HOOKIPA Pharma (HOOK) H.C. Wainwright 26th Annual Global Investment Conference 2024 summary

Pipeline overview and strategic focus

• Lead program eservivec (HB-200) targets head and neck cancer with robust phase 2 data and strong FDA support, aiming for approval by 2027.

• HB-200 addresses HPV-16-positive cancers, expanding potential beyond head and neck to cervical, anal, and vaginal cancers.

• HB-700, targeting KRAS-mutated tumors, is ready for clinical development but currently paused pending partnerships.

• Gilead partnership covers HB-400 (Hepatitis B, fully funded by Gilead) and HB-500 (HIV, operationalized by HOOKIPA with milestone and royalty payments).

• All financial resources are prioritized for HB-200, with other programs on hold or seeking external collaboration.

Arenavirus platform and clinical data

• Arenavirus technology induces strong T-cell responses with high tolerability and no need for adjuvant boosters.

• Clinical data for HB-200 show consistent, durable responses and a response rate above 52% in combination with pembrolizumab, compared to 20–24% for pembrolizumab alone.

• A randomized study is underway to directly compare pembrolizumab alone versus the combination with HB-200.

• If approved, the HB-200 and pembrolizumab combination could become the new standard of care for frontline head and neck cancer.

Market opportunity and financial outlook

• Estimated 1,500–2,000 U.S. patients could benefit from HB-200 annually, potentially rising to 4,000; similar market sizes exist in Europe and Asia Pacific.

• Combined HPV-16-positive indications could reach blockbuster status.

• Ended Q2 with $77 million in cash, providing approximately 12 months of runway; cost controls and partnership opportunities are being pursued.