Stoke Therapeutics Reports Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Provides Business Updates
– First patient dosed in the Phase 3 EMPEROR study of zorevunersen in patients with Dravet syndrome –
– New 3-year zorevunersen OLE data provide additional support for disease modification: continuing and durable reductions in seizures and improvements in cognition and behavior and generally well tolerated –
– Phase 1 study of STK-002 initiated in patients with Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy (ADOA), the most common inherited optic nerve disorder –
– As of
– Webcast and conference call for analysts and investors at
“This quarter was defined by strong execution that is driving momentum across our business,” said
Smith continued, “Beyond Dravet, we have initiated clinical development in a second disease area, advancing STK-002 into a Phase 1 study in patients with Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy. Without any treatments approved for ADOA, patients are at risk of progressive loss of sight caused primarily by insufficient OPA1 protein levels. Our pre-clinical data support the potential for STK-002 to restore naturally-occurring protein expression to maintain or improve vision in these patients. We look forward to continuing to expand our approach into new disease areas where we believe we can deliver first-in-class, disease modifying medicines for severe genetic diseases.”
Recent Program Highlights
-
Yesterday, the Company announced that thefirst patient has been dosed in the global Phase 3 EMPEROR study of zorevunersen for the treatment of Dravet syndrome. Sites have been initiated in the
U.S. ,UK ,Japan and are planned forEurope . - Today, the Company announced new positive findings from the long-term open-label extension (OLE) studies of zorevunersen in children and adolescents with Dravet syndrome. Substantial and durable reductions in convulsive seizure frequency on top of standard-of-care medicines were observed through three years of zorevunersen treatment. The data also demonstrate continued improvements in cognition and behavior during the 3-year OLE period beyond the initial 9 months of treatment in the Phase 1/2 studies.
- Today, the Company announced the Phase 1 study (OSPREY) of STK-002 in patients with Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy (ADOA) is now underway.
-
In July, the Company presented data at the
European Paediatric Neurology Society (EPNS) Congress from an analysis that evaluated the potential effects on cognition and behavior of a dosing regimen similar to the one now being evaluated in Phase 3. (For full details, see the press release).
Upcoming Anticipated Milestones
- The Company plans to present additional data from the zorevunersen clinical development program at upcoming medical congresses in 2025.
- Lead optimization is underway to identify a clinical candidate for the treatment of SYNGAP-1 in 2026. SYNGAP-1 is a severe and rare genetic neurodevelopmental disease.
Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results
-
As of
June 30, 2025 , the Company had$355.0 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, anticipated to fund operations to mid-2028. -
Revenue recognized for upfront license fees and services provided from the License and Collaboration Agreement with Acadia Pharmaceuticals for the three months ended
June 30, 2025 was$10.6 million , compared to$4.8 million , for the same period in 2024. -
Revenue recognized from the License and Collaboration Agreement with Biogen for the three months ended
June 30, 2025 was$3.2 million . There was no revenue for the same period in 2024. -
Net loss for the three months ended
June 30, 2025 was$23.5 million , or$0.40 per share, compared to a net loss of$25.7 million , or$0.46 per share for the same period in 2024. -
Research and development expenses for the three months ended
June 30, 2025 were$25.9 million , compared to$21.1 million for the same period in 2024. -
General and administrative expenses for the three months ended
June 30, 2025 were$15.3 million , compared to$13.0 million for the same period in 2024.
Year-to-Date 2025 Financial Results
-
Revenue recognized for upfront license fees and services provided from the License and Collaboration Agreement with Acadia Pharmaceuticals for the six months ended
June 30, 2025 was$16.8 million , compared to$9.0 million for the same period in 2024. -
Revenue recognized from the License and Collaboration Agreement with Biogen for the six months ended
June 30, 2025 was$155.6 million . There was no revenue for the same period in 2024. -
Net income for the six months ended
June 30, 2025 was$89.4 million , or$1.50 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of$52.1 million , or$1.02 per share, for the same period in 2024. -
Research and development expenses for the six months ended
June 30, 2025 were$58.5 million , compared to$43.5 million for the same period in 2024. -
General and administrative expenses for the six months ended
June 30, 2025 were$29.9 million , compared to$23.3 million for the same period in 2024. -
The increase in operating expenses for the three and six month periods ending
June 30, 2025 over the same periods in 2024 primarily relate to increases in costs associated with an increase in personnel and launch readiness expense.
Stoke Webcast and Conference Call for Analysts and Investors
Stoke management will host a webcast and conference call for analysts and investors on
About Dravet Syndrome
Dravet syndrome is a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) characterized by severe, recurrent seizures as well as significant cognitive and behavioral impairments. Most cases of Dravet are caused by mutations in one copy of the SCN1A gene, leading to insufficient levels of NaV1.1 protein in neuronal cells in the brain. More than 90 percent of patients continue to experience seizures despite treatment with the best available anti-seizure medicines. Complications of the disease often contribute to a poor quality of life for patients and their caregivers. Developmental and cognitive impairments often include intellectual disability, developmental delays, movement and balance issues, language and speech disturbances, growth defects, sleep abnormalities, disruptions of the autonomic nervous system and mood disorders. Compared with the general epilepsy population, people living with Dravet syndrome have a higher risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, or SUDEP. Dravet syndrome occurs globally and is not concentrated in a particular geographic area or ethnic group. Currently, it is estimated that up to 38,000 people are living with Dravet syndrome in the
About Zorevunersen
Zorevunersen is an investigational antisense oligonucleotide that is designed to treat the underlying cause of Dravet syndrome by increasing NaV1.1 protein production in brain cells from the non-mutated (wild-type) copy of the SCN1A gene. This highly differentiated mechanism of action aims to reduce seizure frequency beyond what has been achieved with anti-seizure medicines and to improve neurodevelopment, cognition, and behavior. Zorevunersen has demonstrated the potential for disease modification and has been granted orphan drug designation by the FDA and the EMA. The FDA has also granted zorevunersen rare pediatric disease designation and Breakthrough Therapy Designation for the treatment of Dravet syndrome with a confirmed mutation not associated with gain-of-function, in the SCN1A gene. Stoke has a strategic collaboration with Biogen to develop and commercialize zorevunersen for Dravet syndrome. Under the collaboration, Stoke retains exclusive rights for zorevunersen in
About Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy (ADOA)
Autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA) is the most common inherited optic nerve disorder. It is a rare disease that causes progressive and irreversible vision loss in both eyes starting in the first decade of life. Severity can vary and the rate of vision loss can be difficult to predict. Roughly half of people with ADOA fail driving standards and up to 46% are registered as legally blind. More than 400 different OPA1 mutations have been reported in people diagnosed with ADOA. ADOA affects approximately one in 30,000 people globally with a higher incidence in
About STK-002
STK-002 is a proprietary antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) in clinical development for the treatment of Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy (ADOA). ADOA causes progressive and irreversible vision loss in both eyes starting in the first decade of life. Stoke believes that STK-002 has the potential to be the first disease-modifying therapy for people living with ADOA. An estimated 65% to 90% of cases are caused by mutations in the OPA1 gene, most of which lead to a haploinsufficiency resulting in 50% OPA1 protein expression and disease manifestation. STK-002 is designed to upregulate OPA1 protein expression by leveraging the non-mutant (wild-type) copy of the OPA1 gene to restore OPA1 protein expression with the aim to maintain or improve vision in patients with ADOA. Stoke has generated preclinical data demonstrating proof-of-mechanism and proof-of-concept for STK-002. STK-002 has been granted orphan drug designation by the FDA as a potential new treatment for ADOA. A Phase 1 study (OSPREY) of STK-002 in patients with ADOA is now underway.
About
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to: the Company’s quarterly results and cash runway; its future operating results and current or future financial position and liquidity; the ability of zorevunersen to treat the underlying causes of Dravet syndrome and reduce seizures or show improvements in behavior and cognition at the indicated dosing levels or at all; the design, timing and results of clinical studies, data readouts, regulatory decisions and other presentations for zorevunersen and STK-002; the ability of STK-002 to treat the underlying causes of Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy (ADOA) and maintain or improve vision; our expectations, plans, aspirations and goals, including those related to the potential of zorevunersen and our collaborations with Biogen and Acadia. Statements including words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “plan,” “will,” or “may” and statements in the future tense are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions, which, if they prove incorrect or do not fully materialize, could cause the Company’s results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties related to: the Company’s ability to advance, obtain regulatory approval and ultimately commercialize its product candidates; that if Biogen were to breach or terminate the collaboration, the Company would not obtain the anticipated financial or other benefits; the possibility that the Company and Biogen may not be successful in their development of zorevunersen and that, even if successful, they may be unable to successfully commercialize zorevunersen; positive results in a clinical trial may not be replicated in subsequent trials or successes in early stage clinical trials may not be predictive of results in later stage trials; the Company’s ability to protect its intellectual property; the Company’s ability to fund development activities and achieve development goals through mid-2028; and the other risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
Reference:
- Based on Stoke Therapeutics’ preliminary estimates, which scaled annual incidence to prevalence using country-specific live birth rates over the past 85 years and adjusted for Dravet-specific mortality. The estimate is based on incidence rates published by Wu et al., Pediatrics, 2015.
Financial Tables Follow
|
||||||||
Consolidated balance sheets | ||||||||
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | ||||||||
|
|
|
||||||
|
2025 |
|
|
|
2024 |
|
||
Assets | ||||||||
Current assets: | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ |
101,472 |
|
$ |
127,983 |
|
||
Marketable securities - current |
|
146,236 |
|
|
88,916 |
|
||
Prepaid expenses |
|
13,694 |
|
|
11,117 |
|
||
Restricted cash - current |
|
75 |
|
|
75 |
|
||
Interest receivable |
|
1,622 |
|
|
700 |
|
||
Other current assets |
|
6,871 |
|
|
3,965 |
|
||
Total current assets |
$ |
269,970 |
|
$ |
232,756 |
|
||
Marketable securities - long-term |
|
107,256 |
|
|
29,824 |
|
||
Restricted cash - long-term |
|
721 |
|
|
721 |
|
||
Operating lease right-of-use assets |
|
3,218 |
|
|
4,345 |
|
||
Property and equipment, net |
|
3,343 |
|
|
3,909 |
|
||
Total assets |
$ |
384,508 |
|
$ |
271,555 |
|
||
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity | ||||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts payable |
$ |
4,313 |
|
$ |
2,498 |
|
||
Accrued and other current liabilities |
|
25,616 |
|
|
18,567 |
|
||
Deferred revenue - current portion |
|
8,749 |
|
|
18,991 |
|
||
Total current liabilities |
$ |
38,678 |
|
$ |
40,056 |
|
||
Deferred revenue - net of current portion |
|
9,632 |
|
|
— |
|
||
Other long term liabilities |
|
1,255 |
|
|
2,478 |
|
||
Total long term liabilities |
|
10,887 |
|
|
2,478 |
|
||
Total liabilities |
$ |
49,565 |
|
$ |
42,534 |
|
||
Stockholders’ equity | ||||||||
Common stock, par value of |
|
5 |
|
|
5 |
|
||
Additional paid-in capital |
|
736,276 |
|
|
719,997 |
|
||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
96 |
|
|
(151 |
) |
||
Accumulated deficit |
|
(401,434 |
) |
|
(490,830 |
) |
||
Total stockholders’ equity |
$ |
334,943 |
|
$ |
229,021 |
|
||
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity |
$ |
384,508 |
|
$ |
271,555 |
|
|
||||||||||||||
Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) | ||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended |
Six Months Ended |
|||||||||||||
|
2025 |
|
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
||
Revenue |
$ |
13,817 |
|
$ |
4,831 |
|
$ |
172,386 |
|
$ |
9,048 |
|
||
Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||
Research and development |
|
25,855 |
|
|
21,136 |
|
|
58,531 |
|
|
43,504 |
|
||
General and administrative |
|
15,262 |
|
|
13,037 |
|
|
29,915 |
|
|
23,258 |
|
||
Total operating expenses |
|
41,117 |
|
|
34,173 |
|
|
88,446 |
|
|
66,762 |
|
||
Income (loss) from operations |
|
(27,300 |
) |
|
(29,342 |
) |
|
83,940 |
|
|
(57,714 |
) |
||
Other income (expense): | ||||||||||||||
Interest income (expense), net |
|
3,789 |
|
|
3,695 |
|
|
6,678 |
|
|
6,121 |
|
||
Other income (expense), net |
|
28 |
|
|
(48 |
) |
|
57 |
|
|
(476 |
) |
||
Total other income (expense) |
|
3,817 |
|
|
3,647 |
|
|
6,735 |
|
|
5,645 |
|
||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
$ |
(23,483 |
) |
$ |
(25,695 |
) |
$ |
90,675 |
|
$ |
(52,069 |
) |
||
Provision for income taxes |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
1,278 |
|
|
— |
|
||
Net income (loss) |
$ |
(23,483 |
) |
$ |
(25,695 |
) |
$ |
89,397 |
|
$ |
(52,069 |
) |
||
Net income (loss) per share: | ||||||||||||||
Basic |
$ |
(0.40 |
) |
$ |
(0.46 |
) |
$ |
1.54 |
|
$ |
(1.02 |
) |
||
Diluted |
|
(0.40 |
) |
|
(0.46 |
) |
$ |
1.50 |
|
|
(1.02 |
) |
||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding: | ||||||||||||||
Basic |
|
58,353,855 |
|
|
55,765,948 |
|
$ |
58,109,622 |
|
|
51,288,222 |
|
||
Diluted |
|
58,353,855 |
|
|
55,765,948 |
|
$ |
59,681,472 |
|
|
51,288,222 |
|
||
Comprehensive income (loss): | ||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ |
(23,483 |
) |
$ |
(25,695 |
) |
$ |
89,397 |
|
$ |
(52,069 |
) |
||
Other comprehensive gain (loss): | ||||||||||||||
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities |
|
200 |
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
247 |
|
|
9 |
|
||
Total other comprehensive gain (loss) |
$ |
200 |
|
$ |
(15 |
) |
$ |
247 |
|
$ |
9 |
|
||
Comprehensive income (loss) |
$ |
(23,283 |
) |
$ |
(25,710 |
) |
$ |
89,644 |
|
$ |
(52,060 |
) |
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250812633697/en/
Stoke Media & Investor Contacts:
Chief Communications Officer
dkalmar@stoketherapeutics.com
781-303-8302
Director, Communications & Investor Relations
IR@stoketherapeutics.com
508-642-6485
Source: