UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 8-K
 
CURRENT REPORT
 
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 11, 2023
 
Entera Bio Ltd.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
Israel
 
001-38556
 
00-0000000
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
 
(Commission File Number)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification)
 
KIRYAT HADASSAH, MINRAV BUILDINGFIFTH FLOOR, JERUSALEM, Israel 9112002
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

+972-2-532-7151
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
  
 
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)


Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a -12)
 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d -2(b))
 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e -4(c))
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class
 
Trading Symbol(s)
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Ordinary Shares, par value of NIS 0.0000769
 
ENTX
 
Nasdaq Capital Market
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
 
Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
 

 
Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
 
On August 11, 2023, Entera Bio Ltd., a company organized under the laws of the State of Israel (“we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company”), issued a press release announcing its financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2023. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference in this Item 2.02.
 
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.
 
The information contained in Item 2.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference in this Item 7.01.
 
The information contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including in Exhibit 99.1 attached hereto, is “furnished” and not “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section. Such information shall not be incorporated by reference in another filing under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except to the extent such other filing specifically incorporates such information by reference.
 
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
 
(d) Exhibits.

Exhibit
Number
 
Description

104
 
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).



SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

   
ENTERA BIO LTD.
     
Date: August 11, 2023
By:
/s/ Miranda Toledano
   
Name: Miranda Toledano
Title: Chief Executive Officer



 

Exhibit 99.1

 
Entera Bio Announces Q2 2023 Financial Results and Corporate Updates

JERUSALEM – August 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Entera Bio Ltd. (NASDAQ: ENTX), (“Entera” or the “Company”) a leader in the development of orally delivered peptides and therapeutic proteins, today reported corporate updates and financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023.
 
“In the last year, we have successfully focused our resources to drive value across three main pillars: (1) moving our EB613 program along the right path to a Phase 3 registrational study, (2) developing a potential new generation for EB612 and (3) expanding our technological capabilities and platform. Our 2022 R&D plan resulted in pre-clinical validation of proprietary new generations of our oral peptide delivery platform. These are primarily designed to modify pharmacokinetic (PK)/ pharmacodynamic (PD) parameters, optimize bioavailability and curb oral dosing regimens across more complex peptides and therapeutic proteins. They are also designed to develop novel, proprietary life cycle extension candidates for our own first-in-class PTH(1-34) mini tablet treatments for osteoporosis and hypoparathyroidism. We view this as crucial given current pharmacoeconomic debates across our industry. We are determined to develop a simple, oral mini tablet format of peptides and therapeutic proteins in the most efficient manner to facilitate access to millions of patients globally.  We expect to announce data from our Phase 1B study of our new generation platform in the second half of 2023. Likewise, we anticipate critical updates related to the FNIH-BQP qualification process, which has a direct implication to the potential initiation of our pivotal Phase 3 program for EB613,” said Miranda Toledano, Entera’s Chief Executive Officer.
 
Corporate Updates:
 

EB613: The First and Only Once Daily PTH(1-34) Mini Tablet Treatment for Post-Menopausal Women with High Risk Osteoporosis. Alignment continues across our CMC/supply chain, clinical operations, and strategic discussions to potentially initiate the Phase 3 registrational study for EB613.  A critical milestone is anticipated with FDA’s review and potential qualification of the FNIH-ASBMR SABRE BQP.1
 

EB612: Next Generation Oral Peptide Platform Data Read-Outs Expected in H2’2023. In May 2023, Entera initiated a 45 subject, three cohort, Phase 1B study comparing the safety, PK and early PD outcomes for several novel PTH(1-34) tablet formulations versus our current tablet formulations. The Company is expected to read out data from the first two cohorts of the study in H2’2023. The outcome of this study will serve to (1) validate the new platform using PTH(1-34) as our model molecule, (2) provide a lifecycle management candidate for EB613 once daily tablets for osteoporosis, (3) provide a next generation for EB612 as the first PTH hormone replacement therapy in daily tablet form, and (4) expand the development of additional targeted and potentially more complex oral peptides and therapeutic proteins independently and in collaboration with strategic partners.
 

Expansion of IP Estate. Over the past quarter we have continued to expand and deepen our global patent portfolio. Prosecution of patent applications pertaining to treatment of osteoporosis or hypoparathyroidism by oral administration of PTH-containing tablets resulted in additional granted patents worldwide.  New international patent applications, pertaining to the next generations of our base technology were filed, and additional patent applications covering additional modifications to our technology are expected to be filed later this year.    


1 FNIH BQP is also knows as the ASBMR FNIH-SABRE, American Society for Bone and Mineral Research-Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) Strategy to Advance BMD as a Regulatory Endpoint (SABRE)

 
Financial Results for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2023
 
As of June 30, 2023, Entera had cash and cash equivalents of $9.1 million. The Company expects that its existing cash resources are sufficient to meet its projected operating requirements into the third quarter of 2024, which includes the capital required to fund our ongoing operations, including R&D and the completion of the Phase 1B PK study related to our new generation platform and potential new formulations for EB612.

Research and development expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2023 were $2.1 million, as compared to $3.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The decrease of $1.0 million was primarily due to a decrease of $0.4 million in pre-clinical activity and a decrease of $0.6 million in share-based compensation and a one-time payment made to a former employee pursuant to the terms of his separation agreement.

General and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2023 were $2.4 million, as compared to $4.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The decrease of $1.7 million was mainly attributable to a decrease of $0.8 million in employee compensation, including share-based compensation, a decrease of $0.6 million in professional fees and other consultants and a decrease of $0.3 million in D&O insurance costs.
 
Operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2023 were $4.5 million, as compared to $7.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022.
 
Net loss was $4.5 million, or $0.16 per ordinary share (basic and diluted), for the six months ended June 30, 2023, as compared to $7.0 million, or $0.24 per ordinary share (basic and diluted), for the six months ended June 30, 2022.
 
About Entera Bio
 
Entera is a leader in the development of orally delivered macromolecules, including peptides and other therapeutic proteins. The Company focuses on significant unmet medical needs where a daily mini tablet form of a peptide treatment or replacement therapy holds the potential to transform the standard of care. The Company’s most advanced product candidates, EB613 for the treatment of high risk, post-menopausal osteoporosis and EB612 for the treatment of hypoparathyroidism, are in clinical development. EB613 is the first oral, once daily mini tablet presentation of synthetic hPTH (1-34), (teriparatide), consisting of the exact same 34 amino acid sequence as daily subcutaneous teriparatide injection, Forteo®. A placebo controlled, dose ranging Phase 2 study of EB613 tablets (n= 161) met primary (PD/biomarker) and secondary endpoints (BMD) in a dose dependent manner and was presented at the ASBMR 2021 Annual Conference. A phase 1 PK study of novel PTH formulations was initiated in H1 2023 to ascertain feasibility of a new hypo candidate (a prior formulation had positive Phase 2a data announced in 2015 and published in the JBMR in 2019) and for another potential indication. For more information on Entera Bio, visit www.enterabio.com

Contact:

Entera Bio:
Ms. Miranda Toledano
Chief Executive Officer
Entera Bio
Email: miranda@enterabio.com


Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Various statements in this press release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements (other than statements of historical facts) in this press release regarding our prospects, plans, financial position, business strategy and expected financial and operational results may constitute forward-looking statements. Words such as, but not limited to, “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “could,” “expect,” “estimate,” “design,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “objective,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “likely,” “should,” “will,” and “would,” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions or words, identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations that involve risks, changes in circumstances, assumptions and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and may not be accurate indications of when such performance or results will be achieved.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in Entera’s forward-looking statements include, among others: changes in the interpretation of clinical data; results of our clinical trials; the FDA’s interpretation and review of our results from and analysis of our clinical trials; unexpected changes in our ongoing and planned preclinical development and clinical trials, the timing of and our ability to make regulatory filings and obtain and maintain regulatory approvals for our product candidates; the potential disruption and delay of manufacturing supply chains; loss of available workforce resources, either by Entera or its collaboration and laboratory partners; impacts to research and development or clinical activities that Entera may be contractually obligated to provide; overall regulatory timelines; the size and growth of the potential markets for our product candidates; the scope, progress and costs of developing Entera’s product candidates; Entera’s reliance on third parties to conduct its clinical trials; Entera’s expectations regarding licensing, business transactions and strategic collaborations; Entera’s operation as a development stage company with limited operating history; Entera’s ability to continue as a going concern absent access to sources of liquidity; Entera’s ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval for any of its product candidates; Entera’s ability to comply with Nasdaq’s minimum listing standards and other matters related to compliance with the requirements of being a public company in the United States; Entera’s intellectual property position and its ability to protect its intellectual property; and other factors that are described in the “Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of Entera’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, as well as the company’s subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K.  There can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by Entera will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, Entera. Therefore, no assurance can be given that the outcomes stated or implied in such forward-looking statements and estimates will be achieved. Entera cautions investors not to rely on the forward-looking statements Entera makes in this press release. The information in this press release is provided only as of the date of this press release, and Entera undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law.



ENTERA BIO LTD.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(U.S. dollars in thousands)

   
June 30
   
December 31
 
   
2023
   
2022
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Audited)
 
       
Cash and cash equivalents
   
9,135
     
12,309
 
Accounts receivable and other current assets
   
679
     
540
 
Property and equipment, net
   
122
     
139
 
Other assets, net
   
509
     
139
 
Total assets
   
10,445
     
13,127
 
                 
Accounts payable and other current liabilities
   
1,865
     
1,341
 
Total non-current liabilities
   
348
     
32
 
Total liabilities
   
2,213
     
1,373
 
Total shareholders' equity
   
8,232
     
11,754
 
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
   
10,445
     
13,127
 
 


ENTERA BIO LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
(Unaudited)
 
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2023
   
2022
 
             
REVENUES
   
-
     
112
 
COST OF REVENUES
   
-
     
87
 
GROSS PROFIT
   
-
     
25
 
OPERATING EXPENSES:
               
Research and development
   
2,140
     
3,084
 
General and administrative
   
2,429
     
4,052
 
Other income
   
(27
)
   
(27
)
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES
   
4,542
     
7,109
 
OPERATING LOSS
   
4,542
     
7,084
 
                 
FINANCIAL INCOME, NET
   
(27
)
   
(104
)
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAX
   
4,515
     
6,980
 
INCOME TAX BENEFIT
   
-
     
(11
)
NET LOSS
   
4,515
     
6,969
 
                 
LOSS PER SHARE BASIC AND DILUTED
   
0.16
     
0.24
 
                 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING USED IN COMPUTATION OF BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE
   
28,811,162
     
28,806,217