Announced RLY-4008 interim clinical data that suggest it is the first investigational therapy that selectively binds to FGFR2 and avoids off-isoform toxicities in the treatment of patients with FGFR2-altered tumors
Shared preclinical data for RLY-2608, the first known allosteric, pan-mutant and isoform-selective PI3Kα inhibitor and dosed the first patient in a first-in-human trial
Continued to advance three additional oncology preclinical programs and two genetic disease preclinical programs, while expanding the capabilities of the Dynamo™ platform
Raised $382 million in net proceeds from a follow-on financing in October 2021
$958 million in cash, cash equivalents and investments at end of 2021 expected to fund operations into at least 2025
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Feb. 24, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Relay Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: RLAY), a clinical-stage precision medicine company transforming the drug discovery process by combining leading-edge computational and experimental technologies, today reported fourth quarter and full year 2021 financial results and corporate highlights.
“2021 was the year that Relay Therapeutics showed clinical data for the first time, with the RLY-4008 disclosure supporting our belief that our approach of integrating experimental techniques and computational power can make the discovery of medicines more efficient and effective,” said Sanjiv Patel, M.D., president and chief executive officer. “We also grew our team, continued to execute against our deep and broad precision medicine pipeline and pushed the boundaries of our Dynamo platform, through both internal innovation and the integration of an acquisition. We’ve entered 2022 with three clinical stage programs, a robust preclinical pipeline and a cash runway into at least 2025. We are excited to continue our efforts to achieve our goal of bringing life-changing therapies to patients.”
2021 Corporate Highlights
RLY-4008
- Presented preclinical data at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting for RLY-4008, a highly selective irreversible and oral small molecule inhibitor of FGFR2
- Announced interim clinical data at the AACR-NCI-EORTC Molecular Targets Conference for RLY-4008 in a first-in-human trial in patients with FGFR2-altered cholangiocarcinoma, breast cancer and multiple other solid tumors
- The data suggest that RLY-4008 is the first investigational therapy designed to selectively bind to FGFR2 to avoid off-isoform toxicities for the treatment of patients with FGFR2-altered tumors, with study investigators reporting robust inhibition of FGFR2 in the first 49 subjects that was not shown to be limited by off-target toxicities, including hyperphosphatemia and diarrhea
- The interim clinical data included results from FGFR2-altered solid tumors, with approximately 80% of all patients treated achieving reductions in tumor size at the cut-off date of September 9, 2021
- In pan-FGFRi treatment-naïve cholangiocarcinoma patients, RLY-4008 demonstrated tumor shrinkage in all six pan-FGFR treatment-naïve FGFR2 fusion positive cholangiocarcinoma patients, with three achieving confirmed partial responses, one of whom went on to surgery with curative intent
- RLY-4008 also demonstrated encouraging early activity in gene amplifications and mutations, such as the first reported objective response for an FGFR inhibitor in a patient with FGFR2-mutated breast cancer, based on publicly available information
- Initiated expansion cohorts at 70 mg once daily in December 2021
- In January 2022, the FDA granted orphan drug designation to RLY-4008 for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma
RLY-2608
- Presented preclinical data at the AACR-NCI-EORTC Molecular Targets Conference and 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium for RLY-2608, the first known allosteric, pan-mutant and isoform-selective PI3Kα inhibitor in a novel allosteric pocket
- The data help support the clinical development of RLY-2608 both in single agent and combination clinical trials for patients with PIK3CA (PI3Kα) mutant tumors, including PI3Kα-mutant, HR+/HER2- breast cancer
- The data indicate RLY-2608 synergizes with fulvestrant and the CDK4/6 inhibitor abemaciclib in cell viability assays in PIK3CAmut/ER+/HER2- cell lines
- Oral administration of RLY-2608 in combination with fulvestrant or abemaciclib led to improved efficacy compared to either agent alone in ER+/HER2- xenograft models representing the most commonly observed PIK3CA mutations in breast cancer (H1047R, E542K, E545K)
- The triple combination of all three agents resulted in deep regressions across all models, and additionally, the combination arms had similar tolerability to monotherapy arms
- Dosed the first patient in the dose escalation part of the RLY-2608 first-in-human trial in December 2021
Corporate Highlights
- Genentech initiated the cohort of RLY-1971/GDC-1971, an inhibitor of SHP2, in combination with GDC-6036, an inhibitor of KRAS G12C, in a Phase 1b trial in July 2021
- Extended leadership in integrating computational and experimental approaches, including by acquiring ZebiAI Therapeutics, Inc. and unlocking our ability to develop our machine learning powered DNA encoded library platform, REL-DEL (Relay DEL)
- Entered into a worldwide strategic collaboration with EQRx, Inc. to discover, develop and commercialize novel medicines against validated oncology targets, starting with one program and with the ability to mutually agree to add additional programs to the collaboration in the future
- Strengthened the executive team with multiple new appointments leveraging the experienced senior leaders from within Relay Therapeutics and greatly expanded the team through the addition of approximately 100 employees
2022 Anticipated Milestones and Objectives
- Continue to enroll patients in the RLY-4008 expansion cohorts and provide a clinical data update in the second half of 2022
- Continue to enroll patients in the RLY-2608 first-in-human trial and gain experience in the clinic while also progressing against the rest of the preclinical PI3Kα mutant franchise
- Disclose an additional target in the first half of this year
- Genentech to continue driving the development and disclosures of RLY-1971/GDC-1971 in combination with GDC-6036 in the ongoing Phase 1b trial
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Financial Results
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments: As of December 31, 2021, cash, cash equivalents and investments totaled approximately $958.1 million, compared to $678.1 million as of December 31, 2020. The change in cash reflects the addition of $382.2 million in net proceeds from Relay Therapeutics’ public financing in October 2021. Relay Therapeutics expects its current cash, cash equivalents and investments will be sufficient to fund its current operating plan into at least 2025.
R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $51.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2021, as compared to $32.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2020. This increase was primarily due to $4.2 million of increased employee related costs, $7.9 million of increased outside and consulting expense and $6.9 million of increased clinical trial and related costs. Research and development expenses were $172.7 million for the full year 2021, as compared to $99.9 million for the full year 2020. The increase was primarily due to $30.0 million of increased employee related costs, including $10.2 million of additional stock-based compensation expense, $25.3 million of increased external R&D expenses and $10.9 million of increased clinical trial expenses.
G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $15.5 million in each of the three-month periods ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. General and administrative expenses were $57.4 million for the full year 2021, as compared to $38.6 million for the full year 2020. The increase was primarily due to $12.8 million of increased employee related costs, including $6.3 million of additional stock-based compensation expense, and $6.0 million of other general and administrative expenses.
Net Income/Loss: Net loss was $67.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2021, as compared to net income of $35.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2020. Net loss was $363.9 million for the full year 2021, or a net loss per share of $3.82, as compared to a net loss of $52.4 million for the full year 2020, or a net loss per share of $5.40. The increase in net loss included one-time expenses of $134.9 million in 2021 associated with the acquisition of ZebiAI Therapeutics, Inc.
About Relay Therapeutics
Relay Therapeutics (Nasdaq: RLAY) is a clinical-stage precision medicines company transforming the drug discovery process by combining leading-edge computational and experimental technologies with the goal of bringing life-changing therapies to patients. Relay Therapeutics is the first of a new breed of biotech created at the intersection of disparate technologies. Relay Therapeutics’ Dynamo™ platform integrates an array of leading-edge computational and experimental approaches designed to drug protein targets that have previously been intractable or inadequately addressed. Relay Therapeutics’ initial focus is on enhancing small molecule therapeutic discovery in targeted oncology and genetic disease indications. For more information, please visit www.relaytx.com or follow us on Twitter.
Cautionary Note Regarding 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 Relay Therapeutics’ strategy, business plans and focus; the progress and timing of updates on the clinical development of the programs across Relay Therapeutics’ portfolio, including the timing of a clinical data update for RLY-4008, RLY-2608 and RLY-1971/GDC-1971, and the disclosure of an additional target; expected therapeutic benefits of its programs; whether preclinical or early clinical results of Relay Therapeutics’ product candidates will be predictive of future clinical trials; ability to optimize the impact of collaborations on Relay Therapeutics’ programs; expectations regarding Relay Therapeutics’ use of capital, expenses, future accumulated deficit and other financial results during 2022 and in the future; and Relay Therapeutics’ cash runway projection. The words “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “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 the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on countries or regions in which Relay Therapeutics has operations or does business, as well as on the timing and anticipated results of its clinical trials, strategy and future operations; the delay of any current or planned clinical trials or the development of Relay Therapeutics’ drug candidates; the risk that the results of its clinical trials may not be predictive of future results in connection with future clinical trials; Relay Therapeutics’ ability to successfully demonstrate the safety and efficacy of its drug candidates; the timing and outcome of its planned interactions with regulatory authorities; and obtaining, maintaining and protecting its intellectual property. These and other risks and uncertainties are described in greater detail in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Relay Therapeutics’ most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as any subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent Relay Therapeutics' views only as of today and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Relay 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.
Contact:
Hannah Mae Bohn
617-370-8814
hbohn@relaytx.com
Media:
Dan Budwick
1AB
973-271-6085
dan@1abmedia.com
Relay Therapeutics, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
| Revenue: | ||||||||||||
| License and other revenue | $ | 3,029 | $ | 82,654 | $ | — | ||||||
| Total revenue | 3,029 | 82,654 | — | |||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||
| Research and development expenses | 172,650 | 99,862 | 70,306 | |||||||||
| In-process research and development expenses | 123,000 | — | — | |||||||||
| Loss on initial consolidation of variable interest entity | 11,855 | — | — | |||||||||
| Change in fair value of contingent consideration liability | 2,836 | — | — | |||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 57,386 | 38,588 | 13,742 | |||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 367,727 | 138,450 | 84,048 | |||||||||
| Loss from operations | (364,698 | ) | (55,796 | ) | (84,048 | ) | ||||||
| Other income (expense): | ||||||||||||
| Interest income | 830 | 3,400 | 8,801 | |||||||||
| Other expense | (4 | ) | (16 | ) | (58 | ) | ||||||
| Total other income, net | 826 | 3,384 | 8,743 | |||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (363,872 | ) | $ | (52,412 | ) | $ | (75,305 | ) | |||
| Deemed dividend resulting from extinguishment upon modification of Series C preferred stock | — | (177,789 | ) | — | ||||||||
| Net loss attributable to common stockholders | $ | (363,872 | ) | $ | (230,201 | ) | $ | (75,305 | ) | |||
| Net loss attributable to common stockholders per share, basic and diluted | $ | (3.82 | ) | $ | (5.40 | ) | $ | (21.82 | ) | |||
| Weighted average shares of common stock, basic and diluted | 95,136,719 | 42,619,582 | 3,450,500 | |||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss): | ||||||||||||
| Unrealized holding (loss) gain | (1,152 | ) | (261 | ) | 325 | |||||||
| Total other comprehensive (loss) income | (1,152 | ) | (261 | ) | 325 | |||||||
| Total comprehensive loss | $ | (365,024 | ) | $ | (52,673 | ) | $ | (74,980 | ) | |||
Relay Therapeutics, Inc.
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Data
(In thousands)
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and investments | $ | 958,073 | $ | 678,061 | ||||
| Working capital (1) | 951,921 | 756,468 | ||||||
| Total assets | 1,008,443 | 799,829 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 110,635 | 36,536 | ||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 897,808 | 763,293 | ||||||
| Restricted cash | 2,578 | 878 | ||||||
(1) Working capital is defined as current assets less current liabilities.
