PYXS Pyxis Oncology Inc

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 14, 2024

 

 

Pyxis Oncology, Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

Delaware			001-40881	83-1160910
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)			(Commission File Number)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)
321 Harrison Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts				02118
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)				(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: 617-221-9059

 

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class		Trading Symbol(s)		Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share		PYXS		The Nasdaq Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☒

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☒

 

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Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On May 14, 2024, Pyxis Oncology, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 and provided a corporate update. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

The information contained in this Item 2.02, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any other filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission made by the Company, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filings.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits
Exhibit No.		Description
99.1		Press Release dated May 14, 2024
104		Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

 

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

			Pyxis Oncology, Inc.
Date:	May 14, 2024	By:	/s/ Pamela Connealy
			Pamela Connealy Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

 

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Pyxis Oncology Provides Corporate Update and Reports Financial Results for First Quarter 2024

 

May 14, 2024

 

PYX-201 Phase 1 trial clinical readout on track for fall of 2024

 

Executive Leadership Team expanded with the appointment of Stephen Worsley as Senior Vice President, Chief Business Officer

 

PYX-106 Phase 1 trial clinical readout on track for 2H 2024

 

Expected cash runway into 2H 2026

 

BOSTON, May 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pyxis Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: PYXS), a clinical stage company focused on developing next generation therapeutics to target difficult-to-treat cancers, today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024, and provided a corporate update.

 

PYX-201, a first-in-concept tumor stroma targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) against the stromal Extradomain-B Fibronectin (EDB+FN) target, has dosed 42 patients in 8 cohorts since initiating the Phase 1 trial in March 2023 with continued enthusiasm for this agent by global investigators.

 

"Based on encouraging early responses with late-stage patients across multiple tumor types, we are actively studying dose ranges from 5.4 mg/kg to 8 mg/kg, refining our understanding of PYX-201's therapeutic window. We are on track to report the comprehensive dataset in the fall of 2024, and we look forward to the potential future robust development plan supported by our strong balance sheet," said Lara S. Sullivan, M.D., President and CEO of Pyxis Oncology.

 

Dr. Sullivan added, “We plan to dose an additional 16 patients with a focus on five tumor types of interest based on an assessment of factors including immunohistochemistry target expression, stromal volume, unmet medical need, and clinical judgment. Patient recruitment at these dose levels focuses on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), ovarian cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cancer (PDAC). We look forward to sharing the monotherapy development path for PYX-201 this fall alongside the dose escalation phase 1 dataset presentation. PYX-201 safety data continues to support go-forward monotherapy and potential combination development strategies.”

 

Pyxis Oncology continues to expand our understanding of PYX-201, and we were excited to share our latest preclinical data at the 2024 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting in San Diego, California, held from April 5 to 10, 2024. The preclinical data presented (Figure 1. Abstract #742) supports that PYX-201 is designed to have improved plasma stability, better potency, and tumor permeability due to optimized auristatin payload (Aur-0101) and improved linker stability through site-specific conjugation to engineered cysteine residues for a target DAR of 4. Across a panel of approximately 100 preclinical patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models representing ten tumor types, PYX-201 demonstrated broad, deep, and durable anti-tumor activity.

 

Another poster (Figure 2. Abstract #2908) Pyxis Oncology presented on PYX-201 detailed the development of an immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay to detect our novel EDB+FN protein target and shared our scoring method to quantify expression in tumor stroma. This research further supports that EDB+FN is broadly and predominantly expressed in tumor-induced stroma across multiple cancer indications (10 tumor types) with virtually no expression in healthy tissues.

 

 

 

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Given the observed anti-tumor activity for our non-internalizing mechanism of action, Pyxis Oncology also had the opportunity to review insights from a legacy 2014 AACR poster (Figure 3. Abstract #4837) on the extracellular cleavage of ADCs that promotes bystander cell killing. This poster described mechanisms of extracellular proteolytic cleavage of ADCs and, for an EDB+FN-targeted ADC specifically, the release of Aur-0101 payload capable of bystander cell killing, which provides support for our novel mechanistic approach of payload cleavage in the extracellular matrix.

 

In summary, Pyxis Oncology’s preclinical data provides insights into the mechanism associated with this novel agent observed across multiple solid tumors. PYX-201 has potential applications in both monotherapy and combination therapy and maintains a well-tolerated safety profile based on the lack of EDB+FN expression in healthy cells.

 

Concurrently, Pyxis Oncology is actively enrolling our Phase 1 study evaluating PYX-106, a fully human immunotherapy antibody candidate aimed at inhibiting Siglec-15 activity in non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and other tumors of interest. We plan to share the initial PYX-106 clinical results in the second half of 2024 after our PYX-201 results.

 

Pyxis Oncology is also delighted to announce the appointment of Stephen Worsley as its new Chief Business Officer. With a wealth of experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, Stephen brings invaluable expertise to Pyxis Oncology's leadership team.

 

In his role, Stephen will oversee Pyxis Oncology's business development strategies and forge partnerships to advance the company's assets, PYX-201 and PYX-106. His proven track record in fostering successful collaborations and executing strategic initiatives aligns seamlessly with Pyxis Oncology's mission to develop breakthrough treatments for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers. As a business development executive, Stephen has led negotiations of transformative and award-winning technology and clinical product partnerships for leading therapeutics companies, focused primarily on oncology with antibody and ADC modalities. These include global co-development agreements on behalf of Abgenix with Immunex/Wyeth (led to acquisition by Amgen for $2.7B) with Vectibix® (panitumumab); on behalf of Peregrine a deal with Oncologie Inc. for clinical Phase III level bavituximab; on behalf of Zosano Pharmaceutical with Asahi Kasei Pharma Corporation (AKP) Asahi Kasei Pharma Corporation (AKP) on ZP-PTH®; on behalf of Raven Biotechnologies with B7-H3 & B7-H4 mAbs with Macrogenics (leading to the merger of the two companies); and also on behalf of Raven with Abbott (AbbVie) a collaboration focused on five key mAbs (for ADC development) programs.

 

"We are thrilled to welcome Stephen to Pyxis Oncology as our Chief Business Officer," said Dr. Sullivan. "Stephen’s extensive experience, proven track record of transaction execution, and strategic vision will be instrumental as we continue the clinical development of our lead asset, PYX-201, a first-in-concept tumor stroma targeting ADC against EDB-fibronectin."

 

"Joining Pyxis Oncology is an extraordinary opportunity to contribute to a company that stands at the forefront of ADC research and development,” said Stephen. “I am excited to work with the team to build on their strong foundation and to help drive the development of transformative cancer treatments that could significantly impact patients' lives."

 

Stephen joins Pyxis Oncology from Lytix Biopharma, where he was the Chief Business officer and led numerous successful business development endeavors. His appointment underscores Pyxis Oncology's commitment to attracting top talent to drive its mission of transforming cancer care through innovation.

 

Program and Corporate Updates

 

 

 

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Anticipated Upcoming Milestones

 

 

First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

 

 

About Pyxis Oncology, Inc.

Pyxis Oncology, Inc. is a clinical stage company focused on defeating difficult-to-treat cancers. The company is efficiently building next generation therapeutics that hold the potential for mono and combination therapies. PYX-201, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that uniquely targets EDB+FN within the tumor stroma, and PYX-106, a fully human Siglec-15-targeting antibody designed to block suppression of T-cell proliferation and function, are being evaluated in ongoing Phase 1 clinical studies in multiple types of solid tumors. Pyxis Oncology’s therapeutic candidates are designed to directly kill tumor cells and to address the underlying pathologies created by cancer that enable its uncontrollable proliferation and immune evasion. Pyxis Oncology’s ADC and immuno-oncology (IO) programs employ novel and emerging strategies to target a broad range of solid tumors resistant to current standards of care. To learn more, visit www.pyxisoncology.com or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

 

 

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Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements for the purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. These statements are often identified by the use of words such as “on track,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “objective,” “ongoing,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “to be,” “will,” “would,” or the negative or plural of these words, or similar expressions or variations, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. We cannot assure you that the events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur and actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those identified herein, and those discussed in the section titled “Risk Factors” set forth in Part II, Item 1A. of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with SEC on March 21, 2024, and our other filings, each of which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks are not exhaustive. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for our management to predict all risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. In addition, statements that “we believe” and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based upon information available to us as of the date hereof and while we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain, and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

 

Pyxis Oncology Contact

Pamela Connealy

CFO and COO

ir@pyxisoncology.com

 

 

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FIGURES

 

Figure 1. AACR 2024 – Abstract Number: 742

 

PYX-201, a stroma-targeting ADC composed of an anti-EDB+FN antibody conjugated to Auristatin0101, demonstrates strong anti-tumor efficacy across multiple human cancer indications in pre-clinical PDX tumor models

 

 

 

Figure 2. AACR 2024 – Abstract Number: 2908

 

PYX-201, EDB+FN is an attractive target in oncology: Insights from protein expression analysis of solid tumors

 

 

 

 

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Figure 3. AACR 2014 – Abstract Number: 4837

 

Extracellular proteolytic cleavage of peptide-linked antibody-drug conjugates promotes bystander killing of cancer cells

 

 

 

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PYXIS ONCOLOGY, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024				2023
Revenues
Royalty revenues		$	8,146			$	—
Sale of royalty rights			8,000				—
Total revenues			16,146				—
Costs and operating expenses:
Cost of revenues			475				—
Research and development			13,029				11,901
General and administrative			8,247				9,053
Total costs and operating expenses			21,751				20,954
Loss from operations			(5,605	)			(20,954	)
Other income, net:
Interest and investment income			1,550				1,673
Sublease income			799				38
Total other income, net			2,349				1,711
Net loss		$	(3,256	)		$	(19,243	)
Net loss per common share - basic and diluted		$	(0.06	)		$	(0.54	)
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding - basic and diluted			51,289,284				35,351,671

 

 

 

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PYXIS ONCOLOGY, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

		March 31, 2024				December 31, 2023
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	27,967			$	9,664
Marketable debt securities, short-term			129,060				109,634
Restricted cash			1,472				1,472
Accounts receivable			8,000				—
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			5,880				3,834
Total current assets			172,379				124,604
Property and equipment, net			11,333				11,872
Intangible assets, net			23,730				24,308
Operating lease right-of-use assets			12,778				12,942
Total assets		$	220,220			$	173,726
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	2,293			$	3,896
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			10,828				12,971
Operating lease liabilities, current portion			1,020				1,232
Deferred revenues			—				7,660
Total current liabilities			14,141				25,759
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion			19,759				20,099
Deferred tax liability, net			2,164				2,164
Total liabilities			36,064				48,022
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share			—				—
Common stock, $0.001 par value per share			59				45
Additional paid-in capital			473,638				411,821
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income			(60	)			63
Accumulated deficit			(289,481	)			(286,225	)
Total stockholders’ equity			184,156				125,704
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	220,220			$	173,726

 

 

 

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Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ab8e54f0-f5b9-493c-9c94-0623bf1b0e93

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/76e0d9fd-3532-4460-9926-a6bec1ce56c0

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/89db2061-133e-43a4-bc33-3cc7780ba80e

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v3.24.1.1.u2

Document And Entity Information	May 14, 2024
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	8-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	May 14, 2024
Entity Registrant Name	Pyxis Oncology, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001782223
Entity Emerging Growth Company	true
Entity File Number	001-40881
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	83-1160910
Entity Address, Address Line One	321 Harrison Avenue
Entity Address, City or Town	Boston
Entity Address, State or Province	MA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	02118
City Area Code	617-
Local Phone Number	221-9059
Entity Information, Former Legal or Registered Name
Written Communications	false
Soliciting Material	false
Pre-commencement Tender Offer	false
Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer	false
Entity Ex Transition Period	true
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share
Trading Symbol	PYXS
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ

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