EMERYVILLE, Calif., May 12, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 4D Molecular Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: FDMT), a clinical-stage biotherapeutics company harnessing the power of directed evolution for targeted genetic medicines, reported first quarter 2022 financial results and provided corporate updates.
“We made significant progress in the first quarter of this year in moving several key programs of our diverse pipeline of clinical-stage genetic medicines,” said David Kirn, M.D., Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of 4DMT. “In January, we announced treatment of the first patient with 4D-150 for wet AMD, and in February we presented compelling initial clinical data on 4D-310 for Fabry disease at the WORLD Symposium. In addition, we reported treatment of the first patient in our Phase 1/2 trial of 4D-710 for cystic fibrosis. Finally, we completed construction of our commercial-scale GMP manufacturing facility, which is expected to provide clinical trial material for our five product candidates across three therapeutic areas, and which underscores our phase-appropriate internal manufacturing strategy and commitment to capital stewardship. Our team is continuing to enroll multiple clinical trials for our product candidates, all of which use internally developed targeted and evolved vectors to unlock the full potential of genetic medicines for countless patients.”
Recent Corporate Highlights
- Dosed the first patient in the Phase 1/2 clinical trial of 4D-710 in patients with cystic fibrosis. The Phase 1/2 clinical trial is a multicenter, open-label, dose-escalation and dose-expansion trial.
- Presented updated clinical data from the ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial of 4D-310 in patients with Fabry disease at the 18th Annual WORLDSymposium. The data presented demonstrated mean AGA enzyme activity was within, or significantly above, the normal range in all of the first three patients including patients with pre-existing high titer antibodies to AGA. Initial clinical data on cardiac imaging and cardiac-related quality-of-life endpoints suggested encouraging effects. In addition, 4D-310 had a manageable safety profile, without dose-limiting toxicity.
- Presented choroideremia natural history study data at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) annual meeting. The choroideremia natural history data show a strong correlation between the anatomical preserved autofluorescence (FAF) endpoint and a functional retinal sensitivity endpoint. These data have important implications for quantification and monitoring of anatomical disease progression, including strengthening the importance of FAF area as a key endpoint in on-going and future clinical trials.
- Completed the build out of a commercial-scale GMP manufacturing facility at our Emeryville headquarters which is expected to provide clinical trial material for each of our five product candidates across three therapeutic areas. Clinical trial material produced from this facility is expected to support each product candidate’s pivotal studies, and the facilities will provide a broad range of analytical capabilities, including potency assay development and validation. The production capacity provided by our facilities and added capabilities are designed to shorten product development timelines, reduce cost, and improve quality.
Expected Upcoming Milestones
- Provide initial clinical data from the 4D-150 Phase 1/2 clinical trial for wet AMD in mid-2023
- Provide clinical data update from the 4D-310 Phase 1/2 clinical trial of 4D-310 in Fabry disease in the first half of 2023
- Continue enrollment and follow-up in the 4D-710 Phase 1/2 clinical trial for cystic fibrosis
- Continue enrollment and follow-up in the Phase 1/2 clinical trials for both 4D-125 for X-linked retinitis pigmentosa and 4D-110 for choroideremia and provide program updates in the first half of 2023
First Quarter 2022 Financial Results
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities: Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities were $284.5 million as of March 31, 2022, as compared to $315.4 million as of December 31, 2021. The cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities reflect the receipt of net proceeds of approximately $111 million from our October 2021 public offering, which was offset by cash used in operations. We expect cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities to be sufficient to fund operations into the second half of 2024.
Revenue: Total revenue was $1.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, as compared to $2.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2021.
R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $19.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, as compared to $12.8 million for the first quarter of 2021. This increase was primarily driven by the progression of our existing clinical trial expenses for 4D-310, 4D-125, 4D-110, 4D-150 and 4D-710 along with increased payroll and stock-based compensation expense.
G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $8.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, as compared to $5.5 million for the first quarter of 2021. This increase was primarily due to increased payroll, stock-based compensation, insurance, and professional service expenses.
Net Loss: Net loss was $26.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, compared to $16.4 million for the first quarter of 2021.
About 4DMT
4DMT is a clinical-stage biotherapeutics company harnessing the power of directed evolution for targeted genetic medicines. 4DMT seeks to unlock the full potential of genetic medicines using its platform, Therapeutic Vector Evolution, which combines the power of directed evolution with approximately one billion synthetic capsid sequences to invent targeted and evolved vectors for use in our products. The company is initially focused on five clinical-stage products in three therapeutic areas for both rare and large market diseases: ophthalmology, cardiology (including Fabry disease) and pulmonology. The 4DMT targeted and evolved vectors are invented with the goal of being delivered at relatively low doses through clinically routine, well-tolerated and minimally invasive routes of administration, transducing diseased cells in target tissues efficiently, having reduced immunogenicity and, where relevant, having resistance to pre-existing antibodies. The five 4DMT product candidates in clinical development are: 4D-310 for Fabry disease, 4D-150 for wet AMD, 4D-125 for XLRP, 4D-110 for choroideremia and 4D-710 for cystic fibrosis.
4D-310, 4D-150, 4D-125, 4D-110 and 4D-710 are in clinical trials and have not yet been approved for marketing by the US FDA or any other regulatory authority. No representation is made as to the safety or effectiveness of 4D-310, 4D-150, 4D-125, 4D-110 or 4D-710 for the therapeutic use for which they are being studied. 4D Molecular Therapeutics™, 4DMT™, Therapeutic Vector Evolution™, and the 4DMT logo are trademarks of 4DMT.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, without limitation, implied and express statements regarding plans and timelines for the clinical development of 4D-310, 4D-125, 4D-110, 4D-150 and 4D-710, including the therapeutic potential and clinical benefits thereof; whether the expansion of 4D Molecular Therapeutics' manufacturing facilities will support commercial-scale production and expand our analytical development capabilities; the potential results or success of the first patient dosing in 4D Molecular Therapeutics' 4D-710 Phase 1/2 clinical trial; the implications of clinical data for 4D-310’s Phase 1/2 clinical trial; the ability to continue to enroll 4D Molecular Therapeutics' ongoing clinical trials; the implications for quantification and monitoring of anatomical disease progression in future clinical trials based on choroideremia data; expectations on how long our cash and cash equivalents can fund operations; and 4D Molecular Therapeutics' strategy, business plans and focus. The words "may," “might,” "will," "could," "would," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "intend," "believe," “expect,” "estimate," “seek,” "predict," “future,” "project," "potential," "continue," "target" and similar words or expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and important factors that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, including, without limitation, risks associated with: the impact of COVID-19 on countries or regions in which we have operations or do business, as well as on the timing and anticipated results of our clinical trials, strategy and future operations; the delay of any current or planned clinical trials for the development of 4D Molecular Therapeutics' drug candidates, the risk that the results of our clinical trials may not be predictive of future results in connection with future clinical trials; 4D Molecular Therapeutics' ability to successfully demonstrate the safety and efficacy of its drug candidates; the timing and outcome of our planned interactions with regulatory authorities; and obtaining, maintaining and protecting our intellectual property. These and other risks and uncertainties are described in greater detail in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in 4D Molecular Therapeutics’ most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to be filed on or about the date hereof, as well as any subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent 4D Molecular Therapeutics' views only as of today and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. 4D Molecular Therapeutics explicitly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. No representations or warranties (expressed or implied) are made about the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements.
4D Molecular Therapeutics, Inc.
Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Revenue: | ||||||||
| Collaboration and license revenue | $ | 1,219 | $ | 2,000 | ||||
| Total revenue | 1,219 | 2,000 | ||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||
| Research and development | 19,381 | 12,769 | ||||||
| General and administrative | 8,230 | 5,543 | ||||||
| Total operating expenses | 27,611 | 18,312 | ||||||
| Loss from operations | (26,392 | ) | (16,312 | ) | ||||
| Other income (expense): | 54 | (94 | ) | |||||
| Net loss | $ | (26,338 | ) | $ | (16,406 | ) | ||
| Net loss per share, basic and diluted | $ | (0.82 | ) | $ | (0.61 | ) | ||
| Weighted-average shares outstanding used in computing net loss per share, basic and diluted | 32,232,378 | 26,690,167 | ||||||
4D Molecular Therapeutics, Inc.
Balance Sheet Data
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
| March 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities | $ | 284,515 | $ | 315,429 | ||||
| Working capital | 230,956 | 239,942 | ||||||
| Total assets | 324,926 | 353,487 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 28,870 | 34,380 | ||||||
| Accumulated deficit | (233,334 | ) | (206,996 | ) | ||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 296,056 | 319,107 | ||||||
Contacts:
Media:
Ingrid Mezo
Canale Communications
ingrid.mezo@canalecomm.com
Investors:
Mike Zanoni
VP, Investor Relations
mzanoni@4dmt.com
