Stoke Therapeutics (NasdaqGS:STOK) FY Conference Transcript

Summary of Stoke Therapeutics FY Conference Call Company Overview - Company: Stoke Therapeutics (NasdaqGS:STOK) - Industry: Biotechnology, focusing on genetic diseases, specifically Dravet syndrome and other haploinsufficient diseases Key Points and Arguments Leadership Transition - Ian Smith transitioned from interim CEO to full-time CEO, having been associated with Stoke for nearly three years, including roles as a board member and advisor [2][3] Product and Pipeline - The primary focus is on a treatment for Dravet syndrome, a genetic disorder characterized by severe seizures due to a lack of NAV1.1 protein in the brain, caused by a mutated SCN1A gene [6][10] - The treatment aims to upregulate the NAV1.1 protein, addressing the root cause of the disease, leading to significant reductions in seizure frequency (up to 80-85% median reduction) and potential improvements in neurodevelopment [10][11] - The company is currently in Phase 3 trials, with a pipeline that includes other haploinsufficient diseases in Phase 1 or preclinical stages [4][6] Clinical Data and Efficacy - The treatment has shown sustained and durable reductions in seizures over nearly four years, which is unique compared to traditional anti-seizure medications [10][14] - Cognitive and behavioral improvements have been observed, with children showing enhanced communication and motor skills as measured by the Vineland 3 score [11][12] - The safety profile is generally well-tolerated, with 90% of patients from the Phase 1/2 study continuing into the open-label extension (OLE) study [13][14] Phase 3 Study Details - The Phase 3 study includes a six-week screening period, with a primary endpoint focused on seizure reduction at week 28 and secondary endpoints at week 52 [19][20] - The study is well-powered with a 90% confidence level for a 0.01 result, and over 25 patients have been dosed so far [20][23] - Full enrollment of 170 patients is expected by the second half of 2026, with data readout anticipated in the second half of 2027 [23][24] Regulatory and Commercial Strategy - The company received breakthrough therapy designation from the FDA for the treatment of Dravet syndrome in December 2024, acknowledging the safety and efficacy profile [25][26] - A multidisciplinary meeting with the FDA is scheduled for December to discuss the drug's mechanism of action and safety data, with the potential to expedite the approval pathway [25][27] - The commercial opportunity for Dravet syndrome is significant, with an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 diagnosed patients in the U.S. and a similar number outside the U.S. [31][32] Other Programs - The company is also developing a treatment for Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy (ADOA) in Phase I, targeting the OPA1 gene to improve mitochondrial function and vision [34][35] - A preclinical program for SYNGAP1, which involves seizures and neurodevelopment issues, is expected to have a development candidate by early 2026 [37] Financial Health - The company reported a strong financial position with approximately $400 million in cash, expected to fund operations through mid-2028, including the Phase 3 study and other programs [38] Additional Important Information - The treatment's administration involves lumbar puncture, which may lead to transient elevations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein, but no clinical manifestations have been observed [15][16] - The company is focused on educating the advocacy community and key opinion leaders to drive demand for the study [23][24]