Actinogen Medical — Publication of XanADu biomarker analysis

Actinogen Medical (ASX: ACW)

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Research: Healthcare

Actinogen Medical — Publication of XanADu biomarker analysis

Actinogen Medical announced that the prespecified biomarker subset analyses on stored plasma samples (n=72) from its previous Phase IIa XanADu study (n=185) in patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (JAD). As reported in Q422, patients with elevated baseline phosphorylated Tau-181 (pTau-181) protein (at least 6.74pg/mL), representing 34 patients (16 on Xanamem 10mg daily, 18 on placebo), showed a 0.6 mean difference (effect size) on the CDR-SB scale at 12 weeks between the placebo and treatment arms, representing a 60% relative reduction in progression. This suggests that Xanamem’s potential cognitive or disease-slowing effects may be sensitively detected by the CDR-SB endpoint, which is one of the critical endpoints in the ongoing XanaMIA Phase IIb trial (planned n=220) enrolling participants with cognitive impairment (CI) in mild to moderate AD as confirmed through elevated baseline p-Tau181. Actinogen’s next milestone will be results, expected in early Q3 CY24, from its Phase IIa XanaCIDD study of Xanamem in patients with CI and major depressive disorder.

Written by

Pooya Hemami

Analyst - Healthcare

Healthcare

Actinogen Medical

Publication of XanADu biomarker analysis

Clinical data publication

Pharma and biotech

28 June 2024

Price

A$0.062

Market cap

A$166m

Net cash (A$m) at 31 March 2024 (not including A$8.9m capital raise in Q2 CY24)

6.3

Shares in issue

2,683m

Free float

90%

Code

ACW

Primary exchange

ASX

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

Business description

Actinogen Medical is an ASX-listed Australian biotech developing its lead asset Xanamem, a specific and selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitor designed to treat cognitive impairment (CI), which occurs in chronic neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. Currently, Actinogen is targeting CI in two indications: the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and major depressive disorder.

Analysts

Pooya Hemami OD
MBA CFA

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Soo Romanoff

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Actinogen Medical is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Actinogen Medical announced that the prespecified biomarker subset analyses on stored plasma samples (n=72) from its previous Phase IIa XanADu study (n=185) in patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (JAD). As reported in Q422, patients with elevated baseline phosphorylated Tau-181 (pTau-181) protein (at least 6.74pg/mL), representing 34 patients (16 on Xanamem 10mg daily, 18 on placebo), showed a 0.6 mean difference (effect size) on the CDR-SB scale at 12 weeks between the placebo and treatment arms, representing a 60% relative reduction in progression. This suggests that Xanamem’s potential cognitive or disease-slowing effects may be sensitively detected by the CDR-SB endpoint, which is one of the critical endpoints in the ongoing XanaMIA Phase IIb trial (planned n=220) enrolling participants with cognitive impairment (CI) in mild to moderate AD as confirmed through elevated baseline p-Tau181. Actinogen’s next milestone will be results, expected in early Q3 CY24, from its Phase IIa XanaCIDD study of Xanamem in patients with CI and major depressive disorder.

Year end

Revenue
(A$m)

PBT*
(A$m)

EPS*
(A$)

DPS
(A$)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

06/22

3.6

(7.9)

(0.005)

0.0

N/A

N/A

06/23

4.9

(8.9)

(0.005)

0.0

N/A

N/A

06/24e

7.9

(14.0)

(0.006)

0.0

N/A

N/A

06/25e

7.7

(13.7)

(0.005)

0.0

N/A

N/A

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

When top-line XanADu results were reported in 2019, blood-based AD biomarker analysis was not available and AD clinical diagnoses were not confirmed by any biomarkers. The JAD publication highlights biomarker data first reported in Q422 whereby XanADu participant plasma samples underwent study analysis in distinct patient subpopulations, and clinical activity and a relatively large effect size using the FDA-recognized CDR-SB scale was determined in biomarker-positive AD patients (who had elevated pTau-181 at baseline).

Newly reported data show that, as we would anticipate, among the biomarker analysis participants (n=72), patients with elevated pTau-181 had much more rapid progression over the 12-week period than patients with lower levels, in four key clinical AD-related endpoints: ADCOMS (p<0.001), CDR-SB (p<0.001), MMSE (p=0.12) and ADAS-Cog14 (p=0.19). Patients with low pTau-181 generally did not worsen during the 12-week trial. Actinogen believes this finding confirms that the original XanADu trial population had a high proportion of non-progressive patients, many of whom may have had an alternate condition instead of AD. The study authors suggest plasma pTau-181 may be suitable for identifying individuals with clinically diagnosed mild AD and who are more likely to progress.

We expect investors will be paying close attention to whether the XanaMIA Phase IIb study, which is prospectively enrolling patients with elevated pTau-181, will confirm the positive efficacy findings shown in the XanADu trial’s subset biomarker analysis. Interim results from the first c 100 patients are expected in mid-CY25.

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Actinogen Medical and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Actinogen Medical. 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.

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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

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Actinogen Medical and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Actinogen Medical. 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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