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Weekly UpdatesAvigen, Inc. (Nasdaq:AVGN), Alameda, Calif. a biopharmaceutical company innovating therapeutics for neurological care, has reported financial results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2008. At September 30, 2008, Avigen had approximately $56 million in financial assets, including cash, cash equivalents, and available-for-sale securities and restricted investments, compared with approximately $78 million at December 31, 2007.
"Last week, we reported the top-line data from our AV650 trial for the treatment of spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis did not meet its primary endpoint," stated Kenneth Chahine, Ph.D., J.D., Avigen's president and Chief Executive Officer. "We are very disappointed in the result but have a high degree of confidence in the trial design and quality of the data. While we still have a significant amount of data to review, we will discontinue all AV650-related activities and re-focus our efforts on the clinical development of our AV411 program.
"AV411 is a novel glial activation inhibitor with promise in a number of indications, including as a non-opiate treatment for opioid dependence and withdrawal, as well as neuropathic pain. We recently initiated an exploratory study of AV411 for the treatment of opioid withdrawal symptoms, which is largely funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and will be run jointly at the New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University. We also intend to initiate a definitive Phase 2b study to assess the potential of AV411 in neuropathic pain in early 2009."
AVIGEN HIGHLIGHTS
* Announced AV650 did not meet the primary endpoint in the Phase 2b Clinical trial for spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis (as reported October 21, 2008) * Initiated AV411 opioid withdrawal trial in partnership with NIDA, Columbia University and the New York State Psychiatric Institute (as reported October 15, 2008) * Hosted Research Day whereby management and key opinion leaders reviewed the company's product pipeline and development strategy (webcast archived at www.avigen.com)
Financial Results
Avigen reported a net loss of $9.4 million, or $0.32 per share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, compared to a net loss of $6.8 million, or $0.23 per share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2007. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, Avigen reported a net loss of $24.2 million, or $0.81 per share, and $18.4 million, or $0.67 per share, respectively.
Avigen maintains a portfolio of marketable securities with very conservative investment objectives that focus on preservation of principal, liquidity, and maximum total return. As of September 30, 2008, this portfolio primarily included federal agency obligations, high-quality, short-term asset-backed securities, money market-eligible securities, and approximately twelve percent in corporate debt securities. Avigen does not invest in auction rate securities. As of September 30, 2008, the portfolio carried an unrealized loss of approximately $112,000, or less than one-half of one percent.
Third Quarter Results
Research and development expenses for the quarters ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 were $5.7 million and $6.0 million, respectively. Research and development expenses in the third quarter of 2008 included approximately $2.8 million in external costs associated with our clinical trials, primarily related to the two Phase 2 trials for AV650, and $1.1 million in external costs for ongoing preclinical activities across all our programs.
General and administrative expenses for the quarters ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 were $1.8 million and $2.0 million, respectively, and were in line with management's focus on controlling overhead costs and directing more resources toward research and development activities.
In-license fees during the quarter ended September 30, 2008 represented $2.5 million paid under the terms of an expanded development agreement between Avigen and Sanochemia Pharmazeutika AG in connection with the completion of a development-based milestone for the development of a proprietary, purer form of AV650.
Net interest income and other expenses were $526,000 and $961,000 for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. This decrease primarily reflects the decrease in outstanding interest-bearing cash and securities balances and the general decline in market interest rates that have led to a lower average yield earned on the portfolio in the 2008 period.
Nine-Month Results
Research and development expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 were $17.8 million and $15.1 million, respectively. During the first nine months of 2008, research and development expenses included approximately $8.1 million in external costs associated with our clinical trials and approximately $3.4 million in external costs associated with ongoing preclinical activities.
General and administrative expenses for both nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 were $6.4 million.
In-license fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were $2.5 million. There were no in-license fees for the same period in 2007.
Net interest income and other expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 were $2.0 million and $2.6 million, respectively.
Avigen's operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 are in line with management's expectations. Subsequent to the end of the third quarter, in connection with the negative results reported for the AV650 Phase 2b clinical trial for spasticity, management announced it will discontinue all AV650-related activities, which will significantly decrease the company's quarterly cash burn from its current level. Management expects to end 2008 with approximately $50 million in financial assets and believes these resources will be able to fund its future operating expenses for approximately two years, as the company shifts its development efforts toward its AV411 program and other in-licensing opportunities.
About Avigen
Avigen is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing small molecule therapeutics to treat serious neurological disorders, including neuropathic pain and opioid addiction and withdrawal. Avigen's strategy is to complete the requirements of clinical development for each of the candidates in its product pipeline, and continue to look for opportunities to expand its pipeline through a combination of internal research, acquisitions, and in-licensing, with the goal of becoming a fully integrated commercial biopharmaceutical company that remains committed to its neurology products. Avigen is currently developing AV411, a novel glial attenuator, with potential utility for neuropathic pain, as well as opioid withdrawal and addiction. Additionally, the company is advancing AV513, a novel therapy for the treatment of multiple bleeding disorders, including hemophilia A and B, toward clinical trials.
For more information, visit http://www.avigen.com or call 510/748-7372.
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