Andy Hsieh

Andy Hsieh asked about Lantheus' product-specific and commercial infrastructure differentiations that can be leveraged to gain an advantage when launching new products like PNT2003 and competing in markets with incumbents like Pluvicto, similar to Neuraceq.

Answer

Mary Anne Heino (Executive Chairperson and Interim CEO) clarified that Neuraceq is already a well-established product. Regarding new launches, she highlighted that Lantheus' new PSMA PET formulation will have transitional pass-through status and reimbursement, which is a key advantage, especially given the predominantly hospital-based market. She also noted MK-6240's established role as the number one tracer used in numerous pharma-sponsored clinical trials for tau and amyloid-based Alzheimer's disease.

Andy Hsieh asked about Lantheus's product-specific and commercial infrastructure differentiations that could provide an upper hand when launching PNT2003 and MK-6240 into markets with existing incumbents, similar to Neuraceq.

Answer

Mary Anne Heino (Executive Chairperson and Interim CEO, Lantheus) clarified that Neuraceq is already the second most utilized product. For PNT2003 (a therapeutic), she highlighted its anticipated transitional pass-through (TPT) status and reimbursement as a key advantage, especially given that the Pluvicto market is approximately 80% hospital-based, where TPT is highly relevant for traditional Medicare patients. For MK-6240 (a tau diagnostic), Ms. Heino noted its established role through their biomarker solutions business as the number one tracer used in numerous pharma-sponsored clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease.

Andy Hsieh inquired about Telix's recent collaboration with Atley and Stanford on astatine-211, seeking to understand how this alpha emitter fits into the company's broader product portfolio alongside actinium-225 and lead-212.

Answer

Christian Behrenbruch, CEO and Managing Director of Telix Pharmaceuticals, explained that alpha emitters hold value, with actinium being the most clinically advanced. He noted astatine's potential for applications requiring blood-brain barrier crossing (e.g., CNS setting) and mentioned preclinical programs for lead-212, indicating a modest R&D investment in understanding future alpha landscape.

Andy Hsieh inquired about Telix's recent collaboration with Atley and Stanford focusing on astatine-211, and how this isotope fits into the company's product portfolio alongside other alpha emitters like actinium-225 and lead generators.

Answer

CEO Christian Behrenbruch explained that while beta emitters are current workhorses, alpha emitters are being explored. Astatine is primarily considered for CNS applications where radiohalogens may be more practical for crossing the blood-brain barrier, complementing preclinical lead-212 programs. A modest proportion of R&D is allocated to understanding the future landscape of alpha emitters.

Andy Hsieh asked about Viking's definition of success for the VK2735 maintenance study, particularly in light of other trials showing weight regain. He also explored the feasibility of incorporating a subcutaneous arm into the oral Phase 3 trial to facilitate a transition to oral maintenance dosing.

Answer

Brian Lian, President and CEO, described success for the maintenance study as continued weight loss or, at minimum, stable weight preventing regain, attributing confidence to VK2735's extended half-life. He indicated that the maintenance study results would guide potential novel dosing regimens within the extension phases of the VANQUISH studies, but did not confirm a sub-Q arm for the oral Phase 3.

Andy Hsieh asked about Viking's definition of success for the maintenance study, particularly in light of competitor data showing weight regain. He also explored the possibility of incorporating a subcutaneous arm into the oral Phase III trial to transition patients to oral for long-term maintenance.

Answer

Viking Therapeutics' President and CEO, Brian Lian, outlined three scenarios for maintenance study success: continued weight loss, stable weight preventing regain (base case), or rebound (least desirable). He noted the extended half-life of VK2735 should provide good receptor coverage. Regarding the oral Phase III, he suggested that if the maintenance study yields intriguing data, Viking might introduce less frequent dosing regimens into the VANQUISH studies' extension windows.