Cellectar Biosciences Reports Financial Results for Year Ended 2023 and Provides a Corporate Update
Cellectar Biosciences, Inc. (CLRB) announced positive financial results for 2023 and provided a corporate update, highlighting significant progress in its pivotal study of iopofosine I 131 in Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia. The company reported a major response rate of 61% in relapsed/refractory patients, with durable responses and high rates of disease control. Additionally, Cellectar achieved a complete remission rate of 64% in head and neck cancer patients and demonstrated complete clonal clearance in a patient with Bing-Neel Syndrome. The company also initiated a Phase 1b study in pediatric high-grade gliomas and presented promising preclinical data for CLR 121255 in pancreatic cancer models. Cellectar expanded its IP protection and successfully exercised Tranche A warrants, raising approximately $44.1 million. Financially, the company had $9.6 million in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2023, with a net loss of ($38.0) million for the year.
Positive
Positive data from Cellectar's pivotal study in Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia.
Significant response rates and disease control in relapsed/refractory patients.
Achievement of complete remission rates in head and neck cancer patients.
Successful initiation of a Phase 1b study in pediatric high-grade gliomas.
Promising preclinical data for novel cancer targeting compounds.
Expansion of IP protection and successful warrant exercise raising $44.1 million.
Financially, the company had $9.6 million in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2023.
Negative
Net loss of ($38.0) million for the year.
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents compared to the previous year.
Increase in R&D and G&A expenses for 2023.
No mention of revenue figures in the PR.
The recent update from Cellectar Biosciences on their pivotal study results for iopofosine I 131 in Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia (WM) is noteworthy. The reported major response rate (MRR) and overall response rate (ORR) are substantial, especially considering the refractory nature of the patient population. Such high efficacy rates in a late-stage clinical trial could indicate a strong potential for market success, given the limited treatment options currently available for WM.
Additionally, the company's strategic partnerships and expansion of intellectual property rights signify a proactive approach to securing their market position upon potential drug approval. However, the reported net loss and cash burn highlight the financial risks inherent in biopharmaceutical development. Investors should consider the balance between the promising clinical outcomes and the financial sustainability of the company.
The financial results of Cellectar Biosciences reveal a significant net loss, which is not uncommon for a late-stage biopharmaceutical company investing heavily in R&D. The increase in R&D expenses aligns with the company's efforts to ramp up clinical trials and prepare for potential commercialization. The cash position, bolstered by the recent warrant exercises, provides a runway into Q4 2024, which is a critical period for the company as they aim to submit their NDA.
Investors should note the dilutive impact of common stock, preferred stock and warrant issuances on shareholder value. However, the successful exercise of Tranche A warrants and the resulting cash infusion is a positive sign of investor confidence. It is essential for investors to monitor the company's future financing strategies and cash management as they transition from clinical development to potential commercialization.
The market for WM treatments is relatively niche, but Cellectar's iopofosine I 131, if approved, could capture a significant share due to the lack of effective treatments for relapsed/refractory cases. The emphasis on durable responses and disease control in their study results could position iopofosine I 131 as a preferred option in treatment protocols.
Furthermore, the company's engagement with community-based oncology networks suggests a strategic move to facilitate rapid adoption and market penetration post-approval. The expansion into pediatric cancers and other solid tumors opens additional market opportunities, which could be a long-term growth driver for the company. However, the competitive landscape and reimbursement challenges are factors that need to be assessed in projecting the commercial potential of iopofosine I 131.
03/27/2024 - 06:40 AM
Management to host a conference call today at 8:30 am ET
FLORHAM PARK, N.J., March 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cellectar Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLRB), a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of drugs for the treatment of cancer, today announced financial results for the year ended December 31, 2023, and provided a corporate update.
“2023 was a year of significant progress for Cellectar, culminating in the January announcement of the positive data from our pivotal study of iopofosine I 131 in Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia,” said James Caruso, president, and CEO of Cellectar. “We continue to focus on the preparation of our NDA, which we plan to submit in the second half of 2024 and in parallel request accelerated approval, which if granted, would provide a six-month review period for the NDA. Our data in WM is truly impressive and we look forward to providing this meaningful new therapeutic for patients in a disease with limited treatment options.”
Fourth Quarter and Recent Corporate Highlights
Announced positive topline data achieving its primary endpoint in its CLOVER WaM pivotal study, evaluating iopofosine I 131, a potentially first-in-class, targeted radiotherapy candidate for the treatment of relapsed/refractory Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia (WM) patients that have received at least two prior lines of therapy, including Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi). CLOVER WaM is the largest study to date in relapsed or refractory WM patients post-BTKi therapy and represents the most refractory population ever tested in clinical studies based upon a review of published literature. The CLOVER WaM study met its primary endpoint with a major response rate (MRR) of 61% (95% confidence interval [44.50% , 75.80% , two-sided p value < 0.0001]). The overall response rate (ORR) in evaluable patients was 75.6% , and 100% of patients experienced disease control. Responses were durable, with median duration of response not reached and 76% of patients remaining progression free at a median follow-up of eight months. Notably, iopofosine monotherapy achieved a 7.3% complete remission (CR) rate in this highly refractory WM population. A study data update is planned for Q2 of 2024. Reported a Complete Remission rate of 64% and Overall Response Rate of 73% in highly refractory patients in an Investigator Initiated Phase I Study of Iopofosine in Combination with External Beam Radiotherapy in Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer. In addition to the High Rate of Complete Remission Durability of clinical activity achieved a 67% Overall Survival and 42% Progression Free Survival at One Year. Announced that iopofosine I 131 demonstrated a pathological response with complete clonal clearance in a relapsed/refractory Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia (WM) patient with CNS involvement, also known as Bing-Neel Syndrome (BNS), enrolled in its Phase 2b CLOVER WaM pivotal trial. Enrolled the first patient in the company’s Phase 1b clinical study of iopofosine I 131 in pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGG). The open-label study will evaluate efficacy, safety, and tolerability assessing two dosing regimens to identify the optimal recommended dose and schedule of iopofosine I 131 in pHGG patients for a Phase 2 study. The study is supported by a $2 million Fast Track SBIR grant from the National Institute of Health’s National Cancer Institute (NCI), which was awarded based in part on the promising Phase 1a trial data. Announced promising preclinical data for its proprietary novel alpha-emitting phospholipid radiotherapeutic conjugate, CLR 121255 (255 Ac-CLR 121225) an actinium-labeled phospholipid ether (PLE), in pancreatic cancer models. The development of this compound expands the company’s clinical pipeline of PLE cancer targeting compounds to include targeted alpha therapies (TATs). Announced strategic partnerships with leading physician-led, community-based oncology networks Florida Cancer Specialists and American Oncology Network (AON) to advance the treatment of WM in the community setting. Announced a new licensing agreement with the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) for intellectual property that was the result of collaborative research conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW) with iopofosine I 131 in pediatric cancers. Under terms of the agreement, Cellectar has an exclusive license to develop and commercialize iopofosine in various pediatric solid cancers, such as high-grade glioma, neuroblastoma, and sarcoma. Expanded the Intellectual Property protection for its PDC Platform to deliver flavaglines as targeted anticancer payloads. The company received the Notice of Allowance for the patent entitled, “Phospholipid-flavagline conjugates and methods of using the same for targeted cancer therapy ,” from the Japanese, Chinese, Eurasian, Brazilian, and Mexican patent authorities. These patent allowances in key global regions follow prior allowances for the same patent in the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Canada. Announced the Tranche A warrants issued as part of the private placement announced in September 2023 were fully exercised. All participants in the previous financing, led by Rosalind Advisors, exercised their warrants with gross proceeds totaling approximately $44.1 million . 2023 Financial Highlights
Cash and Cash Equivalents: As of December 31, 2023, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $9.6 million , compared to $19.9 million as of December 31, 2022. The decrease in cash was primarily a result of research and development expenses, and general and administrative expenses. Net cash used in operating activities during the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, was approximately $32.4 million . Net cash proceeds from the issuance of common stock, preferred stock, and warrants during 2023 was approximately $22.9 million . We believe our cash balance as of December 31, 2023, in combination with the funds generated by the warrants exercised by investors in January 2024 is adequate to fund our basic budgeted operations into the fourth quarter of 2024.Research and Development Expense: R&D expense for the year ended December 31, 2023, was approximately $28.2 million , compared to approximately $19.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The overall increase in R&D expense was primarily a result of an increase in manufacturing and related costs related to greater production sourcing necessary to support clinical trials and establish commercial production capabilities.General and Administrative Expense: G&A expense for the year ended December 31, 2023, was $10.7 million , compared to $9.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in G&A costs was primarily a result of an increase in personnel costs partially offset by a reduction in professional fees.Net Loss: The net loss attributable to common stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2023, was ($38.0) million , or $(3.11) per share, compared to $(28.6) million , or ($4.05) per share in the year ended December 31, 2022.Conference call & Webcast Details Cellectar management will host a conference call for investors today, March 14, 2024, beginning at 8:30 am Eastern Time to discuss these results and answer questions. Stockholders and other interested parties may participate in the conference call by dialing 1-888-886-7786 (in the U.S.) or 1-416-764-8658 (outside the U.S.). The call will be available via webcast by clicking HERE or on the Events page of the company’s website.
About Cellectar Biosciences, Inc.
The company’s product pipeline includes lead asset iopofosine I 131, a small-molecule PDC designed to provide targeted delivery of iodine-131 (radioisotope), proprietary preclinical PDC chemotherapeutic programs and multiple partnered PDC assets.
For more information, please visit www.cellectar.com and www.wmclinicaltrial.com or join the conversation by liking and following us on the company’s social media channels: Twitter , LinkedIn , and Facebook .
Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer This news release contains forward-looking statements. You can identify these statements by our use of words such as "may," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "could," "estimate," "continue," "plans," or their negatives or cognates. These statements are only estimates and predictions and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future experience and results to differ materially from the statements made. These statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations as to such future outcomes including our expectations regarding the CLOVER WaM pivotal trial. Drug discovery and development involve a high degree of risk. Factors that might cause such a material difference include, among others, uncertainties related to the ability to raise additional capital, uncertainties related to the disruptions at our sole source supplier of iopofosine, the ability to attract and retain partners for our technologies, the identification of lead compounds, the successful preclinical development thereof, patient enrollment and the completion of clinical studies, the FDA review process and other government regulation, our ability to maintain orphan drug designation in the United States for iopofosine, the volatile market for priority review vouchers, our pharmaceutical collaborators' ability to successfully develop and commercialize drug candidates, competition from other pharmaceutical companies, product pricing and third-party reimbursement. A complete description of risks and uncertainties related to our business is contained in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission including our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and we disclaim any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.
Contacts
MEDIA:clacagnina@blissbiohealth.com
INVESTORS:investors@cellectar.com
CELLECTAR BIOSCIENCES, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS December 31, December 31, 2023 2022 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ 9,564,988 $ 19,866,358 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 888,225 663,243 Total current assets 10,453,213 20,529,601 Fixed assets, net 1,090,304 418,641 Right-of-use asset, net 502,283 560,334 Long-term assets 23,566 75,000 Other assets 6,214 6,214 TOTAL ASSETS $ 12,075,580 $ 21,589,790 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 9,178,645 $ 5,478,443 Warrant liability 3,700,000 — Lease liability 58,979 50,847 Total current liabilities 12,937,624 5,529,290 Lease liability, net of current portion 494,003 552,981 TOTAL LIABILITIES 13,431,627 6,082,271 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 10) STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY: Series D preferred stock, 111.11 shares authorized; 111.11 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 1,382,023 1,382,023 Series E-2 preferred stock, 1,225.00 shares authorized; 319.76 and 0.00 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively 4,677,632 — Common stock, $0.00 001 par value; 170,000,000 shares authorized; 20,744,110 and 9,385,272 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively 207 94 Additional paid-in capital 210,066,630 193,624,445 Accumulated deficit (217,482,539 ) (179,499,043 ) Total stockholders’ (deficit) equity (1,356,047 ) 15,507,519 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY $ 12,075,580 $ 21,589,790
CELLECTAR BIOSCIENCES, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 COSTS AND EXPENSES: Research and development $ 28,211,460 $ 19,219,603 General and administrative 10,749,183 9,594,170 Total costs and expenses 38,960,643 28,813,773 LOSS FROM OPERATIONS (38,960,643 ) (28,813,773 ) OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Warrant issuance expense (470,000 ) — Gain on valuation of warrants 1,000,000 — Interest income, net 387,147 152,519 Total other income, net 917,147 152,519 LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES (38,043,496 ) (28,661,254 ) INCOME TAX BENEFIT (60,000 ) (60,000 ) NET LOSS $ (37,983,496 ) $ (28,601,254 ) BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS PER COMMON SHARE $ (3.11 ) $ (4.05 ) SHARES USED IN COMPUTING BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS PER COMMON SHARE 12,221,571 7,055,665
What was the major response rate in Cellectar's pivotal study of iopofosine I 131 in Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia?
The major response rate in the study was 61%.
What was the complete remission rate in head and neck cancer patients in Cellectar's Phase I Study of Iopofosine?
The complete remission rate was 64%.
What was the net loss attributable to common stockholders for Cellectar in the year ended December 31, 2023?
The net loss was ($38.0) million.
How much cash and cash equivalents did Cellectar have as of December 31, 2023?
The company had $9.6 million in cash and cash equivalents.
What was the purpose of Cellectar's Phase 1b clinical study of iopofosine I 131 in pediatric high-grade gliomas?
The study aimed to evaluate efficacy, safety, and tolerability of iopofosine I 131 in pediatric high-grade gliomas.
What was the outcome of the Tranche A warrants issued by Cellectar in September 2023?
All participants in the financing exercised their warrants, raising approximately $44.1 million in gross proceeds.
