Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, revenues were $29.4 million, down from $38 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to lower development milestone revenues from the CSL collaboration as the COVID vaccine transitions to commercialization [19][20] - Research and development expenses decreased to $34.9 million from $53.6 million year-over-year, driven by lower manufacturing costs, with expectations for further declines in the second half of fiscal year 2025 [20][21] - General and administrative expenses were $11.3 million, down from $14.9 million in the same period last year, attributed to reduced share-based compensation costs [21] - The net loss for Q1 2025 was approximately $14.1 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $3 million, or $1 per diluted share, in Q1 2024 [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The mRNA therapeutics pipeline is being prioritized, with significant focus on the CF and OTC programs, while the COVID vaccine program is transitioning to commercialization [11][18] - The ARCT032 program for cystic fibrosis is in Phase II, with enrollment expected to complete by the end of 2025, and interim data anticipated in mid-2025 [7][10] - The ARCT810 program for OTC deficiency is also in Phase II, with interim data expected in Q2 2025 [8][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company received an initial milestone payment from CSL related to the EU approval of the COVID vaccine, with further payments anticipated as the program progresses [11][19] - The company is preparing for a Marketing Authorization Application in the UK in Q2 2025 and a BLA filing in the US in Q3 2025 [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has made a strategic decision to focus resources on mRNA therapeutics, particularly CF and OTC programs, due to current market conditions and regulatory uncertainties [18][19] - The STAR self-amplifying mRNA platform continues to receive positive feedback from publications, enhancing the company's position in the market [12][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the upcoming clinical data from the CF and OTC programs, highlighting the potential for significant advancements in treatment options [22][23] - The company remains committed to maintaining a strong financial position, with a cash runway extended into 2028, allowing for the achievement of near-term milestones [21][22] Other Important Information - The company is utilizing a newly developed 15N ureogenesis assay to monitor the effects of ARCT810 in clinical development, which is expected to provide valuable data [10][18] - Long-term data from the COVID vaccine trial suggests a favorable safety profile, with no reports of myocarditis or pericarditis [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the changes made to extend the cash runway and potential incoming cash flows? - Management indicated that tough decisions were made regarding cost reductions and focusing on critical programs, which contributed to extending the cash runway [27][28] Question: What milestones should we expect related to the UK and US approvals for the COVID vaccine? - There are no milestones associated with the UK or US approvals; however, a milestone is anticipated with the first US revenues from the COVID vaccine, expected in 2028 [30][31] Question: What is the expected size of the initial interim cohort for ARCT032 and the bar for success? - The interim data set is expected to include 6 to 9 subjects, with a bar for success set at a 3% improvement in lung function [35][36] Question: How does ARCT032 differ from competitor programs in terms of tolerability? - The company highlighted its exclusive LUNAR lipid nanoparticle delivery technology and the high purity of its mRNA constructs as key differentiators [42][43] Question: What are the expected biomarkers for the OTC program? - Management confirmed that glutamine, orotic acid, and other biomarkers will be measured to assess the effectiveness of the treatment [86][87]