On November 5, 2019 Principia Biopharma Inc. (Nasdaq: PRNB), a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapies for immune mediated diseases, reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2019 (Press release, Principia Biopharma, NOV 5, 2019, View Source [SID1234550337]).

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"With our focus on execution, we made significant progress on our clinical programs during the third quarter. We also recently reported preliminary positive data from our ongoing Phase 2 pemphigus and Phase 1/2 immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) clinical trials with PRN1008. Following these announcements, we were able to execute a successful follow-on offering of common stock with gross proceeds of $241.5 million," said Martin Babler, president and chief executive officer of Principia Biopharma. "We are also pleased industry veteran Shawn Tomasello joined our Board of Directors as she brings an extensive track record in commercializing novel pharmaceutical products."

Third Quarter 2019 Financial Results

Cash Position: Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities were $161.2 million as of September 30, 2019, compared to $180.6 million as of December 31, 2018. In addition, in October 2019, we completed a follow-on public offering which resulted in net proceeds of $226.5 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses.

Revenues: We did not recognize any collaboration revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $18.6 million for the same period in 2018. The $18.6 million recognized for the three months ended September 30, 2018 consisted of a portion of upfront fees and milestone payments from our Sanofi and AbbVie collaborations.

R&D Expenses: Total research and development expenses were $18.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, including stock-based compensation expense of $1.8 million, compared to $9.2 million for the same period in 2018, including stock-based compensation expense of $0.3 million. The increase in total research and development expenses was mainly driven by an increase in personnel-related expenses as we build out our R&D team, and an increase in PRN1008 program costs, due to the initiation of a global Phase 3 trial in patients with pemphigus in November 2018 and certain manufacturing campaigns to supply drug products for our PRN1008 clinical trials.

G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $5.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, including stock-based compensation expense of $1.5 million, compared to $2.9 million for the same period in 2018, including stock-based compensation expense of $0.4 million. The increase in total general and administrative expenses was primarily driven by increased personnel-related expenses and headcount costs related to operating as a public company.

Net Income (Loss): For the three months ended September 30, 2019, net loss was $22.3 million compared to a net income of $6.7 million for the same period in 2018, as we did not recognize any collaboration revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2019.