predictability of the organoid assay for clinical benefit, such as the CHOICES study (Crossover trial based onHumanOrganoidIndividual response inCF -EfficacyStudy). Proteostasis’ drug combinations will be tested first in anex vivo study. Then, responders andnon-responders will be selected for the CHOICES study. Dosing in CHOICES is expected to begin in the second half of 2020, with preliminary clinical data anticipated to be reported in early 2021. We do not anticipate any material changes in these timelines due to COVID-19, but continue to monitor its potential impact on these activities.
In January of this year, Proteostasis announced a regulatory update following the completion of a scientific advice meeting with the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency in the United Kingdom (MHRA) that outlined a path forward for the initiation and execution of our Phase 3 program, including establishment of a common safety database to support the safety profile of the proprietary combination, and the potential filing of a Marketing Authorization Application for posenacaftor, dirocaftor and nesolicaftor. The Company announced that it will continue to seek additional advice from other major regulatory agencies throughout 2020.
First Quarter 2020 Financial Results
Proteostasis reported a net loss of approximately $9.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, as compared to a net loss of $14.4 million for the same period in the prior year.
The Company recorded no revenue in the three months ended March 31, 2020, as compared to revenue of $5 million for the same period in the prior year.
Research and development expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2020 were $6.5 million, as compared to $16.1 million for the same period in the prior year. The decrease in research and development expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was primarily due to a decrease in clinical-related activities.
General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2020 were $3.6 million, as compared to $3.9 million for the same period in the prior year. The decrease in general and administrative expenses for three months ended March 31, 2020 was due primarily to a decrease in professional fees.
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $57.1 million as of March 31, 2020, compared to $69.5 million as of December 31, 2019. The Company believes that its existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments are sufficient to fund operations into the second half of 2021. However, additional funding will be necessary to advance the Company’s proprietary combination therapy candidates through regulatory approval and into commercialization, if approved.
About Proteostasis Therapeutics, Inc.
Proteostasis Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing small molecule therapeutics to treat cystic fibrosis and other diseases caused by dysfunctional protein processing. Headquartered in Boston, MA, the Proteostasis Therapeutics team focuses on identifying therapies that restore protein function. For more information, visitwww.proteostasis.com.