On December 10, 2019 Galera Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: GRTX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing a pipeline of novel, proprietary therapeutics that have the potential to transform radiotherapy in cancer, reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2019, and highlighted recent corporate accomplishments (Press release, Galera Therapeutics, DEC 10, 2019, View Source [SID1234552191]).
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"2019 has been a momentous year for Galera, culminating in the closing of our IPO last month," said Mel Sorensen, M.D., President and CEO of Galera. "We look forward to continuing to advance our clinical development of GC4419 and GC4711, which we believe could change the management of radiation therapy by both protecting normal tissue and improving the effectiveness of radiation."
Third Quarter 2019 and Recent Corporate Highlights
In November 2019, completed an initial public offering of common stock and raised net proceeds of approximately $58.1 million, after deducting the underwriting discounts and other offering expenses, through the sale of 5,445,690 common shares, including shares sold pursuant to the partial exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares in December 2019, at a public offering price of $12.00 per share.
Continued enrollment in the Phase 3 ROMAN clinical trial of GC4419 for the treatment of severe oral mucositis (SOM) in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy with enrollment expected to be completed by the second half of 2020. Galera anticipates reporting topline data in the first half of 2021.
Continued enrollment in the pilot Phase 1b/2a safety and anti-cancer efficacy clinical trial of GC4419 in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer with topline data expected in the second half of 2020.
In December 2019, full results from the 223-patient randomized, double-blind Phase 2b clinical trial of GC4419 for the treatment of SOM in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, a journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper). The paper, titled, "Phase IIb, Randomized, Double-Blind Trial of GC4419 Versus Placebo to Reduce Severe Oral Mucositis Due to Concurrent Radiotherapy and Cisplatin For Head and Neck Cancer," reinforces the potential of GC4419 to address a serious unmet need for a therapy to reduce the incidence and severity of radiation-induced SOM, for which there is currently no FDA-approved drug.
In October 2019, announced final data from the two-year tumor outcomes follow up of patients enrolled in the Phase 2b clinical trial of GC4419 for the treatment of SOM in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy. At both the one-year interim assessment and final two-year mark, tumor outcomes were maintained across all four measures – overall survival, progression-free survival, locoregional control and metastasis-free survival – in both GC4419 dose groups (30 mg and 90 mg) compared to placebo.
In October 2019, strengthened Galera’s leadership team with the appointment of Christopher Degnan as Chief Financial Officer.
Third Quarter Financial Highlights
Research and development expenses were $11.0 million in the third quarter of 2019, compared to $4.2 million for the same period in 2018. The increase was primarily attributable to GC4419 and GC4711 development costs. Galera initiated the Phase 3 ROMAN trial in October 2018, began chronic toxicology studies of GC4419 to support registration, and initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial and additional toxicology studies of GC4711.
General and administrative expenses were $1.8 million in the third quarter of 2019, compared to $1.2 million for the same period in 2018. The increase was primarily the result of employee-related costs from increased headcount.
Galera reported a net loss of $(13.4) million, or $(51.43) per share, for the third quarter of 2019, compared to a net loss of $(5.2) million, or $(22.35) per share, for the same period in 2018.
As of September 30, 2019, Galera had cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments of $67.9 million. Galera expects that its existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, together with the net proceeds from the IPO and assumed payments from Clarus in the amount of $40 million upon the achievement of the two remaining specified clinical milestones in the ROMAN trial, will enable Galera to fund its operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into 2022.