Pliant Therapeutics (NasdaqGS:PLRX) FY Conference Transcript

Summary of Pliant Therapeutics FY Conference Call Company Overview - Company: Pliant Therapeutics (NasdaqGS:PLRX) - Event: 37th Annual Piper Sandler Healthcare Conference - Date: December 04, 2025 Key Highlights - Phase 1 Study Results: - The study showed a median treatment duration of 15 months with four responders, including one complete responder in heavily pretreated patients [2][3] - Notable case: A cholangiocarcinoma patient achieved a complete response after failing multiple therapies, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy [3] - Interferon Gamma Response: - The interferon gamma signal was identified as a significant predictor of response, observed after 14 days of monotherapy with the drug 10-10-95 [5] - This signal was statistically significant compared to baseline and was also seen preclinically in animal models [5] - Safety Profile: - The drug was well tolerated, with the most common adverse event being mild to moderate rash, leading to only one discontinuation due to rash [5][6] - Program Advancement: - The company plans to move forward with part two of the study, focusing on non-small cell lung carcinoma and other tumor types [10] - The study will continue to explore the interferon gamma signal and other biomarkers [10] - Future Data Timeline: - Anticipated data from the ongoing studies may be available in 2027, depending on cohort size and study design [15][33] Strategic Direction - Oncology Focus: - Pliant remains committed to its integrin platform, with a focus on oncology as the lead asset while also exploring earlier-stage programs [22][24] - The company is open to opportunistic acquisitions to enhance its pipeline [25][41] - Competitive Landscape: - The oncology space is competitive, particularly for ICI refractory patients, with current options showing progression-free survival (PFS) of 3 to 5 months [26][28] - Key competitors include companies focusing on bispecifics and AbbVie, which has a similar mechanism of action [28][29] - Platform Capabilities: - Pliant is developing a siRNA delivery platform targeting specific cell types, with potential indications expected to be disclosed in 2026 [24][31] Financial Position - Cash Reserves: - The company has sufficient cash to support operations through 2028, providing flexibility in resource allocation [37][39] Additional Insights - Team and Execution: - Pliant has maintained its core development capabilities and is looking to enhance expertise in clinical oncology and regulatory affairs [51] - Pipeline Development: - The company has several small molecules ready for development in various indications, with a focus on oncology and chronic diseases [31][32] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call, highlighting Pliant Therapeutics' current status, future plans, and competitive positioning in the biotechnology sector.