Oryzon Genomics — FDA green light for SCLC combination trial

Oryzon Genomics (BME: ORY)

Last close As at 11/10/2024

EUR1.76

−0.01 (−0.79%)

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EUR114m

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Research: Healthcare

Oryzon Genomics — FDA green light for SCLC combination trial

With the FDA investigational new drug (IND) application clearance, Oryzon can commence its Phase I/II cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) trial sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI; part of the National Institutes of Health) with Dr Noura Choudhury from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) as the principal investigator. This trial will evaluate iadademstat in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for the treatment of first-line extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). This is a key development for Oryzon as interim results from this study will influence the design of the company-sponsored Phase Ib/II STELLAR trial. The IND application for this is likely to be filed by end-2024 (trial commencing in 2025). ICIs atezolizumab and durvalumab are currently approved as first-line treatments in SCLC and Oryzon expects a combination with iadademstat to enhance immune activity in patients, increasing therapeutic efficacy. The CRADA-MSKCC trial will enrol 40–50 patients, with updates expected through 2024.

Soo Romanoff

Written by

Soo Romanoff

Managing Director - Head of Content, Healthcare

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Healthcare

Oryzon Genomics

FDA green light for SCLC combination trial

Regulatory update

Pharma and biotech

9 April 2024

Price

€2.08

Market cap

€129m

Net debt* (€m) at end-December 2023
*Excluding post-period debt-to-equity conversion

6.3

Shares in issue

62.0m

Free float

82%

Code

ORY

Primary exchange

Madrid Stock Exchange

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

Business description

Oryzon Genomics is a Spanish biotech focused on epigenetics. Iadademstat is being explored for acute leukaemia, small-cell lung cancer and neuroendocrine tumours. Vafidemstat, its central nervous system asset, has completed several Phase IIa trials and a Phase IIb trial in borderline personality disorder (now the lead programme), and is in a Phase IIb trial in schizophrenia.

Analysts

Soo Romanoff

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Jyoti Prakash, CFA

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Oryzon Genomics is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

With the FDA investigational new drug (IND) application clearance, Oryzon can commence its Phase I/II cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) trial sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI; part of the National Institutes of Health) with Dr Noura Choudhury from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) as the principal investigator. This trial will evaluate iadademstat in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for the treatment of first-line extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). This is a key development for Oryzon as interim results from this study will influence the design of the company-sponsored Phase Ib/II STELLAR trial. The IND application for this is likely to be filed by end-2024 (trial commencing in 2025). ICIs atezolizumab and durvalumab are currently approved as first-line treatments in SCLC and Oryzon expects a combination with iadademstat to enhance immune activity in patients, increasing therapeutic efficacy. The CRADA-MSKCC trial will enrol 40–50 patients, with updates expected through 2024.

Year
end

Revenue (€m)

PBT*
(€m)

EPS*
(€)

DPS
(€)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/22

15.7

(6.3)

(0.07)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/23

14.2

(6.0)

(0.06)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/24e

12.9

(4.2)

(0.03)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/25e

33.7

15.5

0.29

0.0

7.2

N/A

Note: *PBT and EPS are normalised, excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles, exceptional items and share-based payments.

Iadademstat is a small molecule, selective inhibitor of the enzyme LSD1, widely recognised as an important epigenetic target in cancer treatment. The Phase I/II CRADA trial (45–50 patients) sponsored by the NCI will include a Phase I dose-finding portion, followed by a Phase II randomised study. As previously communicated, interim data from this study will be used as an indicator to inform the design of the subsequent Phase Ib/II STELLAR trial. We believe that this strategy de-risks Oryzon’s pipeline development plans, a key consideration given the tight market environment and an already busy pipeline with more advanced stage programmes ongoing.

SCLC is a particularly aggressive form of neuroendocrine cancer, accounting for c 15% of all diagnosed lung cancer cases (annual incidence of c 200,000 cases worldwide). Nearly 70% of the patients are diagnosed with advanced/extensive disease. The five-year survival rate is below 7%, highlighting the need for novel, more effective treatments, in our view. While the approval of ICIs (atezolizumab and durvalumab, approved in 2019 and 2020, respectively) has improved outcomes for SCLC patients, efficacy has been modest (improvement in median overall survival of two to three months) over the standard etoposide-cisplatin chemotherapy treatment. Management plans to evaluate the combination of iadademstat with ICIs, aiming to demonstrate increased utility and benefit.

We expect interim data from the CRADA-MSKCC trial in 2024, supporting the IND application for the STELLAR trial, which we estimate will commence in 2025 (should data from this first study be positive). Based on our forecasts, we estimate Oryzon to be funded into 2025.

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Oryzon Genomics and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Oryzon Genomics. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

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Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

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This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

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Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Oryzon Genomics and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Oryzon Genomics. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2024 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

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