Aprea Therapeutics Announces Submission of IND Application for APR-1051, a Next Generation WEE1 Kinase Inhibitor

On February 6, 2024 Aprea Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: APRE) ("Aprea", or the "Company"), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on precision oncology through synthetic lethality, reported that it has submitted an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to initiate clinical trials of APR-1051 (Press release, Aprea, FEB 6, 2024, View Source [SID1234639876]). APR-1051 is an oral inhibitor of WEE1 kinase, which plays important role in cell cycle regulation and DNA damage repair.

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!

Based on preclinical studies, we believe APR-1051 is potentially differentiated from other WEE1 inhibitors in its: 1) molecular structure; 2) selectivity for WEE1 versus off-target inhibition of the polo-like kinase, or PLK, family of kinases; and 3) potentially superior pharmacokinetic properties.* Aprea has conducted extensive pre-clinical studies with APR-1051, which have demonstrated that the molecule may have highly potent anti-tumor activity, with a potentially favorable pharmacokinetic (PK) profile.

"Submission of an IND represents an important milestone for our APR-1051 development program," said Dr. Oren Gilad, President and CEO of Aprea. "APR-1051 is a next generation inhibitor of WEE1 kinase and, based on its unique characteristics, we believe it will be best in class. Pending clearance of the IND by FDA, we plan to commence clinical testing in the first half of 2024."

Clearance of the IND application will allow Aprea to initiate a Phase 1/2a dose escalation trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of APR-1051 as a monotherapy in patients with a defined genetic and/or molecular signatures. Further details on the design of this study will be provided at a later date.

* No head-to-head studies have been conducted with APR-1051

Immix Biopharma Announces Pricing of $15 Million Public Offering of Common Stock

On February 5, 2024 Immix Biopharma, Inc. ("ImmixBio", "Company", "We" or "Us" or "IMMX"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering personalized therapies for oncology and immunology, reported that it has priced an underwritten public offering of 5,535,055 shares of its common stock at an offering price of $2.71 per share of common stock (Press release, Immix Biopharma, FEB 6, 2024, View Source [SID1234639874]). ImmixBio has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to 783,970 additional shares of its common stock sold in the offering on the same terms and conditions. The Company expects to close the offering on February 8, 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

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!

Titan Partners Group, a division of American Capital Partners, is acting as sole book-running manager for the offering.

The gross proceeds to the Company from the offering are expected to be approximately $15 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for NXC-201 clinical trials, working capital and general corporate purposes.

The offering is being made pursuant to an effective "shelf" registration statement on (File No. 333-269100) previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on January 3, 2023, and declared effective by the SEC on January 11, 2023. The securities may be offered only by means of a prospectus. A preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to and describing the terms of the offering has been filed with the SEC. Copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and when available, copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to the offering, may be obtained by visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by contacting Titan Partners Group LLC, a division of American Capital Partners, LLC, 4 World Trade Center, 29th Floor, New York, New York 10007, by phone at (929) 833-1246 or by email at [email protected].

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

GILEAD SCIENCES ANNOUNCES FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2023 FINANCIAL RESULTS

On February 6, 2024 Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) reported its results of operations for the fourth quarter and full year 2023 (Press release, Gilead Sciences, FEB 6, 2024, View Source [SID1234639872]).

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!

"This was another strong year of revenue growth for Gilead’s base business, driven by both HIV and Oncology," said Daniel O’Day, Gilead’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "The strength of the business provides a solid foundation as we enter a new catalyst-rich phase for the company. We are expecting several milestones in 2024, including updates on long-acting HIV prevention and treatment, Cell Therapy and Trodelvy."

Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Results

•Total fourth quarter 2023 revenue decreased 4% to $7.1 billion compared to the same period in 2022, primarily due to lower Veklury (remdesivir) and HIV sales, partially offset by higher Oncology sales.
•Diluted Earnings Per Share ("EPS") decreased to $1.14 in the fourth quarter 2023 compared to $1.30 in the same period in 2022, primarily due to higher total costs and expenses, and lower Veklury revenues, partially offset by unrealized gains on equity investments in 2023 compared to losses in 2022, and lower tax expense.
•Non-GAAP diluted EPS increased to $1.72 in the fourth quarter 2023 compared to $1.67 in the same period in 2022, primarily due to lower total costs and expenses, partially offset by lower Veklury revenues.
•As of December 31, 2023, Gilead had $8.4 billion of cash, cash equivalents and marketable debt securities compared to $7.6 billion as of December 31, 2022.
•During the fourth quarter 2023, Gilead generated $2.2 billion in operating cash flow.
•During the fourth quarter 2023, Gilead paid cash dividends of $943 million and utilized $150 million to repurchase common stock.

Fourth Quarter 2023 Product Sales

Total fourth quarter 2023 product sales decreased 4% to $7.1 billion compared to the same period in 2022. Total product sales, excluding Veklury, of $6.3 billion were flat compared to the same period in 2022, with higher Oncology sales partially offset by lower HIV sales.
HIV product sales decreased 2% to $4.7 billion in the fourth quarter 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, primarily driven by lower average realized price due to channel mix, partially offset by higher demand and channel inventory dynamics.
•Biktarvy (bictegravir 50mg/emtricitabine ("FTC") 200mg/tenofovir alafenamide ("TAF") 25mg) sales increased 7% to $3.1 billion in the fourth quarter 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, primarily reflecting higher demand, partially offset by lower average realized price due to channel mix.
•Descovy (FTC 200mg/TAF 25mg) sales decreased 5% to $509 million in the fourth quarter 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, primarily driven by unfavorable pricing dynamics in the United States, partially offset by higher demand and channel inventory dynamics.

The Liver Disease portfolio sales were $691 million in the fourth quarter 2023 and remained flat compared to the same period in 2022. Sales were impacted by unfavorable pricing dynamics, offset by higher demand across chronic hepatitis C virus ("HCV") and chronic hepatitis delta virus ("HDV") products.
Cell Therapy product sales increased 11% to $466 million in the fourth quarter 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.
•Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel) sales increased 9% to $368 million in the fourth quarter 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, primarily driven by strong demand in relapsed or refractory ("R/R") large B-cell lymphoma ("LBCL") outside the United States.
•Tecartus (brexucabtagene autoleucel) sales increased 19% to $98 million in the fourth quarter 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, driven by increased demand in R/R adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia ("ALL") and in R/R mantle cell lymphoma ("MCL").
Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan-hziy) sales increased 53% to $299 million in the fourth quarter 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, reflecting higher demand in both the United States and Europe.
Veklury sales decreased 28% to $720 million in the fourth quarter 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, primarily driven by lower rates of COVID-19 related hospitalizations. Veklury sales generally reflect COVID-19 related rates and severity of infections and hospitalizations, as well as the availability, uptake and effectiveness of vaccinations and alternative treatments for COVID-19.
Fourth Quarter 2023 Product Gross Margin, Operating Expenses and Tax
•Product gross margin was 70.4% in the fourth quarter 2023 compared to 81.0% in the same period in 2022, primarily driven by restructuring expenses related to changes in our manufacturing strategy, intangible asset amortization expenses related to Trodelvy following approval for pretreated HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer in February 2023, and product mix. Non-GAAP product gross margin was 86.1% in the fourth quarter 2023 compared to 86.8% in the same period in 2022, primarily driven by product mix.
•Research and development ("R&D") expenses were $1.4 billion in the fourth quarter 2023 compared to $1.5 billion in the same period in 2022, driven by the timing of clinical activities and valuation adjustments to the MYR-related contingent consideration, partially offset by increased investments in Oncology. Non-GAAP R&D expenses were $1.5 billion in the fourth quarter 2023 and in the same period in 2022. Decreases due to the timing of clinical activities were offset by increased investments in Oncology.
•Acquired in-process research and development ("IPR&D") expenses were $347 million in the fourth quarter 2023, primarily driven by payments related to collaborations with Arcellx, Inc. ("Arcellx"), Assembly Biosciences, Inc. ("Assembly"), and Compugen Ltd. ("Compugen"), as well as a milestone payment related to the acquisition of XinThera, Inc. ("XinThera").
•Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") and non-GAAP SG&A expenses were $1.6 billion in the fourth quarter 2023 compared to $2.0 billion in the same period in 2022. The decrease was primarily driven by a 2022 charge related to the termination of the Trodelvy collaboration agreement with Everest Medicines ("Everest") that did not repeat.
•The effective tax rate ("ETR") was 14.3% in the fourth quarter 2023 compared to 19.6% in the same period in 2022, primarily due to remeasurement of certain deferred tax liabilities and non-taxable unrealized gains on equity investments. Non-GAAP ETR was 17.1% in the fourth quarter 2023 compared to 16.8% in the same period in 2022.
Full Year 2023 Financial Results
•Total full year 2023 revenue decreased 1% to $27.1 billion compared to 2022, driven by a reduction of $1.7 billion in Veklury sales, largely offset by higher HIV and Oncology sales.

•Diluted EPS increased to $4.50 in the full year 2023 compared to $3.64 in 2022, primarily due to lower IPR&D impairment expenses, lower unrealized losses on equity investments, and higher interest income, partially offset by higher cost of goods sold and operating expenses, and lower Veklury sales.
•Non-GAAP diluted EPS decreased to $6.72 in the full year 2023 compared to $7.26 in 2022. This was primarily driven by higher total costs and expenses, as well as lower Veklury sales, partially offset by a decrease in tax reserves as a result of reaching an agreement with a tax authority, and higher interest income.
Full Year 2023 Product Sales
Total full year 2023 product sales of $26.9 billion were relatively flat compared to the same period in 2022, with lower Veklury sales largely offset by higher HIV and Oncology sales. Total product sales, excluding Veklury, increased 7% to $24.7 billion in the full year 2023 compared to 2022, primarily driven by higher HIV and Oncology sales.
HIV product sales increased 6% to $18.2 billion in the full year 2023 compared to 2022, primarily reflecting higher demand across treatment and prevention, in addition to higher average realized price and favorable channel inventory dynamics.
•Biktarvy sales increased 14% to $11.8 billion in the full year 2023 compared to 2022, primarily reflecting higher demand as well as higher average realized price.
•Descovy sales increased 6% to $2.0 billion in the full year 2023 compared to 2022, primarily driven by favorable channel inventory dynamics and higher demand.
The Liver Disease portfolio sales decreased 1% to $2.8 billion in the full year 2023 compared to 2022. The decrease was primarily driven by unfavorable HCV pricing dynamics and foreign exchange rates, partially offset by higher demand across HCV, HDV and chronic hepatitis B virus ("HBV") products.
Cell Therapy product sales increased 28% to $1.9 billion in the full year 2023 compared to 2022.
•Yescarta sales increased 29% to $1.5 billion in the full year 2023 compared to 2022, primarily driven by increased demand in R/R LBCL.
•Tecartus sales increased 24% to $370 million in the full year 2023 compared to 2022, primarily driven by increased demand in in R/R ALL and R/R MCL.
Trodelvy sales increased 56% to $1.1 billion in the full year 2023 compared to 2022, reflecting strong demand in new and existing geographies.
Veklury sales decreased 44% to $2.2 billion in the full year 2023 compared to 2022, primarily driven by lower rates of COVID-19 related hospitalizations in all regions.
Full Year 2023 Product Gross Margin, Operating Expenses and Tax
•Product gross margin was 75.9% in the full year 2023 compared to 79.0% in 2022, primarily driven by restructuring expenses related to the aforementioned changes in our manufacturing strategy, increased amortization expenses, and product mix. Non-GAAP product gross margin was 86.3% in the full year 2023 compared to 86.6% in 2022, primarily driven by product mix.
•R&D and non-GAAP R&D expenses were $5.7 billion in the full year 2023 compared to $5.0 billion in 2022. This primarily reflects increased clinical activities across our Oncology and Virology programs.
•Acquired IPR&D expenses were $1.2 billion in the full year 2023, primarily driven by payments related to the collaboration with Arcellx, as well as the acquisition of XinThera and Tmunity Therapeutics Inc. ("Tmunity").

SG&A expenses were $6.1 billion in the full year 2023 compared to $5.7 billion in 2022. Non-GAAP SG&A expenses were $6.1 billion in the full year 2023 compared to $5.6 billion in 2022. The increases in SG&A and non-GAAP SG&A expenses are primarily due to a $525 million litigation settlement with certain plaintiffs in the HIV antitrust litigation and increased commercial activities in Oncology and HIV, partially offset by the 2022 charge related to the termination of the Trodelvy collaboration agreement with Everest.
•The ETR and non-GAAP ETR were 18.2% and 15.2%, respectively, in the full year 2023 compared to 21.5% and 19.3%, respectively, in 2022. Lower ETR is primarily due to a decrease in tax reserves as a result of reaching agreement with a tax authority on certain tax positions.
Guidance and Outlook
Gilead is providing full-year 2024 guidance below:
•Total product sales between $27.1 billion and $27.5 billion.
•Total product sales, excluding Veklury, between $25.8 billion and $26.2 billion.
•Total Veklury sales of approximately $1.3 billion.
•Diluted EPS between $5.15 and $5.55.
•Non-GAAP diluted EPS between $6.85 and $7.25.
Additional information and a reconciliation between GAAP and non-GAAP financial information for the 2024 guidance is provided in the accompanying tables. The financial guidance is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. See the Forward-Looking Statements section below.
Key Updates Since Our Last Quarterly Release
Virology
•Announced that the Phase 3 OAKTREE trial of obeldesivir in non-hospitalized participants without risk factors for developing severe COVID-19 did not meet its primary endpoint of improvement in time to symptom alleviation. Obeldesivir was well-tolerated in this large study population.
Oncology
•Announced that the Phase 3 EVOKE-01 study of Trodelvy versus docetaxel in previously treated metastatic non-small cell lung cancer did not meet its primary endpoint of overall survival. While not statistically powered, we observed an encouraging trend in a subgroup of patients non-responsive to prior anti-PD-(L)1 immunotherapy, that we may potentially explore further.
•Presented new data at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2023, including a post-hoc, subgroup analysis of clinical outcomes by age from the Phase 3 TROPiCS-02 study of Trodelvy in HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer.
•Presented new data at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2023 Annual Meeting ("ASH") including long-term follow-up across Yescarta trials in R/R LBCL, first-line high-risk LBCL, and R/R follicular lymphoma, as well as real-world data for Tecartus in R/R MCL and B-cell ALL.
•Received U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") approval of Yescarta’s label update to include overall survival ("OS") data from the Phase 3 ZUMA-7 study, which showed a statistically significant OS improvement for Yescarta in second-line R/R LBCL versus standard of care.
•Received FDA approval of a manufacturing process change resulting in reduced median turnaround time for Yescarta in the U.S. to an anticipated 14 days (from 16 days previously).
•Our partner Arcellx presented updated data at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) from the Phase 1 trial evaluating anitocabtagene autoleucel ("anito-cel") in R/R multiple myeloma. With 26.5 months of median follow-up, the data demonstrated continued deep and durable responses, including in patients with extramedullary disease, with median progression-free survival not reached. In addition, no cases of delayed neurotoxicity events or parkinsonian symptoms were observed.
Announced expansion of the Arcellx collaboration to include exercising an option for the ARC-SparX ACLX-001 program in multiple myeloma, expanding the scope of the existing anito-cel collaboration to include lymphomas, and a further equity investment of $200 million.
•Announced an amended collaboration agreement with Arcus Biosciences, Inc. ("Arcus"), including an update to the domvanalimab development collaboration program, and an additional $320 million equity investment.
•Announced an exclusive license agreement with Compugen for later-stage development and commercialization of novel pre-clinical anti-IL18 binding protein antibodies, including COM503, that have the potential to treat various tumor types.

Corporate

•Announced that Ted Love has joined Gilead’s Board of Directors.
•Named to Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for third consecutive year and added to the North America Index for the first year, reflecting Gilead’s ongoing commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainability.
•The company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.77 per share of common stock for the first quarter of 2024. The dividend is payable on March 28, 2024, to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 15, 2024. Future dividends will be subject to Board approval.
Certain amounts and percentages in this press release may not sum or recalculate due to rounding.
Conference Call
At 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time today, Gilead will host a conference call to discuss Gilead’s results. A live webcast will be available on View Source and will be archived on www.gilead.com for one year.

Genprex to Present at Upcoming BIO CEO & Investor Conference

On February 6, 2024 Genprex, Inc. ("Genprex" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: GNPX), a clinical-stage gene therapy company focused on developing life-changing therapies for patients with cancer and diabetes, reported that its Chief Financial Officer, Ryan Confer, will be providing an overview of the Company’s gene therapies for cancer and diabetes at the upcoming BIO CEO & Investor Conference (Press release, Genprex, FEB 6, 2024, View Source [SID1234639871]).

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!

Event: BIO CEO & Investor Conference

Conference Dates: Feb. 26-27, 2024

Presentation Date: Monday, Feb. 26, 2024

Presentation Time: 1:30 p.m. ET

Venue: The New York Marriott Marquis, Plymouth Room

Presenter: Ryan Confer, Genprex’s Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Confer will deliver an overview of the Company’s pioneering gene therapies for cancer and diabetes and will be available for in-person one-on-one meetings with investors through the conference platform.

For those interested in meeting Genprex management during the conference, please request a meeting through the conference portal or reach out to Investor Relations at [email protected].

Exelixis Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update

On February 6, 2024 Exelixis, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXEL) reported financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year of 2023, provided an update on progress toward achieving key corporate objectives, and outlined its commercial, clinical and pipeline development milestones (Press release, Exelixis, FEB 6, 2024, View Source [SID1234639870]).

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!

"Exelixis entered 2024 with significant momentum on the research, development, commercial and financial fronts," said Michael M. Morrissey, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, Exelixis. "This year, we plan to advance our regulatory strategies for cabozantinib label expansions in neuroendocrine tumors and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, both indications with high unmet medical need and the potential to drive revenue growth for the franchise for years to come. Positive data from the CABINET and CONTACT-02 studies give us confidence that cabozantinib has the potential to become an important option for clinicians treating patients with these forms of cancer. As we pursue these additional growth opportunities, we remain steadfast in our defense of cabozantinib’s intellectual property and anticipate a ruling on the second bench trial for our ongoing litigation with MSN Pharmaceuticals this spring."

Dr. Morrissey continued: "Our deep, differentiated and maturing pipeline is essential to our efforts to position Exelixis as a global biotech leader in oncology. Drawing on the cabozantinib experience and the integrated research, development and commercial capabilities highlighted at our recent R&D Day, we are working to build multiple franchises across the Exelixis portfolio. As we concentrate our R&D resources on our product development activities, we remain focused on accelerating zanzalintinib, XB002 and XL309 through clinical development, and filing Investigational New Drug applications for up to three development candidates in 2024. We believe the associated restructuring of our business, announced in January, will enable us to rapidly execute on our goals, maintain positive cash flow and deliver an innovative pipeline of biotherapeutics and small molecules for patients with cancer."

Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Results

Total revenues for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2023 were $479.7 million and $1,830.2 million, respectively, as compared to $423.9 million and $1,611.1 million for the comparable periods in 2022.

Total revenues for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2023 included net product revenues of $429.3 million and $1,628.9 million, respectively, as compared to $377.4 million and $1,401.2 million for the comparable periods in 2022. The increases in net product revenues were primarily due to an increase in sales volume and an increase in average net selling price.

Collaboration revenues, composed of license revenues and collaboration services revenues, were $50.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $46.5 million for the comparable period in 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher royalty revenues for the sales of cabozantinib outside of the U.S. generated by Exelixis’ collaboration partners, Ipsen Pharma SAS and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. Collaboration revenues were $201.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $209.8 million for the comparable period in 2022. The decrease was primarily related to decreases in the recognition of milestone-related revenues and development cost reimbursements earned, partially offset by higher royalty revenues for the sales of cabozantinib outside of the U.S. generated by Exelixis’ collaboration partners.

Research and development expenses for the quarter ended December 31, 2023 were $244.7 million, as compared to $336.8 million for the comparable period in 2022. The decrease in research and development expenses for the quarter was primarily related to a decrease in license and other collaboration costs, partially offset by increases in clinical trial costs, manufacturing costs to support Exelixis’ development candidates and personnel expenses. Research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $1,044.1 million, as compared to $891.8 million for the comparable period in 2022. The increase in research and development expenses for the year was primarily related to increases in manufacturing costs to support Exelixis’ development candidates, personnel expenses and clinical trial costs, partially offset by lower license and other collaboration costs and lower stock-based compensation expense.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2023 were $131.4 million and $542.7 million, respectively, as compared to $119.3 million and $459.9 million for the comparable periods in 2022. The increases in selling, general and administrative expenses were primarily related to increases in personnel expenses, technology costs, facility expenses and legal and advisory fees.

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2023 was $17.5 million and $49.8 million, respectively, as compared to $(1.3) million and $52.1 million for the comparable periods in 2022, primarily due to an increase in pre-tax income.

GAAP net income (loss) for the quarter ended December 31, 2023 was $85.5 million, or $0.28 per share, basic and $0.27 per share, diluted, as compared to GAAP net loss of $(30.2) million, or $(0.09) per share, basic and diluted, for the comparable period in 2022. GAAP net income for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $207.8 million, or $0.65 per share, basic and diluted, as compared to GAAP net income of $182.3 million, or $0.57 per share, basic and $0.56 per share, diluted, for the comparable period in 2022.

Non-GAAP net income (loss) for the quarter ended December 31, 2023 was $104.2 million, or $0.34 per share, basic and $0.33 per share, diluted, as compared to non-GAAP net loss of $(10.2) million, or $(0.03) per share, basic and diluted, for the comparable period in 2022. Non-GAAP net income for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $289.4 million, or $0.91 per share, basic and $0.90 per share, diluted, as compared to non-GAAP net income of $265.4 million, or $0.83 per share, basic and $0.82 per share, diluted, for the comparable period 2022.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement Exelixis’ financial results presented in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Exelixis presents non-GAAP net income (and the related per share measures), which excludes from GAAP net income (and the related per share measures) stock-based compensation expense, adjusted for the related income tax effect for all periods presented.

Exelixis believes that the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures provides useful supplementary information to, and facilitates additional analysis by, investors. In particular, Exelixis believes that these non-GAAP financial measures, when considered together with its financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP, can enhance investors’ and analysts’ ability to meaningfully compare Exelixis’ results from period to period, and to identify operating trends in Exelixis’ business. Exelixis has excluded stock-based compensation expense, adjusted for the related income tax effect, because it is a non-cash item that may vary significantly from period to period as a result of changes not directly or immediately related to the operational performance for the periods presented. Exelixis also regularly uses these non-GAAP financial measures internally to understand, manage and evaluate its business and to make operating decisions.

These non-GAAP financial measures are in addition to, not a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. Exelixis encourages investors to carefully consider its results under GAAP, as well as its supplemental non-GAAP financial information and the reconciliation between these presentations, to more fully understand Exelixis’ business. Reconciliations between GAAP and non-GAAP results are presented in the tables of this release.

2024 Financial Guidance

Exelixis is maintaining the previously provided financial guidance for fiscal year 2024(1):

Total revenues

$1.825 billion – $1.925 billion

Net product revenues (2)

$1.650 billion – $1.750 billion

Cost of goods sold

4% – 5% of net product revenues

Research and development expenses (3)

$925 million – $975 million

Selling, general and administrative expenses (4)

$425 million – $475 million

Effective tax rate

20% – 22%

____________________
(1)

2024 financial guidance excludes expenses related to the restructuring plan announced in January 2024.

(2)

Exelixis’ 2024 net product revenues guidance range includes the impact of a U.S. wholesale acquisition cost increase of 2.2% for both CABOMETYX and COMETRIQ effective on January 1, 2024.

(3)

Includes $40 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense.

(4)

Includes $60 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense.

Cabozantinib Highlights

Cabozantinib Franchise Net Product Revenues and Royalties. Net product revenues generated by the cabozantinib franchise in the U.S. were $429.3 million during the fourth quarter of 2023, with net product revenues of $427.7 million from CABOMETYX (cabozantinib) and $1.6 million from COMETRIQ (cabozantinib). For the year ended December 31, 2023, net product revenues generated by the cabozantinib franchise in the U.S. were $1,628.9 million, with net product revenues of $1,614.9 million from CABOMETYX and $13.9 million from COMETRIQ. In 2023, global cabozantinib franchise net product revenues generated by Exelixis and its partners exceeded $2.2 billion. Based upon cabozantinib-related net product revenues generated by Exelixis’ collaboration partners during the quarter and year ended December 31, 2023, Exelixis earned $40.7 million and $148.5 million, respectively, in royalty revenues.

Detailed Results from Phase 3 CABINET Pivotal Trial Evaluating Cabozantinib in Advanced Pancreatic and Extra-Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (NET) Presented at the 2023 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress. In October 2023, detailed results were presented from the phase 3 CABINET pivotal trial at the 2023 ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress. The CABINET trial evaluated cabozantinib versus placebo in two different cohorts of patients, those with pancreatic NET and those with extra-pancreatic NET. A statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) was observed in those patients treated with cabozantinib in both cohorts. Adverse events were consistent with the known safety profile of cabozantinib. CABINET is sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and is led by The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology (The Alliance). Previously, in August, Exelixis announced The Alliance’s independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board unanimously recommended to stop the trial early, unblind all patients and allow those on placebo to cross over to cabozantinib due to a dramatic improvement in efficacy. Exelixis is discussing these results with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to support a potential regulatory submission in 2024 and will provide an update when appropriate.

Detailed Results from Phase 3 CONTACT-02 Pivotal Trial Evaluating Cabozantinib in Combination with Atezolizumab in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC) Presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2024 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium (ASCO GU). In January 2024, positive results from the primary PFS analysis in the global phase 3 CONTACT-02 pivotal trial were presented during an oral abstract session at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) GU. The results demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in PFS, as assessed by a blinded independent radiology committee (BIRC), for cabozantinib in combination with atezolizumab in the first 400 randomized patients in the intent-to-treat (PFS ITT) population and per protocol. A PFS benefit was observed across all subgroups of high-risk populations who have a poor prognosis and a high unmet need for additional treatment options, notably in patients with liver metastases or those who had received prior docetaxel chemotherapy. A statistically significant improvement in PFS was also observed by BIRC both in the ITT population (n=507) and according to Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Working Group 3 (PCWG3) criteria. An interim analysis for overall survival (OS), conducted at the time of the primary PFS analysis, demonstrated a trend favoring the combination of cabozantinib and atezolizumab. The study continues toward the next analysis of OS, which is anticipated in 2024. CONTACT-02 is evaluating cabozantinib in combination with atezolizumab compared with a second novel hormonal therapy (NHT) in patients with mCRPC and measurable extra-pelvic soft-tissue disease who have progressed on one prior NHT. The safety profile of the combination regimen was consistent with the known profiles of each single agent, and no new safety findings were identified. Exelixis will continue its discussions with the FDA on a potential regulatory path forward for the combination of cabozantinib and atezolizumab in mCRPC.

Four-Year Follow-up Results from Phase 3 CheckMate -9ER Trial Evaluating CABOMETYX in Combination with Nivolumab (OPDIVO) in Previously Untreated Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) Presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) GU. In January 2024, four-year follow-up results from the CheckMate -9ER trial were featured in an oral presentation at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) GU. Results continued to show superior PFS and objective response rates (ORR) in patients treated with the combination of CABOMETYX and nivolumab over sunitinib, the comparator studied in the trial, regardless of risk classification. Superior OS was also observed in patients treated with the combination. The presentation included data showing health-related quality-of-life benefits with the combination as compared to sunitinib. No new safety concerns were identified in the follow-up analysis.

Pipeline Highlights

Presentation of Encouraging Results from Expansion Cohort of Phase 1b/2 STELLAR-001 Trial Evaluating Zanzalintinib in Patients with Advanced Kidney Cancer at the International Kidney Cancer Symposium (IKCS) 2023. In November 2023, Exelixis presented initial results from an expansion cohort of STELLAR-001 evaluating single-agent zanzalintinib in patients with previously treated clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) at IKCS 2023. STELLAR-001 is a phase 1b/2 trial evaluating zanzalintinib alone and in combination with atezolizumab in patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors. In the ccRCC cohort of 32 patients, the findings demonstrated strong response rates and anti-tumor activity across the entire cohort, including in patients who had previously been treated with cabozantinib.

Exelixis and Arcus Biosciences, Inc. Enter Clinical Trial Collaboration to Evaluate Zanzalintinib in Combination with AB521 in Patients with Advanced RCC. In December 2023, Exelixis and Arcus Biosciences announced that the companies entered into a clinical trial collaboration for STELLAR-009, a phase 1b/2 trial evaluating zanzalintinib in combination with AB521, an inhibitor of the transcription factor HIF-2⍺, in patients with advanced solid tumors, including ccRCC. The trial is divided into dose-escalation and expansion phases, and patient enrollment into dose-escalation cohorts is ongoing. Exelixis is sponsoring STELLAR-009, and Arcus is co-funding the study and providing AB521 for use in the trial.

Initiation of STELLAR-305 Phase 2/3 Pivotal Trial Evaluating Zanzalintinib in Combination with Pembrolizumab in Patients with Previously Untreated Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer. In December 2023, Exelixis announced the initiation of STELLAR-305, a global, multicenter, randomized, double-blinded phase 2/3 trial evaluating zanzalintinib in combination with pembrolizumab versus pembrolizumab alone in patients with previously untreated PD-L1-positive recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). The primary endpoints of the study are BIRC-assessed PFS and OS. Secondary endpoints include investigator-assessed PFS and ORR and duration of response as assessed by both BIRC and the investigator.

Exelixis Provides Strategic Review of Biotherapeutics and Small Molecule Pipeline at its 2023 R&D Day: Science & Strategy. In December 2023, Exelixis held its 2023 R&D Day: Science & Strategy event in New York City. During the event, Exelixis speakers reviewed the strategy and progress of the company’s growing research and development pipeline, highlighted recent clinical updates, provided a comprehensive overview of its preclinical biotherapeutics and small molecule development candidates and elaborated on the company’s continued efforts to serve more patients with cancer and generate sustainable, long-term value for shareholders. The webcast replay of the event can be accessed via EXELRDDay.com and is also available at www.exelixis.com on the Event Calendar page under the Investors & News heading.

Corporate Highlights

Appointments of Two New Board Members with Extensive Drug Development and Corporate Governance Expertise. In January 2024, Exelixis announced the appointments of Mary C. Beckerle, Ph.D., and Gail Eckhardt, M.D., to the Exelixis Board of Directors, effective January 5, 2024. Dr. Beckerle is Chief Executive Officer of the Huntsman Cancer Institute and Distinguished Professor of Biological and Oncological Sciences at the University of Utah. Since 2006, she has had responsibility for the vision, strategic direction, and management of the University’s oncology programs, including research, care, education, and community outreach. She is also a noted cell biologist and cancer researcher. Dr. Eckhardt is Associate Dean of Experimental Therapeutics at Baylor College of Medicine and Associate Director of Translational Research at the College’s Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center. A recognized leader in translational medicine relative to oncology, she has focused her career on the preclinical and early clinical development of molecularly targeted therapies and combination regimens to treat colorectal and other gastrointestinal cancers.

Share Repurchase Program. In January 2024, the Exelixis Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $450 million of the company’s common stock before the end of 2024. As of December 31, 2023, Exelixis completed the repurchase of 26.2 million shares of the company’s common stock for a total of $550 million, fulfilling its commitments under the prior share repurchase program announced in March 2023. Share repurchases under the 2024 program may be made from time to time through a variety of methods, which may include open market purchases, in block trades, accelerated share repurchase transactions, exchange transactions, or any combination of such methods. The timing and amount of any share repurchases under the share repurchase program will be based on a variety of factors, including ongoing assessments of the capital needs of the business, alternative investment opportunities, the market price of Exelixis’ common stock and general market conditions.

Announcement of Key Priorities and Anticipated Milestones for 2024. In January 2024, Exelixis announced its key priorities and anticipated milestones for 2024, including: implementation of a corporate restructuring to prioritize the advancement of the company’s deep pipeline of clinical and near-clinical programs; potential U.S. regulatory filings for cabozantinib in advanced NET and mCRPC indications; the anticipated outcome of the cabozantinib Abbreviated New Drug Application litigation with MSN Pharmaceuticals in the first half of 2024; expansion of zanzalintinib’s pivotal development program with priorities defined by emerging phase 1b/2 data and potential clinical co-funding opportunities; advancing JEWEL-101, the phase 1 study of XB002, a next-generation tissue factor-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), alone and in combination with immunotherapy in a variety of solid tumor settings with the goal of prioritizing sensitive tumor types for full development; accelerating the phase 1 development of XL309, a potentially best-in-class small molecule inhibitor of USP1, as a potential therapy for tumors that have become refractory to PARP inhibitor (PARPi) therapy, including forms of ovarian, breast and prostate cancers, and pursuing potential PARPi combinations; potentially filing three Investigational New Drug Applications for XB010 (5T4-MMAE ADC), XB628 (PD-L1-NKG2A bispecific antibody), and XL495 (small molecule PKMYT1 inhibitor) if preclinical data continue to be supportive; and advancing two new programs to development candidate status, including a small molecule PLK4 inhibitor and an additional ADC. Exelixis presented the details of its key priorities and anticipated milestones at the 42nd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference.

Basis of Presentation

Exelixis has adopted a 52- or 53-week fiscal year that generally ends on the Friday closest to December 31st. For convenience, references in this press release as of and for the fiscal periods ended December 29, 2023 and December 30, 2022 are indicated as being as of and for the periods ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Conference Call and Webcast

Exelixis management will discuss the company’s financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year of 2023 and provide a general business update during a conference call beginning at 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT today, Tuesday, February 6, 2024.

To access the conference call, please register using this link. Upon registration, a dial-in number and unique PIN will be provided to join the call. To access the live webcast link, log onto www.exelixis.com and proceed to the Event Calendar page under the Investors & News heading. A webcast replay of the conference call will also be archived on www.exelixis.com for one year.