AbbVie Conference Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) - **Date**: February 13, 2026 - **Focus**: Discussion on drug development, particularly lutikizumab and RINVOQ for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Key Points Drug Development and Differentiation - **Lutikizumab and RINVOQ**: Targeting HS with a distinct mechanism involving IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta, aiming for clinical differentiation from HUMIRA and Cosentyx [1][2] - **Clinical Data**: Phase II data shows strong efficacy in both biologic-experienced and naive patients, indicating potential for differentiation in treatment outcomes [13][21] - **Combination Therapies**: AbbVie is exploring co-formulations and combinations with other assets to enhance treatment efficacy [7][9] Clinical Insights - **Neutrophil Role in HS**: Lutikizumab's bispecific approach targets both IL-1 alpha and beta, which play crucial roles in HS pathology [11][43] - **Efficacy Expectations**: Conventional wisdom suggests biologic-naive patients may show higher efficacy, but AbbVie has observed clinically meaningful effects in TNF-failure populations [17][21] Competitive Landscape - **Other Compounds**: AbbVie is aware of competitors like Sanofi's OX40 bispecific and their implications in HS treatment, particularly regarding immunosuppression risks [23][28] - **Immunogenicity Concerns**: Challenges with anti-TNF bispecifics have been noted, leading AbbVie to focus on novel mechanisms rather than traditional anti-TNFs [34][36] IBD Development - **SKYRIZI and Combinations**: AbbVie is excited about the potential of SKYRIZI in IBD, particularly with combinations involving lutikizumab and TL1A-directed treatments [45][49] - **TREM1 Mechanism**: TREM1 is being evaluated as a novel mechanism for IBD, with potential applications in other fibrotic diseases [60][78] Future Directions - **Biomarker Research**: AbbVie is investigating biomarkers to enhance individualized treatment approaches in IBD, aiming for more targeted therapies [69][70] - **TL1A in Fibrotic Diseases**: The potential for TL1A as an anti-fibrotic agent is being explored, with interest in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis [78][80] Oral IL-23 Development - **Next-Generation Oral Treatments**: AbbVie is developing an oral IL-23 treatment, focusing on higher potency and longer half-life to improve patient adherence compared to existing therapies [81][83] Unique Compounds - **ADC Targeting CD19**: AbbVie is excited about a unique ADC targeting CD19 with a steroid payload, which may offer rapid and durable B-cell depletion [86][91] Additional Insights - **Market Positioning**: AbbVie aims to position its products effectively in the market, leveraging data from ongoing studies to enhance treatment options for patients [68][86] - **Long-Term Strategy**: The company is focused on developing innovative therapies that address unmet medical needs in both HS and IBD, with a strong emphasis on combination therapies and novel mechanisms [56][60]

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 FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Avalo Therapeutics (NasdaqCM:AVTX) - **Location**: Near Philadelphia - **New Asset**: AVTX-009, a high affinity human anti-IL-1 beta monoclonal antibody targeting hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) [2][3] Key Points Product Development - **Background**: AVTX-009 was originally developed by Lilly for type 2 diabetes, showing a moderate effect size of 0.25-0.3 grams reduction in hemoglobin A1C, but was not pursued further [2][3] - **Acquisition**: Avalo acquired the asset after it was not advanced by previous owners [3] - **Funding**: The company raised $185 million in 2024 to support its operations and trials [3] - **Lotus Trial**: A phase 2b proof of concept study for AVTX-009 is fully enrolled, with data expected in mid-2026 [4] Mechanism of Action - **IL-1 Beta Role**: IL-1 beta is a master regulator of the immune system, crucial in the inflammatory response in HS lesions [5][6] - **Cytokine Levels**: IL-1 beta is the most abundant cytokine in HS lesions, making it a prime target for treatment [7] Comparison with Competitors - **AbbVie’s Lutikizumab**: A bispecific anti-IL-1 beta and anti-IL-1 alpha drug with a shorter half-life and lower affinity for IL-1 beta compared to AVTX-009 [11][12] - **Efficacy Data**: AbbVie reported a drug effect size of approximately 46% in a severe HS population, which Avalo aims to exceed with its higher affinity drug [13][15] Trial Design and Expectations - **Placebo Response**: The Lotus trial is designed to mitigate placebo responses, with a conservative estimate of a 20% placebo rate based on historical data [19][20] - **Patient Demographics**: The trial includes a mix of biologically experienced patients, with a higher proportion of TNF and IL-17 failures compared to competitors [25][26] Future Indications - **Exploration Beyond HS**: Avalo is interested in expanding indications to include crystal arthropathies, such as gout, in addition to other inflammatory conditions [30][31] Financial Health - **Balance Sheet**: Avalo has $115 million available, sufficient to fund operations through data release and into 2028, with plans to raise funds for phase three trials [33] Additional Insights - **Trial Management**: The company emphasizes rigorous training for investigators to ensure objective assessments and accurate data collection [27][28] - **Statistical Approach**: Avalo plans to handle non-responder imputation scientifically, contrasting with other companies' methods that may artificially lower efficacy results [29]