Candel Therapeutics (CADL) FY Conference Transcript

Summary of Candel Therapeutics (CADL) FY Conference Call - August 13, 2025 Company Overview - Company: Candel Therapeutics (CADL) - Industry: Biotechnology, specifically focused on cancer immunotherapy Key Points and Arguments Vaccine Approach - Candel's approach involves a novel vaccine strategy that immunizes patients against their own tumors without needing to identify specific antigens [3][4] - Utilizes a replication-defective adenovirus to deliver the HSV thymidine kinase gene, leading to localized enzyme expression and subsequent tumor cell death [4][5] - The process induces a strong pro-inflammatory response, creating optimal conditions for T cell activation against tumors [5][6] Pipeline Focus - Current focus on three main indications: - Early localized nonmetastatic prostate cancer - Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer - Therapy-resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) [7][8] Prostate Cancer Data - Positive Phase 3 trial results with a primary endpoint of disease-free survival, showing a 30% improvement in disease-free survival rates [10][12] - Secondary endpoint showed a 38% improvement in prostate cancer-specific disease-free survival [13] - Plans to submit a Biologics License Application (BLA) by 2026 [9][10] Commercial Launch Preparation - Scaling up commercial manufacturing with partner SAFC in California [16][17] - Positive feedback from urologists and radiation oncologists regarding the adoption of CAN 2409 in combination with standard care [18][20] - Initial payer feedback has been favorable, indicating potential cost savings for healthcare systems [21] Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Data - Focus on patients with unresectable stage 3 or stage 4 NSCLC who have failed standard treatments [23] - Median overall survival of over 24 months in treated patients, doubling the expected survival [24] - Fast track designation received from the FDA based on these results [26][27] Pancreatic Cancer Data - Conducted a small randomized trial showing a median overall survival of over 32 months compared to 12.5 months in the control group [34] - Fast track and orphan drug designations received from the FDA and EMA [35] Manufacturing and Capacity - Manufacturing process involves replication-defective adenoviruses, similar to COVID-19 vaccines, with established industry capacity [38][39] - Product stability confirmed for over ten years under refrigeration [40] Future Directions - Candel is preparing for a potential registrational Phase 3 trial in therapy-resistant NSCLC and pancreatic cancer [27][35] - Ongoing exploration of CAN 3110, a next-generation oncolytic virus for glioblastoma, showing promising early results [42][45] Financial Position - Current cash runway extends into Q1 2027, with upcoming data announcements expected [53] Additional Important Information - Candel emphasizes the importance of a strong scientific rationale and unmet clinical needs in prioritizing its pipeline [36] - The company aims to advance multiple programs in parallel to maximize commercial value [37]