Oric(ORIC)2025-05-28 21:30Summary of Oric Pharmaceuticals (ORIC) Update / Briefing May 28, 2025 Company Overview - Company: Oric Pharmaceuticals (ORIC) - Focus: Development of ORIC-944, a potential best-in-class PRC2 inhibitor for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) in combination with androgen receptor inhibitors (ARIs) like apalutamide and darolutamide [3][6][10] Key Points and Arguments Clinical Pipeline and Study Updates - ORIC is advancing two key programs with multiple data readouts expected in 2025 and early 2026, aiming for Phase 3 trials initiation in 2026 [6][10] - The ongoing Phase 1b study of ORIC-944 is focused on its combination with epalutamide and darolutamide in mCRPC patients [3][6] - Initial data indicates a favorable safety and activity profile for ORIC-944, with a focus on overcoming resistance in prostate cancer [8][10] Mechanism and Rationale - ORIC-944 is designed to address limitations of first-generation PRC2 inhibitors, showing improved potency and tolerability [7][13] - The combination of PRC2 inhibitors with ARIs is supported by biological rationale to delay or overcome resistance in prostate cancer [7][15] - Preclinical data shows ORIC-944 enhances AR signaling and luminal cell state markers, increasing sensitivity to AR inhibition [15][19] Efficacy and Safety Data - In the study, 17 patients with mCRPC showed a 59% PSA50 response rate and a 24% PSA90 response rate, with responses confirmed one month later [29][30] - The safety profile of ORIC-944 was generally well tolerated, with most adverse events being grade one or two, primarily mild gastrointestinal issues [31][32] - The combination therapy demonstrated a wide therapeutic window, with doses as low as 400 mg showing efficacy [30][31] Market Opportunity - The global market for AR inhibitors reached approximately $11 billion, with significant potential for PRC2 inhibitors to enhance treatment durability and outcomes [38][42] - ORIC-944 targets an addressable market opportunity of over $7 billion annually in the U.S. for mCRPC patients treated with AR inhibitors [42] Expansion Opportunities - ORIC-944 may have potential applications in other cancers, including breast and colorectal cancers, due to shared reliance on PRC2 mechanisms [44][48] - Future studies will explore ORIC-944 in earlier stages of prostate cancer and in combination with other therapies [48] Additional Important Content - The company completed a $125 million PIPE financing, extending its cash runway into the second half of 2027 [50] - The competitive landscape includes comparisons with Pfizer's mebrametostat, with ORIC-944 showing promising early efficacy and safety data [85][88] - The decision on which AR inhibitor to combine with for Phase 3 trials will be based on overall data and strategic considerations [79][80] This summary encapsulates the critical insights from the conference call, highlighting the company's strategic direction, clinical advancements, and market potential for ORIC-944 in prostate cancer treatment.