Pliant pivoted away from its lead IPF program (bexotegrast) following disappointing Phase 2b trial results in March 2025, redirecting focus toward its oncology program with PLN-101095 showing promising antitumor activity. The company maintains a portfolio approach with multiple clinical-stage programs targeting different integrin pathways and therapeutic areas, demonstrating scientific depth in integrin modulation.
Cyborg Score Rationale
While Pliant possesses strong scientific fundamentals and promising oncology data, the discontinuation of its lead IPF program represents a major setback. The company trades significantly below cash value, signaling market skepticism despite a diversified pipeline and positive momentum in tumor response rates.
Top Insights
Discontinued lead IPF program (bexotegrast/BEACON-IPF) in March 2025 after Phase 2b data did not meet endpoints, triggering stock decline and strategic pivot to oncology focus
PLN-101095 oncology candidate demonstrating 50% confirmed partial response rate in solid tumors across multiple types at highest dose tested, with additional data expected through end of 2025
Trading at approximately $1.22/share (as of March 2026) with market cap ~$71M, well below estimated cash position, suggesting deep market discount
Portfolio includes secondary programs in NASH (PLN-1474), primary sclerosing cholangitis, and muscular dystrophies (PLN-101325), providing clinical diversification
Pirfenidone — Approved therapy targeting TGF-β pathway for IPF
FibroGen oncology pipeline — Competing in fibrosis and related diseases
Recent Developments
(March 2025) Discontinued BEACON-IPF Phase 2b trial following independent data safety monitoring board recommendation
(June 2025) Completed workforce and operational realignment to extend cash runway; discontinued bexotegrast in IPF
(December 2025) Reported interim oncology data with 50% confirmed partial responses in solid tumors; Phase 1 trial on track for additional year-end data
Open the full interactive Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. report
Strategic research, analyst-debate audio, full Cyborg Score breakdown across 11 dimensions, and saved-company audio playlists.