On November 8, 2016 Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ) reported financial results for the third quarter of 2016 and updated financial guidance for 2016 (Press release, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, NOV 8, 2016, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2220711 [SID1234516566]).

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"We have made substantial progress towards achieving our corporate objectives for 2016, delivering solid top-line growth in our commercial business, investing in broadening our hematology/oncology portfolio with the completion of the Celator acquisition and increasing our investments in R&D," said Bruce Cozadd, chairman and chief executive officer of Jazz Pharmaceuticals. "In the third quarter, we began a rolling NDA submission for Vyxeos for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia, and we are pleased with the achievement of important clinical milestones, advancement of key R&D programs and expansion of our clinical development portfolio, all of which support our goal of developing and commercializing meaningful therapies for patients while building shareholder value."

GAAP net income attributable to Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc for the third quarter of 2016 was $87.1 million, or $1.41 per diluted share, compared to $88.0 million, or $1.39 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2015.

Adjusted net income attributable to Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc for the third quarter of 2016 was $158.5 million, or $2.57 per diluted share, compared to $159.3 million, or $2.52 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2015. Reconciliations of applicable GAAP reported to non-GAAP adjusted information are included in this press release.

Financial Highlights

Three Months Ended
September 30,

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

(In thousands, except per share amounts and percentages)
2016

2015

Change

2016

2015

Change
Total revenues
$
374,181

$
340,872

9.8
%

$
1,091,352

$
983,922

10.9
%
GAAP net income attributable to Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc
$
87,145

$
87,960

(0.9)
%

$
272,548

$
246,774

10.4
%
Adjusted net income attributable to Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc1
$
158,470

$
159,302

(0.5)
%

$
453,931

$
418,968

8.3
%
GAAP EPS attributable to Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc
$
1.41

$
1.39

1.4
%

$
4.40

$
3.91

12.5
%
Adjusted EPS attributable to Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc1
$
2.57

$
2.52

2.0
%

$
7.32

$
6.64

10.2
%

1.
Commencing with the second quarter of 2016, the company modified the calculation of its non-GAAP income tax provision in connection with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s May 2016 guidance pertaining to non-GAAP financial measures. This modification is reflected in the company’s 2015 and 2016 non-GAAP interim period results and full-year 2016 financial guidance. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below. The modification did not have a material effect on the adjusted net income attributable to Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc or adjusted EPS for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The modification resulted in the reduction of adjusted net income attributable to Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc by $17.6 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, compared to the amount previously reported for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

Total Revenues

Three Months Ended
September 30,

Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In thousands)
2016

2015

2016

2015
Xyrem (sodium oxybate) oral solution
$
285,907

$
242,899

$
816,412

$
703,435

Erwinaze / Erwinase (asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi)
42,986

56,317

143,907

152,821

Defitelio (defibrotide sodium) / defibrotide
28,137

19,639

79,280

52,259

Prialt (ziconotide) intrathecal infusion
8,783

6,042

23,065

19,944

Psychiatry
3,875

9,910

14,744

28,375

Other
1,933

3,947

7,239

21,061

Product sales, net
371,621

338,754

1,084,647

977,895

Royalties and contract revenues
2,560

2,118

6,705

6,027

Total revenues
$
374,181

$
340,872

$
1,091,352

$
983,922

Net product sales increased 10% in the third quarter of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 due to higher net product sales of Xyrem and Defitelio.

Xyrem net product sales increased 18% in the third quarter of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015.

Erwinaze/Erwinase net product sales decreased 24% in the third quarter of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 due to an Erwinaze supply interruption in the U.S. late in the third quarter of 2016. The company expects that it will continue to experience Erwinaze inventory and supply challenges, which have resulted, and are expected to continue to result, in temporary disruptions in the company’s ability to supply certain markets, including the U.S.

Defitelio/defibrotide net product sales increased $8.5 million in the third quarter of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 primarily due to net sales of $7.1 million in the U.S.

Operating Expenses

Three Months Ended
September 30,

Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In thousands, except percentages)
2016

2015

2016

2015
GAAP:

Cost of product sales
$
24,311

$
28,385

$
71,730

$
78,496

Gross margin
93.5
%

91.6
%

93.4
%

92.0
%
Selling, general and administrative
$
124,368

$
104,044

$
375,751

$
323,564

% of total revenues
33.2
%

30.5
%

34.4
%

32.9
%
Research and development
$
47,796

$
50,784

$
118,139

$
105,798

% of total revenues
12.8
%

14.9
%

10.8
%

10.8
%
Acquired in-process research and development
$
15,000

$
—

$
23,750

$
—

Three Months Ended
September 30,

Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In thousands, except percentages)
2016

2015

2016

2015
Non-GAAP adjusted:

Cost of product sales
$
22,963

$
27,599

$
68,620

$
76,243

Gross margin
93.8
%

91.9
%

93.7
%

92.2
%
Selling, general and administrative
$
94,534

$
84,502

$
296,633

$
268,013

% of total revenues
25.3
%

24.8
%

27.2
%

27.2
%
Research and development
$
43,323

$
22,998

$
106,847

$
70,661

% of total revenues
11.6
%

6.7
%

9.8
%

7.2
%
Operating expenses changed over the prior year period primarily due to the following:

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses increased in the third quarter of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 on a GAAP and on a non-GAAP adjusted basis, primarily due to higher headcount and other expenses resulting from the expansion of the company’s business. The increase on a GAAP basis was also driven by transaction and integration costs related to the Celator acquisition.
Research and development (R&D) expenses on a GAAP basis decreased by $3.0 million in the third quarter of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015. R&D expenses on a non-GAAP adjusted basis increased by $20.3 million primarily due to increased expenses for the development of JZP-110; increasing investments in line extensions for the company’s existing products, including oxybate-related R&D programs and the initiation of a clinical study of defibrotide for the prevention of veno-occlusive disease (VOD); and costs related to the rolling new drug application (NDA) submission for VyxeosTM(cytarabine and daunorubicin liposome injection). The decrease in R&D expenses on a GAAP basis was primarily due to a $25.0 million milestone expense in the third quarter of 2015 in connection with the acceptance for filing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the NDA for defibrotide, which was partially offset by the project related costs described above.
Acquired in-process research and development expense in the third quarter of 2016 related to upfront and option payments to Pfenex Inc. under an agreement in which the company was granted worldwide rights to develop and commercialize multiple early-stage hematology product candidates.
Cash Flow and Balance Sheet

As of September 30, 2016, cash, cash equivalents and investments were $426.0 million, and the outstanding principal balance of the company’s long-term debt was $2.3 billion. Cash, cash equivalents and investments decreased from December 31, 2015 primarily due to the acquisition of Celator for approximately $1.5 billion, repurchases under the company’s share repurchase program and a $150.0 million milestone payment triggered by FDA approval of Defitelio on March 30, 2016, partially offset by borrowings of $1.0 billion under the company’s revolving credit facility and cash flows from operations of $409.8 million.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the company repurchased 2.1 million ordinary shares for $259.8 million, at an average cost of $125.65 per ordinary share, under a share repurchase program approved in November 2015. This share repurchase program was completed in September 2016. The company’s board of directors has authorized a new share repurchase program under which the company is authorized to repurchase a number of ordinary shares having an aggregate purchase price of up to $300 million. Under the new program, which has no expiration date, the company may repurchase ordinary shares from time to time on the open market. The timing and amount of repurchases will depend on a variety of factors, including the price of the company’s ordinary shares, alternative investment opportunities, restrictions under the company’s credit agreement, corporate and regulatory requirements and market conditions. The new share repurchase program may be modified, suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice.

Recent Developments

In September 2016, the company completed patient enrollment for its two Phase 3 studies evaluating JZP-110 in excessive sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnea.

In September 2016, the company initiated the rolling NDA submission to the FDA for Vyxeos for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. Vyxeos has received FDA orphan drug designation for the treatment of AML and was granted breakthrough therapy designation for treatment of adults with therapy-related AML or AML with myelodysplasia-related changes.

During the third quarter of 2016, the company activated clinical sites in the Phase 3 study of defibrotide for the prevention of VOD in high-risk patients following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

In November 2016, the company completed enrollment in the Phase 3 study of Xyrem in pediatric narcolepsy patients with cataplexy.

2016 Financial Guidance

Jazz Pharmaceuticals is updating its full year 2016 financial guidance as follows (in millions, except per share amounts and percentages):

Revenues
$1,485-$1,530
Total net product sales
$1,477-$1,522
-Xyrem net sales*
$1,100-$1,125
-Erwinaze/Erwinase net sales
$190-$215
-Defitelio/defibrotide net sales*
$105-$120
GAAP gross margin %
93%
Non-GAAP adjusted gross margin %1,4
93%
GAAP SG&A expenses*
$492-$517
Non-GAAP adjusted SG&A expenses*,2,4
$395-$405
GAAP R&D expenses*
$159-$171
Non-GAAP adjusted R&D expenses*,3,4
$145-$155
GAAP net income per diluted share
$5.66-$6.56
Non-GAAP adjusted net income per diluted share4
$9.90-$10.30

* Updated November 8, 2016.

1.
Excludes $5 million of share-based compensation expense from estimated GAAP gross margin.
2.
Excludes $78-$86 million of share-based compensation expense, $13-$20 million of transaction and integration related costs and $6 million of expenses related to certain legal proceedings and restructuring from estimated GAAP SG&A expenses.
3.
Excludes $14-$16 million of share-based compensation expense from estimated GAAP R&D expenses.
4.
See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below. Reconciliations of non-GAAP adjusted guidance measures are included above and in the table titled "Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Adjusted 2016 Net Income Guidance" provided on the last page of this press release.

On November 8, 2016 Heron Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:HRTX) (the Company or Heron), a biotechnology company focused on improving the lives of patients by developing best-in-class medicines that address major unmet medical needs, reported financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and highlighted recent corporate progress (Press release, Heron Therapeutics, NOV 8, 2016, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2220688 [SID1234516540]).

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Recent Corporate Progress:
Heron commenced U.S. commercial sales of SUSTOL (granisetron) extended-release injection in October 2016. SUSTOL was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in August 2016. SUSTOL is indicated in combination with other antiemetics in adults for the prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC) or anthracycline and cyclophosphamide (AC) combination chemotherapy regimens.
Positive results from the Company’s Phase 2 clinical study of HTX-011, its lead product candidate for the management of post-operative pain, in patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair (Study 202) were presented at PAINWeek 2016. The primary and important secondary endpoints were achieved, and HTX-011 was generally well tolerated. Furthermore, HTX-011 administered via instillation was shown to be equally effective to administration via injection.

Heron reported positive, top-line results from the Company’s second Phase 2 clinical study of HTX-011 in patients undergoing bunionectomy (Study 208). The primary and important secondary endpoints were achieved, and HTX-011 was generally well tolerated.

"The second half of 2016 is off to an exciting start for Heron, highlighted by the FDA approval and commercial launch of SUSTOL," commented Barry D. Quart, Pharm.D., Chief Executive Officer of Heron. "We are progressing toward our NDA submission for HTX-019, the approval of which could position Heron as the first company to address both mechanisms of action for the prophylaxis of CINV with injectable products. Furthermore, we are excited about the impressive clinical profile of HTX-011 emerging from our broad-based Phase 2 program and look forward to providing a further update on the HTX-011 program in early 2017."

Results of Operations
As of September 30, 2016, Heron had $88.9 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, compared to $131.2 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as of December 31, 2015.

Heron’s net cash used for operating activities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $36.1 million and $95.6 million, respectively, compared to net cash used for operating activities of $19.9 million and $55.4 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2015.

Heron’s net loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $48.5 million and $125.2 million, or $1.24 per share and $3.34 per share, respectively, compared to a net loss of $22.7 million and $66.3 million, or $0.63 per share and $2.07 per share, respectively, for the same periods in 2015.

The increases in net cash used for operating activities and net loss in the 2016 periods as compared to the 2015 periods were primarily due to costs incurred in preparation for the commercial launch of SUSTOL, as well as clinical and manufacturing costs related to the development of HTX-019 and HTX-011.

On November 8, 2016 FibroGen, Inc. (NASDAQ:FGEN), a research-based biopharmaceutical company, reported financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 and provided an update on the company’s recent developments (Press release, FibroGen, NOV 8, 2016, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2220698 [SID1234516521]).

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"The completion of enrollment in our Phase 3 roxadustat studies in China is a significant milestone for FibroGen and our first-in-class small molecule treatment for anemia. We are gratified to be able to advance this promising new therapeutic for patients with chronic kidney disease," said Thomas B. Neff, FibroGen’s Chief Executive Officer. "In collaboration with our world-class partners, AstraZeneca and Astellas, we have substantially expanded the reach of our global development programs, while efficiently managing use of our resources."

Recent Developments

Roxadustat (FG-4592)

Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD):

Completed enrollment of Phase 3 clinical development program in China for treatment of anemia in dialysis and non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients
Initiating new drug application process in China in 2016, and expect to announce topline Phase 3 data in early 2017
In August, the independent data safety monitoring board reviewing the China Phase 3 data recommended that these studies continue without modification to current protocols
In October, the independent data safety monitoring board reviewing Phase 3 studies to support U.S. and European regulatory submissions recommended these studies continue without modification to current protocols
Achieved initial target enrollment objectives for all three FibroGen-sponsored Phase 3 clinical trials supporting U.S. and European approval, and are continuing to enroll Global Phase 3 program focused on U.S. incident dialysis and non-dialysis patients
Results from the Japan Phase 2 study in CKD non-dialysis-dependent patients will be presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s Kidney Week in November 2016
Remain on track for an NDA submission for roxadustat in the United States in 2018
Other Anemia Program Highlights

The U.S. FDA accepted the company’s investigational new drug application for a Phase 3 trial evaluating roxadustat for the treatment of anemia in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients
Pamrevlumab (FG-3019)

Fibrosis and Other Fibroproliferative Diseases

Data presented from the open-label extension of the 049 study in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) at the 19th International Colloquium on Lung and Airway Fibrosis in September showed no safety issues during prolonged treatment with pamrevlumab
Trends toward improved or stable pulmonary function and stable fibrosis observed in the initial one-year study (049) have continued among patients participating in the extension study
Anticipate topline results for 067 IPF placebo-controlled study and combination therapy sub-study in summer 2017
Continue to enroll locally advanced pancreatic cancer patients in open-label, randomized Phase 2 trial
Expect to present updated, interim results from open-label, randomized Phase 2 pancreatic cancer study in January 2017
Continue to enroll in the company’s open-label study of pamrevlumab in non-ambulatory Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients
Financial Highlights

Net loss per basic and diluted share for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, was $0.38, as compared to $0.74 a year ago.
At September 30, 2016, FibroGen had $356.8 million of cash, cash equivalents, investments, receivables, and restricted cash.

On November 8, 2016 XOMA Corporation (Nasdaq:XOMA), a leader in the discovery and development of therapeutic antibodies, reported its interleukin-2 (IL-2) monoclonal antibody program, a series of novel agents from its scientific discovery research unit, and announced the advancement of its parathyroid hormone receptor 1 (PTH1R) antibody antagonists program. (Press release, Xoma, NOV 8, 2016, View Source [SID1234516483]). These novel monoclonal antibodies are further examples of the capability of XOMA’s antibody platform and its expertise in the identification of novel oncology and oncology-related candidates with potential to positively affect outcomes in cancer patients.

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"With our strategic focus on advancing our endocrine programs, we continue to seek ways to support and fund these efforts through discovery and licensing of our non-endocrine assets. For our oncology antibodies, we seek partners who have a deep commitment to and expertise in oncology drug development. An example of this is the TGF-beta antibody program that we licensed to Novartis last year, which we believe is advancing rapidly to initiation of clinical studies in the near future," said John Varian, Chief Executive Officer of XOMA. "We have unique expertise in creating new antibodies to treat a variety of cancers and the side effects associated with currently marketed therapies. As with our TGF-beta antibody program, we plan to out-license our IL-2 and PTH1R antibody programs to organizations that can rapidly advance them into clinical development."

IL-2 Monoclonal Antibodies Program
Immune checkpoint inhibitors are transforming cancer treatment and revitalizing interest in immunotherapies. While efficacy has been observed in patients with advanced metastatic disease treated with checkpoint inhibitors, not all patients respond, and most responses are incomplete. Preclinical studies suggest that combining additional modalities with checkpoint inhibitors will provide opportunities to improve patient outcomes.

"IL-2 has long been recognized as an effective therapy for metastatic melanoma and renal cell carcinoma, but it has serious dose-limiting toxicities that prevent broad clinical use. We generated novel antibodies that, when given with IL-2, are intended to steer IL-2 to enhance its positive impact with less toxicity, potentially improving the therapeutic index over standard IL-2 therapy," commented Paul Rubin, M.D., Senior Vice President, Research and Development, and Chief Medical Officer of XOMA.

A poster highlighting preclinical data from the IL-2 monoclonal antibodies program will be presented at The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) 31st Annual Meeting & Associated Programs. The meeting will take place November 9-13 at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

Poster Presentation Details
Title: Novel IL-2/mAb complexes mediate potent anti-tumor immunity which is augmented with anti-PD-1 mAb therapy
Poster Topic: Combinations: Immunotherapy/Immunotherapy
Abstract Number: 454
Poster Session Date: Saturday, November 12, 2016
Poster Session Time: 11:45 a.m. — 1:00 p.m. ET

The abstract can be viewed on the SITC (Free SITC Whitepaper) website at www.sitcancer.org/2016.

PTH1R Monoclonal Antibodies Program
XOMA has developed several unique functional antibody antagonists targeting PTH1R, a G-protein-coupled receptor involved in the regulation of calcium metabolism. These antibodies have shown promising efficacy in in vivo studies and could potentially address high unmet medical needs, including primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy (HHM). The Company plans to present preclinical data at a scientific conference later this year.

"Our PTH1R program began as an endocrine program, but its mechanism-of-action is potentially also beneficial to patients suffering from HHM. HHM is present in many advanced cancers and is caused by high serum calcium due to increased levels of the PTH1R ligand PTH-related peptide (PTHrP). Since current HHM treatments often fall short and many cancer patients die from ‘metabolic death’, XOMA’s PTH1R antibodies could be very beneficial for the treatment of HHM," stated Patrick Scannon, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of XOMA.

On November 8, 2016 OncoSec Medical Incorporated ("OncoSec") (NASDAQ: ONCS), a company developing DNA-based intratumoral cancer immunotherapies, reported that new clinical data are being presented from a Phase II Investigator Sponsored Trial led by the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) (Press release, OncoSec Medical, NOV 8, 2016, View Source [SID1234516470]). This single-arm, open-label trial assessed the combination of OncoSec’s investigational intratumoral therapy, ImmunoPulse IL-12, and Merck’s KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) in patients with unresectable metastatic melanoma. A predictive biomarker was used to enroll patients that have a low likelihood of response to an anti-PD1 agent alone, and the purpose of the trial is to assess whether the addition of ImmunoPulse IL-12 can increase response rates in these patients. The data will be presented at an oral poster presentation (#466) by Dr. Alain Algazi at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) ("SITC") Annual Meeting in National Harbor, MD on November 11, 2016 at 12:50 PM EST.

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In August 2016, OncoSec announced the publication of a research assay in the Journal of Clinical Investigation that might be used as a predicative biomarker in melanoma patients. The assay shows that patients with a low frequency of a certain phenotype of CD8 T cells, pre-disposes them to low response rates to PD-1 inhibitor therapy alone. The Company is using this biomarker assay to select patients considered to be PD-1 non responders for this ongoing combination study. The key endpoints of the study include: best overall response rate by the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1 and immune-related Response Criteria; safety and tolerability; duration of response; 24-week landmark progression-free survival; median progression-free survival; and overall survival.

Results
Interim efficacy and safety data are available on 15 patients. In patients considered unable to respond to PD-1 we measured an overall response rate of 40% (6 /15), consisting of 4 complete responses and 2 partial responses by RECISTv1.1 criteria. Additionally, the therapy has an acceptable safety profile and was well tolerated. Analysis of tumor biopsies and blood correlated with patients’ responsiveness and demonstrated correlative immunological changes including an increased number of CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, tumoral RNA signatures and concordant immune phenotypes in the periphery. Investigators concluded that the combination of ImmunoPulse IL-12 with pembrolizumab in patients with an anti-PD-1 non-responsive phenotype enables an effective anti-PD-1 response.

Punit Dhillon, CEO of OncoSec, stated: "These results validate our therapeutic hypothesis for the ability of ImmunoPulse IL-12 to improve response rates in advanced melanoma. We wish to thank the investigators and patients for their continued participation in this study. We are working diligently to advance this agent towards registration-enabling studies, and we look forward to providing additional details regarding the Company’s operations and strategy at our upcoming Investor and Analyst Day on November 17, 2016."

Alain Algazi, M.D., Principal Investigator from UCSF, stated: "Although this open-label study is still ongoing and data are maturing, I am encouraged by the meaningful interim response rates that the combination of ImmunoPulse IL-12 and pembrolizumab has been able to achieve in a patient population otherwise expected to respond poorly to pembrolizumab alone. While checkpoint inhibition has conferred meaningful clinical benefit for advanced melanoma patients, there remains an urgent need to increase these agents’ efficacy through the rational combination with other immunotherapies. I look forward to the continued maturation of this data and to further reporting on the trial’s progress."

For more information about this trial, please visit: View Source;rank=3