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Absci Corp (ABSI)·Q3 2025 Earnings Summary
Executive Summary
- Q3 results were mixed: partner program revenue fell to $0.38M (–78% YoY, –36% QoQ) and missed S&P Global consensus ($1.58M), while EPS of $(0.20) was modestly better than consensus of $(0.205) . Revenue estimate: $1.5799M*; EPS estimate: $(0.2052)*. Actual revenue: $0.378M; actual EPS: $(0.20) .
- Strategic pivot: ABS-201 accelerated (AGA Ph1/2a to start December 2025) and expanded (new endometriosis indication; Ph2 to start 4Q26). ABS-101 to be partnered; no internal later-stage development after Phase 1 completion .
- Liquidity improved: cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities rose to $152.5M (from $117.5M in Q2), with runway into 1H 2028 maintained .
- Near-term catalysts: ABS-201 KOL seminar (Dec 11), ABS-201 AGA first dosing in December, and potential partnerships “by year-end” including with large pharma .
What Went Well and What Went Wrong
What Went Well
- ABS-201 acceleration and expansion: Company pulled forward AGA Ph1/2a start to Dec 2025 and added endometriosis with Ph2 in 4Q26. CEO: “pivotal inflection point… sharpen our focus on ABS-201… two high‑value indications” .
- ABS-101 safety/PK read-in: Interim Phase 1 showed extended half-life vs first‑gen TL1A competitors with no serious adverse events; pursuing partnership/out‑licensing consistent with strategy .
- Balance sheet/runway: Cash and securities increased to $152.5M; runway into 1H 2028, aided by prior capital raises and anticipated non‑dilutive partnership inflows .
What Went Wrong
- Revenue miss and decline: Q3 revenue $0.38M vs S&P consensus $1.58M* (–78% YoY, –36% QoQ), highlighting lumpy/limited partner revenue recognition .
- ABS-101 competitiveness: Management acknowledged Phase 1 half‑life fell short of next‑gen TL1A programs; consequently will not pursue internal later-stage trials, focusing instead on partnering .
- Continued operating losses: Net loss widened YoY to $(28.7)M with R&D investment elevated for pipeline execution .
Financial Results
YoY snapshot (Q3 2025 vs Q3 2024):
- Revenue: $0.378M vs $1.701M
- R&D: $19.249M vs $17.985M
- SG&A: $8.441M vs $9.256M
- Net Loss: $(28.706)M vs $(27.398)M
- EPS: $(0.20) vs $(0.24)
Versus S&P Global consensus:
Note: *Values retrieved from S&P Global.
KPIs (operational/financial):
- Cash runway: Into 1H 2028 .
- Upcoming ABS-201 milestones: AGA Ph1/2a start Dec 2025; endometriosis Ph2 start 4Q26; interim readouts 2H 2026 (AGA) and 2H 2027 (Endo) .
- Partnering outlook: “anticipate signing one or more partnerships, including with a Large Pharma company, by year-end” .
Guidance Changes
Earnings Call Themes & Trends
Management Commentary
- “This quarter marks a pivotal inflection point for Absci as we sharpen our focus on ABS-201… advancing this program in two high-value indications” — Sean McClain, CEO .
- “We will seek a partner for ABS-101 and no longer pursue additional internal clinical development for this asset following the completion of the phase I clinical trial.” — Sean McClain .
- “We continue to anticipate signing one or more drug creation partnerships, including with a large pharma company, by year-end.” — Zach Jonasson, CFO/CBO .
- “Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities… $152.5M… sufficient to fund operations into the first half of 2028.” — Company update .
Q&A Highlights
- TL1A (ABS-101) read-through: Half‑life exceeded first‑gen but not second‑gen competitors; safety clean; focus shifts to partnering and first‑in‑class indications where tissue distribution may help efficacy .
- Endometriosis design: Company aims to address pain and potentially disease modification; will ensure rigorous entry criteria and adequate powering; sub‑Q dosing planned in Ph2 .
- ABS-201 AGA recruitment/efficacy timing: Confident in site activation (Australia); 13‑week interim efficacy readout targeted for early 2H 2026, with additional 20–24 week endpoints .
- Indication scope: PRLR biology viewed as broadly relevant across endometriosis patients; non‑hormonal safety profile emphasized by management .
Estimates Context
- Q3 2025: Revenue $0.378M vs S&P consensus $1.5799M* (miss); EPS $(0.20) vs $(0.2052)* (slight beat) .
- Given lumpy partner revenue and increased pipeline focus, Street revenue models may need to reset lower near-term; EPS cadence hinges on R&D pace and partnering milestones .
Note: *Values retrieved from S&P Global.
Key Takeaways for Investors
- ABS-201 is now the clear value driver with two near-term PoC shots (AGA 2H26; Endo 2H27); the trial acceleration and indication expansion are central to the bull case .
- The ABS-101 pivot reduces internal burn on TL1A development; upside remains via partnering optionality and potential first‑in‑class indications .
- Near-term stock catalysts: ABS-201 KOL event (Dec 11), AGA Ph1/2a initiation in December, potential large‑pharma partnership(s) by year-end .
- Revenue volatility will persist; focus should remain on cash runway (into 1H 2028) and non‑dilutive deal progress to extend runway and de‑risk pipeline .
- Watch competitive TL1A readouts and PRLR class data (e.g., HMI‑115) for cross‑program read‑throughs; management believes ABS‑201 has PK/formulation advantages that could translate to patient convenience and efficacy .
- Execution risks are chiefly clinical (ABS‑201 PoC) and partnering timing; the plan to leverage AGA Ph1/2a safety for Endo Ph2 is capital-efficient and accelerates timelines .