Lineage Cell Therapeutics (LCTX) FY 2025 Conference May 20, 2025 02:30 PM ET Speaker0 Hey. Good afternoon, everybody. I'm gonna turn this on. Good afternoon, everybody. My name is Joe Pangenis, managing director here at HC Wainwright. Welcome back to our next fireside chat. Very happy to have with us Brian Culley, chief executive officer of Lineage Cell Therapeutics. And, so thank you very much for being here. And little before this presentation, I thought of a little analogy. Think, feel like I'm in front ...

Core Viewpoint - FibroBiologics is advancing its clinical-stage biotechnology efforts with plans to initiate a Phase 1/2 clinical trial for its fibroblast-based product candidate, CYWC628, aimed at treating diabetic foot ulcers in Australia by the third quarter of 2025 [1][4]. Recent Highlights - The company completed the CYWC628 master cell bank with Charles River, establishing a foundation for the upcoming clinical trial [4]. - A new patent was filed to enhance mitochondrial activity using the fibroblast platform, indicating a strategic move to strengthen competitive advantage [4]. - FibroBiologics presented at several investor and scientific conferences, enhancing visibility and interest in its platform [6]. Upcoming Milestones - The Phase 1/2 clinical trial for CYWC628 is set to begin in the third quarter of 2025, with completion expected in the first quarter of 2026 [6]. - Pre-clinical IND-enabling studies for the treatment of psoriasis with the fibroblast spheroid product candidate, CYPS317, are anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025 [6]. Financial Highlights - For the quarter ended March 31, 2025, research and development expenses were approximately $1.8 million, up from $1.0 million in the same period in 2024, primarily due to increased drug product expenses and hiring [7]. - General and administrative expenses rose to approximately $2.8 million from $2.5 million year-over-year, mainly due to additional personnel costs [8]. - The net loss for the quarter was approximately $5.0 million, a decrease from $8.5 million in the same period in 2024, attributed to changes in the fair value of the warrant liability [12].

Core Insights - Galapagos NV announced new data from the ATALANTA-1 Phase 1/2 study of GLPG5101 in relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma, accepted for oral presentations at two major conferences in June 2025 [1][2][6] Group 1: Study Details - The ATALANTA-1 study focuses on GLPG5101, a second-generation anti-CD19/4-1BB CAR-T product candidate, administered as a single fixed intravenous dose [6][8] - The study evaluates safety, efficacy, and feasibility of decentralized manufacturing of GLPG5101, with 64 patients involved in the oral presentation at EHA [6][8] - The primary objective of the Phase 1 part is to evaluate safety and determine the recommended dose for Phase 2, while the Phase 2 part aims to evaluate the Objective Response Rate (ORR) [8] Group 2: Presentation Information - The EHA presentation will cover low rates of high-grade toxicities associated with GLPG5101 in non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients [4][5] - The ICML presentation will highlight high Complete Response (CR) and Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) negativity rates with GLPG5101, showcasing full results from Cohort 3 [4][5] Group 3: Company Mission and Technology - Galapagos is committed to expanding access to transformative cell therapies for patients with serious hematological and solid tumors, addressing high unmet needs [2][10] - The company utilizes an innovative decentralized cell therapy manufacturing platform, allowing for fresh cell administration within a median vein-to-vein time of seven days [9][10]

Summary of Vericel (VCEL) 2025 Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Vericel Corporation - **Industry**: Advanced therapies for sports medicine and severe burn care markets - **Key Products**: MACI (cell therapy for cartilage repair), NexoBrid (eschar removal), Epicel (permanent skin replacement) [1][2][4] Core Points and Arguments Product Leadership - Vericel is a leader in advanced therapies with a unique portfolio of specialty biologics and advanced cell therapies [2][3] - MACI is the leading restorative cartilage repair product and the only FDA-approved product in its class [3][5] - Recent FDA approval for AC Arthro is expected to enhance market penetration [3] Financial Performance - The company has shown significant revenue growth, with a compounded annual growth rate of approximately 20% since the launch of MACI in 2017 [9][11] - Burn care franchise grew by 22% last year, indicating strong performance in both segments [8] - Strong financial position with over $160 million in cash and no debt [7] Market Opportunity - Total Addressable Market (TAM) for the core portfolio is approximately $4 billion, potentially increasing to over $5 billion with the addition of MACI ankle indications [9] - There are about 750,000 knee cartilage repair procedures annually, with a significant commercial opportunity for MACI [13] Growth Initiatives - Plans to initiate a MACI ankle study and expand manufacturing capabilities to support international launches [8][10] - The MACI Arthro launch is expected to simplify procedures and increase market penetration [16][19] Burn Care Innovations - NexoBrid is positioned to change the standard of care for burn treatment by providing a less traumatic eschar removal method [22][23] - Epicel is the only FDA-approved permanent skin replacement, showing significant survival benefits for patients [26] Adoption and Training - Over 400 surgeons trained for MACI Arthro, with a biopsy growth rate exceeding 30% among trained surgeons [20][19] - Focus on expanding the commercial footprint and increasing utilization of both NexoBrid and Epicel [26][27] Additional Important Content - The company emphasizes the lack of near-term competitors and significant barriers to entry in the market [5][6] - The innovative nature of MACI and its broad label contribute to its market leadership [15] - Continuous exploration for new products in sports medicine and burn care markets to leverage existing capabilities [28]

Core Insights - Ernexa Therapeutics has established a new subsidiary, ErnexaTX2, to support the preclinical development of its lead program, ERNA-101, for ovarian cancer and to prepare for clinical activities anticipated in 2026 [1][3]. Company Developments - The formation of ErnexaTX2 demonstrates the company's commitment to the Texas ecosystem and its readiness for clinical manufacturing, regulatory interactions, and site activation in the future [2]. - Ernexa is advancing its infrastructure in anticipation of Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling activities, with ERNA-101 on track for IND-enabling studies in 2025 and first-in-human studies targeted for 2026 [3]. Product Information - ERNA-101 is designed to activate and regulate the immune system's response to recognize and attack cancer cells, while ERNA-102 targets inflammation to treat autoimmune diseases [5]. - The company's core technology involves engineering induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into induced mesenchymal stem cells (iMSCs), providing a scalable, off-the-shelf treatment option [4].

Core Points - ZEVASKYN is the first and only cell-based gene therapy approved for treating wounds in patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) [2][8] - Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago is the first Qualified Treatment Center (QTC) for ZEVASKYN, with treatments expected to begin in Q3 2025 [1][3] - Abeona Therapeutics has launched the Abeona Assist™ program to provide personalized support for patients and families throughout the treatment journey [1][5] Company Overview - Abeona Therapeutics Inc. is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing cell and gene therapies for serious diseases, with ZEVASKYN being a key product in its portfolio [15] - The company operates a cGMP manufacturing facility in Cleveland, Ohio, which is responsible for the commercial production of ZEVASKYN [15] Treatment Details - ZEVASKYN incorporates the COL7A1 gene into a patient's skin cells to produce functional type VII collagen, which is essential for skin integrity [8] - The therapy has shown clinically meaningful results in wound healing and pain reduction with a single application [8] Hospital and Research Center - Lurie Children's Hospital has been a center of excellence for genetic skin diseases for over 30 years and is recognized for its expertise in treating epidermolysis bullosa [3][12] - The hospital has been providing FDA-approved gene therapies since 2019 and is expanding its offerings, with ZEVASKYN being the tenth gene therapy available [4]

Core Insights - Artiva Biotherapeutics announced promising long-term Phase 1/2 data for AlloNK® in combination with rituximab for patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, showing a 64% complete response rate and a median duration of response of at least 19.4 months [1][2][3] Group 1: Clinical Data - AlloNK + rituximab demonstrated a 64% complete response rate (9 out of 14 patients) in heavily pretreated patients who were naïve to prior CAR-T cell therapy [1][3] - The median duration of response is at least 19.4 months, indicating durability comparable to approved auto-CAR-T therapies [1][3] - The safety profile of AlloNK + rituximab was well-tolerated among 45 patients, with no reports of immune effector cell associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) or graft-versus-host disease [7] Group 2: Comparison with CAR-T Therapies - The complete response rate of AlloNK + rituximab is comparable to outcomes from approved auto-CAR-T therapies, which reported 58% for Yescarta, 53% for Breyanzi, and 40% for Kymriah [3] - The median duration of response for AlloNK + rituximab is competitive with auto-CAR-T therapies, which showed 11.1 months for Yescarta, 23.1 months for Breyanzi, and not reached for Kymriah at 40.3 months follow-up [3] Group 3: Mechanism and Future Implications - AlloNK has shown the potential to enhance the activity of monoclonal antibodies, driving deep and durable responses in both aggressive B-NHL and potentially in autoimmune diseases [2][7] - The tolerability profile of AlloNK supports its use in outpatient community settings, making it a viable option for patients with refractory autoimmune diseases [7]

Core Insights - Kyverna Therapeutics has completed enrollment in the registrational Phase 2 trial for KYV-101 in stiff person syndrome (SPS) and is on track to report topline data in the first half of 2026, with a biologics license application (BLA) filing anticipated in the same timeframe [1][7][15] - The company is advancing into a registrational Phase 3 trial for KYV-101 in myasthenia gravis (MG) following a successful end-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA, with Phase 2 data expected in the second half of 2025 [1][2][15] - Kyverna reported a strong financial position with $242.6 million in cash and equivalents as of March 31, 2025, providing a cash runway into 2027 to support its BLA filing and ongoing clinical trials [11][22] Business Updates - The company is focused on developing KYV-101, an autologous, fully human CD19 CAR T-cell product candidate, for various B cell-mediated autoimmune diseases, prioritizing SPS, MG, and lupus nephritis [3][18] - Kyverna plans to host a KOL event in Q3 2025 to highlight its neuroinflammation franchise and the progress of KYV-101 [10] - The company is also exploring additional indications for KYV-101 through clinical trials in multiple sclerosis (MS) and expects to report interim data from ongoing trials in MG and lupus nephritis in the second half of 2025 [5][13][15] Financial Performance - For the quarter ended March 31, 2025, Kyverna reported a net loss of $44.6 million, or $1.03 per share, compared to a net loss of $26.7 million, or $1.12 per share, for the same period in 2024 [16][22] - Research and development expenses increased to $37.4 million from $22.5 million year-over-year, while general and administrative expenses rose to $10.0 million from $6.9 million [12][22] - The company’s total operating expenses for the quarter were $47.4 million, up from $29.4 million in the previous year [22] Milestones and Future Plans - Kyverna is on track to report topline data from the pivotal Phase 2 trial in SPS in the first half of 2026 and anticipates filing its first BLA in the same period [15] - The company plans to file an investigational new drug application for KYV-102 in the second half of 2025, which aims to improve the CAR T patient experience [8][15] - Kyverna is strategically investing in pre-launch activities for its therapies, particularly for SPS, which currently has no approved treatments [2][11]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, the company reported net trade sales of approximately $369 million, representing a 135% year-over-year increase [9][17] - Total revenues reached $195 million, driven by a 137% year-over-year growth in collaboration revenue [21] - The adjusted net loss was EUR 27 million, significantly improved from an operating loss of EUR 118 million in the same period last year [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - CARVICTI's U.S. net trade sales were $318 million, growing 127% year-over-year and 5% quarter-over-quarter [17] - The company has treated over 6,000 patients with CARVICTI, marking it as the strongest CAR T launch to date [10] - Out-of-U.S. (OUS) sales reached $51 million, more than double compared to the same period last year, driven by expansion in several countries [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., more than half of CARVICTI's utilization is now in the earlier line setting, with a significant increase in physician preference for CARVICTI in early line multiple myeloma [10] - The company is expanding its market presence in Europe, with recent launches in Spain, the UK, Denmark, Belgium, and Israel [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve operational breakeven for CARVICTI by the end of 2025 and overall profitability in 2026, excluding unrealized foreign exchange gains or losses [9][21] - The focus remains on building out pipeline programs and investing in research and development, particularly in in vivo CAR T delivery [12][13] - The company is also expanding manufacturing capacity in Belgium and New Jersey to meet increasing demand [14][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving FDA approval for the Raritan facility expansion and expects no delays in the approval process [32][46] - The company remains optimistic about its future, with a strong cash position of approximately $1 billion, allowing for continued investment in core differentiators [15][23] Other Important Information - The company has a 97% manufacturing success rate, which is considered the highest in the CAR T industry [19] - The gross margin on net product sales improved to 63%, up from 59% in the previous quarter [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Price differences between U.S. and ex-U.S. - The price differential is approximately 30%, varying by country [28] Question: Raritan facility approval process - The company is confident in achieving FDA approval based on the CB30 pathway [32] Question: Pipeline asset updates - The first patient dosing for the in vivo CAR T platform is expected in June or July, with preliminary results anticipated by the end of the year [29] Question: Community penetration for CARVICTI - There is high demand for CARVICTI in earlier lines, and efforts are being made to educate community physicians [38] Question: Capacity expectations for Q2 - Modest growth is expected in Q2, with more significant growth anticipated in the latter half of the year [46] Question: High-risk patient definitions - High-risk patients are defined by cytogenetic factors, while functional high-risk patients progress quickly after frontline therapy [48] Question: Outpatient volume trends - Outpatient volume is expected to grow steadily, currently comprising over half of all CARVICTI treatments [93] Question: Community-based CAR T accreditation - Discussions are ongoing to provide a streamlined accreditation process for community centers [89]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales of $4 million for Q1 2025, with a revenue guidance for the full year of $35 million to $45 million from TESELRA sales [3][4][5] - The average turnaround time from apheresis to release was 27 days, beating the target of 30 days [5] - The company achieved a 100% manufacturing success rate from its U.S. T Cellular manufacturing center [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - A total of 21 patients have been treated with TESELRA in 2025, with 13 in Q1 and 8 in early Q2 [3][4] - The company invoiced 14 T Cellular treatments in 2025 to date, with 6 in Q1 [4] - The company anticipates peak sales of $400 million from its combined T Cellra and Letocell sarcoma franchise [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has established 28 authorized treatment centers (ATCs) for TESELRA, with plans to reach approximately 30 by the end of 2025 [3][4] - The company expects to treat around 1,000 patients annually diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, aligning with initial forecasts [67][68] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on the successful launch of TESELRA and preparing for the launch of Letocell, anticipated in 2026 [6] - Investments in infrastructure for T Cellra will also support the Letocell launch [6] - The company is exploring strategic options with Cowen as advisors to benefit patients and shareholders [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the revenue guidance based on patient treatment cycles and the number of treatment centers [3][5] - The management noted that the FDA is engaged and working diligently on regulatory matters, with no indications of delays [28] - The company has seen positive trends in patient referrals and screening, expecting incremental growth quarter over quarter [18][19] Other Important Information - The company has not experienced any patient denials to date, indicating effective patient access to TESELRA [5] - The company is managing its balance sheet and has paid down $25 million of financing obligations to improve leverage [44][45] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on apheresis patients invoiced - Management indicated that most apheresis patients invoiced in Q1 were from the prior quarter, with expectations for invoicing to continue in the coming months [10] Question: Trends in patient referrals and screening - Management expects incremental growth quarter over quarter, driven by increased awareness and onboarding of ATCs [18] Question: Impact of regulatory changes - Management noted ongoing engagement with the FDA and no indications of delays in regulatory processes [28] Question: Key learnings from the early launch - Management highlighted faster-than-expected onboarding of treatment centers and a 100% manufacturing success rate as key positives [30][31] Question: Cash runway and sustainability of operations - Management acknowledged a substantial debt concern and indicated that cash runway guidance is inappropriate due to various impacting factors [45][46] Question: Drop-off rate from apheresis to infusion - Management confirmed that there have been no cancellations from the moment a patient is enrolled, indicating a high conversion rate [39] Question: Manufacturing maintenance plans - Management stated there are no significant maintenance plans that would impact capacity for the year [58] Question: COGS tracking and expectations - Management indicated that COGS for the first few quarters will be higher than expected due to pre-purchased products, with margins expected to normalize [63][66]