On November 8, 2019 AnaptysBio, Inc. (Nasdaq: ANAB), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing first-in-class antibody product candidates focused on unmet medical needs in inflammation, reported operating results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2019 and provided pipeline updates (Press release, AnaptysBio, NOV 8, 2019, View Source [SID1234550747]).

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"While we are disappointed with the top-line results of our etokimab ATLAS trial, we intend to re-evaluate our etokimab development strategy following additional data from ATLAS and top-line results from ECLIPSE in the first quarter of 2020," said Hamza Suria, president and chief executive officer of AnaptysBio. "We look forward to advancing ANB019, ANB030 and additional preclinical programs in our wholly-owned pipeline."

Etokimab (ANB020 Anti-IL-33) Program

The Company reported topline data from its ATLAS trial, a Phase 2b randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multi-dose study in approximately 300 adult patients treated with etokimab in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Each of the etokimab dosing arms failed to meet the primary endpoint of the trial, which was demonstration of statistically greater improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) relative placebo at week 16.

AnaptysBio is conducting a randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial in approximately 100 adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, also referred to as the ECLIPSE trial. Patients are being treated with two multi-dosing frequencies of subcutaneously-administered etokimab or placebo, each in combination with mometasone furoate nasal spray as background therapy. The Company anticipates topline data from an interim analysis of the ECLIPSE trial in the first quarter of 2020.

The Company has decided to postpone the initiation of its planned Phase 2b etokimab clinical trial in eosinophilic asthma, a multi-dose, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial in 300-400 patients, until it has the opportunity to analyze the full data set from the ATLAS trial.

ANB019 (Anti-IL-36 Receptor) Program

In September, AnaptysBio announced positive topline data from an interim analysis of its Phase 2 clinical trial of ANB019 monotherapy in moderate-to-severe generalized pustular psoriasis, or GPP, also known as the GALLOP trial. In this interim analysis, both patients achieved the primary endpoint of disease score improvement at Day 29 and Day 113 without requiring rescue therapy, demonstrated rapid and sustained mJDA score improvement, with reduction of 58% at Day 8 and 63% at Day 113, and showed complete clearance of skin pustules by Day 8 and through Day 113, with CRP levels decreasing to nearly normal. Enrollment is ongoing in the GALLOP study, and the Company anticipates additional clinical data and a regulatory strategy update for the development of ANB019 in GPP during 2020.

The Company is also conducting a randomized, placebo-controlled, multi-dose Phase 2 trial in 50 patients with palmoplantar pustulosis, or PPP, also known as the POPLAR trial, with topline data anticipated in the first half of 2020.

ANB030 (Anti-PD-1 Agonist) Program

ANB030 is a wholly-owned antibody that binds PD-1 in an agonistic manner, leading to reduced T cell activity and anti-inflammatory effects in vivo. Genetic mutations in the PD-1 pathway are associated with increased susceptibility to various inflammatory conditions and we believe ANB030 has the potential to suppress inflammatory diseases by restoring insufficient PD-1-mediated negative signaling on activated T cells. The Company plans to focus future clinical development of ANB030 on certain autoimmune diseases where PD-1 checkpoint receptor function may be under-represented and anticipates filing an Investigational New Drug Application (IND) in the fourth quarter of 2019 and initiating a Phase 1 clinical trial in 2020. Preclinical data from the ANB030 was presented in June at the 2019 FOCIS Annual Meeting.
Board of Directors

In September, the Company appointed Laura J. Hamill to its board of directors. Most recently, Ms. Hamill served as Executive Vice President, Worldwide Commercial Operations, for Gilead Sciences, where she was involved in the strategic direction and long-term planning of the organization. Previously, Ms. Hamill held a number of US and international executive roles at Amgen, culminating with Senior Vice President and General Manager where she led ~$20B in U.S. commercial operations
Third Quarter Financial Results

Cash, cash equivalents and investments totaled $444.4 million as of September 30, 2019 compared to $500.2 million as of December 31, 2018, for a decrease of $55.8 million. The decrease relates primarily to cash used for operating activities.

Collaboration revenue was zero and $5.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, which related to a milestone for initiation of a Phase 3 trial in a second indication for dostarlimab, the anti-PD-1 antagonist antibody partnered with TESARO, a GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) company, compared to $5.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Research and development expenses were $29.9 million and $77.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $17.9 million and $40.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018. The increase was due primarily to continued advancement of the Company’s etokimab and ANB019 clinical programs and additional personnel-related expenses, including share-based compensation.

General and administrative expenses were $3.8 million and $12.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $4.0 million and $11.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018. The change was due primarily to personnel-related expenses, including share-based compensation.

Net loss was $31.0 million and $77.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, or a net loss per share of $1.15 and $2.85, compared to a net loss of $16.0 million and $44.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, or a net loss per share of $0.66 and $1.86.
Financial Guidance
AnaptysBio expects that its cash, cash equivalents and investments will fund its current operating plan, taking into account the adjustments to etokimab clinical development activities referenced above, at least into 2021. The Company expects to re-evaluate its current operating plan in light of the topline data from the ATLAS trial and to make adjustments as appropriate to manage the Company’s available cash resources.