Yarrow Bioscience (YARW) Stifel 2024 Immunology and Inflammation Virtual Summit summary

Pipeline overview and strategy

• Focus on novel BET inhibitor platform for autoimmune conditions, with two main assets: VYN-201 (topical, soft drug) and VYN-202 (oral, selective BD2 inhibitor).

• VYN-201 targets tissue-specific inflammation, showing strong phase 1b results in vitiligo and advancing to phase 2b.

• VYN-202 is in phase 1a SAD/MAD studies, with plans for proof-of-concept trials in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

• Selective BD2 inhibition is designed to maximize anti-inflammatory effects while minimizing systemic toxicity.

Clinical trial results and design

• VYN-201 phase 1b in vitiligo showed significant improvement in F-VASI scores, especially at 1% and 2% doses, with 80% of patients improving.

• The study enrolled patients with active, progressive disease, a harder-to-treat population, and demonstrated both arrest of depigmentation and repigmentation.

• Safety profile for VYN-201 was clean, with no significant platelet or local skin issues.

• Phase 2b is a four-arm, 160-patient study with three doses (1%, 2%, 3%) and placebo, mirroring industry standards and aiming for broader patient inclusion.

• Top-line phase 2b results are expected mid-next year.

Competitive positioning and differentiation

• Once-daily dosing and lack of JAK-related black box warnings are key differentiators versus current approved therapies.

• Efficacy comparable to existing drugs is considered sufficient for advancement, with faster onset or greater effect as potential upside.

• Majority of vitiligo patients have localized disease, making topical therapy highly relevant.