SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Septerna, Inc. (Nasdaq: SEPN), a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering a new era of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) drug discovery, announced that Jeffrey Finer, M.D., Ph.D., chief executive officer and co-founder of Septerna, will present at the TD Cowen 46th Annual Health Care Conference on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 3:10 p.m. ET in Boston. A live webcast of the presentation will be available in the investors section of the compan ...

Core Insights - Septerna, Inc. has granted an inducement award to its Chief Legal Officer, Mark A. Wilson, consisting of a non-qualified stock option to purchase 165,000 shares of common stock under the Company's 2026 Inducement Plan [1][2] Group 1: Stock Option Details - The stock option has an exercise price of $25.41 per share, which is equal to Septerna's closing share price on February 6, 2026 [2] - The stock option will vest over four years, with 25% of the shares vesting on the one-year anniversary and the remaining 75% vesting in equal monthly installments over 36 months, contingent on Mr. Wilson's continuous employment [2] Group 2: Company Overview - Septerna, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) drug discovery, aiming to address significant unmet medical needs [3] - The company utilizes its proprietary Native Complex Platform to develop a diverse pipeline of novel oral small molecule drug candidates across various therapeutic areas, including endocrinology, immunology, inflammation, and metabolic diseases [3]

Core Insights - Septerna, Inc. is set to present data from its Phase 1 clinical trial of SEP-631 at the 2026 AAAAI Annual Meeting, highlighting its focus on G protein-coupled receptor drug discovery [1] - SEP-631 is a selective oral small molecule negative allosteric modulator targeting MRGPRX2, aimed at treating chronic spontaneous urticaria and other mast cell-driven diseases [2][3] Group 1: Clinical Trial and Presentation - The Phase 1 clinical trial data for SEP-631 will be presented during the Late Breaking Poster Session II on March 1, 2026, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center [2] - The study utilizes short wave infrared imaging to assess responses to an Icatibant skin challenge, indicating innovative methodologies in clinical research [2] Group 2: Drug Mechanism and Development - SEP-631 targets MRGPRX2, which is crucial for mast cell activation and degranulation, contributing to symptoms in various diseases including asthma and atopic dermatitis [2] - Preclinical studies have shown that SEP-631 effectively inhibits MRGPRX2 and prevents mediator-induced skin extravasation in mice, demonstrating its potential efficacy [2] Group 3: Company Overview - Septerna, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company with expertise in GPCR therapies, aiming to address significant unmet medical needs through its proprietary Native Complex Platform™ [3] - The company is advancing a diverse pipeline of novel oral small molecule drug candidates across multiple therapeutic areas, including endocrinology and immunology [3]

Summary of Septerna's Presentation at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference Company Overview - **Company Name**: Septerna - **Focus**: Development of drugs targeting G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) using the Native Complex Platform for drug discovery [2][5] Key Programs 1. **SCP479**: - **Target**: Parathyroid hormone receptor agonist for hypoparathyroidism - **Status**: Wrapping up IND-enabling studies, expected to enter phase one trials in the first half of 2025 [3][25] - **Market Opportunity**: Significant unmet need; current standard of care involves high doses of calcium and vitamin D [46] - **Clinical Data**: Early studies show normalization of serum calcium levels in animal models [19][24] - **Pharmaceutical Properties**: Projected human half-life of 40-80 hours, supporting once-daily oral dosing [23] 2. **SCP631**: - **Target**: MRGPRX2 for mast cell-driven diseases, including chronic spontaneous urticaria - **Status**: Phase one trial wrapping up, with data expected to be shared at the Quad AI meeting in March [4][31] - **Mechanism**: Insurmountable negative allosteric modulator, effectively turning off the receptor [28][48] - **Market Need**: Significant unmet need for second-line treatment options for patients refractory to high-dose antihistamines [27] 3. **Other Programs**: - **Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Receptor (TSHR)**: Targeting Graves' disease and thyroid eye disease with a negative allosteric modulator [34][35] - **Incretin Receptor Agonist Program**: Collaboration with Novo Nordisk focusing on multiple receptors [39] Market Insights - **Hypoparathyroidism Market**: Approximately 70,000-80,000 patients in the U.S.; current treatments are not fully effective, creating demand for oral options [46][47] - **Mast Cell Disorders**: Growing evidence of mast cell involvement in various conditions, indicating a broad opportunity for SCP631 [50] Platform and Technology - **Native Complex Platform**: Allows for the isolation of GPCRs in a functional form, enabling high-resolution structure determination and screening of billions of compounds [7][9] - **Drug Discovery Efficiency**: Rapid optimization of compounds, with timelines from medicinal chemistry to active compounds in animals being less than a year [10] Financial Position - **Capitalization**: Well-capitalized with cash runway into at least 2029 following IPO and collaboration deals [3] - **Collaboration with Novo Nordisk**: Includes three receptors and undisclosed targets, with Novo covering all R&D costs going forward [39] Regulatory and Development Strategy - **Phase One Trials**: Focus on safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics, with plans to pivot quickly to patient studies based on promising results [45] - **IP Strategy**: Protecting novel binding pockets and chemical structures identified through the platform [52] Conclusion - **Future Focus**: Execution on the current pipeline while remaining opportunistic for business development and partnerships [53]

Core Insights - Septerna, Inc. has appointed Mark A. Wilson as Chief Legal Officer, bringing over 25 years of experience in pharmaceutical and biotech sectors [1][2] - The company aims to enhance its governance framework and maximize the value of its proprietary Native Complex Platform™ under Mr. Wilson's leadership [2] - Septerna is focused on transforming GPCR drug discovery and developing innovative therapies for patients with significant unmet needs [4] Company Overview - Septerna, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) drug discovery [1][4] - The company has developed a diverse pipeline of novel oral small molecule drug candidates targeting areas such as endocrinology, immunology, inflammation, and metabolic diseases [4] - Septerna operates both independently and in collaboration with partners to advance its therapeutic programs [4] Leadership Background - Mark A. Wilson previously served as Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at Nektar Therapeutics, where he managed legal, human resources, and IT departments [2] - He has extensive experience in global development, commercialization collaborations, and patent strategy, having joined Nektar in 2002 [2] - Mr. Wilson holds a J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law and a B.S. in Pharmacy from Rutgers University College of Pharmacy [3]

Upgrades - CFRA upgraded Pool Corp. (POOL) to Buy from Hold with a price target of $304 [2] - Piper Sandler upgraded SEI Investments (SEIC) to Overweight from Neutral with a price target of $102, increased from $93, citing SEI as a "clear beneficiary" of the expanding alternatives landscape [2] - TD Cowen upgraded Ametek (AME) to Buy from Hold with a price target of $230, up from $180, noting that backlog remains near highs and is expected to grow [3] Downgrades - TD Cowen downgraded Janus Henderson (JHG) to Hold from Buy with a price target of $49 after the company agreed to be acquired for $7.4 billion or $49.00 per share [4] - Piper Sandler downgraded Clearwater Analytics (CWAN) to Neutral from Overweight with a price target of $24.55, down from $27, following its agreement to be acquired for $24.55 per share in cash [4] - BMO Capital downgraded Brown & Brown (BRO) to Market Perform from Outperform with a price target of $88, down from $90, due to lower consensus organic growth estimates for 2026 [5] - Evercore ISI downgraded Coty (COTY) to In Line from Outperform with a price target of $7, citing a lack of visibility on timing and catalysts for potential value unlock [6] Initiations - Oppenheimer initiated coverage of Spruce Biosciences (SPRB) with an Outperform rating and a price target of $283, supported by FDA confirmation of compelling clinical biomarker data [7] - LifeSci Capital initiated coverage of Sionna Therapeutics (SION) with an Outperform rating and a price target of $60, highlighting multiple quality shots on goal with its therapies [7] - Oppenheimer initiated coverage of Aardvark Therapeutics (AARD) with an Outperform rating and a price target of $35, noting the company's differentiated obesity franchise [7] - JonesResearch initiated coverage of Septerna (SEPN) with a Buy rating and a price target of $43, forecasting $2.5 billion in unadjusted U.S. peak sales in 2035 [7] - Loop Capital initiated coverage of Malibu Boats (MBUU) with a Buy rating and a price target of $34, indicating the marine industry is in the late stages of inventory rationalization [7]

Core Insights - Septerna, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) drug discovery [1][3] - The company will present at the 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on January 13, 2026 [1] - Septerna's proprietary Native Complex Platform™ is aimed at advancing GPCR therapies for patients with significant unmet medical needs [3] Company Overview - Septerna is developing a diverse pipeline of novel oral small molecule drug candidates targeting various therapeutic areas including endocrinology, immunology, inflammation, and metabolic diseases [3] - The company is led by a team of GPCR experts and drug developers [3] - Septerna collaborates with partners to enhance its drug discovery efforts [3] Presentation Details - Jeffrey Finer, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of Septerna, will present at 3:45 p.m. PT [1] - A live webcast of the presentation will be available on the company's website and archived for at least 30 days [2]

Core Insights - Septerna, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) drug discovery [1][3] - The company will present at the 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on January 13, 2026 [1] - Septerna's proprietary Native Complex Platform™ is aimed at advancing GPCR therapies for patients with significant unmet medical needs [3] Company Overview - Septerna is developing a diverse pipeline of novel oral small molecule drug candidates targeting various therapeutic areas including endocrinology, immunology, inflammation, and metabolic diseases [3] - The company is led by a team of GPCR experts and drug developers [3] - Septerna collaborates with partners to enhance its drug discovery efforts [3] Presentation Details - Jeffrey Finer, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of Septerna, will present at the conference [1] - A live webcast of the presentation will be available on the company's website and archived for at least 30 days [2]

Summary of Septerna FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Septerna (NasdaqGM:SEPN) - **Focus**: G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and drug discovery through the Native Complex Platform - **Financial Position**: Well-capitalized with cash runway into at least 2029 [2][3] Key Programs and Developments SEP-479 - **Indication**: Hyperparathyroidism - **Type**: Second-generation PTH1 receptor agonist - **Clinical Status**: Preparing to enter the clinic in the first half of next year - **Dosing**: Active at 0.15 mg/kg once daily, significantly lower than previous candidate SEP-786 [5][6] - **Pharmacokinetics**: Projected human half-life of 40-80 hours, supporting once-daily oral dosing [6][24] - **Preclinical Data**: Demonstrated normalization of calcium and phosphate levels in a rat model of hyperparathyroidism [5][6] - **Comparison with Peptides**: Aims to achieve similar receptor occupancy to peptide therapies, with effective doses requiring only 2-3% receptor occupancy [25][26] SEP-631 - **Indication**: Mast cell-driven diseases - **Type**: Negative allosteric modulator for MRGPRX2 - **Clinical Status**: Currently in phase I trials with a standard SAD-MAD design - **Preclinical Data**: Demonstrated ability to inhibit extravasation in a mouse model, indicating potential efficacy [10][11] TSHR Program - **Indication**: Graves' disease and thyroid eye disease - **Development Focus**: Optimizing both potency and pharmaceutical properties, aiming for selectivity against closely related receptors [34][35] - **Future Plans**: Targeting Graves' disease first, with potential expansion to prevent thyroid eye disease [36] Market Opportunities - **SEP-479**: Represents a significant market opportunity in treating hyperparathyroidism, with a focus on achieving effective calcium levels in patients [8][31] - **SEP-631**: Addresses unmet needs in mast cell-driven diseases, with a strong preclinical profile [10][11] - **TSHR Program**: Targets a large patient population with Graves' disease, aiming to improve treatment outcomes [36] Additional Insights - **Challenges**: Previous candidate SEP-786 faced issues in phase I due to unconjugated bilirubin increases, leading to its discontinuation [4][5] - **Regulatory Considerations**: Emphasis on ensuring safety in healthy volunteers before advancing to patient studies [32] - **Collaboration**: Notable collaboration with Novo Nordisk on the incretin receptor agonist program [3] Conclusion - Septerna is advancing multiple promising drug candidates with significant market potential, focusing on innovative approaches to GPCR-targeted therapies. The company is well-positioned for future growth with a solid financial foundation and a clear development strategy.

Core Viewpoint - Septerna, Inc. is participating in the 8th Annual Evercore Healthcare Conference, highlighting its focus on G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) drug discovery and its innovative approach in the biotechnology sector [1]. Company Overview - Septerna, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in GPCR drug discovery, aiming to address significant unmet medical needs through its proprietary Native Complex Platform™ [3]. - The company has developed a diverse pipeline of novel oral small molecule drug candidates targeting various therapeutic areas, including endocrinology, immunology, inflammation, and metabolic diseases [3]. Event Participation - Management will engage in a fireside chat at the conference on December 2, 2025, at 10:25 a.m. ET, indicating the company's commitment to investor relations and transparency [1]. - A live webcast of the presentation will be available on the company's website, ensuring accessibility for investors and stakeholders [2].