Press Releases Events & Presentations Press Release Assembly Biosciences Reports Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results and Business Update November 5, 2020 at 4:02 PM EST PDF Version SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Nov. 05, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Assembly Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: ASMB), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative therapeutics targeting hepatitis B virus (HBV) and diseases associated with the microbiome, today reported financial results and a business update for the third quarter ended September 30, 2020. “We continue to make progress to develop our pipeline of core inhibitor candidates for the treatment of patients with HBV,” said John McHutchison, AO, MD, Chief Executive Officer and President of Assembly Biosciences. “We have made great strides toward initiating the vebicorvir Phase 3 registrational program, as well as advancing ABI-H2158 and ABI-H3733, our more potent, next-generation core inhibitor compounds, in the clinic.” Recent Updates HBV Portfolio Vebicorvir (VBR or ABI-H0731): Assembly Bio’s lead core inhibitor candidate HBV field’s first core inhibitor combination study (Study 211) to assess off-treatment response did not achieve a meaningful rate of sustained virologic response (SVR) as 39 of 41 patients have relapsed. Assembly Bio to host webcast and conference call today at 5:00 p.m. ET. The live audio webcast may be accessed through the “Events & Presentations” page in the “Investors” section of Assembly Bio’s website at https://investor.assemblybio.com/events-presentations.For more information, see the data press release “Assembly Bio Provides Update on the Ongoing Phase 2 Extension Study of Vebicorvir in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection” issued today, available on Assembly Bio’s website. Reached agreement with the Chinese regulatory body, National Medical Products Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation, and advanced discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on a Phase 3 registrational program for VBR as a chronic suppressive therapy (CST) for HBV infection.Entered into a license and collaboration agreement with BeiGene, Ltd. for Assembly Bio’s portfolio of three clinical-stage core inhibitors (VBR, ABI-H2158, ABI-H3733) in the China territory, including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.Entered into a clinical trial collaboration agreement with Arbutus Biopharma Corporation to evaluate the triple combination of VBR, RNAi therapeutic AB-729 and standard-of-care NrtI therapy in patients with chronic HBV infection.Presented clinical data for Assembly Bio’s HBV core inhibitors in an oral presentation and three posters at EASL 2020 The Digital International Liver Congress™. ABI-H2158 (2158): Assembly Bio’s second core inhibitor candidate Continued to enroll patients in the ongoing multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial to evaluate 2158 with entecavir versus placebo with entecavir in treatment naïve patients with HBeAg positive chronic HBV infection. ABI-H3733 (3733): Assembly Bio’s third core inhibitor candidate Continued the ongoing Phase 1 trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics following single ascending dose and multiple ascending dose administrations in healthy subjects. Corporate Highlights Appointed Gina Consylman to the Board of Directors and Audit Committee in October 2020. Anticipated Milestones and Events HBV Portfolio Four abstracts, including two late-breaking submissions, will be presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Liver Diseases (AASLD), The Liver Meeting® Digital Experience (TLMdX) being hosted virtually November 13-16, 2020.Vebicorvir Phase 3 registrational studies for CST expected to initiate in H1 2021 in collaboration with BeiGene.Phase 2 triple combination study with Arbutus Biopharma expected to initiate in H1 2021.Phase 2 triple combination study evaluating the addition of interferon to VBR and NrtI expected to initiate in H1 2021.Interim data from Phase 2 intensification study in partially virologically suppressed patients anticipated in 2021. 2158 Interim data from Phase 2 study anticipated in 2021. Upcoming Conference Jefferies Virtual London Healthcare Conference: November 17-19, 2020. Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $237.9 million as of September 30, 2020, compared to $226.7 million as of June 30, 2020. This increase is due to the $40.0 million upfront payment received in July 2020 as part of the collaboration agreement with BeiGene offset by cash used in operations. Assembly Bio’s cash position is projected to fund operations into the second half of 2022.Revenues from collaborative research were $34.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to $4.2 million for the same period in 2019. This includes the recognition of $31.0 million under the collaboration agreement with BeiGene as well as reimbursements incurred under the collaboration agreement with AbbVie Inc. (Allergan Pharmaceuticals International Limited prior to AbbVie’s acquisition of Allergan).Research and development expenses were $26.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to $21.7 million for the same period in 2019. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $4.0 million in research and development expenses related to the HBV program. Research and development expenses include non-cash stock-based compensation expenses of $2.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and $2.5 million for the same period in 2019.General and administrative expenses were $11.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to $8.5 million for the same period in 2019. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $2.7 million in professional fees associated with entering into the BeiGene agreement. General and administrative expenses include non-cash stock-based compensation expenses of $3.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and $2.9 million for the same period in 2019.Net loss attributable to common stockholders was $3.3 million, or $0.09 per basic and diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to $25.0 million, or $0.96 per basic and diluted share, for the same period in 2019. About Assembly BiosciencesAssembly Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative therapeutics targeting hepatitis B virus (HBV) and diseases associated with the microbiome. The HBV program is focused on advancing a new class of potent, oral core inhibitors that have the potential to increase cure rates for chronically infected patients. The microbiome program is developing novel oral live microbial biotherapeutic candidates with Assembly Bio’s fully integrated platform, including a robust process for strain identification and selection, GMP manufacturing expertise and targeted delivery to the lower gastrointestinal tract with the GEMICEL® technology. For more information, visit assemblybio.com. Forward-Looking Statements The information in this press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to materially differ. These risks and uncertainties include: Assembly Bio’s ability to initiate and complete clinical trials involving its HBV Cure and Microbiome therapeutic product candidates in the currently anticipated timeframes; safety and efficacy data from clinical studies may not warrant further development of Assembly Bio’s product candidates; clinical and nonclinical data presented at conferences may not differentiate Assembly Bio’s product candidates from other companies’ candidates; Assembly Bio may not observe sustained virologic response in patients who stop therapy in Study 211; the timing and ability to implement strategic alternatives with respect to Assembly Bio’s Microbiome program; Assembly Bio’s ability to maintain financial resources necessary to continue its clinical trials and fund business operations; any impact that the spread of the coronavirus and resulting COVID-19 pandemic may have on Assembly Bio’s business and operations, including initiation and continuation of its clinical trials or timing of discussions with regulatory authorities; and other risks identified from time to time in Assembly Bio’s reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). You are urged to consider statements that include the words may, will, would, could, should, might, believes, hopes, estimates, projects, potential, expects, plans, anticipates, intends, continues, forecast, designed, goal or the negative of those words or other comparable words to be uncertain and forward-looking. Assembly Bio intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. More information about Assembly Bio’s risks and uncertainties are more fully detailed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Assembly Bio's filings with the SEC, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Except as required by law, Assembly Bio assumes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. ContactsInvestor and Corporate:Lauren GlaserSenior Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Affairs(415) 521-3828lglaser@assemblybio.com Media:Sam Brown Inc. Audra Friis (917) 519-9577 ASMBMedia@sambrown.com ASSEMBLY BIOSCIENCES, INC.CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS(In thousands except for share amounts and par value) September 30, December 31, 2020 2019 (Unaudited) ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents$58,311 $46,732 Marketable securities 179,630 227,311 Accounts receivable from collaboration 3,590 3,374 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4,856 5,363 Total current assets 246,387 282,780 Property and equipment, net 1,904 1,830 Operating lease right-of-use (ROU) assets 10,397 11,975 Other assets 5,980 1,684 Indefinite-lived intangible asset 29,000 29,000 Goodwill 12,638 12,638 Total assets$ 306,306 $ 339,907 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities Accounts payable$1,611 $1,731 Accrued clinical expenses 4,451 4,826 Other accrued expenses 7,404 8,286 Deferred revenue - short-term — 6,411 Operating lease liabilities - short-term 3,338 3,186 Total current liabilities 16,804 24,440 Deferred tax liabilities 2,531 2,531 Deferred revenue - long-term 8,987 30,637 Operating lease liabilities - long-term 7,435 9,082 Total liabilities 35,757 66,690 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' equity Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding — — Common stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019; 32,924,536 and 32,558,307 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively 33 32 Additional paid-in capital 732,829 712,807 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (158) (201)Accumulated deficit (462,155) (439,421)Total stockholders' equity 270,549 273,217 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$ 306,306 $ 339,907 ASSEMBLY BIOSCIENCES, INC.CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)(In thousands except for share and per share amounts)(Unaudited) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019Collaboration revenue$34,611 $4,231 $78,068 $11,197 Operating expenses: Research and development 26,941 21,736 73,314 63,141 General and administrative 11,689 8,488 29,888 22,085 Total operating expenses 38,630 30,224 103,202 85,226 Loss from operations (4,019) (25,993) (25,134) (74,029) Other income Interest and other income, net 670 983 2,400 3,446 Total other income 670 983 2,400 3,446 Loss before income taxes (3,349) (25,010) (22,734) (70,583) Income tax benefit — 15 — 33 Net loss$ (3,349) $ (24,995) $ (22,734) $ (70,550) Other comprehensive (loss) income Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities, net of tax (262) (18) 43 142 Comprehensive loss$ (3,611) $ (25,013) $ (22,691) $ (70,408) Net loss per share, basic and diluted$(0.09) $(0.96) $(0.64) $(2.74)Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted 35,506,042 25,912,568 35,321,393 25,765,414 Shareholder Tools Print Email Alerts RSS News Feeds Search Investors
Assembly Biosciences Reports Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results and Business Update November 5, 2020 at 4:02 PM EST PDF Version SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Nov. 05, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Assembly Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: ASMB), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative therapeutics targeting hepatitis B virus (HBV) and diseases associated with the microbiome, today reported financial results and a business update for the third quarter ended September 30, 2020. “We continue to make progress to develop our pipeline of core inhibitor candidates for the treatment of patients with HBV,” said John McHutchison, AO, MD, Chief Executive Officer and President of Assembly Biosciences. “We have made great strides toward initiating the vebicorvir Phase 3 registrational program, as well as advancing ABI-H2158 and ABI-H3733, our more potent, next-generation core inhibitor compounds, in the clinic.” Recent Updates HBV Portfolio Vebicorvir (VBR or ABI-H0731): Assembly Bio’s lead core inhibitor candidate HBV field’s first core inhibitor combination study (Study 211) to assess off-treatment response did not achieve a meaningful rate of sustained virologic response (SVR) as 39 of 41 patients have relapsed. Assembly Bio to host webcast and conference call today at 5:00 p.m. ET. The live audio webcast may be accessed through the “Events & Presentations” page in the “Investors” section of Assembly Bio’s website at https://investor.assemblybio.com/events-presentations.For more information, see the data press release “Assembly Bio Provides Update on the Ongoing Phase 2 Extension Study of Vebicorvir in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection” issued today, available on Assembly Bio’s website. Reached agreement with the Chinese regulatory body, National Medical Products Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation, and advanced discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on a Phase 3 registrational program for VBR as a chronic suppressive therapy (CST) for HBV infection.Entered into a license and collaboration agreement with BeiGene, Ltd. for Assembly Bio’s portfolio of three clinical-stage core inhibitors (VBR, ABI-H2158, ABI-H3733) in the China territory, including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.Entered into a clinical trial collaboration agreement with Arbutus Biopharma Corporation to evaluate the triple combination of VBR, RNAi therapeutic AB-729 and standard-of-care NrtI therapy in patients with chronic HBV infection.Presented clinical data for Assembly Bio’s HBV core inhibitors in an oral presentation and three posters at EASL 2020 The Digital International Liver Congress™. ABI-H2158 (2158): Assembly Bio’s second core inhibitor candidate Continued to enroll patients in the ongoing multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial to evaluate 2158 with entecavir versus placebo with entecavir in treatment naïve patients with HBeAg positive chronic HBV infection. ABI-H3733 (3733): Assembly Bio’s third core inhibitor candidate Continued the ongoing Phase 1 trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics following single ascending dose and multiple ascending dose administrations in healthy subjects. Corporate Highlights Appointed Gina Consylman to the Board of Directors and Audit Committee in October 2020. Anticipated Milestones and Events HBV Portfolio Four abstracts, including two late-breaking submissions, will be presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Liver Diseases (AASLD), The Liver Meeting® Digital Experience (TLMdX) being hosted virtually November 13-16, 2020.Vebicorvir Phase 3 registrational studies for CST expected to initiate in H1 2021 in collaboration with BeiGene.Phase 2 triple combination study with Arbutus Biopharma expected to initiate in H1 2021.Phase 2 triple combination study evaluating the addition of interferon to VBR and NrtI expected to initiate in H1 2021.Interim data from Phase 2 intensification study in partially virologically suppressed patients anticipated in 2021. 2158 Interim data from Phase 2 study anticipated in 2021. Upcoming Conference Jefferies Virtual London Healthcare Conference: November 17-19, 2020. Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $237.9 million as of September 30, 2020, compared to $226.7 million as of June 30, 2020. This increase is due to the $40.0 million upfront payment received in July 2020 as part of the collaboration agreement with BeiGene offset by cash used in operations. Assembly Bio’s cash position is projected to fund operations into the second half of 2022.Revenues from collaborative research were $34.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to $4.2 million for the same period in 2019. This includes the recognition of $31.0 million under the collaboration agreement with BeiGene as well as reimbursements incurred under the collaboration agreement with AbbVie Inc. (Allergan Pharmaceuticals International Limited prior to AbbVie’s acquisition of Allergan).Research and development expenses were $26.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to $21.7 million for the same period in 2019. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $4.0 million in research and development expenses related to the HBV program. Research and development expenses include non-cash stock-based compensation expenses of $2.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and $2.5 million for the same period in 2019.General and administrative expenses were $11.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to $8.5 million for the same period in 2019. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $2.7 million in professional fees associated with entering into the BeiGene agreement. General and administrative expenses include non-cash stock-based compensation expenses of $3.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and $2.9 million for the same period in 2019.Net loss attributable to common stockholders was $3.3 million, or $0.09 per basic and diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to $25.0 million, or $0.96 per basic and diluted share, for the same period in 2019. About Assembly BiosciencesAssembly Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative therapeutics targeting hepatitis B virus (HBV) and diseases associated with the microbiome. The HBV program is focused on advancing a new class of potent, oral core inhibitors that have the potential to increase cure rates for chronically infected patients. The microbiome program is developing novel oral live microbial biotherapeutic candidates with Assembly Bio’s fully integrated platform, including a robust process for strain identification and selection, GMP manufacturing expertise and targeted delivery to the lower gastrointestinal tract with the GEMICEL® technology. For more information, visit assemblybio.com. Forward-Looking Statements The information in this press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to materially differ. These risks and uncertainties include: Assembly Bio’s ability to initiate and complete clinical trials involving its HBV Cure and Microbiome therapeutic product candidates in the currently anticipated timeframes; safety and efficacy data from clinical studies may not warrant further development of Assembly Bio’s product candidates; clinical and nonclinical data presented at conferences may not differentiate Assembly Bio’s product candidates from other companies’ candidates; Assembly Bio may not observe sustained virologic response in patients who stop therapy in Study 211; the timing and ability to implement strategic alternatives with respect to Assembly Bio’s Microbiome program; Assembly Bio’s ability to maintain financial resources necessary to continue its clinical trials and fund business operations; any impact that the spread of the coronavirus and resulting COVID-19 pandemic may have on Assembly Bio’s business and operations, including initiation and continuation of its clinical trials or timing of discussions with regulatory authorities; and other risks identified from time to time in Assembly Bio’s reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). You are urged to consider statements that include the words may, will, would, could, should, might, believes, hopes, estimates, projects, potential, expects, plans, anticipates, intends, continues, forecast, designed, goal or the negative of those words or other comparable words to be uncertain and forward-looking. Assembly Bio intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. More information about Assembly Bio’s risks and uncertainties are more fully detailed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Assembly Bio's filings with the SEC, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Except as required by law, Assembly Bio assumes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. ContactsInvestor and Corporate:Lauren GlaserSenior Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Affairs(415) 521-3828lglaser@assemblybio.com Media:Sam Brown Inc. Audra Friis (917) 519-9577 ASMBMedia@sambrown.com ASSEMBLY BIOSCIENCES, INC.CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS(In thousands except for share amounts and par value) September 30, December 31, 2020 2019 (Unaudited) ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents$58,311 $46,732 Marketable securities 179,630 227,311 Accounts receivable from collaboration 3,590 3,374 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4,856 5,363 Total current assets 246,387 282,780 Property and equipment, net 1,904 1,830 Operating lease right-of-use (ROU) assets 10,397 11,975 Other assets 5,980 1,684 Indefinite-lived intangible asset 29,000 29,000 Goodwill 12,638 12,638 Total assets$ 306,306 $ 339,907 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities Accounts payable$1,611 $1,731 Accrued clinical expenses 4,451 4,826 Other accrued expenses 7,404 8,286 Deferred revenue - short-term — 6,411 Operating lease liabilities - short-term 3,338 3,186 Total current liabilities 16,804 24,440 Deferred tax liabilities 2,531 2,531 Deferred revenue - long-term 8,987 30,637 Operating lease liabilities - long-term 7,435 9,082 Total liabilities 35,757 66,690 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' equity Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding — — Common stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019; 32,924,536 and 32,558,307 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively 33 32 Additional paid-in capital 732,829 712,807 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (158) (201)Accumulated deficit (462,155) (439,421)Total stockholders' equity 270,549 273,217 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$ 306,306 $ 339,907 ASSEMBLY BIOSCIENCES, INC.CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)(In thousands except for share and per share amounts)(Unaudited) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019Collaboration revenue$34,611 $4,231 $78,068 $11,197 Operating expenses: Research and development 26,941 21,736 73,314 63,141 General and administrative 11,689 8,488 29,888 22,085 Total operating expenses 38,630 30,224 103,202 85,226 Loss from operations (4,019) (25,993) (25,134) (74,029) Other income Interest and other income, net 670 983 2,400 3,446 Total other income 670 983 2,400 3,446 Loss before income taxes (3,349) (25,010) (22,734) (70,583) Income tax benefit — 15 — 33 Net loss$ (3,349) $ (24,995) $ (22,734) $ (70,550) Other comprehensive (loss) income Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities, net of tax (262) (18) 43 142 Comprehensive loss$ (3,611) $ (25,013) $ (22,691) $ (70,408) Net loss per share, basic and diluted$(0.09) $(0.96) $(0.64) $(2.74)Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted 35,506,042 25,912,568 35,321,393 25,765,414
