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Oncorus Reports First Quarter 2023 Financial Results and Provides Business Updates
ANDOVER, Mass., May 22, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oncorus, Inc. (Nasdaq: ONCR), an RNA medicines company focused on developing intravenously administered, self-amplifying RNA to transform outcomes for cancer patients, today reported first quarter financial results and provided an update on its business. "Oncorus is pioneering a first-of-its-kind, self-amplifying RNA platform with an exciting lead program, ONCR-021, with plans to submit an IND with the FDA in mid-2023," said Theodore (Ted) Ashburn, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Oncorus. "Our exceptional team continues to drive our mission of realizing the full promise of IV-administered RNA medicines for cancer patients.” Business Highlights
First Quarter 2023 Financial Results Cash, cash equivalents and investments totaled $45.0 million as of March 31, 2023 compared to $62.2 million as of December 31, 2022. Research and development expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 were $10.6 million compared to $12.5 million for the corresponding quarter in 2022. The decrease was primarily attributable to the reduction in direct external expenses for ONCR-177 in connection with the winding down of the program and the reduction in employee compensation costs, primarily due to employee turnover and decreased fulltime headcount. General and administrative expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 were $4.5 million compared to $5.3 million for the corresponding quarter in 2022. The decrease was primarily attributable to the reduction in employee compensation and related expenses, primarily due to employee turnover and decreased fulltime headcount and a decrease in professional service and consultant fees primarily related to decreased consultant costs and decreased recruiting costs. Net loss for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 was $30.9 million, or $1.18 per share, as compared to a net loss of $17.8 million, or $0.69 per share for the corresponding quarter in 2022. The decrease in net loss was primarily due a long-lived asset impairment charge of $14.6 million taken on March 31, 2023 and lower research and development and general and administrative expenses, as described above. Financial Guidance Oncorus expects its cash, cash equivalents and investments, following the full prepayment of its debt capital facility with K2HV in May 2023, to fund its operations into the third quarter of 2023. The foregoing estimate does not give effect to potential business development opportunities or additional financing activities. About Oncorus Oncorus is focused on driving innovation in RNA medicines by developing next-generation immunotherapies to stimulate the immune system and transform outcomes for cancer patients. The company’s self-amplifying RNA immunotherapy platform improves upon key characteristics of this therapeutic class to enhance systemic activity. ONCR-021, its lead product candidate, is an IV-administered RNA encoding an optimized Coxsackievirus 21A (CVA21) genome, encapsulated within an LNP, which is being developed for non-small cell lung and other cancers. Please visit www.oncorus.com to learn more. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, without limitation, implied and express statements regarding Oncorus’ expectations regarding timing for submitting an IND for ONCR-021 in mid-2023, as well as the product candidate’s therapeutic potential and clinical benefits and the utility and potential of Oncorus’ self-amplifying RNA platform; and Oncorus’ belief that its current cash and investment resources will be sufficient to fund its operations into the third quarter of 2023. The words “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “seek,” “predict,” “future,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “target” and similar words or expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and important factors that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, including, without limitation, risks associated with: Oncorus’ ability to successfully demonstrate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of its product candidates and obtain regulatory approval thereof; the adequacy of Oncorus’ existing capital resources and availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms; Oncorus’ ability to obtain the requisite components for its product candidates manufactured in accordance with regulatory requirements; Oncorus’ ability to hire and retain its workforce suitable to meet its business objectives; the accuracy of the Oncorus’ estimates regarding expenses, future revenue, capital requirements and needs for additional financing; and Oncorus’ ability to obtain, maintain and protect its intellectual property. These and other risks and uncertainties are described in greater detail in our risk factors discussed in filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including but not limited to, Oncorus’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the SEC on March 24, 2023 and other subsequent filings with the SEC. These documents are available under the “SEC filings” page of the Investors section of Oncorus’ website at http://investors.oncorus.com. Any forward-looking statements represent Oncorus’ views only as of the date of this press release and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Oncorus explicitly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. No representations or warranties (expressed or implied) are made about the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements. Investor Contact:
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