
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for the full year 2022 was $44.3 million, representing a growth of 31% over 2021 [12][20] - Fourth quarter total revenue was $12.4 million, compared to $10.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2021, marking a 22% growth [12][20] - Core revenue for the fourth quarter was $10.6 million, a 4% increase from $10.1 million in the same quarter of 2021 [12][20] - Gross margin remained stable at 88% for both the fourth quarter of 2022 and 2021 [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from cell therapy customers was $7.5 million in the fourth quarter, growing 4% year-over-year [12][20] - Revenue from drug discovery customers was $3 million, up 5% year-over-year [12][20] - For the full year, core revenue from cell therapy customers grew 33% year-over-year, while drug discovery revenue grew 8% [20][29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total number of partnerships increased to 19, with a total of over 125 programs, including 16 active programs in the clinic [24][25] - The potential pre-commercial partnership revenue for SPL programs increased to over $1.55 billion, up from $1.25 billion at the end of 2021 [24] - The company expects full year total revenue growth of between 21% and 26% over 2022, with core business growth of between 20% and 25% [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on supporting numerous clinical programs across various disease areas and therapeutic modalities [6][10] - Investments were made in internal capabilities, including regulatory, quality assurance, and manufacturing to support partner progression [26][27] - The company aims to lead the industry in non-viral engineered cell therapies, positioning itself as a premier enabler of advanced cell-based therapeutics [9][33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding the broader macroeconomic environment and its impact on the industry, anticipating a challenging year in 2023 [5][14] - The company remains optimistic about its growth opportunities, particularly with the potential commercialization of partnered products [21][33] - Management noted that the FDA's recent recognition of progress in cell therapy is encouraging for future developments [25] Other Important Information - The company ended 2022 with approximately $227 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, with no debt [15][30] - The company opened a new headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, expanding its manufacturing capabilities [10][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regulatory risks associated with potential commercial products - Management is confident in their investments and ability to support partners through regulatory processes, ensuring alignment with agency expectations [18] Question: Market dynamics and cautious outlook - Management acknowledged some rationalization in programs but noted an increase in the number of active programs, which positively affects milestone payments and commercial revenues [45][48] Question: Progress of partnership programs - The company confirmed that while some programs may be paused or rationalized, the overall number of active programs in the clinic has increased [52][55] Question: VLx early access contracts and revenue assumptions - The company reported early revenue from VLx contracts and expects growth in this area, with a focus on developing a suitable business model [68]