On May 7, 2019 Sermonix Pharmaceuticals LLC, a privately held biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of female-specific oncology products, reported that it will present a poster on the performance of its lead investigational drug, lasofoxifene, at the 2019 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (Press release, Sermonix Pharmaceuticals, MAY 7, 2019, View Source [SID1234535888]). The abstract, "Lasofoxifene as a Potential Treatment for ER+ Metastatic Breast Cancer," will be presented during the poster session Breast Cancer – Metastatic, June 2, 8-11 a.m., at McCormick Place in Chicago.

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Sermonix is currently enrolling patients in the Phase 2 Evaluation of Lasofoxifene in ESR1 Mutations (ELAINE) study, assessing the activity of oral lasofoxifene versus intramuscular fulvestrant for the treatment of postmenopausal women with locally advanced or metastatic estrogen receptor-positive (ER+)/HER2- breast cancer with an ESR1 mutation.

"For the abstract presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2019, we used a mouse intraductal model to investigate the combination of lasofoxifene and palbociclib, a CDK4/6 inhibitor, as a potential therapeutic for mutant ESR1 metastatic breast cancer, as compared to palbociclib and fulvestrant," said Barry Komm, Sermonix chief scientific officer. "We look forward to sharing our findings at this important gathering of the oncology community."

About Lasofoxifene

Lasofoxifene is an investigational, nonsteroidal selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), which Sermonix licensed from Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: LGND) and has been studied in previous comprehensive Phase 1-3 non-oncology clinical trials in more than 15,000 postmenopausal women worldwide. Lasofoxifene’s bioavailability and activity in mutations of the estrogen receptor could potentially hold promise for patients who have acquired endocrine resistance and ESR1 mutations, a common mutation in the metastatic setting and an area of high unmet medical need. Lasofoxifene’s novel activity in ESR1 mutations was recently discovered and Sermonix has exclusive rights to develop and commercialize it in this area. A potent, well-characterized SERM, lasofoxifene, if approved, could play a critical role in the targeted precision medicine treatment of advanced ER+ breast cancer.

On May 7, 2019 AnaptysBio, Inc. (Nasdaq: ANAB), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing first-in-class antibody product candidates focused on unmet medical needs in inflammation, reported operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019 and provided pipeline updates (Press release, AnaptysBio, MAY 7, 2019, View Source [SID1234535886]).

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"2019 is set to be an important year for AnaptysBio, with multiple top-line data readouts from our wholly-owned pipeline, initiation of a new Phase 2b trial of etokimab in eosinophilic asthma and submission of an IND for our next development candidate in our wholly-owned pipeline," said Hamza Suria, president and chief executive officer of AnapytsBio. "We look forward to advancing each of these programs as we work to bring novel treatments to patients with severe inflammatory diseases."

Etokimab (ANB020 Anti-IL-33 Program)

In September 2018, the Company reported positive interim top-line data from its Phase 2a proof-of-concept clinical trial of etokimab in adult patients with severe eosinophilic asthma. The Company will present the full data from this trial at the 2019 European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) Congress. AnaptysBio also plans to initiate a multi-dose Phase 2b randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of etokimab in eosinophilic asthma in 2019.

The Company is conducting a Phase 2b randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multi-dose study in 300 adult patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, also referred to as the ATLAS trial, to assess different dose levels and dosing frequencies of subcutaneously-administered etokimab, with top-line data expected in the second half of 2019.

AnaptysBio is conducting a randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial in approximately 100 adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, also referred to as the ECLIPSE trial. Patients are being treated with two multi-dosing frequencies of subcutaneously-administered etokimab or placebo, each in combination with mometasone furoate nasal spray as background therapy. The Company anticipates top-line data from the ECLIPSE trial will be available in the second half of 2019.

ANB019 (Anti-IL-36 Receptor Program)

The Company is conducting a single arm, open-label Phase 2 trial of ANB019 in approximately 10 patients with generalized pustular psoriasis, or GPP, also known as the GALLOP trial, with top-line data expected in mid-2019.

The Company is conducting a randomized, placebo-controlled, multi-dose Phase 2 trial in 50 patients with palmoplantar pustulosis, or PPP, also known as the POPLAR trial, with top-line data anticipated in the first half of 2020.
First Quarter Financial Results

Cash, cash equivalents and investments totaled $484.2 million as of March 31, 2019 compared to $500.2 million as of December 31, 2018, for a decrease of $16.0 million. The decrease primarily relates to cash used for operating activities.

Research and development expenses were $20.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, as compared to $11.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The increase was primarily due to continued advancement of the Company’s etokimab and ANB019 clinical programs and additional

personnel-related expenses including share-based compensation during the three months ended March 31, 2019.

General and administrative expenses were $4.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, as compared to $3.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The increase was primarily attributable to additional personnel-related expenses, including share-based compensation.

Net loss was $22.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, or a net loss per share of $0.82, as compared to a net loss of $15.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, or a net loss per share of $0.63.
Financial Guidance
AnaptysBio expects that its cash, cash equivalents and investments will fund its current operating plan at least through the end of 2020.
About Etokimab
Etokimab, previously referred to as ANB020, is an antibody that potently binds and inhibits the activity of interleukin-33, or IL-33, a pro-inflammatory cytokine that multiple studies have indicated is a central mediator of atopic diseases, which AnaptysBio believes is broadly applicable to the treatment of atopic inflammatory disorders, such as atopic dermatitis, eosinophilic asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, or CRSwNP, and potentially other allergic conditions. Following completion of a healthy volunteer Phase 1 trial of etokimab, AnaptysBio continued clinical development of etokimab into a Phase 2a trial for moderate-to-severe adult atopic dermatitis and a placebo-controlled Phase 2a trial in severe adult eosinophilic asthma patients. AnaptysBio is conducting its ATLAS trial, a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled multi-dose Phase 2b clinical trial of etokimab in 300 moderate-to-severe adult atopic dermatitis patients where top-line data is anticipated in the second half of 2019. The Company is conducting its ECLIPSE trial, a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial of etokimab in approximately 100 adult patients with CRSwNP with top-line data anticipated in the second half of 2019. AnaptysBio also plans to initiate a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multi-dose Phase 2b trial of etokimab in patients with eosinophilic asthma in 2019.
About ANB019
ANB019 is an antibody that inhibits the function of the interleukin-36-receptor, or IL-36R, which AnaptysBio plans to initially develop as a potential first-in-class therapy for patients suffering from generalized pustular psoriasis, or GPP, and palmoplantar pustulosis, or PPP. AnaptysBio has previously presented data from this Phase 1 clinical trial, which demonstrated favorable safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic properties that supported advancement of ANB019 into Phase 2 studies. AnaptysBio is conducting its GALLOP trial, a Phase 2 study of ANB019 in GPP where top-line data is anticipated in mid-2019, and its POPLAR trial, a Phase 2 study in PPP where top-line data is anticipated in the first half of 2020.

On May 7, 2019 Veracyte, Inc. (Nasdaq: VCYT) reported the closing of its public offering of 6,325,000 shares of common stock, including 825,000 shares sold upon full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares, at a price to the public of $23.25 per share (Press release, Veracyte, MAY 7, 2019, View Source [SID1234535885]). The net proceeds to Veracyte from the offering were approximately $137.9 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses.

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Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and SVB Leerink LLC acted as lead book-running managers for the offering. William Blair acted as a book-running manager and BTIG and Janney Montgomery Scott acted as co-managers.

The public offering was made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 2, 2019. This offering was made solely by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to and describing the terms of the offering, copies of which may be obtained by contacting Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Attention: Prospectus Department, 180 Varick Street, 2nd Floor, New York, New York 10014; or SVB Leerink LLC, Attention: Syndicate Department, One Federal Street, 37th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 01220, by email at [email protected] or by telephone at (800) 808-7525, ext. 6132.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

Veracyte, Afirma, Percepta, Envisia, Know by Design, the Veracyte logo and the Afirma logo are trademarks of Veracyte, Inc.

On May 7, 2019 Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATRA), a leading off-the-shelf, allogeneic T-cell immunotherapy company developing novel treatments for patients with cancer, autoimmune and viral diseases, reported that its first quarter 2019 financial results will be released before the market opens on Thursday, May 9, 2019 (Press release, Atara Biotherapeutics, MAY 7, 2019, View Source [SID1234535884]). Following the release, the Company will host a live conference call and webcast at 8:30 a.m. EDT to discuss the Company’s financial results and recent operational highlights.

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Analysts and investors can participate in the conference call by dialing (888) 540-6216 for domestic callers and (734) 385-2715 for international callers, using the conference ID 1956289. A live audio webcast can be accessed by visiting the Investor Events and Presentations section of atarabio.com. An archived replay will be available on the Company’s website for approximately 14 days following the live webcast.

On May 7, 2019 Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: SUPN), a pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing products for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases, reported financial results for the first quarter of 2019 and associated Company developments (Press release, Supernus, MAY 7, 2019, View Source [SID1234535883]).

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Commercial Update

First quarter 2019 product prescriptions for Trokendi XR and Oxtellar XR, as reported by IQVIA, totaled 199,520, an 11.0% increase over the first quarter of 2018.

In the fourth quarter of 2018, wholesalers, distributors, and pharmacies increased their inventory holdings as compared to the prevailing inventory levels in the third quarter of 2018. As previously disclosed, the Company estimated that this caused net product sales to be approximately $10 million higher in the fourth quarter of 2018 than it would have been otherwise, had inventory levels remained consistent quarter to quarter.

This process was effectively reversed in the first quarter of 2019, with net product sales decreasing in the first quarter of 2019 by an estimated $10 million, as compared both to the prior year as well as the prior quarter.

In addition, net product sales were impacted by the growing prevalence of high deductible patient plans, their seasonal effect on first quarter prescription trends, and the seasonal increase in our use of copay assistance. Consequently, gross to net deductions were higher by approximately $4 million, as compared to the first quarter of 2018.

Progress of Product Pipeline

During its Investor Day held on April 16, 2019, the Company provided a product pipeline update as set forth below.

SPN-812 – Novel non-stimulant for the treatment of ADHD

During March 2019, the Company announced data from the fourth and final Phase III study for SPN-812 (P304) that confirm positive results from the previous three Phase III studies on SPN-812, announced in December 2018.
The Company continues to expect to submit a New Drug Application (NDA) for SPN-812 in the second half of 2019, and to launch it, pending U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, in the second half of 2020.
A Phase III program in adult patients is anticipated to start in the second half of 2019.
SPN-810 – Novel treatment of Impulsive Aggression in patients with ADHD

Enrollment in the Phase III trials (P301 and P302) continues with data from both trials expected in the second half of 2019.
The Company continues to expect to submit an NDA for SPN-810 in the second half of 2020, and to launch it, pending FDA approval, in the second half of 2021.
Enrollment in the open label extension (OLE) study continues at 90% or higher. On average, a patient in the OLE study remains on SPN-810 treatment for approximately 10.5 months, which the Company believes is an encouraging sign of the tolerability and efficacy of SPN-810.
Patient dosing continues in the Phase III trial (P503) in adolescent patients.
SPN-604 – Novel treatment of bipolar disorder

The Company expects to start a pivotal Phase III program for the treatment of bipolar disorder in the fourth quarter of 2019.
Operating Expenses

Research and development expenses in the first quarter of 2019 were $15.4 million, as compared to $18.9 million in the same quarter last year. This decrease is due to the completion of the four Phase III clinical trials for SPN-812, three of which were completed in December 2018 and one completed in March 2019. The decrease was partially offset by the manufacture of validation and registration lots for SPN-812 to support the Company’s upcoming submission of its New Drug Application (NDA).

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the first quarter of 2019 were $41.0 million, as compared to $36.8 million in the same quarter last year. This increase was primarily due to the development and production of promotional materials and marketing programs associated with the launch of the monotherapy indication for Oxtellar XR.

Operating Earnings and Earnings Per Share

Operating earnings in the first quarter of 2019 were $25.4 million, compared to $31.4 million in the same quarter last year. The decrease in operating earnings was primarily due to decreased net product sales. Excluding the negative impact to net product sales from the aforementioned inventory drawdown in the first quarter, operating earnings would have been approximately $9.5 million higher than in 2018.

Net earnings (GAAP) in the first quarter of 2019 were $18.3 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, compared to $26.4 million, or $0.49 per diluted share, in the same period last year. In addition to the impact of lower operating earnings for the first quarter of 2019, net earnings (GAAP) were subject to a higher effective tax rate in the first quarter of 2019 relative to the first quarter of 2018. The tax rate in the first quarter of 2018 benefited from stock option exercises.

Weighted-average diluted common shares outstanding were approximately 54.0 million in the first quarter of 2019, as compared to approximately 53.8 million in the prior year period.

"Our financial results for the first quarter were adversely impacted by several factors, converging all at once: the fourth quarter 2018 inventory buildup impacting shipments in first quarter 2019: first quarter seasonal insurance plan dynamics putting pressure on prescription growth coupled with increased gross-to-net deductions through our copay assistance; and the increase in the effective tax rate compared to same period in 2018," said Jack Khattar, President and CEO of Supernus. "Aside from the effective tax rate, these one-time events are not expected to have a continuing effect in the subsequent quarters. We have already seen in the second quarter of 2019 a normalization of shipments and prescription trends"

Balance Sheet Highlights

As of March 31, 2019, the Company had $815.5 million in cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities, and long term marketable securities, compared to $774.8 million at December 31, 2018. This increase primarily reflects cash generated from operations in the first quarter of 2019.

Financial Guidance

For full year 2019, the Company reiterates its prior guidance for net product sales, research and development expenses, operating earnings, and effective tax rate as set forth below:

Net product sales in the range of $435 million to $455 million
Research and development expenses in the range of $70 million to $80 million
Operating earnings in the range of $160 million to $180 million
Effective tax rate of approximately 23% to 25%
Conference Call Details

The Company will hold a conference call hosted by Jack Khattar, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Greg Patrick, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, to discuss these results at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, on Wednesday, May 8, 2019. An accompanying webcast also will be provided.

Please refer to the information below for conference call dial-in information and webcast registration. Callers should dial in approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call.

Conference dial-in: (877) 288-1043
International dial-in: (970) 315-0267
Conference ID: 8139879
Conference Call Name: Supernus Pharmaceuticals First Quarter 2019 Earnings Conference Call
Following the live call, a replay will be available on the Company’s website, www.supernus.com, under "Investor Relations".