IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc. quarterly report, Q1 FY2022

IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc. — Q1 2022 Form 10-Q

Business context and reporting period

Quarter ended March 31, 2022; filed May 10, 2022. IDEAYA is a clinical-stage oncology biotech developing precision-medicine therapies. It had no approved products and no product-sale revenue; reported revenue was entirely from its GSK collaboration.

Financial results and liquidity

Amounts in millions of U.S. dollars, except per-share data.

MetricQ1 2022Q1 2021Change
Collaboration revenue$11.4$7.2+57%
Research and development$19.7$11.6+70%
General and administrative$5.9$4.8+23%
Operating loss$(14.2)$(9.1)Loss increased
Net loss$(14.0)$(9.0)Loss increased 55%
Net loss per share$(0.36)$(0.28)
Operating cash used$19.6$13.7Cash use increased

Operating loss was about 125% of collaboration revenue; this is not a commercial product margin. Comprehensive loss was $16.1 million, including $2.1 million of unrealized losses on marketable securities. At March 31, cash and cash equivalents were $55.3 million, marketable securities totaled $290.9 million, and cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $346.2 million. Total liabilities were $70.2 million, including $49.4 million of contract liabilities and $4.8 million of operating lease liabilities; the filing reports no borrowings. Management said available funds should support planned operations for at least 12 months from issuance of the statements. The company had an accumulated deficit of $190.8 million.

Material changes versus the prior comparable period

  • Revenue rose $4.1 million year over year, driven by GSK collaboration activity; Q1 2022 revenue included $2.4 million recognized after GSK waived its right to initiate the MAT2A combination trial.
  • R&D expense increased $8.1 million, reflecting higher personnel costs and spending on CROs, CMOs, consultants and other research needs as programs advanced.
  • Net loss widened by $5.0 million. The increase in collaboration revenue was more than offset by higher operating expenses.
  • Operating cash use increased $5.9 million. Financing provided $0.7 million, mainly from option exercises, versus $42.0 million in Q1 2021, largely from ATM sales.
  • Marketable securities’ reported fair value declined from $276.0 million at year-end 2021 to $290.9 million at quarter-end, while unrealized losses contributed to accumulated other comprehensive loss. Cash plus marketable securities declined from approximately $368.1 million to $346.2 million.

Outlook, commentary and risks

  • No financial revenue or earnings guidance was provided. Management expects operating losses and R&D spending to continue increasing; additional capital may be needed, and financing may not be available on acceptable terms.
  • IDE397: As of May 1, 2022, 21 patients had been enrolled in the Phase 1 trial and the maximum tolerated dose had not been reached. Management targeted monotherapy expansion and combination cohorts around mid-2022, and a GSK option data package around mid-year. GSK’s option, if exercised and cleared as required, would trigger a $50 million payment; exercise is not assured.
  • Darovasertib: The company reported preliminary results for the darovasertib–crizotinib combination in metastatic uveal melanoma, including a 31% response rate among 13 patients with at least two post-baseline scans. These were interim, small-sample results, not confirmatory evidence. FDA guidance on a potentially registration-enabling trial was targeted for mid-2022.
  • Other development targets included an IDE161 PARG-inhibitor IND submission in Q4 2022, subject to preclinical progress; Pol Theta candidate selection in Q2 2022; and Werner Helicase candidate nomination in 2023.
  • On April 27, 2022, after quarter-end, the FDA granted darovasertib Orphan Drug designation for metastatic uveal melanoma. Potential benefits include certain fee and tax provisions and, only if approved for the designated use, possible seven-year marketing exclusivity.
  • Key risks include clinical and regulatory uncertainty, patient enrollment, reliance on CROs and manufacturers, collaboration-partner decisions (especially GSK’s MAT2A option), competition, access to capital, and possible COVID-19 or geopolitical disruption. The company reported no litigation believed likely to have a material adverse effect and said disclosure controls were effective.

Important facts for investors to verify

  • Whether IDE397’s dose escalation supports expansion, and whether GSK exercises its option after reviewing the data package.
  • Updated, mature darovasertib–crizotinib efficacy and safety data, and FDA feedback on trial design; compare these with the preliminary results disclosed.
  • Cash burn, marketable-securities valuation and liquidity runway as clinical programs progress; the stated runway is based on management’s current plan.
  • Whether planned PARG, Pol Theta and Werner Helicase milestones are achieved on schedule and within available resources.
  • Terms and potential dilution from future ATM or other financing: approximately $73.7 million remained available under the ATM facility at March 31, 2022.