Voyager Therapeutics(VYGR)

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Voyager Therapeutics(VYGR) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-03-11 23:35
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported $332 million in cash as of the end of 2024, with $8.2 billion in potential future milestone payments expected from partnerships, indicating a strong financial position [9][10]. - Developmental milestones amount to $2.9 billion, with total potential milestone payments exceeding $8 billion, providing significant upside to the company's cash runway guidance extending to mid-2027 [28][30]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The SOD1 silencing gene therapy program has moved back into the research stage due to the payload not meeting target profiles, while the VY1706 tau silencing gene therapy has advanced into IND-enabling studies [14][15]. - The company is seeing promising results from non-human primate studies, with 50% to 73% knockdown of tau messenger RNA across the brain [16][111]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The anti-tau antibody, VY7523, has shown favorable results in a single ascending dose study, with no serious adverse events reported and a CSF to serum ratio of 0.3%, consistent with other approved monoclonal antibodies for Alzheimer's treatment [17][126]. - The company is closely monitoring third-party data from competitors in the anti-tau space, which could influence its own programs and strategies [101][105]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - Voyager Therapeutics is focused on building a multimodal neuro-therapeutics company, emphasizing gene therapy as a key component of its pipeline, particularly targeting tau in Alzheimer's disease [8][11]. - The company is open to additional partnerships to enhance its pipeline and revenue streams, indicating a proactive approach to business development [10][134]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the potential of its tau-targeting programs, highlighting the importance of genetically validated targets in severe diseases with high unmet needs [12][18]. - The company acknowledges the competitive landscape in the tau space and is prepared to adapt its strategies based on emerging data from both its own studies and those of competitors [144]. Other Important Information - The company is exploring the applicability of its ALPL-based non-viral shuttle for various diseases, with ongoing assessments of its potential to transport proteins, antibodies, and oligonucleotides across the blood-brain barrier [37][81]. - The management emphasized the importance of understanding the mechanisms of action for both antibody and knockdown approaches in treating Alzheimer's disease, indicating a comprehensive strategy to address the complexities of the disease [140][144]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on upcoming data at ADPD - Management anticipates data from bepranemab regarding exposure PD relationships and the necessary decrease in tau spreading for clinical relevance [22][24]. Question: Upcoming milestones from partnered programs - The company confirmed that developmental milestones are not included in the current cash runway guidance, representing additional upside potential [30]. Question: Details on tau gene silencing IND - The main requirement before filing the IND is completing the GLP tox study and ensuring a therapeutic window [35]. Question: Applications of the ALPL shuttle - The ALPL shuttle is being evaluated for its ability to transport various modalities across the blood-brain barrier, with ongoing assessments of its effectiveness [37][81]. Question: Differences between tau silencing and antibody approaches - The knockdown approach is believed to provide broader tau knockdown and may be more effective in certain patient populations compared to antibody therapies [48][141]. Question: Cash runway and investment strategy - The company plans to balance investments in internal programs with potential licensing opportunities, remaining open to various partnership structures [132][134].
Voyager Therapeutics(VYGR) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-03-12 06:57
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported $332 million in cash as of the end of 2024, with $8.2 billion in potential future milestone payments expected to contribute significantly to the bottom line [9][10]. - Developmental milestones amount to $2.9 billion, with total potential milestones exceeding $8 billion, providing a significant upside to the mid-2027 cash runway guidance [28][30]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The SOD1 silencing gene therapy program has moved back into the research stage due to the payload not meeting target profiles, while the VY1706 tau silencing gene therapy has advanced into IND-enabling studies [14][15]. - The anti-tau antibody, VY7523, showed promising results in a single ascending dose study, with no serious adverse events reported and a CSF to serum ratio of 0.3% [16][17]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on the tau target in Alzheimer's disease, which is viewed as critical, with multiple upcoming data readouts expected to generate excitement in the market [8][18]. - The recent data from UCB's bepranemab indicated that an anti-tau antibody can impact tau accumulation in the human brain, although it did not meet its primary endpoint [17][18]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to build a multimodal neuro-therapeutics platform, emphasizing gene therapy as a key component of its pipeline [11][12]. - Partnerships have been a significant source of non-dilutive revenue, and the company remains open to additional business opportunities [10][11]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the potential of their IV-delivered AAV capsids to efficiently deliver therapies across the blood-brain barrier, which is critical for treating CNS diseases [13][18]. - The management acknowledged the challenges in the gene therapy field but emphasized the importance of focusing on genetically validated targets in severe diseases with high unmet needs [11][12]. Other Important Information - The company is preparing to share data from its non-human primate studies, which showed a 50% to 73% knockdown of tau mRNA across the brain [16][17]. - The company is also exploring the applicability of its ALPL-based non-viral shuttle for various diseases, including spinal cord and cerebral cortex conditions [37][39]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on upcoming data at ADPD - Management anticipates data from bepranemab regarding exposure PD relationships and the necessary decrease in tau spreading for clinical relevance [22][24]. Question: Upcoming milestones from partnered programs - The company has $2.9 billion in developmental milestones, with additional upside to the mid-2027 cash runway guidance [28][30]. Question: Details on tau gene silencing IND - The main requirement is completing the GLP tox study and ensuring a therapeutic window [35]. Question: Applications of the ALPL shuttle - The ALPL shuttle is being assessed for various diseases, with potential for transporting proteins, antibodies, and oligonucleotides [37][39]. Question: Differences between tau silencing and antibody approaches - The knockdown approach may allow for broader tau knockdown and is administered via IV, which could be more beneficial for patients [45][46]. Question: Proof of concept for SOD1 gene silencing - The next opportunities for capsid proof of concept lie with the Friedreich's ataxia and GBA programs, which are partnered with Neurocrine [52][53]. Question: Comparison of ALPL shuttle to other shuttles - The ALPL shuttle may have advantages over TfR-based shuttles, particularly regarding safety and distribution [149][150]. Question: Future indications for tau silencing program - The company intends to focus on Alzheimer's disease first, given the extensive knowledge of its natural history and measurement techniques [114][118].
Voyager Therapeutics (VYGR) Reports Q4 Loss, Misses Revenue Estimates
ZACKS· 2025-03-11 22:10
Group 1 - Voyager Therapeutics reported a quarterly loss of $0.59 per share, which was worse than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.35, and a significant decline from earnings of $1.25 per share a year ago, indicating an earnings surprise of -68.57% [1] - The company posted revenues of $6.28 million for the quarter ended December 2024, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 68.81%, and a sharp decline from year-ago revenues of $90.06 million [2] - Voyager Therapeutics shares have declined approximately 26.5% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with the S&P 500's decline of -4.5% [3] Group 2 - The earnings outlook for Voyager Therapeutics is mixed, with the current consensus EPS estimate for the coming quarter at -$0.37 on revenues of $18.69 million, and for the current fiscal year at -$1.59 on revenues of $88.9 million [7] - The Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, to which Voyager Therapeutics belongs, is currently ranked in the top 29% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable industry outlook [8]
Voyager Therapeutics(VYGR) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report
2025-03-11 20:01
Neurological Disease Programs - The company is advancing a proprietary pipeline focused on neurological diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD), with two key programs targeting tau: VY7523 (anti-tau antibody) and VY1706 (tau silencing gene therapy) [28]. - VY7523 is currently in a Phase 1 multiple ascending dose clinical trial, with initial tau PET imaging data expected in the second half of 2026; preclinical studies showed over 70% reduction in tau spread [28][41]. - VY1706 demonstrated 50% to 73% reductions in tau mRNA levels in non-human primate studies, with an IND application anticipated in 2026 [28][45]. - The SOD1 silencing gene therapy program for ALS is in preclinical development, with the company assessing alternate payloads for optimal product profile [47]. - The Friedreich's Ataxia Program, VY-FXN01, is currently in preclinical development, with an IND filing expected in 2025 [54]. - The GBA1 Gene Replacement Program for Parkinson's disease is also in preclinical development, with an IND filing anticipated in 2025 [58]. - Parkinson's disease affects about 1 million patients in the United States and over 10 million patients globally, with GBA1 mutations increasing the risk by approximately 20-fold [55]. - Preclinical studies showed significant improvement in efficacy biomarkers in mouse models for the GBA1 program, with sustained expression for three or more months post-IV administration [57]. Collaborations and Partnerships - The company has partnered with Neurocrine on seven gene therapy programs, with milestone payments exceeding $500 million to date and potential earnings of up to $8.2 billion in milestone payments across its partnered portfolio [29]. - The Novartis Collaboration Agreement was established on December 28, 2023, to develop AAV gene therapy products for Huntington's disease [60]. - Under the Novartis Collaboration Agreement, Novartis will assume sole responsibility for the development and commercialization of gene therapy products after the first IND application filing [61]. - The collaboration includes a governance structure managed by a Joint Steering Committee to oversee the development of both the Novartis SMA and HD Programs [63]. - Neurocrine is responsible for all costs incurred in preclinical development activities for each 2023 Neurocrine Program, except for one preclinical study where costs are shared [91]. - The company has the option to co-develop and co-commercialize products in the GBA1 Program, sharing costs and profits equally with Neurocrine [92]. - Neurocrine made an upfront payment of approximately $136.0 million and an equity purchase of 4,395,588 shares for approximately $39.0 million in February 2023 [98]. - The 2023 Collaboration Agreement prohibits either party from developing competitive gene therapy products directed to targets under the agreement during its term [103]. Financial Aspects and Milestones - Novartis made an upfront payment of $80.0 million under the 2023 Collaboration Agreement and is eligible for up to $200.0 million in milestone payments for the SMA Program and $225.0 million for the HD Program [74]. - The company is eligible for up to $125.0 million in milestone payments for the first Novartis Initial Licensed Product and $130.0 million for the first Novartis Direct Licensed Product [84]. - The agreement allows for a maximum of four potential development candidates at any given time during the 2023 Discovery Period [96]. - Aggregate development milestone payments from Neurocrine can reach up to $195.0 million for the FA Program and $130.0 million for each of the two 2019 Discovery Programs [119]. - The Alexion Agreement includes an upfront payment of $30.0 million and an additional fee of $10.0 million for option exercise prior to the transfer of rights to Alexion [134]. - The company is eligible for up to $115.0 million in milestone payments for the first Alexion Licensed CNS Product to achieve specified milestones [134]. Intellectual Property - The company owns at least 421 pending patent applications and has 113 patents issued in the United States and foreign jurisdictions, indicating a strong intellectual property position [153]. - The company has 10 pending patent families directed to antibodies to tau, with patents expected to commence expiration in 2037, and some later applications extending to 2045 [154]. - The company owns eight pending patent families with 27 applications directed to AAVs encoding GBA1 for treating Parkinson's disease, with patents expected to commence expiration in 2041 [158]. - The company has seven pending patent families and 22 issued patents directed to targeting SOD1 for the treatment of ALS, with patents expected to commence expiration in 2035 [161]. - The company has a non-viral therapeutics patent family with six pending applications, expected to commence expiration in 2044 [166]. - The company has three patent families with 52 issued patents directed to vector genome engineering, with patents expected to commence expiration in 2035, 2037, and 2038 [169]. Regulatory Environment - The FDA requires substantial time and financial resources for the regulatory approval process of biological products, which includes multiple phases of clinical trials [185][186]. - Human clinical trials are conducted in three phases, with Phase 3 trials providing evidence for regulatory approval based on safety and efficacy [196][201]. - The FDA may require post-marketing studies to assess the safety and effectiveness of approved product candidates, with non-compliance potentially leading to withdrawal of approval [204]. - The FDA has established guidelines for gene therapy products, including long-term follow-up studies for potential adverse effects, typically recommending monitoring for up to five years [214]. - The FDA aims to review BLAs within ten months for standard reviews and six months for priority reviews, although actual review times may vary [222].
Voyager Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial and Operating Results
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2025-03-11 20:01
Core Insights - Voyager Therapeutics has made significant advancements in its anti-tau programs targeting Alzheimer's disease, with VY7523 in clinical trials and VY1706 in IND-enabling studies [2] - The company generated approximately $80 million in non-dilutive funding in 2024, which is expected to support operations through mid-2027 [2] - Collaboration revenues decreased significantly in Q4 2024 and for the full year compared to 2023, primarily due to reduced revenue from Neurocrine and Novartis agreements [5][8] Financial Results - Collaboration revenue for Q4 2024 was $6.3 million, down from $90.1 million in Q4 2023; total collaboration revenue for 2024 was $80.0 million compared to $250.0 million in 2023 [5][18] - Net loss for Q4 2024 was $34.5 million, compared to a net income of $56.4 million in Q4 2023; the full year net loss was $65.0 million versus a net income of $132.3 million in 2023 [14][19] - Research and development expenses increased to $35.6 million in Q4 2024 from $25.8 million in Q4 2023, with total R&D expenses for 2024 at $127.4 million compared to $92.2 million in 2023 [14][19] Upcoming Milestones - VY1706 is expected to file for IND in 2026, with additional data to be presented at the ADPD conference in April 2025 [6][7] - Initial tau PET imaging data for VY7523 is anticipated in the second half of 2026 [6] - IND filings for partnered gene therapies related to GBA1 Parkinson's and Friedreich's ataxia are expected in 2025 [7] Cash Position - As of December 31, 2024, Voyager had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaling $332.4 million, an increase from $230.9 million in 2023 [14][19] - The company's cash runway is projected to extend into mid-2027, not including potential milestone payments from existing partnerships [9][14]
Voyager Therapeutics(VYGR) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Results
2025-03-11 20:00
Financial Performance - Voyager's collaboration revenue for Q4 2024 was $6.3 million, a decrease of 93% from $90.1 million in Q4 2023, and total collaboration revenue for the year was $80.0 million, down from $250.0 million in 2023[8][18]. - The net loss for Q4 2024 was $34.5 million, compared to a net income of $56.4 million in Q4 2023, and the net loss for the full year was $65.0 million, down from a net income of $132.3 million in 2023[8][18]. - Voyager's total operating expenses for Q4 2024 were $44.6 million, compared to $36.0 million in Q4 2023, reflecting increased program-related spending[8][18]. - GAAP collaboration revenue for Q4 2024 was $6.278 million, compared to $90.061 million in Q4 2023[22]. - Net collaboration revenue decreased to $4.385 million in Q4 2024 from $87.009 million in Q4 2023[22]. - For the year ended December 31, 2024, GAAP collaboration revenue totaled $250.008 million, compared to $80.001 million in 2023[22]. - Yearly net collaboration revenue increased to $71.538 million in 2024 from $239.913 million in 2023[22]. Research and Development - Research and development expenses increased to $35.6 million in Q4 2024 from $25.8 million in Q4 2023, and for the full year, R&D expenses rose to $127.4 million from $92.2 million in 2023[8][18]. - Total research and development expenses increased to $35.583 million in Q4 2024 from $25.756 million in Q4 2023[22]. - Net research and development expenses rose to $33.690 million in Q4 2024, up from $22.704 million in Q4 2023[22]. - Reimbursable research and development services incurred in Q4 2024 were $1.893 million, down from $3.052 million in Q4 2023[22]. - Total research and development expenses for the year 2024 were $127.368 million, significantly higher than $92.172 million in 2023[22]. - Reimbursable research and development services for the year 2024 amounted to $8.463 million, compared to $10.095 million in 2023[22]. Cash Position and Funding - Voyager's cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities as of December 31, 2024, were $332.4 million, up from $230.9 million in 2023, providing a runway into mid-2027[8][18]. - Voyager generated approximately $80 million in non-dilutive funding in 2024, supporting its advancing pipeline and cash position[2][8]. - The company is no longer advancing the VY9323 candidate for SOD1 ALS, which has contributed to extending the cash runway into mid-2027[4][5][8]. Product Development - The tau silencing gene therapy VY1706 reduced tau mRNA levels by 50% to 73% in a non-human primate study, with additional data expected to be presented at the ADPD conference in April 2025[3][8]. - The anti-tau antibody VY7523 showed an acceptable safety profile in a Phase 1 trial, with initial tau PET imaging data expected in H2 2026[3][8]. - The company is anticipating IND filings in 2025 for partnered gene therapies targeting GBA1 Parkinson's and Friedreich's ataxia[8][9]. Collaboration Agreements - The company has collaboration agreements with Neurocrine and Novartis for preclinical development activities, impacting revenue and expenses[22].
Voyager Therapeutics Announces Fourth Quarter 2024 Conference Call and Webcast
Globenewswire· 2025-03-04 12:00
Company Overview - Voyager Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on advancing neurogenetic medicines aimed at curing neurological diseases [3] - The company's pipeline includes programs targeting Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease, and other central nervous system diseases [3] - Voyager utilizes its TRACER™ AAV capsid discovery platform to develop novel capsids for high brain penetration of genetic medicines [3] Upcoming Financial Results - Voyager Therapeutics will report its fourth quarter 2024 financial and operating results after market close on March 11, 2025 [1] - A conference call and webcast will follow at 4:30 p.m. ET on the same day [1] Investor Information - A live webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investors section of the Voyager website [2] - A replay of the call will be accessible approximately two hours after its completion and will remain available for at least 30 days [2]
Voyager Reports Positive Topline Data for Single Ascending Dose (SAD) Trial of Anti-Tau Antibody VY7523 and Initiates Multiple Ascending Dose (MAD) Trial in Alzheimer's Disease
Newsfilter· 2025-03-03 12:00
Core Insights - Voyager Therapeutics announced positive topline data from the single ascending dose (SAD) trial of VY7523, an investigational anti-tau antibody for Alzheimer's disease, demonstrating safety, tolerability, and dose-proportional pharmacokinetics [1][2][4] - The company has initiated a multiple ascending dose (MAD) trial of VY7523 in early Alzheimer's patients, with initial tau PET imaging data expected in the second half of 2026 [1][3][4] Company Overview - Voyager Therapeutics is focused on advancing neurogenetic medicines, particularly targeting neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, ALS, and Parkinson's [6][7] - The company utilizes its TRACER™ AAV capsid discovery platform to develop genetic medicines with high brain penetration [6][7] Alzheimer's Disease Context - Alzheimer's disease affects an estimated 7 million people in the U.S. and up to 416 million globally, leading to significant memory loss and cognitive decline [5] - The total cost of caring for individuals with Alzheimer's and other dementias in the U.S. was estimated at $345 billion in 2023 [5]
Voyager Reports Positive Topline Data for Single Ascending Dose (SAD) Trial of Anti-Tau Antibody VY7523 and Initiates Multiple Ascending Dose (MAD) Trial in Alzheimer's Disease
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2025-03-03 12:00
Core Insights - Voyager Therapeutics announced positive topline data from the single ascending dose (SAD) trial of VY7523, an investigational anti-tau antibody for Alzheimer's disease, demonstrating safety, tolerability, and dose-proportional pharmacokinetics [1][4] - The company has initiated a multiple ascending dose (MAD) trial of VY7523 in early Alzheimer's patients, with initial tau PET imaging data expected in the second half of 2026 [1][3] Company Overview - Voyager Therapeutics is focused on advancing neurogenetic medicines, particularly for neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, ALS, and Parkinson's [6] - The company utilizes its TRACER™ AAV capsid discovery platform to develop novel therapies aimed at modifying the course of neurological diseases [6][7] Alzheimer's Disease Context - Alzheimer's disease affects an estimated 7 million people in the U.S. and up to 416 million globally, leading to significant memory loss and cognitive decline [5] - The total cost of caring for individuals with Alzheimer's and other dementias in the U.S. was estimated at $345 billion in 2023 [5] Clinical Trial Details - The SAD trial was randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled, involving 48 healthy volunteers, with no serious adverse events reported [2][3] - The MAD trial will evaluate VY7523 in 52 patients with early Alzheimer's, focusing on safety, tolerability, and the ability to prevent the spread of pathological tau [3][4] Drug Mechanism and Efficacy - VY7523 is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody designed to inhibit the spread of pathological tau, which correlates with disease progression in Alzheimer's [4] - Preclinical studies indicated that VY7523 could reduce tau spread by approximately 70% [2][4] Future Expectations - Voyager anticipates presenting additional data from the SAD study at an upcoming scientific conference, which may further validate the potential of VY7523 [2][6] - Third-party data expected later this year and early next year could enhance interest in tau-targeting therapies [2]
VYGR Investors Have Opportunity to Join Voyager Therapeutics, Inc. Fraud Investigation with the Schall Law Firm
Prnewswire· 2025-02-22 03:51
Core Viewpoint - The Schall Law Firm is investigating Voyager Therapeutics, Inc. for potential violations of securities laws related to misleading statements and undisclosed information affecting investors [1][2]. Group 1: Investigation Details - The investigation centers on whether Voyager issued false or misleading statements and failed to disclose critical information to investors [2]. - On February 11, 2025, Voyager announced it would assess alternate payloads for its gene therapy program targeting SOD1 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) [2]. - The company indicated that emerging preclinical data showed the siRNA payload component of VY9323 did not meet its standards due to an off-target effect, leading to a narrowed therapeutic window [2]. - Following this announcement, Voyager's shares dropped by 20% on the same day [2]. Group 2: Shareholder Rights - The Schall Law Firm encourages shareholders who suffered losses to participate in the investigation and offers free consultations regarding their rights [3]. - The firm specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation, representing investors globally [3].