Tikcro reports net loss of $1.0 million for third quarter 2011

Nov 18 2011

Tikcro Technologies Ltd. (OTC PK: TIKRF) today reported results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011.

Net loss for the third quarter was $1.0 million or $(0.11) per diluted share. Results for the third quarter included financial expenses of approximately $0.9 million that resulted from the valuation of Tikcro's holdings in BioCancell Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company operating in the area of cancer treatment. Excluding this non-cash financial expense, net loss for the third quarter was $64,000 or $(0.01) per diluted share. Net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $2.5 million or $(0.29) per diluted share. Results for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 included a financial expense of approximately $2.3 million from the valuation of Tikcro's holdings in BioCancell. Excluding this non-cash financial expense, net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $207,000 or $(0.02) per diluted share.

Tikcro holds approximately 25% of BioCancell, taking into account the conversion of a convertible note and the exercise of warrants. On a fully diluted basis, Tickro holds approximately 17% of BioCancell. Shares of BioCancell are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE). The valuation of Tikcro's holdings in BioCancell is influenced, among other factors, by the share price of BioCancell on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.

BioCancell is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing targeted cancer therapies for solid cancer tumors. The Company is currently enrolling patients for the US FDA Phase IIb clinical trial for the Company's lead drug-candidate, BC-819. The Phase IIb clinical trial follows a one-year, multi-center Phase I/IIa trial, which addresses patients with non-resectable (inoperable) pancreatic cancer, with no metastases. Following three months of treatment with BC-819 in the Phase I/IIa trial, five out of nine patients showed significant tumor reduction or stability, and two out of six patients in the higher dosage group became resectable (operable).

Approximately 80% of patients with pancreatic cancer die within a year of diagnosis and 95% within five years. BC-819 uses the H19 gene to synthesize Diphtheria Toxin in cancerous cells only, in order to destroy the cells. BC-819 is also undergoing a Phase IIb trial for bladder cancer and a Phase I/IIa trial for ovarian cancer.

As of September 30, 2011, the Company had net cash and marketable securities totaling $7.2 million.

In this quarter the Israeli District Court of Tel Aviv-Jaffa dismissed a lawsuit that was brought against Tikcro and directors thereof by shareholders Steven and Kimberly Bronson. All claims sought against the Company and the directors were rejected. There are no other legal proceedings pending against the Company or its directors.