On August 3, 2016 Synthetic Biologics, Inc. (NYSE MKT: SYN), a clinical stage company focused on developing therapeutics to protect the gut microbiome while targeting pathogen-specific diseases, reported an operational update and reported financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2016(Press release, Synthetic Biologics, AUG 3, 2016, View Source [SID:1234514220]).
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Synthetic Biologics, Inc. www.syntheticbiologics.com (PRNewsFoto/Synthetic Biologics, Inc.)
"In the second quarter we continued the transition from an early-stage clinical development company to a late-stage clinical development company focused on the commercialization of our two lead GI microbiome-focused drug candidates," said Jeffrey Riley, Chief Executive Officer. "We held an End of Phase 2 meeting with FDA and received guidance for advancement to a pivotal clinical trial for SYN-010, designed to treat an underlying cause of the symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C)." Mr. Riley continued, "The approval of the generic name ‘ribaxamase’ for SYN-004, the announcement of positive clinical outcomes from a second Phase 2a clinical trial and robust enrollment in our global Phase 2b proof-of-concept clinical trial continued to fuel momentum for our program designed to protect the gut microbiome and prevent C. difficile infection (CDI), antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) and the emergence of antibiotic resistant organisms. To date, we have enrolled 374 patients and anticipate announcing topline results from our ongoing Phase 2b clinical trial for SYN-004 in early 2017."
Microbiome-Focused Clinical Program Progress
SYN-010 – Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C):
Held End of Phase 2 meeting with FDA and received guidance for clinical study design and requirements for Phase 3 development
Plan to initiate Phase 2b/3 pivotal clinical trial (1Q 2017)
Presented detailed data during Digestive Disease Week 2016 supporting previously reported positive outcomes from two Phase 2 clinical trials of SYN-010, including:
Data demonstrating an inverse correlation between breath methane Area Under Curve (AUC) and complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) in study participants diagnosed with IBS-C
Data demonstrating clear improvements in abdominal pain, bloating and quality of life measures (IBS-SSS) in study participants who were administered SYN-010
Announced results from a separate randomized, open-label Pharmacokinetic (PK) study demonstrating SYN-010 avoided desired drug release in the stomach and delivered the antimethanogenic lovastatin lactone into the lower small intestine and colon while reducing systemic exposure to the cholesterol-lowering lovastatin beta-hydroxyacid metabolite
SYN-004 (ribaxamase) – Prevention of CDI, AAD and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant organisms:
Received approval from United States Adopted Names Council (USAN) for the generic name "ribaxamase" for SYN-004
Continued enrollment in global Phase 2b proof-of-concept clinical trial intended to evaluate the ability of ribaxamase to prevent CDI, C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) and AAD in patients hospitalized with a lower respiratory tract infection and receiving intravenous (IV) ceftriaxone
Enrolled 374 patients to date across global clinical sites; enrollment expected through 3Q 2016
Anticipate announcing topline results from Phase 2b proof-of-concept clinical trial (1Q 2017)
Announced positive results from second Phase 2a clinical trial demonstrating a correlation of the 150 mg dose of ribaxamase, both alone and in the presence of the proton pump inhibitor, esomeprazole and the successful degradation of IV ceftriaxone to levels that were near or below detectable without impacting ceftriaxone plasma concentrations
The 150 mg dose strength of ribaxamase was well tolerated by all participants
Operational Update – Expanded Leadership Team
Deb Mathews, PharmD, joined the Company as Vice President, Medical Affairs, bringing broad experience and strong leadership of clinical and medical affairs as the Company begins to implement commercialization strategies
Isaac J. Bright, MD, joined the Company in the newly created position of Vice President, Corporate Development, to lead all strategic corporate and business development efforts for the Company’s two lead microbiome-focused drug candidates
Second Quarter 2016 Financial Results
General and administrative expenses decreased by 3% to $2.1 million for the second quarter of 2016, from $2.2 million for the second quarter of 2015. This decrease is primarily the result of lower legal fees offset by an increase in stock-based compensation and increased employee costs associated with the transition of the administrative and financial office to our Maryland headquarters. The charge related to stock-based compensation expense was $507,000 for the second quarter of 2016, compared to $335,000 for the second quarter of 2015.
Research and development expenses decreased by 5% to $7.2 million for the second quarter of 2016, from $7.5 million for the second quarter of 2015. This decrease is primarily the result of decreased Phase 2 program costs associated with clinical development programs, manufacturing and research activities within our microbiome-focused pipeline. Research and development expenses also include a charge related to non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $400,000 for the second quarter of 2016, compared to $252,000 for the second quarter of 2015.
Other income was $3.5 million for the second quarter of 2016, compared to other expense of $3.9 million for the second quarter of 2015. Other income for the second quarter of 2016 is due to non-cash expense of $3.5 million from the change in fair value of warrants. The decrease in the fair value of the warrants was due to the decrease in our stock price from the year ended December 31, 2015. Non-cash expense related to the increase of fair value of warrants for the second quarter of 2015 was $3.9 million.