GeoVax Labs (GOVX) Q4 2024 Earnings Call March 27, 2025 04:30 PM ET Company Participants David Dodd - Chairman, President & CEOMark Reynolds - CFOJohn Sharkey - Vice President of Business DevelopmentKelly McKee - Chief Medical OfficerLaura Suriel - Equity Research Associate Conference Call Participants Max Gadicke - Investor relations & Senior AnalystJonathan Aschoff - Managing Director, Senior Research AnalystRobert Leboyer - Senior Biotechnology Analyst Operator Good afternoon, and welcome everyone to the ...

Core Insights - Mainz Biomed has initiated the eAArly DETECT 2 study to evaluate its next-generation colorectal cancer test, aiming to confirm previous results in detecting advanced precancerous lesions [1][2][3] - The study will enroll approximately 2,000 average-risk patients and is expected to report top-line results in the fourth quarter of 2025 [1][2] - The company plans to finalize protocols for its U.S. pivotal study, ReconAAsense, based on the outcomes of the eAArly DETECT 2 study, with initiation targeted for 2026 [2] Group 1 - The eAArly DETECT 2 study aims to validate the effectiveness of five novel mRNA biomarkers acquired from Sherbrooke University in 2022, which can identify advanced adenomas and early-stage colorectal cancer [3] - The study integrates proprietary mRNA biomarkers, an AI-developed algorithm, and a FIT test to enhance diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for early-stage colorectal cancer [1][3] - The first patient has been enrolled, marking the formal commencement of the study after months of preparatory work [3] Group 2 - Mainz Biomed's flagship product, ColoAlert®, is a non-invasive early-detection diagnostic test for colorectal cancer, currently marketed across Europe [4] - The company is also developing PancAlert, an early-stage pancreatic cancer screening test based on real-time PCR multiplex detection of molecular-genetic biomarkers [4]

Core Insights - LIXTE Biotechnology Holdings, Inc. has initiated two new clinical trials in collaboration with MD Anderson and the Netherlands Cancer Institute, focusing on treatments for ovarian and colorectal cancer [1][3] - The company has secured an exclusive patent license agreement with the NIH for LB-100, which aims to enhance cancer immunotherapies [1] - Recent publications in prominent medical journals EMBO and Cancer Discovery support LIXTE's clinical trial program, highlighting the potential of LB-100 in cancer treatment [1][6] Clinical Trials - LIXTE is conducting trials for ovarian cancer at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and Northwestern University, with support from GSK [2][3] - A colorectal cancer trial is being conducted at the Netherlands Cancer Institute, supported by F. Hoffmann-La Roche [3][6] - The first patient has been dosed in a Phase 1b/2 trial combining LB-100 with GSK's immunotherapy for ovarian clear cell carcinoma [6] Intellectual Property and Research - LIXTE has received a Notice of Allowance from the USPTO for a patent related to the modulation of immune response using LB-100 [6] - Studies published in Cancer Discovery and EMBO indicate that LB-100 can alter cancer cells to enhance their vulnerability to immunotherapy [6] Financial Activities - The company completed a registered direct offering, raising approximately $1,050,000 for working capital and corporate purposes [6]

Company Overview - Compugen Ltd. is a clinical-stage cancer immunotherapy company specializing in computational target discovery [3] - The company utilizes its predictive computational discovery platform, UnigenTM, to identify new drug targets and biological pathways for cancer immunotherapies [3] - Compugen has two proprietary product candidates in Phase 1 development: COM701, an anti-PVRIG antibody, and COM902, an antibody targeting TIGIT for solid tumors [3] Upcoming Events - Compugen will participate in several virtual investor conferences in April 2025, including: - H.C. Wainwright 2nd Annual AI Based Drug Discovery & Development Conference on April 2, 2025, with a fireside chat at 9:30 am ET [1] - 24th Annual Needham Virtual Healthcare Conference on April 7, 2025, with a fireside chat at 8:00 am ET [2] - Stifel's 2025 Virtual Targeted Oncology Forum on April 9, 2025, with a fireside chat at 12:00 pm ET [2] - Live webcasts of the fireside chats will be available on Compugen's Investor Relations website, with replays accessible after the events [2] Product Development - Rilvegostomig, a PD-1/TIGIT bispecific antibody, is in Phase 3 development by AstraZeneca under a license agreement [3] - GS-0321 (previously COM503), an anti-IL-18 binding protein antibody, is in Phase 1 development and licensed to Gilead [3] - The company has a pipeline of early-stage immuno-oncology programs aimed at enhancing anti-cancer immunity [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total operating expenses for 2024 were $27.6 million, down from $31.4 million in 2023, a decrease of $3.8 million [29] - R&D expenses declined by $3.2 million from $17.3 million in 2023 to $14.1 million in 2024, primarily due to reduced spending on (Z)-endoxifen trials [30] - Net loss for 2024 was $25.5 million or $0.20 per share, compared to $30.1 million or $0.24 per share in 2023 [34] - The company closed the year with $71.1 million in cash and cash equivalents, providing a healthy runway for advancing (Z)-endoxifen and other research initiatives [34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The focus remains on the lead program (Z)-endoxifen, which is positioned as a next-generation anti-estrogen therapy for breast cancer [12][17] - The company aims to address significant unmet needs in endocrine therapy for breast cancer, including patient adherence and drug resistance [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is prioritizing the metastatic breast cancer indication for (Z)-endoxifen, which is a clinical setting of high unmet need [19] - Clinical investigations have shown a clinical benefit rate of approximately 26% in patients with endocrine refractory ER-positive HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to advance (Z)-endoxifen in metastatic breast cancer first, potentially leading to a more streamlined path to regulatory approval [19][26] - There is a commitment to continue dialogue with the FDA regarding the potential for (Z)-endoxifen in earlier disease settings [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the potential of (Z)-endoxifen to transform breast cancer treatment, especially in metastatic disease where new options are urgently needed [36] - The company remains focused on executing research and regulatory strategies to meet clinical milestones [27] Other Important Information - The company reported a write-off of $1.7 million related to its investment in dynamic cell therapies, which ceased operations in Q4 2024 [33] - Professional fees increased by $1.8 million year-over-year, primarily due to higher legal and investor relation costs [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timing for initiating a study in the metastatic setting - Management is consulting with key opinion leaders and plans to discuss details with the FDA over the next four to six months [39][40] Question: Update on EVANGELINE trial enrollment and data - Updates on enrollment and interim data results will be provided at upcoming meetings; the primary endpoint difference is due to requirements for early Ki-67 value assessments [43] Question: Pursuing global markets for metastatic breast cancer - The focus is currently on the U.S. FDA process, with plans to consider other major markets in early 2026 [48]

Financial Performance - Atossa Therapeutics ended 2024 with $71.1 million in cash and cash equivalents and no debt [1] - Total operating expenses decreased to $27.6 million in 2024 from $31.4 million in 2023, a reduction of $3.8 million [7] - The net loss for 2024 was $25.5 million, compared to a net loss of $30.1 million in 2023, indicating an improvement in financial performance [21] Research and Development - Atossa plans to advance its lead program, (Z)-endoxifen, targeting metastatic breast cancer, which is seen as a critical unmet need [3][5] - The Phase 2 EVANGELINE trial showed substantial tumor suppression with (Z)-endoxifen, achieving a 4-week Ki-67 ≤ 10 percent response rate above 85% across dosing levels [5] - The Phase 2 KARISMA-Endoxifen study demonstrated that a 1 mg dose of (Z)-endoxifen reduced mammographic breast density by 17.3 percentage points, while a 2 mg dose achieved a 23.5 percentage-point reduction [5] Strategic Focus - The company is pursuing an initial approval for (Z)-endoxifen in metastatic breast cancer to expedite availability for patients [3][5] - Atossa is also engaging with the FDA to explore additional indications for (Z)-endoxifen, including breast cancer prevention and neoadjuvant therapy [5] Operating Expenses Breakdown - Research and development expenses totaled $14.1 million in 2024, down from $17.3 million in 2023, primarily due to decreased spending on (Z)-endoxifen trials [8] - General and administrative expenses decreased to $13.5 million in 2024 from $14.0 million in 2023, with a notable reduction in compensation expenses [10][11] Cash Flow and Investments - Interest income for 2024 was $4.1 million, a decrease of $0.2 million from the previous year, attributed to reduced funds in the money market account [12] - The company recorded an impairment charge on investment in equity securities of $1.7 million in 2024, down from $3.0 million in 2023 [12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated $1,200,000 in revenue for the fourth quarter, reflecting a 15% increase compared to the same quarter last year [27][28] - Test volume exceeded 4,000 tests in the fourth quarter, representing a record quarterly test volume [7][28] - The quarterly burn rate was $10,100,000, lower than the average burn rate of $11,000,000 for the preceding four quarters [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The EsoGuard sales channels have seen significant advancements, with a focus on expanding coverage and reimbursement [6][9] - The concierge medicine cash pay program has signed 20 contracts within a few weeks of launch, indicating strong initial traction [8][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has submitted claims to 400 payers, with ongoing conversations with numerous commercial payers [94] - The NCCN guidelines now include a section on screening for esophageal precancer, which is expected to influence positive policy coverage decisions from commercial payers [10][70] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving revenue through expanded sales channels, including direct contracting with employers and concierge medicine [14][19] - The recent positive insurance coverage policy from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is seen as a precedent for future engagements with commercial payers [9][81] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the potential for significant growth in test volume and revenue in the second half of the year, particularly with the expected Medicare coverage [22][60] - The company is confident in its ability to scale operations and target the Medicare population effectively once coverage is secured [59][61] Other Important Information - The company secured an $8,000,000 NIH grant to study EsoGuard for expanded indications, which could significantly increase the total addressable market [12][48] - The balance sheet was strengthened through long-term debt refinancing and a registered direct common stock offering, extending the runway well past key reimbursement milestones [11][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: How should we think about the volume metric going forward? - Management advised to remain conservative on test volume expectations, focusing more on revenue rather than just volume [36][37] Question: Why was the effective ASP lower than expected? - The lower ASP was attributed to the timing of payments rather than a direct reflection of payment rates [42][44] Question: Can you size the opportunity from the $8,000,000 NIH grant? - The opportunity is significant, potentially adding 20 million patients to the screening recommendations [48][50] Question: What happens if Medicare coverage is secured? - The company plans to aggressively target the Medicare population and expects to submit a backlog of claims [60][86] Question: How will NCCN inclusion help the company? - Inclusion in NCCN guidelines is expected to serve as a powerful tool in discussions with commercial payers [70][72]

Silexion Therapeutics to Present Innovative New Expanded Development Plan for SIL204 at the Industry Leading 2025 NeauxCancer Conference, Following Recently Reported Groundbreaking Preclinical data from Orthotopic Models; Further Details about the Plan to be Reported Shortly Alongside the PresentationGrand Cayman, Cayman Islands, March 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Silexion Therapeutics Corp. (“Silexion” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering RNA interference (RNAi) therapies fo ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - MacroGenics reported total revenue of $150 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $58.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, representing a significant increase primarily due to a net increase of $85 million in revenue recognized from milestones achieved under the Incyte License Agreement [24][25] - Research and development expenses were $177.2 million for the year ending December 31, 2024, compared to $166.6 million for the year ending December 31, 2023, reflecting increased costs related to MGC028 and lorigerlimab [25][26] - The net loss was $67 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to a net loss of $9.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 [27] - Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities balance as of December 31, 2024, was $201.7 million, down from $229.8 million as of December 31, 2023, with an anticipated cash runway extending into the second half of 2026 [27][28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from collaborative and other agreements was $118.9 million, with net sales contributing $16.4 million and contract manufacturing revenue at $13.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 [25] - The company plans to initiate the LINNET Phase 2 study for lorigerlimab, targeting unmet needs in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and clear cell gynecologic cancer, with enrollment expected to commence by mid-2025 [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The ongoing LORIKEET Phase 2 trial for lorigerlimab has completed enrollment, with a primary endpoint of radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) [10] - The TAMARACK Phase 2 study results for vobramitamab duocarmazine (vobra duo) showed a median rPFS of 9.5 months for the 2.0 mg/kg cohort and 10.0 months for the 2.7 mg/kg cohort in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) [21][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - MacroGenics aims to advance its diverse clinical portfolio, focusing on antibody-based cancer treatments, with significant milestones achieved in 2024 and plans for continued progress in 2025 [7][29] - The company is exploring potential alternatives for partnering the vobra duo program while continuing to develop the anti-B7-H3 ADC MGC026 [22][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the company's innovative pipeline and the potential for lorigerlimab in previously untreated areas of ovarian cancer and clear cell gynecologic cancers [42][44] - The board is actively searching for a successor to the CEO, with a commitment to support the company during the transition [31] Other Important Information - The company completed the sale of MARGENZA to TerSera Therapeutics in the fourth quarter, providing non-dilutive capital to support clinical pipeline investments [31] - The anticipated funding requirements reflect expected expenditures related to ongoing clinical studies, including the LORIKEET study [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the gating factors to starting the LINNET study? - Management indicated that the standard-of-care for later-line ovarian cancer is low, with overall response rates of 10% to 15% for anti-PD-1 therapies, and they are optimistic about the potential of lorigerlimab in this setting [35] Question: Can you discuss the rationale behind developing lorigerlimab in ovarian and clear cell gynecologic cancers? - The management highlighted that lorigerlimab targets T-cells in the tumor microenvironment, which may lead to better outcomes compared to existing checkpoint inhibitors [42][44] Question: How does the rPFS data for vobra duo clarify the path forward for MGC026? - Management noted that MGC026 is different from vobra duo, with a different linker and payload, and they believe it has the potential for activity beyond what was observed with vobra duo [49][50] Question: What are the expectations for the discontinuation rate in the LORIKEET study? - Management expects better tolerability with lorigerlimab compared to prior checkpoint inhibitors, anticipating a lower discontinuation rate [82] Question: How far along is the Phase 1 study for MGC028? - The Phase 1 study for MGC028 has just begun, and while they are not pre-selecting patients based on ADAM9 expression, they are focusing on tumor types known for upregulation [87][88]

Core Viewpoint - Intensity Therapeutics, Inc. is a late-stage clinical biotechnology company focused on developing immune-based intratumoral cancer therapies, with recent updates on clinical trials and financial results for 2024 [1][6]. Corporate Update - The INVINCIBLE-3 Study is a Phase 3 trial testing INT230-6 as a monotherapy against standard of care drugs for certain soft tissue sarcoma subtypes, with an expected enrollment of 333 patients across eight countries [2]. - The INVINCIBLE-4 Study is a Phase 2 trial analyzing the safety and efficacy of INT230-6 in early-stage triple-negative breast cancer patients, with an expected enrollment of approximately 54 patients in Switzerland and France [4]. - The company has initiated and dosed its first patient in both the INVINCIBLE-3 and INVINCIBLE-4 studies, with ongoing patient recruitment and site activation [3][5]. Financial Results - Research and development expenses for 2024 were $10.5 million, up from $4.8 million in 2023, primarily due to costs associated with the INVINCIBLE-3 Study [7]. - General and administrative expenses increased to $6.1 million in 2024 from $3.5 million in 2023, driven by higher salaries, legal fees, and insurance costs [9]. - The net loss for 2024 was $16.3 million, compared to a net loss of $10.5 million in 2023, with a loss per share of $1.17 [9][15]. Cash Position - As of December 31, 2024, the company reported cash and cash equivalents totaling $2.6 million, a decrease from $14.8 million in 2023 [10][16]. Product Information - INT230-6 is the company's lead investigational product, designed for direct intratumoral injection, combining cisplatin and vinblastine with a penetration enhancer to improve drug distribution within tumors [11][12]. - The drug aims to elicit an immune response while maintaining a favorable safety profile, representing a potential shift in cancer treatment paradigms [12].