Stoke Therapeutics at canaccord growth conference: trial momentum builds

On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, Stoke Therapeutics presented updates at Canaccord Genuity's 46th Annual Growth Conference, highlighting progress in its lead program for Dravet syndrome. They discussed zorevunersen's pivotal stage, strong trial execution, and long-term data supporting its disease-modifying thesis. The company emphasized that approval still depends on upcoming phase III results and an upcoming FDA review.

They provided detailed enrollment and execution updates for EMPEROR, their phase III study in Dravet syndrome, resulting in a 144% return for investors over the past year. The stock is currently valued at $33.46, with Stoke remaining unprofitable but focusing resources on clinical development. The study had a power calculation for 15% discontinuation rate, leaving about 125 to 130 evaluable patients from 150 enrolled.

Stoke's chief executive, Ian Smith, stated the study had been powered to detect a 40% to 45% treatment benefit in seizure reduction. A lack of dropouts in the trial is attributed to the drug's tolerability and the company's work with patients, caregivers, and sites. The open-label extension has supported retention, and management highlighted confidence in the program's execution and drug's tolerability.

The company frames zorevunersen as a shift from symptom management to treating the underlying genetic cause of Dravet syndrome. Stoke's four-year open-label extension data show significant year-over-year gains in receptive and expressive communication, motor skills, and social skills. The long-term data will be crucial for explaining the benefits of chronic dosing and potentially influencing coverage decisions and medical policies. Stoke also discussed its partnership with Biogen for commercialization outside North America.