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Prothena Reports First Quarter 2023 Financial Results and Business Highlights Net cash used in operating and investing activities was $47.5 million in the first quarter of 2023 quarter-end cash and restrict

Key Takeaway: Prothena Corporation plc reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2023, with a net loss of $46.9 million and cash reserves of $688.4 million. The company highlighted promising data for its Alzheimer's disease candidates, PRX012 and PRX005, which achieved significant milestones and received FDA designations. Despite an increase in research and development expenses, Prothena remains optimistic about progress in their drug pipeline, particularly in neurodegenerative disorders. Upcoming milestones include advancements in their ongoing clinical trials and collaborations.

Market Sentiment Analysis

POSITIVE FACTORS

  • Prothena's financial results show a significant cash position of $688.4 million.
  • Positive clinical data for PRX012 and PRX005 enhances confidence in Alzheimer's treatment development.
  • FDA's Fast Track Designation for PRX012 highlights its therapeutic potential in Alzheimer's disease.

CONCERNS & RISKS

  • The net loss increased to $46.9 million in Q1 2023 from $36.3 million in Q1 2022.
  • Research and development expenses rose significantly to $44.8 million, which may impact financial stability.

Full Press Release Details

Prothena Reports First Quarter 2023 Financial Results and Business Highlights
Net cash used in operating and investing activities was $47.5 million in the first quarter of 2023 quarter-end cash and restricted cash position was $688.4 million
Data reported in an oral presentation at AD PD 2023 that PRX012, a potential best-in-class anti-amyloid beta antibody, demonstrated higher affinity binding to amyloid beta soluble protofibrils and greater clearance of pyroglutamate-modified amyloid beta plaques compared to other approved and investigational molecules
Topline data reported from Phase 1 SAD study of PRX005, a novel anti-MTBR-tau antibody, meeting the primary study objective
DUBLIN, Ireland, May 4, 2023 -- Prothena Corporation plc (NASDAQ PRTA), a late-stage clinical biotechnology company with a robust pipeline of investigational therapeutics built on protein dysregulation expertise, today reported financial results for the first quarter of 2023 and provided business highlights.
"Recent positive clinical study results and FDA approvals have now established that reduction of amyloid beta plaque is directly related to clinical benefit. These results are positive for the Alzheimer's disease community, especially for the patients, families and caregivers who fight everyday against this devastating disease. Prothena is committed to furthering these efforts by developing patient-centric, next-generation Alzheimer's disease treatments," said Gene Kinney, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, Prothena. "We showcased our potential best-in-class Alzheimer's disease portfolio in the first quarter of 2023 with new preclinical data presented at AD PD which adds to the scientific foundation for our PRX012 program. These data demonstrated higher affinity binding to amyloid beta soluble protofibrils and greater clearance of pyroglutamate-modified amyloid beta plaques compared to other approved and investigational molecules. In addition, we released topline data from the Phase 1 SAD study of PRX005 which demonstrated that single doses of PRX005 across three dose cohorts were generally safe and well tolerated."
"We look forward to making meaningful advances in our Alzheimer's disease portfolio this year. We also continue to focus on enrolling our confirmatory Phase 3 AFFIRM-AL study of birtamimab, the first potential therapy to observe a significant survival benefit in patients with Mayo Stage IV AL amyloidosis," added Kinney.
First Quarter, Recent Business Highlights and Upcoming Milestones
Neurodegenerative Diseases Portfolio
Alzheimer's Disease (AD)
PRX012, a wholly-owned potential best-in-class, next-generation subcutaneous antibody for the treatment of AD, targets a key epitope at the N-terminus of amyloid beta (A ) with high binding potency. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track Designation for PRX012 for the treatment of AD.
Multiple presentations at International Conference on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases 2023 (AD PD) highlighted by an oral presentation of preclinical data showing superior binding characteristics of PRX012, demonstrated 20-fold higher affinity to A soluble protofibrils when compared to lecanemab PRX012 also cleared pyroglutamate-modified A at lower concentrations when compared to donanemab
Partnered with Walgreens to accelerate patient identification and recruitment for ongoing ASCENT-2 multiple ascending dose (MAD) clinical trial evaluating safety and tolerability
Ongoing Phase 1 single ascending dose (SAD) and MAD studies topline data expected year end 2023
PRX005, a potential best-in-class antibody for the treatment of AD, specifically targets a key epitope within the microtubule binding region (MTBR) of tau, a protein implicated in diseases including AD, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and other tauopathies. PRX005 is part of a global neuroscience research and development collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb
Topline data from Phase 1 SAD study announced January 2023 showing single doses of PRX005 across three dose cohorts were generally safe and well tolerated, meeting the primary study objective results expected from the Phase 1 SAD study at an upcoming medical conference
Ongoing Phase 1 MAD study topline data expected by year end 2023
PRX123, a wholly-owned potential first-in-class dual A tau vaccine for the treatment and prevention of AD, is a dual-target vaccine targeting key epitopes within the N-terminus of A and MTBR-tau designed to promote amyloid clearance and block the transmission of pathogenic tau
Investigational new drug (IND) application filing expected by year end 2023
Parkinson's Disease (PD)
Prasinezumab, a potential first-in-class antibody for the treatment of PD, is designed to target a key epitope within the C-terminus of alpha-synuclein and is the focus of a worldwide collaboration with Roche
Poster and oral presentations at AD PD highlighted aspects of the Phase 2 PASADENA study of prasinezumab for the treatment of PD
In Q1 2023, Roche completed enrollment for the Phase 2b PADOVA trial in patients with early PD (NCT04777331) topline data expected in 2024
Rare Peripheral Amyloid Diseases Portfolio
Birtamimab, a wholly-owned potential best-in-class amyloid depleter antibody for the treatment of AL amyloidosis, is designed to directly neutralize soluble toxic aggregates and promote clearance of amyloid that causes organ dysfunction and failure. Among patients with AL amyloidosis, a rare, progressive, and fatal disease, newly diagnosed individuals with advanced disease (i.e. Mayo Stage IV) are at the highest risk for early death. Birtamimab has been granted Fast Track Designation by the FDA for the treatment of patients with Mayo Stage IV AL amyloidosis to reduce the risk of mortality and has been granted Orphan Drug Designation by both the FDA and European Medicines Agency.
Confirmatory Phase 3 AFFIRM-AL trial in patients with Mayo Stage IV AL amyloidosis, which is under a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) with the FDA with a primary endpoint of all-cause mortality at p 0.10, is ongoing (NCT04973137) topline data expected in 2024
NNC6019 (formerly PRX004), a potential first-in-class amyloid depleter antibody for the treatment of ATTR cardiomyopathy, is designed to deplete the pathogenic, non-native forms of the transthyretin (TTR) protein and is being developed by Novo Nordisk as part of their up to $1.2 billion acquisition of Prothena's ATTR amyloidosis business and pipeline
Ongoing Phase 2 study in patients with ATTR cardiomyopathy is being conducted by Novo Nordisk (NCT05442047) topline data expected in 2024
First Quarter of 2023 Financial Results
For the first quarter of 2023, Prothena reported net loss of $46.9 million, as compared to a net loss of $36.3 million for the first quarter of 2022. Net loss per share was $0.89 for the first quarter of 2023, as compared to net loss per share of $0.78 for the first quarter of 2022.
Prothena reported total revenue of $2.2 million for the first quarter of 2023, as compared to total revenue of $1.2 million for the first quarter of 2022, primarily from collaboration revenue from Bristol Myers Squibb.
Research and development (R D) expenses totaled $44.8 million for the first quarter of 2023, as compared to $27.3 million for the first quarter of 2022. The increase in R D expense for the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in the prior year was primarily due to higher clinical trial expenses, higher personnel related expenses, higher consulting and other R D expenses. R D expenses included non-cash share-based compensation expense of $4.4 million for the first quarter of 2023, as compared to $3.3 million for the first quarter of 2022.
General and administrative (G A) expenses totaled $13.7 million for the first quarter of 2023, as compared to $11.8 million for the first quarter of 2022. The increase in G A expenses for the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in the prior year was primarily related to higher personnel related and legal expenses. G A expenses included non-cash share-based compensation expense of $4.4 million for the first quarter of 2023, as compared to $4.3 million for the first quarter of 2022.
Total non-cash share-based compensation expense was $8.8 million for the first quarter of 2023, as compared to $7.7 million for the first quarter of 2022.
As of March 31, 2023, Prothena had $688.4 million in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, and no debt.
As of April 28, 2023, Prothena had approximately 52.8 million ordinary shares outstanding.
2023 Financial Guidance
The Company continues to expect the full year 2023 net cash used in operating and investing activities to be $213 to $229 million and expects to end the year with approximately $512 million in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (midpoint). The estimated full year 2023 net cash used in operating and investing activities is primarily driven by an estimated net loss of $250 to $275 million, which includes an estimated $46 million of non-cash share-based compensation expense.
Prothena Corporation plc is a late-stage clinical biotechnology company with expertise in protein dysregulation and a pipeline of investigational therapeutics with the potential to change the course of devastating neurodegenerative and rare peripheral amyloid diseases. Fueled by its deep scientific expertise built over decades of research, Prothena is advancing a pipeline of therapeutic candidates for a number of indications and novel targets for which its ability to integrate scientific insights around neurological dysfunction and the biology of misfolded proteins can be leveraged. Prothena's pipeline includes both wholly-owned and partnered programs being developed for the potential treatment of diseases including AL amyloidosis, ATTR amyloidosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and a number of other neurodegenerative diseases. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.prothena.com and follow the Company on Twitter ProthenaCorp.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements relate to, among other things, the sufficiency of our cash position to fund advancement of a broad pipeline the continued advancement of our discovery, preclinical, and clinical pipeline, and expected milestones in 2023 and beyond the treatment potential, designs, proposed mechanisms of action, and potential administration of birtamimab, prasinezumab, NNC6019 PRX004, PRX005, PRX012, and PRX123 plans for future clinical studies of birtamimab, prasinezumab, NNC6019 PRX004, PRX005, PRX012, and PRX123 (including the filing of an IND application) the expected timing of reporting data from clinical studies of birtamimab, prasinezumab, PRX005, and PRX012 our anticipated net cash burn from operating and investing activities for 2023 and expected cash balance at the end of 2023 and our estimated net loss and non-cash share-based compensation expense for 2023. These statements are based on estimates, projections and assumptions that may prove not to be accurate, and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated due to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including but not limited to those described in the "Risk Factors" sections of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on May 4, 2023, and discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in our subsequent filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events, or changes in our expectations.
PROTHENA CORPORATION PLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited - amounts in thousands except per share data)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2023 2022
Collaboration revenue $ 2,119 $ 1,103
Revenue from license and intellectual property 50 50
Total revenue 2,169 1,153
Operating expenses
Research and development 44,756 27,262
General and administrative 13,738 11,835
Total operating expenses 58,494 39,097
Loss from operations (56,325) (37,944)
Other income (expense), net 6,549 (17)
Loss before income taxes (49,776) (37,961)
Benefit from income taxes (2,912) (1,671)
Net loss $ (46,864) $ (36,290)
Basic net loss per ordinary share $ (0.89) $ (0.78)
Diluted net loss per ordinary share $ (0.89) $ (0.78)
Shares used to compute basic net loss per share 52,501 46,704
Shares used to compute diluted net loss per share 52,501 46,704
PROTHENA CORPORATION PLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited - amounts in thousands)
March 31, December 31, 2022
2023 2022
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 686,184 $ 710,406
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 14,159 8,692
Total current assets 700,343 719,098
Property and equipment, net 1,924 1,731
Operating lease right-of-use assets 4,719 6,277
Restricted cash, non-current 2,212 2,212
Other non-current assets 32,388 28,717
Total non-current assets 41,243 38,937
Total assets $ 741,586 $ 758,035
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Accrued research and development 14,156 10,794
Deferred revenue, current 9,323 11,442
Lease liability, current 4,885 6,473
Other current liabilities 20,520 21,438
Total current liabilities 48,884 50,147
Deferred revenue, non current 85,293 85,293
Other non-current liabilities - 553
Total non-current liabilities 85,293 85,846
Total liabilities 134,177 135,993
Total shareholders' equity 607,409 622,042
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 741,586 $ 758,035
Media and Investor Contact
Michael Bachner, Senior Director, Corporate Communications
609-664-7308, michael.bachner prothena.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What were Prothena's Q1 2023 cash reserves?

Prothena reported cash and restricted cash of $688.4 million.

What is PRX012 targeting in Alzheimer's treatment?

PRX012 targets amyloid beta with high binding potency and affinity.

What did Phase 1 data for PRX005 reveal?

Phase 1 data showed PRX005 was generally safe and well tolerated.

What is Birtamimab's role in AL amyloidosis?

Birtamimab is designed to promote clearance of toxic amyloid aggregates.

What is the estimated cash usage for Prothena in 2023?

Prothena estimates net cash usage of $213 to $229 million for 2023.

Last updated: May 4, 2023