Chris Bialas's questions to Protagonist Therapeutics (PTGX) leadership • Q1 2020
Question
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.'