Arcus Biosciences Reports Third-Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Provides a Pipeline Update
- Data from the Phase 1/1b ARC-20 study of casdatifan were presented at an oral plenary session at the 2024 EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium; a low rate of primary progression (19%) and promising objective response rate (34% with 2 responses pending confirmation, 25% confirmed) for the 100mg daily (50mg twice-daily) cohort of heavily pretreated patients with clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) support a potential best-in-class profile
- Arcus announced a clinical trial collaboration agreement with AstraZeneca to evaluate casdatifan in combination with volrustomig, an investigational PD-1/CTLA-4 bispecific antibody, in patients with immuno-oncology (IO)-naive ccRCC
-
Data from the randomized ARC-10 study will be presented at the Annual Meeting of the
Society of Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC); domvanalimab plus zimberelimab reduced the risk of death in first-line metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by 36% compared to zimberelimab -
Arcus is well positioned to advance its full pipeline with
$1.1 billion in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities and runway into mid-2027
“Through the course of this year, we have presented multiple compelling datasets at medical conferences that we believe have de-risked several programs and support potential best-in-class profiles for our molecules, including our HIF-2a inhibitor casdatifan in ccRCC and our Fc-silent anti-TIGIT antibody domvanalimab in lung and upper gastrointestinal cancers,” said
Corporate Updates:
-
In
October 2024 , Arcus announced a clinical collaboration with AstraZeneca to evaluate casdatifan in combination with volrustomig, AstraZeneca’s investigational PD-1/CTLA-4 bispecific antibody, in IO-naive patients with ccRCC. AstraZeneca will operationalize the study. This is the second clinical collaboration between Arcus and AstraZeneca. Gilead retains the right to opt in to the development and commercialization for casdatifan after delivery of a qualifying data package.
Pipeline Highlights:
Casdatifan (HIF-2a inhibitor)
Casdatifan Updates:
-
First clinical data from the casdatifan 100mg and 50mg expansion cohorts of ARC-20, a Phase 1/1b study in metastatic ccRCC, were presented in an oral plenary session at the 2024 EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium in October. Observations from the 100mg daily expansion cohort included:
- An objective response rate (ORR) of 34% (2 responses are pending confirmation; 25% confirmed ORR), a low rate of primary progression of 19% and a high disease control rate of 81%.
- The median progression-free survival (PFS) had not been reached at the time of the data cutoff.
- Together, these data support the potential for casdatifan to be a best-in-class HIF-2a inhibitor for the treatment of ccRCC.
-
In the third quarter, Arcus had a successful Type B meeting with the
U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to discuss its first Phase 3 study for casdatifan, PEAK-1, which will evaluate casdatifan in combination with cabozantinib versus cabozantinib in post-IO patients with ccRCC. Arcus is moving rapidly toward the initiation of PEAK-1 in the first half of 2025.
Upcoming Casdatifan Milestones:
-
Multiple expansion cohorts of ARC-20 evaluating casdatifan in ccRCC as a monotherapy and in combination with cabozantinib in ccRCC are underway with additional data presentations expected in the next 12 months.
- 100mg (50mg twice daily (BID), capsules) and 50mg expansion cohorts: Updated data, including median PFS, are expected to be presented in the first quarter of 2025.
- 150mg and 100mg (once daily (QD), tablets) expansion cohorts: Initial data are expected to be presented in 2025.
- 100mg of casdatifan plus cabozantinib: Safety data are expected to be presented in 2025.
Domvanalimab (Fc-silent anti-TIGIT antibody) plus Zimberelimab (anti-PD-1 antibody)
Domvanalimab-Zimberelimab Updates:
- Data from Part 1 of ARC-10, a randomized study evaluating domvanalimab plus zimberelimab in PD-L-1 high NSCLC are being presented at the SITC Annual Meeting in November.
-
Domvanalimab plus zimberelimab was associated with greater PFS, overall survival, and objective response rate compared with zimberelimab or chemotherapy.
- A 36% reduction in risk of death (hazard ratio [HR]=0.64) was observed for domvanalimab plus zimberelimab compared to that of zimberelimab alone.
- Zimberelimab reached a median overall survival of 2 years, and the median overall survival for domvanalimab plus zimberelimab was not reached.
- Treatment-related adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation were low (10.5%) for the combination of domvanalimab and zimberelimab.
- Data from an investigator-sponsored trial evaluating domvanalimab plus zimberelimab in anti-PD-(L)1 refractory hepatocellular carcinoma will be presented in an oral session at the SITC Annual Meeting.
Upcoming Domvanalimab-Zimberelimab Milestones:
- Overall survival data from the Phase 2 EDGE-Gastric study, evaluating domvanalimab plus zimberelimab and chemotherapy in upper gastrointestinal (GI) adenocarcinomas, are expected to be presented in 2025.
CD73-Adenosine Axis: Quemliclustat (small-molecule CD73 inhibitor) and Etrumadenant (A2a/A2b receptor antagonist)
Quemliclustat
- Arcus has initiated PRISM-1, a Phase 3 trial of quemliclustat combined with gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel versus gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel in pancreatic cancer.
Etrumadenant
- Biomarker data from cohort B of ARC-9, a randomized Phase 1b/2 study evaluating etrumadenant plus zimberelimab, FOLFOX chemotherapy and bevacizumab (EZFB) versus regorafenib in third-line metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), are being presented at SITC in November.
Early Clinical Programs
- Evaluation of AB801, a potent and highly selective small-molecule AXL inhibitor, in the dose-escalation phase of a Phase 1/1b study in patients is ongoing. Arcus anticipates advancing this molecule into expansion cohorts in NSCLC in early 2025.
Financial Results for Third Quarter 2024:
-
Cash,
Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities were$1.1 billion as ofSeptember 30, 2024 , compared to$866 million as ofDecember 31, 2023 . The increase during the period is primarily due to the receipt of$320 million in cash from Gilead for theirJanuary 2024 equity investment, the receipt of the$100 million option continuation payment from Gilead inJuly 2024 and proceeds from our$50 million term loan, partially offset by the use of cash in research and development activities. We believe our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities on-hand will be sufficient to fund operations into mid-2027. Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities are expected to be between$950 million and$985 million at the end of 2024. -
Revenues were
$48 million for the third quarter 2024, compared to$32 million for the same period in 2023. In the third quarter 2024, Arcus recognized$41 million in license and development services revenue related to the advancement of programs and Taiho's exercise of its option for the license of quemliclustat for the Taiho Territory of$15 million , as well as$7 million in other collaboration revenue primarily related to Gilead’s ongoing rights to access Arcus’s research and development pipeline in accordance with the Gilead collaboration agreement. -
Research and Development (R&D) Expenses were
$123 million for the third quarter 2024, compared to$82 million for the same period in 2023. The net increase of$41 million was primarily driven by higher clinical trial and headcount-related costs associated with our late-stage development program activities. Non-cash stock-based compensation expense was$9 million for the third quarter 2024, compared to$8 million for the same period in 2023. For the third quarter 2024 and 2023, Arcus recognized gross reimbursements of$37 million and$33 million , respectively, for shared expenses from its collaborations, primarily the Gilead collaboration. R&D expense by quarter may fluctuate due to the timing of clinical manufacturing and standard-of-care therapeutic purchases with a corresponding impact on reimbursements. -
General and Administrative (G&A) Expenses were flat for the third quarter 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. Non-cash stock-based compensation expense was
$10 million for each of the third quarter 2024 and 2023. -
Net Loss was
$92 million for the third quarter 2024, compared to$71 million for the same period in 2023.
Conference Call Information:
Arcus will host a conference call and webcast today,
Arcus Ongoing and Announced Clinical Studies:
Trial |
Arms |
Setting |
Status |
NCT No. |
|
||||
STAR-121
|
dom + zim + chemo vs. pembro + chemo |
1L NSCLC (PD-L1 all-comers) |
Ongoing Registrational Phase 3 |
|
PACIFIC-8
|
dom + durva vs. durva |
Unresectable Stage 3 NSCLC |
Ongoing Registrational Phase 3 |
|
ARC-7 |
zim vs. dom + zim vs. etruma + dom + zim |
1L NSCLC (PD-L1 ≥ 50%)
|
Ongoing Randomized Phase 2 |
|
EDGE-Lung |
dom +/- zim +/- quemli +/- chemo |
1L/2L NSCLC (lung cancer platform study) |
Ongoing Randomized Phase 2 |
|
VELOCITY-Lung
|
dom +/- zim +/- etruma +/- sacituzumab govitecan-hziy or other combos |
1L/2L NSCLC (lung cancer platform study) |
Ongoing Randomized Phase 2 |
|
Upper Gastrointestinal Cancers |
||||
STAR-221 |
dom + zim + chemo vs. nivo + chemo |
1L Gastric, GEJ and EAC |
Ongoing Registrational Phase 3 |
|
EDGE-Gastric (ARC-21) |
dom +/- zim +/- quemli +/- chemo |
1L/2L Upper GI Malignancies |
Ongoing Randomized Phase 2 |
|
Colorectal Cancer |
||||
ARC-9 |
etruma + zim + mFOLFOX vs. SOC |
2L/3L/3L+ CRC |
Ongoing Randomized Phase 2 |
|
Pancreatic Cancer |
||||
PRISM-1 |
quemli + gem/nab-pac vs. gem/nab-pac |
1L PDAC |
Ongoing Phase 3 |
|
ARC-8 |
quemli + zim + gem/nab-pac vs. quemli + gem/nab-pac |
1L, 2L PDAC |
Ongoing Randomized Phase 1/1b |
|
Kidney Cancer |
||||
PEAK-1 |
cas + cabo vs. cabo |
Post-IO ccRCC |
Planned Phase 3 |
TBD |
ARC-20 |
cas, cas + cabo |
Cancer Patients/ccRCC |
Ongoing Phase 1/1b |
|
Other |
||||
ARC-25 |
AB598 |
Advanced Malignancies |
Ongoing |
|
ARC-27 |
AB801 |
Advanced Malignancies |
Ongoing |
cabo: cabozantinib; cas: casdatifan; dom: domvanalimab; durva: durvalumab; etruma: etrumadenant; gem/nab-pac: gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel; nivo: nivolumab; pembro: pembrolizumab; quemli: quemliclustat; SOC: standard of care; zim: zimberelimab; ccRCC: clear cell renal cell carcinoma; CRC: colorectal cancer; EAC: esophageal adenocarcinoma; GEJ: gastroesophageal junction; GI: gastrointestinal; NSCLC: non-small cell lung cancer; PDAC: pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
About the Gilead Collaboration
In
About
Domvanalimab, etrumadenant, quemliclustat and zimberelimab are investigational molecules, and neither Gilead nor Arcus has received approval from any regulatory authority for any use globally, and their safety and efficacy have not been established. Casdatifan, AB598 and AB801 are also investigational molecules, and Arcus has not received approval from any regulatory authority for any use globally, and their safety and efficacy have not been established.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements regarding events or results to occur in the future contained herein are forward-looking statements reflecting the current beliefs and expectations of management made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, the statements in Dr. Rosen’s quote and statements regarding: Arcus’s expectation that its cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities on-hand are sufficient to fund operations into mid-2027; plans to disclose or present study analyses or data, including any analyses or data from ARC-20 or EDGE-Gastric; whether data and results from studies validate our pipeline or support further development of a program; the potency, efficacy or safety of Arcus’s investigational products, including their potential for a best-in-class profile; and the initiation, design of and associated timing for future studies, including statements about PEAK-1 and PRISM-1. All forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other important factors that may cause Arcus’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ significantly from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: risks associated with preliminary and interim data not being guarantees that future data will be similar; the unexpected emergence of adverse events or other undesirable side effects in Arcus’s investigational products; difficulties or delays in initiating or conducting clinical trials due to difficulties or delays in the regulatory process, enrolling subjects or manufacturing or supplying product for such clinical trials; unfavorable global economic, political and trade conditions; Arcus’s dependence on the collaboration with third parties such as Gilead and Taiho for the successful development and commercialization of its optioned molecules; difficulties associated with the management of the collaboration activities or expanded clinical programs; changes in the competitive landscape for Arcus’s programs; and the inherent uncertainty associated with pharmaceutical product development and clinical trials. Risks and uncertainties facing Arcus are described more fully in the “Risk Factors” section of Arcus’s most recent periodic report filed with the
The Arcus name and logo are trademarks of
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Consolidated Statements of Operations |
|||||||||||||||
(unaudited) |
|||||||||||||||
(In millions, except per share amounts) |
|||||||||||||||
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
Nine Months Ended
|
||||||||||||
|
|
2024 |
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
|
2024 |
|
|
|
2023 |
|
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
License and development services revenue |
$ |
41 |
|
|
$ |
22 |
|
|
$ |
204 |
|
|
$ |
58 |
|
Other collaboration revenue |
|
7 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
Total revenues |
|
48 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
232 |
|
|
|
86 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Research and development |
|
123 |
|
|
|
82 |
|
|
|
347 |
|
|
|
247 |
|
General and administrative |
|
30 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
92 |
|
|
|
88 |
|
Impairment of long-lived assets |
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Total operating expenses |
|
153 |
|
|
|
112 |
|
|
|
459 |
|
|
|
335 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Loss from operations |
|
(105 |
) |
|
|
(80 |
) |
|
|
(227 |
) |
|
|
(249 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Non-operating income (expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Interest and other income, net |
|
14 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
Interest expense |
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
(2 |
) |
Total non-operating income, net |
|
13 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Loss before income taxes |
|
(92 |
) |
|
|
(69 |
) |
|
|
(189 |
) |
|
|
(221 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Income tax expense |
|
— |
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Net loss |
$ |
(92 |
) |
|
$ |
(71 |
) |
|
$ |
(189 |
) |
|
$ |
(226 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Net loss per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Basic and diluted |
$ |
(1.00 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.94 |
) |
|
$ |
(2.11 |
) |
|
$ |
(3.07 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Shares used to compute net loss per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Basic and diluted |
|
91.4 |
|
|
|
74.6 |
|
|
|
89.6 |
|
|
|
73.6 |
|
Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Data |
|||||
(unaudited) |
|||||
(In millions) |
|||||
|
|
|
|
||
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities |
$ |
1,091 |
|
$ |
866 |
Total assets |
|
1,252 |
|
|
1,095 |
Total liabilities |
|
687 |
|
|
633 |
Total stockholders’ equity |
|
565 |
|
|
462 |
(1) |
Derived from the audited financial statements for the quarter ended |
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241106838612/en/
Investor Inquiries:
VP of Investor Relations & Strategy
(617) 459-2006
peaves@arcusbio.com
Media Inquiries:
VP of Corporate Affairs
(650) 922-1269
hkolkey@arcusbio.com
Source: