Intellia Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:NTLA) is a leading clinical-stage gene editing company, focused on developing potentially curative therapeutics using CRISPR/Cas9-based technologies. The company's innovative approach has positioned it at the forefront of the gene editing revolution, with a robust pipeline of in vivo and ex vivo programs targeting a wide range of diseases.
Financials
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, Intellia reported annual revenue of $36,275,000 and a net loss of $481,192,000. The company's annual operating cash flow was -$394,086,000, and its annual free cash flow was -$408,071,000. These financial results reflect Intellia's continued investment in research and development to advance its groundbreaking gene editing therapies.
In the first quarter of 2024, Intellia reported collaboration revenue of $28,935,000, a significant increase from the $12,606,000 reported in the same period of the previous year. This increase was primarily driven by a $21 million non-cash revenue recognition adjustment related to the company's collaboration with AvenCell. Research and development expenses for the quarter were $111,847,000, up from $97,116,000 in the first quarter of 2023, reflecting the advancement of Intellia's lead programs.
Business Overview
Pipeline
Intellia's pipeline is anchored by its in vivo CRISPR-based therapies, NTLA-2001 for the treatment of transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis and NTLA-2002 for the treatment of hereditary angioedema (HAE). The company's NTLA-2001 program is currently in a global Phase 3 trial for ATTR amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), with over 30 patients already dosed and more than 40 additional patients in screening. Enrollment in this trial is tracking well ahead of Intellia's initial projections, reflecting the enthusiasm from physicians and patients for this potential breakthrough therapy.
In addition to the ongoing ATTR-CM trial, Intellia announced plans to initiate a new Phase 3 trial for NTLA-2001 in patients with ATTR amyloidosis with polyneuropathy (ATTR-PN) by the end of 2024. This decision follows productive discussions with the FDA, which has aligned on a trial design to support a Biologics License Application (BLA) filing for NTLA-2001 in the ATTR-PN indication.
Intellia's NTLA-2002 program for the treatment of HAE is also progressing rapidly. The company has completed enrollment and dosing in the Phase 2 portion of the ongoing Phase 1/2 study, and plans to initiate the global pivotal Phase 3 study, including U.S. patients, in the second half of 2024. Intellia expects to present updated data from the Phase 1 portion of the study at the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) Congress 2024, as well as topline results from the Phase 2 portion in mid-2024.
Gene Insertion Program
Beyond its lead in vivo programs, Intellia is also advancing its first wholly owned CRISPR-based gene insertion candidate, NTLA-3001, for the treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD)-associated lung disease. The company recently received authorization from the United Kingdom's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to initiate a Phase 1/2 study evaluating NTLA-3001. This program represents a significant milestone for Intellia, as it validates the company's modular gene insertion platform and its potential to address numerous diseases caused by a missing or defective protein.
Strategic Collaborations
Intellia's strategic collaborations with partners, such as Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., AvenCell, SparingVision, Kyverna, and ReCode Therapeutics, have further strengthened its position as a leader in the gene editing field. These partnerships have not only provided additional resources and expertise but have also expanded the reach of Intellia's technology into new therapeutic areas, including neurological, muscular, and ocular diseases, as well as immuno-oncology and autoimmune disorders.
Liquidity
The company's financial position remains strong, with cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $953.4 million as of March 31, 2024. This robust balance sheet allows Intellia to execute on its strategic priorities, which include advancing its lead in vivo programs through pivotal trials, launching the next wave of in vivo and ex vivo clinical programs, and deploying new editing and delivery modalities.
Conclusion
Intellia's success to date is a testament to its world-class team, its industry-leading expertise in genome editing, and its commitment to developing transformative gene-based therapies. As the company continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with CRISPR/Cas9 technology, it is well-positioned to deliver on its mission of revolutionizing medicine and improving the lives of patients with severe diseases.