On August 7, 2018 Synlogic (Nasdaq:SYBX) reported that Aoife Brennan, M.B., B.Ch., Synlogic’s interim president and chief executive officer, and chief medical officer, will present a corporate update at the 2018 Wedbush PacGrow Healthcare Conference at 3:05pm ET on Tuesday, August 14, 2018, in New York City (Press release, Synlogic, AUG 7, 2018, View Source [SID1234528504]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

A live webcast of the presentation can be accessed under "Event Calendar" in the Investors & Media section of the Company’s website. An archived webcast recording will be available on the Synlogic website for approximately 30 days after the event.

On August 7, 2018 Agilvax, Inc., a biotechnology company developing a novel cancer immunotherapy for the treatment of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), reported the receipt of a Fast Track Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) (Press release, Agilvax, AUG 7, 2018, View Source [SID1234528503]). The grant will provide up to $2.3 million in funding for preclinical studies, cGMP manufacturing and a nonclinical toxicology study that will enable an investigational new drug application (IND) submission for Agilvax’s lead immunotherapy product, AX09. The SBIR award is the result of a highly competitive federal grant program supporting significant innovations that address critical unmet needs in public health.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

AX09 is being developed as an immunotherapeutic agent for the treatment of TNBC by inhibiting the function of xCT, which is associated with tumor growth and metastatic progression. xCT has known metabolic functions in normal and cancer cells, where it plays a critical role in cellular defenses, detoxification and intracellular balance. xCT overexpression occurs in several cancers leading to overarching metabolic changes that reprogram cells for tumor growth and survival. Agilvax’s AX09 shows significant anti-xCT immune response in preclinical breast cancer models, where tumor impairment and reduced metastatic progression have been demonstrated. Several peer reviewed publications elucidate the preclinical evidence of AX09 and the important role of xCT in cancer metastasis.

"We are delighted to receive this grant award from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to advance the development of AX09 in TNBC, which is one of the lead indications for this product," said Federica Pericle, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Agilvax, and the Principal Investigator of the award. "The SBIR award is an important indication of the significant clinical and commercial opportunity of AX09. We are extremely grateful to the NCI and our investors as we execute our development of this novel immunotherapy."

"There is a desperate need for targeted therapies and combinational approaches for patients with TNBC," said George Peoples, M.D., F.A.C.S., Director, Cancer Vaccine Development Program, Metis Foundation. "AX09 shows promise in preclinical studies to inhibit an exploitable target and its novel mechanism of action makes AX09 a potentially powerful combination therapy to achieve durable responses for breast cancer patients."

On August 7, 2018 Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:INO), a late-stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of DNA immunotherapies targeted against cancers and infectious diseases,reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2018, along with a general business update (Press release, Inovio, AUG 7, 2018, View Source [SID1234528502]). Inovio’s management will host a live conference call and webcast at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time today to discuss Inovio’s financial results and provide a general business update.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

Inovio Highlights

VGX-3100 – HPV-related Precancers
REVEAL 1 Phase 3 trial enrollment on track. Opened a total of 70 sites across 16 countries and are actively recruiting for REVEAL 1, Inovio’s Phase 3 clinical trial for treating cervical dysplasia (CIN) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV); the company anticipates opening approximately 90 sites globally by the end of August 2018. Also commenced during the quarter a Phase 2 clinical trial in its third indication to evaluate the efficacy of VGX-3100 in approximately 24 patients, adult men and women, with HPV-related anal dysplasia. This expansion increases the overall commercial value potential of our lead product, VGX-3100.
INO-5401 – Cancer
Dosed first patient in June as part of its Phase 1/2 immuno-oncology trial in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM); open-label, multi-center trial evaluating INO-5401 and INO-9012 in combination with cemiplimab in 50 newly diagnosed GBM patients with primary endpoint of safety and tolerability; the study will also evaluate immunological impact, progression-free survival and overall survival (see www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT03491683).
INO-5150 – Cancer
Presented prostate cancer data at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2018 where analyses showed clinically meaningful PSA stabilization post-administration of INO-5150 in patients with no documented disease progression during the study; of the 61 evaluable patients, 77% (47/61) demonstrated T cell immunogenicity; additional immunology data past week 27 is expected to be presented at a major oncology conference in the third quarter of 2018.
PENNVAX-GP – HIV
Presented data in May from a Phase 1 clinical trial in which Inovio’s HIV vaccine maintained durable and robust immune responses at month 12, a full 6 months after the last dose; 96% (26 of 27) of participants receiving PENNVAX-GP and IL-12 via IM delivery demonstrated a CD4+ T cell response, while the same percentage (96%, 27 of 28) of participants receiving the vaccine formulation via ID delivery also displayed anti-HIV CD4+ T cell responses; this data was presented at the 2018 HVTN Full Group Meeting in May.
INO-4700 (GLS-5300) – MERS
Reported positive Phase 1 results of Inovio’s collaborative vaccine study with INO-4700 (GLS-5300) against the MERS virus (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome); results showed that the vaccine was well-tolerated and approximately 95% of treated patients achieved overall high levels of antibody responses and approximately 90% of subjects also generated robust T cell responses. The new data was presented in June at the WHO-IVI Joint Symposium for MERS-CoV Vaccine Development.
Established partnership with CEPI
Signed a partnership agreement with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) under which CEPI will directly fund up to $56 million to support Inovio’s pre-clinical and clinical advancement through Phase 2 of INO-4500, its Lassa fever vaccine, and INO-4700, its MERS vaccine, over a five-year period. Additional revenue is possible with vaccine stockpile post-Phase 2 testing.
Recognized revenue from ApolloBio Partnership
Received an upfront payment of $23 million (approximately $19.4 million after payment of required taxes) in March 2018 from ApolloBio, which gained the rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize VGX-3100 to treat precancers caused by HPV, within Greater China. This amount was recognized in Inovio’s reported revenue for the second quarter of 2018.
Cash Position
As of June 30, 2018, cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were $95.6 million compared to $112.8 million as of March 31, 2018.
Dr. J. Joseph Kim, Inovio’s President & CEO said, "The second quarter included important strategic accomplishments for Inovio, while also providing shareholders with much to look forward to over the next 12 months. From presenting expanded data from our HIV developmental vaccine, PENNVAX-GP, to dosing our first patient with INO-5401 in our GBM trial, Inovio continues to showcase the versatility of our technology in both immunotherapy and infectious diseases. We continue to work diligently with our newly established partners ApolloBio, CEPI and the Parker Institute, while maintaining focus on opening sites and enrolling patients globally for our lead asset, VGX-3100, for treating patients with cervical dysplasia as well as capturing the overall commercial value potential of VGX-3100 through the expansion of our immunotherapeutic solution capabilities in HPV-related vulvar and anal precancers."

Second Quarter 2018 Financial Results

Total revenue was $24.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $20.4 million for the same period in 2017. Total operating expenses were $29.7 million compared to $30.0 million for the same period in 2017.

As a result of the adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, beginning on January 1, 2018, all contributions received from current grant agreements have been recorded as a contra-expense as opposed to revenue on the consolidated statement of operations. For the three months ended June 30, 2018, $1.9 million was recorded as contra-research and development expense, which amount would have been classified as grant revenue in the prior year. Had this change in presentation not occurred, total revenue would have been $26.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $20.4 million for the same period in 2017. Total operating expenses would have been $31.6 million compared to $30.0 million for the same period in 2017.

Inovio’s net loss for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 was $6.6 million, or $0.07 per basic and $0.08 per diluted share, compared to $9.5 million, or $0.13 per basic and diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2017.

Revenue

The increase in comparable revenue and grant agreement recognition for the second quarter of 2018 compared to 2017 was primarily due to the recognition of the gross up-front payment from ApolloBio of $23.0 million during the period (approximately $19.4 million after payment of required taxes). This increase was partially offset by $12.8 million in lower revenues recognized under Inovio’s collaborative research and development agreement with MedImmune, as previously deferred revenue totaling $13.8 million in the aggregate was recognized in June 2017 upon MedImmune’s selection of the first cancer research collaboration product candidate. Inovio also had a decrease in grant funding recognized from its DARPA Ebola grant of $2.2 million and a decrease in revenue of $2.1 million under its prior collaboration with Roche, as all remaining deferred revenue was recognized upon termination of that collaboration agreement in 2017, among other variances.

Operating Expenses

Research and development (R&D) expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2018 were $22.5 million compared to $23.9 million for the same period in 2017. The decrease in R&D expenses was primarily due to the $1.9 million contra-research and development expense recorded from grant agreements as discussed above, as well as a decrease of $2.1 million in expenses related to the DARPA Ebola grant. These decreases were slightly offset by an increase in employee headcount to support clinical trials and partnerships and an increase in expenses related to Inovio’s VGX-3100 clinical trials and its collaboration with MedImmune, among other variances.

General and administrative (G&A) expenses were $7.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 versus $6.2 million for the same period in 2017.

Capital Resources

As of June 30, 2018, cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were $95.6 million compared to $112.8 million as of March 31, 2018. As of June 30, 2018, the Company had 91.5 million common shares outstanding and 102.8 million common shares outstanding on a fully diluted basis, after giving effect to outstanding options, warrants, restricted stock units and convertible preferred stock.

Inovio’s balance sheet and statement of operations are provided below. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 providing the complete 2018 second quarter financial report can be found at: View Source

Conference Call / Webcast Information

Inovio’s management will host a live conference call and webcast at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time today to discuss Inovio’s financial results and provide a general business update.

The live webcast and a replay may be accessed by visiting the Company’s website at View Source Telephone replay will be available approximately two hours after the call at 877-481-4010 (domestic) or 919-882-2331 (international) using replay ID 33743.

On August 7, 2018 Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Syndax," the "Company" or "we") (Nasdaq: SNDX), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing an innovative pipeline of cancer therapies, reported its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2018. In addition, the Company provided a clinical and business update (Press release, Syndax, AUG 7, 2018, View Source [SID1234528501]). As of June 30, 2018, Syndax had $98.4 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"We made great progress across multiple programs during the first half of this year, including presentation of data from all three cohorts of ENCORE 601 and completion of target enrollment in ENCORE 602 and 603. We also initiated the first combination trial for the SNDX-6352 program, which will evaluate its safety in combination with durvalumab (IMFINZI)," said Briggs W. Morrison, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Syndax. "We continue to expect the progression free survival results from E2112, our ongoing Phase 3 trial of entinostat plus exemestane in HR+, HER2- breast cancer, later this quarter, and the third prespecified interim analysis of overall survival in November. We also anticipate sharing next steps for the entinostat-KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) combination program in both non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma by the end of the year."

The Company also announced today that it plans to initiate a Phase 1 trial of its monoclonal antibody inhibitor of Colony-Stimulating Factor 1 Receptor (CSF-1R), SNDX-6352, in patients with chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD). Enrollment in this trial is anticipated to begin by the end of the year, with initial data expected in the second half of 2019.

"We are excited to begin the evaluation of SNDX-6352 as a treatment for cGVHD, a novel clinical path for a CSF1-R inhibitor," said Michael L. Meyers, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer of Syndax. "Preclinical findings support that CSF-1R inhibition may serve as an effective approach for treating this debilitating, often deadly side effect of allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We look forward to learning more about the potential of SNDX-6352 in this indication."

Pipeline Updates

The Phase 3 registration trial of entinostat plus exemestane in advanced hormone receptor positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HR+, HER2-) breast cancer, E2112, is 98% enrolled as of the end of July. ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group, the trial sponsor, had notified the Company that the Data Safety Monitoring Committee (DSMC) completed the final progression free survival (PFS) analysis in November 2017. The trial is proceeding as planned, and Syndax continues to anticipate that enrollment will be complete in the third quarter of 2018, at which time the result of the PFS analysis will be released to the Company. In addition, interim overall survival (OS) analyses are scheduled to occur every May and November. Two interim OS analyses have already occurred, with the next analysis expected this November.

The Company presented data from a subset of PD-(L)1 refractory non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients enrolled in the expanded Phase 2 ENCORE 601 cohort (n = 57) at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in June. Updated data from all patients (n = 76) enrolled in this cohort will be presented at the World Conference on Lung Cancer Meeting in Toronto next month, including updated results from the Company’s biomarker analyses. The Company expects to communicate its development plans for entinostat in this indication in the fourth quarter.

The Company presented data from a subset of PD-1 refractory melanoma patients enrolled in the expanded Phase 2 ENCORE 601 cohort (n = 34) at the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in June. Updated results from the full cohort (n = 55) are expected by the end of this year, at which time the Company will make a decision on registration plans for entinostat in this indication.

Enrollment in the expanded stage 1 ENCORE 601 cohort of patients with microsatellite stable colorectal cancer (MSS-CRC, n = 37) is expected to complete in the third quarter. A decision on whether to continue to the second stage of this cohort is expected in the first half of 2019.

Target enrollment in both the Phase 2 portion of ENCORE 602, the Phase 1b/2 clinical trial evaluating the combination of entinostat plus Genentech’s PD-L1 inhibitor, atezolizumab (TECENTRIQ), in patients with triple negative breast cancer, and the Phase 2 portion of ENCORE 603, evaluating entinostat in combination with Pfizer/Merck KGaA’s PD-L1 inhibitor, avelumab (BAVENCIO), in patients with ovarian cancer, is complete. Topline results from each study are anticipated in the first half of 2019.

ENCORE 606, the Phase 1b/2 trial evaluating entinostat in combination with NKTR-214, Nektar’s CD122-biased agonist, is expected to begin enrolling patients in the first half of 2019.

Dosing of patients with solid tumors in the Phase 1/1b trial evaluating the safety of SNDX-6352 continues as planned. Testing of SNDX-6352 in combination with durvalumab (IMFINZI), AstraZeneca’s human monoclonal antibody directed against PD-L1, was recently initiated, and dosing of patients with SNDX-6352 as a monotherapy is ongoing. The Company anticipates identifying the recommended Phase 2 dose and schedule for SNDX-6352 monotherapy and in combination with durvalumab in the first half of 2019.

The Company expects to commence enrollment in a Phase 1 dose escalation trial of SNDX-6352 in patients with cGVHD by the end of the year. The objectives of this trial are to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of SNDX-6352 in cGVHD and to identify a recommended Phase 2 dose and schedule. Initial results are anticipated in the second half of 2019.

Development of the Company’s portfolio of Menin-Mixed Lineage Leukemia (MLLr) inhibitors is ongoing. The Company continues to expect clinical trials to initiate in the first half of 2019.
Second Quarter 2018 Financial Results

As of June 30, 2018, Syndax had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $98.4 million and 22,705,794 shares issued and outstanding.

On June 18, 2018, the Company signed an exchange agreement with Biotechnology Value Fund and certain affiliated funds ("BVF") under which BVF exchanged 2,000,000 shares of common stock for 2,000,000 Warrant Shares. BVF can exercise the Warrant Shares at an exercise price per share equal to $0.0001 per share. The warrant is issued for a period of 20 years.

In the third quarter of 2018, through August 6th, the Company sold 633,231 shares of its common stock with net proceeds of approximately $4.4 million pursuant to its at-the-market arrangement.

Second quarter 2018 research and development expenses increased to $14.9 million from $9.9 million for the comparable period in the prior year. The increases were primarily due to increased activities in manufacturing for SNDX-6352, increased development activities for the Menin-MLLr and ENCORE 602 programs partially offset by completion of pharmacology trials and lower program cost for E2112. Employee compensation increased due to increased headcount.

General and administrative expenses totaled $4.5 million during the second quarter of 2018, compared to $4.3 million for the comparable period in the prior year. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to increased pre-commercialization activities and increased patent related legal expenses.

For the three months ended June 30, 2018, Syndax reported a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $18.4 million or $0.74 per share compared to $13.6 million or $0.70 per share for the comparable prior year period.

Financial Guidance

Today the Company provided operating expense guidance for the third quarter and full year 2018. For the third quarter and full year 2018, research and development expenses are expected to be $14 to $16 million and $59 to $62 million, respectively, and total operating expenses are expected to be $18 to $20 million and $77 to $81 million, respectively. Total operating expenses for 2018 are expected to include approximately $6 million of non-cash stock compensation expense.

Conference Call and Webcast

In connection with the earnings release, Syndax’s management team will host a conference call and live audio webcast at 4:30 p.m. ET today, Tuesday, August 7, 2018.

The live audio webcast and accompanying slides may be accessed through the Events & Presentations page in the Investors section of the Company’s website at www.syndax.com. Alternatively, the conference call may be accessed through the following:

Conference ID: 4980058
Domestic Dial-in Number: 1- 855-251-6663
International Dial-in Number: 281-542-4259
Live webcast: View Source

For those unable to participate in the conference call or webcast, a replay will be available for 30 days on the Investors section of the Company’s website, www.syndax.com.

On August 7, 2018 Alder BioPharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALDR), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapeutic antibodies for the treatment of migraine, reported its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2018 (Press release, Alder Biopharmaceuticals, AUG 7, 2018, View Source [SID1234528500]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"During the second quarter, the new data we presented from our Phase 3 clinical trials in episodic and chronic migraine further highlighted eptinezumab’s encouraging clinical profile for migraine prevention, including increased efficacy following additional quarterly infusions," said Robert W. Azelby, president and chief executive officer of Alder. "Alder is focused on changing the treatment paradigm for the millions of patients living with the disabling effects of migraine and we remain on track to submit a high-quality BLA to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the first quarter of 2019."

Recent Company Highlights

Presented new PROMISE 1 and PROMISE 2 Phase 3 clinical trial data for eptinezumab, Alder’s lead investigational product candidate for migraine prevention targeting calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and the American Headache Society Meeting (AHS) during the second quarter. Highlights include:
One-year data from the PROMISE 1 Phase 3 trial demonstrated long-term and increasing efficacy in episodic migraine following the third and fourth quarterly infusions.1
Six-month data for eptinezumab from the PROMISE 2 Phase 3 trial demonstrated improved efficacy for chronic migraine following the second quarterly infusion.1
These data from PROMISE 1 and PROMISE 2 continue to reinforce eptinezumab’s potential competitive clinical profile.

Alder’s one-year safety study of eptinezumab was completed with a safety profile consistent with previous eptinezumab studies.

All milestones remain on track for Alder’s planned BLA submission in Q1 2019.
Second Quarter 2018 Financial Results

As of June 30, 2018, Alder had $536.1 million in cash, cash equivalents, investments and restricted cash compared to $587.0 million as of March 31, 2018.
Research and development expenses for the second quarter ended June 30, 2018 totaled $52.8 million, compared to $65.3 million for the same period in 2017. The decrease in expenses was primarily due to lower eptinezumab clinical trial expense as the company nears completion of patient treatments for several clinical trials, offset by an increase in compensation as a result of an increase in internal headcount, and consulting fees to support manufacturing activities and the planned BLA submission.
General and administrative expenses for the second quarter ended June 30, 2018 totaled $12.2 million, compared to $9.5 million for the same period in 2017. The increase in spending was primarily due to an increase in stock-based compensation and expenses to support commercial readiness activities.
Net loss applicable to common stockholders for the second quarter ended June 30, 2018 totaled $70.7 million, or $1.04 per share, compared to net loss of $74.6 million, or $1.48 per share on a fully-diluted basis, for the same period in 2017.
Financial Outlook

Alder believes its available cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and restricted cash will be sufficient to meet the company’s projected operating requirements into 2020.
1. For additional details regarding the trial results, please refer to Alder’s previous data press releases, which can be found at View Source

Conference Call and Webcast
Alder will host a conference call today at 5:00 p.m. ET to discuss these financial results and recent corporate highlights. The live call may be accessed by dialing (877) 430-4657 for domestic callers or (484) 756-4339 for international callers, and providing conference ID number 9588479. The webcast will be broadcast live and can be accessed from the Events & Presentations page in the Investors section of Alder’s website at www.alderbio.com. The accompanying slides are available now at the Events & Presentations page in the Investors section of Alder’s website at www.alderbio.com. The webcast will be available for replay following the call for at least 30 days.