Plus Therapeutics Q1 2024 Earnings Call Transcript

Quartr
Provided by Quartr
May 15, 2024

There are 6 speakers on the call.

Operator

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the Plus Therapeutics First Quarter 2024 Results Conference Call. Before we begin, we want to advise you that over the course of the call, any question and answer session, forward looking statements will be made regarding events, trends, business prospects and financial performance, which may affect Plus Therapeutics' future operating results and financial position. All such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties described under the Risk Factors section included in Plus Therapeutics' Annual Report on Form 10 ks and quarterly reports on Form 10 Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Plus Therapeutics advises you to review these risk factors in considering such statements.

Operator

Plus, Therapeutics assumes no responsibility to update or revise any forward looking statements to reflect events, trends or circumstances after the date they are made. It is now my pleasure to turn the floor over to Doctor. Mark Hedrick, Plus Therapeutics' President and Chief Executive Officer. Sir, you may begin.

Speaker 1

Thank you, Victor. Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you once again for taking the time to join us today as we provide an overview of recent business highlights and discuss our Q1 2024 financial results. Joining me for the call today are Mr. Andrew Sims, our Chief Financial Officer and Doctor. Norman LaFrance, our Chief Medical Officer.

Speaker 1

I'll begin the call by reviewing our recent corporate and clinical progress in the Q1 and then turn the call over to Andrew to review our financials. Doctor. Lafrance then will be joining us for Q and A. Let me begin by highlighting some recent corporate updates before discussing our specific therapeutic and diagnostic programs. So first of all, on May 9, 2024, we closed a private placement financing for an aggregate proceeds of up to $19,250,000 which consisted of an initial upfront funding of approximately $7,250,000 and up to an additional approximately $12,000,000 upon cash exercise of accompanying warrants at the election of the investors.

Speaker 1

The financing included participation from AIGH Capital Management LLC with additional participation from healthcare focused institutional investors and insiders. 2nd, we received a notice of award for $3,000,000 grant from the United States Department of Defense congressionally directed medical research programs. The award will be used to fund a Phase onetwo trial for pediatric patients with high grade glioma and ependymoma following IND approval from the FDA. As a reminder, this grant illustrates our ongoing strategy to use external grant funding to support the initial preclinical and clinical development of new technology or indications while minimizing the impact to the balance sheet and shareholder dilution. More specifically, our GBM program had just been acquired when we found out that we had a 5 year grant funding from the NCI to fund that program through Phase III.

Speaker 1

2nd, our LN program received nearly $18,000,000 of funding over 3 years from CPRIT. And today that strategy continues with the DoD award for pediatric brain cancer therapeutic development. We're going to continue to leverage our novel technology, subject matter and grant management expertise to drive this strategy forward for the foreseeable future. Finally, to strengthen our team for planning for forthcoming pivotal trials, we added neuro oncologist, Doctor. Andrew Brenner and Doctor.

Speaker 1

Barbara Blau to our management team. Doctor. Brenner is an MD PhD and has been instrumental in developing iridium of bispamata and the related clinical strategy. And Doctor. Blau is a PhD with extensive experience in clinical operations, CNS tumor biology, biomarker development and neoplasms of the cerebral spinal fluid.

Speaker 1

Now in terms of our clinical programs, I'll begin with updates on our RESPECT L. M. Phase 1 dose escalation basket trial for single administration of ritium obisimeta for leptomeningeal metastases. This trial is substantially funded by 3 year nearly $18,000,000 product development award from CPRIT. During Q1, we announced the enrollment of the 3 required patients for dosing in Cohort 5 at a single radiation dose of 66.1 millicuries.

Speaker 1

As of the most recent data update in March 2024, 12 of 18 patients dosed remained alive. Multiple compassionate use doses have now also been made available to clinicians for patient survivors that have exceeded the trial follow-up period and continue to do well. We expect to present updated enrollment and safety data at the SNO ASCO meeting in August 2024 in Denver. Furthermore, investigator and KOL enthusiasm for the trial and the investigational therapy remains high and continues to grow. Recently, we added an additional 5 sites to the trial that will participate in patient recruitment for both the Phase 1 and subsequent follow on trials.

Speaker 1

Our goal is to complete enrollment in the Phase 1 Basket trial for a single dose this year and then to present the full data set from all cohorts of the Phase 1 trial as they exist at that time at the SNOW annual meeting in November 2024 in Houston. In parallel, we are presently in dialogue with the FDA regarding a multi dose expansion arm of the Phase 1 trial. Ultimately, we believe multiple doses of rinium of bispamida will be the optimal therapeutic approach to suppress and potentially cure OM. We will provide an update once the plan is finalized and FDA approval is obtained. Additionally, as we move forward towards a recommended Phase 2 dose of iridium abyspamata for LM, We intend to expand our communications with the FDA regarding a pivotal Phase twothree trial design, which is currently in development with our team and KOL advisors.

Speaker 1

The initial planned pivotal trial will be focused on LM and metastatic breast cancer for which we have orphan designation from the FDA. Last week, we hosted an investor call focused on the acquisition of the synergistic LMDagnostic platform called CInsight. Rather than fully revisiting the details of that call today, I would like to provide the highlights and encourage you to investigate the recording or when you which can be found on our website to learn more about this tremendous new opportunity for the company. So here are the key highlights. And I'll begin with the 4 key points outlining the rationale for the acquisition.

Speaker 1

First of all, leptomeningeal cancer is a tough diagnosis to make and the current state of the art diagnostics, which include MRI and cytology lack diagnostic sensitivity. 2nd, we developed experience with the C inside assay in our RESPECT L M trial and saw firsthand its value. Additionally, we have the opportunity to engage with multiple KOL physicians who have come to see C Inside Assay as a game changer in their practice. 3rd, autopsy studies indicate Lm is likely significantly under diagnosed. As such, an enhanced diagnostic such as C inside means more patients may be able to take advantage of iridium obisimatum therapy for L web.

Speaker 1

Finally, we recognize that there is a substantial standalone commercial opportunity to develop, commercialize and then monetize the C InSight technology in the near term. So based on that rationale and our supporting analysis, we exclusively acquired all essential C inside related assets to provide C inside testing commercially and this includes 3 types of tests. First of all, the cancer cell enumeration or CTC circulating tumor cell testing, which we call CSF-one. This quantifies adenocarcinoma and melanoma tumor cells in the CSF. 2nd, we obtained the FISH or fluorescence in situ hybridization testing, we call CSF-two that determines cancer specific gene expression for therapeutic guidance.

Speaker 1

And third, we acquired the next generation sequencing of cell free DNA called CSF-three that analyzes DNA to identify genetic mutations related to LM. In Q1 2024, prior to the acquisition, we validated and clinically implemented the CSF-one test into our RESPECT L M trial as an exploratory endpoint and is currently in use today. As part of the acquisition, we acquired the 4 c clinical trial data, which evaluates C Incyte and its clinical utility in addressing therapeutic decision making at LM. And last week, we disclosed that the trial met its primary endpoint and the presentation of the full 4 c trial data is planned for the August 8 to 10 SNO ASCO meeting in Denver. So now looking forward in terms of next steps, we will be expanding the availability of the test in our RESPECT trial to longer time points in conjunction with our planned multiple dosing regime.

Speaker 1

We are also finalizing a complete business evaluation, including a reimbursement optimization strategy with the attention of commercially launching the test as soon as Q4 2024. As discussed in last week's call, we anticipate a total addressable market of over 500,000 tests annually with the potential for additional growth. We plan to further discuss the commercial opportunity and the plan at a later date. And finally, in parallel, we are talking to potential diagnostic business development partners that have expressed interest in CInsight. And then finally, just a reminder, you can learn more about the CInsight asset, our acquisition of that by visiting our website and look at the related press release and investor call details.

Speaker 1

So now shift gears and regarding our RESPECT GBM trial evaluating brineumabistamata in patients with recurrent glioblastoma. We continue to enroll both Phase 2 patients with GBM tumors less than or equal to 20 milliliters and also Phase 1 patients with GBM tumors that are greater than that. And that's in our dose escalation Phase 1 that's still ongoing and now in Cohort 8. As the NIH NCI funding for this trial that I mentioned earlier, which has been the primary financial supporter for the trial is winding down in 2024. And as we work to finish enrollment of the Phase 2 study, we are able to add new sites that will help speed trial completion and set us up for the Phase 3 study.

Speaker 1

So besides our Texas sites in Dallas, Houston and San Antonio, we are now adding 3 new sites to the trial focused on key population centers. In the upper Midwest, the Ohio State University in the New York area, North Shore and Lenox Hill Hospitals, which are part of the Northwell network and in Florida, AdventHealth. These three shots are expected to enroll in the second half of twenty twenty four and will substantially contribute to a pivotal trial. We have set the goal for ourselves to complete enrollment in 2024 or early 2025 and enrollment timing will be influenced to a significant degree by participation of these new sites. We plan to provide a complete update on the Phase 2 data this fall at one of the key neurosurgery or neuro oncology meetings and that final meeting designation is to be determined.

Speaker 1

As a reminder, the data seen and reviewed to date in the Phase II trial has been highly promising in terms of both safety and efficacy, demonstrating thus far 13 month overall survival as of November 2023 compared to approximately 8 months for the standard of care or 63% improvement in OS over standard of care. As I mentioned last quarter, given the safety profile and the unprecedented amount of radiation we can deliver to the CNS using our technology, we believe there's a tremendous potential for improving upon the standard of care in GBM and also there's a broader opportunity to leapfrog the primary means of radiation delivery for all CNS neoplasms, which is essentially external beam radiation therapy at this point. We continue to work behind the scenes with existing and potential partners that share our view of this opportunity and want to collaborate to explore the potential in a focused manner. In parallel to our plans to finalize the Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials, we are also planning our pivotal trial strategy and plan to meet with the FDA later this year to discuss the Phase 2 data and align on a pivotal trial design in GBM.

Speaker 1

Finally, I would like to briefly update you on our pediatric brain cancer program. As I also noted at the beginning of the call, with U. S. Department of Defense funding support, we will be finalizing our IND with the FDA and initiating a Phase 1 trial for children with pediatric high grade glioma and ependymoma. We anticipate based on several previous rounds of discussion with the FDA that we can obtain IND approval in 2024 and perhaps be ready to begin enrollment early next year at our initial site Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago.

Speaker 1

Once the final trial details are agreed upon, we will provide an update on those. Now with respect to our next generation radio embolic device called Iridium-one hundred and eighty eight or 186 nano liposome biodegradable alginate microsphere or R and L BAM. As previously mentioned, feedback from the FDA is that BAM will be regulated as a device not a drug. With that decision in hand, we are now working on the device related quality system, finalizing the device design requirements and expanding the related IP portfolio. And I anticipate providing more updates when warranted in the near future.

Speaker 1

Finally, although our current supply chain is both reliable and sufficient for our near term needs, as we contemplate pivotal trials beginning in 2025, we are devoting significant energy to build out a supply chain that is ready for both pivotal trials and ultimately commercialization. 2 key focus areas are as follows. 1st is to have a redundant and high capacity GMP manufacturing capability. So to complement our 2 existing manufacturers of the final drug product, we are in the process of selecting a third partner that meets GMP standards. This addition serving as an alternative and redundant source will ensure that collectively we can fulfill our demand projections for iridium obisumeta through 2028.

Speaker 1

2nd focus area is for additional radiation services capability. So to support the commercial radioisotope supply, a key part of the overall manufacturing process, we will need to expand our network of providers. We are currently well into that process today and I'll report more as we are able to update. Moreover, we're enhancing both exclusive and non exclusive supply agreements for key starting our intermediate drug products. We are also refining inventory based strategies to guarantee reliable drug availability under any foreseeable demand scenario.

Speaker 1

And with that, I'll now turn the call over to our Chief Financial Officer, Andrew Sims, who will review the financials. Andrew?

Speaker 2

Thank you, Mark. Good afternoon, everyone. Please refer to our press release issued earlier today for a summary of our financial results for the Q1 ended March 31, 2024. The cash balance was $3,000,000 at March 31, 2024 compared to $8,600,000 at December 31, 2023. The company recognized $1,700,000 in grant revenue in the Q1 of 2024 compared to $500,000 in the Q1 of 2020 3.

Speaker 2

This represents CPRID's share of the cost incurred for our renium abysbimeta development for the treatment of patients with LM. We expect 2024 grant revenue to be in the range of $6,000,000 to $7,000,000 I. E. Tracking total operating loss for the Q1 of 2024 was $3,300,000 compared to $4,800,000 in the same period of 2023. The decrease was primarily due to increased grant revenue.

Speaker 2

Net loss for the Q1 of 2024 was $0.75 per share compared to $2.07 per share for the same period the prior year. I would also like to provide a more detailed update on our runway and cash position based on the recently announced private placement and provide guidance on our grant funding for the remainder of 2024. There are 2 additional sources of cash that Plus has access to beyond the balance disclosed in cash on hand and liquid investments on our Q1 2024 balance sheet. The first, as we announced last week on May 6, we closed a private placement financing of up to $18,000,000 from new healthcare focused institutional investors and company insiders. In addition, it should be noted that as reported aftermarket on Form 8 ks on May 9, this financing was subsequently upsized to $19,250,000 with a total of $7,250,000 received at closing.

Speaker 2

This $7,250,000 amount represents approximately 12 months of incremental runway at our current burn. The second source of cash remains our continued funding through now 3 announced grants. Firstly, the CPRIT grant to support the RESPECT to LM trial. With respect to expected grant advances from CPRIT in 2024 and to be clear, cash advances from Ctrip, we are on track to receive advances totaling $6,900,000 in 2024. Dollars 3,400,000 will be received in late Q2 or early Q3 and an additional $3,500,000 will be received in late Q4.

Speaker 2

An additional $3,500,000 is then due from Seapriid in 2025. Secondly, as reported on April 22, Platts has received an award recommendation from the United States Department of Defense for $3,000,000 dollars to support the upcoming RESPECT pediatric brain cancer trial. This funding is expected to commence in late Q3 or early Q4 of 2024 and materially cover the costs of the planned Phase I trial. Funding is generally received annually in advance and covers a 3 year period, I. E, approximately $1,000,000 will be received under this grant in 2024.

Speaker 2

PLOS also continues to benefit from the NIH grant to support the PROSPERX GBM Phase III trial. Although expected to be complete in 2024, it currently covers approximately 90% of the overall trial costs. We also continue to source other non dilutive sources of grant capital with a target of applying for at least $10,000,000 per year. We will continue to only report on individual grants when they are awarded. Taken in total, this cash on hand placement financing, warrants if fully exercised and committed and contractual grant revenue is in excess of 35,000,000 dollars I'll now turn it back to you, Mark.

Speaker 2

Thank you, Andrew.

Speaker 1

Before we move on to Q and A, I'll take a moment to provide guidance on anticipated key events and milestones taking us through the remainder of 2024. First, in terms of presentations, the company will be making. We will attend the Society For Nuclear Medicine Molecular Imaging Annual Meeting in June. That's the 8th through 11th in 2024. We have 2 accepted abstracts.

Speaker 1

The first will be the RESPECT L M trial and an update of initial safety and feasibility through cohorts 1 through 4. We also have a dosimetry presentation on the radiation absorbed dose to the spinal cord using beta emission radiopharmaceuticals in leptomeningeal metastases. We also intend to attend the SNO ASCO or Society For Neuro Oncology and American Society of Clinical Oncology combined CNS Metastases Conference on August 8 through 10, 2024. We have 3 anticipated abstracts. The first is the RESPECT LN trial and an update of enrollment and safety as mentioned earlier in the presentation.

Speaker 1

Also, we will be presenting the full 4 c clinical trial data set on CSF tumor cell detection and data on its ability to help management of breast cancer and non small cell lung cancer with patients with leptomeningeal disease. We'll also have a 3rd presentation, which is based on the feasibility and relevance of C Inside as a scalable platform for disease management for patients with leptomeningeal disease. Later in the year, we anticipate a comprehensive update on safety and efficacy data from the Phase 1 RESPECT L M trial at the SNO Annual Meeting in November 2024. Also later in 2024, we anticipate a meaningful update on the RESPECT GBM trial at either a neurosurgical or neuro oncology meeting and that exact meeting is to be determined. In terms of FDA updates, we plan to provide feedback when available on 2 specific work streams.

Speaker 1

The first is the RESPECT LN Type C meeting for a multi dose Phase 1 dose escalation trial that was granted by the FDA and scheduled for meeting on June 10, 2024. We also anticipate FDA feedback in the second half of twenty twenty four for the RESPECT new drug application for pediatric ependymoma and high grade glioma with the aim of securing regulatory approval for the trial. Additionally, we anticipate completing the RESPECT LN Phase 1 dose escalation trial enrollment this year and determining the maximum tolerated and recommended Phase 2 doses. Also, we will report results of the preclinical combination studies of RINIUM-one hundred and eighty six obispmata with PD-one and PD L1 checkpoint inhibitors when that data is completed. We also will contract with a second GMP manufacturing supplier to better support the iridium-one hundred and eighty six of bisphamata supply for pivotal trials and commercial readiness.

Speaker 1

And then finally, as Andrew mentioned, we are on track to file at least $10,000,000 in new grant applications in 2024 and we'll announce those upon receipt of the notification of award. So with that, Victor, I'll turn it back over to you and let's have our Q and A session.

Operator

Thank you. Our first question will come from the line of Justin Walsh from Jones Trading. Your line is open.

Speaker 3

Hi, congrats on the progress. Thanks for taking the questions. I know there's a lot of potential variability here, but I was wondering what your thoughts are on the overall development timelines for rhenium of this VUMETTA in GBM versus LM?

Speaker 1

Hey, Justin, it's Mark. So, I think that actually the LM development timeline on the whole could actually mean a approved product prior to GBM. And if you'd asked me that a year or 2 ago, might have said something different because we were more advanced in GBM. GBM, as you know, has there are multiple competitive trials. It's a much smaller number of patients.

Speaker 1

And the work required to enroll patients to the case planning and so forth is materially different than with LM. Furthermore, there's and then even comparison, you look at Lm, there's no approved products. We think the likely that the FDA will accept a Phase II, III pivotal versus requirement for a pivotal trial at GBM with overall survival as the endpoint. So to your question, as it relates to L M, if we sort of say that, it's likely first to market, if you will, with the ridinimabisprobeta product. As we think about a potential Phase II, III pivotal single dose trial for breast cancer beginning in early in next year.

Speaker 1

We're thinking about 100 to 150 patients, perhaps a year or less to enroll in about a half a year in terms of follow-up. Then you're kind of looking at an approval timeline that's pretty potentially aggressive. So that's kind of where we are on the whole and I'll just stop there. And Doctor. Wants to weigh in as well.

Speaker 4

It's a great question, Justin. This is Norman for LaFrance. Everything that Mark says, I think is spot on in terms of explaining how Elm is going. I think a key point I want to emphasize is, LM has pleasantly surprised us in the Phase 1 dose escalation by showing similar GBM and efficacy signal. We really didn't expect to get that kind of data until the Phase 2, which Mark had mentioned during his remarks is fully funded through Phase 2.

Speaker 4

Given our success in the Phase 1 dose escalation, the leptomeningeal development is accelerating much more quickly than we anticipated. And of course, we have to go to FDA in some of the aspects that Mark mentioned in terms of the study design. But instead of a standalone Phase 2, there's a reasonable likelihood that we could discuss with FDA at Phase 2, 3 pivotal trial, perhaps a Phase 2 with a lead into Phase 3. I won't go into the details now. But the key point is in the last year, the LM data results have been so positive that it's really allowed us to really gain on the GBM trial in addition to the points Mark made.

Speaker 4

Thanks.

Speaker 1

Thank you, Doctor.

Speaker 3

Got it. Thanks. Yes, so my next question, you laid out the I think pretty well the different data catalysts and conferences we can expect things. I think you mentioned different cohorts. I wonder if there's any color you can provide on kind of expectations on how many additional patients' worth of data we can expect at some of these?

Speaker 3

I know some, I'm sure it will change, but by the time we actually get to the presentation.

Speaker 1

Yes. So the way I would guide you Justin is, I think as we've said in the past, with respect to GBM, we're looking for another couple of patients in cohort 8 and we think cohort 8 is likely the last cohort just as a maximum feasible dose.

Speaker 4

Phase 1?

Speaker 1

In Phase 1, exactly. And then in terms of the Phase 2, we said that's a total of 34 patients. And we think that depending on what meeting we're at, we think we'll have a meaningful update. Our goal as I said to get all of those patients enrolled this year. I think that'll be a pathway to do that and adding 3 additional sites should help us.

Speaker 1

So that should give you an idea of kind of what we're looking at from GBM. From LN, so kind of reverting back to previous guidance. So the FDA, we originally did cohorts 1 through 3 and then we had to go back and do a Part B, which they approved, which was cohorts 4 to 7. We think cohort 7 is probably at the upper end of what is likely to be a safe dose with a single administration. So, as I mentioned today, we've a dose of first three patients and are the 3 patients required in cohort 5.

Speaker 1

So we have a couple of stopping points that are required as part of the trial with the FDA. But I think there's a good chance we'll get through all of those cohorts, whether we get a DLT and one of those cohorts or multiple DLTs that cause us to take that as the recommended Phase 2 dose that sort of still remains to be seen. I will say that we are at some of the previous cohorts where we've dose escalated, we've done our 3 patients, not had a safety issue move forward. We've now gone back and backfilled some of those cohorts to maintain momentum in the trial and because the demand for the product for these patients is so enormous. So we have an obligation, I think, to try to treat as many patients as we can, the FDA will allow.

Speaker 1

And as I mentioned also, the demand for additional compassionate use doses continues to escalate and it's actually stretching our resources a bit across the board. But by going back and rolling additional cohorts and finishing them out to 6 patients each, it allow us to collect additional safety data that we think will be overall beneficial for the overall program. So that's a lot. I'll stop there and see if you have any follow-up.

Speaker 3

Great. Yes, that's perfect. One more for me. It's pretty obvious that you guys are quite confident in retinumabispamato's potential in GBM and LM. I kind of wondering what you believe the key clinical questions are for the asset at this point, of course, beyond having to, of course, meet the endpoints in any of your current and upcoming trials?

Speaker 1

That's a great question. And it's probably different for each of those two indications and you could probably expand that to whether you're treating a solid tumor in the brain or spinal cord that could be primary GBM, secondary GBM or brain mets or whether you're treating something in the CSF. So as it relates to a solid mass in the brain or spinal cord ultimately, the key issue is delivery and absorbed dose. And I alluded to this in my remarks, but there is interest amongst partners and potential partners to expand that to other indications in the CNS and compete where EBRT is sort of established anchor. And the key to that is case planning and delivery.

Speaker 1

And I think the drug is there developmentally and we've shown it to be safe even in large volumes and high radiation doses. The question is how do we optimize delivery. I think we know how to do that. So now there it's a question of building out case planning and software tools that can make that happen. So that's how I would characterize that answer as it relates to those indications.

Speaker 1

The other is CSF and I think that's a different issue. Delivery is easy. It's a 32nd procedure in the clinic. The question is what's the dose and what's the dosing profile? How many times can these patients tolerate that?

Speaker 1

And I don't think that's a mystery. Just like with TBM, I think we've solved the mystery as it relates to case planning. We just need to implement it. I think we've solved the mystery as to whether the drug stays in the CSF and works. The question is how do you use kind of archaic language that Doctor.

Speaker 1

France loves fractionate that? How do we take that dose and fractionate over time, so it could either suppress or cure LN patients? I think that's the key clinical question there. Long answer, sorry.

Speaker 3

Got it. Yes. No, no, no problem. Very enlightening. Thanks for taking the question.

Speaker 1

Thank you.

Operator

Thank you. One moment for our next question. Our next question is from the line of Edward Wu from Ascendiant Capital. Your line is open.

Speaker 1

Yes, congratulations on all the progress. My question specifically is on that $3,000,000 grant from the U. S. Department of Defense. You said that it's only to cover a Phase 1 in pediatric brain cancer.

Speaker 1

Is there any opportunities to expand that beyond the Phase 1 funding?

Speaker 4

Hi, this is Norman LaFrance. Good question. And yes, the short answer is yes. And we're not at liberty to comment about that, but we are cautiously optimistic there will be other funding capabilities to either accelerate the Phase 1 beyond a single site and to get additional funding for our own financing once those preliminary data are known. Given the adult data and given what we're hearing from the pediatric neuro oncologists and pediatric neurosurgeons, They're pretty optimistic that we'll get the same platform of benefit that we're seeing in adults and be able to move forward in children.

Speaker 4

So your point of what's after the Phase 1 in terms of our interest and our potential resource and funding capability. We already have some funding options in play. I don't mean to be coy, but we're not at liberty to go over those now. But again, we're cautiously optimistic, as Mark has mentioned, that those are developing. And we already have a very good platform for the Phase 1 and one of the premier sites in this area.

Speaker 4

And I would see expanding the number of sites to accelerate completion of Phase 1 and going into a Phase 2 as quickly as possible. Thanks.

Speaker 1

Great. Thanks for taking my questions and hope you guys good luck. Thank you.

Speaker 4

Thank you. Thanks, Edward.

Operator

Thank you. One moment for our next question. Our next question will come from the line of Sean Lee from H. C. Wainwright.

Operator

Your line is open.

Speaker 5

Hi, good afternoon guys and thanks for taking my questions. My first one is on the upcoming Respect L. M. Updates. So in the prepared remarks, you mentioned that you are expected to present those updates at quite a few conferences this year.

Speaker 5

So I was wondering whether there are any qualitative differences to the type of data that you're looking to present? For example, what can we expect to see at a site of a nuclear medicine meeting in June versus what we can expect to see at the snorkel meeting in August?

Speaker 1

Hey, Sean, it's Mark. Yes, thanks for prompting us to clarify that. So the SNMMI presentation will largely be a re presentation of data already presented. And the rationale for doing that there is that, Norman reminded me it's one additional cohort. The rationale for that is we've really got 3 audiences here.

Speaker 1

We've got the nuclear medicine doctors, we've got the neuro oncologist and we've got the neurosurgeons who put the Omaya reservoirs in. So it's just it's really important we think long term for getting that data in front of those key constituencies. So it allow us to go back and present that data to the new med physicians. The SNO ASCO presentation on LM will be a update of enrollment and also on safety. And that will be as of that time.

Speaker 1

But we won't get into points of efficacy, cell count and so forth. Snow will really be, I think, a more definitive presentation that will be in November. By that time, I think there's a chance that the Phase 1 will be completely enrolled, and we'll have some more meaningful data to discuss at that point. So that's the data plan. And then I think just as I think I mentioned this in my remarks also SNMMI, we'll be talking about the dosimetry data and that's a group that really appreciates that data and we'll be able to provide that and get academic feedback at that meeting.

Speaker 5

Great. That makes it a lot more clear. Thanks. And my second question is on the pediatric study. So have you decided on the dosing regimen for use for that?

Speaker 5

Because I know FDA tend to be pretty strict on these trials.

Speaker 4

Yes, this is Norman. I'll take that one, Sean. And very appropriate question. We've and I think Mark made this clear that we've already had a couple of iterations with FDA. And I think it's fair to say we basically have the protocol approved in principle right down to the dosing.

Speaker 4

We have it basically broken down and it's comparable to how we did LN that we had the initial cohorts with lower dose rates. In the pediatric situation, we're because ependymomas can be large, we're starting off with small tumors and there'll be both a similar to GBMA volume and administered dose definition that the FDA has accepted. I very clearly state the FDA very much like the idea of our breaking up the pediatric Phase 1 into 2 segments, the small and medium sized tumors, reviewing those that we did with L M with the first initial cohorts to give FDA comfort on what we're seeing, the safety profile, how well it's tolerated. And once they saw that in LM, they were gangbusters for us proceeding for cohorts 4 through 7. We took that success and applied it to the pediatric interactions with FDA and got a similar unanimous acceptance of the pediatric trial.

Speaker 4

And we essentially are waiting we're waiting for this DoD grant submission and now funding, which we're very appreciative of Jules now send in the formal IND. We didn't want to get that in and then have it languish waiting for funding and having to work around that and FDA knew that. And there's some final, I'll call it housekeeping questions we'll take care of with that. I want to emphasize the dosing, which will be a function and it's beyond the scope of this call and we can deal with it offline if you really want to get into the study design, but it will be a volume and administered dose escalation and with very strong collaboration with the Lurie neuro oncologists and neurosurgical folks. We're very excited about it.

Speaker 4

Thank you.

Speaker 1

And Sean, I agree. And I think it'll be scaled to cranial volume and to the uniqueness of those particular kinds of tumors, high grade glioma, which tends to be very infiltrative and ependymoma, which needs to be highly recurrent.

Speaker 5

I see. Thanks for the clarity on that. That's all the questions I have.

Speaker 1

Great. Thank you.

Operator

Thank you. And I'm not showing any further questions in the queue. I'd like to turn the call back over to Doctor. Hedrick for any closing remarks.

Speaker 1

Thank you everybody for joining the call. We really appreciate the questions and appreciate your interest in the company. And we're thankful to also to our doctors who work with us, so the patients that trust us and our employees that help make it happen. So look forward to talking to you again soon. Thank you.

Operator

Thank you for your participation in today's conference. This does conclude the program. You may now disconnect. Everyone, have a great day.

Powered by Quartr
Earnings Conference Call
Plus Therapeutics Q1 2024
00:00 / 00:00