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ALX Oncology(ALXO) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has extended its cash runway guidance into 2027, positioning itself to achieve multiple value-enhancing data milestones in the upcoming years [6][38] - The financials reflect a significant decline in clinical trial spending as multiple legacy trials are closing out, which will positively impact cash flow [38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The analysis of the ASPEN six trial indicates that CD47 expression is a key predictive biomarker for clinical response, with a notable increase in overall response rates (ORR) for patients with high CD47 expression [3][8] - The company is modifying its Phase II clinical trial in breast cancer to pursue a CD47 and HER2 biomarker-driven strategy, enhancing the potential for targeted oncology approaches [4][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 20,000 patients are identified as addressable in the HER2 positive and CD47 high segment, representing a market opportunity estimated between $2 billion to $4 billion [30] - The company anticipates that CD47 overexpression is found in roughly 50% to 70% of HER2 positive breast cancer patients, indicating a significant commercial opportunity [13][30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on advancing its HER2 positive breast cancer program with a CD47 biomarker-driven approach, which has been derisked by positive data from two different HER2 positive cancers [22][36] - The development strategy includes pursuing a targeted IO breakthrough with EVO, aiming to replicate successful results across various tumor types [9][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed excitement about the potential of CD47 as a predictive biomarker, which could facilitate smaller and faster future studies, enhancing the ability to select patients effectively [40] - The management team is optimistic about the upcoming data presentations and the implications for future clinical trials, particularly in breast cancer [41] Other Important Information - The company is set to present full data from the ASPEN six trial at an upcoming medical conference in Q4 of this year, which is expected to provide further insights into the efficacy of EVO [8][20] - The clinical pipeline remains focused on the combination of evorpercept with anti-cancer antibodies, with a priority on the HER2 positive breast cancer program [36][37] Q&A Session Summary Question: Do you need to meet with FDA to finalize trial design changes for Aspen breast? - The company has submitted the amendment for the Aspen breast study to the FDA and is ready to proceed without any holdup [44] Question: Can you frame investigator feedback on the CD47 biomarker approach? - Feedback from investigators has been positive, with enthusiasm for the CD47 biomarker and its potential to address unmet needs in patients progressing on HER2 therapies [46] Question: What kind of data would give confidence to continue pursuing the biomarker approach? - The company is looking for response rates in the high 30s to 40% range to consider the data compelling enough for further development [48] Question: Will the current Phase II study support registration? - The current study is designed to inform decision-making for future registrational studies, with the potential for accelerated approval depending on the data [55][56] Question: How does the baseline characteristic compare between CD47 high and low patient groups? - The baseline characteristics are generally well balanced, and further details will be shared at a medical meeting [76] Question: Is there any data on CD47 expression post HER2 treatment? - There is evidence suggesting that CD47 levels may increase with subsequent lines of therapy, indicating a potential resistance mechanism [81]