Hubrecht Institute licenses Flow Eighteen38 reagent antibodies for cancer research

On May 10, 2021 Flow Eighteen38 and FairJourney Biologics S.A. (FJB), leaders in the discovery and optimization of antibodies, have reported an agreement with the Hubrecht Institute to harness the potential of FJB’s proprietary llama naïve libraries to develop antibodies to be used as research tools for the group of Hans Clevers (Press release, FairJourney Biologics, MAY 10, 2021, View Source [SID1234580202]).

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The Clevers group dedicates its activity to the study of the molecular mechanisms of tissue development and cancer of various organs using organoids made from adult Lgr5 stem cells. Under the agreement, Flow Eighteen38/FJB will provide the Clevers group at the Hubrecht Institute with research tools, arising from an accelerated antibody research campaign, that will support the group’s future scientific developments.

The reagent antibodies generated by Flow Eighteen38/FJB for the Hubrecht Institute comply with the recent EU recommendations on Non-Animal-derived antibodies and will be derived from FJB’s proprietary llama naïve libraries through its phage display technology platform. The Clevers group will benefit from the combination of this technology and the increased speed of delivery from this innovative approach, thought and optimized by the experienced scientists at Flow Eighteen38/FJB.

António Parada, CEO of FairJourney Biologics commented: "Our experience in antibody development has been continuously reinforced throughout the years and our reagent antibodies platform is proving to be essential for the swift generation of unparalleled research tools. We look forward to supply the Clevers group at the Hubrecht Institute with robust reagents that can contribute to further scientific developments in their cancer organoids studies."

Hans Clevers, Principal Investigator at the Hubrecht Institute commented: "The development of novel and more suitable antibodies presents itself as an advantageous approach for the next generation of research tools. FairJourney Biologics’ experience in antibody discovery, combined with the speed of Flow Eighteen38’s reagent antibodies program, makes them ideal partners as we focus on finding novel research tools that can leverage our stem cell-based organoids platform."

Allakos Reports First Quarter 2021 Financial Results and Provides Business Update

On May 10, 2021 Allakos Inc. (the "Company") (Nasdaq: ALLK), a biotechnology company developing lirentelimab (AK002) for the treatment of eosinophil and mast cell-related diseases, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021 and provided a business update (Press release, Allakos, MAY 10, 2021, View Source [SID1234579543]).

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Recent Accomplishments

Announced the acceptance of two oral and five poster presentations at the Digestive Disease Week (DDW) Annual Meeting taking place May 21 to 23, 2021. ePosters and ePapers will be available from the DDW ePosters and ePapers website. Abstracts can now be found here.
Initiated a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 study of lirentelimab in patients with eosinophilic duodenitis.
Upcoming 2021 Milestones

Topline data from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 study of lirentelimab in patients with eosinophilic gastritis (EG) and/or eosinophilic duodenitis (EoD) expected in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Topline data from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2/3 study of lirentelimab in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) expected in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Initiation of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2/3 study of subcutaneous lirentelimab in patients with EG and/or EoD expected in the second half of 2021.
Initiation of a Phase 2 study in a non eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease in the second half of 2021.
First Quarter 2021 Financial Results

Research and development expenses were $38.9 million in the first quarter of 2021 as compared to $18.3 million in the same period in 2020, an increase of $20.6 million.

General and administrative expenses were $16.7 million in the first quarter of 2021 as compared to $11.6 million in the same period in 2020, an increase of $5.1 million.

Allakos reported a net loss of $55.6 million in the first quarter of 2021 as compared to $27.8 million in the same period in 2020, an increase of $27.8 million. Net loss per basic and diluted share was $1.04 for the first quarter of 2021 compared to $0.57 in the same period in 2020.

Allakos ended the first quarter of 2021 with $615.9 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities.

Halozyme Reports First Quarter 2021 Results

On May 10, 2021 Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HALO) reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021 and provided an update on its recent corporate activities and outlook (Press release, Halozyme, MAY 10, 2021, View Source [SID1234579570]).

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"The first quarter marked a strong start to 2021 highlighted by record quarterly royalty revenue driven by the continued successful launch of subcutaneous DARZALEX worldwide," said Dr. Helen Torley, president and chief executive officer. "Our pipeline of partnered product candidates using ENHANZE technology continues to build momentum with four new clinical study starts in the first quarter. Additionally, we were able to strengthen our balance sheet on highly attractive terms reflective of the strong anticipated cash flow generation and growth prospects for Halozyme."

Recent Partner Highlights:

Janssen achieved several important successes related to the subcutaneous formulation of DARZALEX (daratumumab) using ENHANZE technology during the first quarter and since including:
Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K. announced approval from Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) in March for the subcutaneous formulation of DARZALEX (known as DALACURO in Japan) for the treatment of multiple myeloma. Accordingly, Halozyme recognized $5 million in milestone revenues.
The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson announced Health Canada approved DARZALEX SC (daratumumab injection), a subcutaneous (SC) formulation of daratumumab, in combination with bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (D-VCd, also known as DCyBorD) in April for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed light chain (AL) amyloidosis. There were previously no approved therapies for the disease.
Janssen Biotech, Inc. received U.S. Food and Drug Administration accelerated approval in January for DARZALEX FASPRO (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj) in combination with bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (D-VCd) for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed light chain (AL) amyloidosis. There were previously no approved therapies for the disease.
In March, Horizon completed dosing for its first trial exploring a subcutaneous (SC) formulation of TEPEZZA (teprotumumab-trbw) using ENHANZE technology. The trial is a small, single-dose Phase 1 pharmacokinetic trial which includes evaluating the use of ENHANZE drug-delivery technology for a SC formulation, which could potentially shorten drug administration time, reducing healthcare practitioner time and offering additional flexibility and convenience for patients.
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) has advanced plans to initiate a Phase 3 study of nivolumab with ENHANZE technology for patients with advanced or metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma during the second quarter of 2021. Accordingly, Halozyme recognized $25 million in milestone revenues.
During the first quarter, argenx reached two important achievements related to its development of efgartigimod using ENHANZE including:
In February 2021, argenx announced a "go" decision for its late-stage ADHERE trial evaluating subcutaneous (SC) efgartigimod using ENHANZE technology in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). argenx plans to continue enrollment to include approximately 130 patients to support potential registration of SC efgartigimod for the treatment of CIDP.
In January 2021, argenx initiated a Phase 3 study of ARGX-113 using ENHANZE technology in pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus, rare autoimmune diseases that cause painful blisters on the skin and mucous membranes.
Recent Corporate Highlights:

In March 2021, the Company completed the sale of $805.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2027 Convertible Senior Notes. A portion of the net proceeds were used to repurchase 80% of the 2024 Convertible Senior Notes. In connection with the note repurchase, the Company paid the holders $370.2 million in cash and issued 9.08 million shares.
During the first quarter, the Company repurchased approximately 1.8 million shares of common stock for $76.2 million at an average price per share of $42.89, partially offsetting shares issued to 2024 Convertible Senior Notes holders.
First Quarter and Full Year 2021 Financial Highlights

Revenue for the first quarter was $89.0 million compared to $25.4 million for the first quarter of 2020. The year-over-year increase was primarily driven by $30.0 million in milestone revenues from BMS and Janssen, an increase in royalty revenue attributable to subcutaneous DARZALEX and an increase in product sales. Revenue for the quarter included $36.9 million in royalties, an increase of 119% compared to $16.8 million in the prior year period.
Cost of product sales for the first quarter was $18.2 million, compared to $5.8 million for the first quarter of 2020. The year-over-year increase was primarily driven by higher product sales, principally the sales of bulk rHuPH20 to the Company’s partners.
Research and development expenses for the first quarter were $9.0 million, compared to $10.2 million for the first quarter of 2020. The decrease in expenses was due to the discontinuation of some development related activities for PEGPH20 and closure of the Company’s oncology operations, partially offset by an increase in costs to support additional ENHANZE targets.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the first quarter were $11.1 million, compared to $12.6 million for the first quarter of 2020. The decrease was primarily due to one-time costs in the prior year related to the discontinuation of the Company’s development activities for PEGPH20 and closure of its oncology operations.
Operating Income: On a GAAP basis in the first quarter of 2021, operating income was $50.7 million, compared to an operating loss of $3.2 million in the first quarter of 2020.
Net Income: On a GAAP basis in the first quarter of 2021, net income was $27.9 million, compared with a net loss of $6.1 million in the first quarter of 2020. Non-GAAP net income was $54.3 million in the first quarter of 2021, compared with Non-GAAP net income of $1.9 million in the first quarter of 2020.1
Earnings per Share: On a GAAP basis in the first quarter of 2021, diluted earnings per share was $0.19, compared with a loss per share of $0.04 in the first quarter of 2020. On a non-GAAP basis diluted earnings per share was $0.37, compared with diluted earnings per share of $0.02 in the first quarter of 2020.1
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $764.3 million at March 31, 2021, compared to $368.0 million at December 31, 2020.
During the first quarter, the Company repurchased 1.8 million shares of common stock for $76.2 million at an average price of $42.89, bringing the total for share repurchases since the announcement of the Company’s three-year share repurchase program to $426.2 million at an average price of $21.99.
Financial Outlook for 2021

Based on the latest information from collaboration partners and planned expenditures for the year, the Company continues to expect:

Revenues of $375 million to $395 million, representing year-over-year growth of 40%-48%;
GAAP Operating Income of $215 million to $235 million, representing year-over-year growth of 49% – 63%;
GAAP Net Income of $190 million to $210 million, representing year-over-year growth of 47%-63% and Non-GAAP Net Income of $235 million to $255 million, representing year-over-year growth of 47% – 59%;1
GAAP Diluted Earnings per Share of $1.25 to $1.40, representing year-over-year growth of 37%-54%; and Non-GAAP Diluted Earnings per Share of $1.55 to $1.70, representing year-over-year growth of 38%-52%.1
The Company plans to repurchase up to an additional $49 million in common stock this year for a total of up to $125 million in common stock during 2021 as part of the $550 million three-year share repurchase plan authorized by Halozyme’s board of directors in 2019. The amount and timing of shares to be repurchased in 2021 will be subject to a variety of factors including market conditions, other business considerations and applicable legal requirements.

Webcast and Conference Call

Halozyme will webcast its Quarterly Update Conference Call for the first quarter of 2021 today, Monday, May 10, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT. Dr. Torley will lead the call, which will be webcast live through the "Investors" section of Halozyme’s corporate website and a replay will be available following the close of the call. To register for this conference call, please use this link: View Source After registering, you will receive an email confirmation that includes dial in details and unique conference call codes for entry. Registration is open through the live call. However, to ensure you are connected for the full call, we suggest registering a day in advance or at minimum 10 minutes before the start of the call.

Novo Nordisk A/S purchases B shares worth DKK 2,586 million from Novo Holdings A/S under the 2021 share repurchase programme

On May 10, 2021 Novo Nordisk A/S reported that entered into an agreement to purchase 5,610,000 B shares of DKK 0.20 to a value of DKK 2,586 million from Novo Holdings A/S (Press release, Novo Nordisk, MAY 10, 2021, View Source [SID1234579588]). This transaction is part of Novo Nordisk A/S’ 2021 share repurchase programme of up to a total of DKK 18 billion to be executed during a 12-month period beginning 3 February 2021. The transaction price is DKK 461.04 per share and has been calculated as the three-day volume weighted average market price from 5 May 2021 to 7 May 2021 in the open window following the announcement of Novo Nordisk A/S’ quarterly financial results.

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Prior to the sale of B shares, Novo Holdings A/S’ ownership of Novo Nordisk A/S was 28.5% of the share capital and 76.9% of the votes. Following the transaction, Novo Holdings A/S owns 537,436,000 A shares of DKK 0.20 and 116,129,000 B shares of DKK 0.20, corresponding to 28.3% of the capital and 76.8% of the votes in Novo Nordisk A/S.

The transaction is in line with the announcement on 5 May 2021 that Novo Holdings A/S intends to maintain its ownership of Novo Nordisk A/S’ share capital around 28%.

In addition, transactions related to Novo Nordisk’s incentive programmes have resulted in a net transfer from Novo Nordisk of 9,954 B shares in the period from 5 May 2021 to 7 May 2021.

With the transactions stated above, Novo Nordisk A/S owns a total of 11,257,435 B shares of DKK 0.20, corresponding to 0.5% of the share capital, as treasury shares. The total amount of A and B shares in the company is 2,310,000,000 of DKK 0.20 including treasury shares.

Vertex to Present at the Bank of America Securities 2021 Virtual Health Care Conference on May 13

On May 10, 2021 Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: VRTX) reported that management will present at the Bank of America Securities 2021 Virtual Health Care Conference on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 10:15 a.m. ET (Press release, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, MAY 10, 2021, View Source [SID1234579606]).

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The audio portion of management’s remarks will be available live through Vertex’s website, www.vrtx.com in the "Investors" section under the "News and Events" page. A replay of the conference webcast will be archived on the company’s website.