Aura Biosciences Posts Q2 Cash Surge, Advances Bel-Sar in Ocular Oncology Trials.

Aura Biosciences reported a net loss per share of $0.47, beating the consensus expectation of a $0.48 loss, and no revenue due to its pre-commercial status. The company posted increased research and development spending but a strengthened cash position after a $75 million equity raise. The quarter saw operational momentum in clinical programs and a significant boost to cash resources, but persistent high net losses typical for late-stage clinical biotech firms.

Aura Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: AURA), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing precision therapies for solid tumors, has reported its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025. The company posted a net loss per share of $0.47, which was a slight improvement over the consensus expectation of a $0.48 loss. Notably, Aura did not generate any revenue due to its pre-commercial status.

The quarter saw increased research and development (R&D) spending, rising to $22.9 million from $16.9 million in the same period last year. This increase was primarily driven by ongoing clinical and contract research organization (CRO) costs associated with the progression of the global Phase 3 trial of bel-sar in early choroidal melanoma, as well as manufacturing and development costs for bel-sar. General and administrative expenses decreased to $5.7 million from $5.9 million, primarily due to reduced professional fees.

Aura's cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities totaled $177.3 million as of June 30, 2025, bolstered by a $75 million equity financing. The company believes its current cash position is sufficient to fund operations into the first half of 2027. The company's ongoing clinical programs, including the Phase 3 CoMpass trial in early choroidal melanoma and the Phase 1b/2 trial in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), continued to show operational momentum.

Despite the increased R&D spending and high net losses typical for late-stage clinical biotech firms, Aura's equity financing has provided a significant boost to its cash resources. The company's lead candidate, bel-sar, is currently in late-stage development for early choroidal melanoma and in early-stage development for other ocular oncology indications and bladder cancer. Aura's pipeline includes the CoMpass trial in early choroidal melanoma, a Phase 2 trial in metastases to the choroid, and a Phase 1b/2 trial in NMIBC.

In summary, Aura Biosciences reported a net loss per share of $0.47 for the second quarter of 2025, with increased R&D spending and a strengthened cash position following a $75 million equity raise. The company's ongoing clinical programs and pipeline continue to show promise, with a focus on developing precision therapies for solid tumors that aim to preserve organ function.

References:
[1] https://www.biospace.com/press-releases/aura-biosciences-reports-second-quarter-2025-financial-results-and-business-highlights