Inventiva S.A. (IVA) Earnings Call Transcript & Summary
September 17, 2020
Earnings Call Speaker Segments
Operator
operatorLadies and gentlemen, thank you for standing by, and welcome to Inventiva's H1 2020 Financial Results Presentation.
Frederic Cren
executiveThank you, Joanna. Welcome, everybody. I'm very happy to open this session for -- while we were preparing this webcast, we actually realize this has been a fantastic and a quite exceptional first half for Inventiva and I would say, on all fronts. As you know, we make some forward-looking statements. So please do not hesitate to go on our website and download all the regulatory document that are available. Today, you will not be surprised. So I'll share the floor with Pierre, the Co-Founder and CSO; and with Jean, our CFO. And also in terms of agenda, no particular surprise. We spend, I would say, most of the time going over the lanifibranor result in NASH and also putting some perspective on this result, how they've been viewed by physicians and also what's next and what can you expect from this program. So let me very briefly go over who we are and what are -- in a nutshell so -- and our highlights. So in terms of who we are, we specialize in small molecule. We're developing lanifibranor in NASH with what we believe are probably the best result ever shown by an oral drug in a long-term Phase IIb biopsy-driven study. In parallel, we're also advancing odiparcil, small molecule that could really prove beneficial to patients with MPS VI. Investors are, of course, focus on lanifibranor, but we should not forget also the very promising collaboration we have with AbbVie with ABBV-157, which -- where we expect prove -- clinical proof-of-concept in patients with psoriasis in Q4 of this year. The team is also working on YAP-TEAD but this is a earlier, but also we are excited by the progress we have made there. And we are excited, of course, by the several successes that we have had in reinforcing our cash position with the highlights in July of the NASDAQ. And now we have a runway through Q4 2022. So let's focus on the highlights. So Pierre will come back on the NATIVE results. So I will be very -- I won't dwell a lot on it. Instead maybe I point out that you'll see new data, which we just generated on circulating biomarkers. And I would say that they are confirming that we are working with the drug lanifibranor that is really dealing with NASH and treating the disease on all fronts because there, again, we see that fibrosis biomarkers are moving on the right direction with statistical significant reduction in apoptosis biomarker, in inflammatory biomarker on top of the fibrosis biomarker. So all of this is extremely exciting, as well, very excited by the decision by Professor Cusi that, as you know, is a lead investigator of Phase IIb in patient with NAFLD and type 2 diabetes. And following the result of the NATIVE study, results that were higher than what he expected, has decided to reduce the sample size from 64 to 34, a considerable decrease. So once again, showing that we really have an active drug. And then also very excited by how the results have been perceived in the field, and this has, I would say, concrete consequences and one of it is the constitution of our Scientific Advisory Board and the NASH. Scientific Advisory Board were really pleased to welcome Dr. Arun Sanyal, who has joined the team that was already in place with Dr. Manal Abdelmalek from the U.S., Sven Francque, Kenneth, of course, and all of the group is joined by Jean-Louis Junien, our scientific advisor. So that's lani in a nutshell. On odiparcil over the summer, the team has progressed with the interaction with the FDA. And with -- we have opened the IND in the U.S. So we are now able to start clinical trials in the United States. We have decided following the request by patients that were in the Phase IIa study to extend this study. And so the patient that finish this study will be included in a new extension study. And also, we are making progress in setting up the Phase I/II in children called SAFE-KIDDS. For those of you that are interested on the mechanism of action, we published a review of the mechanism of action in the PLOS ONE care review journal. In terms of ABBV-157, as I said in my introduction, look for updates in Q4 when AbbVie will finish the Phase I in patients with psoriasis. According to ClinicalTrial.gov, this trial is on time and results are due by mid-October. Financially, Jean will come back to the various success. But if you make a sum, you see that we raised close to EUR 125 million in the first 6 months. And now we have a cash runway through Q4 2022. And for us, this is important because this gives us sufficient, of course, cash to launch as planned, the pivotal trial with lanifibranor in NASH. So let me turn now the floor to Pierre, who will go through a review of lani and especially the result in NASH.
Pierre Broqua
executiveSo yes, thank you, Frédéric. Hello, everybody. Very pleased to be here today. I'm sharing with you some slides on lanifibranor, odiparcil and the ROR gamma program. So of course, you are all very familiar with the profile of lanifibranor, but as a recap, it's a pan-PPAR agonist of unprecedented chemical structure, so it's not a [indiscernible]. It's not a fibrate. As a pan-PPAR agonist, it has moderate and well-balanced activity on this PPAR isoforms, PAR alpha, delta and gamma. And as you know, there is a strong static rationale supporting the concept that this unique mechanism of action would be very well suited for the treatment of NASH with the potential to address most, if not all features of NASH and particularly steatohepatitis and fibrosis. And as shown in our long-term non-clinical tox studies as well as recent clinical studies, lanifibranor is so well tolerated and safe. So the NATIVE trial investigated the efficacy and the safety of 2 doses of lanifibranor in patients with biopsy-proven NASH. And a combined score of inflammation and ballooning of at least 2 points out of a maximum of 4 as determined using the SAF score. The study randomized a total of 247 patients, with 72% of the patients having a NAS score equal or superior to 6 and 76% having fibrosis F2 or F3 scores, which means a very -- quite severe population. And the study was certified on type 2 diabetes. So next slide, you all very well informed, of course, of the results of this study. But as a recap, you know that the primary endpoint was met with steatosis achieved with a high dose of 1,200 milligrams per day and more than 40% of responders at the low dose of 800 milligrams per day, and this in the ITT population. Both regulatory endpoints, resolution of NASH with no worsening of fibrosis and improvement of fibrosis with no worsening of NASH were also met with the static effect at the high dose in the ITT population. And interesting to note is the effect of lanifibranor on the compositing end points, measuring the percentage of patients showing both resolution of NASH and improvement of fibrosis under treatment. And it can be seen here that in the ITT population, there were 3 and 4x more patients meeting this endpoint in the lanifibranor low and high doses versus placebo. And this effect was start seeing at both the low dose and the high dose. Next slide. So regarding liver enzymes, ALT, AST and GGT, all work quickly, meaning within a month, brought back to normal levels. And was maintained to such levels all along the study time course. So biomarkers of fibrosis, apoptosis and inflammation were also measured during the NATIVE trial. And on the fibrosis side, as you know, Pro-C3 detect the synthesis of type 3 collagen, which is anticipated to reflect the formation of new fibrotic tissue. And relatively to placebo, lanifibranor produced significantly greater reductions from baseline to week 24 of Pro-C3 in the overall study cohort. And among those with baseline Pro-C3 levels above 14 micrograms per liter at baseline and this cutoff being indicative of advanced fibrosis according to papers from Brill published in Diabetes Care 2019. Lanifibranor also produced a significantly greater reduction of TIMP-1 -- of the ratio TIMP-1 to MMP 2 ratio, which depicts the inhibition of matrix remodeling process. Relatively to placebo, lanifibranor treatment also significantly decreased plasma levels of CK18, which is an apoptotic marker. As well as ferritin and CRP, both being inflammatory markers. So in conclusion, these findings are consistent with the histological data from the NATIVE study, and confirm the anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and anti-fibrotic mechanism of action of lanifibranor in NASH patients. Now regarding the lipid profile, as previously observed in our Phase IIa trial, both doses of lanifibranor rapidly increased HDL cholesterol and decreased plasma triglycerides. And there was no change in LDL-cholesterol. In NASH patients with type 2 diabetes, both doses produced a quick and highly significant decrease in fasting glucose as well as a decrease in insulin levels, indicating improvement of insulin sensitivity. And HbA1c was reduced by more than 0.5%. In the overall diabetic population, that was a well-controlled population, baseline levels of HbA1c was a mean of 6.5% in each treatment point. So in terms of safety, lanifibranor continues to show a favorable safety and tolerability profile, which is consistent with observations from previous clinical trials. The adverse events were generally mild to moderate in severity. There were 5 drug-related AEs leading to drug withdrawal, 2 in the placebo group, 1 in the 800-milligram group, which was moderate diarrhea and 2 in the 1,200 milligram group with 1 mild cardiac failure and 1 mild diarrhea. Relatively to serious adverse events, they were a total of 13 and after excluding biopsy related SAEs, there were 3 SAEs in the placebo group, 1 restructure, 1 cardiac failure, 1 urticaria. And 2 SAEs in the 800-milligram group with 1 pancreatitis, 1 undifferentiated connective tissue disease and 4 in the 1,200 milligram per day dose group with 1 angina unstable, 1 gastroenteritis, 1 pyelonephritis and 1 foot operation. So regarding body weight, and consistent with known insulin sensitizing pharmacology. We observed a modest weight increase with a mean of 2.4 kilos in the 800-milligram group and 2.7 kilo in the 1200-milligram group. And here, a couple of clarifying points regarding weight gain. Firstly, based on the paper from Professor Cusi and Professor [ Harrison ]. 6 months of prior treatment in patients with NASH. So actually, the study looked at the reason why these patients increase in weight and they demonstrated that this weight gain was not due to water retention. And the second thing is that in the same paper, you can read that weight gain most frequently develops within the first few months of treatment and appears to plateau thereafter. And this is actually what we observed in the 52-week system experience systemic sclerosis trial where patients on the high dose achieved a maximum of weight gain at week 24. And then the way it plateau over to the end of the study. Regarding edema, there was a total of 14 patients who reported peripheral edema, 2 in the placebo group, 5 in the 800-milligram per day dose group and 7 in the 1,200 million per day dose group. And all of them, except one, were of mild intensity and all were transient. What is interesting to note is that 8 out of 14 disappeared spontaneously; and 2, after treatment with diuretics of flavonoids. In other words, no treatment discontinuation due to edema. Next slide. So we feel like what we wanted to share with you is also the results from a physician survey that was performed in the U.S. and EU 3, meaning in Germany, U.K. and France. And in brief, these physicians positively value the fact that lanifibranor can address both improvement in fibrosis and NASH resolution and considered attractive lanifibranor positive effects on insulin resistance and glycemic control given the overlap of NASH with type 2 diabetes. There were different perspectives on the importance of weight gain. The majority of physicians believe that given lanifibranor efficacy profile, the cost benefit ratio was acceptable. And with proper patient counseling around weight loss, some of the weight gain could be offset. Some of the physicians suggested combination therapy could be used to manage or reduce weight gain, for example, with GLP-1 and physicians globally expressed less concern about edema, noting that the majority of them are mild. Frédéric?
Frederic Cren
executiveYes. Maybe I'd also point out another study independent from us. So this is internal research, but there was another very interesting study that was commissioned by Guggenheim Research published last week. In 45 U.S. physicians that treated, I think, 9,500 patients. I really invite you to go through that paper. It really carries some very positive messages for lanifibranor. First of all, very pleased to see that 80% of the physicians were aware of lanifibranor results and 88 had a favorable view on the risk benefit profile. And ultimately, and this is great because what we want to do at the end of the day is to commercialize our product. 82% of them were likely to prescribe. And on the weight gain, similarly to what we are seeing in our research, they viewed lani weight gain profile as acceptable and as well edema was generally viewed as tolerable. So globally, now we have 2 research -- 2 physician research that really confirmed the positive risk-benefit ratio of lanifibranor.
Pierre Broqua
executiveYes. Thank you, Fredrik. And then also other evidence that lanifibranor tolerability profile is favorable is on this slide compared to other trials. You can see that for the NATIVE trial, the discontinuation due to AEs is in the low range, relatively to other trials in NASH. The SAEs were also in the low range. There were no cardiac disorders SAEs in NATIVE trial with lanifibranor. And of course, as you know, no pruritus and a positive lipid profile. So the next slide is, again, to put things in perspective, relatively to the current competition in the field. So lanifibranor, as you know, is the only NASH drug candidate. The produced NASH solution with no worsening of fibrosis and fibrosis improvement with no worsening of NASH, with -- in each case, more than 40% of responders. So next slide, just to mention the fact that, as you know, there is an investigator-initiated study with lanifibranor in type 2 diabetic patients with NAFLD, which is ongoing at the University of Florida. And this, under the leadership of Professor Cusi. And the objective of this study is to investigate the effect of the low dose, the 800-milligram dose of lanifibranor on hepatic insulin resistance, de-novo lipogenesis and intrahepatic triglycerides content. Based on the efficacy data on steatosis that we read in a NATIVE trial using a histological assessment, Professor Cusi took the decision to reduce the sample size from 64 to 34 patients in this trial and -- which is a very good news. So on the next slide, to recap on the next key milestone for lanifibranor in NASH. Finalization of Phase III synopsis and protocol is currently ongoing. We have end of Phase II meeting with FDA at the end of this year in Q4. Feedback from scientific advice will come also later this year in Q4. The finalization of this study with University of Florida and Professor Cusi is expected to take place in 2021 and as well as the launch of our pivotal Phase III trial with lanifibranor in NASH. Finally, an important meeting this year, as you know, of course, is the NAFLD. We have submitted, with our team and our investigators, several abstracts regarding the native trial results. So hopefully, there will be a lot of additional data presented with lanifibranor at NAFLD in November. So regarding odiparcil. So as you know, odiparcil is a small orally available molecule. It's potent substrate of galactosyl transferase I. The first enzyme responsible for the synthesis of GAGs that are of the DS and the CS form. And in sales, odiparcil will figure the synthesis of small soluble GAGs that will be excluded out of the cells, reducing the amount of GAG entering the glycosaminoglycans degradation pathway. And in studies performed with cells from MPS VI patients, we were able to demonstrate that odiparcil can reduce intracellular GAG accumulation. And all these data have been recently published in PLOS ONE. Also published on the in vivo data in mice model of MPS VI showing that daily oral administration of odiparcil can increase in the urinary GAG, reduce GAG accumulation in several organs and restore impaired mobility as well as corneal clouding, supporting the concept that this GAG clearance mechanism of action may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of MPS VI. So to assess that, to address this point, we have completed a Phase IIa study in MPS VI patients. The objective of this study was to assess the safety, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics and efficacy of 2 doses of odiparcil in MPS VI patients. The study was conducted in 2 cohorts, a double-blind, placebo-controlled cohort of 15 MPS VI patients, who were receiving ERT plus low dose or a high dose of odiparcil or placebo twice daily during 6 months, and we had an open-label noncompetitive growth of 5 MPS VI patients naive for ERT who received 500-milligram of odiparcil daily during 6 months. The main efficacy parameters were related to clinical manifestations that are partially addressed by ERT such as mobility or respiratory function. And another category of efficacy endpoints were those absolutely not addressed by ERT. Basically, ophthalmology, cardiac function, audition and pain. So in a nutshell, the outcome from the study is that the safety, which was the primary objective, further supports the good overall safety profile of odiparcil. We had positive results regarding the efficacy after 6 months of treatment. We saw improvement in patients treated with odiparcil in addition to ERT with regards to corneal clouding as well as cardiac and respiratory function. For example, when looking for patients, we improved for more than 1 clinical manifestations, there were 3 out of 6 patients in the odiparcil plus ERT group versus none in the ERT alone group. And in the odiparcil treated group, 3 patients improved on respiratory function, 2 on corneal clouding and 4 on echocardiography with a decrease of left ventricular mass index or severity of mitral valve regurgitation. So considering the short study duration, 6 months, the fact that patients were under long ERT treatment duration and have an advanced status in the disease, and they were mostly severe patients and adults, we believe that the improved study showed positive signal regarding the efficacy of odiparcil in MPS VI patients. So the next steps on this program is the preparation of the improved expansion study, which is open-label safety and efficacy study in all completers of the improved trial. And preparing to launch a Phase II study in MPS VI children, the duration of which will be extended from 6 to 12 months following a scientific advice meeting with the EMA in order to give a better opportunity for demonstration of clinical benefit. Finally, regarding our collaboration with AbbVie, as you know, ABBV-157 is ROR gamma inverse agonist that was discovered through the AbbVie-Inventiva collaboration, which has moved forward in the clinic for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis. The single ascending dose and multiple ascending dose trial has been completed. And there is a second trial that has been initiated that will include patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. And the trial completion is expected by Q4 this year. So with this, I will leave the floor to Jean for the financials. Thank you.
Jean Volatier
executiveGood morning. Good afternoon, everyone. So let's go quickly through the numbers. They are quite straightforward. So on a shareholder basis, we have consolidated the situation, which was quite already balanced between European and U.S. shareholders, especially with the NASDAQ IPO with an increase of 20% roughly of the outstanding shares. And we have been comforted by the existing shareholders as for any rate since the beginning of being public, plus new comers in the picture with a reputed shareholder. The key thing is, as mentioned by Frédéric, is obviously the level of cash as of today. The situation has dramatically in the good direction since last December, since we have close to EUR 134 million at mid-July. The situation of the June accounts were at 52.3%. And as mentioned, we have succeeded raising the $107 million with our recent IPO. And when you make the math comparing to the market value at EUR 385 million, I'll let you make the calculation. And we have a quite low-value in terms of market and a great move for improvement at the moment, considering the dynamic of our portfolio. And at the same time, we have also extended broadly the coverage. If you compare with the last semester, obviously, together with the IPO operations and extending the coverage in the U.S. Let's go quickly through the P&L figures. In terms of sales, we were not -- we had not planned some revenues this year. So nothing which was not unexpected. The other income, as usual, it's a specific R&D tax credit in France increased in Q2. The fact that our R&D expenses have decreased. This is the key information of this semester. I may say we have decreased by 36%, the R&D effort. And basically, due to the fact that first semester '19 we were full boost on all the expenses, including the SSc program, which was still ongoing at the time. And we also record in the first semester 2020 the savings effect of the restructuring plan that we had implemented Q1 '19 after the discontinuation of the SSc program. So it explains definitely, the decrease in R&D. Obviously, as you can imagine, with the very nice program we have ahead, other expenses will increase for developing the Phase III plan [indiscernible] in particular. G&A slightly increased, but also in line with the preparation of the IPO operations and upgrading the organization. And we incurred also nonrecurrent loss, same level as last year. Last year, we got the provision for the restructuring plan. And this year, we incurred, as you know, with the IPO in the U.S., some expense together with accounting treatment of each operation. So all in all, the net loss reached EUR 15.6 million compared to EUR 19.5 million last year, so an improvement. In terms of cash, again, we have raised EUR 125 million in 12 months. So it's specified here the EUR 10 million French State loan is related to the COVID. The EUR 15 million private placement in February this year, and the IPO proceeds that everybody knows about. So we are in a rapid position to face '21, '22 and '23 years in the future. So if you have no question, we can go the conclusion with Frédéric.
Frederic Cren
executiveYes, very quickly -- [Foreign Language], Jean. So the next step for us and what you can expect to see from market, of course, news on lanifibranor. Pierre mentioned the ASLD communication, we plan to be active there. And also, we have this very important meeting with FDA and EMA to decide the design of the Phase III. So this will be -- it's really important. Odiparcil, after the positive improved study will continue, and there are 2 studies that will be launched first half of next year. And new results are expected from AbbVie with ABBV-157 with the achievement of the clinical book in psoriatic patient, which is due for Q4 2020. So as you see, a lot of events and news that you can expect from us. So that was the last slide. And therefore, I would turn back to the operator, who will explain how to ask your question.
Operator
operator[Operator Instructions] Your first question comes from the line of Lucy Codrington from Jefferies.
Lucy-Emma Codrington-Bartlett
analystJust a few from me. So now that you've got the U.S. IND for odiparcil, will U.S. patients be included in the SAFE-KIDDS study? Or will you be conducting separate studies in the U.S., at least initially? Secondly, in terms of formulation, both for odiparcil and lanifibranor, just has the pediatric formulation work been finalized ahead of the peak study? And secondly, could you provide an update on the formulation work for lanifibranor ahead of the Phase III. I believe you have been aiming to try and reduce the number of tablets. And I'll stop there.
Frederic Cren
executiveThank you, Lucy. So I'll take the early part of the question, and then Pierre can go over the CMC on lani. So the Phase I/II safety for odiparcil will be carried out in Europe, 4 centers, if I remember correctly that are considered for this Phase I/II. The IND was opened in the U.S. for supportive Phase I. And concerning the pediatric formulation for odiparcil, yes, it's readily available, and it's not on the -- it's not a limiting factor for the odiparcil safety trial. On lani you had a question on the Phase III formulation.
Pierre Broqua
executiveYes. So the Phase III formulation will be -- we have -- for the 800-milligram dose, we have 2 tablets of 400 and for the 1200-milligram dose, 2 tablets of 600 and the formulation is the same than the one that we have used for the NATIVE trial.
Frederic Cren
executiveWell we move from capsule to tablet for the phase tablets.
Pierre Broqua
executiveWith the phase tablets.
Frederic Cren
executiveYes. Tablets, yes.
Operator
operatorYour next question comes from the line of Derek Archila from Stifel.
Derek Archila
analystJust a couple from us. Maybe first on any color you can provide on specific subgroup analysis that you might present at ASLD specifically around weight gain and maybe diabetic and nondiabetic patients? That would be my first question. Second, in terms of the data you showed today around the patients with edema, do you have a sense of what percentage of those patients had diabetes? And then the last question, in terms of MPS and odiparcil. So you talked about when you're going to be starting these trials, I guess, when would we see the next data set from those newly initiated trials? Is that something that's going to be a late 2021 event? Or are we talking 2022 and beyond?
Frederic Cren
executiveSorry, Derek, we were cut off. So you had a question about the communication at ASLD and clarification question about the edema. So maybe, Pierre, can you?
Pierre Broqua
executiveYes. So on the ASLD, yes, we have submitted an abstract, which provides an analysis of the data according to diabetic status. And regarding your question on edema, if those were more frequent in diabetic patients versus nondiabetic. I cannot answer. I don't have the figures. I just mentioned the fact that according to investigators, there were only 2 drug-related edema at the low dose and 2 drug-related edema at the high dose. But I don't know if they were diabetic or nondiabetic patients.
Derek Archila
analystYes. I think my last question might have got cut off, but I just wanted to ask around odiparcil and MPS in terms of you talked a lot about starting these new studies. I just wanted to kind of get a sense of when we could expect additional data from odiparcil in that indication.
Pierre Broqua
executiveSo we have not given any forecast, these are also -- it's also due to the COVID-19. It's very, as you know, fragile population. What we can say is that it -- as you've seen, we have decided to extend following the scientific advice with EMA, the Phase I/II increased by from 6 months to 1 year. So if we start in 2021, there's no data to be expected soon, we have at least to treat by -- for 1 year.
Operator
operatorYour next question comes from the line of Etzer Darout from Guggenheim Partners.
Paul Jeng
analystThis is Paul on for Etzer. Just a few quick ones from us. So first, regarding the biomarker data, can you provide a little bit more color about the significance of these fibrosis signal changes in the context to the NASH patients? And maybe anything we've seen from other late-stage NASH programs? And secondly, are there any additional incremental biomarker data we might expect at the later meeting in November?
Pierre Broqua
executiveYes. Okay. Yes. So I think the important -- a few important message with the biomarker data we've just presented to you is that we have clearly -- clear evidence that, as expected, I would say, lanifibranor behaves and have anti-inflammatory antiapoptotic and antifibrotic mechanism of action in NASH patients. So we look that by 2 different angles. So for the fibrosis, for example, Pro-C3 is a marker of ongoing fibrogenesis. And you can see that we have a significant effect in NASH patients with -- at 6 months, a significant reduction of circulating Pro-C3 relatively to placebo. And then we looked also at steat population having a Pro-C3 level above 14, and those are the ones for which there is even a more active fibrogenesis. And there, we see it's still a quite significant effect of lanifibranor on this fibrogenic marker. Then on the other angle, we looked at more on the fibrolysis and ratio of TIMP-1 on MMP-2. And here, we served a very clear and significant reduction of this TIMP-1 and MMP-2 ratio, which indicates that together with Pro-C3 data that lanifibranor is indeed inhibiting the metrics remodeling process. So that is very encouraging. And I think it's totally in line with the histological observation of an improvement of fibrosis in NASH patients after 6 months. And then the rest goes also in the good direction, I would say the CK18 is a well-recognized marker of apoptosis, and we can see very strong reduction, minus 41%, highly significant versus placebo. And inflammation, obviously, CRP ferritin is also very well decreased by our lanifibranor treatment. So I think these are very strong data, quite compelling and supporting the -- again, the overall anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic and anti-apoptotic effect of lanifibranor in NASH patients.
Paul Jeng
analystGreat. And can we -- yes, so I just -- any additional data we might expect at the later meeting in November in terms of biomarkers.
Pierre Broqua
executiveYes, absolutely, we will have more color on these different biomarkers and still work is ongoing. And then, of course, this will be completed by the ASLD meeting, yes.
Operator
operatorYour next question comes from the line of Ed Arce from H.C. Wainwright.
Antonio Arce
analystCongrats on the wonderful data there with NATIVE. The data that you shared this morning, the new biomarker data, I just wanted to ask about the Pro-C3 above the 14-microgram per milliliter threshold. I think you mentioned that there was some work done around that as significance and a paper that you might have cited, if you could review that again, that would be helpful.
Frederic Cren
executiveYes. The paper is from Brill, Brill is from the team of Professor Cusi. It's Diabetes Care 2019. And he basically described this cutoff as being indicative of advanced fibrosis.
Antonio Arce
analystOkay. All right. Great. And then just wanted to ask about the 2 patients that withdrew from the study, 1 mild, 1 moderate case of diarrhea. Maybe just in a broader context, how does this fit within the overall profile with regards to GI events on lani?
Pierre Broqua
executiveSo the area has been observed in a few patients, right?
Frederic Cren
executiveYes.
Pierre Broqua
executiveSo I don't have any...
Frederic Cren
executiveYes, we don't have a lot of insight. So we do not have any specific worries about GI. It's clearly not related to the mechanism of action. I would say we have not yet received any particular feedback or a script on those 2 patients. And GI did not appear as something significant in the trial, I would say.
Pierre Broqua
executiveYes. Yes, we had -- this is part of the AE. So we had 1 moderate diarrhea, the low dose and 1 mild diarrhea at the high dose.
Antonio Arce
analystRight. Okay. Fair enough.
Frederic Cren
executiveI don't think it's -- Yes. You can catch us a bit unprepared because we actually didn't focus on these 2 patients. It did not come up with something worrying or strong importance.
Antonio Arce
analystRight. Understood. Okay. And then just last question for me with regards to ASLD. As you've noted, you expect a lot of additional data. I would expect some of that biomarker, as you've mentioned previously. But just overall, what kinds of data can we expect, perhaps different subpopulations or other cuts of data that are new from what we've seen so far?
Frederic Cren
executiveI think at the -- to fairness at the webcast, we initially [indiscernible] our results, we have released quite a lot of information already. So we have subgroup analysis by diabetic status by F2 -- by F score status also with
Pierre Broqua
executiveSo status of the...
Frederic Cren
executiveWith a focus on the F2 and F3 population. The population that will be randomized in the Phase III trial. Additional data on biomarkers. So yes, basically, most of the information has been already released. But there will be new things, new important information regarding the effect size according to diabetic status and F score and biomarkers, yes.
Antonio Arce
analystRight. Okay. Actually, one last question. Do you have a sense for time line when the full results might be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal?
Pierre Broqua
executiveYes. So yes. So this is ongoing. So we have a first draft already prepared. So we don't have -- I cannot give you time lines, but the first draft is already available. So this will be very -- yes, this will be published in a peer review journal.
Operator
operatorYour next question comes from the line of Lenny Van Steenhuyse from KBC Securities.
Lenny Van Steenhuyse
analystOf course, most of the focus is currently put on the upcoming Phase III trial. I was wondering a bit whether you are contemplating perhaps also broadening the scope of application for lanifibranor and given then following through the strong signal we see in fibrosis also seen that the biomarker data presented today, perhaps the F4 setting may also be of interest. On the other hand, the NASH landscape is also moving into a combination therapy setting. So I was wondering if you're also contemplating potential pairings with lanifibranor that may be relevant. So how would you look in general at the compound's potential beyond the F2, F3 monotherapy setting? And then I have 2 follow-up questions.
Frederic Cren
executiveLenny, good question. So yes, definitely strong rationale to develop lanifibranor in F4 patients. So we're working on that. But it's true that the focus of the team of our efforts has been to launch as soon as possible this F2, F3. But I agree with you, given the anti-fibrotic activity and the need in the F4 population, it would make a lot of sense to develop lanifibranor in F4. How and when still remains to be decided. On the combination, I guess, for us, it makes, I guess, less -- we have less pressure than other drugs in development in NASH. Given our mechanism of action that anti-fibrotic plus takes care of NASH resolution as well. But nevertheless, you can see it in the physician interview, some of them spontaneously advice to make a combination of GLP-1. Yes, it would make sense to also to combine it -- to combine lanifibranor. Now once again, the focus has been on -- define the right development in F2, F3. Then we want to think about F4, maybe in the third time, look at potential combination. But certainly, our mechanism of action, the fact that we are oral makes lanifibranor a perfect candidate for a fixed-dose combination or to be prescribed in a cocktail at 2 patients with NASH.
Lenny Van Steenhuyse
analystAll right. Other questions that I had were relating to odiparcil. So on the pediatric odiparcil trial size, can we expect that one to be comparable as what we've seen in the previous trial? Or could this be perhaps a bit of a larger trial? Or are you more waiting for the larger trial for then the pivotal Phase III one? And then a final question I had was more related to the OpEx side, mainly R&D expenses. Most clinical activity has wound down with the conclusion of the NATIVE and iMProveS trial. So should we anticipate R&D expenses further to increase for the second semester? Or will there be a bit of a compensation on the nonclinical R&D side perhaps?
Frederic Cren
executiveYes. So on the cyber side, for the Safe-KIDDS study, will be in the range of what we've seen, what we had for the iMProveS study, number of patients. The difference is the duration. So the Safe-KIDDS study will last longer than the iMProveS study and will give us a better probability to make a good assessment of the efficacy and safety of odiparcil in those young patients. And in terms of OpEx, what we forecast for H1 next year?
Jean Volatier
executiveWhat we can say that there was also -- for the first semester, our low R&D expense, as mentioned, the effect of the expectation of the negative results in June, there was also the effect of -- by the way, a bit of COVID with some savings. And obviously, with the blue sky we have now ahead of us, there will be an acceleration of R&D expense. We should have -- maybe we could double the level of the semester level. But we will see because, as you know, the design of portfolio of the Phase III NASH is under construction. We don't know yet precisely the timing and the scope. But yes, we will increase the expense for accelerating on our program for the second semester.
Frederic Cren
executiveAnd in terms of cash runway, you know us, we're always very cautious. So we feel comfortable when we say through Q4 2022. And it has always done without not taking into account any upside and being pretty pessimistic or any way aggressive on the level of expenses.
Operator
operatorYour next question comes from the line of Zegbeh Jallah from ROTH Capital.
Zegbeh Jallah
analystI really appreciate you putting the weight gain and peripheral edema into perspective. I think it kind of helps show the attractive risk-benefit profile of lanifibranor. So a follow-up question to kind of the previous question about expanding the opportunity for lanifibranor in patients perhaps with NAFLD. I know you have the study that is ongoing, type 2 patients with NAFLD. And then I wanted to get a sense of how you plan on perhaps pursuing that on a regulatory level because I imagine that the opportunity there is perhaps even larger than pure NASH. So no precedents for that, but I know the FDA is highly interested in biomarkers that can be used to protect -- benefit NAFLD.
Frederic Cren
executiveYes, thanks for your question. When we look at the level of efficacy that we have had in F2, F3, we really feel our drug would really benefit this population. So the discussion we plan to have on -- with FDA will more focus on F2, F3 patients than on NAFLD patient. The trial with Professor Cusi, it's an NAFLD patient, but the objective is not to develop the drug in this type of population, but more generate data to show the properties of lanifibranor in patient with type 2 diabetes. This is, I think, clearly a strong differentiating profile. If we look at the competition, this insulin-sensitizer activity, which would benefit, what can we say, 40% to 50% of patients with NASH have also type 2 diabetes or -- and the other 50%, they're going to be a large chunk that are -- that have pre diabetes, and we really think that this insulin-sensitivity activity of lanifibranor is a distinguished feature of our drug and a key advantage and a key differentiator. And this is why we're generating this data in type 2 diabetes patients.
Zegbeh Jallah
analystAnd just a quick follow-up as it relates to the design of the Phase III study. I know you're still finalizing it, and you're probably not going to finish that until you've spoken to the FDA, but just kind of wanted to know are there any nuances in terms of what the FDA might require versus what might be required by the EMA? And then if you're going to pursue any additional biomarker endpoints, kind of what you explored and presented today?
Frederic Cren
executiveWell, I'll let Pierre on the biomarker. Significant differences between FDA and EMA, we don't see it the main different ones or the fact that for EMEA, in order to get the conditional approval, you need to be both statistical significance on natural resolution and reduction of fibrosis, while FDA is open to or given that we have met both this endpoint in the Phase IIb, it's less of an issue for us than it could be for other programs that are entering into Phase III. On the biomarker, I'm sure there's going to be quite a large number of biomarker on the Phase III, and I still think the work is ongoing in defining the list. The last one I've seen was pretty comprehensive. And I think we'll make sure we capture quite a large set of biomarker in the Phase III.
Pierre Broqua
executiveYes, it is indeed very important to continue assessing the effect of lanifibranor on various biomarkers and maybe help defining a responder signature that could be used in the regulatory process afterwards.
Operator
operatorOur next question comes from the line of Frédéric Gomez from Pharmium Securities.
Frédéric Gomez
analystA few on lanifibranor and also one on ABBV-157. On lani, I know that you are, of course, discussing with the agencies, but do you plan to test one dose? And if yes, which one? And how do you pick the dose that you will use? And could we imagine you have a Phase III with a 2:1 ratio? If we go back to the fresh data with the fibrosis biomarker and especially with the Pro-C3, I think it's a bit disturbing to see the mean change from baseline in the placebo group when the Pro-C3 is above the 14-microgram per milliliter because it's almost 13% with a delta of 7.7% with the lani. Do you have an explanation to see that? Because I think it's pretty high. And Akero reported also data on the Pro-C3 after 16 weeks. For you guys, it's data at 6 months, 24 weeks. How can we compare both drugs for this specific biomarker? And then if we move to ABBV, of course, Otezla is the leader in the field of oral and psoriasis. But the efficacy of Otezla is quite modest. I was wondering, are you discussing potentially with AbbVie to look at mild to moderate patients? Or do you also want to target more senior patients like biologics?
Frederic Cren
executiveWell, what to do. Yes, it's a big question. It's -- if you look at the slide that Pierre presented, you see that the high dose with [indiscernible] on all the primary and secondary endpoint and the 800 on 4 out of 6. So the big question is, will the 800 deliver over a longer period of time? So that's all the difficulty of the other side. So we'll discuss that. And I would say, it would make a lot of sense to move on with both doses, but let's first discuss with the agency. I'll let Pierre answer on your question about Pro-C3 about 14. On the comparison with Akero, we need to go back, but I would like to point out, very difficult to compare our trial with their trial. We give data on ITT. We give data on per protocol. We do not look at response only on responders. So we have found this other side quite difficult. It's not a criticism to Akero approach. It's just a fact. It's 2 different types of exercise. So we refrain from comparing. And this is also why we -- you have not seen any comparison with this approach in our slide.
Pierre Broqua
executiveYes, that's true. I mean the data, the biomarker data are -- were those that were obtained in all individuals for which we had biomarker data at baseline and week 24. So it's like -- for Pro-C3, for example, we had 137 patients for lanifibranor and 69 for placebo. So it's all -- the whole population actually. There we didn't make any preselection on those variable. And to your point about why do we have a reduction of Pro-C3 in the various 14 category in placebo. Well, if you recall, for me, it makes sense. We have a placebo effect in fibrosis improvement. So obviously, there are patients under placebo that will improve the fibrosis. And this is well known. So it makes sense also to see a reduction of Pro-C3 in the placebo population. And on ABBV-157, yes, it's -- yes, it's a mechanism of action that is prone to several indications. So we start with AbbVie on modern to severe psoriasis, but there is a strong logic like for biologic to look for other indications within the psoriasis patients, but also in other autoimmune disease like traumatic arthritis. There's been development with ROR gamma in Crohn's disease. So the potential is large. In terms of efficacy, given ROR gamma is a nuclear receptor that control Th17, IL-17 expression, the TPP of this graph is to have the efficacy of a biologics, but with the advantage of oral dosage. So yes, we hope to have higher efficacy than other oral medication that are out there.
Operator
operatorYour next question comes from the line of [indiscernible] from LifeSci Capital.
Valentyna Chebanova
analystThis is Valentyna on for Patrick. A few from us. So on NATIVE. NATIVE used SAF score as part of the inclusion criteria, is this going to be part of the plan going forward? And how, if at all, will the enrolled population in the Phase III differ from that of NATIVE? And additionally, are there any other nonclinical items that need to be completed alongside the Phase III? And I have one follow-up after that.
Frederic Cren
executiveSo on the inclusion criteria, there's a French expression that said that you do not change a winning team. So on the screening, we want to keep the same approach. I think this was very, very successful. It's a good approach. So we will keep -- propose to keep the same screening and focusing in patients with a high level of inflammation and ballooning. And on the road map to start the Phase III, there are no other nonclinical study that we need to perform to start the Phase III.
Valentyna Chebanova
analystGreat. And lastly, we would just love to hear your interpretation of the Intercept CRL and whether you think this has moved the goalpost for the field? Or if you see this as more of a compound specific concern?
Frederic Cren
executiveWe view it as compound specific. We did not have any hint from FDA or EMA. But if we talk about FDA, they have changed their rules. So we plan to ask for Subpart H approval based on biopsy related -- on the biopsies on NASH resolution in fibrosis. And I think the stronger evidence of that is the fact that Madrigal recently, less than a year ago, got the go ahead from the FDA for such Phase III. So we really think it's compound related.
Operator
operatorThere are no further questions on the phone lines. Please continue.
Frederic Cren
executiveNo -- actually, there are any other question here. So just as a conclusion, just thank you for participating, for your questions. And then as you've seen, for us, the next event will be the KOL event at the ASLD. So look out for a press release on this event. Thank you very much. And of course, stay safe. Bye.
Pierre Broqua
executiveThank you. Bye-bye.
Jean Volatier
executiveBye.
Operator
operatorThat does conclude our conference for today. Thank you for participating. You may all now disconnect.
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