On May 11, 2020 Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:PIRS), a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing novel biotherapeutics through its proprietary Anticalin technology platform for respiratory diseases, cancer, and other indications, reported financial results for the first quarter of 2020 ended March 31, 2020 and provided an update on the Company’s recent and future developments (Press release, Pieris Pharmaceuticals, MAY 11, 2020, View Source [SID1234557451]).

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"We continue to stay the course with regard to the advancement of our lead assets, PRS-060 and PRS-343, despite the general disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. We have been preparing for the start of the phase 2a trial of PRS-060 with AstraZeneca, which we still anticipate initiating in the second half of this year. Additionally, we have seen further clinical benefit in the monotherapy study of PRS-343, and we will be advancing that asset into a phase 2 study in combination with ramucirumab and paclitaxel in second-line gastric cancer in the second half of this year," said Stephen S. Yoder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pieris. "I am very proud of the diligence and resolve of our team during these trying times."

PRS-060: Pieris and AstraZeneca are preparing to initiate the phase 2a study of PRS-060/AZD1402 in moderate-to-severe asthmatics in the second half of 2020. The study will be sponsored, funded, and delivered by AstraZeneca and upon completion of that study, Pieris will have the options to co-develop and, subsequently, co-commercialize PRS-060/AZD1402 in the United States.
PRS-343: Based on the totality of the data in the phase 1 dose-escalation monotherapy study of PRS-343, a 4-1BB/HER2 bispecific for HER2-positive solid tumors, Pieris will initiate a phase 2 single-arm study of PRS-343 in combination with ramucirumab and paclitaxel in the second-line of treatment for gastric cancer in the second half of this year. At the active dose levels for which the Company presented interim data last year in cohorts 9 (2.5 mg/kg Q3W) through 11b (8 m/kg Q2W), a partial response was observed in three patients and stable disease was observed in 11 patients as best response out of 21 evaluable patients, translating to an objective response rate (ORR) of 14% and a disease control rate (DCR) of 67%. All three objective responses in these cohorts were observed in cohort 11b, in which disease stabilization was also observed in three patients out of seven evaluable patients, translating to an ORR of 43% and a DCR of 86%. Additional clinical benefit, including complete response, was also observed in the higher dose cohorts, which are still open for enrollment to generate a larger data set. Pieris plans to present detailed data from both the monotherapy study and atezolizumab combination study at a medical meeting in the second half of this year.
Immuno-oncology Pipeline: Pieris and Servier have been working on furthering the development of PRS-344 and PRS-352. Due to scale-up challenges recently encountered with the manufacture of drug product for PRS-344, a 4-1BB/PD-L1 bispecific, Pieris and Servier have jointly decided to invest in additional CMC activities, given the strategic importance of this program. As a result, Pieris now anticipates filing an IND application for PRS-344 next year. The Company holds exclusive commercialization rights for PRS-344 in the United States and will receive royalties on ex-U.S. sales for this program. Pieris is also focused completing the non-GLP work for PRS-352, a preclinical stage program addressing undisclosed targets, and expects to hand it over to Servier this year. Pieris continues to make progress in the Seattle Genetics collaboration.
Preclinical Respiratory Pipeline: Beyond PRS-060, Pieris continues to advance three discovery programs in its five-program respiratory collaboration with AstraZeneca. Pieris expects AstraZeneca will initiate the fourth discovery program in the collaboration later this year. The Company also continues to advance several proprietary discovery-stage respiratory programs. Pieris expects to share data and rationale for advancement of one of its proprietary programs in the second half of this year.
Board of Directors Transition: Jean-Pierre Bizzari, M.D. transitioned from the Board of Directors to serve as an advisor to the Company on oncology development strategies.
Fiscal Year Financial Update:

Cash Position – Cash, cash equivalents, and investments totaled $86.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, compared to a cash, cash equivalents, and investments balance of $104.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2019. The decrease was due to operating cash expenses, annual bonus payments, and both capital and one-time expenditures associated with the move to a new facility in Hallbergmoos.

R&D Expense – R&D expenses were $12.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, compared to $14.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2019. The decrease in research and development expenses reflects lower manufacturing spending on PRS-344. Partially offsetting this decrease were higher personnel expenses due to an overall increase in R&D headcount and an increase in allocated facility costs due to the new Hallbergmoos site, both associated with the advancement of our preclinical and clinical programs.

G&A Expense – G&A expenses were $4.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, compared to $4.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2019. The decrease in G&A expenses reflects lower personnel costs and a reduction in audit and tax professional fees.

Net Loss – Net loss was $3.6 million or $(0.07) per share for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, compared to a net loss of $10.3 million or $(0.20) per share for the quarter ended March 31, 2019.

Conference Call:

Pieris management will host a conference call beginning at 8:00 AM EDT on Monday, May 11, 2020, to discuss the first quarter financial results and provide a corporate update. Individuals can join the call by dialing +1-877-407-8920 (US & Canada) or +1-412-902-1010 (International). An archived replay of the call will be available by dialing +1-877-660-6853 (US & Canada) or +1-201-612-7415 (International) and providing the Conference ID #: 13661472.

On May 11, 2020 Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HALO) reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020 and provided an update on its recent corporate activities and outlook (Press release, Halozyme, MAY 11, 2020, View Source [SID1234557489]).

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"This has been a very exciting start to the year for Halozyme as we have achieved multiple value-creating events in our ENHANZE business, including U.S. FDA approval for DARZALEX FASPROTM with a broad set of label indications, and the receipt of a positive CHMP opinion in the EU, also recommending a broad set of label indications. The positive CHMP opinion is typically a precursor to marketing clearance," said Dr. Helen Torley, president and chief executive officer. "As we look ahead, we are excited about the launches of subcutaneous DARZALEX in the U.S. and E.U. as well as the potential FDA approval of the subcutaneous fixed-dose combination of Perjeta and Herceptin later this year, and what they may mean for patients."

"I want to express my gratitude to the Halozyme team, our partners and suppliers for our continued progress in spite of the challenges posed by COVID-19," continued Dr. Torley. "In light of these challenges, it is obviously difficult to predict how the pandemic recovery will unfold in the coming quarters. However, based on the latest information from our partners and suppliers, and our team’s commitment to maintaining a lean operating structure, we feel confident maintaining our 2020 financial guidance at this time."

First Quarter 2020 and Recent Highlights Include:

On May 1, the Company announced that The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson and Johnson received U.S. FDA approval of DARZALEX FASPROTM in four regimens across five indications in multiple myeloma patients, including newly diagnosed, transplant-ineligible patients as well as relapsed or refractory patients. As a fixed-dose formulation, DARZALEX FASPROTM can be administered subcutaneously over three to five minutes, significantly less time than IV DARZALEX which requires multi-hour infusions.
On April 30, the Company announced that Janssen-Cilag International NV (Janssen) received a Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) Positive Opinion from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommending approval of a DARZALEX (daratumumab) subcutaneous (SC) formulation for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma in frontline and relapsed/refractory settings. The CHMP’s Positive Opinion for daratumumab SC formulation applies to multiple current daratumumab indications including newly diagnosed and transplant-ineligible patients, as well as relapsed or refractory patients.
In April, the Company announced the submission of a New Drug Application (NDA) to Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) by Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K. (Janssen) seeking approval of a new subcutaneous (SC) formulation of daratumumab, an intravenous (IV) treatment approved for patients with multiple myeloma.
During the first quarter, the Company repurchased 3.2 million shares of its common stock at a weighted average price of $16.15 per share. These repurchased shares were in addition to shares repurchased as part of an Accelerated Share Repurchase plan that was completed in mid-February. To date the Company has repurchased over $250 million in shares as part of its three-year share repurchase authorization of up to $550 million approved by the Board in November 2019.
In February, the Company announced that the FDA has accepted a Biologics License Application (BLA) from Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, for the fixed-dose combination of pertuzumab (Perjeta) and trastuzumab (Herceptin ) for subcutaneous administration using ENHANZE technology in combination with IV chemotherapy for the treatment of eligible patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, with an action date of October 18, 2020.
First Quarter 2020 Financial Highlights

Revenue for the first quarter was $25.4 million compared to $56.9 million for the first quarter of 2019. The year-over-year decrease was primarily driven by a $30 million upfront payment from argenx in the prior year period. Revenue for the quarter included $16.8 million in royalties, which compared to $18.0 million in the prior year period.
Research and development expenses for the first quarter were $10.2 million, compared to $31.3 million for the first quarter of 2019. The decrease in expenses was due to a decrease in clinical trial activities-related costs as a result of the Company halting its oncology drug development efforts and related restructuring as announced in November 2019.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the first quarter were $12.6 million, compared to $18.0 million for the first quarter of 2019. The decrease was due to lower compensation and commercial-related expenses related to the corporate restructuring announced in November 2019.
Net loss for the first quarter was $6.1 million, or $0.04 per share, compared to a net income in the first quarter of 2019 of $1.8 million, or $0.01 per share.
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $368.2 million at March 31, 2020, compared to $421.3 million at December 31, 2019.
Financial Outlook for 2020

The Company continues to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its business and receive updates from its partners and suppliers on how their businesses are affected. Based on this information and Halozyme’s planned expenditures for the year, the Company’s 2020 financial guidance remains unchanged from that first provided on January 14, 2020. For 2020 Halozyme continues to expect:

Revenues of $230 million to $245 million, representing growth of 17% to 25%;
Earnings per share on a GAAP basis of $0.60 to $0.75 with the first quarter of sustainable profitability beginning in Q2 2020.
The guidance on earnings per share does not reflect any potential impact from the Company’s plans to repurchase any additional number of shares, up to an additional $98 million worth, during the remainder of 2020. The amount and timing of shares repurchased during 2020 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 2020 today, Monday, May 11, 2020 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 access the webcast and additional documents related to the call, please visit halozyme.com approximately fifteen minutes prior to the call to register, download and install any necessary audio software. The call may also be accessed by dialing (833) 968-2181 (domestic callers) or (825) 312-2108 (international callers). A telephone replay will be available after the call by dialing (800) 585-8367 (domestic callers) or (416) 621-4642 (international callers) using replay ID number 3199114.

On May 11, 2020 Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), the world’s leading provider of diagnostic information services, reported the pricing of a public offering of $550 million aggregate principal amount of its 2.800% senior notes due 2031 under Quest Diagnostics’ shelf registration statement (Press release, Quest Diagnostics, MAY 11, 2020, View Source [SID1234557517]).

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Quest Diagnostics expects to receive the net offering proceeds upon closing on May 13, 2020, subject to customary closing conditions. The company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, which may include the repayment of indebtedness. The indebtedness the company may repay with the net proceeds of the offering includes the company’s $550 million aggregate principal amount of 4.70% senior notes due 2021 and outstanding borrowings under the company’s senior unsecured revolving credit facility and secured receivables credit facility.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any of these securities and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. This offering may be made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus, copies of which or information concerning this offering may be obtained by calling Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, collect at 1 (212) 902-1171, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, collect at 1 (212) 834-4533 or Mizuho Securities USA LLC, toll-free at 1 (866) 271-7403.

On May 11, 2020 BioLife Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLFS) ("BioLife" or the "Company"), a leading developer and supplier of a portfolio of best-in-class bioproduction tools for cell and gene therapies, reported that the Company’s first quarter 2020 financial results will be released after market close on Thursday, May 14th, 2020, and that the Company will host a conference call and live webcast at 4:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. PT) that afternoon (Press release, BioLife Solutions, MAY 11, 2020, View Source [SID1234557533]). Management will provide an overview of the Company’s financial results and a general business update.

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To access the webcast, log onto the Investor Relations page of the BioLife Solutions website at View Sourceearnings." target="_blank" title="View Sourceearnings." rel="nofollow">View Source Alternatively, you may access the live conference call by dialing (844) 825-0512 (U.S. & Canada) or (315) 625-6880 (International) with the following Conference ID: 2085346. A webcast replay will be available approximately two hours after the call and will be archived on View Source for 90 days.

On May 11, 2020 Sesen Bio (Nasdaq: SESN), a late-stage clinical company developing targeted fusion protein therapeutics for the treatment of patients with cancer, reported operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020 (Press release, Sesen Bio, MAY 11, 2020, View Source [SID1234557452]). The Company also provided an update on the progress of manufacturing activities related to demonstrating analytical comparability between clinical batches of Vicinium and validation batches of Vicinium intended for potential future commercial use. The Company’s lead program, Vicinium, also known as VB4-845, is currently in the follow-up stage of a Phase 3 registration trial for the treatment of high-risk, BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). In December 2019, the Company initiated the BLA submission for Vicinium to the FDA under Rolling Review.

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"In the first quarter of 2020, we successfully completed manufacturing of the pre-PPQ batch at Fujifilm," said Dr. Thomas Cannell, president and chief executive officer of Sesen Bio. "We believe the commercial-scale cGMP batches of Vicinium manufactured to date at our CMOs are comparable to Vicinium previously manufactured by Sesen for use in our clinical trials. This reinforces our confidence in the upcoming PPQ campaign and our ability to demonstrate analytical comparability between clinical and commercial drug supply. The Company’s focus for 2020 remains the flawless execution of the PPQ campaign and the finalization of Module 3 to complete the Vicinium BLA submission."

Manufacturing Update

In February 2020, manufacturing of the pre-PPQ bulk drug substance batch was completed at Fujifilm. In April, quality release testing of the bulk drug substance from this batch was completed and all quality acceptance criteria were met. The Company believes these data de-risk the PPQ campaign and increase the likelihood of demonstrating analytical comparability. In addition, in April 2020, this batch from Fujifilm was used to manufacture the first PPQ drug product batch at Baxter and release testing is currently underway. The Company remains on track to complete the Vicinium BLA submission in the second half of 2020 and anticipates potential approval in first half of 2021. At this time, the Company does not expect any impact to the manufacturing activities or regulatory processes related to Vicinium due to COVID-19.
CHMP Scientific Advice Update

On May 7, 2020 the Company received clinical Scientific Advice from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) stating that the Committee agreed that the Company’s nonclinical, clinical pharmacology and safety database are all sufficient to support a marketing authorization application (MAA). Furthermore, additional clinical trials were not requested by the CHMP in support of the MAA submission for Vicinium. Based on the guidance received, the Company expects to submit the MAA for Vicinium to the EMA in early 2021, with potential approval anticipated in early 2022.
Commercial Opportunity

In the first quarter of 2020, the Company conducted 30-minute interviews with 34 randomly selected, high-prescribing Urologists to assess their views of a blinded clinical profile of Vicinium as well as an unblinded profile of Keytruda, which was recently approved by the FDA for BCG-unresponsive NMIBC patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS) with or without papillary tumors who are ineligible for or have elected not to undergo cystectomy. The research revealed that, when prescribing a branded agent, Urologists would prescribe Vicinium to 83% of their patients compared to 17% for Keytruda. The overall preference for Vicinium was driven by comparable efficacy data to Keytruda with a favorable safety profile and mode of administration that would allow physicians to easily integrate Vicinium into their practices. We believe these data support the potential for a successful launch characterized by rapid uptake and growth of Vicinium.
First Quarter 2020 Financial Results

Cash Position: Cash and cash equivalents were $42.5 million as of March 31, 2020, compared to $48.1 million as of December 31, 2019.
R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses for the first quarter of 2020 were $8.9 million compared to $4.7 million for the same period in 2019. The first quarter increase was due primarily to costs related to the ongoing technology transfer process as we scale-up for commercial manufacturing, in addition to increased regulatory costs partially offset by lower employee compensation and lower clinical expenses related to the Phase 3 VISTA trial for Vicinium.
G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2020 were $3.4 million compared to $3.1 million for the same period in 2019. The first quarter increase was due primarily to increases in professional fees and employee compensation, offset by reduced market research costs.
Net Income (Loss): Net income was $41.6 million, or $0.31 per basic share and $0.31 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to a net loss of $6.5 million, or $0.08 per basic and diluted share, for the same period in 2019. The change was primarily the result of the non-cash change in fair value of contingent consideration due to significantly higher discount rates associated with current market conditions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conference Call and Webcast Information

Members of the Sesen Bio management team will host a conference call and webcast today at 8:00 AM ET to review the Company’s financial results and provide a general business update. To participate in the conference call, please dial (844) 831-3025 (domestic) or (315) 625-6887 (international) and refer to conference ID 3780957. The webcast can be accessed in the Investor Relations section of the company’s website at www.sesenbio.com. The replay of the webcast will be available in the investor section of the company’s website at www.sesenbio.com for 60 days following the call.

About the VISTA Clinical Trial

The VISTA trial is an open-label, multicenter, single-arm Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of Vicinium as a monotherapy in patients with high-risk, bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). The primary endpoints of the trial are the complete response rate and the duration of response in patients with carcinoma in situ with or without papillary disease. Patients in the trial received locally administered Vicinium twice a week for six weeks, followed by once-weekly treatment for another six weeks, then treatment every other week for up to two years. To learn more about the Phase 3 VISTA trial, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov and search the identifier NCT02449239.

About Vicinium

Vicinium, a locally administered fusion protein, is Sesen Bio’s lead product candidate being developed for the treatment of high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Vicinium is comprised of a recombinant fusion protein that targets epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) antigens on the surface of tumor cells to deliver a potent protein payload, Pseudomonas Exotoxin A. Vicinium is constructed with a stable, genetically engineered peptide tether to ensure the payload remains attached until it is internalized by the cancer cell, which is believed to decrease the risk of toxicity to healthy tissues, thereby improving its safety. In prior clinical trials conducted by Sesen Bio, EpCAM has been shown to be overexpressed in NMIBC cells with minimal to no EpCAM expression observed on normal bladder cells. Sesen Bio is currently conducting the Phase 3 VISTA trial, designed to support the registration of Vicinium for the treatment of high-risk NMIBC in patients who have previously received a minimum of two courses of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and whose disease is now BCG-unresponsive. Additionally, Sesen Bio believes that cancer cell-killing properties of Vicinium promote an anti-tumor immune response that may potentially combine well with immuno-oncology drugs, such as checkpoint inhibitors. The activity of Vicinium in BCG-unresponsive NMIBC is also being explored at the US National Cancer Institute in combination with AstraZeneca’s immune checkpoint inhibitor durvalumab.