Novel Costimulatory Bispecific Antibody Shows Encouraging Anti-tumor Activity When Combined with PD-1 Inhibitor Libtayo® (cemiplimab) in Advanced Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC)

On August 3, 2022 Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) reported that encouraging initial data from an ongoing Phase 1/2 trial investigating REGN5678, a novel PSMAxCD28 costimulatory bispecific antibody, in combination with the company’s PD-1 inhibitor Libtayo (cemiplimab) in advanced metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) (Press release, Regeneron, AUG 3, 2022, View Source [SID1234617339]). REGN5678 is one of Regeneron’s three clinical-stage costimulatory bispecifics, all of which are designed to bridge T cells to cancer cells and augment CD28 signaling to increase anti-tumor activity in combination with Libtayo or a CD3 bispecific.

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"In past clinical trials, metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer has been largely unresponsive to PD-1 inhibition and immunotherapy in general, leaving patients with inadequate treatment options, a poor prognosis and an expected survival of one to two years depending on the treatment history," said Mark Stein, M.D., a trial investigator and Associate Professor of Medical Oncology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. "These initial data provide the first clinical evidence indicating that a costimulatory bispecific antibody may synergistically combine with an anti-PD-1 agent such as Libtayo to enable activity against a tumor class previously resistant to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. We look forward to further investigating the safety and efficacy of this combination."

The Phase 1/2, first-in-human, open label trial is currently enrolling patients with advanced mCRPC whose tumors have previously progressed on multiple anti-androgen therapies, with a majority also having received prior chemotherapy. In the Phase 1 dose-escalation portion, patients are initiated with weekly doses of REGN5678, for three weeks, to assess the safety and efficacy of this novel costimulatory antibody alone, which then continues in combination with standard dose Libtayo. The primary endpoints are safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics. The key secondary endpoint is objective response rate defined as a ≥50% decline of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) from baseline and/or tumor shrinkage. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland and is commonly used as a biomarker to diagnose and follow prostate cancer, as many mCRPC patients have disease limited to bone lesions and cannot be assessed by conventional RECIST 1.1 criteria.

Preliminary data from the ongoing dose-escalation portion of the trial, across 8 dose level cohorts and a total of 33 patients, showed dose-dependent anti-tumor activity per centrally collected PSA values, as well as investigator reports. Not all patients have undergone or completed tumor assessments and the data are not yet final. At the lowest dose levels (cohorts 1-5), there was almost no evidence of anti-tumor activity, with only 1 of 17 patients showing a decrease (22%) in PSA; there were no ≥grade (Gr) 3 immune-related adverse events (irAE) at these doses. The lack of anti-tumor activity among these patients was consistent with the approximate 6% response rate reported in other trials with anti-PD1 monotherapy.

At the next three dose levels (cohorts 6-8), evidence of dose-dependent anti-tumor activity was generally seen within 6 weeks of starting combination treatment as follows:

Cohort 6: 1 of 4 patients experienced a 100% decrease in PSA and a complete response (CR) in target lesions based on RECIST 1.1 criteria. The patient discontinued therapy due to a Gr3 irAE of the skin (that was considered to be a recurrence of a pre-existing condition, and has resolved with treatment per investigator report). The patient has maintained the 100% decrease in PSA and CR in target lesions for approximately 10 months to date per investigator report.
Cohort 7: 3 of 8 patients experienced decreases in PSA of >99%, 44% and 22%. Two of these three patients had a Gr3 AE (aseptic encephalitis and seizure, respectively, both of which have resolved).
Cohort 8: 3 of 4 patients experienced decreases in PSA of >99%, >99% and 82%. Of the two patients with >99% PSA reductions, one experienced a Gr3 case of mucositis (resolved) and the other experienced a Gr3 case of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculopathy (ongoing).
In terms of safety, no ≥Gr3 irAEs were observed in patients without anti-tumor activity, and the occurrence of irAEs was correlated with anti-tumor activity; this is consistent with previous trials with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, wherein irAEs have been reported to occur at a higher rate in responding patients. No Gr4 irAEs or ≥Gr2 cytokine release syndrome have been observed in the trial to date. There was one death that was considered unrelated to treatment. In this trial, irAEs are being treated according to standard management practices used for checkpoint inhibitors.

Additional data are planned for presentation at an upcoming medical meeting.

"Through extensive preclinical research, we hypothesized that augmenting T-cell costimulation alongside PD-1 inhibition could be a key to turning immunologically ‘cold’ tumors ‘hot’," said George D. Yancopoulos, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Scientific Officer at Regeneron. "These preliminary data for our PSMAxCD28 costimulatory bispecific provide the first clinical evidence supporting the promise of our broader pipeline of costimulatory bispecifics in diverse solid tumors and hematological malignancies. By combining these costimulatory bispecifics with Libtayo or our CD3 bispecifics, we have the opportunity to create novel therapeutic synergies to address some of the most difficult-to-treat cancers. We look forward to partnering with the oncology community on this ambitious and potentially groundbreaking research."

The combination of REGN5678 and Libtayo is currently under clinical development for mCRPC, and its safety and efficacy have not been fully evaluated by any regulatory authority.

Novo Nordisk A/S – Share repurchase programme

On August 3, 2022 Novo Nordisk reported that initiated a share repurchase programme in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council of 16 April 2014 (MAR) and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016 (the "Safe Harbour Rules") (Press release, Novo Nordisk, AUG 3, 2022, View Source [SID1234617338]). This programme is part of the overall share repurchase programme of up to DKK 24 billion to be executed during a 12-month period beginning 2 February 2022.

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Under the programme initiated 3 May 2022, Novo Nordisk will repurchase B shares for an amount up to DKK 4.4 billion in the period from 4 May 2022 to 2 August 2022. The programme is now concluded.

Since the announcement 25 July 2022, the following transactions have been made:

The details for each transaction made under the share repurchase programme are published on novonordisk.com.

With the transactions stated above, Novo Nordisk owns a total of 17,647,425 B shares of DKK 0.20 as treasury shares, corresponding to 0.8% of the share capital. The total amount of A and B shares in the company is 2,280,000,000 including treasury shares.

Novo Nordisk expects to repurchase B shares for an amount up to DKK 24 billion during a 12-month period beginning 2 February 2022. As of 2 August 2022, Novo Nordisk has since 2 February 2022 repurchased a total of 15,907,432 B shares at an average share price of DKK 767.05 per B share equal to a transaction value of DKK 12,201,768,861.

Mersana Therapeutics to Host Second Quarter 2022 Conference Call on August 8, 2022 and Present at Upcoming Conferences

On August 3, 2022 Mersana Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRSN), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing a pipeline of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting cancers in areas of high unmet medical need, reported that it will provide business updates and report financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022 on Monday, August 8, 2022 and will host a conference call and webcast at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time that afternoon (Press release, Mersana Therapeutics, AUG 3, 2022, View Source [SID1234617337]). Members of management will also be presenting at two upcoming conferences. Details are as follows:

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Mersana Second Quarter 2022 Conference Call
Format: Webcast and Call
Date/Time: Monday, August 8, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time

2022 Wedbush PacGrow Healthcare Virtual Conference
Format: Panel
Panel Name: ADCs – Take Me to Your Tumor
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at 2:20 p.m. Eastern Time

Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) Webinar
Format: Panel
Panel Name: Targeted Systemic Delivery of Innate Immune Activators: A Deep Dive in Targets for Cancer IO
Date/Time: Friday, August 26, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time

To access Mersana’s second quarter conference call live, please dial 646-307-1963 (domestic) or 800-715-9871 (international) and provide the Conference ID 4656534. Live webcasts of all the presentations above will be accessible via the Investors & Media section of the Mersana website at www.mersana.com, and webcast replays of the second quarter conference call and Wedbush panel will be available in the same location for approximately 90 days following the live events.

Ipsen announces results from Phase III RESILIENT trial evaluating Onivyde® in second-line monotherapy for small cell lung cancer

On August 3, 2022 Ipsen (Euronext: IPN; ADR: IPSEY) reported that the Phase III RESILIENT trial did not meet its primary endpoint of overall survival (OS) compared to topotecan (Press release, Ipsen, AUG 3, 2022, View Source [SID1234617336]). The trial is evaluating Onivyde (irinotecan liposomal injection) versus topotecan in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), who have progressed on or after platinum-based first-line therapy treatment. RESILIENT is a Phase III trial conducted in two parts; the first part read out in 2020 confirming the safety, dosing and efficacy of Onivyde; part two is evaluating the efficacy of Onivyde versus topotecan. Detailed results from the RESILIENT trial will be presented at an upcoming medical conference.

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The analysis concluded that the primary endpoint OS was not met in patients treated with Onivyde versus topotecan. However, a doubling of the secondary endpoint of objective response rate (ORR) in favor of Onivyde was observed. The safety and tolerability of Onivyde was consistent with its already-known safety profile, and no new safety concerns emerged. The clinical study results will be communicated with the regulatory agency.

Howard Mayer, M.D., Executive Vice President, Head of Research and Development at Ipsen, said:

"While the results from the analysis of the RESILIENT trial have not demonstrated an overall survival benefit with Onivyde in patients in second-line small cell lung cancer, we will now work with our teams to analyze the data further before decisions regarding next steps are made. These data confirm the complexities associated with treating small cell lung cancer. We wish to thank the patients, their families and healthcare teams for their participation in this clinical trial."

Onivyde is currently approved in most major markets including the U.S., Europe and Asia in combination with fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (LV) for the treatment of patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas after disease progression following gemcitabine-based therapy. Onivyde is not indicated as a single agent for the treatment of patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Ipsen will continue to explore the potential of Onivyde in other areas, and the final data readout of the NAPOLI-3 Phase III trial in first-line pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is expected in H2 2022.

About RESILIENT

RESILIENT is a randomized, open-label Phase III trial of Onivyde (irinotecan liposome injection) versus topotecan in patients with small cell lung cancer who have progressed on or after platinum-based first-line therapy. The trial is being conducted in two parts:

Part 1: Open-label dose-finding trial of Onivyde. 30 patients were enrolled.
Part 1 Primary endpoints:
Describe the safety and tolerability of Onivyde monotherapy administered every 2 weeks
Determine the optimal Onivyde monotherapy dose for Part 2 of this trial
Part 2: A randomized, efficacy study of Onviyde versus intravenous (IV) topotecan. Approximately 450 patients were enrolled in part 2.
Part 2 objectives: To compare overall survival (OS) following treatment with Onivyde with OS following treatment with IV topotecan
The primary outcome measure is OS. Secondary outcome measures include progression-free survival, objective response rate, quality of life assessment using European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Lung Cancer 13 (EORTC QLQ-C30/LC13) dyspnea scale, quality of life assessment using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Lung Cancer 13 (EORTC QLQ-LC13) cough scale, incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events, serious adverse events and laboratory abnormalities. Safety analyses (adverse events and laboratory analyses) will be performed using the safety population, defined as all patients receiving any trial medicine.

About Onivyde (irinotecan liposome injection)

Ipsen has exclusive commercialization rights for the current and potential future indications for Onivyde in the U.S. Servier, an independent international pharmaceutical company with a strong international presence in 150 countries, is responsible for the commercialization of Onivyde outside of the U.S. and Taiwan. PharmaEngine is a commercial stage oncology company headquartered in Taipei and is responsible for the commercialization of Onivyde in Taiwan.

Indication – U.S.

Onivyde is approved by the U.S. FDA in combination with fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (LV) for the treatment of patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas after disease progression following gemcitabine-based therapy. Limitation of use: Onivyde is not indicated as a single agent for the treatment of patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION – U.S.

BOXED WARNINGS: SEVERE NEUTROPENIA and SEVERE DIARRHEA

Fatal neutropenic sepsis occurred in 0.8% of patients receiving Onivyde. Severe or life-threatening neutropenic fever or sepsis occurred in 3% and severe or life-threatening neutropenia occurred in 20% of patients receiving Onivyde in combination with 5-FU and LV. Withhold Onivyde for absolute neutrophil count below 1500/mm3 or neutropenic fever. Monitor blood cell counts periodically during treatment.

Severe diarrhea occurred in 13% of patients receiving Onivyde in combination with 5-FU/LV. Do not administer Onivyde to patients with bowel obstruction. Withhold Onivyde for diarrhea of Grade 2–4 severity. Administer loperamide for late diarrhea of any severity. Administer atropine, if not contraindicated, for early diarrhea of any severity.

CONTRAINDICATION

Onivyde is contraindicated in patients who have experienced a severe hypersensitivity reaction to Onivyde or irinotecan hydrochloride.

Warnings and precautions

Severe neutropenia: see boxed WARNING. In patients receiving Onivyde/5-FU/LV, the incidence of Grade 3/4 neutropenia was higher among Asian (18/33 [55%]) vs White patients (13/73 [18%]). Neutropenic fever/neutropenic sepsis was reported in 6% of Asian vs 1% of White patients

Severe diarrhea: see boxed WARNING. Severe and life-threatening late-onset (onset >24 hours after chemotherapy [9%]) and early-onset diarrhea (onset ≤24 hours after chemotherapy [3%], sometimes with other symptoms of cholinergic reaction) were observed

Interstitial lung disease (ILD): Irinotecan HCl can cause severe and fatal ILD. Withhold Onivyde patients with new or progressive dyspnea, cough, and fever, pending diagnostic evaluation. Discontinue Onivyde in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of ILD

Severe hypersensitivity reactions: Irinotecan HCl can cause severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic reactions. Permanently discontinue Onivyde in patients who experience a severe hypersensitivity reaction

Embryo-fetal toxicity: Onivyde can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during and for 1 month after Onivyde treatment

Adverse reactions

The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were diarrhea (59%), fatigue/asthenia (56%), vomiting (52%), nausea (51%), decreased appetite (44%), stomatitis (32%), and pyrexia (23%)
The most common Grade 3/4 adverse reactions (≥10%) were diarrhea (13%), fatigue/asthenia (21%), and vomiting (11%)
Adverse reactions led to permanent discontinuation of Onivyde in 11% of patients receiving Onivyde/5- FU/LV; The most frequent adverse reactions resulting in discontinuation of Onivyde were diarrhea, vomiting, and sepsis
Dose reductions of Onivyde for adverse reactions occurred in 33% of patients receiving Onivyde/5 FU/LV; the most frequent adverse reactions requiring dose reductions were neutropenia, diarrhea, nausea, and anemia
Onivyde was withheld or delayed for adverse reactions in 62% of patients receiving Onivyde/5-FU/LV; the most frequent adverse reactions requiring interruption or delays were neutropenia, diarrhea, fatigue, vomiting, and thrombocytopenia
The most common laboratory abnormalities (≥20%) were anemia (97%), lymphopenia (81%), neutropenia (52%), increased ALT (51%), hypoalbuminemia (43%), thrombocytopenia (41%), hypomagnesemia (35%), hypokalemia (32%), hypocalcemia (32%), hypophosphatemia (29%), and hyponatremia (27%)

Drug Interactions

Avoid the use of strong CYP3A4 inducers, if possible, and substitute non-enzyme inducing therapies ≥2 weeks prior to initiation of Onivyde
Avoid the use of strong CYP3A4 or UGT1A1 inhibitors, if possible, and discontinue strong CYP3A4 inhibitors ≥1 week prior to starting therapy

Special Populations

Pregnancy and Reproductive Potential: See WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use condoms during and for 4 months after Onivyde treatment
Lactation: Advise nursing women not to breastfeed during and for 1 month after Onivyde treatment
Please see full U.S. Prescribing Information including Boxed WARNING for Onivyde.

Horizon Therapeutics plc Reports Second-Quarter 2022 Financial Results and
Revises Full-Year 2022 Net Sales and Adjusted EBITDA Guidance

On August 3, 2022 Horizon Therapeutics plc (Nasdaq: HZNP) reported second-quarter 2022 financial results and revised its full-year 2022 net sales and adjusted EBITDA guidance (Press release, Horizon Pharma, AUG 3, 2022, View Source [SID1234617335]).

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"Double-digit net sales growth in our orphan segment drove our second-quarter performance, with very strong growth of KRYSTEXXA and an increasing contribution from UPLIZNA," said Tim Walbert, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Horizon. "We were also pleased to receive FDA approval of our expanded KRYSTEXXA label in July, to include co-administration of KRYSTEXXA with methotrexate, which will enable many more patients to benefit from this important medicine."

"We are revising our full-year guidance to reflect our expectation for TEPEZZA full-year net sales percentage growth in the high-teens and reflect recent generic competition in our inflammation segment. Importantly, our long-term outlook for TEPEZZA has not changed and we continue to estimate that our three key growth drivers TEPEZZA, KRYSTEXXA and UPLIZNA can generate aggregate global peak annual net sales of greater than $5.5 billion. We understand the dynamics impacting the pace of growth of TEPEZZA, and we are executing on our strategy to address them, including a more significant expansion of our TEPEZZA field force and implementing initiatives to drive further penetration. We are excited about the future prospects for Horizon, with our growth drivers, our expanding pipeline and our global expansion initiatives."

Second Quarter and Recent Company Highlights

Revised Full-Year 2022 TEPEZZA Net Sales Expectations; Confirming Global Peak Annual Net Sales Expectations: Today, the Company announced that it expects TEPEZZA full-year 2022 net sales percentage growth in the high-teens compared to its previous guidance of mid-30s percentage growth. In its prior guidance, the Company expected TEPEZZA trends to continue to show positive progress in the post-Omicron recovery. Following further analysis, the Company determined it needed to increase its efforts to activate and support core thyroid eye disease (TED) treating physicians and to drive an urgency among ophthalmologists and endocrinologists to diagnose and refer TED patients. The Company is executing on several opportunities to accelerate growth, including evolving its commercial focus and increasing the size of its TEPEZZA field force to a greater extent than originally planned. The Company continues to invest significantly in direct-to-consumer advertising. A recent internal market analysis also confirmed the size of the market at more than 100,000 addressable TED patients in the U.S., supporting the Company’s expectation to generate global peak annual net sales of more than $3.5 billion.

FDA Approved Expanded Label for KRYSTEXXA to Include Co-Administration with Methotrexate: In July, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) expanding the KRYSTEXXA label to include co-administration with methotrexate. The approval was based on 6-month and 12-month results from the MIRROR randomized controlled trial (RCT), which demonstrated significant improvement in response rate and sustained patient response of KRYSTEXXA with methotrexate compared to KRYSTEXXA with placebo (monotherapy). It also demonstrated significant reductions in infusion reactions in the KRYSTEXXA with methotrexate arm compared to monotherapy and no new safety signals were observed.

Advancing the Company’s Global Expansion for UPLIZNA in Europe and Brazil: In April, the European Commission approved UPLIZNA for the treatment of adult patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) who are Anti-Aquaporin-4 Immunoglobulin G Seropositive (AQP4-IgG+). The commercial launch of UPLIZNA in Germany is underway. In June, the Company submitted a regulatory filing to the Brazil National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) for inebilizumab.

Presented New KRYSTEXXA Data at EULAR 2022: In June, new data from the MIRROR RCT were presented at The EULAR 2022 European Congress of Rheumatology conference, showing KRYSTEXXA with methotrexate resulted in significant efficacy and safety improvements compared to KRYSTEXXA with placebo during Month 6. The MIRROR RCT demonstrated that 71% of patients receiving KRYSTEXXA with methotrexate achieved a complete response, a more than 30 percentage-point improvement compared to patients who were randomized to receive KRYSTEXXA with placebo (p<0.0001). Additionally, infusion reactions were seen in 4% of patients receiving KRYSTEXXA with methotrexate compared to 31% in patients randomized to receive KRYSTEXXA with placebo.

Presented New TEPEZZA Data at ENDO 2022: In June, an analysis of pooled data from TEPEZZA clinical trials was presented at the annual conference of the Endocrine Society, ENDO 2022, reinforcing the safety profile in people with TED. Hyperglycemic events were reported in 10% of patients who received TEPEZZA, compared to 1.2% of patients who received placebo. All hyperglycemic events reported in TEPEZZA patients were controlled with medicine, did not cause treatment disruption and were most often seen in patients with pre-existing diabetes.

Announced Positive Topline Proof-of-Concept Results from Dazodalibep Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Trial: In May, the Company announced positive topline results from the Phase 2 randomized placebo-controlled trial of dazodalibep in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The primary endpoint of the trial was met across all doses, a statistically significant change from baseline in DAS28-CRP, a standardized measure of disease activity in RA trials, at Day 113. In addition, dazodalibep was well tolerated across all doses. The impact observed after various doses will inform the dosing regimen for other studies with dazodalibep. Data from the trial will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting.

Presented New UPLIZNA Data at Key Medical Meetings: In June, data from the Phase 3 trial were presented at the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) Annual Meeting that showed no significant differences in disease attacks or disability outcomes in patients with a specific genetic variation, often linked to poor treatment response, compared to those without. Additionally in June, a new analysis of data from the Phase 3 trial was presented at the 8th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) meeting, showing that European Union (EU) study participants receiving UPLIZNA had similar outcomes to non-EU patients. In April, multiple new data from the Phase 3 trial were presented at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2022 Annual Meeting, including data showing no significant differences in attacks between NMOSD patients treated with UPLIZNA who previously experienced one pre-study attack and those who had experienced two or more pre-study attacks. At the same meeting, a separate analysis showed long-term treatment with UPLIZNA improved pain and quality of life outcomes for at least three years.

Initiated Enrollment in Alopecia Areata Clinical Trial: In May, the first patient was enrolled in a Phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate daxdilimab in patients with alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder characterized by nonscarring hair loss.

Received Multiple Best Workplace Awards and Other ESG Recognitions: The Company has recently been recognized by Fortune in several best workplace awards – in April, the Company was named one of Fortune’s "100 Best Companies to Work For" for the second consecutive year, retaining the highest ranked position in the biotechnology/pharmaceutical category. In June, the Company was named one of Fortune’s "Best Workplaces in Chicago 2022" for the sixth consecutive year, ranking third overall on the list, and in July as one of Fortune’s "Best Workplaces for Millennials" for the third consecutive year. The Company also was recognized by Seramount as a "Top 75 Company for Executive Women" and more recently, as a "Best Company for Multicultural Women." In other environmental, social and governance (ESG) achievements, in May, the Company was recognized in the U.S. PatientView survey of patient groups, ranking second in overall corporate reputation among patients familiar with the Company. Also in May, the Company received an International Corporate Social Responsibility Excellence Award for its #RAREis Adoption Fund.
Key Clinical Development Programs

Daxdilimab, an anti-ILT7 human monoclonal antibody that depletes certain dendritic cells. Depleting these cells may interrupt the cycle of inflammation that causes tissue damage in diseases such as lupus, and a variety of other autoimmune conditions.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Trial: Phase 2 randomized placebo-controlled trial underway to evaluate daxdilimab in patients with SLE, a disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. The trial completed enrollment in the second quarter of 2022.

Alopecia Areata Trial: Phase 2 open-label trial initiated in May 2022 to evaluate daxdilimab in patients with alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder characterized by nonscarring hair loss.

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) Trial: Planned Phase 2 randomized placebo-controlled trial to evaluate daxdilimab in patients with DLE, a rare, chronic, inflammatory skin condition characterized by lesions that result in scarring.

Lupus Nephritis Trial: Planned Phase 2 trial to evaluate daxdilimab in patients with lupus nephritis, a rare, autoimmune and inflammatory condition of the kidney.

Dermatomyositis Trial: Planned Phase 2 trial to evaluate daxdilimab in patients with dermatomyositis, a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by rashes, debilitating muscle weakness and interstitial lung disease.

Dazodalibep, a CD40 ligand antagonist that blocks T-cell interaction with CD40-expressing B-cells, disrupting the overactivation of the CD40 ligand co-stimulatory pathway. Several autoimmune diseases are associated with the overactivation of this pathway.

Sjögren’s Syndrome Trial: Phase 2 randomized placebo-controlled trial underway to evaluate dazodalibep in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome, a chronic, systemic autoimmune condition that impacts exocrine glands, including the salivary and tear glands. The trial completed enrollment in the second quarter of 2022.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Trial: Phase 2 randomized placebo-controlled trial to evaluate dazodalibep in patients with RA. Topline results were announced in May 2022. The trial met the primary endpoint and dazodalibep was well tolerated. The trial results will inform the dosing regimen for other studies with dazodalibep.

Kidney Transplant Rejection Trial: Phase 2 open-label trial underway to evaluate dazodalibep in kidney transplant rejection patients.

Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) Trial: Planned Phase 2 trial to evaluate dazodalibep in patients with FSGS, a rare kidney disorder characterized by scarring of glomeruli.

HZN-825, an oral lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPAR1) antagonist designed to prevent gene activation.

Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis Trial: Pivotal Phase 2b trial underway to evaluate HZN-825 in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Trial: Pivotal Phase 2b trial underway to evaluate HZN-825 in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the most common form of interstitial lung disease.

UPLIZNA, an anti-CD19 humanized monoclonal antibody that depletes B-cells, including the pathogenic cells that produce autoantibodies.

Myasthenia Gravis Trial: Phase 3 randomized placebo-controlled trial underway to evaluate UPLIZNA in patients with myasthenia gravis, a chronic, rare, autoimmune neuromuscular disease that affects voluntary muscles, especially those that control the eyes, mouth, throat and limbs.

IgG4-Related Disease Trial: Phase 3 randomized placebo-controlled trial underway to evaluate UPLIZNA in patients with IgG4-related disease, which is a group of disorders marked by tumor-like swelling and fibrosis of affected organs, such as the pancreas, salivary glands and kidneys.

TEPEZZA, an insulin-like growth factor type 1 receptor (IGF-1R) antagonist monoclonal antibody.

Chronic/Low Clinical Activity Score (CAS) TED Trial: Phase 4 randomized placebo-controlled trial underway to evaluate TEPEZZA in chronic/low-CAS TED.

TED in Japan (OPTIC-J) Trial: Phase 3 randomized placebo-controlled trial in Japan underway to evaluate TEPEZZA in patients with moderate-to-severe active TED.

Subcutaneous (SC) Administration Trial: Phase 1b trial initiated in July 2022 to explore the pharmacokinetics, safety, tolerability, efficacy and immunogenicity of subcutaneous administration of TEPEZZA in patients with TED.

Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis Exploratory Trial: Phase 1 exploratory trial underway to evaluate TEPEZZA in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis.

KRYSTEXXA, a recombinant uricase enzyme that converts urate into a water-soluble liquid, allantoin, that can be easily excreted from the body.

Shorter Infusion Duration Trial: Phase 4 open-label trial underway to evaluate the impact of administering KRYSTEXXA with methotrexate over a shorter infusion duration in patients with uncontrolled gout.

Monthly Dosing Trial: Phase 4 open-label trial underway to evaluate monthly dosing of KRYSTEXXA with methotrexate in patients with uncontrolled gout.

Retreatment Trial: Phase 4 open-label trial underway to evaluate KRYSTEXXA with methotrexate in patients who were not complete responders to KRYSTEXXA monotherapy.

HZN-1116, a fully human monoclonal antibody designed to bind and neutralize the function of the FLT3-ligand, thereby reducing both conventional and plasmacytoid dendritic cells.

Autoimmune Disease Trial: Phase 1 trial underway to evaluate HZN-1116 in patients with autoimmune diseases.
Second-Quarter Financial Results

Note: For additional detail and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, please refer to the tables at the end of this release.

Net Sales: Second-quarter 2022 net sales were $876.4 million, an increase of 5% compared to the second quarter of 2021.

Gross Profit: Under U.S. GAAP, the second-quarter 2022 gross profit ratio was 73.7% compared to 75.9% in the second quarter of 2021. The non-GAAP gross profit ratio in the second quarter of 2022 was 86.3% compared to 87.7% in the second quarter of 2021.

Operating Expenses: R&D expenses were 11.8% of net sales and SG&A expenses were 45.4% of net sales in the second quarter of 2022. Second-quarter non-GAAP R&D expenses were 10.9% of net sales and non-GAAP SG&A expenses were 40.2% of net sales.

Income Tax Expense: On a GAAP basis in the second quarter of 2022, income tax expense was $3.8 million. Second-quarter non-GAAP income tax expense was $33.7 million.

Net Income: In the second quarter of 2022, net income on a GAAP and non-GAAP basis was $61.0 million and $253.8 million, respectively.

Adjusted EBITDA: Second-quarter 2022 adjusted EBITDA was $306.6 million.

Earnings per Share: On a GAAP basis, diluted earnings per share in the second quarter of 2022 and 2021 were $0.26 and $0.67, respectively. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share in the second quarter of 2022 and 2021 were $1.07 and $1.45, respectively. Weighted average shares outstanding used for calculating GAAP and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share in the second quarter of 2022 were 236.2 million.
Second-Quarter Segment Results

Management uses net sales and segment operating income to evaluate the performance of the Company’s two segments, the orphan segment and the inflammation segment. While segment operating income contains certain adjustments to the directly comparable GAAP figures in the Company’s consolidated financial results, such as the exclusion of upfront and milestone payments related to license and collaboration agreements, it is considered to be prepared in accordance with GAAP for purposes of presenting the Company’s segment operating results.

(1) Second-quarter and year-to-date 2022 UPLIZNA net sales included $8.6 million and $13.8 million, respectively, in revenue and milestone payments from the Company’s international partners.

Second-quarter 2022 net sales of the orphan segment, the Company’s strategic growth segment, were $841.3 million, driven by the growth of TEPEZZA, KRYSTEXXA, UPLIZNA, RAVICTI and ACTIMMUNE. Second-quarter 2022 orphan segment operating income was $315.1 million.
KRYSTEXXA second-quarter 2022 net sales increased 29% year-over-year driven by higher adoption of KRYSTEXXA with immunomodulation, which now exceeds 50% of new patient starts. In addition, the Company continues to see strong uptake of KRYSTEXXA from both rheumatologists and nephrologists.

(1) On May 6, 2022, Apotex Inc. initiated an at-risk launch of generic PENNSAID 2% in the United States.

(2) On Aug. 4, 2021, Alkem Laboratories, Inc. initiated an at-risk launch of generic DUEXIS in the United States.

Second-quarter 2022 net sales of the inflammation segment were $35.1 million and segment operating loss was $6.6 million. Net sales were impacted by an at-risk launch of generic PENNSAID 2% (diclofenac sodium) initiated on May 6, 2022, by Apotex Inc. in the United States.
Cash Flow Statement and Balance Sheet Highlights

Second-quarter 2022 operating cash flow on a GAAP and non-GAAP basis was $249.2 million and $251.4 million, respectively.
As of June 30, 2022, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $1.89 billion.
As of June 30, 2022, the total principal amount of debt outstanding was $2.60 billion.
Revised 2022 Guidance

The Company now expects full-year 2022 net sales to range between $3.53 billion and $3.60 billion, updated from the previous guidance range of $3.9 billion to $4.0 billion. The Company now expects TEPEZZA full-year 2022 net sales percentage growth in the high-teens, compared to the previous guidance of mid-30s percentage growth. The Company continues to expect KRYSTEXXA full-year 2022 net sales growth of more than 20%. The Company expects inflammation segment second-half 2022 net sales of less than $30 million due to an at-risk launch of a generic PENNSAID 2% initiated on May 6, 2022. Full-year 2022 adjusted EBITDA is now expected to range between $1.30 billion and $1.35 billion, updated from the previous guidance range of $1.63 billion to $1.70 billion.

Webcast

At 8 a.m. EDT / 1 p.m. IST today, the Company will host a live webcast to review its financial and operating results and provide a general business update. The live webcast and a replay may be accessed at View Source Please connect to the Company’s website at least 15 minutes prior to the live webcast to ensure adequate time for any software download that may be needed to access the webcast. A replay of the webcast will be available approximately two hours after the live webcast.