Absci Corporation Q1 FY2026 earnings call

Sean McLean covered that 2026 is a data - rich year for AppSci with multiple readouts ahead. Ronzi Somaratne discussed the ongoing Phase I - 2A headline trial for ABS - 201, which is progressing well, with plans to share preliminary safety, tolerability, and PK data next month, interim 13 - week regrowth data in the second half of the year, and full 26 - week proof of concept data early next year. Zach Donison talked about the strategic priority of using the platform to create novel, differentiated assets, announced the addition of ABS - 202, deprioritized oncology programs, and provided financials including revenue, R&D, SG&A expenses, cash position, and plans to leverage agentic AI workflows for efficiencies.

Preliminary safety and PK data for ABS - 201 next month. Interim 13 - week proof of concept hair regrowth data in the second half of the year. Initiation of Phase II endometriosis trials in Q4 2026, subject to data and regulatory review. Full 26 - week proof of concept data for ABS - 201 and AGA in early 2027. Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities are sufficient to fund operating plans into the first half of 2028.

Forward - looking statements involve material risks and uncertainties such as actual results differing from anticipated results regarding development and clinical progress of pipeline programs, potential market opportunity projections, and regulatory approval. Certain research findings discussed reflect participant responses to a hypothetical product profile and do not represent clinical results for ABS - 201. Risks also include uncertainties regarding the competitive landscape, evolving regulatory requirements, and the ability to achieve targeted dosing intervals and receptor occupancy. There are risks related to placebo response in endometriosis trials and the ability to partner effectively on favorable terms.

Q: Brendan Smith asked about the mechanistic distinctions between ABS - 202 and 201, and the dynamics of efficacy and dosing for ABS - 201.

A: ABS - 202 is for a different indication leveraging prolactin biology in other areas. For ABS - 201, having comparable efficacy to oral minoxidil with infrequent dosing is seen as a home run, and convenience factor with equivalent efficacy is key.

Q: Gil Bloom asked about differences in ABS - 201 and 202, and the 13 - week readout for ABS - 201.

A: Not disclosing the profile of ABS - 202 yet. The 13 - week readout is directional, with the 26 - week readout being the final definitive one.

Q: Vamil Devan asked about receptor occupancy and variability in therapeutic response for ABS - 201.

A: So far, receptor occupancy is achievable as designed, and no great variability expected among patients in the AGA population.

Q: Alex from Cripa asked about ABS - 202's mechanism and patient preference for combination therapy for ABS - 201.

A: Not disclosing more on ABS - 202's mechanism now. In surveys, there was high interest in ABS - 201, especially among those on existing standard of care.

Q: Jeb Chatterjee asked about structural elements to control placebo response in endometriosis trials and partnership for ABS - 202.

A: Will focus on site and investigator selection, placebo training, and FDA engagement for placebo response control. Open to both internal development and partnering for ABS - 202.

Q: Brian Chang asked about the benchmark for success in ABS - 201 and PK data.

A: 26 - week readout is where oral minoxidil sets, 13 - week is directional. PK data from SAD cohorts is developing nicely, with more color to be shared in June.

Q: Swayam Pakula Ramakant asked about reasons for de - emphasizing oncology products and partnership factors.

A: Oncology doesn't fit the go - to - market strategy for AGA, so deprioritized. Focus is on driving ABS - 201 development and being selective in partnerships that make strategic sense.

Q: Steve Desher asked about the impact of agentic AI on drug discovery and business operations.

A: Agentic AI is being implemented across the business, already creating efficiency gains and cost savings, with more to be realized.

Q: Vamil Devan asked about hair repigmentation opportunity for ABS - 201.

A: Repigmentation is an exploratory endpoint, and the plan is to see how the readouts go and then determine the next steps.