On February 14, 2019 Incyte Corporation (Nasdaq:INCY) reported its 2018 fourth quarter and year-end financial results, 2019 guidance and provides a status update on the Company’s development portfolio (Press release, Incyte, FEB 14, 2019, View Source [SID1234533310]).

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!

"Sales of Jakafi were strong in 2018, which is a testament to its well-established efficacy and safety profile, and we continue to work with the FDA to facilitate the review of the GVHD indication" stated Hervé Hoppenot, Chief Executive Officer, Incyte. "Our late-stage product portfolio provides us with multiple additional opportunities to accelerate revenue growth. Our submission to the FDA seeking marketing approval of pemigatinib in patients FGFR2 translocated cholangiocarcinoma is expected later this year, as is the submission, by Novartis, for the approval of capmatinib in patients with MET exon-14 skipping non-small cell lung cancer. Results from the pivotal trial of itacitinib in newly-diagnosed GVHD patients are expected later this year, as are the results of two additional pivotal trials of ruxolitinib in patients with steroid-refractory GVHD, as well as proof-of-concept data from the trial of ruxolitinib cream in patients with vitiligo. Success with these product candidates would not only serve to further diversify our sources of revenue, but would also illustrate the productivity of the research and development group at Incyte."

Portfolio Update

Oncology — key highlights

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently extended the review of the sNDA seeking approval of ruxolitinib (JAK1/JAK2) for the treatment of steroid-refractory acute GVHD, assigning a new Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) date of May 24, 2019. The sNDA is supported by data from REACH1, which were presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in December. Incyte is prepared for an immediate launch in the U.S. should ruxolitinib be approved in this new indication.

Phase 3 trials of ruxolitinib in patients with steroid-refractory GVHD (REACH2 [acute]; REACH3 [chronic]) are expected to deliver results in the second half of 2019, as is the Phase 3 trial of itacitinib (JAK1) in patients with steroid-naïve acute GVHD (GRAVITAS-301).

The FDA has recently granted pemigatinib (FGFR) Breakthrough Therapy designation for the treatment of previously treated, advanced/metastatic or unresectable FGFR2 translocated cholangiocarcinoma. The FDA’s Breakthrough Therapy designation is designed to expedite the development and review of drugs for serious conditions that have shown encouraging early clinical results and may demonstrate substantial improvements over available medicines.

The NDA seeking approval of pemigatinib for the second-line treatment of patients with FGFR2 translocated cholangiocarcinoma is expected to be submitted in the third quarter of 2019, and we are now recruiting patients into a pivotal trial of pemigatinib for the first-line treatment of cholangiocarcinoma. A pivotal program for the first-line treatment of patients with bladder cancer is planned to launch this year. Based on data generated from ongoing trials in patients with FGFR-driven cholangiocarcinoma, bladder cancer, and 8p11 MPN, Incyte is planning to initiate a pivotal tumor-agnostic trial evaluating pemigatinib in patients with driver-activations of FGF/FGFR later this year.

Status updates for Incyte’s later-stage clinical programs are provided below.

Indication

Status Update

Ruxolitinib
(JAK1/JAK2)

Steroid-refractory acute GVHD

sNDA accepted for Priority Review (based on REACH1), review period extended by three months; Phase 3 (REACH2)

Ruxolitinib
(JAK1/JAK2)

Steroid-refractory chronic GVHD

Phase 3 (REACH3)

Ruxolitinib
(JAK1/JAK2)

Essential thrombocythemia

Phase 2 (RESET)

Ruxolitinib
(JAK1/JAK2)

Refractory myelofibrosis

Phase 2 in combination with parsaclisib (PI3Kδ), INCB53914 (PIM) or itacitinib (JAK1)

Itacitinib
(JAK1)

Treatment-naïve acute GVHD

Phase 3 (GRAVITAS-301)

Itacitinib
(JAK1)

Treatment-naïve chronic GVHD

Phase 3 (GRAVITAS-309)

Itacitinib
(JAK1)

NSCLC

Phase 1/2 in combination with osimertinib (EGFR)

Pemigatinib
(FGFR1/2/3)

Bladder cancer

Phase 2 (FIGHT-201)

Pemigatinib
(FGFR1/2/3)

Cholangiocarcinoma

Phase 2 (FIGHT-202); Phase 3 (FIGHT-302) now recruiting

Pemigatinib
(FGFR1/2/3)

8p11 MPN

Phase 2 (FIGHT-203)

Pemigatinib
(FGFR1/2/3)

Solid tumors with driver activations of FGF/FGFR

Pivotal program in preparation

INCMGA0012
(PD-1)(1)

Solid tumors

Phase 2 trials (MSI-high endometrial cancer, merkel cell carcinoma, anal cancer)

Parsaclisib
(PI3Kδ)

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Phase 2 (CITADEL-203, follicular lymphoma), (CITADEL-204, marginal zone lymphoma), (CITADEL-205, mantle cell lymphoma)

(1) INCMGA0012 licensed from MacroGenics

Incyte also has a portfolio of compounds in proof-of-concept trials, as detailed below.

Small molecules

Monoclonal antibodies

Bispecific antibodies

INCB53914 (PIM)

INCAGN1876 (GITR)(2)

MCLA-145 (PD-L1xCD137)(3)

INCB59872 (LSD1)

INCAGN1949 (OX40)(2)

INCB62079 (FGFR4)

INCAGN2390 (TIM-3)(2)

INCB81776 (AXL/MER)

INCAGN2385 (LAG-3)(2)

INCB01158 (ARG)(1)

Epacadostat (IDO1)

INCB86550 (PD-L1)

Notes:

(1) INCB01158 development in collaboration with Calithera

(2) Discovery collaboration with Agenus

(3) MCLA-145 development in collaboration with Merus

Inflammation / autoimmunity (IAI) — key highlights

Further to randomized Phase 2 data presented in 2018, a Phase 3 program of ruxolitinib cream in patients with atopic dermatitis was initiated in December 2018. Data are expected to be available in 2020.

Data from the randomized Phase 2 trial of ruxolitinib cream in patients with vitiligo are expected in 2019, and a Phase 3 program in the same patient population is planned.

A Phase 2 trial of itacitinib in patients with ulcerative colitis has recently been initiated, as have Phase 2 trials of parsaclisib for the treatment of patients with pemphigus vulgaris, autoimmune hemolytic anemia and Sjögren’s syndrome.

Indication

Status Update

Ruxolitinib cream
(JAK1/JAK2)

Atopic dermatitis

Phase 3

Ruxolitinib cream
(JAK1/JAK2)

Vitiligo

Phase 2; Phase 3 in preparation

INCB54707
(JAK1)

Hidradenitis suppurativa

Phase 2

Itacitinib
(JAK1)

Ulcerative colitis

Phase 2

Parsaclisib
(PI3Kδ)

Pemphigus vulgaris, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, Sjögren’s syndrome

Phase 2

Partnered — key highlights

Lilly and Incyte recently announced that the first two Phase 3 trials of baricitinib as a treatment for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, BREEZE-AD1 and BREEZE-AD2, met the primary efficacy endpoint compared to placebo. Lilly plans to share the full results from both studies at future scientific venues, as well as the topline data from other ongoing Phase 3 trials later this year.

Further to Phase 2 data presented in 2018, Novartis expects to submit an NDA for capmatinib in patients with non-small cell lung cancer and MET exon 14 skipping mutations this year.

Indication

Status Update

Baricitinib (JAK1/JAK2)(1)

Atopic dermatitis

Phase 3

Baricitinib (JAK1/JAK2)(1)

Systemic lupus erythematosus

Phase 3

Baricitinib (JAK1/JAK2)(1)

Psoriatic arthritis

Phase 3 in preparation (at Lilly)

Baricitinib (JAK1/JAK2)(1)

Severe alopecia areata

Phase 2/3

Capmatinib (MET)(2)

Non-small cell lung cancer, liver cancer

NDA (NSCLC patients with MET exon 14 skipping mutations) expected this year (by Novartis)

(1) Worldwide rights to baricitinib licensed to Lilly: approved as Olumiant in multiple territories globally for certain patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis

(2) Worldwide rights to capmatinib licensed to Novartis

2018 Fourth-Quarter and Year-End Financial Results

The financial measures presented in this press release for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 have been prepared by the Company in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), unless otherwise identified as a Non-GAAP financial measure. Management believes that Non-GAAP information is useful for investors, when considered in conjunction with Incyte’s GAAP disclosures. Management uses such information internally and externally for establishing budgets, operating goals and financial planning purposes. These metrics are also used to manage the Company’s business and monitor performance. The Company adjusts, where appropriate, for both revenues and expenses in order to reflect the Company’s core operations. The Company believes these adjustments are useful to investors by providing an enhanced understanding of the financial performance of the Company’s core operations. The metrics have been adopted to align the Company with disclosures provided by industry peers. Reconciliations of GAAP net income (loss) to Non-GAAP net income for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 have been included at the end of this press release.

Guidance related to research and development and selling, general and administrative expenses does not include estimates associated with any potential future strategic transactions.

Non-GAAP information is not prepared under a comprehensive set of accounting rules and should only be used in conjunction with and to supplement Incyte’s operating results as reported under GAAP. Non-GAAP measures may be defined and calculated differently by other companies in our industry.

Revenues For the quarter ended December 31, 2018, GAAP net product revenues of Jakafi were $380 million as compared to $302 million for the same period in 2017, representing 26 percent growth. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, GAAP net product revenues of Jakafi were $1.4 billion as compared to $1.1 billion for the same period in 2017, representing 22 percent growth. For the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, GAAP net product revenues of Iclusig (ponatinib) were $19 million. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, GAAP net product revenues of Iclusig were $80 million as compared to $67 million for the same period in 2017.

For the quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2018, GAAP product royalties from sales of Jakavi (ruxolitinib), which has been out-licensed to Novartis outside of the United States, were $55 million and $195 million, respectively, as compared to $48 million and $152 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2017. For the quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2018, GAAP product royalties from sales of Olumiant, which has been out-licensed to Lilly globally, were $14 million and $40 million, respectively, as compared to $5 million and $9 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2017.

For the quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2018, GAAP milestone and contract revenues earned from our collaborative partners were $60 million and $180 million, as compared to $70 million and $175 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2017. Non-GAAP revenues exclude milestone revenues.

For the quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2018, total GAAP revenues were $528 million and $1.9 billion, respectively, as compared to $444 million and $1.5 billion, respectively, for the same periods in 2017. Total Non-GAAP revenues for the quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2018 were $468 million and $1.7 billion, respectively, as compared to $374 million and $1.4 billion, respectively, for the same periods in 2017.

Cost of product revenues GAAP cost of product revenues for the quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2018 was $26 million and $94 million, respectively, as compared to $22 million and $79 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2017. Non-GAAP cost of product revenues for the quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2018 was $21 million and $73 million, respectively, as compared to $17 million and $58 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2017. Non-GAAP cost of product revenues excludes the amortization of licensed intellectual property for Iclusig relating to the acquisition of the European business of ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Research and development expenses GAAP research and development expenses for the quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2018 were $304 million and $1.2 billion, respectively, as compared to $447 million and $1.3 billion, respectively, for the same periods in 2017. The decrease in GAAP research and development expenses over the prior year quarter and twelve month period was driven primarily by a decrease in upfront consideration and milestone expenses related to our collaboration agreements.

Non-GAAP research and development expenses for the quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2018 were $274 million and $1.0 billion, respectively, as compared to $274 million and $865 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2017. Non-GAAP research and development expenses for the quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2018 exclude the cost of stock-based compensation of $26 million and $101 million, respectively, and upfront consideration and milestones to our collaborative partners of $5 million and $52 million, respectively. Non-GAAP research and development expenses for the quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2017 exclude the cost of stock-based compensation of $23 million and $90 million, respectively, upfront consideration and milestones paid to our collaborative partners of $150 million and $359 million, respectively, and an asset impairment charge of $12 million.

Selling, general and administrative expenses GAAP selling, general and administrative expenses for the quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2018 were $108 million and $434 million, respectively, as compared to $98 million and $366 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2017. The increase in GAAP selling, general and administrative expenses from the prior year quarter and twelve month periods were driven by an increase in donations to independent non-profit patient assistance organizations in the United States and additional costs related to the commercialization of Jakafi.

Non-GAAP selling, general and administrative expenses for the quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2018 were $97 million and $387 million, respectively, as compared to $87 million and $324 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2017. Non-GAAP selling, general and administrative expenses exclude the cost of stock-based compensation.

Change in fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration GAAP change in fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration for the quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2018 was expense of $7 million and $26 million, respectively, as compared to $10 million and $8 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2017.

Unrealized loss on long term investments GAAP unrealized loss on long term investments for the quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2018 was $22 million and $44 million, respectively, as compared to $22 million and $24 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2017. The unrealized loss on long term investments for the quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2018 represents the fair market value adjustments of the Company’s investments in Agenus, Calithera, Merus, and Syros.

Expense related to senior note conversions GAAP expense related to senior note conversions for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was $0 million and $55 million, respectively, related to the conversions of certain of our 2018 and 2020 convertible senior notes.

Net income (loss) GAAP net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2018 was $69 million, or $0.32 per basic and diluted share, as compared to net loss of $150 million, or $0.71 per basic and diluted share for the same period in 2017. GAAP net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 was $109 million, or $0.52 per basic and $0.51 per diluted share, as compared to net loss of $313 million, or $1.53 per basic and diluted share for the same period in 2017.

Non-GAAP net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2018 was $87 million, or $0.41 per basic and $0.40 per diluted share, as compared to Non-GAAP net income of $4 million, or $0.02 per basic and diluted share for the same period in 2017. Non-GAAP net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 was $224 million, or $1.06 per basic and $1.04 per diluted share, as compared to Non-GAAP net income of $131 million, or $0.64 per basic and $0.62 per diluted share for the same period in 2017.

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities position As of December 31, 2018, cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaled $1.4 billion as compared to $1.2 billion as of December 31, 2017.

(1)Adjusted to exclude the amortization of licensed intellectual property for Iclusig relating to the acquisition of the European business of ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

(2) Adjusted to exclude the estimated cost of stock-based compensation and milestones.

(3) Adjusted to exclude the estimated cost of stock-based compensation.

(4) Adjusted to exclude the change in fair value of estimated future royalties relating to sales of Iclusig in the licensed territory relating to the acquisition of the European business of ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Future Non-GAAP financial measures may also exclude upfront and ongoing milestones relating to third-party collaboration partners, impairment of goodwill or other assets, changes in the fair value of equity investments in our collaboration partners, non-cash interest expense related to the amortization of the initial discount on our 2020 Senior Notes and the impact on our tax provision of discrete changes in our valuation allowance position on deferred tax assets.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

Incyte will hold a conference call and webcast this morning at 8:00 a.m. EDT. To access the conference call, please dial 877-407-3042 for domestic callers or 201-389-0864 for international callers. When prompted, provide the conference identification number, 13686537.

If you are unable to participate, a replay of the conference call will be available for 30 days. The replay dial-in number for the United States is 877-660-6853 and the dial-in number for international callers is 201-612-7415. To access the replay you will need the conference identification number, 13686537.

The conference call will also be webcast live and can be accessed at www.incyte.com in the Investors section under "Events and Presentations".

About Incyte

Incyte Corporation is a Wilmington, Delaware-based biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of proprietary therapeutics. For additional information on Incyte, please visit the Company’s website at www.incyte.com.

Follow @Incyte on Twitter at View Source

About Jakafi (ruxolitinib)

Jakafi is a first-in-class JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of people with polycythemia vera (PV) who have had an inadequate response to or are intolerant of hydroxyurea. Jakafi is also indicated for treatment of people with intermediate or high-risk myelofibrosis (MF), including primary MF, post—polycythemia vera MF, and post—essential thrombocythemia MF.

Jakafi is marketed by Incyte in the United States and by Novartis as Jakavi (ruxolitinib) outside the United States.

About Iclusig (ponatinib) tablets

Iclusig targets not only native BCR-ABL but also its isoforms that carry mutations that confer resistance to treatment, including the T315I mutation, which has been associated with resistance to other approved TKIs.

In the EU, Iclusig is approved for the treatment of adult patients with chronic phase, accelerated phase or blast phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who are resistant to dasatinib or nilotinib; who are intolerant to dasatinib or nilotinib and for whom subsequent treatment with imatinib is not clinically appropriate; or who have the T315I mutation, or the treatment of adult patients with Philadelphia-chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) who are resistant to dasatinib; who are intolerant to dasatinib and for whom subsequent treatment with imatinib is not clinically appropriate; or who have the T315I mutation.

Incyte has an exclusive license from ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc., since acquired by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, to develop and commercialize Iclusig in the European Union and 22 other countries, including Switzerland, Norway, Turkey, Israel and Russia.

On February 14, 2019 Alkermes plc (Nasdaq: ALKS) reported financial results for the year ended Dec. 31, 2018 and provided financial expectations for 2019 (Press release, Alkermes, FEB 14, 2019, View Source [SID1234533306]).

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!

"Our strong financial results in 2018 were driven by the growth of our proprietary commercial products and the continued strength and diversity of our royalty and manufacturing business," commented James Frates, Chief Financial Officer of Alkermes. "As we enter 2019, our financial expectations reflect the continued growth of our proprietary products, VIVITROL and ARISTADA, as well as important investments in the future growth drivers of the company including our advancing development pipeline and commercial capabilities to support our expanding presence in schizophrenia."

Quarter Ended Sept. 30, 2018 Financial Highlights

Total revenues for the quarter were $315.8 million. This compared to $275.4 million for the same period in the prior year, representing an increase of 15%. Proprietary product net sales for VIVITROL and ARISTADAi were $132.7 million for the quarter, reflecting a 28% increase compared to the same period in the prior year.

Net loss according to generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (GAAP) was $9.7 million for the quarter, or a basic and diluted GAAP net loss per share of $0.06. This compared to GAAP net loss of $9.8 million, or a basic and diluted GAAP net loss per share of $0.06, for the same period in the prior year.

Non-GAAP net income was $54.8 million for the quarter, or a non-GAAP basic earnings per share of $0.35 and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.34. This compared to non-GAAP net income of $50.3 million, or a non-GAAP basic earnings per share of $0.33 and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.31, for the same period in the prior year.

The launch of ARISTADA INITIOii continues to gain traction as payers and providers recognize the value proposition of this important new offering, particularly in combination with the ARISTADA two-month dose which provides the unique ability to fully dose a patient on day one for up to two monthsiii. With this offering, we are supporting continuity of care which is critically important for this patient population. We also continue to build the customized commercial capabilities necessary to navigate this complex treatment environment, including recent expansions of our field- and hospital-based teams," stated Jim Robinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of Alkermes. "VIVITROL results for 2018 were in-line with our expectations and we are encouraged by solid growth trends across many states. As we enter 2019, we remain committed to increasing access to VIVITROL and driving increased adoption in order to meet the needs of patients with opioid and alcohol dependence."

Quarter Ended Dec. 31, 2018 Financial Results

Revenues

Net sales of VIVITROL were $83.8 million, compared to $75.6 million for the same period in the prior year, representing an increase of approximately 11%.

Net sales of ARISTADA were $48.8 million, compared to $28.3 million for the same period in the prior year, representing an increase of approximately 72%.

Manufacturing and royalty revenues from RISPERDAL CONSTA, INVEGA SUSTENNA/XEPLION and INVEGA TRINZA/TREVICTA were $81.4 million, compared to $78.2 million for the same period in the prior year.

Manufacturing and royalty revenues from AMPYRA/FAMPYRAiv were $38.8 million, compared to $38.1 million for the same period in the prior year, which was above our expectations given generic entry into the market in 2018.

Manufacturing and royalty revenues included $26.7 million from Alkermes’ share of proceeds from the sale of certain royalty streams by Zealand Pharma A/S, related to products using Alkermes’ technology, to Royalty Pharma.

Research and development revenues were $15.6 million, of which $14.4 million related to R&D reimbursement from the company’s collaboration with Biogen for diroximel fumarate, or BIIB098.

Costs and Expenses

Operating expenses were $315.7 million, compared to $269.5 million for the same period in the prior year, primarily reflecting increased investment in the commercialization of ARISTADA and VIVITROL.

Calendar Year 2018 Financial Highlights

Total revenues increased 21% to $1.09 billion in 2018, which included VIVITROL net sales of $302.6 million and ARISTADA net sales of $147.7 million. This compared to total revenues of $903.4 million for 2017, which included VIVITROL net sales of $269.3 million and ARISTADA net sales of $93.5 million. Please see the tables at the end of this press release for a detailed breakdown of the revenues from our key commercial products.

GAAP net loss was $139.3 million, or a basic and diluted GAAP loss per share of $0.90, for 2018. This compared to a GAAP net loss of $157.9 million, or a basic and diluted GAAP loss per share of $1.03, for 2017.

Non-GAAP net income was $97.8 million, or a non-GAAP basic earnings per share of $0.63 and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.61, for 2018. This compared to non-GAAP net income of $27.8 million, or a non-GAAP basic earnings per share of $0.18 and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.17, for 2017.

At Dec. 31, 2018, Alkermes recorded cash, cash equivalents and total investments of $620.0 million, compared to $590.7 million at Dec. 31, 2017. At Dec. 31, 2018, the company’s total debt outstanding was $279.3 million, compared to $281.4 million at Dec. 31, 2017.

"Alkermes is defined by our commitment to making medicines that help address critical public health challenges, using our scientific insights to develop medicines that are designed with the real-world needs of patients in mind. Following the positive results of the ALKS 3831 ENLIGHTEN-2 pivotal study and the increasing traction of ARISTADA in the market, we continue to establish our emerging leadership position in the treatment of schizophrenia," said Richard Pops, Chief Executive Officer of Alkermes. "2019 will be an important year for our late-stage pipeline highlighted by the planned submission of the

ALKS 3831 New Drug Application and the regulatory review of the recently submitted New Drug Application for diroximel fumarate for multiple sclerosis, with expected action in the fourth quarter. As development activities surrounding our ALKS 4230 immuno-oncology program gain momentum, we expect to have our first indications of ALKS 4230’s anti-tumor response activity this year, and we look forward to updating you on our progress."

Recent Events:

ALKS 3831

In November 2018, Alkermes announced positive topline results from ENLIGHTEN-2, a pivotal phase 3 study of ALKS 3831 compared to olanzapine in patients with stable schizophrenia. In the study, ALKS 3831 met the pre-specified co-primary endpoints, demonstrating both a lower mean percent weight gain from baseline at six months compared to the olanzapine group and a lower proportion of patients who gained 10% or more of their baseline body weight at six months compared to the olanzapine group.

Diroximel fumarate (BIIB098)

In December 2018, Alkermes and Biogen announced the submission of a New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for diroximel fumarate, a novel oral fumarate in development for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. If approved, Biogen intends to market diroximel fumarate under the brand name VUMERITYTM. This name has been conditionally accepted by the FDA and will be confirmed upon approval.

ALKS 4230

In November 2018, Alkermes presented initial clinical data from the ongoing dose-escalation stage of the phase 1 study for ALKS 4230 at the 2018 Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) Annual Meeting.

ALKS 5461

In January 2019, Alkermes received a Complete Response Letter from the FDA regarding the NDA for ALKS 5461 for the adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder.

Financial Expectations for 2019

The following outlines the company’s financial expectations for 2019, which include planned investments in the company’s pipeline of development candidates and commercial infrastructure to support the company’s expanding presence in schizophrenia.

Revenues: The company expects total revenues to range from $1.14 billion to $1.19 billion, driven by expected growth of our proprietary products and an expected $150 million milestone payment from Biogen in the fourth quarter related to the potential FDA approval of diroximel fumarate. Included in this total revenue expectation, Alkermes expects VIVITROL net sales to range from $330 million to $350 million, and ARISTADA net sales to range from $210 million to $230 million.

Cost of Goods Manufactured and Sold: The company expects cost of goods manufactured and sold to range from $180 million to $190 million.

Research and Development (R&D) Expenses: The company expects R&D expenses to range from $450 million to $480 million.

Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) Expenses: The company expects SG&A expenses to range from $590 million to $620 million.

Amortization of Intangible Assets: The company expects amortization of intangibles to be approximately $40 million.

Net Interest Expense: The company expects net interest expense to range from $5 million to $10 million.

Income Tax Expense: The company expects income tax expense to range from $10 million to $15 million.

GAAP Net Loss: The company expects GAAP net loss to range from $135 million to $165 million, or a basic and diluted loss per share of $0.87 to $1.06, based on a weighted average basic and diluted share count of approximately 156 million shares outstanding.

Non-GAAP Net Income: The company expects non-GAAP net income to range from $40 million to $70 million, or a non-GAAP basic earnings per share of $0.26 to $0.45, based on a weighted average basic share count of approximately 156 million shares outstanding and a non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.25 to $0.43, based on a weighted average diluted share count of approximately 161 million shares outstanding.

Share-Based Compensation: The company expects share-based compensation of approximately $120 million.

Capital Expenditures: The company expects capital expenditures to range from $90 million to $100 million.

Conference Call

Alkermes will host a conference call and webcast presentation with accompanying slides at 8:30 a.m. ET (1:30 p.m. BST) on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, to discuss these financial results and provide an update on the company. The webcast may be accessed on the Investors section of Alkermes’ website at www.alkermes.com. The conference call may be accessed by dialing +1 877 407 2988 for U.S. callers and +1 201 389 0923 for international callers. In addition, a replay of the conference call will be available from 11:00 a.m. ET (4:00 p.m. BST) on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, through Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019, and may be accessed by visiting Alkermes’ website or by dialing +1 877 660 6853 for U.S. callers and +1 201 612 7415 for international callers. The replay conference ID is 13687392.

On February 14, 2019 Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: INO) reported the pricing of its offering of $65.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.50% convertible senior notes due 2024 (the "notes") (Press release, Inovio, FEB 14, 2019, View Source [SID1234533304]). The notes will be sold in a private offering to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The sale of the notes is expected to close on February 19, 2019, subject to customary closing conditions. Inovio also granted the initial purchasers of the notes a 13-day option to purchase up to an additional $20.0 million aggregate principal amount of notes.

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!

The notes will be senior unsecured obligations of Inovio and will accrue interest payable in cash semi-annually in arrears at a rate of 6.50% per annum. The notes will mature on March 1, 2024, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased. Prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding November 1, 2023, the notes will be convertible at the option of the holders only upon the satisfaction of certain circumstances. Thereafter, the notes will be convertible at the option of the holders at any time until the close of business on the scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date. Upon conversion, Inovio will pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, shares of its common stock or a combination of cash and shares of its common stock, at its election. The initial conversion rate will be 185.8045 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $5.38 per share), subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of specified events.

Inovio may not redeem the notes prior to March 1, 2022. On or after March 1, 2022, Inovio may redeem all, or any portion, of the notes for cash if the last reported sale price per share of Inovio’s common stock exceeds 130% of the conversion price on (i) each of at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during the 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the trading day immediately before Inovio sends the related redemption notice; and (ii) the trading day immediately before the date Inovio sends such redemption notice. The redemption price will be equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date.

Inovio estimates that the net proceeds from the offering will be approximately $62.7 million (or approximately $82.1 million if the initial purchasers exercise in full their option to purchase additional notes), after deducting the initial purchasers’ discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by Inovio. Inovio intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, including clinical trial expenses, research and development expenses, general and administrative expenses and manufacturing expenses, and for other business development activities.

The offer and sale of the notes and the shares, if any, issuable upon conversion of the notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or applicable state securities laws, and the notes and such shares may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the notes or any shares issuable upon conversion of the notes, nor shall there be any sale of the notes or such shares, in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

On February 14, 2019 Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: AGIO), a leader in the field of cellular metabolism to treat cancer and rare genetic diseases, reported business highlights and financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2018 (Press release, Agios Pharmaceuticals, FEB 14, 2019, View Source [SID1234533303]).

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!

In addition, Agios highlighted select 2019 corporate milestones and data presentations for its clinical development programs.

"I’m excited to join the Agios team on the heels of a transformational year for the company. During 2018, we launched our first wholly owned oncology medicine, expanded our clinical programs across both oncology and rare genetic diseases, and continued to advance our robust research pipeline," said Jackie Fouse, Ph.D. "We start 2019 with a strong foundation on which to build and with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives and our business. Our objectives for this year focus on broadening the potential of our IDH inhibitors in AML and solid tumors, advancing mitapivat and AG-270 through clinical development, and remaining steadfast in our pursuit of great science."

KEY UPCOMING MILESTONES

The company plans to achieve the following key milestones in 2019:

Cancer:

Potential FDA approval of the supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for single agent TIBSOVO (ivosidenib) for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed AML with an IDH1 mutation who are not eligible for standard therapy and subsequent launch in this indication in the U.S.
Submit an sNDA to the FDA for TIBSOVO for second line or later IDH1 mutant cholangiocarcinoma by year-end.
Initiate a registration-enabling Phase 3 study of vorasidenib (AG-881) in low-grade glioma with an IDH1 mutation by year-end.
Determine recommended dose of AG-270, a first-in-class methionine adenosyltransferase 2a (MAT2A) inhibitor, in methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP)-deleted tumors; initiate expansion arms, including a single-agent arm in a variety of MTAP-deleted cancers and a combination arm in a solid tumor in the first half of 2019.
Initiate a Phase 1 dose-escalation trial of AG-636, an inhibitor of the metabolic enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), in lymphoma in the first half of 2019.
Rare Genetic Diseases:

Complete enrollment in two global pivotal trials for mitapivat in adults with pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency by year-end 2019:
ACTIVATE-T: A single-arm trial of approximately 20 regularly transfused patients
ACTIVATE: A 1:1 randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 80 patients who do not receive regular transfusions
Achieve proof-of-concept for mitapivat in thalassemia in the second half of 2019.
ANTICIPATED KEY 2019 DATA PRESENTATIONS

Updated data from the ongoing Phase 1 combination trial of TIBSOVO with azacitidine in patients with newly diagnosed AML with an IDH1 mutation to be presented at the 17th International Symposium on Acute Leukemias taking place February 24-27, 2019 in Munich.
Preclinical data for AG-270 accepted for presentation at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) meeting taking place March 29-April 3, 2019 in Atlanta.
Data from the perioperative ‘window’ trial with TIBSOVO and vorasidenib in IDHm low-grade glioma submitted for presentation at the 2019 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting taking place May 31-June 4, 2019 in Chicago.
Topline data from the Phase 3 ClarIDHy study of TIBSOVO in IDH1 mutant second line or later cholangiocarcinoma to be reported in the first half and full data to be presented in the second half of 2019.
Data from the dose-escalation portion of the ongoing Phase 1 study of AG-270 in patients with MTAP-deleted tumors expected in the second half of 2019.
FOURTH QUARTER 2018 HIGHLIGHTS & RECENT PROGRESS

Submitted an sNDA to the FDA for TIBSOVO for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed AML with an IDH1 mutation who are not eligible for standard therapy.
Submitted and received validation for a Marketing Authorization Application to the European Medicines Agency for TIBSOVO for the treatment of adult patients with R/R AML with an IDH1 mutation.
Completed enrollment in the Phase 3 ClarIDHy study of TIBSOVO in IDH1 mutant second line or later cholangiocarcinoma.
Initiated a Phase 2 proof-of-concept trial of mitapivat in thalassemia.
Received FDA clearance of an IND application for AG-636, a DHODH inhibitor.
FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2018 FINANCIAL RESULTS

Revenue: Total revenue for the fourth quarter of 2018 was $30.0 million, which includes $18.4 million in collaboration revenue, $9.4 million of net product revenue from U.S. sales of TIBSOVO and $2.2 million in royalty revenue from net global sales of IDHIFA under our collaboration agreement with Celgene. This compares to $9.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2017, which included $8.6 million in collaboration revenue and $1.2 million in royalty revenue from net global sales of IDHIFA. Total revenue was $94.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to $43.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increases in revenue are primarily driven by net U.S. sales of TIBSOVO, additional collaboration revenue and royalty revenue from net U.S. sales of IDHIFA.

Cost of Sales: We began U.S. sales of TIBSOVO in the third quarter of 2018. Cost of sales were $0.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2018, and $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Research and Development (R&D) Expenses: R&D expenses were $93.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to $77.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2017, and $341.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to $292.7 million for the comparable period in 2017. The increase in R&D expense was primarily attributable to start-up costs for the mitapivat pivotal program in PK deficiency and Phase 2 study in thalassemia and IND enabling activities for AG-636, our DHODH inhibitor. R&D expense also increased as a result of ongoing research efforts across our discovery platform programs.

Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) Expenses: SG&A expenses were $31.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to $22.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2017, and $114.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to $71.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in SG&A expense was primarily attributable to costs to support commercialization of TIBSOVO and personnel costs related to increased headcount.

Net Loss: Net loss was $91.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to $88.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2017, and $346.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 was compared to a net loss of $314.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Cash Position and Guidance: Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of December 31, 2018 were $805.4 million compared to $567.8 million as of December 31, 2017. The change in cash was primarily driven by the net proceeds of $516.2 million from the January follow-on offering. The company expects that its cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of December 31, 2018, together with anticipated product and royalty revenue, anticipated interest income, and anticipated expense reimbursements under our collaboration and license agreements, but excluding any additional program-specific milestone payments, will enable the company to fund its anticipated operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements through at least the end of 2020.

CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION

Agios will host a conference call and live webcast with slides today at 8:00 a.m. ET to discuss fourth quarter and full year 2018 financial results and recent business activities. To participate in the conference call, please dial 1-877-377-7098 (domestic) or 1-631-291-4547 (international) and referring to conference ID 9886713. The live webcast can be accessed under "Events & Presentations" in the Investors section of the company’s website at www.agios.com. The archived webcast will be available on the company’s website beginning approximately two hours after the event.

On February 14, 2019 Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACOR) reported its financial and pipeline updates for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2018 (Press release, Acorda Therapeutics, FEB 14, 2019, View Source [SID1234533302]).

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!

"Our top priority for 2019 is to ensure a successful launch of INBRIJA," said Ron Cohen, M.D., Acorda’s President and CEO. "Our field sales and medical teams have been meeting with Movement Disorder specialists and their office staffs to educate them about INBRIJA’s clinical profile, proper use of the inhaler and our comprehensive patient support services. We are finding strong receptiveness to this novel on-demand treatment for OFF periods."

"The approval of INBRIJA has now validated the innovative ARCUS technology, which allows relatively large doses of drug to be delivered through inhalation. We plan to apply the ARCUS platform to develop therapies for additional indications, including acute migraine, and we look forward to discussing future development milestones later this year."

Fourth Quarter 2018 Financial Results

For the quarter ended December 31, 2018, the Company reported AMPYRA net revenue of $64.2 million compared to $167.2 million for the same quarter in 2017. In September 2018, AMPYRA lost its exclusivity and generics entered the market. Acorda has stated that there would be a significant decline in AMPYRA revenue as a result.

Research and development (R&D) expenses for the quarter ended December 31, 2018 were $27.1 million, including $1.2 million of share-based compensation compared to $35.1 million, including $2.2 million of share-based compensation for the same quarter in 2017.

Sales, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the quarter ended December 31, 2018 were $36.8 million, including $3.8 million of share-based compensation compared to $39.5 million, including $5.4 million of share-based compensation for the same quarter in 2017.

Benefit from income taxes for the quarter ended December 31, 2018 was $63.1 million, compared to a benefit from income taxes of $51.9 million for the same quarter in 2017.

The Company reported GAAP net income of $9.6 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2018, or $0.20 per diluted share. GAAP net loss in the same quarter of 2017 was $(171.1) million, or $(3.70) per diluted share.

Non-GAAP net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2018 was $21.5 million, or $0.45 per diluted share. Non-GAAP net income in the same quarter of 2017 was $28.5 million, or $0.61 per diluted share. This quarterly non-GAAP net income measure, more fully described below under "Non-GAAP Financial Measures," excludes share-based compensation charges, non-cash interest charges on our debt, restructuring expenses, changes in the fair value of acquired contingent consideration, asset impairment charges and gain on sale of assets. A reconciliation of the GAAP financial results to non-GAAP financial results is included with the attached financial statements.

Financial Results – Full Year Ended December 31, 2018

For the full year ended December 31, 2018, the Company reported Ampyra net revenue of $455.1 million compared to $543.3 million for the full year 2017. In September 2018, AMPYRA lost its exclusivity and generics entered the market. Acorda has stated that there would be a significant decline in AMPYRA revenue as a result.

Research and development (R&D) expenses for the full year ended December 31, 2018 were $106.4 million, including $5.6 million of share-based compensation, compared to $166.1 million, including $9.7 million of share-based compensation for the full year 2017.

Sales, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the full year ended December 31, 2018 were $172.3 million, including $15.7 million of share-based compensation, compared to $181.6 million, including $23.1 million of share-based compensation for the full year 2017.

Benefit from income taxes for the full year ended December 31, 2018 was $13.3 million, compared to a benefit from income taxes of $28.5 million for the full year 2017.

For the full year ended December 31, 2018, the Company reported GAAP net income of $33.7 million, or $0.71 per diluted share. GAAP net loss for the full year 2017 was $(223.4) million, or $(4.86) per diluted share.

Non-GAAP net income for the full year ended December 31, 2018 was $103.4 million, or $2.18 per diluted share. Non-GAAP net income for the full year ended December 31, 2017 was $80.7 million, or $1.75 per diluted share. This full year non-GAAP net income measure, more fully described below under "Non-GAAP Financial Measures," excludes share-based compensation charges, non-cash interest charges on our debt, restructuring expenses, changes in the fair value of acquired contingent consideration, asset impairment charges, gain on sale of assets, realized foreign currency loss and acquisition related expenses. A reconciliation of the GAAP financial results to non-GAAP financial results is included with the attached financial statements.

At December 31, 2018, the Company had cash, cash equivalents and investments of $445 million.

2019 Financial Guidance

During INBRIJA’s launch year, the Company does not expect to provide INBRIJA revenue guidance.
The Company will no longer provide revenue guidance for AMPYRA, due to the unpredictable trajectory of revenue decline given the entrance of generics.
R&D expenses for the full year 2019 are expected to be $70-$80 million and SG&A expenses for the full year 2019 are expected to be $200-$210 million. This guidance is a non-GAAP projection that excludes share-based compensation as more fully described below under "Non-GAAP Financial Measures."
Fourth Quarter 2018 Highlights

INBRIJA (levodopa inhalation powder)
On December 21, 2018, INBRIJA was approved by the FDA for intermittent treatment of OFF episodes in people with Parkinson’s taking carbidopa/levodopa. It is not known if INBRIJA is safe or effective in children.
The Company’s Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for INBRIJA is currently under review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). After the adoption of a CHMP (Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use) opinion, the Company expects a final decision from the European Commission before the end of 2019.
In January 2019, TheLancet Neurology published results from SPAN℠-PD, the Phase 3 pivotal trial of INBRIJA.
AMPYRA (dalfampridine) Patent Appeal
In January 2019, the Federal Circuit denied Acorda’s petition for an en banc hearing in the AMPYRA patent appeal process. The Company intends to file a petition for certiorari appealing the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Webcast and Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call and webcast in conjunction with its fourth quarter/year end 2018 update and financial results today at 4:30 p.m. ET. To participate in the conference call, please dial (866) 393-4306 (domestic) or (734) 385-2616 (international) and reference the access code 2726179. The presentation will be available on the Investors section of www.acorda.com.

A replay of the call will be available from 5:30 p.m. ET on February 14, 2019 until 11:59 p.m. ET on March 16, 2019. To access the replay, please dial (855) 859-2056 (domestic) or (404) 537-3406 (international); reference code 2726179. The archived webcast will be available in the Investor Relations section of the Acorda website at www.acorda.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release includes financial results prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP), and also certain historical and forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures. In particular, Acorda has provided non-GAAP net income, adjusted to exclude the items below, and has provided 2019 guidance for R&D and SG&A expenses on a non-GAAP basis. Non-GAAP financial measures are not an alternative for financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. However, the Company believes the presentation of non-GAAP net income, when viewed in conjunction with our GAAP results, provides investors with a more meaningful understanding of our ongoing and projected operating performance because this measure excludes (i) non-cash compensation charges and benefits that are substantially dependent on changes in the market price of our common stock, (ii) non-cash interest charges related to the accounting for our outstanding convertible debt which are in excess of the actual interest expense owing on such convertible debt, as well as non-cash interest related to the Fampyra monetization, the asset based loan which was terminated in 2017 and acquired Biotie debt, (iii) changes in the fair value of acquired contingent consideration which do not correlate to our actual cash payment obligations in the relevant periods, (iv) acquisition related expenses and related foreign currency losses that pertain to a non-recurring event, (v) expenses that pertain to non-routine restructuring events, (vi) asset impairments which are non-cash charges that relate to program terminations that are not routine to the operation of the business, and (vii) gain on sale of assets that pertains to non-routine events. The Company believes its non-GAAP net income measure helps indicate underlying trends in the Company’s business and is important in comparing current results with prior period results and understanding projected operating performance. Also, management uses this non-GAAP financial measure to establish budgets and operational goals, and to manage the Company’s business and to evaluate its performance.

In addition to non-GAAP net income, we have provided 2019 guidance for R&D and SG&A expenses on a non-GAAP basis. Due to the forward looking nature of this information, the amount of compensation charges and benefits needed to reconcile these measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is dependent on future changes in the market price of our common stock and is not available at this time. The Company believes that these non-GAAP measures, when viewed in conjunction with our GAAP results, provide investors with a more meaningful understanding of our ongoing and projected R&D and SG&A expenses. Also, management uses these non-GAAP financial measures to establish budgets and operational goals, and to manage the Company’s business and to evaluate its performance.