Aura Biosciences (AURA) Jefferies 2024 Global Healthcare Conference summary

Platform and mechanism of action

• Precision therapy platform enables direct tumor cell killing and immune activation for durable responses.

• Virus-like drug conjugate (VDC) targets cancer cell membranes, sparing healthy tissue.

• Activation by infrared light releases cytotoxic payload, causing acute tumor necrosis.

• Mechanism is genetic mutation agnostic and induces durable antitumor immune memory.

Ocular oncology program and clinical data

• Ocular oncology targets 66,000 patients with no approved drugs; primary uveal melanoma is the lead indication.

• Phase II data show 80% tumor control and 90% visual acuity preservation with minimal side effects.

• COMPASS phase III study is enrolling, with endpoints agreed upon with the FDA and global site participation.

• Early intervention could transform treatment, avoiding radiotherapy and preserving vision.

• Upcoming milestones include phase II data readout in September and early data in choroidal metastasis.

Urologic oncology and bladder cancer program

• Urologic oncology addresses over 500,000 global patients, focusing on non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

• Current standard is surgery (TURBT), but recurrence and BCG scarcity highlight unmet needs.

• Bel-sar offers focal treatment, direct tumor kill, and immune activation, administered with standard urology tools.

• Phase I bladder study shows a single dose can induce complete tumor response and strong immune infiltration.

• Additional data in NMIBC expected mid-year, with potential to avoid surgery for many patients.