BioXcel Therapeutics announces workforce reduction to prioritize lead asset By Investing.com

BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc., a pharmaceutical company based in New Haven, Connecticut, disclosed on Monday a strategic reduction of its workforce by approximately 28%, affecting 15 employees. This move is part of the company’s Clinical Prioritization initiative to extend its cash runway and focus investments on the clinical development of its leading neuroscience product, BXCL501.

The decision, approved by the company’s Board of Directors on September 17, 2024, is expected to incur charges of about $1.4 million, primarily related to severance and benefits. These costs are anticipated to be paid in cash during the quarter ending December 31, 2024. BioXcel Therapeutics warns that actual costs may vary from these estimates and that additional charges may arise during the process.

In a related development, the company announced the departure of Matt Wiley, the Chief Commercial Officer, whose position will be eliminated as part of the restructuring. Wiley will transition from his role effective October 2, 2024, and will subsequently serve as a consultant.

The forward-looking statements in the SEC filing reflect the company’s expectations regarding the financial impact of the restructuring and the timing of management changes. However, they caution that these statements are subject to uncertainties and actual results could differ materially.

The company’s shares are traded on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol BTAI. This news is based on a press release statement and the company’s current report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 19, 2024.

In other recent news, BioXcel Therapeutics has made significant strides in its operations and clinical trials. The company reported Q2 revenue of $1.1 million, primarily from sales of IGALMI, surpassing the projected $0.8 million. BioXcel Therapeutics has also announced the submission of its phase 3 trial protocol for BXCL501 to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), marking a key step towards the development of this potential treatment for agitation associated with Alzheimer’s dementia.

On the analyst front, H.C. Wainwright reaffirmed its Buy rating on BioXcel Therapeutics with a consistent price target of $7.00. Canaccord Genuity also maintained a Buy rating and a $7.00 price target for the company. However, Mizuho Securities revised its 12-month price target from $4.00 to $1.00, maintaining a neutral rating due to concerns about the company’s financial health.

BioXcel Therapeutics has initiated a pivotal Phase 3 trial named SERENITY At-Home, aimed at evaluating the safety of BXCL501 for patients with bipolar disorders or schizophrenia in a home setting. Additionally, the company has revised its commercial supply agreement with ARx, potentially easing its financial commitments.

Lastly, the company has increased the number of authorized shares from 100 million to 200 million, marking a significant step in its corporate strategy. These recent developments highlight BioXcel Therapeutics’ ongoing research and development efforts and strategic direction.

InvestingPro Insights

As BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc. (BTAI) navigates through its restructuring phase, InvestingPro data provides a snapshot of the company’s financial health and market performance. With a market capitalization of $25.96 million and a notable revenue growth of 131.5% in the last twelve months as of Q2 2024, BioXcel shows signs of expanding its financial base despite its operational challenges. The company’s significant revenue growth is also reflected quarterly, with a 141.58% increase in Q2 2024, indicating potential in its sales strategy and product offerings.

InvestingPro Tips suggest that analysts are optimistic about the company’s sales growth in the current year, which aligns with the revenue trends observed. Moreover, two analysts have revised their earnings upwards for the upcoming period, providing a glimmer of hope for potential investors. However, it is important to note that the company is quickly burning through cash and analysts do not anticipate profitability this year. The company’s shares have experienced a significant return over the last week, with a 15.85% price total return, yet the overall trend for the past year indicates a steep decline, with the price having fallen by 79.58%.

For those considering an investment in BioXcel Therapeutics, it’s worth noting that the company operates with a significant debt burden and has been flagged for a poor free cash flow yield. However, its liquid assets exceed short-term obligations, suggesting some degree of financial stability in the immediate future. Investors can find additional insights and tips, including 13 more InvestingPro Tips for BTAI, by visiting https://www.investing.com/pro/BTAI.

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