On May 8, 2025 Xilio Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: XLO), a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing tumor-activated immuno-oncology therapies for people living with cancer, reported pipeline progress and business updates and reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 (Press release, Xilio Therapeutics, MAY 8, 2025, View Source [SID1234652773]).

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"In the first quarter, we presented encouraging initial Phase 2 data for vilastobart, our tumor-activated anti-CTLA-4, in combination with atezolizumab in patients with late-line MSS CRC. These data included a preliminary 27% objective response rate in late-line MSS CRC patients without liver metastases accompanied by a differentiated safety profile with a low incidence of colitis and other immune-related adverse events, which are common dose-limiting adverse events for other CTLA-4 agents," said René Russo, Pharm.D., president and chief executive officer of Xilio. "MSS CRC is an immunologically cold tumor type that is very difficult to treat and increasing in incidence, particularly in younger people for whom no immunotherapy treatment options are currently available. We look forward to reporting updated Phase 2 data at the upcoming ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) meeting, including additional response assessments and further follow-up on the previously reported data. This quarter was also marked by strong execution across our pipeline, as we continue to advance XTX301, our tumor-activated IL-12, in monotherapy dose escalation in partnership with Gilead, and multiple novel masked T cell engager programs internally and as part of our recently announced collaboration with AbbVie."

Pipeline and Business Updates

Vilastobart: tumor-activated, Fc-enhanced, high affinity binding anti-CTLA-4

Vilastobart is an investigational tumor-activated, Fc-enhanced, high affinity binding anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody designed to block CTLA-4 and deplete regulatory T cells when activated in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Vilastobart is currently being evaluated in combination with atezolizumab (Tecentriq ) in Phase 1C combination dose escalation in patients with advanced solid tumors and in a Phase 2 clinical trial in patients with MSS CRC.

● In January 2025, Xilio announced encouraging initial Phase 2 data for vilastobart in combination with atezolizumab in patients with MSS CRC. As of a data cutoff date of January 13, 2025, the combination of vilastobart at 100 mg once every six weeks (Q6W) in combination with atezolizumab at 1200 mg once every three weeks (Q3W) demonstrated a preliminary 27% objective response rate in patients without liver metastases accompanied by a generally well-tolerated safety profile. Patients experienced a low incidence of colitis and other immune-related adverse events, which have historically limited the potential for anti-CTLA-4 therapies. For more information, read the press release here. Based on the promising initial Phase 2 data for vilastobart, Xilio is seeking opportunities to partner the vilastobart program to accelerate and expand further development.

● Xilio plans to report updated data from the ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial in patients with metastatic MSS CRC, including additional response assessments and further follow-up on the previously reported data, at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting being held in Chicago from May 30 to June 3, 2025.

Title: Vilastobart (XTX101), a tumor-activated, Fc-enhanced anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody, in combination with atezolizumab in patients with MSS CRC

Abstract ID: 3553

Poster Session: Gastrointestinal Cancer – Colorectal and Anal

Poster Board: 222

Session Date and Time: Saturday, May 31, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CDT

XTX301: tumor-activated IL-12

XTX301 is an investigational tumor-activated IL-12 designed to potently stimulate anti-tumor immunity and reprogram the TME of poorly immunogenic "cold" tumors towards an inflamed or "hot" state. In March 2024, Xilio entered into an exclusive license agreement with Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Gilead) related to Xilio’s tumor-activated IL-12 program, including XTX301.

● A maximum tolerated dose has not yet been established, and Xilio continues to enroll patients in Phase 1A monotherapy dose escalation and Phase 1B monotherapy dose expansion of the ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial of XTX301.

XTX501: masked PD-1/IL-2 bispecific

XTX501 is a novel, tumor-activated bispecific PD-1/IL-2 designed to selectively stimulate PD-1 positive, antigen-experienced T cells and enhance their function. XTX501 incorporates masking designed to overcome IL-2 receptor-mediated clearance and peripheral activity. In preclinical studies, XTX501 demonstrated robust monotherapy activity (including in settings insensitive to PD-1) and tumor-selective pharmacodynamics consistent with its intended mechanism of action.

● Xilio is currently advancing XTX501 in investigational new drug (IND) enabling studies and plans to submit an IND application for XTX501 in the middle of 2026.

Masked T Cell Engager Programs

Xilio is leveraging its proprietary, clinically validated tumor-activation platform to advance multiple preclinical programs for masked T cell engagers, including wholly owned programs targeting the tumor-associated antigens for PSMA, CLDN18.2 and STEAP1 and an additional program in collaboration with AbbVie.

Xilio’s masked T cell engager programs include bispecific molecules designed using its advanced tumor-activated cell engager (ATACR) format, which consists of a T cell engager with a masked CD3 targeting domain, and tri-specific molecules designed using its selective effector-enhanced cell engager (SEECR) format. The SEECR format builds upon the ATACR format by adding co-stimulatory signaling designed to further enhance potency and T cell activation.

● Xilio anticipates nominating a development candidate for its PSMA program in the ATACR format in the third quarter of 2025 and submitting an IND application in the first quarter of 2027. PSMA has demonstrated potential as a T cell engager target for prostate cancer.

● Xilio anticipates nominating a development candidate for its CLDN18.2 program in the ATACR format in the fourth quarter of 2025 and submitting an IND application in the second quarter of 2027. CLDN18.2 has broad potential as a T cell engager target for gastric, pancreatic, esophageal and lung cancers.

● Xilio anticipates nominating a development candidate for its STEAP1 program in the SEECR format in the first half of 2026 and submitting an IND application in the second half of 2027. STEAP1 has broad potential as a T cell engager target for prostate, colorectal and lung cancers.

Corporate Updates

● In the first quarter of 2025, Xilio announced a collaboration, license and option agreement with AbbVie leveraging Xilio’s proprietary tumor-activation technology and platform to discover and develop novel tumor-activated immunotherapies, including masked T cell engagers, and received $52.0 million in total upfront payments from AbbVie. Under the agreement, Xilio is also eligible to receive up to approximately $2.1 billion in total contingent payments for option-related fees and milestones plus tiered royalties. For more information, read the joint press release here.

First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

● Cash Position: Cash and cash equivalents were $89.1 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $55.3 million as of December 31, 2024. In the first quarter of 2025, Xilio received $52.0 million in total upfront payments in connection with the collaboration agreement with AbbVie.

● Collaboration and License Revenue: Collaboration and license revenue was $2.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, which consisted of $2.9 million of total revenue recognized in connection with the collaborations with AbbVie and Gilead. No collaboration and license revenue was recognized for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.

● Research & Development (R&D) Expenses: R&D expenses were $8.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to $10.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. The decrease was primarily driven by decreased clinical development activities for XTX202, a masked IL-2, as a result of discontinuing further investment in XTX202, decreased personnel-related costs due to lower headcount and decreased manufacturing costs for XTX301, partially offset by increased spending related to early stage programs and indirect research and development, increased clinical development activities for vilastobart and manufacturing activities for XTX501 in connection with IND-enabling studies.

● General & Administrative (G&A) Expenses: G&A expenses were $8.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to $6.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in legal fees and personnel-related costs, partially offset by a decrease in costs related to directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.

● Net Loss: Net loss was $13.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to $17.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.

Financial Guidance

Based on its current operating plans, Xilio anticipates that its cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2025 will be sufficient to enable it to fund its operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the first quarter of 2026.

About Vilastobart and the Phase 1/2 Combination Clinical Trial

Vilastobart is an investigational tumor-activated, Fc-enhanced, high affinity binding anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody designed to block CTLA-4 and deplete regulatory T cells when activated in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In 2023, Xilio entered into a co-funded clinical trial collaboration with Roche to evaluate vilastobart in combination with atezolizumab (Tecentriq ) in a multi-center, open-label Phase 1/2 clinical trial. Xilio is currently evaluating the safety of the combination in Phase 1C dose escalation in patients with advanced solid tumors and the safety and efficacy of the combination in Phase 2 in patients with metastatic microsatellite stable colorectal cancer with and without liver metastases. Please refer to NCT04896697 on www.clinicaltrials.gov for additional details.

About XTX301 and the Phase 1 Clinical Trial

XTX301 is an investigational masked IL-12 designed to potently stimulate anti-tumor immunity and reprogram the tumor microenvironment (TME) of poorly immunogenic "cold" tumors towards an inflamed or "hot" state. In March 2024, Xilio entered into an exclusive license agreement with Gilead Sciences, Inc. for Xilio’s tumor-activated IL-12 program, including

XTX301. Xilio is currently evaluating the safety and tolerability of XTX301 as a monotherapy in patients with advanced solid tumors in a first-in-human, multi-center, open-label Phase 1 clinical trial. Please refer to NCT05684965 on www.clinicaltrials.gov for additional details.

On May 8, 2025 HAYA Therapeutics, SA, a biotechnology company pioneering precision RNA-guided regulatory genome targeting therapeutics that reprogram disease-driving cell states for rare, common, chronic and age-related diseases, reported that the company has raised $65 million in Series A funding (Press release, Haya Therapeutics, MAY 8, 2025, View Source [SID1234652791]). The financing will accelerate the clinical development of HAYA’s lead long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) targeting candidate HTX-001 in heart failure and the continued expansion of its RNA-guided regulatory genome pipeline development engine. This investment emphasizes investor confidence in HAYA’s groundbreaking science and positions the company to deliver on its mission of bringing disease-modifying, precision medicines faster and more efficiently to patients. The round was led by Sofinnova Partners and Earlybird Venture Capital, with participation from Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly), ATHOS, +ND Capital, Alexandria Venture Investments and LifeLink Ventures, with additional support from existing investors Apollo Health Ventures, Longview Ventures (an affiliate of Broadview Ventures), 4see ventures, BERNINA Bioinvest and Schroders Capital.

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"This is a defining moment for HAYA as we are advancing our lead program into the clinic. This funding validates our organization, pioneering approach and vision for improving the way chronic and complex diseases are treated by creating a new generation of therapies that reprogram disease-driving cell states into healthy ones," said Samir Ounzain, Ph.D., Co-founder and CEO of HAYA Therapeutics. "We’re excited that Sofinnova Partners, Earlybird and our syndicate of investors share our vision for the potentially industry changing nature of our platform as we move beyond traditional approaches by leveraging novel therapeutic targets emerging from the regulatory genome."

The company will use the funds to initiate clinical trials for HTX-001, HAYA’s first-in-class lncRNA-targeting therapy for heart failure, initially focused on non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (nHCM). In parallel, the company will strengthen its platform capabilities and expand its pipeline of disease-modifying therapies across multiple therapeutic areas—including pulmonary fibrosis, obesity and age-related common and chronic diseases.

"HAYA’s platform unlocks the dark genome’s therapeutic potential by targeting disease-driving cell states via long non-coding RNAs. This novel approach opens a new frontier in precision medicine, moving beyond traditional target classes to address disease at its epigenetic and cellular roots. Leading this round alongside Earlybird reflects our deep conviction in the HAYA team and their mission to develop safer, more effective therapies across a broad range of indications, including their lead program in nHCM, as they advance it toward the clinic to address a major unmet need," noted Henrijette Richter, Managing Partner at Sofinnova Partners.

The core of HAYA’s proprietary platform maps and decodes the biology of the regulatory genome, also referred to as the "genome’s dark matter" or "Dark Genome," which constitutes 98% of the human genome. While the regulatory genome does not code for proteins it is now recognized as the master control layer of gene expression and cell identity. HAYA has developed the most comprehensive atlas of the regulatory genome by combining integrated multimodal functional genomics with a stack of proprietary computational and machine learning methodologies, enabling the precise identification and modulation of pathogenic cell states across diverse diseases. HAYA’s regulatory genome platform enables the development of RNA-guided therapeutics with unprecedented precision, speed and scalability. This next-generation approach is designed to go beyond symptom management and directly reprogram the cellular drivers of disease.

To support its strategic growth, HAYA recently assembled an industry-leading C-level suite to drive scalable growth, business and clinical development and expand strategic collaborations with pharmaceutical and technology partners. The company recently announced a partnership with Lilly, one of the largest collaborations to date in the regulatory genome space, focused on RNA-based drug targets for obesity and metabolic disorders.

On May 8, 2025 Caribou Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: CRBU), a leading clinical-stage CRISPR genome-editing biopharmaceutical company, reported financial results for the first quarter 2025 and provided a business update for its lead oncology clinical programs CB-010 and CB-011 with data disclosure for each planned for H2 2025 (Press release, Caribou Biosciences, MAY 8, 2025, View Source [SID1234652737]).

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"Caribou’s two lead Phase 1 clinical programs, CB-010 for large B cell lymphoma and CB-011 for multiple myeloma, continue to demonstrate encouraging efficacy and have the potential to benefit individuals living with hematologic malignancies," said Rachel Haurwitz, PhD, Caribou’s president and CEO. "We look forward to disclosing two robust clinical datasets from these programs in the second half of this year as we focus on our goal to deliver these off-the-shelf allogeneic CAR-T cell therapies that offer the potential for broad access and rapid availability to both patients and healthcare systems."
Clinical highlights
CB-010, a clinical-stage allogeneic anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy for B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma
•Caribou is enrolling a 20-patient confirmatory cohort using the Company’s HLA matching strategy in the ANTLER Phase 1 clinical trial in second-line large B cell lymphoma (2L LBCL) patients. In H2 2025, Caribou expects to present data from this cohort with at least six months of follow up for the majority of patients.
•To date, data demonstrate that a single dose of CB-010 has the potential to drive outcomes that are on par with the safety, efficacy, and durability of approved autologous CAR-T cell therapies.
•Additionally, in H2 2025, Caribou expects to present data from a proof-of-concept cohort of CB-010 in up to 10 patients who have relapsed following any prior CD19-targeted therapy.

CB-011, a clinical-stage allogeneic anti-BCMA CAR-T cell therapy for multiple myeloma
•In the dose escalation portion of the CaMMouflage Phase 1 clinical trial for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (r/r MM), Caribou continues to observe encouraging efficacy in patients treated with CB-011 at multiple dose levels following a lymphodepletion regimen that includes a deeper dose of cyclophosphamide.
•Caribou is rapidly enrolling additional patients with the deeper lymphodepletion regimen to make a data-driven decision on the recommended doses for expansion. The Company plans to present data in H2 2025 with at least three months of follow up on a minimum of 25 patients at multiple dose levels.
Corporate updates
Recently announced pipeline prioritization with workforce and cost reduction initiatives
•As previously reported on April 24, 2025, Caribou implemented a strategic pipeline prioritization to focus resources on its lead oncology programs, CB-010 and CB-011. The Company discontinued its Phase 1 clinical trial of CB-010 for lupus, Phase 1 clinical trial of CB-012 for relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (r/r AML), and preclinical research. Patients treated in the CB-012 phase 1 clinical trial will continue to be followed as part of the Company’s long-term follow up study. Caribou also reduced its workforce by approximately 32%. Cash payments resulting from the reduction in force and strategic pipeline prioritization are estimated to be $2.5 to $3.5 million. These changes are expected to extend Caribou’s cash runway by one year, funding the Company’s current operating plan into H2 2027, compared to into H2 2026 as previously reported.
2025 anticipated milestones
•CB-010 ANTLER: Caribou plans to present data from both the additional 2L and prior CD19 relapsed LBCL patient cohorts in H2 2025 and is interacting with the FDA on a potential pivotal trial to be initiated following alignment. This update is expected to include:
◦Initial safety and efficacy data on the confirmatory cohort (20 patients) with partial HLA matching, with a minimum of six months of follow up for the majority of patients, as well as an update on the larger, maturing dataset presented previously.
◦Pivotal trial design and timeline, contingent on positive data and FDA alignment.
•CB-011 CaMMouflage: Caribou plans to present dose escalation data and share the recommended doses for expansion from its ongoing CaMMouflage Phase 1 clinical trial in r/r MM in H2 2025. This update is expected to include:
◦Initial safety and efficacy data on a minimum of 25 patients at multiple dose levels using the deeper lymphodepletion regimen with at least three months of follow up.
◦Recommended doses for expansion and plans for dose expansion.
First quarter 2025 financial results
Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities: Caribou had $212.5 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities as of March 31, 2025, compared to $249.4 million as of December 31, 2024. Caribou expects its cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities will be sufficient to fund its current operating plan into H2 2027.

Licensing and collaboration revenue: Revenue from Caribou’s licensing and collaboration agreements was $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $2.4 million for the same period in 2024.

R&D expenses: Research and development expenses were $35.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $33.8 million for the same period in 2024. The increase was primarily due to costs associated with the ongoing CB-010 ANTLER and CB-011 CaMMouflage Phase 1 clinical trials and the recently discontinued CB-012 AMpLify and CB-010 GALLOP Phase 1 clinical trials; facility and other allocated expenses; and personnel-related expenses, including stock-based compensation; partially offset by a reduction in expenses relating to licenses, other R&D expenses, and consulting services.

G&A expenses: General and administrative expenses were $9.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $14.6 million for the same period in 2024. The decrease was primarily due to lower legal expenses, including the accrual of a litigation settlement expense in 2024, other service-related expenses, and personnel-related expenses, including stock-based compensation and salary and benefit expenses.

Net loss: Caribou reported a net loss of $40.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $41.2 million for the same period in 2024.

About CB-010

CB-010 is an allogeneic anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy being evaluated in patients with relapsed or refractory B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (r/r B-NHL) in the ongoing ANTLER Phase 1 clinical trial. To Caribou’s knowledge, CB-010 is the first allogeneic CAR-T cell therapy in the clinic with a PD-1 knockout, a genome-editing strategy designed to enhance CAR-T cell activity by limiting premature CAR-T cell exhaustion. The FDA granted CB-010 Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT), Orphan Drug, and Fast Track designations for B-NHL. Additional information on the ANTLER trial (NCT04637763) can be found at clinicaltrials.gov.

About CB-011

CB-011 is an allogeneic anti-BCMA CAR-T cell therapy being evaluated in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (r/r MM) in the CaMMouflage Phase 1 trial. To Caribou’s knowledge, CB-011 is the first allogeneic CAR-T cell therapy in the clinic that is engineered to enable activity through an immune cloaking strategy with a B2M knockout and insertion of a B2M–HLA-E fusion protein to blunt immune-mediated rejection. CB-011 has been granted Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations by the FDA. Additional information on the CaMMouflage trial (NCT05722418) can be found at clinicaltrials.gov.

On May 8, 2025 Nektar Therapeutics (Nasdaq: NKTR) reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 (Press release, Nektar Therapeutics, MAY 8, 2025, View Source [SID1234652753]).

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Cash and investments in marketable securities on March 31, 2025 were $220.7 million as compared to $269.1 million on December 31, 2024. Nektar’s cash and marketable securities are expected to support strategic development activities and operations into the fourth quarter of 2026.

"We are on track to report topline data in June from the Phase 2 study of rezpegaldesleukin in atopic dermatitis," said Howard W. Robin, President and CEO of Nektar. "These data will be followed by the topline data from the Phase 2 study of rezpegaldesleukin in patients with alopecia areata in December of this year. The results of both randomized studies will demonstrate the potential of rezpegaldesleukin to provide a new treatment paradigm for patients with these serious dermatological diseases. As a first-in-class T regulatory cell biologic, rezpegaldesleukin is poised to emerge as an important novel mechanism to treat millions of patients with chronic autoimmune disorders."

"We are also on track to complete our IND-enabling work for NKTR-0165, our unique antibody targeting the TNFR2 receptor, that has the potential to be developed as a treatment for multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis and vitiligo," continued Robin. "We are targeting the submission of the IND for NKTR-0165 at the end of this year. Additionally, we are making significant progress on our new bispecific antibody, NKTR-0166. This antibody incorporates a TNFR2 epitope with a validated antibody target and is advancing into preclinical studies."

Summary of Financial Results

Revenue in the first quarter of 2025 was $10.5 million as compared to $21.6 million in the first quarter of 2024. Revenue has decreased year over year because we no longer recognize product sales due to the sale of the Huntsville manufacturing facility in December 2024.

Total operating costs and expenses in the first quarter of 2025 were $55.0 million as compared to $57.1 million in the first quarter of 2024. Operating costs and expenses for the first quarter of 2025 decreased as compared to 2024 due to the elimination of cost of goods sold following the sale of the Huntsville manufacturing facility, partially offset by increases in R&D and G&A expenses.

R&D expense in the first quarter of 2025 was $30.5 million as compared to $27.4 million for the first quarter of 2024. R&D expense increased primarily due to an increase in expense for the development of rezpegaldesleukin, partially offset by a decrease in expense for the development of NKTR-255.

G&A expense was $24.3 million in the first quarter of 2025 and $20.1 million in the first quarter of 2024. G&A expense increased due to an increase in legal expenses, partially offset by decreases in facilities and stock-based compensation expenses.

In the first quarter of 2025, we began accounting for our investment in the new portfolio company, Gannet BioChem, under the equity method of accounting which calculates our gain or loss based on the change in our share of Gannet BioChem’s equity each quarter. This resulted in a $4.5 million non-cash loss from the equity method investment.

Net loss for the first quarter of 2025 was $50.9 million or $0.24 basic and diluted loss per share as compared to a net loss of $36.8 million or $0.19 basic and diluted loss per share in the first quarter of 2024. Excluding the $4.5 million non-cash loss from our equity method investment in Gannet BioChem, net loss, on a non-GAAP basis, for the first quarter of 2025 was $46.4 million or $0.22 basic and diluted loss per share.

Recent Business Highlights

● In April 2025, the European Hematological Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) selected the abstract submitted by Nektar collaborators at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center entitled "Enhanced CAR T-cell Expansion and Durable Complete Responses with NKTR-255 Plus Lisocabtagene Maraleucel in Relapsed/Refractory Large B-cell Lymphoma" for oral presentation at the 30th annual EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) Congress, being held in Milan, Italy from June 12-15, 2025.

● In February 2025, Nektar announced completion of target enrollment in the REZOLVE-AA 84-patient Phase 2b clinical trial of rezpegaldesleukin in severe-to-very severe alopecia areata.

● In February 2025, Nektar announced a new clinical trial agreement with TrialNet, an international clinical trial network at the forefront of diabetes research, to evaluate rezpegaldesleukin in a Phase 2 study of approximately 70 patients with new onset type 1 diabetes mellitus.

● In February 2025, the FDA granted Fast Track designation for rezpegaldesleukin for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not advisable.

● In January 2025, Nektar announced completion of target enrollment in the REZOLVE-AD 396-patient Phase 2b clinical trial of rezpegaldesleukin in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

Conference Call to Discuss First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

Nektar management will host a conference call to review the results beginning at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time/2:00 p.m. Pacific Time on May 8, 2025.

This press release and live audio-only webcast of the conference call can be accessed through a link that is posted on the Home Page and Investors section of the Nektar website: View Source The web broadcast of the conference call will be available for replay through June 8, 2025.

To access the conference call, please pre-register at Nektar Earnings Call Registration. All registrants will receive dial-in information and a PIN allowing them to access the live call.

On May 8, 2025 Zai Lab Limited (NASDAQ: ZLAB; HKEX: 9688) reported financial results for the first quarter of 2025, along with recent product highlights and corporate updates (Press release, Zai Laboratory, MAY 8, 2025, View Source [SID1234652774]).

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"In the first quarter, we continued to advance both our global pipeline and commercial business," said Dr. Samantha Du, Founder, Chairperson, and CEO of Zai Lab. "We are rapidly expanding our global portfolio, having recently presented promising data for two next-generation oncology therapies at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper), and we look forward to presenting updated results for ZL-1310 (DLL3 ADC) at the 2025 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting. We remain on track to initiate a pivotal study for ZL-1310 in SCLC this year, with the goal of securing FDA approval in 2027. In parallel, we are also exploring opportunities in first-line SCLC and other neuroendocrine tumors to unlock the full potential of this important global asset. On the commercial front, we continued to expand patient access for key products and are leveraging our existing infrastructure to support upcoming launches and our next wave of blockbuster opportunities. With a strong foundation in place, we are well positioned to drive growth and profitability, and to further our mission of becoming a leading global biopharmaceutical company."

"2025 marks a transformational year for Zai Lab, and we are executing against the key objectives we set at the start of the year," said Josh Smiley, President and COO of Zai Lab. "Following a seasonal slowdown of VYVGART early in the year, we saw patient volumes rebound in March and April, and we anticipate a return to strong sequential growth throughout the rest of the year. Looking ahead, our late-stage pipeline, including bemarituzumab and KarXT, is expected to fuel the next wave of topline growth alongside VYVGART. At the same time, we continue to strengthen our financial position, achieving a 20% year-over-year reduction in operating loss and a 25% year-over-year reduction in adjusted operating loss1, keeping us on track to achieve profitability1 in the fourth quarter of 2025. With a strong cash position,2 a growing commercial business, and an expanding global portfolio, Zai Lab is poised to capitalize on multiple upcoming catalysts and drive long-term shareholder value."

First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

•Product revenue, net was $105.7 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $87.1 million for the same period in 2024, representing 21% y-o-y growth, 23% y-o-y growth at constant exchange rate (CER). This increase was primarily driven by increased sales for VYVGART, ZEJULA, and NUZYRA.

–VYVGART and VYVGART Hytrulo were $18.1 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $13.2 million for the same period in 2024. Although quarter over quarter growth was impacted by seasonality, sales grew year over year driven by increasing market coverage and penetration since VYVGART’s launch in September 2023 and listing on China’s National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) for the treatment of generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG) effective January 1, 2024.

–ZEJULA was $49.5 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $45.5 million for the same period in 2024. ZEJULA sales remained strong as it continued to be the leading PARP inhibitor in hospital sales for ovarian cancer in mainland China.

–NUZYRA was $15.1 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $9.9 million for the same period in 2024. This growth was supported by increasing market coverage and penetration.

•Research and Development (R&D) expenses were $60.7 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $54.6 million for the same period in 2024. This increase was primarily due to upfront fees totaling $20.0 million for our license and collaboration agreements. Other R&D expenses decreased as a result of resource prioritization and efficiency efforts.

•Selling, General and Administrative expenses were $63.4 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $69.2 million for the same period in 2024. This decrease was primarily driven by decreased personnel costs as a result of resource prioritization and efficiency efforts.

•Loss from operations was $56.3 million in the first quarter of 2025, $37.1 million when adjusted to exclude non-cash expenses including depreciation, amortization, and share-based compensation. A reconciliation of loss from operations (GAAP) to adjusted loss from operations (non-GAAP) is included at the end of this release.

•Net loss was $48.4 million in the first quarter of 2025, or a loss per ordinary share attributable to common stockholders of $0.04 (or loss per American Deposit Share (ADS) of $0.45), compared to a net loss of $53.5 million for the same period in 2024, or a loss per ordinary share of $0.05 (or loss per ADS of $0.55). These decreases in net loss were primarily due to product revenue growing faster than net operating expenses.

•Cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, and current restricted cash totaled $857.3 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $879.7 million as of December 31, 2024.

Recent Pipeline Highlights

Below are key product updates since our last earnings release:

Oncology Pipeline

•ZL-1310 (DLL3 ADC):

–Second-Line+ Extensive-Stage SCLC (ES-SCLC): In April 2025, Zai Lab announced that updated data from an ongoing, global Phase 1a/1b clinical trial of ZL-1310 for the treatment of ES-SCLC, will be presented during a poster session at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting. The updated results will include additional patients and follow-up from the ongoing trial.

–Other neuroendocrine tumors: In April 2025, Zai Lab initiated a global Phase 1/2 study in patients with selected solid tumors, exploring its therapeutic potential beyond ES-SCLC.

•Tisotumab Vedotin (TIVDAK, Tissue Factor ADC): In March 2025, China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) accepted the Biologics License Application (BLA) for TIVDAK for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with disease progression on or after systemic therapy. Zai Lab will leverage its commercial footprint of ZEJULA in women’s cancer to accelerate patient access to this therapy in China if approved.

•Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields): In April 2025, Zai Lab partner Novocure announced that the additional results from the Phase 3 PANOVA-3 trial for pancreatic cancer will be presented as a late-breaking oral presentation at the 2025 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting. Zai Lab participated in the study in Greater China (mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, collectively) and plans to file for regulatory approval in China in 2025.

•Repotrectinib (ROS1/TRK): In April 2025, China’s NMPA accepted the supplemental New Drug Application for repotrectinib for patients with NTRK-positive solid tumors. Repotrectinib has the potential to become a next-generation TKI that can be used across a broad range of NTRK fusion-positive solid tumors for both TKI-naïve and TKI-pretreated patients.

•ZL-6201 (LRRC15 ADC): In April 2025, Zai Lab presented new data at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2025. The findings demonstrate that ZL-6201 efficiently internalizes within and kills tumor cells, while also exhibiting a strong bystander killing effect in the tumor microenvironment where the target is often expressed. Based on these findings, Zai Lab plans to initiate Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies of ZL-6201 as a potential treatment for patients with sarcoma and other LRRC15-positive solid tumors, such as breast cancer and other malignancies, in 2025.

•ZL-1222 (PD-1/IL-12): In April 2025, Zai Lab presented data at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2025, marking the first public disclosure of this global asset. Findings from preclinical studies demonstrate its potent anti-tumor activity in both anti-PD-1 sensitive and resistant tumor models, with improved systemic safety. These results indicate its potential to benefit patients who are unresponsive or resistant to the current immuno-oncology therapies.

Immunology Pipeline

•Efgartigimod (FcRn): In April 2025, Zai Lab partner argenx announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved VYVGART Hytrulo prefilled syringe (PFS) for self-injection in gMG and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). It is the third administration option providing additional flexibility and convenience for patients. Zai Lab plans to submit the Chemical Manufacturing and Control (CMC) variation for PFS for these indications in China in 2025.

•ZL-1102 (IL-17 Humabody): Zai Lab has decided to discontinue the global Phase 2 clinical trial of ZL-1102 following a comprehensive review of the data from interim analysis from the first 40 enrolled participants and the subsequent recommendation of the independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board.

•Povetacicept (APRIL/BAFF): Zai Lab partner Vertex has completed enrollment of the interim analysis cohort in the global Phase 3 RAINIER study of povetacicept in IgA nephropathy. Zai Lab participated in the study in Greater China.

Anticipated Major Milestones in 2025

Upcoming Potential NMPA Submissions

•Bemarituzumab (FGFR2b): BLA submission in first-line gastric cancer.

•Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields): Marketing Authorization Application submissions in first-line pancreatic cancer.

•Efgartigimod (FcRn): submission for the CMC variation for PFS in gMG and CIDP.

Expected Clinical Developments and Data Readouts

Global Pipeline

ZL-1310 (DLL3 ADC)

•Second-Line+ ES-SCLC: Zai Lab to present updated data at the 2025 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting on June 2, 2025. Zai Lab plans to initiate a pivotal study in the second half of 2025.

•First-Line ES-SCLC: Zai Lab to provide a data readout for dose escalation of ZL-1310 doublet in combination with atezolizumab.

ZL-1503 (IL-13/IL-31R)

•Zai Lab to provide a preclinical data update and advance into a global Phase 1 study in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

ZL-6201 (LRRC15 ADC)

•Zai Lab to advance into global Phase 1 development for patients with sarcoma and potentially other LRRC15-positive solid tumors, such as breast cancer and other malignancies.

Regional Pipeline

Bemarituzumab (FGFR2b)

•Zai Lab partner Amgen to provide data readout from the Phase 3 FORTITUDE-101 study of bemarituzumab combined with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone in first-line gastric cancer in the second quarter of 2025. Zai Lab participated in the study in Greater China.

•Zai Lab partner Amgen to provide data readout from the Phase 3 FORTITUDE-102 study of bemarituzumab plus chemotherapy and nivolumab versus chemotherapy and nivolumab in first-line gastric cancer in the second half of 2025. Zai Lab participated in the study in Greater China.

Xanomeline-Trospium (or KarXT) (M1/M4-agonist)

•Zai Lab partner Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) to provide data readout from the Phase 3 ADEPT-2 study of KarXT in Alzheimer’s Disease Psychosis in the second half of 2025. Zai Lab participated in the study in Greater China.

Efgartigimod (FcRn)

•Seronegative gMG: Zai Lab partner argenx to provide topline results from the Phase 3 ADAPT-SERON study in seronegative gMG. Zai Lab participated in the study in Greater China.

•Lupus Nephritis (LN): Zai Lab to provide topline results from the Phase 2 study in LN.

Povetacicept (APRIL/BAFF)

•Primary Membranous Nephropathy (pMN): Zai Lab plans to partner with Vertex to execute the global pivotal Phase 2/3 study of povetacicept in pMN in Greater China.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

Zai Lab will host a live conference call and webcast today, May 8, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. ET (8:00 p.m. HKT). Listeners may access the live webcast by visiting the Company’s website at View Source Participants must register in advance of the conference call.

Details of registration links are as follows:

•For webcast: View Source

•For dial-in: View Source

All participants must use the link provided above to complete the online registration process in advance of the conference call. Dial-in details will be in the confirmation email which the participant will receive upon registering.

A replay will be available shortly after the call and can be accessed by visiting the Company’s website.