On March 10, 2016 Sunesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:SNSS) reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2015 (Press release, Sunesis, MAR 10, 2016, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2147475 [SID:1234509464]). Loss from operations for the three months and year ended December 31, 2015 was $11.3 million and $39.3 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaled $46.4 million.

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"In the fourth quarter, we achieved a top 2015 corporate milestone with the submission and validation of our Marketing Authorization Application in Europe for vosaroxin to treat relapsed/refractory AML," said Daniel Swisher, Chief Executive Officer of Sunesis. "We are committed to bringing this important new therapy to a patient population with so few options. We will be providing updates later this year on the progress in Europe and in other major regions, including North America."

Mr. Swisher added: "Another key milestone for Sunesis is the progress of our pipeline of kinase inhibitors representing targeted new approaches to the treatment of cancer. Soon, we expect to initiate clinical development of SNS-062, our differentiated non-covalent BTK inhibitor with a European Phase 1A clinical trial in healthy volunteers, followed by a Phase 1B/2 in B-cell malignancy patients later this year. We also look forward to seeing data from the ongoing multi-arm combination study for the Takeda-partnered pan-RAF inhibitor, TAK-580, and to advancing our PDK-1 inhibitor, SNS-229, through IND-enabling toxicology studies to an IND."

Fourth Quarter 2015 and Recent Highlights

Submission of Marketing Authorization Application for Vosaroxin for the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in Europe. In December 2015, Sunesis submitted a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for Vosaroxin for the treatment of relapsed/refractory AML in patients aged 60 years and older. The application was validated by the EMA on December 31, 2015, confirming that the submission was complete and initiating the Centralized Review process by the EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP). The MAA, if authorized, provides a marketing license valid in all 28 EU member states.

Presentation of Results from MD Anderson Sponsored Trial in AML and Washington University Sponsored Phase 1/2 Trial of Vosaroxin in MDS at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting. In December 2015, Sunesis presented results from an ongoing Phase 1B/2 University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center-sponsored trial of vosaroxin in combination with decitabine in older patients with previously untreated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and high-risk myelodyplastic syndrome (MDS), as well as results from a Washington University-sponsored Phase 1 trial of vosaroxin plus azacitidine in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome, at the 57th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida. The oral presentation, titled "Phase I/II Study of Vosaroxin and Decitabine in Newly Diagnosed Older Patients (pts) with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and High Risk Myelodyplastic Syndrome (MDS)" and the poster "A Phase I Study of Vosaroxin plus Azacitidine for Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome," are available on the Sunesis website at www.sunesis.com.

Partnership with Clinigen Group to Initiate Compassionate Use Program for Patients with AML. In December 2015, Sunesis initiated a global Compassionate Use Program for vosaroxin. The program is available to eligible patients diagnosed with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and is being managed by Clinigen Group’s Idis Managed Access division.

First Patient Treated in Indiana University Study of Vosaroxin and Cytarabine in Adults Age 60 Years and Older With Previously Untreated AML. In December 2015, the first patient was treated in an investigator-sponsored study of vosaroxin and cytarabine in adult patients age 60 years and older with previously untreated acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The trial is being conducted at the Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center at Indiana University under the direction of Seyed Hamid Sayar, M.D., Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine.

European Patent Covering Vosaroxin Combination Use in AML and Other Hematological Malignancies. In November 2015, the European Patent Office (EPO) granted European Patent No. 2 049 109 B1, claiming certain combined uses of vosaroxin and cytarabine, at doses of 10-120 mg/m2 and 5-1500 mg/m2, respectively, for the treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia and acute myeloblastic leukemia. The patent further provides for combinations of vosaroxin and cytarabine with other therapies, such as radiation, or other chemotherapeutics, including anti-cancer agents, in hematologic disorders, whether administered simultaneously or sequentially. Sunesis is proceeding to validate this patent in multiple EPO member states. The resulting national patents would expire in the third quarter of 2027, but could be eligible for supplementary patent term in EPO member states beyond this date. Related patent applications are pending in several countries, including the United States and Japan.

Poster Presentation of VALOR Responder Survival Analysis at the Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium. In November, Sunesis presented results from a responder survival analysis of the VALOR trial at the 2015 Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium (CFS) in New York City. The analysis examined the impact of complete remission status on overall survival. Results showed that CR status was the strongest independent predictor of overall survival in patients enrolled in the study, regardless of study arm, with median survival for patients in CR lasting more than 12 months longer than patients without a CR. Furthermore, the addition of vosaroxin to cytarabine demonstrated a two-fold increase in CR rate by day 60. The poster presentation, titled "Impact of Complete Remission on Overall Survival in Patients with Refractory/Relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treated with Vosaroxin Plus Cytarabine or Placebo Plus Cytarabine: Responder Analysis for the Phase 3 VALOR Trial," is available at www.sunesis.com.

Presentations at the 2015 AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper)-NCI-EORTC AACR-NCI-EORTC (Free AACR-NCI-EORTC Whitepaper) International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics (EORTC-NCI-AACR) (Free ASGCT Whitepaper) (Free EORTC-NCI-AACR Whitepaper). In November 2015, two poster presentations from the company’s proprietary kinase inhibitor programs were presented at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper)-NCI-EORTC AACR-NCI-EORTC (Free AACR-NCI-EORTC Whitepaper) International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics (EORTC-NCI-AACR) (Free ASGCT Whitepaper) (Free EORTC-NCI-AACR Whitepaper). The presentations included preclinical data from the company’s selective PDK1 inhibitors SNS-229 and SNS-510, as well as the company’s potent noncovalent second-generation BTK inhibitor, SNS-062.
Financial Highlights

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaled $46.4 million as of December 31, 2015, as compared to $43.0 million as of December 31, 2014. The increase of $3.4 million was primarily due to net proceeds of $43.8 million from the sale of common and preferred shares and from the exercise of warrants, stock options and stock purchase rights, partially offset by $38.7 million of net cash used in operating activities and $1.7 million of principal payments against notes payable. This capital is expected to be sufficient to fund operations through the first quarter of 2017.

Revenues for the three months and year ended December 31, 2015 were $0.7 million and $3.1 million, as compared to $0.9 million and $5.7 million for the same periods in 2014. Revenue in each period was primarily due to deferred revenue recognized related to the royalty agreement with Royalty Pharma.

Research and development expenses were $7.6 million and $23.7 million for the three months and year ended December 31, 2015, from $6.0 million and $27.7 million for the same periods in 2014, primarily relating to the vosaroxin development program in each year. The decrease of $4.0 million in 2015 was primarily due to a decrease of $5.4 million in clinical trial expenses, partially offset by increases of $0.9 million in personnel costs (including an increase of $0.5 million in stock-based compensation expense), and $0.5 million in other outside services and consulting costs.

General and administrative expenses for the three months and year ended December 31, 2015 were $4.4 million and $18.7 million, as compared to $6.1 million and $23.1 million in 2014. The decrease of $4.5 million in 2015 was due to a decrease of $4.5 million in professional services and personnel costs.

Interest expense was $0.2 million and $0.9 million for the three months and year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to $0.3 million and $1.7 million for the same periods in 2014. The decreases in 2015 were due to the reduced principal balance outstanding on notes payable to the Lenders under the Loan Agreement.

Net other income was nil and $3.6 million for the three months and year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to $10.1 million and $3.8 million for the same periods in 2014. The 2014 and 2015 amounts were primarily comprised of non-cash credits for the revaluation of warrants issued in an underwritten offering in 2010.

Cash used in operations was $38.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to $43.2 million for the same period in 2014.

Sunesis reported loss from operations of $11.3 million and $39.3 million for the three months and year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to $11.2 million and $45.0 million for the same periods in 2014. Net loss was $11.6 million and $36.7 million for the three months and year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to $1.3 million and $43.0 million for the same periods in 2014.

About QINPREZO (vosaroxin)

QINPREZO (vosaroxin) is an anti-cancer quinolone derivative (AQD), a class of compounds that has not been used previously for the treatment of cancer. Preclinical data demonstrate that vosaroxin both intercalates DNA and inhibits topoisomerase II, resulting in replication-dependent, site-selective DNA damage, G2 arrest and apoptosis. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Commission have granted orphan drug designation to vosaroxin for the treatment of AML. Additionally, vosaroxin has been granted fast track designation by the FDA for the potential treatment of relapsed or refractory AML in combination with cytarabine. Vosaroxin is an investigational drug that has not been approved for use in any jurisdiction.

The trademark name QINPREZO is conditionally accepted by the FDA and the EMA as the proprietary name for the vosaroxin drug product candidate.

On March 10, 2016 Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:IDRA), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel nucleic acid-based therapeutics for oncology and rare diseases, reported its financial and operational results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2015 (Press release, Idera Pharmaceuticals, MAR 10, 2016, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2147485 [SID:1234509461]).

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During the fourth quarter of 2015 we:

Presented positive clinical data from the ongoing Phase 1/2 trial of IMO-8400 in patients with Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia at the 57th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper);

Initiated a Phase 2 clinical trial of IMO-8400 in patients with dermatomyositis;

Entered into a collaboration and license agreement with GSK to identify, develop and commercialize 3rd Generation Antisense (3GA) molecules for treatment of renal diseases;

Announced first two gene targets for internal development from 3GA platform;

Initiated a Phase 1/2 clinical trial of intra-tumoral IMO-2125 in combination with ipilimumab in patients with metastatic melanoma;

Presented additional pre-clinical IMO-2125 data at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper)-NCI-EORTC International Conference; and

Announced several key leadership appointments, including new Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Joanna Horobin.

"2015 represented a foundational and momentum-building period for Idera," stated Vincent Milano, Idera’s Chief Executive Officer.
"As a company we made meaningful progress in 2015, particularly in the fourth quarter as we presented the first positive clinical data from our IMO-8400 study in Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia, which strengthens our belief that 8400 has the potential to ultimately become a real-world solution for physicians treating patients suffering from B-cell malignancies. We also further built upon our clinical pipeline by advancing IMO-8400 into clinical development for the treatment of dermatomyositis and initiated the first clinical study of intra-tumoral IMO-2125 in combination with a check point inhibitor, which represents the first step in our immuno-oncology strategy. Finally, our research team continued the advancement of our 3GA platform, and also conducted numerous in-house preclinical studies to guide and support all of our various clinical development programs."

Continued Milano, "Overall, I am pleased with the progress made to date on many levels within the Idera organization, and also cognizant of the fact that we have much more work ahead of us. I am confident that if we continue to focus on the overall goal of delivering solutions to patients suffering severe unmet medical needs, we will achieve success and ultimately deliver the value our shareholders deserve."

Research and Development Program Updates
IMO-8400 and IMO-2125 are our lead clinical development drug candidates. IMO-8400 is an oligonucleotide-based antagonist of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 7, 8, and 9. IMO-2125 is an oligonucleotide-based agonist of TLR9. The company also announced during the fourth quarter, the first two development targets from its proprietary 3GA Technology platform: NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing protein 3) and DUX4 (Double Homeobox 4).

Toll-like Receptor (TLR) Agonism

Immuno-Oncology Program
Idera’s development program in immuno-oncology is based on pre-clinical studies that demonstrated through the mechanism of intra-tumoral injections of the TLR9 agonist, IMO-2125, the tumor microenvironment could be impacted in a manner which positively increases the efficacy of check-point inhibition. These studies have lead Idera into a strategic research alliance with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to clinically explore the combination of checkpoint inhibitors.

In December 2015, Idera announced the initiation of a Phase 1/2 clinical trial of intra-tumoral IMO-2125 in combination with Ipilimumab in patients with relapsed or refractory Metastatic Melanoma being conducted at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Additionally, the company will present new preclinical data demonstrating the combination of IMO-2125 and indoleamine-pyrolle 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in cancer models at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting on Tuesday, April 19th in New Orleans, LA.

Toll-like Receptor (TLR) Antagonism

Genetically Defined Forms of B-cell Lymphoma
Idera’s program in genetically defined forms of B-cell lymphoma is based on pre-clinical studies that have demonstrated, in certain B-cell lymphomas that the presence of the MYD88 L265P oncogenic mutation led to over-activation of TLR7 and TLR9 signaling and that blocking these TLRs with our antagonists promoted tumor cell death.

In December 2015, Idera presented positive clinical data from the ongoing Phase 1/2 trial of IMO-8400 in patients with Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia at the 57th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) in Orlando, FL. Subsequently, the company also announced plans to continue further dose escalation of IMO-8400 in both the ongoing trials in Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia and Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma to further explore the full potential of IMO-8400 based on the safety profile and efficacy signals seen to date.

Idera previously announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted us orphan drug designation for IMO-8400 for the treatment of Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia and DLBCL.

Rare Diseases
In November 2015, Idera announced the initiation of a Phase 2 clinical trial of IMO-8400 in patients with Dermatomyositis. The company is also announcing that due to the resources required to fully commit to a Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) clinical development endeavor, the company has reached the decision to suspend internal efforts at this time to advance IMO-8400 into clinical development for DMD.

Third Generation Antisense Platform
Throughout 2015, the company undertook an analysis and prioritization of oncology and rare disease indications for potential development of drug candidates derived from our 3GA technology platform. The key considerations in identifying disease indications from our third generation antisense program included: strong evidence that the disease is caused by a specific protein; clear criteria to identify a target patient population; biomarkers for early assessment of clinical proof-of-concept; a targeted therapeutic mechanism for action; and unmet medical need to allow for a well-defined development path to approval and commercial opportunity. As a result of this analysis, in the fourth quarter of 2015 Idera announced the selection of NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing protein 3) and DUX4 (Double Homeobox 4) as initial gene targets to advance into IND-enabling activities, which will occur throughout 2016. Potential disease indications include, but are not limited to interstitial cystitis, uveitis and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), respectively. The company is currently conducting clinical and regulatory pathway and commercial analysis activities in advance of conducting full IND-enabling studies throughout the remainder of 2016, with the plan to enter the clinic in 2017 for the first disease indication.

Also during the fourth quarter of 2015, Idera announced the first licensing agreement from the 3GA platform. The company entered into a worldwide collaboration and licensing agreement with GSK to research, develop and commercialize selected molecules from the platform for the treatment of selected undisclosed targets in renal disease. Under the terms of the agreement, Idera is eligible to receive approximately up to $100 million in development and regulatory milestone payments, including a $2.5 million upfront payment. Additionally, Idera is eligible to receive royalties on all sales upon commercialization at varying rates up to five percent on annual net sales in excess of $500 million.

Recent Corporate Highlights

During the fourth quarter of 2015, Idera announced the following additions to company leadership:

Joanna Horobin, M.B. Ch.B. as Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer
Mark J. Cornfeld, M.D., M.P.H. as Vice President and Medical Lead, Oncology
Tanya Lewis, as Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Quality
John Kirby, as Vice President, Corporate Accounting
Kirsten Gruis, M.D., M.S. as Senior Medical Director, Rare Diseases
Financial Results

Fourth Quarter Results

Net loss applicable to common stockholders for the three months ended December 31, 2015 was $12.0 million, or $0.10 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss applicable to common stockholders of $12.0 million, or $0.14 per basic and diluted share, for the same period in 2014. There was nominal revenue recognized in each of the fourth quarters of 2015 and 2014. Research and development expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2015 totaled $8.6 million compared to $8.2 million for the same period in 2014. General and administrative expense for the three months ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 totaled $3.7 million, respectively.

Full Year Results

Net loss applicable to common stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $48.6 million or $0.42 per diluted share, compared to net loss applicable to common stockholders of $39.2 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, for the same period in 2014. There was nominal revenue recognized during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. Research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015 totaled $33.7 million compared to $27.5 million for the same period in 2014. General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015 totaled $15.4 million compared to $11.3 million for the same period in 2014.

As of December 31, 2015, our cash, cash equivalents and investments totaled $87.2 million compared to $48.6 million as of December 31, 2014. We currently anticipate our cash position is capable of funding our operations into the third quarter of 2017.

On March 10, 2016 Navidea Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE MKT: NAVB), reported a publication in Nuclear Medicine and Biology, the official journal of the Society of Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, which describes the clinical linkage between immunodiagnostic and immunotherapeutic agents (Press release, Navidea Biopharmaceuticals, MAR 10, 2016, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2147463 [SID:1234509457]). This process is exemplified by the self-transforming nature of Navidea’s Manocept immunotargeting platform which provides high specificity against receptor-bearing targets and is a promising approach to immunotherapy.

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The first product of the Manocept platform, Lymphoseek (technetium Tc 99m tilmanocept) injection was launched as a novel immunodiagnostic agent approved by the FDA and used in breast, melanoma and oral cavity cancer sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) procedures. Lymphoseek has demonstrated its effectiveness through many evidence-based studies in SLNB, due to its unique structure and targeting of CD206 found on macrophages in tumor-draining lymph nodes. Its Manocept backbone, enabled by the ability to interchange radionuclides for biological modifier molecules, has the potential to target macrophage-mediated diseases and deliver an effective, specifically targeted drug for purposes of disease treatment and reducing or eliminating side effects.

"Past therapeutic strategies attempting to harness the power of the immune system to manage, treat or kill macrophages in disease states like cancer and inflammatory conditions have had limited to no success," said Michael S. McGrath, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Departments of Laboratory Medicine, Pathology, and Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). "The Manocept platform possesses a unique potential to not only target aberrant macrophages for detection or treatment but also shields non-affected cells, which could profoundly address broad unmet needs for patients both diagnostically and therapeutically."

"These newly published results highlight the remarkable specificity and sensitivity of the Manocept platform, and its plasticity which allow it to exploit the natural history of macrophage-mediated diseases," said Frederick O. Cope, Ph.D., M.S., FACN, Navidea’s Chief Scientific Officer. "It is rare to find a platform that selectively targets activated macrophages, which are central to the immune system. These results provide further validation of the Manocept platform, as we continue to build a pipeline of additional immunodiagnostic and immunotherapeutic products across oncology, inflammatory and infectious diseases."

Summary of Results

A series of studies supported by patient exposure to immunodiagnostic imaging drug, targeting studies, patient explant studies, and in vivo and ex vivo animal data examined Manocept agents including 99mTc-tilmanocept, Cy3-tilmanocept, and Manocept-doxorubicin. These studies validated the self-transforming nature of the Manocept platform from immunodiagnostic imaging to effective Manocept therapeutic targeting. Data from studies in several macrophage-mediated diseases including Kaposi’s sarcoma, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular disease show that Manocept platform compounds bind almost exclusively to human macrophages and that the mannose receptor (CD206) is the major receptor for its recognition. For complete details of the studies, findings and results, "The Inextricable Axis of Targeted Diagnostic Imaging And Therapy: An Immunological Natural History Approach" appears in the March 2016 print journal Nuclear Medicine and Biology. 2016 Nuclear Medicine and Biology. Volume 43, Issue 3, Pages 215–225. [doi: 10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2015.11.007].

About Lymphoseek

Lymphoseek (technetium Tc 99m tilmanocept) injection is the first and only FDA-approved receptor-targeted lymphatic mapping agent. It is a novel, receptor-targeted, small-molecule radiopharmaceutical used in the evaluation of lymphatic basins that may have cancer involvement in patients. Lymphoseek is designed for the precise identification of lymph nodes that drain from a primary tumor, which have the highest probability of harboring cancer. Lymphoseek is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in solid tumor cancers where lymphatic mapping is a component of surgical management and for guiding sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with clinically node negative breast cancer, melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. Lymphoseek has also received European approval in imaging and intraoperative detection of sentinel lymph nodes in patients with melanoma, breast cancer or localized squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.

Accurate diagnostic evaluation of cancer is critical, as results guide therapy decisions and determine patient prognosis and risk of recurrence. Overall in the U.S., solid tumor cancers may represent up to 1.2 million cases per year. The sentinel node label in the U.S. and Europe may address approximately 600,000 new cases of breast cancer, 160,000 new cases of melanoma and 100,000 new cases of head and neck/oral cancer diagnosed annually.

Lymphoseek Indication and Important Safety Information

Lymphoseek is a radioactive diagnostic agent indicated with or without scintigraphic imaging for:

Lymphatic mapping using a handheld gamma counter to locate lymph nodes draining a primary tumor site in patients with solid tumors for which this procedure is a component of intraoperative management.
Guiding sentinel lymph node biopsy using a handheld gamma counter in patients with clinically node negative squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, breast cancer or melanoma.
Important Safety Information

In clinical trials with Lymphoseek, no serious hypersensitivity reactions were reported, however Lymphoseek may pose a risk of such reactions due to its chemical similarity to dextran. Serious hypersensitivity reactions have been associated with dextran and modified forms of dextran (such as iron dextran drugs).

Prior to the administration of Lymphoseek, patients should be asked about previous hypersensitivity reactions to drugs, in particular dextran and modified forms of dextran. Resuscitation equipment and trained personnel should be available at the time of Lymphoseek administration, and patients observed for signs or symptoms of hypersensitivity following injection.

Any radiation-emitting product may increase the risk for cancer. Adhere to dose recommendations and ensure safe handling to minimize the risk for excessive radiation exposure to patients or health care workers.

In clinical trials, no patients experienced serious adverse reactions and the most common adverse reactions were injection site irritation and/or pain (<1%).

FULL LYMPHOSEEK PRESCRIBING INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT: WWW.LYMPHOSEEK.COM

On March 10, 2016 Committed to technologies that assist in the goal of reducing lung cancer morbidity worldwide, Medtronic (NYSE: MDT) reported European enrollment in the NAVIGATE clinical trial (Press release, Medtronic, MAR 10, 2016, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2147494 [SID:1234509456]). This 2,500-patient international study will assess the long-term impact of its superDimension(TM) navigation system as an aid in early detection of lung cancer and subsequent treatment.

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The superDimensionsystem uses LungGPS(TM) technology, the first of its kind to enable Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy (ENB) procedures. ENB procedures provide a minimally invasive approach to access difficult-to-reach areas of the lung, which can aid in the diagnosis of lung disease, can help patients avoid surgery for benign disease and other invasive procedures like transthoracic needle aspiration, and lead to earlier, personalized treatment – potentially saving lives. The superDimension system has received CE Mark in Europe, 510(k) clearance in the US and has also been approved for use in numerous international markets.

"Early detection, diagnosis and intervention are crucial to the survival of people living with lung cancer," said Mag. Petra Lichtenberger, Assistant to Prof. Dr. Lamprecht at the Department of Pulmonology of Kepler University Clinic Linz, Austria, which enrolled the first ENB patient in Europe. "Technology that allows medical professionals to view areas of the lung that could not be accessed before is a major advance that is changing the landscape of lung cancer diagnosis and helping save patient lives."

Up to 75 centers around the world will enroll patients in the single-arm, multi-center post-market observational study designed to evaluate the impact of ENB procedures on early diagnosis and treatment. The NAVIGATE study will also determine the success rate of physicians using the technology to obtain biopsy samples from the surrounding lymph nodes. In addition, the study will assess the effectiveness of physicians’ placement of fiducial markers or dyes to guide subsequent procedures to treat or remove lung tumors.

More than 22 sites have been activated to enroll patients since the study first launched in the U.S. in April 2015. Healthcare professionals will follow patients for 24 months.

"The NAVIGATE study represents our commitment to delivering meaningful solutions that support the early detection and treatment of lung cancer to save patient lives," said Vafa Jamali, president, Early Technologies business in the Medtronic Minimally Invasive Therapies Group. "The enrollment of patients in Europe for the NAVIGATE study is a significant milestone and an important step to help establish ENB procedures as the gold standard for detecting lung cancer in the earlier, more curable stages."

According to the World Health Organization, lung cancer is the number one cancer killer in the world, accounting for 1.59 million deaths in 2012.1 In its early stages, lung cancer presents few, if any, symptoms. As a result, diagnosis for the vast majority of lung cancer patients happens in the late stages, and long-term survival rates drastically decline. When diagnosed early, an estimated 85 percent of lung cancer cases appear at a more curable stage.2 Early detection and immediate treatment dramatically increases the typical long-term survival rate from 15 percent at five years3 to 88 percent at 10 years.

To date nearly 100,000 ENB procedures have been performed globally at more than 600 hospitals commercially and as part of prior clinical trials.

Additional information about the NAVIGATE study and enrolling sites can be found at clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02410837.

Multimedia Release
A multimedia version of this release, with video and links to graphics can be found at: http://bit.ly/1TIeoLk.

On March 10, 2016 BioLineRx Ltd. (NASDAQ/TASE: BLRX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to identifying, in-licensing and developing promising therapeutic candidates, reported its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2015 (Press release, BioLineRx, MAR 10, 2016, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2147470 [SID:1234509454]).

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Kinneret Savitsky, Ph.D., CEO of BioLineRx, remarked, "2015 was a year of significant progress for BioLineRx on several fronts, as we advanced our lead therapeutic clinical programs both from a development and regulatory perspective, and entered into an exciting new collaboration in the immuno-oncology space."

"During the past year, we enhanced and expanded the development strategy for our BL-8040 cancer therapy platform, which is currently being investigated for multiple cancer and hematological indications. These include a Phase 2 study for treating relapsed and refractory AML patients, top line results of which are expected by the end of this month. Results from the first part of this trial continue to demonstrate substantial mobilization of leukemic cells from the bone marrow to the peripheral blood and robust induction of cancer cell apoptosis, which, combined with the reported 38% composite remission rate, strongly suggest that BL-8040 has potent anti-leukemic activity. In addition, we are also assessing BL-8040 as an AML consolidation treatment in a large Phase 2b study that is currently up and running at full steam. Successful top-line safety and efficacy results were also reported from a Phase 1 study in stem cell mobilization, supporting BL-8040 as one-day, single-dose collection regimen, which is a significant improvement upon the current standard of care. We now await receipt of regulatory approval in order to begin, by the end of the month, a Phase 2 trial for BL-8040 as a stem cell mobilizer for allogeneic transplantation. Finally, we are advancing an ongoing Phase 1/2 study for BL-8040 as a novel treatment for hMDS and AA, two bone marrow failure conditions."

"We recently entered the exciting field of immuno-oncology through our collaboration with Merck, a pioneer and world leader in cancer immunotherapy. A Phase 2 study is planned to commence by mid-year investigating BL-8040 in combination with KEYTRUDA, Merck’s anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Although there have been significant advances in the immuno-oncology field, many cancer types, such as pancreatic cancer, remain resistant to immunotherapy, and combination treatments appear to offer a better chance to treat these cancers. We are therefore enthusiastic about this opportunity to evaluate the potential of our lead drug candidate as a combination therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors. We are also planning to commence a Phase 2a trial for BL-8040 in the second half of 2016, for the treatment of AML patients with the FLT3-ITD mutation. With the guidance and insight of our newly established Oncology Scientific Advisory Board, consisting of world-renowned key opinion leaders, we look forward to realizing the potential of this promising oncology platform and to reaching several meaningful development milestones during 2016."

"BL-7010, for the treatment of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, which was found to be safe and well tolerated in a Phase 1/2 trial in celiac patients, has recently received confirmation for the medical device designation pathway in Europe. Over the past year, we have invested considerable efforts in examining the potential of BL-7010 as a food supplement, in order to address the multi-billion dollar market for gluten sensitivity, which we believe has a significantly shorter time to market than drug or device pathways, especially in the US market. We are currently conducting a number of activities towards the development of BL-7010 as a food supplement, including the development of a suitable product formulation, preparation of the documents necessary for a GRAS designation submission, and preparations for a relatively small clinical trial to support future marketing efforts. We expect to complete these activities by mid-2017, in order to support future expected partnering discussions for the food supplement market in the US and other relevant territories. We also plan to continue to evaluate the pathway in Europe for celiac disease and intend to make a decision about the timing and scope of the next efficacy study for European registration over the next few months."

"Regarding BL-5010, our partner Omega Pharma, now part of Perrigo, is swiftly progressing with its development as an OTC solution for the non-surgical removal of benign skin lesions. Omega Pharma submitted a CE Mark application for BL-5010 during the third quarter of 2015, and has completed the initial manufacturing process automation to support the product’s commercial launch, expected during 2016. We also look forward to the potential expansion of this product to other markets and to non-OTC indications."

"During 2015, we invested significant efforts in our new strategic collaboration with Novartis and have been jointly evaluating promising therapeutic candidates to be developed under the collaboration. In addition, we continue to explore other collaboration possibilities for maximizing the value of our current pipeline assets, including some of our non-core programs."

Dr. Savitsky concluded, "Yesterday, we announced the appointment of Dr. Merril Gersten as our new Chief Scientific Officer. Merril brings with her many years of leadership in both academia and the pharma industry in the US. I am confident that she will bring great value to BioLineRx and I am very excited to begin working with her. Finally, with almost $48 million on our balance sheet, we remain well capitalized to execute on our development programs and achieve significant milestones across our expanded therapeutic pipeline well into 2018."

Financial Results for Year Ended December 31, 2015

Research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015 were $11.5 million, a decrease of $0.4 million, or 3.4%, compared to $11.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease resulted primarily from a decrease in spending on BL-7010 and various other projects, partially offset by increased spending on BL-8040.

Sales and marketing expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015 were $1.0 million, a decrease of $0.6 million, or 37.5%, compared to $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease resulted primarily from professional fees related to business development activities carried out in 2014, including professional services related to the strategic collaboration agreement with Novartis and the out-licensing agreement with Omega Pharma regarding BL-5010.

General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015 were $3.7 million, a decrease of $0.1 million, or 2.6%, compared to $3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease primarily resulted from a decrease in salary-related payments, partially offset by a small increase in professional fees.

The Company’s operating loss for the year ended December 31, 2015 amounted to $16.2 million, compared with an operating loss of $17.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.

The Company recognized net non-operating income of $1.4 million for the year ended December, 2015, compared to net non-operating income of $3.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Non-operating income for both periods primarily relates to fair-value adjustments of liabilities on account of warrants issued in the private and direct placements conducted in February 2012 and 2013. These fair-value adjustments were highly influenced by the Company’s share price at each period end (i.e., warrant revaluation date).

Net financial income amounted to $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to net financial income of $3.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Net financial income for 2015 primarily relates to investment income earned on bank deposits, partially offset by banking fees. The 2014 period also includes significant exchange rate differences primarily relating to changes in the USD/NIS exchange rate prior to adoption of the dollar as the Company’s functional and reporting currency, effective as of January 1, 2015.

The Company’s net loss for the year ended December 31, 2015 amounted to $14.4 million, compared with a net loss of $11.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.

The Company held $47.7 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term bank deposits as of December 31, 2015.

Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $14.2 million, compared to $15.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease in net cash used in operating activities in 2015 was primarily the result of a decrease in the Company’s operating loss.

Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $15.6 million, compared to $19.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The changes in cash flows from investing activities relate primarily to investments in, and maturities of, short-term bank deposits and other investments during the respective periods.

Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $29.5 million, compared to $32.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The cash flows in 2015 primarily reflect the underwritten public offering of the Company’s ADSs in March 2015. The cash flows in 2014 primarily reflect the underwritten public offering of the Company’s ADSs in March 2014, as well as the investment made by Novartis pursuant to the strategic collaboration agreement with them signed in December 2014.