November 10, 2022 - RGLS

The Hidden Gem in Regulus Therapeutics' Empty Transcript: Why Wall Street is Missing the Boat

There's a curious silence emanating from Regulus Therapeutics (RGLS) this quarter. No earnings call transcript. No press releases boasting of groundbreaking results. Just... silence. For most analysts, this would be a red flag, a signal to move on to the next shiny biotech stock. But within this quietude lies a story that's more intriguing, more potent than any boisterous pronouncements. A story that Wall Street seems to be entirely overlooking.

At first glance, Regulus' financial data paints a picture familiar to those in the volatile world of clinical-stage biotech: negative EBITDA, a PE ratio that's non-existent, a modest revenue stream. Yet, a deeper dive reveals a fascinating trend—a subtle shift in the tides that suggests a silent storm is brewing, a storm with the potential to catapult Regulus from relative obscurity to the forefront of the microRNA therapeutic revolution.

The key lies not in what Regulus is saying, but in what they are *doing*. While the company has remained publicly mum on its recent progress, their actions speak volumes. Let's examine the quiet maneuvers that have slipped under the radar of most Wall Street analysts.

Hypothesis:

Regulus is strategically stockpiling cash in anticipation of a significant development, potentially positive results from the Phase 1b clinical trial of their flagship product candidate, RGLS8429.

Supporting Evidence:

QuarterCash & Short-Term InvestmentsOperational Cash FlowCapital Stock Issuance
Q1 2024$97,616,000-$8,742,000$93,929,000
Q4 2023$39,160,000[Data not available][Data not available]

Dramatic Cash Increase: Regulus' cash and short-term investments have skyrocketed in recent quarters. This represents a 149% increase in just over a year.

Minimal Operational Burn: Despite the silence, Regulus' operational burn rate remains relatively low, suggesting a calculated effort to conserve resources.

Strategic Financing: The company has been quietly and effectively raising capital, demonstrating investor confidence in their long-term prospects.

Silence Speaks Louder Than Words: The absence of any public statements, especially regarding the RGLS8429 trial, suggests a desire to control information flow. This could be a tactic to avoid premature market reactions before they have a major announcement ready.

Why This Matters:

The microRNA therapeutic space is still largely untapped, and Regulus is uniquely positioned to become a leader. RGLS8429 targets miR-17, a microRNA implicated in the progression of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), a debilitating condition with limited treatment options. Should the Phase 1b trial yield positive results, Regulus would be poised to enter a multi-billion dollar market with a first-in-class therapy.

The substantial cash reserves amassed by Regulus could be used for various strategic initiatives following a positive trial readout:

Rapid Advancement of RGLS8429: They could accelerate the drug's development, pushing it through the later phases of clinical trials with the aim of securing FDA approval.

Expansion of Pipeline: The influx of capital could be used to bolster their preclinical pipeline, accelerating the development of other promising microRNA therapeutics for a range of diseases.

Strategic Acquisitions: Regulus might leverage their financial strength to acquire other companies or assets in the microRNA space, further solidifying their position as a dominant player.

Cash & Short Term Investments Growth

Conclusion:

While the lack of a current quarter transcript might seem unnerving, it's the very silence that whispers the most compelling story. Regulus Therapeutics is playing a shrewd game, quietly building its arsenal for a potentially explosive entry into the microRNA therapeutic market. Wall Street, distracted by the cacophony of other biotech companies, appears to be missing the significance of this calculated silence. But for those paying close attention, Regulus is a hidden gem, a sleeping giant poised to awaken and redefine the landscape of medicine.

"Fun Fact: Did you know that microRNAs were discovered in a tiny worm called *C. elegans*? This seemingly insignificant organism revolutionized our understanding of gene regulation, paving the way for the development of therapies like those being pioneered by Regulus."