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Contineum's MS Drug Flops in Trial, But Analysts Say the Real Story Is Elsewhere

MarketDash Editorial Team
16 days ago
Contineum Therapeutics saw its multiple sclerosis drug candidate miss all key goals in Phase 2 testing, prompting RBC Capital to slash its price target. But analysts say investors should be watching the company's pulmonary fibrosis program instead.

Contineum Therapeutics, Inc. (CTNM) delivered disappointing news Thursday when it released topline data from its Phase 2 VISTA trial testing PIPE-307, an M1 receptor antagonist designed to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

For context, RRMS is the most prevalent form of MS, marked by unpredictable flare-ups of new or worsening symptoms followed by recovery periods. Multiple sclerosis itself is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, the protective insulation around nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord.

The trial showed PIPE-307 was safe and well-tolerated at both dose levels tested, which is good news. The bad news? It didn't meet any of its prespecified primary or secondary efficacy endpoints. In RRMS patients, researchers observed no meaningful improvement in binocular 2.5% low contrast letter acuity across any of the treatment groups.

Contineum is still analyzing exploratory endpoints from the trial data, and the company plans to present complete results at an upcoming medical conference and publish findings in a peer-reviewed journal.

"We're disappointed by these results...," said Timothy Watkins, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Development at Contineum Therapeutics.

Analysts Say Don't Panic

RBC Capital Markets weighed in Thursday with a nuanced take. While acknowledging some preclinical rationale for PIPE-307's mechanism and indirect clinical validation, the firm noted they'd always viewed this readout as high-risk compared to Contineum's other programs, which have more substantial validation behind them.

Analyst Brian Abrahams argued that while the MS trial limits upside optionality, it shouldn't materially impact PIPE-307's prospects in depression. More importantly, he emphasized that the company's core valuation remains anchored to PIPE-791's potential in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

That IPF program is already moving forward—Contineum initiated a global Phase 2 clinical trial of PIPE-791 in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis during the fourth quarter of 2025.

RBC Capital adjusted its price forecast downward from $25 to $22 but maintained an Outperform rating, signaling continued confidence despite the setback.

Financial Runway Extended

During its third-quarter earnings release, Contineum made strategic decisions to defer initiation of its PIPE-791 PrMS and CTX-343 clinical development programs. This move has extended the company's projected cash runway, now sufficient to fund planned operations through 2028.

That's a prudent move that gives management breathing room to focus resources on its most promising candidates without immediate funding pressure.

Price Action: CTNM stock dropped 13.26% to $10.60 on Friday following the announcement.

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Contineum's MS Drug Flops in Trial, But Analysts Say the Real Story Is Elsewhere

MarketDash Editorial Team
16 days ago
Contineum Therapeutics saw its multiple sclerosis drug candidate miss all key goals in Phase 2 testing, prompting RBC Capital to slash its price target. But analysts say investors should be watching the company's pulmonary fibrosis program instead.

Contineum Therapeutics, Inc. (CTNM) delivered disappointing news Thursday when it released topline data from its Phase 2 VISTA trial testing PIPE-307, an M1 receptor antagonist designed to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

For context, RRMS is the most prevalent form of MS, marked by unpredictable flare-ups of new or worsening symptoms followed by recovery periods. Multiple sclerosis itself is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, the protective insulation around nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord.

The trial showed PIPE-307 was safe and well-tolerated at both dose levels tested, which is good news. The bad news? It didn't meet any of its prespecified primary or secondary efficacy endpoints. In RRMS patients, researchers observed no meaningful improvement in binocular 2.5% low contrast letter acuity across any of the treatment groups.

Contineum is still analyzing exploratory endpoints from the trial data, and the company plans to present complete results at an upcoming medical conference and publish findings in a peer-reviewed journal.

"We're disappointed by these results...," said Timothy Watkins, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Development at Contineum Therapeutics.

Analysts Say Don't Panic

RBC Capital Markets weighed in Thursday with a nuanced take. While acknowledging some preclinical rationale for PIPE-307's mechanism and indirect clinical validation, the firm noted they'd always viewed this readout as high-risk compared to Contineum's other programs, which have more substantial validation behind them.

Analyst Brian Abrahams argued that while the MS trial limits upside optionality, it shouldn't materially impact PIPE-307's prospects in depression. More importantly, he emphasized that the company's core valuation remains anchored to PIPE-791's potential in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

That IPF program is already moving forward—Contineum initiated a global Phase 2 clinical trial of PIPE-791 in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis during the fourth quarter of 2025.

RBC Capital adjusted its price forecast downward from $25 to $22 but maintained an Outperform rating, signaling continued confidence despite the setback.

Financial Runway Extended

During its third-quarter earnings release, Contineum made strategic decisions to defer initiation of its PIPE-791 PrMS and CTX-343 clinical development programs. This move has extended the company's projected cash runway, now sufficient to fund planned operations through 2028.

That's a prudent move that gives management breathing room to focus resources on its most promising candidates without immediate funding pressure.

Price Action: CTNM stock dropped 13.26% to $10.60 on Friday following the announcement.

    Contineum's MS Drug Flops in Trial, But Analysts Say the Real Story Is Elsewhere - MarketDash News