(prespecified exploratory endpoint). In addition, there was a difference in body temperature change from baseline of 0.9 °C at Day 3 in favor of the AT-752 arm as compared to the placebo arm (post-hoc analysis). Also at Day 3, 100% of patients who presented with baseline body temperature above 37°C had a reduction in body temperature below their baseline levels in the AT-752 arm, versus only 33% of patients in the placebo arm.
In this study, AT-752 demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile with no drug related serious adverse events (SAEs). Two non-drug related SAEs (hospitalizations due to thrombocytopenia and progression to severe dengue) occurred, 1/7 in the placebo arm and 1/14 in the AT-752 arm. Non-serious adverse events were mostly mild or moderate, self-limiting and occurred in comparable frequency in active and placebo arms.
AT-752 Human Challenge Infection Model Study Results: The challenge study was a randomized, placebo-controlled study evaluating healthy subjects who were challenged with a Dengue Virus-1 Live Attenuated Virus strain after receiving AT-752 dosed 750 mg TID or placebo. The results of the study in 5 healthy volunteers were uninterpretable due to the high variability observed in terms of viremia, antigenemia and the onset/severity of symptoms as well as low drug exposures due to lack of dosing compliance. It is anticipated that a larger sample size (n=≥50) would be needed in this model to evaluate AT-752 adequately.
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Financial Results
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities: $646.7 million at December 31, 2022 compared to $764.4 million at December 31, 2021.
Research and Development Expenses: Research and development expenses were $27.5 million and $81.9 million for the fourth quarter and full year 2022, respectively, compared to $57.8 million and $167.2 million for the corresponding periods in 2021. The decrease in research and development expenses was primarily due to the elimination of the cost share arrangement with Roche, our former COVID-19 program collaborator. In addition, Atea recorded a $25.0 million expense during the fourth quarter 2021 due to an upfront payment related to the in-license of ruzasvir from Merck. Partially offsetting the decrease in research and development expenses was an increase related to salaries, benefits and stock-based compensation expense for Atea’s research and product development employees and consulting fees and other research and development expenses.
General and Administrative Expenses: General and administrative expenses remained relatively consistent at $12.4 million and $48.7 million for the fourth quarter and full year 2022, respectively, compared to $13.2 million and $45.8 million for the corresponding periods in 2021.
Interest Income and Other, Net: Interest income and other, net was $5.6 million and $11.2 million for the fourth quarter and full year 2022, respectively, compared to less than $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the corresponding periods in 2021. The increase was primarily the result of investing in higher yield marketable securities and higher interest rates.
Income Taxes: Income tax expense was $0.1 million and income tax benefit was $3.6 million for the fourth quarter and full year 2022, respectively, compared to income tax expense of $4,100 and $17,400 for the corresponding periods in 2021. The tax benefit for the full year 2022 was primarily the result of changes in estimates between the original provision for 2021 income taxes and the actual amounts reflected in the income tax returns as filed. During 2021, Atea had a tax liability and recorded income tax expense on income resulting from revenue recorded from our former collaboration with Roche.
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