Why Is Kalaris Therapeutics Stock Gaining Friday?

Kalaris Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:KLRS) announced expanded data from its Phase 1a single ascending dose trial evaluating TH103 for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Following the announcement, the stock jumped nearly 18%.

The clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company stated that the updated data build on previous findings by showing vision improvements and enhanced retinal anatomy.

Expanded Trial Results Highlight Extended Durability

The expanded study analyzed 17 treatment-naive individuals and three treatment-experienced individuals, tracking all 20 participants through a six-month follow-up window.

The expanded efficacy analysis continued to show robust structural and functional progress.

Data regarding TH103 plasma pharmacokinetics suggested strong intraocular retention.

The candidate exhibited a 27- to 53-fold lower maximum plasma concentration on a molar equivalence basis compared to existing leading anti-VEGF products.

The increased retention supports the company’s hypothesis that prolonged biological activity can extend the time needed between treatments.

Following just one injection of TH103, 41% of treatment-naive participants went four months or longer before needing a first retreatment. Additionally, 35% reached five months or more, and 29% went the full six months without any extra anti-VEGF therapy.

Treatment-experienced patients saw their average retreatment interval extend by two months compared to prior therapies.

Safety Outcomes And Phase 1b/2 Timeline

Regarding safety, no cases of intraocular inflammation occurred in the six patients given the 2.5 mg dose.

The cohort received a product manufactured with process updates intended to minimize impurities.

Previously reported data showed one patient at the 5 mg dose level experienced temporary intraocular inflammation, which resolved without complications.

Kalaris is actively dosing patients in an ongoing Phase 1b/2 study using an ascending-dose design to evaluate a standard four-dose loading course.

The results will help determine dose selection for potential Phase 3 trials, with initial data expected in the first half of 2027.

KLRS Stock Price Activity: Kalaris Therapeutics shares were up 17.79% at $5.43 at the time of publication on Friday, according to Benzinga Pro data.

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