Faron Pharmaceuticals Limited (AIM:FARN) CEO Dr. Juho Jalkanen talked with Proactive about the latest clinical data presented at the ESMO Congress on its lead asset, bexmarilimab, in high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).
Jalkanen described the data as “truly game changing,” highlighting that combining bexmarilimab with hypomethylating agents (HMAs) yielded an 85% response rate—compared to 40% with standard of care alone. Importantly, the complete remission rate reached 45%, which he described as “one of the highest ever seen in this field.”
The company has secured orphan drug designation and received clear FDA guidance supporting the possibility of accelerated approval based on response rate, particularly complete remission. Jalkanen emphasised the importance of normalising blood counts in this patient population, many of whom are severely anaemic and neutropenic.
He also discussed new biomarker data showing strong clever-1 engagement, especially in bone marrow—where disease often hides from traditional chemotherapy. Jalkanen said this highlights bexmarilimab as a “truly disease-modifying agent.”
On funding, Jalkanen confirmed Faron is well capitalised into next year, with further financing under exploration to support the upcoming registration trial, including partnering and fundraising initiatives.
