Pyxis Oncology Inc (PYXS) 2025 Conference June 05, 2025 04:55 PM ET Speaker0 Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Farzin Hak. I'm one of the biotech analysts at Jefferies. I'm happy to introduce and welcome Lara Selivan, CEO of Pyxis Oncology. This is a fireside chat format. Thank you for joining us today. Speaker1 Thank you for having us. We appreciate it. Speaker0 So for those who are new to the story, can you provide a short overview of your program? Speaker1 Yes. So Pixis Oncology is an EDC focused comp ...

Sutro Biopharma (STRO) 2025 Conference June 04, 2025 11:05 AM ET Speaker0 Biotech in The US. It is my pleasure to have the fireside chat with our next company, Suture Biopharma CEO, Jane. Welcome. Speaker1 Thank you. Thank you, Greg. Thank you. It's great to be here. Speaker0 Awesome. Yes. So I know lots going on happening at Suture lately, and then more important is kind of a strategic reprioritization and then to focus on the real value of your very unique platform. Maybe we'll start from there. So with t ...

31% confirmed ORR (8 responses in 26 evaluable patients) across B7-H4 high tumors at intermediate doses 44% confirmed ORR (7 responses in 16 evaluable patients) in the subset of patients with ≤4 prior lines of therapy CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mersana Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRSN), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting cancers in areas of high unmet medical need, today announced additional interim Pha ...

Summary of Whitehawk Therapeutics FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company Name**: Whitehawk Therapeutics - **Background**: Whitehawk Therapeutics was formed from the previous company Adi Biosciences, which commercialized an mTOR inhibitor called Fiaro, generating approximately $25 million in annual sales in the US. The company underwent a transformation by selling Fiaro to a Japanese pharmaceutical company and raised about $250 million to license a portfolio of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for oncology treatments [4][5][6]. Core Points and Arguments - **Focus on Oncology**: Whitehawk is focused on developing a portfolio of ADCs for various cancers, marking its first participation in the ASCO conference as a newly branded entity [4][6]. - **Strategic Partnerships**: The company partnered with WuXi Biologics and Hangzhou DAC to access innovative ADC platforms, paying $44 million upfront for three next-generation ADC assets [10][12]. - **Technology Differentiation**: The ADC platform is differentiated by its targeting approach, linker system, and payload delivery, which are optimized for stability and efficacy [15][16][20]. - **Clinical Development**: Whitehawk plans to bring its ADC portfolio into clinical trials over the next year, with IND filings for three ADCs (HAWK007, MUC16, and SCC6) planned in rapid succession [6][41][42]. Important Insights - **Market Opportunity**: There is significant unmet need in the oncology space, particularly for patients with EGFR wild-type lung cancer, where ADCs have not yet made substantial inroads [28][30]. - **Precedent Data**: The three ADC targets (PTK7, MUC16, and SCC6) have shown promising efficacy signals in previous programs, which were discontinued due to safety concerns with first-generation ADCs [39][40]. - **Potential for Best-in-Class**: Whitehawk believes its next-generation ADCs can outperform existing therapies, with the potential for improved overall response rates and progression-free survival [46][51]. - **Focus on Specific Indications**: The company aims to build on existing data by focusing on specific indications, such as lung and ovarian cancer, rather than a broad approach, to demonstrate efficacy [50][51]. Additional Noteworthy Content - **Clinical Experience**: Early data from Hangzhou DAC's internal programs indicate good tolerability and potency, which supports Whitehawk's investment in this platform [32][33]. - **Payload Variations**: The company is utilizing a proprietary topoisomerase inhibitor payload, which is believed to have a better safety profile compared to existing options [25][26]. - **Future Directions**: Whitehawk is considering expanding its focus to include endometrial cancer due to high expression levels of PTK7 and unmet medical needs in that area [52][53]. This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call, highlighting Whitehawk Therapeutics' strategic direction, technological innovations, and market opportunities in the oncology sector.

Summary of Mersana Therapeutics Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Mersana Therapeutics - **Event**: Sixth Annual Oncology Innovation Summit - **Key Participants**: Marty Huber (President and CEO), Brian Deschuytner (COO and CFO) Core Industry Insights - **Industry**: Biotechnology, specifically focused on oncology and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) Key Points and Arguments Data Updates and Efficacy - Mersana has provided updates on their phase one data for EMILI, an ADC targeting b7-H4, showing a differentiated safety profile with effective doses and minimal side effects like neutropenia and neuropathy [4][5] - The overall response rate (ORR) for EMILI has improved from 23% to 31% across all tumor types, indicating compelling efficacy, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients who are late-line and highly refractory [5][6] - The company is focusing on the unmet need in patients who have previously received topoisomerase (topo) inhibitors, where the response rate is typically low [6][7] Regulatory Designations - Mersana has received fast track designations for EMILI in TNBC and certain breast cancer patients post-topo, indicating regulatory recognition of the unmet need in this area [7] Upcoming Presentations - The ASCO presentation will provide additional follow-up data from the ESMO breast presentation, focusing on all enrolled tumor types and more details on non-breast cancer patients [9][10] Patient Management and Protocol Adjustments - The company has implemented protocol amendments to mitigate proteinuria, a treatment-related adverse event, allowing for continued dosing in asymptomatic patients [13][17] - Early feedback from physicians indicates satisfaction with the new protocol, as it allows for better management of patients who are responding well to treatment [17][18] Dose Expansion Strategy - Mersana is exploring high-dose regimens, with a focus on increasing exposure while managing side effects. The rationale for dose selection is based on observed tumor reductions in initial datasets [25][26] - The company aims to confirm initial responses and improve the overall response rate by avoiding treatment interruptions due to adverse events [31][32] Patient Population and Biomarkers - The target population for dose expansion includes TNBC patients with prior chemotherapy, particularly those who have received at least one prior ADC [34][36] - Mersana is using a consistent assay for b7-H4 expression across different study phases, which is crucial for identifying the appropriate patient population [37][38] Trial Design Considerations - Mersana is considering a randomized pivotal trial rather than a single-arm study, as randomized trials are preferred by regulatory agencies and provide critical control data [42][45] - The company aims for a minimum response rate of 20% in the pivotal trial, significantly higher than the 5% response rate observed in control arms of previous studies [46] Additional Important Insights - The company is aware of the challenges in enrolling patients who have previously received topo inhibitors, as many investigators are hesitant to include these patients due to the lack of consistent clinical benefits [40][41] - Mersana's approach to managing adverse events and optimizing dosing schedules reflects a commitment to improving patient outcomes in a challenging therapeutic area [18][25]

Core Insights - AbbVie is showcasing significant advancements in its oncology portfolio at the upcoming ASCO Annual Meeting, highlighting investigational antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting various difficult-to-treat cancers [2][3]. Group 1: Key Data Presentations - The investigational ADC telisotuzumab adizutecan (ABBV-400, Temab-A) demonstrated a 63% objective response rate (ORR) in a Phase 1 study involving 41 patients with advanced EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) [3][4]. - ABBV-706, another ADC targeting high-grade neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), showed a 31.3% ORR in a Phase 1 study with a median duration of response (DoR) of 5.6 months [4]. - Pivekimab sunirine (PVEK) achieved a 70% composite complete response (CCR) rate in untreated patients with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) in the CADENZA trial [4][5]. Group 2: Ongoing Clinical Trials - Telisotuzumab adizutecan is being evaluated in multiple ongoing trials, including a Phase 1/2 study in first-line NSCLC and a Phase 3 study in refractory metastatic colorectal cancer [3]. - ABBV-706 is under investigation as monotherapy and in combination with other therapies for advanced solid tumors expressing SEZ6 [4]. - Pivekimab sunirine is also being studied in a Phase 1/2 trial for relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia [5]. Group 3: Company Commitment and Strategy - AbbVie emphasizes its commitment to transforming cancer care through targeted therapies and biomarker-driven approaches, reflecting a significant expansion of its ADC portfolio [6][14]. - The company is advancing over 35 investigational medicines across various cancer types, aiming to address unmet medical needs in oncology [15].

Core Insights - Merck and Daiichi Sankyo have initiated the phase III IDeate-Esophageal01 study for the B7-H3 directed ADC, ifinatamab deruxtecan (I-DXd), targeting advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients [1][2] - The study aims to compare the safety and efficacy of I-DXd against an investigator's choice of chemotherapy in patients who have progressed after platinum-based therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors [2] - The primary endpoint is overall survival, with secondary endpoints including progression-free survival and objective response rate [3] Company Developments - Merck's stock has decreased by 22.3% year-to-date, while the industry has seen a decline of 5.2% [6] - Merck acquired global co-development and co-commercialization rights for I-DXd and two other ADCs from Daiichi Sankyo for a potential total of up to $22 billion, retaining exclusive rights for Daiichi in Japan [8] - Merck has expanded its collaboration with Daiichi to co-develop MK-6070, a T-cell engager targeting DLL3, following its acquisition of Harpoon Therapeutics [9] Industry Context - ADCs are viewed as a disruptive innovation in the pharmaceutical industry, enhancing cancer treatment by using antibodies to deliver cytotoxic drugs directly to tumors [11] - Daiichi Sankyo is developing several ADCs across various cancer types, including Enhertu, which is marketed in partnership with AstraZeneca [12] - Pfizer has entered the ADC market by acquiring Seagen for $43 billion, adding three ADCs to its portfolio that have significantly contributed to its revenues in 2024 [13][14]

Core Viewpoint - Zymeworks Inc. is advancing its clinical-stage pipeline with the presentation of new preclinical data for ZW1528, a bispecific molecule targeting IL-4Rα and IL-33, aimed at treating respiratory inflammation, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [1][2]. Group 1: Product Development - ZW1528 demonstrates high affinity binding to IL-4Rα and IL-33, effectively blocking IL-4, IL-13, and IL-33 signaling pathways, which are critical in respiratory inflammation [5][6]. - The bispecific design of ZW1528 shows promising manufacturability and stability, supporting high dosing concentrations and subcutaneous administration [5][7]. - Zymeworks is also developing ZW1572, another bispecific inhibitor targeting IL-4Rα and IL-31 for atopic dermatitis, as part of its expanding IL-4Rα program portfolio [3][5]. Group 2: Preclinical Data and Findings - Preclinical data presented at the ATS conference indicate that ZW1528 can suppress both Type 2 and non-Type 2 immune responses in primary human immune cells from COPD patients [6][7]. - In vivo studies in murine models of lung inflammation show efficacy for ZW1528, with extended pharmacokinetics observed in rodent and non-human primate models [6][7]. - The bispecific antibody's blockade of cytokine-driven activation in human epithelial cells is superior to that achieved with monoclonal antibodies targeting either IL-4Rα or IL-33 [7]. Group 3: Company Overview - Zymeworks is a global biotechnology company focused on developing multifunctional biotherapeutics for difficult-to-treat conditions, including cancer and autoimmune diseases [8]. - The company has a robust pipeline of product candidates and has entered into strategic partnerships to enhance its therapeutic platforms [8].

Core Insights - Mersana Therapeutics, Inc. provided a business update and reported financial results for Q1 2025, focusing on the development of its antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting cancers with high unmet medical needs [2][15]. Business Update - The company is advancing the development of Emi-Le, a B7-H4-directed Dolasynthen ADC, with promising preliminary data presented at ESMO Breast Cancer 2025 [3][4]. - Encouraging clinical activity data showed an objective response rate (ORR) of 31% among evaluable patients with B7-H4 high tumors receiving intermediate doses of Emi-Le, an increase from 23% previously reported [5][7]. - The focus remains on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients, with ongoing enrollment in dose expansion cohorts [6][10]. Clinical Data - Updated clinical data from Emi-Le's Phase 1 trial indicated a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 16.0 weeks and a median overall survival (OS) of 5.7 months for patients with B7-H4 low TNBC [8]. - The company plans to report initial clinical data from the expansion portion of its Phase 1 trial in the second half of 2025 [11]. Financial Results - As of March 31, 2025, Mersana had cash and cash equivalents of $102.3 million, with net cash used in operating activities amounting to $29.3 million for Q1 2025 [15][20]. - Collaboration revenue for Q1 2025 was $2.8 million, a decrease from $9.2 million in the same period in 2024, primarily due to reduced revenue from collaboration agreements [15][16]. - The net loss for Q1 2025 was $24.1 million, or $0.19 per share, compared to a net loss of $19.3 million, or $0.16 per share, for the same period in 2024 [20][25]. Future Plans - Mersana is set to present at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2025 Annual Meeting, with two presentations regarding Emi-Le planned [12]. - The company continues to support collaborations with Johnson & Johnson and Merck KGaA, focusing on the development of its ADC platforms [14].

Core Insights - Mersana Therapeutics is advancing its clinical-stage biopharmaceutical pipeline, particularly focusing on the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for cancer treatment, with a significant emphasis on addressing high unmet medical needs in oncology [1][17] Clinical Development - The company is developing Emi-Le (emiltatug ledadotin), a B7-H4-directed Dolasynthen ADC, and has reported promising preliminary clinical data at the ESMO Breast Cancer 2025 conference, indicating an increase in the objective response rate (ORR) to 31% among evaluable patients with B7-H4 high tumors [2][4][6] - The ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial of Emi-Le is focused on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients who have received one to four prior lines of therapy, with significant progress in patient enrollment for both dose expansion cohorts [9][10] - The company plans to report initial clinical data from the expansion portion of the Phase 1 trial in the second half of 2025 [6][10] Financial Performance - As of March 31, 2025, Mersana reported cash and cash equivalents of $102.3 million, with net cash used in operating activities for the first quarter amounting to $29.3 million [14] - Collaboration revenue for the first quarter of 2025 was $2.8 million, a decrease from $9.2 million in the same period in 2024, primarily due to reduced revenue from collaborations with Johnson & Johnson and Merck KGaA [14] - The net loss for the first quarter of 2025 was $24.1 million, or $0.19 per share, compared to a net loss of $19.3 million, or $0.16 per share, for the same period in 2024 [19][24] Collaborations and Partnerships - Mersana continues to support collaborations with Johnson & Johnson and Merck KGaA, focusing on research related to its Dolasynthen and Immunosynthen ADC platforms [13][17] - GSK plc holds an exclusive global license option to co-develop and commercialize Mersana's lead Immunosynthen ADC candidate, XMT-2056 [12]