Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net loss of $34 million or $0.86 per basic and diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to a net loss of $25.8 million or $0.86 per basic and diluted share for 2023 [23] - Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2024, were approximately $25 million, with total obligated grant funds remaining from the NIA at $50 million [20][21] - Research and development expenses increased to $41.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, from $37.2 million for 2023, primarily due to higher costs associated with completing two Phase II trials [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company decided to conclude its Phase II dry AMD study before completion, reallocating resources entirely to Alzheimer's and DLB programs [11][19] - The decision to conclude the dry AMD study was based on strategic prioritization rather than safety concerns, as the analysis indicated potential efficacy [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is actively pursuing partnerships for funding and development in the Alzheimer's and DLB space, indicating strong interest from biotech and pharma players [15][35] - The company received a 6-month grace period to regain compliance with NASDAQ's minimum bid requirement, needing to maintain a stock price above $1 for 10 consecutive days before September 8, 2025 [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The focus remains on advancing zervimesine for Alzheimer's disease and DLB, with plans to submit final study documents to the FDA for two different end of Phase II meetings [10][14] - The company is preparing for Phase III readiness and has developed a novel chemical process for zervimesine manufacturing, with provisional patent applications filed [17][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in regaining NASDAQ compliance and highlighted upcoming milestones that could drive stock value [24][60] - The company is committed to overcoming financing challenges and is focused on delivering multiple clinical milestones to create long-term shareholder value [60] Other Important Information - The company has built strong relationships with potential partners and is evaluating all options for financing clinical development efforts [15][16] - The publication process for SHIMMER data is underway, with expectations for release in the coming months [37] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on tau cutoff threshold for end of Phase II FDA meeting - Management plans to enrich participants in the next study for those with lower tau, similar to the SHINE study, but has not finalized the specific cutoff [29][30] Question: Feedback from investigative physicians on SHIMMER data - Management received excellent feedback from KOLs and neurologists, indicating a strong need for zervimesine and appreciation for its safety profile [35] Question: Competitive landscape in DLB and potential approvability - Management is confident that neuropsychiatric symptoms will be of interest to the FDA, and they plan to propose specific outcome measures during the FDA meeting [49][50] Question: Outlook for accelerated approval in Europe vs. the US - The company plans to follow a traditional pathway for approval, as the accelerated pathway has shown mixed results in the past [52] Question: NIH funding outlook and potential for new grants - The company has a remaining balance of $50 million from NIH funding, which is expected to support ongoing trials, but anticipates lower probability for new grant funding as it progresses to Phase III [54][56]