On May 14, 2021 Compugen Ltd. (Nasdaq: CGEN), a clinical-stage cancer immunotherapy company and a leader in predictive target discovery, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021 (Press release, Compugen, MAY 14, 2021, View Source [SID1234580035]).

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"2021 will be an important year of milestones and execution for Compugen," said Anat Cohen-Dayag, Ph.D., President and CEO of Compugen. "During this year we expect to share data readouts for COM701 in monotherapy, dual and triple combination studies, as well as our COM902 monotherapy study. These important readouts will build upon our earlier COM701 clinical data which have shown durable responses, including a confirmed complete response, in a highly refractory patient population in indications unlikely to respond to checkpoint inhibitors. Our data shared to date reinforce our confidence that COM701 is clinically active, and that PVRIG has the potential to act as an important and untapped target in the immune-oncology space."

Dr. Cohen-Dayag continued, "Our strong execution also includes two new studies: the Phase 1b cohort expansion of COM701 with Opdivo to be initiated in the second quarter of 2021 and the Phase 1 COM701 with COM902 dual combination study to be initiated in the second half of this year. With these programs in place, we will have made tremendous strides in creating a clinical program that comprehensively evaluates the roles of DNAM axis members, PVRIG and TIGIT, with the intersecting PD-1 pathway. We will continue to push forward as leaders in the DNAM axis space, advancing our wholly owned PVRIG and TIGIT assets to potentially drive cancer immunotherapy responses in new and expanded patient populations."

Recent and First Quarter 2021 Corporate Highlights

Announced encouraging updated data from COM701 monotherapy and in combination with Opdivo (nivolumab) studies with durable responses, including a complete response, in tumor types typically unresponsive to checkpoint inhibitors
Announced expansion of clinical collaboration agreement with Bristol Myers Squibb with planned Phase 1b cohort expansion study evaluating COM701 with Opdivo in patients with ovarian, breast, endometrial and microsatellite-stable colorectal cancers. The study is on track to be initiated in the second quarter of 2021
Announced the expansion of the Company’s ongoing research collaboration with Johns Hopkins University to explore the underlying biology and mechanism of action of a novel myeloid target for cancer immunotherapy discovered by Compugen
Published peer-reviewed preclinical data in Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy, which demonstrate the synergistic effect of COM902 with PVRIG and PD-1 blockade. In vitro and in vivo, the reduced Fc receptor engagement of COM902 does not result in T cell depletion. In vitro COM902 enhances human T and NK cell function and enhances anti-tumor lymphocyte responses and inhibits tumor growth in vivo
Published a review on the biology and potential therapeutic relevance of the DNAM-1 axis in Cancer Immunotherapy
Announced upcoming oral presentation of updated data from COM701 Phase 1 monotherapy and combination study at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2021 Annual Meeting
Announced upcoming participation at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) Targets for Cancer Immunotherapy: A Deep Dive Seminar Series. Eran Ophir, Ph.D., Vice President Research and Drug Discovery, Compugen, will participate in a seminar titled "The TIGIT Pathway: A Deep Dive in Cancer Immunotherapy Targets".
Financial Results
R&D expenses for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021, were $7.3 million compared with $4.7 million for the comparable period in 2020. The increase is attributed mostly to drug manufacturing activities and clinical related activities.

General and administrative expenses for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021, were $2.7 million compared with $2.5 million for the comparable period in 2020. The increase is attributed mainly to increased corporate-related expenses.

Net loss for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021 was $9.9 million, or $0.12 per basic and diluted share, compared with a net loss of $7.1 million, or $0.10 per basic and diluted share, in the comparable period of 2020.

As of March 31, 2021, cash, cash related accounts, short-term and long-term bank deposits totaled approximately $119.4 million, compared with approximately $124.4 million as of December 31, 2020. The Company has no debt.

Opdivo is a registered trademark of Bristol Myers Squibb.

Conference Call and Webcast Information
The Company will hold a conference call today, May 13, 2021, at 8:30 AM ET to review its first quarter 2021 results. To access the conference call by telephone, please dial 1-866-744-5399 from the United States, or +972-3-918-0644 internationally. The call will also be available via live webcast through Compugen’s website, located at the following link. Following the live audio webcast, a replay will be available on the Company’s website.

On May 14, 2021 Veracyte, Inc. (Nasdaq: VCYT) reported that new data demonstrating the ability of the Percepta Genomic Atlas to detect alterations that may inform lung cancer treatment decisions for patients from the same small biopsy that was used for diagnosis (Press release, Veracyte, MAY 14, 2021, View Source [SID1234580028]). Study findings presented today at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2021 International Conference show that the test accurately detects known lung-cancer gene variants using small biopsy samples, which may help guide treatment with targeted therapies.

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The in-development Percepta Genomic Atlas will provide comprehensive genomic profiling information on cancerous lung nodules, masses or lymph nodes, utilizing small samples from the same biopsy procedure used for diagnosis (i.e., transbronchial needle aspirate biopsies or TBNA). The test uses targeted DNA and whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing to detect alterations in more than 50 genes known to be present in lung cancer. Veracyte plans to launch the test in the second half of 2021 as part of the company’s comprehensive portfolio of genomic tests in lung cancer.

For the analyses presented at the ATS Conference today, researchers evaluated the feasibility of detecting National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)-recommended gene alterations with the Percepta Genomic Atlas, using samples from 25 patients obtained during initial bronchoscopy procedures. Results show that the in-development test accurately detected the gene variants in these samples with over 95 percent concordance to a reference next-generation sequencing assay.

"Physicians today are often challenged to obtain genomic profiling information on their lung cancer patients’ tumors, due to inadequate tissue, logistical delays and other factors. As a result, patients often do not receive optimal treatment," said Giulia C. Kennedy, Ph.D., Veracyte’s chief scientific officer and chief medical officer. "These findings give us confidence that the Percepta Genomic Atlas will be able to accurately detect gene alterations that may allow patients to be treated with targeted therapies that are available now and that will be available in the future. Importantly, we believe it will be able to provide this critical information near the time of diagnosis, enabling earlier and more appropriate treatment."

The Percepta Genomic Atlas ATS 2021 abstract can be viewed here. The poster presentation is available on demand to ATS conference registrants through July 2.

The Percepta Genomic Atlas will be a key part of Veracyte’s lung cancer portfolio, which aims to transform care at every step of the patient journey. Collectively, the company’s tests are leveraging cutting-edge genomic science and technology to provide answers and insights that enable physicians and patients to make better, faster and more confident care decisions.

On May 14, 2021 Sutro Biopharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: STRO), a clinical-stage drug discovery, development and manufacturing company focused on the application of precise protein engineering and rational design to create next-generation cancer and autoimmune therapeutics, reported that Chief Executive Officer, Bill Newell, will present at two upcoming virtual investor conferences on May 20 and June 2, 2021 (Press release, Sutro Biopharma, MAY 14, 2021, View Source [SID1234580025]).

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Presentation Details
Cowen’s 2nd Annual Virtual Oncology Innovation Summit
Event: Fireside Chat
Date: Thursday, May 20, 2021
Time: 2:40 p.m. ET / 11:40 a.m. PT

Jefferies Healthcare Conference
Event: Company Presentation
Date: Wednesday, June 2, 2021
Time: 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT

Live webcasts of each presentation can be accessed through the Events and Presentations page of the Investor Relations section on the company’s website at www.sutrobio.com. Archived replays of the webcasts will be available on the company’s website for approximately 30 days following each live presentation.

On May 14, 2021 Southern Research, the groundbreaking scientific discovery and research institution headquartered in Birmingham, on Thursday reported that its board of directors has appointed Josh Carpenter, Ph.D., as its new president and CEO, and Allen Bolton as its new executive vice president for Strategy and Finance (Press release, Southern Research Institute, MAY 14, 2021, View Source [SID1234580024]).

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Both appointments are effective June 1.

Founded in the Magic City in 1941, Southern Research is an independent, non-profit scientific research organization where more than 400 scientists and engineers work across three divisions: Life Sciences, Engineering, and Energy & Environment. Southern Research has attracted national research partnerships with leading industries in the fields of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, defense, aerospace, the environment and energy.i

"Josh and Allen are forward-thinking leaders who are ready to chart a bold new course for Southern Research," stated University of Alabama at Birmingham President Ray L. Watts, who is chairman of the Southern Research board of directors. "They have the full support of the Board as they begin to lead an amazing team of scientists, engineers and innovators who are working to solve problems and change the world for the better."

Southern Research generates over $150 million in annual economic impact and supports more than 1,000 Alabama jobs.

"The work of Southern Research results in life-changing advancements and innovative solutions," said Southern Research board member Mark Crosswhite, who also serves as the chairman, president and CEO of Alabama Power Company. "Josh and Allen’s vision and expertise will play an important role in leading this institution forward as a continued center of excellence."

Carpenter most recently served as director of Innovation and Economic Opportunity for the City of Birmingham, where he led the City’s efforts in workforce development, COVID recovery and business expansion. Previously, he served as the director of External Affairs at UAB. He earned his doctorate in political economy from the University of Oxford where he studied on a Rhodes Scholarship.

"I am truly honored to take the helm of Southern Research and lead this incredible team that is finding solutions to improve people’s lives around the world. Southern Research has had 80 successful years, but I know the best is yet to come," commented Carpenter.

Bolton most recently served as senior vice president for Finance and Administration at UAB, where he was also a member of the board for Southern Research. He was previously an executive in finance and strategy at the Medical College of Wisconsin, and was senior associate dean for Administration and Finance at the UAB School of Medicine as well as executive administrator at the Comprehensive Cancer Center, the largest research center in the University of Alabama System.

"Discoveries made at Southern Research have provided breakthroughs in cancer research, pushed the boundaries of science and saved lives. I am grateful for this opportunity to work alongside dedicated and talented people who have an unmatched passion for science and discovery," concluded Bolton.

On May 14, 2021 Regulus Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: RGLS), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines targeting microRNAs ("Regulus"), reported that Jay Hagan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Regulus, will present at the Oppenheimer Rare & Orphan Disease Summit on Friday, May 21, 2021 at 11:35 A.M. ET (Press release, Regulus, MAY 14, 2021, View Source [SID1234580022]).

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A live webcast of the presentation will be available on the investor relations section of the Company’s website at www.regulusrx.com. A replay of the webcast will be archived for 30 days following the presentation date.