Cellectis S.A. Earnings Call Highlights Strategic Growth

Cellectis S.A. ((CLLS)) has held its Q4 earnings call. Read on for the main highlights of the call.

The recent earnings call for Cellectis S.A. painted a positive picture of the company’s future, underscored by strategic collaborations, a robust financial position, and significant progress in clinical trials. While challenges such as ongoing arbitration with Servier and patient enrollment issues persist, they are overshadowed by the company’s accomplishments and optimistic outlook.

Strategic Collaboration with AstraZeneca

Cellectis announced the initiation of three research and development programs in collaboration with AstraZeneca. These programs focus on allogeneic CAR T therapies for hematological malignancies and solid tumors, as well as an in vivo gene therapy for a genetic disorder. AstraZeneca’s commitment to this partnership is further evidenced by an additional equity investment of $140 million in Cellectis.

Financial Stability and Cash Runway

The company reported a strong financial position, having drawn down the last tranches of a €40 million credit facility with the European Investment Bank. Cellectis’ cash runway is now extended to mid-2027, with $264 million in cash, cash equivalents, and fixed-term deposits as of December 31, 2024, a significant increase from the previous year.

FDA and European Commission Designations

Cellectis achieved important regulatory milestones with the FDA granting Orphan Drug Designation and Rare Pediatric Disease status to UCART22. Additionally, the European Commission granted Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of relapse or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Advancements in Clinical Trials

The company is making headway in its clinical trials, with expectations to present Phase 1 data for UCART22 and UCART20x22 in 2025. Recruitment for the BALLI-01 study evaluating UCART22 has shown positive progress, and plans are in place to open Phase 2 studies in Q4 2025.

Positive Financial Performance

Cellectis reported a positive financial performance, bolstered by the AstraZeneca collaboration, which brought in $47 million by the end of 2024. This includes $22 million from development milestones, highlighting the financial benefits of strategic partnerships.

Promising Innovation in CAR T Strategies

The company showcased promising CAR T strategies utilizing TALEN gene editing technology. Preclinical data were presented at major conferences and published in scientific journals, demonstrating Cellectis’ commitment to innovation.

Servier Arbitration

Cellectis is currently engaged in arbitration with Servier, although specific details remain undisclosed. This ongoing issue is a challenge the company is navigating as it continues its operations.

Challenges in Patient Enrollment

While enrollment for the NATHALI-01 study of UCART20x22 in relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is ongoing, specific challenges or delays were not detailed in the call.

Forward-Looking Guidance

Looking ahead, Cellectis has extended its cash runway to mid-2027, thanks to AstraZeneca’s $140 million equity investment. The company plans to present Phase 1 data for UCART22 and UCART20x22 in 2025 and continues to advance its core clinical trials and collaboration with AstraZeneca. The financial outlook is strengthened by increased cash reserves and revenue from partnerships.

In summary, Cellectis S.A.’s earnings call conveyed a strong and positive outlook for the company. With strategic collaborations, financial stability, and advancements in clinical trials, Cellectis is well-positioned for future growth. Despite some challenges, the company’s achievements and forward-looking guidance provide a solid foundation for continued success.