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Compass Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CMPX) posts Q1 loss, highlights strong BTC trial data

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(Moderate)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Compass Therapeutics reported first quarter 2026 results and highlighted major progress in its oncology pipeline. Net loss was $18.3 million, or $0.10 per share, compared with $16.6 million, or $0.12 per share, for the same period in 2025. Cash and marketable securities totaled $195 million as of March 31, 2026, which the company expects will fund operations into 2028.

Tovecimig plus paclitaxel in second-line biliary tract cancer achieved an overall response rate of 17.1% versus 5.3% for paclitaxel alone and improved median progression-free survival to 4.7 months versus 2.6 months (HR=0.44, p<0.0001). Tovecimig received Orphan Drug Designation, and the company plans a BLA submission later in 2026. Early signals from CTX-8371 and CTX-10726, along with planned CTX-471 Phase 2 work, underscore a broad bispecific antibody pipeline.

Positive

  • Tovecimig Phase 2/3 success in BTC: Combination therapy delivered a 17.1% overall response rate versus 5.3% for paclitaxel alone and extended median progression-free survival to 4.7 months versus 2.6 months (HR=0.44, p<0.0001), with generally consistent safety.
  • Regulatory momentum and Orphan Drug Designation: Tovecimig received Orphan Drug Designation in April 2026, and the company plans an FDA meeting and BLA submission later in 2026 for second-line biliary tract cancer.
  • Strong liquidity and cash runway: Cash and marketable securities of $195 million as of March 31, 2026, are expected to fund operations into 2028, supporting multiple ongoing and planned clinical programs.

Negative

  • Rising operating expenses and widening loss: Net loss increased to $18.3 million from $16.6 million year over year, with G&A expenses up 41% to $6.9 million, reflecting higher pre-commercialization and stock compensation costs.

Insights

Phase 2/3 BTC data and Orphan status position tovecimig for a planned BLA filing in 2026.

Tovecimig plus paclitaxel showed higher efficacy than paclitaxel alone in second-line biliary tract cancer, with overall response rate of 17.1% versus 5.3% and median progression-free survival of 4.7 months versus 2.6 months (HR=0.44, p<0.0001). Safety was generally consistent with prior studies.

Tovecimig received Orphan Drug Designation in April 2026, and the company intends to meet the FDA ahead of a planned BLA submission later in 2026. Subset and crossover analyses suggest longer overall survival in patients who eventually receive tovecimig, though these are post hoc and confounded by crossover.

Additional work includes an ongoing investigator-sponsored trial in first-line BTC and exploration of other indications. Outcomes of the planned FDA interactions and the eventual BLA review will be key determinants of whether tovecimig can become a treatment option in second-line BTC.

Cash of $195M supports a growing pipeline but rising G&A reflects pre-commercial investment.

For the quarter ended March 31, 2026, net loss was $18.3 million versus $16.6 million a year earlier, or $0.10 versus $0.12 per share. R&D expenses were broadly stable at $13.4 million, up 3%, while G&A rose to $6.9 million, a 41% increase driven by $1.0 million of pre-commercialization costs and higher stock compensation.

Cash and marketable securities of $195 million as of March 31, 2026 compare with $209 million at year-end, implying a quarterly net decrease of $14 million. The company notes this balance is expected to fund operations into 2028, supported by operating cash usage of $18 million partially offset by $4 million from option exercises.

The investment case now links this cash runway to upcoming milestones: the planned tovecimig BLA filing later in 2026, ASCO 2026 data for CTX-8371, initial CTX-10726 Phase 1 readouts in Q4 2026, and CTX-471 Phase 2 initiation in the second half of 2026.

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Net loss $18.3 million Quarter ended March 31, 2026, vs $16.6 million in 2025
Net loss per share $0.10 per share Basic and diluted, Q1 2026, vs $0.12 in Q1 2025
Cash and marketable securities $195 million As of March 31, 2026; expected to fund operations into 2028
R&D expenses $13.4 million Quarter ended March 31, 2026; up 3% year over year
G&A expenses $6.9 million Quarter ended March 31, 2026; up 41% year over year
Tovecimig ORR 17.1% Overall response rate in BTC tovecimig combination arm (n=111) vs 5.3% control
Tovecimig PFS 4.7 vs 2.6 months Median progression-free survival, tovecimig combo vs paclitaxel alone (HR=0.44, p<0.0001)
Pooled tovecimig OS 9.8 vs 6.1 months Median OS for all tovecimig-treated BTC patients vs non-crossover paclitaxel-only subgroup
Orphan Drug Designation regulatory
"Tovecimig received Orphan Drug Designation in April and the Company intends to meet with the FDA"
Orphan drug designation is a special status given to medicines developed to treat rare diseases affecting only a small number of people. This status often provides benefits like faster approval processes and financial incentives, making it more attractive for companies to develop these drugs. For investors, it signals potential for exclusive market rights and reduced competition, which can impact the drug’s profitability.
progression-free survival medical
"demonstrated a highly statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) versus paclitaxel alone"
Progression-free survival is the length of time during and after a treatment that a patient's disease does not get worse, measured from the start of treatment until the disease shows measurable signs of progression or the patient dies. Investors care because longer progression-free survival in clinical trials often signals that a drug is effective, improving chances of regulatory approval, market adoption, and revenue potential—think of it as a stopwatch showing how long a therapy can keep the illness at bay.
overall response rate medical
"tovecimig previously met the primary endpoint of overall response rate (ORR)"
Overall response rate is the percentage of patients in a clinical study whose measurable disease shrinks or disappears after receiving a treatment. Investors watch it like a product’s “hit rate” because higher response rates can signal a drug’s effectiveness, boost chances of regulatory approval and market demand, and affect a company’s future revenue prospects, similar to how a higher batting average suggests a more reliable player.
bispecific antibody medical
"tovecimig (DLL4 x VEGF-A bispecific antibody) in combination with paclitaxel"
A bispecific antibody is a specially designed protein that can attach to two different targets at the same time. Think of it as a custom-made connector that brings two things together—such as a disease cell and an immune system component—helping the body fight illnesses more effectively. For investors, understanding bispecific antibodies is important because they represent innovative therapies that could lead to new treatments and potentially lucrative market opportunities.
Biologics License Application (BLA) regulatory
"the Company intends to meet with the FDA in advance of its planned BLA submission later this year"
A biologics license application (BLA) is a formal request to a government agency seeking approval to sell a biological medicine, such as vaccines or gene therapies, in the market. It is similar to a detailed report that proves the product is safe, effective, and manufactured properly. For investors, a BLA signifies a critical step toward commercial availability, often impacting a company's valuation and market prospects.
phase 1 dose-escalation study medical
"The Phase 1 dose-escalation study of CTX-8371 (PD-1 x PD-L1 bispecific antibody)"
Net loss $18.3 million vs $16.6 million in Q1 2025
Net loss per share $0.10 vs $0.12 in Q1 2025
R&D expenses $13.4 million +3% vs $13.1 million in Q1 2025
G&A expenses $6.9 million +41% vs $4.9 million in Q1 2025
Cash and marketable securities $195 million $209 million as of December 31, 2025; runway into 2028
Guidance

Cash and marketable securities of $195 million as of March 31, 2026 are expected to fund operations into 2028.

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

_________________

FORM 8-K

_________________

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  May 5, 2026

_______________________________

Compass Therapeutics, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

_______________________________

Delaware001-3969682-4876496
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)(Commission File Number)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

80 Guest Street, Suite 601

Boston, Massachusetts 02135

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

(617) 500-8099

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

_______________________________

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per shareCMPXNASDAQ Capital Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 
 
Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

 

On May 5, 2026, Compass Therapeutics, Inc. issued a press release announcing financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit No. Exhibit
   
99.1 Press Release dated May 5, 2026 (furnished pursuant to Item 2.02)
104 The cover page from this Current Report on Form 8-K formatted in Inline XBRL (included as Exhibit 101)

 

 
 

 

SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

 Compass Therapeutics, Inc.
   
  
Date: May 5, 2026By: /s/ Neil Lerner        
  Neil Lerner
  Chief Accounting Officer
  

 

EXHIBIT 99.1

Compass Therapeutics Reports 2026 First Quarter Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update

  • As recently announced, tovecimig (DLL4 x VEGF-A bispecific antibody) in combination with paclitaxel demonstrated a highly statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) versus paclitaxel alone as well as clear signals of a survival benefit in a Phase 2/3 study of patients with biliary tract cancer (BTC); tovecimig previously met the primary endpoint of overall response rate (ORR). 
  • Tovecimig received Orphan Drug Designation in April and the Company intends to meet with the FDA in advance of its planned BLA submission later this year.
  • The Phase 1 dose-escalation study of CTX-8371 (PD-1 x PD-L1 bispecific antibody) has been selected for a poster presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2026 Annual Meeting, highlighting three deep responses (TNBC, NSCLC, HL) in patients treated in the post-checkpoint inhibitor setting; cohort expansions in these indications have been initiated.
  • The Phase 1 study for CTX-10726 (PD-1 x VEGF-A bispecific antibody) has also been initiated in the post-checkpoint inhibitor setting, with initial data expected [Q4 2026].
  • $195 million in cash and marketable securities at Q1 2026, which is expected to fund operations into 2028.

BOSTON, May 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Compass Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: CMPX), a clinical-stage, oncology-focused biopharmaceutical company developing proprietary antibody-based therapeutics to treat multiple human diseases, today reported first quarter 2026 financial results and provided a business update.

“We recently announced positive data from our Phase 2/3 study of tovecimig and look forward to meeting with the FDA before filing a BLA later this year. Most patients with BTC have no approved therapeutic option in the second line setting. Tovecimig, with its strong response rate, striking progression benefit and impact on overall survival would be a compelling treatment alternative for these patients,” said Thomas Schuetz, MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors.”

“In the post-checkpoint inhibitor setting where treatment alternatives are also critically needed, we have ongoing studies with very two promising candidates. Our novel PD-1 x PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor CTX-8371 continues to demonstrate strong and durable clinical activity and we look forward to presenting dose-escalation and early expansion cohort data at ASCO. CTX-10726, our differentiated PD-1 x VEGF-A bispecific antibody, is also in a Phase 1 study and we expect to share initial data later this year.”

Pipeline Updates:

Tovecimig (DLL4 and VEGF-A bispecific antibody)

In April 2026, the Company announced data from its Phase 2/3 study of tovecimig, which it plans to include in a BLA submission, to treat patients with biliary tract cancer in the second line setting:

  • Overall Response Rate (primary endpoint): 17.1% for tovecimig combination (n=111), including one complete response, compared to 5.3% for paclitaxel alone (n=57)(p=0.031).
  • Progression-Free Survival (secondary endpoint): 4.7 months for tovecimig combination compared to 2.6 months for paclitaxel alone (HR=0.44, p<0.0001).
  • Overall Survival (secondary endpoint): Analysis was confounded by high crossover from the control arm (n=31) and markedly prolonged survival of these crossover patients after receiving tovecimig. The OS of the patients randomized to the tovecimig combination arm (n=111), which does not include the OS of these crossover patients later treated with tovecimig, was a median of 8.9 months.
  • PFS Before / After Crossover (secondary endpoint): Patients treated with tovecimig after crossing from the control arm progressed after a median 3.5 months (PFS2) in the third line setting. These same 31 patients, when initially randomized to paclitaxel alone (PFS1), had progressed more quickly, with a median of 1.9 months in the second line setting (HR=0.36, p=0.0016).
  • OS Crossover vs. Non-Crossover (post hoc subset analysis): In an analysis of OS in all patients initially randomized to the paclitaxel control arm (n=57), crossover patients who subsequently received tovecimig demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in median OS of 12.8 months compared to 6.1 months for non-crossover patients who received only paclitaxel (n=26)(HR=0.54, p=0.04).
  • Pooled OS of All Patients Treated with Tovecimig (post hoc subset analysis): For all patients treated with tovecimig, including both crossover patients and patients initially randomized to the tovecimig combination arm (n=142), the pooled median OS was 9.8 months. The median OS for patients randomized to the paclitaxel alone who did not crossover (n=26) was 6.1 months.
  • Safety: Tovecimig was generally well tolerated and the safety profile was consistent with prior studies, with no new safety signals identified.

The investigator sponsored trial (IST) of tovecimig in combination with the current first-line, standard-of-care regimen of gemcitabine, cisplatin, and durvalumab in patients with BTC (NCT05506943) is ongoing. The Company is evaluating multiple additional studies for tovecimig in other indications, including both ISTs and Company-sponsored studies.

CTX-8371 (PD-1 x PD-L1 bispecific antibody)

  • Cohort expansions for CTX-8371 have been initiated in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC, n=28), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC, n=28), and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL, n=12) in the post-checkpoint inhibitor setting. These indications were selected based on the deep and durable responses observed in these indications in the dose escalation portion of the study. Half of the patients with each tumor type will be dosed at 3.0 mg/kg and half will be dosed at 10.0 mg/kg.
  • Initial data from these cohort expansions, as well as available data from the Phase 1 dose-escalation portion of the study, will be presented at ASCO 2026. Additional data from the cohort expansions are expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. 

CTX-10726 (PD-1 x VEGF-A bispecific antibody)

  • The Phase 1 study has been initiated with clinical data expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.
  • The Phase 1 multiple ascending dose-escalation study will include four doses (0.3, 1.0, 3.0, and 10.0 mg/kg) in a 3+3 dose-escalation design. The multi-center study will enroll patients with a prioritized set of solid tumor indications, including patients with locally advanced, unresectable or metastatic renal cell carcinoma, gastroesophageal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and endometrial cancer, in whom standard of care therapies have failed.
  • CTX-10726 is a tetravalent PD-1 x VEGF-A bispecific antibody discovered and engineered by the Company. CTX-10726 exhibits more potent PD-1 blockade compared with data reported for other drugs in the class and the Company believes it has a unique understanding of aspects of its mechanism of action that will guide development.

CTX-471 (CD137 or 4-1BB agonist antibody)

  • Initiation of the Phase 2 trial of CTX-471 in patients with tumors expressing NCAM (CD56) is expected in the second half of 2026.

Financial Results

Net loss for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, was $18.3 million or $0.10 per common share, compared to $16.6 million or $0.12 per common share for the same period in 2025.

Research and Development (R&D) Expenses

R&D expenses were $13.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, as compared to $13.1 million for the same period in 2025, an increase of $0.3 million or 3%.

General and Administrative (G&A) Expenses

G&A expenses were $6.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, as compared to $4.9 million for the same period in 2025, an increase of $2.0 million or 41%. The increase was primarily driven by pre-commercialization expenses of $1.0 million and higher stock compensation (excluding stock compensation related to pre-commercialization) of $1.4 million.

Cash Position

As of March 31, 2026, cash and marketable securities were $195 million as compared to $209 million as of December 31, 2025, a decrease of $14 million, with an anticipated cash runway into 2028. During the first quarter of 2026, $18 million of net cash was used in operating activities, and this was partially offset by proceeds from exercise of common stock of $4 million.

About Compass Therapeutics
Compass Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage oncology-focused biopharmaceutical company developing proprietary antibody-based therapeutics to treat multiple human diseases. The company’s scientific focus is on the relationship between angiogenesis, the immune system, and tumor growth. Compass has built a robust pipeline of novel product candidates designed to target multiple critical biological pathways required for an effective anti-tumor response. These pathways include modulation of the microvasculature via angiogenesis-targeted agents, induction of a potent immune response via activators on effector cells in the tumor microenvironment, and alleviation of immunosuppressive mechanisms used by tumors to evade immune surveillance. The company plans to advance its product candidates through clinical development as both standalone therapies and in combination with proprietary pipeline antibodies based on supportive clinical and nonclinical data. The Company was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. For more information, visit the Compass Therapeutics website at https://www.compasstherapeutics.com

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. Statements in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, references to Compass’s financial position to continue advancing its product candidates, expectations about cash runway, business and development plans, and statements regarding Compass’s product candidates, including their development and clinical trial milestones such as the expected trial design, timing of enrollment, patient dosing and data readouts, regulatory plans with respect to Compass’s product candidates and the therapeutic potential thereof. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, Compass’s ability to raise the additional funding it will need to continue to pursue its business and product development plans, the inherent uncertainties associated with developing product candidates and operating as a development stage company, Compass’s ability to identify additional product candidates for development, Compass’s ability to develop, complete clinical trials for, obtain approvals for and commercialize any of its product candidates, competition in the industry in which Compass operates and market conditions. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and Compass assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factor disclosure set forth in the reports and other documents Compass files with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at www.sec.gov, including without limitation Compass’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and subsequent filings with the SEC.

Investor Contact
ir@compasstherapeutics.com
Media Contact
Anna Gifford, Chief of Staff
media@compasstherapeutics.com
617-500-8099


 
Compass Therapeutics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statement of Operations (unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)
     
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
   2026   2025 
  (unaudited)
Operating expenses:    
Research and development $13,390  $13,054 
General and administrative  6,909   4,912 
Loss from operations  (20,299)  (17,966)
Interest income  1,982   1,333 
Net loss $(18,317) $(16,633)
Net loss per share - basic and diluted $(0.10) $(0.12)
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding  186,400   138,236 
     


Compass Therapeutics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except par value)
       
  March 31,
2026
 December 31,
2025
  (unaudited)    
Assets      
Current assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents $55,168  $30,643 
Marketable securities  139,519   178,263 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  1,000   913 
Total current assets  195,687   209,819 
Property and equipment, net  169   102 
Operating lease, right-of-use ("ROU") asset  8,746   9,099 
Other assets  568   568 
Total assets $205,170  $219,588 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity      
Current liabilities:      
Accounts payable $906  $1,585 
Accrued expenses  8,000   11,383 
Operating lease obligations, current portion  1,373   1,000 
Total current liabilities  10,279   13,968 
Operating lease obligations, long-term portion  8,418   8,829 
Total liabilities  18,697   22,797 
Total stockholders' equity  186,473   196,791 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $205,170  $219,588 

FAQ

What were Compass Therapeutics (CMPX) key financial results for Q1 2026?

Compass Therapeutics reported a net loss of $18.3 million, or $0.10 per share, for Q1 2026. This compares with a net loss of $16.6 million, or $0.12 per share, for the same quarter in 2025, reflecting higher operating expenses.

How much cash does Compass Therapeutics (CMPX) have and what is the runway?

As of March 31, 2026, Compass held $195 million in cash and marketable securities. Management states this balance is expected to fund operations into 2028, after using $18 million in operating cash in Q1 2026 and receiving $4 million from option exercises.

What did the tovecimig Phase 2/3 trial show for biliary tract cancer at Compass Therapeutics (CMPX)?

Tovecimig plus paclitaxel achieved a 17.1% overall response rate versus 5.3% for paclitaxel alone and improved median progression-free survival to 4.7 months versus 2.6 months. Safety was generally consistent with prior studies, supporting a planned BLA submission in 2026.

What regulatory progress has Compass Therapeutics (CMPX) made with tovecimig?

Tovecimig received Orphan Drug Designation in April 2026 for biliary tract cancer. The company intends to meet with the FDA in advance of a planned Biologics License Application (BLA) submission later in 2026, based on its Phase 2/3 data package.

What are the next milestones for CTX-8371 and CTX-10726 at Compass Therapeutics (CMPX)?

For CTX-8371, dose-escalation and early expansion data will be presented at ASCO 2026, with additional cohort expansion results expected in Q4 2026. CTX-10726 Phase 1 has been initiated, with initial data also anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

5 documents