on March 6, 2018 GlycoMimetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:GLYC) reported progress on its clinical development programs and its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2017 (Press release, GlycoMimetics, MAR 6, 2018, View Source [SID1234524470]).
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"Highlighting the fourth quarter of 2017, GlycoMimetics presented a robust data set for its Phase 1/2 study of GMI-1271 for the treatment of AML patients. This data provided the basis for discussions with the U.S. FDA focused on a Phase 3 trial design – the result of which we announced yesterday. The ongoing discussions were made possible via our Breakthrough Therapy designation for GMI-1271 for the treatment of relapsed/refractory AML patients, and we now plan to initiate our own Phase 3 trial in this patient population later this year," noted Rachel King, Chief Executive Officer.
Recent Operational Highlights:
In the Phase 1/2 clinical trial, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients treated with GMI-1271, a specific E-selectin inhibitor, together with standard chemotherapy, consistently performed better than would be expected based on historical controls, which have been derived from results from third party clinical trials evaluating standard chemotherapy, even with a population consisting of very high-risk patients based on age, disease status, and cytogenetic risk factors. The updated data announced at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) in December 2017 reinforced earlier findings that disrupting the relationship between leukemic cells and the protective bone marrow microenvironment, when combined with chemotherapy, could improve outcomes for patients with AML.
Investigators continue to evaluate GMI-1271 as a therapy for multiple myeloma in a European trial that has been expanded beyond its initial base in Ireland to include other European Union clinical centers. Preliminary results from this study are expected in the first quarter of 2019.
GlycoMimetics continues to evaluate its product candidate, GMI-1359, which simultaneously targets both E-selectin and the chemokine CXCR4, in a Phase 1 dose-escalation study in healthy volunteers.
Ongoing preclinical work is being focused on a new pipeline program targeted at the galectins, a biological target potentially important in treating certain cancers and fibrosis.
In the Phase 3 trial of rivipansel, being conducted by our collaborator Pfizer, investigators are evaluating patients hospitalized for vaso-occlusive crisis of sickle cell disease. Pfizer reports that the study remains on track for completion in the second half of 2018.
Fourth Quarter 2017 Financial Results:
Cash position: As of December 31, 2017, GlycoMimetics had cash and cash equivalents of $123.9 million as compared to $40.0 million as of December 31, 2016.
R&D Expenses: The Company’s research and development expenses increased to $6.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2017 as compared to $6.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2016. Research and development expenses increased by $0.8 million to $24.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, from $23.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2017, there was an increase in the manufacturing costs related to the clinical supplies for GMI-1271 as we advance towards a planned Phase 3 clinical trial, which increase was offset in part by a decrease in clinical expenses as the GMI-1271 Phase 2 clinical enrollment was completed in May 2017.
G&A Expenses: The Company’s general and administrative expenses increased to $2.8 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2017 as compared to $2.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2016. General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased to $9.8 million as compared to $8.7 million in the prior year. These increases were primarily due to increased labor-related costs and stock-based compensation expense.
Shares Outstanding: Shares outstanding as of December 31, 2017 were 34,359,799.
The company will host a conference call and webcast today at 8:30 a.m. ET. The dial-in number for the conference call is (844) 413-7154 for domestic participants and (216) 562-0466 for international participants, with participant code 1453008. A webcast replay will be available via the "Investors" tab on the GlycoMimetics website for 30 days following the call. A dial-in phone replay will be available for 24 hours after the close of the call by dialing (855) 859-2056 for domestic participants and (404) 537-3406 for international participants, participant code 1453008.
About GMI-1271
GMI-1271 is designed to block E-selectin (an adhesion molecule on cells in the bone marrow) from binding with blood cancer cells as a targeted approach to disrupting well-established mechanisms of leukemic cell resistance within the bone marrow microenvironment. In a Phase 1/2 clinical trial, GMI-1271 was evaluated in both newly diagnosed elderly and relapsed/refractory patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In both populations, patients treated with GMI-1271 together with standard chemotherapy achieved better than expected remission rates and overall survival compared to historical controls, which have been derived from results from third party clinical trials evaluating standard chemotherapy, as well as lower than expected induction-related mortality rates. Treatment in these patient populations was generally well tolerated, with fewer than expected adverse effects.
About GMI-1359
GMI-1359 is designed to simultaneously inhibit both E-selectin and CXCR4. E-selectin and CXCR4 are both adhesion molecules that keep cancer cells in the bone marrow. Preclinical studies indicate that targeting both E-selectin and CXCR4 with a single compound could improve efficacy in the treatment of cancers that involve the bone marrow such as AML and MM or in solid tumors that metastasize to the bone, such as prostate cancer and breast cancer. GMI-1359 is currently in Phase 1 testing in healthy volunteer