Cadence Pharmaceuticals Inc. said late Wednesday its third-quarter loss grew sharply as operating costs more than doubled.

The company lost $7.8 million, or $6.01 per share, compared with a loss of $2.4 million, or $2.04 per share, a year ago. Cadence did not record revenue during the quarter.

Operating costs jumped to $8 million from $2.5 million, mainly attributable to costs associated with a late-stage clinical trial of the company's Omigard treatment, aimed at preventing local catheter site infections. Also, costs of additional personnel to support development efforts increased overall operating expenses.

As of Sept. 30, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $38.2 million. The company completed its IPO during the fourth quarter.

Shares of Cadence fell 30 cents, or 2.4 percent, to close earlier at $12 on the Nasdaq, having reached a new 52-week high of $12.50 earlier in the day.