Syndax Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results and Provides Business Update
Clinical Trial Updates

Syndax Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results and Provides Business Update

Published : 01 May 2026

At a Glance
IndicationRelapsed or refractory acute leukemia with a lysine methyltransferase 2A gene (KMT2A) translocation
DrugRevuforj
Mechanism of ActionMenin inhibitor
CompanySyndax Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
CategoryClinical Trial Event
Sub CategoryPatient Enrollment Milestone
Total Revenue Q1 2026$64.9 million
Revenue Year-over-Year Increase224%
Revuforj Net Revenue Q1 2026$48.9 million
Revuforj Revenue Year-over-Year Increase144%
Revuforj Prescriptions Year-over-Year Increase160%
Niktimvo Net Revenue Q1 2026$55.1 million
Niktimvo Collaboration Revenue Q1 2026$15.9 million
Net Loss Q1 2026$42.7 million
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-Term Investments$352.1 million
R&D Expenses Q1 2026$58.8 million
SG&A Expenses Q1 2026$37.6 million
Full Year 2026 Expense Guidance$400 million
Revuforj Patient PopulationRelapsed or refractory NPM1 mutated (NPM1m) acute myeloid leukemia, R/R KMT2A translocated patients
Revuforj Post-HSCT RateNearly half of R/R KMT2A translocated patients
Revuforj Upcoming Data Q2 2026Real-world study, Post-HSCT maintenance data, R/R NUP98r acute leukemia data, R/R data from SAVE trial, Frontline data from Phase 1 trial
Revuforj Upcoming Data H2 2026Frontline data from BEAT AML trial, R/R data from Phase 1 trial with gilteritinib
Revuforj Pivotal Trial 1EVOLVE-2
Revuforj Pivotal Trial 2REVEAL-ND
Niktimvo Collaboration PartnerIncyte
Niktimvo Data PresentationTandem Meetings, February 2026
Niktimvo Upcoming Topline Data Q4 2026Phase 2 chronic GVHD, Phase 2 IPF (MAXPIRe)
Niktimvo Upcoming Topline Data Early 2028Pivotal Phase 3 chronic GVHD
Niktimvo Licensed FromUCB
Niktimvo Approved IndicationChronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after failure of at least two prior lines of systemic therapy
Niktimvo Approved Patient Weight≥ 40 kg (88.2 lbs)
Conference Call DateApril 30, 2026
Conference Call Time4:30 p.m. ET

Syndax Reports Strong Q1 2026 Revenue and Key Pipeline Milestones

Syndax Pharmaceuticals reported strong financial results for Q1 2026, with total revenue reaching $64.9 million, a 224% year-over-year increase. Revuforj net revenue was $48.9 million, driven by increased uptake in relapsed or refractory NPM1 mutated acute myeloid leukemia, while Niktimvo collaboration revenue was $15.9 million from $55.1 million in net sales. The company anticipates multiple key data readouts in 2026 for both drugs, including real-world and post-HSCT maintenance data for revumenib, and topline Phase 2 data for axatilimab in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and newly diagnosed chronic GVHD. Syndax aims for continued commercial growth and profitability.

  • Robust Financial Performance: Syndax achieved a total revenue of $64.9 million in Q1 2026, marking a significant 224% year-over-year increase. This was fueled by $48.9 million in Revuforj net revenue, a 144% increase from Q1 2025, and $15.9 million in Niktimvo collaboration revenue. The company reported a net loss of $42.7 million, a substantial improvement from $84.8 million in the prior year, and ended the quarter with $352.1 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments.
  • Revuforj's Expanding Market Presence and Pipeline Progress: Revuforj demonstrated strong commercial uptake, particularly in relapsed or refractory NPM1 mutated acute myeloid leukemia, with total prescriptions increasing by approximately 160% year-over-year. A recent analysis highlighted that nearly half of R/R KMT2A translocated patients are proceeding to hematopoietic stem cell transplant after Revuforj treatment, which is expected to extend treatment duration. The company anticipates new real-world, frontline, and post-HSCT maintenance data for revumenib in Q2 2026, alongside progress in pivotal Phase 3 trials like EVOLVE-2 and REVEAL-ND.
  • Niktimvo's Commercial Growth and Upcoming Clinical Milestones: Niktimvo generated $55.1 million in net revenue, contributing $15.9 million in collaboration revenue to Syndax, reflecting strong growth since its launch. Data from nine axatilimab abstracts, including an oral presentation, were shared at the Tandem Meetings in February 2026, showcasing clinical responses in chronic GVHD-related bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. Topline data from Phase 2 trials of axatilimab in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (MAXPIRe) and newly diagnosed chronic GVHD (in combination with ruxolitinib) are expected in Q4 2026, with a pivotal Phase 3 trial in chronic GVHD also underway.

The Persistent Challenges in KMT2Ar Acute Leukemia Treatment

KMT2A-rearranged acute leukemia presents formidable treatment challenges despite recent therapeutic advances. Current approaches are limited by inherent disease aggressiveness, high treatment failure rates, and complex resistance mechanisms. These obstacles necessitate continued innovation in therapeutic strategies and patient management approaches.

Chemotherapy resistance and treatment failure: Current chemotherapy fails in >50% of patients with KMT2A-rearranged acute lymphoblastic leukemia, with limited responses to contemporary chemotherapeutic treatments and hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCT)

Aggressive disease characteristics: KMT2A-rearranged leukemia exhibits rapid onset, aggressive progression, and significantly worse prognosis compared to non-KMT2A-rearranged leukemias

Early mortality and bleeding complications: 60-day mortality in KMT2A-rearranged AML patients was 15% compared with 7% in normal karyotype cases, with significantly higher occurrence of major bleeding events and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy

Rapid resistance development to novel therapies: Early resistance emergence to menin inhibitors occurs primarily through MEN1 mutations, observed as early as two treatment cycles across clinical trials

Immunotherapy target identification challenges: Patient-specific blast immunophenotypes and their changes during disease progression complicate immunotherapy approaches, with KMT2A-rearranged patients showing more profound immunophenotypic changes at relapse

CAR T-cell therapy limitations: Relapse due to target antigen loss or downregulation has emerged as a major clinical dilemma in CAR T-cell immunotherapies targeting CD19 or CD22

Incomplete understanding of molecular heterogeneity: The numerous fusion partners result in an incompletely understood mutational landscape and prognostic impact of specific 11q23/KMT2A rearrangements

Age-related poor outcomes: Older patients (≥60 years) with KMT2A rearrangements demonstrate particularly poor outcomes comparable to adverse-risk group patients

Treatment intensity limitations: Patients treated with low-intensity treatment achieve only 7% five-year overall survival compared to 66% with intensive chemotherapy, limiting options for patients unable to tolerate aggressive approaches

Mapping Revuforj's Clinical Trials Across Acute Leukemia

The AUGMENT-101 trial represents the pivotal study for revumenib in KMT2A-rearranged acute leukemia, demonstrating meaningful clinical activity in heavily pretreated patients. This Phase I/II study established the foundation for FDA approval in November 2024, with additional menin inhibitors showing promise in ongoing trials.

Study Parameter AUGMENT-101 Phase I/II First-in-Human Phase I
Design Open-label, dose-escalation and expansion study First-in-human study of revumenib (SNDX-5613)
Study Period October 1, 2021 - July 24, 2023 Earlier study period
Patient Population Age ≥30 days with R/R KMT2Ar acute leukemia or AML with NPM1 mutation R/R acute leukemia patients
Sample Size N=94 treated; n=57 efficacy-evaluable with confirmed KMT2Ar Efficacy analysis population
Dosing Regimen 163 mg Q12H (95 mg/m² if <40 kg) with CYP450 inhibitor, 28-day cycles Oral revumenib administration
Primary Endpoints CR + CRh rate; Safety CR/CRh rate; Safety
CR + CRh Rate 22.8% (95% CI: 12.7-35.8), P=0.0036 vs 10% null hypothesis 30% in efficacy analysis population
Overall Response Rate 63.2% (95% CI: 49.3-75.6) Not specified
MRD Negativity 68.2% (15/22 patients) Clearance demonstrated by sensitive assays
Grade ≥3 AEs Febrile neutropenia (37.2%), differentiation syndrome (16.0%), QTc prolongation (13.8%) Low frequency of grade 3+ treatment-related AEs
Dose-Limiting Toxicity Asymptomatic QT prolongation Asymptomatic QT prolongation

Revuforj's Reported Outcomes and Future Growth Trajectory

Revumenib (SNDX-5613), a potent and selective oral inhibitor of the menin-KMT2A interaction, received FDA approval in November 2024 following demonstration of clinical efficacy in relapsed or refractory KMT2A-rearranged acute leukemia. In the first-in-human phase 1 clinical trial, revumenib achieved a 30% rate of complete remission or complete remission with partial hematologic recovery (CR/CRh) in the efficacy analysis population. Notably, remissions occurred in leukemias refractory to multiple previous lines of therapy, with demonstrated clearance of residual disease using sensitive clinical assays and hallmarks of differentiation into normal hematopoietic cells, including differentiation syndrome. Across five pivotal trials, revumenib demonstrated consistent efficacy with MRD-negative rates of 70-90% in both KMT2A-rearranged and NPM1-mutated leukemias.

The safety profile of revumenib was generally manageable, with a low frequency of grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events. Asymptomatic prolongation of the QT interval on electrocardiography was identified as the only dose-limiting toxicity. However, early resistance emergence, primarily through MEN1 mutations, was observed across trials, with resistance developing as early as two treatment cycles. Other menin inhibitors in development have shown varying efficacy profiles, with ziftomenib demonstrating particular efficacy in NPM1-mutated cases but a higher incidence of differentiation syndrome (30%) in KMT2A-rearranged patients, while bleximenib reported a 93% overall response rate pending MRD validation.

For patients with concurrent FLT3 mutations and KMT2A rearrangements treated with gilteritinib, outcomes remain challenging. In a real-world cohort of 152 patients receiving single-agent gilteritinib across 38 UK hospitals, complete remission was achieved in 21% and CR with incomplete recovery in an additional 9%, with median overall survival of 9.5 months. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that KMT2A rearrangement was associated with worse survival outcomes. These findings underscore the continued poor prognosis associated with KMT2A rearrangements, which occur in up to 10% of acute leukemias and account for 75-80% of leukemia cases in infants under one year of age.

Syndax's Dual Engine: Driving Growth with Targeted Therapies

Syndax Pharmaceuticals' impressive financial results for Q1 2026 highlight the successful commercialization of its two recently approved targeted therapies, Revuforj (revumenib) and Niktimvo (axatilimab). This performance underscores the growing impact of precision medicine in addressing critical unmet needs in oncology and rare diseases.

Revuforj, a menin inhibitor, has rapidly gained traction in the challenging landscape of relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with KMT2A rearrangement or NPM1 mutation. These are aggressive subtypes where treatment options have historically been limited and outcomes poor. The drug's strong revenue generation reflects its ability to provide meaningful responses in a heavily pre-treated population. Looking ahead, upcoming data on real-world use and post-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) maintenance could significantly expand Revuforj's utility, potentially moving it into earlier lines of therapy or as a maintenance strategy to prevent relapse. However, the emergence of resistance mutations, such as MEN1 mutations, and the presence of TP53 mutations conferring de novo resistance, remain key considerations for long-term efficacy, necessitating ongoing research into optimal combination strategies.

Similarly, Niktimvo, an anti-CSF1R antibody, has demonstrated its value in recurrent or refractory chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), a debilitating complication of allogeneic HSCT. Its approval has provided a much-needed option for patients who have failed multiple prior lines of systemic therapy. The strategic implications for Niktimvo are substantial, with Phase 2 data anticipated in newly diagnosed cGVHD and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Success in these indications would not only broaden its market significantly but also establish its role in earlier treatment paradigms for cGVHD and open an entirely new therapeutic area in IPF. While effective, the competitive landscape in cGVHD, with other approved agents like ruxolitinib and belumosudil, and the need to manage dose-dependent adverse events, will be crucial for its sustained success.

Overall, Syndax is leveraging its innovative pipeline to address high-unmet-need conditions. The company's ability to translate scientific breakthroughs into commercial success, coupled with a robust pipeline of data readouts, positions it as a significant player in specialized therapeutic markets. The strategic focus on expanding the utility of these assets through new indications and combination therapies will be vital for sustained growth and competitive advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What defines KMT2A-rearranged acute leukemia and its clinical challenges?
KMT2A-rearranged acute leukemia is a highly aggressive subtype characterized by translocations involving the KMT2A (formerly MLL) gene, leading to oncogenic fusion proteins. These rearrangements are associated with poor prognosis, high rates of relapse, and resistance to conventional chemotherapy. Effective therapeutic strategies are urgently needed for patients with relapsed or refractory disease.
How does Revuforj specifically target KMT2A-rearranged acute leukemia?
Revuforj is an investigational agent designed to inhibit specific pathways critical for the survival and proliferation of leukemia cells driven by KMT2A translocations. Its mechanism of action involves disrupting the aberrant transcriptional programs initiated by KMT2A fusion proteins. This targeted approach aims to selectively induce apoptosis and differentiation in malignant cells while sparing healthy cells.
What are the current treatment approaches for relapsed or refractory KMT2A-translocated acute leukemia?
Current treatment options for relapsed or refractory KMT2A-translocated acute leukemia are limited and often involve intensive salvage chemotherapy regimens, sometimes followed by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Despite these efforts, outcomes remain poor, highlighting a significant unmet medical need. Novel targeted therapies are crucial to improve patient prognosis in this challenging population.
What is the potential clinical impact of Revuforj for patients with KMT2A-translocated acute leukemia?
Revuforj holds the potential to offer a targeted therapeutic option for patients with relapsed or refractory KMT2A-translocated acute leukemia, a population with historically poor outcomes. By specifically addressing the underlying genetic driver, it may provide a more effective and potentially less toxic treatment alternative. This could lead to improved response rates, prolonged remission, and enhanced quality of life for these high-risk patients.

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