Achieve Life Sciences Reports Financial Results for Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2024 and Provides Update on the Cytisinicline Development Program

Core Viewpoint - Achieve Life Sciences is on track to submit its new drug application (NDA) for cytisinicline, a treatment for nicotine dependence, by the end of Q2 2025, following significant progress in clinical trials and corporate governance [1][3][4]. Company Developments - The company has completed enrollment in the ORCA-OL clinical trial with 479 participants across 29 U.S. sites, focusing on the long-term safety of a 3 mg cytisinicline regimen for smoking and vaping cessation [4]. - Achieve received two positive reviews from the Data Safety Monitoring Committee (DSMC) for the ORCA-OL trial, confirming no unexpected treatment-related adverse events and excellent participant adherence [5]. - The company appointed Dr. Kristen Slaoui and Nancy Phelan to its Board of Directors, enhancing its expertise in corporate strategy and commercialization [6]. - Mark Oki was appointed as Chief Financial Officer in December 2024, bringing over 25 years of experience in financial leadership within the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors [7]. Clinical Trial Progress - The ORCA-OL trial met the requirement of at least 300 participants completing six months of treatment, which is essential for the NDA submission [4][8]. - An End-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA confirmed that one well-controlled Phase 3 trial (ORCA-V2) would be sufficient for a vaping cessation indication, with plans to initiate this trial in the first half of 2026, depending on funding availability [9]. Financial Overview - As of December 31, 2024, Achieve reported cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaling $34.4 million, with total operating expenses of$39.1 million for the year [10][20]. - The net loss for the fourth quarter and the year ended December 31, 2024, was $12.4 million and$39.8 million, respectively, with a basic and diluted net loss per share of $0.36 and$1.24 [10][20]. Market Context - There are approximately 29 million adults who smoke combustible cigarettes in the U.S., with tobacco use being the leading cause of preventable death [13]. - Over 11 million adults in the U.S. use e-cigarettes, highlighting a significant market opportunity for cytisinicline, which has received Breakthrough Therapy designation from the FDA for vaping cessation [14][15].