On May 2, 2019 AstraZeneca reported a research collaboration and exclusive licencing agreement to co-develop five engineered oncolytic vaccinia virus candidates with Transgene, a French biotech company focused on developing virus-based immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases (Press release, AstraZeneca, MAY 2, 2019, View Source [SID1234565411]). Innovative immunotherapies developed through this collaboration will use Transgene’s next-generation viral platform.

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Oncolytic viruses are designed to both selectively kill tumour cells and activate the immune system against cancer cells, with the potential to improve clinical response and survival when used in conjunction with Immuno-Oncology (IO) treatments in AstraZeneca’s pipeline.

Jean-Charles Soria, Senior Vice President, Oncology R&D, said: "Oncolytic viruses have the potential to be transformational in oncology by directly causing tumour cell death, and also by delivering a potent payload in a targeted fashion that increases innate and adaptive immune system stimulation. AstraZeneca has an exciting portfolio of molecules that we believe may augment oncolytic virus activity. Transgene has been a leader in the development of vaccinia viruses for many years, and this collaboration will allow us to leverage their platform in the development of novel immunotherapies."

Philippe Archinard, Chairman and CEO of Transgene, said: "We are pleased to have signed this important collaboration, which further validates the potential of our world-leading oncolytic virus platform. We are looking forward to a productive collaboration with AstraZeneca as we believe the resulting engineered oncolytic virus immunotherapies will provide cancer patients with better treatment options."

Under the terms of the agreement, Transgene will contribute its oncolytic virus expertise to the collaboration, including viral design and engineering, and will provide its novel vaccinia virus platform technology containing a double gene deletion (TK-, RR-). Additionally, Transgene will lead on in vitro preclinical development. AstraZeneca will select the transgenes to be encoded within the virus and will be responsible for further preclinical development activities in support of potential investigational new drug submissions. AstraZeneca will also have the option to clinically develop and commercialise these novel oncolytic immunotherapies.

NOTES TO EDITORS
About AstraZeneca’s Approach to Immuno-Oncology

IO is a therapeutic approach designed to stimulate the body’s immune system to attack tumours. At AstraZeneca, our IO portfolio is anchored by immunotherapies that have been designed to overcome anti-tumour immune suppression. We believe that IO-based therapies offer the potential for life-changing cancer treatments for the clear majority of patients.

We are pursuing a comprehensive clinical trial programme that includes Imfinzi (anti-PDL1) as monotherapy and in combination with tremelimumab (anti-CTLA4) in multiple tumour types, stages of disease, and lines of therapy, using the PD-L1 biomarker as a decision-making tool to define the best potential treatment path for a patient. In addition, the ability to combine our IO portfolio with small, targeted molecules from across our Oncology pipeline, and from our research partners, may provide new treatment options across a broad range of tumours.

About AstraZeneca in Oncology

AstraZeneca has a deep-rooted heritage in Oncology and offers a quickly-growing portfolio of new medicines that has the potential to transform patients’ lives and the Company’s future. With at least six new medicines to be launched between 2014 and 2020, and a broad pipeline of small molecules and biologics in development, we are committed to advancing Oncology as a key growth driver for AstraZeneca focused on lung, ovarian, breast and blood cancers. In addition to our core capabilities, we actively pursue innovative partnerships and investments that accelerate the delivery of our strategy as illustrated by our investment in Acerta Pharma in haematology.

By harnessing the power of four scientific platforms – Immuno-Oncology, Tumour Drivers and Resistance, DNA Damage Response and Antibody Drug Conjugates – and by championing the development of personalised combinations, AstraZeneca has the vision to redefine cancer treatment and one day eliminate cancer as a cause of death.

On May 2, 2019 Bio-Techne Corporation (NASDAQ:TECH) reported that Jim Hippel, Chief Financial Officer will present at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2019 Health Care Conference on Wednesday, May 15th, 2019, at 2:20 p.m. PDT (Press release, Bio-Techne, MAY 2, 2019, View Sourcenews/detail/137/bio-techne-to-present-at-the-bank-of-america-merrill-lynch-2019-health-care-conference" target="_blank" title="View Sourcenews/detail/137/bio-techne-to-present-at-the-bank-of-america-merrill-lynch-2019-health-care-conference" rel="nofollow">View Source [SID1234536924]). The conference will be held at the Encore Hotel in Las Vegas, NV.

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A live webcast of the presentation can be accessed via Bio-Techne’s Investor Relations website at View Source or through the following link http://www.veracast.com/webcasts/baml/healthcare2019/id88209456501.cfm.

On May 2, 2019 ViewRay, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRAY) reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019 (Press release, ViewRay, MAY 2, 2019, View Source [SID1234535709]).

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First Quarter 2019 Highlights:

Received 7 new orders for MRIdian systems totaling $42.8 million, compared to 3 orders totaling $21.2 million in the first quarter of 2018.
Total revenue of $20.3 million, primarily from 3 revenue units and 1 system upgrade, compared to $26.2 million, primarily from 4 revenue units and 1 system upgrade, in the first quarter of 2018.
Total backlog increased to $237.5 million as of March 31, 2019, from $212.3 million as of December 31, 2018.
Cash and cash equivalents were $145.8 million as of March 31, 2019.
"Our first quarter results are a solid start to the year and reflect progress on our commercial, innovation, and clinical pipelines," said Scott Drake, President and CEO. "We are well-positioned to execute in 2019 and are focused on becoming the standard of care in radiation oncology."

First Quarter 2019 Financial Results:

Total revenue for the three months was $20.3 million, compared to $26.2 million for the same period last year.

Total cost of revenue was $25.7 million, compared to $20.6 million for the same period last year. Total cost of revenue in the first quarter of 2019 was impacted by approximately $7.0 million of charges, primarily driven by higher than anticipated installation costs related to historical upgrade commitments. The $7.0 million includes $5.6 million of one-time charges and $1.4 million of expenses.

Total gross profit was $(5.4) million, compared to $5.6 million for the same period last year.

Total operating expenses were $25.0 million, compared to $16.9 million for the same period last year.

Net loss was $33.4 million, or $0.34 per share, compared to $7.5 million, or $0.11 per share, for the same period last year.

ViewRay had total cash and cash equivalents of $145.8 million at March 31, 2019.

Financial Guidance:

The Company is reiterating its financial guidance for the full year 2019. The Company anticipates 2019 total revenue to be in the range of $111 million to $124 million, and total cash usage to be in the range of $65-$75 million.

Conference Call and Webcast

ViewRay will hold a conference call to discuss results on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT. The dial-in numbers are (844) 277-1426 for domestic callers and (336) 525-7129 for international callers. The conference ID number is 8616638. A live webcast of the conference call will be available on the investor relations page of ViewRay’s corporate website at www.viewray.com.

After the live webcast, a replay of the webcast will remain available online on the investor relations page of ViewRay’s corporate website, www.viewray.com, for 14 days following the call. In addition, a telephonic replay of the call will be available until May 9, 2019. The replay dial-in numbers are (855) 859-2056 for domestic callers and (404) 537-3406 for international callers. Please use the conference ID number 8616638.

On May 2, 2019 Alder BioPharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALDR), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapeutic antibodies for the treatment of migraine, reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019 (Press release, Alder Biopharmaceuticals, MAY 2, 2019, View Source [SID1234535702]).

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"The recent acceptance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of our Biologics License Application (BLA) for eptinezumab was another major milestone for Alder and moves us one step closer to making the first quarterly infusion prevention therapy available to the millions of patients debilitated by episodic and chronic migraine," said Bob Azelby, Alder’s president and chief executive officer. "We are in a strong position as we continue to prepare to commercialize eptinezumab in the first quarter of 2020, by building commercial inventory and expanding our commercial infrastructure. Additionally, in pursuit of Alder’s mission to forever change migraine treatment, we are excited to announce today that we plan to initiate a Phase 3 clinical trial of eptinezumab for the acute treatment of migraine in the second half of 2019."

First Quarter 2019 Highlights

On April 22, 2019, Alder announced its BLA submission for eptinezumab, the company’s investigational monoclonal antibody (mAb) for migraine prevention targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and lead commercial candidate, was accepted by the FDA. The FDA has set the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date of February 21, 2020. The BLA includes, and is supported by, positive data from Alder’s PROMISE 1 and PROMISE 2 Phase 3 clinical trials, open-label safety study, pharmacokinetic (PK) comparability study and chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) data packages.
In April, Alder announced the appointment of Nadia Dac as chief commercial officer. Ms. Dac brings more than two decades of U.S. and global commercial experience in neurology with both large and small publicly traded biopharmaceutical companies, with extensive expertise across all commercial functions including marketing, market access and promotion, sales, pipeline management, business development and partnerships. She joins Alder from AbbVie, where she served as vice president of global specialty commercial development.
In March, Alder closed an underwritten public offering and concurrent private placement in which the company received net proceeds of $159.3 million (which included the exercise of an over-allotment option granted to the underwriters in the public offering).
In January, Alder announced the appointment of Dr. Paul Streck, M.D. as chief medical officer. He brings more than 25 years of experience in drug development, regulatory and medical affairs leadership across both large and small publicly traded biopharmaceutical companies. Dr. Streck previously served as chief medical officer at Insmed Incorporated, where he played an instrumental role as a member of the executive leadership team and successfully led the Arikayce regulatory filing, approval and launch.
In January, an amendment to Alder’s contract manufacturing agreement with Sandoz GmbH for the production of eptinezumab became effective. Pursuant to this amendment, Sandoz will manufacture and supply guaranteed quantities of eptinezumab drug substance for a five year term, running through 2023. Alder anticipates the guaranteed quantities will be sufficient to supply U.S. and ex-U.S. markets beyond 2023, if eptinezumab is approved.
Upcoming Anticipated Milestones

Alder plans to initiate a Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating eptinezumab as a treatment for acute migraine in the second half of 2019. The trial will seek to leverage eptinezumab’s 100% bioavailability and rapid onset of prevention demonstrated in clinical testing, with the objective of securing an indication for the acute treatment of migraine and positioning eptinezumab as the only anti-CGRP monoclonal antibody for the treatment and prevention of migraine, if approved for these indications.
Alder remains on track for the potential commercial launch of eptinezumab in the first quarter of 2020, and continues to advance its manufacturing and commercial readiness activities in anticipation of launch. Currently, Alder is advancing its supply chain, building commercial inventory, continuing to build out its commercial and operational infrastructure, and executing against other key pre-launch initiatives.
Alder continues to advance its pre-clinical candidate, ALD1910, a monoclonal antibody targeting PACAP-38 (pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide-38). ALD1910 is currently undergoing Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling preclinical studies and Alder expects to initiate a first in-human clinical study by the end of 2019.
First Quarter 2019 Financial Results

As of March 31, 2019, Alder had $498.5 million in cash, cash equivalents, investments and restricted cash, compared to $412.4 million as of December 31, 2018.
Research and development expenses for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019 totaled $69.6 million, compared to $74.0 million for the same period in 2018. The year-over-year decrease was primarily due to lower clinical trial costs, partially offset by expenses related to securing manufacturing capacity and the initial build of commercial inventory in preparation for the launch of eptinezumab.
General and administrative expenses for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019 totaled $44.5 million, compared to $11.6 million for the same period in 2018. The year-over-year increase reflects a $26 million loss contingency provision relating to a dispute over a contract we terminated for breach by the other party, as well as Alder’s continued ramp-up of the commercial organization and infrastructure required for the anticipated commercialization of eptinezumab.
Net loss applicable to common stockholders for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019 totaled $119.2 million, or $1.63 per share, compared to net loss of $117.6 million, or $1.73 per share on a fully-diluted basis, for the same period in 2018.
Financial Outlook

Alder continues to expect that full-year 2019 net cash used in operating activities and purchases of property and equipment will be in the range of $285 to $315 million. The majority of the spend is focused on ensuring that Alder is prepared for the potential launch of eptinezumab in the first quarter of 2020, including advancing eptinezumab’s supply chain, building commercial inventory, continuing to build out Alder’s commercial footprint and other pre-launch market readiness activities.

Alder believes its available cash, cash equivalents, investments and restricted cash will be sufficient to meet its projected operating requirements through the anticipated launch of eptinezumab and into the latter part of 2020.

Conference Call and Webcast
Alder will host a conference call today at 5:00 p.m. ET to discuss these financial results and recent corporate highlights. The live call may be accessed by dialing (877) 430-4657 for domestic callers or (484) 756-4339 for international callers, and providing conference ID number 8162289. The webcast will be broadcast live and can be accessed from the Events & Presentations page in the Investors section of Alder’s website at www.alderbio.com. The accompanying slides are available now at the Events & Presentations page in the Investors section of Alder’s website at www.alderbio.com. The webcast will be available for replay following the call for at least 30 days.

On May 2, 2019 Novavax, Inc., (Nasdaq: NVAX) reported its financial results and operational highlights for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019 (Press release, Novavax, MAY 2, 2019, View Source [SID1234535701]).

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First Quarter 2019 and Subsequent Operational Highlights

ResVax Program

In February 2019, Novavax announced top-line data from the Prepare trial, which was designed to determine the efficacy of ResVax against medically significant respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-positive lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in infants. ResVax is the first RSV vaccine to demonstrate efficacy in infants.

In April 2019, Novavax presented additional results at the World Vaccine Congress in Washington, D.C. from the Prepare trial of ResVax. Although the Prepare trial results did not meet the pre-specified primary efficacy endpoint, it demonstrated efficacy against RSV LRTI hospitalizations, a pre-specified secondary endpoint. RSV LRTI hospitalization is not only an important indication of the severity of RSV disease in infants, it also reflects a significant economic burden to global health systems.
NanoFlu Program

In January 2019, Novavax announced positive top-line results of its Phase 2 clinical trial of NanoFlu comparing various quadrivalent formulations, with or without Novavax’ Matrix-M adjuvant, with two U.S.-licensed influenza vaccines in older adults. These results show that NanoFlu with Matrix-M generated enhanced immune responses compared to the unadjuvanted formulation, and importantly, showed superior hemagglutination inhibition antibody (HAI) responses against wild-type A(H3N2) viruses, including drifted strains, when compared to Fluzone High-Dose, the leading flu vaccine in older adults.
Key Upcoming Events

Meet with the FDA, European regulatory agencies, and potentially other national regulatory agencies during the second and third quarters, to assess opportunities for submission of marketing applications for ResVax.
Reach agreement with the FDA during the third quarter of 2019 on a proposed Phase 3 clinical trial design for NanoFlu utilizing accelerated approval criteria for licensure.
Present ResVax Phase 3 clinical trial data at the 37th Annual Meeting of the European Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases (ESPID) on May 7, 2019.
Financial Results for the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2019

Novavax reported a net loss of $43.2 million, or $0.11 per share, for the first quarter of 2019, compared to a net loss of $46.4 million, or $0.14 per share, for the first quarter of 2018.

Novavax revenue in the first quarter of 2019 was $4.0 million, compared to $9.7 million in the same period in 2018. This 59% decrease was driven by the completion of enrollment of the Prepare trial in the second quarter of 2018.

Research and development expenses decreased 20% to $35.5 million in the first quarter of 2019, compared to $44.5 million for the same period in 2018. This decrease was primarily due to decreased development activities, including lower clinical trial costs, of ResVax.

General and administrative expenses were flat at $8.7 million in the first quarter of 2019, compared to the same period of 2018.

Interest income (expense), net was ($3.0) million in the first quarter of 2019, compared to ($2.9) million for the same period of 2018.

As of March 31, 2019, Novavax had $108.7 million in cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and restricted cash, compared to $103.9 million as of December 31, 2018. Net cash used in operating activities for the first quarter of 2019 was $50.6 million, compared to $66.1 million for same period in 2018.

Conference Call

Novavax will host its quarterly conference call today at 4:30 p.m. ET. The dial-in numbers for the conference call are (877) 212-6076 (Domestic) or (707) 287-9331 (International), passcode 5394082. A replay of the conference call will be available starting at 7:30 p.m. ET on May 2, 2019 until 7:30 p.m. ET on May 9, 2019. To access the replay by telephone, dial (855) 859-2056 (Domestic) or (404) 537-3406 (International) and use passcode 5394082.

A webcast of the conference call can also be accessed via a link on the home page of the Novavax website (novavax.com) or through the "Investor Info"/"Events" tab on the Novavax website. A replay of the webcast will be available on the Novavax website until August 2, 2019.

About RSV in Infants

Globally, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is the leading viral cause of severe lower respiratory tract disease in infants and young children. It is the second leading cause of death in children under one year of age. Estimated annual hospitalizations of 1.4 million and an estimated 27,300 in-hospital deaths were due to RSV acute lower respiratory infection in children under six months of age. RSV results in a total global economic burden of $6.2 billion annually.

In the U.S., RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization of infants. Estimated annual hospitalizations are up to 76,000. While RSV can impact all infants, babies under six months of age are among those at highest risk, as approximately 77% of all first-year RSV infections occur before six months. In the U.S., the total economic burden is $2.7 billion annually.

About ResVax

ResVax is an RSV fusion (F) protein recombinant nanoparticle vaccine with aluminum phosphate as an adjuvant. It is being developed to protect infants from RSV disease via maternal immunization, which may offer the best method of protection from RSV disease in infants through the first months of life. In February 2019, Novavax announced top-line data from Prepare, a global Phase 3 clinical trial in 4,636 pregnant women, at least 3,000 of whom have received the vaccine, and their infants. Prepare is supported by an $89.1 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).

About Influenza

Influenza is a world-wide infectious disease that causes illness in humans with symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening or even death. Serious illness occurs not only in susceptible populations such as infants, young children and older adults, but also in the general population largely because of infection by continuously evolving strains of influenza which can evade the existing protective antibodies in humans. An estimated one million deaths globally each year are attributed to influenza. Current estimates for seasonal influenza vaccine growth in the top seven markets (U.S., Japan, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and UK), show a potential increase from approximately $3.2 billion in 2012-13 season to $5.3 billion by the 2021-22 season.

About NanoFlu and Matrix M

NanoFlu is a recombinant hemagglutinin (HA) protein nanoparticle influenza vaccine produced by Novavax in its SF9 insect cell baculovirus system. NanoFlu uses HA protein amino acid sequences that are the same as the recommended wild-type circulating virus HA sequences. NanoFlu contains Novavax’ patented saponin-based Matrix-M adjuvant, which is potent and well- stimulates both high quality and durable antibody responses as well as multifunctional CD4 and CD8 T-cell responses. In January 2019, Novavax announced positive top-line data from its Phase 2 clinical trial in older adults of quadrivalent formulations of NanoFlu in 1,375 healthy older adults across clinical sites in the U.S.

About Accelerated Approval

Accelerated approval may be granted for certain biological products that have been studied for their safety and effectiveness in treating serious or life-threatening illnesses and that provide meaningful therapeutic benefit over existing treatments. Such an approval will be based on adequate and well-controlled clinical trials establishing that the biological product has an effect on a surrogate endpoint that is reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit. For seasonal influenza vaccines, the hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) antibody response may be an acceptable surrogate marker of activity that is reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit. To be considered for accelerated approval, a biologics license application for a new seasonal influenza vaccine should include results from one or more well-controlled studies designed to meet immunogenicity endpoints and a commitment to conduct confirmatory post-marketing studies of clinical effectiveness in preventing influenza.