GLMD Galmed Pharmaceuticals Ltd

TEL AVIV, Israel, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Galmed Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (Nasdaq: GLMD) ("Galmed" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of the liver targeted SCD1 modulator Aramchol™, an oral therapy for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH and fibrosis, reports financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The Company will host a conference call and webcast at 08:30 ET today.

Recent Clinical & Scientific Developments

• Histology Results from approximately one-third of the study population (~ 50 subjects) of the open label part of the ARMOR Phase 3 study with higher exposure of Aramchol are expected to be available in Q4 2021.
• The National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has granted approval for the Investigational New Drug (IND) application for the ARMOR Phase 3 study of Aramchol for the treatment of NASH & fibrosis in China.
• Submitted to the FDA the results of the Aramchol meglumine Phase I study with a view to introducing Aramchol meglumine into the double-blind placebo controlled registrational part of the ARMOR Phase 3 study. Galmed is expecting to receive guidance from the FDA in Q3 2021 and initiate the double-blind part of the ARMOR Phase 3 study by the end of Q1 2022.
• Completed single administrated doses from 10mg to 180mg in first in human Phase I trial of Amilo-5-Mer. Following excellent safety and proportional PK, single dosing ascended to 360mg. Topline data is expected in second half of 2021 and a Phase 1b proof of concept study is planned for Q4 2021.

Financial Summary – First Quarter 2021 vs. First Quarter 2020:

• During February 2021, Galmed raised approximately $18.4 million in an underwritten public offering and from its at-the-market equity facility.
• Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term deposits and marketable debt securities totaled $58.9 million as of March 31, 2021, compared to $50.9 million at December 31, 2020.
• Net loss amounted to $8.9 million, or $0.38 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to a net loss of $6.1 million, or $0.29 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2020.
• Research and development expenses amounted to approximately $7.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to approximately $5.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The increase resulted primarily from an increase in drug development expenses in connection with the manufacturing of Aramchol API to support the ARMOR Study and the development of Aramchol meglumine.
• General and administrative expenses amounted to approximately $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to approximately $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The increase in general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2021 resulted primarily from an increase in salaries and benefits, and as well from an increase in the cost of our D&O insurance policy premium.
• Financial income, net amounted to $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to financial income, net of $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Conference Call & Webcast:

Thursday May 13, 2021, 8:30 AM ET

Toll Free: 1-877-425-9470

Toll/International: 1-201-389-0878

Israel Toll Free: 1 809 406 247

Conference ID: 13719139 

Webcast:  http://public.viavid.com/index.php?id=144593

Replay Dial-In Numbers

Toll Free: 1-844-512-2921

Toll/International: 1-412-317-6671

Replay Pin Number: 13719139

Replay Start: Thursday May 13, 2021, 11:30 AM ET

Replay Expiry: Thursday May 27, 2021, 11:59 PM ET

About Aramchol and Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

Aramchol (arachidyl amido cholanoic acid) is a novel fatty acid bile acid conjugate, inducing beneficial modulation of intra-hepatic lipid metabolism. Aramchol's ability to modulate hepatic lipid metabolism was discovered and validated in animal models, demonstrating downregulation of the three key pathologies of NASH: steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis. The effect of Aramchol on fibrosis is mediated by downregulation of steatosis and directly on human collagen producing cells. Aramchol has been granted Fast Track designation status by the FDA for the treatment of NASH.

NASH is an emerging world crisis impacting an estimated 3% to 5% of the U.S. population and an estimated 2% to 4% globally. It is the fastest growing cause of liver cancer and liver transplant in the U.S. due to the rise in obesity. NASH is the progressive form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease that can lead to cardiovascular disease, cirrhosis and liver-related mortality.

About Galmed Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Galmed Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is a clinical stage drug development biopharmaceutical company for liver, metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Our lead compound, Aramchol™, a backbone drug candidate for the treatment of NASH and fibrosis is currently in a Phase 3 registrational study. We are also collaborating with the Hebrew University in the development of Amilo-5MER, a 5 amino acid synthetic peptide and recently initiated a first in human study.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release may include forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements relating to Galmed's objectives, plans and strategies, as well as statements, other than historical facts, that address activities, events or developments that Galmed intends, expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future. These statements are often characterized by terminology such as "believes," "hopes," "may," "anticipates," "should," "intends," "plans," "will," "expects," "estimates," "projects," "positioned," "strategy" and similar expressions and are based on assumptions and assessments made in light of management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors believed to be appropriate. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Many factors could cause Galmed's actual activities or results to differ materially from the activities and results anticipated in forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: the timing and cost of Galmed's pivotal Phase 3 ARMOR trial, or the ARMOR Study or any other pre-clinical or clinical trials; completion and receiving favorable results of the ARMOR Study for Aramchol or any other pre-clinical or clinical trial; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; regulatory action with respect to Aramchol or any other product candidate by the FDA or the EMA; the commercial launch and future sales of Aramchol or any other future products or product candidates; Galmed's ability to comply with all applicable post-market regulatory requirements for Aramchol or any other product candidate in the countries in which it seeks to market the product; Galmed's ability to achieve favorable pricing for Aramchol or any other product candidate; Galmed's expectations regarding the commercial market for NASH patients or any other indication; third-party payor reimbursement for Aramchol or any other product candidate; Galmed's estimates regarding anticipated capital requirements and Galmed's needs for additional financing; market adoption of Aramchol or any other product candidate by physicians and patients; the timing, cost or other aspects of the commercial launch of Aramchol or any other product candidate; the development and approval of the use of Aramchol or any other product candidate for additional indications or in combination therapy; and Galmed's expectations regarding licensing, acquisitions and strategic operations. More detailed information about the risks and uncertainties affecting Galmed is contained under the heading "Risk Factors" included in Galmed's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 18, 2021, and in other filings that Galmed has made and may make with the SEC in the future. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and reflect Galmed's current views with respect to future events, and Galmed does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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SOURCE Galmed Pharmaceuticals Ltd.