Century Therapeutics and Bristol Myers Squibb Enter into a Strategic Collaboration to Develop iPSC-derived Allogeneic Cell Therapies

On January 10, 2022 Century Therapeutics (NASDAQ: IPSC) and Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) reported a research collaboration and license agreement (the "agreement") to develop and commercialize up to four induced pluripotent stem cell ("iPSC") derived, engineered natural killer cell ("iNK") and / or T cell ("iT") programs for hematologic malignancies and solid tumors (Press release, Century Therapeutics, JAN 10, 2022, View Source [SID1234598474]). The first two programs include a program in acute myeloid leukemia and a program in multiple myeloma, which could incorporate either the iNK or a gamma delta iT platform. Bristol Myers Squibb has the option to add two additional programs which can be nominated subject to certain conditions agreed with Century in the agreement.

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This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: View Source

"We are pleased to partner with Bristol Myers Squibb, a global leader in oncology and hematology, to further expand our pipeline of iPSC-derived cell therapy products for challenging hematological and solid tumor malignancies," said Lalo Flores, Chief Executive Officer, Century Therapeutics. "Bristol Myers Squibb is an ideal partner for us because they bring extensive clinical development and scientific expertise in cell therapy that will increase the probability of technical success of these programs. Additionally, this collaboration will enable deployment of our next-generation iPSC platform to develop products targeting malignancies that are difficult for biotech companies to tackle on their own."

"The collaboration with Century Therapeutics is an important part of our investment strategy in next-generation cell therapies for hematologic and solid tumors," said Rupert Vessey, M.A., B.M., B.Ch., F.R.C.P., D.Phil., Executive Vice President & President, Research & Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb. "Century’s iPSC-based gamma delta T and NK cell platforms show promise and are complementary to Bristol Myers Squibb’s existing cell therapy technologies. We look forward to exploring the full potential of the iPSC approach to develop potentially best-in-class allogeneic cell therapies to help patients with hematologic and solid tumor malignancies."

Terms of the Collaboration

Century will be responsible for development candidate discovery and preclinical development activities. Thereafter, Bristol Myers Squibb will be responsible for clinical development and commercialization activities subject to Century’s co-promotion rights on certain programs. Under the terms of the agreement, Century will receive a $100 million upfront payment and Bristol Myers Squibb will make a $50 million equity investment in Century Therapeutics’ common stock at a price of $23.14 per share. In addition, Century will receive reimbursement of certain preclinical development costs for development candidates licensed by Bristol Myers Squibb, and is eligible for additional payments for future program initiations and development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments totaling more than $3 billion across the four potential programs.

Century will also receive tiered royalties as a percentage of global net sales in the high-single to low-double digits. In addition, under the agreement, Century may elect to co-promote the AML program and one of the additional programs in the United States for no exercise fee which will also trigger enhanced U.S. royalties.

As part of this transaction, Century has amended its agreements with FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics for Japanese development and commercialization rights for the products under the Bristol Myers Squibb collaboration.

Bristol Myers Squibb: Creating a Better Future for People with Cancer

Bristol Myers Squibb is inspired by a single vision—transforming patients’ lives through science. The goal of the company’s cancer research is to deliver medicines that offer each patient a better, healthier life and to make cure a possibility. Building on a legacy across a broad range of cancers that have changed survival expectations for many, Bristol Myers Squibb researchers are exploring new frontiers in personalized medicine, and through innovative digital platforms, are turning data into insights that sharpen their focus. Deep scientific expertise, cutting-edge capabilities and discovery platforms enable the company to look at cancer from every angle. Cancer can have a relentless grasp on many parts of a patient’s life, and Bristol Myers Squibb is committed to taking actions to address all aspects of care, from diagnosis to survivorship. Because as a leader in cancer care, Bristol Myers Squibb is working to empower all people with cancer to have a better future.

Learn more about the science behind cell therapy and ongoing research at Bristol Myers Squibb here.

Investor Presentation, dated January 2022

On January 10, 2022 Oncorus, Inc. (the "Company") Presented the Corporate Presentation (Presentation, Oncorus, JAN 10, 2022, View Source [SID1234598473]).

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HALOZYME PROVIDES 2022 FINANCIAL GUIDANCE AND OUTLOOK

On January 10, 2022 Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HALO) reported 2022 financial guidance and commented on its outlook for the upcoming year (Press release, Halozyme, JAN 10, 2022, View Source [SID1234598472]).

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"Halozyme had another strong year of financial performance in 2021 with record revenues and profitability driven by strong growth of our wave 2 partner products including the subcutaneous forms of DARZALEX and Phesgo," said Dr. Helen Torley, president and chief executive officer. "Also in 2021, we made substantial progress expanding the future opportunity set for our ENHANZE technology. We signed an exciting new collaboration agreement with ViiV Healthcare to advance the use of our technology in infectious disease and small molecule applications. In 2022, we project at least four new products utilizing ENHANZE will enter Phase 1 development, resulting in at least twenty partner programs in our pipeline. We look forward to strong continued total and royalty revenue growth, advancement of at least five ENHANZE partner programs into Phase 2 and 3 development, and potential new ENHANZE collaborations and new target nominations. We are also making strategic investments to further drive revenue growth and extend revenue durability. These include investments to expand robust API supply of high yield ENHANZE and development of a new rHuPH20, with extended room temperature stability, and with patent protection to 2032 in Europe and 2034 in the US."

Anticipated 2022 Key Events:

Projected growth of approximately 50% in the Company’s high-margin, recurring revenue stream from royalties to approximately $300 million driven by continued uptake of wave 2 launch products, subcutaneous DARZALEX (daratumumab) and Phesgo (pertuzumab, trastuzumab and hyaluronidase) utilizing ENHANZE technology;
At least five new Phase 2/3 starts for existing ENHANZE programs;
At least four new products utilizing ENHANZE entering Phase 1 development by the Company’s collaboration partners resulting in at least 20 products in development by end of 2022, compared to 16 at the end of 2021;
Data from ENHANZE collaboration partner argenx SE for Phase 3 study of efgartigimod SC utilizing ENHANZE technology in myasthenia gravis expected in the first half of 2022;
Investments to further drive revenue growth and extend revenue durability, including:
New, higher yield ENHANZE API;
New rHuPH20, with extended room temperature stability, and with patent protection to 2032 in Europe and 2034 in the US;
At least one new global collaboration and license agreement for ENHANZE, which is included in Company revenue guidance;
Up to $250 million in share repurchases, inclusive of $150 million accelerated share repurchase announced in December 2021, as part of the $750 million three-year share repurchase plan authorized by Halozyme’s board of directors in December 2021 demonstrating the Company’s continued commitment to a balanced capital allocation strategy.
2022 Financial Guidance:

Revenue

For 2022, Halozyme expects total revenue of $530 million to $560 million, representing growth of 23-26% over 2021 expected total revenue. The Company expects revenue from royalties to increase approximately 50% over expected revenue from royalties in 2021, to approximately $300 million. Product sales related to API and revenue under collaborative agreements are expected to be overall similar to 2021.

Operating Income

For 2022, Halozyme expects GAAP operating income of $350 million to $380 million, representing growth of 32-36% over 2021 expected GAAP operating income, resulting in operating margins greater than 65%. This strong growth is anticipated despite higher projected operating expenses excluding cost of product sales resulting from the Company investing in new initiatives to drive revenue growth and extend revenue durability.

Net Income and Earnings per Share

The Company notes that 2022 will be the first full fiscal year in which Halozyme will record income tax expense as part of its income statement, reflecting Halozyme’s strong profitability.

Net Income

For 2022, Halozyme expects GAAP net income of $270 million to $295 million and Non-GAAP net income of $290 million to $315 million.1

Earnings per Share

For 2022, Halozyme expects GAAP diluted earnings per share of $1.90 to $2.05. In 2021 the Company recorded a one-time, non-cash income tax benefit of $142 million or $0.97 per share, related to the reversal of its tax valuation allowance in the third quarter.

Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share are expected to be $2.05 to $2.20.1 The company notes that 2022 will be the first full fiscal year in which the company will record income tax expense, projected to be $0.55-$0.60 per share.

The Company’s earnings per share guidance does not consider the impact of potential future share repurchases.

Table 1. 2022 Financial Guidance

Guidance Range

Net Revenue

$530 to $560 million

GAAP Operating Income

$350 to $380 million

GAAP Net Income

$270 to $295 million

Non-GAAP Net Income

$290 to $315 million1

GAAP Diluted EPS

$1.90 to $2.05

Non-GAAP Diluted EPS

$2.05 to $2.201

Footnotes:
1. Reconciliations between GAAP reported and non-GAAP financial information and adjusted guidance measures are provided at the end.

Akoya Announces Preliminary Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021

On January 10, 2022 Akoya Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKYA) ("Akoya"), The Spatial Biology Company, reported preliminary unaudited revenue for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2021 (Press release, Akoya Biosciences, JAN 10, 2022, View Source [SID1234598471]).

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Akoya reported the following preliminary financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2021, which remain subject to quarter end closing adjustments:

Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2021 is expected to be between $16.0 million and $16.2 million, as compared to $12.9 million for the corresponding quarter of last year
For the fiscal year of 2021, revenue is expected to be between $54.8 million and $55.0 million, as compared to $42.4 million for fiscal year 2020
"The fourth quarter of 2021 was a record revenue quarter for Akoya and it demonstrates continued momentum in our business," said Brian McKelligon, Chief Executive Officer. "We made significant progress in 2021 on a number of major initiatives, including our IPO in April, approximately 30% growth in revenues, nearly doubling the company’s headcount with specific emphasis on the commercial and R&D organizations, and announcement of our new 2022 product offerings at our inaugural Spatial Day on December 15, 2021. We enter 2022 with tremendous confidence in our strategy as we drive adoption of our spatial biology platforms to our research, translational and clinical customers."

A link to a webcast replay of Akoya’s inaugural Spatial Day, which took place virtually on December 15, 2021, can be found below:

Akoya Spatial Day 2021 | Akoya (akoyabio.com)

The financial results in this press release reflect expectations based on currently available information. The company has yet to complete its quarter end closing and actual results are therefore subject to change.

Use of forward-looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management. All statements contained in this release other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our fourth quarter 2021 revenue outlook.

In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the words "may," "will," "could," "would," "should," "expect," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "project," "potential," "continue," "ongoing" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors are described under the captions "Risk Factors," and "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and elsewhere in the documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. We caution you that forward-looking statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known by us and our projections of the future, about which we cannot be certain. As a result, the forward-looking statements may not prove to be accurate. The forward-looking statements in this press release represent our views as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements for any reason, except as required by law.

Ultragenyx Reports Preliminary 2021 Revenue and 2022 Revenue Guidance for Crysvita® in Ultragenyx Territories* And Dojolvi® Globally; Provides Pipeline Updates and 2022 Milestones

On December 10, 2022 Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ: RARE), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel products for serious rare and ultra-rare genetic diseases, reported preliminary unaudited 2021 Crysvita revenue in Ultragenyx territories and Dojolvi global revenue, cash and investments at year end 2021, and provided 2022 revenue guidance for Crysvita in Ultragenyx territories and Dojolvi globally (Press release, Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, JAN 10, 2022, View Source [SID1234598470]).

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"We are seeing strong growth for Crysvita multiple years out from launch and expect similar progress for Dojolvi heading into year two," said Emil D. Kakkis, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and President of Ultragenyx. "2022 will be a year of execution and momentum for us, both on the commercial side as we gear up for the launch of Evkeeza in Europe and other key ex-US geographies, and on the clinical side as we progress our large and late-stage pipeline that includes four pivotal programs."

Ultragenyx will present at the 40ᵗʰ annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on Monday, January 10, 2022 at 3:45 p.m. ET. The live and archived webcast of the presentation will be accessible from the company’s website at View Source

Financial Update

Crysvita: 2021 Preliminary Revenue (unaudited) and 2022 Guidance

Crysvita revenue in Ultragenyx territories* for the year ended December 31, 2021 is approximately $191 million to $193 million. This is above the guidance range of $180 million to $190 million that was provided at the beginning of 2021, notwithstanding disruptions and effects from the COVID-19 pandemic. For 2022, Crysvita revenue in the Ultragenyx territories is estimated to be between $250 million and $260 million, representing growth of 33% year-over-year at the mid-point of our guidance.

Dojolvi: 2021 Preliminary Revenue (unaudited) and 2022 Guidance

Dojolvi revenue for the year ended December 31, 2021 is approximately $38 million to $40 million. For 2022, Dojolvi revenue is estimated to be between $55 million and $65 million, representing growth of 60% year-over-year at the mid-point of our guidance in the second year of launch.

2021 Ending Cash Position (unaudited)

Cash, cash equivalents, and available-for-sale investments were approximately $1.0 billion as of December 31, 2021.

The 2021 revenue and cash position included in this release are preliminary and prior to the completion of review and audit procedures by Ultragenyx’s external auditors and are therefore subject to adjustment. The preliminary revenue results are based on management’s initial analysis of operations for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2021. The Company expects to issue full financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2021 in February 2022.

Recent Updates and 2022 Milestones

Evkeeza for Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (HoFH): Submission of reimbursement dossiers expected in European countries in 2022

Ultragenyx and Regeneron announced a license and collaboration agreement for Ultragenyx to commercialize and distribute Evkeeza (evinacumab) in countries outside of the U.S. This includes the European Economic Area where Evkeeza was approved in June 2021 as a first-in-class monoclonal antibody targeting ANGPTL3 for use together with diet and other low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering therapies to treat adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older with HoFH.

Ultragenyx plans to submit reimbursement dossiers with national health authorities in Europe in 2022.

GTX-102 for Angelman Syndrome: Phase 1/2 study is titrating patients in Canada and the U.K. with data anticipated mid-year 2022

The first four patients in the Phase 1/2 study have received multiple doses of GTX-102 and regular assessments for safety. To date three have also received a preliminary assessment of clinical response. There have been no treatment-related serious adverse events of any type nor adverse events related to lower extremity weakness observed in these patients, and initial assessments have shown early signs of clinical activity.

The data safety monitoring board (DSMB) met to discuss the assessments for the first two patients in Cohort 4 (ages 4 to <8 years) and recommended that dose escalation may proceed as planned and the study may enroll the remaining four patients in this cohort. Since then, both patients in Cohort 4 met the criteria to increase their doses and have each escalated to the 5 mg dose, and Cohort 4 has been expanded and an additional patient has received their first dose. The DSMB for Cohort 5 (ages 8 to <18 years) is expected to meet soon and confirm whether enrollment for the remaining four patients in that group may commence. Data on full Cohorts 4 and 5 in the Canada/U.K. arm of the study is anticipated in mid 2022 after completing Day 128 of the protocol.

UX143 (setrusumab) for Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI): Pivotal Phase 2/3 Orbit study expected to initiate in first half of 2022; Phase 2 study in children under age 5 planned for second half of 2022

Ultragenyx expects to initiate the seamless Phase 2/3 Orbit study of UX143 in pediatric and adult patients ages 5 to <26 in the first half of 2022. A dosing update in the Phase 2 portion and transition to Phase 3 is expected in the second half of 2022. In addition, Ultragenyx intends to initiate a Phase 2 study in children under age 5 with OI in the second half of 2022.

DTX401 for Glycogen Storage Disease Type Ia (GSDIa): Positive longer-term data from Phase 1/2 study presented at ICIEM; Phase 3 GlucoGene study initiated and screening patients

Data presented at the 14th International Congress of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (ICIEM) in November demonstrate that across all 12 patients in the Phase 1/2 study the mean reduction in daily cornstarch intake was 69.9% (p < 0.0001), ranging from 19-100% when comparing baseline to the most recent visit. The 12 patients in the study continued to demonstrate improved glucose control while tapering or discontinuing oral glucose replacement therapy with cornstarch up to 3 years after receiving DTX401.

The Phase 3 GlucoGene study of DTX401 in patients with GSDIa is currently screening patients with the first patient randomized and expected to receive a first dose later this month. The planned 48-week study will enroll approximately 50 patients, randomized 1:1 to DTX401 or placebo. The primary endpoint focuses on glycemic control by assessing the reduction in cornstarch requirements while maintaining or improving glucose control. Secondary endpoints include time to hypoglycemia during a controlled fasting challenge and change from baseline in the Glycogen Storage Disease Functional Assessment Diary (GSD FAD) Signs and Symptoms Scale.

DTX301 for Ornithine Transcarbamylase (OTC) Deficiency: Durable metabolic control and sustained responses in Phase 1/2 study presented at ICIEM; Phase 3 Enh3ance study expected to initiate in first half of 2022

Data presented at ICIEM in November show that the six patients who previously demonstrated a response remain clinically and metabolically stable. The longest treated responders have demonstrated a durable response up to 4 years after dosing and up to 3.5 years after discontinuing ammonia-scavenger medications and liberalizing protein-restricted diets.

Ultragenyx expects to initiate the Phase 3 Enh3ance study of DTX301 in patients with OTC in the first half of 2022. The 64-week study will include approximately 50 patients, randomized 1:1 to DTX301 or placebo. The primary endpoints are response as measured by change in baseline disease management and change in 24-hour ammonia levels, supported by change in the rate of ureagenesis as a key secondary endpoint.

UX701 for Wilson Disease: Cyprus2+ pivotal Phase 1/2/3 study currently enrolling

Ultragenyx is currently screening and enrolling patients with Wilson disease into the baseline monitoring period prior to dosing in its pivotal, seamless Phase 1/2/3 Cyprus2+ study of UX701. During the first stage of the study, the safety and efficacy of up to three dose levels of UX701 will be evaluated and a dose will be selected for further evaluation in stage 2. In stage 2, a new cohort of patients will be randomized 2:1 to receive the selected dose of UX701 or placebo. The primary efficacy endpoints are change in 24-hour urinary copper concentration and percent reduction in standard of care medication by Week 52.

UX053 for Glycogen Storage Disease Type III (GSDIII) Debrancher Deficiency: Phase 1/2 study currently dosing patients; Preliminary data from first part of study and initiation of second part of study anticipated in second half of 2022

Ultragenyx has begun to dose patients in the two-part Phase 1/2 clinical trial evaluating the safety, tolerability and efficacy of UX053 in adults age 18 and older with GSDIII. Part 1 is open label and will enroll up to 10 patients who will receive a single ascending dose of UX053 administered via intravenous infusion. Part 2 is double-blind and will evaluate five repeat doses at escalating dose levels in up to 16 patients across four cohorts randomized 3:1 to UX053 or placebo. The primary endpoints are treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), serious TEAEs, and related TEAEs in both parts of the study. Secondary endpoints include pharmacokinetic parameters. Exploratory endpoints include clinician- and patient-reported outcomes, muscle strength, blood sugar, and biomarkers of liver, cardiac and muscle health.

Preliminary data from the Part 1 single ascending dose phase of the study and initiation of the Part 2 repeat dosing phase of the study is anticipated in the second half of the year.

*Ultragenyx territories for Crysvita include the collaboration revenue from the North American profit share territory (U.S. and Canada) and other regions where revenue from product sales are recognized by Ultragenyx (Latin America, Turkey) pursuant to the company’s collaboration and license agreement with Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. This excludes the European territory revenue, which is recognized as non-cash royalty revenue since the rights were sold to Royalty Pharma in December 2019.