Denali Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:DNLI), a biopharmaceutical company developing a broad portfolio of therapeutic candidates for neurodegenerative diseases, today announced that it has commenced dosing of its small molecule inhibitor of RIPK1 in a Phase 1 clinical trial in healthy volunteers and achieved proof of concept of its large molecule blood-brain barrier delivery platform technology in nonhuman primates. In addition, the Company reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2017 and appointed Peter Klein to the Board of Directors.

"The recent clinical progress with our RIPK1 inhibitor and LRRK2 inhibitor programs, along with achieving proof of concept for our blood-brain barrier delivery platform for biologics in nonhuman primates, are important milestones towards our goal of developing medicines for patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases," said Ryan Watts, Ph.D., CEO. "Furthermore, we are very excited about initiating our collaboration with Takeda, which has allowed us to expand efforts on our blood-brain barrier delivery technology platform."

Fourth Quarter 2017 and Recent Corporate Highlights

Achieved first-in-human dosing in Phase 1 clinical trial of RIPK1 inhibitor program - In March 2018, Denali commenced dosing of its small molecule inhibitor of RIPK1, DNL747, in healthy volunteers in the Netherlands. DNL747 is a potent, selective and brain-penetrant small molecule inhibitor of RIPK1 in development for Alzheimer's disease and ALS.

Advanced and expanded LRRK2 inhibitor program - In December 2017, Denali announced that it had achieved robust target engagement in humans with DNL201, a LRRK2 inhibitor, in a Phase 1 clinical trial, and that the FDA removed the partial clinical hold on DNL201. This Phase 1 clinical trial in healthy volunteers for DNL201 is continuing.  Denali also announced that it commenced dosing of its second LRRK2 inhibitor, DNL151, in a Phase 1 clinical trial in healthy volunteers in the Netherlands.  DNL201 and DNL151 are both potent, selective and brain-penetrant small molecule inhibitors of LRRK2 in development for Parkinson's disease.

Achieved proof of concept of the blood-brain barrier delivery platform technology in nonhuman primates - In January 2018, Denali completed a 28-day study demonstrating sustained brain activity of its proprietary Antibody Transport Vehicle (ATV) technology, as measured by reduction of cerebral spinal fluid amyloid beta in cynomolgus monkeys after dosing of an anti-BACE1 antibody that is enabled by Denali's proprietary ATV technology, compared to a standard anti-BACE1 antibody. These data are consistent with initial 7-day study data previously disclosed and establish preclinical proof of concept for future human studies.

Entered into Option and Collaboration Agreement with Takeda - In January 2018, Denali entered into an Option and Collaboration Agreement with Takeda pursuant to which Denali granted Takeda an option in respect of three named Denali programs to develop and commercialize, jointly with Denali, certain biologic products that are enabled by Denali's blood-brain barrier delivery platform technology and intended for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Denali received $155.0 million of cash associated with this transaction in February 2018, including $110.0 million for Takeda's purchase of 4,214,559 shares of Denali's common stock.

Appointed Peter Klein to the Board of Directors - On March 16, 2018, Peter Klein joined the Board of Directors as an independent director. Mr. Klein has 25 years of experience as a senior finance executive. He served as Chief Financial Officer of Microsoft Corporation from November 2009 until May 2013 and spent over 11 years at Microsoft. Most recently, he served as Chief Financial Officer of WME, a global leader in sports and entertainment marketing, from January 2014 until June 2014. Mr. Klein holds a B.A. from Yale University and an M.B.A from University of Washington. He currently serves on the board of directors of two publicly traded companies: Apptio Inc. and F5 Networks, Inc.

Raised net proceeds of $294.2 million during the fourth quarter of 2017 through the sale of convertible preferred stock and a subsequent initial public offering and listing on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2017 Financial Results

For the fourth quarter of 2017, Denali reported a net loss of $22.9 million, compared with a net loss for the fourth quarter of 2016 of $19.4 million. For the year ended December 31, 2017, net loss was $88.2 million, compared with a net loss for the same period in 2016 of $86.7 million.

Total operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2017 were $23.5 million compared with $19.8 million for the same period in 2016 including non-cash stock-based compensation of $1.5 million and $0.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively.  Total operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $90.1 million compared with $87.4 million for the same period in 2016, including non-cash stock-based compensation of $4.4 million and $3.0 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase in total operating expenses is due to the increase in research, development, and general and administrative costs as Denali's pipeline expanded and advanced.

Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities were $467.0 million as of December 31, 2017.

About Denali Therapeutics

Denali is a biopharmaceutical company developing a broad portfolio of therapeutic candidates for neurodegenerative diseases. Denali is based in South San Francisco.