Rhythm Pharmaceuticals (RYTM) FY 2025 Conference September 03, 2025 09:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsDavid Meeker - Chairman, President & CEOConference Call ParticipantsDerek Archila - MD, Co-Head of Therapeutics Research & Senior Biotechnology AnalystDerek ArchilaAll right, everyone, I think we'll get started here with the next fireside. Again, my name is Derek Archuleta. I'm one of the Senior Biotech Analysts here at Wells Fargo. Very excited to have Rhythm Pharmaceuticals here for our next discussion. We ...

Rhythm Pharmaceuticals (RYTM) Conference Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Rhythm Pharmaceuticals - **Focus**: Development of treatments for hypothalamic obesity, specifically through the drug Bivomelagon Key Industry Insights - **Industry**: Pharmaceuticals, specifically in the obesity treatment sector - **Market Opportunity**: Estimated prevalence of hypothalamic obesity (HO) in the US is around 10,000 patients, with similar numbers in Europe and Japan [10][10] Core Findings from the Conference Call 1. **Positive Phase II Trial Results**: - Bivomelagon showed comparable BMI reductions to cetmelanotide in similar patient populations [6][6] - The six hundred milligram cohort achieved a 9.3% reduction in BMI, while the four hundred milligram cohort achieved a 7.7% reduction [15][15] 2. **Safety and Tolerability**: - Safety profile consistent with MC4R agonism, with minimal reports of hyperpigmentation [7][7] - One serious adverse event (SAE) reported: lower intestinal bleeding, deemed possibly related to the drug [14][14] - Diarrhea occurred at a slightly higher frequency than in previous trials, but all cases were mild [28][28] 3. **Patient Demographics**: - Mean BMI of participants was nearly 39, with a significant portion (80%) having craniopharyngioma as the cause of their obesity [12][12] - Majority of patients were white, with a small representation from other ethnic backgrounds [13][13] 4. **Regulatory Plans**: - Plans to request an end of phase two meeting with the FDA and initiate phase three studies in the first half of 2026 [35][35] 5. **Patent Protection**: - Composition of matter patents for cetmelanotide extend to 2032, with formulation patents extending to 2034 [10][10] 6. **Future Drug Formulations**: - Development of smaller pills and chewable tablets to improve patient compliance, especially among younger patients [31][31][92][92] Additional Important Points - **Mechanism of Action**: Bivomelagon acts as a functional analog of alpha MSH, providing satiety signals and increasing resting energy expenditure, leading to weight loss [8][8] - **Compliance Issues**: Some patients experienced challenges with pill swallowing, particularly teenagers, which may have affected compliance and efficacy [32][32][72][72] - **Comparative Efficacy**: The results from Bivomelagon are similar to those observed with cetmelanotide, indicating a strong potential for market acceptance [25][25][81][81] Conclusion Rhythm Pharmaceuticals is positioned to advance its obesity treatment pipeline with promising Phase II results for Bivomelagon, a favorable safety profile, and strategic plans for regulatory engagement and product development. The company aims to address compliance challenges through improved formulations while capitalizing on the significant market opportunity in hypothalamic obesity.