SELLAS Life Sciences Group (NasdaqCM:SLS) 2025 R&D Day Transcript

Summary of SELLAS Life Sciences Group R&D Day Company Overview - Company: SELLAS Life Sciences Group (NasdaqCM:SLS) - Focus: Development of innovative cancer therapies, specifically targeting acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with two main assets: Galinpepimut-S (GPS) and SLS009 Key Points and Arguments Industry Context - AML Treatment Landscape: Despite advancements in AML treatments, patient outcomes remain modest, indicating a significant unmet need for more effective therapies [14][15][21] - Current Standards of Care: Treatments include intensive chemotherapy, hypomethylating agents, and combinations with venetoclax, but many patients do not achieve remission or relapse quickly [15][18][20] Product Pipeline - Galinpepimut-S (GPS): A WT1-targeted immunotherapy showing promising results in improving overall survival in AML patients, particularly in those who are in second remission or post-transplant [10][21][49] - Clinical Data: In earlier studies, GPS demonstrated a median overall survival of over 60 months in first remission and 21 months in second-line settings, significantly higher than standard care [21][31][49] - SLS009 (Tebonciclib): A selective CDK9 inhibitor with potential applications in both hematologic malignancies and solid tumors [12][22] - Clinical Data: Showed improved survival rates in patients refractory to venetoclax, extending survival from 2-3 months to 8-9 months [22][29] Clinical Trials - RIGEL Trial: A phase 3 trial evaluating GPS in AML patients who are in remission but at high risk of relapse [10][11][54] - Enrollment: 126 patients randomized to receive GPS or best available therapy [53] - Expected Outcomes: The trial aims to demonstrate a significant improvement in overall survival compared to standard treatments, with a focus on hazard ratios as the primary endpoint [55][58] Financial Position - Recent Funding: Strengthened balance sheet with an additional $31 million from warrant exercises, enabling continued clinical development [5] Market Potential - AML Market Size: Approximately 77,000 new AML cases diagnosed annually in major markets, with a significant portion expressing WT1, making them potential candidates for GPS [60][61] - Commercial Opportunity: GPS and SLS009 are positioned to address critical gaps in current AML treatment paradigms, with GPS potentially becoming a first-in-class maintenance therapy [11][12] Unmet Needs - Areas of Focus: - Patients in second remission unable to undergo transplant - Patients refractory to venetoclax-based therapies - Need for effective maintenance strategies post-transplant [20][21][28] Scientific Rationale - Mechanism of Action for GPS: Targets WT1, which is overexpressed in AML, eliciting a strong immune response without affecting normal cells, thus avoiding myelosuppression [36][42][43] - Immunogenicity: GPS is designed to activate both CD8 and CD4 T cells, enhancing the immune response against leukemic cells [44][45] Conclusion - Long-term Vision: SELLAS is committed to transforming AML treatment through innovative therapies that extend patient survival and improve quality of life, with a strong focus on scientific integrity and patient impact [3][4][6]