On March 4, 2021 X4 Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: XFOR), a leader in the discovery and development of novel therapies targeting diseases resulting from dysfunction of the CXCR4 pathway, reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2020 (Press release, X4 Pharmaceuticals, MAR 4, 2021, View Source [SID1234576072]). The company also provided an update on its lead product candidate, mavorixafor, a novel small molecule currently being evaluated in a Phase 3 clinical trial (4WHIM) for patients with WHIM (warts, hypogammaglobulinemia, infections, and myelokathexis) syndrome and in two Phase 1b trials for patients with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (Waldenström’s) and Severe Congenital Neutropenia (SCN), respectively.
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"As many companies did, we encountered a number of unexpected challenges in 2020, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic. However, I could not be prouder of our accomplishments, as we remained steadfast in our commitment to advance our lead candidate, mavorixafor, in a number of rare disease indications," said Paula Ragan, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of X4 Pharmaceuticals. "We believe that we have much to look forward to this year, as we have overcome these obstacles, have made significant progress in advancing our clinical and research programs, and assembled an exceptional team to execute on our 2021 goals and beyond.
"On the clinical front, we continue to expect top-line data from our Phase 3 WHIM trial in 2022 and, as our Phase 1b Waldenström’s trial is progressing well, we continue to expect initial data from that study in the first half of 2021, with a more fulsome dataset expected towards the end of 2021. We also anticipate initial data from our SCN Phase 1b trial in 2021."
Recent Highlights
Received Fast Track and Rare Pediatric Designations (RPD) from the FDA for Mavorixafor for the treatment of WHIM Syndrome: These FDA designations further recognize WHIM as a serious condition with a clear unmet need in both adult and pediatric populations.
Through the Fast Track program, X4 will be eligible for more frequent meetings with the FDA to discuss the drug’s development plan, protocols and clinical data that would support mavorixafor’s potential approval for WHIM.
Under the RPD program, a sponsor who receives an approval for a drug for a "rare pediatric disease" and a Fast Track designation may qualify for a voucher that can be redeemed to receive a priority review by the FDA for any subsequent marketing application for a different product. Such a voucher is transferable and may be sold.
Mavorixafor was previously granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation by the FDA, as well as Orphan Drug status by the FDA and the European Commission for the treatment of WHIM syndrome.
Strengthened Leadership Team: During the Fourth Quarter of 2020:
Diego Cadavid, M.D., joined as Chief Medical Officer, bringing more than 20 years of industry experience and having led multiple programs through all phases of clinical development, including small molecules and biologics for the treatment of rare and immunological diseases.
Art Taveras, Ph.D., joined as Chief Scientific Officer with more than 30 years of experience leading small molecule research and development programs focused on cancer, dysregulated immune disorders, neurodegeneration, and metabolic diseases.
Alison Lawton was appointed to the company’s Board of Directors, bringing more than 30 years of experience across a full spectrum of drug development and commercial roles and having previously served on X4’s corporate advisory board and as consulting Chief Operating Officer.
Fourth Quarter 2020 Financial Results
Cash, Cash Equivalents & Restricted Cash: X4 had $80.7 million in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as of December 31, 2020. X4 continues to expect that its cash and cash equivalents will fund company operations into 2022.
Research and Development Expenses were $12.3 million and $41.9 million for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2020, respectively, as compared to $7.1 million and $30.2 million for the comparable periods in 2019, respectively. R&D expenses include $0.6 million and $2.3 million of certain non-cash expenses for the fourth quarter and fully year ended December 31, 2020, respectively.
General and Administrative Expenses were $5.4 million and $20.9 million for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2020, respectively, as compared to $3.9 million and $17.6 million for the comparable periods in 2019, respectively. G&A expenses include $0.8 million and $3.1 million of certain non-cash expenses for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2020, respectively.
Net Loss: X4 reported net losses of $18.4 million and $62.1 million for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to net losses of $10.8 million and $52.8 million for the comparable periods in 2019, respectively. Net losses include $1.4 million and $5.4 million of certain non-cash expenses for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2020, respectively. Net losses in the full year of 2019 included a $3.9 million loss on the sale of non-financial assets.
Conference Call and Webcast
The Company will host a conference call and webcast today at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss these financial results and business highlights. The conference call can be accessed by dialing (866) 721-7655 from the United States or (409) 216-0009 internationally, followed by the conference ID: 1053189. The live webcast can be accessed on the investor relations section of X4 Pharmaceuticals’ website at www.x4pharma.com. Following the completion of the call, a webcast replay of the conference call will be available on the website.