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Praxis(PRAX) - 2024 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2024, Praxis reported operating expenses of $57.1 million, with $41.9 million allocated to R&D and $15.3 million to G&A, reflecting increased clinical activity [30] - The company ended Q3 with $411.2 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, a significant increase from $81.3 million at the end of 2023, primarily due to net proceeds from follow-on public offerings [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Phase 3 study in Essential Tremor (Essential3) for ulixacaltamide is progressing well, with interim analysis results expected in Q1 2025 [6][17] - Positive top-line results were reported for relutrigine in the Phase 2 EMBOLD trial, showing a 46% reduction in motor seizures versus placebo, with one-third of patients achieving seizure-free status [8][24] - Vormatrigine is advancing in the ENERGY clinical program, with an observational study (EMPOWER) attracting over 1,000 patient registrations [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market is expected to account for approximately 70% of the revenue potential in developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs), with around 200,000 patients in the U.S. [58] - The company is targeting a multibillion-dollar opportunity with four programs in registration [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Praxis aims to deliver precision therapies for patients with CNS disorders, with a focus on advancing its pipeline and preparing for NDA submissions in 2025 [10][29] - The company is exploring the potential of vormatrigine in pain management, leveraging its pharmacological profile [20][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the execution of the interim analysis for ulixacaltamide, emphasizing the importance of delivering a successful program for NDA filing [40] - The company is preparing to restart its Parkinson's disease program contingent on the success of the Essential Tremor study [44] Other Important Information - The Essential3 program includes two concurrent Phase 3 studies, with a focus on patient recruitment and managing treatment variability [14][82] - Elsunersen is being studied in Brazil, with ongoing assessments of safety and efficacy in a severe disease population [28][72] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on relutrigine's expanded cohort enrollment criteria - Management confirmed that the expanded cohort will have a different starting dose but similar inclusion criteria, aiming for a more efficacious outcome [34] Question: Timing of interim analysis and its implications - Management explained that the interim analysis was moved to Q1 2025 to ensure no negative influence on Study 2 results, emphasizing the importance of a successful program [38][42] Question: Inclusion of Lennox-Gastaut in DEE study - Management confirmed that Lennox-Gastaut patients will be included, focusing on the sodium channel mechanism's relevance [46] Question: Enrollment status in Essential3 studies - Management indicated that there has been no slowdown in patient randomization, maintaining a steady enrollment rate [87] Question: Commercial potential in DEEs - Management projected that approximately 70% of the revenue potential will come from the U.S. market, with a significant patient population to target [58]