Curis(US:CRIS)2025-08-05 13:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Curis reported a net loss of $8.6 million or $0.68 per share for Q2 2025, compared to a net loss of $11.8 million or $2.03 per share for the same period in 2024, indicating an improvement in financial performance [11] - Research and development expenses decreased to $7.5 million in Q2 2025 from $10.3 million in Q2 2024, primarily due to lower employee-related costs and clinical expenses [11] - General and administrative expenses also decreased to $3.5 million in Q2 2025 from $4.8 million in Q2 2024, reflecting reduced employee-related and legal costs [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focused on the "take aim lymphoma" study evaluating emigosertib in combination with ibrutinib for patients with primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL), with plans to enroll 30 to 40 additional patients over the next 12 to 18 months [5][6] - In the AML segment, emivocertib showed a 38% composite complete response (CR) rate in relapsed/refractory AML patients with FLT3 mutations, compared to 21% for gilteritinib, indicating a competitive edge [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is exploring emivacertib's potential in high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) following the failure of the Varonis study, which has generated interest in combining azacitidine with emivacertib [10] - The competitive landscape in CLL is evolving with the introduction of BTK degraders and next-generation BCL2 inhibitors, but the company believes there is still room for its combination therapy [18][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Curis aims to improve the standard of care for CLL and NHL patients by adding emivacertib to BTK inhibitors, potentially allowing patients to achieve deeper responses and reduce the risk of resistance [7] - The company is also planning a registrational study comparing emivacertib to gilteritinib in the relapsed/refractory AML setting, indicating a strategic focus on expanding its treatment options [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing discussions with the FDA and EMA regarding accelerated submissions for the lymphoma study, despite the current uncertain regulatory environment [39] - The company believes its lead indication in NHL, particularly in PCNSL where there are no approved drugs, positions it favorably for future growth [39] Other Important Information - Curis completed a registered direct offering and private placement in July 2025, raising approximately $6 million, which, along with existing cash, is expected to fund operations into 2026 [12] - The company has over 30 clinical sites open for patient enrollment in the lymphoma study, with expectations of enrolling one patient per site per year due to the ultra-rare nature of the indication [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: What do you think the bar would be for the BTK combination study in CLL? - Management believes that adding emivacertib to a commercially available BTK inhibitor can lead to minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity or complete remissions, addressing an unmet medical need in CLL [16][17] Question: Can you provide any color on enrollment progression for the lymphoma study? - Enrollment is steady but challenging due to the ultra-rare population, with expectations of one patient per site per year [24][30] Question: How do you plan to prioritize development between PCNSL and CLL? - The company is actively discussing how to allocate resources efficiently, given the compelling data and multiple potential studies [48] Question: What is the status of discussions with the FDA regarding accelerated approval? - Management confirmed that discussions with the FDA remain positive and aligned with key activities [39] Question: Are there any updates on the investigator-sponsored solid tumor studies? - There are no current updates, but the company is hopeful for data from at least one study this year [51]