Seer, Inc. is a life sciences company that is revolutionizing the field of proteomics with its disruptive Proteograph Product Suite. The company's innovative technology is poised to unlock new insights and breakthroughs in the understanding of biology and disease.
Seer was incorporated in 2017 and is headquartered in Redwood City, California. The company's flagship product, the Proteograph Product Suite, is an integrated solution that includes proprietary engineered nanoparticles, consumables, automation instrumentation, and software. This platform enables deep, unbiased proteomic analysis at scale in a matter of hours, providing researchers with unprecedented access to the proteome.
The Proteograph Product Suite is designed to be efficient and easy to use, leveraging widely adopted laboratory instrumentation to provide a decentralized solution that can be incorporated by nearly any lab. Seer's commercialization strategy is focused on growing the adoption of the Proteograph, expanding the installed base, and increasing utilization to generate revenue from the purchase of Proteograph consumables.
Seer is broadly commercializing the Proteograph Product Suite through a direct sales channel in the United States and through both direct and distributor sales channels in regions outside the United States. The company has also established the Strategic Instrument Placement Program (SIPP) and the Seer Technology Access Center (STAC) to further remove barriers to access and drive adoption of the Proteograph.
Financials
For the full year 2023, Seer reported revenue of $15.2 million, a decrease from $16.3 million in the prior year. The company's net loss for the year was $86.3 million, and its operating cash flow was negative $59.1 million. Free cash flow for the year was negative $66.4 million.
In the first quarter of 2024, Seer reported revenue of $3.1 million, a decrease of 24% compared to the first quarter of 2023. The company's net loss for the quarter was $20.7 million, and its operating cash flow was negative $10.5 million. Free cash flow for the quarter was negative $11.2 million.
Seer's revenue in the first quarter of 2024 was primarily driven by product sales, which accounted for $1.7 million, and related party revenue, which accounted for $1.0 million. Service revenue was $0.4 million, and grant and other revenue was $0.04 million.
Outlook
For the full year 2024, Seer now expects revenue to be in the range of $16 million to $18 million, which is in line with the company's revenue from 2023. The company continues to expect revenue to be more weighted to the second half of the year.
Seer is taking a disciplined approach to its spending, including implementing a reduction in force of approximately 10% of its workforce and reducing non-personnel expenses. The company is confident that its strong balance sheet, with $359.2 million in cash, cash equivalents, and investments as of March 31, 2024, provides ample runway to reach its strategic objectives.
Recent Developments
Seer is focused on driving the adoption and validation of the Proteograph Product Suite through several key initiatives:
1. Enhancing Access: The company's SIPP and STAC programs are designed to remove barriers to access and drive adoption of the Proteograph.
2. Generating Evidence and Publications: Seer is working closely with its customers to generate peer-reviewed publications that showcase the power and versatility of the Proteograph. Since the company's last earnings call, two additional manuscripts from researchers at Auburn University have been published, highlighting the Proteograph's ability to provide differentiated biological insights.
3. Expanding Applications: Seer is targeting key growth areas, such as oncology, cardiometabolic, and neurology, with its Proteograph technology. The company recently launched its 2024 Seer Insights Grant Program to support innovative and collaborative researchers in these fields.
4. Technological Advancements: Seer continues to enhance its technology, including the launch of its Protein Discovery Catalog and the ongoing positive feedback on the Proteograph XT assay's performance.
Risks and Challenges
While Seer's technology holds significant promise, the company faces several risks and challenges, including:
- Continued adoption and utilization of the Proteograph Product Suite
- Elongated sales cycles and funding constraints in the research community
- Potential regulatory hurdles if the company decides to pursue clinical applications
- Competition from other proteomics and life sciences technology companies
- Reliance on third-party manufacturers and suppliers
- Potential cybersecurity and data privacy concerns
Conclusion
Seer is at the forefront of the proteomics revolution, offering a transformative technology that has the potential to unlock new insights and drive breakthroughs in the understanding of biology and disease. Despite the current headwinds, the company remains committed to driving the adoption and validation of the Proteograph Product Suite, leveraging its strong balance sheet and strategic initiatives to navigate the challenges and position itself for long-term success.