Core Insights - Alnylam Pharmaceuticals has joined the Alliance for Genomic Discovery (AGD), which aims to accelerate drug discovery through clinical genomic data [1][2][3] - The AGD dataset will enhance Alnylam's ability to identify new therapeutic targets for RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics, which work by silencing disease-causing genes [4][5] - The AGD now includes nine members, with Alnylam being the latest addition, and plans to expand its dataset by sequencing an additional 31,250 whole genomes, building on an existing cohort of 250,000 [3][5] Company and Industry Developments - The AGD is led by Illumina and Nashville Biosciences, focusing on leveraging genomic data to drive innovation in therapeutics [2][3] - Alnylam's participation is expected to strengthen the AGD's clinical genomic database, which aims to provide diverse and representative data for drug discovery [5][6] - The alliance has already identified novel therapeutic targets, particularly in autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases, demonstrating the dataset's value to its members [6][8] Technological Advancements - The AGD utilizes advanced sequencing and data analysis technologies, such as DRAGEN and Illumina Connected Analytics, to enhance the accuracy and speed of genomic insights [6][8] - The alliance plans to incorporate multiomic layers into its dataset, which will facilitate faster target discovery and therapy development [8] - The AGD dataset aims to link diverse genomic data with clinical phenotyping to ensure that discoveries benefit a wide range of populations [5][6]

Core Insights - Phio Pharmaceuticals reported its financial results for Q2 2025 and provided updates on its clinical trials, particularly for its lead product candidate PH-762, which utilizes INTASYL siRNA technology to target cancer treatment [1][4]. Clinical Progress - The ongoing Phase 1b clinical trial for PH-762 is evaluating its safety and tolerability in patients with various stages of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma, with 15 patients treated across four cohorts [2][4]. - No dose-limiting toxicities or significant adverse effects have been reported, and all patients tolerated the treatment well, with no clinical progression observed during the trial [2][3]. Efficacy Results - Among the 13 patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, five achieved complete response (100% clearance), one had near complete response (>90% clearance), one had partial response (>50% clearance), and six had pathologic non-response (<50% clearance) [3]. - The patient with stage 4 metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma showed a pathological partial response (>50% clearance), while the melanoma patient did not respond (<50% clearance) [3]. Financial Overview - As of June 30, 2025, the company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $10.8 million, an increase from $5.4 million at the end of 2024 [8]. - Research and development expenses for Q2 2025 were $1.1 million, up from $0.9 million in Q2 2024, primarily due to increased patient enrollment and higher consulting costs [9]. - General and administrative expenses for Q2 2025 were $1.2 million, compared to $1.0 million in the same period last year, driven by increased salary-related costs [11]. Net Loss - The net loss for Q2 2025 was $2.2 million, compared to $1.8 million in Q2 2024, attributed to rising research and development and administrative expenses [13]. Stockholder Equity - Total stockholders' equity increased to $10.1 million as of June 30, 2025, from $4.7 million at the end of 2024, reflecting the company's capital raising efforts [20][21].

Core Insights - Phio Pharmaceuticals has entered into a comprehensive drug substance development services agreement with a U.S. manufacturer for its lead compound PH-762, which is a significant step in advancing its intratumoral program for treating cutaneous carcinomas [1][2] - The company is currently enrolling patients for the fifth and expected final cohort in its Phase 1b dose escalation study targeting cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and melanoma [1][2] Company Overview - Phio Pharmaceuticals Corp. is a clinical-stage siRNA biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapeutics using its proprietary INTASYL® gene silencing technology aimed at eliminating cancer [1][2] - The lead clinical program, PH-762, is designed to silence the PD-1 gene, which is implicated in various forms of skin cancer, and represents a potential non-surgical treatment option [2]

Core Insights - Phio Pharmaceuticals reported financial results for Q1 2025, highlighting advancements in its clinical trials for the siRNA lead product candidate PH-762, which aims to enhance immune cell effectiveness against cancer [1][2] Clinical Progress - The ongoing Phase 1b trial for PH-762 is evaluating its safety and tolerability in patients with various stages of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma [2] - As of now, 10 patients have been treated across the first three cohorts, with 4 patients achieving a pathologic complete response, indicating 100% tumor clearance [3][4] Financial Results - At March 31, 2025, the company had cash of approximately $13.3 million, a significant increase from $5.4 million at December 31, 2024 [11] - Net cash provided by financing activities for Q1 2025 was approximately $9.2 million, compared to a net cash usage of approximately $4,000 in Q1 2024 [12] - Research and development expenses decreased by 23% to $0.886 million in Q1 2025 from $1.148 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to reduced salary-related costs and consulting expenses [13] - General and administrative expenses also saw a decrease of 7%, from approximately $1.061 million in Q1 2024 to approximately $0.986 million in Q1 2025 [14] - The net loss for Q1 2025 was $1.8 million, down from $2.2 million in Q1 2024, attributed to reduced operating expenses [15] Capital Sourcing - In late 2024 and early 2025, Phio raised approximately $9.2 million through registered direct offerings and private placements, along with an additional $2.9 million from warrant exercises, providing sufficient capital to complete the treatment phase of the Phase 1b trial [8] Cost Rationalization - The company has transitioned to a new laboratory facility with a monthly rent of approximately $2,500, and has contracted for additional working space at a fee of $300 per month [9]