TIDMSAR
RNS Number : 7796T
Sareum Holdings PLC
22 March 2023
Sareum Holdings PLC
("Sareum" or the "Company")
Half-Year Report for the Six Months Ended 31 December 2022
Cambridge, UK, 22 March 2023 - Sareum Holdings plc (AIM: SAR), a
biotechnology company developing next generation kinase inhibitors
for autoimmune disease and cancer, announces its unaudited results
for the six months ended 31 December 2022.
Sareum also provides a broader update on its operational
activities and pipeline progress.
The Company will hold a virtual presentation for all existing
and potential investors today, 22 March at 12:30 GMT, via the
Investor Meet Company platform. Please click the following link to
register to attend:
https://www.investormeetcompany.com/sareum-holdings-plc/register-investor
.
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS - INCLUDING POST-PERIOD UPDATES
SDC-1801 (autoimmune disease)
SDC-1801 is a TYK2/JAK1 inhibitor being developed as a potential
new therapeutic for a range of autoimmune diseases with an initial
focus on psoriasis, an autoimmune condition affecting the skin.
-- After the period end, Sareum submitted an application to
perform Phase 1 clinical studies on SDC-1801 in Australia under the
Clinical Trial Notification (CTN) scheme.
-- Approval by the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) and
acceptance of the CTN by Australia's medicines regulator, the
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), is expected in Q2 2023.
Subject to this approval, Sareum plans to start the trial as soon
as possible.
-- Preparatory work for the trial is complete, including
synthesis of the SDC-1801 drug substance under GMP conditions and
GMP-compliant manufacturing of the SDC-1801 capsules.
SDC-1802 (cancer immunotherapy)
SDC-1802 is a TYK2/JAK1 inhibitor being developed for cancer
immunotherapy.
-- Sareum continues to work on the translational studies needed
to support development of SDC-1802, defining the optimal cancer
application prior to completing toxicology and manufacturing
studies.
-- Expertise and experience gained through SDC-1801 will support
Sareum in optimising its planning and maintaining cost
discipline.
SRA737 (cancer)
SRA737 is a clinical-stage oral, selective Checkpoint kinase 1
inhibitor that targets cancer cell replication and DNA damage
repair mechanisms.
-- After the period end, on 6 March 2023, Sierra Oncology, Inc.
("Sierra") (a subsidiary of GSK plc ("GSK") completed the return of
the Clinical Study Reports and other associated documents and data
associated with SRA737 to Sareum's co-development partner, the CRT
Pioneer Fund LP ("CPF").
-- Sareum is evaluating the potential development opportunities
for this asset with CPF and will provide further updates as
appropriate.
-- Sareum also notes the expansion of the patent estate relevant
to SRA737, with US patent number 11596637, "CHK1 (SRA737)/PARPi
combination methods of inhibiting tumor growth" being granted on 7
March 2023.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
-- Cash at 31 December 2022 of GBP2.9m (GBP5.6m as of 31
December 2021 and GBP4.3m as of 30 June 2022).
-- Loss on ordinary activities after taxation for the six months
ended 31 December 2022 of GBP1.4m, reflecting investment in
preparatory work for a clinical trial application (2021: loss of
GBP0.9m).
-- R&D tax credit of GBP0.4m received in December 2022.
Dr Tim Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer of Sareum,
commented:
"We are pleased to have submitted an application to conduct
Phase 1 clinical studies on our lead molecule, SDC-1801, for the
treatment of autoimmune diseases in Australia.
"We have identified Australia as the ideal location for these
studies for a number of reasons, including its thriving research
and development ecosystem, diverse patient population,
internationally recognised regulatory authorities and supportive
R&D tax credits system. We are confident that Australia's
regulatory process will enable us to move forward efficiently and
effectively.
"The continued commercial momentum building around the TYK2/JAK1
space supports our confidence in progressing SDC-1801, and we look
forward to beginning clinical development. We remain committed to
maintaining a lean business model and controlling costs. By doing
so, we can ensure that our resources are directed towards
developing high-quality therapeutics that can help address patient
needs."
For further information, please contact:
Sareum Holdings plc
Tim Mitchell, CEO 01223 497700
Alex Harrison, Investor Relations ir@sareum.co.uk
Strand Hanson Limited (Nominated Adviser)
James Dance / James Bellman 020 7409 3494
Peel Hunt LLP (Joint Corporate Broker)
James Steel / Oliver Duckworth 020 7418 8900
Hybridan LLP (Joint Corporate Broker)
Claire Noyce 020 3764 2341
Consilium Strategic Communications (Financial
PR)
Jessica Hodgson / Davide Salvi / Stella
Lempidaki 020 3709 5700
About Sareum
Sareum (AIM: SAR) is a biotechnology company developing next
generation kinase inhibitors for autoimmune disease and cancer.
The Company is focused on developing next generation small
molecules which modify the activity of the JAK kinase family and
have best-in-class potential. Its lead candidate, SDC-1801,
simultaneously inhibits TYK2 and JAK1. SDC-1801 is a potential
treatment for a range of autoimmune diseases, and is planned to
enter clinical development with an initial focus on psoriasis.
Sareum has an economic interest in SRA737, a clinical-stage Chk1
inhibitor which it originally developed in collaboration with
several Cancer Research UK-related organisations. SRA737 has shown
promising safety and efficacy in two Phase 1/2 clinical trials.
Sareum is also developing SDC-1802, a TYK2/JAK1 inhibitor with a
potential application for cancer immunotherapy.
Sareum Holdings plc is based in Cambridge, UK, and is quoted on
the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange, trading under the
ticker SAR. For further information, please visit the Company's
website at www.sareum.com
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
Sareum is focused on advancing its next generation kinase
inhibitors for autoimmune disease and cancer into clinical
development.
An application to initiate Phase 1 clinical studies on SDC-1801
in Australia under the Clinical Trial Notification (CTN) scheme was
submitted to a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) in Australia.
Approval by the HREC and acceptance of the CTN by Australia's
medicines regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is
expected in Q2 2023. Subject to this approval, Sareum plans to
start the trial as soon as possible.
Australia offers state-of-the-art research facilities and an
efficient approval process, making it an attractive location for
research and development. Moreover, the country provides
significant tax incentives for companies that conduct their
research there, allowing them to claim up to 43.5% of their
eligible R&D expenditure as a cash payment. As such, Sareum has
established the required local presence by setting up a legal
entity in Australia.
In July 2022, Sareum submitted an application for a Clinical
Trial Authorisation (CTA) to the UK Medicines and Healthcare
Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) based on a robust preclinical
data package produced in collaboration with several world-leading,
internationally recognised contract research organisations (CROs)
to evaluate the safety and tolerability of SDC-1801. However, in
November of the same year, the MHRA informed the Company that the
application could not be approved until an additional review of
certain preclinical data by the UK Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
Monitoring Authority was conducted. Despite stipulating this
requirement, the MHRA has not, to date, requested this review by
the UK GLP. In parallel with seeking a response from the MHRA on
multiple occasions, the Company has assessed alternative locations
to conduct its clinical trial and identified Australia as the
optimal route to progress its lead asset.
Whilst the decision of the MHRA and lack of response to Sareum's
requests were disappointing, we are pleased to have identified a
clear and attractive alternative path for the clinical development
of SDC-1801.
Sareum remains confident in the potential of dual inhibition of
both TYK2 and JAK1 for treating autoimmune diseases. In recent
months, mounting evidence has supported this, including the
approval of Sotyktu(TM)(deucravacitinib), the first selective TYK2
inhibitor approved by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA),
signalling a growing scientific and commercial confidence in this
approach.
With its clear and differentiated offering in SDC-1801, Sareum
is eager to explore the potential efficacy and safety benefits in
clinical development.
While SDC-1801 is the Company's primary focus, translational
studies are also progressing in SDC-1802, an immunomodulating
molecule that has demonstrated good efficacy in preclinical models
of cancer.
Following the return of the Clinical Study Reports and other
associated documents and data on SRA737 to CRT Pioneer Fund LP
(CPF), Sareum now has the opportunity to participate in planning
its future development. The promising preclinical and early
clinical data generated by SRA737 reinforces our confidence in its
potential for cancer treatment. Sareum will work with CPF to
evaluate further development options, including re-licensing the
programme to a third party, and will provide updates when
appropriate.
PROGRAMME UPDATES
SDC-1801
SDC-1801 is a TYK2/JAK1 inhibitor being developed as a potential
new therapeutic for a range of autoimmune diseases with an initial
focus on psoriasis, an autoimmune condition affecting the skin.
The preclinical development activities necessary to apply to
perform a Phase 1 clinical trial have been completed and,
consistent with the Company's clinical development plan, an
application to perform the trial in Australia under the Clinical
Trial Notification scheme has been submitted.
TYK2/JAK1 inhibition has demonstrated benefits in maintaining a
healthy immune system and has strong clinical validation in
psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune
dermatological condition affecting more than 60 million adults
worldwide, with a market size for potential treatments worth more
than US$30 billion. Sareum believes that TYK2/JAK1 inhibition
offers the potential for increased efficacy in psoriasis, compared
with existing approved oral therapies.
Sareum, working alongside specialist consultants, contract
research organisations (CROs), and clinical units, has designed a
Phase 1a/b clinical trial with SDC-1801 in healthy subjects and
psoriasis patients. As soon as regulatory approval is granted,
Sareum plans to commence a Phase 1a trial to investigate the safety
and tolerability of an oral formulation of SDC-1801 in ascending
doses administered to healthy subjects. If the safety data proves
satisfactory, the Company intends to commence a Phase 1b clinical
study in psoriasis patients in 2024.
The Phase 1a part of the trial is expected to provide safety and
dosing information applicable for any future trials in patients
with other autoimmune diseases, and potentially in patients with
the acute respiratory symptoms of viral infections should the
Company decide to progress such trials.
Provided satisfactory safety data is obtained from this initial
safety and dosing study, and subject to additional funding, a Phase
1b clinical study will commence in psoriasis patients.
Synthesis of SDC-1801 drug substance under GMP conditions has
been completed successfully, with a surplus of material for the
planned Phase 1 clinical trials. GMP-compliant manufacture of
capsules of SDC-1801, for use in the Phase 1 trial, is also
complete.
SDC-1802
SDC-1802 is a TYK2/JAK1 inhibitor being developed for cancer and
cancer immunotherapy applications.
Sareum continues to work on the translational studies needed to
define the optimal cancer application prior to completing
toxicology and manufacturing studies.
SRA737
SRA737 is a clinical-stage oral, selective Chk1 inhibitor that
targets cancer cell replication and DNA damage repair
mechanisms.
The asset was originally developed by Sareum in collaboration
with several Cancer Research UK-related organisations, including
CPF, with whom the Company entered a co-development agreement in
2013. Under the terms of the agreement, Sareum is entitled to a
27.5% share of any commercialisation revenues.
SRA737 was licenced to Sierra Oncology in 2016. Following its
acquisition by GSK in 2022, Sierra has returned the rights for
SRA737 to CPF. The return of the Clinical Study Reports and other
associated documents was completed in March 2023. CPF and Sareum
will evaluate potential options for future development
opportunities for SRA737 and evaluate its next steps
accordingly.
Sierra had reported positive preliminary efficacy and safety
data in two clinical trials evaluating it as a monotherapy and in
combination with chemotherapy in 2019, and preclinical data has
been reported to support the potential for SRA737 in combination
with other anti-cancer agents against hard-to-treat cancers.
The patent estate covering SRA737 was recently expanded by the
granting of a patent in the US (no. 11596637) that describes the
combination of SRA737 with a PARP inhibitor and its effectiveness
in inhibiting tumour growth.
We remain confident, based on preclinical and early clinical
data, that SRA737 holds strong promise for the treatment of cancer,
particularly in combination settings and are confident in the
potential of this molecule.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
At 31 December 2022 Sareum had cash of GBP2.9m (2021:
GBP5.6m).
The loss on ordinary activities after taxation for the six
months ended 31 December 2022 was GBP1.4m (2021: loss of GBP0.9m),
reflecting ongoing clinical trial preparation costs.
In December 2022 the Company received GBP0.4m (2021: GBP0.2m) in
R&D tax credits.
OUTLOOK
Sareum has submitted an application to conduct a Phase 1
clinical trial of SDC-1801 in Australia, and pending regulatory
approval, we hope to begin dosing as soon as possible in 2023.
Our preclinical findings and the growing commercial and
scientific momentum building around the TYK2/JAK1 class, support
our continued excitement about the potential for SDC-1801 to be a
superior option to approved oral therapies for the treatment of
autoimmune diseases.
Following the return of SRA737 by CPF, we will evaluate the
potential for future development opportunities. While it is too
early to comment on future strategy, we continue to believe that
there is strong potential for this molecule in 'hard-to-treat'
cancers.
The Board of Sareum continues to apply a rigorous approach to
capital allocation to the development of our assets, particularly
in the current challenging economic environment, and maintains a
clear focus on bringing these medicines to patients as efficiently
as possible, while maximising value for shareholders.
Consolidated Income Statement for the six months ended 31
December 2022
Notes Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
31 Dec 31 Dec 30 Jun
22 21 22
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Revenue - - -
Other operating income - - -
Operating expenses (1,748) (1,017) (2,577)
Share of loss of associate - - (3)
Operating loss (1,748) (1,017) (2,580)
Finance income 17 - 1
------------
Loss before tax (1,731) (1,017) (2,579)
Tax 3 285 160 407
------------ ------------ ---------
Loss on ordinary activities
after taxation (1,446) (857) (2,172)
------------ ------------ ---------
Basic and diluted loss per
share (pence) 5 (2.1)p (1.3)p (3.2)p
------------ ------------ ---------
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the six
months ended 31 December 2022
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
31 Dec 22 31 Dec 21 30 Jun 22
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Loss for the period (1,446) (857) (2,172)
Other comprehensive income - - -
Total comprehensive income for
the period (1,446) (857) (2,172)
------------ ------------ -----------
Total comprehensive income attributable
to:
Owners of the parent (1,446) (857) (2,172)
------------ ------------ -----------
Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2022
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
As at As at As at
31 Dec 2022 31 Dec 2021 30 Jun 2022
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Non-current assets
Computers and equipment 1 3 2
Investment in associate 23 25 23
-------------
24 28 25
-------------
Current assets
Debtors 380 236 500
Cash and cash equivalents 2,941 5,613 4,261
------------- ------------- -------------
3,321 5,849 4,761
Creditors: amounts due within
one year (460) (231) (455)
------------- ------------- -------------
Net current assets 2,861 5,618 4,306
------------- ------------- -------------
Net assets 2,885 5,646 4,331
------------- ------------- -------------
Equity
Called-up share capital 851 851 851
Share premium 20,925 20,925 20,925
Share-based compensation
reserve 325 325 325
Retained earnings (19,216) (16,455) (17,770)
Total equity 2,885 5,646 4,331
------------- ------------- -------------
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the six months
ended 31 December 2022
Share-based
Share Share compensation Retained
capital premium reserve earnings Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
As at 30 June 2021 (audited) 833 17,235 362 (15,635) 2,795
Issue of share capital
(net) 18 3,690 - - 3,708
Transfer in respect of
options exercised - - (37) 37 -
Loss for the period - - - (857) (857)
As at 31 December 2021
(unaudited) 851 20,925 325 (16,455) 5,646
Issue of share capital
(net) - - - - -
Transfer in respect of
options exercised - - - - -
Loss for the period - - - (1,315) (1,315)
As at 30 June 2022 (audited) 851 20,925 325 (17,770) 4,331
Issue of share capital
(net) - - - - -
Transfer in respect of
options exercised - - - - -
Loss for the period - - - (1,446) (1,446)
--------- --------- -------------- ---------- ---------
As at 31 December 2022
(unaudited) 851 20,925 325 (19,216) 2,885
--------- --------- -------------- ---------- ---------
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement for the six months ended 31
December 2022
Unaudited Unaudited
Six months Six months Audited
ended ended Year ended
31 Dec 31 Dec 30 Jun
2022 2021 2022
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Net cash flow from operating activities
Continuing operations:
Loss before tax (1,731) (1,017) (2,580)
Add back:
Depreciation 1 - 2
Finance income (17) - (1)
Share of loss of associate - - 3
(1,747) (1,017) (2,576)
(Increase)/decrease in trade and
other receivables (3) 73 56
Increase/(decrease) in trade and
other payables 5 (53) 171
Cash used in operations (1,745) (997) (2,349)
Tax received 408 218 218
Net cash outflow from operating
activities (1,337) (779) (2,131)
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets - (2) (3)
Interest received 17 - 1
Investment in associate - - -
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from
investing activities 17 (2) (2)
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash flows from financing activities
Net proceeds from issue of share
capital - 3,708 3,708
Net cash inflow from financing
activities - 3,708 3,708
------------ ------------ ------------
(Decrease)/increase in cash and
equivalents (1,320) 2,927 1,575
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at start
of period 4,261 2,686 2,686
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end
of period 2,941 5,613 4,261
------------ ------------ ------------
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31
DECEMBER 2022
1. Financial information
These interim financial statements are unaudited and do not
constitute statutory financial statements within the meaning of
Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The Annual Report and
Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2022 has been delivered to the
Registrar of Companies and is available from Sareum's web site,
www.sareum.com. The report of the auditor on those accounts was not
qualified and contained no statement under Section 498 of the
Companies Act 2006.
2. Basis of accounting
The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the
financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2022, as described
in those financial statements. As at the date of approving the
interim financial statements, there are no new standards likely to
materially affect the financial statements for the year ending 30
June 2023.
Going concern
The Group made a loss after tax for the period of GBP1.4 million
(2021: GBP0.9 million), as it continued to progress its research
and development activities. These activities, and the related
expenditure, are in line with the budgets previously set and are
funded by regular cash investments.
The Directors consider that the cash held at the period end,
together with that projected to be received, will be sufficient for
the Group to meet its forecast expenditure for at least one year
from the date of approving the interim financial statements. If
there is a shortfall, the Directors will implement the required
cost savings to ensure that the cash resources last for this period
of time.
For these reasons, the interim financial statements have been
prepared on a going concern basis.
3. Taxation
No liability to for corporation tax arises for the six-months
ended 31 December 2022. Research and development tax credits,
receivable as cash, are estimated to be GBP285,000 for the
period.
4. Dividends
The directors do not propose the payment of a dividend in
respect of the six months ended 31 December 2022.
5. Loss per share
Basic loss per share is 2.1 pence (2021: 1.3 pence). The basic
loss per ordinary share is calculated by dividing the Group's loss
for the six months of GBP1,446,000 (2021: GBP857,000) by 68,069,416
(2021: 67,282,760), the weighted average number of shares in issue
during the period.
There is no dilutive effect in respect of share options during
the six months to 31 December 2022 because the Group generated a
loss in that period.
6. Availability of Half-yearly Report
This Half-yearly Report, including the interim financial
statements, is available on request from the Company by writing to
Unit 2a, Langford Arch, London Road, Pampisford, Cambridge CB22 3FX
or can be downloaded from the
Company's website www.sareum.co.uk .
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