On April 1, 2024 Xilio Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: XLO), a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing tumor-activated immuno-oncology therapies for people living with cancer, reported pipeline progress and business updates and reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023 (Press release, Xilio Therapeutics, APR 1, 2024, View Source [SID1234641662]).

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"With our recently announced partnership with Gilead for XTX301, our tumor-activated IL-12, and additional financing from existing investors, we believe we are well-positioned to continue to advance our differentiated pipeline of tumor-activated I-O therapies and achieve potential near-term clinical milestones and value-drivers," said René Russo, Pharm.D., president and chief executive officer of Xilio. "Looking ahead, we are focused on rapidly advancing clinical development for XTX301 and XTX101, our tumor-activated, Fc-enhanced anti-CTLA-4, with anticipated clinical data for each of these programs later this year, as well as continuing to leverage our novel research platform to design and develop tumor-activated bispecific and immune cell engager molecules."

Pipeline and Business Updates

XTX101: tumor-activated anti-CTLA-4

XTX101 is an investigational tumor-activated, Fc-enhanced, high affinity binding anti-CTLA-4 designed to block CTLA-4 and deplete regulatory T cells when activated (unmasked) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). XTX101 is currently being evaluated in combination with atezolizumab in an ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial in patients with advanced solid tumors.

Xilio today reaffirmed plans to:

● Select a recommended Phase 2 dose for XTX101 in combination with atezolizumab in the second quarter of 2024.
● Subject to the results of the Phase 1 combination dose escalation portion of the trial, initiate the Phase 2 portion of the trial for XTX101 in combination with atezolizumab in patients with microsatellite stable colorectal cancer (MSS CRC) in the third quarter of 2024.
● Report initial Phase 2 data for XTX101 in combination with atezolizumab in approximately 20 patients with MSS CRC in the fourth quarter of 2024 and in approximately 20 additional patients (40 patients total) in the first quarter of 2025.

XTX301: tumor-activated, engineered IL-12

XTX301 is an investigational tumor-activated, engineered IL-12 molecule designed to potently stimulate anti-tumor immunity and reprogram the TME of poorly immunogenic "cold" tumors towards an inflamed, or "hot," state.

In March 2024, Xilio and Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Gilead) announced an exclusive license agreement for Xilio’s tumor-activated IL-12 program, including XTX301. Under the terms of the agreement:

● Xilio is eligible to receive $43.5 million in upfront payments, including a cash payment of $30.0 million and an initial equity investment by Gilead of approximately $13.5 million in Xilio common stock. The initial equity investment closed on March 28, 2024, and the $30.0 million upfront cash payment is payable by Gilead within a specified time period promptly following signing of the license agreement.
● Xilio will be eligible to receive up to $604.0 million in additional contingent payments, including proceeds from up to three additional equity investments by Gilead, a $75.0 million transition fee and specified development, regulatory and sales-based milestones. Xilio will also be eligible to receive tiered royalties ranging from high single digits to mid-teens on annual global net product sales.
● Prior to the potential transition fee, Xilio is eligible to receive up to a total of $29.0 million in additional equity investments and a development milestone payment.
● Xilio will be responsible for conducting clinical development for XTX301 in the ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial through dose expansion. Following the delivery by Xilio of a specified clinical data package for XTX301, Gilead can elect to transition responsibilities for the development and commercialization of XTX301 to Gilead, subject to the terms of the agreement and payment by Gilead of the $75.0 million transition fee. If Gilead elects not to transition responsibilities for development and commercialization of the licensed products and pay the transition fee, then the license agreement will automatically terminate.

For more information, read the press release here.

XTX301 is currently being evaluated in Phase 1 dose escalation in patients with advanced solid tumors.

● In January 2024, Xilio reported encouraging preliminary safety data into the third dose level in the ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial. As of the data cutoff date of January 5, 2024, XTX301 had been administered at doses up to 45 ug/kg, which is nearly 100 times the maximum tolerated dose of recombinant human IL-12, and was generally well-tolerated with no dose-limiting toxicities observed.
● Xilio today reaffirmed plans to report Phase 1 safety, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data for XTX301 in patients with advanced solid tumors in the fourth quarter of 2024.

XTX202: tumor-activated, engineered IL-2

XTX202 is an investigational tumor-activated, beta-gamma biased IL-2 designed to potently stimulate CD8+ effector T cells and natural killer (NK) cells without concomitant stimulation of regulatory T cells when activated (unmasked) in the tumor microenvironment.

● In March 2024, Xilio announced additional data from its Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating XTX202 in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma or unresectable or metastatic melanoma. For more information, read the press release here.
● Together with previously reported data, Xilio believes these additional data further validate the company’s tumor-activated approach and support the broad potential for XTX202 as a combination therapy. Xilio plans to explore strategic opportunities to continue to develop XTX202 in combination with other agents.

Tumor-Activated Bispecific and Immune Cell Engager Programs

In March 2024, Xilio announced plans to focus its research-stage development efforts on tumor-activated bispecifics and immune cell engagers, including tumor-activated cell engagers and tumor-activated effector-enhanced cell engagers.

Preclinical data from the company’s first bispecific program, XTX501, a tumor-activated PD-1/IL-2 bispecific development candidate, will be featured at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2024 in San Diego, California from April 5-10, 2024.

● Presentation title: A tumor-activated PD1/IL2 bispecific molecule, designed to overcome IL-2 receptor-mediated clearance, improve tolerability and stimulate antigen-experienced CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment of murine models
● Session date and time: Sunday, April 7, 2024, at 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm P.T.
● Abstract number: 719
● Poster board number: 5

Corporate Updates

● In March 2024, Xilio announced a private placement equity financing with certain existing accredited investors, including Bain Capital Life Sciences and Rock Springs Capital. Xilio anticipates receiving aggregate gross proceeds from the private placement of approximately $11.3 million, before deducting placement agent fees and expenses payable by the company. The private placement is expected to close on April 2, 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Xilio expects to use the proceeds from the private placement to fund working capital and other general corporate purposes.
● In March 2024, Xilio announced plans to implement a strategic portfolio prioritization designed to focus its resources on rapidly advancing clinical development for XTX301 and XTX101 and leveraging the company’s promising research platform to advance differentiated tumor-activated bispecific and immune cell engager molecules. As part of the strategic portfolio reprioritization, Xilio also announced plans to discontinue further investment in XTX202 as a monotherapy and implement an approximately 21% workforce reduction.

Year-End and Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Results

● Cash Position: Cash and cash equivalents were $44.7 million as of December 31, 2023, compared to $120.4 million as of December 31, 2022.
● Research & Development (R&D) Expenses: R&D expenses were $11.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, compared to $15.0 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2022. R&D expenses were $52.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $59.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The year-over-year decrease was primarily driven by decreases in manufacturing activities, XTX301 preclinical development activities, XTX101 clinical activities and personnel-related costs. These decreases were partially offset by increases in XTX301 and XTX202 clinical activities.
● General & Administrative (G&A) Expenses: G&A expenses were $6.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, compared to $8.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2022. G&A expenses were $27.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $29.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The year-over-year decrease was primarily driven by decreases in professional and consulting fees, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance and stock-based compensation expenses.

● Net Loss: Net loss was $17.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, compared to $22.5 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2022. Net loss was $76.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $88.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Financial Guidance

Based on its current operating plans, Xilio anticipates that its cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2023, together with (i) the $30.0 million upfront payment under the license agreement with Gilead, (ii) the approximately $13.5 million in proceeds from the initial private placement with Gilead, which closed on March 28, 2024, and (iii) the approximately $11.3 million in proceeds from the private placement, which is expected to close on April 2, 2024 (subject to customary closing conditions), and after giving effect to (a) one-time costs and anticipated future cost savings associated with Xilio’s strategic portfolio reprioritization and workforce reduction announced in March 2024 and (b) the repayment in the first quarter of 2024 of the outstanding loan balance under Xilio’s loan and security agreement with Pacific Western Bank, will be sufficient to fund its operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the second quarter of 2025.

About XTX101 (anti-CTLA-4) and the Phase 1/2 Combination Clinical Trial

XTX101 is an investigational tumor-activated, Fc-enhanced, high affinity binding anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody designed to block CTLA-4 and deplete regulatory T cells when activated (unmasked) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In the third quarter of 2023, Xilio entered into a co-funded clinical trial collaboration with Roche to evaluate XTX101 in combination with atezolizumab (Tecentriq) in a multi-center, open-label Phase 1/2 clinical trial. Xilio is currently evaluating the safety and tolerability of the combination in patients with advanced solid tumors in the Phase 1 dose escalation portion of the clinical trial. Subject to the results of Phase 1 combination dose escalation, Xilio plans to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combination in the Phase 2 portion of the clinical trial in patients with microsatellite stable colorectal cancer. Please refer to NCT04896697 on www.clinicaltrials.gov for additional details.

About XTX301 (IL-12) and the Phase 1 Clinical Trial

XTX301 is an investigational tumor-activated IL-12 designed to potently stimulate anti-tumor immunity and reprogram the tumor microenvironment (TME) of poorly immunogenic "cold" tumors towards an inflamed or "hot" state. In March 2024, Xilio entered into an exclusive license agreement with Gilead Sciences, Inc. for Xilio’s tumor-activated IL-12 program, including XTX301. Xilio is currently evaluating the safety and tolerability of XTX301 as a monotherapy in patients with advanced solid tumors in a first-in-human, multi-center, open-label Phase 1 clinical trial. Please refer to NCT05684965 on www.clinicaltrials.gov for additional details.

About XTX202 (IL-2) and the Phase 2 Clinical Trial

XTX202 is an investigational tumor-activated, beta-gamma biased IL-2 designed to potently stimulate CD8+ effector T cells and natural killer (NK) cells without concomitant stimulation of regulatory T cells when activated (unmasked) in the TME. The Phase 2 clinical trial is a multi-center, open-label trial designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of XTX202 as a monotherapy in patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma and metastatic renal cell carcinoma who have progressed on standard-of-care treatment. Please refer to NCT05052268 on www.clinicaltrials.gov for additional details.

On April 1, 2024 Vincerx Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: VINC), a biopharmaceutical company aspiring to address the unmet medical needs of patients with cancer through paradigm-shifting therapeutics, reported that it will host a virtual investor event reviewing preliminary clinical data from its Phase 1 dose-escalation study of VIP236 and provide an update on pipeline progress on Monday, April 8, 2024, at 2 PM PT (Press release, Vincerx Pharma, APR 1, 2024, View Source [SID1234641661]). This will follow the poster presentation of the VIP236 clinical data at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2024.

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The virtual investor event will include presentations by Ahmed Hamdy, MD, CEO of Vincerx Pharma, along with key opinion leaders, Uma Borate, MD, MBBS, Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Hematology at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, and Vivek Subbiah, MD, Chief of Early-Phase Drug Development at Sarah Cannon Research Institute.

To register and view the live webcast, please visit: View Source An archived replay of the webcast will be available on the Vincerx Investor Page website following the conclusion of the live event.

On April 1, 2024 Carisma Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: CARM) ("Carisma" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative immunotherapies, reported financial results for the fourth quarter, and full year ended December 31, 2023, and provided a business update (Press release, Carisma Therapeutics, APR 1, 2024, View Source [SID1234641660]).

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"Clinical data generated with CT-0508 in Study 101 has shown that CAR-M is well-tolerated, feasible to manufacture and biologically active in HER2 positive solid tumors. Combining this data set with the multiple potential advantages we’ve seen preclinically around a monocyte-based approach gives us confidence that CT-0525 may be a significant advancement in CAR-M treatment," said Steven Kelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Carisma. "We have therefore made the decision to focus our resources on the clinical development of the product we believe is best suited to deliver benefit to patients with significant unmet need."

Mr. Kelly continued, "We have also undertaken a careful review of our business and prioritized our other pipeline programs on those with the greatest overall potential and near-term milestones. This prioritization enables us to reduce expenses and streamline operations, including a restructuring of our workforce. I want to express my sincere gratitude to those impacted by the workforce reduction for their invaluable contributions to our mission and their dedication to helping patients."

Reprioritization Plan, Pipeline Updates, and Upcoming Milestones:

Ex Vivo Oncology

· Anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Anti-HER2) Program

o The Company’s goal to identify a registrational profile for the product candidate in its anti-HER2 program in 2025 remains unchanged.

o In Study 101, CT-0508, a chimeric antigen receptor macrophage (CAR-Macrophage), was well-tolerated, remodeled the tumor microenvironment (TME), and induced anti-tumor T cell immunity in patients with HER2 3+ tumors that achieved stable disease, despite suboptimal dose and a patient population with exhausted T cells.

o In late March 2024, Carisma made the decision to prioritize CT-0525, a chimeric antigen receptor monocyte (CAR-Monocyte), as the development candidate in its anti-HER2 program due to the potential for a CAR-Monocyte to have an approximately 2,000-fold increase in total exposure compared to a CAR-Macrophage. As a result, the Company believes that CT-0525 will be able to build on CT-0508’s observed clinical anti-tumor activity.

· CT-0525 (Anti-HER2 CAR-Monocyte)

o In November 2023, Carisma announced the clearance of its Investigational New Drug application (IND) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for CT-0525.

o The Company expects to treat the first patient in the CT-0525 Phase 1 clinical study in the second quarter of 2024 and to report initial data from the study by year-end 2024.

· CT-0508 (Anti-HER2 CAR-Macrophage)

o In September 2023, the Company reported preliminary data from 14 patients in the open label Phase 1 clinical study of CT-0508 (Study 101) designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability and manufacturing feasibility of CT-0508 along with several customary secondary endpoints.

o The Company has also enrolled six patients in a Study 101 substudy evaluating the co-administration of CT-0508 and pembrolizumab, a programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) checkpoint inhibitor, evaluating the safety and tolerability of the co-administration, along with several customary secondary endpoints.

o While the Company will continue all study operations for subjects enrolled in Study 101, it plans to stop recruitment of new patients into the study and its substudies, and expects to report data from the substudy evaluating the co-administration of CT-0508 and pembrolizumab in the second quarter of 2024.

· CT-1119 (Anti-Mesothelin CAR-Monocyte)

o The Company has elected to pause further development of CT-1119 as part of its reprioritization plan, pending additional financing.

In Vivo Oncology

· Oncology (CAR-M + mRNA/LNP; Moderna Collaboration)

o In November 2023, Carisma presented pre-clinical data from its in vivo program demonstrating that chimeric antigen receptor macrophages and monocytes (CAR-M) can be directly produced in vivo, successfully redirecting endogenous myeloid cells against tumor-associated antigens using mRNA/LNP. The data demonstrated feasibility, tolerability, and efficacy of in vivo CAR-M against metastatic solid tumors.

o In December 2023, the Company announced the nomination of the first lead candidate in its collaboration with Moderna Tx, Inc., which will target an antigen present on a solid tumor with significant unmet medical need.

Fibrosis and Immunology

· Liver Fibrosis

o Pre-clinical proof of concept data from the fibrosis program is targeted for the second quarter of 2024.

Corporate Updates

· As a result of the pipeline reprioritization and corporate restructuring, Carisma plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 37% in the second quarter of 2024.

· On April 1, 2024, Carisma announced the appointment of John Hohneker, M.D. to the Board of Directors of the Company, effective April 1, 2024. Dr. Hohneker brings over 30 years of extensive experience in drug development and leadership across the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors. The Company concurrently announced the resignation of Chidozie Ugwumba from Carisma’s Board of Directors, also effective April 1, 2024.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results

· Cash and Cash Equivalents: As of December 31, 2023, Carisma had cash and cash equivalents of $77.6 million.

· R&D Expenses: Research and development (R&D) expenses were $19.4 million and $74.1 million for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023, respectively, compared to $18.1 million and $56.6 million for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The increase of $17.5 million year-over-year was primarily due to a $8.4 million increase in direct costs associated with pre-clinical development of CT-0525, a $4.4 million increase in personnel costs due to growth in research and development employee headcount, a $2.7 million increase in the Company’s facilities and other expenses resulting from increased laboratory space and laboratory supplies from expanded clinical and pre-clinical work, a $1.3 million increase due to costs associated with growth and expansion of pre-clinical activities towards submission of an IND for CT-0525, and a $0.9 million increase in direct costs associated with the pre-clinical development related to CT-1119, partially offset by a $0.2 million decrease in direct costs associated with CT-0508. The Company expects its research and development expenses to decrease in 2024 as it implements the revised operating plan, including a reduction in workforce, prioritization of CT-0525 and a pause in development of CT-1119. The Company expects that its expenses will increase again in future years as it continues to advance its clinical trials and potentially progress additional product candidates.

· G&A Expenses: General and administrative (G&A) expenses were $7.3 million and $29.5 million for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023, respectively, compared to $1.0 million and $9.4 million for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The increase of $20.1 million year-over-year was primarily attributable to a $9.2 million increase in personnel costs and a $7.5 million increase in professional fees. The increase in personnel costs was primarily due to non-recurring severance and other costs associated with the merger with Sesen Bio, Inc. on March 7, 2023 ("Merger") of $4.6 million, and higher personnel costs as a result of an increase in headcount to support operating as a public company of $4.6 million. The increase in professional fees primarily consisted of $5.3 million in costs associated with activities to support the transitioning to and operating as a public company and protecting the Company’s IP portfolio, along with $2.2 million in legal fees and communication fees associated with the Merger. Insurance and taxes increased $2.1 million as a result of costs associated with operating as a public company, such as director and officer insurance. Facilities and supplies increased $0.8 million due to office expenditures resulting from an increased footprint, and other expenses increased $0.5 million. The Company expects that its general and administrative expenses will decrease in 2024 as its 2023 expenses included a significant amount of non-recurring costs related to the Merger and as it implements its revised operating plan, including reducing its workforce and decreasing expenses related to non-essential activities.

· Net Loss: Net loss was $86.9 million and $61.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively.

Outlook

Carisma anticipates that its cash and cash equivalents of $77.6 million as of December 31, 2023, combined with the expected cost savings from implementing the revised operating plan, are sufficient to sustain its planned operations into the third quarter of 2025.

About CT-0525

CT-0525 is a first-in-class, ex vivo gene-modified autologous chimeric antigen receptor-monocyte (CAR-Monocyte) cellular therapy intended to treat solid tumors that overexpress human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). It is being studied in a multi-center, open label, Phase 1 clinical trial for patients with advanced/metastatic HER2-overexpressing solid tumors that have progressed on available therapies. The CAR-Monocyte approach has the potential to address some of the challenges of treating solid tumors with cell therapies, including tumor infiltration, immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment, and antigen heterogeneity. CT-0525 has the potential to enable significant dose escalation, enhance tumor infiltration, increase persistence, and reduce manufacturing time compared to CT-0508.

About CT-0508

CT-0508 is an ex vivo gene-modified autologous chimeric antigen receptor-macrophage (CAR-Macrophage) cellular therapy intended to treat solid tumors that overexpress HER2. It is being evaluated in a Phase 1 multi-center clinical trial that focuses on patients with recurrent or metastatic HER2-overexpressing solid tumors whose cancers do not have approved HER2-targeted therapies or who do not respond to treatment. The Phase 1 clinical trial marks the first time that engineered macrophages are being studied in humans.

On April 1, 2024 RS Oncology reported two abstracts with comprehensive preclinical and translational data in support of their lead clinical oncology compound RSO-021, have been accepted for poster presentations at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper), taking place April 5-10, 2024 in San Diego (Press release, RS Oncology, APR 1, 2024, View Source [SID1234641659]). RSO-021 is a first-in-class peroxiredoxin 3 (PRX3) covalent inhibitor that disables a critical antioxidant defense system in the mitochondria of tumor cells. Results from the completed Phase 1 clinical trial (clinical trials.gov #NCT05278975) will be an oral presentation on June 3rd, at the upcoming ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) meeting in Chicago. Currently patients are being recruited to the Phase 2 dose expansion cohorts of the MITOPE clinical trial.

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"Covalent inactivation of PRX3 by RSO-021 represents a viable anticancer approach by targeting a universal tumor vulnerability of oxidative stress. The results we present at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting will highlight fundamental tumor cell features that are exploitable by this novel treatment." said Brian Cunniff, Chief Scientific Officer of RS Oncology.

Approximately 90% of mesotheliomas and 15-20% of solid tumors present with malignant pleural effusion (MPE) at late stage leaving the patients with poor prognoses and limited options. RSO-021 is a local therapy for patients with MPE arising from mesothelioma or advanced metastatic tumors. "The discoveries presented at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) highlight tumor cell features that are associated with sensitivity to RSO-021, providing a potential strategy to maximize patient response to RSO-021", added George Naumov, Chief Operations Officer of RS Oncology.

Details of the poster presentations:

Title: First-in-class peroxiredoxin 3 (PRX3) inhibitor RSO-021 triggers mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition in mesothelioma

Presenter: Brian Cunniff, CSO of RS Oncology

Session Category and Title: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics – Other Cellular Mechanisms for Anticancer Drug Action

Session Date and Time: Tuesday Apr 9, 2024 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Location: Poster Section 29

Abstract Number: 4716

Title: SLC7A11 modulates sensitivity to the first-in-class mitochondrial peroxiredoxin 3 inhibitor thiostrepton (RSO-021) via a ferroptosis independent pathway

Presenter: Brian Cunniff, CSO of RS Oncology

Session Category and Title: Molecular/Cellular Biology and Genetics- Cellular Stress Responses 1

Session Date and Time: Sunday Apr 7, 2024 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: Poster Section 16

Published Abstract Number: 384

The full abstracts will be published on March 22, 2024, in an online-only proceedings supplement to the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) journal, Cancer Research.

On April 1, 2024 Quince Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: QNCX), a late-stage biotechnology company developing an innovative drug delivery technology designed to leverage a patient’s own biology to deliver rare disease therapeutics, reported an update on the company’s development pipeline and announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 (Press release, Quince Therapeutics, APR 1, 2024, View Source [SID1234641658]).

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"With the acquisition of EryDel S.p.A. in October last year, we have successfully shifted our strategic focus to become a Phase 3 biotechnology company dedicated to securing regulatory approval for our lead product, EryDex, for the treatment of patients with Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T)," said Dirk Thye, M.D., Quince’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer. "With $75.1 million cash on hand, we expect to have sufficient funding to complete our Phase 3 clinical trial, in addition to supporting the expansion of EryDex into other indications and our Autologous Intracellular Drug Encapsulation (AIDE) technology platform into new products. By pioneering the delivery of drugs encapsulated in a patient’s own red blood cells, we are working to redefine the standard of care, first for chronic corticosteroid therapy, and later for other drugs, that will meaningfully improve the quality of life for rare disease patients."

Pivotal Phase 3 NEAT Clinical Trial

Completed the majority of study start up activities related to the company’s pivotal Phase 3 NEAT (Neurologic Effects of EryDex on Subjects with A-T; IEDAT-04-2022/NCT06193200) clinical trial.
NEAT is an international, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the neurological effects of the company’s lead asset, EryDex (dexamethasone sodium phosphate [DSP] encapsulated in autologous red blood cells), in patients with A-T.
On track to meet expectations to begin enrollment in the NEAT study during the second quarter of 2024.
Pivotal Phase 3 NEAT clinical trial will be conducted under a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) agreement with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
Plan to enroll approximately 86 patients with A-T ages six to nine years old (primary analysis population) and approximately 20 patients with A-T ages 10 years or older.
Participants will be randomized (1:1) between EryDex or placebo and treatment will consist of six infusions scheduled once every 21 to 30 days. The primary efficacy endpoint will be measured by the change from baseline to last visit completion in rescored modified International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (RmICARS).
Participants who complete the full treatment period, complete study assessments, and provide informed consent will be eligible to transition to an open label extension study.
Expect to report Phase 3 NEAT topline results in the second half of 2025 with a potential NDA submission in 2026, assuming positive study results.
Quince estimates there are an aggregate of approximately 10,000 patients with A-T in the U.S., U.K., and EU4 countries.
There are currently no approved therapeutic treatments for A-T and the market represents a $1+ billion peak commercial opportunity globally based on the company’s internal estimates and assumptions.
Scientific, Pipeline, and Corporate Updates

Detailed EryDex’s optimized delivery of DSP encapsulated in red blood cells with a comparison of company data relative to published corticosteroid pharmacokinetic and biodistribution information. Red blood cells have several characteristics that make them a potentially ideal vehicle for drug delivery, including potentially better tolerability, enhanced tissue distribution, reduced immunogenicity, and prolongation of circulating half-life. Learn more here.
Intend to investigate other potential indications for EryDex where chronic corticosteroid treatment is – or has the potential to become – a standard of care if there were not corticosteroid-related safety concerns. This evaluation process is expected to span across ataxias, neuromuscular indications, hematology, cancer, and autoimmune diseases, with a focus on rare diseases.
Plan to evaluate additional potential applications of Quince’s proprietary AIDE technology platform using drugs and biologics targeted at rare and debilitating diseases to further expand the company’s drug development pipeline.
Targeting participation at several A-T related global ataxia and neurology scientific congresses in 2024, in addition to ongoing engagement of global patient advocacy groups as enrollment of the Phase 3 NEAT study progresses.
Strong Cash Position Expected to Support Meaningful Clinical Milestone

Reported $75.1 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments as of December 31, 2023. Quince expects its existing cash runway to be sufficient to fund the company’s capital efficient development plan into 2026.
Expect to fully fund lead asset, EryDex, through Phase 3 NEAT topline results and prepare for a potential NDA submission in 2026, assuming positive study results. This includes approximately $20 million for the NEAT study and approximately $15 million in direct trial costs for the open label extension.
Evaluate potential strategic partnerships to out-license ex-U.S. regional territories to extend operational runway to support potential NDA approval of EryDex, as well as further advance other potential indications and programs discovered using the AIDE platform.