Voyager Therapeutics Inc - VYGR STOCK NEWS

Voyager Therapeutics (Nasdaq: VYGR) announced the appointment of Nathan Jorgensen, Ph.D., MBA, as Chief Financial Officer, effective July 8, 2024. Jorgensen, bringing extensive experience in investment banking, healthcare investing, and biotech operations, previously served as CFO at Vor Biopharma. He raised over $400 million in financings and managed various operational domains. Voyager's CEO, Alfred W. Sandrock, Jr., emphasized Jorgensen's blend of strategic leadership and neuroscience expertise as important for advancing their neurotherapeutics pipeline. Jorgensen expressed enthusiasm for Voyager's innovative platform and its potential to overcome neurology delivery challenges.

Voyager Therapeutics announced the dosing of the first participants in a Phase 1a single ascending dose (SAD) trial of VY-TAU01, an investigational anti-tau antibody designed to inhibit the spread of pathological tau in Alzheimer's disease. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aims to assess the safety and pharmacokinetics of VY-TAU01 in healthy adults. Conducted at a single U.S. site, the trial plans to enroll around 48 patients. Data from this trial will inform a Phase 1b multiple ascending dose (MAD) trial in early Alzheimer's patients, expected to begin in 2025, with initial imaging data potentially available by late 2026. Chief Medical Officer Toby Ferguson highlighted this milestone as a testament to Voyager's neurology drug development capabilities.

Voyager Therapeutics reported its first quarter 2024 financial and operating results, highlighting several milestones and future expectations. The company received IND clearance for its anti-tau antibody VY-TAU01 for Alzheimer's disease and plans to start a trial soon. Development candidates were chosen for the GBA1 and Friedreich’s Ataxia gene therapy programs, with potential clinical entries in 2025. Voyager appointed Dr. Toby Ferguson as Chief Medical Officer. The company completed a $100 million public offering and announced a strategic collaboration with Novartis, which included an $80 million upfront payment and $20 million in newly issued equity. Voyager’s cash position is strong at approximately $400 million, providing financial runway into 2027. However, collaboration revenue dropped from $150.5 million in Q1 2023 to $19.5 million in Q1 2024, leading to a net loss of $11.3 million compared to a net income of $124 million in the same period last year. R&D expenses increased due to program-related spending.

Voyager Therapeutics, Inc. presented data on second-generation TRACER™-Generated Capsids and CNS Gene Therapy Programs at the ASGCT 27th Annual Meeting. The data showed enhanced blood-brain barrier penetrance, broad CNS biodistribution, and robust transduction of key cell types, supporting the high translational potential of TRACER capsids for gene therapy in the CNS. The company aims to file INDs for three development candidates in neurologic diseases by 2025.

Voyager Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: VYGR) will report its first quarter 2024 financial and operating results on May 13, 2024. The company will host a conference call and webcast to review the results. Participants can join via telephone or live webcast. Registration is required.

Voyager Therapeutics will showcase translational data supporting IV-delivered, CNS gene therapy programs at the ASGCT 27th Annual Meeting. The company will present findings on TRACER capsid discovery platform, second-generation AAV capsids, and activity against therapeutic targets in Alzheimer's disease and ALS. Voyager's progress includes 13 partnered programs and three wholly-owned programs with development candidates selected, aiming for clinical trials next year.

Voyager Therapeutics, in collaboration with Neurocrine Biosciences, selects a lead development candidate for the GBA1 gene therapy program to treat Parkinson's disease and other GBA1-mediated diseases. The candidate combines a GBA1 gene replacement payload with a novel capsid. Voyager expects a $3 million milestone payment and potential future payments based on program advancement.

Voyager Therapeutics, Inc. grants non-qualified stock options and restricted stock units to Dr. Toby Ferguson as an inducement for his employment. The stock option allows the purchase of 210,000 shares at $9.26 per share, while the restricted stock unit represents 105,000 shares. Both awards vest over several years, contingent on Dr. Ferguson's continued employment.

Voyager Therapeutics, Inc. appoints Toby Ferguson, M.D., Ph.D., as Chief Medical Officer, bringing valuable expertise in advancing clinical programs for neurological diseases. Ferguson's track record includes successful IND filings and proof-of-concept clinical trials, enhancing Voyager's prospects for developing neurogenetic medicines.