Apogee Therapeutics Provides Pipeline Progress and Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results
12 November 2024 - 11:00PM
Apogee Therapeutics, Inc., (Nasdaq: APGE), a clinical-stage
biotechnology company advancing novel biologics with potential for
differentiated efficacy and dosing in the largest inflammatory and
immunology (I&I) markets, including for the treatment of atopic
dermatitis (AD), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) and other I&I indications, today reported pipeline
highlights and third quarter financial results.
“We continue to execute across our portfolio and
advance potentially transformative therapies for patients living
with I&I diseases by positioning our pipeline to achieve
potential best-in-class efficacy and dosing,” said Michael
Henderson, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Apogee. “Over the past
year, we demonstrated significant progress advancing three programs
– soon to be four – into the clinic and our lead program, APG777,
into Phase 2 trials. Importantly, we remain in a very strong cash
position providing for runway into 2028 and look forward to sharing
more details and progress on our pipeline and combination strategy
during our R&D Day on December 2nd.”
Pipeline Highlights and Upcoming
Milestones
- Results up to 9 months from
the APG777 Phase 1 trial reported at the American College of
Allergy, Asthma and Immunology’s 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting
(ACAAI) continue to support potential
best-in-class profile, including a half-life of approximately 75
days: APG777 is a novel, subcutaneous (SQ) extended
half-life monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting IL-13 – a critical
cytokine in inflammation and a primary driver of AD.
- At ACAAI, Apogee reported updated
data from its Phase 1 trial in healthy volunteers, including
findings from the 40 enrolled participants across three
single-ascending dose cohorts, now with nine months of follow-up,
and two multiple-ascending dose cohorts, now with six months of
follow-up. Findings demonstrate that APG777, in single and multiple
doses up to 1,200 mg, showed a consistent safety, pharmacokinetic
(PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) profile following induction.
- PD profile showed near complete inhibition of pSTAT6 and
sustained TARC inhibition up to 9 months.
- Updated data supports Apogee’s ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial
of APG777 in AD demonstrating potential for improved clinical
responses from greater exposures in induction and maintenance
dosing of every 3- or 6-months
- The company expects to report 16-week topline data from Part A
of the APG777 Phase 2 trial in the second half of 2025.
- Phase 1 APG808 trial on
track for 4Q 2024 interim data readout: APG808 is a novel
SQ extended half-life mAb targeting IL-4Rα, a target with clinical
validation across eight Type 2 allergic diseases. APG808 has
similar binding affinity for IL-4Rα as a first generation mAb,
DUPIXENT, and has demonstrated similar inhibition to DUPIXENT
across three in vitro assays that measure downstream functional
inhibition of the IL-13/IL-4 pathway.
- The company expects to report interim Phase 1 data for APG808
in the fourth quarter of 2024.
- First participants dosed in
Phase 1 trial of APG990: APG990 is a novel, SQ half-life
extended mAb targeting OX40L, initially being developed for AD.
OX40L is located further upstream in the inflammatory pathway than
IL-13 or IL-4Rα and targeting it could have broader impact on the
inflammatory cascade by inhibiting Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3
pathways.
- In August 2024, Apogee initiated its Phase 1 APG990 trial,
designed as a double-blind, placebo-controlled, first-in-human,
single-ascending dose trial in healthy volunteers. The study will
evaluate the safety, tolerability and PK of APG990 and is expected
to enroll approximately 40 healthy adults across 5 cohorts.
- The company expects to report interim Phase 1 data for APG990
in the first half of 2025.
- Potential to expand patient
reach with best-in-class efficacy and dosing with planned APG777
and APG990 combination approach, combining IL-13 and OX40L
inhibition: Apogee plans to develop APG777 and APG990
together as a potential first-in-class coformulation combining deep
and sustained inhibition of Type 2 inflammation via APG777's
inhibition of IL-13 with broader inhibition of Types 1-3
inflammation through APG990's inhibition of OX40L. These combined
mechanisms offer the potential for improved clinical responses over
monotherapies across a variety of I&I diseases while the
approach of co-formulating two extended half-life mAbs holds the
potential for best-in-class dosing.
- The company plans to initiate the first clinical trial of the
APG777 and APG990 combination in 2025.
- APG333 anti-TSLP antibody
development candidate nominated: APG333 is a novel, SQ
extended half-life mAb targeting thymic stromal lymphopoietin
(TSLP). TSLP is an epithelial cell-derived cytokine that has
emerged as an attractive validated target for the treatment of
I&I indications. In addition, a TSLP-targeting mAb may be used
in combination with other mAbs for potentially greater efficacy in
broader populations. TSLP plays important roles in Type 2 and Type
3 inflammation, particularly in both eosinophilic and
non-eosinophilic inflammation. TSLP inhibition has been clinically
validated, with one approved product on the market for the
treatment of severe asthma without biomarker or phenotype
restrictions. Based on its mechanism, TSLP inhibition could offer
treatment to the approximately 40% of severe asthma patients with
low Type 2 inflammation.
- The company now plans to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial in
healthy volunteers of APG333 in late 2024 or early 2025.
- Pending Phase 1 data, the company has the opportunity to
combine APG777 with APG333, combining IL-13 and TSLP inhibition, to
drive potential best-in-class efficacy in asthma and other
respiratory indications.
Corporate Highlights
- Jeff S. Hartness appointed
as Chief Commercial Officer. In September 2024, Apogee
appointed Mr. Hartness as its Chief Commercial Officer. Mr.
Hartness has an extensive track record in commercial and corporate
leadership and more than 25 years of experience in the biotech
industry focused on product launches, market access strategy,
pricing and policy.
- Apogee Therapeutics 2024
Virtual R&D Day to be held on December 2, 2024 at 10am
ET: The company plans to highlight its progress across its
pipeline and showcase its path to reshaping the standard of care in
I&I by bringing forward monotherapy and combination treatments
that offer the potential for best-in-class efficacy and improved
dosing.
Third Quarter 2024 Financial
Results
- Cash Position: As
of September 30, 2024, Apogee had cash, cash equivalents and
marketable securities of $753.8 million. Apogee expects that its
existing cash will enable it to fund its current operating expenses
into the first quarter of 2028.
- Research & Development
(R&D) Expenses: R&D expenses for the third quarter
of 2024 were $45.7 million, compared to $17.1 million for the third
quarter of 2023. R&D expenses increased primarily due to
further development of the company’s APG777, APG808, APG990 and
APG333 programs and advancement of its pipeline into clinical
trials, as well as increases in personnel costs, including
equity-based compensation expense, associated with the growth of
its R&D team.
- General and Administrative
(G&A) Expenses: G&A expenses for the third quarter
of 2024 were $13.0 million, compared to $7.2 million for the third
quarter of 2023. G&A expenses increased primarily due to
increases in personnel costs, including equity-based compensation,
associated with the growth of the company’s G&A team, as well
as increased costs related to being a public company, including for
legal, IT and professional services, and to support the growth of
the business.
- Net Loss: Net loss
for the third quarter of 2024 was $49.0 million, compared to the
net loss for the third quarter of 2023 which was $20.8 million. Net
loss increased primarily as a result of higher R&D and G&A
expenses as described above, partially offset by higher interest
income.
About ApogeeApogee Therapeutics
is a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing novel biologics
with potential for differentiated efficacy and dosing in the
largest inflammatory and immunology (I&I) markets, including
for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD), asthma, chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other I&I indications.
Apogee’s antibody programs are designed to overcome limitations of
existing therapies by targeting well-established mechanisms of
action and incorporating advanced antibody engineering to optimize
half-life and other properties. APG777, the company’s most advanced
program, is being initially developed for the treatment of AD,
which is the largest and one of the least penetrated I&I
markets. With four validated targets in its portfolio, Apogee is
seeking to achieve best in class efficacy and dosing through
monotherapies and combinations of its novel antibodies. Based on a
broad pipeline and depth of expertise, the company believes it can
deliver value and meaningful benefit to patients underserved by
today’s standard of care. For more information, please visit
https://apogeetherapeutics.com.
Forward Looking
StatementsCertain statements in this press release may
constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the
federal securities laws, including, but not limited to, statements
regarding: Apogee’s plans for its current and future product
candidates and programs; the anticipated timing of the results from
its clinical trials, including data from its Phase 2 trial of
APG777, Phase 1 trial of APG808 and Phase 1 trial of APG990; the
anticipated timing of initiation of its clinical trials, including
its Phase 1 trial of APG333 and clinical trial of the APG777 and
APG990 combination; its plans for current and future clinical
trials; and the potential clinical benefit and half-life of APG777,
Apogee’s other product candidates, and any other potential
programs, including combination therapies; its expected timing for
future pipeline updates and expectations regarding the time period
over which Apogee’s capital resources will be sufficient to funds
its anticipated operations. Words such as “may,” “might,” “will,”
“objective,” “intend,” “should,” “could,” “can,” “would,” “expect,”
“believe,” “design,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “develop,”
“plan” or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions, or
statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are
forward-looking statements. While Apogee believes these
forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should
not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are
based on information available to the company on the date of this
release. These forward-looking statements are based upon current
estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and
uncertainties (including, without limitation, those set forth in
Apogee’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
(the SEC)), many of which are beyond the company’s control and
subject to change. Actual results could be materially different.
Risks and uncertainties include: global macroeconomic conditions
and related volatility, expectations regarding the initiation,
progress, and expected results of Apogee’s preclinical studies,
clinical trials and research and development programs; expectations
regarding the timing, completion and outcome of Apogee’s clinical
trials; the unpredictable relationship between preclinical study
results and clinical study results; the timing or likelihood of
regulatory filings and approvals; liquidity and capital resources;
and other risks and uncertainties identified in Apogee’s Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed
with the SEC on March 5, 2024, Quarterly Report on 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended June 30, 2024, filed with the SEC on August
12, 2024, and subsequent disclosure documents we may file with the
SEC. Apogee claims the protection of the Safe Harbor contained in
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for
forward-looking statements. Apogee expressly disclaims any
obligation to update or alter any statements whether as a result of
new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by
law.
APOGEE THERAPEUTICS, INC.CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS(UNAUDITED)(In
thousands, except unit/share data) |
|
|
|
SEPTEMBER 30,2024 |
|
|
DECEMBER 31,2023 |
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
118,780 |
|
|
$ |
118,316 |
|
Marketable securities |
|
|
407,269 |
|
|
|
277,143 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
8,434 |
|
|
|
2,950 |
|
Total current assets |
|
|
534,483 |
|
|
|
398,409 |
|
Long-term marketable securities |
|
|
227,746 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Property
and equipment, net |
|
|
1,417 |
|
|
|
377 |
|
Right-of-use asset, net |
|
|
12,126 |
|
|
|
2,217 |
|
Other
non-current assets |
|
|
514 |
|
|
|
401 |
|
Total
assets |
|
$ |
776,286 |
|
|
$ |
401,404 |
|
Liabilities and stockholders' equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable |
|
$ |
2,216 |
|
|
$ |
2,143 |
|
Lease liability |
|
|
2,867 |
|
|
|
1,101 |
|
Accrued expenses |
|
|
27,528 |
|
|
|
17,314 |
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
32,611 |
|
|
|
20,558 |
|
Long-term liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lease
liability, net of current |
|
|
9,273 |
|
|
|
933 |
|
Total
liabilities |
|
|
41,884 |
|
|
|
21,491 |
|
Stockholders' equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock; $0.00001 par value, 400,000,000 authorized,
58,509,583 issued and 56,899,295 outstanding as of
September 30, 2024; 400,000,000 authorized, 50,655,671 issued
and 48,338,769 outstanding as of December 31, 2023 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
969,829 |
|
|
|
503,354 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
|
3,270 |
|
|
|
329 |
|
Accumulated deficit |
|
|
(238,698 |
) |
|
|
(123,770 |
) |
Total stockholders’ equity |
|
|
734,402 |
|
|
|
379,913 |
|
Total
liabilities and stockholders’ equity |
|
$ |
776,286 |
|
|
$ |
401,404 |
|
APOGEE THERAPEUTICS, INC.CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF
OPERATIONS(UNAUDITED)(In thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, |
|
|
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, |
|
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development |
|
$ |
45,714 |
|
|
$ |
17,069 |
|
|
$ |
107,636 |
|
|
$ |
39,470 |
|
General and administrative |
|
|
12,972 |
|
|
|
7,236 |
|
|
|
33,353 |
|
|
|
16,378 |
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
58,686 |
|
|
|
24,305 |
|
|
|
140,989 |
|
|
|
55,848 |
|
Loss
from operations |
|
|
(58,686 |
) |
|
|
(24,305 |
) |
|
|
(140,989 |
) |
|
|
(55,848 |
) |
Other
income, net: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income, net |
|
|
9,668 |
|
|
|
3,465 |
|
|
|
26,061 |
|
|
|
3,598 |
|
Total other income, net |
|
|
9,668 |
|
|
|
3,465 |
|
|
|
26,061 |
|
|
|
3,598 |
|
Net
loss |
|
$ |
(49,018 |
) |
|
$ |
(20,840 |
) |
|
$ |
(114,928 |
) |
|
$ |
(52,250 |
) |
Investor Contact:Noel KurdiVP, Investor
RelationsApogee Therapeutics,
Inc.Noel.Kurdi@apogeetherapeutics.com
Media Contact:Dan Budwick1AB
Mediadan@1abmedia.com
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