Trevena Reports Second Quarter 2024 Results and Provides Business Update

Rhea-AI Summary

Trevena Inc. (Nasdaq: TRVN) reported its Q2 2024 financial results and provided a business update. Key highlights include:

1. TRV045, their novel S1P receptor modulator for neuropathic pain and epilepsy, showed promising preclinical results with sustained long-term analgesic effects and seizure protection.

2. The company completed a $12 million financing, including a $2 million non-dilutive tranche and a $10 million reduction in liabilities.

3. Trevena continues its strategic review of OLINVYK, considering options such as sale, license, or discontinuation of US commercial sales.

4. Q2 2024 financial results showed a net loss of $4.9 million ($0.23 per share), compared to $8.0 million in Q2 2023.

5. Cash and cash equivalents stood at $16.4 million as of June 30, 2024.

Positive

• TRV045 demonstrated sustained long-term analgesic effect and seizure protection in preclinical models
• $12 million financing completed, including $2 million non-dilutive tranche and $10 million liability reduction
• Net loss decreased from $8.0 million in Q2 2023 to $4.9 million in Q2 2024

Negative

• Ongoing strategic review for OLINVYK, considering options including discontinuation of US commercial sales
• Net loss of $4.9 million reported for Q2 2024

Insights

Financial Analyst

Trevena's Q2 2024 results reveal a mixed financial picture. The company's net loss narrowed to $4.9 million ($0.23 per share) from $8.0 million ($0.69 per share) in Q2 2023, indicating improved cost management. However, with only $16.4 million in cash and equivalents as of June 30, 2024, liquidity remains a concern.

The $12 million financing, including a $10 million reduction in liabilities, provides some financial breathing room. The potential for an additional $8 million in milestone payments offers a lifeline, but it's contingent on OLINVYK's performance. The ongoing strategic review for OLINVYK suggests uncertainty about its commercial viability, which could impact future revenue streams.

Medical Research Analyst

The preclinical data for TRV045 is promising, showing potential for sustained long-term analgesic effects in neuropathic pain without receptor desensitization. This is significant as it addresses a key challenge in pain management. The compound's demonstrated efficacy in seizure models also expands its potential therapeutic applications to epilepsy.

However, it's important to note that these are still preclinical results. The transition from animal models to human trials often sees a high attrition rate. While the data is encouraging, investors should temper expectations until clinical trial results are available. The focus on non-opioid therapies aligns with current medical trends, potentially positioning TRV045 favorably if it progresses to later-stage development.

Market Research Analyst

Trevena's strategic pivot towards TRV045 and away from OLINVYK reflects a shift in market dynamics. The non-opioid pain management market is projected to grow significantly, driven by the opioid crisis and increasing demand for safer alternatives. TRV045's potential in both neuropathic pain and epilepsy could tap into substantial market opportunities.

However, the ongoing strategic review of OLINVYK raises concerns. If Trevena decides to divest or discontinue OLINVYK, it could impact near-term revenue prospects. The company's ability to secure partnerships or additional funding for TRV045's development will be crucial. Investors should closely monitor the outcome of the OLINVYK review and any updates on TRV045's progression to clinical trials, as these will be key inflection points for the company's future.

TRV045, novel S1P receptor modulator in development for the treatment of acute and chronic neuropathic pain and epilepsy, demonstrated sustained long-term analgesic effect and differentiated mechanism of action in preclinical models

$12 million financing completed, including non-dilutive $2 million tranche and $10 million reduction in liabilities associated with existing ex-US royalty financing

CHESTERBROOK, Pa., Aug. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Trevena, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRVN), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel medicines for patients with central nervous system (CNS) disorders, today reported its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024 and provided an overview of its recent operational highlights.

“We have continued to advance TRV045 in the second quarter,” said Carrie Bourdow, President and CEO of Trevena. “We believe the most recent data further supports TRV045’s therapeutic potential and differentiated MOA and its potential to address the need for novel, non-opioid therapies for treating neuropathic pain and epilepsy.”

Second Quarter 2024 and Recent Corporate Highlights

• TRV045 preclinical data further supports its therapeutic potential and differentiated mechanism of action. TRV045 showed potential for sustained, long-term analgesic effect in a preclinical model of neuropathic pain, with no evidence of receptor desensitization. TRV045 also demonstrated a statistically significant, dose-dependent increase in measures of seizure threshold and showed seizure protection in validated preclinical models.

• $12 million financing completed, including receipt of non-dilutive $2 million tranche, $10 million reduction in outstanding liabilities, and potential $8 million in OLINVYK US partnering and commercial milestones. In the previously announced amendment to its March 2022 ex-US royalty-based financing with R-Bridge Healthcare Fund, Trevena received a $2 million payment from R-Bridge and is eligible to receive $8 million in future tranches based on the achievement of certain US partnering and commercial milestones for OLINVYK. In addition, the outstanding liability in connection with the Royalty Financing was reduced by $10 million in connection with the Amendment. Trevena previously received $30 million in non-dilutive funding under the Royalty Financing.
  
• OLINVYK strategic review. The Company continues its review of strategic alternatives for OLINVYK. There can be no assurance regarding the schedule for completion of the strategic review process, that this strategic review process will result in the Company pursuing any transaction or that any transaction, if pursued, will be completed. Potential strategic alternatives that may be explored or evaluated include, but are not limited to, a sale, license, divestiture or discontinuation of US commercial sales of OLINVYK.

Financial Results and Other Updates for First Quarter 2024
For the second quarter of 2024, the Company reported a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $4.9 million, or $0.23 per share, compared to $8.0 million, or $0.69 per share in the second quarter of 2023. Cash and cash equivalents were $16.4 million as of June 30, 2024, not including the $2 million in gross proceeds received from R-Bridge in July 2024.

About Trevena

Trevena, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative medicines for patients with CNS disorders. The Company has one approved product in the United States, OLINVYK^® (oliceridine) injection, indicated in adults for the management of acute pain severe enough to require an intravenous opioid analgesic and for whom alternative treatments are inadequate. The Company’s novel pipeline is based on Nobel Prize winning research and includes three differentiated investigational drug candidates: TRV045 for diabetic neuropathic pain and epilepsy, TRV250 for the acute treatment of migraine and TRV734 for maintenance treatment of opioid use disorder.

For more information, please visit www.Trevena.com 

About TRV045

TRV045 is a novel, highly selective sphingosine-1-phosphate subtype 1 (S1P₁) receptor modulator being developed as a potential treatment for acute and chronic neuropathic pain secondary to diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Through a collaboration with the National Institutes of Health, Trevena is also exploring TRV045 as a potential treatment for epilepsy.

S1P receptors are located throughout the body, including the central nervous system, where they are believed to play a role in modulating neurotransmission and membrane excitability.

Trevena’s discovery efforts have identified a family of compounds that are highly selective for the S1P₁ receptor. TRV045 reversed thermal hyperalgesia, a measure of neuropathic pain, in nonclinical models of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. TRV045 was not associated with lymphopenia and produced no changes in blood pressure, heart rate, or respiratory function at or above pharmacologically active doses in nonclinical studies. TRV045 is an investigational product and is not yet approved by the FDA. Subjects in both studies referenced in this press release were enrolled outside of the United States, and the studies were not conducted under the Investigational New Drug Application for TRV045.

About OLINVYK^® (oliceridine) injection

OLINVYK is a new chemical entity approved by the FDA in August 2020. OLINVYK contains oliceridine, an opioid, which is a Schedule II controlled substance with a high potential for abuse similar to other opioids. It is indicated in adults for the management of acute pain severe enough to require an intravenous opioid analgesic and for whom alternative treatments are inadequate. OLINVYK is available in 1 mg/1 mL and 2 mg/2 mL single-dose vials, and a 30 mg/30 mL single-patient-use vial for patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). Approved PCA doses are 0.35 mg and 0.5 mg and doses greater than 3 mg should not be administered. The cumulative daily dose should not exceed 27 mg. Please see Important Safety Information, including the BOXED WARNING, and full prescribing information at www.OLINVYK.com.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE

OF OLINVYK

Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse

Because the use of OLINVYK exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death, assess each patient’s risk prior to prescribing and reassess all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions.

Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression

Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of OLINVYK, especially during initiation or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of OLINVYK are essential.

Risks From Concomitant Use With Benzodiazepines Or Other CNS Depressants

Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of OLINVYK and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.

Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome

If opioid use is required for an extended period of time in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of NOWS, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. Ensure that management by neonatology experts will be available at delivery.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

OLINVYK is an opioid agonist indicated in adults for the management of acute pain severe enough to require an intravenous opioid analgesic and for whom alternative treatments are inadequate.

Limitations of Use

Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, which can occur at any dosage or duration, reserve OLINVYK for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics or opioid combination products]:

• Have not been tolerated or are not expected to be tolerated.
• Have not provided adequate analgesia or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia.

The cumulative total daily dose should not exceed 27 mg.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

OLINVYK is contraindicated in patients with:

• Significant respiratory depression
• Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in absence of resuscitative equipment
• Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus
• Known hypersensitivity to oliceridine (e.g. anaphylaxis)

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

• OLINVYK contains oliceridine, a Schedule II controlled substance, that exposes users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse. Although the risk of addiction in any individual is unknown, it can occur in patients appropriately prescribed OLINVYK. Assess risk, counsel, and monitor all patients receiving opioids.
• Serious, life-threatening respiratory depression has been reported with the use of opioids, even when used as recommended, especially in patients with chronic pulmonary disease, or in elderly, cachectic and debilitated patients. The risk is greatest during initiation of OLINVYK therapy, following a dose increase, or when used with other drugs that depress respiration. Proper dosing of OLINVYK is essential, especially when converting patients from another opioid product to avoid overdose. Management of respiratory depression may include close observation, supportive measures, and use of opioid antagonists, depending on the patient’s clinical status.
• Opioids can cause sleep-related breathing disorders including central sleep apnea (CSA) and sleep-related hypoxemia with risk increasing in a dose-dependent fashion. In patients who present with CSA, consider decreasing the dose of opioid using best practices for opioid taper.
• Profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death may result from the concomitant use of OLINVYK with benzodiazepines and/or other CNS depressants (e.g., non-benzodiazepine sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, other opioids, or alcohol). Because of these risks, reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate, prescribe the lowest effective dose, and minimize the duration.
• Use of OLINVYK for an extended period of time during pregnancy can result in withdrawal in the neonate that may be life-threatening. Observe newborns for signs of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and manage accordingly. Advise pregnant women using opioids for a prolonged period of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available.
• OLINVYK was shown to have mild QTc interval prolongation in thorough QT studies where patients were dosed up to 27 mg. Total cumulative daily doses exceeding 27 mg per day were not studied and may increase the risk for QTc interval prolongation. Therefore, the cumulative total daily dose of OLINVYK should not exceed 27 mg.
• Increased plasma concentrations of OLINVYK may occur in patients with decreased Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 function or normal metabolizers taking moderate or strong CYP2D6 inhibitors; also in patients taking a moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, in patients with decreased CYP2D6 function who are also receiving a moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, or with discontinuation of a CYP3A4 inducer. These patients may require less frequent dosing and should be closely monitored for respiratory depression and sedation at frequent intervals. Concomitant use of OLINVYK with CYP3A4 inducers or discontinuation of a moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitor can lower the expected concentration, which may decrease efficacy, and may require supplemental doses.
• Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia (OIH) occurs when an opioid analgesic paradoxically causes an increase in pain, or an increase in sensitivity to pain. This differs from tolerance where increasing doses are required to maintain the desired effect. Symptoms of OIH include, but may not be limited to, increased levels of pain upon dose increase, decreased levels of pain upon dose decrease, or pain from ordinarily non-painful stimuli (allodynia). These symptoms may suggest OIH only if there is no evidence of disease progression, opioid tolerance, withdrawal, or addictive behavior. If OIH is suspected, carefully consider appropriately decreasing the dose of the current opioid analgesic or opioid rotation.
• Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use (usually greater than one month). Presentation and symptoms may be nonspecific and include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and low blood pressure. If confirmed, treat with physiologic replacement doses of corticosteroids and wean patient from the opioid.
• OLINVYK may cause severe hypotension, including orthostatic hypotension and syncope in ambulatory patients. There is increased risk in patients whose ability to maintain blood pressure has already been compromised by a reduced blood volume or concurrent administration of certain CNS depressant drugs (e.g., phenothiazines or general anesthetics). Monitor these patients for signs of hypotension. In patients with circulatory shock, avoid the use of OLINVYK as it may cause vasodilation that can further reduce cardiac output and blood pressure.  
• Avoid the use of OLINVYK in patients with impaired consciousness or coma. OLINVYK should be used with caution in patients who may be susceptible to the intracranial effects of CO₂ retention, such as those with evidence of increased intracranial pressure or brain tumors, as a reduction in respiratory drive and the resultant CO₂ retention can further increase intracranial pressure. Monitor such patients for signs of sedation and respiratory depression, particularly when initiating therapy.
• As with all opioids, OLINVYK may cause spasm of the sphincter of Oddi, and may cause increases in serum amylase. Monitor patients with biliary tract disease, including acute pancreatitis, for worsening symptoms.
• OLINVYK may increase the frequency of seizures in patients with seizure disorders and may increase the risk of seizures in vulnerable patients. Monitor patients with a history of seizure disorders for worsened seizure control.
• Do not abruptly discontinue OLINVYK in a patient physically dependent on opioids. Gradually taper the dosage to avoid a withdrawal syndrome and return of pain. Avoid the use of mixed agonist/antagonist (e.g., pentazocine, nalbuphine, and butorphanol) or partial agonist (e.g., buprenorphine) analgesics in patients who are receiving OLINVYK, as they may reduce the analgesic effect and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms.
• OLINVYK may impair the mental or physical abilities needed to perform potentially hazardous activities such as driving a car or operating machinery.
• Although self-administration of opioids by patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) may allow each patient to individually titrate to an acceptable level of analgesia, PCA administration has resulted in adverse outcomes and episodes of respiratory depression. Health care providers and family members monitoring patients receiving PCA analgesia should be instructed in the need for appropriate monitoring for excessive sedation, respiratory depression, or other adverse effects of opioid medications.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Adverse reactions are described in greater detail in the Prescribing Information.

The most common (incidence ≥10%) adverse reactions in Phase 3 controlled clinical trials were nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, constipation, pruritus, and hypoxia.

MEDICAL INFORMATION

For medical inquiries or to report an adverse event, other safety-related information or product complaints for a company product, please contact the Trevena Medical Information Contact Center at 1-844-465-4686 or email MedInfo@Trevena.com.

You are encouraged to report suspected adverse events of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

PLEASE see www.OLINVYK.com for full prescribing information including BOXED warning and important safety information

Forward-Looking Statements

Any statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects for the Company, including statements about the Company’s strategy, future operations, clinical development and trials of its therapeutic candidates, plans for potential future product candidates and other statements containing the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “suggest,” “target,” “potential,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “continue,” and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: the expectations surrounding the continued advancement of the Company’s product pipeline; the potential safety and efficacy of the Company’s product candidates and their regulatory and clinical development; the Company’s intention to pursue strategic alternatives for OLINVYK and the ability of any such strategic alternative to provide shareholder value; the expected financial and operational impacts of the Company’s decision to reduce commercial support for OLINVYK; the status, timing, costs, results and interpretation of the Company’s clinical trials or any future trials of any of the Company’s investigational drug candidates; the uncertainties inherent in conducting clinical trials; expectations for regulatory interactions, submissions and approvals, including the Company’s assessment of discussions with FDA; available funding; uncertainties related to continued listing on NASDAQ; uncertainties related to the Company’s intellectual property; uncertainties related to other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of the Company’s therapeutic candidates and approved product; and other factors discussed in the Risk Factors set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and in other filings the Company makes with the SEC from time to time. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company’s views only as of the date hereof. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause the Company’s views to change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, except as may be required by law.

For more information, please contact:

Company Contact:

Bob Yoder
SVP, Chief Business Officer & Head of Commercial Operations
Trevena, Inc.
(610) 354-8840

TREVENA, INC.
Condensed Statements of Operations
(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share data)
		Three Months Ended Jun 30,								Six Months Ended Jun 30,
			2024				2023				2024				2023
Product revenue		$	14			$	21			$	34			$	27
License revenue			311				3,000				311				3,000
Total revenue			325				3,021				345				3,027
Operating expenses:
Cost of goods sold			103				88				191				214
Selling, general and administrative			3,598				5,138				9,443				11,227
Research and development			3,127				3,991				7,092				7,900
Total operating expenses			6,828				9,217				16,726				19,341
Loss from operations			(6,503	)			(6,196	)			(16,381	)			(16,314	)
Other income (expense)			1,612				(1,816	)			3,812				483
Net loss		$	(4,891	)		$	(8,012	)		$	(12,569	)		$	(15,831	)
Per share information:
Net loss per share of common stock, basic and diluted		($0.23		)		($0.69		)		($0.59		)		($1.49		)
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted			21,318,073				11,580,128				21,310,772				10,592,586

TREVENA, INC.
Condensed Balance Sheets
(Unaudited, in thousands)
		June 30, 2024				December 31, 2023
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	16,367			$	32,975
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			1,664				2,230
Total current assets			18,031				35,205
Restricted cash			540				540
Property and equipment, net			1,018				1,195
Right-of-use lease assets			3,354				3,665
Total assets		$	22,943			$	40,605
Liabilities and stockholders’ (deficit) equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable, net		$	1,132			$	2,303
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			3,002				4,239
Current portion of lease liabilities			1,072				1,012
Total current liabilities			5,206				7,554
Loans payable, net			31,527				30,809
Leases, net of current portion			3,875				4,424
Warrant liability			1,292				5,475
Total liabilities			41,900				48,262
Common stock			21				17
Additional paid-in capital			581,652				580,387
Accumulated deficit			(600,630	)			(588,061	)
Total stockholders’ (deficit) equity			(18,957	)			(7,657	)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ (deficit) equity		$	22,943			$	40,605

FAQ

What were Trevena's (TRVN) Q2 2024 financial results?

Trevena reported a net loss of $4.9 million ($0.23 per share) for Q2 2024, compared to $8.0 million in Q2 2023. Cash and cash equivalents were $16.4 million as of June 30, 2024.

What progress has Trevena (TRVN) made with TRV045 in Q2 2024?

TRV045 showed promising preclinical results, demonstrating sustained long-term analgesic effects in neuropathic pain models and seizure protection in epilepsy models, supporting its therapeutic potential and differentiated mechanism of action.

What financing did Trevena (TRVN) complete in Q2 2024?

Trevena completed a $12 million financing, including a $2 million non-dilutive tranche and a $10 million reduction in liabilities associated with existing ex-US royalty financing.

What is the status of OLINVYK for Trevena (TRVN) as of Q2 2024?

Trevena is conducting a strategic review of OLINVYK, considering options such as sale, license, divestiture, or discontinuation of US commercial sales. The outcome and timeline of this review are uncertain.