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Cognition Therapeutics(CGTX) - 2024 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - As of June 30, 2024, the company reported cash and cash equivalents of approximately $28.5 million and total grant funds remaining from the NIA of $57.3 million, indicating sufficient cash to fund operations into the second quarter of 2025 [18] - The net loss for the second quarter was $7 million or $0.18 per share, compared to a net loss of $4.7 million or $0.16 per share for the same period in 2023 [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Research and development expenses increased to $11.6 million for the second quarter of 2024 from $8.5 million in the same period of 2023, primarily due to higher costs associated with advancing clinical programs [18] - General and administrative expenses decreased to $3.1 million for the second quarter of 2024 from $3.3 million in the same period of 2023, attributed to lower professional services [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The SHINE trial showed a 39% slowing of cognitive decline in participants treated with CT1812 compared to placebo, indicating a significant potential in the Alzheimer's disease market [6][11] - The SHIMMER trial is expected to report top-line results by year-end, focusing on dementia with Lewy bodies, a market with an estimated 1.5 million affected individuals in the U.S. [13][14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on developing innovative drug candidates targeting age-related degenerative conditions of the CNS and retina, with ongoing Phase 2 trials for Alzheimer's disease and other conditions [4] - Future trials will be larger and longer to better assess the efficacy of CT1812, with a focus on safety and tolerability [32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the SHINE trial results, highlighting the consistent trends in cognitive improvement and the favorable safety profile of CT1812 [11][12] - The company plans to engage with leading neurologists to discuss next steps in CT1812 development, indicating a proactive approach to advancing their clinical programs [12] Other Important Information - The company has published multiple manuscripts and made presentations at medical conferences, supporting its development efforts and providing insights into the mechanisms of CT1812 [16] - The START trial is actively recruiting participants with early Alzheimer's disease, allowing for real-world evidence of CT1812's potential as both monotherapy and in combination with other treatments [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding the SHINE trial, how did the 100 mg dose affect A-beta levels? - The 100 mg dose did not significantly alter A-beta levels, while the 300 mg did, with expectations that longer trials may show more pronounced effects [20][22] Question: How does the company plan to extend its cash runway for later-stage trials? - The company is evaluating various options to extend its cash runway and will consider all available options as it designs the next stage of trials [23] Question: Is there potential synergy between CT1812 and GLP-1 receptor agonists for Alzheimer's treatment? - Management expressed interest in exploring potential synergies, noting that CT1812's mechanism could complement other therapies [24] Question: What are the key learnings from the SHINE trial for future studies? - Key learnings include the consistent trend in cognitive outcomes and the identification of a dose range that shows efficacy without significant adverse events [31][32] Question: How has the recent approval of Alzheimer's drugs affected trial enrollment? - The general awareness and interest in Alzheimer's treatments have positively impacted recruitment, although the patient populations for different trials are somewhat distinct [33]