Corvus Pharmaceuticals(US:CRVS)2022-03-11 00:34Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - As of December 31, 2021, the company had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaling $69.5 million, an increase from $44.3 million at the end of 2020 [6] - Research and development expenses for Q4 2021 were $4.8 million, down from $7.2 million in Q4 2020, primarily due to decreased clinical trial and personnel costs [6] - The net loss for Q4 2021 was $9.2 million, compared to a net income of $27.3 million in Q4 2020, which included a non-cash net benefit of $37.2 million from the establishment of Angel Pharmaceuticals [7][8] - The net loss for the full year 2021 was $43.2 million, compared to a net loss of $6 million for 2020 [8] - Total stock compensation expense for Q4 2021 was $0.7 million, down from $1.2 million in Q4 2020 [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is advancing three clinical programs: mupadolimab for lung cancer, CPI-818 for T-cell lymphomas, and ciforadenant for renal cell cancer [10][30] - Mupadolimab is being developed for lung cancer and is expected to enter a randomized blinded Phase 2 study in the third quarter of 2022 [18][19] - CPI-818 is being studied for T-cell lymphomas, with initial antitumor activity confirmed in clinical trials [24][30] - Ciforadenant is positioned for clinical evaluation in first-line renal cell cancer, with a Phase 2 trial planned to begin in late April 2022 [28][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - There is heightened interest in antibodies targeting CD73, particularly following recent data from AstraZeneca's trials in lung cancer [11][12] - The company aims to leverage its differentiated antibody, mupadolimab, in a competitive landscape where several companies are pursuing anti-CD73 agents [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to advance its clinical programs into earlier lines of therapy and mid to later stage clinical trials [10] - There is a focus on combining mupadolimab with checkpoint blockade therapies to enhance immunotherapy for cancer [17] - The company is exploring partnering opportunities to expand the development scope of mupadolimab [29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the therapeutic potential of their product candidates, particularly in the context of emerging data supporting B-cell activation in the tumor microenvironment [15][16] - The company is well-positioned with a solid balance sheet to execute on its clinical programs through key milestones over the next couple of years [31] Other Important Information - The company expects full-year 2022 net cash used in operating activities to be between $34 million and $36 million [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why is the company opting for a Phase 2 trial instead of a Phase 2/3 for the lung cancer study? - Management explained that a randomized blinded Phase 2 trial allows for more flexibility in evaluating data and efficacy along the way, with a Phase 3 trial ready to commence if positive signals are observed [33][34] Question: What is the status of the expansion cohorts for mupadolimab? - Management confirmed that enrollment for the head and neck cancer indication is progressing well, with data expected later this year [39] Question: How will the Adenosine Gene Signature biomarker be incorporated into the Kidney Clinical Trial Consortium Phase 2? - The biomarker will be measured in the study, but patients will not be excluded based on their status, allowing for comprehensive data collection [49]