Lineage Cell Therapeutics(LCTX) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - As of March 31, 2025, the company's cash position was $47.9 million, expected to support operations into Q1 2027 [23] - Total revenues for Q1 2025 were $1.5 million, a net increase of $0.1 million compared to $1.4 million for the same period in 2024, primarily driven by collaboration revenue from Roche [24] - Operating expenses for Q1 2025 were $8 million, a decrease of $0.1 million compared to $8.1 million in Q1 2024 [24] - The net loss for Q1 2025 was $4.1 million or $0.02 per share, compared to a net loss of $6.5 million or $0.04 per share for the same period in 2024 [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - OpRegen is currently in a Phase 2a study called the GALET study, which is exploring various parameters of surgical delivery [7] - The OPC1 program has been tested in 30 individuals with severe spinal cord injuries, with promising long-term safety and efficacy data [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is encouraged by recent positive data from competing RPE companies, which supports the potential of RPE transplants to drive clinical outcomes beyond currently approved therapies [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to capitalize on investments in cell manufacturing and expand capabilities through partnerships beyond OpRegen and OPC1 [27] - The manufacturing platform is seen as a competitive advantage, allowing for low-cost production of allogeneic therapies [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains confident in OpRegen's potential to drive positive clinical outcomes in dry AMD and is encouraged by partners' commitment to the program [27] - The company is preparing for success by seeking additional partnerships and funding opportunities [27] Other Important Information - The company has completed GMP production runs capable of producing millions of doses from a single cell line, marking a significant achievement in manufacturing capabilities [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comparison of manufacturing capabilities with peers - Management expressed frustration over the lack of detailed comparisons from peers but emphasized their differentiated capabilities in manufacturing [31][33] Question: Potential tariff impacts due to manufacturing site in Israel - Management does not expect tariff impacts and has measures in place to mitigate production issues [36][37] Question: Thoughts on potential partnerships around new manufacturing capabilities - Management indicated that partnerships would vary by opportunity, focusing on success payments and ownership in assets rather than becoming a contract manufacturer [44] Question: Expected data from the OPC1 program - Initial data from the dose study is expected to be available within 30 days, with functional assessments potentially lagging by several months [54] Question: Design of the spinal cord injury trial - The trial will enroll between six and ten patients, with a staggered approach for thoracic and cervical patients [90]