Skye Bioscience Inc.(SKYE) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $59.2 million as of March 31, 2025 [17] - Research and development expenses increased to $7.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $1.9 million for the same period in 2024 [18] - General and administrative expenses rose to $4.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $4.2 million for the same period in 2024 [18] - The net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $11.1 million, with non-cash share-based compensation expense of $2.2 million [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company completed enrollment in its Phase IIa CBEYOND trial ahead of schedule and amended the study to extend to 52 weeks [4][5] - New preclinical data validated the potential of nirmasumab as a weight loss therapy, showing significant weight loss comparable to less restricted small molecules [5][6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The evolving policy environment presents regulatory uncertainties, particularly regarding drug pricing policy and FDA transitions [8][9] - The company believes its exposure to these uncertainties is limited in the near term as it prioritizes clinical development milestones [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to address the chronic nature of obesity with sustainable long-term solutions through its differentiated antibody approach [10] - The management is focused on disciplined execution while tracking developments in the regulatory landscape [9] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the clinical progress and the potential of nirmasumab to deliver durable weight loss with fewer safety concerns [6][10] - The company is preparing for key scientific and investor events to present additional data [6] Other Important Information - The company is closely monitoring potential tariff impacts on its manufacturing activities, with no expected immediate effects [19][21] - The independent Data Safety Monitoring Committee has completed three reviews with no safety concerns reported [7][58] Q&A Session Summary Question: What can be expected at ADA and ECO? - Management deferred details about ADA and ECO presentations to the CSO, who mentioned a cohesive model comparing different CB1 inhibitors will be presented at ECO [24][30] Question: How does management view the differentiation between nirmasumab and monlunabant? - Management believes investors are beginning to grasp the differences, emphasizing the additive effects of nirmasumab in combination with tirzepatide [25][27] Question: What is the plan for regulatory interactions? - The company plans to have discussions with the FDA regarding the Phase IIa data and potential Phase IIb study after data readouts [35][39] Question: How does nirmasumab preserve lean muscle mass? - The combination of nirmasumab with tirzepatide shows significant fat mass reduction while preserving lean mass, with the greatest effect observed in combination [42][46] Question: What are the expectations for the primary endpoint at 26 weeks? - The primary endpoint is targeting an 8% weight loss at 26 weeks, with expectations for separation from placebo [61] Question: What is the incremental benefit of extending the CBION study to 52 weeks? - The extension allows for broader efficacy and safety data collection, which will inform the Phase IIb study [68][70] Question: How is the trial powered based on preclinical studies? - The preclinical data has increased confidence in the expected outcomes, with robust inhibition of CB1 and significant weight loss observed [78][80]