Arcturus Therapeutics(ARCT) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the year ended December 31, 2024, the company reported revenues of $152.3 million, a decrease of$14.5 million from $166.8 million in 2023 [27] - For Q4 2024, revenues were$22.8 million, down $8.1 million from$30.9 million in Q4 2023 [27] - The net loss for the year was approximately $80.9 million, or$3 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $29.7 million, or$1.12 per diluted share in 2023 [31] - Cash and cash equivalents were $293.9 million as of December 31, 2024, down from$348.9 million a year earlier [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The KOSTAIVE vaccine program achieved European Commission approval, with a reported gross profit share of approximately $28 million for Q4 2024 [24] - Research and development expenses for the year were$195.2 million, up from $192.1 million in 2023, driven by higher clinical trial costs [28] - General and administrative expenses remained relatively stable at$52.8 million for the year, compared to $52.9 million in 2023 [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates increased burn rates in the next two years due to ongoing clinical trials for cystic fibrosis (CF) and ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) programs [33] - The cash runway is expected to extend until the end of Q1 2027, despite the anticipated decline in development milestones from the COVID program [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on advancing its self-amplifying mRNA platform pipeline, with ongoing studies for ARCT-2304 (influenza) and ARCT-032 (cystic fibrosis) [12][15] - The strategic partnership with CSL Seqirus is crucial for the KOSTAIVE vaccine's development and commercialization [25] - The company aims to differentiate its mRNA therapeutics through proprietary delivery technologies and unique mRNA sequences [42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the upcoming year, highlighting the potential for multiple clinical data readouts and continued development of vaccine programs [34] - The approval of KOSTAIVE is seen as a transformative milestone, positioning the company for future growth [35] - Management acknowledged the competitive landscape in cystic fibrosis treatments and emphasized the unique advantages of their mRNA technology [106] Other Important Information - The company appointed Dr. Moncef Slaoui as Chair designate, bringing significant industry experience to the board [20] - The company is preparing for the U.S. BLA filing for KOSTAIVE anticipated later in 2025 [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the cadence of development milestones within the CSL collaboration? - Management indicated that milestones will continue to be received throughout the year, with specific updates expected in the first quarter call [40] Question: How does the CF program differentiate from competitors? - Management highlighted differences in mRNA technology, delivery systems, and manufacturing processes as key competitive advantages [42] Question: What is the expected size of the CF trial cohort? - The Phase II trial is expected to involve approximately 12 participants, with flexibility to increase that number [48] Question: What are the next steps for KOSTAIVE commercialization in Europe? - Management stated that CSL is leading the commercialization process, and specific details will be provided as they become available [78] Question: What safety monitoring parameters are in place for the CF study? - A data and safety monitoring committee is overseeing safety and tolerability, with thresholds for adverse events established [84] Question: What is the expected visibility into orders for KOSTAIVE in 2025? - Management noted that visibility into orders will depend on Meiji's guidance, with expectations for updates as the year progresses [63]