NEW YORK, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Protara Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: TARA), a clinical-stage company developing transformative therapies for the treatment of cancer and rare diseases, today announced that two presentations and a panel discussion highlighting the ongoing Phase 2 open-label ADVANCED-2 trial of TARA-002 in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) will be featured at the upcoming American Urological Association (AUA) 2025 Annual Meeting taking place from April 26, 20 ...

Core Insights - Artiva Biotherapeutics has appointed Dr. Subhashis Banerjee as Chief Medical Officer, enhancing its development team focused on autoimmune diseases and cell therapy [1][2] - Dr. Banerjee has over 20 years of clinical development experience, previously holding significant roles at Bristol Myers Squibb and VYNE Therapeutics [1][2] - The company aims to advance its AlloNK® program for treating B-cell driven autoimmune diseases, leveraging Dr. Banerjee's expertise in regulatory approval of major therapies [2][5] Company Overview - Artiva Biotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing safe and effective cell therapies for autoimmune diseases and cancers [5][6] - The lead program, AlloNK®, is a non-genetically modified NK cell therapy designed to enhance the efficacy of monoclonal antibodies for B-cell depletion [5] - Artiva was founded in 2019 as a spin-out from GC Cell, holding exclusive rights to NK cell manufacturing technology outside of Asia, Australia, and New Zealand [5] Recent Appointments - Dr. David Moriarty has been appointed as SVP of Clinical Operations, bringing nearly 25 years of experience in clinical research related to cell therapy and autoimmune diseases [3][4] - Benjamin Dewees has joined as SVP of Regulatory Affairs, with over 25 years of experience in regulatory affairs across various therapeutic areas [9] - Feng Xu has been appointed as SVP of Biometrics, contributing over 20 years of clinical development experience, including successful global regulatory filings [9]

Core Insights - Cartesian Therapeutics announced positive 12-month efficacy and safety data from the Phase 2b trial of Descartes-08 for generalized myasthenia gravis (MG), showing sustained symptom improvement in participants [2][4][9] - Descartes-08 demonstrated a significant average reduction in MG-ADL scores, particularly in patients without prior biologic therapy, indicating its potential as a transformative treatment option [9][11] Efficacy Results - Participants treated with Descartes-08 experienced an average MG-ADL reduction of 4.8 points at Month 12, with deeper responses observed over time [7][11] - In the subgroup of participants without prior biologic therapy, the average MG-ADL reduction was 7.1 points at Month 12, with 57% maintaining minimum symptom expression [11] - 83% of evaluable participants maintained a clinically meaningful response through Month 12, defined as a reduction of at least 2 points in MG-ADL [7] Safety Profile - The safety profile of Descartes-08 was consistent with previously reported data, supporting its outpatient administration without the need for preconditioning chemotherapy [4][10] - Adverse events were mostly mild and transient, with no new adverse events reported during the 12-month follow-up [10][11] Future Development - The Phase 3 AURORA trial is on track to dose the first patient in the second quarter of 2025, with the trial design accepted by the FDA under the Special Protocol Assessment process [9][14] - Descartes-08 has received Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy and Orphan Drug Designations from the FDA, highlighting its potential in treating MG [9][13]

Core Insights - Cartesian Therapeutics announced positive 12-month efficacy and safety data from the Phase 2b trial of Descartes-08 for generalized myasthenia gravis (MG) [2][4] - Descartes-08 demonstrated sustained symptom improvement with an average reduction of 4.8 points in MG Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) at Month 12 [6][8] - The therapy showed particularly strong results in participants without prior exposure to biologic therapies, achieving an average 7.1-point reduction in MG-ADL [10] Efficacy Results - In the Phase 2b trial, participants receiving Descartes-08 experienced deep responses, with an average MG-ADL reduction of 5.5 at Month 4 and 4.8 at Month 12 [6][4] - 83% of evaluable participants maintained a clinically meaningful response through Month 12, defined as a reduction of at least 2 points in MG-ADL [6] - Among participants without prior biologic therapy, 100% maintained a clinically meaningful response through Month 12 [10] Safety Profile - Descartes-08 was well-tolerated, with no new adverse events reported during the 12-month follow-up [10] - Common side effects included transient infusion-related reactions such as fever (60%), chills (60%), headache (55%), and nausea (45%), all resolving within 24 hours [10] - No cases of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) were reported [10] Future Developments - The Phase 3 AURORA trial is set to dose the first patient in the second quarter of 2025, following FDA agreement on the trial design [8][10] - Descartes-08 has received Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) and Orphan Drug Designations from the FDA for the treatment of MG [12][8] - The company aims to transform the treatment landscape for MG with Descartes-08, offering a safe and durable outpatient therapy option [8][10]

Proprietary master cell bank of fibroblast-based spheroids product candidate, CYWC628, completed in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices after successfully passing all required safety testing Preparations for Phase 1/2 clinical trial in Australia utilizing CYWC628 to treat diabetic foot ulcers are proceeding with plans to initiate in the second quarter of 2025 Cash and cash equivalents of approximately $14.0 million at December 31, 2024 HOUSTON, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FibroBiologics, Inc ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q4 product revenue of $1.2 million from TECELRA, with expectations to invoice approximately six to eight patients in Q1 2025, significantly higher than the previous quarter [9][10][17] - The consensus analyst forecast for 2025 sales is approximately $25 million, which the company believes is achievable based on current performance metrics [17][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The launch of TECELRA has seen strong momentum, with 20 authorized treatment centers (ATCs) established, ahead of the planned 30 by the end of 2025 [6][8] - The company has a pipeline of around 20 biomarker-positive patients expected to be treated in Q2 and Q3 2025, with over 80 patients having completed MAGE-A4 testing [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Over 70% of commercial and Medicare lives have established reimbursement policies for TECELRA, with no denials reported to date [12] - The company anticipates that Lete-cel will expand the sarcoma franchise, potentially doubling the number of treatable patients annually in the US [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve cash flow breakeven by 2027, with a focus on building a successful business around two FDA-approved products in sarcoma [26][30] - The company is exploring strategic options, including partnerships and collaborations, to optimize shareholder value and ensure financial stability [28][56] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the accelerating sales of TECELRA and the anticipated launch of Lete-cel, which is expected to leverage existing commercial infrastructure [17][30] - The company is focused on managing costs effectively while pushing towards profitability in 2027, with a commitment to exploring all financial opportunities [30][56] Other Important Information - The company has paused spending on preclinical programs targeting PRAME and CD70, which is expected to reduce cash flow demands by approximately $75 million to $100 million through 2028 [27][68] - The company is part of the PRIME scheme in Europe for TECELRA and plans to submit a marketing application based on comprehensive trial results [80] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you comment on the pace of apheresis during Q1? - The pace of apheresis has been increasing, with more patients being treated as additional ATCs come online [35] Question: What are the assumptions for profitability in 2027? - The company has not provided specific revenue guidance but expects to achieve profitability through the combination of TECELRA and Lete-cel sales [36][50] Question: What is the status of the ex-US strategy? - The primary focus remains on establishing a commercially viable business in the US, with discussions ongoing for potential partnerships in ex-US markets [66] Question: Can you provide insights on the financials for the quarter? - The company is finalizing its 10-K filing and expects to publish it soon, with anticipated cost reductions from restructuring [68] Question: Are there any capacity constraints affecting patient infusions? - There are currently no capacity limitations reported, and the company is confident in meeting its goals [111][112]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2024, Legend Biotech reported total net sales of CARVYKTI at approximately $334 million, representing a 110% increase year-over-year and a 17% increase from Q3 2024 [13][23] - Total revenues for Q4 were $187 million, consisting of $168 million from collaboration revenue and $18 million from license revenue [24] - The net profit for Q4 was $26 million, or $0.07 per share, compared to a net loss of $145 million, or $0.40 per share, for the same period last year [24][25] - Adjusted net loss for Q4 was $59 million, or $0.16 per share, compared to an adjusted net loss of $89 million, or $0.24 per share, for the same period last year [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - CARVYKTI's sales trajectory has been attributed to its unique profile and strong manufacturing and commercial execution, with a significant increase in outpatient administration [15][19] - The company has treated over 5,000 patients with CARVYKTI, creating a comprehensive patient dataset in multiple myeloma [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., the number of certified hospitals to treat with CARVYKTI has increased to 104, with outpatient administration expected to account for a majority of the volume by the end of the year [15][19] - Internationally, sales outside the U.S. reached $31 million, a 138% increase year-over-year, driven by capacity increases and launches in several countries [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve operational breakeven for CARVYKTI by the end of 2025 and company-wide profitability in 2026, excluding unrealized foreign exchange gains or losses [8] - Legend Biotech is expanding its pipeline programs to include blood cancers, next-generation multiple myeloma therapies, solid tumor programs, and autoimmune diseases [20][21] - A new research facility is being built in Philadelphia to support pipeline investments, expected to open later this year [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the demand for CARVYKTI, particularly in the outpatient setting, and highlighted the importance of educating community physicians [108][111] - The company anticipates that supply constraints will be alleviated by the end of 2025, allowing supply to meet demand [124] Other Important Information - The FDA approved the Novartis facility for commercial production of CARVYKTI, with clinical production expected to begin soon [11] - The company has received reimbursement approval for CARVYKTI in Spain, enhancing its market presence [13][101] Q&A Session Summary Question: Safety profile and trial management for CARVYKTI - Management discussed ongoing efforts to manage ICANS and neurotoxicity through predictive biomarkers and upcoming investigator-initiated trials [36][40] Question: Commercial revenue breakdown and demand for CAR-T therapy - The company reported strong receptivity to CARTITUDE-4 data, with nearly 60% of usage converted to earlier lines of therapy [53][55] Question: Share count and pipeline data expectations - The increase in share count was clarified as a result of net profit calculations, and management provided insights into upcoming data from early pipeline programs [58][62] Question: Revenue growth cadence and capacity expectations - Management indicated that Q1 growth may be modest due to seasonal factors, with more significant growth expected in Q2 and Q3 [70] Question: Positioning of CAR-T therapies in solid tumor treatment - Management highlighted ongoing efforts to innovate in solid tumors and the importance of safety and efficacy in driving commercial success [80][81] Question: Demand fulfillment in Europe - The company is working to meet demand in Europe through its facilities, with recent approvals expected to enhance supply capabilities [145]

Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (NYSE:LCTX) Q4 2024 Earnings Conference Call March 10, 2025 4:30 PM ET Company Participants Ioana Hone - Head of Investor Relations Brian Culley - Chief Executive Officer Jill Howe - Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Jack Allen - Baird Joseph Pantginis - H.C. Wainwright Michael Okunewitch - Maxim Group Mayank Mamtani - Riley Securities Albert Lowe - Craig-Hallum Sean McCutcheon - Raymond James Operator Thank you for standing by. My name is Rochelle and I wi ...