Insmed Reports First Quarter 2022 Financial Results and Provides Business Update

On May 5, 2022 Insmed Incorporated (Nasdaq:INSM), a global biopharmaceutical company on a mission to transform the lives of patients with serious and rare diseases, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022 and provided a business update (Press release, Insmed, MAY 5, 2022, View Source [SID1234613734]).

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"I am proud of Insmed’s solid progress in the first quarter of 2022, with steady ARIKAYCE performance in three territories around the globe, advancement of seven clinical trials, including our ASPEN and ARISE/ENCORE trials, and continued development of our early-stage research programs," commented Will Lewis, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Insmed. "We ended the quarter in a position of financial strength, with a strong balance sheet and steady revenue stream. The remainder of 2022 will be a critical execution period across the four pillars of our business, and I am confident we have the ambition, determination, and talent to achieve our objectives and deliver high-impact medicines for patients in need."

Recent Pillar Highlights

ARIKAYCE

In the first quarter of 2022, ARIKAYCE revenue grew 32% over the first quarter of 2021, reflecting steady U.S. performance and ongoing launch activities in Japan and Europe.
Enrollment remains on track in the post-marketing confirmatory, frontline clinical trial program of ARIKAYCE in patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease caused by Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), consisting of the ARISE and ENCORE trials. Insmed anticipates completing enrollment in ARISE in 2022 and having topline data in the first half of 2023; the Company also anticipates completing enrollment in ENCORE by the end of 2023.
Insmed announced that it will present data at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2022 International Conference, taking place May 13-18, 2022, highlighting the reduction in hospitalizations after initiation of ARIKAYCE treatment in a retrospective cohort study of patients in real-world settings.
Brensocatib

Enrollment remains on track in the Phase 3 ASPEN study, a global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of brensocatib in patients with bronchiectasis. Insmed continues to anticipate completing enrollment in this trial in early 2023.
A Phase 2 pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study of brensocatib in patients with cystic fibrosis is underway and Insmed continues to anticipate sharing data by early 2023.
As previously shared, Insmed plans to develop brensocatib in two new potential indications – chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps and hidradenitis suppurativa.
Insmed will present data at the ATS 2022 International Conference evaluating the benefit-risk profile in a post-hoc analysis of the Phase 2 WILLOW study of brensocatib in patients with bronchiectasis.
TPIP

Insmed remains on track to share preliminary data from a small number of patients in a Phase 2a trial of treprostinil palmitil inhalation powder (TPIP) in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) this year. The Phase 2a study will measure the impact of TPIP on pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) over a 24-hour period.
Insmed is also advancing a Phase 2b study to evaluate the effect of TPIP on PVR and 6-minute walk distance over a 16-week treatment period in patients with PAH, and a Phase 2 study to assess the safety and tolerability of TPIP in patients with pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD) over a 16-week treatment period.
Translational Medicine

Insmed is advancing a translational medicine portfolio encompassing a wide range of technologies and modalities, including gene therapy, gene editing, protein deimmunization, and manufacturing capabilities. The Company anticipates filing at least one Investigational New Drug Application per year from this portfolio.
First Quarter 2022 Financial Results

Total revenue for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, was $53.1 million, compared to total revenue of $40.2 million for the first quarter of 2021. Total revenue for the first quarter of 2022 comprised ARIKAYCE net sales of $40.8 million in the U.S., $10.7 million in Japan, and $1.6 million in Europe and rest of world.
Cost of product revenues (excluding amortization of intangible assets) was $12.2 million for the first quarter of 2022, compared to $9.8 million for the first quarter of 2021.
Research and development (R&D) expenses were $84.4 million for the first quarter of 2022, compared to $61.4 million for the first quarter of 2021.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the first quarter of 2022 were $56.7 million, compared to $51.6 million for the first quarter of 2021.
For the first quarter of 2022, Insmed reported a net loss of $94.6 million, or $0.80 per share, compared to a net loss of $91.6 million, or $0.89 per share, for the first quarter of 2021.
Balance Sheet, Financial Guidance, and Planned Investments

As of March 31, 2022, Insmed had cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities of $664.7 million. The Company’s total operating expenses for the first quarter of 2022 were $142.9 million.

Insmed continues to expect full-year 2022 global revenues for ARIKAYCE to increase at least 30% year over year from 2021. The Company also continues to anticipate that its cash on hand will support its ongoing business into 2024.

The Company plans to continue to invest in the following key activities in 2022:

(i)

commercialization and expansion of ARIKAYCE globally;

(ii)

launch activities for ARIKAYCE in Japan; and

(iii)

clinical trial activities, including (a) advancement of the confirmatory, frontline clinical trial program for ARIKAYCE (ARISE and ENCORE), (b) advancement of brensocatib, including the Phase 3 ASPEN study in patients with bronchiectasis, (c) advancement of the Phase 2 clinical development programs for TPIP, and (d) advancement of our translational medicine efforts.

Conference Call

Insmed will host a conference call beginning today at 8:30 AM Eastern Time. Shareholders and other interested parties may participate in the conference call by dialing (844) 200-6205 (U.S. toll free), (646) 904-5544 (U.S. local), or +1-929-526-1599 (international) and referencing access code 388457. The call will also be webcast live on the company’s website at www.insmed.com.

A replay of the conference call will be accessible approximately 1 hour after its completion through June 4, 2022, by dialing (866) 813-9403 (U.S. toll free), (929) 458-6194 (U.S. local), or +44-204-525-0658 (international) and referencing access code 252664. A webcast of the call will also be archived for 90 days under the Investor Relations section of the company’s website at www.insmed.com.

About ARIKAYCE

ARIKAYCE is approved in the United States as ARIKAYCE (amikacin liposome inhalation suspension), in Europe as ARIKAYCE Liposomal 590 mg Nebuliser Dispersion, and in Japan as ARIKAYCE inhalation 590 mg (amikacin sulfate inhalation drug product). Current international treatment guidelines recommend the use of ARIKAYCE for appropriate patients. ARIKAYCE is a novel, inhaled, once-daily formulation of amikacin, an established antibiotic that was historically administered intravenously and associated with severe toxicity to hearing, balance, and kidney function. Insmed’s proprietary PULMOVANCE liposomal technology enables the delivery of amikacin directly to the lungs, where liposomal amikacin is taken up by lung macrophages where the infection resides, while limiting systemic exposure. ARIKAYCE is administered once daily using the Lamira Nebulizer System manufactured by PARI Pharma GmbH (PARI).

About PARI Pharma and the Lamira Nebulizer System

ARIKAYCE is delivered by a novel inhalation device, the Lamira Nebulizer System, developed by PARI. Lamira is a quiet, portable nebulizer that enables efficient aerosolization of ARIKAYCE via a vibrating, perforated membrane. Based on PARI’s 100-year history working with aerosols, PARI is dedicated to advancing inhalation therapies by developing innovative delivery platforms to improve patient care.

About Brensocatib

Brensocatib is a small molecule, oral, reversible inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase 1 (DPP1) being developed by Insmed for the treatment of patients with bronchiectasis and other neutrophil-mediated diseases. DPP1 is an enzyme responsible for activating neutrophil serine proteases (NSPs), such as neutrophil elastase, in neutrophils when they are formed in the bone marrow. Neutrophils are the most common type of white blood cell and play an essential role in pathogen destruction and inflammatory mediation. In chronic inflammatory lung diseases, neutrophils accumulate in the airways and result in excessive active NSPs that cause lung destruction and inflammation. Brensocatib may decrease the damaging effects of inflammatory diseases such as bronchiectasis by inhibiting DPP1 and its activation of NSPs. Brensocatib is an investigational drug product that has not been approved for any indication in any jurisdiction.

About TPIP

Treprostinil palmitil inhalation powder (TPIP) is a dry powder formulation of treprostinil palmitil, a treprostinil prodrug consisting of treprostinil linked by an ester bond to a 16-carbon chain. Developed entirely in Insmed’s laboratories, TPIP is a potentially highly differentiated prostanoid being evaluated for the treatment of patients with PAH, PH-ILD, and other rare and serious pulmonary disorders. TPIP is administered in a capsule-based inhalation device. TPIP is an investigational drug product that has not been approved for any indication in any jurisdiction.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR ARIKAYCE IN THE U.S.

WARNING: RISK OF INCREASED RESPIRATORY ADVERSE REACTIONS

ARIKAYCE has been associated with an increased risk of respiratory adverse reactions, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, hemoptysis, bronchospasm, and exacerbation of underlying pulmonary disease that have led to hospitalizations in some cases.

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis has been reported with the use of ARIKAYCE in the clinical trials. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (reported as allergic alveolitis, pneumonitis, interstitial lung disease, allergic reaction to ARIKAYCE) was reported at a higher frequency in patients treated with ARIKAYCE plus background regimen (3.1%) compared to patients treated with a background regimen alone (0%). Most patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis discontinued treatment with ARIKAYCE and received treatment with corticosteroids. If hypersensitivity pneumonitis occurs, discontinue ARIKAYCE and manage patients as medically appropriate.

Hemoptysis has been reported with the use of ARIKAYCE in the clinical trials. Hemoptysis was reported at a higher frequency in patients treated with ARIKAYCE plus background regimen (17.9%) compared to patients treated with a background regimen alone (12.5%). If hemoptysis occurs, manage patients as medically appropriate.

Bronchospasm has been reported with the use of ARIKAYCE in the clinical trials. Bronchospasm (reported as asthma, bronchial hyperreactivity, bronchospasm, dyspnea, dyspnea exertional, prolonged expiration, throat tightness, wheezing) was reported at a higher frequency in patients treated with ARIKAYCE plus background regimen (28.7%) compared to patients treated with a background regimen alone (10.7%). If bronchospasm occurs during the use of ARIKAYCE, treat patients as medically appropriate.

Exacerbations of underlying pulmonary disease has been reported with the use of ARIKAYCE in the clinical trials. Exacerbations of underlying pulmonary disease (reported as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), infective exacerbation of COPD, infective exacerbation of bronchiectasis) have been reported at a higher frequency in patients treated with ARIKAYCE plus background regimen (14.8%) compared to patients treated with background regimen alone (9.8%). If exacerbations of underlying pulmonary disease occur during the use of ARIKAYCE, treat patients as medically appropriate.

Anaphylaxis and Hypersensitivity Reactions: Serious and potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported in patients taking ARIKAYCE. Signs and symptoms include acute onset of skin and mucosal tissue hypersensitivity reactions (hives, itching, flushing, swollen lips/tongue/uvula), respiratory difficulty (shortness of breath, wheezing, stridor, cough), gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, crampy abdominal pain), and cardiovascular signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis (tachycardia, low blood pressure, syncope, incontinence, dizziness). Before therapy with ARIKAYCE is instituted, evaluate for previous hypersensitivity reactions to aminoglycosides. If anaphylaxis or a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue ARIKAYCE and institute appropriate supportive measures.

Ototoxicity has been reported with the use of ARIKAYCE in the clinical trials. Ototoxicity (including deafness, dizziness, presyncope, tinnitus, and vertigo) were reported with a higher frequency in patients treated with ARIKAYCE plus background regimen (17%) compared to patients treated with background regimen alone (9.8%). This was primarily driven by tinnitus (7.6% in ARIKAYCE plus background regimen vs 0.9% in the background regimen alone arm) and dizziness (6.3% in ARIKAYCE plus background regimen vs 2.7% in the background regimen alone arm). Closely monitor patients with known or suspected auditory or vestibular dysfunction during treatment with ARIKAYCE. If ototoxicity occurs, manage patients as medically appropriate, including potentially discontinuing ARIKAYCE.

Nephrotoxicity was observed during the clinical trials of ARIKAYCE in patients with MAC lung disease but not at a higher frequency than background regimen alone. Nephrotoxicity has been associated with the aminoglycosides. Close monitoring of patients with known or suspected renal dysfunction may be needed when prescribing ARIKAYCE.

Neuromuscular Blockade: Patients with neuromuscular disorders were not enrolled in ARIKAYCE clinical trials. Patients with known or suspected neuromuscular disorders, such as myasthenia gravis, should be closely monitored since aminoglycosides may aggravate muscle weakness by blocking the release of acetylcholine at neuromuscular junctions.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Aminoglycosides can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Aminoglycosides, including ARIKAYCE, may be associated with total, irreversible, bilateral congenital deafness in pediatric patients exposed in utero. Patients who use ARIKAYCE during pregnancy, or become pregnant while taking ARIKAYCE should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus.

Contraindications: ARIKAYCE is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any aminoglycoside.

Most Common Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reactions in Trial 1 at an incidence ≥5% for patients using ARIKAYCE plus background regimen compared to patients treated with background regimen alone were dysphonia (47% vs 1%), cough (39% vs 17%), bronchospasm (29% vs 11%), hemoptysis (18% vs 13%), ototoxicity (17% vs 10%), upper airway irritation (17% vs 2%), musculoskeletal pain (17% vs 8%), fatigue and asthenia (16% vs 10%), exacerbation of underlying pulmonary disease (15% vs 10%), diarrhea (13% vs 5%), nausea (12% vs 4%), pneumonia (10% vs 8%), headache (10% vs 5%), pyrexia (7% vs 5%), vomiting (7% vs 4%), rash (6% vs 2%), decreased weight (6% vs 1%), change in sputum (5% vs 1%), and chest discomfort (5% vs 3%).

Drug Interactions: Avoid concomitant use of ARIKAYCE with medications associated with neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and ototoxicity. Some diuretics can enhance aminoglycoside toxicity by altering aminoglycoside concentrations in serum and tissue. Avoid concomitant use of ARIKAYCE with ethacrynic acid, furosemide, urea, or intravenous mannitol.

Overdosage: Adverse reactions specifically associated with overdose of ARIKAYCE have not been identified. Acute toxicity should be treated with immediate withdrawal of ARIKAYCE, and baseline tests of renal function should be undertaken. Hemodialysis may be helpful in removing amikacin from the body. In all cases of suspected overdosage, physicians should contact the Regional Poison Control Center for information about effective treatment.

U.S. INDICATION

LIMITED POPULATION: ARIKAYCE is indicated in adults, who have limited or no alternative treatment options, for the treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease as part of a combination antibacterial drug regimen in patients who do not achieve negative sputum cultures after a minimum of 6 consecutive months of a multidrug background regimen therapy. As only limited clinical safety and effectiveness data for ARIKAYCE are currently available, reserve ARIKAYCE for use in adults who have limited or no alternative treatment options. This drug is indicated for use in a limited and specific population of patients.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on achieving sputum culture conversion (defined as 3 consecutive negative monthly sputum cultures) by Month 6. Clinical benefit has not yet been established. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

Limitation of Use: ARIKAYCE has only been studied in patients with refractory MAC lung disease defined as patients who did not achieve negative sputum cultures after a minimum of 6 consecutive months of a multidrug background regimen therapy. The use of ARIKAYCE is not recommended for patients with non-refractory MAC lung disease.

Patients are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1‑800‑FDA‑1088. You can also call the Company at 1-844-4-INSMED.

Arcadia Biosciences Announces Date of First Quarter 2022 Financial Results and Business Highlights Conference Call

On May 5, 2022 Arcadia Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKDA), a producer and marketer of innovative, plant-based health and wellness products, reported that it will release its financial and business results for the first quarter of 2022 after market close on May 12, 2022 (Press release, Arcadia Biosciences, MAY 5, 2022, View Source [SID1234613733]).

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The company has scheduled a conference call for 4:30 p.m. Eastern time (1:30 p.m. Pacific time) to discuss first-quarter results and key strategic achievements. Interested participants can join the conference call using the following numbers:

A live webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investors section of Arcadia’s website at www.arcadiabio.com. Following completion of the call, a recorded replay will be available on the company’s investor website.

Daewoong Pharmaceutical announced first-quarter 2022 results

On May 5, 2022 Daewoong Pharmaceutical (Daewoong) (CEO Sengho Jeon & Changjae Lee) reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2022 (separate basis) (Press release, Daewoong Pharmaceutical, MAY 5, 2022, View Source [SID1234613732]). In the first quarter, the separate sales and operating profit marked KRW 272.2 billion and KRW 26.8 billion, up 12.6% and 32.6% year-over-year, respectively . In the same quarter, the consolidated sales and operating profit marked KRW 298.4 billion and KRW 23 billion, up 10.7% and 2.2% y-o-y, respectively.

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Daewoong achieved record-high annual sales and operating profit in 2021 and again broke its record in the highest quarterly operating profit (separate basis) in the first quarter of this year. The sales growth of highly profitable ethical-the-counter (ETC) drugs and the increase in the export of Nabota were led by improvements in profitability, operating profit, and gross profit margin (GPM).

Sales of ETC drugs recorded KRW 197.6 billion, a 9% increase from KRW 181 billion y-o-y, leading to an increase in earnings. It is characterized by more than 20% growth compared to the same period of the previous year in highly profitable product lines such as an antiulcer drug Nexiad, a dyslipidemia drug Litorvazet, a gastric ulcer drug Axid, a hyperlipidemia drug Crezet, and an antithrombotic drug Cloart.

Sales of Nabota surged by 98% y-o-y, from KRW 15.4 billion to KRW 30.7 billion exports. In particular, its exports increased by 189% y-o-y, from KRW 7.9 billion to KRW 22.8 billion. For example, the exports to its U.S. sales partner Evolus amounted to KRW 18.3 billion, risen by three times y-o-y. Favorable exchange rates also supported the earnings. Nabota is expected to drive sales growth continuously, as Evolus is preparing to officially launch Nabota in Europe in the third quarter, and Nabota shows strong market presence in the countries where it has already been released.

Sales of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs recorded KRW 29.7 billion, a 12% increase from KRW 26.4 billion y-o-y. Due to the spread of COVID-19 and a surge in home treatment, the company’s representative cold medicine EZN6 grew by 77.3% y-o-y, and the quasi-drugs related to physical fatigue Urshot and a wet patch Easyderm also contributed to the growth. Sales of supplements also surged by 169% y-o-y, owing to its strategic reinforcement of the supplement portfolio for the liver, centered on the liver-specialized brand Ener Thistle, blood circulation, intestine, and vitamins, and focus on online sales channels.

"With export expansion of Nabota based on superior product power and quality, the highly profitable ETC product lines continued to grow, leading to another record-breaking highest quarterly operating profit," said Sengho Jeon, Daewoong Pharmaceutical CEO. "For the second quarter and the second half of this year, we are expected to achieve solid growth and increasing profitability, thanks to the expansion of Nabota’s overseas sales channels, the launch of highly profitable new products, such as Fexuclue tablets, a new drug for gastroesophageal reflux disease, and an increase in the gross profit margin."

Insilico Medicine expands synthetic lethality portfolio with nomination of a preclinical candidate targeting MAT2A for the treatment of MTAP-deleted cancers

On May 5, 2022 Insilico Medicine ("Insilico"), a clinical-stage end-to-end artificial intelligence (AI)-driven drug discovery company, reported that the company has nominated a preclinical candidate (PCC) targeting methionine adenosyltransferase 2A (MAT2A) from AI-designed molecules for the treatment of methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP)-deleted cancers (Press release, Insilico Medicine, MAY 5, 2022, View Source [SID1234613731]). The PCC is part of Insilico’s growing portfolio of synthetic lethality assets in development.

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MTAP deletion is one of the most common gene deletions seen in cancers including lung, bladder, and pancreatic cancer, and is associated with poor prognosis. MAT2A is defined as a synthetic lethality target in MTAP-deleted cancers and plays an essential role in producing S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), a molecule involved in cell function and survival. Inhibitors of MAT2A lead to a selective anti-proliferative effect on MTAP-deleted cancer cells by reducing the level of SAM to affect PRMT5-Dependent mRNA splicing, inducing DNA damage.

Insilico’s PCC is a potent and selective MAT2A inhibitor. It demonstrated excellent drug-likeness with good solubility and permeability, good activity at low doses in animal models, and a favorable safety profile in preclinical studies. Insilico is progressing the PCC in IND-enabling studies and anticipates IND filing in early 2023.

"Powered by AI, the MAT2A program team was able to discover the PCC molecule with high selectivity of MTAP-deleted cancer cells over wide-type cells, which we believe provides key differentiation compared to reported MAT2A inhibitors," said Feng Ren, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer of Insilico Medicine. "This is the second PCC in our growing synthetic lethality pipeline, and we are progressing the molecule in IND-enabling studies towards clinical trials for the treatment of MTAP-deleted cancers."

Insilico has built a strong portfolio of synthetic lethality assets supported by scientists with deep drug discovery expertise and its AI-driven small molecule design and generation engine, Chemistry42. The company announced its first synthetic lethality PCC, which targets USP1 for tumors with homologous recombination deficiency, in mid-April. Continuing this success, Insilico delivered the PCC for the MAT2A program approximately 12 months after its initiation.

"This PCC continues the expansion of our synthetic lethality portfolio, driven by our end-to-end AI drug discovery platform," said Insilico founder and CEO Alex Zhavoronkov, PhD. "With this latest discovery, we continue to utilize the power of AI to treat the most aggressive cancers with the highest unmet needs."

Insilico is developing a growing portfolio in frontier areas. In just over 12 months, it has delivered 7 PCCs, including AI-discovered therapeutics of novel targets with novel structures and AI-designed therapeutics of known targets with desired properties. It also successfully completed a Phase 0 microdose trial and entered a Phase I clinical trial with its first internally developed program for fibrosis.

Abelacimab: First Factor XI Inhibitor to Enroll Patients in a Phase 3 Clinical Trial

On May 5, 2022 Anthos Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biopharma company developing innovative therapies for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, reported that the first patient had been enrolled in a phase 3 clinical trial investigating a Factor XI agent (Press release, Anthos Therapeutics, MAY 5, 2022, View Source [SID1234613730]). The ASTER study is one of two complementary, international, multicenter trials where abelacimab is being studied in patients with Cancer Associated Thrombosis (CAT). In the ASTER trial, Anthos’ novel dual-acting Factor XI monoclonal antibody, abelacimab, is being compared to apixaban, the leading Factor Xa inhibitor, to assess their effects on venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence and bleeding in patients with cancer associated VTE.

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"Encouraged by evidence from a recently completed positive phase 2 study,1 we believe abelacimab could become an important new treatment option for the treatment and prevention of thrombosis in a variety of patients, including those with Cancer Associated Thrombosis. Abelacimab’s novel dual inhibitory activity offers the potential to provide effective antithrombotic activity with a reduced risk of bleeding compared to existing therapies. Additionally, the monthly dosing of abelacimab could reduce the burden of a daily regimen, such as daily injections or pills, for patients already receiving multiple therapies including chemotherapy," said Gary E. Raskob, Ph.D., Interim Senior Vice President, and Provost at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and the Chair of the Abelacimab CAT Program Steering Committee.

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), which includes both deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, is the second most prevalent cause of death in patients with cancer, second only to the disease itself.2 However, treatment of CAT can be challenging because the currently available anticoagulants used to treat VTE can have an increased risk of bleeding.3,4

"An acute episode of thrombosis in patients with cancer adds additional complexity to the treatment of cancer itself and is a grave concern for physicians, patients, and caregivers. Our extensive phase 3 program for abelacimab includes two trials specifically designed for patients with Cancer Associated Thrombosis, including those with a particularly high risk of bleeding. Enrolling the first patients in the ASTER phase 3 trial is an important first step toward making an effective and potentially safer anticoagulant available to patients with cancer. This phase 3 program is in addition to our ongoing phase 2 AZALEA-TIMI 71 trial comparing abelacimab to rivaroxaban in atrial fibrillation (AF), which completed enrollment with 1,287 patients in December 2021. This study, the largest trial to date with a Factor XI inhibitor, will compare bleeding rates in AF patients treated with abelacimab and rivaroxaban," said Dan Bloomfield, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Anthos Therapeutics.

About Abelacimab
Abelacimab is a novel, highly selective, fully human monoclonal antibody designed to induce effective hemostasis-sparing anticoagulation through Factor XI inhibition. Abelacimab targets the active domain of Factor XI, demonstrating dual inhibitory activity against both Factor XI and its activated form, Factor XIa. Abelacimab can be administered intravenously (IV) to achieve rapid inhibition of Factor XI activity and then used subcutaneously (SC) monthly to maintain nearly complete inhibition in a chronic setting. In a PK/PD study, abelacimab administered IV provided profound suppression of Factor XI within one hour after the start of therapy and maintained near maximal inhibition for up to 30 days. 1,5 In a Phase 2 study whose results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2021, a single intravenous dose of abelacimab after knee surgery reduced the rate of venous thromboembolism by 80%, measured 10 days after surgery, compared to enoxaparin.1 Factor XI inhibition offers the promise of hemostasis-sparing anticoagulation for the prevention and treatment of arterial and venous thromboembolic events.6 Abelacimab is an investigational agent and has not been approved for any indication.

About the Abelacimab Phase 3 Program in Cancer Associated Thrombosis (CAT)
The abelacimab phase 3 CAT program comprises two complementary studies targeting to enroll approximately 2700 patients across 220 sites in more than 20 countries — the largest program of any anticoagulant performed in Cancer-Associated Thrombosis.

ASTER is an international multicenter, randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint evaluation, phase 3 study comparing the effect of abelacimab relative to apixaban on venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence and bleeding in patients with cancer associated VTE in whom DOAC treatment is recommended. Abelacimab 150 mg will be administered intravenously (IV) on Day 1 and subcutaneously (SC) monthly thereafter for up to 6 months; Apixaban 10 mg will be administered orally, twice daily (bid) for the first 7 days, followed by 5 mg bid up to 6 months.

MAGNOLIA is an international multicenter, randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint evaluation, phase 3 study in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) / genitourinary (GU) cancer in whom DOAC treatment is not recommended. The study will compare the effect of abelacimab relative to dalteparin on VTE recurrence and bleeding in patients with cancer associated VTE who are at a high bleeding risk with non-resectable, locally or regionally invasive GI / GU tumors. Abelacimab 150 mg will be administered intravenously (IV) on Day 1 and subcutaneously (SC) monthly thereafter for up to 6 months; dalteparin administered subcutaneously will be given daily, 200 IU/kg/day for the first month, and then 150 IU/kg/day up to 6 months.

About the AZALEA-TIMI 71 Phase 2 Trial
The AZALEA-TIMI 71 trial is an event-driven, randomized, active-controlled, blinded endpoint, parallel-group study to evaluate the effect of two blinded doses of abelacimab relative to open label rivaroxaban on the rate of major or clinically relevant non-major (CRNM) bleeding events in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who are at moderate-to-high risk of stroke. The trial completed enrollment in December 2021, with 1287 patients across 95 global study sites including the U.S., Canada, as well as from parts of Europe, and Asia.

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