Key Takeaways Denali struck a $275M funding deal with Royalty Pharma tied to tividenofusp alfa.RPRX will pay up to $275M for royalty rights contingent on U.S. and EU approvals.Tividenofusp alfa's BLA review now targets April 5, 2026, after a major amendment submission.Denali Therapeutics Inc. (DNLI) has announced a funding agreement with Royalty Pharma plc (RPRX) for $275 million. The stock gained 5.84% following the announcement.The deal centers on future net sales of Denali’s lead drug candidate, tivideno ...

Denali Therapeutics (NasdaqGS:DNLI) 2025 Investor Day December 04, 2025 08:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsJoe Lewcock - Chief Scientific OfficerAnanda Ghosh - VP Biotech Equity ResearchBarbara Burton - Lead InvestigatorSean Laaman - Executive DirectorRyan Watts - CEOKatie Peng - Chief Commercial OfficerKim Stevens - Community and Clinical LeadJoseph Muenzer - PhysicianDana Anderson - Chief Technical and Manufacturing OfficerJason Madison - Patient AdvocateCharlie Moore - Senior Biotech Equity Research Associa ...

Core Insights - Royalty Pharma and Denali Therapeutics have entered into a $275 million synthetic royalty funding agreement based on future net sales of tividenofusp alfa, an investigational therapy for Hunter syndrome [1][4]. Company Overview - Royalty Pharma is the largest buyer of biopharmaceutical royalties and funds innovation across the biopharmaceutical industry, collaborating with various innovators [6]. - Denali Therapeutics is focused on developing biotherapeutics that can cross the blood-brain barrier, utilizing its proprietary TransportVehicle platform [7]. Product Information - Tividenofusp alfa is Denali's lead investigational therapy for mucopolysaccharidosis type II (Hunter syndrome) and is currently under FDA review for accelerated approval, with a target date of April 5, 2026 [2][3]. Transaction Details - The agreement includes an initial payment of $200 million from Royalty Pharma, with an additional $75 million contingent upon EMA approval by December 31, 2029 [4]. - Royalty Pharma will receive a 9.25% royalty on worldwide net sales of tividenofusp alfa, ceasing upon reaching a multiple of 3.0x or 2.5x if achieved by Q1 2039 [4]. Leadership Statements - Royalty Pharma's CEO expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the innovative nature of tividenofusp alfa and its potential impact on patients with Hunter syndrome [3]. - Denali's CEO noted that the partnership with Royalty Pharma recognizes the value of tividenofusp alfa and will support broader development opportunities [3].

Core Insights - Denali Therapeutics and Royalty Pharma have entered into a $275 million synthetic royalty funding agreement based on future net sales of tividenofusp alfa, Denali's lead investigational therapy for mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) [1][4] - The FDA is currently reviewing a Biologics License Application (BLA) for accelerated approval of tividenofusp alfa, with a target date of April 5, 2026 [2] Company Overview - Denali Therapeutics is focused on developing biotherapeutics that can cross the blood-brain barrier using its proprietary TransportVehicle platform, aiming to address serious diseases including neurodegenerative and lysosomal storage disorders [6] - Royalty Pharma, established in 1996, is the largest buyer of biopharmaceutical royalties and funds innovation in the biopharmaceutical industry, collaborating with various entities from academic institutions to leading pharmaceutical companies [7] Transaction Details - The agreement stipulates an initial payment of $200 million from Royalty Pharma, with an additional $75 million contingent upon achieving EMA approval by December 31, 2029 [4] - Royalty Pharma will receive a 9.25% royalty on worldwide net sales of tividenofusp alfa, with payments ceasing upon reaching a multiple of 3.0x or 2.5x if achieved by Q1 2039 [4] Leadership Statements - Denali's CEO, Ryan Watts, expressed optimism about the partnership with Royalty Pharma, highlighting the potential of tividenofusp alfa for the Hunter community and the broader implications for the TransportVehicle platform [3] - Royalty Pharma's CEO, Pablo Legorreta, emphasized the innovative nature of tividenofusp alfa and its potential to address significant unmet needs in Hunter syndrome [3]

Core Insights - Denali Therapeutics (DNLI) reported a narrower loss of 74 cents per share for Q3 2025, compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 76 cents and a loss of 63 cents in the same quarter last year [1][8] - The company did not generate any collaboration revenues in the reported quarter, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $14 million [2] - DNLI's stock has declined by 29.3% year-to-date, while the industry has grown by 11.5% [2] Financial Performance - Research and development expenses increased by 3.8% to $101.9 million, primarily due to the start of operations at Denali's large molecule manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, UT [4] - General and administrative expenses rose by 42.2% to $35.5 million, driven by preparations for a potential launch of tividenofusp alfa [4] - As of September 30, 2025, the company had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaling approximately $872.9 million [5] Regulatory and Pipeline Updates - The FDA extended the review timeline for the biologics license application (BLA) for tividenofusp alfa to April 5, 2026, from January 5, 2026, following the submission of updated clinical pharmacology information [6][9] - The extension was classified as a major amendment, but the FDA did not request additional data [9] - Denali is advancing programs for Sanfilippo syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Pompe disease [8][10] Pipeline Developments - Denali is evaluating DNL126 for Sanfilippo syndrome type A, with a phase I/II study completed [10][11] - The company is also developing DNL593 in collaboration with Takeda for frontotemporal dementia and has submitted a clinical trial application for DNL628 for Alzheimer's disease [12][14] - Denali and Biogen are co-developing BIIB122, with a phase IIb study fully enrolled and results expected in 2026 [13] Overall Assessment - The delay in the approval of tividenofusp alfa is disappointing, as it is the lead candidate in Denali's pipeline, but progress with DNL126 is encouraging [15] - The company's strong cash position is a positive factor for funding ongoing programs [15]

Core Insights - Denali Therapeutics is preparing for the launch of tividenofusp alfa and has submitted regulatory applications for two additional programs targeting Alzheimer's and Pompe diseases [2][3][8] Clinical Programs - Tividenofusp alfa (DNL310) for Hunter syndrome: The FDA has extended the review timeline for the Biologics License Application (BLA) from January 5, 2026, to April 5, 2026, due to a Major Amendment submission [3][8] - DNL126 for Sanfilippo syndrome type A: Enrollment in the Phase 1/2 study has been completed, showing significant reduction in cerebrospinal fluid heparan sulfate levels [4][8] - DNL628 for Alzheimer's disease: A Clinical Trial Application has been submitted to initiate studies, marking a key milestone for the Oligonucleotide TransportVehicle platform [6][8] - DNL952 for Pompe disease: An Investigational New Drug application has been submitted to begin clinical studies [9][8] - DNL151 for Parkinson's disease: Co-development with Biogen continues, with a Phase 2b study expected to read out data in 2026 [10] Financial Results - For Q3 2025, the net loss was $126.9 million, compared to a net loss of $107.2 million in Q3 2024 [14] - Research and development expenses totaled $102.0 million, up from $98.2 million in the same quarter last year, driven by increased operational costs [15] - General and administrative expenses rose to $35.5 million from $24.9 million, primarily due to preparations for the commercial launch of tividenofusp alfa [16] Corporate Updates - Tim Van Hauwermeiren has been appointed to the Board of Directors, while Carole Ho, M.D., is departing the company [12] - Peter Chin, M.D., will serve as Acting Chief Medical Officer [12] - Denali will host an Investor Day on December 4, 2025, to discuss progress and strategic priorities [13] Cash Position - As of September 30, 2025, Denali had approximately $872.9 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities [18]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. FDA has extended the review timeline for Denali Therapeutics Inc.'s Biologics License Application for tividenofusp alfa, delaying the PDUFA target date from January 5, 2026, to April 5, 2026 [2][6]. Group 1: FDA Review Process - The extension is due to Denali's submission of updated clinical pharmacology information in response to an FDA request, and it is not related to efficacy, safety, or biomarkers [3][5]. - The FDA did not request any additional data, indicating that the extension is procedural rather than indicative of concerns regarding the drug's safety or efficacy [3][5]. Group 2: Clinical Trials and Studies - The Phase 2/3 COMPASS study is currently enrolling participants with MPS II across North America, South America, and Europe to support global approval [4]. - Denali believes that the updated information submitted does not affect the clinical pharmacology or benefit-risk conclusions of the BLA [4]. Group 3: Market Reaction and Analyst Opinions - Denali Therapeutics' stock is down 0.87%, trading at $14.85 at the time of publication [6]. - Analyst Myles Minter expressed disappointment over the PDUFA extension but remains confident in the approvability of tividenofusp alfa based on current clinical datasets, citing regulatory precedence from a prior approval in Hunter syndrome [6].

Core Insights - Denali Therapeutics Inc. (DNLI) announced that the FDA has extended the review timeline for its Biologics License Application (BLA) for tividenofusp alfa, a treatment for mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) [1][3][7] - The new target date for the BLA review is now April 5, 2026, pushed back from January 5, 2026, due to the submission of updated clinical pharmacology information [3][7] - The extension is classified as a major amendment and is not related to the drug's efficacy, safety, or biomarkers [3][4][7] Company Performance - Denali's stock experienced a decline of 26.5% year to date, contrasting with the industry average gain of 9.2% [2] Drug Development Details - Tividenofusp alfa is designed to deliver the iduronate 2-sulfatase (IDS) enzyme to address symptoms of Hunter syndrome [4][5] - The FDA has previously granted Fast Track and Breakthrough Therapy designations to tividenofusp alfa, and the European Medicines Agency has given it Priority Medicines designation [8] Other Pipeline Candidates - Denali is also developing DNL126 for Sanfilippo syndrome type A (MPS IIIA), with the FDA considering cerebrospinal fluid heparan sulfate as a potential surrogate endpoint for accelerated approval [9] - Another candidate, TAK-594/DNL593, is in collaboration with Takeda for treating frontotemporal dementia (FTD) [10] - Denali and Biogen are jointly evaluating BIIB122/DNL151 for Parkinson's disease, with a global phase IIb study currently ongoing [11][12] Market Position - Denali currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), while competitors Amicus Therapeutics and CorMedix have higher rankings of 1 (Strong Buy) and 2 (Buy) respectively [13]

Core Points - Denali Therapeutics Inc. announced an extension of the FDA review timeline for the Biologics License Application (BLA) for tividenofusp alfa from January 5, 2026, to April 5, 2026 [1][2] - The extension is due to Denali's submission of updated clinical pharmacology information, classified as a Major Amendment, and does not relate to efficacy, safety, or biomarkers [2] - Denali is preparing for the potential approval and commercial launch of tividenofusp alfa, emphasizing the urgency to deliver this therapy to the MPS community [3] Product Information - Tividenofusp alfa (DNL310) is designed to deliver the iduronate 2-sulfatase (IDS) enzyme to address symptoms of Hunter syndrome, including behavioral, cognitive, and physical symptoms [4] - The FDA has granted Fast Track and Breakthrough Therapy designations to tividenofusp alfa, and the European Medicines Agency has granted Priority Medicines designation [4] - The Phase 2/3 COMPASS study is currently enrolling participants in North America, South America, and Europe to support global approval [5] Disease Background - Hunter syndrome (MPS II) is a rare genetic lysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in the IDS gene, leading to a deficiency of the IDS enzyme [6] - Symptoms include developmental delays, cognitive decline, and physical complications, with current therapies not addressing neurological symptoms due to their inability to cross the blood-brain barrier [6] - There is a significant unmet need for therapies that can address both central nervous system and peripheral manifestations of Hunter syndrome [6] Company Overview - Denali Therapeutics is focused on developing therapies that can cross the blood-brain barrier for neurodegenerative and lysosomal storage diseases [7] - The company employs a rigorous approach to assess genetically validated targets and develop treatments guided by biomarkers [7]

Core Insights - Denali Therapeutics reported a second-quarter 2025 loss of $0.72 per share, which was narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.74, but wider than the loss of $0.59 in the same quarter last year [1][8] - The company did not generate any collaboration revenues in the reported quarter, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $25 million [2] - Year-to-date, shares of Denali have declined by 31.7%, while the industry has only seen a 0.6% decline [2] Financial Performance - Research and development expenses increased by 12.4% to $102.7 million, primarily due to higher spending on multiple preclinical programs and increased costs for consultants and general facilities [4] - General and administrative expenses rose by 28% to $32.3 million, driven by preparations for the potential launch of tividenofusp alfa [4] - As of June 30, 2025, the company had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaling approximately $977.4 million [5] Pipeline Developments - The FDA accepted Denali's biologics license application (BLA) for tividenofusp alfa for priority review, with a target action date set for January 5, 2026 [6][8] - The BLA seeks accelerated approval based on data from a phase I/II study in individuals with Hunter syndrome, with previous designations from the FDA including Breakthrough Therapy and Fast Track [7] - Denali is also advancing DNL126 for Sanfilippo syndrome type A, with alignment from the FDA on using cerebrospinal fluid heparan sulfate as a surrogate endpoint for accelerated approval [10] Ongoing Studies - Data from the ongoing phase I/II study of DNL126 shows a significant reduction in cerebrospinal fluid heparan sulfate levels, supporting continued development [11] - Denali is conducting a phase I/II study of DNL593 for frontotemporal dementia, in collaboration with Takeda [12] - The company is also evaluating BIIB122/DNL151 in partnership with Biogen for Parkinson's disease, with a global phase IIb study fully enrolled [13][14] Future Plans - Denali plans to submit regulatory applications for one to two TV-enabled programs each year over the next three years across its various franchises [15] - The most advanced programs include DNL952 for Pompe disease and DNL111 for Parkinson's/Gaucher disease, among others [15] Overall Assessment - Denali's recent pipeline progress is viewed positively, with potential approval of tividenofusp alfa expected to significantly boost the company [16] - The strong cash position is seen as a positive factor for funding ongoing programs [16]