Curis(CRIS) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Curis reported a net loss of $10.6 million or$ 1.25 per share for Q1 2025, compared to a net loss of $11.9 million or$ 2.05 per share for the same period in 2024, indicating an improvement in loss per share [12] - Research and development expenses decreased to $8.5 million in Q1 2025 from$ 9.6 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to lower employee-related costs [12] - General and administrative expenses also decreased to $4 million in Q1 2025 from$ 4.9 million in Q1 2024, attributed to lower employee-related costs and professional fees [12] - Cash and cash equivalents totaled $20.3 million as of March 31, 2025, with the company expecting this to support operations into Q4 2025 [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Take Aim Lymphoma study is progressing, evaluating emavucertib in combination with ibrutinib in patients with relapsed/refractory primary CNS lymphoma [7] - As of January 2, 2025, 27 patients have been treated with the emavucertib and ibrutinib combination, showing promising results in tumor burden reduction [8] - In AML, a 38% composite complete response rate was observed in a study of 21 patients with FLT3 mutations treated with emavucertib, which is significantly higher than the 21% rate for gilteritinib [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on expanding the use of emavucertib beyond primary CNS lymphoma into additional indications such as NHL, AML, and solid tumors [5] - The enrollment for the lymphoma study is ongoing, with 37 sites currently open across the U.S., Europe, and Israel [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Curis is prioritizing the PCNSL study while also advancing its AML studies, with a focus on safety and tolerability in the frontline setting [18] - The company aims to enroll 30 to 40 additional patients for NDA submission in the lymphoma study, targeting six to eight responses in that dataset [9] - The addition of Dr. Ahmad Hamdi to the executive team is expected to enhance the company's strategic direction in expanding treatment options [4] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the collaboration with the FDA, indicating no concerns about changes affecting their agreement [28] - The company is optimistic about the potential of emavucertib in combination therapies and is focused on maximizing its utility across various indications [36] Other Important Information - Curis completed a registered direct financing and private placement in March 2025, raising approximately$ 8.8 million [13] - The company plans to provide additional updates on the Take Aim Lymphoma study at the ASH conference later this year [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Positioning of lymphoma versus AML - Management is advancing both lymphoma and AML studies simultaneously, with more resources allocated to the PCNSL study due to its advanced stage [18] Question: Enrollment in lymphoma study and FDA conversations - Enrollment is on track with 37 sites open, and management is confident in their collaboration with the FDA [25][28] Question: Mutations affecting responses and AML development steps - It is too early to discuss specific mutations affecting responses; the focus is on the mechanism of action [33] - Future plans for AML development will be discussed after completing the ongoing triplet study [35]