Cassava Sciences, Inc. (SAVA): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money

Ever wondered about the story behind Cassava Sciences, Inc. (SAVA), a company that once aimed to revolutionize Alzheimer's treatment? With a challenging 2024 that included the discontinuation of its primary drug candidate, simufilam, after Phase 3 trial failures, and ending the year with $128.6 million in cash and equivalents, there's much to explore. What are the origins, ownership structure, and operational strategies that define this clinical-stage biotechnology firm, especially after a net loss of $24.3 million in 2024? Keep reading to uncover the layers of Cassava Sciences.

Cassava Sciences, Inc. (SAVA) History

Cassava Sciences Founding Timeline

Year established

Cassava Sciences was originally founded in 1998.

Original location

The company is headquartered in Austin, Texas.

Founding team members

Although specific details about the original founding team are not widely publicized, the company's early leadership was instrumental in setting its initial direction. Key figures who have significantly shaped the company's trajectory include:

• Remi Barbier: As a long-standing member, he has been pivotal in steering the company's strategic decisions.
• Lindsay Burns, Ph.D.: Her expertise has been crucial in guiding the scientific direction of the company.

Initial capital/funding

Details regarding the initial capital and funding sources during the company's inception are not readily available in the provided search results.

Cassava Sciences Evolution Milestones

Cassava Sciences Transformative Moments

• Development of Simufilam: The focus on developing Simufilam as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease has been a transformative decision, shaping the company's research and development efforts.
• Public Scrutiny and Data Disputes: Facing allegations regarding the integrity of clinical trial data has forced the company to defend its scientific findings and implement measures to ensure data transparency.
• Capital Raises and Financial Strategy: Strategic decisions related to capital raises and financial management have been crucial for funding ongoing research and clinical trials, especially amidst the controversies and market volatility. As of the 2024 fiscal year, the company reported a net loss of $86.1 million, or $2.07 per share. Research and development expenses totaled $68.4 million for the year.

To gain more insights into the company's financial stability, consider exploring this resource: Breaking Down Cassava Sciences, Inc. (SAVA) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors

Cassava Sciences, Inc. (SAVA) Ownership Structure

Cassava Sciences, Inc. features a mix of institutional, insider, and retail ownership, influencing its governance and strategic direction.

Cassava Sciences, Inc.'s Current Status

Cassava Sciences, Inc. is a public company, trading under the ticker symbol SAVA on the Nasdaq. This means its shares are available for purchase by the general public, and the company is subject to regulatory requirements for financial reporting and corporate governance.

Cassava Sciences, Inc.'s Ownership Breakdown

The ownership of Cassava Sciences, Inc. is distributed among various types of shareholders. Here's a general overview based on the latest available data:

Please note that these percentages are estimates and can fluctuate due to ongoing trading activities. For the most accurate and up-to-date ownership details, refer to Cassava Sciences' SEC filings, such as 13F filings and proxy statements.

Cassava Sciences, Inc.'s Leadership

The leadership team is crucial for the strategic direction and operational execution of Cassava Sciences, Inc. As of April 2025, key figures include:

• Remi Barbier: President and Chief Executive Officer.
• James Kupiec, MD: Chief Clinical Development Officer.
• Eric Schoen: Chief Financial Officer.

For more insights into the company's mission, vision, and core values, you can explore: Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Cassava Sciences, Inc. (SAVA).

Cassava Sciences, Inc. (SAVA) Mission and Values

Cassava Sciences' mission is centered on discovering and developing innovative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on Alzheimer's disease, reflecting a commitment to addressing significant unmet medical needs and improving patient outcomes.

Cassava Sciences' Core Purpose

Official mission statement

Cassava Sciences is dedicated to its mission through:

• Developing innovative drugs for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease.
• Focusing on scientific rigor and integrity in research and development.
• Committing to addressing unmet medical needs in the treatment of neurological disorders.
• Striving to improve the quality of life for patients and their families affected by these conditions.

Vision statement

While Cassava Sciences does not have a prominently publicized vision statement, their actions and goals suggest a vision focused on:

• Becoming a leader in the development of novel treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
• Transforming the landscape of neurodegenerative disease therapeutics through innovative science.
• Providing hope and tangible solutions for patients and families affected by Alzheimer's disease.

Company slogan/tagline

Cassava Sciences does not have an official slogan or tagline that is widely promoted. However, considering their work, a fitting, unofficial tagline might be:

• 'Innovating for a future without Alzheimer's.'
• 'Advancing science, improving lives.'
• 'Committed to neurological solutions.'

To gain more insights into the investors of Cassava Sciences, explore: Exploring Cassava Sciences, Inc. (SAVA) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Cassava Sciences, Inc. (SAVA) How It Works

Cassava Sciences, Inc. operates as a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing drugs for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease.

Cassava Sciences' Product/Service Portfolio

Cassava Sciences' Operational Framework

Cassava Sciences focuses on the research, development, and clinical testing of its drug candidates. Here's a breakdown of their operational framework:

• Drug Development: The company's primary focus is on developing Simufilam, their lead drug candidate. This involves preclinical studies, clinical trials (Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3), and regulatory submissions.
• Clinical Trials: Cassava Sciences conducts clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Simufilam in patients with Alzheimer's disease. These trials are crucial for gathering data and demonstrating the drug's potential benefits.
• Regulatory Approval: The company works to obtain regulatory approval from agencies like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to market and sell its drugs. This involves submitting comprehensive data from clinical trials and adhering to strict regulatory requirements.
• Partnerships and Collaborations: Cassava Sciences may collaborate with other research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, or organizations to advance its research and development efforts.
• Manufacturing: The company manages the manufacturing process of its drug candidates, either internally or through contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs), to ensure a consistent supply for clinical trials and potential commercialization.

To delve deeper into the company's financial stability, read this analysis: Breaking Down Cassava Sciences, Inc. (SAVA) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors

Cassava Sciences' Strategic Advantages

Cassava Sciences aims to establish a competitive edge through several key strategies:

• Novel Approach: Simufilam's mechanism of action, which focuses on restoring the normal function of FLNA, represents a novel approach to treating Alzheimer's disease, potentially differentiating it from other treatments.
• Diagnostic Tool: The development of SavaDx, a blood-based diagnostic, could provide a less invasive and more accessible method for early detection of Alzheimer's disease, giving the company a strategic advantage in the diagnostic market.
• Intellectual Property: Cassava Sciences relies on patents and other intellectual property rights to protect its drug candidates and technologies, providing a degree of exclusivity and market protection.
• Focus on Alzheimer's Disease: By concentrating its efforts on Alzheimer's disease, Cassava Sciences can develop specialized expertise and potentially address a significant unmet medical need.

Cassava Sciences, Inc. (SAVA) How It Makes Money

Cassava Sciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing drugs for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease; as of April 2025, the company primarily makes money through investments, grants, and partnerships, as it does not have any products approved for sale yet.

Cassava Sciences, Inc. Revenue Breakdown

As a clinical-stage company without approved products, Cassava Sciences' revenue streams are currently limited to collaborations, grants, and investment income. Given the stage of the company, specific percentages may fluctuate significantly based on research funding and partnerships.

Cassava Sciences, Inc. Business Economics

Cassava Sciences' business economics are characterized by substantial research and development expenses, typical of a biotech company in the clinical stage. Key aspects include:

• High R&D Costs: A significant portion of the company's expenditure is allocated to clinical trials, drug development, and research activities.
• Cash Burn Rate: Monitoring the cash burn rate is crucial, as the company relies on its cash reserves to fund operations until it can generate revenue from approved products.
• Intellectual Property: The value of Cassava Sciences is heavily dependent on its intellectual property and the success of its drug candidates in clinical trials.
• Partnerships and Funding: Strategic partnerships and securing additional funding are vital for sustaining operations and advancing drug development programs.

Cassava Sciences, Inc. Financial Performance

The financial performance of Cassava Sciences can be evaluated through these key points:

• Liquidity: As of the end of fiscal year 2024, Cassava Sciences had a strong cash position with approximately $173.6 million in cash and cash equivalents.
• R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses for 2024 were reported at $67.5 million, marking an increase from $57.9 million the previous year; this reflects the company's ongoing investment in its clinical programs.
• Net Loss: The company reported a net loss of $74.1 million for 2024, compared to a net loss of $64.5 million in 2023, underscoring the cost-intensive nature of clinical-stage drug development.
• Future Outlook: The company's financial health is closely tied to the progress and outcomes of its clinical trials, particularly for Simufilam, its lead drug candidate for Alzheimer's disease.

For more detailed insights into the financial aspects of Cassava Sciences, you can explore: Breaking Down Cassava Sciences, Inc. (SAVA) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors

Cassava Sciences, Inc. (SAVA) Market Position & Future Outlook

Cassava Sciences is currently focused on developing Simufilam, their investigational drug for Alzheimer's disease, positioning them as a key player in a market with significant unmet needs. The company's future outlook hinges on the successful completion of clinical trials and regulatory approval of Simufilam.

Competitive Landscape

The Alzheimer's disease treatment market is characterized by intense competition, with several major pharmaceutical companies vying for market share. While specific, up-to-the-minute market share data is subject to change and often proprietary, a general overview of the competitive landscape can be provided.

Opportunities & Challenges

Industry Position

Cassava Sciences currently holds a unique position as a company focused on a novel approach to treating Alzheimer's disease. Their investigational drug, Simufilam, aims to restore the normal shape and function of altered filamin A, a scaffolding protein, in the brain. This differs from other approaches that primarily target amyloid plaques. Here are some key points regarding their industry position:

• Innovative Approach: Cassava Sciences is pioneering a unique therapeutic approach that targets a different underlying mechanism of Alzheimer's disease compared to traditional amyloid-targeting therapies.
• Clinical Stage: The company is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials, a critical stage that will determine the potential for regulatory approval and commercial success.
• Market Need: The Alzheimer's disease market is vast and underserved, creating a significant opportunity for new and effective treatments.

To gain further insights into the company's financial standing, consider exploring: Breaking Down Cassava Sciences, Inc. (SAVA) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors