Denali Q1 Loss Wider Than Expected, Hunter Syndrome Drug in Focus

Core Viewpoint - Denali Therapeutics reported a wider-than-expected loss in Q1 2025, primarily due to increased operating expenses, and did not generate collaboration revenues during the quarter [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company reported a loss of 78 cents per share, compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 71 cents and a loss of 68 cents in the same quarter last year [1]. - Research and development expenses rose by 8.6% to $116.3 million, driven by increased spending on clinical and preclinical programs [5]. - General and administrative expenses increased by 16.4% to $29.4 million, attributed to activities related to the submission of a biologics license application for tividenofusp alfa [6]. - As of May 31, 2025, the company had approximately $1.05 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities [6]. Pipeline Developments - Denali completed the submission of a biologics license application for tividenofusp alfa under the FDA's accelerated approval pathway, based on phase I/II study data for Hunter syndrome [7]. - The FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for tividenofusp alfa in January 2025 [8]. - Denali is conducting a global phase II/III COMPASS study to support regulatory approvals for tividenofusp alfa [8]. - The company is evaluating DNL126 for Sanfilippo syndrome type A and has had productive discussions with the FDA regarding its accelerated development [9]. - Denali is collaborating with Takeda on DNL593 for frontotemporal dementia and is conducting a phase I/II study [10]. - Denali and Biogen are jointly evaluating BIIB122/DNL151 for Parkinson's disease, with the LUMA study fully enrolled [11]. - The company is also conducting the phase IIa BEACON study for LRRK2-associated Parkinson's disease and evaluating DNL343 in a phase II/III study for ALS [12]. - Denali's partner Sanofi discontinued the development of SAR443820/DNL788 for ALS due to unmet primary endpoints in the phase II study [14]. Market Performance - Shares of Denali Therapeutics have declined by 31.4% year-to-date, while the industry has seen a smaller decline of 2.2% [4]. Overall Assessment - The progress in Denali's pipeline is viewed as encouraging, with potential approval of tividenofusp alfa expected to significantly benefit the company [15].