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Lantern Pharma(LTRN) - 2024 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company recorded a net loss of approximately 4.5millionforQ32024,comparedtoanetlossofapproximately4.5 million for Q3 2024, compared to a net loss of approximately 3.2 million for Q3 2023, representing an increase in loss per share from 0.29to0.29 to 0.42 [27] - R&D expenses increased to approximately 3.7millioninQ32024fromapproximately3.7 million in Q3 2024 from approximately 2.2 million in Q3 2023, driven by increased clinical trial activity [27] - General and administrative expenses rose slightly to approximately 1.5millioninQ32024fromapproximately1.5 million in Q3 2024 from approximately 1.3 million in Q3 2023, primarily due to higher professional and legal fees [28] - The cash position as of September 30, 2024, was approximately 28.1million,expectedtoprovidearunwayintoatleastlate2025[29]BusinessLineDataandKeyMetricsChangesThecompanyhasthreeprecisiononcologydrugcandidatesadvancingthroughclinicaltrials,allguidedbytheRADRAIplatform,withsignificantclinicalprogressreported[11][10]TheHarmonictrialforLP300showedan8628.1 million, expected to provide a runway into at least late 2025 [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has three precision oncology drug candidates advancing through clinical trials, all guided by the RADR AI platform, with significant clinical progress reported [11][10] - The Harmonic trial for LP-300 showed an 86% clinical benefit rate in the first seven patients, indicating promising early data [12] - LP-184 and LP-284 are in Phase Ia trials, with over 50 patients dosed and no dose-limiting toxicities observed [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The expansion of the MARTA trial into Asia, specifically Japan and Taiwan, is strategically important due to the higher prevalence of never smoker lung cancer in these regions [13] - The market opportunity for LP-284 in the US and Europe is estimated to exceed 2.8 billion to $3 billion annually, targeting 16,000 to 20,000 new patients [48] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging AI and machine learning to transform oncology drug development, aiming to reduce costs and timelines while advancing precision therapies [10][11] - The establishment of Starlight Therapeutics aims to focus on CNS and brain cancer indications, with plans for Phase Ib and II trials expected to launch in early 2025 [35][86] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management emphasized the importance of AI in drug development, stating that the industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation [7] - The FDA's Fast Track designation for LP-184 in glioblastoma is seen as a significant milestone, potentially expediting development and increasing commercial value [37] - The company is optimistic about the future, expecting several clinical readouts and milestones in the upcoming quarters [76] Other Important Information - The company received three new FDA rare pediatric designations for LP-184, which could lead to priority review vouchers upon FDA approval [21] - The RADR AI platform has guided the development of three AI-guided drug candidates into ongoing clinical trials, showcasing the platform's effectiveness [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: When do we expect additional data regarding our HARMONIC and LP-300 trial? - The company expects to gather more data after enrolling 14 to 28 additional patients and plans an interim analysis at 31 patients, with results anticipated around mid-next year [79] Question: Any updates on how Radar is growing and collaboration efforts? - The collaboration with Oregon Therapeutics is progressing well, with expectations to finalize the first phase by the end of the year, and the company is looking at additional collaborations with larger biotech firms [80][81] Question: Can we speak to any partnership interest? - Discussions are ongoing with larger pharma companies in Japan regarding potential partnerships, particularly due to the high prevalence of non-small cell lung cancer among never smokers in East Asia [82] Question: Updates on Starlight Therapeutics and the Scientific Advisory Board members? - The company is excited about the involvement of prominent experts in the Scientific Advisory Board, which is expected to enhance the potential of their CNS cancer programs [85][86]