Astralis Ltd Reports Third Quarter and Nine Month 2004 Results
November 19 2004 - 6:12PM
PR Newswire (US)
Astralis Ltd Reports Third Quarter and Nine Month 2004 Results
FAIRFIELD, N.J., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Astralis Ltd.
(OTC:ASTR) (BULLETIN BOARD: ASTR) a development-stage biotechnology
company engaged primarily in the R&D of treatments for immune
system disorders and skin diseases announced results today for the
third quarter and nine months of 2004. For the three months ended
September 30, 2004, the Company recorded a net loss of $1.6 million
to common stockholders, or $0.02 per share. For the nine months
ended September 30, 2004, the Company recorded a net loss of $16.0
million to common stockholders, or $0.23 per share. A one-time
preferred stock dividend, related to the conversion into common
stock of our Series A Preferred Stock, owned by SkyePharma PLC,
accounts for $10.75 million of the net loss for the nine month
period. The Company, which is a development stage entity, had no
revenue during this period. Total shareholders' equity as of
September 30, 2004, was $6.4 million and the Company had total cash
and marketable securities of $2.9 million as of September 30, 2004.
Research and development expenses were $1.3 million and $3.8
million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30,
2004, respectively. These amounts included costs incurred in
connection with the Phase I and Phase II clinical trials for
Psoraxine(R), the Company's first drug candidate, as well as the
amortization expense of $0.43 million and $1.29 million for the
three and nine month periods, respectively, for previous payments
to a related third party for regulatory and development services
pursuant to a Service Agreement signed in December 2001.
Psoraxine(R) is a protein-based therapy that is believed to act as
an immunostimulator, rather than an immunosuppressor. The Company
is currently conducting Phase II clinical trials in patients with
moderate to severe psoriasis in 10 sites throughout the United
States. Astralis Ltd. (A Development Stage Entity) Selected
Statement of Operation Information (Unaudited) January 1, 2004 to
September 30, 2004 Revenues $ -- Total Operating Expenses 5,282,199
Loss from Operations ($5,282,199) Other Income Investment Income
$28,454 Net Loss to Common Stockholder ($16,003,745) Basic and
diluted loss per common share ($0.23) This press release may
contain forward-looking statements regarding Astralis Ltd. Actual
results may differ materially from those described in the press
release as a result of a number of factors, including but not
limited to the following: There can be no assurance that
Psoraxine(R) will be successfully developed or manufactured, or
that final results of human clinical trials will result in the
regulatory approvals required to market products, or that final
regulatory approval will be received in a timely manner, if at all,
or that patient and physician acceptance of this product will be
achieved. Astralis will continue its research and development
effort to the extent that we do not experience any cash shortfalls,
adverse developments in our drug development or competitive or
other impediments that an early stage company in our industry may
face. Astralis Ltd undertakes no obligation to revise or update any
such forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances
after the date of this release. Astralis Ltd. Fairfield, NJ-based
Astralis is a development-stage biotechnology company engaged in
the research and development of novel treatments for immune system
disorders and skin diseases. The Company's current activities focus
on the development of a product candidate named Psoraxine(R) -- now
in Phase II clinical trials - for the treatment of psoriasis.
Psoraxine is a proprietary protein biologic with a mechanism of
action that is believed to be based on immuno-stimulation. Astralis
is also engaged in research on the possible development of the
technology underling Psoraxine for the treatment of other
indications, such as psoriatic arthritis, leishmaniasis, papilloma,
eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. For more
information, visit Astralis' web site at
http://www.astralisltd.com/ Psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic,
genetically based remitting and relapsing scaly and inflammatory
skin disorder that affects approximately 3% of the world's
population. Psoriasis symptoms result from the overproduction of
skin by blood cells associated with the immune system. These blood
cells are over-stimulated and act as though the skin was damaged,
manufacturing skin cells at a much faster rate than is required by
undamaged skin. The overproduction of skin can cause everything
from itchy rash like patches to painful pustules and massive
inflammation. DATASOURCE: Astralis Ltd. CONTACT: Peter Golikov,
Interim Chief Executive Officer, Mike Garone, Interim Chief
Financial Officer, or Lindsay Ronan, Finance and Administration,
all of Astralis Ltd., +1-973-227-7168, or ; Michael Lucarelli
(investors), +1-212-691-8087, or Brian Kennedy (media),
+1-212-691-8087, or , both of Allen & Caron Inc, for Astralis
Ltd. Web site: http://www.astralisltd.com/
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