Aptose Biosciences(APTO)

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Aptose Biosciences(APTO) - 2022 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2023-03-24 02:07
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended 2022 with approximately $47 million in cash, cash equivalents, and investments, a decrease of $4.8 million compared to the previous quarter [31] - The net loss for the fourth quarter was approximately $10 million, translating to a loss of approximately negative $0.11 per share, down from a loss of $24.3 million in the comparable period in 2021 [31] - Research and development expenses were $6.8 million for the quarter, down from $20.2 million in the same quarter of 2021, and for the full year, R&D expenses were $28.1 million compared to $46 million in the previous year [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company made significant strides in the development of Tuspetinib for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), demonstrating a highly differentiated profile with complete remissions in difficult-to-treat patients [7][10] - The new formulation of Luxceptinib (G3) achieved up to 18-fold greater absorption than the original formulation, with continuous dosing showing promising results [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The treatment paradigm for AML is shifting towards doublet and triplet therapies, with Tuspetinib positioned as a potential drug of choice due to its safety profile and efficacy [19][20] - The company is focusing on specific patient populations, including those with TP53 mutations and FLT3 mutations, to enhance the clinical development of Tuspetinib [24][27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to position Tuspetinib as a preferred agent for combination therapy and in earlier lines of treatment, with plans for accelerated approval pathways [27][78] - The strategic focus includes expanding the clinical trials for Tuspetinib in combination with Venetoclax and exploring triplet combinations for frontline patients [12][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenging biotech market but emphasized the steady progress made in 2022, including extending the cash runway to the end of Q1 2024 [6] - The management expressed optimism about the potential of Tuspetinib and its role in addressing significant unmet medical needs in AML [19][27] Other Important Information - The company has engaged in productive discussions with several big pharma and biotech companies regarding potential partnerships for Tuspetinib [19] - The ACTIVATE trial for Tuspetinib has begun, with plans to report data at major medical meetings throughout 2023 [25][29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is it too soon to guide on patient numbers for the ACTIVATE trial update? - Management indicated that enrollment has been brisk for the monotherapy arm, and they expect to provide more clarity on patient numbers later in the year [38][40] Question: Can you provide more details on the different dose cohort sizes being enrolled? - The company has completed the dose escalation and exploration trial, with 60 patients treated, and the starting dose for the ACTIVATE trial is 120 milligrams for monotherapy [44] Question: What are the expectations for the regulatory plan for the monotherapy arm in ACTIVATE? - Management stated that they will align with the FDA on parameters for accelerated approval, with a focus on specific patient populations [50][78] Question: How does the company plan to present data from the ACTIVATE trial? - The company plans to provide updates at major medical meetings, with a more comprehensive data package expected later in the year [46][47] Question: What are the expectations for the activity seen in the monotherapy arm of ACTIVATE? - Early signs of anti-leukemic activity have been observed, but it is still early in the trial [66][69] Question: How is the company approaching the potential for accelerated approval based on specific mutations? - The company aims to enrich for specific populations with high unmet needs, such as those with TP53 mutations and FLT3 mutations, to support regulatory discussions [77][78]
Aptose Biosciences(APTO) - 2022 Q4 - Annual Report
2023-03-23 16:00
Part I [Business](index=3&type=section&id=ITEM%201.%20BUSINESS) Aptose Biosciences is a clinical-stage biotech developing precision oncology medicines for hematologic malignancies, with lead assets tuspetinib and luxeptinib in Phase 1/2 trials - Aptose is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on precision oncology medicines for hematology, with assets designed for single-agent and combination efficacy without overlapping toxicities[14](index=14&type=chunk) - The company's strategy focuses on advancing oral targeted agents for life-threatening cancers, primarily tuspetinib and luxeptinib[15](index=15&type=chunk) - The clinical program for APTO-253, a MYC oncogene inhibitor, was discontinued on December 20, 2021, to prioritize advanced pipeline candidates[20](index=20&type=chunk)[39](index=39&type=chunk) Product Candidate Pipeline | Product Candidate | Target Indication | Stage of Development | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Tuspetinib** | Relapsed/Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia (R/R AML) | Phase 1/2 | | **Luxeptinib** | R/R B-Cell Malignancies & R/R AML/High-Risk MDS | Phase 1a/b | | **APTO-253** | R/R Blood Cancers (AML/MDS) | Program Discontinued | [Tuspetinib Program](index=5&type=section&id=Tuspetinib%20Program) Tuspetinib, an oral myeloid kinase inhibitor, has shown complete responses in R/R AML Phase 1/2 trials and advanced to the APTIVATE expansion study - Aptose acquired exclusive worldwide rights for tuspetinib from Hanmi Pharmaceutical for an upfront payment of **$12.5 million** ($5 million cash, $7.5 million shares) and up to **$407.5 million** in future milestones plus royalties[23](index=23&type=chunk) - In its Phase 1/2 trial for R/R AML, tuspetinib demonstrated **complete responses (CRs)** at multiple dose levels (40mg, 80mg, 120mg, 160mg) with a favorable safety profile, showing no QTc prolongations, liver/kidney toxicities, or differentiation syndrome[16](index=16&type=chunk)[28](index=28&type=chunk) - The program advanced to the APTIVATE expansion trial, with **120 mg** selected for monotherapy and **80 mg** for combination therapy with venetoclax[28](index=28&type=chunk) [Luxeptinib Program](index=7&type=section&id=Luxeptinib%20Program) Luxeptinib, a dual kinase inhibitor, is in Phase 1a/b trials for B-cell malignancies and AML, with a new G3 formulation showing improved bioavailability - Aptose holds worldwide rights (excluding Korea) to luxeptinib, licensed from Crystal Genomics, with a total deal value of up to **$125 million** for China rights, plus milestones and royalties[31](index=31&type=chunk) - A new G3 formulation was developed to address limited absorption, with a **50 mg** G3 dose predicted to provide exposure comparable to a **900 mg** G1 dose in R/R AML patients[19](index=19&type=chunk)[36](index=36&type=chunk) - The original G1 formulation yielded a **complete response (CR)** in a DLBCL patient at a **900mg BID** dose and a **CR** in an R/R AML patient at a **450mg BID** dose[19](index=19&type=chunk)[36](index=36&type=chunk) [Competitive Conditions](index=9&type=section&id=Competitive%20Conditions) The company faces intense competition in AML and B-cell malignancies from established pharmaceutical companies with approved and developing therapies - In the AML market, Aptose competes with approved therapies from companies including Jazz (VYXEOS), Pfizer (MYLOTARG), Novartis (RYDAPT), Astellas (XOSPATA), and AbbVie (VENCLEXTA)[42](index=42&type=chunk) - For B-cell malignancies, competitors include companies with approved BTK inhibitors like AbbVie (IMBRUVICA) and AstraZeneca (CALQUENCE), and those developing inhibitors for mutant BTK forms, such as Merck and Eli Lilly[43](index=43&type=chunk) [Intellectual Property](index=10&type=section&id=Intellectual%20Property) Aptose holds intellectual property for tuspetinib (39 patents, protection until 2038-2039) and luxeptinib (46 patents, protection until 2033-2038) via licensing - Aptose holds exclusive worldwide rights to tuspetinib, with **39 issued patents** providing protection until **2038-2039**[48](index=48&type=chunk) - The company holds rights to **46 issued patents** for luxeptinib, expected to provide protection until **2033-2038**[51](index=51&type=chunk) [Risk Factors](index=19&type=section&id=ITEM%201A.%20RISK%20FACTORS) The company faces significant risks including going concern doubt, early-stage product development, reliance on third parties, regulatory uncertainties, intense competition, and Nasdaq delisting concerns - There is substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern, requiring additional financing to fund operations over the next twelve months[94](index=94&type=chunk) - The company has a history of operating losses, reporting a net loss of **$41.8 million** for FY 2022 and an accumulated deficit of **$464.3 million** as of December 31, 2022[104](index=104&type=chunk) - On July 18, 2022, the company received a Nasdaq notice for its stock price falling below the **$1.00** minimum, with a **180-day** extension until July 18, 2023, to regain compliance[203](index=203&type=chunk)[204](index=204&type=chunk) - The company believes it is classified as a Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC), potentially leading to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences for its U.S. shareholders[212](index=212&type=chunk) - Aptose relies heavily on contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) for product manufacturing and contract research organizations (CROs) for clinical development, creating dependence on third parties[132](index=132&type=chunk)[143](index=143&type=chunk) [Properties](index=40&type=section&id=ITEM%202.%20PROPERTIES) Aptose leases office spaces in San Diego (7,556 sq. ft.) and Toronto (2,078 sq. ft.), with a San Diego lab lease expiring in February 2023 - The company leases office space in San Diego, CA (**7,556 sq. ft.**) and Toronto, Canada (**2,078 sq. ft.**)[221](index=221&type=chunk) [Legal Proceedings](index=40&type=section&id=ITEM%203.%20LEGAL%20PROCEEDINGS) The company reports no material pending legal proceedings as of the report date - As of the report date, the company is not aware of any material pending legal proceedings[222](index=222&type=chunk) Part II [Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities](index=41&type=section&id=ITEM%205.%20MARKET%20FOR%20REGISTRANT%27S%20COMMON%20EQUITY%2C%20RELATED%20STOCKHOLDER%20MATTERS%20AND%20ISSUER%20PURCHASES%20OF%20EQUITY%20SECURITIES) The company's common shares trade on Nasdaq (APTO) and TSX (APS), with no anticipated cash dividends or Q4 2022 equity repurchases - Common shares are traded on Nasdaq (**APTO**) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (**APS**)[224](index=224&type=chunk) - The company does not expect to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future[224](index=224&type=chunk) [Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A)](index=42&type=section&id=ITEM%207%20-%20MANAGEMENT%27S%20DISCUSSION%20AND%20ANALYSIS%20OF%20FINANCIAL%20CONDITION%20AND%20RESULTS%20OF%20OPERATIONS) MD&A details a reduced net loss in 2022 due to lower R&D, but weakened liquidity and going concern doubt persist, while tuspetinib and luxeptinib programs advanced [Program Updates](index=42&type=section&id=PROGRAM%20UPDATES) In 2022, tuspetinib completed dose escalation and initiated the APTIVATE trial, while luxeptinib advanced with a new, more bioavailable G3 formulation - Tuspetinib completed dose escalation and exploration, delivering single-agent responses in heavily pretreated R/R AML patients, and initiated the APTIVATE expansion trial for monotherapy (**120mg**) and combination (**80mg**) with venetoclax[236](index=236&type=chunk) - For luxeptinib, a new G3 formulation was developed, with a **50mg** G3 dose predicted to achieve plasma exposure comparable to **900mg** of the original G1 formulation, with AML patient dosing beginning in November 2022[240](index=240&type=chunk) [Liquidity and Capital Resources](index=47&type=section&id=LIQUIDITY%20AND%20CAPITAL%20RESOURCES) The company's liquidity significantly declined in 2022, with cash and investments at **$47.0 million**, raising substantial doubt about its going concern status and necessitating additional financing - Management states that additional financing is necessary to continue operations, raising substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern[255](index=255&type=chunk) Liquidity Position (in thousands) | Metric | Dec 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Cash and cash equivalents | $36,970 | $39,114 | | Investments | $9,989 | $40,014 | | **Total Cash & Investments** | **$46,959** | **$79,128** | | Working capital | $37,235 | $73,563 | Cash Flow Summary (in thousands) | Activity | Year Ended Dec 31, 2022 | Year Ended Dec 31, 2021 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net cash used in Operating activities | $(32,322) | $(43,304) | | Net cash from (used in) Investing activities | $30,066 | $(35,208) | | Net cash from Financing activities | $116 | $226 | [Results of Operations](index=50&type=section&id=RESULTS%20OF%20OPERATIONS) Aptose reported a reduced net loss of **$41.8 million** in 2022, down from **$65.4 million** in 2021, primarily due to lower R&D and G&A expenses Consolidated Results of Operations (in thousands, except per share data) | Metric | 2022 | 2021 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Research and development expenses | $28,088 | $45,985 | | General and administrative expenses | $14,514 | $19,462 | | **Net loss** | **$(41,823)** | **$(65,354)** | | **Basic and diluted loss per Common Share** | **$(0.45)** | **$(0.73)** | Research & Development Expense Breakdown (in thousands) | Expense Category | 2022 | 2021 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | License fee – Tuspetinib | $— | $12,500 | | Program costs – Tuspetinib | $10,083 | $57 | | Program costs – Luxeptinib | $8,426 | $18,490 | | Program costs – APTO-253 | $141 | $3,543 | | Personnel & Stock-based comp. | $9,399 | $11,383 | | **Total R&D Expenses** | **$28,088** | **$45,985** | - The **$17.9 million** decrease in R&D expenses from 2021 to 2022 was primarily due to the **$12.5 million** tuspetinib license fee in 2021, a **$10.1 million** decrease in luxeptinib program costs, and a **$3.4 million** decrease in APTO-253 costs, partially offset by a **$10.0 million** increase in tuspetinib program costs[279](index=279&type=chunk) [Controls and Procedures](index=54&type=section&id=ITEM%209A.%20CONTROLS%20AND%20PROCEDURES) Management concluded that disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting were effective as of December 31, 2022, with no material changes in Q4 2022 - Management concluded that the company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2022[299](index=299&type=chunk) - Based on the COSO 2013 framework, management concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2022[303](index=303&type=chunk) Part III [Directors, Compensation, Ownership, and Fees](index=56&type=section&id=ITEM%2010%2C%2011%2C%2012%2C%2013%2C%2014) Information for Items 10-14, covering directors, compensation, ownership, and fees, is incorporated by reference from the 2023 Proxy Statement - The information required for Items 10 through 14 is incorporated by reference from the definitive Proxy Statement for the 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders[306](index=306&type=chunk) Part IV [Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules](index=57&type=section&id=ITEM%2015.%20EXHIBITS%2C%20FINANCIAL%20STATEMENT%20SCHEDULES) This section includes consolidated financial statements for 2022 and 2021, and KPMG LLP's auditor report, which highlights a "Going Concern" uncertainty - The Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (KPMG LLP) includes a "Going Concern" paragraph, citing recurring losses that raise substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern[330](index=330&type=chunk) - The auditor's report identifies "Research and Development Prepaid and Accrued Costs" as a Critical Audit Matter due to subjective and complex estimation judgments[336](index=336&type=chunk)[337](index=337&type=chunk) Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (in thousands) | | Dec 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Total current assets** | **$49,519** | **$81,737** | | **Total assets** | **$51,027** | **$82,525** | | **Total current liabilities** | **$12,284** | **$8,174** | | **Total liabilities** | **$13,286** | **$8,289** | | **Total shareholders' equity** | **$37,741** | **$74,236** | Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss (in thousands) | | Year ended Dec 31, 2022 | Year ended Dec 31, 2021 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Research and development | $28,088 | $45,985 | | General and administrative | $14,514 | $19,462 | | **Net loss** | **$(41,823)** | **$(65,354)** |
Aptose Biosciences(APTO) - 2022 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2022-11-01 23:52
Aptose Biosciences Inc. (NASDAQ:APTO) Q3 2022 Results Conference Call November 1, 2022 5:00 PM ET Company Participants Susan Pietropaolo - Managing Director William Rice - Chairman, President and CEO Fletcher Payne - SVP and Chief Financial Officer Rafael Bejar - SVP and Chief Medical Officer Conference Call Participants Li Watsek - Cantor Fitzgerald Soumit Roy - Jones Trading John Newman - Canaccord Genuity Matthew Biegler - Oppenheimer Joe Pantginis - H.C. Wainwright Edward Tenthoff - Piper Sandler Operat ...
Aptose Biosciences(APTO) - 2022 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2022-08-03 01:00
Aptose Biosciences Inc. (NASDAQ:APTO) Q2 2022 Earnings Conference Call August 2, 2022 5:00 PM ET Company Participants Susan Pietropaolo - Managing Director William Rice - Chairman, President and CEO Fletcher Payne - SVP and Chief Financial Officer Rafael Bejar - SVP and Chief Medical Officer Conference Call Participants Matthew Biegler - Oppenheimer Li Watsek - Cantor Fitzgerald Edward Tenthoff - Piper Sandler Soumit Roy - Jones Trading John Newman - Canaccord Genuity Operator Good day, and thank you for st ...
Aptose Biosciences(APTO) - 2022 Q1 - Quarterly Report
2022-05-08 16:00
Financial Performance - Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2022, was $11,481 thousand, compared to a net loss of $16,227 thousand for the same period in 2021, reflecting an improvement of approximately 29.5%[18] - Basic and diluted loss per common share improved from $(0.18) in Q1 2021 to $(0.12) in Q1 2022[18] - The net loss for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022, decreased by $4.7 million to $11.5 million compared to $16.2 million for the same period in 2021[126] - Cash used in operating activities for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022, was approximately $9.6 million, compared to $10.4 million for the same period in 2021[118] - General and administrative expenses for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022, were $4,107 thousand, compared to $8,024 thousand in the same period in 2021[128] Assets and Liabilities - Total assets decreased from $82,525 thousand on December 31, 2021, to $72,603 thousand on March 31, 2022, representing a decline of approximately 12.3%[14] - Current assets fell from $81,737 thousand to $71,874 thousand, a decrease of about 12.0%[14] - Total liabilities decreased from $8,289 thousand on December 31, 2021, to $7,319 thousand on March 31, 2022, a reduction of about 11.7%[15] - Shareholders' equity decreased from $74,236 thousand to $65,284 thousand, a decline of approximately 12.1%[15] - Cash and cash equivalents decreased from $39,114 thousand at the beginning of the period to $36,991 thousand at the end of the period, a decline of approximately 5.4%[24] Research and Development - The company is advancing two clinical-stage programs and a third program in discovery-stage, focusing on differentiated kinase inhibitors for oncology[28] - Research and development expenses decreased from $8,228 thousand in Q1 2021 to $7,393 thousand in Q1 2022, a reduction of about 10.1%[18] - Research and development expenses for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022, were $7.4 million, a decrease of $835 thousand from $8.2 million in the same period in 2021[132] - The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may adversely affect the company's research and development activities, including clinical trial enrollment and data collection[29] - The company has ongoing Phase 1 clinical trials for product candidates HM43239 and luxeptinib, with increased costs expected for these trials[129] Stock and Compensation - The Company recorded total share-based payment expense of $2.514 million in Q1 2022, down 62.2% from $6.643 million in Q1 2021[77] - Stock-based compensation decreased by approximately $3.7 million to $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022, primarily due to lower grant date fair value of options[137] - The Company granted 3,870 thousand stock options in Q1 2022, compared to 2,962 thousand in Q1 2021, reflecting a 30.6% increase[75] - As of March 31, 2022, there was $6.99 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options, expected to be recognized over an estimated weighted-average period of 1.67 years[69] Clinical Trials and Product Development - Aptose obtained exclusive worldwide rights to the clinical-stage myeloid kinome inhibitor HM43239 from Hanmi Pharmaceutical on November 4, 2021[88] - An ongoing international Phase 1/2 clinical trial for HM43239 has shown robust clinical activity, including multiple complete remissions (CR) in relapsed or refractory AML patients[89] - The FDA granted orphan drug designation to HM43239 for AML treatment, providing seven additional years of marketing exclusivity and various development incentives[90] - Fast Track Designation was granted to HM43239 for relapsed or refractory AML with FLT3 mutation, facilitating expedited development through early communication with the FDA[91] - Luxeptinib is being developed for relapsed or refractory AML and B-cell malignancies, with ongoing Phase 1a/b trials showing promising safety and efficacy results[94][95] Future Outlook and Capital Needs - The company expects to need to raise additional capital or incur indebtedness to fund operations in the future, with a base shelf prospectus allowing for the distribution of up to $200 million of common shares[111] - The company anticipates that negative cash flows will continue until regulatory approval is received for any of its products under development[119] - The company’s cash needs for the next twelve months will depend on clinical trial enrollment rates and general corporate overhead costs[31] Miscellaneous - The company has not experienced material delays in the enrollment of patients or timelines for clinical trials due to COVID-19[138] - The company has not been party to any off-balance sheet arrangements as of March 31, 2022[144] - There were no material changes to the company's critical accounting policies and estimates during the three months ended March 31, 2022[146] - The report was signed by William G. Rice, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, on May 9, 2022, in San Diego, California[165].
Aptose Biosciences(APTO) - 2020 Q3 - Quarterly Report
2020-11-10 22:00
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2020 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the Transition Period from to Commission File Number: 1-35447 APTOSE BIOSCIENCES INC. (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) Canada (State or other jurisdiction of incorporatio ...
Aptose Biosciences(APTO) - 2020 Q2 - Quarterly Report
2020-08-04 21:01
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2020 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the Transition Period from to Commission File Number: 1-35447 APTOSE BIOSCIENCES INC. (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) Canada (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or ...
Aptose Biosciences(APTO) - 2020 Q1 - Quarterly Report
2020-05-05 20:01
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2020 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the Transition Period from to Commission File Number: 1-35447 APTOSE BIOSCIENCES INC. (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) Canada (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or ...