Lilly to Participate in UBS Biopharma Conference 2023

On October 26, 2023 Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) reported that it will attend the UBS Biopharma Conference on Nov. 8, 2023. Patrik Jonsson, executive vice president; president, Lilly Immunology; president, Lilly USA; and chief customer officer, will participate in a fireside chat at 3 p.m., Eastern time (Press release, Eli Lilly, OCT 26, 2023, View Source [SID1234636369]).

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!

A live audio webcast will be available on the "Webcasts & Presentations" section of Lilly’s Investor website at View Source A replay of the presentation will be available on this same website for approximately 90 days.

Clarity and PSI kick off SAR-bisPSMA Phase III

On October 26, 2023 Clarity Pharmaceuticals (ASX: CU6) ("Clarity", "the Company"), a clinical stage radiopharmaceutical company with a mission to develop next-generation products that improve treatment outcomes for children and adults with cancer, and PSI CRO AG ("PSI"), a global contract research organisation committed to on-time enrollment in radiopharmaceutical clinical trials, have entered into an agreement and have commenced work towards Clarity’s Phase III diagnostic trial of SAR-bisPSMA in prostate cancer participants, CLARIFY (NCT06056830) (Press release, Clarity Pharmaceuticals, OCT 26, 2023, View Source [SID1234636368]).

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!

CLARIFY derives from "Positron Emission Tomography using 64Cu-SAR-bisPSMA in participants with high-risk prostate cancer prior to radical prostatectomy: A prospective, single-arm, multi-centre, blinded-review, Phase III diagnostic performance study". It is a non-randomised, open-label clinical trial in 383 participants.

The aim of the Phase III trial is to assess the diagnostic performance of 64Cu-SAR-bisPSMA PET to detect prostate cancer within lymph nodes located in the pelvic region. Evaluation will take place over 2 imaging timepoints, Day 1 (day of administration) and Day 2 (approximately 24 hours post administration). CLARIFY is expected to begin recruitment in late 2023.

Clarity’s Executive Chairman, Dr Alan Taylor, commented, "We are very excited to move one step closer to initiating our first registrational Phase III trial. With recent positive and valuable guidance from the US FDA in relation to our 64Cu-SAR-bisPSMA program, we look forward to commencing recruitment into the CLARIFY trial shortly and to gathering more data on this next-generation product to confirm the compelling preclinical and clinical trial results to date.

"The positive results from our completed PROPELLER2 trial showed that 64Cu-SAR-bisPSMA is safe and its uptake in PSMA-expressing cancer lesions was significantly higher compared to an approved standard-of-care PSMA imaging agent for prostate cancer in Australia and the US. This may enable diagnosis of additional and smaller lesions, which we observed in our PROPELLER2 trial, and we are eager to investigate the further benefits of delayed imaging, particularly in this patient population, a characteristic not available to the first generation of PSMA diagnostic agents. Furthermore, we believe that the additional shelf-life of up to 48 hours will not only allow clinics greater flexibility in scheduling of the scans, but also improve patients’ access to care in clinics and geographic areas where the short half-life of current PSMA PET tracers restricts the use of radiopharmaceuticals."

PSI’s Senior Director of Operations, Rhonda Critchlow, commented, "Using our global database of over 400 radiopharmaceutical sites, we will be able to identify sites with the best resources and capabilities for the CLARIFY trial. We are excited to begin our collaboration with Clarity and will focus on the startup of high-performing sites to achieve the first patient, in the shortest time possible. We believe that a myriad of clinical, logistical and manufacturing benefits of Clarity’s Targeted Copper Theranostics platform holds promise of improving treatment outcomes for patients with cancer and look forward to working together on achieving this important goal."

About SAR-bisPSMA
SAR-bisPSMA derives its name from the word "bis", which reflects a novel approach of connecting two PSMA-targeting agents to Clarity’s proprietary sarcophagine (SAR) technology that securely holds copper isotopes inside a cage-like structure, called a chelator. Unlike other commercially available chelators, the SAR technology prevents copper leakage into the body. SAR-bisPSMA is a TCT that can be used with isotopes of copper-64 (Cu-64 or 64Cu) for imaging and copper-67 (Cu-67 or 67Cu) for therapy.

Cu-SAR-bisPSMA and 67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA are unregistered products. Individual results may not represent the overall safety and efficacy of the products. The data outlined in this announcement has not been assessed by health authorities such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A clinical development program is currently underway to assess the efficacy and safety of these products. There is no guarantee that these products will become commercially available.

About Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in men globally and the fifth leading cause of cancer death worldwide3. The American Cancer Institute estimates in 2023 there will be 288,300 new cases of prostate cancer in the US and around 34,700 deaths from the disease.

CatalYm commences Dosing in a Phase 2 Study with Visugromab in Combination with Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy in Treatment-naive Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Patients

On October 26, 2023 CatalYm reported that the first patient has been dosed in the Phase 2 clinical trial, GDFather-NEO (NCT06059547), evaluating its lead anti-GDF-15 antibody candidate, visugromab, in combination with neoadjuvant immunotherapy (nivolumab, aPD-1 inhibitor) in muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) (Press release, Catalym, OCT 26, 2023, View Source [SID1234636367]). The exploratory study expands visugromab’s clinical Phase 2 evaluation to a therapeutic front-line setting, building on the positive results from the ongoing GDFather-2 (NCT04725474) trial in last-line metastatic patients with a range of advanced, treatment-resistant solid tumors.

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!

"Visugromab offers a very distinct mechanism of action that has the potential to break key immunotherapy resistance mechanisms preventing aPD-1 therapy to fully deliver," commented Prof. Dr. Andrea Necchi, Director of Genitourinary Medical Oncology at IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital and Principal Investigator of the study. "Based on the encouraging efficacy signs achieved with the visugromab-nivolumab combination in the last-line setting, we are looking forward to exploring this new approach in the front-line setting to open new avenues for the treatment of early-stage bladder cancer."

"This study provides us with the first opportunity to evaluate visugromab in an earlier clinical setting and allows us to gain a deeper understanding of its immunosupportive activity. It will also offer us expanded reference data on response-predictive biomarkers and provide further insights into visugromab’s extensive therapeutic potential for patients with hard-to-treat cancers that have built immune-resistance mechanisms," added Dr. Phil L’Huillier, Chief Executive Officer at CatalYm.

The exploratory, controlled GDFATHER-NEO Phase 2 study is assessing the safety and initial signs of clinical efficacy of a combination treatment of nivolumab plus visugromab compared to nivolumab plus placebo in patients with MIBC who are set to undergo radical cystectomy and cannot or refuse to receive cisplatin-based chemotherapy. In addition, the study will provide data on potential response-predictive biomarkers for patient stratification. The trial will be led from Milan, Italy, and will enroll 30 patients in a 1:1 setting at four sites in Italy.

Can-Fite to Harness Artificial Intelligence to Develop Novel Anti-Cancer Drugs

On October 26, 2023 Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE American: CANF) (TASE: CANF), a biotechnology company advancing a pipeline of proprietary small molecule drugs that address oncology and inflammatory diseases, reported that it entered into an agreement with Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (CPI) to develop anti-cancer drugs utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques (Press release, Can-Fite BioPharma, OCT 26, 2023, View Source [SID1234636366]). This project will aim to develop a next-generation A3 adenosine receptor drug agonists that significantly reduce the development time and cost of bringing such drugs to market.

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!

CPI will utilize, apply and use AI and ML tools, including their MegaSyn generative AI method, to design new molecules with high affinity and selectivity to the A3AR Can-Fite target. CPI will also perform the chemical synthesis of the newly designed molecules with the ultimate goal of developing novel and robust anti-cancer drug candidates. Can-Fite will perform the testing of the biological anti-cancer effects and validate the molecular mechanism of the novel, chemically synthesized drug candidates.

"Our vision is to deliver in silico small molecule drug candidates in a better and faster way to patients via a collaboration with Collaborations Pharmaceuticals. Our accumulated experience of bringing anti-cancer drugs which target the A3AR from lab to patients will be implemented into this AI drug development project," stated Prof. Pnina Fishman, Executive Chairman and CSO at Can-Fite.

"We are delighted that Can-Fite chose our team of experts for this AI-led drug discovery collaboration and look forward to demonstrating what our technology can do," said Sean Ekins, PhD, DSc., CEO and Founder of Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, Inc. We also look forward to complementing their outstanding scientific approach with our integrated technology platform and ability to generate novel and selective molecules."

Bristol Myers Squibb Reports Third Quarter Financial Results for 2023

On October 26, 2023 Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY) reported results for the third quarter of 2023, which reflect significant pipeline progress and advances in the company’s portfolio renewal strategy (Press release, Bristol-Myers Squibb, OCT 26, 2023, View Source [SID1234636365]).

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!

"My excitement for the company’s future is centered on the diversification of our business, the breadth of our new product portfolio and the strength of our pipeline," said Giovanni Caforio, M.D., board chair and chief executive officer, Bristol Myers Squibb. "I am proud of what we have achieved together and look forward to what the dedicated people of our company will continue to accomplish for patients."

Christopher Boerner, Ph.D., executive vice president and chief operating officer and CEO-elect, Bristol Myers Squibb, added the following:

"I want to thank Giovanni for his tremendous leadership and commitment not only to patients, but also to strengthening our company. During the third quarter, we continued to grow our in-line and new product portfolio. We remain focused on accelerating commercial performance, advancing our pipeline and harnessing our financial flexibility to pursue business development opportunities that benefit patients."

Third Quarter

$ amounts in millions, except per share amounts

2023

2022

Change

Change
Excl. F/X**

Total Revenues

$10,966

$11,218

(2)%

(3)%

Earnings per share – GAAP*

0.93

0.75

24%

N/A

Earnings per share – Non-GAAP*

2.00

1.99

1%

N/A

* GAAP and Non-GAAP earnings per share include the net impact of Acquired IPRD charges and licensing income, which decreased by $0.03 per share
in the third quarter of 2023 compared to an increase of $0.02 per share in the third quarter of 2022.

** See "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information".
THIRD QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS
All comparisons are made versus the same period in 2022 unless otherwise stated.

Bristol Myers Squibb posted third quarter revenues of $11.0 billion, a decrease of 2%, or 3% when adjusted for foreign exchange, due to lower sales of Revlimid, partially offset by our new product portfolio and in-line products.
U.S. revenues decreased 4% to $7.6 billion in the quarter primarily due to lower sales of Revlimid resulting from generic erosion and, as previously disclosed, an increase in the number of patients receiving free drug product for Revlimid, and to a lesser extent Pomalyst, from the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation, a separate and independent 501(c)(3) entity to which BMS donates products. This was partially offset by our new product portfolio and in-line products.
International revenues increased 2% to $3.3 billion in the quarter. When adjusted for foreign exchange impacts, international revenues increased 1%, primarily due to Opdivo and our new product portfolio, partially offset by lower average net selling prices.
On a GAAP basis, gross margin decreased from 79.0% to 77.1% and on a Non-GAAP basis, decreased from 79.8% to 77.3% primarily due to product mix and lower hedge settlement gains.
On a GAAP basis, marketing, selling and administrative expenses increased 4% to $2.0 billion in the quarter primarily due to higher advertising and promotion costs to support new product launches, partially offset by the cash settlement of Turning Point Therapeutics, Inc. ("Turning Point") unvested stock awards in 2022. On a Non-GAAP basis, marketing, selling and administrative expenses increased 4% to $1.9 billion in the quarter, primarily due to higher advertising and promotion costs to support new product launches.
On a GAAP basis, research and development expenses decreased 7% to $2.2 billion in the quarter due to lower clinical grants and supplies and cash settlement of Turning Point unvested stock awards in 2022. On a Non-GAAP basis, research and development expenses decreased 4% to $2.2 billion in the quarter primarily due to lower clinical grants and supplies.
On a GAAP and Non-GAAP basis, Acquired IPRD increased to $80 million in the quarter from $30 million in the same period a year ago. On a GAAP and Non-GAAP basis, licensing income was $12 million in the quarter compared to $73 million in the same period a year ago.
On a GAAP basis, amortization of acquired intangible assets decreased 7% to $2.3 billion in the quarter, primarily due to the Abraxane marketed product right being fully amortized in the fourth quarter of 2022.
On a GAAP basis, effective tax rate changed from 27.2% to 9.5% in the quarter and on a Non-GAAP basis the effective tax rate changed from 16.9% to 11.6%, primarily due to changes in the IRS income tax guidance regarding deductibility of certain non-U.S. research and development expenses.
The company reported on a GAAP basis net earnings attributable to Bristol Myers Squibb of $1.9 billion, or $0.93 per share, in the third quarter compared to $1.6 billion, or $0.75 per share, for the same period a year ago.
The company reported on a Non-GAAP basis net earnings attributable to Bristol Myers Squibb of $4.1 billion, or $2.00 per share, in the third quarter compared to $4.3 billion, or $1.99 per share, for the same period a year ago.
The EPS results in the third quarter of 2023 also include the impact of lower weighted-average common shares outstanding.
THIRD QUARTER PRODUCT REVENUE HIGHLIGHTS

($ amounts in millions)

Quarter Ended
September 30, 2023

% Change from Quarter
Ended September 30,
2022

% Change from
Quarter Ended
September 30,
2022 Ex-F/X**

U.S.(c)

Int’l

WW(d)

U.S.(c)

Int’l

WW(d)

Int’l

WW(d)

In-Line Products

Eliquis

$

1,799

$

906

$

2,705

4%

(2)%

2%

(6)%

—%

Opdivo

1,352

923

2,275

9%

15%

11%

15%

11%

Pomalyst/Imnovid

610

262

872

(5)%

7%

(2)%

4%

(2)%

Orencia

719

206

925

5%

2%

5%

1%

5%

Sprycel

406

111

517

1%

(30)%

(8)%

(29)%

(8)%

Yervoy

362

217

579

12%

8%

11%

6%

10%

Mature and other products (a)

191

285

476

—%

(12)%

(7)%

(11)%

(7)%

Total In-Line Products

5,439

2,910

8,349

4%

2%

3%

—%

3%

New Product Portfolio

Reblozyl

200

48

248

28%

41%

31%

35%

29%

Abecma

69

24

93

(8)%

(25)%

(13)%

(28)%

(14)%

Opdualag

162

4

166

93%

N/A

98%

N/A

98%

Zeposia

96

27

123

92%

42 %

78%

32%

75%

Breyanzi

77

15

92

*

67 %

*

67%

*

Onureg

30

13

43

25%

63 %

34%

50%

31%

Inrebic

19

10

29

12%

*

38%

*

33%

Camzyos

67

1

68

*

N/A

*

N/A

*

Sotyktu

62

4

66

*

N/A

*

N/A

*

Total New Product Portfolio

782

146

928

75%

38%

68%

31%

67%

Total In-Line and New Product Portfolio

6,221

3,056

9,277

10%

3%

8%

1%

7%

Recent LOE Products (b)

Revlimid

1,226

203

1,429

(44)%

(19)%

(41)%

(18)%

(41)%

Abraxane

181

79

260

57%

27%

47%

39%

51%

Total Recent LOE Products

1,407

282

1,689

(38)%

(10)%

(35)%

(7)%

(35)%

Total Revenues

$

7,628

$

3,338

$

10,966

(4)%

2%

(2)%

1%

(3)%

* In excess of +100%

** See "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information".

(a) Includes over-the-counter (OTC) products, royalty revenue and mature products.

(b) Recent LOE Products includes products with significant expected decline in revenue from a prior reporting period as a result of a loss of exclusivity.

(c) Includes Puerto Rico.

(d) Worldwide (WW) includes International (Int’l) and U.S.

THIRD QUARTER PRODUCT REVENUE HIGHLIGHTS

In-Line Products
Revenues for in-line products in the third quarter were $8.3 billion compared to $8.1 billion in the prior year period. In-line products revenue was largely driven by:

Opdivo worldwide revenues increased 11% reported and when adjusted for foreign exchange. U.S. revenues increased 9% to $1.4 billion compared to the prior year period primarily due to higher demand. International revenues were $923 million compared to $804 million in the prior year period, representing an increase of 15% reported and when adjusted for foreign exchange, primarily due to higher demand as a result of launches for additional indications and core indications.
Eliquis worldwide revenues increased 2% compared to the prior year period. U.S. revenues were $1.8 billion compared to $1.7 billion in the prior year period, representing an increase of 4% primarily due to higher demand, partially offset by GTN adjustments in 2023. International revenues were $906 million compared to $926 million in the prior year period, representing a decrease of 2%, primarily driven by lower average net selling prices and generic erosion in Canada and the U.K.
New Product Portfolio

New product portfolio worldwide revenues increased to $928 million compared to $553 million in the prior year period, representing a growth of 68%, primarily driven by higher demand across the portfolio, including for Opdualag, Sotyktu, Camzyos, Reblozyl, Zeposia and Breyanzi.
Recent LOE Products

Revlimid worldwide revenues declined by 41% compared to the prior year period, primarily due to generic erosion and, as previously disclosed, an increase in the number of patients receiving free drug product from the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation, a separate and independent 501(c)(3) entity to which the company donates products.
PRODUCT AND PIPELINE UPDATE
Bristol Myers Squibb recently achieved significant regulatory and clinical milestones, including an important U.S. regulatory approval for Reblozyl in first-line, MDS-associated anemia. In addition, the company achieved strong results from a Phase 3 study evaluating subcutaneous nivolumab and received two key approvals—from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission for Opdivo in stage IIB or IIC melanoma. The company also announced initial data from a Phase 3 trial evaluating a perioperative regimen including Opdivo in non-small cell lung cancer, as well as positive Phase 2 results evaluating its potential first-in-class LPA1 antagonist in progressive pulmonary fibrosis.

Cardiovascular

Category

Asset

Milestone

Clinical & Research

Camzyos (mavacamten)

Data from the EXPLORER-LTE cohort of the MAVA-LTE study showed sustained improvements in left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, symptoms and NT-proBNP levels in patients with symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) based on a cumulative 120-week analysis.

In addition, long-term follow-up results from the Phase 3 VALOR-HCM LTE trial demonstrated the consistent impact of oral treatment for severely symptomatic obstructive HCM patients by showing that nearly nine out of 10 patients treated with Camzyos have continued in the trial without septal reduction therapy at either 40 or 56 weeks of treatment.

Eliquis (apixaban)

Results presented by the Bristol-Myers Squibb-Pfizer Alliance from ATHENS, a retrospective real-world data study, demonstrated that switching from Eliquis to rivaroxaban in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients was associated with a higher risk of stroke/systemic embolism and major bleeding than those who continued Eliquis.

Oncology

Category

Asset

Milestone

Regulatory

Opdivo(nivolumab)

The FDA approved the supplemental Biologics License Application for Opdivo as a monotherapy in the adjuvant setting for the treatment of eligible patients with completely resected stage IIB or IIC melanoma. The approval is based on results from the CheckMate -76K trial.

The European Commission approvedOpdivo as a monotherapy for the adjuvant treatment of adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older with stage IIB or IIC melanoma who have undergone complete resection. The approval is based on results from the Phase 3 CheckMate -76K trial.

Clinical & Research

Opdivo

First results from the Phase 3 CheckMate -901 trial demonstrated that Opdivo in combination with cisplatin-based chemotherapy followed by Opdivo monotherapy demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in the primary efficacy endpoints of overall survival and progression-free survival compared to standard-of-care cisplatin-based chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for patients with unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who are eligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

First data disclosure from the Phase 3 CheckMate -77T trial evaluating the perioperative regimen of neoadjuvant Opdivo with chemotherapy followed by surgery and adjuvant Opdivo in patients with resectable stage IIA to IIIB non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in the primary efficacy endpoint of event-free survival compared to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and placebo followed by surgery and adjuvant placebo.

Three-year follow-up results from exploratory analyses of the Phase 3 CheckMate -816 trial demonstrated sustained event-free survival (EFS) and promising overall survival trends with three cycles of Opdivo in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy for the neoadjuvant treatment of patients with resectable NSCLC, regardless of PD-L1 expression levels. Neoadjuvant Opdivo with chemotherapy also showed improvements in pathologic complete response (pCR) and major pathologic response (MPR) over chemotherapy alone in PD-L1 ≥1% and <1% patient populations.

Part B of the Phase 3 CheckMate -914 trial, evaluating Opdivo as an adjuvant treatment for patients with localized renal cell carcinoma who have undergone full or partial removal of the kidney and who are at a moderate or high risk of relapse, did not meet the primary endpoint of disease-free survival as assessed by Blinded Independent Central Review. The safety profile was consistent with previously reported studies of other Opdivo and Opdivo-based combinations in solid tumors.

Subcutaneous nivolumab

Results from the Phase 3 CheckMate -67T trial evaluating subcutaneous nivolumab in advanced or metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma demonstrated noninferior pharmacokinetics (co-primary endpoints) and objective response rate (key secondary endpoint) when compared to intravenous Opdivo. The company looks forward to discussing next steps for subcutaneous nivolumab with health authorities across multiple indications.

Opdivo+Yervoy

Six-year follow-up results from Part 1 of the Phase 3 CheckMate -227 trial demonstrated long-term, durable survival benefits of Opdivo plus Yervoy compared to chemotherapy in the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC, regardless of PD-L1 expression levels.

repotrectinib

Updated results from the registrational Phase 1/2 TRIDENT-1 study demonstrated that repotrectinib, a next-generation ROS1/TRK tyrosine kinase inhibitor, continued to show high response rates and durable responses in patients with ROS1-positive locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC. The FDA granted Priority Review of the New Drug Application for repotrectinib and assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act goal date of November 27, 2023.

Hematology

Category

Asset

Milestone

Regulatory

Reblozyl(luspatercept-aamt)

The FDA approvedReblozyl for the treatment of anemia without previous erythropoiesis stimulating agent use (ESA-naïve) in adult patients with very low- to intermediate-risk myelodysplastic syndromes who may require regular red blood cell transfusions. The approval is based on interim results from the pivotal Phase 3 COMMANDS trial, expanding Reblozyl indication to the first-line setting regardless of ring sideroblast status and enabling treatment across a broader array of patients.

Immunology

Category

Asset

Milestone

Regulatory

LPA1 antagonist BMS-986278

The FDA granted BMS-986278, a potential first-in-class oral, lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPA1)antagonist, Breakthrough Therapy Designation for the treatment of progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF).

Clinical & Research

LPA1 antagonist

Results from the Phase 2 study evaluating BMS-986278 in patients with PPF demonstrated that twice-daily administration of 60mg of BMS-986278 over 26 weeks reduced the rate of decline in percent predicted forced vital capacity by 69% compared to placebo.

Sotyktu (deucravacitinib)

Results from the POETYK-PSO long-term extension trial of Sotyktu treatment in adult patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis demonstrated that clinical response was maintained at 73.2% for Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 75 with 3 years of continuous Sotyktu treatment. Sotyktu demonstrated a consistent safety profile with no increases in adverse or serious adverse events and no new safety signals.

Zeposia (ozanimod)

First interim readout from the Phase 3b ENLIGHTEN trial demonstrated that almost half of patients with early relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) have clinically meaningful improvement in cognitive functioning compared to baseline after one year of Zeposia treatment.

In addition, late-breaking data from the DAYBREAK and RADIANCE trials demonstrated that, after eight years of follow-up, 76% of patients treated with Zeposia for RMS were free of six-month confirmed disability progression. Findings also demonstrated treatment with Zeposia resulted in low rates of progression-independent relapse activity and relapse-associated worsening, key drivers of disease progression and permanent disability in multiple sclerosis.

Research and Development (R&D) Update
In September, Bristol Myers Squibb hosted an R&D Day highlighting its advancing pipeline and differentiated research platforms to support long-term sustainable growth. During the presentation, members of the company’s leadership team discussed:

The strengthening of Bristol Myers Squibb’s scientific leadership and the advancement of a promising pipeline;
An expectation of doubling registrational assets from six to 12 over the next 18 months;
More than 25 indication expansion opportunities on the horizon and nine high-potential early assets that are expected to advance in the company’s pipeline;
Differentiated research platforms that support long-term growth, including Cell Therapy and Targeted Protein Degradation;
Increased depth across the company’s oncology, hematology, immunology and cardiovascular therapeutic areas and a growing presence in neuroscience; and
Efforts to further increase and sustain the productivity of its R&D engine and bring treatments to patients faster.
Business Development
In October 2023, the company announced it had entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire Mirati Therapeutics, Inc. ("Mirati"), a commercial-stage targeted oncology company. The pending acquisition, when complete, is expected to strengthen and diversify Bristol Myers Squibb’s oncology franchise, add KRAZATI (adagrasib), a best-in-class KRASG12C inhibitor currently approved in lung cancer, to its commercial oncology portfolio, and add MRTX1719, a potential first-in-class MTA-cooperative PRMT5 inhibitor in Phase 1 development. Bristol Myers Squibb also gains access to several promising clinical and pre-clinical stage assets, including additional KRAS inhibitors and enabling programs.

Capital Allocation
The company maintains a balanced approach to capital allocation focused on prioritizing investment for growth through business development, maintaining a strong balance sheet, growing the dividend and opportunistic share repurchases. Dividend decisions are subject to approval by the Board of Directors.

In August, the company announced that it had entered into accelerated share repurchase (ASR) agreements to repurchase, in aggregate, $4 billion of Bristol Myers Squibb common stock. The company anticipates that final settlement of these transactions will occur during the fourth quarter of 2023.
Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG)
As a leading biopharmaceutical company, we understand our responsibility extends well beyond the discovery, development and delivery of innovative medicines. Our evolving ESG strategy builds on a legacy of comprehensive and global sustainability efforts that seek to drive business value and positively impact patients, employees, communities and the planet.

In August 2023, the company published its latest ESG report, which details the company’s goals, strategies and performance across four ESG focus areas: ethics, integrity and quality; health equity and healthcare access; global inclusion and diversity; and environmental sustainability. Highlights include:
Increased access for underserved communities.
Progress toward global inclusion and diversity and health equity aspirational goals.
Expanded clinical trial diversity and advanced supplier diversity.
A reduced environmental footprint.
Strengthened ESG oversight and accountability.
Bristol Myers Squibb was inducted into the Billion Dollar Roundtable, joining other Fortune 100 companies that have invested $1 billion with diverse-owned suppliers.
Financial Guidance
Bristol Myers Squibb is revising its 2023 GAAP and Non-GAAP line item guidance as follows:

Adjusting total revenues for Revlimid to be approximately $6.0 billion.
Adjusting GAAP diluted EPS range to $3.68-$3.83 and raising midpoint of Non-GAAP diluted EPS range, with the new range being $7.50-$7.65.
Adjusting GAAP tax rate to approximately 11% and adjusting Non-GAAP tax rate to approximately 15.5%, primarily due to a reduction in previously estimated taxes resulting from changes in the income tax guidance regarding deductibility of certain non-U.S. research and development expenses.
Key 2023 GAAP and Non-GAAP line-item guidance assumptions are:

U.S. GAAP

Non-GAAP2

July
(Prior)

October
(Revised)

July
(Prior)

October
(Revised)

Total Revenues

(as reported)

Low single-digit decline

No Change

Low single-digit decline

No Change

Total Revenues

(excl. F/X)

Low single-digit decline

No Change

Low single-digit decline

No Change

Revlimid

~ $5.5 billion

~$6.0 billion

~ $5.5 billion

~$6.0 billion

Gross Margin %

~76%

No Change

~76%

No Change

Operating Expenses1

Low single-digit decline

No Change

Low single-digit decline

No Change

Tax Rate

~ 16%

~11%

~ 17.5%

~15.5%

Diluted EPS

$3.72-$4.02

$3.68-$3.83

$7.35-$7.65

$7.50-$7.65

1 Operating Expenses — MS&A and R&D, excluding Acquired IPRD and Amortization of acquired intangible assets.

2 See "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information."

The 2023 financial guidance excludes the impact of any potential future strategic acquisitions, including the planned acquisition of Mirati, and divestitures, and any specified items that have not yet been identified and quantified and the impact of future Acquired IPRD charges, including the charge associated with the re-acquisition of rights for mavacamten in China and certain other Asian territories. 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 2023 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.

The company will no longer include GAAP financial guidance beginning with the presentation of the fourth quarter and year-end 2023 results.

Medium-Term Financial Targets
The company is updating its previously communicated medium-term targets:

July (Prior)

October (Revised)

Low-to-mid single digit revenue CAGR1 from 2020-2025

Reaffirms low-to-mid single digit revenue CAGR1 from 2020-2025

Low double-digit revenue CAGR1 Ex-Revlimid/Pomalyst from 2020-2025

Reaffirms low double-digit revenue CAGR1 Ex-Revlimid/Pomalyst from 2020-2025

$8-$10 billion growth from in-line brands2 from 2020-2025

Reaffirms $8-$10 billion growth from in-line brands2 from 2020-2025

$10-$13 billion from new product portfolio in 2025

Adjusts to >$10 billion revenue from new product portfolio in 2026

40%+ Non-GAAP operating margin through 2025

Adjusts Non-GAAP operating margin target to >37% through 2025

1 At constant exchange rates on a risk-adjusted basis.

2 Primarily I-O and Eliquis.

Conference Call Information
Bristol Myers Squibb will host a conference call today, Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 8:00 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 register for the live conference call here. Those unable to register can access the live conference call by dialing in the U.S. toll-free 1-833-816-1116 or international +1 412-317-0705. 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 at 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, 2023, through 11:30 a.m. ET on November 9, 2023, by dialing in the U.S. toll free 1-877-344-7529 or international +1 412-317-0088, confirmation code: 3515954.