Teva Reports Third Quarter 2018 Financial Results

On November 1, 2018 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE: TEVA, TASE: TEVA) reported results for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 (Press release, Teva, NOV 1, 2018, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2374693 [SID1234530533]).

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Mr. Kåre Schultz, Teva’s President and CEO, said, "I am very satisfied with our progress and we are meeting all our key targets. We received FDA approval for AJOVY in September for the preventive treatment of migraine and we are seeing very good signs of a successful launch. We continue to see strong growth for AUSTEDO, while COPAXONE continues to maintain its market share. Our restructuring plan has already resulted in a significant cost reduction of $1.8 billion in the first nine months of the year and we are on track to achieve a reduction of $3.0 billion by the end of 2019, while continuing to pay down our debt. Given the solid third quarter results, we have decided to raise our 2018 full year guidance. "

Third Quarter 2018 Consolidated Results

Revenues in the third quarter of 2018 were $4,529 million, a decrease of 19%, or 18% in local currency terms, compared to the third quarter of 2017, mainly due to generic competition to COPAXONE, price erosion in our U.S. generics business and loss of revenues following the divestment of certain products and discontinuation of certain activities.

Exchange rate differences between the third quarter of 2018 and the third quarter of 2017 negatively impacted our revenues and GAAP operating income by $80 million and $34 million, respectively. Our non-GAAP operating income was negatively impacted by $37 million.

GAAP gross profit was $2,021 million in the third quarter of 2018, a decrease of 24% compared to the third quarter of 2017. GAAP gross profit margin was 44.6% in the third quarter of 2018, compared to 47.2% in the third quarter of 2017. Non-GAAP gross profit was $2,305 million in the third quarter of 2018, a decline of 23% from the third quarter of 2017. Non-GAAP gross profit margin was 50.9% in the third quarter of 2018, compared to 53.1% in the third quarter of 2017. The decrease in gross profit margin, on both a GAAP and a non-GAAP basis, resulted primarily from a decline in COPAXONE revenues due to generic competition, price erosion in our U.S. generics business and the loss of revenue following the sale of our women’s health business.

Research and Development (R&D) expenses for the third quarter of 2018 were $311 million, a decrease of 41% compared to the third quarter of 2017. R&D expenses excluding equity compensation expenses and other expenses were $243 million, or 5.4% of quarterly revenues in the third quarter of 2018, compared to $367 million, or 6.5%, in the third quarter of 2017. The decrease in R&D expenses resulted primarily from pipeline optimization, phase 3 studies that have ended and related headcount reduction.

Selling and Marketing (S&M) expenses in the third quarter of 2018 were $743 million, a decrease of 12% compared to the third quarter of 2017. S&M expenses excluding amortization of purchased intangible assets, equity compensation expenses and other expenses were $678 million, or 15.0% of quarterly revenues, in the third quarter of 2018, compared to $788 million, or 14.0%, in the third quarter of 2017. The decrease was mainly due to cost reduction and efficiency measures as part of the restructuring plan.

General and Administrative (G&A) expenses in the third quarter of 2018 were $309 million, a decrease of 17% compared to the third quarter of 2017. G&A expenses excluding equity compensation expenses and other expenses were $284 million in the third quarter of 2018, or 6.3% of quarterly revenues, compared to $360 million, or 6.4% in the third quarter of 2017. The decrease was mainly due to cost reduction and efficiency measures as part of the restructuring plan.

GAAP other income in the third quarter of 2018 was $35 million compared to $4 million in the third quarter of 2017. Non-GAAP other income in the third quarter of 2018 was $4 million, same as in the third quarter of 2017.

GAAP operating income in the third quarter of 2018 was $16 million, compared to $378 million in the third quarter of 2017. Non-GAAP operating income in the third quarter of 2018 was $1,104 million, a decrease of 25% compared to the third quarter of 2017. Non-GAAP operating margin was 24.4% in the third quarter of 2018 compared to 26.2% in the third quarter of 2017.

EBITDA (non-GAAP operating income, which excludes amortization and certain other items, as well as depreciation expenses) was $1,253 million in the third quarter of 2018, a decrease of 23% compared to $1,618 million in the third quarter of 2017.

GAAP financial expenses for the third quarter of 2018 were $229 million, compared to $259 million in the third quarter of 2017. Non-GAAP financial expenses were $236 million in the third quarter of 2018, compared to $229 million in the third quarter of 2017.

In the third quarter of 2018, we recognized a tax benefit of $26 million, or 12%, on pre-tax loss of $213 million. In the third quarter of 2017, we recognized a tax benefit of $494 million, on pre-tax income of $119 million. Our tax rate for the third quarter of 2018 was mainly affected by the mix of products sold in different geographies. Non-GAAP income taxes for the third quarter of 2018 were $85 million, or 10%, on pre-tax non-GAAP income of $868 million. Non-GAAP income taxes in the third quarter of 2017 were $135 million, or 11%, on pre-tax non-GAAP income of $1,241 million.

We expect our annual non-GAAP tax rate for 2018 to be 14%, which is lower than our previous projection. This is due to changes in the geographical mix of income we expect to earn this year. Our non-GAAP tax rate for 2017 was 15%.

GAAP net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders and GAAP diluted loss per share in the third quarter of 2018 were $273 million and $0.27, respectively, compared to income of $530 million and $0.52 in the third quarter of 2017. Non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders and non-GAAP diluted EPS in the third quarter of 2018 were $694 million and $0.68, respectively, compared to $1,012 million and $1.00 in the third quarter of 2017.

For the third quarter of 2018, the weighted average outstanding shares for the fully diluted EPS calculation on a GAAP basis was 1,018 million, compared to 1,017 million for the third quarter of 2017. The weighted average outstanding shares for the fully diluted EPS calculation on a non-GAAP basis was 1,022 million, compared to 1,017 million for the third quarter of 2017. Additionally, no account was taken of the potential dilution by the mandatory convertible preferred shares, amounting to 66 million shares (including shares that may be issued due to unpaid dividends to date) for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 59 million shares for the three months ended September 30 2017, as well as for the convertible senior debentures for the respective periods, since both had an anti-dilutive effect on EPS.

As of September 30, 2018, the fully diluted share count for purposes of calculating our market capitalization was approximately 1,111 million.

Non-GAAP information: Net non-GAAP adjustments in the third quarter of 2018 were $967 million. Non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP EPS for the third quarter were adjusted to exclude the following items:

Impairment of long-lived assets of $521 million comprised mainly of impairment of intangible assets of product rights and IPR&D assets related to the Actavis Generics acquisition;
Amortization of purchased intangible assets totaling $297 million, of which $246 million is included in cost of goods sold and the remaining $51 million in S&M expenses;
Restructuring expenses of $88 million;
In Process R&D of $60 million;
Equity compensation expenses of $45 million;
Contingent consideration of $29 million;
Other non-GAAP items of $38 million; and
Tax benefit of $111 million.
Teva believes that excluding such items facilitates investors’ understanding of its business. See the attached tables for a reconciliation of the GAAP results to the adjusted non-GAAP figures. Investors should consider non-GAAP financial measures in addition to, and not as replacement for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Cash flow generated from operations during the third quarter of 2018 was $421 million, compared to $795 million in the third quarter of 2017. The decrease was mainly due to lower net income, higher beneficial interest collected in exchange for securitized trade receivables and higher payments related to the restructuring plan during the third quarter of 2018.

Free cash flow (cash flow generated from operations net of capital expenditures and deferred purchase price cash component collected for securitized trade receivables) was $704 million in the third quarter of 2018, compared to $920 million in the third quarter of 2017. The decrease was mainly due to lower net income.

As of September 30, 2018, our debt was $29,489 million, compared to $30,237 million as of June 30, 2018. The decrease was mainly due to the $405 million debt tender offer completed in September 2018 as well as repayment at maturity of our CHF 300 million 0.125% senior notes. The portion of total debt classified as short-term as of September 30, 2018 was 9%, compared to 4% as of June 30, 2018, due to a net increase in current maturities.

Segment Results for the Third Quarter 2018

Due to the organizational changes announced in November 2017, we began reporting our financial results under a new structure in the first quarter of 2018, consisting of the following segments:

a) North America segment, which includes the United States and Canada.

b) Europe segment, which includes the European Union and certain other European countries.

c) International Markets segment, which includes all countries other than those in our North America and Europe segments.

In addition to these three segments, we have other activities, primarily the sale of API to third parties and certain contract manufacturing services.

Segment profit is comprised of gross profit for the segment, less R&D, S&M, G&A expenses and other income related to each segment. Segment profit does not include amortization and certain other items.

North America Segment

Our North America segment includes the United States and Canada.

The following table presents revenues, expenses and profit for our North America segment for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:


Three months ended September 30,
2018 2017

(U.S.$ in millions / % of Segment Revenues)

Revenues $ 2,265 100% $ 3,043 100%
Gross profit 1,232 54.4% 1,833 60.2%
R&D expenses 158 7.0% 230 7.6%
S&M expenses 301 13.3% 325 10.7%
G&A expenses 128 5.7% 149 4.9%
Other income (4) § (1) §
Segment profit* $ 649 28.7% $ 1,130 37.1%

* Segment profit does not include amortization and certain other items. The data presented for prior periods have been conformed to reflect the changes to our segment reporting commencing in the first quarter of 2018.
§ Represents an amount less than 0.5%.

Revenues from our North America segment in the third quarter of 2018 were $2,265 million, a decrease of $778 million, or 26%, compared to the third quarter of 2017, mainly due to a decline in revenues of COPAXONE, as well as a decline in revenues in our U.S. generics business, a decline in revenues of ProAir and QVAR and the loss of revenues from the sale of our women’s health business, partially offset by higher revenues from AUSTEDO and our distribution business. Revenues in the United States, our largest market, were $2,125 million in the third quarter of 2018, a decrease of $772 million, or 27%, compared to the third quarter of 2017.

Revenues by Major Products and Activities

The following table presents revenues for our North America segment by major products and activities for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:


Three months ended
September 30, Percentage
Change

2018 2017 2017-2018
(U.S.$ in millions)

Generic products $ 922 $ 1,233 (25%)
COPAXONE 463 819 (43%)
BENDEKA / TREANDA 161 179 (10%)
ProAir 107 155 (31%)
QVAR 36 83 (57%)
AUSTEDO 62 6 870%
Distribution 333 294 13%

Generic products revenues in our North America segment in the third quarter of 2018 decreased by 25% to $922 million, compared to the third quarter of 2017, mainly due to price erosion in our U.S. generics business, additional competition to methylphenidate extended-release tablets (Concerta authorized generic) and portfolio optimization primarily as part of the restructuring plan.

In the third quarter of 2018, we led the U.S. generics market in total prescriptions and new prescriptions, with approximately 547 million total prescriptions, representing 14.1% of total U.S. generic prescriptions according to IQVIA data. COPAXONE revenues in our North America segment in the third quarter of 2018 decreased by 43% to $463 million, of which $446 million were generated in the United States, compared to the third quarter of 2017, mainly due to generic competition in the United States.

BENDEKA and TREANDA combined revenues in our North America segment in the third quarter of 2018 decreased by 10% to $161 million, compared to the third quarter of 2017, mainly due to lower volumes, partially offset by higher pricing.

ProAir revenues in our North America segment in the third quarter of 2018 decreased by 31% to $107 million, compared to the third quarter of 2017, mainly due to lower net pricing.

QVAR revenues in our North America segment in the third quarter of 2018 decreased by 57% to $36 million, compared to the third quarter of 2017. The decrease in sales was mainly due to lower volumes in this quarter following wholesaler stocking in the first quarter of 2018 in connection with the launch of QVAR RediHaler. QVAR maintained its second-place position in the inhaled corticosteroids category in the United States.

AUSTEDO revenues in our North America segment in the third quarter of 2018 were $62 million.

Distribution revenues in our North America segment in the third quarter of 2018 generated by Anda increased by 13% to $333 million, compared to the third quarter of 2017.

North America Gross Profit

Gross profit from our North America segment in the third quarter of 2018 was $1,232 million, a decrease of 33% compared to $1,833 million in the third quarter of 2017. The decrease was mainly due to lower revenues from COPAXONE and generic products.

Gross profit margin for our North America segment in the third quarter of 2018 decreased to 54.4%, compared to 60.2% in the third quarter of 2017. This decrease was mainly due to lower COPAXONE revenues.

North America Profit

Profit from our North America segment in the third quarter of 2018 was $649 million, a decrease of 43% compared to $1,130 million in the third quarter of 2017. The decrease was mainly due to lower revenues from COPAXONE and generic products, partially offset by cost reductions and efficiency measures as part of the restructuring plan.

Europe Segment

Our Europe segment includes the European Union and certain other European countries.

The following table presents revenues, expenses and profit for our Europe segment for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:


Three months ended September 30,
2018 2017

(U.S.$ in millions / % of Segment Revenues)

Revenues $ 1,212 100.0% $ 1,380 100%
Gross profit 683 56.4% 721 52.2%
R&D expenses 62 5.1% 101 7.3%
S&M expenses 249 20.5% 289 20.9%
G&A expenses 74 6.1% 90 6.5%
Other expenses 1 § - §
Segment profit* $ 297 24.5% 241 17.5%

* Segment profit does not include amortization and certain other items. The data presented for prior periods have been conformed to reflect the changes to our segment reporting commencing in the first quarter of 2018.

§ Represents an amount less than 0.5%.

Revenues from our Europe segment in the third quarter of 2018 were $1,212 million, a decrease of $168 million, or 12%, compared to the third quarter of 2017. In local currency terms, revenues decreased by 11%, mainly due to the loss of revenues from the closure of our distribution business in Hungary, the sale of our women’s health business and a decline in COPAXONE revenues, partially offset by new generic product launches.

Revenues by Major Products and Activities

The following table presents revenues for our Europe segment by major products and activities for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:


Three months ended
September 30, Percentage
Change

2018 2017 2017-2018
(U.S.$ in millions)

Generic products $ 845 $ 871 (3%)
COPAXONE 124 150 (17%)
Respiratory products 93 90 3%

Generic products revenues in our Europe segment in the third quarter of 2018, including OTC products, decreased by 3% to $845 million, compared to the third quarter of 2017. In local currency terms, revenues decreased by 1%, mainly due to the loss of revenues from the termination of the PGT joint venture and generic price reductions, partially offset by new generic product launches.

COPAXONE revenues in our Europe segment in the third quarter of 2018 decreased by 17% to $124 million, compared to the third quarter of 2017. In local currency terms, revenues decreased by 16%, mainly due to price reductions resulting from the entry of competing glatiramer acetate products.

Respiratory products revenues in our Europe segment in the third quarter of 2018 increased by 3% to $93 million, compared to the third quarter of 2017. In local currency terms, revenues increased by 4%, mainly due to the launch of BRALTUS in 2017.

Europe Gross Profit

Gross profit from our Europe segment in the third quarter of 2018 was $683 million, a decrease of 5% compared to $721 million in the third quarter of 2017. The decrease was mainly due to the loss of revenues from the sale of our women’s health business and a decline in COPAXONE revenues. Gross profit margin for our Europe segment in the third quarter of 2018 increased to 56.4%, compared to 52.2% in the third quarter of 2017. This increase was mainly due to the lower cost of goods and the closure of our distribution business in Hungary.

Europe Profit

Profit from our Europe segment in the third quarter of 2018 was $297 million, an increase of 23% compared to $241 million in the third quarter of 2017. The increase was mainly due to cost reductions and efficiency measures as part of the restructuring plan.

International Markets Segment

Our International Markets segment includes all countries other than those in our North America and Europe segments. The key markets in this segment are Japan, Israel and Russia.

During the fourth quarter of 2017, we deconsolidated our subsidiaries in Venezuela from our financial results. Consequently, results of operations of our subsidiaries in Venezuela are not included in the third quarter of 2018.

The following table presents revenues, expenses and profit for our International Markets segment for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:


Three months ended September 30,
2018 2017

(U.S.$ in millions / % of Segment Revenues)

Revenues $ 726 100.0% $ 882 100%
Gross profit 301 41.5% 351 39.8%
R&D expenses 21 2.9% 35 4.0%
S&M expenses 120 16.5% 158 17.9%
G&A expenses 37 5.1% 51 5.8%
Other income - § (3) §
Segment profit* $ 123 16.9% $ 110 12.5%

* Segment profit does not include amortization and certain other items. The data presented for prior periods have been conformed to reflect the changes to our segment reporting commencing in the first quarter of 2018.

§ Represents an amount less than 0.5%.

Revenues from our International Markets segment in the third quarter of 2018 were $726 million, a decrease of $156 million, or 18%, compared to the third quarter of 2017. In local currency terms, revenues decreased 12% compared to the third quarter of 2017, mainly due to lower sales in Japan and Russia, the effect of the deconsolidation of our subsidiaries in Venezuela and the loss of revenues from the sale of our women’s health business.

Revenues by Major Products and Activities

The following table presents revenues for our International Markets segment by major products and activities for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:


Three months ended
September 30, Percentage
Change

2018 2017 2017-2018
(U.S.$ in millions)

Generic products $ 498 $ 629 (21%)
COPAXONE 14 18 (24%)
Distribution 149 146 2%

Generic products revenues in our International Markets segment in the third quarter of 2018, which include OTC products, decreased by 21% to $498 million, compared to the third quarter of 2017. In local currency terms, revenues decreased by 15%, mainly due to lower sales in Japan resulting from regulatory pricing reductions and generic competition to off-patented products, lower sales in Russia and the effect of the deconsolidation of our subsidiaries in Venezuela.COPAXONE revenues in our International Markets segment in the third quarter of 2018 decreased by 24% to $14 million, compared to the third quarter of 2017. In local currency terms, revenues decreased by 2%.

Distribution revenues in our International Markets segment in the third quarter of 2018 increased by 2% to $149 million, compared to the third quarter of 2017. In local currency terms, revenues increased by 4%.

International Markets Gross Profit

Gross profit from our International Markets segment in the third quarter of 2018 was $301 million, a decrease of 14% compared to $351 million in the third quarter of 2017. Gross profit margin for our International Markets segment in the third quarter of 2018 increased to 41.5%, compared to 39.8% in the third quarter of 2017. The increase was mainly due to higher gross profit resulting from changes in the product mix in certain countries, mainly Israel, Russia and Mexico, as well as lower cost of goods, partially offset by the Venezuela deconsolidation and lower revenues in Japan.

International Markets Profit

Profit from our International Markets segment in the third quarter of 2018 was $123 million, compared to $110 million in the third quarter of 2017. The increase was mainly due to cost reductions and efficiency measures as part of the restructuring plan.

Profit as a percentage of International Markets revenues in the third quarter of 2018 was 16.9%, compared to 12.5% in the third quarter of 2017. This increase was mainly due to lower operating expenses as part of the restructuring plan.

Other Activities

We have other sources of revenues, primarily the sale of API to third parties and certain contract manufacturing services. These other activities are not included in our North America, Europe or International Markets segments.

Our revenues from other activities in the third quarter of 2018 increased by 4% to $326 million, compared to the third quarter of 2017. In local currency terms, revenues increased by 7%.

API sales to third parties in the third quarter of 2018 were $171 million, flat compared to the third quarter of 2017. In local currency terms, revenues increased by 1%.

Updated 2018 Non-GAAP Results Outlook


Updated Guidance
November 2018

Guidance
August 2018

Revenues $18.6-19.0 billion $18.5-19.0 billion
Non-GAAP Operating Income $4.6-4.8 billion $4.3-4.6 billion
EBITDA $5.2-5.4 billion $5.0-5.3 billion
Non-GAAP EPS $2.80-2.95 $2.55-2.80
Weighted average number of shares 1,027 million 1,027 million
Free cash flow $3.6-3.8 billion $3.2-3.4 billion

These estimates reflect management’s current expectations for Teva’s performance in 2018. Actual results may vary, whether as a result of exchange rate differences, market conditions or other factors. In addition, the non-GAAP measures exclude the amortization of purchased intangible assets, costs related to certain regulatory actions, inventory step-up, legal settlements and reserves, impairments and related tax effects.

See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.

Conference Call

Teva will host a conference call and live webcast along with a slide presentation on Thursday, November 1, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. ET to discuss its third quarter 2018 results and overall business environment. A question & answer session will follow.

United States 1 (866) 966-1396

International +44 (0) 2071 928000

Israel 1 (809) 203-624

For a list of other international toll-free numbers, click here.

Passcode: 7193665

A live webcast of the call will also be available on Teva’s website at: ir.tevapharm.com. Please log in at least 10 minutes prior to the conference call in order to download the applicable software.

Following the conclusion of the call, a replay of the webcast will be available within 24 hours on the Company’s website. The replay can also be accessed until August 30, 2018, 9:00 a.m. ET by calling United States 1 (866) 331-1332 or International +44 (0) 3333009785; passcode: 7193665.

Syndax Pharmaceuticals Announces Presentations at the 60th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting

On November 1, 2018 Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Syndax," the "Company" or "we") (Nasdaq: SNDX), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing an innovative pipeline of cancer therapies, reported that the Company’s Menin-MLLr program will be featured during two presentations at the 60thAmerican Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting being held December 1-4, 2018 in San Diego, California (Press release, Syndax, NOV 1, 2018, View Source [SID1234530531]).

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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

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Oral Presentation Details:

Title: MLL-Menin Inhibition Reverses Pre-Leukemic Progenitor Self-Renewal Induced By NPM1 Mutations and Prevents AML Development
Presenter: Hannah Uckelmann, Ph.D., Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Session Name: 602. Disordered Gene Expression in Hematologic Malignancy, including Disordered Epigenetic Regulation: Single Cell Profiling/Actionable Leukemia Targets
Session Date: Monday, December 3, 2018
Session Time: 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. PT
Presentation Time: 8:15 a.m. PT
Publication Number: 546
Location:San Diego Convention Center, Room 9

Scientific Spotlight Session Details:

Title: Targeting Chromatin Complexes in MLL Rearranged Leukemia
Presenter: Scott Armstrong, M.D., Ph.D., Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Session Name: Biochemical and Genetic Insights Into MLL/11q23 Translocation Leukemia
Session Date: Sunday, December 2, 2018
Session Time: 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. PT
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Room 9

About MLL Rearranged Leukemias

Rearrangements of the MLL gene give rise to an acute leukemia, MLL-r. MLL-r occurs in ~80% of infant acute leukemias and up to 10% of adult acute leukemias. It is associated with a poor prognosis, with less than 40% of infants with MLL-r surviving past 5 years. MLL rearrangements produce fusion proteins that require interaction with a protein called Menin in order to drive leukemic cancer growth. Disruption of the Menin-MLL-r interaction has been shown to halt the growth of MLL-r leukemic cells. MLL-r leukemias are routinely diagnosed through currently available cytogenetic screening techniques in leukemic cells, but there are currently no approved therapies indicated for MLL-r leukemias.

About NPM1c Acute Myeloid Leukemia

NPM1c represents another discrete form of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) distinguished by point mutations in the NPM1 gene that drives the leukemic phenotype. NPM1c is the most common type of cytogenetically normal AML and represents ~30% of all diagnosed AML. This subtype of AML has a poor prognosis, with a 5-year overall survival rate of ~50%. Similar to MLL-r leukemias, NPM1c AML is highly dependent on the expression of specific developmental genes, shown to be negatively impacted by inhibitors of the menin-MLL1 interaction. NPM1c AML is routinely diagnosed through currently available screening techniques in leukemic cells, but there are currently no approved therapies indicated for NPM1c AML.

Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Announces Third Quarter 2018 Financial Results Teleconference and Webcast

On November 1, 2018 Spectrum Pharmaceuticals (NasdaqGS: SPPI), a biotechnology company with fully integrated commercial and drug development operations with a primary focus in hematology and oncology, reported it will host a teleconference and webcast with management to discuss the third quarter 2018 financial results, provide an update on the company’s business, and discuss expectations for the future on Thursday, November 8, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern/1:30 p.m. Pacific (Press release, Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, NOV 1, 2018, View Source [SID1234530530]).

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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!

Conference Call

Thursday, November 8, 2018 @ 4:30 p.m. Eastern/1:30 p.m. Pacific

Domestic: (877) 837-3910, Conference ID# 3075918
International: (973) 796-5077, Conference ID# 3075918
For interested individuals unable to join the call, a replay will be available from November 8, 2018 @ 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT through November 15, 2018 until 11:59 p.m. ET/8:59 p.m. PT.

Domestic Replay: (855) 859-2056, Conference ID# 3075918
International Replay: (404) 537-3406, Conference ID# 3075918
This conference call will also be webcast. Listeners may access the webcast, which will be available on the investor relations page of Spectrum Pharmaceuticals’ website: View Source on November 8, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern/1:30 p.m. Pacific.

Sierra Oncology to Report Clinical Data at ASH 2018 from Translational Biology Study of Momelotinib in Transfusion Dependent Patients

On November 1, 2018 Sierra Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: SRRA), a clinical stage drug development company focused on advancing targeted therapeutics for the treatment of patients with significant unmet needs in hematology and oncology, reported that clinical data from a translational biology study of momelotinib in 41 transfusion dependent patients with myelofibrosis (MF) will be reported in a poster at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2018 (Press release, Sierra Oncology, NOV 1, 2018, View Source [SID1234530529]). The impact of momelotinib on serum hepcidin, along with markers of iron storage and availability, erythropoiesis and inflammation were investigated to explore the biological mechanisms underlying the favorable effects of momelotinib on MF-associated anemia.

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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!

"The results from this translational biology clinical study provide further evidence for momelotinib’s unique anemia benefit," said Dr. Christian Hassig, Chief Scientific Officer of Sierra Oncology. "Moreover, the findings provide clinical evidence that reinforce the differentiated profile of momelotinib as a potent inhibitor of ACVR1, a principal driver of hepcidin production in the liver. As with many inflammatory diseases associated with chronic anemia, myelofibrosis is characterized by high hepcidin, resulting in functional iron deficiency. In myelofibrosis, high levels of hepcidin are inversely correlated with survival. The observed reduction in hepcidin and restoration of iron homeostasis, coupled with net increases in various measures of erythropoiesis, provide important translational biomarker data accounting for the compelling transfusion-independence rates of 34-39% achieved in this transfusion dependent study population."

"As noted in our recent KOL call* featuring Dr. Srdan Verstovsek, one of the investigators in this clinical study, almost every myelofibrosis patient develops anemia and it typically becomes worse over time, often leading to transfusion dependency, yet there are no approved therapies to treat this facet of the disease," stated Dr. Nick Glover, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sierra Oncology. "Momelotinib inhibits JAK1, JAK2 and ACVR1, and is therefore uniquely positioned to address disease-related cytopenia in myelofibrosis, including anemia and transfusion dependency, while also improving splenomegaly and constitutional symptoms."

Sierra is currently preparing for discussions with regulators to determine the registration path for momelotinib and anticipates reporting next steps in the first half of 2019.

*KOL call featuring Dr. Srdan Verstovsek:
View Source

About the study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02515630):
In this Phase 2 open-label, translational biology study 41 transfusion-dependent (TD; ≥4 units red blood cells [RBC] transfusion in the 8 weeks prior to first dose of momelotinib) patients with primary or post-ET/PV MF (platelets ≥50 K) received 200 mg momelotinib once daily for 24 weeks.

By week 24, 14 (34.1%, 90% CI: 22.0–48.1%) patients had a ≥12-week transfusion-independent response (TI-R) and 39.0% had no RBC transfusion for ≥8 weeks at any time (90% CI: 26.2-53.1%).
At every study visit, median blood hepcidin decreased 6 hours after dosing with momelotinib. Serum iron, transferrin, hemoglobin, reticulocytes, and hematocrit increased at week 2 in patients with TI-R. Following this peak, serum iron decreased while hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelet count increased through week 24.
Adverse events (AEs) were consistent with previous studies of momelotinib in myelofibrosis, with cough, diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue as the most common. AEs ≥Gr 3 were experienced by 21 patients, most commonly anemia and neutropenia.
Title: Hepcidin Suppression by Momelotinib Is Associated with Increased Iron Availability and Erythropoiesis in Transfusion-Dependent Myelofibrosis Patient

Authors: Stephen T. Oh, Moshe Talpaz, Aaron T. Gerds, Vikas Gupta, Srdan Verstovsek, Ruben Mesa, Carole Miller, Candido Rivera, Angela Fleischman, Swati Goel, Mark Heaney, Casey O’Connell, Murat Arcasoy, Yafeng Zhang, Jun Kawashima, Tomas Ganz, Carrie Baker Brachmann

Selecta Biosciences to Report Third Quarter 2018 Financial Results and Update on SEL-212 Development Strategy, including Planned Head-to-Head Study versus Krystexxa

On November 1, 2018 Selecta Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: SELB), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on unlocking the full potential of biologic therapies by mitigating unwanted immune responses, reported that it plans to issue its third quarter 2018 financial results before the open of the U.S. financial markets on Thursday, November 08, 2018 (Press release, Selecta Biosciences, NOV 1, 2018, View Source [SID1234530528]). The management team also plans to provide an update on the development strategy for SEL-212, the company’s lead product candidate for the treatment of chronic severe gout, including plans to conduct a head-to-head clinical trial of SEL-212 compared to the current FDA-approved uricase therapy, Krystexxa.

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At 8.30 a.m. ET that day, Selecta Biosciences will host a conference call via live webcast to discuss these results and provide a corporate update. Investors and the public can access a live and archived webcast of this call via the Investors & Media section of the company’s website, View Source Individuals may also participate in the live call via telephone by dialing (844) 845-4170 (domestic) or (412) 717-9621 (international) and may access a teleconference replay for one week by dialing (877) 344-7529 (domestic) or (412) 317-0088 (international) and using confirmation code 10124090.