Foghorn Therapeutics(FHTX)2025-04-29 17:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong cash position of $243 million as of December 2024, providing a cash runway into 2027 [42] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - FHD-909 is highlighted as a highly selective oral inhibitor of SMARCA2, with multibillion-dollar potential, particularly targeting SMARCA4 mutated non-small cell lung cancer [5][6] - The collaboration with Eli Lilly, initiated in December 2021, is noted as one of the largest deals for preclinical programs in the industry, with significant upfront payment and downstream participation for the company [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - SMARCA4 mutations are found in approximately 5% of all human cancers, with non-small cell lung cancer showing about 10% prevalence of these mutations [11] - The median overall survival for patients with SMARCA4 mutations in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer is reported at 8 months, compared to 15 months for wild-type counterparts [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to develop FHD-909 as a standard frontline therapy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer harboring SMARCA4 mutations, addressing a significant unmet medical need [28][29] - The strategy includes defining the potential added benefit of FHD-909 in combination with leading therapies such as pembrolizumab and platinum-based combinations [19][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the potential of FHD-909 to change the treatment landscape for patients with SMARCA4 mutations, emphasizing the urgent need for novel agents in this area [29] - The company is focused on advancing its proprietary pipeline programs, including selective CBP and EP300 degraders, which are expected to enhance its position in oncology [31][32] Other Important Information - The company is currently enrolling patients in the monotherapy dose-finding portion of the FHD-909 study, with plans for combination studies in anticipation of successful dose escalation [29] - The proprietary pipeline includes three additional programs that are advancing toward the clinic, showcasing the company's commitment to innovative cancer therapies [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you enrich the backfill cohorts for specific characteristics? - Yes, the company can select specific doses and backfill those levels with specific indications and SMARCA4 alterations [45] Question: How will trial progress be communicated? - The company intends to align with Eli Lilly on clinical data disclosure, aiming to communicate results at the end of dose escalation [46] Question: Are SMARCA4 alterations detectable through standard panels? - Yes, SMARCA4 alterations can be detected using conventional FDA-approved NGS panels and immunohistochemistry [61] Question: What is the therapeutic index for FHD-909? - The dosing holidays at the higher dose were due to accumulation in rodents, not a lack of tolerability, indicating a favorable therapeutic window [62] Question: What is the potential for the ARED1B degrader program? - The company is excited about the selective degradation of ARED1B and is waiting for a complete story before disclosing further updates [74] Question: Will there be partnerships for the proprietary pipeline? - The company is not in a rush to partner but anticipates that strategic partnerships will be beneficial as they progress their proprietary pipeline [76]