LEIDEN, The Netherlands, Nov. 23, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ProQR Therapeutics N.V. (Nasdaq: PRQR ), a company dedicated to changing lives through the creation of transformative RNA medicines for the treatment of severe orphan diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF) and Leber's congenital amaurosis (LCA), today announced results for the third quarter of 2015 and a delay in top-line data readout for the ongoing clinical studies in CF. Data is now expected to be released in mid to late 2016.
“During the third quarter we announced we started our second clinical study of QR-010 (PQ-010-002) in patients with CF and the ∆F508 mutation, that is running in parallel with the Phase 1b (PQ-010-001) study. While patient enrollment is going well in both studies, the ramp up of enrollment is slower than expected. We attribute this to very robust but stringent protocols and the large number of competing studies," said Daniel de Boer, Chief Executive Officer of ProQR. “Our teams have taken a number of steps to accelerate enrollment without compromising on quality. The results from both studies together will give us a strong indication of the potential of QR-010 to make a difference in the lives of patients with CF.”
Financial Highlights
At September 30, 2015, ProQR held cash and cash equivalents of €100.0 million, compared to €106.4 million at June 30, 2015. Net cash used in operating activities during the three month period ended September 30, 2015 was €6.3 million, compared to €4.3 million for the same period last year.
Research and development costs increased to €6.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 from €2.5 million for the same period in 2014 and comprised of costs of clinical trials, allocated employee costs including share-based payments, the costs of materials and laboratory consumables, license and intellectual property costs and other allocated costs. The increase in expenses was due to clinical development of QR-010 for patients with CF due to the ∆F508 mutation; development activities related to QR-110 for LCA due to the p.Cys998X mutation; and increased investment into our RNA based therapeutics pipeline.
General and administrative costs decreased to €1.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 from €2.4 million for the same period in 2014, driven by the costs the Company’s IPO on the Nasdaq Global market in September 2014.
Net result for the three month period ended September 30, 2015 was a €6.3 million loss or €0.27 per share, compared to a €3.4 million loss or €0.43 per share for the same period in 2014. For further financial information for the period ending September 30, 2015, please refer to the financial statements appearing at the end of this release.
Corporate Highlights
- Enrollment has started in study PQ-010-002, a global proof-of-concept nasal potential difference (NPD) study of QR-010. PQ-010-002 is a case-controlled, open label 28-day study to be conducted in approximately 5 specialized centers with planned enrollment of 8 CF patients that are homozygous (carrying two copies) for the DF508 mutation and 8 CF patients that are compound heterozygous (one copy of the ∆F508 plus one other CF disease causing mutation). This second human study in affected patients will evaluate the change in NPD after topical administration of QR-010. QR-010 is a novel investigational RNA therapeutic designed to repair the genetic mutation in the mRNA of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients due to the ∆F508 mutation.
Subsequent events
- The company presented an oral presentation and poster with pre-clinical data on the delivery of QR-010 to the CF diseased lung at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference (NACFC) [October 8-11 in Phoenix, Arizona]. QR-010 was demonstrated to be stable in sputum collected from CF patients. QR-010 easily diffuses through CF-like mucus in vitro and in vivo in a clinically relevant timeframe. Solute percentage in the mucus will slow diffusion slightly but it is not a clinically meaningful difference. QR-010 is absorbed systemically after orotracheal administration in normal and betaENaC mice, a mouse model where the lungs have similar mucus and related findings to humans with CF. Quantitative assays showed no difference between normal and betaENaC mice. QR-010 remained stable in mixing studies with three commonly used CF medications: dornase alfa (Pulmozyme®), fluticasone and salbutamol.
- Update on the Phase 1b (PQ-010-001) and NPD (PQ-010-002) trials: Patient enrollment continues in Europe and North America for QR-010 for patients with CF associated with the ∆F508 mutation. ProQR is now expecting to release top-line data in mid to late 2016. Patient screening and enrollment is going well, however due to stringent inclusion/exclusion criteria and the recent increase of clinical studies competing for the same patient population, the predicted acceleration of enrollment has not occurred. ProQR is actively implementing recruitment strategies.
About QR-010
QR-010 is a first-in-class RNA-based oligonucleotide designed to address the underlying cause of the disease by repairing the mRNA defect encoded by the DF508 mutation in the CFTR gene of CF patients. The DF508 mutation is a deletion of three of the coding base pairs, or nucleotides, in the CFTR gene, which results in the production of a misfolded CFTR protein that does not function normally. QR-010 is designed to bind to the defective CFTR mRNA and guide the insertion of the three missing nucleotides, thus repairing the mRNA and subsequently producing wild-type, or normal CFTR protein. QR-010 is designed to be self-administered through a small, handheld aerosol delivery device, or nebulizer, in the form of a mist inhaled into the lungs. We believe this method could allow maximum exposure of QR-010 to the primary target organ, the lung, as well as significant exposure to other affected organs through systemic absorption into the blood. QR-010 has been granted orphan drug designation in the United States and the European Union. The QR-010 project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 633545.
About ProQR
ProQR Therapeutics is dedicated to changing lives through the creation of transformative RNA medicines for the treatment of severe orphan diseases such as cystic fibrosis and Leber’s congenital amaurosis. Based on our unique proprietary RNA repair platform technologies we are growing our pipeline with patients and loved ones in mind. Since 2012.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, which are often indicated by terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “goal,” “intend,” “look forward to,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information available to management only as of the date of this press release. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding QR-010 and QR-110, statements regarding our ongoing and planned discovery and development of product candidates, statements regarding the expected timing of results from our clinical studies and statements regarding the Horizon 2020 program. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements for many reasons, including, without limitation, risks associated with our clinical development activities, manufacturing processes and facilities, regulatory oversight, product commercialization, intellectual property claims, and the risks, uncertainties and other factors in our filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including certain sections of our annual report filed on Form 20-F. Given these risks, uncertainties and other factors, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.
ProQR Therapeutics N.V.: Sariette Witte Investor Relations T: +1 213 261 8891 ir@proqr.com
PROQR THERAPEUTICS N.V. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
| September 30, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | |||
| € 1,000 | € 1,000 | |||
| Assets | ||||
| Current assets | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 100,012 | 112,736 | ||
| Prepayments and other receivables | 1,788 | 735 | ||
| Social securities and other taxes | 845 | 426 | ||
| Total current assets | 102,645 | 113,897 | ||
| Property, plant and equipment | 1,980 | 1,187 | ||
| Intangible assets | 153 | 163 | ||
| Total assets | 104,778 | 115,247 | ||
| Liabilities and shareholders' equity | ||||
| Current liabilities | ||||
| Finance lease liabilities | 22 | 34 | ||
| Trade payables | 98 | 1,247 | ||
| Social securities and other taxes | 11 | 341 | ||
| Pension premiums | 198 | 127 | ||
| Deferred income | 700 | -- | ||
| Other current liabilities | 3,784 | 1,265 | ||
| Total current liabilities | 4,813 | 3,014 | ||
| Finance lease liabilities | - | 15 | ||
| Borrowings | 4,334 | 2,814 | ||
| Total liabilities | 9,147 | 5,843 | ||
| Shareholders' equity | ||||
| Shareholders' equity | 95,631 | 109,404 | ||
| Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | 104,778 | 115,247 |
PROQR THERAPEUTICS N.V. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and OCI (€ in thousands, except share and per share data)
| Three month period | Nine month period | |||||||||||||||
| ended September 30, | ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
| 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||
| € 1,000 | € 1,000 | € 1,000 | € 1,000 | |||||||||||||
| Other income | 1,191 | -- | 2,277 | 4 | ||||||||||||
| Research and development costs | (6,000 | ) | (2,457 | ) | (16,907 | ) | (6,994 | ) | ||||||||
| General and administrative costs | (1,458 | ) | (2,380 | ) | (4,838 | ) | (4,510 | ) | ||||||||
| Total operating costs | (7,458 | ) | (4,837 | ) | (21,745 | ) | (11,504 | ) | ||||||||
| Operating result | (6,267 | ) | (4,837 | ) | (19,468 | ) | (11,500 | ) | ||||||||
| Finance income and expense | (50 | ) | 1,462 | 4,762 | 1,410 | |||||||||||
| Result before corporate income taxes | (6,317 | ) | (3,375 | ) | (14,706 | ) | (10,090 | ) | ||||||||
| Income taxes | -- | -- | -- | -- | ||||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to equity holders of the Company | (6,317 | ) | (3,375 | ) | (14,706 | ) | (10,090 | ) | ||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | -- | -- | -- | -- | ||||||||||||
| Total comprehensive loss (attributable to equity holders of the Company) | (6,317 | ) | (3,375 | ) | (14,706 | ) | (10,090 | ) | ||||||||
| Share information | ||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average number of shares outstanding 1 | 23,345,170 | 7,916,686 | 23,342,386 | 6,952,792 | ||||||||||||
| Earnings per share attributable to the equity holders of the Company (expressed in Euro per share) | ||||||||||||||||
| Basic loss per share 1 | (0.27 | ) | (0.43 | ) | (0.63 | ) | (1.45 | ) | ||||||||
| Diluted loss per share 1 | (0.27 | ) | (0.43 | ) | (0.63 | ) | (1.45 | ) | ||||||||
- For the periods presented in these financial statements, the potential exercise of share options and the conversion of preferred shares into ordinary shares in 2014 are not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation as the Company was loss-making in all periods. Due to the anti-dilutive nature of the outstanding options, basic and diluted earnings per share are equal.
PROQR THERAPEUTICS N.V. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
| Number of shares | Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Settled | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | Employee | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ordinary | Preferred | Share | Share | Benefit | Accumulated | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital | Premium | Reserve | Deficit | Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| € 1,000 | € 1,000 | € 1,000 | € 1,000 | € 1,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2014 | 6,108,152 | -- | 59 | 3,482 | 41 | (3,671 | ) | (89 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | (10,090 | ) | (10,090 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Recognition of share-based payments | -- | -- | -- | -- | 406 | -- | 406 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued in the period | 9,490,336 | 8,265,179 | 880 | 122,291 | -- | -- | 123,171 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Conversion of preferred shares | 8,265,179 | (8,265,179 | ) | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | ||||||||||||||||||
| Treasury shares issued | (525,513 | ) | -- | (5 | ) | (2,191 | ) | -- | -- | (2,196 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Balance at September 30, 2014 | 23,338,154 | -- | 934 | 123,582 | 447 | (13,761 | ) | 111,202 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2015 | 23,338,154 | -- | 934 | 123,581 | 687 | (15,798 | ) | 109,404 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | (14,706 | ) | (14,706 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Recognition of share-based payments | -- | -- | -- | -- | 919 | -- | 919 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Share options exercised | 7,684 | -- | 0 | 14 | -- | -- | 14 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at September 30, 2015 | 23,345,838 | -- | 934 | 123,595 | 1,606 | (30,504 | ) | 95,631 | ||||||||||||||||||
PROQR THERAPEUTICS N.V. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
| Three month period | Nine month period | |||||||||||||||
| ended September 30, | ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
| 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||
| € 1,000 | € 1,000 | € 1,000 | € 1,000 | |||||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities | ||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | (6,317 | ) | (3,375 | ) | (14,706 | ) | (10,090 | ) | ||||||||
| Adjustments for: | ||||||||||||||||
| — Depreciation | 126 | 26 | 338 | 65 | ||||||||||||
| — Share-based compensation | 300 | 178 | 919 | 406 | ||||||||||||
| — Financial income and expenses | 50 | (1,462 | ) | (4,762 | ) | (1,410 | ) | |||||||||
| Changes in working capital | (527 | ) | 205 | 472 | 1,405 | |||||||||||
| Cash used in operations | (6,368 | ) | (4,428 | ) | (17,739 | ) | (9,624 | ) | ||||||||
| Corporate income tax paid | -- | -- | -- | -- | ||||||||||||
| Interest received/(paid) | 104 | 129 | 281 | 148 | ||||||||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | (6,264 | ) | (4,299 | ) | (17,458 | ) | (9,476 | ) | ||||||||
| Cash flow from investing activities | ||||||||||||||||
| Purchases of property, plant and equipment | (56 | ) | (344 | ) | (1,093 | ) | (594 | ) | ||||||||
| Purchases of intangible assets | -- | -- | (28 | ) | -- | |||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (56 | ) | (344 | ) | (1,121 | ) | (594 | ) | ||||||||
| Cash flow from financing activities | ||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of shares, net of transaction costs | -- | 80,258 | -- | 118,100 | 1 | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from exercise of share options | 8 | -- | 14 | -- | ||||||||||||
| Proceeds from borrowings | -- | 1 | 1,254 | 1,667 | ||||||||||||
| Redemption of financial lease | (7 | ) | (10 | ) | (27 | ) | (27 | ) | ||||||||
| Net cash generated by financing activities | 1 | 80,249 | 1,241 | 119,740 | ||||||||||||
| Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (6,319 | ) | 75,606 | (17,338 | ) | 109,670 | ||||||||||
| Currency effect cash and cash equivalents | (51 | ) | 1,458 | 4,614 | 1,458 | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of the period | 106,382 | 38,193 | 112,736 | 4,129 | ||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period | 100,012 | 115,257 | 100,012 | 115,257 | ||||||||||||
- Net of non-cash conversion of convertible loan.
