Stoke Therapeutics Announces Third Quarter 2026 Financial Results and Provides Business Updates
Nine-month revenue fell as the prior-year period included $150.8 million tied to a Biogen license performance obligation.
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–Phase 3 EMPEROR study of zorevunersen, an investigational medicine for Dravet syndrome: ~110 patients through Week 28 primary endpoint, ~20 patients through Week 52 and all continuing into open-label treatment period; data readout anticipated in Q3 2027 followed by the planned
–Successful FDA meeting to align on
–STK-002, an investigational medicine for ADOA: Dose escalation in the Phase 1 OSPREY study continues with dosing of third cohort underway; initial safety and efficacy data anticipated in H1 2027–
–
–Webcast and conference call for analysts and investors at 4:30PM Eastern Time today–
“The Phase 3 EMPEROR study of zorevunersen continues to progress well. Approximately 110 of 162 enrolled patients have completed their Week 28 visit when the primary endpoint of change in major motor seizure frequency is measured and approximately 20 are through Week 52, the end of the treatment period. All 20 of these patients are continuing into the open-label extension period of the study and to date, no patients have discontinued treatment,” said Ian F. Smith, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Stoke Therapeutics. “Our NDA planning is on track following our recent discussion with the FDA. Importantly, the key secondary endpoint of changes in patients' cognition and behavior will be measured using a multicomponent assessment of four Vineland-3 subdomains. This multicomponent measure reflects the diversity of effects that people with Dravet syndrome experience and how to best evaluate them in a clinical trial. We look forward to the Phase 3 data readout in the third quarter of 2027 and completing our NDA submission in the second half of 2027.”
Mr. Smith continued, “Our second clinical program, STK-002, targets the protein haploinsufficiency that causes ADOA and therefore may have the potential to improve vision in people living with this severe genetic disease that often leads to blindness. Dosing in the first two cohorts is complete and dosing in the third cohort is underway with the fourth cohort expected to follow in early 2027. Safety and efficacy data are anticipated in the first half of 2027. With this progress across the business, we are building Stoke for the future with the team and capabilities to realize the full potential of zorevunersen, our pipeline and our unique scientific approach.”
Program Highlights
Dravet syndrome (zorevunersen)
-
Pivotal Phase 3 EMPEROR Study Progress: Global enrollment is now complete. Enrollment of 162 patients in the primary analysis population (
the United States ,United Kingdom andJapan ) was completed in June 2026, and a data readout from these patients is anticipated in the third quarter of 2027. Patients are progressing through the study and as of October 29, 2026:- All 162 patients are through Week 8 and have received either two 70 mg loading doses of zorevunersen or sham.
- Approximately 130 are through Week 24 and therefore have completed three of the four doses of zorevunersen or sham in the 52-week treatment period.
- Approximately 110 are through Week 28, the time point at which the primary endpoint of change from baseline in log-transformed major motor seizure frequency is measured.
- Approximately 65 are through Week 40 and have therefore completed all doses of zorevunersen or sham in the 52-week treatment period.
- Approximately 20 are through Week 52, the end of the treatment period. All of these patients are continuing into the open-label treatment period.
- No patients have discontinued treatment in the study.
-
Successful Meeting with the FDA: Stoke recently met with the
U.S . Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to align on key aspects of the plannedU.S . New Drug Application (NDA) for zorevunersen. Stoke plans to continue actively engaging with the FDA and to submit data throughout the first half of 2027 to support rapid completion of the NDA submission in the second half of 2027. An important outcome from the discussion included:- New Multicomponent Assessment: For the NDA, Stoke plans to use a multicomponent assessment of four prespecified Vineland-3 subdomains to evaluate changes in cognition and behavior in the Phase 3 EMPEROR study. These four subdomains, expressive communication, receptive communication, interpersonal relationships and personal skills, were selected based on feedback from clinicians and caregivers and their potential to demonstrate meaningful effects for patients within the 52-week treatment period where patients receive zorevunersen or sham. The treatment effect for each subdomain will be calculated using a multivariate mixed model for repeated measures, or MMRM. These scores will then be averaged to produce a single score that reflects the overall treatment effect on cognition and behavior.
-
Additional EMPEROR Study Patients: Enrollment of 34 patients in
Europe (Germany ,France ,Spain andItaly ) was completed in August 2026. Enrollment of 5 patients inChina was completed in October 2026. -
Continuing awareness of Dravet syndrome and appreciation for 5 years of clinical data for zorevunersen:
- Stoke and Biogen recently presented long-term clinical data that supported the disease-modifying potential of zorevunersen at the 16th European Epilepsy Congress (EEC) and the 55th Child Neurology Society (CNS) Annual Meeting. These data included a new exploratory sub-analysis that showed substantial reductions in the most severe seizure types, which are the leading risk factor for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).
-
The Company is continuing its educational efforts at major neurology and epilepsy congresses through the remainder of 2026 and into 2027. Analyses of data will support efforts to increase clinician understanding of zorevunersen while the Phase 3 EMPEROR study advances toward completion and the Company prepares for a potential
U.S . approval and launch in early 2028.
Pipeline beyond zorevunersen
-
The Phase 1 OSPREY study of STK-002 in people with ADOA is continuing through dose escalation. Dosing is complete in the first two cohorts, with dosing of the third cohort recently initiated and expected to complete by the end of 2026. Cohorts three and four have the potential to reach therapeutic levels of dosing, with initial safety and efficacy data from these latter cohorts anticipated in the first half of 2027.
- Preclinical data and progress of the Phase 1 OSPREY study were recently presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) 2026 Annual Meeting. Presentations connected insights from ADOA disease biology and natural history findings with preclinical proof-of-concept data, supporting the disease-modifying potential of STK-002 in ADOA.
- Lead optimization is underway to identify a development candidate for the treatment of SYNGAP1-related disorders. SYNGAP1-related disorders are rare and often severe neurodevelopmental diseases.
Third Quarter 2026 Financial Results
-
The Company has
in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of September 30, 2026. This cash position is expected to fund operations into early 2028.$358.8 million -
Revenue recognized for the three months ended September 30, 2026, was
, an increase from$11.3 million for the same period in 2025. Revenue is generated from satisfying contractual obligations of the collaboration and licensing agreements with Acadia and Biogen.$10.6 million -
Net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2026, was
(including non-cash stock-based compensation expense of$73.6 million ), or$11.0 million per share, compared to a net loss of$1.08 (including non-cash stock-based compensation expense of$38.3 million ), or$8.0 million per share, for the same period in 2025.$0.65 -
Research and development expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2026, were
, compared to$59.8 million for the same period in 2025. The increase was driven by increased activities and personnel expenses to support the advancement of zorevunersen.$37.7 million -
Sales, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2026, increased to
from$28.7 million for the same period in 2025. The increase was driven by growth in personnel and launch readiness expenses.$16.0 million
Year-to-Date 2026 Financial Results
-
Revenue recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2026, was
, a decrease from$26.8 million for the same period in 2025. The decrease in revenue is primarily driven by the recognition of$183.0 million related to the Biogen IP license performance obligation during the nine months ended September 30, 2025.$150.8 million -
Net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2026, was
(including non-cash stock-based compensation expense of$185.3 million ), or$30.6 million per share, compared to a net income of$2.81 (including non-cash stock-based compensation expense of$51.0 million ), or$22.4 million per diluted share, for the same period in 2025.$0.85 -
Research and development expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2026, were
, compared to$149.0 million for the same period in 2025. The increase was driven by increased activities and personnel expenses to support the advancement of zorevunersen.$96.2 million -
Sales, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2026, increased to
from$74.0 million for the same period in 2025. The increase was driven by growth in personnel and launch readiness expenses.$45.9 million
Stoke Webcast and Conference Call for Analysts and Investors
Stoke management will host a webcast and conference call for analysts and investors on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 4:30PM Eastern Time. The webcast will be available on the Investors & News section of Stoke’s website at https://investor.stoketherapeutics.com/. Research analysts who plan to join the call and participate in the Q&A session may register here to receive the dial-in details and a unique PIN. All other participants are invited to access the listen-only webcast by clicking here. A replay of the webcast will be archived and available for at least 90 days following the event.
About Dravet Syndrome
Dravet syndrome is a severe genetic developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) characterized by recurrent seizures as well as significant cognitive and behavioral impairments. Most cases of Dravet are caused by mutations in one copy of the SCN1A gene, leading to insufficient levels of NaV1.1 protein in neuronal cells in the brain. Even when treated with the best available anti-seizure medicines (ASMs), up to
About Zorevunersen
Zorevunersen is an investigational antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) that is designed to treat the underlying cause of Dravet syndrome by increasing functional NaV1.1 protein production in brain cells from the unaffected (wild-type) copy of the SCN1A gene. This highly differentiated mechanism of action aims to reduce seizure frequency beyond what has been achieved with anti-seizure medicines and to improve neurodevelopment, cognition and behavior. Zorevunersen has demonstrated the potential for disease modification and has been granted orphan drug designation by the FDA and the EMA. The FDA has also granted zorevunersen rare pediatric disease designation and Breakthrough Therapy Designation for the treatment of Dravet syndrome with a confirmed mutation not associated with gain-of-function in the SCN1A gene, and China’s Center for Drug Evaluation has granted zorevunersen Breakthrough Therapy Designation. Stoke has a strategic collaboration with Biogen (Nasdaq: BIIB) to develop and commercialize zorevunersen for Dravet syndrome. Under the collaboration, Stoke retains exclusive rights for zorevunersen in
About the Phase 3 EMPEROR Study
The Phase 3 EMPEROR Study (NCT06872125) is a global, double-blind, sham-controlled study evaluating the efficacy, safety and tolerability of zorevunersen in children ages 2 to <18 with Dravet syndrome with a confirmed variant in the SCN1A gene not associated with gain-of-function. Enrollment in
Participants are randomized 1:1 to receive either zorevunersen via intrathecal administration or a sham comparator for a 52-week treatment period following a baseline period. The primary endpoint in the
About Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy (ADOA)
ADOA is the most common inherited optic nerve disorder, affecting approximately one in 25,000 people globally with a higher incidence of one in 10,000 in
About STK-002
STK-002 is a proprietary antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) in clinical development for the treatment of ADOA. Stoke believes that STK-002 has the potential to be the first disease-modifying therapy for people living with ADOA. An estimated
About the Phase 1 OSPREY Study
The OSPREY study is a Phase 1, dose-escalating open-label study of children and adults ages 6 to 55 who have an established diagnosis of ADOA and have a confirmed disease-causing variant in the OPA1 gene. The primary objectives for the study are to assess the safety and tolerability of single ascending doses of STK-002, as well as to determine the exposure in blood. Secondary objectives are to assess changes in visual function, ocular structure and quality of life after single doses of STK-002. The OSPREY study follows a standard dose escalation design with participants enrolled into sequential cohorts receiving increasing dose levels of STK-002. Dosing of the first two cohorts of patients is complete, with dosing of the third cohort expected to complete by the end of 2026. Subject to ongoing safety assessments, dosing of the fourth cohort is expected to follow in early 2027. Initial safety and efficacy results are anticipated in the first half of 2027. Data from the OSPREY study will help to inform potential future development of STK-002.
All eight planned OSPREY clinical trial sites are now active in the
About Stoke Therapeutics
Stoke Therapeutics (Nasdaq: STOK), is a biotechnology company dedicated to restoring protein expression by harnessing the body’s potential with RNA medicine. Using Stoke’s proprietary TANGO (Targeted Augmentation of Nuclear Gene Output) approach, Stoke is developing antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to selectively restore naturally-occurring protein levels. Stoke’s first medicine in development, zorevunersen, has demonstrated the potential for disease modification in patients with Dravet syndrome and is currently being evaluated in a Phase 3 study. Stoke’s initial focus are diseases of the central nervous system and the eye that are caused by a loss of ~
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to: the Company’s quarterly results and cash runway; its future operating results and current or future financial position and liquidity; the ability of zorevunersen to treat the underlying causes of Dravet syndrome and reduce seizures or show improvements in behavior and cognition at the indicated dosing levels or at all; the potential benefits, safety and efficacy of zorevunersen; the design, timing and results of clinical studies, enrollment timelines, data readouts, regulatory submissions or decisions and other presentations for zorevunersen and STK-002; the Company’s ability to achieve an NDA submission or approval on the expedited timeframe disclosed or at all, and the associated timing, if any, of a potential U.S. commercial launch; the ability of STK-002 to treat the underlying causes of Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy (ADOA) and improve vision; our expectations, plans, aspirations and goals, including those related to the potential of zorevunersen and our collaborations with Biogen and Acadia. Statements including words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “plan,” “will,” or “may” and statements in the future tense are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions, which, if they prove incorrect or do not fully materialize, could cause the Company’s results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties related to: the Company’s ability to advance, obtain regulatory approval for, and ultimately commercialize its product candidates; that if the Company’s partners were to breach or terminate their collaboration with the Company, the Company would not obtain the anticipated financial or other benefits; the possibility that the Company and Biogen may not be successful in their development of zorevunersen and that, even if successful, they may be unable to successfully commercialize zorevunersen; the potential that positive results in a clinical trial may not be replicated in subsequent trials or successes in early stage clinical trials may not be predictive of results in later stage trials; the Company’s ability to protect its intellectual property; the Company’s ability to fund development activities and achieve development goals into 2028; and the other risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and the other documents it files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.
Financial Tables Follow
| Stoke Therapeutics, Inc. | ||||||||
| Condensed consolidated balance sheets | ||||||||
| (in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | ||||||||
September 30, |
|
December 31, |
||||||
|
2026 |
|
|
|
2025 |
|
||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Current assets: | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ |
107,271 |
|
$ |
84,220 |
|
||
| Marketable securities - current |
|
211,916 |
|
|
200,450 |
|
||
| Accounts receivable |
|
8,543 |
|
|
5,936 |
|
||
| Prepaid expenses |
|
17,596 |
|
|
8,736 |
|
||
| Interest receivable |
|
1,533 |
|
|
1,969 |
|
||
| Other current assets |
|
7,558 |
|
|
4,389 |
|
||
| Total current assets | $ |
354,417 |
|
$ |
305,700 |
|
||
| Marketable securities - long-term |
|
39,602 |
|
|
106,260 |
|
||
| Restricted cash - long-term |
|
3,227 |
|
|
227 |
|
||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets |
|
1,233 |
|
|
3,101 |
|
||
| Property and equipment, net |
|
8,213 |
|
|
3,146 |
|
||
| Total assets | $ |
406,692 |
|
$ |
418,434 |
|
||
| Liabilities and stockholders’ equity | ||||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ |
4,029 |
|
$ |
4,939 |
|
||
| Accrued and other current liabilities |
|
38,584 |
|
|
41,035 |
|
||
| Deferred revenue - current portion |
|
6,364 |
|
|
11,901 |
|
||
| Total current liabilities | $ |
48,977 |
|
$ |
57,875 |
|
||
| Deferred revenue - net of current portion |
|
4,446 |
|
|
6,961 |
|
||
| Other long-term liabilities |
|
681 |
|
|
1,141 |
|
||
| Total long-term liabilities |
|
5,127 |
|
|
8,102 |
|
||
| Total liabilities | $ |
54,104 |
|
$ |
65,977 |
|
||
| Stockholders’ equity | ||||||||
| Common stock, par value of |
|
6 |
|
|
5 |
|
||
| Additional paid-in capital |
|
1,036,612 |
|
|
849,624 |
|
||
| Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income |
|
(1,050 |
) |
|
543 |
|
||
| Accumulated deficit |
|
(682,980 |
) |
|
(497,715 |
) |
||
| Total stockholders’ equity | $ |
352,588 |
|
$ |
352,457 |
|
||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ |
406,692 |
|
$ |
418,434 |
|
||
| Stoke Therapeutics, Inc. | ||||||||||||||||
| Condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income | ||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, |
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
||||||||||||||
|
2026 |
|
|
|
2025 |
|
|
|
2026 |
|
|
|
2025 |
|||
| Revenue | $ |
11,255 |
|
$ |
10,632 |
|
$ |
26,808 |
|
$ |
183,018 |
|||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
| Research and development |
|
59,831 |
|
|
37,696 |
|
|
149,004 |
|
|
96,227 |
|||||
| Sales, general and administrative |
|
28,739 |
|
|
16,027 |
|
|
73,966 |
|
|
45,942 |
|||||
| Total operating expenses |
|
88,570 |
|
|
53,723 |
|
|
222,970 |
|
|
142,169 |
|||||
| (Loss) income from operations |
|
(77,315 |
) |
|
(43,091 |
) |
|
(196,162 |
) |
|
40,849 |
|||||
| Other income (expense): | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest income (expense), net |
|
3,665 |
|
|
3,463 |
|
|
10,564 |
|
|
10,141 |
|||||
| Other income |
|
6 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
333 |
|
|
59 |
|||||
| Total other income (expense) |
|
3,671 |
|
|
3,466 |
|
|
10,897 |
|
|
10,200 |
|||||
| (Loss) income before income taxes | $ |
(73,644 |
) |
$ |
(39,625 |
) |
$ |
(185,265 |
) |
$ |
51,049 |
|||||
| Provision for income taxes |
|
— |
|
|
(1,278 |
) |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|||||
| Net (loss) income | $ |
(73,644 |
) |
$ |
(38,347 |
) |
$ |
(185,265 |
) |
$ |
51,049 |
|||||
| Net (loss) income per share: | ||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ |
(1.08 |
) |
$ |
(0.65 |
) |
$ |
(2.81 |
) |
$ |
0.88 |
|||||
| Diluted |
|
(1.08 |
) |
|
(0.65 |
) |
|
(2.81 |
) |
|
0.85 |
|||||
| Weighted-average common shares outstanding: | ||||||||||||||||
| Basic |
|
68,362,880 |
|
|
58,611,677 |
|
|
65,834,172 |
|
|
58,278,812 |
|||||
| Diluted |
|
68,362,880 |
|
|
58,611,677 |
|
|
65,834,172 |
|
|
60,397,681 |
|||||
| Comprehensive (loss) income: | ||||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) income | $ |
(73,644 |
) |
$ |
(38,347 |
) |
$ |
(185,265 |
) |
$ |
51,049 |
|||||
| Other comprehensive (loss) gain: | ||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities |
|
(508 |
) |
|
350 |
|
|
(1,593 |
) |
|
597 |
|||||
| Total other comprehensive (loss) gain | $ |
(508 |
) |
$ |
350 |
|
$ |
(1,593 |
) |
$ |
597 |
|||||
| Comprehensive (loss) income | $ |
(74,152 |
) |
$ |
(37,997 |
) |
$ |
(186,858 |
) |
$ |
51,646 |
|||||
References:
- Symonds, J. et al. Early childhood epilepsies: epidemiology, classification, aetiology, and socio-economic determinants. Brain. 2021;144(9):2879-2891.
- Based on Stoke Therapeutics’ preliminary estimates, which scaled annual incidence to prevalence using country-specific live birth rates over the past 85 years and adjusted for Dravet-specific mortality. The estimate is based on incidence rates published by Wu et al., Pediatrics, 2015.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261029090140/en/
Stoke Media & Investor Contacts:
Susan Willson
Vice President, Corporate Communications
swillson@stoketherapeutics.com
415-509-8202
Investor Relations
IR@stoketherapeutics.com
Source: Stoke Therapeutics, Inc.