Stoke Therapeutics (STOK) 2025 Conference Transcript

Summary of Stoke Therapeutics Conference Call Company Overview - Company: Stoke Therapeutics - Focus: Development of treatments for Dravet syndrome, a genetic condition affecting neurodevelopment and seizures [1][2][3] Key Points Leadership Transition - Ian Smith has taken on the role of Interim CEO, having been with the company for approximately two and a half years [2][3] - Smith's background includes significant experience in biotech, particularly with Vertex Pharmaceuticals, where he worked on cystic fibrosis treatments [3] Disease Focus: Dravet Syndrome - Dravet syndrome affects approximately 40,000 individuals across major global regions, with an incidence of about 1 in 15,000 to 16,000 births [6][7] - The disease is characterized by severe seizures and significant neurodevelopmental delays, with many children not developing beyond the cognitive level of a two-year-old [8][9] Treatment Landscape - Current treatments primarily focus on seizure management, with no existing therapies addressing neurodevelopmental aspects [10][12] - Stoke's drug, zorevunersen, aims to modify the disease by restoring functional protein levels in the brain, potentially improving both seizure control and neurodevelopment [10][12] Clinical Data and Efficacy - In clinical studies, zorevunersen has shown a median seizure reduction of 85% when administered at a 70 mg dose, on top of existing anti-seizure medications [13][14] - The drug has demonstrated durability in seizure reduction over a four-year follow-up period, which is critical given the high mortality rate (20%) associated with Dravet syndrome [15][17] - Improvements in neurodevelopmental outcomes have been observed, with patients scoring significantly higher on the Vineland-3 scale compared to baseline [29][31] Phase 3 Study: AMPRO - The AMPRO study is a 52-week trial designed to evaluate the efficacy of zorevunersen, with a primary endpoint focused on seizure reduction [36][37] - The study aims to enroll 170 patients and is currently progressing well, with over 150 patients already in pre-screening [37] Regulatory Considerations - Stoke Therapeutics has received breakthrough therapy designation from the FDA, which may facilitate a faster path to market [39][41] - A meeting with the FDA is anticipated to discuss expedited filing options based on the existing safety and efficacy data [41] Market Potential and Value Proposition - The potential for zorevunersen to be a high-value treatment is emphasized, particularly if it can demonstrate significant improvements in both seizure control and neurodevelopmental outcomes [44][45] - The company aims to position zorevunersen similarly to other high-impact therapies in the market, such as those for cystic fibrosis [45] Future Outlook - The company is focused on advancing the AMPRO study and hopes to bring the treatment closer to patients, with aspirations for regulatory filing in the near future [48] Additional Insights - The emotional and developmental impact of Dravet syndrome on patients and families is highlighted, underscoring the importance of effective treatment options [9][10] - The potential for zorevunersen to change the trajectory of neurodevelopment in affected children is a key motivating factor for the company's mission [35][48]