Takeda Announces U.S. FDA Grants Priority Review for Supplemental New Drug Application for ALUNBRIG® (brigatinib) as a First-Line Treatment for ALK+ Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

On February 24, 2020 Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted priority review for the company’s supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) to expand the use of ALUNBRIG (brigatinib) as a first-line treatment for patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive (ALK+) metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as detected by an FDA-approved test (Press release, Takeda, FEB 24, 2020, View Source [SID1234554667]). ALUNBRIG is a next-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that was designed to target and inhibit ALK genetic alterations.

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"ALK+ NSCLC is a rare and serious form of lung cancer that is complex to treat. While progress has been made, unmet needs still exist for the approximately 40,000 patients diagnosed with this disease worldwide each year," said Christopher Arendt, Head, Oncology Therapeutic Area Unit, Takeda. "This is an important first step in expanding treatment options for people with ALK+ metastatic NSCLC in the U.S., and we look forward to continuing to work with regulatory authorities around the world to bring ALUNBRIG to newly diagnosed patients."

The sNDA for ALUNBRIG as a first-line treatment is based on results from the Phase 3 ALTA-1L trial, which is evaluating the safety and efficacy of ALUNBRIG in patients with ALK+ locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who have not received prior treatment with an ALK inhibitor compared to that of crizotinib in the same population. The ALTA-1L trial met its primary endpoint with ALUNBRIG demonstrating superiority in blinded independent review committee (BIRC)-assessed progression-free survival (PFS) compared to crizotinib.

About the ALTA-1L Trial

The Phase 3 ALTA-1L (ALK in Lung Cancer Trial of BrigAtinib in 1st Line) trial of ALUNBRIG in adults is a global, ongoing, randomized, open-label, comparative, multicenter trial, which enrolled 275 patients (ALUNBRIG, n=137, crizotinib, n=138) with ALK+ locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who have not received prior treatment with an ALK inhibitor. Patients received either ALUNBRIG, 180 mg once daily with seven-day lead-in at 90 mg once daily, or crizotinib, 250 mg twice daily.

The median age was 58 years in the ALUNBRIG arm and 60 years in the crizotinib arm. Twenty-nine percent of patients had brain metastases at baseline in the ALUNBRIG arm versus 30% in the crizotinib arm. Twenty-six percent of patients received prior chemotherapy for advanced or metastatic disease in the ALUNBRIG arm versus 27% in the crizotinib arm.

Blinded independent review committee (BIRC)-assessed progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST v1.1, intracranial ORR, intracranial PFS, overall survival (OS), safety and tolerability.

The safety profile of ALUNBRIG in the ALTA-1L trial was generally consistent with the existing U.S. prescribing information.

About ALUNBRIG (brigatinib)

ALUNBRIG is a potent and selective next-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that was designed to target and inhibit anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) genetic alterations. In April 2017, ALUNBRIG received Accelerated Approval from the U.S. FDA for ALK+ metastatic NSCLC patients who have progressed on or are intolerant to crizotinib. This indication is approved under Accelerated Approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.

ALUNBRIG is currently approved in more than 40 countries, including the U.S., Canada and the European Union, for the treatment of people living with ALK+ metastatic NSCLC who have taken the medicine crizotinib, but their NSCLC has worsened or they cannot tolerate taking crizotinib.

ALUNBRIG received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA for the treatment of patients with ALK+ NSCLC whose tumors are resistant to crizotinib and was granted Orphan Drug Designation by the FDA for the treatment of ALK+ NSCLC, ROS1+ and EGFR+ NSCLC.

About ALK+ NSCLC

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common form of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 85% of the estimated 1.8 million new cases of lung cancer diagnosed each year worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.1,2 Genetic studies indicate that chromosomal rearrangements in anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) are key drivers in a subset of NSCLC patients.3 Approximately three to five percent of patients with metastatic NSCLC have a rearrangement in the ALK gene.4,5,6

Takeda is committed to continuing research and development in NSCLC to improve the lives of the approximately 40,000 patients diagnosed with this serious and rare form of lung cancer worldwide each year.7

Takeda’s Commitment to Lung Cancer

Takeda is dedicated to expanding treatment options in the ALK+ NSCLC and EGFR/HER2 mutant NSCLC treatment landscapes. Our comprehensive programs include the following clinical trials to continue to address unmet needs for people living with lung cancer:

ALUNBRIG

Phase 1/2 trial, which was designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and preliminary anti-tumor activity of ALUNBRIG. This trial has completed enrollment.
Pivotal Phase 2 ALTA trial investigating the efficacy and safety of ALUNBRIG at two dosing regimens in patients with ALK+ locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who had progressed on crizotinib. This trial has completed enrollment.
Phase 3 ALTA-1L, global, randomized trial assessing the efficacy and safety of ALUNBRIG in comparison to crizotinib in patients with ALK+ locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who have not received prior treatment with an ALK inhibitor. This trial has completed enrollment.
Phase 2 J-ALTA, single-arm, multicenter trial in Japanese patients with ALK+ NSCLC, focusing on patients who have progressed on alectinib. This trial has completed enrollment.
Phase 2 ALTA 2, global, single-arm trial evaluating ALUNBRIG in patients with advanced ALK+ NSCLC who have progressed on alectinib or ceritinib. This trial has completed enrollment.
Phase 3 ALTA 3, global randomized trial comparing the efficacy and safety of ALUNBRIG versus alectinib in participants with ALK+ NSCLC who have progressed on crizotinib. This trial is now enrolling.
TAK-788, a selective inhibitor of EGFR/HER2 mutations, currently being explored in EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations:

Phase 1/2 study evaluating the safety, pharmacokinetics and antitumor activity of oral EGFR/HER2 inhibitor TAK-788 in patients with NSCLC. This trial has completed enrollment.
Phase 2 EXCLAIM, pivotal extension cohort of the Phase 1/2 trial, which was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TAK-788 at 160 mg once daily in previously treated patients with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations. This trial has completed enrollment.
Phase 3 EXCLAIM 2, global, randomized study evaluating the efficacy of TAK-788 as a first-line treatment compared to platinum-based doublet chemotherapy in treatment-naïve patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC whose tumors harbor EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations. This trial is now enrolling.
Phase 1, open-label, multicenter, dose-escalation study evaluating the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of TAK-788 in Japanese patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC. This trial has completed enrollment.
Phase 2 J-EXCLAIM, open-label, multicenter, study evaluating the efficacy of TAK-788 as a first-line treatment in Japanese patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC whose tumors harbor EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations. This trial is now enrolling.
Phase 1, open-label, two-period, fixed-sequence study designed to characterize drug-drug interaction between TAK-788 and either a strong cytochrome P-450 (CYP)3A inhibitor, itraconazole (Part 1) or a strong CYP3A inducer, rifampin (Part 2) in healthy adult subjects. This trial is now enrolling.
For additional information on the ALUNBRIG and TAK-788 clinical trials, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.

ALUNBRIG IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis: Severe, life-threatening, and fatal pulmonary adverse reactions consistent with interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis have occurred with ALUNBRIG. In Trial ALTA (ALTA), ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 3.7% of patients in the 90 mg group (90 mg once daily) and 9.1% of patients in the 90→180 mg group (180 mg once daily with 7-day lead-in at 90 mg once daily). Adverse reactions consistent with possible ILD/pneumonitis occurred early (within 9 days of initiation of ALUNBRIG; median onset was 2 days) in 6.4% of patients, with Grade 3 to 4 reactions occurring in 2.7%. Monitor for new or worsening respiratory symptoms (e.g., dyspnea, cough, etc.), particularly during the first week of initiating ALUNBRIG. Withhold ALUNBRIG in any patient with new or worsening respiratory symptoms, and promptly evaluate for ILD/pneumonitis or other causes of respiratory symptoms (e.g., pulmonary embolism, tumor progression, and infectious pneumonia). For Grade 1 or 2 ILD/pneumonitis, either resume ALUNBRIG with dose reduction after recovery to baseline or permanently discontinue ALUNBRIG. Permanently discontinue ALUNBRIG for Grade 3 or 4 ILD/pneumonitis or recurrence of Grade 1 or 2 ILD/pneumonitis.

Hypertension: In ALTA, hypertension was reported in 11% of patients in the 90 mg group who received ALUNBRIG and 21% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Grade 3 hypertension occurred in 5.9% of patients overall. Control blood pressure prior to treatment with ALUNBRIG. Monitor blood pressure after 2 weeks and at least monthly thereafter during treatment with ALUNBRIG. Withhold ALUNBRIG for Grade 3 hypertension despite optimal antihypertensive therapy. Upon resolution or improvement to Grade 1 severity, resume ALUNBRIG at a reduced dose. Consider permanent discontinuation of treatment with ALUNBRIG for Grade 4 hypertension or recurrence of Grade 3 hypertension. Use caution when administering ALUNBRIG in combination with antihypertensive agents that cause bradycardia.

Bradycardia: Bradycardia can occur with ALUNBRIG. In ALTA, heart rates less than 50 beats per minute (bpm) occurred in 5.7% of patients in the 90 mg group and 7.6% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Grade 2 bradycardia occurred in 1 (0.9%) patient in the 90 mg group. Monitor heart rate and blood pressure during treatment with ALUNBRIG. Monitor patients more frequently if concomitant use of drug known to cause bradycardia cannot be avoided. For symptomatic bradycardia, withhold ALUNBRIG and review concomitant medications for those known to cause bradycardia. If a concomitant medication known to cause bradycardia is identified and discontinued or dose adjusted, resume ALUNBRIG at the same dose following resolution of symptomatic bradycardia; otherwise, reduce the dose of ALUNBRIG following resolution of symptomatic bradycardia. Discontinue ALUNBRIG for life-threatening bradycardia if no contributing concomitant medication is identified.

Visual Disturbance: In ALTA, adverse reactions leading to visual disturbance including blurred vision, diplopia, and reduced visual acuity, were reported in 7.3% of patients treated with ALUNBRIG in the 90 mg group and 10% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Grade 3 macular edema and cataract occurred in one patient each in the 90→180 mg group. Advise patients to report any visual symptoms. Withhold ALUNBRIG and obtain an ophthalmologic evaluation in patients with new or worsening visual symptoms of Grade 2 or greater severity. Upon recovery of Grade 2 or Grade 3 visual disturbances to Grade 1 severity or baseline, resume ALUNBRIG at a reduced dose. Permanently discontinue treatment with ALUNBRIG for Grade 4 visual disturbances.

Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) Elevation: In ALTA, creatine phosphokinase (CPK) elevation occurred in 27% of patients receiving ALUNBRIG in the 90 mg group and 48% of patients in the 90 mg→180 mg group. The incidence of Grade 3-4 CPK elevation was 2.8% in the 90 mg group and 12% in the 90→180 mg group. Dose reduction for CPK elevation occurred in 1.8% of patients in the 90 mg group and 4.5% in the 90→180 mg group. Advise patients to report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. Monitor CPK levels during ALUNBRIG treatment. Withhold ALUNBRIG for Grade 3 or 4 CPK elevation. Upon resolution or recovery to Grade 1 or baseline, resume ALUNBRIG at the same dose or at a reduced dose.

Pancreatic Enzyme Elevation: In ALTA, amylase elevation occurred in 27% of patients in the 90 mg group and 39% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Lipase elevations occurred in 21% of patients in the 90 mg group and 45% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Grade 3 or 4 amylase elevation occurred in 3.7% of patients in the 90 mg group and 2.7% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Grade 3 or 4 lipase elevation occurred in 4.6% of patients in the 90 mg group and 5.5% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Monitor lipase and amylase during treatment with ALUNBRIG. Withhold ALUNBRIG for Grade 3 or 4 pancreatic enzyme elevation. Upon resolution or recovery to Grade 1 or baseline, resume ALUNBRIG at the same dose or at a reduced dose.

Hyperglycemia: In ALTA, 43% of patients who received ALUNBRIG experienced new or worsening hyperglycemia. Grade 3 hyperglycemia, based on laboratory assessment of serum fasting glucose levels, occurred in 3.7% of patients. Two of 20 (10%) patients with diabetes or glucose intolerance at baseline required initiation of insulin while receiving ALUNBRIG. Assess fasting serum glucose prior to initiation of ALUNBRIG and monitor periodically thereafter. Initiate or optimize anti-hyperglycemic medications as needed. If adequate hyperglycemic control cannot be achieved with optimal medical management, withhold ALUNBRIG until adequate hyperglycemic control is achieved and consider reducing the dose of ALUNBRIG or permanently discontinuing ALUNBRIG.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Based on its mechanism of action and findings in animals, ALUNBRIG can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. There are no clinical data on the use of ALUNBRIG in pregnant women. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective non-hormonal contraception during treatment with ALUNBRIG and for at least 4 months following the final dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose of ALUNBRIG.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 38% of patients in the 90 mg group and 40% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. The most common serious adverse reactions were pneumonia (5.5% overall, 3.7% in the 90 mg group, and 7.3% in the 90→180 mg group) and ILD/pneumonitis (4.6% overall, 1.8% in the 90 mg group and 7.3% in the 90→180 mg group). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3.7% of patients and consisted of pneumonia (2 patients), sudden death, dyspnea, respiratory failure, pulmonary embolism, bacterial meningitis and urosepsis (1 patient each).

The most common adverse reactions (≥25%) in the 90 mg group were nausea (33%), fatigue (29%), headache (28%), and dyspnea (27%) and in the 90→180 mg group were nausea (40%), diarrhea (38%), fatigue (36%), cough (34%), and headache (27%).

DRUG INTERACTIONS

CYP3A Inhibitors: Avoid coadministration of ALUNBRIG with strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors. Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice as it may also increase plasma concentrations of brigatinib. If coadministration of a strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitor cannot be avoided, reduce the dose of ALUNBRIG.

CYP3A Inducers: Avoid coadministration of ALUNBRIG with strong or moderate CYP3A inducers. If coadministration of moderate CYP3A inducers cannot be avoided, increase the dose of ALUNBRIG.

CYP3A Substrates: Coadministration of ALUNBRIG with sensitive CYP3A substrates, including hormonal contraceptives, can result in decreased concentrations and loss of efficacy of sensitive CYP3A substrates.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Pregnancy: ALUNBRIG can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus.

Lactation: There are no data regarding the secretion of brigatinib in human milk or its effects on the breastfed infant or milk production. Because of the potential adverse reactions in breastfed infants, advise lactating women not to breastfeed during treatment with ALUNBRIG.

Females and Males of Reproductive Potential:

Pregnancy Testing: Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating ALUNBRIG.

Contraception: Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective non-hormonal contraception during treatment with ALUNBRIG and for at least 4 months after the final dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ALUNBRIG and for at least 3 months after the final dose.

Infertility: ALUNBRIG may cause reduced fertility in males.

Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness of ALUNBRIG in pediatric patients have not been established.

Geriatric Use: Clinical studies of ALUNBRIG did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients.

Hepatic or Renal Impairment: No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment or mild or moderate renal impairment. Reduce the dose of ALUNBRIG for patients with severe hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment.

Omeros Corporation to Announce Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2019 Financial Results on March 2, 2020

On February 24, 2020 Omeros Corporation (NASDAQ: OMER) reported that the company will issue its fourth quarter and year-end 2019 financial results for the period ended December 31, 2019, on Monday, March 2, 2020, after the market closes (Press release, Omeros, FEB 24, 2020, View Source [SID1234554666]). Omeros management will host a conference call and webcast that day at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time (1:30 p.m. Pacific Time) to discuss the financial results as well as recent developments and highlights.

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Conference Call Details

To access the live conference call via phone, please dial (844) 831-4029 from the United States and Canada or (920) 663-6278 internationally. The participant passcode is 4870947. Please dial in approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. A telephone replay will be available for one week following the call and may be accessed by dialing (855) 859-2056 from the United States and Canada or (404) 537-3406 internationally. The replay passcode is 4870947.

To access the live and subsequently archived webcast of the conference call, go to Omeros’ website at www.omeros.com and select "Events" under the Investors section of the website. Please connect to the website at least 15 minutes prior to the call to allow for any software download that may be necessary.

ReadCoor, Inc. Unveils True Spatial Sequencing Platform to Drive Groundbreaking Insights into Immuno-oncology, Neuroscience, and Infectious Disease

On February 24, 2020 ReadCoor, Inc., a company leading true multi-omic spatial sequencing, reported unveils its first product line, including multi-omic spatial sequencing assays and the RC2 instrument (Press release, ReadCoor, FEB 24, 2020, View Source [SID1234554665]). The platform is powered by ReadCoor’s proprietary FISSEQ (Fluorescent in situ Sequencing) technology, which combines the massive multiplexity of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and high-resolution tissue imaging. The fully integrated platform is now available for use by researchers through ReadCoor’s Select Release Program (SRP), focusing on initial applications in immuno-oncology, neuroscience, and infectious disease, as well as a custom offering. ReadCoor has increased its Series B investment round to $30 million to accelerate commercial efforts.

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The new platform simultaneously detects tens to thousands of RNA and DNA sequences, proteins, and therapeutic molecules at nanoscale 3D resolution in every cell within an intact tissue sample. The key products launched today are:

Automated, turn-key spatial sequencing instrument called RC2 that captures sub-cellular complexity at nanoscale resolution across entire tissue sections.
Application Kits containing all components necessary to prepare tissue samples for spatial sequencing on the RC2 in a single sample processing workflow.
Sample slides provide optimized surfaces compatible with standard sectioning workflows for FFPE, fixed frozen, or fresh frozen tissues and feature markings to guide tissue placement.
Instrument Kits contain all necessary bulk and sequencing reagents to collect spatial sequencing information from up to four tissue samples per run.
Analysis and Visualization Cloudware that fully integrates data management and analysis. Users can manage and analyze sub-cellular molecular information with visualization tools that display molecular and morphological volumes, display locations for all multi-omic targets in 3D, select regions of interest, and employ spatial statistical methods for unbiased discovery.
"We firmly believe our true multi-omic sequencing technology will have a dramatic impact on medicine and healthcare, and this motivates us to provide researchers products that offer unprecedented and meaningful insights into human biology," said Richard Terry, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Technical Officer, and Founder of ReadCoor. "Our Select Release Program serves as the foundation for researchers to develop new therapeutics and treatments to ultimately improve patient care."

Users within the SRP can use ReadCoor’s initial applications to support their specific research interests. The applications offer the following capabilities:

Immuno-oncology
ReadCoor’s immuno-oncology application unifies disparate histological and molecular assays, eliminating the need to allocate precious tumor samples between anatomical and molecular pathology methods. This approach could increase the efficacy of IO treatments for meaningful clinical insights in immuno-oncology, pathology, and drug discovery.
Neuroscience
Comprehensive cell function and phenotyping to atlas the brain using the RC2 platform will have enormous benefits to both basic neuroscience research and biomedical applications such as understanding and treating traumatic brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases.
Infectious Disease
ReadCoor’s initial infectious disease application is designed to advance understanding of HIV biology. This approach has the potential to provide insights into many aspects of HIV’s lifecycle and ultimately inform better treatment options towards eradicating this disease.

Aeglea BioTherapeutics Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2019 Financial Results, Highlights Recent Milestones

On February 24, 2020 Aeglea BioTherapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:AGLE), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation human enzyme therapeutics as solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need, reported its fourth-quarter and full-year 2019 financial results, and provided recent corporate and program highlights (Press release, Aeglea BioTherapeutics, FEB 24, 2020, View Source [SID1234554664]).

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"Our accomplishments this past year illustrate how we are working to reimagine the potential of human enzymes as transformative solutions for challenging rare genetic disorders," said Anthony Quinn, M.B Ch.B, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Aeglea. "In addition to delivering compelling Phase 1/2 data from our lead program for Arginase 1 Deficiency, we’ve made solid progress with our pivotal trial enrollment and started laying the groundwork for the commercial launch. We have also continued to make significant progress in our pipeline, further demonstrating the effectiveness of our platform in advancing programs in multiple therapeutic areas."

"We begin 2020 with a clear vision and heightened conviction of the impact for patients we can create with human enzyme therapeutics. We believe that we are well positioned to achieve a number of important milestones this year, armed with a strong leadership team with deep discovery, development and commercial expertise, and driven by our collective goal to address the needs of the communities we serve," concluded Dr. Quinn.

Recent Highlights

Pegzilarginase in Arginase 1 Deficiency

The Company expects to complete enrollment of its global, pivotal Phase 3 Pegzilarginase Effect on Arginase 1 Deficiency Clinical Endpoints (PEACE) trial in the third quarter of 2020 and to provide topline data in the first quarter of 2021.
Based on a recent genetic prevalence analysis of Arginase 1 Deficiency (ARG1-D), and with more than 200 patients already identified worldwide, the Company now estimates an addressable patient population of greater than 2,500, up from an estimate of 1,000 patients based solely on initial insights using newborn screening data.
The Company’s patient-identification strategy, informed by critical insights from disease analysis and trial experience, has already identified more than 100 patients in the United States, representing a 40% penetration into the genetic prevalent population.
ACN00177 in Homocystinuria

In January, Aeglea announced the filing of its Clinical Trial Application (CTA) with the United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for ACN00177, a novel engineered human enzyme therapy designed to treat homocystinuria, a serious metabolic disorder that results in elevated levels of plasma homocysteine.
The Company expects to initiate a Phase 1/2 trial for ACN00177 in the second quarter of 2020, with initial human proof of concept in the first quarter of 2021.
The Company estimates an addressable homocystinuria patient population of greater than 5,000.
Upcoming Events

Aeglea will be attending the following investor conferences in the coming quarter. Details of the presentations and webcasts will be announced prior to the events.

19th Annual Needham Healthcare Conference, April 14-15, New York City
H.C. Wainwright 2020 Global Life Sciences Conference, April 20-21, London, United Kingdom
Further, Aeglea’s leadership looks forward to participating in dialogue about the Company’s enzyme therapeutics platform during the following industry events, with additional details to be announced.

Annual Meeting of the Society for Inherited Metabolic Disorders (SIMD), April 26-29, Austin, Texas
World Orphan Drug Congress USA 2020, April 29 to May 1, Oxon Hill, Maryland
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2019 Financial Results

As of December 31, 2019, Aeglea had available cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and restricted cash of $73.4 million. Based on Aeglea’s current operating plan, management believes it has sufficient capital resources to fund anticipated operations through the first quarter of 2021.

Research and development expenses totaled $17.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2019 and $11.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2018. The increase was primarily associated with investing in manufacturing and pre-commercial activities for Aeglea’s lead product candidate, pegzilarginase; ramp-up in toxicology, investigational new drug (IND)-enabling studies, and manufacturing activities for ACN00177 in Homocystinuria; and personnel-related expenses.

Research and development expenses totaled $64.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared with $36.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase was primarily due to investing in manufacturing and pre-commercial activities for Aeglea’s lead product candidate, pegzilarginase; a ramp-up in toxicology, IND-enabling studies, and manufacturing activities for ACN00177 in Homocystinuria; and expanded clinical development activity and personnel-related expenses.

General and administrative expenses totaled $4.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2019 and $3.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2018. This increase was primarily due to additional employee headcount, commercial readiness support, and facilities to support company growth.

General and administrative expenses totaled $15.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared with $12.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. This increase was primarily due to additional employee headcount, compensation, and facilities to support company growth.

Net loss totaled $21.5 million and $14.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2019 and 2018, respectively, with non-cash stock compensation expense of $1.2 million and $1.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2019 and 2018, respectively. Net loss totaled $78.3 million and $44.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, with non-cash stock compensation expense of $4.9 million and $4.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

About Pegzilarginase in Arginase 1 Deficiency

Pegzilarginase is an enhanced human arginase that enzymatically lowers levels of the amino acid arginine. Aeglea is developing pegzilarginase for the treatment of patients with Arginase 1 Deficiency (ARG1-D), a rare debilitating disease presenting in childhood with persistent hyperargininemia, severe progressive neurological abnormalities and early mortality. Pegzilarginase is intended for use as an enzyme therapy to reduce elevated blood arginine levels in patients with ARG1-D. Aeglea’s Phase 1/2 and Phase 2 open-label extension (OLE) data for pegzilarginase in patients with ARG1-D demonstrated clinical improvements and sustained lowering of plasma arginine. The Company’s single, global pivotal Phase 3 PEACE trial is designed to assess the effects of treatment with pegzilarginase versus placebo over 24 weeks with a primary endpoint of plasma arginine reduction.

About ACN00177 in Homocystinuria

Aeglea is developing ACN00177 for the treatment of patients with cystathionine beta synthase (CBS) deficiency, also known as Classical Homocystinuria. Homocysteine accumulation plays a key role in multiple progressive and serious disease-related complications, including thromboembolic vascular events, skeletal abnormalities including severe osteoporosis, developmental delay, intellectual disability, lens dislocation and severe myopia. ACN00177 has been designed as a novel recombinant human enzyme, which degrades the amino acid homocysteine and its related homocystine dimer. With this mechanism, ACN00177 is intended to lower the abnormally high blood levels of homocysteine in patients with homocystinuria. Preclinical data demonstrated that ACN00177 improved important disease-related abnormalities and survival in a mouse model of homocystinuria. The Company has submitted a Clinical Trial Application (CTA) with the United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and expects to initiate a Phase 1/2 trial in the second quarter of 2020.

MannKind Corporation to Present at the 9th Annual SVB Leerink Global Healthcare Conference

On February 24, 2020 MannKind Corporation (Nasdaq: MNKD), a company focused on the development and commercialization of inhaled therapeutic products for patients with diseases such as diabetes and pulmonary arterial hypertension, reported that it will be featured as a presenting company at the 9th Annual SVB Leerink Global Healthcare Conference on Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 9:30 am (ET) at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel in New York, NY (Press release, Mannkind, FEB 24, 2020, View Source [SID1234554663]). Presenting from the Company will be its Chief Executive Officer, Michael Castagna, PharmD. Interested parties can access a link to the live webcast of the presentation from the News & Events section of the Company’s website at View Source The webcast replay will remain available for 14 days following the live presentation.

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