Structure Therapeutics Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results and Recent Highlights

Rhea-AI Summary

Structure Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: GPCR) reported financial results for Q4 and full year 2023, with a year-end cash balance of $467.3 million. The company highlighted successful Phase 2a data for GSBR-1290 in obesity and type 2 diabetes, with plans for Phase 2b trials. They also outlined upcoming milestones for other programs targeting metabolic and cardiopulmonary diseases. The company raised $485.0 million in equity capital in 2023, with strong financials to fund operations through 2026.

Financial Analyst

The financial results reported by Structure Therapeutics Inc. indicate a significant year-over-year increase in both research and development (R&D) and general and administrative (G&A) expenses. The rise in R&D expenses from $36.2 million to $70.1 million reflects the company's commitment to advancing its GLP-1R franchise and other research programs. This strategic investment suggests a focus on long-term growth through the development of their pipeline, which could enhance future revenue streams if their drugs are successful in clinical trials and receive market approval.

However, this increase in spending has resulted in a larger net loss, growing from $51.3 million to $89.6 million year-over-year. Investors should consider the company's current cash position of $467.3 million against these losses. With an expected funding runway through 2026, the company appears to have sufficient capital to support its operations and key clinical milestones in the near-to-mid term without the immediate need for further financing, which is reassuring for stakeholders. Nonetheless, the success of their clinical trials and subsequent commercialization efforts will be crucial for financial sustainability in the long run.

Medical Research Analyst

Structure Therapeutics' progress in the clinical development of GSBR-1290, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is noteworthy given the therapeutic potential in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The reported clinically meaningful data demonstrating significant reductions in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and weight are promising indicators of the drug's efficacy. In the context of obesity and T2DM treatments, these metrics are critical as they directly correlate with improved patient outcomes and reduced risks of complications associated with these conditions.

The company's pipeline expansion, including the development of amylin agonists and GIPR selective agonists, represents an innovative approach to addressing obesity and associated diseases. The combination therapy approach with GLP-1R agonists could potentially provide a more comprehensive and effective treatment regimen. The tolerability and safety profile of these drugs will be key factors in their success, as the market tends to favor treatments with fewer adverse effects. The initiation of Phase 2b studies for GSBR-1290 and the development of other oral small molecule programs targeting amylin, GIP and apelin receptors are significant steps toward addressing unmet medical needs in these therapeutic areas.

Market Research Analyst

From a market perspective, Structure Therapeutics' focus on oral small molecule therapeutics for metabolic and cardiopulmonary diseases taps into a substantial market with significant unmet needs. The obesity treatment market alone is projected to grow substantially, driven by increasing prevalence and awareness. The company's emphasis on oral administration could give it a competitive edge, as current treatments predominantly involve injectables, which are less patient-friendly. If GSBR-1290 and other candidates in their pipeline prove to be effective and safe in later-stage trials, they could capture a considerable market share and potentially disrupt the current treatment paradigm.

Additionally, the company's exploration of combination therapies such as GLP-1R/GIPR combinations and its oral small molecule apelin receptor program for selective or muscle-sparing weight loss could appeal to a broad patient population seeking more personalized and effective treatment options. The successful development and commercialization of these therapies could lead to significant market differentiation and value creation for Structure Therapeutics.

Topline GSBR-1290 Phase 2a 12-week obesity data, as well as data from formulation bridging and titration optimization study, on track for latter half of the second quarter 2024

Phase 2b study in obesity expected to begin as planned in the fourth quarter 2024

Year-end cash balance of $467.3 million expected to fund operations and
key clinical milestones through 2026

SAN FRANCISCO, March 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Structure Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: GPCR), a clinical-stage global biopharmaceutical company developing novel oral small molecule therapeutics for metabolic and cardiopulmonary diseases, today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023, and highlighted recent corporate achievements.

“In 2023 we demonstrated clear proof-of-concept with our lead GLP-1 receptor agonist, GSBR-1290, for obesity and type 2 diabetes. As a differentiated oral small molecule we have the scalability and manufacturing advantages to potentially meet the significant unmet need currently observed in the GLP-1 space,” said Raymond Stevens, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of Structure Therapeutics. “With a year-end cash balance of $467.3 million providing runway through the end of 2026, we are well-positioned to initiate and complete our Phase 2b trials for GSBR-1290 and accelerate development of our oral small molecule programs targeting amylin, GIP, and apelin receptors.”

Recent Highlights and Upcoming Milestones

GSBR-1290 for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and Obesity

• In December 2023, the Company reported clinically meaningful data from the Phase 2a study in T2DM demonstrating significant reductions in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and weight at 12 weeks. Interim Phase 2a data from the obesity cohort demonstrated significant reduction in weight at 8 weeks. Across both cohorts, GSBR-1290 was generally well-tolerated with no treatment-related serious adverse events over 12 weeks and low study discontinuation rates due to adverse events related to study drug (2.8% in T2DM and 0% in obesity).
• Topline data from the obesity cohort of the Phase 2a study, including full 12-week efficacy data for 40 participants and safety and tolerability for all 64 participants. This study is fully enrolled and data are expected in the latter half of the second quarter of 2024.
• In preparation for later stage clinical trials, a formulation bridging and titration optimization study to evaluate capsule versus tablet pharmacokinetics (PK) and explore different titration regimens of GSBR-1290 is ongoing. This study is fully enrolled and data are expected in the latter half of the second quarter of 2024.
• The Company plans to initiate a global Phase 2b obesity study of GSBR-1290 in the fourth quarter of 2024.
• The Company plans to initiate a Phase 2 study in T2DM in the second half of 2024.
  

GLP-1R Combination Programs: Amylin, GIPR, Apelin (APJR)

• Oral Small Molecule Amylin Program: The Company is developing amylin agonists for use either alone or in combination with GLP-1R agonists to treat obesity and associated diseases, and expects to select a development candidate in the second half of 2024.
• Oral Small Molecule GIPR Program: The Company is developing a GIPR selective agonist and GLP‑1R/GIPR combinations to treat obesity and associated diseases, and expects to select a development candidate in the first half of 2025.
• Oral Small Molecule Apelin Receptor (APJR) Program: The Company is evaluating its Phase 2 ready ANPA-0073, a biased agonist targeting APJR used in combination with weight loss medicines, for selective or muscle-sparing weight loss. ANPA-0073 is also being evaluated for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The Company has completed a Phase 1 single-ascending and multiple-ascending dose study, in which ANPA-0073 was generally well-tolerated with no serious adverse event reported.
  

LPA1R Program for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)

• The Company is developing LTSE-2578, an oral small molecule antagonist that targets lysophosphatidic acid 1 receptor (LPA1R). Preclinical studies have demonstrated substantial anti-fibrotic activity in mouse models of fibrotic lung disease, and the Company expects to initiate a first-in-human study of LTSE-2578 in the second quarter of 2024.
  

Corporate

• In 2023, the Company raised approximately $485.0 million of equity capital: $185.0 million in gross proceeds from the initial public offering in February, and $300.0 million in gross proceeds from the private placement equity financing in October.
  

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Highlights

Cash Position: Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $467.3 million at December 31, 2023. The Company expects its current cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments to fund operations and expected key clinical milestones through at least 2026.

R&D Expenses: Research and development (R&D) expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 were $20.0 million, as compared to $8.4 million for the same period in 2022. For the year ended December 31, 2023, R&D expenses were $70.1 million, as compared to $36.2 million for the full year 2022. The increase was primarily due to the advancement of the Company’s GLP-1R franchise and other research programs, clinical study activities and increases related to employee expenses, primarily due to an increase in personnel.

G&A Expenses: General and administrative (G&A) expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 were $11.0 million, as compared to $4.6 million for the same period in 2022. For the year ended December 31, 2023, G&A expenses were $32.7 million, as compared to $16.4 million for the full year 2022. The increase was primarily due to increases in professional services and employee related expenses as the Company expanded its infrastructure to drive and support the growth in its operations as a publicly-traded company.

Net Loss: Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2023 totaled $24.5, with non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $2.1 million, compared to $11.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2022 with non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $0.6 million. For the year ended December 31, 2023, net loss totaled $89.6 million, with non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $8.2 million, compared to $51.3 million for the full year 2022 with non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $2.5 million.

About Structure Therapeutics
Structure Therapeutics is a leading clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative oral treatments for chronic metabolic and cardiopulmonary conditions with significant unmet medical needs. Utilizing its next generation structure-based drug discovery platform, the Company has established a scientifically-driven, GPCR-targeted pipeline, featuring two wholly-owned proprietary clinical-stage small molecule compounds designed to surpass the limitations of traditional biologic and peptide therapies and be accessible to more patients around the world. For additional information, please visit www.structuretx.com.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements concerning the Company’s future plans and prospects, the Company’s anticipated cash runway, the clinical update from Structure’s Phase 2a study of GSBR-1290 in patients with T2DM and obesity, any expectations regarding the safety, efficacy or tolerability of GSBR-1290 and other candidates under development, the ability of GSBR-1290 to treat T2DM, obesity or related indications, the planned initiation and study design of Structure’s Phase 2b studies for GSBR-1290 in patients with T2DM and obesity and the timing thereof, and first-in-human study of LTSE-2578 and the timing thereof, respectively, the selection of a development candidate for the Company’s amylin receptor agonist program and GLP-1R/GIPR program, the planned timing of the Company’s data results and continued development of GSBR-1290, amylin and next generation GLP-1R/GIPR combination candidates and expectations regarding an oral development candidate targeting GLP-1R. In addition, when or if used in this press release, the words “may,” “could,” “should,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “predict” and similar expressions and their variants, as they relate to the Company may identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned that actual results, levels of activity, safety, performance or events and circumstances could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the Company’s forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties related to the preliminary nature of the results due to length of the study and sample size, the risks that unblinded data is not consistent with blinded data, the Company’s ability to advance GSBR-1290, LTSE-2578, ANPA-0073 and its other therapeutic candidates, obtain regulatory approval of and ultimately commercialize the Company’s therapeutic candidates, the timing and results of preclinical and clinical trials, the impact of any data collection omissions at any of our clinical sites, the Company’s ability to fund development activities and achieve development goals, the impact of any global pandemics, inflation, supply chain issues, rising interest rates and future bank failures on the Company’s business, its ability to protect its intellectual property and other risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, as filed with the SEC on November 17, 2023, and future reports the Company may file with the SEC from time to time. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made and are based on management’s assumptions and estimates as of such date. The Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as required by law.

STRUCTURE THERAPEUTICS INC. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) (In thousands, except per share amounts)
		THREE MONTHS ENDED								YEAR ENDED
		DECEMBER 31,								DECEMBER 31,
		2023				2022				2023				2022
Operating expenses:
Research and development		$	20,042			$	8,360			$	70,103			$	36,193
General and administrative			10,952				4,596				32,672				16,368
Total operating expenses			30,994				12,956				102,775				52,561
Loss from operations			(30,994	)			(12,956	)			(102,775	)			(52,561	)
Interest and other income (expense), net			6,179				901				13,391				1,257
Loss before provision for income taxes			(24,815	)			(12,055	)			(89,384	)			(51,304	)
Provision for income taxes			(312	)			(180	)			236				17
Net loss		$	(24,503	)		$	(11,875	)		$	(89,620	)		$	(51,321	)

STRUCTURE THERAPEUTICS INC. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Data (unaudited) (In thousands)
		DECEMBER 31,
		2023			2022
Assets
Current assets:
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments		$	467,323		$	90,841
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			6,285			2,248
Total current assets			473,608			93,089
Property and equipment, net			3,228			1,031
Operating right-of-use assets			5,136			262
Other non-current assets			45			3,463
Total assets		$	482,017		$	97,845
Liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred shares and shareholders’ equity (deficit)
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	4,742		$	6,009
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			18,558			6,741
Operating lease liabilities, current portion			1,440			260
Total current liabilities			24,740			13,010
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion			4,013			—
Other non-current liabilities			298			—
Total liabilities			29,051			13,010
Redeemable convertible preferred shares issuable in series			—			199,975
Total shareholders’ equity (deficit)			452,966			(115,140	)
Total liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred shares and shareholders’ equity (deficit)		$	482,017		$	97,845

Investors:
Danielle Keatley
Structure Therapeutics Inc.
ir@structuretx.com

Media:
Dan Budwick
1AB
Dan@1abmedia.com 

What is the ticker symbol for Structure Therapeutics Inc.?

The ticker symbol for Structure Therapeutics Inc. is GPCR.

What were the financial results reported by Structure Therapeutics Inc. for Q4 and full year 2023?

Structure Therapeutics Inc. reported a year-end cash balance of $467.3 million for Q4 and full year 2023.

What were the key highlights of the Phase 2a data for GSBR-1290 reported by Structure Therapeutics Inc.?

The Phase 2a data for GSBR-1290 showed significant reductions in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and weight at 12 weeks in type 2 diabetes, with significant weight reduction at 8 weeks in the obesity cohort. The drug was generally well-tolerated with low adverse events.

What are the upcoming milestones outlined by Structure Therapeutics Inc. for GSBR-1290?

The company plans to release topline data from the obesity cohort of the Phase 2a study in the latter half of the second quarter of 2024. They also plan to initiate a global Phase 2b obesity study in the fourth quarter of 2024.

How much equity capital did Structure Therapeutics Inc. raise in 2023?

Structure Therapeutics Inc. raised approximately $485.0 million of equity capital in 2023.

What were the R&D expenses for Structure Therapeutics Inc. in Q4 and full year 2023?

Research and development (R&D) expenses were $20.0 million for Q4 2023 and $70.1 million for the full year 2023, showing an increase from the previous year.

What were the G&A expenses for Structure Therapeutics Inc. in Q4 and full year 2023?

General and administrative (G&A) expenses were $11.0 million for Q4 2023 and $32.7 million for the full year 2023, reflecting an increase from the prior year.

What was the net loss reported by Structure Therapeutics Inc. for Q4 and full year 2023?

The net loss for Q4 2023 was $24.5 million, with a total net loss of $89.6 million for the full year 2023, showing an increase from the previous year.