On April 1, 2024 bioAffinity Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: BIAF; BIAFW), a biotechnology company focused on commercializing noninvasive tests for the detection of early-stage cancer and lung disease, reported financial results for the three and 12 months ended December 31, 2023 (Press release, BioAffinity Technologies, APR 1, 2024, View Source [SID1234641651]).
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Fiscal Year 2023 and Recent Highlights
● Reported fiscal year 2023 revenue of $2.5 million, a significant increase from $5,000 in 2022, driven by the September 2023 acquisition of Precision Pathology Laboratory Services (PPLS) and increasing sales of CyPath Lung, the Company’s noninvasive test to detect early-stage lung cancer.
● Reported accelerating growth of 350% in CyPath Lung tests ordered and processed in Q1 2024 as compared to Q4 2023, exceeding the Company’s targeted sales forecast for the quarter. The Company continues with its limited market launch in Texas to refine future positioning and strategic insight for CyPath Lung in preparation for expanding to the national market.
● Achieved a milestone with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) final determination for payment for CyPath Lung for the 2024 calendar year, a significant step in the Company’s strategic plan to accelerate the commercialization of CyPath Lung.
● Initiated the sale of CyPath Lung tests to the Department of Defense for observational studies and research. This research expands the test’s use and includes the development of a companion test for bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples to be used in conjunction with bronchoscopy.
● Announced the appointment of Michael Dougherty, CPA, MBA, as Chief Financial Officer, bringing extensive experience from his previous role as CFO of Amazon’s Alexa Commercial Domains.
● Developed marketing materials for CyPath Lung in collaboration with leading marketing and advertising firms and began utilizing them with physicians and patients in January 2024, focusing on the test’s value as a tool to assist physicians with patient care decisions.
● Announced the appointment of Dallas Coleman as National Director of Sales and the ongoing expansion of the sales team. Mr. Coleman has more than 15 years of experience in medical sales and marketing, most recently as Executive Account Manager for the respiratory portfolio of Olympus America’s therapeutic solutions division.
● Successfully passed the bi-annual College of American Pathologists (CAP) inspection in January 2024, affirming the high standards of quality and patient care attained by the Company’s commercial laboratory, Precision Pathology Laboratory Services.
● Expanded the Company’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Board with the appointment of Sandeep Bansal, M.D., Medical Director of Pennsylvania’s Lung Innovations Network, a patient-centered practice that offers comprehensive lung care to more than 10,000 patients in central and western Pennsylvania.
● Strengthened the Company’s Board of Directors with the appointment of Jamie Platt, Ph.D., Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Pictor Limited, where she is leading a turnaround by restructuring and accelerating product development. Dr. Platt was instrumental in merger and acquisition exits for two diagnostic companies with a combined value of approximately $1 billion.
Management Commentary
"As we reflect on the monumental achievements of bioAffinity Technologies over the past year, I am filled with immense pride and optimism for the future," said Maria Zannes, President and Chief Executive Officer of bioAffinity Technologies. "Our fiscal year 2023 revenue of $2.5 million, up from less than $5,000 in 2022, is not just a number – it’s a testament to the dedication of our team, the quality of Precision Pathology’s operations, the trust of our healthcare partners, and what we believe is the growing recognition of CyPath Lung’s critical role in the early detection of lung cancer."
Ms. Zannes continued, "The CMS’s final payment determination for CyPath Lung for the 2024 calendar year was a major accomplishment that supports our strategic plan to accelerate commercialization. This milestone, coupled with our successful acquisition of Precision Pathology Services and expanding the reach of CyPath Lung through partnerships such as with the Department of Defense, positions us at the forefront of noninvasive lung cancer detection. Our revenue growth is a beacon of our potential and the impact we aim to have on millions of lives by providing accessible, accurate, and noninvasive diagnostic solutions. As we look ahead, we are more committed than ever to building on this momentum and expanding our market to fulfill the promise of early cancer detection and treatment."
Fourth Quarter Financial Results
Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023 was approximately $2.2 million, up from no revenue for the prior-year period. Revenue was derived from sales and services of the Company’s commercial laboratory, Precision Pathology Laboratory Services, including its sale of CyPath Lung as a Laboratory Developed Test (LDT).
Research and development expenses were $432,000 for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with $429,000 for the comparable period in 2022. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $2.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with $1.2 million for the comparable period in 2022.
Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $2.4 million, compared with a net loss of $1.7 million for the comparable period in 2022.
Full Year Financial Results
Revenue for 2023 was $2.5 million, up from approximately $5,000 for 2022.
Research and development expenses were $1.5 million in 2023, compared with $1.4 million in 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in compensation costs and benefits as we added research personnel.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $6.8 million in 2023, compared with $2.5 million in 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to general and administration costs acquired from PPLS, accounting, legal, and professional fee costs associated with the acquisition of PPLS, the accounting, legal, and professional fee costs associated with the SEC filing of a registration statement on Form S-1, increase in stock-based compensation, increase in employee compensation as we added sales and administrative personnel, increase in branding and marketing collateral, increase in directors and officers insurance, increase in public company-related expenses as well as an increase related to board compensation, and other operational expenses. Additionally, compensation increased due to additional personnel and support services to support the launch of sales of our diagnostic test, CyPath Lung.
Net loss for 2023 was $7.9 million, or $0.91 per share, down from a net loss for 2022 of $8.1 million, or $1.81 per share.
Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2023, were $2.8 million.
About CyPath Lung
CyPath Lung uses advanced flow cytometry and artificial intelligence (AI) to identify cell populations in patient sputum that indicate malignancy. Automated data analysis helps determine if cancer is present or if the patient is cancer-free. CyPath Lung incorporates a fluorescent porphyrin, meso-tetra (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP), that is preferentially taken up by cancer and cancer-related cells. Clinical study results demonstrated that CyPath Lung had 92% sensitivity, 87% specificity and 88% accuracy in detecting lung cancer in patients at high risk for the disease who had small lung nodules less than 20 millimeters. Diagnosing and treating early-stage cancer can improve outcomes and increase patient survival.