On August 6, 2020 Selecta Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: SELB), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on unlocking the full potential of biologic therapies based on its immune tolerance platform, ImmTOR, reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2020 and provided corporate updates (Press release, Selecta Biosciences, AUG 6, 2020, View Source [SID1234563132]).
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"This is a transformational time for Selecta, as we reinforce our position as a leader in immune tolerance. The strategic licensing agreement with Sobi puts us in a financial position that allows us to maximize efforts to unlock the full potential of the ImmTOR immune tolerance platform, by optimizing the efficacy and safety of biologics, enabling re-dosing of life saving gene therapies, and creating novel immunotherapies for autoimmune diseases," said Carsten Brunn, Ph.D., President and CEO of Selecta. "We remain committed to the development of SEL-212, and look forward to the initiation of the Phase 3 clinical program with Sobi in the third quarter of this year and the topline data readout from the Phase 2 COMPARE trial, also in the third quarter. We also look forward to advancing our gene therapy program in MMA to the clinic in the first half of 2021, and for the submission of an IND for our autoimmune diseases program, also in 2021."
Recent Highlights and Anticipated Upcoming Milestones:
Closed Strategic Licensing Agreement with Sobi for SEL-212, the Company’s Phase 3-ready Novel Treatment for Chronic Refractory Gout: The Company announced the closing of a strategic licensing agreement with Sobi for SEL-212, the Company’s lead product candidate leveraging the ImmTOR immune tolerance platform. Sobi assumes responsibility for all development, regulatory, and commercial activities, and expenses in all markets outside China, while Selecta will run the Phase 3 study on behalf of Sobi, at Sobi’s expense. Selecta will also maintain manufacturing of ImmTOR, for which Sobi will reimburse Selecta for activities relating to SEL-212. The initial payments to Selecta total $100 million. Sobi must pay $75 million in cash as an upfront license fee within 45 days of the effective date and has paid $25 million in cash in a private placement of Selecta common stock at $4.62 per share. Selecta is also eligible to receive potential development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments of up to $630 million, and tiered double-digit royalties on net sales.
Entered into Research License and Option Agreement with Sarepta for the Use of ImmTOR in Certain Neuromuscular Diseases: Selecta and Sarepta reached an agreement which provides Sarepta with the option to license the rights to develop and commercialize the ImmTOR platform for use in select neuromuscular diseases; Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and certain limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs). Sarepta will evaluate its investigational gene therapies in combination with ImmTOR to mitigate the formation of neutralizing antibodies. Sarepta has made an initial payment to Selecta, and Selecta is eligible to receive certain pre-clinical milestone fees.
Two Key Clinical Milestones for SEL-212: Selecta and Sobi anticipate initiating the Phase 3 clinical program in the third quarter of 2020. Selecta will take the lead running the Phase 3 program, at Sobi’s expense. The Phase 3 clinical program will consist of two double blinded, placebo-controlled trials of SEL-212. Each trial is expected to enroll 105 patients and have 35 patients receiving 0.1 mg/kg of ImmTOR and 0.2 mg/kg of pegadricase, 35 patients receiving 0.15 mg/kg of ImmTOR and 0.2 mg/kg of pegadricase, and 35 patients receiving placebo. The primary endpoint of the Phase 3 clinical trials is the maintenance of serum uric acid (SUA) levels of <6mg/dL at six months. One of the trials will have a six-month extension. In addition, the Company expects topline results from the Phase 2 COMPARE clinical trial in Q3 2020. This head-to-head study of a once-monthly dose of SEL-212 (ImmTOR + pegadricase) compared to biweekly doses of pegloticase is expected to read out on schedule. The primary endpoint of the COMPARE trial is the maintenance of serum uric acid (SUA) levels of <6mg/dL at three and six months.
Timeline for Gene Therapy and Autoimmune Diseases Programs Confirmed: The Company’s gene therapy program in methylmalonic acidemia, or MMA, in collaboration with AskBio, is expected to enter the clinic in the first half of 2021, with preliminary data expected in 2H 2021. In addition, Selecta intends to submit its Investigational New Drug Application (IND) for its autoimmune disease program in 2021. The first indication will be IgA nephropathy, a kidney disease that occurs when an antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA) accumulates in the kidneys. The second indication is expected to be primary biliary cholangitis, or PBC, an autoimmune disease that causes progressive destruction of the bile ducts. Both diseases have well-defined target antigens, significant unmet medical need, and are well suited to the application of Selecta’s ImmTOR immune tolerance platform.
Appointed Peter G. Traber, MD, to the Position of Chief Medical Officer: Dr. Traber, who has been serving in the same position in an interim capacity, joined the Company full-time as of August 1, 2020. Dr. Traber has a broad range of experience in large pharma, biotech, and academia, and will oversee medical affairs, program management, and all aspects of clinical development and strategy, as well as provide scientific and clinical guidance for potential business development initiatives.
Second Quarter 2020 Financial Results:
Cash Position: Selecta had $61.4 million in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash as of June 30, 2020, which compares to cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash of $91.6 million as of December 31, 2019. Selecta believes its available cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash as of June 30, 2020, together with the $25 million payment received from Sobi under the Sobi Private Placement in July and the expected payment from Sobi of $75 million under the Sobi License, which is due 45 days after the effective date, will enable Selecta to fund operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the first quarter of 2023.
Net cash used in operating activities was $23.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, as compared to $27.4 million for the same period in 2019.
Research and Development Expenses: Research and development expenses for the second quarter 2020 were $10.7 million, which compares with $12.1 million for the same period in 2019. The decrease in costs was primarily the result of reduced expense for the Phase 2 COMPARE trial for SEL-212 offset by increases for the gene therapy program in collaboration with AskBio, and salaries and benefits.
General and Administrative Expenses: General and administrative expenses for the second quarter 2020 were $5.6 million, which compares with $4.1 million for the same period in 2019. The increase in costs was the result of expenses incurred for salaries, legal and professional fees offset by decreased travel expense.
Net Loss: For the second quarter 2020, Selecta reported a net loss of $24.1 million, or $0.25 per share, compared to a net loss of $16.4 million, or $0.37 per share, for the same period in 2019.
Conference Call and Webcast Reminder:
Selecta management will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET today to provide a corporate update and review the company’s second quarter 2020 financial results. Individuals may participate in the live call via telephone by dialing (844) 845-4170 (domestic) or (412) 717-9621 (international) and may access a teleconference replay for one week by dialing (877) 344-7529 (domestic) or (412) 317-0088 (international) and using confirmation code 10138605. Investors and the public can access the live and archived webcast of this call via the Investors & Media section of the company’s website, www.selectabio.com.