Normunity Announces $65 Million Series a Financing to Expand the Frontier of Precision Immuno-Oncology With Immune Normalizer Therapies

On October 25, 2022 Normunity, Inc., a biotechnology company creating novel precision anti-cancer immunotherapies, reported its launch and Series A financing of $65 million (Press release, Normunity, OCT 25, 2022, View Source [SID1234622365]). The Series A was led by Canaan Ventures and included participation by Sanofi Ventures, Taiho Ventures and Osage University Partners. Normunity’s new class of agents, called immune normalizers, target previously undiscovered mechanisms of immune disruption in cancer. The company’s pipeline is drawn from the ongoing and interactive academic-biotech research taking place at Yale School of Medicine, leveraging proprietary discovery platforms from the lab of Dr. Lieping Chen, an immuno-oncology luminary who identified PD-L1 (B7-H1) among other seminal contributions to the field.

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"Working together with Normunity, we are finding previously hidden mechanisms of tumor-dependent immune disruption and we aim to usher in a new era of drug discovery for precision immuno-oncology with medicines that normalize immune function."

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"The normal immune system is a powerful anti-cancer force, and effective immune-stimulating strategies can result in long-lasting cancer remissions, even cures. Yet, today’s immunotherapies don’t capitalize on the full anti-cancer potential of the normal immune system, and most cancer patients do not respond to available treatment options. This leaves an untapped immune biology that we have begun to uncover," said Lieping Chen, MD, PhD, scientific founder of Normunity and UTC Professor in Cancer Research and Professor of Immunobiology, of Dermatology and of Medicine (Medical Oncology) at Yale School of Medicine. "Working together with Normunity, we are finding previously hidden mechanisms of tumor-dependent immune disruption and we aim to usher in a new era of drug discovery for precision immuno-oncology with medicines that normalize immune function."

The Series A financing will enable Normunity to advance its emerging pipeline of immune normalizers into the clinic. The company’s initial pipeline programs target mechanisms that drive the exclusion of T cells into immune-sensitive tumors and aim to deliver an active and effective immune system into ‘cold’ tumors. Proceeds from the financing will also be used to build on multiple discovery platforms in the Lieping Chen lab to pursue additional mechanisms that block normal anti-cancer immunity.

"It is so clear to everyone involved in launching Normunity that there is remarkable potential to translate the Lieping Chen lab’s leading-edge discoveries into breakthrough cancer immunotherapies. We have built the right team and the right seamless collaboration between Normunity and the Lieping Chen lab to rapidly cultivate scientific discovery, jointly share expertise, and advance a novel class of drugs that can potentially set a new standard in the immuno-oncology landscape," said Tim Shannon, MD, General Partner at Canaan Ventures and Chair of Normunity’s Board of Directors.

The company’s unique model is a collaborative and iterative workflow between the Lieping Chen lab and Normunity to identify novel immuno-oncology mechanisms through proprietary platforms, interrogate and validate the emerging targets together pre-clinically and clinically. This academic-biotech alliance leverages world-class scientists with deeply experienced drug designers and developers in a new way.

"Normunity is leading the way in establishing a new roadmap for I-O drug discovery with a simple and powerful premise: to free the immune system to work with maximal potential against cancer. With our scientific approach, we are pioneering novel mechanisms where there is unexplored potential for new medicines. With our R&D model, we have established a first-of-a-kind collaboration with the Lieping Chen lab that has already been prolific in identifying and validating novel targets," said Rachel Humphrey, MD, founding Chief Executive Officer. "We have strong momentum advancing our pipeline of immune normalizers as we translate groundbreaking biology into life-changing medicines for cancer patients."

Leadership in immuno-oncology

Leading the academic-biotech teams that are harnessing the potential of the Lieping Chen lab’s proprietary platforms and Normunity’s drug development are Rachel Humphrey, MD, Normunity’s Chief Executive Officer, and Lieping Chen, MD, PhD, whose lab is responsible for many important discoveries in immuno-oncology pathways.

Among his seminal contributions to the field of immuno-oncology, Dr. Chen played an integral role in the discovery of the PD‑1/PD-L1 pathway and its immune-suppressive functions. His lab performed foundational work that led to the invention of anti‑PD‑1/PD‑L1 antibody therapy. In addition, he was deeply involved in the first-in-human trial for Opdivo (nivolumab), and invented PD-L1 clinical measurement tools. Dr. Humphrey has 25 years of experience with a focus in oncology, including leading the development of the cancer immunotherapies Yervoy (ipilimumab) at BMS and Imfinzi (durvalumab) at AstraZeneca, as well as the tyrosine kinase inhibitor Nexavar (sorafenib) at Bayer. Her biotech leadership roles include CMO at Black Diamond Therapeutics, CytomX and Mirati, and independent Board of Director positions at CytomX, Xilio, Pyxis and Sporos.

The Normunity team brings together experienced drug development leaders with decades of experience in novel drug discovery and clinical advancement of novel cancer and immuno-oncology drugs who have played key roles in the development of more than 30 distinct approved drugs.

Fulgent Genetics to Participate in Credit Suisse’s 31st Annual Healthcare Conference

On October 25, 2022 Fulgent Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLGT) ("Fulgent Genetics" or the "Company"), a technology-based genetic testing company focused on transforming patient care in oncology, infectious and rare diseases, and reproductive health, reported that members of its management team are scheduled to participate in Credit Suisse’s 31st Annual Healthcare Conference on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 (Press release, Fulgent Genetics, OCT 25, 2022, View Source [SID1234622364]).

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These representatives of the company will conduct a presentation beginning at approximately 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (8:00 a.m. Pacific Time).

A live webcast of the session will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Fulgent Genetics website at ir.fulgentgenetics.com. A replay of the webcast will be accessible at the same location beginning approximately one hour following the completion of the event.

Bristol Myers Squibb Reports Third Quarter Financial Results for 2022

On October 25, 2022 Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY) reported that results for the third quarter of 2022, which reflect strong in-line and new product portfolio growth (Press release, Bristol-Myers Squibb, OCT 25, 2022, View Source [SID1234622363]).

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"Our strong results reflect growth of our in-line and new product portfolios," said Giovanni Caforio, M.D., board chair and chief executive officer, Bristol Myers Squibb. "Our teams continue to progress our pipeline and achieve significant regulatory and clinical milestones, including the approval of Sotyktu, a first-in-class, TYK2 inhibitor, to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Our nine new product launches over the last three years including three first-in-class launches this year, combined with progress in our robust and diverse product pipeline, have built a strong foundation for our company. Combined with our financial strength and talented employees, Bristol Myers Squibb is well positioned for growth and to advance new medicines for patients."

1Acquired IPRD refers to certain in-process research and development ("Acquired IPRD") charges resulting from upfront or contingent milestone payments in connection with asset acquisitions or licensing of third-party intellectual property rights.

* GAAP and non-GAAP earnings per share include the net impact of Acquired IPRD charges and licensing income which increased by $0.02 per share in the third quarter of 2022 compared to a reduction of ($0.09) per share in the third quarter of 2021.

THIRD QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS

All comparisons are made versus the same period in 2021 unless otherwise stated.

Bristol Myers Squibb posted third quarter revenues of $11.2 billion, a decrease of 3%, driven by recent LOE products (primarily Revlimid) and foreign exchange impacts, partially offset by in-line products (primarily Eliquis and Opdivo) and our new product portfolio (primarily Opdualag, Abecma and Reblozyl). When adjusted for foreign exchange impacts, third quarter revenues remained consistent. Our in-line and new product portfolio increased 8% to $8.6 billion, or 13% when adjusted for foreign exchange impacts.
U.S. revenues increased 9% to $7.9 billion in the quarter. International revenues decreased 24% to $3.3 billion in the quarter. When adjusted for foreign exchange impacts, international revenues decreased 14%, primarily due to lower demand of Revlimid as a result of generic erosion, partially offset by in-line products (primarily Opdivo) and our new product portfolio.
Gross margin decreased from 80.3% to 79.0% and on a non-GAAP basis, decreased from 81.1% to 79.8% in the quarter primarily due to product mix, partially offset by foreign exchange impacts and related hedging settlements.
Marketing, selling and administrative expenses increased 8% to $1.9 billion in the quarter, primarily due to higher costs to support new product launches and cash settlement of Turning Point Therapeutics, Inc. ("Turning Point") unvested stock awards, partially offset by foreign exchange impacts. On a non-GAAP basis, marketing, selling and administrative expenses increased 4% to $1.9 billion primarily due to higher investments to support new product launches, partially offset by foreign exchange impacts.
Research and development expenses decreased 19% to $2.4 billion in the quarter, primarily due to an in-process research and development (IPRD) impairment charge in 2021, timing of clinical development spend and foreign exchange impacts, partially offset by cash settlement of Turning Point unvested stock awards. On a non-GAAP basis, research and development expenses decreased 5% to $2.3 billion in the quarter primarily due to timing of clinical development spend and foreign exchange impacts.
Acquired IPRD decreased from $271 million in the same period a year ago to $30 million in the current quarter. Acquired IPRD in the current quarter is related to the GentiBio licensing transaction. Acquired IPRD in the same period a year ago was primarily related to the Agenus licensing transaction ($200 million).
Amortization of acquired intangible assets decreased 5% to $2.4 billion in the quarter, primarily due to a change in the expected expiration of the market exclusivity period for Pomalyst to the first quarter of 2026.
The GAAP effective tax rate changed from 28.0% to 27.2% in the quarter and non-GAAP effective tax rate changed from 14.6% to 16.9% in the quarter due to changes in previously estimated annual effective tax rates due to jurisdictional earnings mix.
The company reported net earnings attributable to Bristol Myers Squibb of $1.6 billion, or $0.75 per share, in the third quarter, compared to $1.5 billion, or $0.69 per share, for the same period a year ago. In addition to the items discussed above, the results include the impact of fair value adjustments on equity investments in both periods.
The company reported non-GAAP net earnings attributable to Bristol Myers Squibb of $4.3 billion, or $1.99 per share, in the third quarter, compared to non-GAAP net earnings of $4.3 billion, or $1.93 per share, for the same period a year ago.
In addition to the items discussed above, the earnings per share results in the current period include the impact of lower weighted-average common shares outstanding.
Beginning with the first quarter of 2022, significant R&D charges or other income resulting from upfront or contingent milestone payments in connection with asset acquisitions or licensing of third-party intellectual property rights are no longer excluded from non-GAAP results. These R&D charges that were previously specified are now presented in a new financial statement line item labeled Acquired IPRD. GAAP and non-GAAP earnings per share include the net impact of Acquired IPRD charges and licensing income which increased by $0.02 per share in the third quarter of 2022 compared to a reduction of ($0.09) per share in the third quarter of 2021. For purposes of comparability, the non-GAAP financial results for the third quarter of 2021 have been updated to reflect this change. A discussion of the non-GAAP financial measures is included under the "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information" section.

REVENUE HIGHLIGHTS

In-Line Products

Revenues for in-line products in the third quarter were $8.1 billion compared to $7.7 billion in the prior year period, representing an increase of 5% or 10% when adjusted for foreign exchange. In-line products revenue was largely driven by:

Eliquis revenues grew 10% compared to the prior year period. U.S. revenues were $1.7 billion compared to $1.3 billion in the prior year period, representing an increase of 31% driven primarily by demand growth and favorable gross to net adjustments. International revenues were $926 million compared to $1.1 billion in the prior year period, representing a decrease of 16% driven by foreign exchange impacts and lower average net selling prices. When adjusted for foreign exchange impacts, Eliquis’ international revenues declined 2%.
Opdivo revenues increased 7% compared to the prior year period. U.S. revenues were $1.2 billion compared to $1.1 billion in the prior year period, representing an increase of 17% driven by higher demand across multiple indications, including Opdivo plus Yervoy-based combinations for non-small cell lung cancer, Opdivo plus Cabometyx combination for kidney cancer, and Opdivo-based therapies for various gastric, bladder and esophageal cancers, partially offset by declining second-line eligibility across tumors and increased competition. International revenues were $804 million compared to $843 million in the prior year period, representing a decrease of 5% driven by foreign exchange impacts, partially offset by higher demand as a result of launches for additional indications and core indications. When adjusted for foreign exchange impacts, Opdivo’s international revenues increased 8%.
New Product Portfolio

New product portfolio revenues grew to $553 million compared to $344 million in the prior year period, representing growth of 61% driven by the launch of Opdualag and higher demand for Abecma and Reblozyl. Excluding foreign exchange, new product portfolio revenues grew 66%.
Recent LOE Products

Revlimid revenues declined by 28% compared to the prior year period. U.S. revenues decreased 6% to $2.2 billion as compared to the prior year period primarily driven by lower demand as a result of generic erosion. International revenues were $250 million compared to $1.0 billion in the prior year period, representing a decrease of 76% driven by lower demand as a result of generic erosion and to a lesser extent, foreign exchange impacts.

Business Development

In August, the company announced that it had completed its acquisition of Turning Point in an all-cash transaction. Through the transaction, the company gained repotrectinib, a next-generation, potential best-in-class tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting the ROS1 and NTRK oncogenic drivers of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and other advanced solid tumors. (link)
Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG)

As a leading biopharma company, we understand our responsibility extends well beyond the discovery, development, and delivery of innovative medicines. Our evolving Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy builds on a legacy of comprehensive and global sustainability efforts. To learn more about our priorities and goals, please visit our latest ESG report.

In September, the company issued our 2021 Global Inclusion and Diversity Report which outlines our strategy and the progress we have made toward our 2025 Inclusion & Diversity and Health Equity Commitments, among others. To learn more, please visit our latest Global Inclusion & Diversity Report.
Financial Guidance

Bristol Myers Squibb is adjusting its 2022 GAAP line-item guidance as follows:

Adjusting GAAP EPS guidance primarily due to the acquisition of Turning Point and reaffirming non-GAAP EPS guidance.

1 Key LOE Products = Revlimid and Abraxane

2 Operating Expenses = MS&A and R&D, excluding Acquired IPRD and Amortization of acquired intangible assets

3 July guidance includes YTD net impact of ($0.24) from Acquired IPRD and licensing income; October guidance includes net impact of ($0.22) from Acquired IPRD and licensing income

The 2022 financial guidance excludes the impact of any potential future strategic acquisitions and divestitures, and any specified items that have not yet been identified and quantified and impact of future Acquired IPRD charges. To the extent we have quantified the impact of significant R&D charges or other income resulting from upfront or contingent milestone payments in connection with asset acquisitions or licensing of third-party intellectual property rights, we may update this information from time to time on our website, www.bms.com, in the "Investors" section. GAAP and non-GAAP guidance assume current exchange rates. The 2022 non-GAAP EPS guidance is further explained under "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information." The financial guidance is subject to risks and uncertainties applicable to all forward-looking statements as described elsewhere in this press release.

Conference Call Information

Bristol Myers Squibb will host a conference call tomorrow, Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at 8 a.m. ET during which company executives will review the quarterly financial results and address inquiries from investors and analysts.

Investors and the general public are invited to listen to a live webcast of the call at View Source." target="_blank" title="View Source." rel="nofollow">View Source Investors and the public can also access the live webcast by dialing in the U.S. toll free 888-330-2388 or international +1 240-789-2707, confirmation code: 24168. Dial-in participants can register for the conference call here and once registration is complete, will not require operator assistance to connect. Materials related to the call will be available at View Source prior to the start of the conference call.

A replay of the webcast will be available on View Source approximately three hours after the conference call concludes. A replay of the conference call will be available beginning at 11:30 a.m. ET on October 26 through 11:30 a.m. ET on November 9, 2022, by dialing in the U.S. toll free 800-770-2030 or international +1 647-362-9199, confirmation code: 24168.

DNAnexus to Showcase Platform Scalability, Versatility, and Security at ASHG 2022 Annual Meeting

On October 25, 2022 DNAnexus, Inc., the leading provider of cloud-based genomic and biomedical data access and companion analysis software, reported the speaker lineup for its customer presentations at the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) 2022 Annual Meeting, which is being held in Los Angeles this week (Press release, DNAnexus, OCT 25, 2022, View Source [SID1234622362]). The company will also be showcasing its GxP-compliant platform and new Nextflow pipeline language support capabilities in booth #2103.

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"The rapidly evolving genomic and multi-omic ecosystem has created an enormous need for a scalable and compliant analysis platform that drives critical insights from massive datasets," said Stephen Nuckols, Chief Commercial Officer at DNAnexus. "We look forward to hearing from several visionary scientists about how they are using our platform to push the boundaries of human genetics and tackle the most exciting opportunities in precision medicine."

FEATURED PRESENTATIONS

Using Genomic Data to Drive Precision Medicine Insights

Partnering with DNAnexus to Unlock Myriad’s Precise Treatment Registry
Kevin Haas, PhD, Chief Technology Officer, Myriad Genetics
The City of Hope POSEIDON Platform: Driving Cancer Insights with Real-World Data
Samir Courdy, Senior Vice President and Chief Informatics Officer, City of Hope
Detection of Clonal Hematopoiesis in the UK Biobank and Association with Health Outcomes

Kelly Bolton, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Washington University School of Medicine
Ben Busby, PhD, Senior Director of Solution Science, DNAnexus
To register for these presentations, please visit: View Source

Today, DNAnexus has more than 12,000 users across 48 countries and works with the largest and most innovative pharmaceutical companies, diagnostic laboratories, and academic medical centers around the world, along with the UK Biobank and the FDA. The platform provides a comprehensive cloud environment that was designed to meet the most rigorous standards for quality, security, privacy, and safety.

Humanetics Corporation Presents at the 68th Annual International Radiation Research Society Meeting

On October 25, 2022 Humanetics Corporation (Humanetics) reported that data related to its new drug candidate, BIO 300, at the 68th Annual International Radiation Research Society Meeting, October 16-19, 2022 (Press release, Humanetics, OCT 25, 2022, View Source [SID1234622361]). Michael Kaytor, PhD, Vice President of Research and Development for Humanetics, presented data related to BIO 300 Oral Powder, which is being developed as a medical countermeasure for use by military personnel, first responders, and at-risk civilian populations to prevent radiation damage. Protection from radiological events is of utmost importance given the current geopolitical climate.

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Data presented included the protective effects of BIO 300 Oral Powder for both acute hematological and long-term pulmonary effects of acute radiation exposure when administered prophylactically. BIO 300 Oral Powder efficacy was compared to Neulasta, an FDA-approved countermeasure that is currently held in the Strategic National Stockpile for use in radiation emergencies. Data were also presented on the recently completed phase 1 clinical study of BIO 300 Oral Powder in healthy volunteers (NCT04650555). This trial evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics, and biomarkers of single and multiple doses of BIO 300 Oral Powder.

The development of BIO 300 is based upon research initiated by the US Department of Defense, which has granted worldwide exclusive rights to Humanetics for use of the drug as a medical countermeasure for lethal radiation exposure. BIO 300 Oral Powder is a new formulation that was developed to address the unique operational needs of military personnel and first responders. It is a solid oral dosage formulation that is shelf-stable and can be self-administered. This contrasts with current FDA-approved radiation countermeasures that require cold storage and administration through subcutaneous or intramuscular injections.

BIO 300 is also being evaluated in phase 2 clinical trials to prevent normal tissue injury resulting from cancer radiotherapy and to reduce lung damage in COVID-19 long-haul patients. It is administered in these trials as an oral liquid nanosuspension.

The research presented was supported by grants from the US Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program. The views expressed herein are those of Humanetics Corporation and may not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the US Government.