ESSA Pharma (US:EPIX)2025-07-03 12:32Company Overview - ESSA Pharma is focused on developing novel therapies for prostate and other androgen-driven cancers[7] - The company's lead candidate, EPI-7386, is a first-in-class oral, small molecule androgen receptor N-terminal domain inhibitor ("Aniten")[9, 28] - As of March 31, 2023, ESSA had $157 million in cash and short-term deposits, providing a runway through 2025[9, 69] EPI-7386 Monotherapy Development - Phase 1a study showed EPI-7386 was safe and well-tolerated, with tumor volume decreases observed in some patients[38] - ctDNA declines were observed in patients with AR mutations, amplifications, and truncations, suggesting activity against these tumors[38] - Phase 1b expansion study is underway to verify the recommended Phase 2 dose and gain further insight into EPI-7386's biological activity[40, 41] EPI-7386 Combination Therapy Development - ESSA is collaborating with multiple companies to evaluate EPI-7386 in combination with second-generation antiandrogens like enzalutamide, apalutamide, and darolutamide[49] - Initial data from the Phase 1/2 EPI-7386 + enzalutamide combination study showed rapid, deep, and durable PSA reductions[58] - In the combination study, 5 out of 6 patients achieved a PSA90, and 4 out of 6 patients achieved a PSA90 in 90 days and ultimately achieved a PSA < 02 ng/mL[58] Market and Opportunity - Prostate cancer is the 2nd most common cause of male cancer deaths, with an estimated 268,000 new cases and 34,500 deaths in 2022 in America[19] - Global sales of leading antiandrogens generated over $86 billion in 2021[19]