Verve Therapeutics (VERV) FY Conference Transcript

Summary of Verve Therapeutics (VERV) FY Conference Call - June 09, 2025 Company Overview - Company: Verve Therapeutics - Focus: Gene editing for cardiovascular disease, specifically targeting lifelong cholesterol lowering to treat coronary heart disease Key Points and Arguments 1. HEART-two Data Announcement: The company recently disclosed data from the HEART-two trial, which showed promising results for their gene editing therapy aimed at lowering LDL cholesterol levels [3][4] 2. Unmet Need: Current cholesterol-lowering therapies have a high dropout rate, with up to 50% of patients discontinuing treatment within a year. Verve aims to provide a one-time therapy that offers lifelong efficacy [5] 3. Efficacy Results: In the HEART-two trial, the therapy demonstrated an LDL reduction of up to 60%, with a mean reduction of 59% in the highest dose group. All patients in this group experienced over 50% lowering [8][21] 4. Safety Profile: The therapy was well tolerated, with only one infusion-related reaction reported among 14 patients. No significant laboratory abnormalities were observed [8][9] 5. Durability of Effect: The company reported that the LDL reduction was sustained at 60% two years post-infusion, supporting the vision of a one-time therapy for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease [10][11] 6. Comparison of Products: The difference between the first-generation product (VRRB101) and the second-generation product (VRRB102) lies in the delivery system, which has been improved to enhance safety and efficacy [12][14] 7. Regulatory Environment: Recent discussions with the FDA indicate a supportive stance towards gene editing technologies, particularly those addressing chronic diseases like atherosclerosis [45][48] 8. Market Research Findings: Surveys indicate a significant openness among patients and physicians towards a one-time gene editing therapy, with about one-third of patients preferring this option over traditional therapies [50][53] 9. Cost of Manufacturing: The estimated cost to manufacture the therapy is around $3 per dose, suggesting potential for flexible pricing strategies compared to traditional gene therapies [55][56] 10. Partnership with Eli Lilly: The company is preparing to present data to Eli Lilly for potential opt-in for further development, which could extend Verve's cash runway [62][69] Additional Important Insights - Dosing Strategy: The company is shifting towards fixed dosing rather than weight-based dosing, as the therapy primarily targets the liver [24][26] - Long-term Safety Considerations: The company believes that the low risk of off-target effects, combined with the significant risk of untreated cardiovascular disease, will favor the adoption of their therapy [40][41] - Future Developments: Verve is also working on additional products targeting ANGPTL3 and Lp(a), leveraging the same delivery system as VRRB102 [64][66] This summary encapsulates the critical insights from the conference call, highlighting the company's innovative approach to gene editing in cardiovascular disease and its potential impact on patient care and market dynamics.