On May 13, 2025 Leap Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:LPTX), a biotechnology company focused on developing targeted and immuno-oncology therapeutics, reported financial results for the first quarter of 2025 (Press release, Leap Therapeutics, MAY 13, 2025, View Source [SID1234652975]).
Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:
Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing
Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!
Leap Highlights:
· Reported positive data from the randomized, controlled Part B of the Phase 2 DeFianCe study of sirexatamab (DKN-01) plus bevacizumab and chemotherapy in second-line colorectal cancer (CRC) patients demonstrating significantly higher overall response rate (ORR) and longer progression-free survival (PFS) across DKK1-high and VEGF-naïve subgroups
· Hosted virtual key opinion leader (KOL) event featuring Zev A. Wainberg, MD, to further discuss the positive data and patient benefit from the DeFianCe study
· Presented preclinical data of FL-501, a novel GDF-15 neutralizing antibody, at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) 2025 Annual Meeting
· Strategic restructuring to prioritize clinical development of sirexatamab in CRC and advancing FL-501 in preclinical development, resulting in an approximately 50% reduction in workforce
"In the first quarter of 2025, sirexatamab, our novel anti-DKK1 antibody, continued to demonstrate encouraging efficacy, including statistically significant higher ORR and longer PFS in both DKK1-high and VEGF-naïve second-line CRC patients. With 42 patients currently remaining on study drug, 25 in the sirexatamab arm and 17 in the control arm, we continue to be optimistic about the maturing dataset in the full population and look forward to upcoming data updates this quarter," said Douglas E. Onsi, President and Chief Executive Officer of Leap. "In this difficult market environment, we focused our resources to position Leap to advance sirexatamab in CRC and FL-501 preclinically in order to provide the greatest value for our shareholders. I would like to personally thank all of our colleagues who have been impacted by this decision and express my appreciation for their contributions and dedication to provide meaningful new treatment options to cancer patients."
DKN-01 Development Update
· Reported updated clinical data from Part B of the DeFianCe Study of sirexatamab plus bevacizumab and chemotherapy in CRC patients. In March 2025, the Company announced updated preliminary data from Part B of the DeFianCe study (NCT05480306), a Phase 2, open-label, global study of sirexatamab in combination with bevacizumab and chemotherapy (Sirexatamab Arm) compared to bevacizumab and chemotherapy (Control Arm) in patients with MSS CRC who have received one prior systemic therapy for advanced disease. Updated data from the study is expected this quarter.
o In patients with high DKK1 levels (upper quartile, n=44), the Sierxatamab Arm had a statistically significant 32% higher ORR, 3.5 month longer PFS, and OS compared to the Control Arm
o In patients who had not received prior anti-VEGF therapy (n=95), the Sirexatamab Arm had a statistically significant 22% higher ORR and 2.6 month longer PFS compared to the Control Arm, with OS not mature but favoring the Sirexatamab Arm
o With a higher number of patients remaining on study drug in the Sirexatamab Arm compared to the Control Arm (25 vs. 17), PFS in the full intent-to-treat population continues to mature with a tail population advantage for the Sirexatamab Arm
o The strong signal from the DeFianCe study supports a registrational Phase 3 clinical trial to evaluate sirexatamab plus bevacizumab and chemotherapy in second-line MSS CRC patients with high DKK1 levels or in patients who have not received prior anti-VEGF therapy
· Hosted a virtual KOL event featuring Dr. Zev Wainberg, Co-Director of the UCLA GI Oncology Program and a globally recognized leader in gastrointestinal cancer research, to discuss sirexatamab in second-line patients with advanced MSS CRC. Dr. Wainberg discussed the unmet need and how sirexatamab may improve upon the current treatment landscape for previously treated patients with advanced MSS CRC and reviewed the positive data from Part A and Part B of the Phase 2 DeFianCe study.
Pipeline Updates
· Presented new preclinical data of FL-501 at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) 2025 Annual Meeting. FL-501 is a first-in-class GDF-15 neutralizing antibody targeting the cachexia pathway, a condition commonly associated with poor outcomes in cancer patients.
o In humanized FcRn mouse studies, FL-501 demonstrated a 2-3-fold longer half-life and 50% reduced clearance compared to its wild-type precursor and ponsegromab
o In mouse cachexia models using GDF-15-overexpressing colorectal cancer cells, FL-501 fully restored body composition, comparably or better than clinical-stage antibodies visugromab and ponsegromab
o In a non-small cell lung cancer patient-derived xenograft model, FL-501 effectively countered cisplatin-induced weight loss, restoring body weight, composition, and condition scores
o These findings, as well as a favorable safety profile and strong pharmacodynamic activity, support advancing FL-501 as a potentially best-in-class molecule
Business Updates
· Engaged leading financial advisor to explore business development opportunities to further the development of sirexatamab. Strong signals from the DeFianCe study supports a registrational Phase 3 clinical trial in second-line CRC, which represents a significant potential global market opportunity.
· Announced strategic restructuring to prioritize clinical focus on the development of sirexatamab in CRC. Leap is realigning its resources in order to prioritize the clinical development of sirexatamab in CRC and advancing FL-501 preclinically. As part of the strategic restructuring, the Company has reduced its workforce by approximately 50%.
Selected First Quarter 2025 Financial Results
Net Loss was $15.4 million for the first quarter 2025, compared to $13.8 million for the first quarter 2024. The increase was primarily due to an increase in research and development expenses.
Research and development expenses were $12.9 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared to $11.3 million for the same period in 2024. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $1.4 million in clinical trial costs due to the expansion of the size of Part B of the DeFianCe study and the increase in activity associated with the end of Part C of the DisTinGuish study. There was also an increase of $0.1 million in manufacturing costs related to clinical trial material and manufacturing campaigns and an increase of $0.1 million in consulting fees associated with research and development activities.
General and administrative expenses were $3.0 million for the first quarter 2025, compared to $3.5 million for the same period in 2024. The decrease was primarily due to a $0.4 million decrease in professional fees and a $0.1 million decrease in stock based compensation expense.
Cash and cash equivalents totaled $32.7 million at March 31, 2025.