Cerus Corporation Announces First Quarter 2022 Financial Results and Increases Full Year 2022 Product Revenue Guidance Range

On May 5, 2022 Cerus Corporation (Nasdaq: CERS) reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022 (Press release, Cerus, MAY 5, 2022, View Source [SID1234613748]).

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Recent developments and highlights include:

First quarter 2022 total revenue of $43.0 million, reflecting a 46% increase over the prior year period. Total revenue was composed of (in thousands, except %):

First quarter 2022 net loss attributable to Cerus Corporation of $12.3 million, or $0.07 per basic and diluted share, reflecting an improvement of $5.2 million over the prior year period of $17.5 million, or $0.10 per basic and diluted share, as a result of higher sales and continued operating discipline.
As of the date of this release, the Company is increasing its 2022 annual product revenue guidance range from $157-164 million to $160 million to $165 million, representing a 22% to 26% increase over full-year 2021 reported product revenue.
The Company announced that it has signed a multi-year contract for the INTERCEPT Blood System for Platelets with the American Red Cross, which is the largest producer of INTERCEPT-treated blood components in the world.
The Company and Fresenius Kabi announced a ten-year contract extension for the production of kits for the INTERCEPT Blood System. Under the new agreement, the companies will work together to expand scale at multiple Fresenius Kabi facilities, enabling manufacturing at additional locations and unlocking further economies of scale to improve the cost profile of INTERCEPT kits.
Community Blood Center of Appleton became the Company’s third blood center production partner to obtain BLA approval for the INTERCEPT Blood System for Cryoprecipitation, which is approved for the production INTERCEPT Fibrinogen Complex.
Introduced non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA, which for the first quarter of 2022 was negative $3.7 million, compared to negative $11.5 million during the prior year period. Cerus’ non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA is a measure the Company has disclosed to highlight the performance of its business and its progress toward achieving cashflow breakeven. For additional information, please see definitions and the reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure accompanying this release.
Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments were $108.6 million at March 31, 2022.
"Cerus continued to build on its leadership position in establishing pathogen reduction as a new standard of care for blood safety during the first quarter of 2022. I am pleased to report growth from all of our major geographic regions during the period, despite the significant geopolitical turmoil and economic uncertainty that has accompanied the start to this year," said William ‘Obi’ Greenman, Cerus’ president and chief executive officer. "As we anticipated, demand for INTERCEPT platelet kits continues to be strong in the U.S., where hospitals are choosing pathogen reduction to comply with the FDA bacterial safety guidance."

"In collaboration with our manufacturing partners, we continue to make solid progress scaling up our operations to unlock additional capacity in support of anticipated strong growth well into the future," Greenman continued. "With the visibility we have for another year of robust demand for INTERCEPT products, we have opted to raise our product revenue guidance range for 2022."

Revenue

Product revenue during the first quarter of 2022 was $37.4 million, compared to $23.4 million during the prior year period. The year-over-year growth in product revenue during the quarter came from each of the Company’s major geographic regions and was primarily driven by increased sales of INTERCEPT platelet kits in the U.S. market.

First quarter 2022 government contract revenue was $5.6 million, compared to $6.2 million during the prior year period. Reported government contract revenue is comprised of funding associated with research and development (R&D) activities related to the INTERCEPT Blood System for Red Blood Cells and sponsored efforts related to the development of next-generation pathogen reduction technology for whole blood.

Product Gross Profit & Margin

Product gross profit for the first quarter of 2022 was $19.4 million, increasing by $7.1 million over the prior year period. Product gross margin for the first quarter of 2022 was 51.7% compared to 52.5% for the first quarter of 2021, and represents an increase of approximately 60 basis points compared to the fourth quarter of 2021.

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses for the first quarter of 2022 were $34.8 million compared to $34.9 million for the same period of the prior year. Despite having to navigate inflationary pressures, the Company was able to demonstrate financial discipline, resulting in operating leverage that is strengthening the Company’s overall financial position.

Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the first quarter of 2022 totaled $20.7 million, compared to $19.2 million for the first quarter of 2021. The year-over-year increase in SG&A expenses for the first quarter was tied to increased hiring and stock-based compensation.

R&D expenses for the first quarter of 2022 were $14.1 million, compared to $15.7 million for the first quarter of 2021. In the first quarter, the Company’s R&D expenses declined on a year-over-year basis as a result of various research projects reaching completion.

Net Loss Attributable to Cerus Corporation

Net loss attributable to Cerus Corporation for the first quarter of 2022 was $12.3 million, or $0.07 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss attributable to Cerus Corporation of $17.5 million, or $0.10 per basic and diluted share, for the first quarter of 2021.

Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA

Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2022 was negative $3.7 million, compared to non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA of negative $11.5 million, for the first quarter of 2021. For additional information, please see definitions and the reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure accompanying this release.

Balance Sheet & Cash Use

At March 31, 2022, the Company had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $108.6 million, compared to $129.4 million at December 31, 2021.

As of March 31, 2022, the Company carried $55.0 million of notes due and a balance on its revolving line of credit of $15.0 million. The Company continues to have access to $5 million under its revolving line of credit.

For the first quarter of 2022, net cash used in operating activities totaled $21.5 million as compared to $17.5 million during the prior year period, due to changes in working capital.

Increasing 2022 Product Revenue Guidance

The Company expects full-year 2022 product revenue will be in the range of $160-165 million, representing strong growth of approximately 22%-26% compared to full-year 2021 product revenue of $130.9 million. Previously, the Company’s 2022 product revenue guidance range was $157-164 million.

Quarterly Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call at 4:30 P.M. EDT this afternoon, during which management will discuss the Company’s financial results and provide a general business overview and outlook. To listen to the live webcast, please visit the Investor Relations page of the Cerus website at View Source Alternatively, you may access the live conference call by dialing (866) 235-9006 (U.S.) or (631) 291-4549 (international).

A replay will be available on Cerus’ website, or by dialing (855) 859-2056 (U.S.) or (404) 537-3406 (international) and entering conference ID number 8280547. The replay will be available approximately three hours after the call through May 19, 2022.

Massive Bio Partners with Amber Specialty Pharmacy for Digitally Enabled Oncology Clinical Trials through AI Technology Platform

On May 5, 2022 Massive Bio, Inc., a leader in precision medicine and artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled patient-centric clinical trial enrollment for oncology, and Amber Specialty Pharmacy, a pioneer and leader in the specialty pharmacy industry with true best-in-class programs and locations strategically placed across the United States, reported its partnership to provide advanced data-driven technology solutions for patient recruitment services to the oncology research ecosystem, and thereby offer better access for cancer patients to leading-edge clinical trials (Press release, Massive Bio, MAY 5, 2022, View Source [SID1234613747]). Through this partnership, Amber Specialty Pharmacy will seamlessly connect patients in need for clinical trials with Massive Bio’s matching and concierge enrollment services and support cancer patients and providers throughout the country; the combined capabilities include Amber’s 26 million payer lives, over 50 US Limited Distribution Networks and Massive Bio’s 60,000 unique cancer patients, 12 countries global presence – making this the first and largest partnership of its kind.

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"Amber Specialty Pharmacy is dedicated to meeting the clinical, emotional, and financial needs of cancer patients and their caregivers. Our Oncology Center of Excellence (COE) was designed to provide cancer patients with an enhanced level of care during their treatment journey." said Kristin Williams, president of Amber Specialty Pharmacy. "When faced with a cancer diagnosis, time is of the essence. It is critical that advanced cancer patients have real-time access resources readily available to them, including clinical trial options and a pathway to enrollment across lines of therapy. Massive Bio’s AI technology platform and expertise in cancer clinical trials are fully aligned with these goals, resulting in improved health outcomes and reduced costs for the industry," Williams added.

Amber Specialty Pharmacy’s patient-centered model of care and oncology COE team provides patients and their caregivers individualized care with ongoing education and support to ensure patients have what they need to feel supported throughout their treatment journey. They also utilize a proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) model to identify patients at risk for lower adherence early in treatment, which allows real time interventions, offering guidance and support to patients, leading to positive treatment outcomes. The model is also built to remove barriers to coverage and building bridges toward seamless collaboration between providers and pharmacy.

"Amber Specialty Pharmacy’s best-in-class service model has earned the trust of the nation’s largest stakeholders in healthcare, as well as many pharmaceutical commercial partners in the oncology space", said Selin Kurnaz, Massive Bio’s CEO and Co-Founder. "Massive Bio’s patient centered and AI-augmented approach to trial recruitment levering our command center and SYNERGY-AI engine, combined with Amber’s advanced analytics and capabilities using a technology platform with real-time patient insights, enables all the oncology research stakeholders to optimize patient enrollment and activation at an exponential scale nationwide. We are the only company to use an AI-integrated app and mobile technology to find your eligibility for clinical trials, as well as the best sites closest to you, and it is a natural extension to integrate and partner with Amber’s outstanding Oncology COE model and platform."

Massive Bio had recently announced the launch of its NASA-style Oncology Clinical Trial Command Center (OCTCC) to disrupt and accelerate trial enrollment, and also the launch of its 100K Cancer Clinical Trial Singularity Program aimed at matching 100,000 cancer patients in real-time to cutting-edge clinical trials using its Massive Bio’s AI-based technology, website and apps across iOS and Android platforms, expanding their presence as a global company with country-level success in 12 markets.

"With over 13,000 active cancer clinical trials active in the US at any given time, the oncology trial ecosystem and its providers look to industry leaders and digital health solutions for better ways to activate real-time data insights and succeed in this complex research environment, which is ever-focused in oral oncolytic and individualized precision medicine approaches", mentioned Arturo Loaiza-Bonilla, M.D., Co-Founder of Massive Bio. "We are excited to leverage our personalized concierge patient-centric models and Amber’s data-driven approach to generate patient insights in real time, which will augment and optimize our already successful AI-enabled trial recruitment and enrollment movement, improve patient retention, and expand access to precision cancer care and cost-saving strategies at a larger and technology-enabled scale", added Loaiza-Bonilla.

This partnership envisions to anticipate and satisfy the needs of pharma and CRO partners, research sites, clinical teams, and eligible patients in real time, using digital tools to accelerate cancer research, providing additional patient-centered services in oncology, and catalyzing the expansion of specialty pharmacy and Massive Bio’s capabilities as a new patient-centered AI-enabled standard model in oncology research.

Dizal Announces Pre-clinical and Clinical Results of Sunvozertinib (DZD9008) Published in Cancer Discovery

On May 5, 2022 Dizal Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd ("Dizal", SHEX: 688192) reported the publication of the pre-clinical and early clinical data of sunvozertinib (DZD9008) for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations in Cancer Discovery (Press release, Dizal Pharma, MAY 5, 2022, View Source [SID1234613735]).

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Due to the unique structural features of EGFR exon20ins proteins, most approved EGFR TKIs are not active against them. Sunvozertinib (DZD9008) was designed with the goal to address the limitations of existing therapies. It is an irreversible inhibitor targeting EGFR exon20ins as well as EGFR sensitizing, T790M and uncommon mutations while maintaining selectivity against wild-type EGFR. Sunvozertinib shows potent antitumor activity against EGFR exon20ins mutations at the enzymatic and cellular levels, and in patient-derived xenograft and transgenic animal models. These findings support the ongoing clinical development of sunvozertinib for the treatment of EGFR exon20ins NSCLC. Commenting on the findings, Prof. Pasi Jänne of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, a lead investigator of the study and the corresponding author of the paper, said "sunvozertinib was well tolerated in the study. Antitumor efficacy was observed at the doses of 100 mg and above in patients with EGFR exon20ins NSCLC across different subtypes, with prior amivantamab treatment as well as with baseline brain metastasis. Its best ORR was 48.4%." Based on the data, sunvozertinib has been granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation by US FDA and China CDE.

"This is yet another milestone achievement for the team. Like Breakthrough Therapy Designation from US and China, it reflects the quality of Dizal’s science. The data published further demonstrated sunvozertinib’s enormous potential for bringing meaningful benefits to lung cancer patients." said Dr. Xiaolin Zhang, CEO of Dizal. "At Dizal, we strive to bring differentiated therapies to treat devastating diseases. We have now established an internationally competitive portfolio with two leading assets in the global pivotal studies."

Paper Details:

Journal: Cancer Discovery
Title: Sunvozertinib, a selective EGFR inhibitor for previously treated non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations
Corresponding Author: Prof. Pasi A. Jänne, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute of Harvard Medical School.
Joint Primary Authors: Prof. Mengzhao Wang, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College and Prof. James Chih-Hsin Yang, Graduate Institute of Oncology of National Taiwan University
About Cancer Discovery

Cancer Discovery, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper), publishes high-impact, peer-reviewed articles describing major advances in research and clinical trials [1]. As the premier cancer information resource, the Journal presents articles from the world-class universities and top-notch oncology research institutions.

About EGFR Exon20ins NSCLC

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the world. It is classified broadly as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), accounting for 85% lung cancer cases, and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). EGFR mutation is common in NSCLC. About 4–12% of all EGFR mutations are insertions at exon 20 (EGFR exon20ins) [2]. Patients with EGFR exon20ins generally don’t respond to the currently available EGFR TKIs.

Insmed Reports First Quarter 2022 Financial Results and Provides Business Update

On May 5, 2022 Insmed Incorporated (Nasdaq:INSM), a global biopharmaceutical company on a mission to transform the lives of patients with serious and rare diseases, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022 and provided a business update (Press release, Insmed, MAY 5, 2022, View Source [SID1234613734]).

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"I am proud of Insmed’s solid progress in the first quarter of 2022, with steady ARIKAYCE performance in three territories around the globe, advancement of seven clinical trials, including our ASPEN and ARISE/ENCORE trials, and continued development of our early-stage research programs," commented Will Lewis, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Insmed. "We ended the quarter in a position of financial strength, with a strong balance sheet and steady revenue stream. The remainder of 2022 will be a critical execution period across the four pillars of our business, and I am confident we have the ambition, determination, and talent to achieve our objectives and deliver high-impact medicines for patients in need."

Recent Pillar Highlights

ARIKAYCE

In the first quarter of 2022, ARIKAYCE revenue grew 32% over the first quarter of 2021, reflecting steady U.S. performance and ongoing launch activities in Japan and Europe.
Enrollment remains on track in the post-marketing confirmatory, frontline clinical trial program of ARIKAYCE in patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease caused by Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), consisting of the ARISE and ENCORE trials. Insmed anticipates completing enrollment in ARISE in 2022 and having topline data in the first half of 2023; the Company also anticipates completing enrollment in ENCORE by the end of 2023.
Insmed announced that it will present data at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2022 International Conference, taking place May 13-18, 2022, highlighting the reduction in hospitalizations after initiation of ARIKAYCE treatment in a retrospective cohort study of patients in real-world settings.
Brensocatib

Enrollment remains on track in the Phase 3 ASPEN study, a global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of brensocatib in patients with bronchiectasis. Insmed continues to anticipate completing enrollment in this trial in early 2023.
A Phase 2 pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study of brensocatib in patients with cystic fibrosis is underway and Insmed continues to anticipate sharing data by early 2023.
As previously shared, Insmed plans to develop brensocatib in two new potential indications – chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps and hidradenitis suppurativa.
Insmed will present data at the ATS 2022 International Conference evaluating the benefit-risk profile in a post-hoc analysis of the Phase 2 WILLOW study of brensocatib in patients with bronchiectasis.
TPIP

Insmed remains on track to share preliminary data from a small number of patients in a Phase 2a trial of treprostinil palmitil inhalation powder (TPIP) in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) this year. The Phase 2a study will measure the impact of TPIP on pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) over a 24-hour period.
Insmed is also advancing a Phase 2b study to evaluate the effect of TPIP on PVR and 6-minute walk distance over a 16-week treatment period in patients with PAH, and a Phase 2 study to assess the safety and tolerability of TPIP in patients with pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD) over a 16-week treatment period.
Translational Medicine

Insmed is advancing a translational medicine portfolio encompassing a wide range of technologies and modalities, including gene therapy, gene editing, protein deimmunization, and manufacturing capabilities. The Company anticipates filing at least one Investigational New Drug Application per year from this portfolio.
First Quarter 2022 Financial Results

Total revenue for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, was $53.1 million, compared to total revenue of $40.2 million for the first quarter of 2021. Total revenue for the first quarter of 2022 comprised ARIKAYCE net sales of $40.8 million in the U.S., $10.7 million in Japan, and $1.6 million in Europe and rest of world.
Cost of product revenues (excluding amortization of intangible assets) was $12.2 million for the first quarter of 2022, compared to $9.8 million for the first quarter of 2021.
Research and development (R&D) expenses were $84.4 million for the first quarter of 2022, compared to $61.4 million for the first quarter of 2021.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the first quarter of 2022 were $56.7 million, compared to $51.6 million for the first quarter of 2021.
For the first quarter of 2022, Insmed reported a net loss of $94.6 million, or $0.80 per share, compared to a net loss of $91.6 million, or $0.89 per share, for the first quarter of 2021.
Balance Sheet, Financial Guidance, and Planned Investments

As of March 31, 2022, Insmed had cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities of $664.7 million. The Company’s total operating expenses for the first quarter of 2022 were $142.9 million.

Insmed continues to expect full-year 2022 global revenues for ARIKAYCE to increase at least 30% year over year from 2021. The Company also continues to anticipate that its cash on hand will support its ongoing business into 2024.

The Company plans to continue to invest in the following key activities in 2022:

(i)

commercialization and expansion of ARIKAYCE globally;

(ii)

launch activities for ARIKAYCE in Japan; and

(iii)

clinical trial activities, including (a) advancement of the confirmatory, frontline clinical trial program for ARIKAYCE (ARISE and ENCORE), (b) advancement of brensocatib, including the Phase 3 ASPEN study in patients with bronchiectasis, (c) advancement of the Phase 2 clinical development programs for TPIP, and (d) advancement of our translational medicine efforts.

Conference Call

Insmed will host a conference call beginning today at 8:30 AM Eastern Time. Shareholders and other interested parties may participate in the conference call by dialing (844) 200-6205 (U.S. toll free), (646) 904-5544 (U.S. local), or +1-929-526-1599 (international) and referencing access code 388457. The call will also be webcast live on the company’s website at www.insmed.com.

A replay of the conference call will be accessible approximately 1 hour after its completion through June 4, 2022, by dialing (866) 813-9403 (U.S. toll free), (929) 458-6194 (U.S. local), or +44-204-525-0658 (international) and referencing access code 252664. A webcast of the call will also be archived for 90 days under the Investor Relations section of the company’s website at www.insmed.com.

About ARIKAYCE

ARIKAYCE is approved in the United States as ARIKAYCE (amikacin liposome inhalation suspension), in Europe as ARIKAYCE Liposomal 590 mg Nebuliser Dispersion, and in Japan as ARIKAYCE inhalation 590 mg (amikacin sulfate inhalation drug product). Current international treatment guidelines recommend the use of ARIKAYCE for appropriate patients. ARIKAYCE is a novel, inhaled, once-daily formulation of amikacin, an established antibiotic that was historically administered intravenously and associated with severe toxicity to hearing, balance, and kidney function. Insmed’s proprietary PULMOVANCE liposomal technology enables the delivery of amikacin directly to the lungs, where liposomal amikacin is taken up by lung macrophages where the infection resides, while limiting systemic exposure. ARIKAYCE is administered once daily using the Lamira Nebulizer System manufactured by PARI Pharma GmbH (PARI).

About PARI Pharma and the Lamira Nebulizer System

ARIKAYCE is delivered by a novel inhalation device, the Lamira Nebulizer System, developed by PARI. Lamira is a quiet, portable nebulizer that enables efficient aerosolization of ARIKAYCE via a vibrating, perforated membrane. Based on PARI’s 100-year history working with aerosols, PARI is dedicated to advancing inhalation therapies by developing innovative delivery platforms to improve patient care.

About Brensocatib

Brensocatib is a small molecule, oral, reversible inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase 1 (DPP1) being developed by Insmed for the treatment of patients with bronchiectasis and other neutrophil-mediated diseases. DPP1 is an enzyme responsible for activating neutrophil serine proteases (NSPs), such as neutrophil elastase, in neutrophils when they are formed in the bone marrow. Neutrophils are the most common type of white blood cell and play an essential role in pathogen destruction and inflammatory mediation. In chronic inflammatory lung diseases, neutrophils accumulate in the airways and result in excessive active NSPs that cause lung destruction and inflammation. Brensocatib may decrease the damaging effects of inflammatory diseases such as bronchiectasis by inhibiting DPP1 and its activation of NSPs. Brensocatib is an investigational drug product that has not been approved for any indication in any jurisdiction.

About TPIP

Treprostinil palmitil inhalation powder (TPIP) is a dry powder formulation of treprostinil palmitil, a treprostinil prodrug consisting of treprostinil linked by an ester bond to a 16-carbon chain. Developed entirely in Insmed’s laboratories, TPIP is a potentially highly differentiated prostanoid being evaluated for the treatment of patients with PAH, PH-ILD, and other rare and serious pulmonary disorders. TPIP is administered in a capsule-based inhalation device. TPIP is an investigational drug product that has not been approved for any indication in any jurisdiction.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR ARIKAYCE IN THE U.S.

WARNING: RISK OF INCREASED RESPIRATORY ADVERSE REACTIONS

ARIKAYCE has been associated with an increased risk of respiratory adverse reactions, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, hemoptysis, bronchospasm, and exacerbation of underlying pulmonary disease that have led to hospitalizations in some cases.

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis has been reported with the use of ARIKAYCE in the clinical trials. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (reported as allergic alveolitis, pneumonitis, interstitial lung disease, allergic reaction to ARIKAYCE) was reported at a higher frequency in patients treated with ARIKAYCE plus background regimen (3.1%) compared to patients treated with a background regimen alone (0%). Most patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis discontinued treatment with ARIKAYCE and received treatment with corticosteroids. If hypersensitivity pneumonitis occurs, discontinue ARIKAYCE and manage patients as medically appropriate.

Hemoptysis has been reported with the use of ARIKAYCE in the clinical trials. Hemoptysis was reported at a higher frequency in patients treated with ARIKAYCE plus background regimen (17.9%) compared to patients treated with a background regimen alone (12.5%). If hemoptysis occurs, manage patients as medically appropriate.

Bronchospasm has been reported with the use of ARIKAYCE in the clinical trials. Bronchospasm (reported as asthma, bronchial hyperreactivity, bronchospasm, dyspnea, dyspnea exertional, prolonged expiration, throat tightness, wheezing) was reported at a higher frequency in patients treated with ARIKAYCE plus background regimen (28.7%) compared to patients treated with a background regimen alone (10.7%). If bronchospasm occurs during the use of ARIKAYCE, treat patients as medically appropriate.

Exacerbations of underlying pulmonary disease has been reported with the use of ARIKAYCE in the clinical trials. Exacerbations of underlying pulmonary disease (reported as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), infective exacerbation of COPD, infective exacerbation of bronchiectasis) have been reported at a higher frequency in patients treated with ARIKAYCE plus background regimen (14.8%) compared to patients treated with background regimen alone (9.8%). If exacerbations of underlying pulmonary disease occur during the use of ARIKAYCE, treat patients as medically appropriate.

Anaphylaxis and Hypersensitivity Reactions: Serious and potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported in patients taking ARIKAYCE. Signs and symptoms include acute onset of skin and mucosal tissue hypersensitivity reactions (hives, itching, flushing, swollen lips/tongue/uvula), respiratory difficulty (shortness of breath, wheezing, stridor, cough), gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, crampy abdominal pain), and cardiovascular signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis (tachycardia, low blood pressure, syncope, incontinence, dizziness). Before therapy with ARIKAYCE is instituted, evaluate for previous hypersensitivity reactions to aminoglycosides. If anaphylaxis or a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue ARIKAYCE and institute appropriate supportive measures.

Ototoxicity has been reported with the use of ARIKAYCE in the clinical trials. Ototoxicity (including deafness, dizziness, presyncope, tinnitus, and vertigo) were reported with a higher frequency in patients treated with ARIKAYCE plus background regimen (17%) compared to patients treated with background regimen alone (9.8%). This was primarily driven by tinnitus (7.6% in ARIKAYCE plus background regimen vs 0.9% in the background regimen alone arm) and dizziness (6.3% in ARIKAYCE plus background regimen vs 2.7% in the background regimen alone arm). Closely monitor patients with known or suspected auditory or vestibular dysfunction during treatment with ARIKAYCE. If ototoxicity occurs, manage patients as medically appropriate, including potentially discontinuing ARIKAYCE.

Nephrotoxicity was observed during the clinical trials of ARIKAYCE in patients with MAC lung disease but not at a higher frequency than background regimen alone. Nephrotoxicity has been associated with the aminoglycosides. Close monitoring of patients with known or suspected renal dysfunction may be needed when prescribing ARIKAYCE.

Neuromuscular Blockade: Patients with neuromuscular disorders were not enrolled in ARIKAYCE clinical trials. Patients with known or suspected neuromuscular disorders, such as myasthenia gravis, should be closely monitored since aminoglycosides may aggravate muscle weakness by blocking the release of acetylcholine at neuromuscular junctions.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Aminoglycosides can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Aminoglycosides, including ARIKAYCE, may be associated with total, irreversible, bilateral congenital deafness in pediatric patients exposed in utero. Patients who use ARIKAYCE during pregnancy, or become pregnant while taking ARIKAYCE should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus.

Contraindications: ARIKAYCE is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any aminoglycoside.

Most Common Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reactions in Trial 1 at an incidence ≥5% for patients using ARIKAYCE plus background regimen compared to patients treated with background regimen alone were dysphonia (47% vs 1%), cough (39% vs 17%), bronchospasm (29% vs 11%), hemoptysis (18% vs 13%), ototoxicity (17% vs 10%), upper airway irritation (17% vs 2%), musculoskeletal pain (17% vs 8%), fatigue and asthenia (16% vs 10%), exacerbation of underlying pulmonary disease (15% vs 10%), diarrhea (13% vs 5%), nausea (12% vs 4%), pneumonia (10% vs 8%), headache (10% vs 5%), pyrexia (7% vs 5%), vomiting (7% vs 4%), rash (6% vs 2%), decreased weight (6% vs 1%), change in sputum (5% vs 1%), and chest discomfort (5% vs 3%).

Drug Interactions: Avoid concomitant use of ARIKAYCE with medications associated with neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and ototoxicity. Some diuretics can enhance aminoglycoside toxicity by altering aminoglycoside concentrations in serum and tissue. Avoid concomitant use of ARIKAYCE with ethacrynic acid, furosemide, urea, or intravenous mannitol.

Overdosage: Adverse reactions specifically associated with overdose of ARIKAYCE have not been identified. Acute toxicity should be treated with immediate withdrawal of ARIKAYCE, and baseline tests of renal function should be undertaken. Hemodialysis may be helpful in removing amikacin from the body. In all cases of suspected overdosage, physicians should contact the Regional Poison Control Center for information about effective treatment.

U.S. INDICATION

LIMITED POPULATION: ARIKAYCE is indicated in adults, who have limited or no alternative treatment options, for the treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease as part of a combination antibacterial drug regimen in patients who do not achieve negative sputum cultures after a minimum of 6 consecutive months of a multidrug background regimen therapy. As only limited clinical safety and effectiveness data for ARIKAYCE are currently available, reserve ARIKAYCE for use in adults who have limited or no alternative treatment options. This drug is indicated for use in a limited and specific population of patients.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on achieving sputum culture conversion (defined as 3 consecutive negative monthly sputum cultures) by Month 6. Clinical benefit has not yet been established. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

Limitation of Use: ARIKAYCE has only been studied in patients with refractory MAC lung disease defined as patients who did not achieve negative sputum cultures after a minimum of 6 consecutive months of a multidrug background regimen therapy. The use of ARIKAYCE is not recommended for patients with non-refractory MAC lung disease.

Patients are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1‑800‑FDA‑1088. You can also call the Company at 1-844-4-INSMED.

Arcadia Biosciences Announces Date of First Quarter 2022 Financial Results and Business Highlights Conference Call

On May 5, 2022 Arcadia Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKDA), a producer and marketer of innovative, plant-based health and wellness products, reported that it will release its financial and business results for the first quarter of 2022 after market close on May 12, 2022 (Press release, Arcadia Biosciences, MAY 5, 2022, View Source [SID1234613733]).

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The company has scheduled a conference call for 4:30 p.m. Eastern time (1:30 p.m. Pacific time) to discuss first-quarter results and key strategic achievements. Interested participants can join the conference call using the following numbers:

A live webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investors section of Arcadia’s website at www.arcadiabio.com. Following completion of the call, a recorded replay will be available on the company’s investor website.