Astralis Ltd Reports Third Quarter And Nine Month 2004 Results
15 Novembro 2004 - 8:04PM
PR Newswire (US)
Astralis Ltd Reports Third Quarter And Nine Month 2004 Results
FAIRFIELD, N.J., Nov. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Astralis Ltd.
(OTC:ASTR) (BULLETIN BOARD: ASTR) a development-stage biotechnology
company engaged primarily in the R&D of treatments for immune
system disorders and skin diseases announced results today for the
third quarter and nine months of 2004. For the three months ended
September 30, 2004, the Company recorded a net loss of $1.6 million
to common stockholders, or $0.02 per share. For the nine months
ended September 30, 2004, the Company recorded a net loss of $16.0
million to common stockholders, or $0.23 per share. A one-time
preferred stock dividend, related to the conversion into common
stock of our Series A Preferred Stock, owned by SkyePharma PLC,
accounts for $10.75 million of the net loss for the nine month
period. The Company, which is a development stage entity, had no
revenue during this period. Total shareholders' equity as of
September 30, 2004, was $6.4 million and the Company had total cash
and marketable securities of $2.9 million as of March 31, 2004.
Research and development expenses were $1.3 million and $3.8
million for the third quarter and nine month period, respectively.
These amounts included costs incurred in connection with the Phase
I and Phase II clinical trials for Psoraxine(R), the Company's
first drug candidate, as well as the amortization expense of $0.43
million for previous payments to a related third party for
regulatory and development services pursuant to a Service Agreement
signed in December 2001. Psoraxine(R) is a protein-based therapy
that is believed to act as an immunostimulator, rather than an
immunosuppressor. The Company is currently conducting Phase II
clinical trials in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis in 10
sites throughout the United States. This press release may contain
forward-looking statements regarding Astralis Ltd. Actual results
may differ materially from those described in the press release as
a result of a number of factors, including but not limited to the
following: There can be no assurance that Psoraxine(R) will be
successfully developed or manufactured, or that final results of
human clinical trials will result in the regulatory approvals
required to market products, or that final regulatory approval will
be received in a timely manner, if at all, or that patient and
physician acceptance of this product will be achieved. Astralis
will continue its research and development effort to the extent
that we do not experience any cash shortfalls, adverse developments
in our drug development or competitive or other impediments that an
early stage company in our industry may face. Astralis Ltd
undertakes no obligation to revise or update any such
forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after
the date of this release. Astralis Ltd. (A Development Stage
Entity) Selected Statement of Operation Information (Unaudited)
January 1, 2004 to September 30, 2004 Revenues $-- Total Operating
Expenses 5,282,199 Loss from Operations $(5,282,199) Other Income
Investment Income $28,454 Net Loss to Common Stockholder
$(16,003,745) Basic and diluted loss per common share $(0.23)
Fairfield, NJ-based Astralis is a development-stage biotechnology
company engaged in the research and development of novel treatments
for immune system disorders and skin diseases. The Company's
current activities focus on the development of a product candidate
named Psoraxine(R) -- now in Phase II clinical trials -- for the
treatment of psoriasis. Psoraxine is a proprietary protein biologic
with a mechanism of action that is believed to be based on
immuno-stimulation. Astralis is also engaged in research on the
possible development of the technology underling Psoraxine for the
treatment of other indications, such as psoriatic arthritis,
leishmaniasis, papilloma, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and
rheumatoid arthritis. For more information, visit Astralis' web
site at http://www.astralisltd.com/. Psoriasis. Psoriasis is a
chronic, genetically based remitting and relapsing scaly and
inflammatory skin disorder that affects approximately 3% of the
world's population. Psoriasis symptoms result from the
overproduction of skin by blood cells associated with the immune
system. These blood cells are over-stimulated and act as though the
skin was damaged, manufacturing skin cells at a much faster rate
than is required by undamaged skin. The overproduction of skin can
cause everything from itchy rash like patches to painful pustules
and massive inflammation. DATASOURCE: Astralis Ltd. CONTACT:
Investors, Michael Lucarelli, or Media, Brian Kennedy, , both of
Allen & Caron Inc, +1-212-691-8087, for Astralis Ltd.; or Peter
Golikov, Interim Chief Executive Officer, or Mike Garone, Interim
Chief Financial Officer, or Lindsay Ronan, Finance and
Administration, all of Astralis Ltd., +1-973-227-7168, Web site:
http://www.astralisltd.com/
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