Sign in

    Jason Zemansky

    Vice President and SMid-Cap Biotech Analyst at Bank of America

    Jason Zemansky is a Vice President and SMid-Cap Biotech Analyst at BofA Global Research, specializing in equity research for small and mid-cap biotechnology companies. He covers a portfolio of 24 stocks, including biopharmaceutical firms such as INSM, ESPR, and RCUS, with a performance record highlighted by a 224% return on his most profitable buy rating for INSM between August 2023 and August 2024 and maintaining success rates up to 67% on specific recommendations. Zemansky began his finance career in equity research at SVB Leerink, advanced to a vice president role at Barclays covering large-cap biotech and pharma, and joined Bank of America in his current capacity, bringing prior industry experience as a consultant at Arthur D. Little and IQVIA. He holds a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of California, Berkeley and an AB in Molecular Biology from Princeton University, underscoring a strong scientific and analytical background.

    Jason Zemansky's questions to Acumen Pharmaceuticals (ABOS) leadership

    Jason Zemansky's questions to Acumen Pharmaceuticals (ABOS) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Jason Zemansky asked for a comparison of Acumen's brain shuttling technology with Roche's trontinemab, questioning how to benchmark it and what Roche's observed plaque reduction implies for Acumen's oligomer-focused epitope.

    Answer

    President & Chief Development Officer Jim Doherty explained that while both technologies aim to enhance brain delivery, Acumen's key differentiator is its target: toxic synaptotoxic oligomers, which they believe is a more direct mechanism for patient benefit. He noted the complex biology linking oligomers and plaques. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Eric Siemers added that Roche's program is in Phase 1, whereas Acumen's Phase 2 ALPITUDE AD study is set for a topline readout in late 2026.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Jason Zemansky's questions to Acumen Pharmaceuticals (ABOS) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Jason Zemansky asked about Acumen's interest in pursuing preclinical Alzheimer's trials, especially given the positive subcutaneous formulation data, and inquired about the possibility of integrating the subcutaneous formulation into the ongoing ALTITUDE-AD study.

    Answer

    CEO Daniel O'Connell stated that while the company is aware of the potential for preclinical studies, the immediate focus is on executing the ALTITUDE-AD trial. Dr. James Doherty, President and Chief Development Officer, added that the team is currently evaluating the most efficient way to incorporate the subcutaneous formulation into the broader sabirnetug program and will provide updates later.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Jason Zemansky's questions to Kura Oncology (KURA) leadership

    Jason Zemansky's questions to Kura Oncology (KURA) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Jason Zemansky asked about the commercial dynamics in relapsed/refractory NPM1-mutant AML, specifically how Kura will address a competitor's first-to-market advantage, and what the company expects regarding the evolution of NCCN guidelines for the Menin inhibitor class.

    Answer

    CEO Dr. Troy Wilson and CCO Brian Powl emphasized Kura's two-year preparation and confidence in Zifdomenib's profile to compete effectively upon launch. Regarding guidelines, Mr. Powl and CMO Dr. Mollie Leoni stated they will submit for inclusion promptly after approval and expect specific drugs to be named, rather than just the class, due to distinct data packages.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Jason Zemansky's questions to Kura Oncology (KURA) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Cameron Bozdog, on behalf of Jason Zemansky at Bank of America, asked what would be considered a successful outcome for the ziftomenib plus 7+3 chemotherapy combination data at EHA, particularly regarding response rates and MRD negativity, and what would build confidence for an accelerated approval pathway.

    Answer

    Executive Mollie Leoni responded that a 'win' would involve maintaining the backbone's high efficacy while augmenting it with improved durability and MRD negativity, rather than just a higher ORR. She suggested a 40% MRD negativity rate in bone marrow would be a good benchmark for the data.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Jason Zemansky's questions to Kura Oncology (KURA) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Jason Zemansky from Bank of America asked what would constitute encouraging data from the KOMET-007 study's 7+3 combination, particularly regarding MRD negativity. He also inquired about the strategy to address the 'other mutations' AML patient segment.

    Answer

    CMO Dr. Mollie Leoni stated that achieving an MRD negativity rate in the 50-60% range, an increase from the 40-45% standard, would be very encouraging. CEO Troy Wilson addressed the 'other mutations' by highlighting potential expansion into FLT3-mutant AML, possibly through a frontline combination study with quizartinib, funded by the Kyowa Kirin collaboration.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Jason Zemansky's questions to Kura Oncology (KURA) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Jason Zemansky of Bank of America asked about the benchmarks for a successful data update at ASH for ziftomenib combinations and inquired about the acceptable rate for differentiation syndrome (DS).

    Answer

    EVP of Clinical Development, Dr. Mollie Leoni, outlined that for relapsed/refractory patients, any improvement over the poor prognosis is significant, while for frontline adverse risk, the benchmark is a ~60% composite response rate. Regarding DS, she stated a manageable rate of 20% or less is tolerable. CEO Dr. Troy Wilson added that the full data set will show the DS rate dropping to single-digit percentages.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Jason Zemansky's questions to INSMED (INSM) leadership

    Jason Zemansky's questions to INSMED (INSM) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Jason Zemansky asked about the practical mechanics Insmed is using to capture patients for the brensocatib launch in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB), given it is a new indication without an established treatment market.

    Answer

    CEO William Lewis detailed a multi-pronged strategy, referencing the successful playbook from the ARIKAYCE launch. He highlighted the early deployment of the sales force for disease state awareness, detailed physician profiling to identify high-potential prescribers, and the 'Enlighten' patient support program designed to create a 'frictionless' experience. CFO Sara Bonstein added that the creation of the COPD Foundation's care center network is another tangible element to aid the patient journey.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Jason Zemansky's questions to INSMED (INSM) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Jason Zemansky inquired about the key levers and potential headwinds for achieving a 'frictionless launch' for Brensocatib, seeking to understand how patient interest will be converted into prescriptions.

    Answer

    CEO William Lewis stated the initial focus is on diagnosed patients with two or more exacerbations, with a parallel effort to encourage diagnosis in other symptomatic patients. He highlighted Insmed's strong reputation and commercial team. CFO Sara Bonstein added that the COPD Foundation's creation of specialized treatment sites is an encouraging factor for patient access.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Jason Zemansky's questions to INSMED (INSM) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Jason Zemansky inquired about the key levers for converting interested patients to therapy to achieve a 'frictionless launch' for Brensocatib and any potential headwinds.

    Answer

    CEO William Lewis explained the initial focus is on diagnosed bronchiectasis patients with two or more exacerbations, a group for which physicians are already prepared. He mentioned a secondary effort to encourage diagnosis in symptomatic patients who lack a CT scan. CFO Sara Bonstein added that the COPD Foundation's initiative to create specialized NTM and bronchiectasis treatment sites is an encouraging development for patient access.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Jason Zemansky's questions to INSMED (INSM) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Jason Zemansky asked about expectations for brensocatib's potential label, specifically regarding restrictions like exacerbation counts, and the potential for payer pushback.

    Answer

    CEO Will Lewis stated that while the company has an ambition for a broad label, their commercial forecast assumes payers will restrict access to patients with two or more exacerbations per year, consistent with the trial's entry criteria. The strategy to manage this is to use modest contracting to secure a frictionless process based on verbal physician attestation for both initial prescriptions and reauthorizations.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Jason Zemansky's questions to INSMED (INSM) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Jason Zemansky of Bank of America questioned the efficacy expectations for the BiRCh study in CRS, the potential translatability of results to other indications, and what criteria define an ideal future I&I condition for brensocatib.

    Answer

    CMO Martina Flammer stated the BiRCh study is powered to detect a clinically meaningful difference on the sinus symptom score, comparable to existing therapies. She noted both CRS and HS are driven by neutrophil inflammation. CEO Will Lewis expanded on this, explaining that success with brensocatib validates the broader DPP1 inhibition mechanism, for which Insmed is developing a library of second-generation candidates targeting diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and COPD.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Jason Zemansky's questions to INSMED (INSM) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Jason Zemansky questioned the efficacy expectations for the BiRCh study in CRS, its translatability to other indications, and what criteria define an ideal future indication for brensocatib.

    Answer

    CMO Martina Flammer stated the study is powered to detect a 1.34 to 1.55 point difference on the symptom score, which is in line with an approved therapy. CEO Will Lewis added that positive results in CRS and HS would further validate the DPP1 inhibition mechanism, supporting the development of a library of second-generation DPP1s for new indications like rheumatoid arthritis and COPD.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Jason Zemansky's questions to Travere Therapeutics (TVTX) leadership

    Jason Zemansky's questions to Travere Therapeutics (TVTX) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Jason Zemansky from Bank of America inquired about the current headwinds or bottlenecks in Filspari's uptake and whether there is a measurable difference in drug use between newer, healthier patient segments versus more advanced ones.

    Answer

    CCO Peter Heerma identified the main challenge as overcoming the historical inertia and creating an urgency to treat, which new market entrants and guidelines should help. He noted the upcoming REMS modification to quarterly monitoring is well-aligned with clinical practice for lower-proteinuria patients, representing a key opportunity as these patients are typically seen every three months.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Jason Zemansky's questions to Travere Therapeutics (TVTX) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Jason Zemansky of Bank of America inquired about the extent to which the nephrology community has adopted more aggressive treatment approaches based on draft KDIGO guidelines and the expected impact of their finalization.

    Answer

    CCO Peter Heerma and CMO Dr. Jula Inrig confirmed a significant impact is already occurring, with physicians conducting earlier biopsies and adopting more aggressive treatment targets. Heerma cited market research showing 75% of nephrologists now target lower proteinuria levels. They expect a continued 'trickling down' effect and cementing of this practice change upon final publication of the guidelines.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Jason Zemansky's questions to Travere Therapeutics (TVTX) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Jason Zemansky requested more detail on pre-launch activities for FSGS, particularly regarding the education on proteinuria as a key biomarker and whether awareness is a potential bottleneck in the broader community.

    Answer

    CMO Dr. Jula Inrig confirmed the educational focus on reinforcing proteinuria's role in kidney failure progression for all practitioners. CCO Peter Heerma added that with an over 80% prescriber overlap with IgAN, brand familiarity is already high. Pre-launch efforts are focused on mapping the FSGS patient journey, identifying intervention points, and building the specific health economic value story for payers.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Jason Zemansky's questions to Esperion Therapeutics (ESPR) leadership

    Jason Zemansky's questions to Esperion Therapeutics (ESPR) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Jason Zemansky from Bank of America Merrill Lynch asked about the path for bempedoic acid to reach blockbuster status, the timing of a major growth inflection, and how the company plans to navigate potential competition from new oral agents and pricing pressures.

    Answer

    President & CEO Sheldon Koenig asserted that a growth inflection is already underway, as shown in the presentation, and that growth in a large primary care market is steady rather than a sharp 'hockey stick.' He expressed confidence in reaching their goals through sustained double-digit growth across all metrics. He reiterated that future competitors are years away and lack the crucial outcomes data that Esperion already possesses, giving them a significant long-term advantage.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Jason Zemansky's questions to Esperion Therapeutics (ESPR) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Asked about prescriber awareness levels for bempedoic acid and whether the sales force size is optimal or could be increased.

    Answer

    Aided awareness is very high (95%), and the focus is on communicating efficacy and expanded insurance coverage. The company believes the sales force is currently sized appropriately for its goal of achieving profitability, but they continue to evaluate it. Consumer-directed marketing is also a key lever.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Jason Zemansky's questions to Syndax Pharmaceuticals (SNDX) leadership

    Jason Zemansky's questions to Syndax Pharmaceuticals (SNDX) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Jason Zemansky inquired about the company's assumptions for peak market penetration in the KMT-2A population and the expected competitive market split once Revuforge is approved for NPM1 AML.

    Answer

    CCO Steve Closter stated that they expect to reach 50% of the KMT-2A market this year with further upside, as Revuforge is the standard of care with no near-term competitors. CEO Michael Metzger added that for NPM1, they expect to 'dominate' and capture a 'significant percentage' of the market by leveraging their first-to-market advantage and best-in-class profile. He also stressed that duration of therapy is a key growth driver beyond new patient starts.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Jason Zemansky's questions to Syndax Pharmaceuticals (SNDX) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Jason Zemansky from Bank of America asked about the timing for getting Revuforj's NPM1 data included in NCCN Guidelines, specifically if it could happen by the May 19 meeting or if an ad hoc meeting was possible.

    Answer

    CEO Michael Metzger expressed optimism about making the May 19 NCCN meeting, following the recent acceptance of their manuscript for publication. He noted that if they miss the date, an ad hoc committee meeting is also a possibility, as has happened for other practice-changing medicines. He reiterated the expectation for inclusion in the near term, consistent with prior guidance for Q2.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Jason Zemansky's questions to Syndax Pharmaceuticals (SNDX) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Jason Zemansky of Bank of America inquired if the HOVON-led trial in unfit AML patients has a protocol design that could support an accelerated approval path and asked how Syndax is strategically prioritizing between the first-line fit versus unfit patient populations.

    Answer

    President and Head of R&D Dr. Neil Gallagher confirmed the company is positioned to utilize any opportunity for accelerated approval but would not discuss specifics of regulatory interactions. CEO Michael Metzger explained that the unfit population represents the highest unmet need, making the HOVON trial a top priority, but stressed that trials in the fit population will also be initiated in 2025.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Jason Zemansky's questions to Syndax Pharmaceuticals (SNDX) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Jason Zemansky of BofA Securities inquired about the potential for Breakthrough Therapy Designation for Revumenib in NPM1 and whether the 20% CR/CRh efficacy floor for approval still applies.

    Answer

    CEO Michael Metzger explained that Syndax did not apply for Breakthrough Therapy Designation because the Phase 1 dataset at the recommended dose had too few patients to meet the requirement. He reiterated that a CR/CRh rate of 20% or higher is the historical precedent for AML approvals and expressed confidence in the upcoming data.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Jason Zemansky's questions to CYTOKINETICS (CYTK) leadership

    Jason Zemansky's questions to CYTOKINETICS (CYTK) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Jason Zemansky of Bank of America asked why Cytokinetics didn't submit a REMS initially to avoid the risk of a delay, given its importance for the drug class.

    Answer

    Robert I. Blum, President and CEO, explained that it was a calculated risk based on a consensus view from internal and external regulatory experts. The team concluded that submitting without a REMS was a reasonable strategy to best position aficamten, while also having a contingency plan in place should the FDA request one, which ultimately occurred.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Jason Zemansky's questions to CYTOKINETICS (CYTK) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Jason Zemansky from BofA Securities asked about the strategy to expand aficamten into the first-line setting, the challenges of engaging community prescribers, and the dependency of this strategy on the final REMS program.

    Answer

    EVP & CCO Andrew Callos clarified that first-line use is not a near-term concern, as it would typically follow guideline updates. He noted that positive data from studies like MAPLE-HCM could motivate community physicians who are currently less engaged with CMIs. He described a typical linear launch curve for cardiovascular drugs, with high growth occurring after 2-4 years as prescribing expands beyond the initial ~500 specialists to thousands of cardiologists, a process that MAPLE could help accelerate.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Jason Zemansky's questions to BridgeBio Pharma (BBIO) leadership

    Jason Zemansky's questions to BridgeBio Pharma (BBIO) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Jason Zemansky from Bank of America asked for more detail on the contribution from switch patients to Attruby's growth, inquiring about the near-term dynamics and whether the company is working through a bolus of refractory patients.

    Answer

    VP of Strategic Finance Chinmay Shukla and CCO Matt Outten both confirmed that they did not see a patient bolus at launch. They reiterated that the primary focus is on the treatment-naive market, where they are seeing consistent monthly growth. While they initially captured 100% of the switch market, they expect that share to evolve with new competition, and they find it difficult to predict the long-term trend for switches.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Jason Zemansky's questions to Arcus Biosciences (RCUS) leadership

    Jason Zemansky's questions to Arcus Biosciences (RCUS) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Jason Zemansky of Bank of America questioned the decision to use only progression-free survival (PFS) as the primary endpoint for the PEAK-1 study and asked how Arcus intends to differentiate its combination from Merck's, considering a potential first-mover advantage.

    Answer

    CMO Dimitry Nuyten stated that PFS is the established registrational endpoint and outlined several differentiators for PEAK-1: using the physician-preferred TKI cabozantinib, the ability to enroll post-adjuvant patients for a broader label, and the emerging efficacy differentiation of casdatifan itself. He expressed confidence in achieving both a tolerability and efficacy edge.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Jason Zemansky's questions to Arcus Biosciences (RCUS) leadership • Q1 2024

    Question

    Jason Zemansky of Bank of America inquired about the adenosine pathway program. He asked if Arcus has "cracked the code" on which tumors are most likely to respond, given varied results, and what signals provide confidence in the mechanism for potential future indications.

    Answer

    CEO Terry Rosen explained that the "sweet spot" for the adenosine pathway appears to be less about the specific organ and more about the treatment biology, particularly when combined with immunogenic chemotherapy. He noted that in settings where chemo causes cell death and ATP release, adenosine is produced, suppressing T-cells. Mitigating this effect is the core hypothesis, which is being validated in pancreatic and colorectal cancer studies. President Juan Jaen added that tumors with high CD73 expression, common in the GI tract, are also a key factor.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI