Fulcrum Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:FULC) moved higher in pre-market trading on Monday after reporting first-quarter results that topped analyst expectations.
The clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm posted a loss of $0.25 per share for the quarter, coming in ahead of forecasts calling for a $0.30 per share loss. Net loss totaled $18.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, compared with $17.7 million in the same period a year earlier. Shares gained 2.81% in pre-market activity following the announcement.
During the quarter, the company highlighted encouraging clinical findings for pociredir, noting strong induction of fetal hemoglobin along with improvements in key indicators of hemolysis and anemia. Fulcrum said it is targeting the launch of a potential registration-enabling trial in the second half of 2026, subject to feedback from the FDA.
“The strength of the clinical data presented in the first quarter further reinforce our conviction in pociredir’s potential to address the underlying biology of sickle cell disease,” said Alex C. Sapir, Fulcrum’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “With a strong balance sheet extending our cash runway into 2029, we are well positioned to advance pociredir through the next phase of clinical development.”
Research and development spending rose year over year to $14.1 million from $13.4 million, primarily reflecting higher employee compensation. General and administrative expenses also increased, reaching $8.1 million compared to $7.0 million, driven by higher personnel-related and professional services costs.
Fulcrum ended the quarter with $333.3 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, down from $352.3 million at the end of 2025. The company expects its existing capital resources to support operations through 2029.
Additionally, Fulcrum announced that it has dosed the first participant in an open-label, long-term study designed to assess the safety and durability of pociredir. The company also disclosed that Chief Financial Officer Alan Musso intends to retire later this year and will stay on until a successor is appointed.
More about Fulcrum Therapeutics Inc.
Fulcrum Therapeutics Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies that target the root causes of genetically defined diseases, particularly in areas with significant unmet medical need.