Syros Reports First Quarter 2020 Financial Results and Highlights Recent Accomplishments and Anticipated Milestones

On May 7, 2020 Syros Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:SYRS), a leader in the development of medicines that control the expression of genes, reported financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 and provided an update on recent accomplishments and upcoming events (Press release, Syros Pharmaceuticals, MAY 7, 2020, View Source [SID1234557356]).

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"While COVID-19 has created tremendous uncertainty across the globe, it has also reminded us of the critical importance of medical innovation," said Nancy Simonian, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Syros. "Over the last few months, we have focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of our employees and our community, while continuing to advance our ongoing clinical trials and critical earlier-stage research. There is no playbook for what we are going through, and I am extremely proud of the dedication, creativity and flexibility our team has shown during this time. Thanks to their efforts, we recently completed enrollment in our Phase 2 trial cohort evaluating SY-1425 in combination with azacitidine in RARA-positive relapsed or refractory AML patients. We remain on track to report data from this cohort and mature data on SY-1425 from our cohort in newly diagnosed AML patients, as well as initial dose-escalation data from the Phase 1 trial of SY-5609, all in the fourth quarter. While these are difficult times, we have a strong foundation and a strong team, and I am confident we will adapt to the challenges ahead as we pursue our mission of delivering medicines that provide a profound benefit for patients."

Anticipated Milestones:

SY-1425

Report potential proof-of-concept data in the fourth quarter of 2020 from the ongoing, fully enrolled Phase 2 trial cohort evaluating SY-1425 in combination with azacitidine in RARA-positive relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients.
Report mature data in the fourth quarter of 2020 from the ongoing, fully enrolled Phase 2 trial cohort evaluating SY-1425 in combination with azacitidine in newly diagnosed AML patients who are not suitable candidates for standard chemotherapy.
SY-5609

Present new preclinical data on the anti-tumor activity of SY-5609 in models of colorectal cancer, as well as details on the design of its ongoing Phase 1 trial, at the Virtual 2020 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting.
Report initial safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data in the fourth quarter of 2020 from the dose-escalation portion of the ongoing Phase 1 trial evaluating SY-5609 in patients with breast, colorectal, lung and ovarian cancers, as well as in patients with solid tumors of any histology that harbor Rb pathway alterations.
Report additional dose-escalation data, including clinical activity data, in mid-2021.
Preclinical Pipeline

Nominate next development candidate by the end of 2021.
First Quarter 2020 Financial Results:

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of March 31, 2020 were $121.9 million, compared with $91.4 million on December 31, 2019. This increase reflects the $20 million upfront payment received in connection with Syros’ entry into a collaboration with Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc. (GBT) in December 2019, the $20 million that Syros drew down from its senior secured loan facility with Oxford Finance, LLC in February 2020, and $12.3 million from the sale of common stock under Syros’ at-the-market sales facility in the first quarter.

For the first quarter of 2020, Syros reported a net loss of $17.2 million, or $0.39 per share, compared to a net loss of $16.5 million, or $0.49 per share, for the same period in 2019.

Revenues were $2.4 million for the first quarter of 2020, compared to $0.5 million for the same period in 2019. In the first quarter of 2020 $2.2 million in revenue was recognized under Syros’ collaboration with GBT and $0.2 million was recognized under its collaboration with Incyte Corporation (Incyte). All revenues recognized in the first quarter of 2019 were under Syros’ collaboration with Incyte.
Research and development (R&D) expenses were $14.6 million for the first quarter of 2020, as compared to $12.6 million for the same period in 2019. This increase was primarily attributable to continued advancement of Syros’ existing clinical trials and preclinical programs, including its sickle cell disease program.
General and administrative (G&A) expenses $5.1 million for the first quarter of 2020, as compared to $4.9 million for the same period in 2019. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in employee-related costs, including salary, benefits and stock-based compensation due to our increased headcount.
Financial Guidance:

Based on its current plans, Syros believes that its existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities will be sufficient to fund its planned operating expenses and capital expenditures requirements into 2022, beyond key milestones expected for both SY-1425 and SY-5609.

Conference Call and Webcast:

Syros will host a conference call today at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss these first quarter 2020 financial results and provide a corporate update.

To access the live conference call, please dial (866) 595-4538 (domestic) or (636) 812-6496 (international) and refer to conference ID 1585949. A webcast of the call will also be available on the Investors & Media section of the Syros website at www.syros.com. An archived replay of the webcast will be available for approximately 30 days following the call.

Moderna Reports First Quarter 2020 Financial Results and Provides Business Updates

On May 7, 2020 Moderna, Inc. (Nasdaq: MRNA), a clinical stage biotechnology company pioneering messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics and vaccines to create a new generation of transformative medicines for patients, reported financial results and provided business updates for the first quarter of 2020 and highlighted pipeline progress (Press release, Moderna Therapeutics, MAY 7, 2020, View Source [SID1234557355]).

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"The imminent Phase 2 study start is a crucial step forward as we continue to advance the clinical development of mRNA-1273, our vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2. With the goal of starting the mRNA-1273 pivotal Phase 3 study early this summer, Moderna is now preparing to potentially have its first BLA approved as soon as 2021. We are accelerating manufacturing scale-up and our partnership with Lonza puts us in a position to make and distribute as many vaccine doses of mRNA-1273 as possible, should it prove to be safe and effective," said Stéphane Bancel, Moderna’s Chief Executive Officer. "We also are continuing to progress our development pipeline and invest in our future. We are very pleased with Vertex’s decision, based on our preclinical progress, to extend our strategic collaboration working to develop the technology to allow for delivery of mRNA in the lung."

New updates and recent progress include:

Infectious Diseases

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) completed its review of the Company’s Investigational New Drug (IND) application for its novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19) vaccine candidate (mRNA-1273) allowing it to proceed to Phase 2 study, expected to begin shortly; finalizing protocol for Phase 3 study of mRNA-1273, expected to begin in early summer of 2020
Positive interim results announced from Phase 1 Zika vaccine candidate (mRNA-1893) study
Oncology

Positive data from the monotherapy arm of the Phase 1/2 study of OX40L (mRNA-2416) presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Virtual Annual Meeting
Rare Diseases

Due to COVID-19, enrollment and new site initiation paused for methylmalonic acidemia (MMA; mRNA-3704) and propionic acidemia (PA; mRNA-3927) clinical trials. During the pause, the Company is implementing changes that the Company believes will ultimately help to accelerate clinical development
Given current strategic priorities, the Fabry disease program (mRNA-3630) is being discontinued
Research Update

In March 2020, based on promising preclinical data generated to date, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. extended the conduct of the initial cystic fibrosis (CF) research plan for an additional 18 months by making an additional payment to Moderna
Moderna currently has 23 mRNA development candidates in its portfolio with 13 in clinical studies. Across Moderna’s pipeline, more than 1,900 participants have been enrolled in clinical studies. The Company’s updated pipeline can be found at www.modernatx.com/pipeline. Moderna and collaborators have published more than 45 peer-reviewed papers.

Summary of Program Highlights by Modality

Core Modalities

Prophylactic Vaccines: Moderna is developing vaccines against viral diseases where there is unmet medical need – including complex vaccines with multiple antigens for common diseases, as well as vaccines against threats to global public health. The Company’s global public health portfolio is focused on epidemic and pandemic diseases for which funding has been sought from governments and non-profit organizations.

Infections transmitted from mother to baby

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) vaccine (mRNA-1647): In March, Moderna announced completion of enrollment for the Phase 2 dose-confirmation study of mRNA-1647. The first Phase 2 interim analysis is expected in the third quarter of 2020. Manufacturing and planning are underway for the pivotal Phase 3 study, which is designed to evaluate the efficacy of mRNA-1647 against primary CMV infection in women of childbearing age and is expected to start in 2021. Moderna owns worldwide commercial rights for mRNA-1647.
Zika virus vaccine (mRNA-1893): The 10 µg, 30 µg and 100 µg cohorts in the Phase 1 study of mRNA-1893 have completed enrollment. In April 2020, Moderna announced positive interim Phase 1 data showing the 10 µg and 30 µg dose levels of mRNA-1893 induced a neutralizing antibody response in both flavivirus infection-naïve (seronegative) participants and in participants with pre-existing flavivirus antibodies (seropositive) following a two-dose vaccination schedule given 28 days apart. The 10 µg and 30 µg dose levels were both generally well-tolerated, and there were no vaccine-related serious adverse events (SAEs) or adverse events of special interest (AESI). The most frequent solicited adverse reaction was local pain at the injection site. The safety profile did not appear affected by the second vaccination nor a flavivirus-positive baseline serostatus. mRNA-1893 is being developed in collaboration with the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Moderna owns worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-1893.
Vaccines against respiratory infections

Novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine (mRNA-1273): The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) completed its review of the Company’s Investigational New Drug (IND) application for its novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19) vaccine candidate (mRNA-1273) allowing it to proceed to the Phase 2 study. A 600 participant Phase 2 study is expected to begin shortly. The Company is finalizing the protocol for the Phase 3 study, which is expected to begin in the early summer of 2020.
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and parainfluenza type 3 (PIV3) vaccine (mRNA-1653): Due to the pandemic, the Company previously decided to pause new enrollment of participants in the ongoing hMPV/PIV3 study (mRNA-1653), which had been actively enrolling seropositive pediatric participants (12-36 months of age). The Company intends to work with appropriate medical and site personnel to determine when to resume new enrollment. Moderna owns worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-1653.
Pediatric respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine (mRNA-1345): mRNA-1345 is a vaccine against RSV in young children encoding for a prefusion F glycoprotein, which elicits a superior neutralizing antibody response compared to the postfusion state. The Company intends to combine mRNA-1345 with mRNA-1653, its vaccine against hMPV and PIV3, to create a combination vaccine against RSV, hMPV and PIV3. There is no approved vaccine for RSV. Moderna owns worldwide commercial rights to the combined mRNA-1345/mRNA-1653 vaccine.
RSV vaccine (mRNA-1172 or V172): The Phase 1 study of mRNA-1172 led by Merck is ongoing. Moderna has licensed worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-1172 to Merck.
Influenza H7N9 vaccine (mRNA-1851): Discussions regarding funding the Company’s influenza H7N9 vaccine program through approval are ongoing.
Vaccines against highly prevalent viral infections

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) vaccine (mRNA-1189): mRNA-1189 is a vaccine against EBV containing five mRNAs that encode viral proteins (gp350, gB, gp42, gH and gL) in EBV. Similar to Moderna’s CMV vaccine (mRNA-1647), the viral proteins in mRNA-1189 are expressed in their native membrane-bound form for recognition by the immune system. There is no approved vaccine for EBV. Moderna owns worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-1189.
Systemic Secreted & Cell Surface Therapeutics: In this modality, mRNA is delivered systemically to create proteins that are either secreted or expressed on the cell surface.

Antibody against the chikungunya virus (mRNA-1944): Moderna has been notified that the enrollment of further subjects in the Phase 1 study of mRNA-1944 has been paused by the site due to the impact of COVID-19. Moderna owns worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-1944.
IL-2 (mRNA-6231): mRNA-6231 is an mRNA encoding for a long-acting tolerizing IL-2. This new autoimmune development candidate is designed to preferentially activate and expand the regulatory T cell population. The Company plans to conduct a Phase 1 study of mRNA-6231 in healthy adult volunteers. mRNA-6231 uses the same LNP formulation as mRNA-1944. The Phase 1 study of mRNA-6231 will be the first clinical demonstration of subcutaneous administration of this delivery technology. Moderna owns worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-6231.
PD-L1 (mRNA-6981): mRNA-6981 is an mRNA encoding for PD-L1. This new autoimmune development candidate is designed to augment cell surface expression of PD-L1 on myeloid cells to provide co-inhibitory signals to self-reactive lymphocytes. As an initial step to addressing a range of autoimmune indications, the Company intends to pursue proof-of-concept in a Phase 1 study of mRNA-6981 in type 1 autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), a condition that involves liver inflammation and can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. mRNA-6981 uses the same LNP formulation as mRNA-1944. Moderna owns worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-6981.
Relaxin (AZD7970): Partnered with AstraZeneca, AZD7970 is in preclinical development for the treatment of heart failure. Under the terms of the collaboration, AstraZeneca would sponsor the Phase 1 trial to assess safety, tolerability and duration of systemic exposure to the Relaxin protein. Moderna shares worldwide commercial rights to AZD7970 with AstraZeneca.
Fabry disease (mRNA-3630): Given current strategic priorities, the Fabry disease program (mRNA-3630) is being discontinued.
Publication of note: In April, in collaboration with Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Moderna published preclinical data in Molecular Therapy Nucleic Acids showing administration of mRNA encoding the factor VIII (FVIII) protein led to rapid and prolonged FVIII expression in mouse models of Hemophilia A. This work is part of Moderna’s research to explore the potential of mRNA therapy across various rare diseases.
Exploratory Modalities

Cancer Vaccines: These programs focus on stimulating a patient’s immune system with antigens derived from tumor-specific mutations to enable the immune system to elicit a more effective anti-tumor response.

Personalized cancer vaccine (PCV) (mRNA-4157): The randomized Phase 2 study investigating a 1 mg dose of mRNA-4157 in combination with Merck’s pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA), compared to pembrolizumab alone, for the adjuvant treatment of high-risk resected melanoma is ongoing. The Phase 1 study is ongoing. The Company is evaluating the impact of COVID-19 related challenges that are leading to delays in enrollment. Moderna shares worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-4157 with Merck.
KRAS vaccine (mRNA-5671 or V941): The Phase 1 open-label, multi-center study to evaluate the safety and tolerability of mRNA-5671 both as a monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab, led by Merck, is ongoing. Moderna shares worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-5671 with Merck.
Intratumoral Immuno-Oncology: These programs aim to drive anti-cancer T cell responses by injecting mRNA therapies directly into tumors.

OX40L (mRNA-2416): The Phase 1/2 study of mRNA-2416 alone and in combination with durvalumab (IMFINZI) is ongoing. The Company is evaluating the impact of COVID-19-related challenges that are leading to delays in enrollment. Moderna owns worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-2416.
Presentation of Note: Data from the monotherapy arm of the Phase 1/2 study of OX40L (mRNA-2416) were presented at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Virtual Annual Meeting showing that mRNA-2416 was well-tolerated at all dose levels studied with the majority of adverse events reported as grade 1 and 2; no grade 3 adverse events were reported. Best overall response observed was stable disease in 14/39 patients with 6 of these patients at stable disease for >14 weeks. Patients treated with monotherapy mRNA-2416 showed increased OX40L protein expression, upregulation of PD-L1 levels and evidence of increased pro-inflammatory activity demonstrating proof of mechanism and supporting the evaluation of intratumoral mRNA-2416 with the anti-PD-L1 inhibitor durvalumab in solid tumors, which is ongoing in Part B of this study with a focus on advanced ovarian carcinoma.
OX40L/IL-23/IL-36γ (Triplet) (mRNA-2752): The Phase 1 trial evaluating mRNA-2752 as a single agent and in combination with durvalumab in patients with advanced solid tumor malignancies and lymphoma is ongoing. mRNA-2752 is an investigational mRNA immuno-oncology therapy that encodes a novel combination of three immunomodulators. The Company is evaluating the impact of COVID-19-related challenges that are leading to delays in enrollment. Moderna owns worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-2752.
IL-12 (MEDI1191): The Phase 1 open-label, multi-center study of intratumoral injections of MEDI1191 alone and in combination with durvalumab in patients with advanced solid tumors, led by AstraZeneca, is ongoing. MEDI1191 is an mRNA encoding for IL-12, a potent immunomodulatory cytokine. Moderna shares worldwide commercial rights to MEDI1191 with AstraZeneca.
Localized Regenerative Therapeutics: Localized production of proteins has the potential to be used as a regenerative medicine for damaged tissues.

VEGF-A (AZD8601): The Phase 2a study of AZD8601 for VEGF-A for ischemic heart disease in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery with moderately impaired systolic function, led by AstraZeneca, is ongoing at one site. Moderna has licensed worldwide commercial rights to AZD8601 to AstraZeneca.
Systemic Intracellular Therapeutics: These programs aim to deliver mRNA into cells within target organs as a therapeutic approach for diseases caused by a missing or defective protein.

Methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) (mRNA-3704): Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Moderna previously decided to pause new enrollment and new site initiation for its Phase 1/2 study of mRNA-3704 to ensure the safety of these pediatric patients and their caregivers. No patients have been dosed to date. During the pause, the Company is implementing changes that the Company believes will ultimately help to accelerate clinical development. mRNA-3704 uses the same LNP formulation as mRNA-1944. Moderna owns worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-3704.
Propionic acidemia (PA) (mRNA-3927): Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Moderna previously decided to pause new enrollment and new site initiation for its Phase 1/2 study of mRNA-3927 to ensure the safety of these pediatric patients and their caregivers. No patients have been dosed to date. During the pause, the Company is implementing changes that the Company believes will ultimately help to accelerate clinical development. mRNA-3927 uses the same LNP formulation as mRNA-1944. Moderna owns worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-3927.
MMA and PA Natural History Study (MaP): This is a global, multi-center, non-interventional study for patients with confirmed diagnosis of MMA due to MUT deficiency or PA and is designed to identify and correlate clinical and biomarker endpoints for these disorders. Enrollment in the study has been completed.
Phenylketonuria (PKU) (mRNA-3283): Individuals with PKU have a deficiency in phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) resulting in a reduced or complete inability to metabolize the essential amino acid phenylalanine into tyrosine. mRNA-3283 encodes human PAH to restore the deficient or defective intracellular enzyme activity in patients with PKU. mRNA-3283 is in preclinical development. Moderna owns worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-3283.
Glycogen storage disease type 1a (GSD1a) (mRNA-3745): Individuals with GSD1a have a deficiency in glucose-6-phosphatase resulting in pathological blood glucose imbalance. mRNA-3745 is an IV-administered mRNA encoding human G6Pase enzyme, designed to restore the deficient or defective intracellular enzyme activity in patients with GSD1a. mRNA-3745 is in preclinical development. Moderna owns worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-3745.
Information about each development candidate in Moderna’s pipeline, including those discussed in this press release, can be found on the investor relations page of its website: investors.modernatx.com.

Research Update

Vertex cystic fibrosis research collaboration: In July 2016, Moderna and Vertex announced an exclusive research collaboration and licensing agreement aimed at the discovery and development of mRNA therapeutics for the treatment of CF. In July 2019, Vertex elected to extend the initial research period by six months. Based on promising preclinical work to date, in March 2020 Vertex extended this collaboration through August 2021 with options to extend further based on future progress. Pulmonary mRNA delivery represents a potential new route of administration for Moderna.
Management Updates

Moderna’s Chief Financial Officer, Lorence Kim, M.D., will be leaving the Company in August after six years of service. The Company has retained Russell Reynolds to recruit for a new CFO with public company, global and commercial experience as the Company scales up to file several biologics license applications (BLAs) over the next few years with the Company’s first potential launch, for its SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, as soon as 2021.

"I would like to thank Lorence for his tremendous impact on Moderna’s success over the last six years. Lorence brought unique skills with a medical degree and financial market experience, which has helped us build our financial foundation. His leadership and contributions were vital in helping Moderna get to where we are today. I have enjoyed having him as my partner and wish him all the best as he embarks on the next leg of his successful career," said Stéphane Bancel.
Charbel Haber, M.P.H., Ph.D. joined Moderna on April 21 as SVP, Regulatory Affairs joining from Biogen where he served as Vice President, Global Safety and Regulatory Sciences since 2017. Prior to Biogen, Dr. Haber was Head, Global Regulatory Affairs-Immunology and Neurology at EMD Serono, Inc. Dr. Haber brings significant global regulatory experience and led numerous successful regulatory development and registration of drugs in different modalities and disease areas.
Jacqueline Miller, M.D., FAAP will join Moderna on May 11 as SVP, Infectious Disease Development. Dr. Miller joins the Company from GlaxoSmithKline where she held a variety of leadership roles since 2005. Most recently, Dr. Miller was the Vice President and Head, Clinical R&D and Epidemiology where she built and led the clinical and epidemiology research teams at the first GSK vaccines research and development center in the U.S.
Patrick Bergstedt will join Moderna on June 1 as SVP, Commercial Vaccines. Prior to Moderna, Mr. Bergstedt held various progressive leadership positions with the Infectious Diseases and Global Human Health groups at Merck & Co, Inc. since 2001. Mr. Bergstedt most recently served as Head of Global Marketing & Commercial Operations: Vaccines at Merck where he led global initiatives with a focus on revenue growth and access expansion, and played a pivotal role in the transformation of the vaccines business.

"We are excited to welcome these three new senior leaders, who bring extensive clinical development, regulatory and commercial experience, as we begin to pivot towards late-stage development and commercialization," said Stéphane Bancel.
Corporate Updates

The Company hosted its first Vaccines Day on April 14, 2020.
Financial Guidance

The Company has up to $2.4 billion to invest, including cash and investments of $1.7 billion and up to $0.7 billion in potentially available grants and awards.
In 2020, the Company expects net cash used in operating activities and for purchases of property and equipment to be approximately $500 million.
While the Company expects to incur significant expenses this year in relation to the BARDA award for the development of mRNA-1273 to FDA licensure and manufacturing process scale-up, the Company expects in general a close matching of expenses and reimbursements for those expenses covered by the BARDA award.
Key 2020 Investor and Analyst Event Dates

Science Day – June 2 (virtual)
R&D Day – September 17
First Quarter 2020 Financial Results (Unaudited)

Cash Position: Cash, cash equivalents and investments as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were $1.7 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively.
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities: Net cash used in operating activities was $106.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $144.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. Net cash used in operating activities includes $22.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, of in-licensing payments to Cellscript, LLC and its affiliate, mRNA RiboTherapeutics, Inc., to sublicense certain patent rights. After the first quarter of 2019, the Company has no further in-licensing payment obligations to Cellscript and its affiliate.
Cash Used for Purchases of Property and Equipment: Cash used for purchases of property and equipment was $6.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $7.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019.
Revenue: Total revenue was $8.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $16.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The total revenue decrease in 2020 was mainly attributable to cumulative catch-up adjustments in revenue due to changes in estimated costs for our future performance obligations under the collaboration agreements with Merck and AstraZeneca, and a decrease in revenue from Merck, primarily driven by the timing of amortization of deferred revenue due to the satisfaction of the Company’s performance obligation.
Research and Development Expenses: Research and development expenses were $115.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $130.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The decrease was primarily attributable to decreases in lab supplies and materials, clinical trial and manufacturing costs, consulting and outside services, partially offset by increases in personnel related costs, depreciation and amortization and stock-based compensation.
General and Administrative Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $24.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $27.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The decrease was mainly due to a decrease in legal related costs and consulting and outside services.
Net Loss: Net loss was $124.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $132.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019.
Investor Call and Webcast Information

Moderna will host a live conference call and webcast at 8:00 a.m. ET on Thursday, May 7, 2020. To access the live conference call, please dial 866-922-5184 (domestic) or 409-937-8950 (international) and refer to conference ID 6698719. A webcast of the call will also be available under "Events and Presentations" in the Investors section of the Moderna website at investors.modernatx.com. A replay of the webcast will be archived on Moderna’s website for one year following the presentation.

Aldeyra Therapeutics Reports First-Quarter 2020 Financial Results and Announces New Clinical Programs

On May 7, 2020 Aldeyra Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALDX) (Aldeyra), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of novel therapies with the potential to improve the lives of patients with immune-mediated diseases, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020, announced new clinical trials in systemic inflammatory diseases, and provided an update on ocular disease programs (Press release, Aldeyra Therapeutics, MAY 7, 2020, View Source [SID1234557354]).

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"Based on the success of the novel RASP inhibitor ADX-629 in Phase 1 clinical testing, we are pleased to announce a new comprehensive clinical initiative in systemic inflammatory diseases, complementing our late-stage pipeline in ocular disease," said Todd C. Brady, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of Aldeyra. "Although the COVID-19 pandemic has affected clinical trial enrollment timelines, our cash position remains strong, and we are extending our projected cash runway guidance into 2022."

New Clinical Programs in Systemic Inflammatory Diseases

Aldeyra plans to assess the activity of ADX-629 in three types of severe inflammation: cytokine release syndrome, autoimmune disease, and allergy. In preclinical models, ADX-629 treatment reduced levels of TH1, TH2, and TH17-related cytokines, suggesting potential activity across a broad array of inflammatory diseases. The timing of clinical trial initiation depends, in part, on restrictions related to COVID-19, the availability of clinical research facilities and staffing, and the ability to recruit patients.

COVID-19 Respiratory Compromise: A Phase 2 clinical trial of ADX-629 is expected in subjects with COVID-19-associated respiratory compromise, defined as hypoxia and pulmonary radiographic involvement, immediately following admission to the hospital. Severe inflammation, characterized in part by cytokine release syndrome, leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome and other conditions that require mechanical ventilation. The clinical trial, contingent on FDA review of information submitted via the Coronavirus Treatment Acceleration Program (CTAP), is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2020.
Autoimmune Disease: A Phase 2a clinical trial of ADX-629 in patients with psoriasis, an autoimmune condition associated with TH1 cytokines, is expected to begin in the second half of 2020.
Allergy: A Phase 2a allergen-challenge clinical trial of ADX-629 in patients with atopic asthma, an allergic inflammatory disease associated with TH2 cytokines, is expected to begin in the second half of 2020.
Late-Stage Ocular Disease Programs

Reproxalap, a first-in-class RASP inhibitor for topical ocular administration, continues to advance towards a new drug application (NDA) filing in allergic conjunctivitis and dry eye disease. The Phase 3 GUARD Trial of ADX-2191, a novel formulation of methotrexate for intravitreal administration, in patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy currently remains active, although enrollment has been significantly delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dry Eye Disease: A Type C meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is scheduled for mid-2020 to discuss remaining NDA requirements for reproxalap in dry eye disease. Reproxalap has demonstrated clinically relevant improvement from baseline in two well-controlled clinical trials: Part 1 of the Phase 3 RENEW Trial announced late last year and a Phase 2 formulation trial announced earlier this year. Dry eye disease remains poorly served by available therapies, and represents one of the largest markets in ophthalmology, affecting an estimated 34 million patients in the United States. Aldeyra plans to provide an update on dry eye disease clinical development plans following receipt and review of FDA feedback.
Allergic Conjunctivitis: Based on delays primarily associated with an extended allergy season, results from the Phase 3 INVIGORATE Trial of reproxalap are currently expected in the first half of 2021. Based on the successful Phase 3 ALLEVIATE Trial announced in 2019, and assuming continued clinical success and positive regulatory review, reproxalap has the potential to be the first new mechanistic approach in decades for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. The current therapeutic landscape of allergic conjunctivitis is generally limited to antihistamines, which do not lead to satisfactory activity in up to one-third of patients, and corticosteroids, which cannot be used chronically due to potentially serious adverse events. Allergic conjunctivitis is one of most common ocular surface diseases, affecting an estimated 66 million patients in the United States, and is often associated with dry eye disease.
Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy (PVR): Patient enrollment in Part 1 of the adaptive the Phase 3 GUARD Trial of ADX-2191 for the prevention of PVR has been significantly delayed due to lack of clinical site availability and staffing resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. PVR is a rare but vision-threatening retinal disease associated with recurrent retinal detachments. There is no approved therapy for PVR. Aldeyra expects to update the enrollment and completion timeline by year-end, and is also exploring additional indications for ADX-2191, including primary intraocular lymphoma, a rare but serious ocular cancer that can affect the retina, uvea, optic nerve, and other ocular structures.
Financial Review for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2020

For the quarter ended March 31, 2020, Aldeyra reported a net loss of $9.9 million, compared with a net loss of $15.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2019. Net loss per share was $0.34 for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, compared with $0.58 for the same period in 2019. Losses have resulted from the costs of Aldeyra’s clinical trials and research and development programs, as well as from general and administrative expenses.

Research and development expenses were $6.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, compared with $7.8 million for the same period in 2019. The decrease of $1.2 million is primarily related to the decreases in clinical and preclinical development and manufacturing costs. Expenses for the 2019 period also included $6.6 million of in-process research and development expenses incurred in connection with the acquisition of Helio Vision.

General and administrative expenses were $3.0 million for each of the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019. Increases in personnel related costs, including stock-based compensation, were offset by a decrease in legal and other miscellaneous administrative costs.

For the quarter ended March 31, 2020, total operating expenses were $9.6 million, compared with total operating expenses of $17.4 million for the same period in 2019.

Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities were $61.4 million as of March 31, 2020. Based on current operating plans, Aldeyra believes that its cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities as of March 31, 2020 will be sufficient to fund currently anticipated operating expenses into 2022, including the completion of the Phase 3 INVIGORATE Trial for reproxalap, as well as the Phase 2 clinical trials of ADX-629 in COVID-19-associated respiratory compromise, atopic asthma, and psoriasis; the commencement of one or more additional clinical trials in dry eye disease, subject to the outcome of the FDA meeting scheduled for mid-year 2020; and the continuation of Part 1 of the adaptive Phase 3 clinical trial in PVR contingent on patient enrollment.

Conference Call & Webcast Information

Aldeyra will host a conference call today at 8:00 a.m. ET to announce new clinical trials in systemic inflammatory diseases, provide an update on ocular disease programs, and report first-quarter 2020 financial results. The dial-in numbers are (866) 211-4098 for domestic callers and (647) 689-6613 for international callers. The Conference ID number is 6982314. Due to the expected high demand on our conference provider, please plan to dial in to the call at least 30 minutes prior to the start time.

A live webcast of the conference call will also be available on the investor relations page of the company’s corporate website at View Source After the live webcast, the event will remain archived on the Aldeyra Therapeutics website for 90 days.

Seres Therapeutics Reports First Quarter 2020 Financial Results and Provides Business Updates

On May 7, 2020 Seres Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: MCRB) reported financial results from the first quarter ended March 31, 2020 and provided an operational update (Press release, Seres Therapeutics, MAY 7, 2020, View Source [SID1234557353]).

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"We were pleased to have recently achieved the important milestone of completing enrollment of our SER-109 Phase 3 ECOSPOR III clinical study in recurrent C. difficile infection, and we look forward to topline results from this study mid-year. In preparation for successful SER-109 clinical data, we are working to prepare for a potential FDA regulatory submission and executing commercial readiness activities," said Eric D. Shaff, President and Chief Executive Officer at Seres. "During the last several months, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges around the world. Amidst the complexity of the current environment, we are very pleased to be advancing toward our Phase 3 data on plan and on time. We continue to monitor the impact on Company operations and are carefully reviewing our development plans, including for our ongoing SER-287 and SER-401 studies. Our objective is to advance these programs toward meaningful, clinically interpretable data readouts as rapidly as possible."

Program Updates and Corporate Highlights

Corporate impact of COVID-19: Seres is closely monitoring how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the Company and a number of actions have been implemented to protect employee safety and continuation of business operations. Administrative employees continue their work from home, while laboratory research and development activity remains ongoing, with modifications made to prioritize employee safety.

SER-109 Phase 3 ECOSPOR III study in recurrent C. difficile infection: SER-109 is an orally-administered, biologically-derived, live microbiome therapeutic candidate designed to restore the depleted, or dysbiotic, gastrointestinal microbiome of patients with recurrent C. difficile infection (CDI).

This first-in-field microbiome therapeutic candidate has been granted Orphan Drug and Breakthrough Therapy designations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

On March 30, Seres reported the completion of enrollment in the Phase 3 ECOSPOR III study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03183128), a multicenter, randomized 1:1, placebo-controlled study in patients with multiply recurrent CDI. ECOSPOR III has enrolled 182 patients.

All enrolled patients are required to undergo a rigorous C. difficile cytotoxin diagnostic test to confirm active CDI, both at entry into the study and to confirm recurrence of C. difficile infection during the study. The primary endpoint of ECOSPOR III is the reduction of CDI recurrence at up to eight weeks following SER-109 administration.

The FDA has issued several safety alerts related to fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and the risk of pathogen transmission including warnings related to multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) and SARS-CoV-2, the virus linked to COVID-19 (including: June 18, 2019 Alert; March 12, 2020 Alert; and March 23, 2020 Alert; April 9, 2020 Alert). Unapproved FMT is widely used under an FDA Enforcement Discretion policy for the treatment of recurrent CDI that is not responsive to standard therapies.

SER-109 is fundamentally distinct from FMT and is comprised of a highly purified consortia of spore-based commensal bacteria and manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) conditions using stringent standards to ensure product quality and consistency. To maximize product safety, Seres utilizes a unique manufacturing process that inactivates numerous potential pathogens, including species of non-spore bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, and viruses such as SARS-CoV-2.

Seres expects to report top-line results from ECOSPOR III in mid-2020. Based on prior discussions with the FDA, Seres believes that ECOSPOR III has the potential to be the single pivotal study supporting product registration; however, this will depend on the strength of the data, and additional safety data may be required.

SER-287 Phase 2b ECO-RESET study in ulcerative colitis: SER-287 is an oral, biologically-derived microbiome therapeutic candidate designed to normalize the gastrointestinal microbiome of individuals with ulcerative colitis.

The SER-287 Phase 2b ECO-RESET induction study in patients with active mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis remains ongoing. COVID-19 has impacted clinical operations and slowed enrollment. Seres has implemented a number of mitigation strategies to continue operational progress, including providing increased clinical support to clinical sites and additional flexibility regarding data capture. The Company is also evaluating various options consistent with the goal of obtaining a high-quality, clinically meaningful dataset.

SER-301 clinical candidate for ulcerative colitis: Seres has nominated SER-301, a rationally designed, fermented microbiome therapeutic as a clinical candidate for ulcerative colitis. Innovative, novel manufacturing methods have been utilized to produce SER-301. The composition includes strains delivered in spore form, as well as strains fermented in non-spore, vegetative form and delivered using enterically-protected technology designed to release in the colon. The consortia of bacteria in SER-301 is designed to modify the microbiome and microbe-associated metabolites in the gastrointestinal tract to modulate anti-inflammatory immune pathways, and improve epithelial barrier integrity in patients with ulcerative colitis.

The Company has initiated clinical development and continues to execute on activities for a SER-301 Phase 1 study in patients with ulcerative colitis. The study is planned to enroll subjects in Australia and New Zealand later this year. Seres is entitled to receive a $10 million milestone payment associated with the Phase 1 SER-301 clinical study initiation from Nestlé Health Science, the Company’s collaborative partner for this program.

SER-401 Phase 1b study in metastatic melanoma: SER-401 is an orally-administered, biologically-derived, live microbiome therapeutic candidate comprising bacteria that reflect the bacterial signature in the gastrointestinal microbiome associated with patient response to checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy.

The ongoing placebo-controlled Phase 1b study, which is supported by the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, is evaluating the potential of SER-401 to improve clinical response to nivolumab, an approved anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor therapy, and will evaluate tumor biopsies and various biomarkers.

SER-155 composition selected: Seres has advanced SER-155, a rationally designed, fermented microbiome therapeutic toward clinical development. SER-155 is designed to prevent mortality due to gastrointestinal infections, bacteremia and graft versus host disease (GvHD) in immunocompromised patients, including in patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. SER-155 is a consortium of bacterial species that incorporates biomarkers from human clinical data and preclinical assessment using human cell-based assays and in vivo disease models. The composition is designed to decrease infection and translocation of antibiotic resistant bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, and modulate host immune responses to decrease GvHD.

The SER-155 program is supported by a CARB-X grant that provides financial and operational support through Phase 1b clinical development. The Company intends to move SER-155 into a Phase 1b study later this year in collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Chief Medical Officer appointment: In April, Series announced that Lisa von Moltke, M.D., FCP, was appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. Dr. von Moltke joins Seres with an extensive career that includes senior leadership positions at Alkermes, Sanofi Genzyme and Millennium Pharmaceuticals/Takeda Oncology.

Board of Directors appointment: In March, Seres announced that Paul Biondi, Executive Partner at Flagship Pioneering, was appointed to its Board of Directors.

Upcoming investor events: Seres plans to hold a webcast conference call on May 27, 2020 with a focus on the SER-109 program ahead of the Phase 3 ECOSPOR III study readout. Further details will be provided closer to the event. The Company also plans to participate in the Jefferies 2020 Healthcare Conference in early June.

Financial Results

Seres reported a net loss of $19.9 million for the first quarter of 2020, as compared with a net loss of $24.3 million for the same period in 2019. The first quarter net loss was driven primarily by clinical and development expenses, personnel expenses and ongoing development of the Company’s microbiome therapeutics platform. The first quarter net loss was inclusive of $8.2 million in recognized revenue associated primarily with the Company’s collaborations with Nestlé Health Science and AstraZeneca.

Research and development expenses for the first quarter of 2020 were $21.7 million, compared with $22.9 million for the same period in 2019. The research and development expenses were primarily related to Seres’ late stage SER-109 and SER-287 clinical development programs.

General and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2020 were $6.1 million, compared with $7.5 million for the same period in 2019. General and administrative expenses were primarily due to headcount, professional fees and facility costs.

Seres ended the first quarter with approximately $75.1 million in cash, cash equivalents and investments compared with $94.8 million at December 31, 2019. Cash resources are expected to fund operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements, excluding net cash flows from future business development activities or potential incoming milestone payments, into the second quarter of 2021.

Conference Call Information
Seres’ management will host a conference call today, May 7, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. ET. To access the conference call, please dial 844-277-9450 (domestic) or 336-525-7139 (international) and reference the conference ID number 9143286. To join the live webcast, please visit the "Investors and Media" section of the Seres website at www.serestherapeutics.com.

A webcast replay will be available on the Seres website beginning approximately two hours after the event and will be archived for approximately 21 days.

Seres also plans to hold a webcast conference call on May 27, 2020 with a focus on the SER-109 program. Further details will be provided closer to the event.

Aldeyra Therapeutics Reports First-Quarter 2020 Financial Results and Announces New Clinical Programs

On May 7, 2020 Aldeyra Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALDX) (Aldeyra), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of novel therapies with the potential to improve the lives of patients with immune-mediated diseases, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020, announced new clinical trials in systemic inflammatory diseases, and provided an update on ocular disease programs (Press release, Aldeyra Therapeutics, MAY 7, 2020, View Source [SID1234557352]).

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"Based on the success of the novel RASP inhibitor ADX-629 in Phase 1 clinical testing, we are pleased to announce a new comprehensive clinical initiative in systemic inflammatory diseases, complementing our late-stage pipeline in ocular disease," said Todd C. Brady, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of Aldeyra. "Although the COVID-19 pandemic has affected clinical trial enrollment timelines, our cash position remains strong, and we are extending our projected cash runway guidance into 2022."

New Clinical Programs in Systemic Inflammatory Diseases

Aldeyra plans to assess the activity of ADX-629 in three types of severe inflammation: cytokine release syndrome, autoimmune disease, and allergy. In preclinical models, ADX-629 treatment reduced levels of TH1, TH2, and TH17-related cytokines, suggesting potential activity across a broad array of inflammatory diseases. The timing of clinical trial initiation depends, in part, on restrictions related to COVID-19, the availability of clinical research facilities and staffing, and the ability to recruit patients.

COVID-19 Respiratory Compromise: A Phase 2 clinical trial of ADX-629 is expected in subjects with COVID-19-associated respiratory compromise, defined as hypoxia and pulmonary radiographic involvement, immediately following admission to the hospital. Severe inflammation, characterized in part by cytokine release syndrome, leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome and other conditions that require mechanical ventilation. The clinical trial, contingent on FDA review of information submitted via the Coronavirus Treatment Acceleration Program (CTAP), is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2020.
Autoimmune Disease: A Phase 2a clinical trial of ADX-629 in patients with psoriasis, an autoimmune condition associated with TH1 cytokines, is expected to begin in the second half of 2020.
Allergy: A Phase 2a allergen-challenge clinical trial of ADX-629 in patients with atopic asthma, an allergic inflammatory disease associated with TH2 cytokines, is expected to begin in the second half of 2020.
Late-Stage Ocular Disease Programs

Reproxalap, a first-in-class RASP inhibitor for topical ocular administration, continues to advance towards a new drug application (NDA) filing in allergic conjunctivitis and dry eye disease. The Phase 3 GUARD Trial of ADX-2191, a novel formulation of methotrexate for intravitreal administration, in patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy currently remains active, although enrollment has been significantly delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dry Eye Disease: A Type C meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is scheduled for mid-2020 to discuss remaining NDA requirements for reproxalap in dry eye disease. Reproxalap has demonstrated clinically relevant improvement from baseline in two well-controlled clinical trials: Part 1 of the Phase 3 RENEW Trial announced late last year and a Phase 2 formulation trial announced earlier this year. Dry eye disease remains poorly served by available therapies, and represents one of the largest markets in ophthalmology, affecting an estimated 34 million patients in the United States. Aldeyra plans to provide an update on dry eye disease clinical development plans following receipt and review of FDA feedback.
Allergic Conjunctivitis: Based on delays primarily associated with an extended allergy season, results from the Phase 3 INVIGORATE Trial of reproxalap are currently expected in the first half of 2021. Based on the successful Phase 3 ALLEVIATE Trial announced in 2019, and assuming continued clinical success and positive regulatory review, reproxalap has the potential to be the first new mechanistic approach in decades for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. The current therapeutic landscape of allergic conjunctivitis is generally limited to antihistamines, which do not lead to satisfactory activity in up to one-third of patients, and corticosteroids, which cannot be used chronically due to potentially serious adverse events. Allergic conjunctivitis is one of most common ocular surface diseases, affecting an estimated 66 million patients in the United States, and is often associated with dry eye disease.
Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy (PVR): Patient enrollment in Part 1 of the adaptive the Phase 3 GUARD Trial of ADX-2191 for the prevention of PVR has been significantly delayed due to lack of clinical site availability and staffing resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. PVR is a rare but vision-threatening retinal disease associated with recurrent retinal detachments. There is no approved therapy for PVR. Aldeyra expects to update the enrollment and completion timeline by year-end, and is also exploring additional indications for ADX-2191, including primary intraocular lymphoma, a rare but serious ocular cancer that can affect the retina, uvea, optic nerve, and other ocular structures.
Financial Review for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2020

For the quarter ended March 31, 2020, Aldeyra reported a net loss of $9.9 million, compared with a net loss of $15.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2019. Net loss per share was $0.34 for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, compared with $0.58 for the same period in 2019. Losses have resulted from the costs of Aldeyra’s clinical trials and research and development programs, as well as from general and administrative expenses.

Research and development expenses were $6.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, compared with $7.8 million for the same period in 2019. The decrease of $1.2 million is primarily related to the decreases in clinical and preclinical development and manufacturing costs. Expenses for the 2019 period also included $6.6 million of in-process research and development expenses incurred in connection with the acquisition of Helio Vision.

General and administrative expenses were $3.0 million for each of the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019. Increases in personnel related costs, including stock-based compensation, were offset by a decrease in legal and other miscellaneous administrative costs.

For the quarter ended March 31, 2020, total operating expenses were $9.6 million, compared with total operating expenses of $17.4 million for the same period in 2019.

Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities were $61.4 million as of March 31, 2020. Based on current operating plans, Aldeyra believes that its cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities as of March 31, 2020 will be sufficient to fund currently anticipated operating expenses into 2022, including the completion of the Phase 3 INVIGORATE Trial for reproxalap, as well as the Phase 2 clinical trials of ADX-629 in COVID-19-associated respiratory compromise, atopic asthma, and psoriasis; the commencement of one or more additional clinical trials in dry eye disease, subject to the outcome of the FDA meeting scheduled for mid-year 2020; and the continuation of Part 1 of the adaptive Phase 3 clinical trial in PVR contingent on patient enrollment.

Conference Call & Webcast Information

Aldeyra will host a conference call today at 8:00 a.m. ET to announce new clinical trials in systemic inflammatory diseases, provide an update on ocular disease programs, and report first-quarter 2020 financial results. The dial-in numbers are (866) 211-4098 for domestic callers and (647) 689-6613 for international callers. The Conference ID number is 6982314. Due to the expected high demand on our conference provider, please plan to dial in to the call at least 30 minutes prior to the start time.

A live webcast of the conference call will also be available on the investor relations page of the company’s corporate website at View Source After the live webcast, the event will remain archived on the Aldeyra Therapeutics website for 90 days.