On November 15, 2019 Gracell Biotechnologies Co., Ltd. ("Gracell"), a clinical-stage immune cell therapy company, reported five presentations to be delivered at the upcoming American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida, held from December 7-10 (Press release, Gracell Biotechnologies, NOV 15, 2019, View Source [SID1234551391]).

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The presentations centre on Gracell’s breakthrough FasTCAR technology, and other two platform technology in four product categories used in the treatment of hematological malignancies, each with well-defined objectives, including:

FasT CAR-19 (GC007F)
Dual CAR-19-22 (GC022)
Dual CAR-BCMA-19 (GC012)
Donor CAR-19 (GC007G)
The four product candidates are currently being studied in ongoing phase I clinical trials conducted by Gracell, Hebei Yanda Lu Daopei Hospital, and Xinqiao Hospital of AMU, and six other hospitals nationwide in China.

"These clinical studies demonstrated Gracell’s product development strategy and strong capabilities to bring multiple novel therapies through clinical investigations," said Dr. William CAO, CEO of Gracell. "These invaluable data provides guidance for and enhance our confidence in pipeline selection."

Oral presentations:

A Feasibility and Safety Study of a New CD19-Directed Fast CAR-T Therapy for Refractory and Relapsed B cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Abstract #825
Session Name: 612. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Clinical Studies: Therapeutics Strategies
Presenter: Peihua Lu, M.D., Hebei Yanda Lu Daopei Hospital
Location: Orange County Convention Center, Tangerine 1 (WF1), Level 2
Time: 5:00 pm, Monday, December 9, 2019
View Source

Anti-CD19/CD22 Dual CAR-T Therapy for Refractory and Relapsed B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Abstract #284
Session Name: 612. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Clinical Studies: Novel Therapies
Presenter: Peihua Lu, M.D., Hebei Yanda Lu Daopei Hospital
Location: Orange County Convention Center, W224, Level 2
Time: 4:15pm, Saturday, December 7, 2019
View Source

Poster presentations:

CD19-Directed Fast CART Therapy for Relapsed/Refractory Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: From Bench to Bedside
Abstract #1340
Session Name: 614. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Therapy, excluding Transplantation: Poster I
Presenter: Cheng Zhang, M.D., Xinqiao Hospital of AMU
Location: Orange County Convention Center, Hall B, Level 2
5:30-7:30 pm, Saturday, December 7, 2019
View Source

A Bcma and CD19 Bispecific CAR-T for Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma
Abstract # 3147
Session Name: 653. Myeloma: Therapy, excluding Transplantation: Poster II
Presenter: Hua Zhang, PhD., Gracell Biotechnology Ltd., Shanghai, China, Shanghai, China
Location: Orange County Convention Center, Hall B, Level 2
6:00 PM-8:00 pm, Sunday, December 8, 2019
View Source

Role of Donor-Derived CD19.CAR-T Cells in Treating Patients That Relapsed after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Abstract #4561
Session Name: 723. Clinical Allogeneic and Autologous Transplantation: Late Complications and Approaches to Disease Recurrence: Poster III
Presenter: Cheng Zhang, M.D., Xinqiao Hospital of AMU
Location: Orange County Convention Center, Hall B, Level 2
6:00-8:00 pm, Monday, December 9, 2019
View Source

About FasT CAR-19

FasT CAR-19, or GC007F, is an investigational CD19-targeted CAR-T cell therapy for adolescent and adult patients with refractory or relapsed B-ALL, as well as aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Thanks to Gracell’s patented FasTCAR technology, the bioprocessing time for GC007F has been significantly reduced from two weeks to 24 hours with substantially lower cost. The improved CAR-T cell fitness resulted in superior proliferation capabilities, potency, and extensive bone marrow migration making GC007F a potential best-in-class therapy for refractory or relapsed B-ALL.

About Dual CAR-19-22

Dual CAR-19-22, or GC022, is an investigational CAR-T cell therapy redirected to target CD19 and CD22, in treating patients with CD19+, or/and CD22+ relapsed/refractory B-ALL. A low toxicity with dose-dependent high CR rate including patients who previously treated with CD19 CAR-T cells were observed.

About Dual CAR-BCMA-19

Dual CAR-BCMA-19, or GC012, is an investigational CAR-T cell therapy redirected to target BCMA and CD19, in treating patients with BCMA+, or/and CD19+ relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Previous research shows CD19 could express on the myeloma progenitor cells, while BCMA is a well validated target for MM.

About Donor CAR-19

Donor CAR-19, or GC007G, is an investigational CD19 targeted CAR-T cell therapy manufactured in use of donor’s lymphocytes. The objective of this study is to further investigate and better understand the safety and efficacy of donor derived CAR-T cells in treatment of relapsed and refractory B-ALL patients.

About B-ALL

B-ALL is a sub-type of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, although rare, is one of the most common forms of cancer in children between the ages of two and five and adults over the age of 50[1]. In 2015, ALL affected around 876,000 people globally and resulted in 110,000 deaths worldwide[2]. It is also the most common cause of cancer and death from cancer among children. ALL is typically treated initially with chemotherapy aimed at bringing about remission. This is then followed by further chemotherapy carried out over several years.

About MM

Myeloma begins when a plasma cell becomes abnormal. The abnormal cell divides to make copies of itself. These abnormal plasma cells are called myeloma cells. In time, myeloma cells collect in the bone marrow. They may damage the solid part of the bone. When myeloma cells collect in several of your bones, the disease is called "multiple myeloma." This disease may also harm other tissues and organs, such as the kidneys. Myeloma cells make antibodies called M proteins and other proteins. These proteins can collect in the blood, urine, and organs[3].

On November 15, 2019 China Pharma Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American: CPHI) ("China Pharma," the "Company" or "We"), an NYSE American-listed corporation with a fully-integrated specialty pharmaceuticals subsidiary based in China, reported financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2019 (Press release, North China Pharmaceutical, NOV 15, 2019, View Source [SID1234551390]).

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Third Quarter Highlights

Revenue increased by 3.4% to $2.4 million in the third quarter 2019 from $2.3 million in the same period of 2018;
Gross margin was 15.7% in the third quarter 2019, compared to 22.3% in the same period of 2018;
Loss from operations was $0.6 million in the third quarter 2019 compared to $1.9 million in the same period of 2018, an improvement of $1.3 million;
Net loss was $0.7 million in the third quarter 2019 compared to $1.9 million in the same period of 2018. Loss per common share was $0.02 per basic and diluted share in the third quarter 2019, compared to $0.04 per basic and diluted share in the same period of 2018.
Ms. Zhilin Li, China Pharma’s Chairman and CEO, commented, "We experienced negative effects on our sales from the strict implementation of the government policy of controlling the proportion of the spending on drugs to the patients’ total expenditures in hospitals in recent quarters. Management endeavors to vigorously promote sales through active participation in recent provincial market openings to solicit new drug tender offers and allow China Pharma to expand its presence in these markets." Ms. Li continued, "In addition, we are experiencing sustained pressure from the more stringent requirements of drug registration standards, consistency evaluations, which has created a challenging environment in our industry during this period. We will continue actively adapting to the state policy guidance and further evaluate market conditions for our current existing products, pipeline products, and competition in the market, in order to optimize our development strategy. We will simultaneously actively implement the launch of our nutrition product."

Third Quarter Results

Revenue increased by 3.4% to $2.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to $2.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018.

Gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2019 was $0.4 million, as compared to $0.5 million during the same period in 2018. Our gross profit margin in the three months ended September 30, 2019 was 15.7% as compared to 22.3% during the same period in 2018. The decrease in our gross profit margin was mainly due to the increased ratio of fixed cost to revenue.

Our selling expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 were $0.6 million and $0.9 million, respectively. Selling expenses accounted for 25.8% of the total revenue in the three months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to 40.3% during the same period in 2018.

Our general and administrative expenses were $0.3 million for each of the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018. General and administrative expenses accounted for 14.0% and 14.2% of our total revenues in the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Our research and development expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2019 were $0.04 million, as compared to $0.06 million in the same period in 2018. Research and development expenses accounted for 1.7% and 2.7% of our total revenues in the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The consistency evaluations discussed under the "Business Overview & Recent Developments" section hereof is expected to have a significant impact on all generic products not only in our pipeline products, but also throughout the existing Chinese market for similar generic products. Because of the continuous introduction of detailed implementation rules under this policy, our pipeline products did not experience any further development in the third quarter of 2019.

Our bad debt expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2019 was $0.03 million, as compared to $1.13 million for the same period in 2018. The decrease of bad debt expenses in this period was mainly due to the decrease in the amount of accounts receivable that is turning to over 2 years old in this period. Our bad debt allowance estimate requires 70% of accounts receivable that are between 365 days and 720 days old, and 100% of accounts receivable that are greater than 720 days old.

Net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2019 was $0.7 million, or $0.02 per basic and diluted common share, as compared to a net loss of $1.9 million, or $0.04 per basic and diluted common share, for the same period a year ago. The decrease in net loss was mainly the result of controls on expenditures outweighed the impact of decrease in gross profit margin.

Nine Months Results

For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, our sales revenue was $7.9 million, which represented a decrease of $1.2 million, or 13.3%, from the $9.1 million in the corresponding period of 2018.

Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $1.2 million, compared to $2.1 million in the same period of 2018. Gross profit margins for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 were 15% and 24%, respectively.

Our net losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 were $2.0 million and $3.2 million, respectively, which represented an improvement of $1.2 million for the period in 2019. This improvement was mainly due to the decrease of bad debt expenses in this period.

Financial Condition

As of September 30, 2019, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $0.8 million compared to $1.2 million as of December 31, 2018.

As of September 30, 2019, our net accounts receivable was $0.7 million, compared to $0.9 million as of December 31, 2018.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, cash flow from operating activities was $1.4 million, as compared to $1.0 million for the same period in 2018.

On November 15, 2019 DURECT Corporation (Nasdaq: DRRX) reported that James E. Brown, President and CEO, will be presenting at the Stifel 2019 Health Care Conference, at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at 3:35 p.m. EST (Press release, DURECT, NOV 15, 2019, View Source [SID1234551389]). Institutional investors and analysts that are attending the conference may request a one-on-one meeting through the conference coordinators.

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A live audio webcast of the presentation will be available by accessing View Source

The live audio webcast of the presentation will also be available by accessing DURECT’s homepage at www.durect.com and clicking on the "Investors" tab. If you are unable to participate during the live webcast, the call will be archived on DURECT’s website in the "Event Calendar" of the "Investors" section.

On November 15, 2019 Eiger BioPharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: EIGR), focused on the development and commercialization of targeted therapies for serious rare and ultra-rare diseases, reported that Eiger management will present a corporate update at the Jefferies 2019 London Healthcare Conference on November 20, 2019 from 4:00-4:35 PM GMT in London (Press release, Eiger Biopharmaceuticals, NOV 15, 2019, View Source [SID1234551388]).

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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

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A live webcast of the presentation will be available on the Eiger BioPharmaceuticals website at www.eigerbio.com under the "Investors" tab. A replay of the webcast will be available approximately one hour following the completion of the live event.

Eiger will also host one-on-one meetings with investors.

On November 15, 2019 Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) ("Centene" or the "Company") reported that it has commenced an offering to sell $7,000,000,000 of senior notes. The $7,000,000,000 of senior notes will include an add-on to its 5.375% senior notes due 2026 (the "2026 Notes"), new senior notes due 2027 (the "2027 Notes") and new senior notes due 2029 (together with the 2027 Notes, the "New Notes" and, together with the 2026 Notes, the "Notes"), subject to market and other conditions (Press release, Centene , NOV 15, 2019, View Source [SID1234551387]). The 2026 Notes will constitute a further issuance of the $1,800,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.375% senior notes due 2026 that were issued on May 23, 2018 and will have the same terms as such notes, other than the issue date, the issue price and the first interest payment date.

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Centene intends to use the net proceeds of the New Notes to finance the cash consideration payable in connection with Centene’s previously announced acquisition of WellCare Health Plans, Inc. ("WellCare") and to pay related fees and expenses. Centene expects to use the net proceeds of the 2026 Notes for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of revolver borrowings. Centene currently expects the acquisition to be completed by the first half of 2020. The acquisition is, however, subject to customary closing conditions, and Centene cannot guarantee that the acquisition will be completed at or about such time, or at all. The closing of this offering is not conditioned on the closing of the acquisition. If the acquisition is not consummated, the Company will be required to redeem the New Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the New Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the redemption date. The 2026 Notes will not be subject to a special mandatory redemption.

The Notes will be offered to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and to non-United States persons outside the United States in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act and may not be offered or sold in the United States without registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements.

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