LEXINGTON, Mass. - Curis, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRIS), a biotechnology company, has announced an expansion of its dataset in an ongoing study for a potential leukemia treatment, emavusertib. The data, which will be presented at upcoming ASCO and EHA conferences, now includes results from 30 patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an increase from the initial 5 patients.
The study, known as TakeAim Leukemia (CA-4948-102), focuses on patients with specific genetic mutations known as FLT3 and U2AF1/SF3B1 Splicing Factor mutations. These individuals had previously undergone fewer than three lines of therapy before receiving emavusertib as a monotherapy at the Recommended Phase 2 Dose (RP2D) of 300 mg twice daily.
Preliminary results are promising, with 6 out of 11 evaluable patients in the FLT3 mutation cohort showing objective responses, including complete remission and partial hematologic recovery. Similarly, in the U2AF1/SF3B1 mutation cohort, 4 out of 18 evaluable patients achieved objective responses.
The company's Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Robert Martell, highlighted the clinical significance of the findings by noting the increase in neutrophil counts in several patients. Neutrophils are crucial for fighting infections, a common cause of death in AML patients.
James Dentzer, President and CEO of Curis, expressed optimism about the drug's potential as both a single-agent and combination therapy for AML.
Emavusertib is an orally available small molecule IRAK4 inhibitor also being tested in other studies, including a Phase 1/2 lymphoma study and as a frontline combination therapy with azacitidine and venetoclax for AML patients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted it Orphan Drug Designation for AML and MDS treatment.
This update is based on a press release statement from Curis, Inc. and represents a step forward in the ongoing research and development of emavusertib as a potential treatment for acute myeloid leukemia.
InvestingPro Insights
As Curis, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRIS) continues to make strides in the development of emavusertib for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the financial landscape of the company provides a backdrop for its operational efforts. According to InvestingPro, Curis is currently trading at a high Price / Book multiple of 9.81, which could indicate investor confidence in the company's assets relative to its current share price.
InvestingPro Data reveals a market capitalization of $92.48 million, underscoring the company's presence in the biotech sector. Despite a negative revenue growth of -5.67% over the last twelve months as of Q1 2024, the company has experienced an impressive 191.62% price total return over the last six months, suggesting a strong market reaction to recent developments or expectations.
InvestingPro Tips highlight that analysts have revised their earnings upwards for the upcoming period, indicating a positive outlook on the company's financial performance. Additionally, Curis has liquid assets that exceed its short-term obligations, providing financial stability and the ability to fund ongoing research and development activities.
Still, it is important to note that analysts do not anticipate the company will be profitable this year, and Curis does not pay a dividend to shareholders, which may influence investment strategies focused on income or near-term profitability.
Curis's ongoing research, including the expansion of its dataset for emavusertib, could be a catalyst for future growth. For investors interested in detailed analytics and additional insights, InvestingPro offers more tips for Curis, Inc., which can be accessed with the use of coupon code PRONEWS24 to get an additional 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription. There are currently 10 additional InvestingPro Tips available, providing a comprehensive view of the company's financial health and market potential.
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