Syros Pharmaceuticals Q2 2023 Earnings Call Transcript

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August 8, 2023

There are 8 speakers on the call.

Operator

Good morning, and welcome to Cerus Pharmaceuticals Second Quarter 2023 Financial Results Conference Call. At this time, all participants are in listen only mode. This call is being webcast live on the Investors and Media section of Cirrus' website at www.cirrus.com. Please be advised that today's call is being recorded. At this time, I would like to turn the call over to Karen Hanati, Director of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications at Cerus.

Operator

Please go ahead.

Speaker 1

Thank you. This morning, we issued a press release announcing our Q2 2023 financial results. The full release is available on the Investors and Media section of Syros' website at www.syros.com. We will begin the call with prepared remarks by Doctor. Nancy Simonian, our Chief Executive Officer Doctor.

Speaker 1

David Roth, our Chief Medical Officer and Jason Haas, our Chief Financial Officer. We will then open the call for questions. Christian Stevens, our Chief Development Officer Doctor. Eric Olson, our Chief Scientific Officer and Conley Qi, our Chief Commercial Officer are also on the call and will be available for Q and A. Before we begin, I would like to remind everyone that the statements we make on this conference Call will include forward looking statements.

Speaker 1

Actual events or results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward looking statements as a result of various risks, uncertainties and other factors, Including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of our quarterly report on Form 10 Q that we filed this morning, our annual report on Form 10 ks that we filed earlier in the year and any other filings that we may make with the SEC in the future. Any forward looking statements represent our views only as of today and should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any subsequent date. We specifically disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward looking statements. I would now like to turn the call over to Nancy. Nancy?

Speaker 2

Thank you, Karen. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us today. The first half of the year has been very productive for Syros, and we are encouraged by ongoing momentum across our clinical trials and our pre commercial activities. We remain laser focused on clinical trial execution and are well positioned to achieve each of our upcoming milestones With data readouts from our Phase 2 study evaluating tami baritene, a newly diagnosed unfit AML expected in the Q4 of 2023 and from our pivotal Phase 3 trial of chemeberatene in higher risk MDS expected in the Q3 of 2024 and an update on PK data and registration plans for SY-two thousand one hundred and one in APL expected in the second half of this year. As we execute against our clinical development plans and approach data readouts, We are engaging in pre commercial activities to ensure that we are well positioned to effectively deliver our novel treatments to patients.

Speaker 2

We believe the potential of our biologically targeted programs in MDS, AML and APL, coupled with their commercial synergies, position us for substantial long term success with the opportunity to fulfill key unmet needs in the frontline treatment of hematologic malignancies and ultimately deliver new standards of care to thousands of patients in need. I would now like to turn the call over to David, our Chief Medical Officer, to provide a more detailed update on our ongoing clinical programs. David?

Speaker 3

Thank you, Nancy. We're very pleased by the progress in our efforts to advance tambubarotene, Our novel, oral, selective and potent RAR alpha agonist in genomically defined subsets of patients with higher risk MDS and AML, whose disease is characterized by the overexpression of the RARA gene. Enrollment in both the select AML1 Phase 2 trial and the select MDS1 Phase 3 trials are ongoing And we are on track to achieve the enrollment numbers necessary to support planned data readouts with initial data from the select AML-one in the Q4 of 2023 and pivotal CR data from the select MDS-one in the Q3 of 2024. As we continue to screen patients for both trials, we've observed that approximately 50% of patients with higher risk MDS and 30% of AML patients are positive for RARA overexpression, consistent with our expectations. As such, we continue to believe that tamibarotene has the potential to address a Significant market opportunity by addressing sizable segments of the higher risk MDS and unfit AML patient populations We are underserved by existing options.

Speaker 3

We have compelling data to support our belief that the addition of tamilbarotene could improve upon the outcomes of the standard of care. Over the past several years, we've evaluated tamilbarotene in multiple clinical trials, which have consistently demonstrated activity with potential for meaningful benefit. Most recently, as we announced Late last year, in the safety lead in portion of our Phase 2 AML study evaluating tamivarotene in combination with azacitidine and venetoclax, Our triplet regimen demonstrated high composite complete response rates with rapid time to response and favorable tolerability with no additive myelosuppression. Given the similarities between MDS and AML and the supportive data we've seen across these patient populations to date, these results give us confidence that tamibarotene's differentiated profile could benefit biologically targeted MDS and AML patient populations that are readily identifiable and potentially establish a new standard of care for people with RARA gene overexpression. It's also worth emphasizing the sizable unmet need in higher risk MDS and AML that may be addressed by tamibarotene.

Speaker 3

Starting with higher risk MDS, there have been no new therapies beyond hypomethylating agents or HMAs approved in well over a decade. The existing standard of care provides limited efficacy with a 17% CR rate and a median overall survival of just 18.6 months. This may be attributed to the use of a non targeted agent like an HMA in an unselected higher risk MDS patient population with clinical and genetic heterogeneity. At the same time, this provides a unique opportunity for differentiation with tamibarotene, our biologically targeted approach designed specifically to address the approximate 50% of patients who present with RARA gene overexpression and who can be readily identified using a simple blood test assay. Tamibarotene also benefits from a generally well tolerated safety profile, which is particularly well suited to this generally elderly and frail population.

Speaker 3

As a reminder, in our select MDS I Phase 3 trial, we are evaluating the combination of tamibarotene plus azacitidine In a double blind placebo controlled study in newly diagnosed higher risk MDS patients with RARA overexpression. The primary endpoint of the study is complete response rate in the initial 190 patients, with overall survival now included as a key secondary endpoint. As we described last quarter, Recent FDA feedback continues to support our use of CR rate as an appropriate primary efficacy endpoint for either full or accelerated approval. That said, if tami barotene receives accelerated approval, The addition of overall survival as a key secondary endpoint in the same study could allow select MDS-one to also confirm clinical benefit to support full approval in the future, potentially avoiding the need for a separate confirmatory study. Under the current protocol, the select MDS-one trial will enroll a total of 550 newly diagnosed Higher risk MDS patients, including the initial 190 patients supporting the primary endpoint.

Speaker 3

We're on track to complete enrollment of the initial patients necessary to support approval using a CR endpoint in the Q4 of this year and plan to report pivotal CR data in the Q3 of 2024. Now moving on to AML, where we are evaluating tamibarotene in the select AML1 Phase 2 trial in newly diagnosed unfit AML patients with RARA overexpression. Despite recent advancements in AML, Roughly 1 third of newly diagnosed unfit AML patients do not respond to the current standard of care and virtually all patients eventually relapse. And as for MDS, we continue to believe there is an important opportunity for tami baritone to address existing unmet need in a Sizable AML patient segment, approximately 30% who are identifiable by RARA overexpression. The randomized portion of the ongoing select AML1 Phase 2 study is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of tamibaratine In combination with Venaza compared to Venaza alone in approximately 80 newly diagnosed unfit AML patients.

Speaker 3

Patients are randomized 1 to 1 into the 2 treatment arms with composite CR rate or the CR, CRI rate as the primary endpoint. Treated with the triplet regimen of tamilbarotene plus venaza compared to venaza alum and we believe may help inform our understanding of the performance of the triplet versus the doublet in AML in advance of sharing additional data in 2024. Now turning to 2,101, which is being evaluated in an ongoing dose confirmation study. We remain encouraged by the of our novel form of ATO to alleviate a significant burden of the current standard of care for APL that includes the use of intravenous ATO. While IV ATO is highly effective, offering a cure rate of over 80%, it is highly burdensome for patients, requiring up to 140 treatment infusions over nearly a year, each of which lasts 2 to 4 hours.

Speaker 3

By providing an oral form of ATO, we believe we can offer an oral regimen that is effective while also increasing access and reducing healthcare costs and utilization. We continue to gather PK data from the dose confirmation study And we look forward to providing an update in the second half of this year, which will include the development path and timing for further evaluation of 2,101 in a registration enabling study in APL. Finally, at the ASCO Annual Meeting in June, We presented encouraging new data from the Phase 1b clinical trial of 5,609, which supports further development of 5,609 in pancreatic and HR Positive Breast Cancer and demonstrates the significant potential of selective CDK7 inhibition in a wide range of tumor types and combinations. These data received a warm reception from clinicians and key opinion leaders who are encouraged by the promising activity observed in heavily pretreated populations that are unlikely to respond to the standard of care, as well as the predictable well managed tolerability profile. We believe these data strongly support our ongoing exploration of out licensing opportunities to support further development of this program and look forward to providing an update at the appropriate time in the future.

Speaker 3

I would now like to turn the call over to Jason, our Chief Financial Officer, to review our Q2 financial results. Jason?

Speaker 4

Thank you, David. Now turning to our Q2 financial results. We recognized $2,800,000 in revenue in the Q2 of 2023, consisting entirely of revenue recognized under our collaboration with Pfizer. Cerus recognized $6,300,000 in revenue in the Q2 of 2022, consisting of $5,700,000 in revenue recognized under our Pfizer collaboration and $600,000 recognized under our collaboration with Incyte. R and D expenses were $29,600,000 in the Q2 of 2023 as compared to $33,100,000 for the Q2 of 20 22.

Speaker 4

Our R and D expenditures are now principally focused on the advancement of the company's late stage clinical programs. G and A expenses were $7,200,000 in the Q2 of 2023 as compared to $6,900,000 for the Q2 of 2022. We report a net loss for the Q2 of $36,300,000 or $1.30 per share compared to a net loss of $34,500,000 or $5.40 per share for the same period in 2022. Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of June 30, 2023 were $144,000,000 as compared to $166,000,000 on March 31, 2023. We continue to believe our current cash position will be sufficient to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into 2025, which is beyond Phase 3 data from the select MDS1 trial and data from the randomized portion of the select AML-one trial.

Speaker 4

With that, I will turn the call over to the operator for questions.

Operator

Thank you, sir. Ladies and gentlemen, we will now begin the question and answer Your first question will come from Ted Tenthoff at Piper Sandler. Please go ahead.

Speaker 5

Great. Thank you very much. Good morning and thanks for taking my question. I'm excited for all the update in the Select program. My question is to do a little bit more on the partnering side just with the discovery efforts and the past partnerships and 5,609, where are you guys currently in terms of evaluating or considering new partnerships?

Speaker 5

Thanks so very much.

Speaker 2

Hey, Ted. Thanks for the question. I'd have Kamli answer that question. Kamli?

Speaker 6

Hi. Thanks for the question, Ted. Yes. As you know, we are as Jason just mentioned, we're really focusing our resources on our late stage programs in regards to tamabarotene in 2,101. So We've been in discussions and continue to be in discussions around our 5,609 program and all of our discovery efforts.

Speaker 6

And as soon as we have any news for you, we'll certainly update you on that.

Speaker 5

Great. Excited for select data later this year and next year.

Speaker 2

Yes.

Speaker 6

As are we.

Operator

Your next question will come from Phil Nadeau at TD Cowen. Please go ahead.

Speaker 7

Good morning and congrats on progress and thanks for taking our questions. A few from us. So in terms of TAMI and Hey, Amel, when do you think you'd be in a position to make a go, no go decision on further development there? Is the data that we're going to get in Q4 sufficient or The extended results in 2024 are more likely to inform that decision.

Speaker 2

Yes. Thanks. I'm going to have David answer that question.

Speaker 3

Thanks, Phil. So we are planning to present our initial data coming from the randomized portion of the trial in the 4th quarter. And we're looking to that data to have greater insights into the upcoming data readouts that we have Targeted for 2024. So while we haven't specified like what would be a go no go and when that would occur, I think that you should view the anticipated data presentation in the Q4 as initial data.

Speaker 7

And what's your updated thoughts on how many patients we'll see in Q4?

Speaker 3

We haven't specified the numbers of patients. Obviously, we Look forward to presenting enough information so that one can meaningfully understand what's going on and help us to provide insights into how we're Moving forward, now keep in mind, this will be the very first data readout of the triplet of tamivanasa versus venasa in patients with So we're really excited to provide our initial insights into how The triplet will be performing in our targeted population and I think that you should look forward to hearing what we have to say at that point.

Speaker 7

Great. And then in terms of select MDS1, we recently saw migrolumab fail at its at a futility analysis. Can you let us know whether there are any futility analysis planned for select MDS1 after the primary endpoint, but before the overall survival data are produced? And maybe more generally, was there anything that you learned from migrelimab's failure?

Speaker 3

David? Sure. Those are all good questions. Obviously, disappointing for the patients who were looking to that Program for future treatment option and we regret that for them. In terms of our program, we're conducting a randomized placebo controlled trial.

Speaker 3

We do have An interim futility analysis and then our first efficacy analysis is The primary analysis for the CR rate based on those initial 190 patients. So we haven't really specified additional analysis subsequent To that, as you know, we amended the trial to add additional patients up to 550 for a future confirmatory secondary endpoint of survival, But we haven't really specified additional analysis beyond our primary analysis for the initial approval. In terms of Why they had the result they had? Unfortunately, we can't really speak to it because we don't have insight into Their data or the performance of their study. And so for that reason, we really can't shed light on whether there's any We refer to our own program.

Speaker 3

We, however, certainly don't feel there is, because we have a unique mechanism of action where A small molecule, not an antibody, and we have a targeted population that we can readily identify. So With our novel biology and our generally well tolerated safety profile, we think we have several features that differentiate us from what nagrelimab was trying to do and how they were working, such that that insulates us from any read through.

Speaker 7

And the futility analysis you mentioned, is that before the primary endpoint analysis?

Speaker 3

Yes. There Likely will be a futility before the primary efficacy analysis. And again, that's largely A futility analysis based on the safety and the risk benefit ratio and it's all blinded. We won't really have insight into the details of the data at that point.

Speaker 7

Great. And then last question from us on 2,101, in terms of the updates in the second half of the year, has an FDA meeting been scheduled? And What new PK data will we be able to present once you do update us on the path forward?

Speaker 3

So for that program, we're currently working on the dose confirmation trial, doing Analyses of the PK data as it's being generated. We've said that we would provide an update in the second half of the year, where we will We share more information coming out of that study with more details around what our development plan and timelines will be for next steps. And at that point, we'll be able to provide you with more specific information.

Speaker 7

Great. Thanks for taking all our questions.

Speaker 2

Thank you, Phil.

Operator

There are no further questions on the phone lines. So I will turn the conference back to Nancy Simeon for any closing remarks.

Speaker 2

Thank you, operator, and thank you, everyone, for joining us today and for your continued support of CERUS. Please reach out with any further questions. Have a great day.

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Earnings Conference Call
Syros Pharmaceuticals Q2 2023
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