Compass Therapeutics, Inc.: Form 10-Q for the period ended Mar 31, 2025

The following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of Compass Therapeutics, Inc. should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes to those statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business, includes forward-looking statements that involve risk, uncertainties and assumptions. You should read the “Risk Factors” section of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the “Risk Factors” section included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis.

Overview

We are a clinical-stage, oncology-focused biopharmaceutical company developing proprietary antibody-based therapeutics. Our scientific focus is on the relationship between angiogenesis, the immune system, and tumor growth. Our pipeline of novel product candidates is designed to target multiple critical biological pathways required for an effective anti-tumor response. These include modulation of the microvasculature via angiogenesis-targeted agents, induction of a potent immune response via activators on effector cells in the tumor microenvironment, and alleviation of immunosuppressive mechanisms used by tumors to evade immune surveillance. We plan to advance our product candidates through clinical development as both standalone therapies and in combination with proprietary pipeline antibodies based on supportive clinical and nonclinical data.

Our pipeline comprises three clinical product candidates and one candidate in investigational new drug application (“IND”) enabling studies. Our lead product candidate, tovecimig (formerly known as CTX-009), is a bispecific antibody targeting Delta-like ligand 4 (“DLL4”), a ligand of Notch-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor A (“VEGF-A”). Simultaneous blockade of the VEGF-A and the Notch pathways is known to turn productive angiogenesis into non-productive angiogenesis, which leads to tumor shrinkage and apoptosis. CTX-471, is an agonistic antibody targeting a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 9 (TNFRSF9), also known as CD-137, a co-stimulatory receptor which is mostly expressed on activated, but not on resting, T-cells and NK cells. CTX-8371, is a bispecific antibody targeting the programmed cell death protein-1 (“PD-1”), an inhibitory immune checkpoint receptor and its ligand PD-L1, two validated immune-oncology targets. In addition, we are in the process of IND enabling studies with CTX-10726, a bispecific antibody targeting PD-1 and VEFG-A. For a more detailed description, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.

Recent Developments

Tovecimig Meets Primary Endpoint in Phase 2/3 Study in the Second Line Setting for Patients with BTC

On April 1, 2025, we announced that tovecimig in combination with paclitaxel achieved a 17.1% overall response rate (“ORR”), including one complete response, compared to a 5.3% ORR for paclitaxel alone, in patients with biliary tract cancer (“BTC”) treated in the second-line setting. The difference in ORR between the two treatment arms, the primary endpoint of the study, was statistically significant (p=0.031), and all responses were assessed by blinded independent central radiology (BICR) review. The study also showed differences between treatment arms for other efficacy measures, including progressive disease (“PD”) rates of 16.2% in patients on tovecimig in combination with paclitaxel versus 42.1% in patients on paclitaxel alone. We also announced that the safety profile of tovecimig in this study to date was consistent with prior studies of tovecimig. An independent Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) reviewed safety data at four separate (pre-specified) DMC meetings and, after each meeting, recommended continuation of the study without modification.

The pre-specified number of events required to trigger the analyses of the secondary endpoints, including progression free survival (“PFS”), overall survival (“OS”) and duration of response (“DoR”), have not yet been met and we expect to report these endpoints in the fourth quarter of 2025.

First Patient Dosed in IST of Tovecimig in the First-Line Setting for Patients with BTC

On April 21, 2025, we announced that the first patient had been dosed in an Investigator Sponsored Trial (“IST”) to evaluate tovecimig for the first time in the front-line setting for patients with BTC. The IST is being conducted at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Tovecimig is being added to a standard first-line regimen of gemcitabine, cisplatin, and durvalumab in an estimated 50 patients with unresectable or metastatic BTC. The study will have a standard safety run-in phase in 12 patients followed by an expansion phase in which 38 additional patients will be treated. The primary objectives in the study are to assess 6-month progression-free survival, to assess the tolerability and safety of this combination, and to determine the maximum tolerated dose of tovecimig in this combination. Secondary objectives include ORR, DoR, PFS and OS. For more information on the IST, please see study identifier: NCT06548412 on www.clinicaltrials.gov (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

We have funded our operations primarily with proceeds from the sale of our equity securities. Through March 31, 2025, we have received $430 million in gross proceeds from the sale of equity securities.

We have incurred significant operating losses since inception and have not generated any revenue from the sale of products and we do not expect to generate any revenue from the sale of products in the near future, if at all. Our ability to generate product revenue sufficient to achieve profitability will depend heavily on the successful development and eventual commercialization of our treatments and any future product candidates. Our net losses were $16.6 million and $10.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. We had an accumulated deficit of $381.3 million on March 31, 2025. We expect to continue to incur significant expenses for at least the next several years as we advance through clinical development, develop additional product candidates and seek regulatory approval of any product candidates that complete clinical development. In addition, if we obtain marketing approval for any product candidates, we expect to incur significant commercialization expenses related to product manufacturing, marketing, sales and distribution. We may also incur expenses in connection with the in-licensing or acquisition of additional product candidates.

As a result, we will need substantial additional funding to support our continuing operations and pursue our growth strategy. Until such time as we can generate significant revenue from product sales, if ever, we expect to finance our operations through equity and debt financings, or other capital sources, which may include collaborations with other companies or other strategic transactions. As of March 31, 2025, we had $113 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities. We expect that such cash resources will enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the first quarter of 2027. We may be unable to raise additional funds or enter into such other agreements or arrangements when needed on favorable terms, or at all. If we fail to raise capital or enter into such agreements as and when needed, we may have to significantly delay, reduce or eliminate the development and commercialization of one or more of our product candidates or delay our pursuit of potential in-licenses or acquisitions.

Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with product development, we are unable to predict the timing or amount of increased expenses or when, or if, we will be able to achieve or maintain profitability. Even if we are able to generate product sales, we may not become profitable. If we fail to become profitable or are unable to sustain profitability on a continuing basis, then we may be unable to continue our operations at planned levels and be forced to reduce or terminate our operations. Our financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

Components of Results of Operations

Research and Development

Research and development expenses consist primarily of costs incurred in connection with the development of our product candidates, tovecimig, CTX-471, CTX-8371 and CTX-10726. We expense research and development costs as incurred. These expenses include:

• clinical expenses including Contract Research Organizations (“CRO”), consultants that conduct our clinical trials, as well as investigative sites;
• manufacturing expenses including Contract Manufacturing Organizations (“CMO”), consultants that are primarily engaged to develop and manufacture drug substance and product for our clinical trials, as well as the cost of acquiring and manufacturing clinical trial materials, including manufacturing registration and validation batches;
• employee-related expenses including salaries, related benefits and equity-based compensation expense for employees engaged in research and development functions;
• other research and development expenses including pre-clinical study costs and expenses incurred under agreements with organizations that support our platform program development;
• costs related to compliance with quality and regulatory requirements; and
• facilities and equipment expenses.

Advance payments that we make for goods or services to be received in the future for use in research and development activities are recorded as prepaid expenses. Such amounts are recognized as an expense as the goods are delivered or the related services are performed, or until it is no longer expected that the goods will be delivered or the services rendered.

Product candidates in later stages of clinical development generally have higher development costs than those in earlier stages of clinical development, primarily due to the increased size and duration of later-stage clinical trials. We expect that our research and development expenses will increase substantially in connection with our planned clinical development activities in the future. At this time, we cannot accurately estimate or know the nature, timing and costs of the efforts that will be necessary to complete the clinical development of any future product candidates.

The successful development and commercialization of product candidates is highly uncertain. This is due to the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with product development and commercialization.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and related costs for personnel in executive, finance, business development and administrative functions. General and administrative expenses also include legal fees relating to patent and corporate matters, professional fees for accounting, auditing, tax, insurance, administrative travel expenses and other operating costs.

We anticipate that our general and administrative expenses will increase in the future as we increase our headcount to support our business operations.

Other Income

Other income consists of interest income on marketable securities.

Results of Operations

Comparison of the Three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024

The following table summarizes our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands):

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses increased by $3.5 million, or 37%, for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase primarily came from $2.0 million more in manufacturing expenses related to tovecimig and $1.3 million related to our new program CTX-10726.

We track outsourced development, personnel costs and other research and development costs of specific programs. Research and development expenses are summarized by program in the table below (in thousands):

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses increased by $1.7 million or 51% for the three months ended March 31, 2025 as compared to the same period in 2024. The increase was primarily from $1.0 more of stock compensation expense and higher bonus expense.

Other income

Other income decreased by $0.7 million or 33% for the three months ended March 31, 2025 as compared to the same period in 2024. Other income consisted exclusively of interest income.

Income Tax Expense

During the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, we recognized no income tax expense.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Since our inception, we have devoted substantially all of our efforts to organizing and staffing our Company, business planning, raising capital, research and development activities, building our intellectual property portfolio and providing general and administrative support for these operations. We have funded our operations primarily with proceeds from the sale of our equity securities. Through March 31, 2025, we have received $430 million in gross proceeds from the sale of equity securities. As of March 31, 2025, we had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $113 million.

Cash Flows

The following table shows a summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

Operating Activities

During the three months ended March 31, 2025, we used $13.2 million of cash in operating activities, resulting from our net loss of $16.6 million partially offset by the change in operating assets and liabilities of $0.5 million and non-cash charges of $2.9 million (primarily from share-based compensation expense of $2.5 million).

During the three months ended March 31, 2024, we used $13.9 million of cash in operating activities, resulting from our net loss of $10.8 million plus the change in operating assets and liabilities of $5.2 million, partially offset by non-cash charges of $2.1 million (primarily from share-based compensation expense of $2.0 million).

Investing Activities

During the three months ended March 31, 2025, $11.6 million of cash was provided by investing activities related to the net sale of marketable securities. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, $4.1 million of cash was used in investing activities related to the net sale of marketable securities.

Financing Activities

During the three months ended March 31, 2025, $0.8 million of cash was used in financing activities due to taxes paid by the company for settlement of RSU shares. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, $17.4 million of cash was provided by financing activities. This primarily included $17.6 million of net cash from sale of common stock under an ATM Agreement, after issuance costs.

Future Funding Requirements

We expect our expenses to increase substantially in connection with our ongoing activities. The timing and amount of our operating expenditures will depend largely on:

• the initiation, progress, timing, costs and results of clinical trials for our product candidates or any future product candidates we may develop;
• the initiation, progress, timing, costs and results of nonclinical studies for our product candidates or any future product candidates we may develop;
• our ability to maintain our relationships with key collaborators;
• the outcome, timing and cost of seeking and obtaining regulatory approvals from the FDA and comparable foreign regulatory authorities, including the potential for such authorities to require that we perform more nonclinical studies or clinical trials than those that we currently expect or change their requirements on studies that had previously been agreed to;
• the cost to establish, maintain, expand, enforce and defend the scope of our intellectual property portfolio, including the amount and timing of any payments we may be required to make, or that we may receive, in connection with licensing, preparing, filing, prosecuting, defending and enforcing any patents or other intellectual property rights;
• the effect of competing technological and market developments;
• the costs of continuing to grow our business, including hiring key personnel and maintain or acquiring operating space;
• market acceptance of any approved product candidates, including product pricing, as well as product coverage and the adequacy of reimbursement by third-party payors;
• the cost of acquiring, licensing or investing in additional businesses, products, product candidates and technologies;
• the cost and timing of selecting and validating a manufacturing site for commercial-scale manufacturing; and
• the cost of establishing sales, marketing and distribution capabilities for any product candidates for which we may receive regulatory approval and that we determine to commercialize.

We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q will enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the first quarter of 2027. We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could exhaust our available capital resources sooner than we expect. Our current plans, which may change based on clinical or pre-clinical results, include studies for tovecimig, CTX-471, and CTX-8371 and IND enabling studies for CTX-10726. We expect that we will require additional funding to complete the clinical development of these programs including the payment of developmental milestones, commercializing our product candidates, if we receive regulatory approval, and pursuing in-licenses or acquisitions of other product candidates. If we receive regulatory approval for tovecimig, CTX-471, CTX-8371, CTX-10726 or other product candidates, we expect to incur significant commercialization expenses related to product manufacturing, sales, marketing and distribution, depending on where we choose to commercialize these product candidates ourselves.

Until such time, if ever, as we can generate substantial product revenue, we expect to finance our cash needs through a combination of equity and debt financings, collaborations, strategic alliances, and marketing, distribution or licensing arrangements with third parties. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, ownership interest may be materially diluted, and the terms of such securities could include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect your rights as a common stockholder. Debt financing and preferred equity financing, if available, may involve agreements that include restrictive covenants that limit our ability to take specified actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends. If we raise funds through collaborations, strategic alliances or marketing, distribution or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams, research programs or product candidates or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us. If we are unable to raise additional funds through equity or debt financings or other arrangements when needed, we may be required to delay, reduce or eliminate our product development or future commercialization efforts, or grant rights to develop and market product candidates that we would otherwise prefer to develop and market ourselves.

Management’s Evaluation of Our Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer), evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, as of March 31, 2025. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2025, our Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act, that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2025 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which could materially affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations. There has been no material change in the risk factors described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2024, with the exception of the addition of the following risk factor:

The Company may be adversely impacted by recently announced tariff programs

In February, March and April 2025, the U.S. imposed a series of tariffs, some of which have been temporarily paused. Historically, tariffs have led to increased trade and political tensions, between not only the U.S. and China, but also between the U.S. and other countries in the international community. In response to tariffs, other countries have implemented retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. Political tensions as a result of trade policies could reduce trade volume, investment, technological exchange and other economic activities between major international economies, resulting in a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets. Any changes in political, trade, regulatory, and economic conditions, including U.S. trade policies, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. Until we know what policy changes are made, whether those policy changes are challenged and subsequently upheld by the court system and how those changes impact our business and the business of our competitors over the long term, we will not know if, overall, we will benefit from them or be negatively affected by them.