Acorda Third Quarter 2021 Update: Webcast Scheduled for November 9, 2021

On November 2, 2021 Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACOR) reported that it will host a Webcast in conjunction with its third quarter 2021 update and financial results on Tuesday, November 9, at 4:30 p.m. ET (Press release, Acorda Therapeutics, NOV 2, 2021, View Source [SID1234594129]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

To participate in the Webcast, please use the following pre-registration link:

View Source
Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email with Webcast details. You will receive an email 2 hours prior to the start of the call with the link to join. The presentation will be available in the Investors section of www.acorda.com.

A replay of the audio portion will be available from 7:30 p.m. ET on November 9, 2021 until 11:59 p.m. ET on December 9, 2021. To access the replay, please dial (866) 813 9403 (domestic) or +44 204 525 0658 (international); access code 602929. The archived webcast will be available in the Investor Relations section of the Acorda website at www.acorda.com.

Surface Oncology to Present Preclinical Data for Lead Clinical Programs at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer 2021 Annual Meeting

On November 2, 2021 Surface Oncology (Nasdaq: SURF), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing next-generation immunotherapies that target the tumor microenvironment, reported that scientific posters sharing preclinical data will be presented at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) 2021 Annual Meeting, to be held virtually and at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. November 10-14, 2021 (Press release, Surface Oncology, NOV 2, 2021, View Source [SID1234594128]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

The posters include preclinical data from Surface Oncology’s two lead clinical-stage antibody therapies: SRF617 (targeting CD39) and SRF388 (targeting IL-27), both of which are in Phase 1 clinical studies. Surface scientists will be in attendance on-site in Washington D.C. to present the data. Full posters will be placed on Surface Oncology’s website following the presentations. Details are provided below; full posters will be placed on Surface Oncology’s website following the presentations.

Details of Surface’s SITC (Free SITC Whitepaper) presentations:

Presentation Type: Poster Presentation (Abstract: 247)
Title: The fully human antibody SRF617 is a potent inhibitor of ecto-enzyme CD39 in vivo
Session: Poster Hall Session
Lead Author: Stephan Matissek, Ph.D. and Ricard Masia, M.D., Ph.D.
Presentation Date and Time: November 12, 2021 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Presentation Type: Poster Presentation (Abstract: 674)
Title: IL-27 signaling drives a type 1 interferon-like gene expression program of immunoregulatory pathways associated with cancer progression
Session: Poster Hall Session
Lead Author: Devapregasan Moodley, M.D.
Presentation Date and Time: November 13, 2021 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

About SRF617:
SRF617 is a fully human antibody designed to inhibit the enzymatic activity of CD39 in the tumor microenvironment, allowing for a dual mechanism of action to promote anti-tumor immunity via reduction of immunosuppressive adenosine in addition to increasing levels of immunostimulatory ATP. A substantial body of research supports a role for CD39 in allowing cancer to evade immune responses. For example, pancreatic cancer stromal cells within the tumor micro-environment express high levels of CD39 which may inhibit anti-cancer immune responses. In preclinical studies, SRF617 has exhibited strong affinity for and inhibition of CD39, the ability to reduce adenosine and increase ATP levels and anti-tumor activity both as a single agent and in combination with multiple therapeutic agents. SRF617 has been granted Orphan Drug designation for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer by the FDA.

About SRF388:
SRF388 is a fully human anti-IL-27 antibody designed to inhibit the activity of this immunosuppressive cytokine. Surface Oncology has identified particular tumor types, including liver, kidney and lung cancer, where IL-27 appears to play an important role in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and may contribute to resistance to treatment with checkpoint inhibitors. SRF388 targets the rate-limiting p28 subunit of IL-27, and preclinical studies have shown that treatment with SRF388 blocks the immuno-suppressive biologic effects of IL-27, resulting in immune cell activation in combination with other cancer therapies including anti-PD-1 therapy, as well as potent anti-tumor effects as a monotherapy. Furthermore, Surface Oncology has identified a potential biomarker associated with IL-27 that may be useful in helping to identify patients most likely to respond to SRF388. In November 2020, Surface announced that SRF388 was granted Orphan Drug designation and Fast Track designation for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma from the FDA.

Incyte Reports 2021 Third Quarter Financial Results and Provides Updates on Key Clinical Programs

On November 2, 2021 Incyte (Nasdaq:INCY) reported 2021 third quarter financial results and provides a status update on the Company’s development portfolio (Press release, Incyte, NOV 2, 2021, View Source [SID1234594127]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"Incyte has transformed as a Company over the last two years, as we deliver on our goal of diversifying and growing our revenue," said Hervé Hoppenot, Chief Executive Officer, Incyte. "Multiple product approvals and global launches have significantly expanded our portfolio; our robust development pipeline continues to mature and progress; and we expect several additional regulatory submissions to occur over the coming months. Our strong third quarter performance is the result of an increasingly diversified portfolio, driven by double-digit growth in patient demand for Jakafi (ruxolitinib), continued uptake of both Pemazyre (pemigatinib) and Monjuvi/Minjuvi (tafasitamab) as well as a significant and rapidly-growing royalty revenue stream."

Portfolio Update

MPNs and GVHD – key highlights

Jakafi approval in chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD): In September, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval of Jakafi for the treatment of chronic GVHD after failure of one or two lines of systemic therapy in adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older. There are approximately 14,000 people in the U.S. living with chronic GVHD, with more than half requiring therapy beyond systemic corticosteroids.

Collaboration with Syndax Pharmaceuticals: In September, Incyte and Syndax Pharmaceuticals announced an exclusive worldwide collaboration and license agreement to develop and commercialize axatilimab, Syndax’s anti-CSF-1R monoclonal antibody, in chronic GVHD and other fibrotic diseases, pending regulatory clearance. The global pivotal Phase 2 AGAVE-201 trial of axatilimab monotherapy in patients with chronic GVHD in the third line setting is ongoing. Additional trials of axatilimab are planned, including a Phase 2 trial in combination with a JAK inhibitor in patients with steroid-refractory chronic GVHD.

LIMBER (Leadership In MPNs BEyond Ruxolitinib) program: Once-daily (QD) ruxolitinib is in stability testing and is on track for a new drug application (NDA) submission early next year. Multiple JAK-based combination studies are either ongoing or planned.

Indication and status

QD ruxolitinib
(JAK1/JAK2)

Myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera and GVHD: clinical pharmacology studies

ruxolitinib + parsaclisib
(JAK1/JAK2 + PI3Kδ)

Myelofibrosis: Phase 3 (first-line therapy) (LIMBER‑313)
Myelofibrosis: Phase 3 (suboptimal responders to ruxolitinib) (LIMBER‑304)

ruxolitinib + INCB57643
(JAK1/JAK2 + BET)

Myelofibrosis: Phase 2 in preparation

ruxolitinib + INCB00928
(JAK1/JAK2 + ALK2)

Myelofibrosis: Phase 2 in preparation

ruxolitinib + CK08041
(JAK1/JAK2 + CB-Tregs)

Myelofibrosis: PoC in preparation

itacitinib (JAK1)

Treatment-naïve chronic GVHD: Phase 3 (GRAVITAS‑309)

axatilimab (anti-CSF-1R)2

Chronic GVHD (third-line therapy): Phase 2 (AGAVE-201)

1 Development collaboration with Cellenkos, Inc.
2 Clinical development of axatilimab in GVHD conducted in collaboration with Syndax Pharmaceuticals.

Other Hematology/Oncology – key highlights

Minjuvi approval in relapsed or refractory DLBCL: In August, Incyte and MorphoSys announced that the European Commission granted conditional marketing authorization for Minjuvi in combination with lenalidomide, followed by Minjuvi monotherapy, for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who are not eligible for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). In Europe, each year approximately 16,000 patients are diagnosed with relapsed or refractory DLBCL, of which the majority would be eligible for Minjuvi.

Parsaclisib in non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs): In November, we announced that the FDA accepted a NDA seeking approval of parsaclisib for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma. The submission is based on data from several Phase 2 studies (CITADEL-203, -204 and -205) evaluating parsaclisib as a treatment for relapsed or refractory NHLs (follicular, marginal zone and mantle cell). Priority Review was granted by the FDA for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory MZL who have received at least one prior anti-CD20-based regimen and for the treatment of adult patients with MCL who have received at least one prior therapy; the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date for these indications is April 30, 2022. The NDA for use of parsaclisib in adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) who have received at least two prior systemic therapies will have a Standard Review and a PDUFA target action date of August 30, 2022.

Parsaclisib in hemolytic anemia: A Phase 3 trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of parsaclisib in adults with warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia is planned.

Retifanlimab: In October, Incyte withdrew the marketing authorization application (MAA) seeking approval of retifanlimab in squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCAC) in Europe. The withdrawal was based on the provisional view of the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) that the available data to date, provided in the MAA, were not sufficient to permit an approval for the proposed indication.

Indication and status1

pemigatinib
(FGFR1/2/3)

CCA: Phase 3 (FIGHT‑302)
Myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms (MLN): Phase 2 (FIGHT‑203)
Tumor agnostic: Phase 2 (FIGHT-207)
Glioblastoma: Phase 2 in preparation
NSCLC: Phase 2 in preparation

tafasitamab
(CD19)2

Relapsed or refractory DLBCL: Phase 2 (L-MIND); Phase 3 (B-MIND)
First-line DLBCL: Phase 1b (firstMIND); Phase 3 (frontMIND)
Relapsed or refractory FL and Relapsed or refractory MZL: Phase 3 (inMIND)
Relapsed or refractory CLL: Phase 2 (coreMIND) in preparation
Relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies: PoC (topMIND) with parsaclisib (PI3Kδ)
Relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies: PoC with lenalidomide and plamotamab in preparation3

parsaclisib
(PI3Kδ)

Relapsed or refractory FL: Phase 2 (CITADEL‑203)
Relapsed or refractory MZL: Phase 2 (CITADEL‑204)
Relapsed or refractory MCL: Phase 2 (CITADEL‑205)
Relapsed or refractory FL and Relapsed or refractory MZL: Phase 3 (CITADEL‑302)
in preparation
First-line MCL: Phase 3 (CITADEL‑310) in preparation
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia: Phase 2; Phase 3 in preparation

retifanlimab
(PD‑1)4

SCAC: Phase 2 (POD1UM‑202); Phase 3 (POD1UM‑303)
MSI-high endometrial cancer: Phase 2 (POD1UM‑101, POD1UM‑204)
Merkel cell carcinoma: Phase 2 (POD1UM‑201)
NSCLC: Phase 3 (POD1UM‑304)

1 CCA = cholangiocarcinoma; DLBCL = diffuse large B-cell lymphoma; SCAC = squamous cell anal carcinoma; FL = follicular lymphoma; MZL = marginal zone lymphoma; MCL = mantle cell lymphoma; CLL = chronic lymphocytic leukemia
2 Development of tafasitamab in collaboration with MorphoSys.
3 Clinical collaboration with MorphoSys and Xencor, Inc. to investigate the combination of tafasitamab plus lenalidomide in combination with Xencor’s CD20xCD3 XmAb bispecific antibody, plamotamab.
4 Retifanlimab licensed from MacroGenics.

Inflammation and Autoimmunity (IAI) – key highlights

Dermatology

Opzelura (ruxolitinib) cream approval in atopic dermatitis (AD): In September, Incyte announced that the FDA approved Opzelura, a novel cream formulation of Incyte’s selective JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor ruxolitinib, for the topical short-term and non-continuous chronic treatment of mild to moderate AD in non-immunocompromised patients 12 years of age and older whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies, or when those therapies are not advisable.

Ruxolitinib cream in vitiligo: In October, full 24-week safety and efficacy data from the two Phase 3 TRuE-V studies evaluating ruxolitinib cream in vitiligo were presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) 30th Congress. In October, Incyte announced the validation of the European Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for ruxolitinib cream as a potential treatment for adolescents and adults (age >12 years) with non-segmental vitiligo with facial involvement. A supplementary NDA is in progress.

INCB54707: In October, Incyte initiated a Phase 2 trial evaluating adults with prurigo nodularis. Phase 2 trials in vitiligo and in hidradenitis suppurativa are ongoing.

Other IAI

INCB00928 in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP): A Phase 2 trial evaluating adults with FOP is in preparation. The FDA has granted Fast Track designation and orphan drug designation to INCB00928 as a treatment for patients with FOP.

Indication and status

ruxolitinib cream1
(JAK1/JAK2)

Atopic dermatitis: Phase 3 pediatric study (TRuE-AD3)
Vitiligo: Phase 3 (TRuE-V1, TRuE-V2, primary endpoint met in both studies); sNDA
and MAA in progress

INCB54707 (JAK1)

Hidradenitis suppurativa: Phase 2b
Vitiligo: Phase 2
Prurigo nodularis: Phase 2

INCB00928 (ALK2)

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva: Phase 2 in preparation

1 Novartis’ rights for ruxolitinib outside of the United States under our Collaboration and License Agreement with Novartis do not include topical administration.

Discovery and early development – key highlights

Incyte’s portfolio of other earlier-stage clinical candidates is summarized below.

Modality

Candidates

Small molecules

INCB81776 (AXL/MER), epacadostat (IDO1), INCB86550 (PD-L1), INCB99280 (PD-
L1), INCB99318 (PD-L1), INCB106385 (A2A/A2B)

Monoclonal antibodies1

INCAGN1876 (GITR), INCAGN2385 (LAG‑3), INCAGN1949 (OX40), INCAGN2390
(TIM‑3), INCA00186 (CD73)

Bispecific antibodies

MCLA‑145 (PD-L1xCD137)2

1 Discovery collaboration with Agenus.
2 MCLA‑145 development in collaboration with Merus.

Partnered – key highlights

Baricitinib in alopecia areata: In September, Incyte and Lilly announced detailed results from BRAVE-AA1 and BRAVE-AA2 at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress (EADV). The two studies showed statistically significant improvement in scalp hair regrowth across both baricitinib dosing groups when compared to placebo.

Indication and status

baricitinib (JAK1/JAK2)1

Atopic dermatitis: Phase 3 (BREEZE-AD); approved in EU and Japan; sNDA under
review
Severe alopecia areata: Phase 3 (BRAVE-AA1, BRAVE-AA2)
Systemic lupus erythematosus: Phase 3 (BRAVE I, BRAVE II)

capmatinib (MET)2

NSCLC (with MET exon 14 skipping mutations): Approved as Tabrecta in U.S. and
Japan

1 Worldwide rights to baricitinib licensed to Lilly: approved as Olumiant in multiple territories globally for certain patients with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis; approved as Olumiant in EU and Japan for certain patients with atopic dermatitis.
2 Worldwide rights to capmatinib licensed to Novartis.

2021 Third Quarter Financial Results

The financial measures presented in this press release for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 have been prepared by the Company in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), unless otherwise identified as a Non-GAAP financial measure. Management believes that Non-GAAP information is useful for investors, when considered in conjunction with Incyte’s GAAP disclosures. Management uses such information internally and externally for establishing budgets, operating goals and financial planning purposes. These metrics are also used to manage the Company’s business and monitor performance. The Company adjusts, where appropriate, for expenses in order to reflect the Company’s core operations. The Company believes these adjustments are useful to investors by providing an enhanced understanding of the financial performance of the Company’s core operations. The metrics have been adopted to align the Company with disclosures provided by industry peers.

Non-GAAP information is not prepared under a comprehensive set of accounting rules and should only be used in conjunction with and to supplement Incyte’s operating results as reported under GAAP. Non-GAAP measures may be defined and calculated differently by other companies in our industry.

FibroGen to Present at Upcoming Investor Conferences

On November 2, 2021 FibroGen, Inc. (NASDAQ: FGEN) reported that Enrique Conterno, Chief Executive Officer, will participate in a fireside chat at the following healthcare conferences (Press release, FibroGen, NOV 2, 2021, View Source [SID1234594126]):

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

Stifel 2021 Virtual Healthcare Conference on Tuesday, November 16 at 4:40 PM EST.
12th Annual Jefferies London Healthcare Conference on Thursday, November 18 at 3:00 AM EST.
An audio webcast will be available on the "Events & Presentations" section of the FibroGen Investor webpage at www.fibrogen.com. A replay will be available for approximately 30 days.

Pieris Pharmaceuticals Reports Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update

On November 2, 2021 Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: PIRS), a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing novel biotherapeutics through its proprietary Anticalin technology platform for respiratory diseases, cancer, and other indications, reported financial results for the third quarter of 2021 ended September 30, 2021 and provided an update on the Company’s recent and anticipated future developments (Press release, Pieris Pharmaceuticals, NOV 2, 2021, View Source [SID1234594125]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"I am pleased to report that AstraZeneca has completed dosing in part 1a of the phase 2a study of PRS-060/AZD1402. We look forward to announcing the completion of the safety review by AstraZeneca before initiating the second part of that study and presenting topline data informing our co-development opt-in decision next year. Also within our respiratory franchise, we are progressing PRS-220 toward the clinic next year, and we recently presented preclinical data for that program, reinforcing our enthusiasm about it. Additionally, we have made important strides in getting the next phase of clinical trials for our immuno-oncology programs cinrebafusp alfa and PRS-344 activated, and we are excited to see those trials progress," said Stephen S. Yoder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pieris. "We have a solid balance sheet of over $125 million as we continue to advance a diverse and rich pipeline of fully proprietary and co-developed assets into and through the clinic this year and anticipate several key inflection points in 2022."

PRS-060/AZD1402 and AstraZeneca Collaboration: Dosing has been completed in part 1a (safety) of the global phase 2a study of PRS-060/AZD1402, an inhaled IL-4 receptor alpha inhibitor under development in collaboration with AstraZeneca for the treatment of moderate-to-severe asthma. Data unblinding and review will now follow, the outcome of which the Company will publicly disclose, gating progression to the second part of the study, where efficacy will be assessed in moderate, uncontrolled asthmatics. Pieris and AstraZeneca expect to announce topline data from the entire phase 2a study next year.Upon completion of the study, which is being sponsored and funded by AstraZeneca, Pieris will have the options to co-develop and, separately, co-commercialize PRS-060/AZD1402 in the United States. Pieris and AstraZeneca continue to advance each of the four programs in the collaboration beyond PRS-060/AZD1402.
Cinrebafusp Alfa (PRS-343): Pieris plans to dose the first patient in a two-arm phase 2 study for cinrebafusp alfa, a 4-1BB/HER2 bispecific for the treatment of HER2-expressing solid tumors, in gastric cancer this quarter and reconfirms its plan to report initial data from the arm evaluating cinrebafusp alfa in combination with tucatinib in HER2-low gastric cancer next year. The Company has decided to focus enrollment on second line patients and now expects to report data from the arm evaluating cinrebafusp alfa in combination with ramucirumab and paclitaxel in HER2-high gastric cancer in 2023.
PRS-344/S095012 and Servier Collaboration: Regulatory approval for the phase 1/2 study of PRS-344/S095012, a 4-1BB/PD-L1 bispecific, has been granted by multiple countries. Pieris holds exclusive commercialization rights for PRS-344/S095012 in the United States and will receive royalties on ex-U.S. sales for this program, should it receive regulatory approval. Additionally, Servier is continuing development of PRS-352, an undisclosed Anticalin-based bispecific beyond 4-1BB.
PRS-220: Pieris presented initial preclinical data for PRS-220, a proprietary inhaled Anticalin protein targeting connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), at the European Respiratory Society International Congress 2021 (ERS) demonstrating a more potent and durable target engagement profile compared to a clinical-stage, systemically delivered anti-CTGF antibody benchmark. Additionally, the targeting of CTGF locally in the lung showed increased attenuation of fibrotic lung remodeling in vivo compared to the systemically delivered antibody. This outcome correlates with superior lung tissue exposure of PRS-220 compared to that of the systemically administered antibody in head-to-head studies, where intratracheally administered PRS-220 efficiently penetrates the fibrotic, interstitial lung tissue of mice. Clinical development for the program in IPF and post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis, as supported by a grant from the Bavarian government, is expected to begin next year.
Seagen Collaboration: Pieris has initiated the second program within the bispecific immuno-oncology collaboration with Seagen, a program that includes a co-promotion option for Pieris in the United States. Additionally, Seagen is continuing development of the first program, an undisclosed Anticalin-based bispecific.
Genentech Collaboration: Pieris and Genentech initiated joint discovery activities for the two committed programs, one in respiratory and one in ophthalmology, as part of their research collaboration and license agreement to discover, develop, and commercialize locally delivered therapies that leverage Pieris’ proprietary Anticalin technology.
Executive Leadership: Pieris announced the promotion of Thomas Bures to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Bures oversees all financial matters at the company, including treasury, tax, financial planning, procurement and investor relations. Pieris additionally announced the promotion of Ahmed Mousa to Senior Vice President and Chief Business Officer. In his new role, Mr. Mousa heads business development and portfolio strategy, in addition to serving as General Counsel and Boston site head.
First Quarter Financial Update:

Cash Position – Cash and cash equivalents totaled $125.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, compared to a cash and cash equivalents balance of $70.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase since December 2020 is due to cash received from new and existing collaboration agreements, including milestone achievements and use of the Company’s ATM program. This increase was partially offset by cash used to fund operations for the first nine months of 2021. The September 30th cash position does not include the impact of the Bavarian government grant, as those proceeds will be reimbursed for qualifying program costs incurred over the PRS-220 development period. In the third quarter ended September 30, 2021, the Company raised more than $23 million in cash through the use of the ATM program.

R&D Expense – R&D expenses were $18.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, compared to $11.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. The increase reflects higher spending on preclinical and manufacturing activities for PRS-220, an increase in manufacturing costs across multiple immuno-oncology programs, higher clinical costs on cinrebafusp alfa and higher employee related costs. These increases were partially offset by lower manufacturing costs on PRS-060, which are fully reimbursable.

G&A Expense – G&A expenses were $4.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, compared to $4.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. There were no significant changes in categories of spending as G&A departments continue to efficiently leverage spending to support the Company’s overall needs.

Other Income – For the quarter ended September 30, 2021, $1.8 million of other income was recorded for PRS-220 program costs that qualified for reimbursement under the Bavarian grant that was announced in June 2021.

Net Loss – Net loss was $16.5 million or $(0.24) per share for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, compared to a net loss of $14.3 million or $(0.26) per share for the quarter ended September 30, 2020.

Conference Call:

Pieris management will host a conference call beginning at 8:00 AM EDT on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, to discuss finance results for the third quarter of 2021 and provide a corporate update. Individuals can join the call by dialing +1-877-407-8920 (US & Canada) or +1-412-902-1010 (International). Alternatively, a listen-only audio webcast of the call can be accessed here.

For those unable to participate in the conference call or listen to the webcast, a replay will be available on the Investors section of the Company’s website, www.pieris.com.