SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 11, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Atreca, Inc. (Atreca) (NASDAQ: BCEL), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapeutics generated through a unique discovery platform based on interrogation of the active human immune response, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2019 and provided an overview of recent developments.

“2019 was a successful year for Atreca as we evolved into a public, clinical-stage company, positioning us for future growth,” said John Orwin, Chief Executive Officer. “We recently dosed the first patient in our Phase 1b dose-escalation clinical trial evaluating ATRC-101 in multiple solid tumor types following clearance of our first IND by the FDA in November. Additionally, our new strategic collaboration with Merck to identify novel antibody targets in oncology underscores the potential of our differentiated approach to drug discovery and could help accelerate efforts to expand our clinical pipeline. We look forward to further progress in 2020.”

Recent Developments and Highlights

• Following the clearance of an Investigational New Drug application (IND) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2019, Atreca commenced patient dosing in a Phase 1b first-in-human clinical trial evaluating ATRC-101 in patients with select solid tumor cancers.
   
• In February 2020, Atreca announced a strategic research collaboration with Merck to identify the antigenic targets of select novel antibodies discovered by Atreca with potential utility in oncology. Under the terms of the agreement, Atreca retains exclusive ownership and rights to develop all Atreca antibodies included in the collaboration with Merck, while Merck will receive a right-of-first negotiation should Atreca seek to partner or out-license one or more of the antibodies.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2019 Financial Results

• As of December 31, 2019, cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $183.4 million.
   
• Research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019 were $54.7 million, including non-cash share-based compensation expense of $3.0 million. Research and development expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2019 were $14.3 million, including non-cash share-based compensation expense of $886,000.
   
• General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019 were $17.8 million, including non-cash share-based compensation expense of $3.1 million. General and administrative expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2019 were $6.9 million, including non-cash share-based compensation expense of $1.2 million.
   
• Atreca reported a net loss of $67.5 million, or basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders of $4.26, for the year ended December 31, 2019. The Company reported a net loss of $20.1 million, or basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders of $0.72, for the three months ended December 31, 2019.

About Atreca, Inc.
Atreca is a biopharmaceutical company developing novel antibody-based cancer immunotherapeutics generated by its differentiated discovery platform. Atreca’s platform allows access to an unexplored landscape in oncology through the identification of unique antibody-target pairs generated by the human immune system during an active immune response against tumor. These antibodies provide the basis for first-in-class therapeutic candidates, such as lead product candidate ATRC-101. A Phase 1b study evaluating ATRC-101 in multiple solid tumor cancers is currently enrolling patients. For more information on Atreca, please visit www.atreca.com.  

Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements regarding our strategy and future plans, including statements regarding the development of ATRC-101 and our clinical and regulatory plans, and the timing thereof. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about our plans, objectives, representations and contentions and are not historical facts and typically are identified by use of terms such as “will”, “could,” “future,” “forward,” “potential,” and similar words, although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently. Our actual results may differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties related to the initiation, timing, progress and results of our research and development programs, preclinical studies, any clinical trials and Investigational New Drug application and other regulatory submissions, and other matters that are described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, including the risk factors set forth therein. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement in this press release, except as required by law.

Atreca, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Atreca, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)

Contacts
Atreca, Inc.
Herb Cross
Chief Financial Officer
info@atreca.com

Investors:
Alex Gray, 650-779-9251, ext. 251
agray@atreca.com

Media:
Sheryl Seapy, 213-262-9390
sseapy@w2ogroup.com
Source: Atreca, Inc.

Source: Atreca, Inc.