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Synlogic Reports First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

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Synlogic (Nasdaq: SYBX) reported its first-quarter 2024 financial results on May 14, 2024. The company's revenue for Q1 2024 was $0.01 million, a significant decrease from $0.2 million in Q1 2023. Research and development expenses were reduced to $7.7 million from $12.5 million in the same period last year, while general and administrative expenses dropped to $2.9 million from $4.0 million. Notably, the company incurred $28.2 million in restructuring charges due to discontinuing its Synpheny-3 study. Synlogic reported a consolidated net loss of $31.6 million, or $2.60 per share, compared to a net loss of $15.6 million, or $3.39 per share, in Q1 2023. The company has retained Lucid Capital Markets to explore strategic alternatives.

Positive
  • Research and development expenses decreased to $7.7 million from $12.5 million year-over-year.
  • General and administrative expenses were reduced to $2.9 million from $4.0 million.
  • Company is exploring strategic options to maximize shareholder value, including potential acquisitions or mergers.
Negative
  • Revenue dropped significantly to $0.01 million from $0.2 million year-over-year.
  • Incurred $28.2 million in restructuring charges due to discontinuation of the Synpheny-3 study.
  • Reported a consolidated net loss of $31.6 million, compared to a $15.6 million net loss in the same period last year.
  • Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term marketable securities totaled $32.3 million, indicating potential liquidity concerns.

Insights

Synlogic’s first quarter 2024 financial results reveal several key data points. The company’s cash reserves stand at $32.3 million, which may provide a cushion against ongoing expenditures but also signals the necessity for prudent financial management moving forward. Revenue of $0.01 million marks a sharp decline from the previous year’s $0.2 million, primarily due to the termination of a previous collaboration with Roche. This paints a picture of a company in transition, still in the exploratory phase of establishing sustainable revenue streams.

Expenses have notably decreased: Research and development costs fell to $7.7 million from $12.5 million and general administrative costs dropped to $2.9 million from $4.0 million. While these cuts reduce immediate cash burn, they also reflect the company's ongoing restructuring efforts, highlighted by a significant $28.2 million charge following the discontinuation of the Synpheny-3 study.

The net loss of $31.6 million compared to $15.6 million in the previous year, although exacerbated by restructuring charges, should prompt investors to question the company's path to profitability. The decision to retain Lucid Capital Markets for strategic alternatives signals a possible pivot, but the absence of a set timetable underscores the uncertainty.

The discontinuation of Synpheny-3, an advanced study of labafenogene marselecobac (SYNB1934) for treating phenylketonuria (PKU), is a significant development. PKU is a genetic disorder that increases phenylalanine levels in the blood, potentially causing brain damage. Labafenogene marselecobac was expected to be a promising treatment and its halt could indicate unforeseen challenges in efficacy or safety.

This decision has direct implications for Synlogic’s R&D pipeline and raises questions about the future of their therapeutic candidates. Discontinuing pivotal trials often reallocates resources, but it can also be a red flag for investors regarding the viability of the company's innovation strategy. The restructuring charges further emphasize the financial strain and strategic pivot, which might delay the introduction of new treatments to the market.

It’s essential for retail investors to understand that clinical trials are high-risk ventures. The termination of a study at this stage typically impacts investor confidence and can lead to short-term stock volatility. For long-term prospects, the company's ability to identify viable pipeline alternatives and effectively utilize retained advisors like Lucid Capital Markets will be pivotal.

The engagement of Lucid Capital Markets to explore strategic alternatives is a important move for Synlogic. This suggests that the company is actively exploring ways to enhance shareholder value, potentially through mergers, acquisitions, or business combinations. While this could be an opportunity for growth and diversification, it also introduces uncertainty. The market tends to react unpredictably to such announcements, depending on the perceived benefits or risks of any potential transactions.

The lack of a clear timetable and assurance that a transaction will occur adds to this uncertainty. Investors should monitor updates closely, as market sentiment can swiftly change based on new information. Synlogic’s ability to communicate their strategy and progress transparently will be essential in maintaining investor trust.

In the biotech sector, strategic partnerships or mergers can provide much-needed capital and complementary expertise. Yet, they also come with integration challenges and potential dilution of existing shareholder value. Retail investors should weigh these factors and maintain a balanced perspective, considering both the potential for increased value and the risks of strategic shifts.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Synlogic, Inc. (Nasdaq: SYBX), a biopharmaceutical company advancing novel therapeutics to transform the care of serious diseases, today reported financial results for the first quarter 2024 and provided a corporate update.

In March 2024, the Company retained Lucid Capital Markets, LLC to act as its financial advisor to explore and evaluate strategic options for maximizing shareholder value. Potential strategic alternatives that may be explored or evaluated as part of this process include the potential for an acquisition, merger, business combination or other strategic transaction involving the Company. The Board has not set a timetable for the conclusion of this review, nor has it made any decisions related to any further actions or potential strategic options at this time. There can be no assurance, however, that this process will result in any such transaction.

First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

As of March 31, 2024 Synlogic had cash, cash equivalents, and short-term marketable securities of $32.3 million.

Revenue was $0.01 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $0.2 million for the corresponding period in 2023. Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was related to a material transfer agreement and revenue for the corresponding period in 2023 was associated with the prior research collaboration with Roche. Research and development expenses were $7.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $12.5 million for the corresponding period in 2023. General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024 were $2.9 million compared to $4.0 million for the corresponding period in 2023. Restructuring and other charges were $28.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as a result of the Company’s decision in February 2024 to discontinue Synpheny-3, its pivotal study of labafenogene marselecobac (SYNB1934) in phenylketonuria (PKU) and evaluate strategic options for the Company.

For the three months ended March 31, 2024 Synlogic reported a consolidated net loss of $31.6 million, or $2.60 per share, compared to a consolidated net loss of $15.6 million, or $3.39 per share, for the corresponding period in 2023.

About Synlogic 

Synlogic is a biopharmaceutical company advancing novel therapeutics to transform the care of serious diseases in need of new treatment options. Synlogic designs, develops and manufactures these drug candidates, which are produced by applying precision genetic engineering to well-characterized probiotics.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" that involve substantial risks and uncertainties for purposes of the safe harbor provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release regarding strategy, future operations, clinical development plans, future financial position, future revenue, projected expenses, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. In addition, when or if used in this press release, the words "may," "could," "should," "anticipate," "believe," "look forward," "estimate," "expect," “focused on,” "intend," "on track, " "plan," "predict" and similar expressions and their variants, as they relate to Synlogic, may identify forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including: the Company may not execute on its planned exploration and evaluation of strategic alternatives; the availability of suitable third parties with which to conduct contemplated strategic transactions; the risk that the Company's reduction in force efforts may not generate their intended benefits to the extent or as quickly as anticipated; and the risk that the Company's reduction in force efforts may negatively impact the Company's business operations and reputation as well as those risks identified under the heading "Risk Factors" in Synlogic's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect Synlogic's current views with respect to future events. Synlogic anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its views to change. However, while Synlogic may elect to update these forward-looking statements in the future, Synlogic specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Synlogic's view as of any date subsequent to the date hereof.

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Contact: info@synlogictx.com




Synlogic, Inc.    
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations  
(unaudited)    
     
(in thousands except share and per share data) For the three months ended March 31
   2024   2023 
     
Revenue $8  $174 
     
Operating expenses    
Research and development  7,680   12,450 
General and administrative  2,884   3,967 
Restructuring and other charges  28,289   - 
Total operating expenses  38,853   16,417 
Loss from operations  (38,845)  (16,243)
Other income  551   621 
Fair value change in purchase warrant liability  6,730   - 
Other income (expense), net  7,281   621 
Net loss $(31,564) $(15,622)
     
Net loss per share - basic and diluted $(2.60) $(3.39)
Weighted-average common shares used in computing net loss per share - basic and diluted  12,131,461   4,604,682 
     
     
     
     
Synlogic, Inc.    
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets  
(unaudited)    
     
(in thousands, except share data) March 31,
2024
 December 31,
2023
Assets    
Cash, cash equivalents, & marketable securities $32,311  $47,746 
Property and equipment, net  -   5,603 
Other assets  3,746   22,201 
Total assets $36,057  $75,550 
     
Liabilities and stockholders' equity    
Current liabilities $10,940  $20,404 
Long-term liabilities  11,792   12,491 
Total liabilities  22,732   32,895 
Total stockholders' equity  13,325   42,655 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $36,057  $75,550 
     
Common stock and common stock equivalents  
Common stock  11,627,212   9,186,157 
Common stock warrants (pre-funded)  722,183   2,973,183 
Total common stock  12,349,395   12,159,340 





FAQ

What were Synlogic's Q1 2024 earnings?

Synlogic reported a consolidated net loss of $31.6 million, or $2.60 per share, for Q1 2024.

How much revenue did Synlogic generate in Q1 2024?

Synlogic generated $0.01 million in revenue for Q1 2024.

What is the cash position of Synlogic as of March 31, 2024?

As of March 31, 2024, Synlogic had cash, cash equivalents, and short-term marketable securities of $32.3 million.

What strategic alternatives is Synlogic exploring?

Synlogic is exploring potential acquisitions, mergers, business combinations, or other strategic transactions to maximize shareholder value.

What were Synlogic's research and development expenses in Q1 2024?

Research and development expenses were $7.7 million for Q1 2024.

Why did Synlogic incur restructuring charges in Q1 2024?

Synlogic incurred $28.2 million in restructuring charges due to the discontinuation of its Synpheny-3 study.

How did Synlogic's general and administrative expenses change in Q1 2024?

General and administrative expenses were reduced to $2.9 million from $4.0 million in Q1 2023.

What was Synlogic's revenue in Q1 2023 compared to Q1 2024?

Synlogic's revenue was $0.2 million in Q1 2023 compared to $0.01 million in Q1 2024.

Is there any assurance of Synlogic's strategic review resulting in a transaction?

There is no assurance that Synlogic's strategic review will result in any transaction.

Synlogic, Inc.

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