Aethlon Medical(AEMD) - 2026 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - As of December 31, 2025, the company had a cash balance of approximately $7 million [13] - Consolidated operating expenses for Q3 2026 were approximately $2.06 million, an increase of $250,000 or 13.6% compared to the same period last year [13] - Operating loss for the quarter increased to $2.06 million compared to $1.81 million in the prior year period [13] - For the nine-month period, operating expenses decreased significantly to $5.36 million, down $1.98 million or 27% from $7.34 million last year [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is advancing its Hemopurifier platform while maintaining disciplined cost control [5] - Continued enrollment and treatment progress in the Australian oncology trial, with two patients treated in the second cohort [7][29] - The R&D team is exploring the Hemopurifier's compatibility with a simplified blood treatment system, which could enhance clinical and commercial flexibility [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - There has been an uptick in the number of interested potential participants in the Australian oncology trial since contracting with Trialfacts and Dedicated [8] - The trial is designed to examine the number of Hemopurifier treatments needed to decrease extracellular vesicle concentrations and improve the body's ability to attack tumor cells [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to advance the Hemopurifier platform while managing costs effectively [5] - The focus remains on the Australian oncology trial, with no plans to expand to other markets like India at this time [75][81] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the ongoing progress in the oncology trial and the potential for the Hemopurifier to serve multiple indications [11][29] - The company is committed to maintaining cost containment while advancing its research and development efforts [27] Other Important Information - The scientific rationale and full design of the Australian oncology trial have been published in a peer-reviewed journal [10] - The next earnings call for fiscal Q4, ending March 31, 2026, will coincide with the filing of the annual report in June 2026 [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on Cohort 2 treatment duration - The follow-up period remains the same, but participants in Cohort 2 will receive two Hemopurifier treatments instead of one [18][19] Question: Impact of SLAMB system on treatment administration - The SLAMB system would allow for a less invasive treatment method, making it easier for both hospital staff and patients [20][23] Question: Cost-effective approach in R&D - The company is focused on keeping costs down while advancing research, utilizing in-house resources as much as possible [26][27] Question: Timeline for Data Safety Monitoring Board's decision - The board is expected to provide a decision on advancing to the third cohort on the same day or the next business day after their meeting [36] Question: Need for Cohort 3 - Management believes it is essential to investigate Cohort 3 to determine if three treatments could yield better results than two [62] Question: Regulatory hurdles for SLAMB system integration - The SLAMB system is not yet approved, and the company would need to conduct safety tests before integration [46][47] Question: Future trials in India - The company is currently focused on the Australian trial and does not plan to return to India for additional trials [75][81]