Karyopharm Reports Second Quarter 2017 Financial Results and Highlights Recent Progress

On August 8, 2017 Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:KPTI), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company, reported financial results for the second quarter 2017 and commented on recent accomplishments and clinical development plans for its lead, novel, oral Selective Inhibitor of Nuclear Export (SINE) compound selinexor (KPT-330), and other pipeline assets verdinexor (KPT-335), and KPT-9274, its oral, dual inhibitor of p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) and nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) (Filing, Q2, Karyopharm, 2017, AUG 8, 2017, View Source [SID1234520182]).

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"Our second quarter achievements marked significant progress across several of our development programs, and especially for selinexor," said Michael G. Kauffman, MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Karyopharm. "At the 2017 European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, we reported updated data from the Phase 2b SADAL study investigating selinexor in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The overall response rate (ORR) increased to 33.3% for the overall trial population with similar response rates in patients with double- or triple-hit DLBCL, indicating clear activity in this population which usually has a particularly poor prognosis. As we move to the second half of the year, our focus remains on execution of key later-stage trials in our lead indications of multiple myeloma (MM), DLBCL and liposarcoma. In myeloma, the pivotal Phase 3 BOSTON study is now underway. The Phase 2b STORM study, for possible accelerated approval, continues to enroll well with top-line data expected by April 2018. In liposarcoma, the Phase 2 portion of the blinded, randomized Phase 2/3 SEAL study recently completed enrollment and we look forward to reporting the hazard ratio for progression-free survival (PFS) and providing an update regarding the planned development path in this indication during September or October 2017."

Second Quarter 2017 and Recent Events, Highlights and Milestones:

Selinexor in Multiple Myeloma

Pivotal Phase 3 BOSTON Study Initiated. Karyopharm initiated the pivotal, randomized Phase 3 BOSTON (Bortezomib, Selinexor and dexamethasone) study, evaluating once weekly selinexor 100mg in combination with the proteasome inhibitor Velcade (bortezomib, once weekly) and dexamethasone (SVd), compared to standard dose Velcade (twice weekly) and low-dose dexamethasone (Vd) in patients with MM who have had one to three prior lines of therapy. The primary endpoints of the study are PFS and ORR. The BOSTON study is expected to enroll approximately 360 patients at over 100 clinical sites internationally. Karyopharm is projecting to complete enrollment in 2018, with top-line data anticipated in 2019.

Selinexor Named Among the "Top 5 Oncology R&D Products Worldwide in 2022" by EvaluatePharma. In EvaluatePharma’s recent report, World Preview 2017, Outlook to 2022, selinexor was projected to be one of the top five selling oncology research and development products worldwide in 2022, with the potential to generate estimated revenues of $920 million in worldwide annual sales and capture 0.5% of the worldwide oncology market share in the same timeframe. This analysis is based on EvaluatePharma’s coverage of the world’s 6,500 leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies and highlights certain important industry trends by therapy area.

Ongoing Phase 2b STORM Study Expansion in Patients with Penta-refractory MM. The Phase 2b STORM study, which was recently expanded to include 122 additional patients with penta-refractory MM, continues to enroll on track. Karyopharm expects to report top-line data from the expanded cohort by April 2018, and, assuming a positive outcome, intends to use the data from the expanded STORM study to support a request for accelerated approval for selinexor in heavily pretreated MM.

Ongoing Phase 1b/2 STOMP Study Evaluating Selinexor in Combination with Several Key MM Drugs. Enrollment is complete in the Phase 1b/2 STOMP arm evaluating selinexor in combination with Velcade and low-dose dexamethasone (SVd) in heavily pretreated patients with MM. The SVd arm of the STOMP study enrolled 42 patients. Dose escalation is complete and expansion is ongoing in the arms evaluating oral selinexor plus immunomodulatory drug (IMID) combinations, including selinexor + Revlimid (lenalidomide) + dexamethasone (SRd), and selinexor + Pomalyst (pomalidomide) and dexamethasone (SPd). The Company expects to report updated data on these convenient, all oral regimens by year end 2017.

New Study Arm Initiated in Phase 1b/2 STOMP Study Evaluating Selinexor in Combination with Darzalex (daratumumab). Karyopharm has dosed patients in a new Phase 1b/2 STOMP study arm designed to evaluate selinexor in combination with the anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody Darzalex and low-dose dexamethasone (SDd) in heavily pretreated patients with MM. The SDd arm of the STOMP study is expected to enroll up to 16 patients and the Company expects to report top-line data in the first half of 2018.
Selinexor in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Updated Data from Phase 2b SADAL Study in DLBCL Presented at EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) 2017. At the 2017 EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in June, an oral presentation was given that highlighted updated data from the ongoing Phase 2b SADAL study evaluating single-agent selinexor in patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL. This latest data demonstrated that selinexor achieved an ORR of 33.3% and a duration of response (DOR) of > 7 months in the first 63 patients, as adjudicated by an independent central radiological committee. Patients were randomized to one of two single-agent selinexor arms, a higher dose arm of 100 mg twice weekly and a lower dose arm of 60 mg twice weekly. The median overall survival was 8 months for all patients, consistent with published data in this population which has a very poor prognosis. As of the data cutoff date, the median survival for the responders had not been reached and was over 9 months. Most responses occurred at the first response evaluation (~2 months). As of the data cutoff date, 9 of the 21 responding patients remained on treatment, including 6 patients who had a complete response (CR). Selinexor also showed robust, single-agent activity against GCB and non-GCB subtypes of DLBCL. Of the 32 patients with DLBCL of the GCB-subtype, 9 responded (4 patients with a CR, 5 patients with a partial response (PR)) for an ORR of 28.1%. Of the 31 patients with DLBCL of the non-GCB (or ABC)-subtype, 12 responded (5 patients with a CR, 7 patients with a PR) for an ORR of 38.7%. Amongst the 14 patients with "double-" or "triple-hit" DLBCL, the ORR was consistent with the ORR across the SADAL patient population, indicating anti-cancer activity in this population, which usually has a particularly poor prognosis. Side effects were consistent with those previously reported with selinexor, and no new safety signals were identified. Importantly, side effects were reduced in the 60mg cohort in comparison with the 100mg cohort.

In consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Karyopharm amended the SADAL study, removing the 100mg arm and continuing enrollment only in the 60mg twice weekly arm. The FDA has agreed that the single-arm trial design appears appropriate for accelerated approval in DLBCL, though eligibility for accelerated approval will depend on the complete trial results and available therapies at the time of regulatory action. The SADAL study is expected to enroll up to a total of 130 patients in the 60mg single-arm cohort and Karyopharm plans to report top-line results in the second half of 2018.
Selinexor in Other Hematologic Malignancies

Published Phase 1 Data Demonstrating Selinexor’s Activity in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) in the Journal Blood. A paper describing results from the first in human Phase 1 clinical study assessing safety and preliminary activity of selinexor in patients with relapsed or refractory NHL was recently published in the journal Blood. In the paper, authored by John Kuruvilla, et al., titled "Selective inhibition of nuclear export with selinexor in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma," Karyopharm collaborators reported that selinexor was generally well tolerated. Of the 70 evaluable patients, 22 (31%) achieved an objective response (OR), including 4 CRs and 18 PRs, which were observed across a spectrum of NHL subtypes, including DLBCL, Richter’s transformation, mantle cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. All four CRs were in patients with DLBCL, and two of the four patients are believed to have remained relapse-free as of the publication date, greater than 3 years since initiation of single agent selinexor therapy. Tumor biopsies showed decreases in cell signaling pathways, reduced proliferation, nuclear localization of XPO1 cargos and increased apoptosis after treatment. The most common grade 3-4 drug-related AEs were thrombocytopenia (47%), neutropenia (32%), anemia (27%), leukopenia (16%), fatigue (11%) and hyponatremia (10%). A maximum tolerated dose was not defined, but the highest allowable dose was ~120 mg twice weekly. Based on both tolerability and antitumor activity, the recommended Phase 2 dose of selinexor in NHL is 35 mg/m2 (~60 mg) twice weekly.

Selinexor in Solid Tumors

Ongoing Phase 2/3 SEAL Study in Liposarcoma. Enrollment is now complete in the Phase 2 portion of the blinded, randomized Phase 2/3 SEAL study evaluating single-agent selinexor versus placebo in patients with advanced liposarcoma. Karyopharm expects to report the hazard ratio for PFS from the Phase 2 portion of the SEAL study and providing an update regarding the planned development path in this indication during September or October 2017. The primary endpoint of the SEAL study is PFS and both the trial design and endpoints have been accepted by the FDA and the European Medicines Agency.

Oral Presentation Highlighting Efficacy, Safety and Intratumoral Pharmacokinetic Data for Selinexor in Glioblastoma at the 2017 World Federation of Neuro-Oncology Societies (WFNOS) Meeting. Clinical data from a Phase 2 study evaluating selinexor in patients with recurrent glioblastoma was highlighted in an oral presentation at the 2017 WFNOS meeting by Andrew Lassman, MD, Columbia University Medical Center. The data demonstrated that oral selinexor achieved responses and sufficient intratumoral penetration, with a manageable tolerability profile when accompanied by standard supportive care. Importantly, disease control rates using selinexor dosed at 80 mg once weekly were as high or higher than those observed with more intensive dosing, and tolerability was improved.
Verdinexor

Signed Global License Agreement with Anivive Lifesciences for Verdinexor for Animal Health Applications. Karyopharm and Anivive, a privately-held biotech company, executed a licensing agreement under which Anivive licensed from Karyopharm exclusive worldwide rights to research, develop and commercialize verdinexor for the treatment of cancer in companion animals. Under the terms of the agreement, Anivive made a one-time upfront payment of $1 million to Karyopharm. Anivive also agreed to pay up to an additional $43.5 million based on technology transfer and achievement of specified regulatory, clinical and commercial milestones, assuming approval in both the U.S. and the European Union. In addition, Anivive agreed to pay Karyopharm a low double-digit royalty based on future net sales of verdinexor.
KPT-9274

Preclinical Efficacy Highlighting KPT-9274’s Anti-Cancer Activity in Dogs with Spontaneous Lymphomas Presented as a Late-Breaking Poster at the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) 2017 Annual Meeting. At the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) 2017 Annual Meeting in April, Karyopharm collaborator Cheryl London of Tufts University presented a late-breaking poster highlighting preclinical data demonstrating the activity and synergy of KPT-9274, the Company’s oral dual inhibitor of PAK4/NAMPT, with doxorubicin to treat dogs with lymphoma. KPT-9274 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 safety and tolerability study in patients with advanced solid malignancies (including sarcoma, colon and lung cancer) or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) whose disease has relapsed after standard therapy(s). Top-line data from this clinical study are expected later this year.
Other Corporate and Clinical Developments

Generated $52.3 Million in Equity Financings. In April 2017, the Company sold approximately 3.9 million shares of common stock in an underwritten public offering at a price to the public of $10.25 per share, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of approximately $37.9 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses, and sold approximately 1.3 million shares under its ATM offering facility for net proceeds of approximately $14.4 million.
Second Quarter 2017 Financial Results

Cash, cash equivalents and investments as of June 30, 2017, including restricted cash, totaled $181.2 million, compared to $175.5 million as of December 31, 2016.

On April 28, 2017, Karyopharm completed an underwritten public offering of 3,902,439 shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $10.25 per share. The net proceeds to Karyopharm from the offering, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses, were approximately $37.9 million. In addition, during April 2017, the Company sold approximately 1.3 million shares under its ATM offering facility for net proceeds of approximately $14.4 million.

For the quarter ended June 30, 2017, research and development expense was $23.1 million compared to $24.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2016. For the quarter ended June 30, 2017, general and administrative expense was $6.6 million compared to $6.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2016.

Karyopharm reported a net loss of $29.4 million, or $0.64 per share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2017, compared to a net loss of $30.2 million, or $0.84 per share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2016. Net loss includes stock-based compensation expense of $5.1 million and $6.4 million for the quarters ended June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016, respectively.

Jazz Pharmaceuticals Announces Second Quarter 2017 Financial Results

On August 8, 2017 Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ) reported financial results for the second quarter of 2017 and affirmed financial guidance for 2017 (Press release, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, AUG 8, 2017, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2292679 [SID1234520180]).

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"Thus far, 2017 has been a highly productive year. We have executed on and delivered results of key clinical development programs, advanced multiple global regulatory efforts and received U.S. approval of Vyxeos for the treatment of adults with newly-diagnosed therapy-related AML or AML with myelodysplasia-related changes," said Bruce Cozadd, chairman and chief executive officer of Jazz Pharmaceuticals. "We continue to invest in our key products, product launches, R&D and corporate development activities to fuel our future growth and create long-term value."

GAAP net income for the second quarter of 2017 was $105.6 million, or $1.72 per diluted share, compared to $114.5 million, or $1.85 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2016.

Adjusted net income for the second quarter of 2017 was $157.4 million, or $2.56 per diluted share, compared to $165.8 million, or $2.67 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2016. Reconciliations of applicable GAAP reported to non-GAAP adjusted information are included at the end of this press release.

Financial Highlights

Three Months Ended
June 30,

Six Months Ended
June 30,

(In thousands, except per share amounts and percentages)
2017

2016

Change

2017

2016

Change
Total revenues
$
394,386

$
381,161

3%

$
770,439

$
717,171

7%

GAAP net income
$
105,604

$
114,502

(8)%

$
192,115

$
190,314

1%

Adjusted net income
$
157,354

$
165,804

(5)%

$
298,576

$
300,372

(1)%

GAAP EPS
$
1.72

$
1.85

(7)%

$
3.13

$
3.05

3%

Adjusted EPS
$
2.56

$
2.67

(4)%

$
4.87

$
4.82

1%

Total Revenues

Three Months Ended
June 30,

Six Months Ended
June 30,
(In thousands)
2017

2016

2017

2016
Xyrem (sodium oxybate) oral solution
$
298,026

$
280,968

$
570,352

$
530,505

Erwinaze / Erwinase (asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi)
49,024

49,748

100,412

100,921

Defitelio (defibrotide sodium) / defibrotide
30,238

33,246

66,138

51,143

Prialt (ziconotide) intrathecal infusion
5,656

8,073

13,373

14,282

Other
6,711

7,075

13,058

16,175

Product sales, net
389,655

379,110

763,333

713,026

Royalties and contract revenues
4,731

2,051

7,106

4,145

Total revenues
$
394,386

$
381,161

$
770,439

$
717,171

Net product sales increased 3% in the second quarter of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 due to higher net product sales of Xyrem.

Xyrem net product sales increased 6% in the second quarter of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016.

Erwinaze/Erwinase net product sales in the second quarter of 2017 were consistent with net product sales in the same period in 2016. During the 2017 quarter, the company continued to experience supply challenges that resulted in temporary supply disruptions in certain markets, which the company expects will continue for the remainder of 2017.

Defitelio/defibrotide net product sales decreased 9% in the second quarter of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 primarily due to inventory stocking in the second quarter of 2016, following the U.S. launch in that quarter, and the impact of unfavorable foreign exchange rates. The company continues to expect inter-quarter variability in Defitelio net sales given that veno-occlusive disease is an ultra-rare disease.

Operating Expenses

Three Months Ended
June 30,

Six Months Ended
June 30,
(In thousands, except percentages)
2017

2016

2017

2016
GAAP:

Cost of product sales
$
28,672

$
23,980

$
53,737

$
47,419

Gross margin
92.6%

93.7%

93.0%

93.3%

Selling, general and administrative
$
132,328

$
122,618

$
276,583

$
251,383

% of total revenues
33.6%

32.2%

35.9%

35.1%

Research and development
$
40,157

$
39,091

$
85,085

$
70,343

% of total revenues
10.2%

10.3%

11.0%

9.8%

Three Months Ended
June 30,

Six Months Ended
June 30,
(In thousands, except percentages)
2017

2016

2017

2016
Non-GAAP adjusted:

Cost of product sales
$
27,145

$
23,017

$
50,964

$
45,657

Gross margin
93.0%

93.9%

93.3%

93.6%

Selling, general and administrative
$
111,454

$
99,488

$
229,904

$
202,099

% of total revenues
28.3%

26.1%

29.8%

28.2%

Research and development
$
35,298

$
35,562

$
76,084

$
63,524

% of total revenues
9.0%

9.3%

9.9%

8.9%

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

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses increased in the second quarter of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 on a GAAP and on a non-GAAP adjusted basis due to higher headcount and other expenses resulting from the expansion of the company’s business, the company’s narcolepsy disease awareness campaign and pre-launch activities related to the U.S. launch of VyxeosTM (daunorubicin and cytarabine) liposome for injection.
Research and development (R&D) expenses were consistent on a GAAP and on a non-GAAP adjusted basis in the second quarter of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. The 2017 quarter included expenses related to regulatory activities for Vyxeos, increased expenses for continued investments in sleep-related R&D programs, an increase in headcount to support these activities and a decrease in costs related to JZP-110 studies for excessive sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnea and with narcolepsy due to the completion of three Phase 3 studies.
Cash Flow and Balance Sheet

As of June 30, 2017, cash, cash equivalents and investments were $319.2 million, and the outstanding principal balance of the company’s long-term debt was $1.8 billion. During the six months ended June 30, 2017, the company repaid $350.0 million of borrowings under the company’s revolving credit facility and used $30.9 million to repurchase approximately 230,000 ordinary shares under the company’s share repurchase program at an average cost of $134.10 per ordinary share.

Recent Developments

In June 2017, the company presented positive efficacy results from its global multi-center studies evaluating Xyrem for the treatment of cataplexy in pediatric patients with narcolepsy and JZP-110 in adult patients with excessive sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnea and with narcolepsy.

In July 2017, the company entered into a license agreement with XL-protein GmbH (XLp) for the rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize products using XLp’s PASylation technology to extend the plasma half-life of selected asparaginase product candidates.

On August 3, 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Vyxeos for the treatment of adults with newly-diagnosed therapy-related AML or AML with myelodysplasia-related changes.

2017 Financial Guidance

Jazz Pharmaceuticals is affirming its full year 2017 financial guidance as follows (in millions, except per share amounts and percentages):

Revenues
$1,625-$1,700
Total net product sales
$1,617-$1,692
-Xyrem net sales
$1,200-$1,230
-Erwinaze/Erwinase net sales
$205-$225
-Defitelio/defibrotide net sales
$130-$150
-Vyxeos net sales
$10-$20
GAAP gross margin %
93%
Non-GAAP adjusted gross margin %1,4
93%
GAAP SG&A expenses
$521-$556
Non-GAAP adjusted SG&A expenses2,4
$440-$460
GAAP R&D expenses
$185-$216
Non-GAAP adjusted R&D expenses3,4
$165-$180
GAAP net income per diluted share
$6.55-$7.55
Non-GAAP adjusted net income per diluted share4
$10.70-$11.30

1.
Excludes $5 million of share-based compensation expense from estimated GAAP gross margin.
2.
Excludes $75-$90 million of share-based compensation expense and $6 million of expenses related to certain legal proceedings and restructuring from estimated GAAP SG&A expenses.
3.
Excludes $20-$25 million of share-based compensation expense and $0-$11 million of milestone payments 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 2017 Net Income Guidance" at the end of this press release.
Conference Call Details

Inovio Pharmaceuticals Reports 2017 Second Quarter Financial Results

On August 8, 2017 Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:INO) reported financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2017 (Press release, Inovio, AUG 8, 2017, View Source [SID1234520178]).

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Total revenue was $20.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, compared to $6.2 million for the same period in 2016. Total operating expenses were $30.0 million for the current year quarter compared to $24.4 million for the prior year quarter.

The net loss attributable to common stockholders for the quarter ended June 30, 2017 was $9.5 million, or $0.13 per share, compared to $18.7 million, or $0.26 per share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2016. The decrease in net loss for the quarter resulted primarily from higher revenue recognized related to Inovio’s license and collaboration agreement with MedImmune entered into in 2015.

Revenue

The increase in revenue was primarily due to $13.8 million in revenue recognized from MedImmune, as the previously deferred revenue from the up-front payment received in September 2015 for MEDI0457 (INO-3112) was recognized during the three months ended June 30, 2017. This revenue recognition occurred upon MedImmune’s definitive selection of a new cancer product candidate to be tested in clinical trials against an undisclosed cancer target from our on-going research collaboration. The successful advancement of this new product candidate by MedImmune could also trigger future milestone payments and sales-based royalties payable to Inovio.

Operating Expenses

Research and development expenses for the second quarter of 2017 were $23.9 million compared to $19.6 million for the second quarter of 2016. The increase in R&D expenses was related to increased investment in all of Inovio’s product development programs, including its recently commenced phase 3 trial for VGX-3100. General and administrative expenses were $6.2 million for the second quarter of 2017 versus $5.8 million for the second quarter of 2016. The increase in G&A expenses primarily related to an increase in non-cash stock based compensation.

Capital Resources

As of June 30, 2017, cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were $92.0 million compared with $104.8 million as of December 31, 2016. At quarter end the company had 77.6 million shares outstanding and 87.2 million shares outstanding on a fully diluted basis. During the three months ended June 30, 2017, Inovio sold 2,917,725 shares of common stock under its ATM common stock sales agreement for net proceeds of $24.1 million, with an average sale price of $8.41 per share.

On July 25, 2017, the company closed an underwritten public offering of 12,500,000 shares of common stock at a public offering price of $6.00 per share, for gross proceeds of $75.0 million. The net proceeds, after deducting the underwriters’ discounts and commissions and other estimated offering expenses payable by Inovio, were approximately $70.2 million. Inovio has granted the underwriters an option until August 18, 2017 to purchase up to 1,875,000 additional shares of its common stock on the same terms and conditions.

Inovio’s balance sheet and statement of operations are provided below. The Form 10-Q providing the complete 2017 second quarter financial report can be found at: View Source

Corporate Update

Clinical Developments

VGX-3100: Cervical Pre-Cancer (Phase 3)

In June, Inovio commenced its phase 3 clinical program to evaluate the efficacy of Inovio’s DNA-based immunotherapy, VGX-3100, to treat cervical dysplasia caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Initiating Inovio’s first phase 3 program marks a significant milestone for the company, for the next generation of DNA-based immunotherapies, and for women’s health. In the phase 3 trial, Inovio will assess the efficacy of VGX-3100 in regressing cervical HSIL (high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions; also called CIN2 or CIN3), a direct precursor to cervical cancer, and in eliminating the HPV infection that causes these lesions. The pivotal data from this program, if positive, could support the licensure of VGX-3100 as the first immunotherapy for this disease. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection, with over 14 million new infections annually.
Inovio satisfied the FDA’s request for information relating to its CELLECTRA 5PSP delivery device, resulting in the FDA removing a previously imposed clinical hold on this program. During the hold period, Inovio prepared investigational sites for the phase 3 study, resulting in the company opening 27 sites in just over the first month since the hold was removed. Inovio is on track to open at least 50 sites by the end of the year.
VGX-3100: Vulvar Pre-Cancer (Phase 2)

In April, Inovio commenced a randomized, open-label phase 2 trial to evaluate the efficacy of VGX-3100 in 36 women with high-grade HPV-related pre-cancerous lesions of the vulva, or vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, a disease with a high unmet medical need. This is a new therapeutic indication for VGX-3100. The primary endpoint of the study is histologic clearance of high-grade lesions and virologic clearance of the HPV virus in vulvar tissue samples. The study will also evaluate safety and tolerability.
MEDI0457: HPV-Related Head & Neck Cancer (Phase 1/2)

In May, Inovio announced that MedImmune, AstraZeneca’s global biologics research and development arm, commenced a new clinical trial investigating the combination of MEDI0457 (formerly INO-3112) in-licensed from Inovio, an immunotherapy designed to generate antigen-specific killer T cell responses targeting HPV-associated tumors, and durvalumab, MedImmune’s PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor. The combination trial will enroll patients with metastatic HPV-associated squamous cell carcinoma of the head & neck (SCCHN) with persistent or recurrent disease after chemotherapy treatment. This study marks a significant moment for Inovio as it transitions into a late-stage biotechnology company. MedImmune is investigating the possibility of elevating the response rate of checkpoint inhibitors by using durvalumab in combination with a DNA plasmid vaccine originally licensed from Inovio, which has shown the ability to generate killer T cells.
Combining the company’s first phase 3 program with the previously announced phase 2 clinical trial of VGX-3100 for treating HPV-related vulvar neoplasia, and the MEDI0457 checkpoint inhibitor-based combination study with MedImmune/AstraZeneca targeting HPV-associated, metastatic head and neck cancers, Inovio is well positioned to comprehensively treat HPV-associated diseases across the continuum of HPV infection through to cancer in both women and men.
Infectious Disease Studies

Inovio reported that its HIV vaccine, PENNVAX-GP, produced amongst the highest overall levels of immune response rates (cellular and humoral) ever observed in a human study by an HIV vaccine. The vaccine candidate, PENNVAX-GP, consists of a combination of four HIV antigens designed to cover multiple global HIV strains and generate both an antibody (humoral) immune response as well as a T cell (cellular) immune response to both potentially prevent and treat HIV. These significant results are consistent with Inovio’s recent data reported from its Ebola, Zika and MERS clinical trials in terms of achieving nearly 100% vaccine response rates with favorable safety profiles. Furthermore, Inovio’s newer and more tolerable intradermal vaccine delivery device showed that Inovio can elicit very high immune responses at a much lower dose.
Inovio and its academic and industry collaborators received a multi-year $6.95 million grant in March from the NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to develop a single or combination therapy using Inovio’s PENNVAX-GP, with the goal of attaining long-term HIV remission in the absence of antiviral drugs. Development of Inovio’s PENNVAX-GP immunotherapy, which widely targets multiple major clades of HIV — providing global coverage — has been funded through a $25 million NIAID contract awarded to Inovio and its collaborators. In addition, Inovio and its collaborators were awarded a five-year $16 million Integrated Preclinical/Clinical AIDS Vaccine Development (IPCAVD) grant in 2015 from NIAID. PENNVAX-GP is currently being studied in a phase 1 clinical trial (HVTN-098) to evaluate its safety and immunogenicity in 94 healthy volunteers as a preventive vaccine (see above). The newly funded study will assess the impact of this vaccine approach in a therapeutic setting.
In preliminary results from the expanded stage of Inovio’s phase 1 clinical trial, EBOV-001, 95% (170 of 179) of evaluable subjects generated an Ebola-specific antibody immune response, with the mean antibody titer comparable or superior to those reported from viral vector-based Ebola vaccines, along with a more safety profile than those vaccines. This study was funded by a $45 million contract from DARPA.

Corporate Developments

In May, Inovio and Regeneron entered into an immuno-oncology clinical study agreement for glioblastoma (GBM) combination therapy. The planned Phase 1b/2a clinical trial will combine Regeneron’s PD-1 inhibitor REGN2810 and Inovio’s T cell activator INO-5401 and immune activator INO-9012 for the potential treatment of brain cancer. INO-5401 includes Inovio’s SynCon antigens for WT1, hTERT and PSMA and has the potential to be a powerful cancer immunotherapy in combination with checkpoint inhibitors. The National Cancer Institute previously highlighted WT1, hTERT and PSMA among a list of attractive cancer antigens, designating them as high priorities for cancer immunotherapy development, and placing WT1 at the top of the antigen list. The hTERT antigen is expressed in 85% of cancers; the WT1 and PSMA antigens are also widely prevalent in many cancers. The open-label trial, which is expected to begin later this year, is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combination therapy in approximately 50 patients. GBM is the most aggressive form of brain cancer, and its prognosis is extremely poor, despite a limited number of new therapies approved over the last ten years. Under the terms of the agreement, the trial will be solely conducted and funded by Inovio, based upon a mutually agreed upon study design, and Regeneron will supply REGN2810. Inovio and Regeneron will jointly conduct immunological analyses in support of the study. Regeneron, in collaboration with Sanofi, is developing REGN2810 both alone and in combination with other therapies for the treatment of various cancers.
In June, Inovio entered into a collaboration agreement with Genentech to commence a clinical trial to evaluate the combination of Inovio’s T cell immunotherapy INO-5401 and Genentech’s PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor atezolizumab in patients with advanced bladder cancer. The phase 1b/2 immuno-oncology trial will evaluate Genentech’s atezolizumab (TECENTRIQ) in combination with Inovio’s INO-5401, a T cell activating immunotherapy encoding multiple antigens, and INO-9012, an immune activator encoding IL-12. The planned clinical trial is anticipated to start later this year, and is designed to evaluate the safety, immune response and clinical efficacy of the combination therapy in approximately 80 patients with advanced bladder cancer. Combining INO-5401/INO-9012 with atezolizumab may provide a synergistic therapeutic effect as a result of generating higher levels of activated T cells and simultaneously inhibiting PD-L1.
In July, Inovio completed an underwritten public offering of common stock, raising net proceeds of $70.2 million after underwriters’ discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses. Inovio expects that with the net proceeds of the offering it will be able to advance its ongoing REVEAL 1 and 2 phase 3 trials and four phase 2 immuno-oncology trials and to fund other pipeline advancements. The financing also added new institutional investors to Inovio’s shareholder base.

The recent financing transaction will also support the following expected near-term events:
VGX-3100 phase 3 (cervical pre-cancer) trial – initiated
MEDI0457 phase 1/2 combination (head & neck cancer) study – initiated
INO-5401 Glioblastoma multiforme (brain cancer) phase 1/2 combination study with Regeneron — initiate 2H 2017
INO-5401 Bladder cancer phase 1/2 combination study with Genentech — initiate 2H 2017
INO-5150 Prostate cancer study (phase 1) report data – 3Q 2017
INO-1800 Hepatitis B therapy study (phase 1) report data — 4Q 2017
INO-1400 (hTERT) report interim immune response and safety data — 4Q2017
Vaccine clinical study publications (Zika, Ebola and MERS) – 4Q 2017

As previously announced in February, Inovio entered into a collaboration and license agreement with ApolloBio Corporation. If the agreement receives the requisite approvals from ApolloBio’s stock exchange, its board and its shareholders, the agreement will become effective, at which time Inovio expects to receive up to $50 million in payments from Apollo — $15 million in an upfront cash payment for the license of VGX-3100 in greater China and up to $35 million in the form of an equity investment in Inovio’s common stock.
Preclinical Developments

Nature Communications published a paper entitled "DNA Vaccination Protects Mice Against Zika Virus-Induced Damage to the Testes," reporting the results of a preclinical study in which Inovio’s Zika vaccine prevented the persistence of virus and damage in the male reproductive tract. This published data suggests another avenue of potential protection against the Zika virus. While detrimental effects on sperm and fertility have not yet been reported in Zika-infected human males, persistence of Zika in semen and sperm and sexual transmission by males has been documented. This new preclinical data suggests that our Zika vaccine may represent an opportunity to limit the potential for sexual transmission of the virus. In addition to our ongoing ZIKA-001 and 002 clinical studies, we are planning for a larger phase 2 study in our efforts to bring our Zika vaccine to patients.
Npj Vaccines published a paper entitled "DNA Inoculation of Synthetic Cross-Reactive Antibodies Protects Against Lethal Influenza A and B Infections," co-authored by Inovio scientists and collaborators from the Wistar Institute and MedImmune. The paper reported the results of a preclinical study in which Inovio’s DNA-based monoclonal antibody product candidate for the treatment of influenza produced broadly cross-reactive antibodies that provided complete protection from a lethal challenge with multiple viruses of both influenza A and B types. Following previously reported similar data from Inovio’s dMAb candidates for HIV, dengue, and Chikungunya, this study further validates the potential for Inovio’s dMAb technology platform to be able to use encoded DNA plasmids for in vivo production of monoclonal antibodies and to induce protective immune responses. The goal for this platform is to rapidly generate therapeutic monoclonal antibodies directly in the recipients. Such benefits are complementary to Inovio’s antigen-generating platform in terms of immune mechanism and short response times, and advantages that overcome conventional monoclonal antibodies’ long development lead times and complex manufacturing processes and costs.

Ignyta Announces Second Quarter 2017 Company Highlights and Financial Results

On August 8, 2017 Ignyta, Inc. (Nasdaq: RXDX), a biotechnology company focused on precision medicine in oncology, reported company highlights and financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2017 (Press release, Ignyta, AUG 8, 2017, View Source [SID1234520175]). The company is issuing this press release in lieu of conducting a conference call.

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"During the second quarter, we provided substantial development, regulatory, and commercial strategy updates for our lead product candidate, entrectinib, a novel, investigational, orally available, CNS-active tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting tumors that harbor TRK, ROS1, or ALK fusions," said Jonathan Lim, M.D., Chairman and CEO of Ignyta. "In addition, we received breakthrough therapy designation for entrectinib, presented exciting preclinical immunomodulation data for RXDX-106, and strengthened our balance sheet via an equity offering, providing us with the resources to continue developing meaningful new therapies for patients with cancer."

Company Highlights

Updated Progress Towards Entrectinib Dual TRK and ROS1 NDA and PMA Submissions

In April 2017, we announced a comprehensive program update on entrectinib and the STARTRK-2 trial. As of that update:

More than 50 patients with ROS1 fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were enrolled; interim data from 32 of these patients (as assessed by investigator) demonstrated 75% confirmed RECIST objective response rate (ORR) (24 partial or complete responses out of 32) and 17.2 months median duration of response (DOR)
Entrectinib demonstrated confirmed RECIST Intracranial ORR (IC-ORR) of 83% (5 partial responses out of 6) in ROS1 NSCLC patients with measurable central nervous system (CNS) metastases
The entrectinib program was more than 85% enrolled to goal for the primary efficacy analysis to potentially support a TRK tissue agnostic NDA submission
The program is tracking towards dual NDA submissions in TRK and ROS1 in 2018, if supported by clinical data, with anticipated U.S. commercial launch in both indications in 2019.

Breakthrough Therapy Designation and Orphan Drug Designation for Entrectinib

In May 2017, the company announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted a Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) to entrectinib "for the treatment of NTRK fusion-positive, locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors in adult and pediatric patients who have either progressed following prior therapies or who have no acceptable standard therapies."

In July 2017, the company announced that FDA granted orphan drug designation to entrectinib for "treatment of NTRK fusion-positive solid tumors."

RXDX-106 AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Presentations

In April 2017, we presented preclinical data at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) in Washington D.C. suggesting that RXDX-106 can act as both an anti-tumor immuno-modulator and TYRO3, AXL and MER (or TAM) oncodriver inhibitor, potentially supporting clinical development of RXDX-106 in a wide variety of cancers. RXDX-106 represents a novel class of immunomodulatory agents that appears to restore innate immunity in preclinical models via potent inhibition of the TAM family of receptors.

Financing Transaction

In May 2017, the company issued an aggregate of 14.375 million shares of its common stock in an underwritten public offering at a price to the public of $6.15 per share, which resulted in aggregate gross proceeds of $88.4 million.

Second Quarter 2017 Financial Results

For the second quarter of 2017, net loss was $28.3 million, or $0.56 per share, compared with $26.7 million, or $0.70 per share, for the second quarter of 2016.

Ignyta did not record any revenue for the second quarter of 2017, or for the second quarter of 2016.

Research and development expenses for the second quarter of 2017 were $22.2 million, compared with $20.0 million for the second quarter of 2016. This increase was due to an increase in external clinical development costs and the chemistry, manufacturing and control costs associated with entrectinib and our other product candidates, and increased facilities costs of $1.2 million due to the expansion of our leased facilities space. We also incurred additional stock compensation costs of $0.8 million due in part to the increase in the number of outstanding stock options.

General and administrative expenses were $5.5 million for the second quarter of each of 2017 and 2016, respectively. There was no measurable change in our general and administrative expenses between the two periods, as the increases in facilities costs and outside services expenses were offset by a reduction in our personnel related expenditures.

At June 30, 2017, we had cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities totaling $169.4 million and current and long-term debt of $32.0 million. At December 31, 2016, we had cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities totaling $133.0 million and current and long-term debt of $32.0 million.

Halozyme Reports Second Quarter 2017 Results

On August 8, 2017 Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HALO), a biotechnology company developing novel oncology and drug-delivery therapies, reported financial results and recent highlights for the second quarter ended June 30 (Press release, Halozyme, AUG 8, 2017, View Source [SID1234520172]).

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"A clear highlight of the second quarter was approval of Genentech’s RITUXAN HYCELATM in the U.S., and the resulting strong interest from new potential partners who seek to coformulate with our ENHANZE technology," said Dr. Helen Torley, president and chief executive officer. "We have strong momentum in the ENHANZE business with continued growth in royalties and a number of catalysts in the second half of 2017, including Lilly’s recent start of their Phase 1 study, Janssen’s upcoming start of their Phase 3 study of subcutaneous daratumumab and our expectation for a new collaboration agreement.

"At the same time, we are executing well in our HALO-301 study of PEGPH20 with screening and enrollment tracking to our expectations and investigator enthusiasm continuing to be strong. I also remain encouraged by recent progress screening and enrolling patients in the dose expansion portion of our Phase 1b study of PEGPH20 in combination with KEYTRUDA and the recent initiation of Genentech’s study of PEGPH20 with TECENTRIQ.

"With strategic and operational progress across both pillars, we look forward to the potential for additional value inflecting events in the coming months."

Second Quarter 2017 and Recent Highlights include:

Approval of Genentech’s RITUXAN HYCELA by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The combination of rituximab and Halozyme’s hyaluronidase human ENHANZE technology has been approved for patients with follicular lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia and is now available to patients in more than 60 countries worldwide.
Eli Lilly initiating a Phase 1 study of an investigational new therapy in combination with Halozyme’s ENHANZE technology as part of the companies’ 2015 Global Collaboration and Licensing agreement.
Johnson and Johnson highlighting progress with the subcutaneous formulation of DARZALEX (daratumumab) during their 2017 Pharmaceutical Business Review. The formulation, which uses Halozyme’s ENHANZE technology to enable a 5-minute infusion, is currently being studied in a Phase 1b clinical trial and planned to begin a Phase 3 study later this year.
Progress in the HALO-301 study of PEGPH20 in combination with ABRAXANE (nab-paclitaxel) and gemcitabine in first line metastatic pancreas cancer patients with high levels of tumor hyaluronan (HA-High). Screening and enrollment in the study continues to track in line with expectations and investigator enthusiasm remains strong.
Initiation of a Genentech-funded Phase 1b/2 multi-arm clinical trial evaluating PEGPH20 with TECENTRIQ (atezolizumab) in patients with previously treated metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The study is part of a clinical collaboration agreement announced in 2016 to evaluate PEGPH20 and atezolizumab in up to eight tumor types.
Progress in the dose expansion phase of the ongoing Phase 1b clinical study evaluating PEGPH20 in combination with KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) in non-small cell lung and gastric cancer patients. Halozyme may report initial response rate data by the end of the year, depending on the pace of enrollment and time to response.
Oral presentations of Halozyme’s Phase 2 randomized HALO-202 study data at the European Society for Medical Oncology’s World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) annual meeting. The presentations expanded on the topline results shared in January with additional data from the study as of December 2016.
Second Quarter 2017 Financial Highlights

Revenue for the second quarter was $33.8 million compared to $33.3 million for the second quarter of 2016. The year-over-year increase was driven by growth in royalties from partner sales of Herceptin SC, MabThera SC and HYQVIA, offset by a decrease in research and development reimbursements and license payments from ENHANZE partners. Revenue for the second quarter included $14.7 million in royalties, an increase of 20 percent from the prior-year period, $8.9 million in sales of bulk rHuPH20 primarily for use in manufacturing collaboration products and $3.9 million in HYLENEX recombinant (hyaluronidase human injection) product sales.
Research and development expenses for the second quarter were $38.3 million, compared to $35.5 million for the second quarter of 2016. The increase was primarily due to a ramp in spending associated with the HALO-301 study.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the second quarter were $13.1 million, compared to $11.2 million for the second quarter of 2016. The increase was primarily due to personnel expenses, including stock compensation, for the period.
Net loss for the second quarter was $30.8 million, or $0.23 per share, compared to net loss in the second quarter of 2016 of $26.9 million, or $0.21 per share.
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $297.5 million at June 30, 2017, compared to $179 million at March 31, 2017.
Financial Outlook for 2017

Halozyme increased year-end cash guidance and reiterated all other components of its financial guidance, now expecting:

Net revenue of $115 million to $130 million;
Operating expenses of $240 million to $250 million;
Operating cash burn of $75 million to $85 million; and
Year-end cash balance of $245 million to $260 million, an increase from its prior range of $110 million to $125 million to reflect net proceeds of $135 million from a previously announced public offering of 11.5 million shares of common stock.