiftly could be a pivotal factor in maintaining investor confidence. The ongoing Phase 2 study of tivumecirnon in cancer and the upcoming update at AACR could provide positive catalysts if the results are promising.
The increased R&D expenses, particularly associated with zelnecirnon, reflect RAPT Therapeutics' commitment to advancing its pipeline. However, the clinical hold on Phase 2 trials for atopic dermatitis and asthma introduces a level of risk and uncertainty. From a medical research perspective, the resolution of such holds is not always straightforward and can involve extensive dialogue with regulatory bodies. The outcome of these discussions could significantly affect the drug's development timeline and, consequently, the company's market valuation.
Understanding the clinical profile of zelnecirnon and tivumecirnon is crucial. If the safety concerns are addressed and the drugs prove to be efficacious, they could meet significant unmet needs in their respective therapeutic areas. The impact on the stock market will largely depend on the perceived potential of these drugs to capture market share in the competitive fields of inflammatory diseases and oncology. The update at AACR will be closely watched for indications of tivumecirnon's clinical efficacy and safety, which could influence the company's R&D strategy moving forward.
When evaluating the business implications of RAPT Therapeutics' financial results, it is essential to consider the broader market context. The biotechnology sector is known for its high levels of investment in R&D in exchange for the potential of significant long-term payoffs. The company's strategic focus on oral small molecule therapies positions it within a niche that is gaining interest due to the convenience of oral administration compared to intravenous treatments.
The increase in general and administrative expenses, including stock-based compensation, is a common trend in growing biotech firms seeking to attract and retain talent. However, investors should monitor these expenses closely to ensure they align with the company's growth trajectory and value creation. The current cash position appears robust, but the burn rate will need to be carefully managed, especially if the clinical holds extend or additional funding rounds are necessitated.
Company maintains solid cash position of
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RAPT Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: RAPT), a clinical-stage, immunology-based therapeutics company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing oral small molecule therapies for patients with significant unmet needs in inflammatory diseases and oncology, today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2023.
“We are working diligently to lift the clinical hold on our Phase 2 trials of zelnecirnon in atopic dermatitis and asthma,” said Brian Wong, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of RAPT Therapeutics. “Patient safety is our top priority. We expect to provide an update once we have defined a plan to move ahead and appreciate your patience during this process. Separately, our Phase 2 study of tivumecirnon in cancer is ongoing and we will be presenting an update at AACR in April.”
Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter and the Year Ended December 31, 2023
Fourth Quarter Ended December 31, 2023
Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2023 was
Research and development expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 were
General and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 were
Year Ended December 31, 2023
Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2023 was
Research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 were
General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 were
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities of
About RAPT Therapeutics, Inc.
RAPT Therapeutics is a clinical-stage, immunology-based therapeutics company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing oral small molecule therapies for patients with significant unmet needs in inflammatory diseases and oncology. Utilizing its proprietary discovery and development engine, the Company is developing highly selective small molecules designed to modulate the critical immune drivers underlying these diseases. RAPT has discovered and advanced two unique drug candidates, zelnecirnon (RPT193) and tivumecirnon (FLX475), each targeting C-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4), for the treatment of inflammation and cancer, respectively. The Company is also pursuing a range of targets that are in the discovery stage of development.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “plan,” “target” 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 relate to future events and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Each of these statements is based only on current information, assumptions and expectations that are inherently subject to change and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the therapeutic potential of RAPT’s product candidates, clinical development progress and the timing of initiation, enrollment and completion of, and availability of results from, clinical trials of zelnecirnon (RPT193) and tivumecirnon (FLX475), RAPT’s expectations concerning the clinical hold of its Phase 2 trials of zelnecirnon, including its investigation of the incident, its ability to resolve issues to the FDA’s satisfaction and the availability of updates concerning such process, and other statements that are not historical fact. Many factors may cause differences between current expectations and actual results, including unexpected or unfavorable safety or efficacy data observed during clinical studies, preliminary data and trends that may not be predictive of future data or results or that may not demonstrate safety or efficacy or lead to regulatory approval, the inability to resolve issues related to the clinical hold on the Phase 2 trials of zelnecirnon to the FDA’s satisfaction and to ultimately resume such trials, clinical trial site activation or enrollment rates that are lower than expected, including lower than expected enrollment in our Phase 2b clinical trial of zelnecirnon in AD, unanticipated or greater than anticipated impacts or delays due to macroeconomic conditions (including the long-term impacts of ongoing overseas conflicts, inflation, higher interest rates and other economic uncertainty), changes in expected or existing competition, changes in the regulatory environment, the uncertainties and timing of the regulatory approval process and the sufficiency of RAPT’s cash resources. Detailed information regarding risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by statements in this press release may be found in RAPT’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 7, 2024 and subsequent filings made by RAPT with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. RAPT disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
RAPT Media Contact:
Aljanae Reynolds
areynolds@wheelhouselsa.com
RAPT Investor Contact:
Sylvia Wheeler
swheeler@wheelhouselsa.com
| RAPT THERAPEUTICS INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (In thousands, except share per share data) (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended December 31, | Three Months Ended December 31, | Year Ended December 31, | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,527 | ||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
| Research and development | 26,764 | 19,454 | 101,002 | 67,082 | ||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 6,453 | 4,977 | 26,060 | 20,240 | ||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 33,217 | 24,431 | 127,062 | 87,322 | ||||||||||||
| Loss from operations | (33,217 | ) | (24,431 | ) | (127,062 | ) | (85,795 | ) | ||||||||
| Other income, net | 2,341 | 1,480 | 10,264 | 1,957 | ||||||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (30,876 | ) | $ | (22,951 | ) | $ | (116,798 | ) | $ | (83,838 | ) | ||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss): | ||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation gain (loss) | — | (88 | ) | (655 | ) | 627 | ||||||||||
| Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities | 224 | 515 | 784 | (447 | ) | |||||||||||
| Total comprehensive loss | $ | (30,652 | ) | $ | (22,524 | ) | $ | (116,669 | ) | $ | (83,658 | ) | ||||
| Net loss per share, basic and diluted | $ | (0.80 | ) | $ | (0.64 | ) | $ | (3.05 | ) | $ | (2.58 | ) | ||||
| Weighted average number of shares used in computing net loss per share, basic and diluted | 38,383,867 | 35,689,363 | 38,338,161 | 32,540,406 | ||||||||||||
| RAPT THERAPEUTICS, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands) | ||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||
| Assets | (Unaudited) | (1) | ||||||
| Current assets: | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 47,478 | $ | 38,946 | ||||
| Marketable securities | 111,384 | 210,122 | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 2,920 | 3,626 | ||||||
| Total current assets | 161,782 | 252,694 | ||||||
| Property and equipment, net | 2,448 | 2,539 | ||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 5,228 | 6,940 | ||||||
| Other assets | 3,871 | 4,036 | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 173,329 | $ | 266,209 | ||||
| Liabilities and stockholders’ equity | ||||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 5,176 | $ | 3,365 | ||||
| Accrued expenses | 14,103 | 8,656 | ||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, current | 2,448 | 2,171 | ||||||
| Other current liabilities | 109 | 32 | ||||||
| Total current liabilities | 21,836 | 14,224 | ||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, non-current | 4,458 | 6,819 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 26,294 | 21,043 | ||||||
| Commitments | ||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity: | ||||||||
| Preferred stock | — | — | ||||||
| Common stock | 3 | 3 | ||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 631,611 | 613,073 | ||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss) | 103 | (26 | ) | |||||
| Accumulated deficit | (484,682 | ) | (367,884 | ) | ||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 147,035 | 245,166 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 173,329 | $ | 266,209 | ||||
| (1) | The consolidated balance sheet for December 31, 2022 has been derived from audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. |
FAQ
What was RAPT Therapeutics' net loss for the fourth quarter of 2023?
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