Aura Biosciences(US:AURA) Newsfilterยท2025-03-24 20:01Core Insights - Aura Biosciences, Inc. reported positive Phase 1 trial data for bel-sar in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), indicating its potential as a front-line treatment option [1][9] - The company is actively enrolling patients in the Phase 3 CoMpass trial for early-stage choroidal melanoma, which is the first registration-enabling study for this indication [4][5] - Aura's cash position is projected to support operations into the second half of 2026, with total cash and cash equivalents amounting to $151.1 million as of December 31, 2024 [12][19] Clinical Pipeline Developments - The Phase 2 trial for metastases to the choroid has been initiated, addressing a significant unmet medical need with no approved therapies [3][6] - The CoMpass trial aims to enroll approximately 100 patients with documented tumor growth, with over 175 patients registered in pre-screening since June 2024 [5][4] - Bel-sar is also being explored for additional ocular oncology indications, including cancers of the ocular surface, which collectively affect over 60,000 patients annually in the U.S. and Europe [6][8] Financial Performance - Research and development expenses increased to $22.3 million for Q4 2024, up from $20.3 million in Q4 2023, primarily due to ongoing clinical trial costs [12][19] - General and administrative expenses rose to $5.5 million for Q4 2024, compared to $4.5 million in Q4 2023, driven by personnel and corporate expenses [12][19] - The net loss for the full year 2024 was $86.9 million, compared to $76.4 million in 2023, reflecting increased operational costs [12][19]