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GH Research Reports Full Year 2022 Financial Results and Provides Business Updates

Key Takeaway: GH Research PLC reported its financial results for the full year 2022, highlighting its progress in clinical trials and business developments. The company has initiated a Phase 2b trial for its inhalable mebufotenin product, GH001, targeting treatment-resistant depression. As of December 31, 2022, GH Research maintains a solid cash position of $251.7 million, sufficient for operational funding into 2026. The net loss has increased compared to the previous year, reflecting rising research and administrative expenses.

Market Sentiment Analysis

POSITIVE FACTORS

  • Initiation of a Phase 2b trial for GH001 focused on treatment-resistant depression.
  • Strong cash position expected to fund operations until 2026.
  • Expansion of the patent portfolio to cover multiple therapeutic applications of mebufotenin.

CONCERNS & RISKS

  • Net loss increased from $9.2 million in 2021 to $22.5 million in 2022.
  • R&D and G&A expenses have significantly increased, raising operational costs.

Full Press Release Details

GH Research Reports Full Year 2022 Financial Results and Provides Business Updates
DUBLIN, Ireland., March 2, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GH Research PLC (Nasdaq: GHRS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to transforming the treatment of psychiatric and
neurological disorders, today reported financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2022 and gave updates on its business.
We are pleased to report that we have recently initiated our multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2b trial of GH001 in treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
(GH001-TRD-201). GH001 is our proprietary inhalable mebufotenin (5-MeO-DMT) product candidate.
We expect to recruit approximately 80 patients for this trial across several European countries. The primary objective will be to determine the efficacy of our single-day individualized dosing regimen
(IDR) of GH001 compared with placebo in improving depressive symptoms as assessed by the mean change from baseline in Montgomery- sberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) at the end of the 7-day double-blind phase. The double-blind phase will be
followed by a 6-month open-label extension phase where all patients can receive treatment with the GH001 IDR as-needed, based on the patient's clinical status. Further trial design details are described in our updated corporate presentation,
which is available in the investor section on our website.
Recent Business Highlights
In January 2023, we reported development progress in respect of our proprietary aerosol delivery device and our expectation that we will submit an IND for GH001, delivered with this proprietary
device, in the third quarter of 2023. The IND-opening study is expected to be a Phase 1 clinical pharmacology trial in healthy volunteers (GH001-HV-106), designed to support bridging to the clinical data generated with the third-party device we
currently use in our clinical trials.
We also reported, in January 2023, the recent initiation of our randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging clinical pharmacology trial of GH002 in healthy volunteers
(GH002-HV-105). GH002 is our mebufotenin (5-MeO-DMT) product candidate formulated for administration via a proprietary intravenous approach. We expect to complete this trial in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Furthermore, we reported the recent expansion of our patent portfolio, to include 11 patent families that relate to various aspects of mebufotenin (5-MeO-DMT) use in a therapeutic context,
including but not limited to the use of mebufotenin (5-MeO-DMT) for treatment of various disorders when administered by inhalation, or by nasal, buccal, sublingual, intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous routes.
We also announced the selection of mebufotenin as the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) for 5-MeO-DMT by the World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Advisory Panel on the International
Pharmacopoeia and Pharmaceutical Preparations.
Full Year 2022 Financial Highlights
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $251.7 million as of December 31, 2022, compared to cash of $276.8 million as of December 31, 2021. Marketable securities are
comprised of investment grade bonds. We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities will be sufficient for us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into 2026.
Research and development expenses
R&D expenses were $20.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $8.6 million for the full year 2021. The increase was primarily due to increased activities relating to our
technical development, clinical trials and increased employee expenses to support these activities.
General and administrative expenses
G&A expenses were $10.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $6.5 million for the full year 2021. The increase was primarily due to higher insurance costs, an increase
in professional costs as well as increased employee expenses.
Net loss was $22.5 million, or $0.432 loss per share, for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $9.2 million, or $0.211 loss per share, for the full year 2021.
About GH Research PLC
GH Research PLC is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to transforming the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders. GH Research PLC's initial focus is on developing
its novel and proprietary mebufotenin (5-MeO-DMT) therapies for the treatment of patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
Our lead product candidate, GH001, is formulated for mebufotenin (5-MeO-DMT) administration via a proprietary inhalation approach. With GH001, we have completed two Phase 1 healthy volunteer
clinical trials and a Phase 1/2 clinical trial in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Based on the observed clinical activity, where 87.5% of patients with TRD were brought into an ultra-rapid remission with our GH001
individualized single-day dosing regimen in the Phase 2 part of the trial, we believe that GH001 has potential to change the way TRD is treated today. GH001 is currently in a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2b
trial of GH001 in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Across the GH001 program, no serious adverse events have been reported and GH001 was well tolerated at the investigated single dose levels and in the individualized dosing regimen.
About GH002 and GH003
GH002 is our mebufotenin (5-MeO-DMT) product candidate formulated for administration via a proprietary intravenous approach. GH002 is currently in Phase 1 clinical development. GH003 is our
mebufotenin (5-MeO-DMT) product candidate formulated for administration via a proprietary intranasal administration approach. GH003 is currently in preclinical development. We anticipate developing GH002 and GH003 in subpopulations and confined
use scenarios within our focus area of psychiatric and neurological disorders.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains statements that are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release,
including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, cash runway, business strategy, product candidates, proprietary medical devices, research pipeline, ongoing and currently planned preclinical studies and
clinical trials, regulatory submissions and approvals, research and development costs, timing and likelihood of success, as well as plans and objectives of management for future operations are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking
statements appear in a number of places in this press release and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our intent, belief or current expectations. Forward-looking statements are based on our management's beliefs and assumptions
and on information currently available to our management. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to various factors,
including, but not limited to, those described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. No assurance can be given that such future results will be achieved. Such forward-looking statements contained in this press release
speak only as of the date hereof. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update these forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions, or
circumstances on which such statements are based unless required to do so by applicable law. No representations or warranties (expressed or implied) are made about the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements.
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Year ended December 31,
2022 2021
$'000 $'000
Operating expenses
Research and development (20,484 ) (8,553 )
General and administration (10,070 ) (6,547 )
Loss from operations (30,554 ) (15,100 )
Net finance income/(expense) 922 (9 )
Foreign exchange gain 7,176 5,907
Total finance income 8,098 5,898
Loss before tax (22,456 ) (9,202 )
Tax charge/(credit) - -
Loss for the year (22,456 ) (9,202 )
Other comprehensive income/(expense)
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss
Fair value movement on marketable securities 558 -
Currency translation adjustment (7,132 ) (6,103 )
Total comprehensive loss for the year (29,030 ) (15,305 )
Attributable to owners:
Loss for the year (22,456 ) (9,202 )
Comprehensive loss for the year (29,030 ) (15,305 )
Loss per share
Basic and diluted loss per share (in USD) (0.432 ) (0.211 )
Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited)
At December 31,
2022 2021
$'000 $'000
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 165,955 276,776
Other current assets 2,586 3,066
Total current assets 168,541 279,842
Non-current assets
Marketable securities 85,724 -
Property, plant and equipment 97 82
Total non-current assets 85,821 82
Total assets 254,362 279,924
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Trade payables 1,868 883
Other current liabilities 2,678 1,866
Total current liabilities 4,546 2,749
Total liabilities 4,546 2,749
Equity attributable to owners
Share capital 1,301 1,301
Additional paid-in capital 291,448 291,448
Other reserves 2,595 366
Foreign currency translation reserve (13,035 ) (5,903 )
Accumulated deficit (32,493 ) (10,037 )
Total equity 249,816 277,175
Total liabilities and equity 254,362 279,924

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GH001?

GH001 is an inhalable mebufotenin (5-MeO-DMT) candidate for treatment-resistant depression.

When is GH001 expected to enter the IND stage?

GH Research plans to submit an IND for GH001 in Q3 2023.

What are the financial highlights for 2022?

In 2022, GH Research reported a net loss of $22.5 million and R&D expenses of $20.5 million.

What trial is currently underway for GH001?

A Phase 2b trial of GH001 for treatment-resistant depression is currently ongoing.

What is GH002?

GH002 is a mebufotenin (5-MeO-DMT) candidate for intravenous administration currently in Phase 1.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2023