Immunic, Inc. Reports Positive Top-line Data from Phase 2 EMPhASIS Trial of IMU-838 in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
IMU-838 |
Placebo |
Suppression |
p-value |
||
Primary |
45 mg IMU-838 |
N=69 |
N=69 |
62% |
0.0002 |
Key Secondary |
30 mg IMU-838 |
N=71 |
70% |
<0.0001 |
- July 2020: Enrolled the first patients in investigator-sponsored phase 2, IONIC clinical trial of IMU-838 in combination with oseltamivir (Tamiflu?) for the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe COVID-19, in collaboration with sponsor and lead site, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust.
- June 2020: Dosed the first patients in CALVID-1 clinical trial, a prospective, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase 2 trial of IMU-838 in patients with moderate COVID-19.
- June 2020: Completed a?$25.0 million?public offering of common stock.
- June 2020: Announced company's addition to the Russell 3000? Index.
- May 2020: Held its first R&D Day to discuss current treatment options for, and the unmet medical needs of, chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, as well as clinical progress of the company's development programs. The presentation included preclinical data of IMU-838 against SARS-CoV-2 as well as first pharmacokinetic data from the ongoing single ascending dose part of the phase 1 clinical trial of IMU-935.
- April 2020: Reported several changes to the company's executive team, including the promotion of?Glenn Whaley?to the position of Vice President Finance, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer and the announcement that?Duane Nash, MD, JD, MBA, current Chairman of the Board of Directors, has temporarily assumed the role of Executive Chairman.
- April 2020: Announced that IMU-838 has successfully demonstrated preclinical activity against clinical isolates of SARS-CoV-2 associated with COVID-19.
- April 2020: Completed a?$15.0 million?registered direct offering led by institutional investor, Altium Capital.
Research and Development (R&D) Expenses?were?$10.0 million?for the three months ended?June 30, 2020, as compared to?$6.0 million?for the same period ended?June 30, 2019. The?$4.0 million?increase was primarily attributable to (i) a?$2.2 million?increase in external development costs for lead development program, IMU-838, related to the phase 2 clinical trials in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis and COVID-19, (ii) a?$1.0 million?increase in drug supply costs related to IMU-838, (iii) a?$1.0 million?increase in preclinical, drug supply and phase 1 preparation costs related to IMU-856, (iv) a?$1.0 million?increase in costs due to drug supply and the start of the phase 1 trial in?September 2019?for the IMU-935 program and (v)?$0.3 million?of increased employee costs. The increase was partially offset by a contingent payment under the asset purchase agreement with 4SC AG settled in stock valued at?$1.5 million?at the transaction with Vital Therapies in the second quarter of 2019.
For the six months ended?June 30, 2020, R&D expenses were?$16.4 million?compared to?$9.4 million?for the same period ended?June 30, 2019. The?$7.0 million?increase was primarily attributable to (i) a?$3.2 million?increase in external development costs for lead development program, IMU-838, related to the phase 2 clinical trials in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis and COVID-19, (ii) a?$1.2 million?increase in drug supply costs related to IMU-838, (iii)?$2.2 million?of an increase in license fees, preclinical, drug supply and phase 1 preparation costs related to IMU-856, (iv)?$1.2 million?in costs for drug supply and the start of the phase 1 trial in?September 2019?for the IMU-935 program and (v)?$0.7 million?of increased employee and other costs. The increase was offset by a contingent payment under the asset purchase agreement with 4SC AG settled in stock valued at?$1.5 million?at the transaction with Vital Therapies in the second quarter of 2019.
General and Administrative (G&A) Expenses?were?$2.2 million?for the three months ended?June 30, 2020, as compared to?$9.0 million?for the same period ended?June 30, 2019. The?$6.7 million?improvement is primarily due to one-time costs related to the transaction with Vital Therapies including?$6.4 million?of stock-based compensation for the executives, key employees and members of the board of directors and?$1.2 million?in investment banking and legal fees in the second quarter of 2019. The decrease was offset by a?$0.9 million?increase in personnel and other expenses.
For the six months ended?June 30, 2020, G&A expenses were?$4.8 million?compared to?$10.3 million?for the same period ended?June 30, 2019. The?$5.5 million?improvement was primarily due to one-time costs related to the transaction with Vital Therapies including?$6.4 million?of stock-based compensation for the executives, key employees and members of the board of directors and?$2.1 million?in investment banking and legal fees in the first six months of 2019. The decrease was partially offset by (i) a?$1.6 million?increase in personnel expenses, (ii)?$0.8 million?of increased legal and consultancy costs and (iii)?$0.6 million?of increased costs across numerous categories primarily due to becoming a public company and expanding operations into?the United States.
Other Income?was?$0.8 million?for the three months ended?June 30, 2020, as compared to?$0.3 million?for the same period ended?June 30, 2019. The?$0.5 million?increase was primarily attributable to (i)?$0.2 million?of research and development tax incentives for clinical trials in?Australia?as a result of increased spending on clinical trials in?Australia?and (ii)?$0.3 million?recognized deferred income attributable to reimbursements of research and development expenses in connection with the option and license agreement with Daiichi Sankyo.
For the six months ended?June 30, 2020, other income was?$1.3 million?compared to?$0.6 million?for the same period ended?June 30, 2019. The?$0.6 million?increase was primarily attributable to (i)?$0.3 million?of research and development tax incentives for clinical trials in?Australia?as a result of increased spending on clinical trials in?Australia?and (ii)?$0.3 million?recognized deferred income attributable to reimbursements of research and development expenses in connection with the option and license agreement with Daiichi Sankyo.
Net Loss?for the three months ended?June 30, 2020?was approximately?$11.5?million, or?$0.90?per basic and diluted share, based on 12,695,989 weighted average common shares outstanding, compared to a net loss of approximately?$14.7 million, or?$1.52?per basic and diluted share, based on 9,669,129 weighted average common shares outstanding for the same period ended?June 30, 2019.
Net loss for the six months ended?June 30, 2020?was approximately?$19.9 million, or?$1.70?per basic and diluted share, based on 11,722,725 weighted average common shares outstanding, compared to a net loss of approximately?$19.0 million, or?$3.60?per basic and dilutes share, based on 5,282,412 weighted average common shares outstanding for the same period ended?June 30, 2019.
Cash and Cash Equivalents,?as of?June 30, 2020, were?$48.6 million, which management expects to be sufficient to fund operations beyond twelve months from the date of the issuance of this earnings release.
Conference Call and Webcast Information Immunic's management team will host a public conference call and webcast on?August 3, 2020?at?8:30 a.m. Eastern Time?to provide a corporate update and to discuss the top-line data from the phase 2 EMPhASIS trial of IMU-838 in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. To participate in the conference call, dial 1-877-870-4263 (USA) or 1-412-317-0790 (International) and ask to be joined into the Immunic, Inc. call. A live, listen-only webcast of the conference call can be accessed at?https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2301/35524?or on the "Events and Presentations" section of Immunic's website at?ir.imux.com/events-and-presentations. An archived replay of conference call and webcast will be available approximately one hour after the completion for one year on Immunic's website at:?ir.imux.com. About Relapsing-Remitting Multiple SclerosisMultiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve. In MS, myelin, the coating that protects the nerves, is attacked and damaged by the immune system. Thus, MS is considered an immune-mediated demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) is the most common form of the disease. Approximately 85% of patients with MS are expected to develop RRMS, with some of these patients later developing more progressive forms of the disease. RRMS is characterized by clearly defined attacks of new or increasing neurologic symptoms. These relapses are followed by periods of remission, or partial or complete recovery. During remissions, all symptoms may disappear, or some symptoms may continue and become permanent. MS is a progressive disease which, without effective treatment, leads to severe disability.?MS affects more than 700,000 people in?the United States, and more than 2.2?million people worldwide.?The disease mainly affects young adults of prime working age, although MS can occur at any age. MS is at least two to three times more common in women than in men. About IMU-838
IMU-838 is an orally available, next-generation selective immune modulator that inhibits the intracellular metabolism of activated immune cells by blocking the enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH). IMU-838 acts on activated T and B cells while leaving other immune cells largely unaffected and allows the immune system to stay functioning, e.g. in fighting infections. In previous trials, IMU-838 did not show an increased rate of infections compared to placebo. In addition, DHODH inhibitors, such as IMU-838, are known to possess a host-based antiviral effect, which is independent with respect to specific virus proteins and their structure. Therefore, DHODH inhibition may be broadly applicable against multiple viruses. IMU-838 was successfully tested in two phase 1 clinical trials in 2017 and is currently being tested in phase 2 trials in patients with COVID-19, relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis. Furthermore, Immunic's collaboration partner, the Mayo Clinic, has started an investigator-sponsored proof-of-concept clinical trial testing IMU-838 activity in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. To date, IMU-838 has already been tested in about 650 individuals and has shown an attractive pharmacokinetic, safety and tolerability profile. IMU-838 is not yet licensed or approved in any country and has not been demonstrated to be safe or effective for any use. About Immunic, Inc.
Immunic, Inc. (Nasdaq:?IMUX) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a pipeline of selective oral immunology therapies aimed at treating chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and psoriasis. The company is developing three small molecule products: lead development program, IMU-838, is a selective immune modulator that inhibits the intracellular metabolism of activated immune cells by blocking the enzyme DHODH and exhibits a host-based antiviral effect; IMU-935 is an inverse agonist of ROR?t; and IMU-856 targets the restoration of the intestinal barrier function. IMU-838 is in phase 2 clinical development for COVID-19, relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis, with an additional phase 2 trial considered in Crohn's disease. An investigator-sponsored proof-of-concept clinical trial for IMU-838 in primary sclerosing cholangitis is ongoing at the Mayo Clinic. For further information, please visit:?www.imux.com. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" that involve substantial risks and uncertainties for purposes of the safe harbor provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release regarding strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenue, projected expenses, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to Immunic's three development programs and the targeted diseases; the potential for IMU-838 to safely and effectively target diseases, including relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis; preclinical and clinical data for IMU-838; the timing of current and future clinical trials; the availability, safety or efficacy of potential treatment options for patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis or other conditions, if any, that may be supported by the Company's phase 2 EMPhASIS trial data; future analysis of the EMPhASIS trial data and presentations related thereto; the potential availability and frequency of administration of IMU-838 as a potential treatment for patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis or for patients with other conditions; the potential for IMU-838 as a treatment for patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis or for patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and any clinical trials, collaborations and approvals relating to such potential treatments; preparations for a clinical phase 3 program for IMU-838 in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis; future readouts of clinical data from phase 2 trials of IMU-838 in COVID-19; the nature, strategy and focus of the company and further updates with respect thereto; and the development and commercial potential of any product candidates of the company. Immunic may not actually achieve the plans, carry out the intentions or meet the expectations or projections disclosed in the forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management's current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results and performance could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including, without limitation, the COVID-19 pandemic, risks and uncertainties associated with the ability to project future cash utilization and reserves needed for contingent future liabilities and business operations, the availability of sufficient resources to meet business objectives and operational requirements, the fact that the results of earlier studies and trials may not be predictive of future clinical trial results, the protection and market exclusivity provided by Immunic's intellectual property, risks related to the drug development and the regulatory approval process and the impact of competitive products and technological changes. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in the section captioned "Risk Factors," in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended?December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on?March 16, 2020, the company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended?June 30, 2020, filed with the SEC on?August 3, 2020, and in the company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at?www.sec.gov?or ir.imux.com/sec-filings. Any forward-looking statement made in this release speaks only as of the date of this release. Immunic disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made. Immunic expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this press release. Contact Information Immunic, Inc.
Jessica Breu
Head of Investor Relations and Communications
+49 89 2080 477 09
jessica.breu@imux.com US IR Contact
Rx Communications Group
Melody Carey
+1-917-322-2571
immunic@rxir.com US Media Contact
Speak Life Science, LLC
Amy Speak
+1-617-420-2461
amy@speaklifescience.com Financials
Immunic, Inc.
? (Unaudited) |
||||||||||||||||
Three Months |
Six Months |
|||||||||||||||
2020 |
2019 |
2020 |
2019 |
|||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||||
Research and development |
$ |
9,987 |
$ |
6,029 |
$ |
Share this article on WhatsApp, LinkedIn and Twitter
X
Incisive News in 3 Shots. Contact Us
Our Information
Copyright © 2024 PharmaShots - All Rights Reserved.
Modal titleModal body text goes here. |