Summary of Avalo Therapeutics Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Avalo Therapeutics (NasdaqCM:AVTX) - **Event**: 2026 Conference on February 11, 2026 - **Focus**: Discussion on the upcoming phase 2b data from the LOTUS trial for AVTX-009, a monoclonal antibody targeting IL-1 beta Key Points Industry and Product Insights - **Product**: AVTX-009, a high-affinity anti-IL-1 beta monoclonal antibody - **Trial**: LOTUS trial, over 250 patients, placebo-controlled, focusing on moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) [2][36] - **Expected Data Release**: Phase 2b data anticipated in Q2 2026 [2][60] Mechanism of Action - **IL-1 Beta Role**: Principal driver of inflammation in HS, with higher concentrations than other inflammatory markers [6][14] - **Comparison with Other Drugs**: IL-1 beta is considered more effective than IL-1 alpha in treating HS, as evidenced by the failure of anti-IL-1 alpha drugs like bermekimab [13][14] Trial Design and Execution - **Trial Structure**: Three-arm study comparing two dosing regimens of AVTX-009 against placebo [34][35] - **Patient Population**: Over 250 patients enrolled, including a significant number of biologically experienced patients [37][42] - **Placebo Response**: Historical placebo response rates in HS trials range from 13% to 18% [35] Safety and Efficacy Considerations - **Safety Profile**: Expected increase in bacterial infections and potential for neutropenia, but generally manageable [47] - **Efficacy Expectations**: Aiming for a response rate of 20% or higher beyond placebo, with a potential "home run" at 25% [49][50] Future Directions - **Next Steps**: Plans for two pivotal phase III trials following the LOTUS study data [52] - **Potential Indications**: Interest in expanding into dermatology, rheumatology, and gastrointestinal diseases due to the potency of AVTX-009 [53] Financial Position - **Cash Reserves**: $100 million reported at the end of the previous year, with a burn rate of $50 million [68] Additional Considerations - **Quality of Life Metrics**: Focus on pain relief and quality of life improvements as key endpoints in the trial [54][55] - **Data Release Timeline**: Complete data set expected to include a 6-week safety follow-up, with final patient visits concluding in March 2026 [62][64] This summary encapsulates the critical insights from the Avalo Therapeutics conference call, highlighting the company's strategic focus, product development, and market positioning within the biotech industry.

Summary of Avalo Therapeutics Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Avalo Therapeutics (NasdaqCM:AVTX) - **Focus**: Development of AVTX-009, a potent anti-IL-1 inhibitor for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) [3][5] Key Points and Arguments Product Development - **AVTX-009 Background**: Originally developed by Eli Lilly for type 2 diabetes, showing a reduction in A1C by 0.25 to 0.3 grams but not pursued further due to insufficient effect size [4] - **Acquisition**: Acquired from AlmataBio in 2024, with rapid progression to phase 2B trials [5] Mechanistic Insights - **IL-1 Role**: IL-1 beta is a central regulator of the immune system, driving chronic inflammation in HS lesions [7][8] - **Clinical Evidence**: AbbVie's data supports the efficacy of targeting IL-1, while Johnson & Johnson's anti-IL-1 trial showed no treatment effect in HS, reinforcing the focus on IL-1 as a target [10] Clinical Trial Design - **Phase 2 Trial**: Designed to mirror successful elements from other trials, allowing for both bio-naive and bio-experienced patients [15][16] - **Enrollment Success**: Exceeded initial enrollment timelines, with over 250 patients enrolled, indicating strong interest from both patients and investigators [19][26] Efficacy and Safety Expectations - **Efficacy Goals**: Aiming for a treatment effect size comparable to or better than AbbVie’s results, with a favorable dosing regimen of every four weeks [28][29] - **Safety Profile**: IL-1 inhibitors are well-tolerated, with a lower risk of opportunistic infections compared to IL-17 inhibitors [33] Market Opportunity - **HS Market Growth**: Increasing awareness and earlier diagnosis are expected to expand the patient population significantly [36] - **Market Size Estimates**: Projected to exceed $10 billion by 2035, with a conservative estimate of a $1 billion opportunity from a 5% patient penetration of a target market of 200,000 patients [37][38] Additional Important Insights - **Competitive Landscape**: The HS treatment market is competitive, with multiple companies developing various drugs, but there is optimism about the unique mechanism of AVTX-009 [26][36] - **KOL Enthusiasm**: Key opinion leaders express high enthusiasm for IL-1 targeting in HS, suggesting a robust market for multiple agents [38]