Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues associated with the BARDA contract were approximately $4 million in 2024 compared to zero in 2023, as the contract began in June 2023 [27] - Research and development expenses increased to $23.7 million in 2024 from $20.7 million in 2023, representing a 14% increase [28] - Net loss for 2024 was approximately $25 million, or $4.82 per share, compared to $26 million, or $14.29 per share in 2023 [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The BARDA contract is a cost reimbursement contract, with total contract value to GeoVax at $26 million, potentially increasing to $45 million [27] - General and administrative expenses decreased to $5.4 million in 2024 from $6 million in 2023, an 11% decrease [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The WHO declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern, emphasizing the need for expanded vaccine supply [19] - There is significant government interest in U.S.-based supply chains, reflecting a shift towards onshoring initiatives [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to establish business partnerships and collaborations for worldwide development, commercialization, and distribution of its vaccines [11] - The focus for 2025 includes advancing the GEO-CM04S1 vaccine, particularly in relation to the Project NextGen initiative [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the critical need for additional vaccine supply options for Mpox, with Africa needing 20 to 25 million doses [38] - The company remains in close contact with BARDA, with indications that operations will continue as planned despite uncertainties in Washington [70] Other Important Information - The company is actively progressing with the advanced MVA manufacturing process to produce vaccines more efficiently [22] - The anticipated clinical evaluation for the GEO-MVA vaccine is expected to begin in the second half of the year [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Could GeoVax sell product without clinical testing given the urgency of the Mpox threat? - Management indicated that while there is a major need for vaccines, the ability to sell without clinical testing is uncertain and would depend on emergency use licensing [38] Question: How is GeoVax working with international partners for equitable vaccine access? - Management has been in discussions with African health ministries and European regulatory agencies to ensure equitable access and manufacturing [41] Question: What is needed to start the next Gedeptin trial? - Management stated that sufficient product supply is being manufactured, and the trial is likely to initiate in the mid to latter part of next year [45] Question: How will efficacy and safety be tested for the MVA vaccine? - Management explained that animal studies may run in parallel with clinical trials, focusing on immunological endpoints [52][54] Question: What are the timelines for data readouts for the Phase 2 trials? - Management expects readouts for the blood cancer patient study in early to mid-2026 and for the CLL study to be fully enrolled by the end of the year [64][66] Question: How might changes in COVID-19 funding affect the company? - Management reported ongoing positive communication with BARDA, with no current indications to slow down operations [70]