Spectrum Pharmaceuticals to Present Corporate Update at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2018 Health Care Conference on May 16th

On May 9, 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 that an overview of the company’s business strategy and commercial and development-stage programs will be given at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2018 Health Care Conference being held at the Encore Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada (Press release, Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, MAY 9, 2018, http://investor.sppirx.com/news-releases/news-release-details/spectrum-pharmaceuticals-present-corporate-update-bank-america-3 [SID1234526320]). The company presentation is on Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at 8:55 AM PDT.

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A live webcast of Spectrum’s presentation will be available at View Source

Protalix BioTherapeutics Reports 2018 First Quarter Results and Provides Corporate Update

On May 9, 2018 Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc. (NYSE American:PLX) (TASE:PLX), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of recombinant therapeutic proteins expressed through its proprietary plant cell-based expression system, ProCellEx, reported its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and provided a corporate update (Press release, Protalix, MAY 9, 2018, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2348043 [SID1234526319]).

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"We continue to execute against our upcoming milestones, including the completion of enrollment in our phase III clinical trials of PRX-102 and exploring potential partnering opportunities for our clinical assets," said Moshe Manor, Protalix’s President and Chief Executive Officer. "We reported positive results for OPRX-106 in the first quarter of this year, which not only demonstrate the drug’s potential in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, but also highlight the potential of our ProCellEx platform technology to deliver biologics orally."

2018 First Quarter and Recent Clinical Highlights

Continued enrollment in the three Phase III trials, the BALANCE, BRIDGE and BRIGHT studies, for pegunigalsidase alfa (PRX-102) for the treatment of Fabry disease at nearly 50 clinical trial sites worldwide.
Testing of blood samples from certain patients screened for the BALANCE study were analyzed for anti-drug antibody (ADA) presence and neutralizing activity, and the cross-reactivity and inhibition of such antibodies to PRX-102. A description of the data from the analysis has been accepted as a poster presentation scheduled on May 25, 2018 at the 55th ERA-EDTA Congress (European Renal Association – European Dialysis and Transplant Association) being held in Copenhagen, Denmark, May 24-27, 2018.
Reported positive top-line clinical results for the Company’s OPRX-106 phase IIa clinical trial in ulcerative colitis patients.
Oral presentation detailing the results from the Company’s phase IIa clinical trial of OPRX-106 for the treatment of ulcerative colitis accepted for the Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2018 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., June 2-5, 2018.
The presentation at the DDW will include new clinical data and detailed per patient results further supporting the consistent effect in patients.
Financial Results for Three Months ended March 31, 2018

The Company reported a net loss of $9.4 million, or $0.06 per share, basic and diluted for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 compared to a net loss of $8.4 million, or $0.07 per share, basic and diluted, excluding a one-time, non-cash charge of $52.3 million in connection with the remeasurement of a derivative, for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017.
The Company recorded total revenues of $4.6 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, compared to $2.9 million for the same period of 2017. The increase is attributed mainly to increased sales of alfataliglicerase in Brazil.
Research and development expenses were $7.3 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, compared to $6.0 million for the same period of 2017. The increase is mainly due to the advanced stages of the Company’s clinical trials of its drug candidates.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $2.5 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017.
As of March 31, 2018, the Company had $41.3 million of cash and cash equivalents.
Conference Call and Webcast Information

The Company will host a conference call on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, at 8:30 am ET to review the clinical, corporate and financial highlights.

To participate in the conference call, please dial the following numbers prior to the start of the call: United States: +1-844-358-6760; International: +1-478-219-0004. Conference ID number 8190507.

The conference call will also be broadcast live and available for replay for two weeks on the Company’s website, www.protalix.com, in the Events Calendar of the Investors section. Please access the Company’s website at least 15 minutes ahead of the conference to register, download, and install any necessary audio software.

PROGENICS PHARMACEUTICALS ANNOUNCES

FIRST QUARTER 2018 FINANCIAL RESULTS AND BUSINESS UPDATE

On May 9, 2018 Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: PGNX) reported financial results and provided a business update for the first quarter of 2018 (Press release, Progenics Pharmaceuticals, MAY 9, 2018, View Source [SID1234526318]).

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"We continue with our preparations for the potential launch of AZEDRA in anticipation of our July 30th PDUFA Action Date, while also executing the clinical development strategy for our portfolio of PSMA-targeted radiopharmaceuticals," commented Mark Baker, Chief Executive Officer of Progenics. "Based on the efficacy and safety data from our pivotal Phase 2 trial, we believe AZEDRA represents a significant new therapy for patients with malignant pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, indications for which there are currently no approved treatment options available in the U.S. We have also continued to advance our clinical programs for 1404, PyL and 1095, each of which has the potential to transform the prostate cancer treatment landscape. We look forward to releasing top line data from our Phase 3 trial for 1404 and expect to complete our Phase 2/3 trial for PyL in the third quarter of 2018."

First Quarter and Recent Key Business Highlights

AZEDRA, Ultra-Orphan Radiotherapeutic Candidate

AZEDRA New Drug Application (NDA) FDA Action Date Set for July 30th

In March 2018, Progenics announced a three-month extension of the review period for the NDA for AZEDRA in patients with malignant, recurrent, and/or unresectable pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, rare neuroendocrine tumors for which there are currently no approved treatment options in the U.S. AZEDRA holds Breakthrough Therapy designation, Orphan Drug status, as well as Fast Track designation.

Progenics Announces First Quarter 2018 Financial Results

Page 2

Data from Pivotal Phase 2 AZEDRA Study Presented at Major Medical Meetings

In March 2018, Progenics presented biochemical tumor marker data from its open-label pivotal Phase 2 study evaluating AZEDRA at the Endocrine Society (ENDO) Annual Meeting. Progenics also reported that updated survival and safety data from this study will be presented during an oral presentation at the upcoming American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in June 2018.

PSMA-Targeted Prostate Cancer Pipeline

Enrollment Complete in Phase 3 Study of 1404

In January 2018, Progenics announced the completion of enrollment in its Phase 3 study of 1404, a PSMA-targeted small molecule SPECT/CT imaging agent designed to visualize prostate cancer. The study enrolled approximately 450 patients in the U.S. and Canada with newly-diagnosed or low-grade prostate cancer, whose biopsy indicates a histopathologic Gleason grade of ≤ 3+4 severity and/or are candidates for active surveillance. Top-line results are expected in the third quarter of 2018.

Enrollment Expected to Complete in Phase 2/3 Trial for PSMA-Targeted PET/CT Imaging Agent, PyL, in Q3’18

Progenics continues to enroll patients in the Phase 2/3 study of PyL, a PSMA-targeted PET/CT imaging agent, evaluating diagnostic accuracy in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic prostate cancer. The Company expects to complete enrollment of this study in the third quarter of 2018 and initiate a second Phase 3 study in patients with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer by year end. The Company will present a clinical trial in progress poster at the upcoming ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in June 2018.

Phase 1 Trial for PSMA-Targeted Small Molecule 1095 Ongoing

The Phase 1 clinical trial for the Company’s 1095 a small molecule radiotherapeutic that selectively binds to PSMA, is ongoing. The Phase 1 open-label dose escalation study is evaluating 1095 in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who have demonstrated tumor avidity to 1095.

Phase 1 Study for PSMA-TTC Expected to Initiate in 2018

Progenics expects its partner Bayer to initiate a Phase 1 study of PSMA-Targeted Thorium Conjugate (PSMA-TTC) in patients with mCRPC by year end 2018. Bayer has exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize products using Progenics’s PSMA antibody technology in combination with Bayer’s alpha-emitting radionuclides.

RELISTOR, Treatment for Opioid-Induced Constipation (partnered with Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.)

First Quarter 2018 RELISTOR Net Sales of $20.4 Million

The first quarter 2018 sales, as reported to Progenics by its partner Valeant, translated to $3.1 million in royalty revenue for Progenics for the quarter. Total first quarter 2018 RELISTOR U.S. net sales increased 50% over the first quarter of 2017.

Summary Judgment Granted Upholding the Validity of Formulation Patent Protecting RELISTOR Injection from Generic Competition Until 2024

The U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey has granted a motion for partial summary judgment of validity of a formulation patent for RELISTOR (methylnaltrexone bromide) Injection. The ruling prevents generic competition in the United States until 2024.

Progenics Announces First Quarter 2018 Financial Results Page 3

First Quarter 2018 Financial Results

First quarter revenue totaled $3.2 million, up from $2.3 million in the first quarter of 2017, reflecting RELISTOR royalty income of $3.1 million compared to $2.1 million in the corresponding period of 2017.

First quarter research and development expenses decreased by $1.9 million compared to the corresponding prior year period, resulting primarily from lower clinical trial expenses for AZEDRA. First quarter general and administrative expenses increased by $1.0 million compared to the corresponding prior year period, primarily attributable to higher costs associated with building commercial capabilities in preparation for a potential AZEDRA approval and launch. Progenics also recorded non-cash adjustments of $0.8 million in the first quarter 2018, related to changes in the fair value estimate of the contingent consideration liability. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, Progenics recognized interest expense of $1.2 million related to the RELISTOR royalty-backed loan.

Net loss for the first quarter was $13.4 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, compared to net loss of $16.4 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, in the corresponding 2017 period.

Progenics ended the first quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $83.4 million, a decrease of $7.2 million compared to cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2017. In order to continue to maintain a strong financial position, the Company raised $17.0 million in net proceeds from sales of its common stock under its "at-the-market" (ATM) facility in January through April 2018, with $7.5 million received in April.

Conference Call and Webcast

Progenics will review third quarter financial results in a conference call today at 8:30 a.m. ET. To participate, please dial (877) 250-8889 (domestic) or (720) 545-0001 (international) and reference conference ID 3564709. A live webcast will be available in the Media Center of the Progenics website, www.progenics.com, and a replay will be available for two weeks.

About RELISTOR

Progenics has exclusively licensed development and commercialization rights for its first commercial product, RELISTOR, to Valeant. RELISTOR Tablets (450 mg once daily) are approved in the United States for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in patients with chronic non-cancer pain. RELISTOR Subcutaneous Injection (12 mg and 8 mg) is a treatment for OIC approved in the United States and worldwide for patients with advanced illness and chronic non-cancer pain.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION – RELISTOR (methylnaltrexone bromide) tablets, for oral use and RELISTOR (methylnaltrexone bromide) injection, for subcutaneous use

RELISTOR tablets and injection are contraindicated in patients with known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction and patients at increased risk of recurrent obstruction, due to the potential for gastrointestinal perforation.

Cases of gastrointestinal perforation have been reported in adult patients with opioid-induced constipation and advanced illness with conditions that may be associated with localized or diffuse reduction of structural integrity in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., peptic ulcer disease, Ogilvie’s syndrome, diverticular disease, infiltrative gastrointestinal tract malignancies or peritoneal metastases). Take into account the overall risk-benefit profile when using RELISTOR in patients with these conditions or other conditions which might result in impaired integrity of the gastrointestinal tract wall (e.g., Crohn’s disease). Monitor for the development of severe, persistent, or worsening abdominal pain; discontinue RELISTOR in patients who develop this symptom.

If severe or persistent diarrhea occurs during treatment, advise patients to discontinue therapy with RELISTOR and consult their healthcare provider.

Symptoms consistent with opioid withdrawal, including hyperhidrosis, chills, diarrhea, abdominal pain, anxiety, and yawning have occurred in patients treated with RELISTOR. Patients having disruptions to the blood-brain barrier may be at increased risk for opioid withdrawal and/or reduced analgesia and should be monitored for adequacy of analgesia and symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

Avoid concomitant use of RELISTOR with other opioid antagonists because of the potential for additive effects of opioid receptor antagonism and increased risk of opioid withdrawal.

The use of RELISTOR during pregnancy may precipitate opioid withdrawal in a fetus due to the immature fetal blood brain barrier and should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions, including opioid withdrawal, in breastfed infants, advise women that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with RELISTOR. In nursing mothers, a decision should be made to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

A dosage reduction of RELISTOR tablets and RELISTOR injection is recommended in patients with moderate and severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 60 mL/minute as estimated by Cockcroft-Gault). No dosage adjustment of RELISTOR tablets or RELISTOR injection is needed in patients with mild renal impairment.

A dosage reduction of RELISTOR tablets is recommended in patients with moderate (Child-Pugh Class B) or severe (Child-Pugh Class C) hepatic impairment. No dosage adjustment of RELISTOR tablets is needed in patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A). No dosage adjustment of RELISTOR injection is needed for patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment. In patients with severe hepatic impairment, monitor for methylnaltrexone-related adverse reactions.

Progenics Announces First Quarter 2018 Financial Results

Page 6

In the clinical studies, the most common adverse reactions were:

OIC in adult patients with chronic non-cancer pain

RELISTOR tablets (≥ 2% of RELISTOR patients and at a greater incidence than placebo): abdominal pain (14%), diarrhea (5%), headache (4%), abdominal distention (4%), vomiting (3%), hyperhidrosis (3%), anxiety (2%), muscle spasms (2%), rhinorrhea (2%), and chills (2%).

RELISTOR injection (≥ 1% of RELISTOR patients and at a greater incidence than placebo): abdominal pain (21%), nausea (9%), diarrhea (6%), hyperhidrosis (6%), hot flush (3%), tremor (1%), and chills (1%).

OIC in adult patients with advanced illness

RELISTOR injection (≥ 5% of RELISTOR patients and at a greater incidence than placebo): abdominal pain (29%) flatulence (13%), nausea (12%), dizziness (7%), and diarrhea (6%).

Please see complete Prescribing Information for RELISTOR at www.valeant.com. For more information about RELISTOR, please visit www.RELISTOR.com.

Pain Therapeutics Reports First Quarter 2018 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update on REMOXY® ER

On May 9, 2018 Pain Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:PTIE), a drug development company, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018 (Press release, Pain Therapeutics, MAY 9, 2018, View Source [SID1234526317]). Net loss was $2.2 million, or $0.33 per share. This compared to a net loss of $2.7 million, or $0.42 per share, for the same period in the prior year. Cash and cash equivalents were $10.7 million as of March 31, 2018.

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"FDA’s acceptance of the NDA filing for REMOXY ER in Q1 2018 is a milestone," said Remi Barbier, Chairman, President & CEO. "Our focus is now on REMOXY ER’s potential to receive marketing clearance later this year. As part of this focus, we are preparing a strategic and thorough presentation of our key data for an upcoming FDA Advisory Committee Meeting for REMOXY ER, scheduled for June 26th in Washington, DC. We also continue to maintain tight fiscal discipline, and to advance our early-stage programs with non-dilutive funding."

Financial Highlights for First Quarter 2018

Net loss for the quarter was $2.2 million, or a net loss per share of $0.33. This compared to a net loss of $2.7 million, or $0.42 per share, for the same period in the prior year, representing a 19% decrease.

Cash and cash equivalents were $10.7 million. This compared to $10.5 million in the prior quarter, representing a 2% increase. Cash and cash equivalents for the quarter includes $1.9 million of net proceeds raised through issuance of shares of our common stock under a Capital on DemandTM program with JonesTrading Institutional Services LLC.

We have no debt.

We believe existing capital resources are sufficient to meet our projected operating requirements for at least the next 12 months.

We received $0.4 million in research grant funding from the National Institutes of Health, recorded as a reduction in research and development expenses (R&D).

R&D expenses were $1.1 million. This compared to $1.4 million for the same period in the prior year, representing a 23% decrease. R&D expenses included non-cash stock related compensation costs of $0.4 million, versus $0.3 million for the same period in the prior year.

General and administrative (G&A) expenses were $1.1 million. This compared to $1.4 million for the same period in the prior year, representing a 20% decrease. G&A expenses included non-cash stock-related compensation costs of $0.5 million, versus $0.5 million for the same period in the prior year.

About REMOXY ER (extended-release oxycodone capsules CII)

REMOXY ER is in registration with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a new type of abuse-deterrent, twice-daily, capsule gel formulation of oral oxycodone, a strong opioid drug. REMOXY ER has physical/chemical properties intended to deter abuse and still provide 12 hours of steady pain relief when properly prescribed by physician and used appropriately by patients.

Studies were extensive. The clinical efficacy of REMOXY ER was established in a Phase III study conducted under a Special Protocol Assessment. In total, over 2,400 subjects were exposed to REMOXY ER in 30 clinical studies. 9,000 unique data points were generated from 11 lab studies. The assessment of REMOXY ER’s abuse deterrence is supported by data from FDA Category 1 (lab), Category 2 (pharmacokinetic) and Category 3 (human abuse potential) studies. In addition, in November 2017 the Company and FDA held a pre-NDA meeting to confirm the sufficiency of data included in the REMOXY ER NDA resubmission.

REMOXY ER has a thick, sticky, high viscosity, hydrophobic, gel formulation that abusers cannot cut, grate or divide into smaller discrete particle sizes. The gel formulation resists syringe-ability, injection, and rapid extraction in ingestible solvents. REMOXY ER’s high viscosity and adhesive properties also cause it to stick to tools and equipment used for abuse. When exposed to heat, REMOXY ER releases an irritant to the eyes and lungs. REMOXY ER resists dose-dumping when challenged by alcohol and common physical and chemical manipulations.

We are requesting marketing approval of REMOXY ER as an analgesic drug with properties that can be expected to deter against injection, snorting and inhalation/smoking routes of abuse.

REMOXY ER intends to address the public health epidemic related to prescription opioids by advancing the science of abuse deterrence, providing an additional treatment option for physicians and patients, and increasing the range of available abuse deterrent technologies.

About Opioid Abuse
Opioid drugs such as oxycodone are an important treatment option for patients with severe chronic pain. However, oxycodone abuse and diversion remain serious, persistent problems. Opioid overdose deaths exceeded 64,000 in 2016, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). For over a decade, Pain Therapeutics has pioneered Abuse-Deterrent Formulations (ADFs) to help in the fight against prescription drug abuse. ADFs attempt to raise the bar on prescription drug abuse by making it more difficult, longer or aversive to tamper with long-acting opioid formulations, recognizing that no drug can be made abuse-proof.

Our Pipeline of Drug Assets also Includes:
FENROCK (transdermal fentanyl patch system) – This is a proprietary, abuse-deterrent skin patch for severe pain. FENROCK is an early-stage program, substantially funded by a research grant award from National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

PTI-125 – This proprietary, small molecule drug candidate is aimed at the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. PTI-125 is a Phase I clinical-stage program, substantially funded by a research grant award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

PTI-125DX – This is a proprietary blood-based test to detect Alzheimer’s disease. PTI-125DX is an early-stage program, substantially funded by a research grant award from the NIH

Ophthotech Reports First Quarter 2018 Financial and Operating Results

On May 9, 2018 Ophthotech Corporation (Nasdaq:OPHT) reported financial and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018 and provided a business update (Press release, Ophthotech, MAY 9, 2018, View Source [SID1234526316]).

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"We continue to build on our Zimura program with on-going clinical trials in wet age related macular degeneration (AMD) with patient recruitment completed and topline data expected by the end of 2018, in geographic atrophy secondary to dry AMD where recruitment is on-track for topline data in the second half of 2019 and in autosomal recessive Stargardt disease which began enrolling patients earlier in the year," stated Glenn P. Sblendorio, Chief Executive Officer and President of Ophthotech. "In parallel, we are excited to have initiated our first innovative gene therapy program in collaboration with Horae Gene Therapy Center at the University of Massachusetts Medical School to treat orphan degenerative retinal diseases. A key aspect of our strategy is to continue to build on this momentum to uncover novel and differentiating technologies and product candidates through collaborations with leading companies and academic institutions from around the world."

Recent Key Highlights

Zimura Complement Factor C5 Inhibitor Program

In April 2018, the Company completed patient recruitment in its dose-ranging, open-label, multi-center Phase 2a clinical trial of Zimura (avacincaptad pegol) in combination with the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agent Lucentis (ranibizumab) in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) who have not been previously treated with any anti-VEGF agents. This uncontrolled trial is designed to assess safety at different dosages and to detect a potential efficacy signal. The Company will evaluate data at month six.
The Company’s ongoing Zimura clinical trial for the treatment of geographic atrophy secondary to dry AMD is on track for initial top-line data to be available during the second half of 2019.
In January 2018, the first patient was enrolled in the Company’s Phase 2b randomized, double-masked, sham-controlled clinical trial assessing the efficacy and safety of Zimura in patients with autosomal recessive Stargardt disease (STGD1). Initial top-line data is expected to be available in 2020.
Scientific details for two of the Company’s ongoing Zimura clinical trials were presented at medical conferences:
The scientific details of the geographic atrophy secondary to dry AMD clinical trial were presented at the 41st Annual Macula Society Meeting in Beverly Hills, California, February 21-24, 2018.
The scientific details of the STGD1 clinical trial were presented at the 2018 Annual Meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology in Honolulu, Hawaii, April 29-May 3, 2018 and at the International Symposium on Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics in Tel-Aviv, Israel, March 1-3, 2018.
Gene Therapy Program

In February 2018, the Company initiated an innovative gene therapy program focused on applying novel gene therapy technology to discover and develop new therapies for ocular diseases.
In February 2018, the Company announced its first gene therapy collaboration, as it entered into a series of sponsored research agreements with the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) and its Horae Gene Therapy Center to utilize their "minigene" therapy approach and other novel gene delivery methods to target retinal diseases. UMMS has granted Ophthotech an option to obtain an exclusive license to any patent or patent applications that result from this research.
Corporate Highlight

In January 2018, the Company announced the election of Jane PritchettHenderson, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at Voyager Therapeutics, to its Board of Directors. Ms. Henderson has also been elected the Chair of the Ophthotech Audit Committee.

2018 Operational Update

As of March 31, 2018, the Company had $155 million in cash and cash equivalents.

The Company’s estimates its year end 2018 cash and cash equivalents will range between $112 million and $117 million based on its current 2018 business plan and planned capital expenditures. This estimate includes continuation of the Company’s development programs for Zimura and the initiation of its collaborative gene therapy research programs as currently planned. This estimate does not reflect any additional expenditures resulting from the potential in-licensing or acquisition of additional product candidates or technologies or associated development that the Company may pursue.

First Quarter 2018 Financial Highlights

Revenues: Collaboration revenue was $0 for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, compared to $1.7 million for the same period in 2017. Collaboration revenue decreased due to the completion of the Company’s licensing and commercialization agreement with Novartis Pharma AG and the recognition of all associated deferred revenue during the third quarter of 2017.
R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $7.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, compared to $32 million for the same period in 2017. As the Company pursues its ongoing and planned Zimura development programs, research and development expenses decreased primarily due to decreases in expenses related to the discontinuation of the Company’s FovistaPhase 3 clinical program and decreases in costs associated with the Company’s 2017 reduction in personnel program.
G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $5.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, compared to $13.2 million for the same period in 2017. General and administrative expenses decreased primarily due to decreases in costs to support the Company’s operations and infrastructure and decreases in costs associated with its 2017 reduction in personnel program, which included facilities lease termination expenses incurred during the first quarter of 2017.
Net Loss: The Company reported a net loss for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 of $13.1 million, or ($.36) per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $43.1 million, or ($1.20) per diluted share, for the same period in 2017.
Conference Call/Web Cast Information

Ophthotech will host a conference call/webcast to discuss the Company’s financial and operating results and provide a business update. The call is scheduled for May 9, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. To participate in this conference call, dial 800-239-9838 (USA) or 323-794-2551 (International), passcode 2075643. A live, listen-only audio webcast of the conference call can be accessed on the Investor Relations section of the Ophthotech website at: www.ophthotech.com. A replay will be available approximately two hours following the live call for two weeks. The replay number is 888-203-1112 (USA Toll Free), passcode 2075643.