PITTSBURGH, Nov. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Krystal Biotech, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: KRYS) today announced that the Company will participate in the 8th Annual Evercore Healthcare Conference on December 3, 2025, in Miami. Krish S. Krishnan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will take part in a fireside chat scheduled at 10:00 am ET and host investor meetings throughout the day. A webcast of the presentation will be available here beginning at 10:00 am ET on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 and will be ...

Summary of Ionis Pharmaceuticals Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Ionis Pharmaceuticals - **Industry**: Biotechnology, specifically focusing on genetic medicines targeting RNA for therapeutics - **Recent Achievements**: Launched two FDA-approved medicines independently in the U.S. in 2025: Tryngolza for Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome (FCS) and Donidalorsen for hereditary angioedema [2][3] Core Points and Arguments - **Successful Product Launches**: - Tryngolza, the first FDA-approved medicine for FCS, launched successfully in 2025 [2] - Donidalorsen launched as a prophylactic treatment for hereditary angioedema [2] - **Pipeline Progress**: - Announced positive phase three data for severe hypertriglyceridemia and a neurology drug for Alexander disease [3][4] - Anticipating five phase three readouts and two to three FDA approvals in the upcoming year [4] - **Market Opportunity**: - Severe hypertriglyceridemia affects millions in the U.S., with a focus on patients at high risk for acute pancreatitis [7][9] - Plans to target both severely at-risk patients and those with mildly elevated triglycerides [10][11] - **Combination Therapy Potential**: - Exploring combination therapies for managing triglycerides and other cardiovascular risk factors [12][13] - Collaboration with AstraZeneca to combine treatments for TTR cardiomyopathy [14][17] Additional Important Insights - **Self-Administration Preference**: - Patients prefer self-administered treatments, which could enhance market penetration, especially in community settings [20][21] - **Regulatory and Market Dynamics**: - Anticipated inclusion in treatment guidelines for severe hypertriglyceridemia, with a significant patient population of over 3 million in the U.S. [40] - **Spinraza Update**: - Ionis is developing a next-generation Spinraza with once-per-year dosing, expected to re-emerge as a leading treatment for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) [32][33] - Economic terms for the next-gen product are more favorable, with royalties in the mid-20% range compared to mid-teens for the current compound [34] Conclusion - Ionis Pharmaceuticals is positioned for significant growth with its innovative therapies targeting severe hypertriglyceridemia and SMA. The company is leveraging its unique RNA-targeting platform to address unmet medical needs and expand its market presence through strategic partnerships and a focus on patient convenience.

Core Insights - MeiraGTx Holdings plc announced its financial and operational results for Q3 2025, highlighting significant advancements in its gene therapy programs and strategic collaborations, particularly with Eli Lilly in ophthalmology [1][2][3] Financial Performance - As of September 30, 2025, the company reported cash and cash equivalents of approximately $14.8 million, a decrease from $105.7 million as of December 31, 2024 [13] - Service revenue for Q3 2025 was $0.4 million, down from $10.9 million in Q3 2024, primarily due to decreased activity related to the asset purchase agreement with Johnson & Johnson [14] - General and administrative expenses increased to $13.6 million in Q3 2025 from $12.7 million in Q3 2024, attributed to higher rent, consulting fees, and share-based compensation [16] - Research and development expenses rose to $32.5 million in Q3 2025 from $26.2 million in Q3 2024, driven by increased manufacturing costs and clinical program activities [17] - The net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders for Q3 2025 was $50.5 million, or $0.62 per share, compared to a net loss of $39.3 million, or $0.55 per share, in Q3 2024 [21] Strategic Collaborations - The company entered a strategic collaboration with Eli Lilly, granting exclusive rights to its AAV-AIPL1 program for treating Leber congenital amaurosis 4 (LCA4), along with access to other gene therapy technologies [2][3][8] - Under the collaboration, MeiraGTx will receive an upfront payment of $75 million and is eligible for over $400 million in milestone payments, along with tiered royalties on licensed products [8] Clinical Development - The pivotal Phase 2 study of AAV-hAQP1 for radiation-induced xerostomia is on track for target enrollment by the end of 2025, with potential BLA filing expected in early 2027 [2][8] - A Phase 3 study for AAV-GAD in Parkinson's disease is anticipated to start soon, following positive data from previous studies [2][8] - The company has optimized its riboswitch program for delivering native human leptin, addressing a significant unmet need in leptin deficiency treatment [2][8] Recent Developments - MeiraGTx has developed a second Specials program in the UK for treating BBS10-associated retinal dystrophy, which has received Rare Pediatric Disease Designation from the FDA [2][3] - The company is forming a joint venture with Hologen AI, which includes a $200 million upfront payment and additional funding for developing the AAV-GAD program [11][12]

Core Viewpoint - enGene Holdings Inc. has announced the pricing of its underwritten public offering, which includes common shares and pre-funded warrants, indicating a strategic move to raise capital for its operations [1] Group 1: Offering Details - The company is offering 12,558,823 common shares at a public offering price of $8.50 per share [1] - Additionally, pre-funded warrants to purchase 2,735,295 shares are being offered at an offering price of $8.4999 per warrant [1] - The pricing is set before underwriting discounts and commissions, highlighting the financial structure of the offering [1]

Core Viewpoint - Passage Bio, Inc. is actively engaged in the development of genetic medicines aimed at treating neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on innovative one-time therapies [3]. Company Overview - Passage Bio is a clinical stage genetic medicines company dedicated to improving the lives of patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases [3]. - The company's lead product candidate, PBFT02, targets conditions such as frontotemporal dementia by increasing progranulin levels to restore lysosomal function and slow disease progression [3]. Upcoming Events - Will Chou, M.D., the president and CEO of Passage Bio, will participate in a fireside chat at the Guggenheim Securities 2 Annual Healthcare Innovation Conference on November 12, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. ET in Boston, MA [1]. - A live webcast of the event will be accessible on the Investors & News section of Passage Bio's website, with a replay available for 90 days post-event [2].

Core Insights - enGene Holdings Inc. has been recognized by BioSpace as one of the 2026 Best Places to Work in the life sciences industry, highlighting its commitment to a positive work environment [1] Company Recognition - enGene is among 50 U.S. operating employers acknowledged for being desirable workplaces in the life sciences sector [1] - The recognition reflects enGene's dedication to fostering a supportive and engaging workplace culture [1]

Core Insights - The FDA granted platform technology designation to Krystal Biotech's genetically modified HSV-1 viral vector used in the gene therapy KB801 for neurotrophic keratitis [1][2][3] Group 1: FDA Designation and Implications - The platform technology designation is a significant milestone for Krystal Biotech, recognizing the reproducibility and scalability of their HSV-1 gene delivery platform [2] - This designation may provide development efficiencies, including early engagement with the FDA and the ability to leverage data from previously approved products like VYJUVEK [2][3] - The program aims to streamline drug development, manufacturing, and review processes for products utilizing designated platform technologies [3] Group 2: About KB801 - KB801 is a redosable eye drop gene therapy designed to enable sustained expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) for treating neurotrophic keratitis, a rare corneal disease [4] - The therapy aims to reduce the treatment burden on patients by allowing local production of NGF, addressing the limitations of current recombinant NGF eye drops that require frequent administration [4] - The safety and efficacy of KB801 are currently being evaluated in the EMERALD-1 Phase 1/2 study, which is a randomized, double-masked, multicenter, placebo-controlled trial [4] Group 3: Company Overview - Krystal Biotech is a global biotechnology company focused on developing genetic medicines for diseases with high unmet medical needs [5] - The company’s first commercial product, VYJUVEK, is the first redosable gene therapy approved in the U.S., Europe, and Japan for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa [5] - Krystal Biotech is advancing a pipeline of investigational genetic medicines across various therapeutic areas, including respiratory, oncology, dermatology, ophthalmology, and aesthetics [5]

Lexeo Therapeutics Conference Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Lexeo Therapeutics (NasdaqGM:LXEO) - **Industry**: Cardiac Genetic Medicines - **Key Programs**: AAV gene therapy for Friedreich's ataxia and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, both in clinical stages [4][18] Key Initiatives and Updates - **Friedreich's Ataxia Program**: - Completed enrollment of Phase 1/2 study - Moving towards a registrational study in 2026 [4][18] - Significant clinical data improvements in cardiovascular and neurologic endpoints [4][19] - Agreement with FDA for expedited path to accelerated approval, including pooling Phase 1/2 data with pivotal study data [5][20] - **Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy Program**: - Enrollment of Phase 1/2 study expected to complete this year - Next steps planned for 2026 and beyond [4][18] Clinical Data Highlights - **Friedreich's Ataxia**: - Clinical data showed improvements exceeding 10% reduction in left ventricular mass index (LVMI), with some patients achieving reductions of 50% [12][26] - All patients with elevated LVMI in Phase 1 studies moved into the normal range [14][28] - FDA's openness to evaluating endpoints earlier than 12 months, potentially shortening study length [7][20] - **Regulatory Developments**: - Breakthrough therapy designation received earlier this year, indicating FDA support for rapid development [7][20] Study Design and Methodology - **Pivotal Study Design**: - Aiming to detect a 10% reduction in LV mass, which correlates with a 20% increased risk of death if not addressed [10][23] - Use of MRI for precise measurement of LV mass [10][23] - Propensity matching to ensure comparability between treatment and natural history study groups [36][38] - **Data Consistency**: - Centralized reading of MRI scans to maintain consistency across different sites [30][30] Neurologic and Cardiac Benefits - **Neurologic Function**: - Improvement in the modified Friedreich's Ataxia Rating Scale (mFARS) observed, with higher doses showing more significant benefits [50][51] - Patients previously treated with standard care (Skyclarys) also showed improvements, indicating the therapy's effectiveness across different patient backgrounds [51][52] Future Outlook - **Market Potential**: - Lexeo aims to position itself as a leader in cardiac precision medicine, similar to the evolution seen in oncology [68][70] - The company believes AAV vectors will be crucial in treating genetically mediated cardiac conditions [69][70] - **Regulatory Engagement**: - Plans to engage with the FDA once sufficient clinical data is available, expected in 2026 [59][60] Conclusion - Lexeo Therapeutics is advancing its clinical programs in cardiac genetic medicines, with promising data in both Friedreich's ataxia and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. The company is positioned for potential accelerated approval and aims to leverage its innovative therapies to address significant unmet medical needs in the cardiac space [68][70]

Summary of Neurogene Conference Call - October 14, 2025 Company Overview - **Company**: Neurogene Inc. (NasdaqGM:NGNE) - **Industry**: Genetic Medicines, specifically focusing on gene therapy for neurological disorders such as Rett syndrome Key Points and Arguments Recent Developments - Neurogene has completed discussions with the FDA and plans to begin dosing participants in its registrational study this quarter [4][10] - Results from a non-human primate study were presented, demonstrating that Intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration is significantly more effective than Intrathecal (IT) lumbar administration for CNS disorders, with a 10 to 100-fold increase in drug delivery to the brain [4][5] - The company has expanded its U.S. clinical trial sites to 13, which will facilitate future commercialization [4][10] Administration Route and Efficacy - ICV administration is preferred for CNS disorders as it delivers more drug directly to the brain, which is crucial for conditions like Rett syndrome [5][6] - Caregivers are reportedly more encouraged by ICV due to its perceived effectiveness in delivering drugs to the brain [7][10] - Neurogene emphasizes that the focus should be on delivering the best treatment rather than being the first to market, as caregivers prioritize meaningful and durable results [8][9] Clinical Trial Design and Patient Enrollment - Neurogene is enrolling patients as young as three years old, which is seen as advantageous since earlier treatment may prevent irreversible neurological deficits [26][28] - The company believes that having efficacy data in younger patients will be valuable from a regulatory perspective [29] Comparison with Competitors - Neurogene's approach to measuring efficacy includes a composite endpoint that combines multiple skills gained, which is argued to provide a more comprehensive view of patient improvement compared to competitors [20][21] - The company believes that the overlap in milestones between its study and Taysha's study is minimal, and the depth of response in treated patients will be crucial for product differentiation [19][34] Regulatory Considerations - There is confusion regarding the FDA's stance on six-month data as a meaningful endpoint. Neurogene maintains that a 12-month endpoint is more appropriate for demonstrating clinical significance [22][23] - The company has a monitoring protocol in place to address safety concerns, which is viewed as an advantage over competitors [31][32] Market Perception and Valuation - Despite recent positive momentum in Neurogene's stock, there remains a significant valuation gap compared to competitors, attributed to past safety concerns [31][32] - The company believes that as it distances itself from previous safety issues, the market will recognize the advantages of its ICV delivery method and overall efficacy [32][33] Additional Important Points - Neurogene is focused on providing a broad label with efficacy data that addresses the needs of caregivers and clinicians, particularly in the early stages of Rett syndrome [34] - The company is not using certain structured efficacy scales that competitors have emphasized, believing that their own assessments will provide more clinically meaningful data [30] This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the Neurogene conference call, highlighting the company's strategic focus, competitive positioning, and regulatory considerations in the context of gene therapy for Rett syndrome.

Core Insights - Passage Bio, Inc. is a clinical stage genetic medicines company focused on neurodegenerative diseases [3] - The company will participate in the Chardan 9th Annual Genetic Medicines Conference on October 21, 2025 [1] - The lead product candidate, PBFT02, aims to treat frontotemporal dementia by elevating progranulin levels [3] Company Overview - Passage Bio is dedicated to developing one-time therapies targeting the underlying pathology of neurodegenerative conditions [3] - The company emphasizes its commitment to improving the lives of patients and families affected by these diseases [4] Event Details - Will Chou, M.D., the CEO, will be part of a panel discussion at the conference [1] - A live webcast of the event will be available on the company's website, with a replay accessible for 90 days [2]