Finch Therapeutics Group, Inc. Stock Price, News & Analysis

Finch Therapeutics Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: FNCH) announced key executive appointments effective May 16, 2023. Matthew P. Blischak was appointed as Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Mark Smith, PhD, who will continue as a scientific advisor. Lance Thibault will take over as Chief Financial Officer, replacing Marc Blaustein, who will remain as a strategic advisor. Blischak brings over 20 years of experience in intellectual property management in the life sciences, having previously worked at Roivant Sciences and Bristol-Myers Squibb. The leadership transition aims to leverage Finch's intellectual property estate and advance microbiome technologies. The company has over 70 issued patents relevant to microbiome therapeutics and is focusing on collaborations to maximize shareholder value.

Finch Therapeutics Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: FNCH) announced a clinical trial agreement with Brigham and Women’s Hospital to evaluate CP101, a Complete Consortia microbiome therapeutic, for ulcerative colitis. This investigator-sponsored trial aims to assess the safety and efficacy of CP101 in patients with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis, with topline data expected in 2025. Additionally, Finch amended its licensing agreement with the University of Minnesota, allowing it to meet performance milestones through sublicensing arrangements. CEO Mark Smith highlighted these developments as part of Finch's strategy to enhance its microbiome technology via partnerships. CP101 is designed to restore microbiome diversity, addressing various gut-related diseases.

Finch Therapeutics Group reported Q4 and full year 2022 financial results, revealing a net loss of $27.0 million for Q4, an increase from $19.1 million in Q4 2021. For the full year, the loss was $114.6 million, up from $58.2 million in 2021, driven by decreased collaboration revenue and increased administrative costs. The company has restructured to extend its cash runway into 2025 by reducing operational costs. Additionally, significant litigation against Ferring and Rebiotix is ongoing, with a trial set for May 2024. Despite challenges, Finch is exploring partnerships for microbiome technology and has launched a new biorepository.

Finch Therapeutics Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: FNCH) has announced the discontinuation of its PRISM4 Phase 3 trial for CP101, aimed at treating recurrent C. difficile infection (CDI). This decision, driven by slow trial enrollment and challenges in securing financial support, leads to a significant workforce reduction of approximately 95%. While CP101 showed positive Phase 2 results, the company will now focus on its intellectual property and other microbiome assets. Finch holds over 70 patents relevant to microbiome therapeutics, with potential applications for ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and autism spectrum disorder.

Finch Therapeutics (Nasdaq: FNCH) has commenced patient dosing in its Phase 3 PRISM4 trial for CP101, aimed at preventing recurrent C. difficile infections. Topline data is expected in H1 2024. The company reported a Q3 2022 net loss of $40.4 million, exacerbated by an $18.1 million goodwill impairment and an $11.2 million revenue drop due to the termination of a collaboration with Takeda. Research and development expenses decreased to $11.9 million, while general and administrative costs rose to $9.6 million. Finch anticipates its cash reserves will last until Q2 2024.

Finch Therapeutics (Nasdaq: FNCH) has announced its participation in two upcoming investor conferences. The Jefferies London Healthcare Conference will feature a corporate presentation by Chief Medical Officer Howard Franklin on November 16, 2022. The Evercore ISI HealthCONx Conference will include a fireside chat with CEO Mark Smith on December 1, 2022. Live webcasts of both presentations will be available on Finch's website, with replays accessible for 30 days. Finch is known for its innovative microbiome therapeutics and is advancing its lead candidate, CP101, for recurrent C. difficile infections.

Finch Therapeutics Group (Nasdaq: FNCH) recently presented biomarker data from the Phase 2 PRISM-EXT trial of CP101 at the ACG 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting. The trial focused on preventing recurrent C. difficile infection (CDI). Key findings showed that higher engraftment of CP101 microbes and increased microbial diversity were linked to the prevention of CDI recurrence. Furthermore, Finch has initiated patient dosing for the Phase 3 PRISM4 trial of CP101, aimed at providing a convenient oral therapy for patients suffering from recurrent CDI. The preliminary results indicate promising safety and efficacy metrics.