Chris Bialas

Chris Bialas, on behalf of Doug Tsao from H.C. Wainwright & Co., asked for more details about the observations in the beta-thalassemia trial that led to the decision to discontinue its development.

Answer

President and CEO Dinesh Patel explained that the company's strategy was to pursue multiple proof-of-concept studies and select a 'winner,' which is now clearly polycythemia vera. He noted that the beta-thalassemia data is currently under embargo but will be presented at an upcoming medical conference. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Samuel Saks emphasized that the decision was driven by the outstandingly positive PV data, not by negative findings in the beta-thalassemia trial, stating, 'we were really reacting to the positive here.'

Chris Bialas, on behalf of Doug Tsao from H.C. Wainwright & Co., asked for more details regarding the clinical observations in the beta-thalassemia trial that led to the decision to discontinue its development.

Answer

President and CEO Dinesh Patel explained that the company's strategy was to identify a 'winner' from its multiple proof-of-concept studies, and polycythemia vera emerged as the clear lead indication. He noted that beta-thalassemia data is under embargo but will be presented at a future medical conference. Chief Medical Officer Samuel Saks reinforced this, stating the decision was a proactive response to the 'outstanding' and compelling data from the PV trial, rather than a reaction to negative results from the beta-thalassemia study.