Axsome Therapeutics Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2018 Financial Results and Provides Business Update
Company to host conference call today at
“In 2018, we advanced our clinical programs and significantly expanded our CNS pipeline through the addition of new internally generated product candidates, and the launch of clinical trials in new indications,” said
CNS Pipeline Update
Axsome is developing a portfolio of differentiated, patent-protected, central nervous system (CNS) product candidates. CNS disorders are distressing for patients, difficult to treat, and often underserved, with many having no approved or satisfactory treatment options. Axsome accelerates the development of new CNS medicines by utilizing proprietary medicinal chemistry and formulation technologies, and novel mechanisms of action, combined with human proof-of-concept data and innovative clinical trial designs. Axsome’s technologies include metabolic inhibition, MoSEIC™ delivery, chiral chemistry and formulation, and proprietary chemical synthesis and analysis. Our CNS pipeline includes three differentiated product candidates in active clinical development.
- AXS-05: AXS-05 is a novel, oral, investigational NMDA receptor antagonist with multimodal activity, which is being evaluated in four separate indications: treatment resistant depression (TRD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) agitation, major depressive disorder (MDD), and smoking cessation. AXS-05 consists of dextromethorphan (an NMDA receptor antagonist, sigma-1 receptor agonist, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) and bupropion (a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, which also increases the bioavailability of dextromethorphan). AXS-05 has been granted
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA ) Fast Track designations for the treatment of TRD and for the treatment of AD agitation.
Depression: Axsome is enrolling a Phase 3 trial in TRD (the STRIDE-1 study), and has completed a Phase 2 trial in MDD (the ASCEND study). The Phase 3 STRIDE-1 study is a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, multicenter trial to assess the efficacy and safety of AXS-05 in TRD, defined as major depressive disorder which has failed to respond to two or more antidepressant treatments. To date, approximately 95% of the target number of subjects have been randomized. Topline results are anticipated in the second quarter of 2019.
InJanuary 2019 , Axsome announced positive results from the Phase 2 ASCEND study, a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, multicenter, U.S. trial, in patients with confirmed moderate to severe MDD. In this study, AXS-05 met the prespecified primary endpoint by rapidly, substantially, and statistically significantly reducing depressive symptoms, measured using theMontgomery -Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score, as compared to the active comparator bupropion. Further details of the study results are expected to be presented at upcoming scientific meetings. Axsome anticipates meeting with theFDA in the second quarter of 2019 to discuss the potential regulatory path for developing AXS-05 for the broader MDD indication.
AD Agitation: Axsome is enrolling the ADVANCE-1 study, a Phase 2/3, randomized, double-blind, controlled, multicenter, trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of AXS-05 in patients with agitation associated with AD. InDecember 2018 , Axsome announced positive results of an interim futility analysis for the ADVANCE-1 trial. The interim analysis was conducted by an independent data monitoring committee (IDMC) which recommended continuation of the AXS-05 treatment arm and no further randomization of subjects to the bupropion treatment arm. The IDMC did not indicate that there were any safety concerns in the study. Axsome has followed the IDMC’s recommendation. The previously planned second interim analysis will no longer be performed in order to preserve statistical power for the final analysis. To date, just over 40% of the target number of subjects have been randomized in this trial. Topline results are anticipated in the first half of 2020.
Smoking Cessation: AXS-05 is being evaluated in a Phase 2, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled trial for smoking cessation treatment in smokers interested in quitting. The change in smoking intensity will be measured using behavioral and biochemical assessments. The trial is being conducted under a research collaboration betweenDuke University and Axsome. To date, approximately 95% of the target number of subjects have been randomized in this trial. Topline results are anticipated in the second quarter of 2019.
- AXS-07: Axsome is developing AXS-07 for the acute treatment of migraine. AXS-07 is a novel, oral, rapidly absorbed, investigational medicine consisting of MoSEIC meloxicam and rizatriptan. The distinct mechanism of action and rapid absorption of MoSEIC meloxicam, combined with the known efficacy of rizatriptan, are designed to enable rapid, superior, and consistent relief of migraine pain, with lower symptom recurrence, as compared to currently available therapies.
Migraine: InFebruary 2019 , Axsome reached agreement with theFDA under a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) for the design, endpoints, and statistical approach of the MOMENTUM study, a Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, controlled, multicenter trial assessing the efficacy and safety of AXS-07 in the acute treatment of migraine. InMarch 2019 , Axsome enrolled the first patient in this trial. The study will include approximately 875 patients, with a history of inadequate response to prior migraine treatments, who will be randomized in a 2:2:2:1 ratio to treatment with AXS-07, rizatriptan, meloxicam, or placebo. The two co-primary endpoints of the trial are the proportion of patients who are free from headache pain two hours after dosing, and the proportion of patients who no longer suffer from their most bothersome migraine-associated symptom (nausea, photophobia, phonophobia) two hours after dosing. Topline results from this trial are expected in the first quarter of 2020.
- AXS-12: Axsome is developing AXS-12 for treatment of the symptoms of narcolepsy. AXS-12 (reboxetine) is a novel, oral, highly selective and potent norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. AXS-12 has been granted Orphan Drug Designation by the
FDA for the treatment of narcolepsy.
Narcolepsy: InJanuary 2019 , Axsome initiated the CONCERT study, a Phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, multicenter trial of AXS-12 in patients with narcolepsy. The study will enroll approximately 20 patients, all of whom will be treated with AXS-12 for three weeks and with placebo for three weeks. Eligible patients will be randomized to receive either AXS-12 followed by placebo, or placebo followed by AXS-12. Efficacy assessments will include the frequency of cataplexy attacks, and measures of other symptoms of narcolepsy. Topline results from this trial are expected in the second quarter of 2019.
Corporate Update
- In
January 2019 , Axsome raised gross proceeds of approximately$25.8 million from the sale of shares of its common stock under its at-the-market facility withSVB Leerink , fully utilizing the facility.
- In
March 2019 , Axsome entered into a$24 million growth capital term loan facility withSilicon Valley Bank (SVB) andWestRiver Innovation Lending Fund . Axsome received$20 million at closing, and can draw the remaining$4 million tranche, at its option, subject to the achievement of positive results from the Company’s ongoing Phase 2 trial of AXS-12 in narcolepsy.
Anticipated Clinical Milestones
- Clinical Trial Readouts:
— Phase 3 STRIDE-1 trial of AXS-05 in TRD, topline data (2Q 2019)
— Phase 2 trial of AXS-05 in smoking cessation, topline data (2Q 2019)
— Phase 2 CONCERT trial of AXS-12 in narcolepsy, topline data (2Q 2019)
— Phase 3 MOMENTUM trial of AXS-07 in migraine, topline data (1Q 2020)
— Phase 2/3 ADVANCE-1 trial of AXS-05 in AD agitation, topline data (1H 2020)
Fourth Quarter 2018 Financial Results
- Research and development (R&D) expenses: R&D expenses were
$7.2 million for the quarter endedDecember 31, 2018 and$23.5 million for the year endedDecember 31, 2018 , compared to$4.5 million and$20.0 million for the comparable periods in 2017. The increase was primarily due to increased costs for our STRIDE-1 and ADVANCE-1 studies, initiation and completion of our ASCEND study, and AXS-07 and AXS-12 study startup and manufacturing costs, which was partially offset by a reduction in the costs of our clinical trials for AXS-02 and AXS-06, and nonclinical work on AXS-05.
- General and administrative (G&A) expenses: G&A expenses were
$2.3 million for the quarter endedDecember 31, 2018 and$9.4 million for the year endedDecember 31, 2018 and$2.0 million and$7.2 million for the comparable periods in 2017. The increase in G&A expenses was primarily due to higher intellectual property costs and legal expenses, external fees associated with operating as a public company as well as an increase in personnel costs.
- Net loss: Net loss was
$9.6 million , or$(0.32) per share for the quarter endedDecember 31, 2018 , compared to a net loss of$7.4 million , or$(0.31) per share for the comparable period in 2017. Net loss for the year endedDecember 31, 2018 was$31.0 million , or$(1.15) per share, compared to a net loss of$28.9 million , or$(1.27) per share for the comparable period in 2017.
- Cash: At
December 31, 2018 , Axsome had$14.0 million of cash. Including proceeds from the recently completed at-the-market equity financings and new growth capital term loan, Axsome’s pro forma cash balance was$52.6 million , which compares to$34.0 million of cash atDecember 31, 2017 .
- Shares outstanding: At
December 31, 2018 , Axsome had 30,087,213 shares of common stock outstanding.
- Financial guidance: Axsome anticipates that its current cash, including proceeds from the
January 2019 equity financings andMarch 2019 term loan, will be sufficient to fund its anticipated operations, based on its current operating plans, into at least the fourth quarter of 2021.
Conference Call Information
Axsome will host a conference call and webcast today at
About
Forward Looking Statements
Certain matters discussed in this press release are “forward-looking statements”. We may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. In particular, the Company’s statements regarding trends and potential future results are examples of such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the success, timing and cost of our ongoing clinical trials and anticipated clinical trials for our current product candidates, including statements regarding the timing of initiation and completion of the trials, futility analyses and receipt of interim results, which are not necessarily indicative of the final results of our ongoing clinical trials; our ability to fund additional clinical trials to continue the advancement of our product candidates; the timing of and our ability to obtain and maintain
Axsome Therapeutics, Inc. | |||||||
Selected Consolidated Financial Data | |||||||
Statements of Operations Information: | |||||||
Three Months Ended December 31, |
Twelve Months Ended December 31, |
||||||
2018 | 2017 | 2018 | 2017 | ||||
Operating expenses: | |||||||
Research and development | $ 7,151,232 | $ 4,493,910 | $ 23,495,055 | $ 19,957,616 | |||
General and administrative | 2,299,083 | 1,950,210 | 9,351,522 | 7,206,691 | |||
Total operating expenses | 9,450,315 | 6,444,120 | 32,846,577 | 27,164,307 | |||
Loss from operations | (9,450,315) | (6,444,120) | (32,846,577) | (27,164,307) | |||
Interest and amortization of debt discount/premium (expense) income | (248,700) | (340,381) | (1,127,305) | (1,340,199) | |||
Tax credit | 0 | 0 | 217,418 | 207,114 | |||
Change in fair value of warrant liability | 102,000 | (646,000) | 2.791,000 | (646,000) | |||
Net loss | $ (9,597,015) | $ (7,430,501) | $ (30,965,464) | $ (28,943,392) | |||
Net loss per common share – basic and diluted | $ (0.32) | $ (0.31) | $ (1.15) | $ (1.27) | |||
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic and diluted | 29,874,410 | 24,229,652 | 26,883,656 | 22,764,606 |
Balance Sheet Information: | |||
December 31, 2018 |
December 31, 2017 | ||
Cash | $ 13,968,742 | $ 34,021,123 | |
Total assets | 15,379,279 | 35,555,564 | |
Loan payable, current and long-term | 6,910,814 | 9,932,351 | |
Accumulated deficit | (107,550,307) | (76,584,843) | |
Stockholders’ equity | $ 937,921 | $ 16,717,223 | |
Axsome Contact:
Senior Vice President, Operations
Tel: 212-332-3243
Email: mjacobson@axsome.com
www.axsome.com
Source: Axsome Therapeutics, Inc.