Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended Q2 2025 with cash, cash equivalents, and investments of $324.9 million, up from $198.2 million as of December 31, 2024, indicating a significant increase in liquidity [14] - R&D expenses for Q2 2025 were $38.3 million, a slight decrease from $39.3 million in Q2 2024, primarily due to reduced preclinical and clinical costs [15] - G&A expenses increased to $8.5 million in Q2 2025 from $5.9 million in Q2 2024, driven by higher compensation and professional fees [16] - The net loss for Q2 2025 was $43.3 million, compared to $41.0 million in Q2 2024, reflecting increased expenses [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focused on developing aldosterone synthase inhibitors (ASIs) for hypertension and related conditions, with promising clinical data from trials such as LAUNCH HTN and ADVANCE HTN [6][10] - A survey indicated that 95% of clinicians would likely prescribe lorundrostat if approved, highlighting strong interest in the product [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Uncontrolled and resistant hypertension affects over 20 million patients in the U.S., representing a significant unmet medical need [8] - The company has identified nearly 9 million patients who started new treatments in the third line or later position in 2024, reflecting dissatisfaction with current options [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance the profile of lorundrostat in treating hypertension with comorbid conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) [10][12] - A pre-NDA meeting with the FDA is scheduled for 2025, indicating progress towards regulatory approval [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the clinical data supporting lorundrostat's efficacy and safety, emphasizing the unmet need in the market [21][34] - The company is exploring partnership opportunities, particularly outside the U.S., to maximize the reach of lorundrostat [24] Other Important Information - The company is expanding its medical communications team to raise awareness and interest in lorundrostat ahead of its potential launch [9] - The EXPLORER OSA trial is expected to provide top-line data in 2026, focusing on the effects of lorundrostat on nighttime blood pressure [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on AstraZeneca's Phase III Vax HTN data - Management refrained from speculating on AstraZeneca's data but expressed confidence in lorundrostat's safety and efficacy based on their own trials [21][22] Question: Opportunities for lorundrostat beyond hypertension - Management indicated potential for lorundrostat in treating related comorbidities like CKD and OSA, emphasizing its role in managing dysregulated aldosterone [30] Question: Payer strategies and market access - Management does not anticipate a step edit through spironolactone, expecting payers to navigate access through generic classes instead [55] Question: Commercial strategy and market entry - The company is currently focused on payer strategy and medical affairs to build awareness for lorundrostat, with specific commercial strategies still in development [59][60] Question: Pre-NDA meeting expectations - Management is confident in the comprehensive data package prepared for the FDA, which includes insights from various clinical trials [62] Question: Concerns about drug-drug interactions - Management clarified that PPI use is allowed in trials, and the focus is on ensuring adequate blood pressure control rather than safety concerns [41] Question: Future data releases from ongoing trials - Management confirmed plans to publish data from the open-label extension trial, TRANSFORM HDN, as it becomes available [74]

Drug Development - AstraZeneca's experimental hypertension drug Baxdrostat reduced blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled or treatment-resistant hypertension [1]