Clearside Biomedical’s Q4 2024 Earnings Call: A Detailed Analysis
On March 27, 2025, at 4:30 PM ET, Clearside Biomedical, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLSD) held its Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Corporate Update Call. The call was led by George Lasezkay, CEO, Victor Chong, Chief Medical Officer, and Charlie Deignan, CFO. Participating analysts included Jon Wolleben from Citizens, Serge Belanger from Needham & Company, Debanjana Chatterjee from JonesTrading, Yi Chen from H.C. Wainwright, and Daniil Gataulin from Chardan.
Company Overview
Clearside Biomedical is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing treatments for diseases of the eye. Their lead product, CLS-AX, is a suspension of a proprietary formulation of triamcinolone acetonide in a non-sulfate, non-ionic, biocompatible, and biodegradable vehicle designed to penetrate the eye’s posterior segment. CLS-AX is being developed for the treatment of macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and diabetic macular edema (DME).
Financial Results
During the call, the company reported a net loss of $34.5 million for Q4 2024, compared to a net loss of $29.2 million in the same period the previous year. The increase in net loss was primarily due to higher research and development expenses and increased general and administrative expenses. Total revenue for the quarter was $0.1 million, compared to $0.3 million in Q4 2023. The decrease in revenue was due to lower contract revenue.
Clinical Updates
The company also provided updates on their clinical programs. In the Phase 3 ADVOCATE study, which is evaluating CLS-AX for the treatment of DME, the company reported that they had completed enrollment and that they expected to report top-line data in the second half of 2025. In the Phase 3 BRISCOE study, which is evaluating CLS-AX for the treatment of RVO, the company reported that they had completed enrollment and that they expected to report top-line data in the first half of 2026.
Impact on Individual Investors
The financial results and clinical updates reported during the call may have an impact on individual investors. The increase in net loss and decrease in revenue may be concerning for some investors, particularly those with a short-term investment horizon. However, the completion of enrollment in both Phase 3 studies and the expectation of top-line data in the near future may be viewed as positive developments for long-term investors.
Impact on the World
The successful development and commercialization of CLS-AX, if approved, could have a significant impact on the world. Macular edema is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness, particularly in the aging population. The current standard of care for macular edema, which includes frequent injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents, can be burdensome for patients and expensive for healthcare systems. CLS-AX, if approved, could offer a more convenient and potentially cost-effective treatment option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Clearside Biomedical’s Q4 2024 Earnings Call provided important updates on the company’s financial results and clinical programs. The increase in net loss and decrease in revenue may be concerning for some investors, but the completion of enrollment in both Phase 3 studies and the expectation of top-line data in the near future offer potential positives. If successful, the development and commercialization of CLS-AX could offer a more convenient and potentially cost-effective treatment option for macular edema, which could have a significant impact on the world.
- Net loss increased to $34.5 million in Q4 2024, compared to $29.2 million in the same period the previous year
- Total revenue was $0.1 million, compared to $0.3 million in Q4 2023
- Enrollment completed in both Phase 3 studies, with top-line data expected in the near future
- Successful development and commercialization of CLS-AX could offer a more convenient and potentially cost-effective treatment option for macular edema
