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Wave Life Sciences Announces Positive Update from Ongoing RestorAATion-2 Trial of WVE-006 in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
Globenewswire· 2025-09-03 11:30
Core Insights - Wave Life Sciences announced positive data from the ongoing Phase 1b/2a RestorAATion-2 study for WVE-006, a treatment for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), demonstrating durable production of serum AAT protein at levels associated with lower risk of liver and lung diseases [1][3][4] Group 1: Clinical Data and Efficacy - WVE-006 achieved a total AAT level of 11.9 µM and M-AAT level of 7.2 µM in the 200 mg multidose cohort, with M-AAT levels significantly increasing from 4.8 µM during the single dose portion [5][6] - A single 400 mg dose resulted in total AAT of 12.8 µM and M-AAT of 5.3 µM, with M-AAT levels reaching 47.2% of total AAT [8] - The treatment demonstrated the ability to dynamically increase AAT production during acute phase responses, as evidenced by a total AAT level of 20.6 µM observed in one individual during a kidney stone incident [6][10] Group 2: Safety and Tolerability - WVE-006 has shown a favorable safety profile, with all adverse events reported as mild to moderate, and no serious adverse events or discontinuations [9] Group 3: Market Potential and Licensing - Approximately 200,000 individuals in the US and Europe are affected by AATD, with current treatment options limited to weekly IV augmentation therapy, representing over $1.4 billion in worldwide sales in 2023 [2][15] - GSK holds the exclusive global license for WVE-006, with Wave eligible for up to $525 million in milestones and tiered royalties on net sales [11][17] Group 4: Future Developments - Wave plans to share new preclinical data from additional RNA editing programs at a Research Day in fall 2025 and initiate clinical development of new programs in 2026 [12][18]
Korro Reports Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Provides Business Updates
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2025-08-12 11:00
Core Insights - Korro Bio, Inc. is progressing well in its Phase 1/2a REWRITE clinical trial for KRRO-110, with an interim readout expected in the second half of 2025, indicating potential best-in-class status for the treatment of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) [1][2][4] - The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation to KRRO-110, which provides various development incentives [1][5] - The company ended Q2 2025 with $119.6 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, which is expected to fund operations into 2027 [6][19] Clinical Development Updates - Over 80% of planned healthy volunteers have been dosed in the REWRITE trial, with no serious adverse events or dose-limiting toxicities reported [1][5] - The REWRITE trial consists of two parts: Part 1 (single ascending doses) and Part 2 (multiple ascending doses), with completion of the trial anticipated in 2026 [4][10] - The interim data from Part 1 is expected to provide insights into the pharmacologically relevant dose levels for PiZZ patients [5][10] Financial Performance - Collaboration revenue for Q2 2025 was $1.5 million, a significant increase from no collaboration revenue in Q2 2024, attributed to the partnership with Novo Nordisk [7] - Research and Development (R&D) expenses rose to $21.0 million in Q2 2025 from $17.1 million in Q2 2024, driven by increased personnel and research costs [8] - General and Administrative (G&A) expenses increased to $7.6 million in Q2 2025 from $7.0 million in Q2 2024, primarily due to higher personnel-related expenses [9] Strategic Initiatives - The company is executing its 3-2-1 strategy, aiming to establish three clinical-stage development programs targeting two tissue types by leveraging its OPERA® platform [2][5] - A development candidate for a rare metabolic disorder program is expected to be announced by the end of 2025, which will be administered subcutaneously [1][13] - Korro continues to advance its collaboration with Novo Nordisk, focusing on cardiometabolic diseases with high unmet clinical needs [5][13]
Wave Life Sciences .(WVE) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-07-30 13:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q2 2025 was $8.7 million, a decrease from $19.7 million in the prior year quarter, attributed to the timing of revenue recognized under the collaboration agreement with GSK [28] - Research and development expenses increased to $43.5 million from $40.4 million in the same period in 2024, driven by spending in the inhibin E program and RNA editing programs [28] - General and administrative expenses rose to $18 million from $14.3 million in the prior year quarter, primarily due to share-based compensation and other external expenses [28] - The net loss for Q2 2025 was $50.5 million, compared to a net loss of $32.9 million in the prior year quarter [28] - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q2 2025 were $208.5 million, down from $302.1 million as of December 31, 2024, with expectations to fund operations into 2027 [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The AATD clinical program is advancing with promising data from the RESTORATION trials, showing significant increases in circulating AAT levels [7][9] - The Enlight clinical program for obesity has expanded its second cohort from 8 to 32 participants due to favorable safety and tolerability results [10][11] - FORWARD 53 clinical results for DMD demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in time to rise, marking it as a best-in-class therapeutic option [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is actively engaging with the DMD community, highlighting the importance of their FORWARD 53 clinical results [12][13] - The obesity market is being targeted with the Enlight program, which is positioned to offer a differentiated approach compared to current standard care [22][24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to unlock the potential of RNA medicines through proprietary oligonucleotide chemistry, focusing on both rare and common diseases [4][5] - Plans to initiate clinical development of new programs in 2026, with a focus on expanding their wholly owned discovery pipeline [12][25] - The strategy includes preparing for regulatory filings and engaging with the FDA for accelerated approval pathways [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the ongoing clinical programs and the potential for upcoming data readouts to inform the therapeutic pipeline [31] - The company is encouraged by the engagement from the community and clinicians regarding their AATD program, indicating a strong need for effective therapies [6][9] - Future data from the RESTORATION and Enlight trials are expected to serve as key inflection points for the company [12][25] Other Important Information - The company welcomed Dr. Chris Wright as Chief Medical Officer, bringing extensive experience in drug development [5] - The company is focused on addressing both hepatic and extrahepatic targets with their RNA editing and siRNA programs [25][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on your reasons for expanding cohort two over advancing to cohort three sooner? - The decision to expand cohort two was based on safety data indicating the ability to dose escalate, and cohort two was modeled to align with weight loss similar to semaglutide [34][36] Question: Should we expect a linear dose response, or does the preservation of lean mass offset the weight loss aspect? - The expectation is that weight loss will be driven by fat without impacting muscle, but human data will clarify the translation of these effects [38] Question: What is your guidance on the different expectations from the two data readouts for the AATD program? - The focus will be on the multidose data, which is expected to show larger liver exposure and higher protein levels compared to single doses [44][46] Question: What is the desirable knockdown level for inhibin E? - The goal is to replicate preclinical data, aiming for a knockdown that aligns with therapeutic weight loss, and the company is open to continuing dose escalation beyond cohort three [51][52] Question: Can you provide specifics on the dosing completion for the two hundred milligram multidose? - All patients in the cohort have received their seven doses, and the study remains on track for data readout in the third quarter [58][59] Question: Is there anything qualitatively about the consistency of effect for the AATD program? - The company is encouraged by the consistency observed in preclinical models and early clinical data, indicating substantial protein production [65][66]
Korro Receives European Medicines Agency Orphan Drug Designation for KRRO-110
Globenewswire· 2025-07-21 12:00
Core Viewpoint - Korro Bio, Inc. has received orphan drug designation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for its investigational medicine KRRO-110, aimed at treating Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD), marking a significant milestone for the company and highlighting the urgent need for innovative therapies in this area [1][2]. Company Overview - Korro Bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing genetic medicines through RNA editing for both rare and prevalent diseases [6]. - The company utilizes its proprietary RNA editing platform, Oligonucleotide Promoted Editing of RNA (OPERA), to create differentiated programs that allow for precise and transient single base edits [6]. Product Development - KRRO-110 is currently undergoing evaluation in the Phase 1/2a REWRITE clinical study, with an interim readout expected in the second half of 2025 [2][4]. - The REWRITE study will assess the safety and tolerability of KRRO-110 in up to 64 participants, including healthy adults and AATD patients [4]. Orphan Drug Designation - The EMA grants orphan drug designation to medicines for life-threatening or chronically debilitating diseases affecting fewer than 5 in 10,000 people in the EU, providing various development incentives such as protocol assistance and market exclusivity upon approval [3]. - KRRO-110 also received orphan drug designation from the U.S. FDA in March 2025, further supporting its development [2]. Disease Background - AATD is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the SERPINA1 gene, leading to pulmonary emphysema and hepatic cirrhosis among affected adults [5]. - KRRO-110 aims to repair the SERPINA1 RNA to restore normal AAT protein secretion, potentially improving liver function and preserving lung function [5].
ProQR Announces CTA Submission for Phase 1 Study of AX-0810 Targeting NTCP
Globenewswire· 2025-06-26 20:30
Core Viewpoint - ProQR Therapeutics has submitted a Clinical Trial Application (CTA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for its lead program AX-0810, which targets NTCP to address cholestatic liver diseases, marking a significant milestone in advancing its Axiomer RNA editing platform into clinical development [1][2][8] Company Overview - ProQR Therapeutics is focused on developing transformative RNA therapies using its proprietary Axiomer™ RNA editing technology platform, which utilizes ADAR-mediated RNA editing to create specific nucleotide changes in RNA [4][5] - The company aims to address unmet medical needs in both rare and prevalent diseases through its innovative RNA repair platform [5] Product Details - AX-0810 is an investigational RNA editing oligonucleotide designed to treat cholestatic liver disease by targeting NTCP, which is involved in bile acid transport [3] - The mechanism of AX-0810 is supported by human genetics data indicating that certain NTCP variants can reduce bile acid reuptake, suggesting potential benefits in improving liver health [3] Clinical Trial Information - The proposed Phase 1 study for AX-0810 will evaluate safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics in healthy adult volunteers, with initial data expected in Q4 2025 [2][8] - The study will also explore biomarkers to assess early signals of target engagement, and is set to commence at a single site in the Netherlands pending regulatory clearance [2]
Wave Life Sciences (WVE) 2025 Conference Transcript
2025-06-04 20:45
Summary of Wave Life Sciences Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Wave Life Sciences (WVE) - **Event**: 2025 Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference - **Date**: June 04, 2025 Key Points Industry and Pipeline - Wave Life Sciences is focused on RNA editing, aiming to establish a new category of medicine with its unique chemistry [5][6] - The company has multiple pipeline programs, with a lead program targeting alpha-one antitrypsin deficiency (ATD) [3][4] Alpha-One Antitrypsin Program - Upcoming data sets include a 200 mg cohort in Q2 and a 400 mg cohort later in the year [4][8] - Initial data showed therapeutic levels of alpha-one antitrypsin protein, with 11 micromolar total protein and 7 micromolar of the edited M protein [5][6] - The program aims to demonstrate the potential for monthly dosing based on the observed protein production [6][8] - The collaboration with GSK includes over $520 million in milestones and $2.3 billion in total milestones related to the RNA editing pipeline [18][19] Obesity Program - The obesity program (HIBE) is in Phase 1, with data expected later this year [21][22] - The study includes subtherapeutic and therapeutic cohorts, with a focus on weight loss mechanisms and safety [22][26] - Inhibin E is highlighted for its potential to drive fat loss without muscle loss, showing a favorable metabolic profile in heterozygous patients [25][26][28] DMD and Huntington's Disease Programs - For Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), discussions with the FDA are ongoing regarding accelerated approval based on dystrophin expression and muscle health data [39][40] - The company is also preparing for a pivotal trial for Huntington's disease, utilizing natural history data to measure patient progression [42][43] Regulatory Environment - The regulatory landscape for Huntington's disease is evolving, with potential changes in endpoints that could benefit Wave Life Sciences [43][44] - The company is positioned to adapt to changes in regulatory expectations, particularly regarding mutant huntingtin as a clinical surrogate endpoint [44] Additional Insights - The focus on RNA editing and the unique delivery mechanisms may differentiate Wave Life Sciences from other companies in the siRNA space [31][32] - The potential for once or twice a year dosing in obesity treatment could significantly expand market opportunities [36][37] - The emphasis on safety, tolerability, and target engagement in clinical trials is critical for advancing the pipeline [28][30]
Korro Bio (KRRO) 2025 Conference Transcript
2025-05-21 19:35
Summary of Cora Bio Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Cora Bio - **Industry**: Biotechnology, specifically focusing on genetic medicines for chronic diseases [1][2] Core Points and Arguments - **Mission and Strategy**: Cora Bio aims to develop genetic medicines targeting complex chronic diseases by leveraging pharmacology and genetic insights. The focus is on creating a toolbox for biological pathway activation that is not available with small molecules [3][4] - **RNA Editing Technology**: The company utilizes RNA editing through oligonucleotides to modify specific genes, aiming for high levels of editing (above 50%) to restore normal protein function in patients [4][5] - **Pipeline Development**: Cora Bio has a three:two:one strategy, planning to advance three candidates into clinical trials across two tissue types. The third indication is expected to target the central nervous system (CNS) for ALS [6][7] - **Regulatory Environment**: The company has engaged with the FDA, receiving orphan drug designation and conducting pre-IND meetings. There is concern about the increasing regulatory bar but confidence in the data driving approval processes [10][12][13] - **Preclinical Data**: Cora Bio presented promising preclinical data showing significant editing efficiency (60-65%) in animal models, which translates well to protein levels in circulation [18][20] - **Lipid Nanoparticle Delivery**: The company uses lipid nanoparticles for drug delivery, which have shown safety in patients with liver conditions. The focus is on optimizing dosing to achieve therapeutic protein levels [21][23][25] Important but Overlooked Content - **Patient Population Insights**: The company discussed the baseline liver function levels in patients with ZZ mutations, indicating that many have normal liver function, which may mitigate concerns about toxicity from lipid nanoparticles [22][23] - **Dosing Strategy**: Cora Bio aims for a dosing frequency of every three to six weeks, with the goal of achieving therapeutic protein levels that are comparable to normal individuals [26] - **Regulatory Pathway Confidence**: The company believes that demonstrating protein levels close to normal and achieving significant editing levels could support discussions for accelerated approval with regulators [39][40] - **Financial Position**: Cora Bio has a cash runway into 2027, with $139 million on the balance sheet and potential milestones from collaborations, indicating a solid financial foundation for ongoing development [47]
Beam Therapeutics (BEAM) 2025 Conference Transcript
2025-05-20 16:00
Summary of Beam Therapeutics Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Beam Therapeutics (Ticker: BEAM) - **Event**: 2025 Global Health Care Conference - **Date**: May 20, 2025 - **Key Speaker**: John Evans, CEO Industry and Core Technology - **Industry**: Biotechnology, specifically focusing on gene editing and therapies - **Core Technology**: Base editing, a next-generation CRISPR technology that allows precise single base changes in genes without double-stranded breaks [3][4] Key Developments and Progress - **Clinical Progress**: - Multiple franchises in the base editing portfolio are clinically derisked with clear paths toward registration [2] - Successful data for sickle cell disease (B101) showing a differentiated profile compared to competitors [3] - First in vivo data for alpha-one antitrypsin deficiency (BEAM-302) demonstrating therapeutic thresholds [4] - First patient dosed for glycogen storage disease 1A (BEAM-301) [4] - **Financial Position**: Well-financed with successful capital financing, providing cash into 2028 to support ongoing projects [5] Regulatory Environment - **FDA Dynamics**: - New leadership at the FDA may impose a higher bar for approvals, but there is optimism about working with the FDA to bring effective therapies to market [7][10] - The company feels aligned with FDA's goals of addressing root causes of diseases [10][11] - Received RMAT designation, allowing for early engagement with the FDA regarding accelerated approval pathways [41][42] Safety and Efficacy - **Safety Profile**: - The company emphasizes a strong safety profile for its lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), differentiating from competitors [31][32] - Minimal liver toxicity observed in lung patients, allowing for future trials involving liver-involved patients [61][63] - **Efficacy Measures**: - Focus on total alpha-one antitrypsin levels and functional measures as endpoints for approval [47][48] - Plans to conduct biopsies and bronchoscopies to measure disease progression and treatment effects [49][50] Competitive Landscape - **Market Position**: - Monitoring competitors like Vertex and CRISPR, but confident in the differentiation of their data and therapies [66][68] - Plans to invest in next-generation therapies while maintaining the current pipeline [68] Future Outlook - **Next Steps**: - Engaging with the FDA over the next 6-12 months to refine the path to market and explore accelerated approval options [55][56] - Anticipating increased patient enrollment in trials to gather more data and demonstrate demand [57] Conclusion - Beam Therapeutics is positioned strongly within the biotechnology sector, leveraging its innovative base editing technology to address significant medical needs. The company is navigating a complex regulatory environment while maintaining a focus on safety and efficacy, with a clear strategy for future growth and market expansion.
ProQR Announces Upcoming Scientific Presentations at ASGCT and TIDES Conferences
Globenewswire· 2025-05-12 12:00
Core Insights - ProQR Therapeutics is set to present its Axiomer RNA editing technology at two significant scientific conferences in May 2025, showcasing its potential in transforming RNA therapies [1][2] Conference Presentations - ProQR will participate in the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) 28th Annual Meeting from May 13-17, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana, featuring both oral and poster presentations [3][4] - The company will also present at the TIDES USA 2025: Oligonucleotide and Peptide Therapeutics Conference from May 19-22, 2025, in San Diego, California, with podium presentations [5] Presentation Details - Key presentations include: - "ADAR-Mediated RNA Editing of SLC10A1(NTCP) as a Therapeutic Approach to Reduce Liver Bile Acid Re-Uptake in Cholestatic Diseases" on May 16, 2025 [6] - "ADAR-Mediated RNA Editing-Based Correction of PNPLA3 I148M Functionality to Address Hepatic Steatosis" on May 15, 2025 [6] - "ADAR-Mediated RNA Editing of Premature Termination Codon Results in Functional Correction in MECP2 for Rett Syndrome" on May 15, 2025 [6] - "Advancing Axiomer ADAR RNA Editing Platform - Editing oligonucleotides optimization for therapeutic use" on May 22, 2025 [6] Axiomer Technology Overview - Axiomer™ is a next-generation RNA base editing technology that utilizes ADAR (Adenosine Deaminase Acting on RNA) to make specific single nucleotide edits in RNA, potentially leading to new classes of medicines for various diseases [8][9] - The technology aims to correct disease-causing mutations and modulate protein expression, addressing both rare and prevalent diseases with unmet medical needs [9]
ProQR Therapeutics (PRQR) 2025 Conference Transcript
2025-05-08 16:30
Summary of ProQure Therapeutics Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: ProQure Therapeutics - **Technology**: Novel RNA editing platform leveraging ADAR to modify individual bases in messenger RNA [5][6] - **CEO**: Daniel DeBoer Core Industry Insights - **RNA Editing vs. DNA Editing**: RNA editing allows for precise modification of individual nucleotides in messenger RNA, which is not achievable with RNA interference (RNAi) [7][8] - **Delivery Mechanism**: Utilizes naked oligonucleotides conjugated to GalNAc sugar for liver delivery, and intrathecal administration for CNS applications [10][11] - **Dosing Frequency**: Anticipated quarterly dosing for liver delivery and every six to nine months for CNS dosing [12] Key Programs and Developments - **Lead Program**: AX810 targeting cholestatic diseases (PSC and biliary atresia) with no approved therapies, focusing on reducing bile acid uptake in the liver [19][20] - **Clinical Trial Application**: Planned submission of a CTA later this quarter, with initial data expected by the end of the year [22] - **Patient Enrollment**: Study to be conducted in healthy volunteers to measure target engagement, primarily through serum bile acid levels [25][26] Additional Programs - **Second Program**: Targets BIVERGALT1 gene associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk [32] - **Third Program**: Focuses on Rett syndrome, with a $9 million grant from the Rett Syndrome Research Trust [34] - **Fourth Program**: Targets PNPLA3 mutation related to MESH, aiming to restore wild-type protein function [38] Strategic Partnerships - **Partnership with Eli Lilly**: Established in 2021, expanded to 10 targets with $125 million upfront payment and potential $3.75 billion in milestones [44][45] - **Development Structure**: ProQure handles discovery up to hit selection, while Lilly manages development and commercialization [45] Financial Position - **Cash Position**: Approximately EUR 134 million, funding operations into mid-2027 [50] - **Future Plans**: Clinical candidate selection for up to three programs this year, with potential for multiple candidates entering the clinic next year [51] Market Potential and Strategy - **Target Selection**: Focus on targets validated by human genetics, addressing both common and rare diseases [17] - **Commercialization Strategy**: Plans to independently commercialize rare disease products while seeking partnerships for larger indications [42] Conclusion - **Outlook**: ProQure is positioned in a promising field of RNA editing with multiple programs advancing towards clinical trials, supported by strategic partnerships and a solid financial foundation [56]