Aravive Reports First Quarter 2023 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Updates

Rhea-AI Summary

Aravive reports Q1 2023 financial results and provides corporate updates, including progress in the development of batiraxcept in ovarian, kidney, and pancreatic cancer. The company remains on track for topline results from its platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) Phase 3 trial in mid-2023. Carolina Petrini has been appointed as Chief Commercial Officer. Updated data from the clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) trial will be presented at ASCO 2023. Batiraxcept has been granted FDA Orphan Drug Designation in pancreatic cancer. Cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2023, were $35.9 million.

Positive

• Aravive remains on track for topline results from its platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) Phase 3 trial in mid-2023. If successful, the company plans to submit a Biologics License Application (BLA) by the end of 2023. Updated data from the clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) trial will be presented at ASCO 2023. Batiraxcept has been granted FDA Orphan Drug Designation in pancreatic cancer. Carolina Petrini has been appointed as Chief Commercial Officer.

Negative

• None.

• On Track for PROC Pivotal Phase 3 Trial Readout Mid-2023
• Promising ccRCC Phase 1b/2 Results to Date; Update to be Presented at ASCO 2023
• Strengthened Management Team with Appointment of Carolina Petrini as Chief Commercial Officer
• Company hosting Key Opinion Leader (KOL) webinar featuring batiraxcept in PROC and ccRCC on May 24, 2023 at 1pm ET; Go to the Company website to register

HOUSTON, May 10, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aravive, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARAV, “the Company”), a late clinical-stage oncology company developing targeted therapeutics to treat metastatic disease, today reported first quarter 2023 financial results and provided corporate updates.

“During the first quarter, we continued to make progress in the development of batiraxcept in ovarian, kidney and pancreatic cancer as well as strengthened our management team,” said Gail McIntyre, Ph.D., DABT, Chief Executive Officer of Aravive. “We remain on track to deliver topline results from our platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) Phase 3 trial in mid-2023 and, if successful, plan to submit a Biologics License Application (BLA) by the end of 2023. We are also looking forward to presenting updated data from our clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) trial at ASCO in June. Finally, we were excited to welcome Carolina Petrini as our Chief Commercial Officer and are already leveraging her expertise ahead of the PROC Phase 3 data readout.”

Recent Corporate Highlights

• The Phase 3 AXLerate-OC Trial in PROC Completed Enrollment; On Track for Topline Data Mid-2023
  The registration-directed Phase 3 trial of batiraxcept plus paclitaxel for PROC completed enrollment in January 2023. The trial planned to enroll 350 patients with platinum resistant, high-grade serous ovarian cancer who have received 1-4 prior lines of therapy. CMC work remains on track and the Company expects to report topline data from the trial by mid-2023. If successful, the Company plans to submit a BLA by year-end 2023. The global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial is evaluating efficacy and tolerability of 15 mg/kg batiraxcept in combination with paclitaxel versus placebo in combination with paclitaxel.
  
  
• Advancing Commercial Readiness with Appointment of Carolina Petrini as Chief Commercial Officer
  On April 11, 2023, the Company announced the appointment of Carolina Petrini as Chief Commercial Officer. Ms. Petrini brings over two decades of experience in developing pre-commercial, launch readiness and commercial strategies, building and leading high-performing commercial teams.
  
  
• Presented Promising ccRCC Data at the 2023 ASCO Genitourinary (GU) Cancers Symposium; Updated Data to be Presented at ASCO 2023
  The Company presented a poster at the 2023 ASCO GU Cancers Symposium in February 2023 featuring updated results from its ongoing Phase 1b/2 trial of batiraxcept in ccRCC. To date, batiraxcept demonstrates a favorable safety profile in previously treated ccRCC patients. Efficacy results suggest that batiraxcept has a greater impact on patients previously treated with IO and VEGF-TKI.
  
  The open-label Phase 2 portion of the clinical trial initiated January 31, 2022 and is expected to enroll 55 patients across three parts. Part A is expected to enroll approximately 25 patients and investigate 15 mg/kg batiraxcept in combination with cabozantinib in 2L+ ccRCC patients. Part B is expected to enroll approximately 20 patients and evaluate 15 mg/kg batiraxcept in combination with nivolumab and cabozantinib as a potential front-line treatment for ccRCC. Part C is expected to evaluate 15 mg/kg batiraxcept monotherapy in approximately 10 patients with ccRCC who are not eligible for curative intent therapies.
  
  The Company will present updated data from the P1b portion and preliminary data from the P2 portion of the ccRCC trial in a poster presentation at the 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting.
  
  
• Batiraxcept Granted FDA Orphan Drug Designation in Pancreatic Cancer 
  In February 2023, the Company announced that the FDA granted batiraxcept Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Based on the favorable safety and tolerability data reported to date, the Company intends to dose an additional 6-18 patients at higher doses (20 mg/kg and potentially 25 mg/kg) to assess whether a higher dose will increase the proportion of patients whose batiraxcept blood levels will be above the model-informed minimal efficacious concentration and increase the clinical activity of batiraxcept in combination with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel. Preliminary data from the 20 mg/kg cohort is expected in the second half of 2023.
  
  
• Preclinical Batiraxcept Data in Bile Duct Cancer Published in the Peer-reviewed Journal Cancers
  In March 2023, preclinical results from a study of batiraxcept in bile duct cancer were published in the peer-reviewed journal Cancers. In the study, data showed that tumor tissues from bile duct cancer patients had significantly higher AXL expression compared to normal liver tissues, which correlated with metastasis and poor survival rates, suggesting that AXL is a potential therapeutic target in biliary cancer. In in vitro and in vivo models of bile duct cancer, batiraxcept demonstrated a significant anti-tumor effect, reducing tumor growth, invasion and metastatic burden, highlighting its potential for clinical development in high AXL-expressing bile duct cancers. The article entitled, “Targeting AXL Using the AVB-500 Soluble Receptor and through Genetic Knockdown Inhibits Bile Duct Cancer Growth and Metastasis” the article can be found at the Company website.

First Quarter 2023 Financial Results
Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was $1.5 million, compared with $1.1 million for the same period in 2022. Revenues were derived solely from our collaboration and license agreement with 3D Medicines, executed in November 2020, to develop and commercialize batiraxcept in oncology indications in China. Revenues represent 1) a portion of initial signing and milestone recorded from 3D Medicines that is recognized at the time it is probable the milestone will be met and 2) a portion of the milestone that is deferred and recognized over the PROC trial period.

Total operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2023 were $19.4 million, compared with $16.1 million for the same period in 2022. Research and development expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2023 were $15.9 million, compared with $13.0 million for the same period in 2022. Non-cash stock-based compensation for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was $0.7 million, compared with $0.6 million for the same period in 2022.

For the three months ended March 31, 2023 the Company recognized an expense for the increase in the fair value of the warrant liability in the amount of $33.2 million, compared to a gain of $1.2 million for the same period a year ago.

For the three months ended March 31, 2023, Aravive reported a net loss of $50.0 million, or $0.66 per share, compared to a net loss of $13.1 million, or $0.62 per share, for the same period in 2022. The majority of the net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2023 is attributable to the change in fair value of the warrant liability of $33.2 million. Operating loss for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was $17.9 million, compared to the operating loss from operations of $15.0 million for the same period in 2022.

Cash Position
As of March 31, 2023, cash and cash equivalents were $35.9 million, compared to $53.7 million as of December 31, 2022. The Company anticipates that its current cash and cash equivalents will fund operating plans into the fourth quarter of 2023.

About Aravive
Aravive, Inc. is a late clinical-stage oncology company developing targeted therapeutics to treat metastatic disease. Batiraxcept (formerly AVB-500), is an ultra-high affinity decoy protein that binds to GAS6, the sole ligand that activates AXL, thereby inhibiting metastasis and tumor growth, and restoring sensitivity to anti-cancer agents. Batiraxcept has been granted Fast Track Designation by the U.S. FDA for both clear cell renal cell carcinoma and platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and Orphan Drug Designation by the European Commission in platinum resistant recurrent ovarian cancer. Batiraxcept is in an active registrational Phase 3 trial in platinum resistant ovarian cancer (NCT04729608), a Phase 1b/2 trial in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (NCT04300140), and a Phase 1b/2 trial in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (NCT04983407). The Company is based in Houston, Texas and received a Product Development Award from the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) in 2016. Additional information at www.aravive.com.

Forward Looking Statements
This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may," "should," "potential," "continue," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," and similar expressions and includes statements regarding being on track for PROC Pivotal Phase 3 Trial Readout mid-2023, the Company hosting key opinion leader webinar featuring batiraxcept in PROC and ccRCC, continuing to make progress in the development of batiraxcept in ovarian, kidney and pancreatic cancer as well as strengthened our management team, remaining on track to deliver topline results from our platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) Phase 3 trial in mid-2023, planning to file a Biologics License Application (BLA) by the end of 2023, presenting updated data from our clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) trial at ASCO in June, leveraging her expertise ahead of the PROC Phase 3 data readout, continuing to discuss the registrational path with the FDA, dosing an additional 6-18 patients in the pancreatic cancer trial at higher doses (20 mg/kg and potentially 25 mg/kg), preliminary data from the 20 mg/kg cohort in the in the pancreatic cancer trial in the second half of 2023, the PROC trial enrolling 350 patients with platinum resistant, high-grade serous ovarian cancer who have received 1-4 prior lines the open-label Phase 2 portion of the clinical trial enrolling 55 patients across three parts: Part A approximately 25 patients and investigating 15 mg/kg batiraxcept in combination with cabozantinib in 2L+ ccRCC patients, Part B approximately 20 patients and evaluating 15 mg/kg batiraxcept in combination with nivolumab and cabozantinib as a potential front-line treatment for ccRCC and Part C  evaluating 15 mg/kg batiraxcept monotherapy in approximately 10 patients with ccRCC who are not eligible for curative intent therapies batiraxcept’s potential as a therapeutic option for the treatment of high AXL-expressing bile duct cancers and cash and cash equivalents funding operating plans into the fourth quarter of 2023. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions, are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties related to the ability to enroll patients as anticipated, the ability to provide data when anticipated and to file a BLA when anticipated; the Company's dependence upon batiraxcept; batiraxcept's ability to have favorable results in clinical trials; the clinical trials of batiraxcept having results that are as favorable as those of preclinical and clinical trials; the ability to receive regulatory approval, potential delays in the Company's clinical trials due to regulatory requirements or difficulty identifying qualified investigators or enrolling patients; the risk that batiraxcept may cause serious side effects or have properties that delay or prevent regulatory approval or limit its commercial potential; the risk that the Company may encounter difficulties in manufacturing batiraxcept; if batiraxcept is approved, risks associated with its market acceptance, including pricing and reimbursement; potential difficulties enforcing the Company's intellectual property rights; and the Company's reliance on its licensor of intellectual property and financing needs and the cash runway being sufficient to sustain operations into the fourth quarter of 2023 and beyond the  readout on the Company’s Phase 3 Ovarian cancer trial. The foregoing review of important factors that could cause actual events to differ from expectations should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with statements that are included herein and elsewhere, including the risk factors included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022,  recent Current Reports on Form 8-K and subsequent filings with the SEC. Except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Aravive, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

		Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2023				December 31, 2022
		(unaudited)				(unaudited)
Revenue
Collaboration revenue		$	1,491			$	1,474
Total revenue			1,491				1,474
Operating expenses
Research and development			15,915				17,952
General and administrative			3,489				3,385
Total operating expenses			19,404				21,337
Loss from operations			(17,913	)			(19,863	)
Other income (expense), net:
Interest income			467				432
Change in fair value of warrant liability			(33,207	)			(10,391	)
Other income, net			697				697
Total other income (expense), net			(32,043	)			(9,262	)
Net loss		$	(49,956	)		$	(29,125	)
Net loss per share - basic and diluted		$	(0.66	)		$	(0.46	)
Weighted-average common shares used to compute basic and diluted net loss per share			75,715				62,938

Aravive, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2023				2022
		(unaudited)
Revenue
Collaboration revenue		$	1,491			$	1,092
Total revenue			1,491				1,092
Operating expenses
Research and development			15,915				13,002
General and administrative			3,489				3,088
Total operating expenses			19,404				16,090
Loss from operations			(17,913	)			(14,998	)
Other income (expense), net:
Interest income			467				10
Change in fair value of warrant liability			(33,207	)			1,228
Other income, net			697				703
Total other income (expense), net			(32,043	)			1,941
Net loss		$	(49,956	)		$	(13,057	)
Net loss per share - basic and diluted		$	(0.66	)		$	(0.62	)
Weighted-average common shares used to compute basic and diluted net loss per share			75,715				21,130

Aravive, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)

		March 31,				December 31,
		2023				2022
		(unaudited)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	35,924			$	53,689
Restricted cash			2,458				2,445
Other assets			3,385				4,557
Operating lease right-of-use assets			1,277				1,462
Total assets		$	43,044			$	62,153
Liabilities and stockholders' (deficit) equity:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$	14,440			$	15,503
Deferred revenue			3,610				5,035
Operating lease obligation			3,517				4,077
Warrant liability			60,088				26,881
Total liabilities			81,655				51,496
Total stockholders' (deficit) equity			(38,611	)			10,657
Total liabilities and stockholders’ (deficit) equity		$	43,044			$	62,153

Investor Relations Contact:

Corey Davis, Ph.D.
LifeSci Advisors, LLC
212-915-2577
cdavis@lifesciadvisors.com

 

What are the updates provided by Aravive in Q1 2023?

Aravive provided updates on the progress of batiraxcept in ovarian, kidney, and pancreatic cancer. They also announced the appointment of Carolina Petrini as Chief Commercial Officer.

When will Aravive release topline results from its platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) Phase 3 trial?

Aravive is on track to deliver topline results from its PROC Phase 3 trial in mid-2023.

What will Aravive do if the PROC Phase 3 trial is successful?

If the PROC Phase 3 trial is successful, Aravive plans to submit a Biologics License Application (BLA) by the end of 2023.

What updates will be presented at ASCO 2023?

Aravive will present updated data from the clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) trial at ASCO 2023.

What designation has batiraxcept received from the FDA?

Batiraxcept has been granted FDA Orphan Drug Designation in pancreatic cancer.

Who has been appointed as Chief Commercial Officer of Aravive?

Carolina Petrini has been appointed as Chief Commercial Officer of Aravive.