Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. reports clinical and corporate developments for a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on integrin-based therapeutics. Its lead program, PLN-101095, is an oral small-molecule dual-selective inhibitor of αvβ8 and αvβ1 integrins being developed for solid tumors, including immune checkpoint inhibitor-refractory advanced or metastatic disease.
Company updates commonly cover Phase 1 and Phase 1b oncology data, scientific-conference presentations, combination studies with pembrolizumab, financial results, and healthcare investor-conference participation. Pliant also describes preclinical platform work using integrin receptor-binding molecules for tissue-specific delivery and internalization of drug payloads, including programs directed to skeletal muscle cells, adipocytes, and renal cells.
Pliant Therapeutics (Nasdaq: PLRX) has resumed its PLN-74809 Phase 2a PET imaging trial, with preliminary results expected in the first half of 2021. The company reported strong progress in their Phase 2a trials for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), anticipated to complete enrollment by late 2021 and early 2022, respectively. Financially, R&D expenses rose to $17.9 million, leading to a net loss of $19.0 million, while cash reserves stood at $276.9 million, sufficient for operations into 2023.
Pliant Therapeutics (Nasdaq: PLRX) announced the successful completion of the Phase 1 trial for PLN-1474, a selective integrin αvβ1 inhibitor aimed at treating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with liver fibrosis. The trial, involving 84 healthy volunteers, demonstrated the drug's rapid absorption and tolerability without significant adverse effects. Following the trial, PLN-1474 is now under the stewardship of Novartis, per their 2019 Collaboration and License Agreement, which includes significant milestone payments and royalties for Pliant.
Pliant Therapeutics, a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on fibrosis treatment, has announced participation in key virtual investor events. Management will take part in the Cowen 41st Annual Health Care Conference from March 1-4, 2021, with a panel discussion led by President and CEO Bernard Coulie on March 1 at 10:30 a.m. ET. Additionally, they will engage with investors on March 17 during Citi's 2021 Winter West Coast Biotech Virtual Bus Tour. Pliant's lead drug candidate is PLN-74809, targeting idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Pliant Therapeutics (Nasdaq: PLRX) announced the appointment of Dr. David Pyott to its Board of Directors, strengthening its leadership as the company advances its clinical stage portfolio. Dr. Pyott, former Chairman and CEO of Allergan, brings over 30 years of pharmaceutical experience, transforming Allergan into a global leader. He aims to support Pliant in developing innovative treatments for fibrosis. Pliant's lead candidate, PLN-74809, targets idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis, with ongoing Phase 2a trials.
Pliant Therapeutics (Nasdaq: PLRX) has appointed Gregory P. Cosgrove, M.D., as Vice President of Clinical Development. Dr. Cosgrove will spearhead the strategic execution of the Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) clinical development program for PLN-74809, a dual selective inhibitor currently in Phase 2a trials. His extensive experience in pulmonary fibrosis research is expected to enhance Pliant's clinical efforts. PLN-74809 has received Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for both IPF and primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Pliant Therapeutics (Nasdaq: PLRX) announced its participation in the Piper Sandler 32nd Annual Healthcare Conference from December 1-3, 2020. The company will feature a fireside chat with CEO Bernard Coulie on November 23, 2020, at 10:00 AM ET, available on their website. Pliant focuses on developing therapies for fibrosis, with lead candidate PLN-74809 in Phase 2a trials for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. The session will be archived for 90 days post-event.
Pliant Therapeutics (Nasdaq: PLRX) reported its Q3 2020 results, highlighting significant progress in clinical programs despite COVID-19 challenges. The company successfully executed its IPO and advanced multiple indications in its pipeline, notably PLN-74809 for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and COVID-19 related ARDS. Financially, the company experienced related party revenue of $4.8 million, with R&D expenses rising to $16.9 million, leading to a net loss of $16.5 million. Pliant maintains a strong cash position of $294 million, sufficient to fund operations into 2023.
Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLRX) will present a poster at The Liver Meeting® 2020, hosted by AASLD, from November 13-16, 2020. The poster, titled "Profiling Fibrosis Regression in a Rat Model of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis" (Abstract #0321), will be available online for registered participants. Pliant, focused on fibrosis treatment, has two main candidates: PLN-74809, in Phase 2a trials for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis, and PLN-1474, in Phase 1 trials for liver fibrosis associated with NASH.
Pliant Therapeutics (Nasdaq: PLRX) has appointed Mike Ouimette as the new general counsel and corporate secretary. Bringing over 20 years of legal expertise, Ouimette previously held executive positions at Portola Pharmaceuticals and Onyx Pharmaceuticals. His appointment aims to enhance Pliant's legal and regulatory strategies as the company progresses its lead drug candidate, PLN-74809, through Phase 2a trials for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Pliant focuses on developing innovative therapies for treating fibrosis.
Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLRX) announced its data presentation on PLN-74809 during the ATS 2020 Virtual Sessions on Sept. 24, 2020. PLN-74809 is an oral dual selective integrin inhibitor being evaluated for treating fibrotic diseases like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). The treatment has received Orphan Drug Designation by the FDA for both indications and is currently in Phase 2a trials for IPF and PSC. The presentation will be accessible to registered attendees until Nov. 10, 2020.