Aura Biosciences (AURA) H.C. Wainwright 26th Annual Global Investment Conference 2024 summary

Key clinical and strategic updates

• Advancing a novel virus-like drug conjugate platform, with lead asset in phase III for primary uveal melanoma and supported by FDA SPA agreement.

• Multiple near-term catalysts: phase II final data for uveal melanoma in September, phase II for choroidal metastasis starting in fall, and phase I bladder cancer data in mid-October.

• Addressing large unmet needs in ocular and urologic oncology, with over 60,000 ocular and 500,000 urologic cases annually.

• Strong cash position expected to fund operations through the second half of 2026.

Clinical data and pipeline progress

• Phase II interim data for uveal melanoma shows high tumor control and 90% vision preservation with excellent safety; final data to be presented in September.

• Phase III trial is enrolling, comparing bel-sar to sham control, with primary endpoint based on time to tumor progression.

• Choroidal metastasis phase II trial launching in fall, with initial data expected before year-end.

• Bladder cancer phase I study demonstrates feasibility and a complete response in a patient, with histopathological proof of immune activation.

Market opportunity and innovation

• Ocular oncology patients currently face a trade-off between blindness and survival due to radiotherapy; new therapy offers in-office administration, vision preservation, and improved quality of life.

• Bladder cancer represents a significant market, with potential to move treatment from surgery to office-based, targeted therapy.

• Drug's dual mechanism—direct cell killing and immune activation—positions it for broad application across tumor types.