On May 16, 2024 CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: CNSP) ("CNS" or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of novel treatments for primary and metastatic cancers in the brain and central nervous system, reported its financial results for the first quarter 2024 ended March 31, 2024 (Press release, CNS Pharmaceuticals, MAY 16, 2024, View Source [SID1234643389]).
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"With topline results in our ongoing, fully enrolled Berubicin trial for GBM expected in the first half of next year, we continue to plan for success. Our commitment to our dual mission to bring meaningful treatment options to GBM patients as well as value to all stakeholders remains unwavering," commented John Climaco, Chief Executive Officer of CNS Pharmaceuticals.
Clinical Development Progress
The trial design of the Company’s potentially pivotal trial of Berubicin included a pre-planned, non-binding interim futility analysis. The Company reached the criteria required by the study protocol to conduct this interim futility analysis, which an independent DSMB is responsible for conducting. The DSMB’s charter mandated that they review the primary endpoint, Overall Survival, as well as secondary endpoints and safety data to determine whether the efficacy data for the risk-benefit profile warrants modification or discontinuation of the study. On December 18, 2023, the Company released the DSMB’s recommendation which was to continue the study without modification. Management remains blinded to the data underlying the recommendation of the DSMB.
The Company expects to report topline data from its study of Berubicin in the first half of 2025, although it is impossible to accurately predict how long patients on the study may survive, which could impact the timing of the release of topline data.
The FDA has granted CNS Pharmaceuticals Fast Track Designation for Berubicin which enables more frequent interactions with the agency for guidance on expediting the development and review process. Additionally, the Company has received Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA, which may provide seven years of marketing exclusivity upon approval of an NDA. For more information about the Berubicin clinical trial, visit clinicaltrials.gov and reference identifier NCT04762069.
Summary of Financial Results for the First Quarter 2024
The net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was approximately $3.5 million compared to approximately $4.9 million for the comparable period in 2023. The change in net loss is attributable to a decrease in research organization ("CRO") expenses related to continued progress with the Company’s potentially pivotal clinical trial, as well as decreases in legal and professional fees and other expenses.
The Company reported research and development expenses of $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to approximately $3.6 million for the comparable period in 2023. The decrease in research and development expenses during the period were mainly attributed to the timing of CRO expenses related to continued progress with the Company’s potentially pivotal clinical trial.
General and administrative expense was approximately $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to approximately $1.4 million for the comparable period in 2023. The decrease in general and administrative expense was mainly attributable to decreases of approximately $118,000 in legal and professional expenses, $20,000 in insurance expenses and $58,000 in stock compensation, $39,000 in travel expenses and $29,000 in other general and administrative expenses, which were offset by increases of approximately $19,000 in marketing and advertising expenses.
As of March 31, 2024, the Company had cash of approximately $0.8 million.