Stoke Therapeutics Announces First Quarter 2026 Financial Results and Provides Business Updates
– New 4-year longitudinal data from the Phase 1/2a open-label extension (OLE) studies provide additional support for the disease-modifying potential of zorevunersen, an investigational medicine for the treatment of Dravet syndrome –
– Statistically significant improvements in cognition and behavior demonstrated at 1, 2, 3 and 4 years of treatment compared to OLE baseline, in addition to continued durability in seizure reductions –
– Zorevunersen generally well tolerated, with some patients treated for more than 5 years –
– Enrollment of approximately 150 patients into the Phase 3 EMPEROR study expected to complete in
– As of
– Webcast and conference call for analysts and investors at
The Company also announced an update on progress of the global Phase 3 EMPEROR study. Enrollment of approximately 150 patients in the
“These new 4-year OLE data suggest that zorevunersen may change the course of Dravet syndrome by providing children with durable reductions in seizures and the possibility of a more neurotypical development path. Together with the Phase 1/2a results, the ongoing extension studies offer 5 years of clinical data, providing a unique opportunity to understand the long-term benefits and safety of zorevunersen,” said
Program Highlights
Dravet syndrome (zorevunersen)
- New 4-year safety and efficacy data from OLE studies: Following treatment in the Phase 1/2a studies 93% (75/81) patients continued treatment in one of two OLE studies. As of the 4-year data cutoff, 77% (58/75) patients remained in these studies. The new 4-year data announced today showed that patients treated with zorevunersen on top of standard anti-seizure medicines continued to experience durable reductions in seizures and ongoing improvements in cognition and behavior. Zorevunersen continues to be generally well tolerated, with some patients treated for more than 5 years in the Phase 1/2a and ongoing OLE studies in which more than 850 doses have been administered. Elevated CSF protein lab values occurred in approximately 94% of patients of which 59% have been classified as a treatment-emergent adverse event. Importantly, no serious or severe clinical manifestations have been associated with CSF protein elevations. There have been no reports of hydrocephalus.
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Pivotal Phase 3 EMPEROR study progress:
-
U.S. ,UK andJapan : New patient entry into screening is now closed. As ofMay 5, 2026 , approximately 130 patients had been randomized to zorevunersen or sham. The remaining patients required to achieve the planned enrollment of approximately 150 patients into this cohort are progressing through the 8-week screening period. Following successful completion of screening, these patients will be randomized to treatment with zorevunersen or a sham control administered via lumbar puncture (LP). The final patient is expected to be randomized inJune 2026 . These data are anticipated to be the final data required for completion of the planned rollingU.S. NDA submission. -
Europe (Germany ,France ,Spain andItaly ): 15 out of 16 sites are activated and screening is underway for at least 20 additional patients. Enrollment is expected to complete in the third quarter of 2026.
-
-
Medical and scientific publications and communications
continued to drive awareness of Dravet syndrome and the need for disease modification.
-
In April, Stoke presented data at the
American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting, the world’s largest gathering of neurologists. -
In March,
The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) published zorevunersen data from the Phase 1/2a and OLE studies. An independent editorial that discussed the underlying genetic cause of Dravet syndrome and the disease-modifying potential of zorevunersen accompanied the manuscript.
-
In April, Stoke presented data at the
Pipeline beyond zorevunersen
-
In February, the first patient was dosed in the Phase 1 OSPREY study of STK-002 for the treatment of Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy (ADOA), the most common inherited optic nerve disorder. To date, two patients have been dosed and recruitment is ongoing at 7 sites across the
UK ,Germany ,Denmark andAustria . Dose escalation of the first four cohorts will continue through 2026 and early 2027, pending safety and tolerability assessments. - Lead optimization is underway to identify a clinical candidate for the treatment of SYNGAP1 in 2026. SYNGAP1 is a severe and rare genetic neurodevelopmental disease.
First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
-
As of
March 31, 2026 , the Company had$411.0 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities expected to fund operations into 2028. This includes approximately$80.7 million of proceeds from the sale of 2.6 million shares of common stock from selective use of the ATM facility (Controlled Equity Offering Sales Agreement) during the first quarter of 2026. -
Revenue recognized for the three months ended
March 31, 2026 , was$6.2 million , a decrease from$158.6 million for the same period in 2025. The decrease in revenue is primarily driven by the 2025 recognition of$150.8 million related to the IP license performance obligation related to the Biogen Agreement outside of theU.S. ,Canada andMexico . -
Net loss for the three months ended
March 31, 2026 , was$50.0 million , or$0.79 per share, compared to a net income of$112.9 million , or$1.90 per diluted share, for the same period in 2025. -
Research and development expenses for the three months ended
March 31, 2026 , were$39.7 million , compared to$32.7 million for the same period in 2025. The increase of$7.0 million was driven by an increase in activities and personnel expenses to support the advancement of zorevunersen. -
Sales, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended
March 31, 2026 , increased to$20.0 million from$14.7 million for the same period in 2025. The increase of$5.3 million was driven by an increase in personnel and launch readiness expenses.
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 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. Even when treated with the best available anti-seizure medicines (ASMs), up to 57 percent of patients with Dravet syndrome do not achieve ≥50 percent reduction in seizure frequency. 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; up to 20 percent of children and adolescents with Dravet syndrome die before adulthood due to SUDEP, prolonged seizures, seizure-related accidents or infections 1. 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 functional NaV1.1 protein production in brain cells from the unaffected (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 the Phase 1/2a and Open-Label Extension Studies
Two Phase 1/2a open-label, multicenter studies evaluated the effects of zorevunersen in patients with highly refractory Dravet syndrome ages 2 to 18 years (N=81). Primary endpoints were the safety profile, plasma pharmacokinetics (PK) and exposure in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of single and multiple doses of zorevunersen. Secondary endpoints included percentage change from baseline in major motor seizure frequency, overall clinical status (a measure of patients’ overall functioning) and quality of life. The ADMIRAL Phase 1/2a study included an exploratory endpoint to evaluate changes in neurodevelopmental status (cognition & behavior) as measured by Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition (Vineland-3). The Phase 1/2a studies were completed in
About the Phase 3 EMPEROR Study
The Phase 3 EMPEROR Study (NCT06872125) is a global, double-blind, sham-controlled study evaluating the efficacy, safety and tolerability of zorevunersen in children ages 2 to <18 with Dravet syndrome with a confirmed variant in the SCN1A gene not associated with gain-of-function. Stoke expects to complete enrollment of approximately 150 patients in
About Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy (ADOA)
ADOA is the most common inherited optic nerve disorder, affecting approximately one in 30,000 people globally with a higher incidence of one in 10,000 in
About STK-002
STK-002 is a proprietary antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) in clinical development for the treatment of ADOA. 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 ADOA cases are caused by variants 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 people 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 FDA as a potential new treatment for ADOA. A Phase 1 study (OSPREY) of STK-002 in people with ADOA is now underway.
About the Phase 1 OSPREY Study
The OSPREY study is a Phase 1, dose-escalating open-label study of children and adults ages 6 to 55 who have an established diagnosis of ADOA and have a confirmed disease-causing variant in the OPA1 gene. The primary objectives for the study are to assess the safety and tolerability of single ascending doses of STK-002, as well as to determine the exposure in blood. Secondary objectives are to assess changes in visual function, ocular structure and quality of life after single doses of STK-002. The OSPREY study follows a standard dose escalation design with participants enrolled into sequential cohorts receiving increasing dose levels of STK-002. Dose escalation of the first four cohorts will continue through 2026 and early 2027, pending safety and tolerability assessments. Data from the OSPREY study will help to inform potential future development of STK-002. The OSPREY study is actively recruiting in the
For more information on the OSPREY study, please visit:
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, enrollment timelines, data readouts, regulatory submissions or decisions and other presentations for zorevunersen and STK-002; the timing and potential outcomes of meetings with regulators regarding the zorevunersen program; 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 for, and ultimately commercialize its product candidates; that if the Company’s partners were to breach or terminate their collaboration with the Company, 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; the risk that 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 development goals into 2028 and through potential
Financial Tables Follow
|
|
||||||||
| Condensed consolidated balance sheets | ||||||||
| (in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
2026 |
|
|
|
2025 |
|
||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Current assets: | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents |
$ |
155,659 |
|
$ |
84,220 |
|
||
| Marketable securities - current |
|
187,886 |
|
|
200,450 |
|
||
| Accounts receivable |
|
4,451 |
|
|
5,936 |
|
||
| Prepaid expenses |
|
10,115 |
|
|
8,736 |
|
||
| Interest receivable |
|
1,690 |
|
|
1,969 |
|
||
| Other current assets |
|
6,880 |
|
|
4,389 |
|
||
| Total current assets |
$ |
366,681 |
|
$ |
305,700 |
|
||
| Marketable securities - long-term |
|
67,481 |
|
|
106,260 |
|
||
| Restricted cash - long-term |
|
3,227 |
|
|
227 |
|
||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets |
|
2,493 |
|
|
3,101 |
|
||
| Property and equipment, net |
|
3,395 |
|
|
3,146 |
|
||
| Total assets |
$ |
443,277 |
|
$ |
418,434 |
|
||
| Liabilities and stockholders’ equity | ||||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts payable |
$ |
6,839 |
|
$ |
4,939 |
|
||
| Accrued and other current liabilities |
|
23,901 |
|
|
41,035 |
|
||
| Deferred revenue - current portion |
|
10,066 |
|
|
11,901 |
|
||
| Total current liabilities |
$ |
40,806 |
|
$ |
57,875 |
|
||
| Deferred revenue - net of current portion |
|
6,603 |
|
|
6,961 |
|
||
| Other long term liabilities |
|
991 |
|
|
1,141 |
|
||
| Total long term liabilities |
|
7,594 |
|
|
8,102 |
|
||
| Total liabilities |
$ |
48,400 |
|
$ |
65,977 |
|
||
| Stockholders’ equity | ||||||||
| Common stock, par value of |
|
6 |
|
|
5 |
|
||
| Additional paid-in capital |
|
942,704 |
|
|
849,624 |
|
||
| Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income |
|
(115 |
) |
|
543 |
|
||
| Accumulated deficit |
|
(547,718 |
) |
|
(497,715 |
) |
||
| Total stockholders’ equity |
$ |
394,877 |
|
$ |
352,457 |
|
||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity |
$ |
443,277 |
|
$ |
418,434 |
|
||
|
|
|||||||
| Condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income | |||||||
| (in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | |||||||
|
Three Months Ended |
|||||||
|
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|||
| Revenue |
$ |
6,229 |
|
$ |
158,569 |
||
| Operating expenses: | |||||||
| Research and development |
|
39,673 |
|
|
32,676 |
||
| Sales, general and administrative |
|
19,974 |
|
|
14,653 |
||
| Total operating expenses |
|
59,647 |
|
|
47,329 |
||
| (Loss) income from operations |
|
(53,418 |
) |
|
111,240 |
||
| Other income (expense): | |||||||
| Interest income (expense), net |
|
3,397 |
|
|
2,889 |
||
| Other income |
|
18 |
|
|
28 |
||
| Total other income (expense) |
|
3,415 |
|
|
2,917 |
||
| (Loss) income before income taxes |
$ |
(50,003 |
) |
$ |
114,157 |
||
| Provision for income taxes |
|
— |
|
|
1,278 |
||
| Net (loss) income |
$ |
(50,003 |
) |
$ |
112,879 |
||
| Net (loss) income per share: | |||||||
| Basic |
$ |
(0.79 |
) |
$ |
1.95 |
||
| Diluted |
|
(0.79 |
) |
|
1.90 |
||
| Weighted-average common shares outstanding: | |||||||
| Basic |
|
63,063,507 |
|
|
57,862,674 |
||
| Diluted |
|
63,063,507 |
|
|
59,398,600 |
||
| Comprehensive (loss) income: | |||||||
| Net (loss) income |
$ |
(50,003 |
) |
$ |
112,879 |
||
| Other comprehensive (loss) gain: | |||||||
| Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities |
|
(658 |
) |
|
47 |
||
| Total other comprehensive (loss) gain |
$ |
(658 |
) |
$ |
47 |
||
| Comprehensive (loss) income |
$ |
(50,661 |
) |
$ |
112,926 |
||
References:
- Symonds, J. et al. Early childhood epilepsies: epidemiology, classification, aetiology, and socio-economic determinants. Brain. 2021;144(9):2879-2891.
- 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.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260507458327/en/
Stoke Media & Investor Contacts:
Vice President, Corporate Communications
swillson@stoketherapeutics.com
415-509-8202
Director, Communications & Investor Relations
IR@stoketherapeutics.com
508-642-6485
Source: