Spruce Biosciences Reports Second Quarter 2022 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update

Rhea-AI Summary

Spruce Biosciences (Nasdaq: SPRB) reported its Q2 2022 financial results, highlighting a net loss of $11.9 million, consistent with the previous year. The company achieved over 25% enrollment in both CAHmelia-203 and CAHmelia-204 studies. P.J. Ramtin has been appointed as Senior VP of Business Operations, bringing extensive industry experience. The patent portfolio for tildacerfont expanded with two new patents, extending exclusivity through 2038. Cash and investments totaled $99.1 million at quarter-end, with R&D expenses rising to $9.1 million as the company progresses clinical development.

Positive

• Appointment of P.J. Ramtin as Senior VP to enhance clinical operational capabilities.
• Expansion of tildacerfont patent portfolio extends exclusivity through 2038.
• Over 25% enrollment in CAHmelia-203 and CAHmelia-204 studies indicates ongoing clinical development progress.

Negative

• Net loss for Q2 2022 was $11.9 million, remaining stable compared to last year without improvement.

Abstract Accepted for Oral Presentation at International Congress of Endocrinology (ICE 2022)

Appointment of P.J. Ramtin as Senior Vice President of Business Operations

Expansion of Tildacerfont Patent Portfolio Estate with Key Method of Use Patents

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Spruce Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPRB), a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapies for rare endocrine disorders with significant unmet medical need, today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022 and provided corporate updates.

“Throughout the second quarter of 2022, we continued to remain focused on clinical study execution. We were pleased to have recently surpassed 25% enrollment in our CAHmelia-203 study and are approaching 25% enrollment in our CAHmelia-204 study,” said Javier Szwarcberg, M.D., M.P.H., Chief Executive Officer of Spruce Biosciences. “I am also pleased to welcome P.J. Ramtin as our Senior Vice President of Business Operations as we continue to expand our development and operational capabilities. With her extensive background in implementing business solutions and bridging real-world insights across all phases of clinical development, we believe that P.J.’s expertise will enrich our ongoing clinical programs for patients and study investigators.”

Recent Corporate Updates

• Abstract Accepted for Oral Presentation at ICE 2022: A submitted abstract was accepted for oral presentation at the International Society of Endocrinology’s ICE 2022 taking place virtually August 25 – 28, 2022. ICE 2022 will be held jointly with the 18th Asia Oceania Congress of Endocrinology (AOCE) and the 21st ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies Congress (AFES). The presentation will highlight data from the company’s Phase 2a clinical trials in adults with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) demonstrating an association between glucocorticoid dose with BMI and other glucocorticoid-related comorbidities.
  
  Details are as follows:
  
  Title: Association between glucocorticoid dose with BMI and glucocorticoid-related comorbidities: Data from tildacerfont Phase 2a trials in classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia
  Paper Number: 179
  Paper Reference: OP-3-6
  Session Date & Time: 1:10 p.m. - 2:40 p.m. SGT on August 27, 2022
  Presenter: Will Charlton, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Spruce Biosciences
  Authors: Mimi Kim, Chris Barnes, and Will Charlton
  

• Appointment of P.J. Ramtin as Senior Vice President of Business Operations: As Senior Vice President of Business Operations, Ms. Ramtin oversees clinical operational excellence and patient engagement. Ms. Ramtin is a seasoned industry executive with over two decades of experience directing and leading commercial and clinical organizations in roles of increasing responsibility across biotech and global pharmaceutical companies. She joins Spruce from BridgeBio, where she served as Vice President, Business Operations. Prior to BridgeBio, Ms. Ramtin held various roles at Regeneron, Genentech, InterMune, AVEO Oncology, and GlaxoSmithKline.
  
  
• Tildacerfont Patent Portfolio Estate Expanded with Key Method of Use Patents: Spruce Biosciences continues to expand its patent portfolio for its wholly-owned product candidate tildacerfont to supplement its issued composition of matter patent and market exclusivity afforded by orphan drug designation in the United States and Europe for CAH. In the second quarter, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued U.S. Patent Number 11,344,557 titled “Corticotropin releasing factor receptor antagonists,” and U.S. Patent Number 11,351,177 titled “Corticotropin releasing factor receptor antagonists.” The newly issued patents cover broad claims regarding the use of a CRF-1 receptor antagonist to reduce 17-hydroxyprogesterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concomitantly from baseline in patients with CAH and the use of tildacerfont to reduce ACTH from baseline. These patents expand existing patent exclusivity through 2038.

Anticipated Upcoming Milestones

• Topline results from the Phase 2 proof of concept clinical trial in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in the first half of 2023

• Topline safety results from cohort 1 of the Phase 2 pediatric classic CAH clinical trial in the first half of 2023

• Topline results from the CAHmelia-203 clinical trial in adult classic CAH patients with elevated levels of A4 in the second half of 2023

• Topline results from the CAHmelia-204 clinical trial in adult classic CAH patients on supraphysiologic doses of glucocorticoids with normal or near normal levels of A4 in the second half of 2024

Second Quarter 2022 Financial Results

• Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments: Cash, cash equivalents and investments as of June 30, 2022, were $99.1 million.
  
  
• Research and Development (R&D) Expenses: R&D expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, were $9.1 million and $17.6 million, respectively, compared to $9.1 million and $15.8 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2021. The overall increase in R&D expenses was primarily related to progressing clinical development of tildacerfont in adult classic CAH and the initiation of clinical programs in pediatric classic CAH and polycystic ovary syndrome.
  
  
• General and Administrative (G&A) Expenses: G&A expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, were $2.8 million and $6.0 million, respectively, compared to $2.6 million and $5.7 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2021.
  
  
• Total Operating Expenses: Total operating expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, were $11.9 million and $23.6 million, respectively, compared to $11.7 million and $21.5 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2021. Stock-based compensation expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, was $0.9 million and $2.0 million, respectively, compared to $1.0 million and $2.1 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2021. When excluding depreciation and stock-based compensation expenses, total non-GAAP operating expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, were $11.0 million and $21.6 million, respectively, compared to $10.7 million and $19.4 million for the same periods in 2021.
  
  
• Net Loss: Net loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, was $11.9 million compared to $23.6 million, respectively, compared to $11.8 million and $21.7 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2021.

About Spruce Biosciences

Spruce Biosciences is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapies for rare endocrine disorders with significant unmet medical need. Spruce is initially developing its wholly-owned product candidate, tildacerfont, as the potential first non-steroidal therapy for patients suffering from classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Classic CAH is a serious and life-threatening disease with no known novel therapies approved in approximately 50 years. Spruce is also developing tildacerfont for women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with primary adrenal androgen excess. To learn more, visit www.sprucebiosciences.com and follow us on Twitter @Spruce_Bio, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include statements regarding, among other things, the enrollment, results, conduct, progress and timing of Spruce’s clinical trials; the receipt and presentation of topline data from the same; research and development plans; and Spruce’s planned operations. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Words such as “anticipate”, “will”, “believe”, “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon Spruce’s current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with Spruce’s business in general, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and other geopolitical and macroeconomic events, and the other risks described in Spruce’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made and are based on management’s assumptions and estimates as of such date. Spruce undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as required by law.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This release and the reconciliation tables included herein include non-GAAP total operating expenses, which excludes depreciation and stock-based compensation. Spruce excludes depreciation and stock-based compensation because management believes the exclusion of these items is helpful to investors to evaluate Spruce's recurring operational performance. Spruce management uses this non-GAAP financial measure to monitor and evaluate its operating results and trends on an on-going basis, and internally for operating, budgeting and financial planning purposes. This non-GAAP financial measure should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP but should not be considered a substitute for or superior to GAAP results.

SPRUCE BIOSCIENCES, INC. CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) (in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
		June 30, 2022				December 31, 2021
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	47,210			$	42,748
Short-term investments			46,085				46,221
Prepaid expenses			2,821				2,530
Other current assets			390				396
Total current assets			96,506				91,895
Restricted cash			216				216
Right-of-use assets, net			1,314				1,479
Long-term investments			5,805				32,459
Other assets			674				437
Total assets		$	104,515			$	126,486
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	1,445			$	2,823
Term loan, current portion			811				—
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			6,953				4,613
Accrued compensation and benefits			893				1,435
Total current liabilities			10,102				8,871
Term loan, net of current portion			4,077				4,878
Lease liability, net of current portion			1,098				1,293
Other liabilities			117				73
Total liabilities			15,394				15,115
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021			—				—
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 23,560,250 and 23,491,881 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively			3				3
Additional paid-in capital			216,731				214,685
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(845	)			(184	)
Accumulated deficit			(126,768	)			(103,133	)
Total stockholders’ equity			89,121				111,371
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	104,515			$	126,486

SPRUCE BIOSCIENCES, INC. CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (unaudited) (in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
		Three Months Ended June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
		2022				2021				2022				2021
Operating expenses:
Research and development		$	9,060			$	9,119			$	17,568			$	15,833
General and administrative			2,822				2,595				6,048				5,698
Total operating expenses			11,882				11,714				23,616				21,531
Loss from operations			(11,882	)			(11,714	)			(23,616	)			(21,531	)
Interest expense			(94	)			(80	)			(181	)			(169	)
Other income, net			104				20				162				39
Net loss		$	(11,872	)		$	(11,774	)		$	(23,635	)		$	(21,661	)
Unrealized loss on available for sale securities			(152	)			(29	)			(661	)			(29	)
Comprehensive loss		$	(12,024	)		$	(11,803	)		$	(24,296	)		$	(21,690	)
Net loss per share, basic and diluted		$	(0.51	)		$	(0.50	)		$	(1.01	)		$	(0.93	)
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, basic and diluted			23,493,613				23,329,756				23,492,960				23,306,708

SPRUCE BIOSCIENCES, INC. Reconciliation of Total Operating Expenses to Non-GAAP Total Operating Expenses (unaudited) (in thousands)
		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2022			2021			2022			2021
Operating expenses:
Total operating expenses		$	11,882		$	11,714		$	23,616		$	21,531
Adjustments:
Depreciation			9			5			18			9
Stock-based compensation			905			1,010			2,046			2,130
Non-GAAP total operating expenses		$	10,968		$	10,699		$	21,552		$	19,392

 

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Media Contact

Will Zasadny

Evoke Canale

(619) 961-8848

will.zasadny@evokegroup.com

media@sprucebiosciences.com

Investors

Xuan Yang

Solebury Trout

(415) 971-9412

xyang@soleburytrout.com

investors@sprucebiosciences.com

Source: Spruce Biosciences, Inc.

FAQ

What are the Q2 2022 financial results for Spruce Biosciences (SPRB)?

Spruce Biosciences reported a net loss of $11.9 million for Q2 2022, aligning with the loss from the previous year, while cash and investments totaled $99.1 million.

What major corporate updates were announced by Spruce Biosciences (SPRB)?

Spruce announced the appointment of P.J. Ramtin as Senior VP of Business Operations and the expansion of its tildacerfont patent portfolio with key patents.

What is the current status of clinical trials at Spruce Biosciences (SPRB)?

Spruce has surpassed 25% enrollment in both the CAHmelia-203 and CAHmelia-204 clinical trials, indicating progress in their clinical studies.

When are the anticipated milestones for Spruce Biosciences (SPRB)?

Topline results for various trials are expected in the first half of 2023 for PCOS and pediatric classic CAH, with additional results for CAHmelia-203 and CAHmelia-204 in the latter half of 2023 and 2024.