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Savara Reports Fourth Quarter/Year-End 2023 Financial Results and Provides Business Update

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Savara Inc. (SVRA) remains on track to report top-line data from the pivotal Phase 3 IMPALA-2 trial by the end of the second quarter of 2024. The 48-week placebo-controlled trial is evaluating molgramostim nebulizer solution for the treatment of autoimmune Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (aPAP), a rare lung disease. The company anticipates filing a Biologics License Application (BLA) in the first half of 2025 pending the outcome of the IMPALA-2 trial. With approximately $162 million in cash and short-term investments, Savara believes it is sufficiently capitalized into 2026.
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From a medical research perspective, the progression of the Phase 3 IMPALA-2 trial is a critical milestone for Savara Inc. The trial's focus on molgramostim, an inhaled biologic for the treatment of autoimmune Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (aPAP), addresses a significant unmet medical need given the rarity and severity of the disease. The anticipation of filing a Biologics License Application (BLA) indicates confidence in the potential efficacy and safety of the treatment. The patient population identified through the health claims database underscores the market potential for molgramostim, should it receive approval.

Furthermore, the development of aPAP ClearPath™, a GM-CSF autoantibody blood test, represents an advancement in diagnostic capabilities for aPAP. This could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, improving patient outcomes and potentially increasing the treatment-eligible population. The disease awareness campaign is likely to increase recognition of aPAP symptoms among pulmonologists, potentially leading to more diagnoses and a larger target market for Savara's product.

Financially, Savara Inc.'s statement of having approximately $162 million in cash and short-term investments is a strong indicator of its fiscal health and its ability to fund operations into 2026. This financial runway is crucial as it allows the company to continue its research and development activities without the immediate need for additional capital. The upcoming top line data from the IMPALA-2 trial will be a significant catalyst for the company's stock as positive results could lead to an increase in investor confidence and potential partnerships or funding opportunities.

However, investors should note the inherent risks associated with biopharmaceutical companies in the clinical stage. The success of Savara's stock will heavily depend on the outcomes of the IMPALA-2 trial and the subsequent regulatory path. Positive trial data and a successful BLA filing could result in stock appreciation, while any setbacks could negatively impact the company's valuation.

The rare disease market, particularly for conditions like aPAP, is often characterized by high drug prices due to the specialized nature of treatments and the lack of competition. If molgramostim is approved, Savara Inc. could potentially capitalize on orphan drug status, which may provide market exclusivity and other incentives. The identification of approximately 3,600 diagnosed and 1,400 potential undiagnosed aPAP patients in the U.S. alone provides a clearer picture of the addressable market for investors.

Moreover, the strategic initiatives, including the launch of aPAP ClearPath™ and the disease awareness campaign, can be seen as efforts to build a foundation for market penetration. These initiatives not only aid in diagnosis but also help in creating a potential customer base for Savara's product. The successful commercialization of molgramostim will hinge on effective marketing strategies and the ability to navigate the complexities of the healthcare reimbursement landscape.

  • Remains On-Track to Report Top Line Data from the Pivotal Phase 3 IMPALA-2 Trial by End of 2Q 2024
    • 48-week placebo-controlled trial is evaluating molgramostim nebulizer solution (molgramostim), a novel inhaled biologic, for the treatment of autoimmune Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (aPAP), a rare lung disease
  • Anticipate Filing Biologics License Application (BLA) in 1H 2025, Pending Outcome of IMPALA-2 Trial
  • With ~$162M in Cash and Short-term Investments, Company Believes it is Sufficiently Capitalized into 2026

LANGHORNE, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Savara Inc. (Nasdaq: SVRA) (the Company), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on rare respiratory diseases, reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ending December 31, 2023 and provided a business update.

“We look forward to reporting IMPALA-2 top line results at the end of the second quarter and, assuming positive data, anticipate filing the BLA in the first half of 2025,” said Matt Pauls, Chair and CEO, Savara. “2023 was a year of strong execution that included the on-time, over-enrollment of the Phase 3 IMPALA-2 trial and an analysis of a health claims database that identified ~3,600 currently diagnosed aPAP patients and another ~1,400 potential, currently undiagnosed, aPAP patients in the U.S. Additionally, we launched aPAP ClearPathTM, a simple, accurate, no-cost, lab-developed GM-CSF autoantibody blood test, along with a disease state awareness campaign, that is educating U.S. pulmonologists about the disease and need for earlier testing. Finally, we completed an $80 million equity financing last July, and with $162 million in cash and investments and a track record of strong fiscal discipline, we believe we are capitalized into 2026.”

Fourth Quarter Financial Results (Unaudited)

Savara’s net loss for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $16.1 million, or $(0.09) per share, compared with a net loss of $10.3 million, or $(0.07) per share, for the fourth quarter of 2022.

Research and development expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 and 2022 were $12.7 million and $7.6 million, respectively.

General and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter of 2023 and 2022 were $4.9 million and $3.2 million, respectively.

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $162.3 million.

Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Results

The Company’s net loss for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $54.7 million, or $(0.33) per share, compared with a net loss of $38.2 million, or $(0.25) per share for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Research and development expenses increased $16.4 million, or 58.8%, to $44.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $27.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. This increase was primarily due to the performance of tasks related to our molgramostim program which includes approximately $6.8 million of costs related to our chemistry, manufacturing, and controls activities, $4.4 million of costs related to our IMPALA-2 trial, including CRO-related activities, $1.6 million of costs related to quality assurance, and $3.6 million due to an increase in personnel and related costs.

General and administrative expenses increased $4.7 million, or 43.4%, to $15.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $10.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Approximately $3.6 million of this was primarily attributable to the addition of key personnel to facilitate the management of our business and $1.1 million was attributable to certain commercial activities.

About Savara

Savara is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on rare respiratory diseases. Our lead program, molgramostim nebulizer solution, is an inhaled granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in Phase 3 development for autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (aPAP). Molgramostim is delivered via an investigational eFlow® Nebulizer System (PARI Pharma GmbH). Our management team has significant experience in rare respiratory diseases and pulmonary medicine, identifying unmet needs, and effectively advancing product candidates to approval and commercialization. More information can be found at www.savarapharma.com. (X, formerly known as Twitter: @SavaraPharma, LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/savara-pharmaceuticals/).

Forward-Looking Statements

Savara cautions you that statements in this press release that are not a description of historical fact are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words referencing future events or circumstances such as “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” and “will,” among others. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to the expected timing of reporting top line data from the IMPALA-2 trial, the anticipated timing of the BLA filing, the number of potential aPAP patients, and our belief the Company is capitalized into 2026. Savara may not actually achieve any of the matters referred to in such forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon Savara’s current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties relating to the impact of widespread health concerns impacting healthcare providers or patients, disruptions or inefficiencies in the supply chain and geopolitical conditions, the outcome of our ongoing and planned clinical trials for our product candidate, the ability to project future cash utilization and reserves needed for contingent future liabilities and business operations, the availability of sufficient resources for Savara’s operations and to conduct or continue planned clinical development programs, the ability to successfully develop our product candidate, the risks associated with the process of developing, obtaining regulatory approval for and commercializing drug candidates such as molgramostim that are safe and effective for use as human therapeutics, and the timing and ability of Savara to raise additional capital as needed to fund continued operations. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. For a detailed description of our risks and uncertainties, you are encouraged to review our documents filed with the SEC including our recent filings on Form 8-K, Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they were made. Savara 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 may be required by law.

Financial Information to Follow

Savara Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
(in thousands, except for share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Twelve months ended

December 31,

 

December 31,

2023

 

2022

 

2023

 

2022

 
Operating expenses:
Research and development

$

12,746

 

$

7,626

 

$

44,262

 

$

27,879

 

General and administrative

 

4,852

 

 

3,242

 

 

15,668

 

 

10,929

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

32

 

 

7

 

 

77

 

 

31

 

Total operating expenses

 

17,630

 

 

10,875

 

 

60,007

 

 

38,839

 

 
Loss from operations

 

(17,630

)

 

(10,875

)

 

(60,007

)

 

(38,839

)

 
Other income (expense), net:

 

1,531

 

 

575

 

 

5,309

 

 

689

 

 
Net loss attributable to common stockholders

$

(16,099

)

$

(10,300

)

$

(54,698

)

$

(38,150

)

 
Net loss per share - basic and diluted

$

(0.09

)

$

(0.07

)

$

(0.33

)

$

(0.25

)

 
Weighted average shares - basic and diluted

 

179,843,515

 

 

152,773,739

 

 

165,204,652

 

 

152,771,817

 

 
Other comprehensive (loss) gain

 

671

 

 

1,002

 

 

334

 

 

(610

)

 
Total comprehensive loss

$

(15,428

)

$

(9,298

)

$

(54,364

)

$

(38,760

)

Savara Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data
(in thousands)
 

December 31,

 

December 31,

2023

 

2022

Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments

$

162,319

$

125,876

 
Working capital

 

155,350

 

123,087

 
Total assets

 

177,564

 

139,777

 
Total liabilities

 

37,192

 

31,999

 
Stockholders’ equity:

 

140,372

 

107,778

 

Savara Inc. IR & PR

Anne Erickson (anne.erickson@savarapharma.com)

(512) 851-1366

Source: Savara Inc.

FAQ

When is Savara Inc. expected to report top-line data from the Phase 3 IMPALA-2 trial?

Savara Inc. is expected to report top-line data from the Phase 3 IMPALA-2 trial by the end of the second quarter of 2024.

What is the purpose of the IMPALA-2 trial?

The IMPALA-2 trial is evaluating molgramostim nebulizer solution for the treatment of autoimmune Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (aPAP), a rare lung disease.

When does Savara Inc. anticipate filing a Biologics License Application (BLA)?

Savara Inc. anticipates filing a Biologics License Application (BLA) in the first half of 2025 pending the outcome of the IMPALA-2 trial.

How much cash and short-term investments does Savara Inc. have?

Savara Inc. has approximately $162 million in cash and short-term investments.

What is the significance of the aPAP ClearPathTM?

The aPAP ClearPathTM is a simple, accurate, no-cost, lab-developed GM-CSF autoantibody blood test launched by Savara Inc. to aid in diagnosing aPAP.

Savara Inc.

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About SVRA

savara pharmaceuticals is an emerging specialty pharmaceutical company developing innovative pulmonary drugs for the treatment of serious and life-threatening conditions. the company’s lead product, aerovanc is the first dry powder inhaled antibiotic for the treatment of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (mrsa) infection in patients with cystic fibrosis (cf). for more information, please see savara’s website at www.savarapharma.com or www.aerovanc.com