On August 8, 2024 Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: CRNX), a clinical stage pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapeutics for endocrine diseases and endocrine-related tumors, reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024 (Press release, Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, AUG 8, 2024, View Source [SID1234645592]).

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"The second quarter of 2024 has been yet another successful period of executing our strategy to become the world’s premier endocrine company," said Scott Struthers, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Crinetics. "Our strong presence at the ENDO 2024 meeting in June showcased the breadth and depth of our pipeline. Our second internally-developed candidate atumelnant* showed profoundly positive initial results in the treatment of both congenital adrenal hyperplasia and Cushing’s disease. We anticipate reporting additional data in both indications later in 2024. Data presentations from the paltusotine program continue to demonstrate clinical benefits for patients, providing even more compelling support for its potential to treat people with acromegaly. We remain on track for our planned paltusotine NDA filing in acromegaly later this year, and multiple workstreams are underway in anticipation of an expected market launch in 2025."

Crinetics today also announced that Marc Wilson will be transitioning from his role as Chief Financial Officer for personal reasons and the Company has initiated a search for a successor. Mr. Wilson will continue to serve at full capacity until a successor is named and will provide all necessary support to ensure a seamless transition.

"Marc has been an invaluable member of the Crinetics team over the last six years and we thank him for his outstanding contributions," said Scott Struthers, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Crinetics. "His leadership has been instrumental in the success of our capital markets activities, the build-out of our finance and corporate affairs functions, and the maturation of our organization and culture. During his tenure, we have successfully raised a significant amount of capital to fund development of our differentiated pipeline, our rapidly growing clinical and research programs, and our anticipated commercial launch."

"I am proud of what Crinetics has accomplished, and it has been a privilege to work with such a talented and dedicated team over the last six years," said Mr. Wilson. "The company is in a strong financial position to invest across its deep pipeline, and I have unwavering confidence in the team’s ability to continue discovering new, meaningful therapies and advance them through the clinic to reach as many patients as possible. I will continue to support the company through this transition and look forward to following the company’s continued success."

Second Quarter 2024 and Recent Highlights:
Presented positive initial results from atumelnant studies at the Endocrine Society’s Annual Meeting (ENDO 2024). In June, Crinetics presented positive initial results from its ongoing, open-label studies of atumelnant for the treatment of ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) at ENDO 2024 in Boston.
Presented data from paltusotine development program at ENDO 2024. In June, Crinetics presented findings from its paltusotine development program in acromegaly. Data presented included results of the Phase 3 PATHFNDR-2 trial, a new analysis of patient reported outcome data from the Phase 3 PATHFNDR-1 trial, and interim long-term efficacy and safety results at 42 months from the open-label ACROBAT Advance extension study.
Selected development candidates in two programs. Crinetics has identified an oral parathyroid hormone antagonist development candidate for the treatment of hyperparathyroidism and IND-enabling studies have commenced. In addition, a development candidate in the SST3 agonist program was selected for the treatment of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.
Scott Struthers, Ph.D., founder and chief executive officer of Crinetics, was named an Entrepreneur of The Year 2024 Pacific Southwest Award winner.
Strengthened scientific leadership team. In April, Crinetics appointed Lise Kjems, M.D., Ph.D. as Senior Vice President of Endocrinology Clinical Research, and in May, Crinetics appointed Robert M. Cuddihy, M.D., as Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs.
Key Upcoming Milestones
Topline data and additional data from the ongoing Phase 2 studies of atumelnant in CAH and ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome, respectively, are anticipated by the end of 2024.
Submission of a New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking regulatory approval of paltusotine for the treatment of acromegaly is on track for the second half of 2024.
Initiation of a Phase 3 program of paltusotine for carcinoid syndrome is expected by the end of 2024, following consultation with the FDA.
Additional research pipeline updates are expected by the end of 2024.
Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results
Research and development expenses were $58.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $40.6 million for the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to higher personnel costs and manufacturing and development activities, both of which were driven by the advancement of our clinical programs and the expansion of our preclinical portfolio.
General and administrative expenses were $24.8 million for the three months June 30, 2024, compared to $13.3 million for the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily driven by higher personnel and commercial planning costs.
Net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2024, was $74.1 million, compared to a net loss of $51.0 million for the same period in 2023.
Revenues were $0.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $1.0 million for the same period in 2023. Revenues during the current year’s quarter were derived from the paltusotine licensing arrangement with our Japanese partner, Sanwa Kagaku Kenkyusho.
Unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and investments totaled $863.0 million as of June 30, 2024, compared to $558.6 million as of December 31, 2023. Based on its current projections, Crinetics expects that its cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments will be sufficient to fund its current operating plan into 2028.
Conference Call and Webcast Details
Management will hold a live conference call and webcast today, Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. ET. To participate, please dial 1-800-267-6316 (domestic) or 1-203-518-9783 (international) and refer to Conference ID CRNXQ2. To access the webcast, click here. Following the live event, a replay of the call will be available on the Investors section of the Company’s website.

*Proposed international nonproprietary name under review.