Disc Medicine(US:IRON)2025-09-04 21:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is preparing to file its New Drug Application (NDA) for bitopertin in October, with a potential PDUFA date between June and October of the following year, marking a significant milestone for the company [4][5] - The company reported a strong reduction in protoporphyrin-9 (PP9) levels with a P-value of less than 0.001, indicating clinically meaningful results from its phase 2 studies [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The lead program, bitopertin, is focused on treating erythropoietic protoporphyria, with the company ramping up efforts for its launch [4][5] - The second program is expected to present data on anemia of myelofibrosis and anemia of chronic kidney disease at upcoming conferences [5][6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company identified approximately 14,000 diagnosed patients in the U.S. for its lead indication, with enrollment in trials not being a problem due to strong patient advocacy [19][24] - The company plans to target the European and Japanese markets, with the genetic prevalence in Japan estimated to be four times higher than in the U.S. [39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on raising disease awareness and ensuring that patients and physicians are informed about available therapies, which is crucial given the historical lack of treatment options [23][24] - The company aims to build a self-sustaining entity driven by revenues from bitopertin to support its broader heme portfolio and explore larger indications [62] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the regulatory pathway for bitopertin, highlighting positive interactions with the FDA regarding the accelerated approval process [11][12] - The company is well-funded with $650 million on the balance sheet, providing a runway into 2028 to support ongoing trials and commercial preparations [62] Other Important Information - The company has orphan protection for bitopertin, which provides seven years of exclusivity in the U.S., along with method-of-use patents extending until 2042 [37] - The safety profile of bitopertin shows that dizziness occurs in over 50% of patients initially but resolves over time, indicating a manageable side effect [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you recap the interactions with the FDA regarding the accelerated approval path for bitopertin? - The company had a series of meetings with the FDA, which were responsive to the rationale for using PP9 as a surrogate endpoint, leading to the decision to submit an NDA this fall [11][12] Question: What are the key differences between the Apollo and Aurora trials? - Apollo will focus on measuring the time patients can spend in light as a co-primary endpoint, while Aurora primarily assessed the reduction in PP9 levels [18][20] Question: How does the company plan to address the patient population for bitopertin? - The company segments the patient population based on engagement with healthcare providers, identifying about 6,000 engaged patients who regularly seek care [27][28] Question: What is the expected market opportunity for the anemia treatment in myelofibrosis? - The company estimates a market of about 22,000 patients for anemia in myelofibrosis, with potential pricing similar to other anemia treatments in related indications [45] Question: How does the company view its capital position and runway? - The company is well-funded and expects its current capital to support its operations and trials through 2028, aiming to become self-sustaining through revenues from bitopertin [62]