On April 25, 2019 AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV) reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019 (Press release, AbbVie, APR 25, 2019, View Source [SID1234535386]).

"We are off to another excellent start, including first quarter sales and earnings above expectations," said Richard A. Gonzalez, chairman and chief executive officer, AbbVie. "Additionally, we have made tremendous progress advancing our pipeline, including the recent approval of SKYRIZI, which has the potential to set a new standard of care in psoriasis and represents a significant long-term opportunity for AbbVie. We are extremely pleased with our strong performance and based on the continued business momentum, are increasing our full-year EPS guidance."

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First-Quarter Results

Worldwide net revenues of $7.828 billion decreased 1.3 percent on a reported basis and increased 0.4 percent operationally.

First-Quarter Results (continued)

Global HUMIRA net revenues of $4.446 billion decreased 5.6 percent on a reported basis, or 3.8 percent operationally. In the U.S., HUMIRA net revenues of $3.215 billion grew 7.1 percent in the quarter. Internationally, HUMIRA net revenues of $1.231 billion decreased 27.9 percent on a reported basis, or 23.0 percent operationally, due to biosimilar competition.

Global net revenues from the hematologic oncology portfolio of $1.173 billion increased 42.8 percent on a reported basis, or 43.2 percent operationally. Global IMBRUVICA net revenues were $1.022 billion, with U.S. net revenues of $829 million and international profit sharing of $193 million. Global VENCLEXTA net revenues were $151 million.

Global HCV net revenues of $815 million decreased 11.3 percent on a reported basis, or 9.1 percent operationally. In the U.S., HCV net revenues of $403 million grew 17.3 percent in the quarter.

On a GAAP basis, the gross margin ratio in the first quarter was 78.4 percent. The adjusted gross margin ratio was 83.3 percent.

On a GAAP basis, selling, general and administrative expense was 21.5 percent of net revenues. The adjusted SG&A expense was 20.0 percent of net revenues.

On a GAAP basis, research and development expense was 16.5 percent of net revenues. The adjusted R&D expense was 15.3 percent of net revenues, reflecting funding actions supporting all stages of our pipeline.

On a GAAP basis, the operating margin in the first quarter was 38.5 percent. The adjusted operating margin was 48.1 percent.

On a GAAP basis, net interest expense was $325 million. On a GAAP basis, the tax rate in the quarter was 3.5 percent. The adjusted tax rate was 7.9 percent.

Diluted EPS in the first quarter was $1.65 on a GAAP basis. Adjusted diluted EPS, excluding specified items, was $2.14, up 14.4 percent.

Recent Events

AbbVie announced regulatory approvals for SKYRIZI for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. The approvals from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare are based on results from four pivotal Phase 3 studies, ultIMMa-1, ultIMMa-2, IMMvent and IMMhance, evaluating more than 2,000 patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Additionally, the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use adopted a positive opinion for SKYRIZI for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy. SKYRIZI is part of a collaboration between Boehringer Ingelheim and AbbVie, with AbbVie leading development and commercialization globally.

Recent Events (continued)

At the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting, AbbVie presented data from 19 abstracts, including 10 oral presentations and 9 poster presentations. Long-term data from multiple studies investigating SKYRIZI for the treatment of plaque psoriasis were presented, including the first integrated efficacy analyses highlighting response over time and across various subgroups. Additionally, AbbVie presented up to 40 months of SKYRIZI safety data indicating adverse events were low and similar to comparator groups and data showing that psoriasis patients achieved significantly higher PASI 90 response rates after switching to SKYRIZI versus those who remained on adalimumab. AbbVie also presented results from a Phase 2 upadacitinib atopic dermatitis study, as well as data from HUMIRA (adalimumab) in multiple psoriatic diseases.

AbbVie announced that the FDA accepted for priority review its New Drug Application (NDA) for upadacitinib for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. Upadacitinib is an investigational once-daily oral JAK1-selective inhibitor being studied for multiple immune-mediated diseases. The NDA is supported by data from the global upadacitinib SELECT Phase 3 rheumatoid arthritis program evaluating more than 4,000 patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis across five of six Phase 3 studies. AbbVie anticipates a regulatory decision in the third quarter of 2019.

AbbVie announced that the FDA approved the use of IMBRUVICA (ibrutinib) in combination with obinutuzumab, for adult patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL). This milestone marked the 10th FDA approval for IMBRUVICA in six different disease areas since 2013 and expands the use of IMBRUVICA, which can already be administered as a single agent or in combination with bendamustine and rituximab for adult CLL/SLL patients. The FDA approval is based on results from the Phase 3 iLLUMINATE study, which showed the combination of IMBRUVICA plus obinutuzumab significantly improved progression-free survival compared to chlorambucil plus obinutuzumab in previously untreated CLL/SLL patients who were 65 years or older, or less than 65 years old with coexisting conditions. The FDA also updated the IMBRUVICA label to include additional long-term efficacy follow-up data from the Phase 3 RESONATE and RESONATE-2 studies, supporting its use as a single agent in CLL/SLL. IMBRUVICA is jointly developed and commercialized with Janssen Biotech, Inc.

AbbVie announced that the FDA granted a fifth Breakthrough Therapy Designation to VENCLEXTA (venetoclax), for use in combination with obinutuzumab as a fixed duration investigational combination, for untreated adult patients with CLL. The designation coincides with the completion of the supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) submission to the FDA for approval in previously-untreated CLL patients. In addition, the sNDA was granted priority review by the FDA. The sNDA for the VENCLEXTA and obinutuzumab combination is based on data from the Phase 3 CLL14 trial and is being reviewed by the FDA under its Real-Time Oncology Review pilot program. Venetoclax is being developed by AbbVie and Roche and is jointly commercialized by AbbVie and Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, in the U.S. and by AbbVie outside of the U.S.

AbbVie provided an update on the VENCLEXTA multiple myeloma program, announcing that the FDA placed a partial clinical hold on all clinical trials evaluating VENCLEXTA for the investigational treatment of multiple myeloma. The partial clinical hold followed a review of data from the ongoing Phase 3 BELLINI trial, a study in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, in which a higher proportion of deaths was observed in the VENCLEXTA arm compared to the control arm of the trial. This action does not impact any of the approved indications for VENCLEXTA, such as CLL or acute myeloid leukemia, and is limited to investigational clinical trials in multiple myeloma. Additional analyses are ongoing and data will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and/or presented at a future medical meeting.

Recent Events (continued)

AbbVie announced a strategic partnership with Teneobio, a biotechnology company developing a new class of biologics for the treatments of cancer, autoimmunity and infectious diseases. Under the agreement, AbbVie and Teneobio will develop and commercialize TNB-383B, a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeting immunotherapeutic for the potential treatment of multiple myeloma. TNB-383B is a bispecific antibody that simultaneously targets BCMA and CD3 and is designed to direct the body’s own immune system to target and kill BCMA expressing tumor cells. The collaboration broadens AbbVie’s oncology research platform to expand the development of potentially life-changing treatments for patients.

AbbVie announced a strategic collaboration with Voyager Therapeutics, a clinical-stage gene therapy company focused on developing life-changing treatments for severe neurological diseases. The Voyager Therapeutics transaction expands collaborative efforts on vectorized antibodies to target pathological species of alpha-synuclein for the potential treatment of Parkinson’s disease and other diseases characterized by the abnormal accumulation of misfolded alpha-synuclein protein. Voyager’s vectorized antibody platform and approach aims to improve the delivery of sufficient quantities of antibodies across the blood-brain barrier by delivering the genes that encode for the production of therapeutic antibodies. The collaboration broadens AbbVie’s neuroscience research platform to expand the development of potentially life-changing treatments for patients.

Full-Year 2019 Outlook

AbbVie is raising its GAAP diluted EPS guidance for the full-year 2019 to $7.26 to $7.36. The company’s 2019 GAAP guidance does not reflect a non-cash charge for contingent consideration related to the approval of SKYRIZI, which is planned to be communicated on the second-quarter earnings call. AbbVie is raising its previously announced adjusted EPS guidance range for the full-year 2019 from $8.65 to $8.75 to $8.73 to $8.83, representing growth of 11.0 percent at the mid-point. The company’s 2019 adjusted diluted EPS guidance excludes $1.47 per share of intangible asset amortization expense, non-cash charges for contingent consideration adjustments and other specified items.

On April 25, 2019 Alkermes plc (Nasdaq: ALKS) reported financial results for the first quarter of 2019 (Press release, Alkermes, APR 25, 2019, View Source [SID1234535385]).

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"Our first quarter results reflect the diversity of our business, as the growth of VIVITROL net sales and royalty revenues from INVEGA SUSTENNA offset a decline in AMPYRA royalties, following generic entry in the market. As is typical, during the first quarter we saw the effect of seasonal inventory fluctuations and deductible resets for commercial payer plans impact net sales of our proprietary commercial products, which decreased sequentially. In particular, ARISTADA net sales were impacted more than anticipated by inventory fluctuations which masked underlying prescription growth of approximately 5% compared to last quarter," commented James Frates, Chief Financial Officer of Alkermes. "Today, we are reiterating our financial expectations for 2019, as we continue to position VIVITROL and ARISTADA for long-term growth, invest in our development pipeline and prepare for the potential launch of ALKS 3831."

"The first few months of 2019 were highlighted by the presentation of important new data from large clinical trials of both ALKS 3831 and ARISTADA at the 2019 Congress of the Schizophrenia International Research Society. These innovative studies demonstrated the clear antipsychotic efficacy of our medicines along with our intended patient-focused attributes relating to safety and tolerability. Our recently announced ALPINE study results also provide information useful to clinicians making treatment decisions for their patients," commented Richard Pops, Chief Executive Officer of Alkermes. "Looking ahead, we are focused on executing both commercially and across our development pipeline. With the planned submission of the New Drug Application for ALKS 3831 mid-year, expected regulatory action for diroximel fumarate for multiple sclerosis in the fourth quarter, and increasing momentum in the ALKS 4230 immuno-oncology program, we have a number of key milestones ahead and look forward to updating you on our progress throughout the year."

Quarter Ended Mar. 31, 2019 Financial Highlights

Total revenues for the quarter were $223.1 million, compared to $225.2 million for the same period in the prior year, reflecting the growth in our proprietary product net sales and an offsetting decrease in AMPYRAi revenues following generic entry into the market in 2018.

Net loss according to generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (GAAP) was $96.4 million for the quarter, or a basic and diluted GAAP net loss per share of $0.62. This compared to GAAP net loss of $62.5 million, or a basic and diluted GAAP net loss per share of $0.40 for the same period in the prior year.

Non-GAAP net loss was $26.0 million for the quarter, or a non-GAAP basic and diluted net loss per share of $0.17. This compared to non-GAAP net loss of $14.2 million, or a non-GAAP basic and diluted net loss per share of $0.09 for the same period in the prior year.

Quarter Ended Mar. 31, 2019 Financial Results

Revenues

Net sales of VIVITROL were $69.2 million, compared to $62.7 million for the same period in the prior year, representing an increase of approximately 10%.

Net sales of ARISTADAii were $30.3 million, compared to $29.2 million for the same period in the prior year, representing an increase of approximately 4%.

Manufacturing and royalty revenues from RISPERDAL CONSTA, INVEGA SUSTENNA/XEPLION and INVEGA TRINZA/TREVICTA were $75.6 million, compared to $68.8 million for the same period in the prior year.

Manufacturing and royalty revenues from AMPYRA/FAMPYRA were $12.2 million, compared to $28.3 million for the same period in the prior year due to generic competition to AMPYRA entering the market in late 2018.

Research and development revenues from the collaboration with Biogen for diroximel fumarate (BIIB098) were $13.9 million, compared to $17.5 million for the same period in the prior year.

Costs and Expenses

Operating expenses were $299.1 million, compared to $287.0 million for the same period in the prior year, primarily reflecting increased investment in the commercialization of VIVITROL and ARISTADA.

Other expense during the quarter included a $22.6 million charge due to a decrease in the fair value of contingent consideration, related to Recro Pharma, Inc.’s receipt of a second complete response letter from the United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the New Drug Application (NDA) for IV Meloxicam.

Financial Expectations for 2019

Alkermes reiterates its financial expectations for 2019 set forth in its press release dated Feb. 14, 2019.

Recent Events:

Leadership

Appointed Todd Nichols to the role of Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Mr. Nichols joins Alkermes from Celgene and his responsibilities will include leading global commercial activities, including marketing and sales of VIVITROL and ARISTADA, as well as developing and executing the commercial strategy for ALKS 3831 and other development candidates.

ARISTADA

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently added ARISTADA and ARISTADA INITIO to its National Formulary at parity with other long-acting injectable atypical antipsychotics.

Announced positive topline results from ALPINE (Aripiprazole Lauroxil and Paliperidone palmitate: INitiation Effectiveness), a six-month study evaluating the efficacy, safety and tolerability of ARISTADA and INVEGA SUSTENNA, when used to initiate patients experiencing an acute exacerbation of schizophrenia in the hospital and maintain treatment in an outpatient setting. Results were presented at the 2019 Congress of the Schizophrenia International Research Society (SIRS).

ALKS 3831

Presented new data at SIRS from the phase 3 ALKS 3831 ENLIGHTEN-2 six-month weight study and interim results from the ENLIGHTEN-2 52-week safety extension

study.

Diroximel fumarate

Announced that the FDA accepted for review the NDA for diroximel fumarate. If approved, Biogen intends to market diroximel fumarate under the brand name VUMERITY, which has been conditionally accepted by the FDA and would be confirmed upon approval.

ALKS 4230

Initiated ARTISTRY-2, a new clinical study of ALKS 4230 administered subcutaneously as monotherapy and in combination with the PD-1 inhibitor KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) in patients with advanced solid tumors.

Announced a research collaboration with Clovis to evaluate ALKS 4230 in combination with rucaparib, Clovis’ marketed PARP inhibitor, and lucitanib, Clovis’ investigational tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

Conference Call

Alkermes will host a conference call and webcast presentation with accompanying slides at 8:30 a.m. ET (1:30 p.m. BST) on Thursday, Apr. 25, 2019, to discuss these financial results and provide an update on the company. The webcast may be accessed on the Investors section of Alkermes’ website at www.alkermes.com. The conference call may be accessed by dialing +1 877 407 2988 for U.S. callers and +1 201 389 0923 for international callers. In addition, a replay of the conference call will be available from 11:00 a.m. ET (4:00 p.m. BST) on Thursday, Apr. 25, 2019, through Thursday, May 2, 2019, and may be accessed by visiting Alkermes’ website or by dialing +1 877 660 6853 for U.S. callers and +1 201 612 7415 for international callers. The replay access code is 13690081

On April 25, 2019 Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALXN) reported financial results for the first quarter of 2019 (Press release, Alexion, APR 25, 2019, View Source [SID1234535384]). Total revenues in the first quarter were $1,140.4 million, a 23 percent increase compared to the same period in 2018. The negative impact of foreign currency on total revenues year-over-year was 1 percent, or $12.3 million, inclusive of hedging activities. On a GAAP basis, diluted EPS in the quarter was $2.61, a 135 percent increase versus the prior year. Non-GAAP diluted EPS for the first quarter of 2019 was $2.39, a 42 percent increase versus the first quarter of 2018.

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"We had a great start to 2019, with a strong launch in ULTOMIRIS’ first full quarter since FDA approval. We’ve also made significant progress executing and expanding our pipeline. This progress includes three business development deals, multiple filings under regulatory review and having begun dosing patients in two new ULTOMIRIS Phase 3 programs," said Ludwig Hantson, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Alexion. "We look forward to continuing to build on our momentum as the year progresses, further growing our four durable franchises in hematology/nephrology, neurology, metabolics and FcRn."

First Quarter 2019 Financial Highlights

Total net product sales were $1,140.2 million in the first quarter of 2019, compared to $930.4 million in the first quarter of 2018.
SOLIRIS (eculizumab) net product sales were $962.0 million, compared to $800.1 million in the first quarter of 2018, representing a 20 percent increase. SOLIRIS volume increased 23 percent year-over-year.
ULTOMIRIS (ravulizumab-cwvz) net product sales were $24.6 million in its first full quarter since FDA approval.
STRENSIQ (asfotase alfa) net product sales were $130.1 million, compared to $110.7 million in the first quarter of 2018, representing an 18 percent increase. STRENSIQ volume increased 26 percent year-over-year.
KANUMA (sebelipase alfa) net product sales were $23.5 million, compared to $19.6 million in the first quarter of 2018, representing a 20 percent increase. KANUMA volume increased 28 percent year-over-year.
GAAP cost of sales was $85.8 million, compared to $91.6 million in the first quarter of 2018. Non-GAAP cost of sales was $82.1 million, compared to $83.0 million in the first quarter of 2018.
GAAP R&D expense was $195.9 million, compared to $176.6 million in the first quarter of 2018. Non-GAAP R&D expense was $159.4 million, compared to $161.6 million in the first quarter of 2018.
GAAP SG&A expense was $281.5 million, compared to $257.1 million in the first quarter of 2018. Non-GAAP SG&A expense was $243.7 million, compared to $220.4 million in the first quarter of 2018.
GAAP income tax benefit was $46.1 million, compared to income tax expense of $102.5 million in the first quarter of 2018. GAAP income tax benefit for the first quarter 2019 includes deferred tax benefits of $95.7 million and $30.3 million associated with a tax election related to intellectual property and release of an existing valuation allowance, respectively. Non-GAAP income tax expense was $100.9 million, compared to $68.6 million in the first quarter of 2018.
GAAP diluted EPS was $2.61, compared to $1.11 in the first quarter of 2018. GAAP diluted EPS for the first quarter 2019 includes deferred tax benefits of $95.7 million and $30.3 million associated with a tax election related to intellectual property and release of an existing valuation allowance, respectively. Non-GAAP diluted EPS was $2.39, compared to $1.68 in the first quarter of 2018.
Research and Development

PHASE 3

SOLIRIS – Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD): In February 2019, Alexion announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Priority Review for SOLIRIS in NMOSD and set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) action date of June 28, 2019. Alexion has filed for regulatory approval in the European Union (EU) and Japan, and orphan drug priority review has been granted in Japan. These filings are based on previously announced results from the Phase 3 PREVENT study, in which 97.9 percent of patients with anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) auto antibody-positive NMOSD who received SOLIRIS on top of stable standard-of-care therapy were relapse free at 48 weeks compared to 63.2 percent of patients who received placebo.
ULTOMIRIS – Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH): Applications for approval in the EU and Japan are currently under review. In addition, a Phase 3 study of ULTOMIRIS in children and adolescents with PNH is underway.
ULTOMIRIS – Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS): In April 2019, Alexion submitted an application in the U.S. for the approval of ULTOMIRIS in patients with aHUS. The filing was based on previously announced positive topline results from a Phase 3 study of ULTOMIRIS in complement inhibitor naïve patients with aHUS. Alexion plans to file for regulatory approval in the EU and Japan in 2019. In addition, a Phase 3 study of ULTOMIRIS in adolescents and children with aHUS is underway.
ULTOMIRIS – Subcutaneous: Enrollment and dosing are underway in a single, PK-based Phase 3 study of ULTOMIRIS delivered subcutaneously once per week to support registration in PNH and aHUS. Data are expected in early 2020.
ULTOMIRIS – Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG): In the first quarter of 2019, Alexion initiated a Phase 3 study of ULTOMIRIS in gMG.
ULTOMIRIS – Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD): Alexion plans to initiate a Phase 3 study of ULTOMIRIS in NMOSD by the end of 2019.
ALXN1840 (WTX101) – Wilson Disease: Enrollment and dosing are underway in a Phase 3 study of ALXN1840 (WTX101) in Wilson disease, a rare genetic disorder with devastating hepatic and neurological consequences. The study is now powered for superiority versus standard-of-care therapy. ALXN1840 is a first-in-class oral copper-binding agent with a unique mechanism of action to bind serum copper and promote its removal from the liver.

PHASE 1/2

ALXN1830 (SYNT001): Alexion plans to initiate two Phase 2/3 trials of ALXN1830 (SYNT001) in late 2019 or early 2020 – one in warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (WAIHA) and one in gMG.
ALXN1810 – Subcutaneous: In the first quarter of 2019, Alexion completed dosing in a Phase 1 study of subcutaneous ALXN1210 co-administered with Halozyme’s ENHANZE drug-delivery technology, recombinant human hyaluronidase enzyme (rHuPH20), a next-generation subcutaneous formulation called ALXN1810.
ULTOMIRIS – Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Alexion plans to initiate a proof-of-concept study for ULTOMIRIS in ALS.
ULTOMIRIS – Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS): Alexion plans to initiate an exploratory clinical study of ULTOMIRIS in PPMS.
Caelum Biosciences – CAEL-101 – Light Chain (AL) Amyloidosis: In January 2019, Alexion entered into a collaboration with Caelum Biosciences to develop CAEL-101 for AL amyloidosis, a rare systemic disorder that causes misfolded immunoglobulin light chain protein to build up in and around tissues, resulting in progressive and widespread organ damage. CAEL-101 is a first-in-class amyloid fibril targeted therapy designed to improve organ function by reducing or eliminating amyloid deposits in patients with AL amyloidosis. In a Phase 1a/1b study, CAEL-101 demonstrated improved organ function, including cardiac and renal function, in patients with relapsed and refractory AL amyloidosis. Pending regulatory feedback, a Phase 2/3 study investigating CAEL-101 as an add-on to current standard-of-care therapy is planned to begin in early 2020.
Affibody AB – ABY-039: In March 2019, Alexion announced a partnership with Affibody AB to co-develop ABY-039 for rare Immunoglobulin G (IgG)-mediated autoimmune diseases. Pending relevant regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2019. Currently in Phase 1 development, ABY-039 is a bivalent antibody-mimetic that targets the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn). ABY-039 has been specifically designed to combine Affibody’s protein therapeutics platform (Affibody molecules) and Albumod technology to achieve a long half-life, which, along with its small size provides the potential for less frequent, convenient, at-home subcutaneous administration.

PRE-CLINICAL

ALXN1720: In March 2019, Alexion announced the development of ALXN1720, a novel anti-C5 albumin-binding bi-specific mini-body that binds and prevents activation of human C5. Alexion plans to initiate a first-in-human study of ALXN1720 in late 2019.
Zealand Pharma A/S: In March 2019, Alexion began a collaboration with Zealand Pharma A/S to discover and develop novel peptide therapies for up to four targets in the complement pathway. Peptides offer a number of advantages, including being highly selective and potent, allowing low dosage volumes for ease of administration, and having the potential to treat a broad range of complement-mediated diseases.
Dicerna – GalXC: Alexion is collaborating with Dicerna Pharmaceuticals to jointly discover and develop up to four subcutaneously delivered GalXC RNA interference (RNAi) candidates, currently in pre-clinical development, for the treatment of complement-mediated diseases.
Complement Pharma – CP010: Alexion is collaborating with Complement Pharma to co-develop CP010, a pre-clinical C6 inhibitor that has the potential to treat multiple neurological disorders.

GAAP guidance reflects the financial impact of the announced collaboration with Affibody.
GAAP effective tax rate of 7 to 9 percent; non-GAAP effective tax rate of 14 to 16 percent.
Alexion’s financial guidance is based on current foreign exchange rates net of hedging activities and does not include the effect of acquisitions, license and collaboration agreements, intangible asset impairments, litigation charges, changes in fair value of contingent consideration or restructuring and related activity outside of the previously announced activities that may occur after the issuance of this press release.

Conference Call/Webcast Information:

Alexion will host a conference call/audio webcast to discuss the first quarter 2019 results today at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. To participate in the call, dial 866-762-3111 (USA) or 210-874-7712 (International), conference ID 1692605 shortly before 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. A replay of the call will be available for a limited period following the call. The audio webcast can be accessed on the Investor page of Alexion’s website at: View Source

On April 25, 2019 Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) reported that it will report its first quarter financial results on Tuesday, April 30, 2019, after the close of the U.S. financial markets (Press release, Amgen, APR 25, 2019, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2395774 [SID1234535383]). The announcement will be followed by a conference call with the investment community at 2 p.m. PT. Participating in the call from Amgen will be Robert A. Bradway, chairman and chief executive officer, and other members of Amgen’s senior management team.

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Live audio of the conference call will be simultaneously broadcast over the internet and will be available to members of the news media, investors and the general public.

The webcast, as with other selected presentations regarding developments in Amgen’s business given by management at certain investor and medical conferences, can be found on Amgen’s website, www.amgen.com, under Investors. Information regarding presentation times, webcast availability and webcast links are noted on Amgen’s Investor Relations Events Calendar. The webcast will be archived and available for replay for at least 90 days after the event.

On April 25, 2019 Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) reported that the company has been working to facilitate the withdrawal of Lartruvo (olaratumab) from the market for the treatment of advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS) (Press release, Eli Lilly, APR 25, 2019, View Source [SID1234535382]). Lilly’s actions to withdraw Lartruvo from the market follow the failure of the Phase 3 ANNOUNCE clinical trial, in which Lartruvo did not improve survival for patients. Lilly is establishing a program to ensure current patients will have access to Lartruvo with limited interruption after it is withdrawn from the market. The program will be established as allowed by local country regulations.

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Lilly is working to ensure that patients who are currently receiving Lartruvo may, in consultation with their physician, continue their course of therapy if they have been informed of the risks of Lartruvo and the results of the ANNOUNCE study and wish to continue, subject to local laws and regulations. No new patients should receive Lartruvo outside of participation in ongoing clinical trials.

Lilly also is working to establish a program to allow patients who are currently receiving Lartruvo to continue treatment with limited interruption after Lartruvo is withdrawn from the market, subject to local laws and regulations. More information regarding this program will be provided directly to healthcare professionals in the coming weeks.

"Lilly wants to ensure that patients and physicians feel supported during this important time," said Anne White, president, Lilly Oncology. "Advanced soft tissue sarcoma is a rare and difficult-to-treat cancer. Establishing this program will give patients who are currently taking Lartruvo the opportunity to continue their treatment program uninterrupted."

Lilly plans to present the ANNOUNCE data at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2019 annual meeting and will publish the results in a medical journal.

About Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Sarcomas are a diverse and relatively rare type of cancer that usually develop in the connective tissue of the body, which include fat, blood vessels, nerves, bones, muscles, deep skin tissues and cartilage. Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is a complex disease with multiple subtypes, making it hard to diagnose and difficult to treat. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2019, an estimated 12,750 new STS cases will be diagnosed, and more than 5,000 people will not survive their disease in the U.S. alone. For decades, there have been no first-line therapeutic advancements for STS that have improved overall survival (OS).

About LARTRUVO (olaratumab)
LARTRUVO is a platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFR-α) blocking antibody that specifically binds PDGFR-α and prevents receptor activation. LARTRUVO exhibits in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activity against selected sarcoma cell lines and disrupted the PDGFR-α signaling pathway in in vivo tumor implant models.

About the ANNOUNCE Trial
ANNOUNCE was a randomized, double-blind, Phase 3 study of LARTRUVO in combination with doxorubicin, followed by LARTRUVO monotherapy, versus doxorubicin plus placebo followed by placebo, in patients with advanced or metastatic STS. The two primary endpoints were OS in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population and OS in the leiomyosarcoma (LMS) sub-population. Patients with locally advanced, unresectable or metastatic STS not amenable to curative treatment were enrolled and were eligible with any prior number of treatment regimens, provided they had not previously received treatment with an anthracycline.

LARTRUVO was administered at a loading dose of 20 mg/kg on days 1 and 8 of cycle 1 and 15 mg/kg on days 1 and 8 of all subsequent cycles in combination with doxorubicin 75 mg/m2 administered on day 1 of each cycle. Placebo was administered in combination with doxorubicin for 8 cycles. LARTRUVO was continued as monotherapy until disease progression.

Key secondary endpoints included safety, progression-free survival, objective response rate, and patient-reported outcomes.

INDICATION
LARTRUVO is indicated, in combination with doxorubicin, for the treatment of adult patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS) with a histologic subtype for which an anthracycline-containing regimen is appropriate and which is not amenable to curative treatment with radiotherapy or surgery.

This indication was approved under Accelerated Approval. Continued approval for this indication was contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trial.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR LARTRUVO

Warnings and Precautions

Infusion-Related Reactions

Infusion-related reactions (IRR) occurred in 70 (14%) of 485 patients who received at least one dose of LARTRUVO across clinical trials. For 68 of these 70 patients (97%), the first occurrence of IRR was in the first or second cycle. Grade ≥3 IRR occurred in 11 (2.3%) of 485 patients, with one (0.2%) fatality. Symptoms of IRR included flushing, shortness of breath, bronchospasm, or fever/chills, and in severe cases symptoms manifested as severe hypotension, anaphylactic shock, or cardiac arrest. Infusion-related reactions required permanent discontinuation in 2.3% of patients and interruption of infusion in 10% of patients. All 59 patients with Grade 1 or 2 IRR resumed LARTRUVO; 12 (20%) of these patients had a Grade 1 or 2 IRR with rechallenge. The incidence of IRR in the overall safety database (N = 485) was similar (18% versus 12%) between those who did (56%) and those who did not (44%) receive premedication. Monitor patients during and following LARTRUVO infusion for signs and symptoms of IRR in a setting with available resuscitation equipment. Immediately and permanently discontinue LARTRUVO for Grade 3 or 4 IRR.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on animal data and its mechanism of action, LARTRUVO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Animal knockout models link disruption of platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFR-α) signaling to adverse effects on embryo-fetal development. Administration of an anti-murine PDGFR-α antibody to pregnant mice during organogenesis caused malformations and skeletal variations. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with LARTRUVO and for 3 months after the last dose.
Most Common Adverse Reactions/Lab Abnormalities

The most commonly reported adverse reactions (all grades; grade 3-4) occurring in ≥20% of patients receiving LARTRUVO plus doxorubicin versus doxorubicin alone were nausea (73% vs 52%; 2% vs 3%), fatigue (69% vs 69%; 9% vs 3%), musculoskeletal pain (64% vs 25%; 8% vs 2%), mucositis (53% vs 35%; 3% vs 5%), alopecia (52% vs 40%; 0% vs 0%), vomiting (45% vs 19%; 0% vs 0%), diarrhea (34% vs 23%; 3% vs 0%) decreased appetite (31% vs 20%; 2% vs 0%), abdominal pain (23% vs 14%; 3% vs 0%), neuropathy (22% vs 11%; 0% vs 0%), and headache (20% vs 9%; 0% vs 0%).
The most common laboratory abnormalities (all grades; grade 3-4) occurring in ≥20% of patients receiving LARTRUVO plus doxorubicin versus doxorubicin alone were lymphopenia (77% vs 73%; 44% vs 37%), neutropenia (65% vs 63%; 48% vs 38%) and thrombocytopenia (63% vs 44%; 6% vs 11%), hyperglycemia (52% vs 28%; 2% vs 3%), elevated aPTT (33% vs 13%; 5% vs 0%), hypokalemia (21% vs 15%; 8% vs 3%), and hypophosphatemia (21% vs 7%; 5% vs 3%).
Use in Specific Populations

Lactation: Because of the potential risk for serious adverse reactions in breastfeeding infants, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with LARTRUVO and for at least 3 months following the last dose.
For more information about LARTRUVO, please see full Prescribing Information at View Source

About Lilly Oncology
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