About this content About Emily Jarvie Emily began her career as a political journalist for Australian Community Media in Hobart, Tasmania. After she relocated to Toronto, Canada, she reported on business, legal, and scientific developments in the emerging psychedelics sector before joining Proactive in 2022. She brings a strong journalism background with her work featured in newspapers, magazines, and digital publications across Australia, Europe, and North America, including The Examiner, The Advocate, ...

On Friday, Cantor Fitzgerald initiated coverage on Summit Therapeutics Inc. SMMT, citing shares as 67% undervalued.The company’s lead candidate ivonescimab (SMT112) is an investigational, potentially first-in-class bispecific antibody combining the effects of immunotherapy via a blockade of PD-1 with the anti-angiogenesis effects associated with blocking VEGF into a single molecule.Akeso Inc. engineered Ivonescimab, which is currently in multiple Phase 3 clinical trials. Over 2,300 patients have been treate ...

A very bullish analyst move was the news generally responsible for Summit Therapeutics' (SMMT -3.62%) healthy mid-week stock price pop. That upward lift was largely holding as of Friday before market open, as according to data compiled by S&P Global Market Intelligence Summit's share price had risen by almost 8% week to date at that point.The next cancer blockbuster drug?The person behind the news was Evercore ISI pundit Cory Kasimov, who on Wednesday launched coverage of Summit stock. He's quite firmly in ...

Core Viewpoint - Summit Therapeutics has experienced a significant stock price increase of 300% over the past year, but recent performance has stagnated, with flat returns since the start of 2025, raising concerns about its high market capitalization of over $13 billion while lacking consistent revenue generation [1][4]. Group 1: Stock Performance and Valuation - The excitement surrounding Summit's stock is largely driven by the potential of its cancer treatment candidate, ivonescimab, which has shown promising results in trials, outperforming Merck's Keytruda for non-small cell lung cancer [2][3]. - Despite the lack of drug approval, investors are pricing in the potential success of ivonescimab, although the company reported a net loss exceeding $221 million last year, which is impacting investor sentiment [4][8]. - Summit's stock has seen a decline of over 10% in the past month as investor enthusiasm has cooled, but positive trial results could lead to a significant increase in valuation [8]. Group 2: Collaboration and Future Prospects - Summit is collaborating with Pfizer on clinical trials to explore the use of ivonescimab in combination with Pfizer's antibody drug conjugates for treating solid tumors, with trials set to begin later this year [5][6]. - Pfizer's investment in next-generation cancer treatments, highlighted by its $43 billion acquisition of Seagen, indicates a strong belief in the potential of ivonescimab, which could open up further opportunities for the drug [7]. - The partnership with Pfizer not only expands the number of trials for ivonescimab but also alleviates some financial burden from Summit, which is crucial given its current high valuation concerns [6].

HONG KONG, Feb. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK) ("Akeso" or the "Company") today announced that its partner on ivonescimab, Summit Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: SMMT) has entered into a clinical trial collaboration with Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) to evaluate ivonescimab, a novel, investigational PD-1 / VEGF bispecific antibody, in combination with several of Pfizer's antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) across multiple solid tumor settings. "Rapidly developing novel mechanisms that go beyond what is cur ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended 2024 with a strong cash position of approximately $412 million and is now debt-free [37] - GAAP R&D expenses for 2024 were $150.8 million, up from $59.4 million in the previous year, reflecting the expansion of clinical trials related to Ivonescimab [39] - Non-GAAP R&D expenses were $134.8 million in 2024 compared to $55 million in 2023 [39] - GAAP G&A expenses increased to $60.5 million in 2024 from $30.3 million in the previous year, primarily due to stock-based compensation charges [41] - Overall, non-GAAP operating expenses decreased to $175.3 million in 2024 from $596.5 million in 2023, mainly due to a reduction in acquired in-process R&D expenses [42] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has completed enrollment in four Phase III trials, with two awaiting top-line data readout, including the HARMONi trial [16] - Five Phase III trials are currently ongoing, with two sponsored by the company and three by Akeso, focusing on various cancer types [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The addressable market for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) could approach $20 billion for checkpoint inhibitors, with a broader market potential of approximately $90 billion globally for all checkpoint inhibitor indications [30][32] - The company is exploring over 50 indications where PD-1, PD-L1, or VEGF therapies have been approved, indicating a significant market opportunity beyond NSCLC [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand its clinical development plan beyond NSCLC in 2025 and 2026, with a focus on improving patient lives facing high unmet medical needs [33] - A collaboration with Pfizer was announced to evaluate Ivonescimab in combination with multiple Pfizer antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) in various solid tumor settings [9][10] - The company is committed to exploring additional tumor settings and identifying biomarkers through collaborations, including a $15 million commitment to MD Anderson [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed enthusiasm about the potential of Ivonescimab and its ability to address serious unmet medical needs in oncology [15] - The company is optimistic about the upcoming top-line data from the HARMONi trial, expected in mid-2025, which could provide a path for marketing authorization [24] - Management emphasized the importance of combining Ivonescimab with the best available treatments to enhance therapeutic outcomes [106] Other Important Information - The company has received Fast Track designation for the HARMONi trial, which is a global Phase III trial in patients with EGFR mutated advanced non-small cell lung cancer [11] - The HARMONi-3 trial has been amended to include a larger patient population, significantly expanding the number of patients that Ivonescimab can potentially help [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timing for HARMONi-2 overall survival (OS) data - Management indicated that Akeso expects to reach the number of events required for interim analysis by the end of 2025 [49] Question: Need for statistical significance in OS for approval - Management stated that while statistical significance for OS is desired, previous approvals in this space have not required it, as progression-free survival (PFS) has been adequate [52] Question: Timing for top-line readout for HARMONi-3 - Management noted it is too early to provide clarity on the completion of enrollment for HARMONi-3 until all sites are activated [55] Question: Details on the Pfizer collaboration - Management confirmed that multiple ADCs from Pfizer will be involved, with trials expected to start in mid-2025 [58][61] Question: Confidence in ADC targets - Management expressed confidence in the potential of ADCs in solid tumor oncology, noting that data outside of lung cancer has been stronger [66] Question: Plans for future business development opportunities - Management indicated that the collaboration with Pfizer does not preclude additional partnerships and that they are open to exploring various opportunities [115]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended 2024 with a strong cash position of approximately $412 million and is now debt-free [37] - GAAP R&D expenses for 2024 were $150.8 million, up from $59.4 million in the previous year, reflecting the expansion of clinical trials related to Ivonescimab [39] - Non-GAAP R&D expenses were $134.8 million in 2024 compared to $55 million in 2023 [39] - GAAP G&A expenses increased to $60.5 million in 2024 from $30.3 million in the previous year, primarily due to stock-based compensation charges [41] - Overall, non-GAAP operating expenses decreased to $175.3 million in 2024 from $596.5 million in 2023, mainly due to a reduction in acquired in-process R&D expenses [42] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has completed enrollment in four Phase III trials, with two awaiting top-line data readout, including the HARMONi trial [16] - Five Phase III trials are currently ongoing, with two sponsored by the company in first-line non-small cell lung cancer [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The addressable market for non-small cell lung cancer could approach $20 billion for checkpoint inhibitors, with a broader market potential of approximately $90 billion globally across all checkpoint inhibitor indications [30][32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand its clinical development plan beyond non-small cell lung cancer in 2025 and 2026, with ongoing engagement in investigator-sponsored trials [24] - A collaboration with Pfizer was announced to evaluate Ivonescimab in combination with multiple Pfizer antibody drug conjugates in various solid tumor settings [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the potential of Ivonescimab to improve patient lives and emphasized the importance of addressing serious unmet medical needs [34] - The company is focused on rapidly developing novel mechanisms to enhance treatment options for patients facing significant challenges from cancer [10] Other Important Information - The company has committed $15 million to a collaboration with MD Anderson to explore additional opportunities for Ivonescimab [21] - Clinical trials associated with the Pfizer collaboration are expected to start in mid-2025 [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timing for HARMONi-2 OS data - Management indicated that Akeso expects to reach the number of events required for interim analysis by the end of 2025 [49] Question: Need for statistical significance in OS data for approval - Management stated that while they would prefer to achieve statistical significance for OS, previous approvals in this space have not always required it [52] Question: Timing for top-line readout for HARMONi-3 - Management noted it is too early to provide clarity on the completion of enrollment for HARMONi-3 until all sites are activated [55] Question: Details on the Pfizer collaboration - Management confirmed that multiple ADCs from Pfizer will be involved, with trials expected to be Phase 1b/2 level [58] Question: Confidence in ADC targets - Management expressed confidence in the potential of ADCs across solid tumor oncology, noting that data outside of lung cancer has been stronger [66] Question: Plans for future business development opportunities - Management indicated that the Pfizer collaboration does not preclude additional partnerships or business development activities [115]

Summit Therapeutics Q4 & YE 2024 Earnings Call February 24, 2025 9:00am ET Any statements in this presentation about the Company's future expectations, plans and prospects, including but not limited to, statements about the clinical and preclinical development of the Company's product candidates, entry into and actions related to the Company's partnership with Akeso Inc., the Company's anticipated spending and cash runway, the therapeutic potential of the Company's product candidates, the potential commerci ...

Financial Performance - For the year ended December 31, 2024, total operating expenses were $226.3 million, a decrease of $384.3 million from $610.6 million in 2023[441]. - The operating loss for 2024 was $226.0 million, improving by $383.6 million compared to a loss of $609.6 million in 2023[441]. - Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $221.3 million, a reduction of $393.6 million from a net loss of $614.9 million in 2023[441]. - The company incurred a net loss of $221.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to a net loss of $614.9 million in 2023[458][469]. Research and Development Expenses - Research and development expenses increased by $91.4 million to $150.8 million in 2024, primarily due to investments in oncology clinical trials for ivonescimab[441][445]. - Oncology clinical trial related costs for ivonescimab amounted to $100.9 million in 2024, up from $35.2 million in 2023, reflecting a $65.7 million increase[443]. - The company anticipates continued increases in research and development expenses as it progresses with the development of ivonescimab[445]. - Research and development tax credits decreased by $0.7 million in 2024, totaling $0.3 million[450]. - The company has $1.3 million of research and development tax credits outstanding as of December 31, 2024, which are highly likely to be collected[501]. General and Administrative Expenses - General and administrative expenses rose to $60.5 million in 2024, an increase of $30.2 million from $30.3 million in 2023[441]. - General and administrative expenses increased by $30.2 million in 2024, primarily due to a $25.3 million rise in stock-based compensation[449]. Cash Flow and Financing Activities - Cash flows used in operating activities were $142.1 million in 2024, up from $76.8 million in 2023[468][469]. - Net cash used in investing activities was $205.3 million in 2024, significantly lower than $587.8 million in 2023[470]. - Net cash provided by financing activities was $381.2 million in 2024, compared to $86.5 million in 2023[471]. - Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023, was $86.5 million, primarily due to net proceeds of $104.1 million from the 2023 Rights Offering[472]. - The company extinguished $395.3 million of principal and accrued interest under the $400 million Duggan Promissory Note as part of the Rights Offering[472]. Debt and Interest - Interest expense on promissory notes payable decreased to $8.7 million in 2024 from $16.5 million in 2023[454]. - Interest on the Duggan Promissory Notes accrues at an initial rate of 7.5%[476]. - The Duggan February Note was amended to extend the maturity date from September 6, 2024, to April 1, 2025[479]. - As of October 1, 2024, the company repaid the Duggan September Note in full, totaling $100 million in principal payments and $7.3 million in accrued cash interest[480]. Future Expectations - The company expects to continue incurring significant operating losses for the foreseeable future[456]. - The company expects to finance operations through public or private equity or debt financings until significant revenue from product sales is generated[498]. Tax and Regulatory Matters - The company has unrecognized tax positions of $2.1 million and $1.1 million as of December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively[495]. - Additional potential milestone payments to Akeso could total $4.56 billion, including regulatory and commercial milestones[461]. Currency and Interest Rate Risks - The company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk, particularly with the pound sterling and euro, but currently does not consider the impact material[499]. - The company maintains a portfolio of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments to minimize interest rate risk, with no material exposure to changes in fair value due to interest rate fluctuations[500]. - A hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in overall interest rates would not have a material impact on the company's operating results or portfolio fair value[500]. - The company monitors its exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk and manages it through natural hedging[499]. Dividend Policy - The company has not paid and does not intend to pay dividends, based on its history and expectations[496]. - The company’s expected volatility is calculated based on historical volatility of its share price[496].

Clinical Trials and Development - Ivonescimab has 9 total Phase III trials, with 3 fully enrolled, 4 currently enrolling, and 2 imminently starting[6]. - Ivonescimab has treated over 2,300 patients in clinical trials, with 14 publications in 2024 across 7 tumor types[13]. - The anticipated first patient for a new trial in China is expected in early 2025[20]. - The enrollment for the studies was completed, with topline data expected in mid-2025[44]. - The enrollment for the HARMONi-6 clinical trial is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, with global clinical trial results anticipated in mid-2025[69]. - Akeso plans to initiate additional Phase III clinical trials for Ivonescimab in various indications beyond NSCLC, including pancreatic cancer[69]. Financial Performance - The company reported a stock performance increase of 584% in 2024, with unaudited financial results showing $435 million in financial assets at year-end[10]. - The current debt stands at $31.8 million, with principal payments made in Q4 2024[10]. - The company has committed $15 million to expand its clinical development pipeline, including 30+ approved trials being initiated[18]. Efficacy and Safety - The HARMONI trial demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) compared to Pembrolizumab[7]. - Ivonescimab demonstrated a median progression-free survival (mPFS) of 11.14 months compared to 5.82 months for pembrolizumab, showing a 5.3 month improvement[27]. - The hazard ratio for progression-free survival (PFS) between Ivonescimab and pembrolizumab was 0.51, with a p-value of <0.0001, indicating a statistically significant advantage for Ivonescimab[27]. - In a Phase III study, Ivonescimab showed a clinically meaningful improvement in PFS across major clinical subgroups, with a stratified hazard ratio of 0.46[28]. - The safety profile of Ivonescimab was consistent with prior studies, with treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) reported at 29.9% for Ivonescimab and 28.1% for pembrolizumab[36]. - In the 2L+ EGFRm NSCLC study, Ivonescimab combined with chemotherapy resulted in an mPFS of 7.1 months compared to 4.8 months for placebo plus chemotherapy, with a hazard ratio of 0.46 and a p-value of <0.001[48]. - Ivonescimab demonstrated a 43.6% pathologic complete response (pCR) rate in Phase II studies for perioperative resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 80.3% at 12 months[58]. - In the first-line setting for metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), Ivonescimab achieved an overall response rate (ORR) of 81.8% and a disease control rate (DCR) of 100% with a 9-month PFS rate of 81.4%[60]. - For first-line PD-L1 positive recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), Ivonescimab reported an ORR of 60% and a DCR of 90% with a median PFS of 7.1 months[65]. - In the first-line triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) setting, Ivonescimab achieved an ORR of 79.3% and a 6-month PFS rate of 83.3%[67]. - The safety profile of Ivonescimab in the HARMONi-A study was generally well tolerated, with a low rate of treatment discontinuation and no unexpected adverse events reported[23]. Regulatory Status and Market Potential - Ivonescimab is approved in China and is expected to have top-line data available by mid-2025[20]. - Ivonescimab is currently not approved by any regulatory authority other than China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA)[27]. - Ivonescimab is currently only approved by China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and is still under investigation in other markets[61]. - The global market opportunity for checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) in NSCLC is projected to exceed $90 billion by 2028, with Ivonescimab positioned to capture significant market share[70]. Company Strategy - The company emphasizes a mission to improve quality of life and address serious unmet medical needs[3]. - The company is actively pursuing collaborations and potential acquisitions to enhance its drug development pipeline[2]. - Akeso is expanding its global clinical development plan for Ivonescimab, indicating a strong commitment to advancing its pipeline[69].