Ryvu cuts headcount by 30%, narrows Phase II strategy to three trials
Here are the key details about Ryvu Therapeutics' recent strategic reorganization:
Workforce Reduction and Cash Runway Extension
- Ryvu is reducing its workforce by approximately 30%, leaving the company with around 200 employees14.
- This reorganization will extend Ryvu's cash runway from Q1 2026 to H2 20264.
- As of February 23, 2025, Ryvu had approximately €46 million in cash and other financial assets, plus €22 million in non-dilutive grant funding4.
Focus on RVU120 Clinical Program
- Ryvu is narrowing its Phase II strategy to focus on three ongoing clinical trials for its lead drug RVU12014:
* 1. RIVER-81:*
Combination with venetoclax in acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
* 2. POTAMI-61:*
Monotherapy/combination with ruxolitinib in myelofibrosis
* 3. REMARK:*
Monotherapy in lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (LR-MDS)
- The company is discontinuing enrollment in the Phase II RIVER-52 study of RVU120 monotherapy in AML/high-risk MDS patients14.
Pipeline and Partnerships
- Ryvu will continue advancing its preclinical pipeline, including RVU305 (a PRMT5 inhibitor for solid tumors) and antibody-drug conjugates1.
- The company maintains partnerships with BioNTech, Exelixis, and Menarini, which provide potential milestone payments1.
Rationale and Outlook
- CEO Paweł Przewięźlikowski stated the reorganization aims to optimize expenses and generate key data to support future cash inflows14.
- Ryvu plans to provide the next data update for RVU120 in Q2 20254.
This strategic shift allows Ryvu to focus resources on its most promising clinical programs while extending its financial runway in a challenging market environment.
Sources:
1. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/polish-biotech-ryvu-waves-goodbye-30-staff-focus-phase-3-blood-cancer-trials
4. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ryvu-therapeutics-announces-strategic-reorganization-to-extend-the-cash-runway-for-the-development-of-rvu120-and-the-preclinical-pipeline-302384585.html