On November 4, 2021 AnaptysBio, Inc. (Nasdaq: ANAB), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing first-in-class antibody product candidates focused on emerging immune control mechanisms applicable to inflammation and immuno-oncology indications, reported operating results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021 and provided pipeline updates (Press release, AnaptysBio, NOV 4, 2021, View Source [SID1234594448]).
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"Our wholly-owned pipeline continues to make progress with the recent initiation of our imsidolimab GEMINI-1 Phase 3 trial in GPP and anticipated initiation of our rosnilimab AZURE alopecia areata Phase 2 trial during the remainder of 2021," said Hamza Suria, president and chief executive officer of AnaptysBio. "We believe the recent royalty monetization transaction with Sagard validates the future revenue stream anticipated from JEMPERLI sales and further supports AnaptysBio’s capital-efficient business model."
Imsidolimab (Anti-IL-36 Receptor) Program
Following an end-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA in Q2 2021, we publicly disclosed Phase 3 trial designs for imsidolimab in generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), GEMINI-1 and GEMINI-2. The primary endpoint of our GEMINI-1 Phase 3 trial is the proportion of patients achieving a score of clear (0) or almost clear (1) skin on the Generalized Pustular Psoriasis Physician’s Global Assessment (GPPPGA) at week 4 in 45 patients randomized against placebo. GEMINI-2 will assess 6 months of monthly subcutaneous dosing and safety follow-up of those same patients. GEMINI-1 was initiated in Q3 2021.
Full data from the Phase 2 GALLOP trial in GPP, including efficacy and safety of imsidolimab treatment through week 16, was disclosed in an oral presentation by Dr. Johann Gudjonsson, professor of Dermatology at the University of Michigan, at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress on October 2nd, 2021. Imsidolimab demonstrated rapid and sustained efficacy with 6 of 8 (75%) GPP patients achieving the primary endpoint at week 4 and 16. We also observed early reduction of erythema with pustules by 60% at week 1, 94% reduction at week 4, 98% reduction at week 16, each versus baseline.
We anticipate top-line data from the ACORN Phase 2 trial of imsidolimab in moderate-to-severe acne in H1 2022 and from the HARP Phase 2 trial in moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa in H2 2022.
Rosnilimab (Anti-PD-1 Agonist) Program
We anticipate top-line data in Q4 2021 from our ongoing Phase 1 healthy volunteer trial of rosnilimab, our wholly-owned PD-1 agonist antibody, designed to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of rosnilimab in single and multiple ascending dose cohorts.
We plan to initiate a randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2 clinical trial of rosnilimab in alopecia areata in Q4 2021.
ANB032 (Anti-BTLA Modulator) Program
We are advancing ANB032, our wholly-owned BTLA modulator antibody, in a healthy volunteer Phase 1 single and multiple ascending dose clinical trial where top-line data is anticipated during the first half of 2022.
GSK Partnered Programs
JEMPERLI (dostarlimab), our proprietary anti-PD-1 antagonist antibody under an immune-oncology partnership with GSK, was approved in a second clinical indication by the FDA in August 2021 for the treatment of pan-deficient mismatch repair tumors. We received $20 million from GSK upon this approval.
We announced the signing of a royalty monetization agreement with Sagard Healthcare Royalty Partners where AnaptysBio will receive a $250 million payment upon closing in exchange for JEMPERLI royalties due to AnaptysBio on annual commercial sales below $1 billion and certain future milestones starting October 2021. The aggregate JEMPERLI royalties and milestones to be received by Sagard under this Agreement is capped at certain fixed multiples of the upfront payment. The closing of the transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and is anticipated by year-end 2021.
Third Quarter Financial Results
Cash, cash equivalents and investments totaled $389.3 million as of September 30, 2021, compared to $411.2 million as of December 31, 2020, for a decrease of $21.9 million. The decrease relates primarily to cash used for operating activities.
Collaboration revenue was $20.9 million and $62.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. The $20.9 million earned during the third quarter primarily relates to milestone and royalty revenue for the US approval of JEMPERLI (dostarlimab), compared to zero and $15.0 million of milestone revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020.
Research and development expenses were $22.2 million and $71.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to $19.5 million and $58.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020. The increase was due primarily to continued advancement of the Company’s clinical programs.
General and administrative expenses were $5.4 million and $16.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to $4.8 million and $13.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020. The increase was due primarily to personnel-related expenses, including share-based compensation.
Net loss was $6.7 million and $25.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, or a net loss per share of $0.24, and $0.92, compared to a net loss of $23.8 million and $53.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, or a net loss per share of $0.87 and $1.96.
Financial Guidance
Following the anticipated closing of the Sagard royalty monetization transaction by the end of 2021, we anticipate ending 2021 with approximately $600 million in cash and will continue to operate in a capital-efficient manner.