Seres Therapeutics(MCRB) - 2024 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Seres reported a net loss from continuing operations of $51 million for Q3 2024, compared to a loss of$41 million in the same period in 2023, primarily due to a loss of $23.4 million associated with the extinguishment of Oaktree debt and a reduction in interest income of$2 million, offset by lower operating expenses of $15.4 million [34][36] - The company had$66.8 million in cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2024, and expects to fund operations into Q4 2025 based on existing cash and projected installment payments [38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Research and development expenses for Q3 2024 were $16.5 million, down from$25.2 million in Q3 2023, driven by lower personnel costs due to restructuring [35] - General and administrative expenses decreased to $12.7 million in Q3 2024 from$19.4 million in Q3 2023, also due to lower personnel costs and reduced operating costs [36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market research indicated that healthcare providers treating allo-HSCT patients rated their concern about infections a six on a seven-point scale, reflecting a high level of concern [26] - Incremental costs for patients with bacterial bloodstream infections (BSIs) were estimated at $180,000 per patient, indicating a significant financial burden on healthcare systems [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to advance SER-155 for allo-HSCT patients and is exploring opportunities in additional patient populations such as auto-HSCT and cancer patients with neutropenia [21][43] - Seres is actively seeking a partner to support the advancement of SER-155, focusing on financial support and capabilities to maximize the product's potential [11][55] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about SER-155's potential to transform infection risk management in allo-HSCT patients, with plans to engage with the FDA regarding clinical development [8][22] - The company believes there is a substantial commercial opportunity to address serious bacterial infections across various patient groups, including allo and auto-HSCT, and cancer patients [43][44] Other Important Information - The sale of VOWST to Nestle Health Science provided Seres with a significant capital infusion, allowing the company to retire its debt and streamline operations [12][30] - Following the VOWST transaction, the company's headcount decreased by 100 team members, resulting in a more efficient operational structure [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will the additional patient populations for SER-155 require separate Phase I studies or can they be part of a basket trial? - Management indicated that they would look for synergies within the clinical trial structure and do not anticipate needing to start over in a Phase I study due to established safety [48][49] Question: What is the profile of an ideal potential partner for SER-155? - The company seeks partners that can provide capital and capabilities to accelerate bringing SER-155 to patients, with a focus on alignment of values and objectives [54][55] Question: How does the company envision its future with multiple targeted programs in development? - Management expressed a desire to create a vertically integrated company that includes discovery, development, and commercialization, while currently focusing on driving shareholder value through partnerships [61][62]