Two 59%+ winners, four above 25% in Aug – How this AI model keeps picking winners
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO - Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLRX), a clinical-stage biotech company currently valued at $84.1 million, shared insights from several studies on its antifibrotic treatment, bexotegrast, at the American Thoracic Society 2025 International Conference, which concluded on Sunday. Dr. Johanna Schaub, Director of Translational Sciences at the company, delivered an oral presentation on the drug’s ability to inhibit fibrogenesis in lung tissue.
The featured study evaluated bexotegrast’s impact on precision-cut lung slices from non-idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis interstitial lung disease patients. Findings indicated a reduction in TGF-β signaling and fibrogenesis gene expression in specific lung cell types and fibroblast subpopulations. According to InvestingPro data, while the company maintains a strong liquidity position with a current ratio of 11.03, it faces challenges with rapid cash burn, a crucial factor for clinical-stage biotechs.
In addition, Dr. Erine Budi discussed a comparative analysis of circulating plasma biomarkers among different interstitial lung disease subtypes. The research identified consistent biomarker patterns across various ILD subtypes, potentially aiding clinical decision-making.
Another poster presentation by Dr. Mahru An showcased a single-cell RNAseq analysis of the effects of bexotegrast, both alone and in combination with the drug nintedanib. The analysis suggested that bexotegrast effectively reduced the expression of profibrotic genes in certain lung cell populations, a result not achieved by nintedanib alone.
Bexotegrast, Pliant’s leading drug candidate, is a dual inhibitor targeting specific integrins associated with fibrotic diseases. The compound has already received Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations from the FDA and EMA for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. With the stock trading 92% below its 52-week high of $16.10, InvestingPro analysis suggests the company is currently undervalued, though investors should note that 5 analysts have recently revised their earnings expectations downward. Get access to 10+ additional ProTips and comprehensive financial analysis with InvestingPro.
Pliant Therapeutics is also conducting a Phase 1 study for another molecule, PLN-101095, aimed at solid tumors, and has obtained regulatory clearance for a Phase 1 study of PLN-101325, an antibody targeting muscular dystrophies.
The presentations and posters from the ATS Conference are accessible through Pliant’s website. This information is based on a press release statement from Pliant Therapeutics, which is dedicated to developing novel treatments for fibrotic diseases. Despite recent market challenges, the company maintains a healthy balance sheet with more cash than debt, though its overall financial health score of 1.38 indicates some risks that warrant careful monitoring.
In other recent news, Pliant Therapeutics announced a significant workforce reduction of approximately 45% as part of a strategic restructuring to extend its financial resources and support late-stage clinical trials. The company is awaiting topline data from its BEACON-IPF Phase 2b/3 trial for bexotegrast, expected in the second quarter of 2025. Meanwhile, Pliant reported promising interim results from a Phase 1 trial of PLN-101095, showing a 50% objective response rate in patients with advanced solid tumors. Additionally, Pliant adopted a stockholder rights agreement to prevent any individual or group from gaining control without offering a fair premium to all shareholders.
Citi recently downgraded its price target for Pliant to $1.50 from $4.00 while maintaining a Neutral rating after the company halted its Phase 2b BEACON-IPF trial for bexotegrast due to safety concerns. Cantor Fitzgerald also reinstated coverage with a Neutral rating, noting the impact of the halted study on Pliant’s stock performance and the company’s ongoing analysis of the trial data. Despite the setback, Pliant continues to explore alternative studies and indications for bexotegrast. The company’s strategic decisions and the outcome of their data review will be closely monitored by investors and the medical community.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.