Contineum Therapeutics (NasdaqGS:CTNM) FY Conference Transcript

Summary of Contineum Therapeutics FY Conference Call Company Overview - Company: Contineum Therapeutics (NasdaqGS:CTNM) - Focus: Clinical studies and drug development, particularly in the areas of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), chronic pain, and multiple sclerosis (MS) Key Accomplishments - First Full Year as a Public Company: Successfully executed four clinical studies in 2025 [2][3] - PIPE-791: Completed a phase 1b PET receptor occupancy study, validating dose selections for a phase 2 study in IPF [3][4] - Phase 1b Exploratory Study: Fully enrolled in chronic pain, results expected in the first half of the upcoming year [3][4] - PIPE-307: Reported VISTA data, although the primary endpoint was missed, the study was well-controlled [4] Clinical Studies and Drug Development - PIPE-791: Targeting LPA1 receptor antagonism for IPF and chronic pain, with a phase 2 study set to begin [4][5] - Mechanism of Action: LPA1 receptor activation leads to fibroblast recruitment and collagen secretion, contributing to fibrosis and chronic lung disease [5][6] - Chronic Pain Program: Focus on LPA1's role in pain pathways, with plans for studies in osteoarthritis and chronic lower back pain [20][21] Market Landscape and Competitive Positioning - Current IPF Treatments: Three approved drugs (pirfenidone, nintedanib) have significant tolerability issues, leading to high patient dropout rates [9][10] - Market Opportunity: Approximately 130,000 patients with IPF in the U.S. present an untapped market, with existing drugs generating over $4 billion in sales despite their drawbacks [17] - Differentiation from Competitors: Contineum's LPA1 antagonist is expected to have a once-daily dosing regimen, higher receptor occupancy, and potentially better safety and tolerability compared to Bristol's LPA1 antagonist [11][12] Regulatory Pathway - Phase 2 Study Design: 26-week study with primary endpoint focused on change in forced vital capacity [13] - Future Studies: Anticipation of two phase 3 studies for regulatory approval in IPF and PPF [15] Challenges and Considerations - Recruitment Difficulties: IPF studies are challenging due to patient frailty and logistical issues [19] - Exploratory Nature of Pain Studies: The chronic pain study is small and not powered, with a focus on identifying trends rather than definitive outcomes [21] Future Catalysts - Upcoming Data Releases: Top-line data from the chronic pain study expected in the first half of the year, and BMS's phase 3 data anticipated in the fourth quarter [24] Additional Insights - Research Findings: Data from human fibroblasts and donor slices indicate increased LPA1 expression in IPF tissue, supporting the rationale for targeting this receptor [16] - Safety and Tolerability: Consistent safety profile observed in previous studies, with no significant hypotension signals noted [12][22] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call, highlighting the company's strategic direction, clinical focus, and market positioning.