LEXINGTON, Mass., Feb. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Keros Therapeutics, Inc. (“Keros” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: KROS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapeutics to treat a wide range of patients with disorders that are linked to dysfunctional signaling of the transforming growth factor-beta (“TGF-ß”) family of proteins, today announced the appointment of Charles Newton to its Board of Directors, effective March 9, 2026. “We are pleased to welcom ...

Keros Therapeutics Conference Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Keros Therapeutics (NasdaqGM: KROS) - **Industry**: Biopharmaceuticals - **Focus**: Discovery, development, and commercialization of treatments for disorders linked to dysfunctional signaling of the TGF-beta superfamily of proteins, targeting pathways critical for blood cell growth, repair, and maintenance across various tissues [1][3] Core Products and Development - **Lead Candidate**: KER-065 (Rinvatercept) - **Indications**: Developed for neuromuscular diseases, specifically Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) [2][4] - **Mechanism**: A modified activin receptor ligand trap designed to inhibit TGF-beta ligands, promoting muscle regeneration, increasing muscle size and strength, and reducing fibrosis and inflammation [5][11] - **Partnered Drug**: Elritercept - **Indications**: Developed for treating ineffective hematopoiesis in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myelofibrosis (MF) [2][21] - **Partnership**: Global license agreement with Takeda, including an upfront payment of $200 million and potential milestones exceeding $1.1 billion [21] Clinical Insights - **Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)** - **Prevalence**: Approximately 1 in 3,500 male births [8] - **Current Treatments**: Glucocorticoids (short-term benefits), exon skippers (limited benefit), gene therapy (declining efficacy) [10] - **Potential of KER-065**: Increases muscle mass, decreases fat mass, improves bone mineral density, and reduces negative effects of glucocorticoids [11][14] - **Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)** - **Patient Population**: Approximately 30,000 patients in the U.S. [16] - **Mechanism of Action**: Aims to preserve muscle function and quality of life by promoting muscle regeneration and potentially counteracting muscle atrophy [19] Financial Overview - **Current Financial Position**: As of the third quarter, Keros reported $383 million in cash, providing a runway into the first half of 2028 [24][25] - **Investment in Trials**: Funds allocated for phase 2 trials and advancing preclinical assets into clinical development [25] Upcoming Milestones - **DMD Trial**: Expected to start in the current quarter [24] - **ALS Trial**: Engagement with regulators planned for the second half of the year [24] - **Elritercept Phase 3 RENEW Trial**: Ongoing, with Takeda committed to starting frontline treatment in the 2025 fiscal year [26] Additional Insights - **Research and Development**: Keros has a proprietary library of modified activin receptor II ligand traps and is exploring a broad range of indications, including neurodegenerative diseases and obesity [22][23] - **Clinical Data**: Phase 1 study of KER-065 showed it was well tolerated with no serious adverse events, indicating a favorable safety profile compared to earlier molecules [13][14] This summary encapsulates the key points from the Keros Therapeutics conference call, highlighting the company's focus, product pipeline, clinical insights, financial status, and future milestones.

Core Insights - Keros Therapeutics (KROS) is expected to report fourth-quarter results soon, with a focus on pipeline updates. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for sales is $6.50 million, and the loss per share is estimated at 49 cents [1][5]. Financial Performance - The earnings estimate for 2025 has remained stable over the past 60 days, while the loss per share estimate for 2026 has also not changed during the same period [1]. - KROS has a strong earnings surprise history, beating estimates in three of the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 9,098.63%. In the last reported quarter, the company exceeded earnings estimates by 83.78% [2][3]. Pipeline Progress - KROS is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that does not generate product sales, relying instead on license and service revenues from collaborations, notably with Takeda Pharmaceuticals [7]. - The lead product candidate, rinvatercept (KER-065), is being developed for neuromuscular disorders, specifically targeting Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The FDA has granted orphan drug designation for rinvatercept, and a phase II trial is planned to start in 2026 [9][10]. - KROS has also entered into a licensing agreement with Takeda for another candidate, elritercept, which has triggered a $10 million milestone payment following the dosing of the first patient in a phase III study [12][13]. Strategic Focus and Cost Management - The company has streamlined its operations by discontinuing the cibotercept program and reducing its workforce by approximately 45%, aiming for annualized cost savings of about $17 million [14][15]. - Management changes have been implemented to reinforce a leaner operating structure and tighter strategic execution [15]. Market Performance - KROS shares have increased by 55.7% over the past year, outperforming the industry gain of 18.1% [17]. - The stock is currently trading at a price/book ratio of 0.72x, significantly lower than the industry average of 3.76x [18]. Competitive Landscape - The DMD market is highly competitive, with Sarepta Therapeutics being a significant player, having received FDA approvals for its therapies [21][22]. - The successful development and commercialization of KROS's pipeline candidates are crucial for the company's future, with any positive clinical or regulatory developments potentially acting as significant catalysts for share price growth [24][25].

Core Insights - Keros Therapeutics (KROS) and Dyne Therapeutics (DYN) are both clinical-stage biopharmaceutical companies focused on innovative therapies for neuromuscular diseases, making investment decisions between them challenging [2][3]. Keros Therapeutics (KROS) - KROS is developing KER-065, targeting neuromuscular disorders like Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) by inhibiting TGF-β ligands [4][5]. - KER-065 received FDA orphan drug designation for DMD and a phase II trial is planned for Q1 2026 [6]. - KROS entered an exclusive licensing agreement with Takeda for elritercept, which is being evaluated in a phase III study for myelodysplastic syndromes [7][8]. - The company has streamlined operations by reducing its workforce by 45% and expects annual cost savings of approximately $17 million [11]. - As of September 30, 2025, KROS had $693.5 million in cash, sufficient to fund operations into the first half of 2028 [12]. Dyne Therapeutics (DYN) - DYN focuses on genetically driven neuromuscular diseases and is advancing z-rostudirsen for DMD, which has shown positive results in a phase I/II study [13][14]. - Z-rostudirsen demonstrated a significant increase in dystrophin expression and functional improvements in DMD patients [15]. - DYN plans to submit a biologics license application for z-rostudirsen in Q2 2026 and has received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA [16]. - As of September 30, 2025, DYN had $791.9 million in cash, expected to fund operations into Q3 2027 [19]. Financial Estimates and Performance - KROS's 2025 earnings per share (EPS) estimates suggest a 145% improvement, while DYN's EPS estimates indicate a decline of 2.67% [20][21]. - KROS shares have increased by 63.9% over the past year, outperforming DYN's 31.7% increase and the industry average of 15.8% [23]. - KROS trades at a lower valuation of 0.81X trailing 12-month book value compared to DYN's 3.72X [24]. Investment Considerations - KROS is viewed as a better investment option due to its strong pipeline, recent performance, and lower valuation, while DYN has a deeper pipeline but carries a hold rating [27][30].

Core Insights - Keros Therapeutics (KROS) is focused on developing novel therapeutics targeting disorders linked to dysfunctional signaling of the TGF-β protein family [1] Company Overview - KER-065, KROS' lead candidate, selectively binds and inhibits TGF-β ligands, including myostatin and activin A, which negatively regulate muscle and bone mass [2] - The company aims to promote muscle regeneration, increase muscle size and strength, reduce body fat and fibrosis, and enhance bone strength through KER-065 [2] Clinical Development - KER-065 is being advanced for treating neuromuscular disorders, initially targeting Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) [3] - Current standard care for DMD involves glucocorticoids, which have significant long-term side effects [3] - Keros reported initial top-line results from a phase I study in March 2025 and received FDA orphan drug designation for KER-065 in August 2025 [4] - A phase II trial in DMD patients is planned to start in Q1 2026 [4] Strategic Focus - Keros plans to explore additional indications for KER-065 where its mechanism of action may have strong clinical potential [5] - The company discontinued the cibotercept program for pulmonary arterial hypertension to focus resources on KER-065 [5] Competitive Landscape - The DMD therapeutic area is competitive, with many patients currently treated with corticosteroids [6] - Sarepta Therapeutics is a key competitor with a strong DMD franchise, including therapies like Exondys 51 and Elevidys, which received FDA approvals [7][8] - PTC Therapeutics markets Emflaza for DMD and has faced challenges with its other drug, Translarna, in the European market [11][13] Market Outlook - Keros has made significant progress with KER-065, and any positive clinical or regulatory updates could serve as a catalyst for KROS shares [14]

Core Insights - Keros Therapeutics (KROS) has experienced a significant stock performance, with shares increasing by 85.6% over the past year, outperforming the industry gain of 18.8% and the S&P 500 Index [1][8] - The company's momentum has been bolstered by a strategic review aimed at maximizing stockholder value and positive developments in its product pipeline [1][8] Company Performance - Keros has made encouraging progress in its development pipeline, particularly with its lead product candidate KER-065, which targets neuromuscular disorders, specifically Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) [5][6] - The company reported initial top-line results from a phase I study of KER-065 in March 2025 and received FDA orphan drug designation for DMD in August 2025 [7][8] Strategic Partnerships - Keros entered an exclusive license agreement with Takeda Pharmaceuticals to develop and commercialize elritercept, its second pipeline candidate, which is currently undergoing a phase III study for anemia and thrombocytopenia in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes [8][9][10] Financial Management - The company has implemented strategic measures to enhance capital efficiency, including a workforce reduction of approximately 45%, which is expected to generate annual cost savings of around $17 million [11][12] - As of September 30, 2025, Keros had $693.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, with plans to fund operations into the first half of 2028 after returning $375 million to stockholders [13] Valuation and Earnings Estimates - Keros shares are currently trading at a price/book ratio of 0.85, significantly lower than the industry average of 3.56 [14] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings per share has increased to $2.25 from $2.02, while the loss per share estimate for 2026 has narrowed to $3.47 from $3.65 [15][19] Competitive Landscape - The DMD therapeutic area is highly competitive, with notable players like Sarepta Therapeutics, which has a strong franchise in exon-skipping therapies [18] - Positive clinical or regulatory updates related to KER-065 could serve as significant catalysts for KROS shares [19]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: US Biopharmaceuticals - **Performance**: Biopharma ended 2025 positively with NBI up 32% and DRG up 21%, outperforming SPX at 17% [1] - **Outlook for 2026**: Optimism exists despite macro concerns like inflation and tariffs, with easing drug pricing worries, increased M&A activity, new product cycles, and modest expectations positioning the sector favorably [1] Core Insights and Arguments - **Valuation**: Biotech/Pharma P/E multiples are around 19x, which is lower compared to Financials at 18x and Utilities at 20x, indicating potential undervaluation [1] - **Catalysts**: Companies like Insmed (+152%), BridgeBio (+179%), and Travere (+119%) have shown strong performance driven by value-driving catalysts [1] Company-Specific Highlights Insmed - **Performance**: Insmed was a top performer in 2025, driven by Brinsupri's launch and TPIP's phase 2 results [2] - **2026 Outlook**: Continued upside is expected as Brinsupri's uptake alleviates skepticism over the $5B NCFB opportunity [2] BridgeBio - **Focus for 2026**: The debate will center around Attruby, with positive channel checks suggesting potential for accelerated sales [2] - **Key Data**: Anticipation for PROPEL3 readout in January, which could significantly impact the stock [10] Travere - **Performance**: Outperformance in 2025 attributed to commercial success in IgAN [3] - **Approval Outlook**: Filspari's potential approval for FSGS is a major debate, with FDA signals indicating a favorable outlook [9] Cytokinetics - **Market Entry**: Myqorzo's approval for oHCM is expected to face challenges in market execution against established competitors [15][40] - **Upcoming Data**: ACACIA readout in 2Q26 is crucial for assessing the drug's competitive position [19] Tyra - **Expansion**: Tyra is expanding dabogratinib's development into LG-UTUC, which could offer greater regulatory flexibility and market opportunity [43] - **Market Potential**: Management believes an oral option could be a game changer in a relatively underserved market [43] Acumen - **Pipeline Development**: Acumen's EBD program is expected to provide optionality, with initial non-clinical data anticipated early in 2026 [13] - **Key Event**: ALTITUDE-AD is a defining event for Acumen, with expectations for significant data to outperform competitors [33] Additional Important Insights - **M&A Activity**: The biopharma sector is seeing increased M&A activity as companies prepare for patent expirations [1] - **Regulatory Environment**: The FDA's involvement in various drug approvals and feedback mechanisms is crucial for shaping market expectations [9][10] - **Investor Sentiment**: There remains a cautious sentiment among investors, particularly regarding the approval of new drugs and their market uptake [9][19] This summary encapsulates the key points from the conference call, highlighting the overall industry outlook, company-specific developments, and critical upcoming events that could influence market dynamics in the biopharmaceutical sector.

Core Viewpoint - Investors in the Medical - Biomedical and Genetics sector should consider Keros Therapeutics, Inc. (KROS) and argenex SE (ARGX) for potential value opportunities, with KROS appearing to offer better value at this time [1]. Valuation Metrics - KROS has a forward P/E ratio of 9.16, significantly lower than ARGX's forward P/E of 47.56, indicating KROS may be undervalued [5]. - The PEG ratio for KROS is 0.25, while ARGX has a PEG ratio of 0.87, suggesting KROS has a more favorable earnings growth outlook relative to its price [5]. - KROS's P/B ratio is 0.89, compared to ARGX's P/B of 8.41, further indicating KROS's stock may be undervalued relative to its book value [6]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - KROS has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), reflecting positive earnings estimate revisions, while ARGX has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating less favorable earnings outlook [3][7]. - The stronger estimate revision activity for KROS suggests a more optimistic earnings outlook compared to ARGX, making KROS a more attractive option for value investors [7].

Core Viewpoint - Keros Therapeutics, Inc. (KROS) has received a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) due to an upward trend in earnings estimates, indicating a positive outlook for the company's stock price [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - The Zacks rating system emphasizes the importance of changing earnings estimates, which are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [4][6]. - Rising earnings estimates for Keros Therapeutics suggest an improvement in the company's underlying business, which could lead to higher stock prices as investors respond positively [5][10]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [7]. - Keros Therapeutics' upgrade to Zacks Rank 1 places it in the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks, indicating a strong potential for market-beating returns in the near term [9][10]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, Keros Therapeutics is expected to earn $2.28 per share, unchanged from the previous year, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 592.5% over the past three months [8].

Core Viewpoint - Keros Therapeutics, Inc. (KROS) has experienced a bearish price trend recently, losing 5.8% over the past week, but the formation of a hammer chart pattern suggests a potential trend reversal as buying interest may be increasing [1][2]. Technical Analysis - The hammer chart pattern indicates a possible bottoming out, with selling pressure likely subsiding, which supports a bullish outlook for the stock [2][5]. - A hammer pattern forms when there is a small difference between opening and closing prices, with a long lower wick, suggesting that bears may be losing control [4][5]. - This pattern can occur across various timeframes and is utilized by both short-term and long-term investors [5]. Fundamental Analysis - There has been a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions for KROS, with a 12.9% increase in the consensus EPS estimate for the current year over the last 30 days, indicating that analysts expect better earnings than previously predicted [7][8]. - KROS holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), placing it in the top 5% of over 4,000 ranked stocks, which typically outperform the market [9][10]. - The Zacks Rank serves as a strong timing indicator for potential trend reversals, suggesting improving prospects for the company [10].