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

Rhea-AI Summary

ZyVersa Therapeutics (ZVSA) reported Q3 2024 financial results and business updates. The company plans to begin Phase 2a clinical trial for VAR 200 in diabetic kidney disease in Q1-2025. Two obesity proof-of-concept studies with IC 100 are planned, with at least one starting in Q4-2024. The company formed a new Obesity, Metabolic & Inflammatory Disease Scientific Advisory Board in October 2024.

Q3 2024 net losses were $2.4 million, improving 17.3% from Q3 2023. R&D expenses decreased 35.3% to $0.4 million, while G&A expenses decreased 17.7% to $1.8 million. The company raised approximately $3.9 million since Q3-2024 and will need additional financing to support operations.

Positive

• Net loss improved by 17.3% to $2.4 million compared to Q3 2023
• R&D expenses decreased by 35.3% to $0.4 million
• G&A expenses reduced by 17.7% to $1.8 million
• Raised $3.9 million in funding since Q3 2024

Negative

• Cash position of only $0.1 million as of September 30, 2024
• Additional financing needed to support continuing operations
• Operating on month-to-month basis due to cash reserves

Insights

Financial Analyst

The Q3 results reveal significant financial challenges. With only $0.1M in cash and a quarterly net loss of $2.4M, ZyVersa faces immediate funding concerns. While the company reduced losses by 17.3% year-over-year through cost-cutting measures, the current cash position is critically low for a clinical-stage biotech.

The planned clinical trials and IND submissions for both VAR 200 and IC 100 will require substantial capital. Despite raising $3.9M since Q3, this amount appears insufficient to fund the ambitious 2025 pipeline milestones. The company's acknowledgment of needing additional financing through equity, debt, or partnerships signals potential near-term dilution risks for shareholders.

Medical Research Analyst

The dual-program strategy targeting both kidney disease and obesity presents interesting potential but faces significant execution risks. The planned Phase 2a trial for VAR 200 in diabetic kidney disease and the obesity-focused studies for IC 100 represent important validation points. The IC 100 program's unique approach of targeting ASC to inhibit multiple inflammasomes, rather than just NLRP3, could differentiate it in the competitive obesity market.

However, the timeline to meaningful clinical data extends well into 2025, with safety data for IC 100 not expected until H2-2025. The comparison studies against semaglutide are strategically important but ambitious given the company's resource constraints.

KEY BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

• Phase 2a clinical trial for Cholesterol Efflux Mediator™ VAR 200 in patients with diabetic kidney disease expected to begin Q1-2025.
• New Obesity, Metabolic & Inflammatory Disease Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) was formed in October 2024 to support development of Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor IC 100 for obesity with metabolic complications.
• Two obesity proof-of-concept studies with IC 100 in diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse models are planned, which will include assessment of various metabolic parameters. At least one of the studies is targeted to begin Q4-2024.
• IC 100 Investigational New Drug (IND) submission is planned for Q2-2025, and once cleared, will be followed by initiation of a Phase 1 clinical trial in healthy overweight subjects at risk for certain metabolic complications (Q2/Q3-2025), with safety data expected H2-2025.
• Raised approximately $3.9 million from the beginning of Q3-2024 to present.
  

WESTON, Fla., Nov. 14, 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 September 30, 2024, and provides business update.

“We are pleased to announce the progress that ZyVersa has made toward achieving our key near-term development milestones,” 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 begin Q1-2025, with an initial data read-out around mid-year 2025. In preparation for an IND submission for Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor IC 100 and a subsequent Phase 1 trial in healthy overweight subjects at risk for certain metabolic complications, we are initiating two proof-of-concept studies with IC 100 in obesity DIO models. At least one of the studies is expected to begin in Q4-2024. One study will evaluate IC 100 as monotherapy compared to semaglutide, and the other will evaluate IC 100 in combination with semaglutide. Our newly formed Obesity, Metabolic & Inflammatory Disease SAB has been instrumental in designing these two studies to optimize the parameters to be evaluated. We are pleased with the level of scientific evidence from our preclinical program and published third party data that support the potential of IC 100 to control the damaging obesity-driven inflammation and its associated comorbidities. Unlike NLRP3 inhibitors in development for obesity with metabolic complications, IC 100 targets ASC to inhibit multiple inflammasomes, including NLRP3 and AIM2 associated with obesity. More importantly, IC 100 uniquely disrupts the function of ASC specks to attenuate chronic, systemic inflammation leading to obesity comorbidities. We are excited about the promise of our two lead compounds in development to improve health and transform lives. We believe our near-term 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 planned to begin Q1-2025.

• All necessary regulatory preparation has been completed by ZyVersa, our CRO, George Clinical, and our two clinical sites who are gearing up for site initiation and patient recruitment in the new year.
  

INFLAMMASOME ASC INHIBITOR IC 100 FOR OBESITY WITH METABOLIC COMPLICATIONS

IC 100 IND submission planned for Q2-2025, to be followed by initiation of a Phase 1 clinical trial in healthy overweight patients at risk for certain metabolic complications. Safety data expected before year end 2025.

• New Obesity, Metabolic & Inflammatory Disease SAB established to provide expert advice on IC 100’s obesity clinical program.
  • SAB comprised of five top tier experts in the areas of obesity and metabolic diseases, and four world-renowned inflammasome experts and inventors of IC 100 from University of Miami Miller School of Medicine who have provided advisory support for IC 100 since its license.

• Two IC 100 obesity proof-of-concept studies in DIO mouse models designed with expert advice from SAB.
  • One will evaluate IC 100 monotherapy in comparison to semaglutide, and the other will evaluate IC 100 in combination with semaglutide.
  • At least one of the DIO model studies is planned to begin Q4-2024.
  • Data read-outs expected within six months of initiation.
• IC 100 GLP toxicology studies are anticipated to begin Q4-2024/Q1-2025
  

THIRD QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS

Net losses were approximately $2.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, with an improvement of approximately $0.5 million or 17.3% compared to a net loss of approximately $2.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

Based on its current operating plan, ZyVersa expects its cash of approximately $0.1 million as of September 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 approximately $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, a decrease of approximately $0.2 million or 35.3% from the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease of approximately $0.2 million in the costs of manufacturing, pre-clinical costs for IC 100, and clinical costs for VAR 200.

General and administrative expenses were approximately $1.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, a decrease of approximately $0.4 million or 17.7% from the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease is attributable to an approximate $0.1 million decrease in professional fees due to reduced fees of public auditors and legal counsel, an approximate $0.2 million decrease in director and officer insurance due to reduced costs in the second year of being a public company, and an approximate $0.1 million decrease in stock-based compensation as a result of options becoming fully amortized in 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 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, as well as ZyVersa’s ability to successfully complete any such 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
			September 30,				December 31,
			2024				2023
			(Unaudited)
Assets
Current Assets:
	Cash		$	122,921			$	3,137,674
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets			267,494				215,459
		Total Current Assets		390,415				3,353,133
Equipment, net				-				6,933
In-process research and development				18,647,903				18,647,903
Vendor deposit				178,476				98,476
Deferred offering costs				207,130				-
Operating lease right-of-use asset				-				7,839
		Total Assets	$	19,423,924			$	22,114,284
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current Liabilities:
	Accounts payable		$	9,284,631			$	8,431,583
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			2,257,372				1,754,533
	Operating lease liability			-				8,656
		Total Current Liabilities		11,542,003				10,194,772
Deferred tax liability				854,621				844,914
		Total Liabilities		12,396,624				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 September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively			-				-
	Series B preferred stock, 5,062 shares designated, 5,062 shares issued
	and outstanding as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023			1				1
	Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized;
	1,074,203 and 405,212 shares issued at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023,
	respectively, and 1,074,196 and 402,205 shares outstanding as of
	September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively			107				40
	Additional paid-in-capital			118,245,220				114,300,849
	Accumulated deficit			(111,210,860	)			(103,219,124	)
	Treasury stock, at cost, 7 shares at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023,
	respectively			(7,168	)			(7,168	)
		Total Stockholders' Equity		7,027,300				11,074,598
		Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$	19,423,924			$	22,114,284

ZYVERSA THERAPEUTICS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
			For the Three Months Ended								For the Nine Months Ended
			September 30,								September 30,
			2024				2023				2024				2023
Operating Expenses:
	Research and development		$	436,043			$	673,943			$	1,658,030			$	2,950,462
	General and administrative			1,833,578				2,228,735				6,192,205				9,694,097
	Impairment of in-process research and development			-				-				-				69,280,171
	Impairment of goodwill			-				-				-				11,895,033
		Total Operating Expenses		2,269,621				2,902,678				7,850,235				93,819,763
		Loss From Operations		(2,269,621	)			(2,902,678	)			(7,850,235	)			(93,819,763	)
Other Income (Expense):
	Interest (income) expense			131,635				210				131,794				(555	)
		Pre-Tax Net Loss		(2,401,256	)			(2,902,888	)			(7,982,029	)			(93,819,208	)
		Income tax (provision) benefit		-				485				(9,707	)			8,859,762
		Net Loss		(2,401,256	)			(2,902,403	)			(7,991,736	)			(84,959,446	)
		Deemed dividend to preferred stockholders		-				(32,373	)			-				(7,948,209	)
		Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders	$	(2,401,256	)		$	(2,934,776	)		$	(7,991,736	)		$	(92,907,655	)
		Net Loss Per Share
		- Basic and Diluted	$	(2.43	)		$	(30.18	)		$	(9.79	)		$	(1,591.46	)
		Weighted Average Number of
		Common Shares Outstanding
		- Basic and Diluted		988,378				97,252				816,293				58,379

FAQ

What were ZyVersa Therapeutics (ZVSA) Q3 2024 financial results?

ZVSA reported a net loss of $2.4 million in Q3 2024, an improvement of 17.3% compared to Q3 2023. R&D expenses were $0.4 million and G&A expenses were $1.8 million.

When will ZVSA begin its Phase 2a clinical trial for VAR 200?

ZyVersa plans to begin the Phase 2a clinical trial for VAR 200 in diabetic kidney disease in Q1-2025, with initial data expected around mid-year 2025.

What is ZVSA's current cash position and funding status?

As of September 30, 2024, ZVSA had approximately $0.1 million in cash. The company raised $3.9 million since Q3-2024 but needs additional financing to support continuing operations.