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Keros Therapeutics Reports Recent Business Highlights and Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Financial Results

Key Takeaway: Keros Therapeutics reported both recent business highlights and financial results for Q4 and full year 2022. Despite reporting a net loss of $104.7 million for the year, Keros' cash position remains robust, enabling the company to fund operations until 2025. Keros is focused on advancing its clinical trials for KER-050, KER-047, and KER-012, which target hematological, pulmonary, and cardiovascular disorders. The company aims to complete enrollment in ongoing clinical trials and report additional data in 2023.

Market Sentiment Analysis

POSITIVE FACTORS

  • Keros Therapeutics has secured a strengthened cash position to fund operations through Q3 2025.
  • The ongoing Phase 2 trials for KER-050 show promise in addressing unmet medical needs in MDS and myelofibrosis.
  • Keros plans to expand its pipeline with additional trials for KER-047 and KER-012 in 2023.

CONCERNS & RISKS

  • Keros reported a significant increase in net loss in 2022, rising to $104.7 million.
  • The company did not generate any revenue in 2022 compared to $20.1 million in 2021.
  • Increased research and administrative expenses could impact future financial stability.

Full Press Release Details

Keros Therapeutics Reports Recent Business Highlights and Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Financial Results
LEXINGTON, Mass., March 3, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Keros Therapeutics, Inc. ("Keros" or the "Company") (Nasdaq KROS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel treatments for patients suffering from hematological, pulmonary and cardiovascular disorders with high unmet medical need, today provided a business update and reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2022.
"2022 was another momentous year for Keros - consistent execution throughout last year has positioned Keros to deliver on several key upcoming milestones in 2023," said Jasbir S. Seehra, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are excited by the momentum and engagement around our two ongoing Phase 2 clinical trials of KER-050, one in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes ( MDS ) and one in patients with myelofibrosis, as we believe KER-050 has significant potential to address unmet patient need in a differentiated way. Additionally, we will continue to leverage our understanding of the transforming growth factor-beta family of proteins to research our library of proprietary molecules, in order to expand our development programs related to hematological, pulmonary and cardiovascular disorders."
Recent Corporate Highlights
Cash position strengthened The Company has utilized its existing at the market offering ( ATM ) to sell additional shares of common stock, which strengthened its cash position. The Company expects that its cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2022, together with the net proceeds from the ATM through February 28, 2023, will enable the Company to fund its operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the third quarter of 2025.
Selected Anticipated 2023 Corporate Milestones
KER-050 for the treatment of ineffective hematopoiesis to address cytopenias
Complete enrollment in transfusion-dependent cohorts in the ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial of KER-050 in patients with MDS in the second half of 2023
Report additional data from Part 2 of the ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial of KER-050 in patients with MDS in the first and second half of 2023
Expand the Phase 2 clinical trial of KER-050 in patients with MDS to MDS patients with iron overload in the second half of 2023
Report additional dose escalation data from and commence Part 2 of the ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial of KER-050 in patients with myelofibrosis in the second half of 2023
KER-047 for the treatment of functional iron deficiency
Report additional dose escalation data from the ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial of KER-047 in patients with iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia in the second half of 2023
Commence an open-label Phase 2 clinical trial of KER-047 in MDS and myelofibrosis patients with functional iron deficiency in the first half of 2023, and report initial data from this trial in the second half of 2023
KER-012 for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension and for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders
Commence a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating KER-012 in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension in the first half of 2023
Commence an open-label Phase 2 biomarker clinical trial of KER-012 in the second half of 2023
2022 Financial Results
Keros reported a net loss of $29.7 million for the fourth quarter and $104.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to a net loss of $6.9 million for the fourth quarter and $58.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in net loss for the fourth quarter and the increase in net loss for the year was largely due to increased research and development efforts, including the progression of the Company's two Phase 2 clinical trials in KER-050, one in patients with MDS and one in patients with myelofibrosis, plus an upfront payment from the Company's license agreement with Hansoh (Shanghai) Healthtech Company Limited ("Hansoh") in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Keros did not generate any revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022. The revenue for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $20.1 million, which was primarily related to the license agreement Keros entered into with Hansoh.
Research and development expenses were $24.9 million for the fourth quarter and $87.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to $18.8 million for the fourth quarter and $55.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in research and development expenses for the fourth quarter and the year was driven by the continued advancement of the Company's pipeline, notably the progression of its two Phase 2 clinical trials of KER-050, as well as an increase in the infrastructure to support operations and expansion of its programs.
General and administrative expenses were $7.1 million for the fourth quarter and $27.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to $6.0 million and $21.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to an increase in personnel expenses, which includes additional stock-based compensation costs to support the Company's organizational growth and achievement of its corporate goals, an increase in facilities, supplies and other office expenses due to growth of the Company's organization, and an increase in professional fees and director and officer insurance premiums.
Keros' cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2022 was $279.0 million compared to $230.0 million as of December 31, 2021. Keros expects that the cash and cash equivalents it had on hand at December 31, 2022, together with the net proceeds from the ATM through February 28, 2023, will fund its operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the third quarter of 2025.
About Keros Therapeutics, Inc.
Keros is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel treatments for patients suffering from hematological, pulmonary and cardiovascular disorders with high unmet medical need. Keros is a leader in understanding the role of the transforming growth factor-beta family of proteins, which are master regulators of red blood cell and platelet production as well as of the growth, repair and maintenance of a number of tissues, including blood vessels and heart tissue. Keros' lead protein therapeutic product candidate, KER-050, is being developed for the treatment of low blood cell counts, or cytopenias, including anemia and thrombocytopenia, in patients with MDS and in patients with myelofibrosis. Keros' lead small molecule product candidate, KER-047, is being developed for the treatment of functional iron deficiency. Keros' third product candidate, KER-012, is being developed for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension and for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Words such as anticipates, believes, "continue," expects, "potential" and "will" or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Examples of these forward-looking statements include statements concerning Keros' expectations regarding its growth, strategy,
progress and the design, objectives and timing of its clinical trials for KER-050, KER-047 and KER-012, including its regulatory plans the potential of KER-050 to address unmet patient need in a differentiated way the potential impact of COVID-19 on Keros' ongoing and planned preclinical studies, clinical trials, business and operations and Keros' expected cash runway. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others Keros' limited operating history and historical losses Keros' ability to raise additional funding to complete the development and any commercialization of its product candidates Keros' dependence on the success of its lead product candidates, KER-050 and KER-047 that Keros may be delayed in initiating, enrolling or completing any clinical trials competition from third parties that are developing products for similar uses Keros' ability to obtain, maintain and protect its intellectual property Keros' dependence on third parties in connection with manufacturing, clinical trials and pre-clinical studies and risks relating to the impact on our business of the COVID-19 pandemic or similar public health crises.
These and other risks are described more fully in Keros' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC on November 3, 2022, and its other documents subsequently filed with or furnished to the SEC. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Except to the extent required by law, Keros undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.
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KEROS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2022 2021 2022 2021
REVENUE
Research collaboration revenue $ - $ 20,000 $ - $ 20,100
Total revenue - 20,000 - 20,100
OPERATING EXPENSES
Research and development (24,867) (18,834) (87,265) (55,143)
General and administrative (7,093) (6,033) (27,525) (21,330)
Total operating expenses (31,960) (24,867) (114,790) (76,473)
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS (31,960) (4,867) (114,790) (56,373)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
Interest expense, net - (1) (1) (4)
Research and development incentive income - - 7,081 -
Other income (expense), net 2,242 (74) 3,031 (356)
Total other income (expense), net 2,242 (75) 10,111 (360)
Loss before income taxes (29,718) (4,942) (104,679) (56,733)
Income tax provision - (1,998) - (2,011)
Net loss $ (29,718) $ (6,940) $ (104,679) $ (58,744)
Net loss attributable to common stockholders-basic and diluted $ (29,718) $ (6,940) $ (104,679) $ (58,744)
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders-basic and diluted $ (1.09) $ (0.30) $ (4.15) $ (2.52)
Weighted-average common stock outstanding-basic and diluted 27,326,726 23,435,383 25,241,030 23,333,914
KEROS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
DECEMBER 31,
2022 2021
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 279,048 $ 230,042
Accounts receivable - 18,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 6,719 3,398
Total current assets 285,767 251,440
Operating lease right-of-use assets 15,548 1,067
Property and equipment, net 2,021 1,335
Restricted cash 1,327 1,327
Other long term asset 2,118 82
TOTAL ASSETS $ 306,781 $ 255,251
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable $ 3,339 $ 3,645
Current portion of operating lease liabilities 455 862
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 12,753 7,339
Total current liabilities 16,547 11,846
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion 12,811 231
Total liabilities 29,358 12,077
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
Preferred stock, par value of $0.0001 per share 10,000,000 shares authorized as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively no shares issued and outstanding - -
Common stock, par value of $0.0001 per share 200,000,000 authorized 27,543,453 and 23,974,834 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively 2 2
Additional paid-in capital 505,855 366,927
Accumulated deficit (228,434) (123,755)
Total stockholders' equity 277,423 243,174
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 306,781 $ 255,251

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Keros Therapeutics focused on?

Keros Therapeutics focuses on discovering and developing treatments for hematological, pulmonary, and cardiovascular disorders.

What are the expected milestones for KER-050 in 2023?

Key milestones include completing enrollment in MDS trials and reporting additional data in 2023.

What financial results did Keros report for 2022?

Keros reported a net loss of $104.7 million for 2022, primarily due to increased R&D efforts.

How much cash did Keros have at the end of 2022?

Keros had $279 million in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2022.

What is KER-047 developed for?

KER-047 is being developed to treat functional iron deficiency in patients.

Last updated: Mar 3, 2023