ZyVersa Therapeutics Reports Second Quarter, 2024 Financial Results and Provides Business Update

Rhea-AI Summary

ZyVersa Therapeutics (Nasdaq: ZVSA) reported Q2 2024 financial results and provided a business update. Key highlights include:

1. Phase 2a trial for VAR 200 in diabetic kidney disease on track to begin H2-2024.
2. Obesity with metabolic complications selected as lead indication for IC 100.
3. IC 100 IND submission planned for Q4-2024, with Phase 1 trial expected to begin Q1-2025.
4. Net loss of $2.8 million, a 96.5% improvement from Q2 2023.
5. R&D expenses decreased by 41.9% to $0.7 million.
6. G&A expenses decreased by 48% to $2.0 million.
7. Cash position of $0.1 million as of June 30, 2024, sufficient for month-to-month operations.

ZyVersa will need additional financing to support ongoing operations and meet stated milestones.

Positive

• Phase 2a trial for VAR 200 in diabetic kidney disease on track to begin H2-2024
• IC 100 IND submission planned for Q4-2024, with Phase 1 trial expected to begin Q1-2025
• Net loss improved by 96.5% to $2.8 million compared to Q2 2023
• R&D expenses decreased by 41.9% to $0.7 million
• G&A expenses decreased by 48% to $2.0 million
• Raised approximately $0.8 million from exercise of investor warrants

Negative

• Cash position of only $0.1 million as of June 30, 2024
• Additional financing needed to support continuing operations and meet stated milestones
• Operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements funded only on a month-to-month basis

Insights

Financial Analyst

ZyVersa's Q2 2024 results reveal a significant improvement in net losses, decreasing by 96.5% year-over-year to $2.8 million. However, this improvement is primarily due to the absence of a one-time impairment charge from 2023. The company's cash position of $0.1 million is concerning, as it's only sufficient for month-to-month operations. This indicates a critical need for additional financing to support ongoing operations and meet stated milestones.

R&D expenses decreased by 41.9%, mainly due to reduced manufacturing costs for IC 100 and lower payroll expenses. G&A expenses also decreased by 48%, primarily due to the absence of a one-time charge from 2023. While cost reductions are positive, they may impact the company's ability to advance its pipeline rapidly.

The planned clinical trials and IND submission for VAR 200 and IC 100 respectively are promising developments, but their success is contingent on securing additional funding. The company's financial situation poses significant risks to its ability to execute its development plans effectively.

Medical Research Analyst

ZyVersa's pipeline shows promise, particularly with the Phase 2a trial for VAR 200 in diabetic kidney disease set to begin in H2-2024. This represents a significant milestone in addressing a major unmet medical need. The selection of obesity with related metabolic complications as the lead indication for IC 100 is strategically sound, given the growing global obesity epidemic and associated health issues.

The company's focus on inflammasome inhibition through IC 100 is innovative, targeting multiple inflammatory pathways associated with obesity-related complications. The planned preclinical studies, including one evaluating IC 100 with a GLP-1 agonist, could provide valuable insights into combination therapies for obesity management.

The recruitment of expert advisors in obesity and metabolic complications strengthens ZyVersa's scientific approach. However, the company's financial resources may hinder the rapid advancement of these promising candidates. The success of the upcoming trials and ability to meet stated milestones will be important for attracting further investment and partnerships.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Phase 2a clinical trial for Cholesterol Efflux Mediator™ VAR 200 in patients with diabetic kidney disease on track to begin H2-2024.
• Obesity with related metabolic complications selected as lead indication for Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor IC 100.
  • Supportive data from preclinical study in atherosclerosis, a common obesity-related metabolic complication, is expected to be available H2-2024.
• IC 100 Investigational New Drug (IND) submission planned for Q4-2024, to be followed by initiation of a Phase 1 clinical trial in obesity with metabolic complications expected to begin Q1-2025.
• Raised approximately $0.8 million from exercise of investor warrants.

WESTON, Fla., Aug. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZVSA, or “ZyVersa”), a clinical-stage specialty biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class drugs for the treatment of renal and inflammatory diseases with high unmet medical needs, reports financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, and provides business update.

“We are pleased to announce that ZyVersa remains on track to achieve key development milestones over the next 3 quarters,” stated Stephen C. Glover, ZyVersa’s Co-founder, Chairman, CEO, and President. “Our Phase 2a clinical trial with Cholesterol Efflux Mediator™ VAR 200 in diabetic kidney disease is expected to enroll the first patient(s) within the next few months, with an initial data read-out around the end of the year. In preparation for the planned Q4-2024 IND submission and subsequent phase 1 trial for Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor, a lead indication has been selected, obesity with related metabolic complications. This selection was based on unmet needs and IC 100’s mechanism of action substantiated in its robust preclinical program. By inhibiting ASC, IC 100 targets all four inflammasome pathways associated with obesity and related metabolic complications. Importantly, IC 100 disrupts the structure and function of extracellular ASC specks which perpetuate and spread damaging inflammation leading to obesity-related metabolic complications. We believe our milestone achievement will be a key inflection point for ZyVersa that will drive shareholder value.” 

BUSINESS UPDATE

CHOLESTEROL EFFLUX MEDIATOR™ VAR 200 FOR RENAL DISEASE

• Phase 2a clinical trial in diabetic kidney disease is on target to begin H2-2024.
  • Clinical trial agreements have been successfully negotiated with both sites
  • Clinical trial Site IRB submissions have been approved for both sites
  • Clinical product and lab kits are ready to ship
  • Site initiation visits are scheduled
  • Enrollment of first patient(s) is expected in the next few months

INFLAMMASOME ASC INHIBITOR IC 100 FOR INFLAMMATORY DISEASES

• IND submission planned for Q4-2024, to be followed by initiation of a Phase 1 clinical trial in obese patients with metabolic complications expected to begin Q1-2025.
  • IC 100 preclinical study in obesity with associated metabolic complications planned to conclude by year’s end, with a second study evaluating concomitant treatment of IC 100 and a GLP-1 agonist to begin shortly thereafter
  • Supportive data read-out from preclinical study in atherosclerosis expected H2-2024
  • GLP toxicology studies scheduled to begin H2-2024
• ZyVersa has recruited six top-tiered experts in obesity and related metabolic complications for a scientific advisory board, which will be announced in the next few weeks, to guide clinical development plans for IC 100.
• Recently published preclinical study demonstrated that IC 100 attenuates retinal inflammation, abnormal retinal vascularization, and retinal thinning, leading to restored retinal function in an animal model of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
  • ROP is the sixth indication with preclinical data demonstrating that IC 100 attenuates pathogenic inflammasome signaling pathways resulting in reduced inflammation and improved histopathological and/or functional outcomes
  • The other indications are early Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury

• Recently published preclinical study supports the potential of plasma ASC levels as a biomarker for early stages of cognitive decline, reinforcing the role of inflammasome-induced inflammation in the development of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and the potential of inhibiting ASC with IC 100 as a treatment option.
  

SECOND QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS

Net losses were approximately $2.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, with an improvement of $75.7 million or 96.5% compared to a net loss of approximately $78.5 million, for the three months ended June 30, 2023. This large improvement is due primarily to no further impact from our one-time impairment in 2023 of in-process research and development and goodwill.

Based on its current operating plan, ZyVersa expects its cash of $0.1 million as of June 30, 2024, will be sufficient to fund its operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements on a month-to-month basis. ZyVersa will need additional financing to support its continuing operations and to meet its stated milestones. ZyVersa will seek to fund its operations and clinical activity through public or private equity or debt financings or other sources, which may include government grants, collaborations with third parties or outstanding warrant exercises.

Research and development expenses were $0.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, a decrease of $0.5 million or 41.9% from $1.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease of $0.4 million in the costs of manufacturing of IC 100 and a decrease in payroll expenses due to employee attrition of $0.1 million.

General and administrative expenses were $2.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, a decrease of $1.9 million or 48.0% from the three months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease is primarily attributable to a one-time 2023 charge of $1.2 million for common stock granted to certain members of the SPAC merger sponsor in exchange for certain concessions to extend the duration of their holding period. Other reductions include professional fees, marketing costs, director and officer insurance totaling $0.6 million, and a $0.1 million decrease in stock-based compensation as a result of options becoming fully amortized in February 2024.

About ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc.

ZyVersa (Nasdaq: ZVSA) is a clinical stage specialty biopharmaceutical company leveraging advanced proprietary technologies to develop first-in-class drugs for patients with inflammatory or kidney diseases with high unmet medical needs. We are well positioned in the rapidly emerging inflammasome space with a highly differentiated monoclonal antibody, Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor IC 100, and in kidney disease with phase 2 Cholesterol Efflux Mediator™ VAR 200. The lead indication for IC 100 is obesity and its associated metabolic complications, and for VAR 200, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Each therapeutic area offers a “pipeline within a product,” with potential for numerous indications. The total accessible market is over $100 billion. For more information, please visit www.zyversa.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include statements regarding management’s intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations, or forecasts for the future, and, therefore, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc. (“ZyVersa”) uses words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “projects,” “future,” “intends,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “guidance,” and similar expressions to identify these forward-looking statements that are intended to be covered by the safe-harbor provisions. Such forward-looking statements are based on ZyVersa’s expectations and involve risks and uncertainties; consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements due to a number of factors, including ZyVersa’s plans to develop and commercialize its product candidates, the timing of initiation of ZyVersa’s planned preclinical and clinical trials; the timing of the availability of data from ZyVersa’s preclinical and clinical trials; the timing of any planned investigational new drug application or new drug application; ZyVersa’s plans to research, develop, and commercialize its current and future product candidates; the clinical utility, potential benefits and market acceptance of ZyVersa’s product candidates; ZyVersa’s commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy; ZyVersa’s ability to protect its intellectual property position; and ZyVersa’s estimates regarding future revenue, expenses, capital requirements and need for additional financing.

New factors emerge from time-to-time, and it is not possible for ZyVersa to predict all such factors, nor can ZyVersa assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on information available to ZyVersa as of the date of this press release. ZyVersa disclaims any obligation to update such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release, except as required by applicable law.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities.

Corporate, Media, IR Contact

Karen Cashmere
Chief Commercial Officer
kcashmere@zyversa.com
786-251-9641        

ZYVERSA THERAPEUTICS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
				June 30,				December 31,
					2024				2023
				(Unaudited)
Assets
Current Assets:
	Cash			$	119,486			$	3,137,674
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets				521,906				215,459
		Total Current Assets			641,392				3,353,133
Equipment, net					1,733				6,933
In-process research and development					18,647,903				18,647,903
Vendor deposit					178,476				98,476
Operating lease right-of-use asset					-				7,839
		Total Assets		$	19,469,504			$	22,114,284
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current Liabilities:
	Accounts payable			$	8,316,506			$	8,431,583
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities				1,678,322				1,754,533
	Operating lease liability				-				8,656
		Total Current Liabilities			9,994,828				10,194,772
Deferred tax liability					854,621				844,914
		Total Liabilities			10,849,449				11,039,686
Stockholders' Equity:
	Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized:
	Series A preferred stock, 8,635 shares designated, 50 shares issued
	and outstanding as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively				-				-
	Series B preferred stock, 5,062 shares designated, 5,062 shares issued
	and outstanding as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023				1				1
	Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized;
	834,903 and 405,212 shares issued at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023,
	respectively, and 834,896 and 402,205 shares outstanding as of
	June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively				83				40
	Additional paid-in-capital				117,436,743				114,300,849
	Accumulated deficit				(108,809,604	)			(103,219,124	)
	Treasury stock, at cost, 7 shares at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023,
	respectively				(7,168	)			(7,168	)
		Total Stockholders' Equity			8,620,055				11,074,598
		Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity		$	19,469,504			$	22,114,284

ZYVERSA THERAPEUTICS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
			For the Three Months Ended June 30,								For the Six Months Ended June 30,
				2024				2023				2024				2023
Operating Expenses:
	Research and development		$	709,049			$	1,220,576			$	1,221,987			$	2,276,519
	General and administrative			2,044,929				3,929,225				4,358,627				7,465,362
	Impairment of in-process research and development			-				69,280,171				-				69,280,171
	Impairment of goodwill			-				11,895,033				-				11,895,033
		Total Operating Expenses		2,753,978				86,325,005				5,580,614				90,917,085
		Loss From Operations		(2,753,978	)			(86,325,005	)			(5,580,614	)			(90,917,085	)
Other (Income) Expense:
	Interest (income) expense			58				314				159				(765	)
		Pre-Tax Net Loss		(2,754,036	)			(86,325,319	)			(5,580,773	)			(90,916,320	)
		Income tax (provision) benefit		(9,707	)			7,812,226				(9,707	)			8,859,277
		Net Loss		(2,763,743	)			(78,513,093	)			(5,590,480	)			(82,057,043	)
		Deemed dividend to preferred stockholders		-				(7,915,836	)			-				(7,915,836	)
		Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders	$	(2,763,743	)		$	(86,428,929	)		$	(5,590,480	)		$	(89,972,879	)
		Net Loss Per Share
		- Basic and Diluted	$	(3.31	)		$	(1,694.12	)		$	(7.67	)		$	(2,329.76	)
		Weighted Average Number of
		Common Shares Outstanding
		- Basic and Diluted		834,915				51,017				729,306				38,619

FAQ

What are ZyVersa's (ZVSA) key development milestones for 2024?

ZyVersa's key milestones include beginning the Phase 2a trial for VAR 200 in diabetic kidney disease in H2-2024, submitting an IND for IC 100 in Q4-2024, and initiating a Phase 1 trial for IC 100 in obesity with metabolic complications in Q1-2025.

How much did ZyVersa (ZVSA) improve its net loss in Q2 2024 compared to Q2 2023?

ZyVersa improved its net loss by 96.5%, reporting a loss of $2.8 million in Q2 2024 compared to a loss of $78.5 million in Q2 2023.

What is ZyVersa's (ZVSA) cash position as of June 30, 2024?

ZyVersa reported a cash position of $0.1 million as of June 30, 2024, which is sufficient to fund operations on a month-to-month basis.

What is the lead indication for ZyVersa's (ZVSA) Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor IC 100?

ZyVersa has selected obesity with related metabolic complications as the lead indication for its Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor IC 100.