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Dec 31, 2024
Merus Q4 2024 Earnings Report
Merus reported a decrease in collaboration revenue for the full year 2024 compared to 2023, primarily due to decreases in Lilly and Incyte revenue, partially offset by increases in Gilead and other revenue. The company also saw a significant increase in research and development expenses and general and administrative expenses for the full year.
Key Takeaways
Merus reported a net loss of $215.326 million for the full year 2024, an increase from the $154.939 million net loss in 2023. Total revenue for the full year was $36.133 million, down from $43.947 million in 2023. The company's cash and cash equivalents stood at $293.294 million as of December 31, 2024, with total assets at $782.693 million.
Full year 2024 collaboration revenue decreased by $7.8 million compared to 2023, primarily due to decreases in Lilly and Incyte revenue, partially offset by increases in Gilead and other revenue.
Research and development expense for the full year 2024 increased by $84.7 million compared to 2023, driven by increased external clinical services, drug manufacturing costs, and personnel-related expenses.
General and administrative expense for the full year 2024 increased by $23.0 million compared to 2023, mainly due to higher personnel-related expenses, consultancy expenses, and legal expenses.
Merus' existing cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities are expected to fund operations into 2028.
Merus
Merus
Forward Guidance
Merus expects its existing cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities to fund operations into 2028. The company anticipates substantial enrollment in Phase 3 registrational trials for petosemtamab in 1L PD-L1+ r/m HNSCC and 2/3L r/m HNSCC by year-end 2025, with clinical data updates for petosemtamab in 1L PD-L1+ r/m HNSCC in 1H25 and initial clinical data for mCRC in 2H25.
Positive Outlook
- Phase 3 registrational trials for petosemtamab in 1L PD-L1+ r/m HNSCC and 2/3L r/m HNSCC are enrolling and expected to be substantially enrolled by YE25.
- Clinical data update for petosemtamab in 1L PD-L1+ r/m HNSCC phase 2 trial is planned for 1H25.
- Initial clinical data for petosemtamab in mCRC is planned for 2H25.
- Existing cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities are expected to fund operations into 2028.
- Randomized registration trial in HNSCC with an overall response rate endpoint could potentially support accelerated approval.
Challenges Ahead
- Potential delays in regulatory approval could impact the ability to commercialize product candidates and generate revenue.
- The lengthy and expensive process of clinical drug development has an uncertain outcome.
- The unpredictable nature of early-stage development efforts for marketable drugs.
- Potential delays in patient enrollment for clinical trials.
- Reliance on third parties to conduct clinical trials and manufacture products may lead to unsatisfactory performance or delays.