Werewolf Therapeutics Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Provides Business Update
August 08 2024 - 7:05AM
Werewolf Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company” or “Werewolf”) (Nasdaq:
HOWL), an innovative biopharmaceutical company pioneering the
development of conditionally activated therapeutics engineered to
stimulate the body’s immune system for the treatment of cancer and
other immune-mediated conditions, today provided a business update
and reported financial results for the second quarter ended
June 30, 2024.
“We believe the data recently presented from our
WTX-124 and WTX-330 clinical programs displays the meaningful
impact we can have on patients through our INDUKINE™ approach, and
we are well positioned to advance both programs towards key
inflection points in the coming quarters,” said Daniel J. Hicklin,
Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Werewolf. “We
continue to focus on enrollment in these two clinical trials and
look forward to providing additional clinical data updates as we
look to address the unmet medical needs for cancer patients with
late-stage disease.”
Recent Highlights and Upcoming
Milestones
WTX-124: a systemically
delivered, conditionally activated Interleukin-2 (IL-2) INDUKINE
molecule being developed as monotherapy and in combination with
pembrolizumab in multiple solid tumor types.
- In June 2024, at the American
Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, Werewolf
presented additional interim data from the monotherapy
dose-escalation arm and preliminary dose-escalation data from the
combination arm of its ongoing Phase 1/1b clinical trial of
WTX-124. The updated data showcased that WTX-124 was clinically
active and generally well-tolerated in patients, with highlights as
follows as of the May 1, 2024, cutoff date:
- WTX-124 as a monotherapy achieved
three objective clinical responses, including one durable confirmed
complete response and two partial responses in patients who were
relapsed/refractory to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
- Responding patients had 100%
regression of target lesions with responses occurring within the
first two cycles of therapy and showing durability at the
recommended dose for expansion (RDE).
- Related treatment emergent adverse
events were primarily mild to moderate in severity, manageable and
reversible; no new safety signals were identified when WTX-124 was
combined with pembrolizumab.
- Analysis of paired tumor biopsies
by NanoString suggests that WTX-124 robustly activated/expanded
effector T cells preferentially over Tregs.
- WTX-124 was clinically active and
generally well tolerated in patients, not all of whom would be
eligible for high dose IL-2 based on age, indication or other
factors.
- Werewolf has selected 18 mg
administered intravenously every two weeks (IV Q2W) as the
monotherapy RDE to progress into the Phase 1b dose expansion
portion of the trial based on clinical activity and acceptable
safety in the outpatient setting.
- Werewolf disclosed data that
demonstrated that the combination of WTX-124 with pembrolizumab was
generally well tolerated with biomarker activity supporting the
potential for combination efficacy and clinical activity was
observed in two melanoma patients at the 12 mg combination dose
level.
- Dose escalation is ongoing for
WTX-124 in combination with pembrolizumab, with updated data and
opening of expansion arms anticipated in the second half of
2024.
WTX-330: a systemically
delivered, conditionally activated Interleukin-12 (IL-12) INDUKINE
molecule being developed in advanced or metastatic solid
tumors.
- In June 2024, Werewolf announced
initial safety and efficacy data from its ongoing Phase 1 clinical
trial of WTX-330 in patients with advanced or metastatic solid
tumors or Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. The data demonstrated that
administration of WTX-330 reached therapeutically relevant exposure
levels of systemically delivered IL-12 prodrug, with highlights as
follows as of the June 12, 2024, cutoff date:
- Compared to previous IL-12
therapeutic strategies at 500 ng/kg, at the 0.024 mg/kg dose,
WTX-330 demonstrated an approximately 23-fold higher systemic drug
concentration of IL-12 prodrug delivered to patients in the
outpatient setting, with low free IL-12 levels across all dose
levels.
- One patient with metastatic
melanoma achieved an unconfirmed partial response when treated with
0.024 mg/kg WTX-330 IV Q2W. Two additional patients with
microsatellite stable colorectal cancer were treated with 0.032
mg/kg WTX-330 IV Q2W and achieved Response Evaluation Criteria in
Solid Tumors (RECIST) stable disease.
- All patients exhibited mild to
moderate treatment-related toxicities primarily associated with the
first dose, with no Grade 4 or Grade 5 related adverse events. Two
patients experienced reversible dose-limited toxicities at the
0.032 mg/kg dose level.
- Werewolf anticipates sharing
additional results from the checkpoint inhibitor-resistant or
-naïve relapsed or refractory advanced tumor patient expansion arms
in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Preclinical Portfolio: includes
development candidates WTX-712 and WTX-518, INDUKINE molecules
targeting IL-21 and IL-18, respectively, for treatment of cancer
and an INDUKINE molecule delivering IL-10 for treatment of
Irritable Bowel Disease.
- During the American Association for
Cancer Research Annual Meeting in April 2024, Werewolf presented
two posters detailing progress of WTX-518 and WTX-712 preclinical
programs, which the Company is progressing through investigational
new drug application-enabling studies:
- WTX-518:
Demonstrated in vitro activity unimpeded by IL-18BP and selectivity
that delivers active binding protein resistant (BPR) IL-18 to the
tumor microenvironment, eliciting complete tumor regression in an
MC38 mouse tumor model.
- WTX-712:
Demonstrated antitumor activity and tumor regression in the MC38
mouse tumor model. IL-21 was observed to achieve superior
anti-tumor efficacy compared to IL-2 therapy in mouse tumor models
that are highly resistant to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment.
- During the American Association of
Immunologists Meeting in May 2024, Werewolf presented a poster for
its conditionally active IL-10 INDUKINE™ molecules for the
treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
- Novel INDUKINE
Molecules: Data demonstrated application of the Company’s
PREDATOR® platform in immune-mediated disease, indicating that
IL-10 INDUKINE molecules were peripherally inactive and
conditionally active in target tissue thereby preventing intestinal
histological damage and inhibiting inflammatory cytokine production
in mouse models of colitis.
Financial Results for the
Second Quarter of
2024:
- Cash position: As
of June 30, 2024, cash and cash equivalents were
$135.3 million, compared to $139.2 million as of March 31,
2024. The Company believes its existing cash and cash equivalents
as of June 30, 2024, will be sufficient to fund operational
expenses and capital expenditure requirements through at least the
first quarter of 2026.
- Collaboration
revenue: Collaboration revenue was $1.1 million for
the second quarter of 2024, compared to $8.1 million for the
same period in 2023. Collaboration revenue consists of revenue
recognized from the Company’s collaboration agreement with Jazz
Pharmaceuticals (Jazz) and includes fixed payments received from
Jazz, plus costs incurred for research services to be reimbursed by
Jazz. As of June 30, 2024, Werewolf substantially
completed its performance obligations under the collaboration
agreement, so all remaining deferred revenue related to the
collaboration agreement has been recognized.
- Research and development
expenses: Research and development expenses were
$15.3 million for the second quarter of 2024, compared to
$9.6 million for the same period in 2023. The increase in
research and development expenses was primarily due to the
Company’s development efforts for WTX-124 and WTX-330, which
continue to progress through their respective clinical trials,
resulting in higher clinical trial costs and higher manufacturing
costs to support those trials.
- General and administrative
expenses: General and administrative expenses were
$4.8 million for the second quarter of 2024, compared to
$4.6 million for the second quarter of 2023.
- Net loss: Net loss
was $17.2 million for the second quarter of 2024, compared to
$5.1 million for the same period in 2023.
About Werewolf
Therapeutics:Werewolf Therapeutics, Inc., is an innovative
biopharmaceutical company pioneering the development of
therapeutics engineered to stimulate the body’s immune system for
the treatment of cancer and other immune-mediated conditions. We
are leveraging our proprietary PREDATOR® platform to design
conditionally activated molecules that stimulate both adaptive and
innate immunity with the goal of addressing the limitations of
conventional proinflammatory immune therapies. Our INDUKINE™
molecules are intended to remain inactive in peripheral tissue yet
activate selectively in the tumor microenvironment. Our most
advanced clinical stage product candidates, WTX-124 and WTX-330,
are systemically delivered, conditionally activated Interleukin-2
(IL-2), and Interleukin-12 (IL-12) INDUKINE molecules,
respectively, for the treatment of solid tumors. We expect to
advance WTX-124 in multiple tumor types as a single agent and in
combination with an immune checkpoint inhibitor and WTX-330 in
multiple tumor types or Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma as a single agent.
Cautionary Note Regarding
Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains
forward-looking statements that involve substantial risk and
uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical
facts, contained in this press release, including statements
regarding Werewolf’s strategy, future operations, prospects, plans,
and objectives of management; the projection of the cash runway;
the expected timeline for the preclinical and clinical development
of product candidates and the availability of data from such
preclinical and clinical development; the potential activity and
efficacy of product candidates in preclinical studies and clinical
trials; and the anticipated safety profile of product candidates;
constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “aim,”
“anticipate,” “approach,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,”
“could,” “design,” “designed to,” “engineered,” “estimate,”
“expect,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “objective,” “ongoing,”
“plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “promise,” “should,”
“target,” “will,” or “would,” or the negative of these terms, or
other comparable terminology are intended to identify
forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking
statements contain these identifying words. The Company may not
actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in
these forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue
reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results or
events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and
expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements as a
result of various important factors, including: uncertainties
inherent in the development of product candidates, including the
conduct of research activities and the initiation and completion of
preclinical studies and clinical trials; uncertainties as to the
availability and timing of results from preclinical studies and
clinical trials; the timing of and the Company’s ability to submit
and obtain regulatory approval for investigational new drug
applications; whether results from preclinical studies will be
predictive of the results of later preclinical studies and clinical
trials; whether preliminary data from a clinical trial will be
predictive of the results of the trial and future clinical trials;
the Company’s ability to manage cash resources and obtain
additional cash resources to fund the Company’s foreseeable and
unforeseeable operating expenses and capital expenditure
requirements; as well as the risks and uncertainties identified in
the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s most recent Form 10-K
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and in
subsequent filings the Company may make with the SEC. In addition,
the forward-looking statements included in this press release
represent the Company’s views as of the date of this press release.
The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments
will cause its views to change. However, while the Company may
elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in
the future, it specifically disclaims any obligation to do so.
These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as
representing the Company’s views as of any date subsequent to the
date of this press release.
WEREWOLF®, the WEREWOLF logo, PREDATOR®,
INDUKINE™ and other Werewolf trademarks, service marks, graphics
and logos are trade names, trademarks or registered trademarks of
Werewolf Therapeutics, Inc., in the United States or other
countries. All rights reserved.
Werewolf Therapeutics, Inc.Condensed
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(unaudited)(amounts in thousands, except share and
per share data) |
|
|
Three Months EndedJune 30, |
Six Months EndedJune 30, |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
|
2023 |
|
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Collaboration revenue |
$ |
1,143 |
|
|
$ |
8,081 |
|
$ |
1,885 |
|
|
$ |
12,545 |
|
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development |
|
15,271 |
|
|
|
9,583 |
|
|
28,179 |
|
|
$ |
21,289 |
|
General and administrative |
|
4,832 |
|
|
|
4,565 |
|
|
9,828 |
|
|
|
9,546 |
|
Total operating expenses |
|
20,103 |
|
|
|
14,148 |
|
|
38,007 |
|
|
|
30,835 |
|
Operating loss |
|
(18,960 |
) |
|
|
(6,067 |
) |
|
(36,122 |
) |
|
|
(18,290 |
) |
Other income |
|
1,711 |
|
|
|
969 |
|
|
2,680 |
|
|
|
1,210 |
|
Net loss |
$ |
(17,249 |
) |
|
$ |
(5,098 |
) |
$ |
(33,442 |
) |
|
$ |
(17,080 |
) |
Net loss per common share,
basic |
$ |
(0.40 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.14 |
) |
$ |
(0.79 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.49 |
) |
Net loss per common share, diluted |
$ |
(0.43 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.14 |
) |
$ |
(0.82 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.49 |
) |
Weighted-average common shares
outstanding, basic |
|
43,521,406 |
|
|
|
35,557,701 |
|
|
42,564,342 |
|
|
|
35,173,327 |
|
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, diluted |
|
44,043,184 |
|
|
|
35,557,701 |
|
|
42,825,231 |
|
|
|
35,173,327 |
|
Werewolf Therapeutics, Inc.Selected
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Data
(unaudited)(amounts in thousands) |
|
|
June 30, 2024 |
|
December 31, 2023 |
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ |
135,303 |
|
$ |
134,343 |
Working capital |
$ |
127,346 |
|
$ |
118,992 |
Total assets |
$ |
153,703 |
|
$ |
174,833 |
Total deferred revenue |
$ |
— |
|
$ |
1,340 |
Total notes payable, net of
discount and issuance costs |
$ |
25,163 |
|
$ |
39,323 |
Total stockholders’
equity |
$ |
104,018 |
|
$ |
111,374 |
Investor Contact:John NortonPrecision
AQ212.362.1200John.Norton@precisionaq.com
Media Contact:Amanda SellersDeerfield
Group301.332.5574amanda.sellers@deerfieldgroup.com
Company Contact:Ellen LubmanChief Business
OfficerWerewolf Therapeuticselubman@werewolftx.com
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