Oric Pharmaceuticals (ORIC) Conference Transcript

Summary of Oric Pharmaceuticals Conference Call Company Overview - Company: Oric Pharmaceuticals (ORIC) - Industry: Biotechnology, specifically oncology - Focus: Development of small molecule drugs targeting solid tumors, particularly prostate cancer and lung cancer [4][5] Key Pipeline Developments - ORIC-944: A PRC2 inhibitor in combination with AR inhibitors (apalutamide and darolutamide) for prostate cancer, currently in dose optimization and preparing for Phase 3 studies [5][6][7] - ORIC-114: A brain-penetrant small molecule targeting lung cancer, focusing on patient populations with EGFR exon 20, atypical mutations, and HER2 exon 20, also in dose optimization [5][6][7] Financial Position - The company has strengthened its balance sheet through capital raising, providing a cash runway until 2028, which covers the primary data readouts for both programs [7][8] Market Opportunity - The prostate cancer market is significant, with existing AR inhibitors (enzalutamide, apalutamide, darolutamide) showing strong efficacy but limited options for patients who progress on these therapies [11][12][13] - ORIC-944 aims to resensitize patients to AR inhibitors, potentially improving progression-free survival (PFS) outcomes [13][14] Competitive Landscape - Current AR inhibitors have similar efficacy profiles, but ORIC-944's better tolerability and dosing regimen (once daily with a 20-hour half-life) may provide a competitive edge [20][21][23] - The company aims to differentiate itself through improved drug properties and potentially better patient outcomes [25][26] Clinical Data Insights - Early clinical data showed ORIC-944 achieving higher rates of confirmed PSA50 (47%) and PSA90 (24%) compared to Pfizer's data (34% and 12%, respectively) [37][38] - The drug's toxicity profile appears favorable, with lower incidence and severity of expected toxicities compared to competitors [39][40] Future Plans - The company plans to initiate the first Phase 3 study in the first half of next year, selecting one AR inhibitor (either apalutamide or darolutamide) for the trial [49][50] - Upcoming updates will provide clarity on dosing regimens and additional clinical data, including ctDNA metrics [46][48] ORIC-114 Development - ORIC-114 (enozertinib) targets EGFR exon 20, atypical mutations, and HER2 exon 20, with a focus on CNS activity and a clean safety profile [57][64] - The company has made strategic decisions to prioritize first-line settings over second-line due to market size and cost considerations [69] Regulatory Considerations - The company is observing regulatory feedback from the FDA regarding competitive products in the space, particularly concerning atypical mutations [74][75] Conclusion Oric Pharmaceuticals is positioned to make significant advancements in oncology with its innovative drug candidates, particularly ORIC-944 and ORIC-114, while maintaining a strong financial position and strategic focus on market opportunities. The upcoming clinical data and Phase 3 study initiation will be critical in determining the company's trajectory in the competitive oncology landscape.