Voyager Therapeutics Inc. ((VYGR)) has held its Q4 earnings call. Read on for the main highlights of the call.
Voyager Therapeutics Inc. recently held an earnings call that conveyed a positive sentiment, highlighting significant advancements and a robust financial position. Despite encountering a setback in the SOD1 silencing program, the company showcased promising progress in tau-targeting therapies and potential substantial milestone payments from partnerships, indicating a bright future ahead.
Strong Cash Position and Potential Milestone Payments
Voyager Therapeutics reported a strong cash position with $332 million as of the end of 2024. The company also highlighted potential future milestone payments totaling $8.2 billion from partnerships, underscoring the importance of these collaborations as a source of non-dilutive revenue.
Advancements in Tau Silencing Program
The tau silencing gene therapy program, VY1706, has progressed into IND-enabling studies. The program demonstrated a significant 50% to 73% knockdown of tau messenger RNA in non-human primate studies, marking a critical step forward in their research efforts.
Positive Results for Anti-Tau Antibody VY7523
The anti-tau antibody, VY7523, showed promising results in a single ascending dose study, with no serious adverse events reported. The study revealed dose-proportional pharmacokinetics and a CSF to serum ratio of 0.3%, indicating the potential efficacy of this therapeutic approach.
Promising External Data Supporting Anti-Tau Strategies
External data from UCB’s bepranemab demonstrated an impact on tau accumulation, and further data from Merck and other companies are anticipated. These findings may bolster the potential of tau-targeted therapies, supporting Voyager’s strategic focus in this area.
Progress in Partnered Programs with Neurocrine
Voyager’s collaboration with Neurocrine is progressing positively, with two programs expected to enter the clinic or have an IND filed this year. This indicates a strong partnership and continued advancement in their joint efforts.
Setback in SOD1 Silencing Gene Therapy Program
The SOD1 silencing gene therapy program faced a setback as it moved back into the research stage. The payload did not meet the target profile, necessitating the identification of a new payload to move forward.
Challenges in Establishing Capsid Proof of Concept
Voyager is working to establish capsid proof of concept through upcoming programs with Neurocrine. This follows complications with the SOD1 program, highlighting the challenges in this area of research.
Forward-Looking Guidance
Voyager Therapeutics provided forward-looking guidance, emphasizing their strong cash position and potential milestone payments. The company aims to advance its tau silencing gene therapy, VY1706, targeting IND submission in 2026, with promising results from non-human primate studies. Additionally, they expect initial tau PET data from a multiple ascending dose study in Alzheimer’s patients in the second half of 2026. Voyager’s guidance extends their cash runway to mid-2027, reflecting a well-planned financial strategy.
In summary, Voyager Therapeutics’ earnings call highlighted a positive outlook with significant advancements in tau-targeting therapies and a robust financial position. Despite challenges in the SOD1 program, the company’s strategic partnerships and promising research outcomes suggest a bright future. Investors and stakeholders can look forward to continued progress and potential breakthroughs in the coming years.