Financials
| • | | Successfully closed a public offering at the end of July 2018 with net proceeds to Savara of approximately $45.8 million. |
| • | | Announced Savara’s inclusion in the broad-market Russell 3000 Index. |
Fourth Quarter Financial Results (Unaudited)
Savara’s net loss for the fourth quarter of 2018 was $10.5 million, or $(0.29) per share, compared with a net loss of $6.5 million, or $(0.23) per share, for the fourth quarter of 2017.
Research and development expenses were $9.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2018, compared with $6.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2017.
General and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter of 2018 were $3.3 million, compared with $2.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2017.
As of December 31, 2018, Savara had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $110.8 million. Savara ended the fourth quarter of 2018 with approximately $24.5 million outstanding in long-term debt used to bolster operations and commercial initiatives and to advance drug candidates.
Fiscal Year 2018 Financial Results
Savara’s net loss for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $61.5 million, or $(1.85) per share, compared with a net loss of $29.8 million, or $(1.76) per share for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Research and development expenses increased by $18.7 million, or 101%, to $37.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $18.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase was primarily due to $9.4 million in increased development costs associated with the development of Molgradex, including the expansion of IMPALA in the U.S. and the commencement of OPTIMA, an increase of $8.4 million in AeroVanc study costs related to Phase 3 activities, and $1.0 million in expense for common stock issued to Cardeas Pharma Corporation for the acquisition of their assets.
General and administrative expenses decreased by $0.4 million, or 4.0%, to $10.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $11.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease was primarily due to $2.0 million of expense in connection with the contingent consideration associated with the acquisition of Molgradex recognized during 2017, offset in 2018 by increased noncash stock-based compensation charges of approximately $1.8 million.
As previously disclosed during Q1 2018, Savara recognized a $21.7 million impairment charge to the carrying value ofIn-Process Research and Development related to the Aironite drug candidate assumed in the April 2017 merger with Mast Therapeutics, Inc. Savara reduced the associated deferred tax liability by $4.6 million and recorded an income tax benefit.
Conference Call and Webcast
Savara will hold a conference call today beginning at 5:30 PM Eastern Time/2:30 PM Pacific Time to provide a business update. Shareholders and other interested parties may access the conference call by dialing (855)239-3120 from the U.S., (855)669-9657 from Canada, and (412)542-4127 from elsewhere outside the U.S. and request the “Savara Inc.” call. A live webcast of the conference call will be available online in the Investors section of Savara’s website at https://www.savarapharma.com/investors/events/. Approximately one hour after the call, a replay of the webcast will be available on Savara’s website for 30 days, and a telephone replay will be available through March 20, 2019 by dialing (877)344-7529 from the U.S., (855)669-9658 from Canada and (412)317-0088 from elsewhere outside the U.S. and entering the replay access code 10128884.