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Corvus Pharmaceuticals(CRVS) - 2024 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Research and development expenses increased to 5.2millioninQ32024from5.2 million in Q3 2024 from 4 million in Q3 2023, primarily due to higher clinical trial expenses for soquelitinib [7] - The net loss for Q3 2024 was 40.2million,significantlyhigherthanthenetlossof40.2 million, significantly higher than the net loss of 6 million in Q3 2023, which included a noncash loss from Angel Pharmaceuticals [7] - Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaled 41.7millionasofSeptember30,2024,comparedto41.7 million as of September 30, 2024, compared to 27.1 million at the end of 2023 [8] - The company anticipates that its cash runway extends into 2026, aided by the early exercise of common stock warrants [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Soquelitinib is advancing in multiple clinical trials, including a Phase III trial for peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) and a Phase I trial for atopic dermatitis [10][19] - The Phase I trial for atopic dermatitis is designed to enroll 64 patients, with the first cohort already completed and the second cohort currently enrolling [12][14] - The objective response rate for the Phase III PTCL trial remains at 39%, with a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 6.2 months [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The FDA has granted orphan drug designation and Fast Track designation for soquelitinib for the treatment of relapsed T-cell lymphoma [19] - The company is enrolling patients at multiple clinical sites for the PTCL trial, aiming for 40 to 50 centers across the U.S., Australia, Canada, and South Korea [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on advancing soquelitinib for both oncology and autoimmune diseases, with plans to initiate a solid tumor trial in early 2025 [23][28] - There is a strong emphasis on the potential of soquelitinib in treating a broad range of immune diseases and cancers, supported by preclinical data [18] - The company is also developing second- and third-generation ITK inhibitors targeting various immunology indications, including asthma and inflammatory bowel disease [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the progress of the atopic dermatitis trial and the potential advantages of soquelitinib, including its oral administration and safety profile [18] - The company plans to present complete data from the atopic dermatitis trial in December and anticipates further data in early 2025 [28] - Management highlighted the importance of the upcoming clinical milestones and the potential for ITK inhibition in immunology and cancer [29] Other Important Information - The company is actively monitoring patients in ongoing trials and has reported sustained responses in several patients [21] - The mechanism of action of soquelitinib is believed to induce an immune response that can handle a broad spectrum of tumors, potentially reducing the emergence of resistance [46] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you comment on the kinetics of ITK inhibition on clinical scores in atopic dermatitis? - Management noted that improvements are observed within the first week, with expectations for durable effects based on the drug's mechanism of action [32] Question: What is the follow-up time period for the cohorts in the atopic dermatitis trial? - Management confirmed that 28-day data will be reported in December, with complete follow-up for Cohort 1 and partial follow-up for Cohort 2 [36] Question: What is the typical prior therapy for patients enrolled in the atopic dermatitis trial? - Most patients have failed topical therapies, with some not having failed systemic therapies yet [42] Question: How does the company plan to differentiate dosing between oncology and autoimmune diseases? - Management indicated that continuous treatment may not be necessary for atopic dermatitis, unlike cancer treatments [52] Question: What are the criteria for success in the Phase III PTCL trial? - The statistical plan aims for a 1.5-month improvement in PFS over the control arm, with a hazard ratio of about 0.56 [61]