On March 23, 2016 Sophiris Bio Inc. (NASDAQ: SPHS) (the "Company" or "Sophiris"), a biopharmaceutical company developing topsalysin (PRX302) for the treatment of urological diseases, reported financial results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2015 (Press release, Sophiris Bio, MAR 23, 2016, View Source [SID:1234509857]).

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"Compelling data have been announced from both topsalysin programs over the past few months. Topsalysin demonstrated promising therapeutic activity in four of the initial seven patients with localized prostate cancer – including one with a complete tumor ablation. This encouraging data follows the announcement in November of 2015 that topsalysin met the primary endpoint in a Phase 3 study in BPH," stated Randall Woods, president and CEO of Sophiris Bio. "We believe that these robust and consistent BPH results will help us secure the capital needed to advance the BPH program into the final clinical study required for marketing approval, in a non-dilutive manner such as through a development and/or commercial partner."

Liquidity:

At December 31, 2015, we had cash, cash equivalents and securities available-for-sale of $8.4 million and net working capital of $5.6 million. We expect that our cash, cash equivalents and securities available-for-sale as of December 31, 2015 will be sufficient to fund our operations through September 2016 assuming that we do not initiate any additional clinical development of topsalysin beyond our on-going Phase 2a proof of concept study in localized prostate cancer. We will need to obtain additional capital to fund a second Phase 3 clinical trial of topsalysin for the treatment of the symptoms of BPH and for any future clinical development of topsalysin for the treatment of localized prostate cancer beyond our ongoing Phase 2a proof of concept clinical trial and to fund our ongoing operations. As of December 31, 2015, the outstanding principal balance of our term loan was $5.3 million on which we make principal and interest payments monthly.

Business Highlights:

Topsalysin BPH Program:

On November 10, 2015, the Company announced final positive results from its Phase 3 "PLUS-1" study of topsalysin (PRX302) as a treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, enlarged prostate)
Topsalysin met the primary endpoint of the study, demonstrating a statistically significant improvement in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) total score from baseline over 12 months compared to the vehicle-only control group, (p = 0.043).
The clinical relevance of the overall improvement in IPSS was assessed by an additional efficacy endpoint, the patient self-assessment of the impact of treatment on their quality of life. Patients reported a sustained improvement in their quality of life from Weeks 18 through 52, which was statistically significantly superior to patients treated with vehicle for every post-baseline visit beginning at week 18 (reaching p = 0.004).
Topsalysin continues to have an attractive safety profile, with no evidence of any treatment related sexual or cardiovascular side effects.
Topsalysin Localized Prostate Cancer Program:

As of December 31, 2015, a total of 18 patients with clinically significant, localized low to intermediate risk prostate cancer (prostate cancer that has not yet metastasized) had been enrolled in the ongoing Phase 2a proof of concept study.
On January 28, 2016, the Company announced that a review of the 6-month biopsy data from the first seven patients to complete the study showed that four patients experienced a response to treatment: One patient experienced complete ablation of the tumor where no evidence of the treated tumor remained on a targeted biopsy at 6 months; three patients experienced either a reduction in the maximum cancer core length or a reduction in Gleason pattern; three patients had no response to treatment.
The Company held a conference call to review clinical data with principal investigators from the BPH program and the prostate cancer program, which can be accessed at View Source
The Company expects to have final data on all patients by the end of second quarter of 2016.
Woods added, "Practicing urologists view topsalysin as a compelling alternative for their BPH patients who have discontinued their oral medications and are unwilling to take the leap to the more invasive surgical procedures. Given the convenience of this four minute administration of topsalysin in the urologist’s office, 12 months of benefit and a benign safety profile, we believe topsalysin has the potential to obtain a significant position within the BPH treatment paradigm."

Financial Results:

For the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2015

The Company reported a net loss of $2.5 million ($0.15 per share) for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to a net loss of $5.3 million ($0.31 per share) for the three months ended December 31, 2014.

Research and development expenses

Research and development expenses were $1.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to $4.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014. The decrease in research and development costs is attributable to decreases in the costs associated with the Company’s completed Phase 3 PLUS-1 clinical trial of topsalysin, costs associated with the manufacturing activities for topsalysin and personnel related costs. These decreases are partially offset by an increase in costs associated with the Phase 2a proof of concept clinical trial for localized low to intermediate risk prostate cancer which enrolled its first patient in the second quarter of 2015.

General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expenses were $0.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to $1.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014. The decrease is primarily due to a decrease in non-cash stock-based compensation expense, consulting, and personnel related costs.

For the year ended December 31, 2015

The Company reported a net loss of $14.2 million ($0.84 per share) for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to a net loss of $30.7 million ($1.85 per share) for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Research and development expenses

Research and development expenses were $9.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $24.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease in research and development costs is attributable to decreases in the costs associated with the Company’s Phase 3 PLUS-1 clinical trial of topsalysin, costs associated with the manufacturing activities for topsalysin and personnel related costs. These decreases are partially offset by an increase in costs associated with the Phase 2a proof of concept clinical trial for localized low to intermediate risk prostate cancer.

General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expenses were $3.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $5.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease is primarily due to a decrease in non-cash stock based compensation expense and, to a lesser extent, decreases in legal, travel, professional, consulting, and personnel related costs.