CEL-SCI Corporation Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2020 Financial Results

On August 11, 2020 CEL-SCI Corporation (NYSE American: CVM) reported financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 and provided an update on clinical developments (Press release, Cel-Sci, AUG 11, 2020, View Source [SID1234563449]):

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CEL-SCI reached the targeted threshold of 298 events (deaths) required to conduct the data evaluation for its global pivotal Phase 3 head and neck cancer study of Multikine* (Leukocyte Interleukin, Inj.) immunotherapy. The study is currently in the database lock and analysis phase. CEL-SCI will be advised of the results when the analysis is finalized, and the study results will be announced to the public and investors at that time.
CEL-SCI initiated the development of an immunotherapy with the potential to treat the COVID-19 coronavirus using its patented LEAPS peptide technology. The initial animal experiments showed that after only one injection, LEAPS COVID-19 conjugates induced antibody responses faster and in much higher titers than expected against a non-mutating region of the virus that causes COVID-19. These animal experiments provide the basis for moving forward into animal challenge studies with live virus SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, at the University of Georgia Vaccine Center.
CEL-SCI signed a collaboration agreement with the University of Georgia’s Center for Vaccines and Immunology to develop the LEAPS COVID-19 immunotherapy. Initial studies with COVID-19 aim to replicate prior successful preclinical experiments of LEAPS against the H1N1pandemic flu virus in mice conducted at and in collaboration with the National Institutes for Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). These studies demonstrated improvement in both morbidity and mortality of H1N1 infected animals treated with the LEAPS-H1N1 construct as compared to controls. CEL-SCI believes its COVID-19 approach is unique for two reasons: 1) LEAPS focuses on a non-changing part of the virus; and 2) LEAPS has both anti-viral and anti-inflammatory attributes. The goal is to develop a more successful treatment for infected patients.
CEL-SCI raised approximately $27.0 million in gross proceeds during the nine months ended June 30, 2020 through the sale of common stock through public offerings and the exercise of warrants.
"Our goal is to create the first non-toxic cancer drug that is effective in increasing survival. This is the first cancer drug in decades that would be used to improve the success rate of the current first ‘intent to cure’ head and neck cancer standard of care treatment. Now that the long Phase 3 study is finished, the organizations who run the study are responsible for cleaning up/collecting all final data and analyzing it. This is a very big job since the study ran for 9.5 years in 100 hospitals in 24 countries. Once we know the final study results, we will share them with our shareholders. We believe that our Multikine will help these patients," stated CEL-SCI CEO, Geert Kersten.

During the nine months ended June 30, 2020, the Company’s cash increased by approximately $11.7 million. Significant components of this increase include approximately $14.0 million in net proceeds from the sale of common stock through public offerings, approximately $12.1 million in proceeds from the exercise of warrants and options and employee stock purchases of approximately $0.2 million, offset by net cash used to fund the Company’s regular operations, including its Phase 3 clinical trial, of approximately $11.7 million, approximately $1.6 million of equipment and leasehold improvement expenditures, approximately $0.7 million for payments of stock issuance costs and approximately $0.6 million in lease payments.

CEL-SCI reported a net loss of $24.7 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2020 versus a net loss of $17.3 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2019. CEL-SCI reported a net loss of $10.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 versus a net loss of $12.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2019.

Gamida Cell Reports Second Quarter 2020 Financial Results and Provides Company Update

On August 11, 2020 Gamida Cell Ltd. (Nasdaq: GMDA), an advanced cell therapy company committed to finding cures for blood cancers and serious blood diseases, reported financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 (Press release, Gamida Cell, AUG 11, 2020, View Source [SID1234563448]). The company also highlighted progress with omidubicel, an advanced cell therapy in Phase 3 clinical development as a potentially life-saving treatment option for patients in need of bone marrow transplant, and GDA-201, a natural killer (NK) cell immunotherapy in Phase 1 development in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

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Omidubicel, an investigational advanced cell therapy for allogeneic bone marrow transplant

During the quarter, Gamida Cell reported that its Phase 3 study of omidubicel met its primary endpoint, demonstrating a highly statistically significant reduction (p < 0.001) in time to neutrophil engraftment, a key milestone in recovery from a bone marrow transplant. Omidubicel is the first bone marrow transplant product to receive Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"The primary endpoint data for omidubicel underscore its potential to become an important treatment option for patients by providing a reliable graft source that can enable rapid neutrophil engraftment, which has been linked to other important outcomes such as fewer infections and hospitalizations," stated Julian Adams, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Gamida Cell. "We look forward to reporting secondary endpoints from the study and to initiating the biologics license application, or BLA, for omidubicel to the FDA on a rolling basis, both in the fourth quarter of this year."

Program highlights for omidubicel:

Initial data from collaboration with CIBMTR to be presented: Next month, Gamida Cell will report initial data from an observational study that includes data contemporaneous to the Phase 3 study of omidubicel. This study utilizes data from the CIBMTR registry, which consists of clinical outcomes data on more than 500,000 stem cell transplants, to analyze long‐term safety and efficacy data for patients with hematologic malignancies who underwent a bone marrow transplant with an alternative donor source following myeloablative conditioning. The criteria for inclusion of patients and the outcomes evaluated in the analyses are consistent with those in the Phase 3 study of omidubicel. These data will be highlighted in a poster presentation at the Cord Blood Connect Meeting, which is being held virtually on September 10 and September 17.
Initiated expanded access program for omidubicel: Gamida Cell reported that it has initiated an open-label, single-arm study to provide access to omidubicel for patients with high-risk hematologic malignancies who are in need of a bone marrow transplant and meet protocol criteria. This study is currently open at three sites in the U.S., and additional sites are expected to open in the coming months.
Reported positive Phase 3 data for omidubicel: In May, Gamida Cell announced that the international, randomized Phase 3 study of omidubicel achieved its primary endpoint of time to neutrophil engraftment. The study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of omidubicel in 125 patients with high-risk hematologic malignancies undergoing a bone marrow transplant compared to a comparator group of patients who received a standard umbilical cord blood transplant. In the intent-to-treat analysis, the median time to neutrophil engraftment was 12 days (95% CI: 10-15 days) for patients who were randomized to omidubicel compared to 22 days (95% CI: 19-25 days) for the comparator group (p<0.001). Omidubicel was generally well tolerated. Among patients who were transplanted per protocol, 96 percent of patients who received omidubicel achieved successful neutrophil engraftment, compared to 88 percent of patients in the comparator group.

Gamida Cell expects to present the full data set, including secondary endpoint data, at a medical meeting in the fourth quarter of 2020. The company also expects to begin submitting the biologics license application for omidubicel to the FDA on a rolling basis in the fourth quarter of 2020.
Continued to focus on activities required to successfully bring omidubicel to patients: Gamida Cell is continuing to advance key activities required to bring omidubicel to patients in a commercial setting, including building out manufacturing infrastructure, assembling an experienced commercial team with expertise in cell therapy and transplant, establishing hospital services and patient assistance programs, and exploring coverage and reimbursement models to enable access.
GDA-201, an innate NK cell immunotherapy

"We are encouraged by data from the Phase 1 study of GDA-201, which has shown a high complete response rate in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma," stated Dr. Adams. "NK cell immunotherapies offer tremendous potential for transforming the care of hematologic malignancies. We are pleased to be pioneering a novel approach that harnesses the power of our cell expansion technology, which uniquely improves antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC), cytotoxic killing and the in vivo homing potential of GDA-201 to address potential limitations of NK cells."

Program highlights for GDA-201

Continued advancing Phase 1 study of GDA-201: Earlier this year, Gamida Cell reported data from the first 25 patients in its ongoing Phase 1 study in patients with NHL and multiple myeloma, which demonstrated that GDA-201 was clinically active and generally well tolerated. Among the eleven patients with NHL, seven patients achieved a complete response and one patient achieved a partial response. Gamida Cell expects to provide updated data from the study at a medical conference in the fourth quarter of 2020.
Responded to COVID-19 pandemic: Gamida Cell has implemented additional safety measures designed to comply with applicable government guidelines, including shift work to allow for appropriate social distancing. The company now expects to submit an investigational new drug (IND) application for GDA-201 to the FDA in the first half of 2021. The company continues to be on track to initiate a multi-center, Phase 1/2 clinical study in patients with NHL next year.
Corporate Highlights

Executed a public offering: In May, Gamida Cell executed an underwritten public offering resulting in the sale of 15.3 million shares of common stock at $4.50 per share. Aggregate gross proceeds to the company were approximately $69 million before deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses.
Appointed Matthew Metivier as vice president, human resources: Today Gamida Cell announced the appointment of Matthew Metivier to the role of vice president, human resources. Mr. Metivier brings more than 20 years of human resources experience, primarily in the life sciences industry. Mr. Metivier brings over 20 years of experience in human resources. Prior to joining Gamida Cell, Mr. Metivier worked at Sage Therapeutics, Inc., most recently as the vice president of human resources, where he helped develop and lead the company’s global human resources strategy. Before joining Sage, Mr. Metivier spent almost a decade at Infinity Pharmaceuticals in multiple human resource roles. He has also held prior human resource positions at various healthcare and high-tech companies, including Idenix Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Merck & Co) and Therion Biologics Corp. Mr. Metivier holds a B.A. in Political Science and Business Studies from Providence College and an MBA from Suffolk University.
Appointed Michele Korfin as chief operating and chief commercial officer: In July, Gamida Cell appointed Michele Korfin to the role of chief operating and chief commercial officer. Ms. Korfin brings over 20 years of experience in oncology, focused on business operations and commercialization of novel therapies, including cell therapy experience as vice president of market access at Kite Pharma, where she oversaw the market access strategy, including payer relations, reimbursement and government affairs for Yescarta, the first approved CAR-T therapy in lymphoma.
Appointed David Fox to Gamida Cell’s board of directors: In July, Gamida Cell appointed David Fox to its board of directors as an independent member. Mr. Fox was most recently a partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP and served as a member of its Global Executive Management Committee.
Second Quarter 2020 Financial Results

Research and development expenses in the second quarter of 2020 were $9.3 million, compared to $7.3 million for the same period in 2019. The increase was mainly due to clinical activities relating to the advancement of GDA-201 and a decrease in grants received from the Israel Innovation Authority.
Commercial expenses in the second quarter of 2020 were $1.0 million compared to $1.1 million for the same period in 2019. The decrease was mainly attributed to non-cash compensation offset by omidubicel commercial readiness activities.
General and administrative expenses were $2.5 million for the second quarter of 2020 and for the second quarter of 2019.
Finance expense, net, was $2.2 million for the second quarter of 2020, compared to finance income, net, of $16.8 million in the same period in 2019. The increase was primarily due to noncash expenses resulting from revaluation of warrants owned by the company’s shareholders.
Net loss for the second quarter of 2020 was $15.1 million, compared to a net income of $6.0 million in the same period in 2019.
As of June 30, 2020, Gamida Cell had total cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities of $88.6 million, compared to $55.4 million as of December 31, 2019.
2020 Financial Guidance

Gamida Cell expects cash used for ongoing operating activities in 2020 to range from $60 million to $70 million.

Gamida Cell expects that its current cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities will support the company’s ongoing operating activities into the second half of 2021. This cash runway guidance is based on the Company’s current operational plans and excludes any additional funding beyond the follow-on offering that closed in May 2020 and any business development activities that may be undertaken.

Expected 2020-2021 Milestones

Gamida Cell plans to achieve the following milestones during 2020-2021:

Omidubicel

Present data from the Phase 3 study at a medical meeting in the fourth quarter of 2020
Initiate the submission of the BLA to the FDA, on a rolling basis, in the fourth quarter of 2020
Report additional data from the Phase 1/2 study in patients with severe aplastic anemia in the fourth quarter of 2020
Launch omidubicel in 2021, contingent upon FDA approval
GDA-201

Present additional data from the Phase 1 study in the fourth quarter of 2020
Submit company-sponsored IND application to the FDA in the first half of 2021
Initiate a Phase 1/2 clinical study in patients with NHL in 2021
Conference Call Information

Gamida Cell will host a conference call today, August 11, 2020, at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss these financial results and company updates. A live webcast of the conference call can be accessed in the "Investors & Media" section of Gamida Cell’s website at www.gamida-cell.com. To participate in the live call, please dial 866-930-5560 (domestic) or +1-409-216-0605 (international) and refer to conference ID number 8888903. A recording of the webcast will be available approximately two hours after the event, for approximately 30 days.

About Omidubicel

Omidubicel, the company’s lead clinical program, is an advanced cell therapy under development as a potential life-saving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell (bone marrow) transplant solution for patients with hematologic malignancies (blood cancers). Omidubicel is the first bone marrow transplant product to receive Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and has also received Orphan Drug Designation in the U.S. and EU. In both Phase 1/2 and Phase 3 clinical studies (NCT01816230 and NCT02730299), omidubicel demonstrated rapid and durable time to engraftment and was generally well tolerated. Omidubicel is also being evaluated in a Phase 1/2 clinical study in patients with severe aplastic anemia (NCT03173937). The aplastic anemia investigational new drug application is currently filed with the FDA under the brand name CordIn, which is the same investigational development candidate as omidubicel. For more information on clinical trials of omidubicel, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.

About GDA-201

Gamida Cell applied the capabilities of its NAM-based cell expansion technology to develop GDA-201, an innate natural killer (NK) cell immunotherapy for the treatment of hematologic and solid tumors in combination with standard of care antibody therapies. GDA-201 addresses key limitations of NK cells by increasing the cytotoxicity and in vivo retention and proliferation in the bone marrow and lymphoid organs of NK cells expanded in culture. GDA-201 is in Phase 1 development through an investigator-sponsored study in patients with refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma (NCT03019666).

Omidubicel and GDA-201 are investigational therapies, and their safety and efficacy have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any other health authority.

TYME Announces Outcome of Interim Futility Review for HopES Sarcoma Phase II Study

On August 11, 2020 Tyme Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: TYME), an emerging biotechnology company developing cancer metabolism-based therapies (CMBTs), reported a positive outcome of an interim futility review for the HopES Sarcoma Phase II clinical trial that is evaluating TYME’s lead cancer metabolism-based candidate, SM-88, as a potential oral treatment for patients with Ewing’s Sarcoma and other high-risk sarcomas (Press release, TYME, AUG 11, 2020, View Source [SID1234563447]).

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"It is evident that the salvage cohort will pass the futility test and meet the criteria for expansion," said Sant Chawla, M.D., founder of the Sarcoma Oncology Center, Santa Monica, CA and principal investigator for the HopES Sarcoma trial.

The interim futility review was completed in late July and, based on the analysis of the data and recommendations of Dr. Sant Chawla, the study will proceed with the current trial design as planned. The next major milestone in the HopES Sarcoma trial is expected in calendar year 2021. Sarcomas represents a great unmet medical need and significant opportunity for all stakeholders. There are more than 12,000 patients diagnosed each year without meaningful treatment options.

"We are pleased to have reached this important point in the HopES Sarcoma trial and now await the final results of the trial to determine the potential of oral SM-88 in high-risk sarcomas in an effort to improve the lives of these patients with, what we believe could be, a better safer approach," said Giuseppe Del Priore, M.D., M.P.H., Chief Medical Officer at TYME. "To date, SM-88 has demonstrated encouraging tumor responses in 15 different cancers across four separate studies with minimal serious grade 3 or higher adverse events."

The HopES Sarcoma trial is a prospective open-label Phase II trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of SM-88, with the conditioning agents methoxsalen, phenytoin and sirolimus, in two cohorts of patients. Up to 24 evaluable patients (12 per cohort) will be enrolled. The first cohort will evaluate oral SM-88 as maintenance monotherapy following standard primary or palliative treatments for Ewing’s sarcoma patients with a high risk of relapse or disease progression. The second cohort will determine the clinical benefits of SM-88 as salvage monotherapy for patients with clinically advanced sarcomas. Patient dosing began in January 2020. The Joseph Ahmed Foundation is providing funding and patient support for this investigator-initiated Phase II (HopES) trial of SM-88 in patients with previously treated metastatic sarcoma, sponsored by the Sarcoma Oncology Research Center. The primary objectives are to measure efficacy events, including overall response, stable disease and progression free survival. Secondary objectives include duration of response, overall survival, clinical benefit rate using response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST 1.1), and incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events. Learn more at TYMETRIALS.com.

About Sarcomas and Ewing’s Sarcoma

Sarcomas are rare cancers in adults but are more common in children. There are approximately 12,0001 new sarcoma cases annually in the U.S. alone. There are many "subtypes" of sarcoma, as it can arise in many tissue structures throughout the body (nerves, muscles, joints, bone, fat, blood vessels – collectively referred to as the body’s "connective tissues"). Sarcomas are most frequently found in the limbs, as this is where the majority of the body’s connective tissues are found but can also present within the sites of more "common" cancers (e.g., breast sarcoma, stomach sarcoma, lung sarcoma, ovarian sarcoma, etc.). Sarcoma cancers often grow hidden deep in the body and are often diagnosed when the tumor size limits effective treatment options.

Ewing’s sarcoma is a primary bone cancer within a group of cancers known collectively as the Ewing’s sarcoma family of tumors. Ewing’s sarcoma is a type of tumor that forms in the bone or soft tissue. It is a rare type of cancer that is often overlooked and receives minimal recognition and research funding. Although Ewing’s sarcoma is typically a pediatric cancer, (it accounts for 30% of bone cancers in children), it can also be found in adults. The most commonly affected areas include the pelvis, thigh, lower leg, upper arm, and chest wall.

About SM-88

SM-88 is an oral investigational modified proprietary tyrosine derivative that is believed to interrupt the metabolic processes of cancer cells by breaking down the cells’ key defenses and leading to cell death through oxidative stress and exposure to the body’s natural immune system. Clinical trial data have shown that SM-88 has demonstrated encouraging tumor responses across 15 different cancers, including pancreatic, lung, breast, prostate and sarcoma cancers with minimal serious grade 3 or higher adverse events. SM-88 is an investigational therapy that is not approved for any indication in any disease. Learn more.

About the Joseph Ahmed Foundation

The Joseph Ahmed Foundation (JAF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was founded in 2016 by the family of Joseph Ahmed, who lost his courageous battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma eight months after his diagnosis on September 1, 2014, at the age of 16. Through their tragic loss and grief, Joseph’s loved ones established the Joseph Ahmed Foundation which is dedicated to raising public awareness for the importance of early detection of the disease, and the urgent need of funding for research and development of innovative treatment and therapies to treat Ewing’s Sarcoma and other forms of pediatric cancer. JAF’s mission is to provide resources for research programs and support services through fundraising, philanthropic donations, corporate sponsorship and grants. JAF is comprised of passionate board members and volunteers who all share the same vision, finding a cure. The foundation can be reached at 212-867-8667. The global website is www.thejosephahmedfoundation.org

Bicycle Therapeutics Appoints Dr. Dominic Smethurst as Chief Medical Officer

On August 11, 2020 Bicycle Therapeutics plc (NASDAQ: BCYC), a biotechnology company pioneering a new and differentiated class of therapeutics based on its proprietary bicyclic peptide (Bicycle) technology, reported the appointment of Dominic Smethurst, MA, MBChB, MRCP, MFPM as Chief Medical Officer (Press release, Bicycle Therapeutics, AUG 11, 2020, View Source [SID1234563446]). Dr. Smethurst brings to Bicycle extensive expertise in developing bispecific immuno-oncology agents, as well as toxin conjugate therapeutics for cancer and other serious diseases.

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"Given his in-depth knowledge of conventional and disruptive therapeutic modalities, we believe Dominic is uniquely qualified to guide development of Bicycles as potential solutions to many of the limitations faced by small molecule and antibody-based medicines," said Kevin Lee, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Bicycle Therapeutics. "Dominic will be responsible for designing and driving execution of the clinical development plans for our pipeline candidates, all of which currently represent possible first-in-class or best-in-class therapies. Dominic adds a critical capability to our senior leadership team, and we are pleased to welcome him to Bicycle."

"Bicycles are an innovative technology that could lead to potentially game-changing new treatments for diseases where existing medicines are inadequate," said Dominic Smethurst, MA, MBChB, MRCP, MFPM, Chief Medical Officer of Bicycle Therapeutics. "Joining the company presents me with an unparalleled opportunity to advance therapeutic candidates that could potentially shift the treatment paradigm for patients suffering from a wide range of severe medical conditions. I look forward to working closely with Kevin and the rest of the Bicycle team to deliver on the promise of such a potentially impactful new modality."

Dr. Dominic Smethurst has over twenty years of experience working with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, clinical research institutions, and the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). He was most recently a medical consultant, advising biopharma companies on clinical development strategies and licensing projects. Prior to that, he served as Chief Medical Officer of Tusk Therapeutics, an immuno-oncology company acquired by Roche, where he oversaw development of antibodies targeting CD25 and CD137, among others. Previously, as Vice President Oncology and Global Therapeutic Area Lead at Icon, a global contract research organization, he executed clinical trials involving numerous novel cancer treatments, including CAR-T therapies. Prior to that, Dr. Smethurst held physician leadership roles at AstraZeneca, Amgen and Adaptimmune. Dr. Smethurst is a Member of both the Royal College of Physicians and the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine. He earned an MBChB with Distinction from Addenbrooke’s Clinical School Cambridge, as well as an MA from Christ’s College Cambridge.

Affimed Reports Second Quarter 2020 Financial Results and Operational Progress

On August 11, 2020 Affimed N.V. (Nasdaq: AFMD), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company committed to giving patients back their innate ability to fight cancer, reported financial results for the second quarter 2020 and provided an update on clinical and corporate progress (Press release, Affimed, AUG 11, 2020, View Source [SID1234563445]).

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"Affimed’s first half performance demonstrates the strength of the new management team and our ability to stay focused on executing our business strategy despite the continuing challenge of the COVID-19 environment. Always with the patient in mind, we are committed to advancing our pipeline as well as continuing to deepen our research to unlock the full potential of the innate immune system to fight cancer," said Dr. Adi Hoess, CEO of Affimed. "We have multiple Innate Cell Engager (ICE) programs in clinical development, both partnered and wholly-owned, which are the basis for providing a cadence of a continuous data output in 2020 and 2021."

Development Program Updates
AFM13 (CD30/CD16A)

Affimed has now successfully activated 54 clinical study sites in 10 countries in the on-going Phase 2 registration-directed study of AFM13 as monotherapy in relapsed or refractory patients with CD30-positive peripheral T-cell lymphoma (pTCL). The study follows a two-stage Simon design with a preplanned interim analysis after 40 patients. At the current recruitment rate the company expects the readout of the interim analysis to happen in mid-2021.
The investigator-sponsored Phase 1 study with the University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), which investigates the combination of AFM13 with allogeneic NK cells in CD30+ Lymphomas, has completed the required validation work in order to administer a stable complex of AFM13 pre-mixed with cord blood-derived allogeneic NK cells. MDACC has recently posted this study as enrolling on its website and it is expected to recruit patients as soon as the COVID-19 conditions in Texas permit.
AFM24 (EGFR/CD16A)

AFM24-101, a first-in-human Phase 1/2a clinical trial of AFM24, the EGFR/CD16A targeted innate cell engager for relapsed/ refractory patients with advanced EGFR-expressing solid tumors continues to recruit according to plan in cohort 2.
AFM24-101 is an open-label, non-randomized, multi-center, multiple ascending dose escalation/expansion study to evaluate AFM24 as monotherapy in adult patients with advanced solid malignancies known to be EGFR-positive.
No dose limiting toxicity was observed in dose cohort 1.
A preclinical poster presentation was shown at the virtual AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) II conference in June on AFM24, demonstrating that it is differentiated from all other EGFR targeting entities: (i) it appears safe – no skin toxicity or other dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) in cynomolgus monkeys, (ii) it addresses a broad patient population – AFM24 targets EGFR independent of its mutational status, and (iii) in contrast to monoclonal antibodies, AFM24 strongly activates NK cells and macrophages.
Genentech Collaboration Update

The Genentech-partnered, novel BCMA-targeted innate cell engager for the treatment of multiple myeloma has now entered a first-in-human Phase I, open-label, multicenter, global dose-escalation study designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of RO7297089. The milestone was achieved in the third quarter and triggers a payment in an undisclosed amount to Affimed, which is expected to be recognized in the Company’s third quarter 2020 financial statements.
At the June virtual AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) II conference, a preclinical poster presentation on RO7297089 showed potent cell killing in tumor cell lines employing NK cells as effector cells with minimal increase in cytokines. A 4-week safety study in cynomolgus monkeys showed a favorable safety profile with no cytokine release or adverse findings at the 15 and 50 mg/kg tested dose levels. Furthermore, time- and dose-dependent reductions in serum IgG levels and plasma cell markers were observed suggesting selective killing of BCMA positive cells by engaging CD16a positive immune cells.
Preclinical Pipeline Update

Progress continues on AFM28 and AFM32 towards late stage preclinical development.
Management Appointments
Angus Smith joined the company as Chief Financial Officer on July 13. Mr. Smith brings broad biopharmaceutical experience to the company including financial strategy and planning, capital markets, business development and operations. Mr. Smith’s appointment completes the planned additions to the management team which now includes Dr. Andreas Harstrick, Chief Medical Officer and Dr. Arndt Schottelius, Chief Scientific Officer.
Additions to the Supervisory Board
Dr. Annalisa Jenkins and Harry Welten were appointed to the Supervisory Board during the recent Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. Dr. Jenkins brings a wealth of expertise in advancing clinical programs through development and regulatory approval. Mr. Welten is an accomplished financial executive who is well suited to help drive value-creating strategies for the company. These additions to the Supervisory Board are expected to further strengthen the company’s industry know-how, experience and diversity.
Second Quarter 2020 Financial Highlights
(Figures for the second quarter ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 are unaudited.)

As of June 30, 2020, cash, cash equivalents and current financial assets totaled €92.6 million compared to €104.1 million on December 31, 2019. During the quarter, the company received net proceeds of approximately €20.8 million under its at-the-market ("ATM") program.

Based on its current operating plan and assumptions, Affimed anticipates that its cash, cash equivalents and current financial assets will support operations into the first half of 2022.

Net cash used in operating activities for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 was €15.0 million compared to €5.6 million in the second quarter of 2019. The second quarter 2019 net cash used in operating activities included a milestone payment to the company from the Genentech collaboration.

Total revenue for the second quarter of 2020 was €2.9 million compared with €4.0 million in the second quarter of 2019. Revenue in 2020 and 2019 predominantly relate to the Genentech collaboration (2020: €2.7 million, 2019: €3.7 million). Revenue from the Genentech collaboration in the second quarter 2020 was comprised of revenue recognized for collaborative research services performed during the quarter.

R&D expenses for the second quarter of 2020 were €11.7 million compared to €11.5 million in the second quarter of 2019. Expenses in 2020 relate predominantly to our AFM13 and AFM24 clinical programs as well as to our early stage development and discovery activities.

G&A expenses for the second quarter of 2020 were €2.6 million compared to €2.3 million in the second quarter of 2019. The increase is primarily related to higher Sarbanes-Oxley compliance costs, as well as an increase in legal, consulting and audit costs.

Net loss for the second quarter of 2020 was €12.2 million or €0.16 per common share. For the second quarter of 2019, the company’s net loss was €10.3 million or €0.17 per common share.

Weighted number of common shares outstanding for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 were 79.2 million.

Affimed encourages shareholders to also review its 6-K filing for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Note on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
Affimed prepares and reports consolidated financial statements and financial information in accordance with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. None of the financial statements were prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States. Affimed maintains its books and records in Euro.

Conference Call and Webcast Information
Affimed will host a conference call and webcast today, Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. EDT to discuss second quarter 2020 financial results and recent corporate developments. The conference call will be available via phone and webcast.
To access the call, please dial +1 (646) 741-3167 for U.S. callers, or +44 (0) 2071 928338 for international callers, and reference passcode 8855368 approximately 15 minutes prior to the call.
A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available in the "Webcasts" section on the "Investors" page of the Affimed website at View Source A replay of the webcast will be accessible at the same link for 30 days following the call.