Denali Therapeutics Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Financial Results and Business Highlights
MWN-AI** Summary
Denali Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: DNLI) announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025, alongside critical business developments as it advances its therapeutic portfolio targeting neurodegenerative diseases and lysosomal storage disorders. With a focus on delivering essential treatment options, CEO Ryan Watts expressed enthusiasm about the company's substantial progress and readiness for the launch of tividenofusp alfa (DNL310), slated for an FDA decision by April 5, 2026, under the accelerated approval pathway for Hunter syndrome.
In addition to the pending launch of tividenofusp alfa, Denali presented preliminary data at the 2026 WORLDSymposium™ for DNL126 (ETV:SGSH), showing promising biomarker reductions in patients with Sanfilippo syndrome type A. The company is positioned to initiate a global Phase 3 study for DNL126 based on these findings. Furthermore, start-up activities are in motion for clinical studies of DNL628 (OTV:MAPT) for Alzheimer's and DNL952 (ETV:GAA) for late-onset Pompe disease.
Financially, Denali reported net losses of $128.5 million and $512.5 million for the fourth quarter and full year, respectively, compared to $114.8 million and $422.8 million in 2024. Research and development expenses rose due to increased costs related to clinical trials and personnel, aligning with Denali's intensive focus on advancing its innovative TransportVehicle™ platform.
Denali's strategic direction aims to propel four to six additional programs into clinical trials over the next three years, reinforcing its commitment to improving patient lives and addressing serious health challenges. With cash reserves of approximately $966.2 million, Denali appears well-positioned to continue its developmental momentum and explore new therapeutic horizons.
MWN-AI** Analysis
Denali Therapeutics Inc. recently reported its fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results, highlighting notable advancements in their drug development pipeline, particularly for neurodegenerative and lysosomal storage disorders. With a substantial cash reserve of approximately $966 million, Denali is well-positioned to support its ongoing clinical trials, including the imminent launch of tividenofusp alfa for Hunter syndrome, expected by the April 2026 PDUFA date.
The company's preliminary Phase 1/2 data for DNL126, aimed at treating Sanfilippo syndrome type A, demonstrates promising outcomes, suggesting a potential accelerated approval path. This development, coupled with the official launch of tividenofusp alfa, positions Denali for a significant revenue boost in the coming years, as these drugs address critical unmet needs in their respective markets.
Denali's strategy of advancing multiple programs simultaneously, such as DNL628 for Alzheimer's and DNL952 for late-onset Pompe disease, speaks to its robust pipeline and commitment to tackling intricate neurological conditions. The company's innovative TransportVehicle™ platform remains a key differentiator, enhancing drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier and offering competitive advantages against traditional therapies.
However, investors should remain cautious due to ongoing losses—approximately $512 million in 2025—and the inherent risks associated with drug development, wherein clinical outcomes can deviate from expectations. While the robust cash position offers a buffer, sustained investment will be crucial for translating pipeline potential into market success.
In summary, Denali presents a compelling investment opportunity, driven by innovative products and a strong financial base. Investors might consider entering or adding to positions, particularly ahead of the PDUFA milestone for tividenofusp alfa, while closely monitoring clinical developments and market responses to upcoming data releases.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
- Tividenofusp alfa (DNL310; ETV:IDS) launch readiness established ahead of April 5, 2026 Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date for Hunter syndrome
- DNL126 (ETV:SGSH) Phase 1/2 preliminary data presented at 2026 WORLDSymposium™, supporting plans to pursue an accelerated approval path in Sanfilippo syndrome type A
- Start-up activities underway for DNL628 (OTV:MAPT) Phase 1b study for Alzheimer's disease and DNL952 (ETV:GAA) Phase 1 study for late-onset Pompe disease
- TransportVehicle™ platform and clinical pipeline progressing across lysosomal storage disorders and neurodegenerative diseases
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Feb. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Denali Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: DNLI) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025, and provided business highlights.
“In 2025, we made meaningful progress toward delivering urgently needed treatment options for people living with neurodegenerative diseases and lysosomal storage disorders, building on the strong scientific foundation that defines Denali,” said Ryan Watts, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Denali Therapeutics. “We established commercial readiness for the anticipated launch of tividenofusp alfa for individuals and families affected by Hunter syndrome and continued advancing our TransportVehicle platform across serious neurologic and systemic diseases that impact millions worldwide.
"In 2026, we are focused on launching tividenofusp alfa and transforming life for individuals living with other serious diseases. Data presented at WORLDSymposium support our plans to pursue an accelerated approval path for DNL126 in Sanfilippo syndrome type A. We are also initiating clinical studies of DNL628 (OTV:MAPT) in Alzheimer’s disease and DNL952 (ETV:GAA) in late-onset Pompe disease. Over the next three years, we expect to advance four to six additional programs into the clinic, guided by our commitment to the patients we serve.”
Fourth Quarter 2025 and Recent Program Updates
CLINICAL PROGRAMS
Tividenofusp alfa (DNL310; ETV:IDS) for Hunter syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis type II [MPS II])
Denali has established commercial launch readiness in anticipation of a regulatory decision on the Biologics License Application (BLA) for tividenofusp alfa under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accelerated approval pathway with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date of April 5, 2026. Results from the open-label Phase 1/2 clinical trial of tividenofusp alfa were published in the January 1, 2026 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine. The ongoing global Phase 2/3 COMPASS study is expected to generate confirmatory evidence and support global regulatory submissions; enrollment in Cohort A (neuronopathic participants) was completed in December 2025.
DNL126 (ETV:SGSH) for Sanfilippo syndrome type A (MPS IIIA)
In February 2026, Denali presented preliminary Phase 1/2 data at WORLDSymposium demonstrating treatment with DNL126 resulted in substantial reductions in disease biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF heparan sulfate and GM3) and the periphery (urinary heparan sulfate) with a safety profile generally consistent with established enzyme replacement therapies. These preliminary data support an accelerated approval path in Sanfilippo syndrome type A. Planning for a global Phase 3 confirmatory study is ongoing.
TAK-594/DNL593 (PTV:PGRN) for GRN-related frontotemporal dementia (FTD-GRN)
TAK-594/DNL593 is an intravenously administered progranulin replacement therapy utilizing Denali’s Protein TransportVehicle™ (PTV) technology to deliver progranulin across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and into the brain for individuals with FTD-GRN. Enrollment in the ongoing Phase 1/2 study is complete with a total of 40 participants with FTD-GRN enrolled. Initial FTD-GRN patient data are expected in 2026. The program is being developed in collaboration with Takeda.
DNL952 (ETV:GAA) for Pompe disease
DNL952 is enabled by Denali’s Enzyme TransportVehicle™ (ETV) and designed to enhance delivery of the missing enzyme, GAA, into muscle tissues and across the BBB into the brain. In January 2026, Denali announced that the FDA had lifted the clinical hold on the Investigational New Drug (IND) application for DNL952. Phase 1 study start-up activities are underway.
DNL628 (OTV:MAPT) for Alzheimer's disease
DNL628 is enabled by Denali’s Oligonucleotide TransportVehicle™ (OTV) and is designed to cross the BBB and reduce the tau protein by targeting the MAPT gene that encodes for tau. In January 2026, Denali announced that the Clinical Trial Application (CTA) for the Phase 1b study of DNL628 had been approved and study start-up activities are underway.
BIIB122/DNL151 (small molecule LRRK2 inhibitor) for Parkinson’s disease
A clinical data readout of the global Phase 2b LUMA study of BIIB122 for early-stage Parkinson’s disease is expected in mid-2026. Denali’s Phase 2a BEACON study in LRRK2-associated Parkinson’s disease remains ongoing. The LRRK2 program is being developed in collaboration with Biogen.
SAR443122/DNL758 (eclitasertib; small molecule RIPK1 inhibitor) for ulcerative colitis
The Phase 2 study of eclitasertib in participants with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis is expected to have results in the first half of 2026. The program is being developed by Sanofi.
IND-ENABLING STAGE PROGRAMS
Denali has multiple additional programs in the IND-enabling stage including DNL921 (ATV:Abeta) for Alzheimer’s disease; DNL111 (ETV:GCase) for Parkinson’s disease and Gaucher disease; DNL622 (ETV:IDUA) for MPS I; and DNL422 (OTV:SNCA) for Parkinson’s disease.
Corporate Updates
In December, Denali announced two funding events. The first was a $275.0 million synthetic royalty funding agreement with Royalty Pharma plc based on future net sales of tividenofusp alfa. The second was a successful public offering of common stock and pre-funded warrants totaling approximately $200.0 million in net proceeds.
Participation in Upcoming Investor Conferences
- TD Cowen 46th Annual Healthcare Conference, March 2-4, 2026, Boston
- UBS Biotech Summit Miami - Catalyst for Change, March 8-10, 2026, Miami
- Leerink Global Healthcare Conference, March 8-11, 2026, Miami
- Jefferies 2026 Biotech on the Beach Summit, March 10-11, 2026, Miami
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Financial Results
Net losses were $128.5 million and $512.5 million for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2025, respectively, compared to net losses of $114.8 million and $422.8 million for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2024, respectively.
Total research and development expenses were $97.9 million and $418.8 million for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2025, respectively, compared to $99.8 million and $396.4 million for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2024, respectively. The increase of approximately $22.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to the comparative period in the prior year was primarily attributable to higher external research and development costs related to multiple preclinical and clinical TransportVehicle programs, as well as increased personnel and other operating expenses associated with our large molecule manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. These increases were partially offset by lower external expenses related to small molecule programs, which also contributed to the $1.9 million decrease in research and development expenses for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year.
General and administrative expenses were $39.5 million and $136.6 million for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2025, respectively, compared to $30.1 million and $105.4 million for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2024, respectively. The increases of $9.4 million and $31.1 million for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2025, compared to the comparative period in the prior year were primarily driven by headcount increases and other activities associated with preparing for the potential commercial launch for tividenofusp alfa.
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were approximately $966.2 million as of December 31, 2025.
About Denali Therapeutics
Denali Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company pioneering a new class of biotherapeutics designed to cross the blood-brain barrier using its proprietary TransportVehicle™ platform. With a clinically validated delivery platform and a growing portfolio of therapeutic candidates across all stages of development, Denali is advancing toward its goal of delivering effective medicines to transform the lives of people living with neurodegenerative diseases, lysosomal storage disorders and other serious diseases. For more information, please visit www.denalitherapeutics.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements expressed or implied in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding expectations for Denali’s TransportVehicle™ (TV) platform and its therapeutics and commercial potential; statements regarding Denali's business strategy and business plans, including expected key milestones for Denali's therapeutic portfolio in 2026 and beyond and Denali’s ability to execute on its commercial strategies; plans, timelines and expectations related to Denali's Enzyme TransportVehicle™ (ETV) franchise and its therapeutic and commercial potential; plans, timelines and expectations relating to tividenofusp alfa (DNL310), including the timing, likelihood and scope of regulatory approvals and commercial launch, the therapeutic potential of tividenofusp alfa, and the likelihood of the Phase 2/3 COMPASS data to support confirmatory evidence for global regulatory submissions and approval; plans, timelines and expectations related to DNL126, including the timing and availability of data from the Phase 1/2 study, the therapeutic potential of DNL126, the likelihood and pathway of regulatory approval, and the plans to initiate a Phase 3 study; plans and expectations regarding DNL593 and the timing and availability of data from the ongoing Phase 1/2 study; plans and expectations regarding DNL628, including the planned Phase 1b study; plans and expectations regarding DNL952, including the Phase 1 study and the program's therapeutic potential; plans, timelines and expectations regarding DNL151, including the ongoing Phase 2a BEACON study, and timing and expectations for availability of data from the Phase 2b LUMA study; expectations regarding DNL758 and the timing and availability of data from the Phase 2 study; the timing and occurrence of potential milestone payments, including from Royalty Pharma plc; Denali's future operating expenses and anticipated cash runway; plans regarding participation in upcoming investor conferences; and statements by Denali's Chief Executive Officer. All drugs currently being developed by Denali are investigational and have not received regulatory approval for any indication. Actual results are subject to risks and uncertainties and may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, risks related to: the impact of adverse economic conditions, tariffs and inflation on Denali’s business and operations; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of Denali’s agreements with Sanofi, Takeda, Biogen or other collaborators; Denali’s transition to a late-stage clinical drug development company; Denali’s and its collaborators’ ability to complete the development and, if approved, commercialization of its product candidates; Denali’s and its collaborators’ ability to enroll patients in its ongoing and future clinical trials; Denali’s reliance on third parties for the manufacture and supply of its product candidates for clinical trials; Denali’s dependence on successful development of its blood-brain barrier platform technology and its programs and product candidates; Denali’s and its collaborators' ability to conduct or complete clinical trials on expected timelines; the risk that preclinical profiles of Denali’s product candidates may not translate in clinical trials; the potential for clinical trials to differ from preclinical, early clinical, preliminary or expected results; the risk of significant adverse events, toxicities or other undesirable side effects; the uncertainty that product candidates will receive regulatory approval necessary to be commercialized; Denali’s ability to continue to create a pipeline of product candidates or commercialize products; developments relating to Denali's competitors and its industry, including competing product candidates and therapies; Denali’s ability to obtain, maintain or protect intellectual property rights related to its product candidates; implementation of Denali’s strategic plans for its business, product candidates and blood-brain barrier platform technology; Denali's ability to obtain additional capital to finance its operations, as needed; Denali's ability to accurately forecast future financial results and hedge against financial risk in the current environment; and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in Denali's most recent Annual Report and Quarterly Reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 27, 2025 and November 6, 2025, and Denali’s future reports to be filed with the SEC. Denali does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, to conform these statements to actual results or to make changes in Denali’s expectations, except as required by law.
Denali Therapeutics Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
| Three Months Ended December 31, | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||
| Research and development | $ | 97,905 | $ | 99,787 | $ | 418,778 | $ | 396,440 | |||||||
| General and administration | 39,460 | 30,059 | 136,564 | 105,438 | |||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 137,365 | 129,846 | 555,342 | 501,878 | |||||||||||
| Gain from divestiture of small molecule programs | — | — | — | 14,537 | |||||||||||
| Loss from operations | (137,365 | ) | (129,846 | ) | (555,342 | ) | (487,341 | ) | |||||||
| Interest and other income, net | 8,918 | 15,161 | 42,904 | 64,636 | |||||||||||
| Loss before income taxes | (128,447 | ) | (114,685 | ) | (512,438 | ) | (422,705 | ) | |||||||
| Income tax expense | (102 | ) | (68 | ) | (102 | ) | (68 | ) | |||||||
| Net loss | $ | (128,549 | ) | $ | (114,753 | ) | $ | (512,540 | ) | $ | (422,773 | ) | |||
| Net loss per share, basic and diluted | $ | (0.73 | ) | $ | (0.67 | ) | $ | (2.97 | ) | $ | (2.57 | ) | |||
| Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic and diluted | 175,458,962 | 170,086,146 | 172,649,097 | 164,473,772 | |||||||||||
Denali Therapeutics Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | ||||||
| Assets | |||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 205,326 | $ | 174,960 | |||
| Short-term marketable securities | 662,553 | 657,371 | |||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 32,779 | 32,105 | |||||
| Total current assets | 900,658 | 864,436 | |||||
| Long-term marketable securities | 98,322 | 359,373 | |||||
| Property and equipment, net | 52,402 | 55,236 | |||||
| Finance lease right-of-use asset | 48,531 | 47,533 | |||||
| Operating lease right-of-use asset | 19,002 | 22,861 | |||||
| Other non-current assets | 25,939 | 24,741 | |||||
| Total assets | $ | 1,144,854 | $ | 1,374,180 | |||
| Liabilities and stockholders' equity | |||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 3,330 | $ | 11,137 | |||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 95,021 | 91,071 | |||||
| Total current liabilities | 98,351 | 102,208 | |||||
| Operating lease liability, less current portion | 27,210 | 36,673 | |||||
| Finance lease liability, less current portion | 5,532 | 5,615 | |||||
| Total liabilities | 131,093 | 144,496 | |||||
| Total stockholders' equity | 1,013,761 | 1,229,684 | |||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 1,144,854 | $ | 1,374,180 | |||
Investor Contact:
Laura Hansen, Ph.D.
hansen@dnli.com
Media Contact:
Erin Patton
epatton@dnli.com
FAQ**
What specific strategies has Denali Therapeutics Inc. (DNLI) implemented to ensure commercial readiness for the launch of tividenofusp alfa ahead of the April 5, 2026 PDUFA date for Hunter syndrome?
How does Denali Therapeutics Inc. (DNLI) plan to utilize the preliminary Phase 1/2 data for DNL1when pursuing an accelerated approval path for Sanfilippo syndrome type A?
Can Denali Therapeutics Inc. (DNLI) outline the anticipated timelines for the initiation and completion of clinical studies related to DNL628 for Alzheimer's disease and DNL952 for Pompe disease?
How does Denali Therapeutics Inc. (DNLI) foresee the integration of its TransportVehicle platform in supporting the commercialization of tividenofusp alfa and other therapeutics across neurodegenerative diseases?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Denali Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: DNLI).
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