Prelude Therapeutics Announces Strategic Business Update

Core Insights - Prelude Therapeutics has entered into an exclusive option agreement with Incyte Corporation to advance its JAK2V617F mutant selective inhibitor program, which includes an upfront payment of $35 million and a $25 million equity investment, with potential additional payments of $100 million if the option is exercised [1][2] - The company is prioritizing the development of its KAT6A selective degrader program for ER+ breast cancer, aiming to enter clinical development in 2026 [3][6] - Prelude has decided to pause the clinical development of its SMARCA2 degrader program due to resource allocation considerations [4][6] Financial Overview - Prelude expects its cash runway to extend into 2027 based on preliminary estimates, potentially extending into the third quarter of 2028 if Incyte exercises its option on the JAK2 program [5] - As of October 31, 2025, the company had approximately $52 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, with an additional $60 million expected from the Incyte agreement [5] Strategic Developments - The company is focusing on the JAK2V617F and KAT6A programs, believing they present significant opportunities for addressing unmet patient needs and creating value for investors [6] - Prelude's KAT6A program is positioned to potentially offer improved efficacy and safety compared to existing non-selective KAT6A/B inhibitors [8] - The JAK2V617F program targets a mutation present in approximately 95% of patients with polycythemia vera, 60% of patients with essential thrombocythemia, and 55% of patients with myelofibrosis, aiming to transform treatment outcomes for these patients [9] Leadership Changes - The company announced the departure of President and Chief Medical Officer Jane Huang, with Victor Sandor stepping in to provide strategic oversight for clinical development [7][8]