Apogee Therapeutics Inc
For the period ended Jun 30, 2024. Filed Aug 12, 2024.
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A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
Jun 30, 2024 · Filed Aug 12, 2024
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-Q
Period ended 2024-03-31; filed 2024-05-13.
0001558370-24-007861
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-Q
Period ended 2024-06-30; filed 2024-08-12.
0000950170-24-095053
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 112 previous paragraphs and 96 current paragraphs.
44 unchanged; 14 reworded; 35 added; 50 removed; 4 previous and 3 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 50 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (35)
Current report
Our pipeline comprises four antibody programs being developed initially for the treatment of I&I indications as monotherapies and combinations. The Company’s most advanced program is APG777, which we are initially developing for the treatment of AD, the largest and least penetrated I&I market. Our other programs include APG808, APG990 and APG333. 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. Our programs incorporate advanced antibody engineering to optimize half-life and other properties designed to overcome limitations of existing therapies. We believe each of our programs has potential for broad application across multiple I&I indications, including in combination.
Current report
APG777 – anti-IL13 antibody, same mechanism of action as lebrikizumab
Current report
APG990 – anti-OX40L antibody, same mechanism of action as amlitelimab
Current report
APG808 – anti-IL4Rα antibody, same mechanism of action as Dupixent
Current report
APG333 – anti-TSLP antibody, same mechanism of action as Tezpire
Current report
APG333 is a fully-human mAb against TSLP. TSLP is an epithelial cell-derived cytokine that has emerged as an attractive validated target for the treatment of I&I indications, with the potential for extended half-life and to 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 and TSLP inhibition has shown clinical benefit in both eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic asthma. TSLP inhibition has been clinically validated, with the only approved product on the market for the treatment of severe asthma without biomarker or phenotype restrictions. We plan to nominate a development candidate by the end of 2024. We expect to initiate a Phase 1 APG333 clinical trial in healthy volunteers in 2025. Pending the Phase 1 data, we have the opportunity to study APG777 in combination with APG333 to drive potential best in class efficacy in respiratory conditions.
Current report
advance our programs, APG777, APG808, APG990 and APG333 into and through clinical trials and regulatory approval prior to commercialization;
Current report
continue our research and development and preclinical development of our other programs;
Current report
seek and identify additional research programs and product candidates and initiate preclinical studies for those programs;
Current report
maintain, expand, enforce, defend and protect our intellectual property portfolio and provide reimbursement of third-party expenses related to our patent portfolio;
Current report
hire additional research and development and clinical personnel;
Current report
experience any delays, challenges, or other issues associated with the clinical development of our programs, including with respect to our regulatory strategies;
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seek marketing approvals for any programs for which we successfully complete clinical trials;
Current report
develop, maintain and enhance a sustainable, scalable, reproducible and transferable manufacturing process for the programs we may develop;
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ultimately establish a sales, marketing and distribution infrastructure to commercialize any programs for which we may obtain marketing approval;
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add operational, financial and management information systems and personnel, including personnel to support our product development;
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acquire or in-license product candidates or programs, intellectual property and technologies;
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establish and maintain our current and any future collaborations, including making royalty, milestone or other payments thereunder; and
Current report
operate as a public company.
Current report
holders of Series A preferred units of Apogee Therapeutics, LLC received 7,678,000 shares of non-voting common stock of Apogee Therapeutics, Inc.;
Current report
holders of Series B preferred units of Apogee Therapeutics, LLC received 11,501,108 shares of common stock and 5,808,642 shares of non-voting common stock of Apogee Therapeutics, Inc.;
Current report
holders of common units of Apogee Therapeutics, LLC received 1,919,500 shares of common stock of Apogee Therapeutics, Inc.;
Current report
holders of vested incentive units of Apogee Therapeutics, LLC received 690,188 shares of common stock of Apogee Therapeutics, Inc.; and
Current report
holders of unvested incentive units of Apogee Therapeutics, LLC received 2,779,358 shares of restricted common stock of Apogee Therapeutics, Inc.
Current report
costs of funding research performed by third parties, including Paragon, that conduct research and development and preclinical or clinical activities on our behalf;
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expenses incurred in connection with continuing our current research programs and preclinical development of any programs we may identify, including under agreements with third parties, such as consultants and contractors;
Current report
the cost of developing and validating our manufacturing process for use in our preclinical studies and current and future clinical trials; and
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timely and successful completion of preclinical studies;
Current report
effective INDs or comparable foreign applications that allow commencement of our planned clinical trials or future clinical trials for any programs we may develop;
Current report
successful enrollment and completion of clinical trials;
Current report
positive results from our future clinical trials that support a finding of safety and effectiveness, acceptable PK profile, and an acceptable risk-benefit profile in the intended populations;
Current report
receipt of marketing approvals from applicable regulatory authorities;
Current report
establishment of arrangements through our own facilities or with third-party manufacturers for clinical supply and, where applicable, commercial manufacturing capabilities;
Current report
establishment, maintenance, defense and enforcement of patent, trademark, trade secret and other intellectual property protection or regulatory exclusivity for any products we may develop; and
Current report
maintenance of a continued acceptable safety, tolerability and efficacy profile of any programs we may develop following approval.
Removed paragraphs (50)
Previous report
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Previous report
Our pipeline comprises four programs being developed initially for the treatment of I&I indications. Our two most advanced programs, APG777 and APG808, which we are initially developing for the treatment of AD and COPD, respectively, target the same mechanism of action as lebrikizumab and DUPIXENT (dupilumab), respectively. Moreover, we are evaluating APG777 in additional I&I indications, including asthma, alopecia areata, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, chronic spontaneous urticaria, eosinophilic esophagitis and prurigo nodularis. Our earlier-stage programs, APG990 and APG222, utilize advanced antibody engineering to target OX40L and both IL-13 and OX40L, respectively. We recently added a new program that also utilizes advanced antibody engineering for an undisclosed target. Our programs incorporate advanced antibody engineering to optimize half-life and other properties designed to overcome limitations of existing therapies. We believe each of our programs has potential for broad application across multiple I&I indications.
Previous report
Results of Operations
Previous report
The following table summarizes our consolidated statements of operations for the periods presented (in thousands):
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Research and Development Expense
Previous report
The following table summarizes our research and development expenses incurred for the periods presented (in thousands):
Previous report
(1) External research and development costs for APG808 for the three months ended March 31, 2023 were recorded as unallocated external discovery related costs as the development candidate for APG808 was nominated in November 2023.
Previous report
Research and development expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 were $28.7 million and $8.5 million, respectively. The increase of $20.2 million was primarily driven by further development of our APG777 and APG808 programs and advancement of our pipeline into clinical trials, as well as increases in personnel costs, including equity-based compensation expense, associated with the growth in our research and development team. Research and development expense related to the APG777 program for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 were $6.0 million and $4.2 million of research and development expense related to the APG777 program, respectively. The increase of $1.8 million was primarily driven by an increase in clinical trial-related expenses and clinical manufacturing activities to support our Phase 1 clinical trials and prepare for our Phase 2 clinical trial. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, we recorded $4.0 million of research and development expense related to the APG808 program, which included a $2.0 million milestone payment related to the first dosing of a human patient in a Phase 1 clinical trial in March 2024. No such expense was recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2023, as APG808 expenses were recorded as unallocated external-discovery related costs until the program candidate was nominated in November 2023. Other external-discovery related costs increased by $7.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, primarily driven by a one-time non-refundable payment of $2.0 million to Paragon in January 2024 for finalizing the Research Plan for an undisclosed target, and advancement of our other preclinical programs. Personal-related expenses increased $7.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023 primarily due to increased headcount and share-based compensation.
Previous report
General and Administrative Expense
Previous report
The following table summarizes our general and administrative expenses for the periods presented (in thousands):
Previous report
General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024, were $9.5 million, compared to $4.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase of $5.3 million was primarily due to an increase of personnel costs of $3.8 million, an increase in legal and professional services of $0.3 million and an increase of other expenses of $1.2 million, all of which were the result of the expansion of our operations to support our growth in our business and the cost of operating as a public company.
Previous report
Other Income, Net
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Interest income increased $6.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, which was primarily related to interest on our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
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Sources of Liquidity
Previous report
Since our inception, we have incurred significant losses. We have not yet commercialized any of our programs, which are in various phases of early-stage development, and we do not expect to generate revenue from sales of any of our programs for several years, if at all. To date, we have financed our operations from the proceeds from the issuance of preferred units and the sale of common stock in our IPO and our March 2024 Offering. As of March 31, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $485.5 million and $330.7 million of marketable securities.
Previous report
Cash Flows
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The following table provides information regarding our cash flows for the periods presented (in thousands):
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Net Cash used in Operating Activities
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Cash used in operating activities resulted primarily from our net losses adjusted for non-cash charges and changes in components of operating assets and liabilities, which are generally attributable to timing of payments, and the related effect on certain account balances, operational and strategic decisions and contracts to which we may be a party.
Previous report
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, operating activities used $31.6 million of cash, primarily due to a net loss of $32.1 million, amortization of discounts on marketable securities of $2.7 million and net changes in operating assets and liabilities of $1.3 million. This was partially offset by a non-cash charge of $4.2 million for equity-based compensation.
Previous report
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, operating activities used $10.6 million of cash, primarily due to a net loss of $12.5 million and partially offset by non-cash charges including $1.3 million for equity-based compensation. Additionally, changes in our operating assets and liabilities primarily consisted of a $0.7 million increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses.
Previous report
Net Cash used in Investing Activities
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During the three months ended March 31, 2024, net cash used in investing activities of $51.7 million was primarily related to the $125.9 million purchase of marketable securities, partially offset by $74.5 million in maturities of marketable securities.
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Net Cash provided by Financing Activities
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For the three months ended March 31, 2024, financing activities provided $450.5 million of cash, primarily related to the issuance and sale of 7,790,321 shares of common stock, net of paid issuance costs, in our March 2024 Offering.
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Future Funding Requirements
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To date, we have not generated any revenue from product sales. We do not expect to generate revenue from product sales unless and until we successfully complete preclinical and clinical development of, receive regulatory approval for, and commercialize a program and we do not know when, or if at all, that will occur. We expect our expenses to increase substantially in connection with our ongoing activities, particularly as we advance the preclinical activities and studies and initiate clinical trials. In addition, if we obtain regulatory approval for any programs, we expect to incur significant expenses related to product sales, marketing, and distribution to the extent that such sales, marketing and distribution are not the responsibility of potential collaborators. We expect to incur additional costs associated with operating as a public company. The timing and amount of our operating expenditures will depend largely on the factors set out above. For more information, see the section titled “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Limited Operating History, Financial Position and Capital Requirements.”
Previous report
Our funding requirements and timing and amount of our operating expenditures will depend on many factors, including, but not limited to:
Previous report
Identifying potential programs and product candidates and conducting preclinical studies and clinical trials is a time consuming, expensive and uncertain process that takes years to complete, and we may never generate the necessary data or results required to obtain marketing approval and achieve product sales. In addition, our programs, if approved, may not achieve commercial success. Our commercial revenues, if any, will be derived from sales of products that we do not expect to be commercially available for many years, if ever. Accordingly, we will need to obtain substantial additional funds to achieve our business objectives.
Previous report
Adequate additional funds may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all. We do not currently have any committed external source of funds. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, our stockholders’ ownership interests could be diluted, and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other preferences that could adversely affect our stockholders’ rights.
Previous report
Additional debt financing and preferred equity financing, if available, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring debt, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends and may require the issuance of warrants, which could potentially dilute our stockholders’ ownership interests.
Previous report
If we raise additional funds through strategic collaborations or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams, research programs, or product candidates or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us. If we are unable to raise additional funds through equity or debt financings when needed, we may be required to delay, limit or terminate our product development programs or any future commercialization efforts or grant rights to develop and market product candidates to third parties that we would otherwise prefer to develop and market ourselves.
Previous report
As of March 31, 2024, we had $485.5 million of cash and cash equivalents and $330.7 million of marketable securities. Based on our current operating plan, as of the date of this Quarterly Report, we estimate that our existing cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities will be sufficient to enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements through at least the next 12 months following the issuance of our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report. Moreover, based on our current operating plan, we estimate that such funds will be sufficient to enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the first quarter of 2028. We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could exhaust our available capital resources sooner than we expect.
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Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments
Previous report
We enter into contracts in the normal course of business with contract research organizations (“CROs”), contract manufacturing organizations (“CMOs”) and other third parties for preclinical research studies and testing, clinical trials, manufacturing and other services. These contracts do not contain any minimum purchase commitments and provide for termination by us upon prior written notice. Payments due upon cancellation consist only of payments for services provided and expenses incurred up to the date of cancellation, including non-cancelable obligations of our service providers and, in some cases, wind-down costs. The exact amounts of such obligations are dependent on the timing of termination and the terms of the associated agreement. Accordingly, these payments are not disclosed as the amount and timing of such payments are not known.
Previous report
Our agreements to license intellectual property include potential milestone payments that are dependent upon the development of products using the intellectual property licensed under the agreements and contingent upon the achievement of specific development and clinical milestones. As of March 31, 2024, we have incurred $6.0 million of the maximum aggregate potential milestone payments.
Previous report
We are also obligated to pay royalties to (i) Paragon at a royalty rate of a low single-digit percentage based on net sales of any products under the License Agreements, once commercialized and (ii) WuXi Biologics at a royalty rate of a fraction of a single digit percentage of global net sales of WuXi Biologics Licensed Products manufactured by a third-party manufacturer.
Previous report
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that are material or reasonably likely to become material to our financial condition or results of operations.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Judgments and Estimates
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Reworded paragraphs (14)
Previous wording
We are a clinical stage biotechnology company seeking to develop differentiated biologics for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (“AD”), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (“COPD”), and related inflammatory and immunology (“I&I”). Our 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. We commenced our operations in February 2022 as a Delaware limited liability company named Apogee Therapeutics, LLC. We were founded by leading healthcare investors, Fairmount Funds and Venrock Healthcare Capital Partners, and have since assembled a management team of drug developers and an executive team with significant experience in clinical development, manufacturing of biologics and leading public biopharmaceutical company operations, financing and transactions. Apogee Therapeutics, Inc., a successor to Apogee Therapeutics, LLC, was formed as a Delaware corporation in June 2023 in preparation for our initial public offering (“IPO”). We maintain a corporate headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts, laboratory space in Boston, Massachusetts and otherwise operate virtually in the United States. In addition, we engage significantly with third parties, including Paragon Therapeutics, Inc. (“Paragon”), who is also a related party, to perform ongoing research and development activities and other services on our behalf.
Current wording
We are 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. Our 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. We commenced our operations in February 2022 as a Delaware limited liability company named Apogee Therapeutics, LLC. We were founded by leading healthcare investors, Fairmount Funds and Venrock Healthcare Capital Partners, and have since assembled a management team of drug developers and an executive team with significant experience in clinical development, manufacturing of biologics and leading public biopharmaceutical company operations, financing and transactions. Apogee Therapeutics, Inc., a successor to Apogee Therapeutics, LLC, was formed as a Delaware corporation in June 2023 in preparation for our initial public offering (“IPO”). We maintain a corporate headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts, laboratory and office space in Boston, Massachusetts and otherwise operate virtually in the United States. In addition, we engage significantly with third parties, including Paragon Therapeutics, Inc. (“Paragon”), who is also a related party, to perform ongoing research and development activities and other services on our behalf.
Previous wording
In August 2023, we announced the dosing of our first participant in our first clinical trial for APG777 in Australia. The APG777 Phase 1 trial is a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in healthy volunteers and consists of a single-ascending dose (“SAD”) component and a multiple-ascending dose (“MAD”) component. The trial enrolled 40 healthy adult subjects into three SAD and two MAD cohorts. The primary endpoint is safety and a key secondary endpoint is pharmacokinetics (“PK”). The Phase 1 trial is ongoing and in March 2024, we announced positive interim safety and PK data from this trial. PK data showed a half-life of approximately 75 days across doses tested and pharmacodynamic(“PD”) data showed deep and sustained inhibition of key AD biomarkers pSTAT6 and TARC for approximately three months (longest available follow-up available, with inhibition still ongoing at time of the data cut). APG777, in single doses up to 1,200 mg and multiple doses of 300 mg, was well tolerated and showed a favorable safety profile, in line with the existing body of third-party evidence for the safety of the anti-IL-13 class. In the first quarter of 2024, we also filed an investigational new drug application (“IND”) in support of a Phase 1 trial in healthy volunteers in the United States for subjects of Japanese descent and have completed dosing in that trial. We anticipate dosing the first patient in our integrated Phase 2 trial in AD in the in the first half of 2024 with 16-week topline data from Part A expected in the second half of 2025. The trial is designed to combine the typical Phase 2a and 2b portions of a clinical trial into a single protocol. Part A is expected to enroll approximately 110 patients randomized 2:1 to APG777 and placebo with primary endpoint of mean percentage changes in EASI score from baseline to week 16.
Current wording
In August 2023, we announced the dosing of our first participant in our first clinical trial for APG777 in Australia. The APG777 Phase 1 trial is a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in healthy volunteers and consists of a single-ascending dose (“SAD”) component and a multiple-ascending dose (“MAD”) component. The trial enrolled 40 healthy adult subjects into three SAD and two MAD cohorts. The primary endpoint is safety and a key secondary endpoint is pharmacokinetics (“PK”). The Phase 1 trial is ongoing and in March 2024, we announced positive interim safety and PK data from this trial. PK data showed a half-life of approximately 75 days across doses tested and pharmacodynamic (“PD”) data showed deep and sustained inhibition of key AD biomarkers pSTAT6 and TARC for approximately three months (longest available follow-up, with inhibition still ongoing at time of the data cut for the March 2024 announcement). APG777, in single doses up to 1,200 mg and multiple doses of 300 mg, was well tolerated and showed a favorable safety profile, in line with the existing body of third-party evidence for the safety of the anti-IL-13 class. In the first quarter of 2024, we also filed an investigational new drug application (“IND”) in support of a Phase 1 trial in healthy volunteers in the United States for subjects of Japanese descent and have completed dosing in that trial. In May 2024, we commenced dosing in the Phase 2 clinical trial of APG777 in patients with moderate-to-severe AD with 16-week topline data from Part A expected in the second half of 2025. The trial is designed to combine the typical Phase 2a and 2b portions of a clinical trial into a single protocol. Part A is expected to enroll approximately 110 patients randomized 2:1 to APG777 and placebo with primary endpoint of mean percentage changes in EASI score from baseline to week 16. Part B of the Phase 2 trial is a randomized, placebo-controlled dose optimization with approximately 360 patients randomized 1:1:1:1 to high, medium, or low dose APG777 and placebo with primary endpoint of mean percentage changes in EASI score from baseline to week 16. All patients benefiting from treatment will continue to APG777 maintenance treatment, which will evaluate three- to six-month dosing intervals. In addition, we expect to initiate in 2025 a Phase 2 trial of APG777 as monotherapy and/or in combination with APG333 in asthma. We also plan to explore a coformulation of APG777 with APG990 as a potential first-in-class combination for the treatment of AD.
Previous wording
Our early-stage programs, APG990 and APG222, are also progressing. We nominated a candidate for APG990 in the second quarter of 2024 and expect to initiate a Phase 1 trial in healthy volunteers in the second half of 2024. In our head-to-head preclinical assays, APG990 has demonstrated similar or improved potency to amlitelimab. In our head-to-head studies of APG990 and amlitelimab in NHPs, APG990 demonstrated half-life of 26 days versus 21 days for amlitelimab. In addition, based on our preclinical studies, we believe APG990 can be dosed every three to six months in maintenance, which, if our clinical trials are successful, would represent a significant improvement compared to first generation OX40L antibodies that are expected to be dosed every four to twelve weeks. We plan to provide more detailed updates on our earlier pipeline programs and combination strategy in an R&D Day in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Current wording
In May 2024, we finalized the nomination of a development candidate for APG990. We plan to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial in the third quarter of 2024 in healthy volunteers and have received regulatory approval to commence a first-in-human clinical trial in Australia. APG990 utilizes advanced antibody engineering to target OX40L, which we are initially developing for the treatment of AD. OX40L is located further upstream in the inflammatory pathway than IL-13 or IL-4Rα and targeting it could potentially have broader impact on the inflammatory cascade by inhibiting Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 pathways. AD is a heterogeneous patient population and varies by age, severity and ethnicity. With current approved biologics only targeting two mechanisms of action (IL-13 and IL-4Rα) in AD, OX40L could represent another therapeutic option for patients, especially the portion of patients who do not benefit from currently available treatments. In our head-to-head preclinical assays, APG990 has demonstrated similar or improved potency to amlitelimab, an OX40L antibody candidate in late stage clinical development. In our head-to-head studies of APG990 and amlitelimab in non-human primates ("NHPs"), APG990 demonstrated half-life of 26 days versus 21 days for amlitelimab. In addition, based on our preclinical studies, we believe APG990 can be dosed every three to six months in maintenance, which, if our clinical trials are successful, would represent a significant improvement compared to first generation OX40L antibodies that are expected to be dosed every four to twelve weeks. We plan 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 Type 1-3 inflammation through APG990’s inhibition of OX40L. We believe these combined mechanisms offer the potential for improved clinical responses over monotherapy while our planned approach of coformulating two extended half-life monoclonal antibodies ("mAbs") holds the potential for best-in-class dosing. We plan to initiate the first clinical trial of this combination in 2025.
Previous wording
In November 2023, we finalized the nomination of a development candidate for APG808 and in March 2024, we announced the dosing of the first participants in the Phase 1 trial in Australia and we anticipate that we will conduct a potential Phase 1b trial in asthma and/or a Phase 2 trial in COPD (pending data from the Phase 1 trial and following the submission of an IND or foreign equivalent to support such trials). APG808 is an SQ extended half-life mAb targeting IL-4Rα, a target with clinical validation across eight different Type 2 allergic diseases. APG808 has similar binding as a first generation mAb, DUPIXENT, with femtomolar affinity for IL-4Rα and has demonstrated similar inhibition to DUPIXENT across three in vitro assays which measure downstream functional inhibition of the IL-13/IL-4 pathway (pSTAT6 induction, inhibition of TF-1 proliferation, and inhibition of TARC secretion). Additionally, in our head-to-head studies of APG808 and DUPIXENT in non-human primates, APG808 showed a significantly longer half-life than DUPIXENT. In these preclinical studies, APG808’s half-life was up to 27 days, as compared to 11 days for DUPIXENT. Based on these preclinical studies, we believe that the longer half-life could support dosing either every 6 weeks or every 2 months in the clinic, which, if future clinical trials are successful, would represent a significant improvement compared to DUPIXENT which is currently being investigated with every 2-week dosing in COPD. We expect interim Phase 1 PK and safety data from our Phase 1 trial healthy volunteers in the second half of 2024 and initial proof-of-concept data in asthma in the first half of 2025. We expect to initiate a proof-of-concept clinical trial in patients with COPD in 2025, pending positive data from our Phase 1 trial and regulatory clearance.
Current wording
In November 2023, we finalized the nomination of a development candidate for APG808 and in March 2024, we announced the dosing of the first participants in the Phase 1 trial in Australia and we anticipate that we will conduct a Phase 1b trial in asthma, pending results from the Phase 1 trial in healthy volunteers. APG808 is an SQ extended half-life mAb targeting IL-4Rα, a target with clinical validation across eight different Type 2 allergic diseases. APG808 has similar binding as a first generation mAb, DUPIXENT, with femtomolar affinity for IL-4Rα and has demonstrated similar inhibition to DUPIXENT across three in vitro assays which measure downstream functional inhibition of the IL-13/IL-4 pathway (pSTAT6 induction, inhibition of TF-1 proliferation, and inhibition of TARC secretion). Additionally, in our head-to-head studies of APG808 and DUPIXENT in non-human primates, APG808 showed a significantly longer half-life than DUPIXENT. In these preclinical studies, APG808’s half-life was up to 27 days, as compared to 11 days for DUPIXENT. Based on these preclinical studies, we believe that the longer half-life could support dosing either every 6 weeks or every 2 months in the clinic, which, if future clinical trials are successful, would represent a significant improvement compared to DUPIXENT, which is currently being investigated with every 2-week dosing in COPD. We expect interim Phase 1 PK and safety data from our Phase 1 trial healthy volunteers in the fourth quarter of 2024 and initial proof-of-concept data in asthma in the first half of 2025.
Previous wording
We have incurred significant operating losses since inception. Our ability to generate product revenue sufficient to achieve profitability will depend heavily on the successful development and eventual commercialization of any programs we may develop. We generated net loss of $32.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. As of March 31, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $155.9 million. We expect to continue to incur significantly increased expenses for the foreseeable future if and as we:
Current wording
We have incurred significant operating losses since inception. Our ability to generate product revenue sufficient to achieve profitability will depend heavily on the successful development and eventual commercialization of any programs we may develop. We generated a net loss of $65.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. As of June 30, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $189.7 million. We expect to continue to incur significantly increased expenses for the foreseeable future if and as we:
Previous wording
We expect that our existing cash and cash equivalents of $485.5 million, and marketable securities of $330.7 million as of March 31, 2024, will enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the first quarter of 2028. We
Current wording
We expect that our existing cash and cash equivalents of $307.3 million, marketable securities of $368.9 million and long-term marketable securities of $113.4 million as of June 30, 2024, will enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the first quarter of 2028. We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could use our capital resources sooner than we currently expect. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for further information.
Previous wording
In November 2023, we entered into an additional antibody discovery and option agreement with Paragon (the 2023 Option Agreement and together with the 2022 Option Agreement, collectively the “Option Agreements”). Under the terms of the 2023 Option Agreement, Paragon identifies, evaluates and develops antibodies directed against certain mutually agreed therapeutic targets of interest to us. The 2023 Option Agreement initially includes one undisclosed target. Under the 2023 Option Agreement, we have the exclusive option to, on a research program-by-research program basis, be granted an exclusive, worldwide license to all of Paragon’s right, title and interest in and to the intellectual property resulting from the applicable research program to develop, manufacture and commercialize the antibodies and products directed to the selected targets. From time to time, we can choose to add additional targets to the collaboration by mutual agreement with Paragon.
Current wording
In November 2023, we entered into an additional antibody discovery and option agreement with Paragon (the 2023 Option Agreement and together with the 2022 Option Agreement, collectively the “Option Agreements”). Under the terms of the 2023 Option Agreement, Paragon identifies, evaluates and develops antibodies directed against certain mutually agreed therapeutic targets of interest to us. The 2023 Option Agreement initially includes one newly disclosed target, TSLP. Under the 2023 Option Agreement, we have the exclusive option to, on a research program-by-research program basis, be granted an exclusive, worldwide license to all of Paragon’s right, title and interest in and to the intellectual property resulting from the applicable research program to develop, manufacture and commercialize the antibodies and products directed to the selected targets. From time to time, we can choose to add additional targets to the collaboration by mutual agreement with Paragon.
Previous wording
Pursuant to the terms of the 2023 Option Agreement, the parties may initiate Research Programs. Each Research Program is aimed at discovering, generating, identifying and/or characterizing antibodies directed to the respective target. For each Research Program, the parties must establish a Research Plan. In January 2024, we agreed on an initial Research Plan with Paragon that outlines the services that will be performed commencing at inception of the arrangement related to the undisclosed target. Our exclusive option with respect to each Research Program is exercisable at our sole discretion at any time during the period beginning on the initiation of activities under the associated Research Program and ending a specified number of days following the delivery of the data package from Paragon related to the results of the Research Plan activities. There is no payment due upon exercise of an Option pursuant to the 2023 Option Agreement. Following entry into the 2023 Option Agreement, we and Paragon will negotiate a form of License Agreement to be entered into in the event that we exercise our exclusive option with respect to each Research Program, which License Agreement will include certain pre-agreed economic and other business terms.
Current wording
Pursuant to the terms of the 2023 Option Agreement, the parties may initiate Research Programs. Each Research Program is aimed at discovering, generating, identifying and/or characterizing antibodies directed to the respective target. For each Research Program, the parties must establish a Research Plan. In January 2024, we agreed on an initial Research Plan with Paragon that outlines the services that will be performed commencing at inception of the arrangement related to TSLP. Our exclusive option with respect to each Research Program is exercisable at our sole discretion at any time during the period beginning on the initiation of activities under the associated Research Program and ending a specified number of days following the delivery of the data package from Paragon related to the results of the Research Plan activities. There is no payment due upon exercise of an Option pursuant to the 2023 Option Agreement. Following entry into the 2023 Option Agreement, we and Paragon will negotiate a form of License Agreement to be entered into in the event that we exercise our exclusive option with respect to each Research Program, which License Agreement will include certain pre-agreed economic and other business terms.
Previous wording
Under the 2023 Option Agreement, on a Research Program-by-Research Program basis following the finalization of the Research Plan for each respective Research Program, we are required to pay Paragon a nonrefundable fee in cash of $2.0 million. In the first quarter of 2024, we paid Paragon a $2.0 million fee for a Research Program for an undisclosed target. We are also obligated to compensate Paragon on a quarterly basis for its services performed under each Research Program based on the actual costs incurred. We expense the service fees as the associated costs are incurred when the underlying services are rendered.
Current wording
Under the 2023 Option Agreement, on a Research Program-by-Research Program basis following the finalization of the Research Plan for each respective Research Program, we are required to pay Paragon a nonrefundable fee in cash of $2.0 million. In the first quarter of 2024, we paid Paragon a $2.0 million fee for a Research Program for TSLP. We are also obligated to compensate Paragon on a quarterly basis for its services performed under each Research Program based on the actual costs incurred. We expense the service fees as the associated costs are incurred when the underlying services are rendered.
Previous wording
the terms of the License Agreements, Paragon granted to us an exclusive, worldwide, royalty-bearing, sublicensable right and license with respect to certain information, patent rights and sequence information related to antibodies directed at the respective target to use, make, sell, import, export and otherwise exploit the antibodies directed at the respective target. Pursuant to the License Agreements, we granted to Paragon a similar license (except that such license we granted to Paragon is non-exclusive) to the respective licenses with respect to multispecific antibodies that are directed at the respective targets and one or more other antibodies. We were also granted a right of first negotiation with Paragon concerning the development, license and grant of rights to certain multispecific antibodies associated with each respective license. We are solely responsible for the continued development, manufacture and commercialization of products at our own cost and expense for each licensed target.
Current wording
In November 2022, we exercised our option available under the 2022 Option Agreement with respect to the IL-13 Research Program. Upon such exercise, the parties entered into an associated license agreement (the “IL-13 License Agreement”). In April 2023, we exercised our option available under the 2022 Option Agreement with respect to the IL-4Rα Research Program and the OX40L Research Program. Upon such exercise, the parties entered into associated license agreements (the “IL-4Rα License Agreement” and the “OX40L License Agreement,” respectively. In August 2024, the Company exercised its option available under the 2023 Option Agreement with respect to the TSLP Research Program (the “TSLP License Agreement,” and collectively with the IL-13 License Agreement, the IL-4Rα License Agreement and the OX40L License Agreement, the “License Agreements”). Under the terms of the License Agreements, Paragon granted to us an exclusive, worldwide, royalty-bearing, sublicensable right and license with respect to certain information, patent rights and sequence information related to antibodies directed at the respective target to use, make, sell, import, export and otherwise exploit the antibodies directed at the respective target. Pursuant to the License Agreements, we granted to Paragon a similar license (except that such license we granted to Paragon is non-exclusive) to the respective licenses with respect to multispecific antibodies that are directed at the respective targets and one or more other antibodies. We were also granted a right of first negotiation with Paragon concerning the development, license and grant of rights to certain multispecific antibodies associated with each respective license. We are solely responsible for the continued development, manufacture and commercialization of products at our own cost and expense for each licensed target.
Previous wording
We are obligated to pay Paragon up to $3.0 million upon the achievement of specific development and clinical milestones for the first product under each of the License Agreements that achieves such specified milestones, including a payment of $1.0 million upon the nomination of a development candidate and $2.0 million upon the first dosing of a human patient in a Phase 1 trial. Upon execution of the IL-13 License Agreement, we paid Paragon a $1.0 million fee for the nomination of a development candidate. In August 2023, we announced the dosing of our first participant in the Phase 1 trial of APG777 and have accordingly recorded research and development expense for the milestone payment of $2.0 million to Paragon in the year ended December 31, 2023. In November 2023, we finalized the nomination of a development candidate under the IL-4Rα License Agreement and made a milestone payment of $1.0 million to Paragon in the fourth quarter of 2023. In March 2024, we announced the first dosing of a human patient in a Phase 1 trial of APG808, and accordingly have recorded research and development expense of $2.0 million for the milestone payment in the first quarter of 2024.
Current wording
Upon execution of the IL-13 License Agreement, we paid Paragon a $1.0 million fee for the nomination of a development candidate. In August 2023, we announced the dosing of our first participant in the Phase 1 trial of APG777 and have accordingly recorded research and development expense for the milestone payment of $2.0 million to Paragon in the year ended December 31, 2023. In November 2023, we finalized the nomination of a development candidate under the IL-4Rα License Agreement and made a milestone payment of $1.0 million to Paragon in the fourth quarter of 2023. In March 2024, we announced the first dosing of a human patient in a Phase 1 trial of APG808, and accordingly have recorded research and development expense of $2.0 million for the milestone payment in the first quarter of 2024. In May 2024, we finalized the nomination of a development candidate under the OX40L License Agreement and made a milestone payment of $1.0 million to Paragon in the second quarter of 2024.
Previous wording
In June 2022, Paragon and WuXi Biologics (Hong Kong) Limited (“WuXi Biologics”) entered into a biologics master services agreement (the “WuXi Biologics MSA”), which was subsequently novated to us by Paragon in the second quarter of 2023. The WuXi Biologics MSA governs all development activities and GMP manufacturing and testing for our APG777, APG808 and APG990 programs, as well as some of our other programs, on a work order basis. Under the WuXi Biologics MSA, we are obligated to pay WuXi Biologics a service fee and all non-cancellable obligations in the amount specified in each work order associated with the agreement for the provision of services.
Current wording
In June 2022, Paragon and WuXi Biologics (Hong Kong) Limited (“WuXi Biologics”) entered into a biologics master services agreement (the “WuXi Biologics MSA”), which was subsequently novated to us by Paragon in the second quarter of 2023. The WuXi Biologics MSA governs all development activities and GMP manufacturing and testing for our APG777, APG808, APG990, and APG333 programs, as well as some of our other programs, on a work order basis. Under the WuXi Biologics MSA, we are obligated to pay WuXi Biologics a service fee and all non-cancellable obligations in the amount specified in each work order associated with the agreement for the provision of services.
Previous wording
In June 2022, Paragon and WuXi Biologics entered into a cell line license agreement (the “Cell Line License Agreement”), which was subsequently novated to us by Paragon in the second quarter of 2023. Under the Cell Line License Agreement, we received a non-exclusive, worldwide, sublicensable license to certain of WuXi Biologics’s know-how, cell line, biological materials (the “WuXi Biologics Licensed Technology”) and media and feeds to make, have made, use, sell and import certain therapeutic products produced through the use of the cell line licensed by WuXi Biologics under the Cell Line License Agreement (the “WuXi Biologics Licensed Products”). Specifically, the WuXi Biologics Licensed Technology is used to manufacture a component of the APG777 and APG808 programs.
Current wording
In June 2022, Paragon and WuXi Biologics entered into a cell line license agreement (the “Cell Line License Agreement”), which was subsequently novated to us by Paragon in the second quarter of 2023. Under the Cell Line License Agreement, we received a non-exclusive, worldwide, sublicensable license to certain of WuXi Biologics’s know-how, cell line, biological materials (the “WuXi Biologics Licensed Technology”) and media and feeds to make, have made, use, sell and import certain therapeutic products produced through the use of the cell line licensed by WuXi Biologics under the Cell Line License Agreement (the “WuXi Biologics Licensed Products”). Specifically, the WuXi Biologics Licensed Technology is used to manufacture a component of the APG777, APG808, APG990 and APG333 programs.
Previous wording
In consideration for the license, we agreed to pay WuXi Biologics a non-refundable license fee of $150,000. Additionally, if we manufacture all of our commercial supplies of bulk drug product with a manufacturer other than WuXi Biologics or its affiliates, we are required to make royalty payments to WuXi Biologics in an amount equal to a fraction of a single digit percentage of global net sales of WuXi Biologics Licensed Products manufactured by a third-party manufacturer (the “Royalty”). If we manufacture part of our commercial supplies of the WuXi Biologics Licensed Products with WuXi Biologics or its affiliates, then the Royalty will be reduced accordingly on a pro rata basis.
Current wording
In consideration for the license, we have paid WuXi Biologics a non-refundable license fee of $150,000. Additionally, if we manufacture all of our commercial supplies of bulk drug product with a manufacturer other than WuXi Biologics or its affiliates, we are required to make royalty payments to WuXi Biologics in an amount equal to a fraction of a single digit percentage of global net sales of WuXi Biologics Licensed Products manufactured by a third-party manufacturer (the “Royalty”). If we manufacture part of our commercial supplies of the WuXi Biologics Licensed Products with WuXi Biologics or its affiliates, then the Royalty will be reduced accordingly on a pro rata basis.
Rearranged current paragraphs (3)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Under the IL-13 License Agreement, the IL-4Rα License Agreement and the OX40L License Agreement, we are obligated to pay Paragon up to $3.0 million upon the achievement of specific development and clinical milestones for the first product under each of the License Agreements that achieves such specified milestones, including a payment of $1.0 million upon the nomination of a development candidate and $2.0 million upon the first dosing of a human patient in a Phase 1 trial. Under the TSLP License Agreement, we are obligated to pay Paragon up to $28.0 million upon the achievement of specific development and clinical milestones for the first product, including a payment of $3.0 million upon the nomination of a development candidate and $5.0 million upon the first dosing of a human patient in a Phase 1 trial.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
the cost to acquire in-process research and development, with no alternative future use associated with asset acquisitions, such as the Option Agreements, and License Agreements;
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
personnel-related expenses, including salaries, bonuses and equity-based compensation expense.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (4)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Part B of the Phase 2 trial is a randomized, placebo-controlled dose optimization with approximately 360 patients randomized 1:1:1:1 to high, medium, or low dose APG777 and placebo with primary endpoint of mean percentage changes in EASI score from baseline to week 16. All patients benefiting from treatment will continue to APG777 maintenance, which will evaluate three- to six-month dosing. In addition, we expect to initiate a Phase 2 trial of APG777 in asthma in 2025.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could use our capital resources sooner than we currently expect. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for further information.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
In November 2022, we exercised our option available under the 2022 Option Agreement with respect to the IL-13 Research Program. Upon such exercise, the parties entered into an associated license agreement (the “IL-13 License Agreement”). In April 2023, we exercised our option available under the 2022 Option Agreement with respect to the IL-4Rα Research Program and the OX40L Research Program. Upon such exercise, the parties entered into associated license agreements (the “IL-4Rα License Agreement” and the “OX40L License Agreement,” respectively and collectively with the IL-13 License Agreement, the “License Agreements”). Under
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Prior to our IPO, we received gross proceeds of $169.0 million from sales of our preferred units. In connection with our IPO in July 2023, we issued and sold an aggregate of 20,297,500 shares of common stock (inclusive of 2,647,500 shares pursuant to the exercise in full of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares) at a price of $17.00 per share for aggregate net proceeds of $315.4 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses. In connection with our March 2024 Offering, we issued and sold an aggregate of 7,790,321 shares of common stock (inclusive of 1,016,128 shares pursuant to the exercise in full of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares) at a public offering price of $62.00 per share, for aggregate net proceeds of $450.0 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses.