Synthetic Biologics (SYN) Tops Q3 EPS by 40c

Synthetic Biologics (NYSE: SYN) reported Q3 EPS of ($0.93), $0.40 better than the analyst estimate of ($1.33).

"During the third quarter, we remained sharply focused on the advancement of our portfolio of microbiome-focused assets," stated Steven A. Shallcross, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. "We were pleased to report the expansion of our relationship with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and announced a research agreement to co-fund an investigator-sponsored Phase 2b clinical study of SYN-010, our modified-release formulation of lovastatin lactone designed to treat an underlying cause of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). In addition to fortifying the well-established clinical data set for SYN-010, we believe results from this study will determine the optimal dose of SYN-010 for future registration studies. During the third quarter we also held an End of Phase 2 meeting with the FDA to define a clear and achievable pathway forward for SYN-004, our first-in-class therapeutic intervention designed to protect the gut microbiome from antibiotic-mediated dysbiosis. We also announced that we are evaluating opportunities that may further unlock the potential of SYN-004 through the pursuit of a second more focused indication in a specialty patient population with multiple potential disease endpoints associated with IV beta-lactam-induced gut microbiome damage, such as allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients. This dual approach may enable us to continue the clinical advancement of SYN-004 in a cost-effective manner while targeting an area of clear unmet need and expanding upon the established data set to further validate SYN-004's use in the broader indication for the prevention of CDI."

Mr. Shallcross continued, "While remaining keenly focused on the execution of our clinical development activities, we also significantly strengthened our balance sheet by raising gross proceeds of approximately $18.6 million from the closing of a public offering of common stock and Series B convertible preferred stock, as well as net proceeds of approximately $11.8 million from the utilization of our "at-the-market" facility through October. As a result of these activities, our current cash position to date is approximately $32 million and should provide ample runway to allow the Company to continue its operations into 2020 as we continue to focus on the achievement of key clinical development milestones for our two-lead assets."

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Synthetic Biologics (SYN) click here.

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