Eledon Pharmaceuticals' Lead Asset Fails In Mid-Stage Study, But Pushes Forward With Pivotal Study

Core Insights - Eledon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ELDN) stock is experiencing a significant decline following the announcement of Phase 2 trial results for its drug tegoprubart, which is aimed at preventing organ rejection in kidney transplant patients [1][7] Trial Results - The Phase 2 BESTOW trial showed that tegoprubart did not provide significant improvements in estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) compared to the standard immunosuppressant tacrolimus [2][5] - After 12 months, tegoprubart demonstrated an eGFR of 69 mL/min/1.73 m², while tacrolimus had a rate of 66 mL/min/1.73 m² [3] - In living-related donor recipient patients, tegoprubart's eGFR was higher at 72 mL/min/1.73 m², while patients with a high Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI > 35) had an eGFR of 62 mL/min/1.73 m² [4] Efficacy and Safety - The composite endpoint of efficacy failure for tegoprubart was non-inferior to tacrolimus, with rates of 22% for tegoprubart compared to 17% for tacrolimus [5] - Delayed graft function was less frequent with tegoprubart, requiring shorter dialysis (14.3% vs. 25.0%; 4.6 days vs. 6.1 days) [6] - Sepsis or bacteremia occurred more frequently in the tacrolimus group (17.2% vs. 4.8%) [6] Future Development - Despite not meeting the primary efficacy endpoint, the company plans to advance tegoprubart into Phase 3 development after discussions with regulators regarding study design and data requirements [6] - Eledon has approximately $93.4 million in cash and short-term investments, which is expected to sustain operations into late 2026 [7]