Gobind Singh's questions to Protagonist Therapeutics (PTGX) leadership • Q1 2020
Question
Gobind Singh of BMO Capital Markets inquired about the potential for twice-weekly dosing of PTG-300 in PV, asked for comments on data from the discontinued beta-thalassemia and MDS indications, questioned the trend in PV-specific symptom scores, and asked about the protocol for using concomitant therapies like hydroxyurea or Jakafi.
Answer
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Samuel Saks stated that once-weekly dosing appears adequate for PV, a sentiment echoed by President and CEO Dinesh Patel, who noted the lower iron burden in PV compared to beta-thalassemia. Dr. Ronald Hoffman explained that PTG-300 has been used with a fixed dose of hydroxyurea to eliminate phlebotomies. Regarding symptom scores, CFO Don Kalkofen and Dr. Hoffman stated it was too early for formal data, though Dr. Hoffman shared an anecdote of a patient's pruritus being eliminated. Management noted the MDS study was discontinued to focus on the strong PV data.