Chris Raymond's questions to Biohaven (BHVN) leadership • Q4 2021
Question
Chris Raymond of Piper Sandler asked for the rationale behind pursuing the anti-myostatin asset in SMA given its prior failure in DMD and inquired about the Phase 3 design. He also asked if the Kv7 asset is still being targeted for epileptic encephalopathy and questioned the company's philosophical reason for not providing financial guidance.
Answer
CEO Vlad Coric and President and GM of Biohaven Ireland Cliff Bechtold clarified that while the myostatin asset failed as a monotherapy in DMD, it established a strong pediatric safety profile, and recent competitor data provides clinical proof-of-concept in SMA as a combination therapy. President of Biohaven Labs Michael Bozik confirmed they will pursue adult focal epilepsy and are committed to exploring pediatric epilepsy, including KCNQ2. CFO Matthew Buten stated the company will be more comfortable guiding next year due to current variables like the Pfizer EU launch and competitive dynamics.