Evaxion(EVAX) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, the company recorded revenue of $3.3 million from an optional license agreement with MSD, with expectations for future income from this agreement [44] - The net loss for 2024 was$ 10.6 million, an improvement from a loss of $22 million in 2023, driven by increased revenue and reduced R&D and G&A expenses [48][49] - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of December 2024 were$ 6 million, up from $5.6 million at the end of 2023, with sufficient funds projected to last into mid-2026 [46][51] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The ongoing EBX01 Phase II trial showed a 69% overall response rate at the one-year readout, with 15 out of 16 patients showing a reduction in tumor target lesions [8][33] - The company has established a new precision cancer vaccine concept targeting non-conventional endogenous retroviruses, broadening the potential of cancer vaccines [9][35] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The partnership with MSD, established in September 2024, is expected to generate significant future income, with a potential option exercise in the second half of 2025 [6][15] - The company aims to generate at least two new agreements in 2025, focusing on a multi-partner approach to build its pipeline [17][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on deriving value from both its platform and pipeline, emphasizing a dual focus on platform and pipeline development [18][20] - The strategy includes entering into high-value, low-risk partnerships around target discovery and the development of novel vaccine candidates [19][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strong position, highlighting the successful execution of the pipeline and the transformative agreement with MSD [55][56] - The company is well-positioned for strong execution in 2025, with key milestones and value triggers identified [56] Other Important Information - The company extended the EVX01 trial from two to three years to collect three-year outcome data, which will provide a strong data package [27][34] - The company has raised$ 17 million through public offerings and other capital market activities, extending its cash runway to mid-2026 [12][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company ensure new pipeline candidates are partnerable assets? - The company emphasizes unmet medical needs and commercial potential as primary criteria, engaging in early dialogues with potential partners to shape preclinical programs accordingly [62][64] Question: What is the status of the CMV vaccine program after Expression Biotech returned rights? - The decision was made by Expression Biotech, and the company is confident in its plan to drive the program forward independently, exploring alternative solutions for antigen production [68][70] Question: What data should be expected at the upcoming AACR meeting regarding EBX01? - The company will present biomarker data and additional T cell data from patients, providing a more in-depth analysis than previously shared [80] Question: What types of cancers could the ERV vaccines target? - The company has identified specific cancer indications with a high burden where ERV sequences are shared across patients, with plans to share more information by the end of the year [85][86] Question: Will any data be released ahead of submitting to MSD for their decision on exercising the option for EVX B2 and B3? - No additional data will be released for B2, as MSD is conducting confirmatory work, while B3 is finalizing the current work plan [88][89]