By Elias Schisgall

Quince Therapeutics will end the development of its lead asset, a treatment for the neurodegenerative disorder ataxia-telangiectasia, after a pivotal Phase 3 trial failed to meet its expected outcomes.

The drug candidate, dexamethasone sodium phosphate encapsulated in autologous erythrocytes, or eDSP, did not achieve statistical significance its primary and key secondary endpoints, the biotechnology company said Thursday afternoon.

Shares for Quince nosedived to 27 cents a share ahead of the market close. The stock opened at $3.18 Thursday.

Quince said cancelling the program would preserve cash and allow the company to explore available alternatives.

"We express our compassion and hope for future therapeutic options to the A-T community," Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer Dirk Thye said. "We have tremendous gratitude toward the patients, their families, academic investigators and study sites, as well as all Quince employees, who worked so diligently over many years on this program."

Quince released safety data for eDSP on Wednesday afternoon. It said Thursday that the drug was generally well-tolerated without clinically meaningful safety concerns.

Write to Elias Schisgall at elias.schisgall@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 29, 2026 15:52 ET (20:52 GMT)

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