Cha Cha Yang

Cha Cha Yang from Jefferies requested updates on studies to understand the mechanism of injection site reactions (ISRs) and the strategies being developed to mitigate them for commercialization.

Answer

Chief Research & Development Officer Jonathan Zalevsky reported that studies using skin organoids confirm ISRs are a known IL-2 effect, and Nektar is identifying specific pathways for targeted mitigation. He also noted that the commercial launch will feature a prefilled syringe or auto-injector, which will standardize administration and is expected to reduce ISRs. CEO Howard Robin emphasized that ISRs are not a commercial barrier, citing low trial dropout rates and their mild, self-resolving nature, which he contrasted with more concerning side effects of competing drugs.

Cha Cha Yang, on behalf of Roger Sange, asked about patient adherence and persistence with BRIUMVI's biannual infusion schedule and also requested specific financial guidance for the third quarter.

Answer

Chief Commercial Officer Adam Waldman clarified that the company does not provide specific quarterly guidance, but reiterated the full-year guidance and the expected growth trend from Q3 to Q4. Regarding adherence, he stated that patient persistence at week 24 and preliminary data at week 48 remain strong and are tracking above internal expectations and published data for other CD20 therapies.