Sutro Biopharma Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Business Highlights

Rhea-AI Summary

Sutro Biopharma (NASDAQ: STRO) reported Q3 2024 financial results and business updates. The company plans three IND applications in the next three years based on next-generation ADC technology. Two new clinical trials are underway: REFRαME-P1 for pediatric leukemia and REFRαME-L1 for non-small cell lung cancer. Recent data showed a 56% response rate for luvelta in combination with bevacizumab. Financial highlights include $388.3 million in cash and equivalents, revenue of $8.5 million (down from $16.9 million in Q3 2023), and operating expenses of $76.4 million. The company realized a $32.1 million gain from selling Vaxcyte shares.

Positive

• Strong cash position of $388.3 million
• 56% response rate in luvelta combination therapy
• $32.1 million gain from Vaxcyte stock sale
• Generated $975 million in aggregate payments from collaborators through Q3 2024

Negative

• Revenue declined 50% YoY from $16.9M to $8.5M
• Operating expenses increased 25% YoY to $76.4M
• Operating losses continue to grow

Insights

Financial Analyst

The Q3 results reveal significant financial dynamics. $388.3M cash position provides substantial runway, but increased operating expenses of $76.4M (up 25.5% YoY) and declining revenue of $8.5M (down 49.7% YoY) signal accelerating cash burn. The $32.1M realized gain from Vaxcyte stock sale helps offset operational costs.

The pipeline expansion with three planned IND filings and ongoing trials represents significant R&D investment, reflected in the $62.1M R&D expenses. The engagement of Lazard for partnership exploration suggests a strategic move to secure additional funding and commercialization support for luvelta, potentially leading to significant deal value given the promising clinical data.

Medical Research Analyst

The clinical progress is noteworthy with multiple value-driving catalysts. The 56% response rate for luvelta with bevacizumab in ovarian cancer is promising, particularly at the 4.3 mg/kg dose. The expansion into pediatric AML and NSCLC demonstrates broad therapeutic potential.

The next-generation ADC platform shows compelling differentiation, especially STRO-004 with its DAR8 exatecan payload design. The dual-payload ADCs and iADCs represent innovative approaches to overcome resistance mechanisms and enhance immune responses, potentially providing competitive advantages in the rapidly evolving ADC landscape.

- Expects to deliver three Investigational New Drug (IND) applications in next three years based on next-generation ADC technology -

- Two new clinical trials, REFRαME-P1, a registration-enabling trial of luvelta for pediatric patients with rare leukemia, and REFRαME-L1, a Phase 2 trial of luvelta for patients with non-small cell lung cancer, are underway -

- Sutro presented data from the Phase 1b study of luvelta in combination with bevacizumab at ESMO 2024 demonstrating a 56% response rate at the recommended Phase 2 dose of luvelta (4.3 mg/kg) -

- As of September 30, 2024, Sutro had $388.3 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities -

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Nov. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sutro Biopharma, Inc. (Sutro or the Company) (NASDAQ: STRO), a clinical-stage oncology company pioneering site-specific and novel-format antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), today reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2024 and its recent business highlights.

With its lead program, luveltamab tazevibulin (luvelta), Sutro recently initiated a registrational trial for a rare form of pediatric leukemia, a clinical trial for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and presented expansion data in combination with bevacizumab. The randomized portion of Sutro’s registrational trial for patients with advanced ovarian cancer is underway. Sutro expects to provide an update following alignment with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) on the selected dose for the pivotal portion of this trial around the end of the year.

Recognizing the potential patient benefit and commercial opportunity for luvelta, Sutro engaged Lazard to assist in its efforts to identify a partner for luvelta who can provide financial resources and expertise for the multi-indication development and commercialization of luvelta.

Additionally, Sutro showcased at a recent Research Forum a portfolio of emerging next-generation ADCs, made possible by our unique cell-free platform, which are expected to drive value creation beyond luvelta. During the event, Sutro announced three planned IND filings over the next three years for wholly owned programs, including STRO-004, a tissue-factor targeting ADC, featuring a DAR8 exatecan payload and site-specific linker design, which is expected to enter the clinic next year.

Recent Business Highlights and Select Anticipated Milestones

Luveltamab Tazevibulin (luvelta), FRα-Targeting ADC Franchise:

• Sutro presented updated data from the Phase 1b study of luvelta in combination with bevacizumab for patients with ovarian cancer in a poster presentation at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2024, demonstrating a 56% response rate at the recommended Phase 2 dose of luvelta (4.3 mg/kg) for this study. An expansion study of this combination is ongoing, with data expected in the first half of 2025.
• Part 2 (randomized portion) of the Phase 3 trial, REFRαME-O1, for treatment of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC), is ongoing.
• REFRαME-P1, a registration-enabling trial for pediatric patients with CBFA2T3::GLIS2 (CBF/GLIS; RAM phenotype) AML, is underway.
• A Phase 2 trial for the treatment of NSCLC is underway, with initial data expected in 2025.

Additional Pipeline Development and Collaboration Updates:

• In October 2024, Sutro hosted a Research Forum highlighting next-generation ADC innovation and near-term pipeline milestones, including:
  • STRO-004, a tissue factor-targeting ADC, which features a drug-antibody-ratio (DAR) of eight exatecan payloads and site-specific linker design, demonstrated greater anti-tumor activity and lower toxicities than a tissue factor benchmark ADC in preclinical models. Sutro anticipates filing an IND for STRO-004 in the second half of 2025.
  • Dual-payload ADCs (ADC²) provide therapeutic benefits compared to standard ADCs, including potential to overcome tumor resistance mechanisms, and show increased anti-tumor activity and desirable properties in preclinical models.
  • iADCs provide a novel mechanism of action, bridging innate and adaptive immunity to enable broad protection in a single molecule, and show increased and durable anti-tumor activity in a preclinical model compared to standalone ADCs or immune-stimulating antibody conjugates.
  • Sutro’s proprietary and partnered preclinical ADC portfolio has potential across a broad range of tumor types and the Company plans to deliver three INDs over the next three years.
• Sutro continues to seek to maximize the value of its proprietary cell-free platform by working with partners on programs in multiple disease spaces and geographies and has generated from collaborators an aggregate of approximately $975 million in payments through September 30, 2024, including equity investments.

Upcoming Events: Sutro plans to participate in three upcoming investor conferences. Webcasts of the presentations will be accessible through the News & Events page of the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.sutrobio.com. Archived replays will be available for at least 30 days after the events.

• Jefferies London Healthcare Conference, November 19-21, 2024, in London
• The Citizens JMP Hematology and Oncology Summit, December 2, 2024, Virtual
• Piper Sandler 36th Annual Healthcare Conference, December 3-5, 2024, in New York
  

Third Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities
As of September 30, 2024, Sutro had $388.3 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities.

Realized Gain on Sale of Vaxcyte Common Stock
Included in non-operating interest and other income (expense), net, on the Statement of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was a realized gain of $32.1 million from the sale of approximately 0.7 million shares of Vaxcyte common stock, with net proceeds of approximately $74.0 million. As of September 30, 2024, Sutro does not hold any shares of Vaxcyte common stock.

Revenue
Revenue was $8.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, as compared to $16.9 million for the same period in 2023, with the 2024 amount related principally to the Astellas collaboration and the Vaxcyte agreement. Future collaboration and license revenue under existing agreements, and from any additional collaboration and license partners, will fluctuate as a result of the amount and timing of revenue recognition of upfront, milestones, and other agreement payments.

Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 were $76.4 million, as compared to $60.9 million for the same period in 2023. The 2024 quarter includes non-cash expenses for stock-based compensation of $6.5 million and depreciation and amortization of $1.8 million, as compared to $6.0 million and $1.7 million, respectively, in the comparable 2023 period. Total operating expenses for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 were comprised of research and development expenses of $62.1 million and general and administrative expenses of $14.3 million.

About Sutro Biopharma
Sutro Biopharma, Inc., is a clinical-stage company relentlessly focused on the discovery and development of precisely designed cancer therapeutics, to transform what science can do for patients. Sutro’s fit-for-purpose technology, including cell-free XpressCF^®, provides the opportunity for broader patient benefit and an improved patient experience. Sutro has multiple clinical stage candidates, including luveltamab tazevibulin, or luvelta, a registrational-stage folate receptor alpha (FolRα)-targeting ADC in clinical studies. A robust pipeline, coupled with high-value collaborations and industry partnerships, validates Sutro’s continuous product innovation. Sutro is headquartered in South San Francisco. For more information, follow Sutro on social media @Sutrobio, or visit www.sutrobio.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, anticipated preclinical and clinical development activities, including enrollment and site activation; timing of announcements of clinical results, trial initiation, and regulatory filings; outcome of discussions with regulatory authorities; potential benefits of luvelta and the Company’s other product candidates and platform; potential business development and partnering transactions; potential market opportunities for luvelta and the Company’s other product candidates; and the Company’s expected cash runway. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot guarantee future events, results, actions, levels of activity, performance or achievements, and the timing and results of biotechnology development and potential regulatory approval is inherently uncertain. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause the Company’s actual activities or results to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statement, including risks and uncertainties related to the Company’s ability to advance its product candidates, the receipt and timing of potential regulatory designations, approvals and commercialization of product candidates and the Company’s ability to successfully leverage Fast Track designation, the market size for the Company’s product candidates to be smaller than anticipated, clinical trial sites, supply chain and manufacturing facilities, the Company’s ability to maintain and recognize the benefits of certain designations received by product candidates, the timing and results of preclinical and clinical trials, the Company’s ability to fund development activities and achieve development goals, the Company’s ability to protect intellectual property, and the Company’s commercial collaborations with third parties and other risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” in documents the Company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. 

Sutro Biopharma, Inc. Selected Statements of Operations Financial Data (Unaudited) (In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
	Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
	September 30,								September 30,
	2024				2023				2024				2023
Revenues	$	8,520			$	16,924			$	47,234			$	40,010
Operating expenses
Research and development		62,108				45,669				181,006				126,660
General and administrative		14,331				15,269				39,423				45,780
Total operating expenses		76,439				60,938				220,429				172,440
Loss from operations		(67,919	)			(44,014	)			(173,195	)			(132,430	)
Interest income		4,875				4,550				13,882				9,952
Unrealized gain on equity securities		-				694				-				2,023
Non-cash interest expense related to the sale of future royalties		(7,910	)			(5,936	)			(22,380	)			(6,378	)
Interest and other income (expense), net		22,167				(2,739	)			26,683				(8,640	)
Loss before provision for income taxes		(48,787	)			(47,445	)			(155,010	)			(135,473	)
Provision for income taxes		-				1,839				8				2,385
Net loss	$	(48,787	)		$	(49,284	)		$	(155,018	)		$	(137,858	)
Net loss per share, basic and diluted	$	(0.59	)		$	(0.81	)		$	(2.07	)		$	(2.30	)
Weighted-average shares used in computing basic and diluted loss per share		82,043,671				60,599,025				74,934,737				59,894,181

Sutro Biopharma, Inc. Selected Balance Sheets Financial Data (Unaudited) (In thousands)
	September 30, 2024(1)				December 31, 2023(2)
Assets
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities	$	388,254			$	333,681
Investment in equity securities		-				41,937
Accounts receivable		6,655				36,078
Property and equipment, net		18,997				21,940
Operating lease right-of-use assets		19,027				22,815
Other assets		18,899				14,285
Total Assets	$	451,832			$	470,736
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	$	53,222			$	64,293
Deferred revenue		90,559				74,045
Operating lease liability		24,864				29,574
Debt		-				4,061
Deferred royalty obligation related to the sale of future royalties		171,967				149,114
Total liabilities		340,612				321,087
Total stockholders’ equity		111,220				149,649
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	451,832			$	470,736

⁽¹⁾ The condensed balance sheet as of September 30, 2024 was derived from the unaudited financial statements included in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2024.

⁽²⁾ The condensed balance sheet as of December 31, 2023 was derived from the unaudited financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 25, 2024.

FAQ

What was Sutro Biopharma's (STRO) revenue in Q3 2024?

Sutro Biopharma reported revenue of $8.5 million for Q3 2024, compared to $16.9 million in Q3 2023.

How much cash does Sutro Biopharma (STRO) have as of Q3 2024?

As of September 30, 2024, Sutro had $388.3 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities.

What was the response rate for Sutro's (STRO) luvelta combination therapy in 2024?

Sutro reported a 56% response rate at the recommended Phase 2 dose of luvelta (4.3 mg/kg) in combination with bevacizumab.

How many IND applications does Sutro Biopharma (STRO) plan to file?

Sutro expects to deliver three Investigational New Drug (IND) applications over the next three years.