Phase 3 HDV LIMT-2 (peginterferon lambda) Study: On Track to Complete Randomization by End of Q2
Phase 3 HI AVANT (avexitide) Program: Startup Activities Initiated Cash Position: $98.9 million in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-Term Debt Securities as of December 31, 2022
PALO ALTO, Calif., March 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Eiger BioPharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:EIGR), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of innovative therapies for hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and other serious diseases, today reported financial results for fourth quarter and full year 2022 and provided a business update. "In December, we announced that both our lonafarnib-based treatments met the primary endpoint in our pivotal Phase 3 D-LIVR trial in hepatitis delta virus (HDV), and we look forward to the pre-NDA meeting with the FDA, which we expect by end of Q2," said David Apelian, MD, PhD, Interim CEO, Eiger. "In addition, we have completed screening in our Phase 3 LIMT-2 study and expect to complete enrollment by the end of Q2. We continue to execute on our unwavering mission to develop innovative therapies for patients with rare diseases, with a focus on maintaining a position of readiness and being thoughtful about how best to employ our resources." Dr. Apelian continued, "On the corporate front, using both internal and external advisors, we continue our program prioritization analyses to assess the most promising drivers for shareholder value. Given the robust nature of this process, we anticipate providing an update in Q2. In addition, we remain focused on preparing for a planned pre-NDA meeting and guidance from FDA on the D-LIVR program in mid-2023."
Hepatitis Delta Virus Platform
First-in-class, oral prenylation inhibitor
In December, announced Phase 3 D-LIVR study topline Week 48 data met the primary endpoint
Pre-NDA meeting planned by end of Q2
D-LIVR Week 72 data expected to be presented in mid-2023
Potential first-in-class, well-tolerated interferon
Potential to be interferon of choice in HDV combination therapies Anticipate complete randomization by end of Q2 (N=150)
Combination of Eiger's two proprietary HDV therapies in development Single arm study (N=30), 48 weeks of treatment with 24 weeks of follow-up
(lonafarnib) for Progeria and Processing-Deficient Progeroid Laminopathies Granted marketing authorization approval in EU and U.K.
Optimizing product-related impurities in the finished drug product to support Phase 3 dosing
Rare Pediatric Disease designation for HI – Priority Review Voucher eligible
$98.9 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term debt securities as of December 31, 2022
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Financial Results
Net revenue was $2.7 million and $13.5 million in fourth quarter and full year 2022, respectively, as compared to $3.4 million and $12.1 million for the same periods in 2021. The decrease in fourth quarter was primarily driven by a decrease in units shipped during the quarter and the increase in full year 2022 was primarily driven by the upfront payment received from AnGes, Inc. pursuant to the Marketing and Distribution Agreement, which was executed in May 2022. Cost of sales was $0.3 million and $1.8 million for fourth quarter and full year 2022, respectively, as compared to $0.1 million and $0.7 million for the same periods in 2021. The increase in fourth quarter was primarily driven by a minimum purchase commitment by our contract manufacturer. The increase in full year was primarily driven by a one-time write-off of a non-conforming batch of inventory.
Research and Development expenses were $18.5 million and $75.3 million for fourth quarter and full year 2022, respectively, as compared to $18.2 million and $64.4 million for the same periods in 2021. Net change in the fourth quarter was relatively flat. The increase in full year was primarily driven by an increase in headcount related expenses, including stock-based compensation expense and travel expenses related to participation in scientific conferences, an increase in clinical and manufacturing expenditures related to avexitide Phase 3 readiness, and a milestone related to the Phase 3 LIMT-2 study of peginterferon lambda. This increase was primarily offset by a decrease in contract manufacturing expenditures on lonafarnib. Selling, General and Administrative expenses were $8.3 million and $29.1 million for fourth quarter and full year 2022, respectively, as compared to $6.0 million and $23.9 million for the same periods in 2021. The increase in fourth quarter and full year primarily relate to outside services, including consulting and advisory services to support the Company's growth.
Total operating expenses include non-cash expenses of $2.4 million and $13.3 million for fourth quarter and full year 2022, respectively, as compared to $2.8 million and $10.7 million for the same periods in 2021.
The Company reported a net loss of $25.1 million, or $0.57 per share basis and $96.8 million, or $2.32 per share basis for fourth quarter and full year 2022, respectively. This compares to a net loss of $21.8 million, or $0.64 per share basis and $33.9 million, or $1.00 per share basis for the same periods in 2021.
Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term debt securities as of December 31, 2022 totaled $98.9 million compared to $106.1 million as of December 31, 2021.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company had 44,074,284 common shares outstanding.
Eiger is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of innovative therapies for hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and other serious rare diseases. The Eiger HDV platform includes two first-in-class therapies in Phase 3 that target critical host processes involved in viral replication. All five Eiger rare disease programs have been granted FDA breakthrough therapy designation. For additional information about Eiger and its clinical programs, please visit www.eigerbio.com. Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding our future financial condition, timing for and outcomes of clinical results, prospective products, preclinical and clinical pipelines, regulatory objectives, business strategy and plans and objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are our current statements regarding our intentions, beliefs, projections, outlook, analyses or current expectations concerning, among other things, the timing of our ongoing and planned clinical development; the sufficiency of our cash, cash equivalents and short-term debt securities to fund our operations; expectations regarding the timing and availability of topline data from our Phase 3 D-LIVR study in HDV; the timing of interactions with the FDA; the ability to fully enroll the Phase 3 LIMT-2 study and Phase 3 AVANT study; our capability to provide sufficient quantities of any of our products or product candidates, including peginterferon lambda, for studies or to meet anticipated full-scale commercial demands; our ability to finance, independently or through collaborations, the continued advancement of our development pipeline; and the potential for success of any of our products or product candidates. Various important factors could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements that Eiger makes, including additional applicable risks and uncertainties described in the "Risk Factors" sections in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2022 and Eiger's subsequent filings with the SEC. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on information currently available to Eiger and speak only as of the date on which they are made. Eiger does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of any new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.
Wheelhouse Life Science Advisors
Wheelhouse Life Science Advisors