H3 Biomedicine Announces Appointment of Chief Medical Officer, Antonio Gualberto

On February 19, 2020 H3 Biomedicine, Inc. (H3), a U.S.-based precision medicine research & development subsidiary of Eisai Co., Ltd., reported the appointment of Antonio Gualberto, MD, PhD, to the position of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) (Press release, H3 Biomedicine, FEB 19, 2020, View Source [SID1234554502]). Dr. Gualberto will oversee global clinical research & development for the H3 pipeline of clinical stage assets.

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"H3 is at a pivotal stage of growth. The breadth of our precision medicine-driven discovery and clinical R&D require a CMO with vast scientific knowledge and leadership expertise," said Lihua Yu, PhD, President and Chief Data Science Officer, H3. "Dr. Gualberto, possesses more than 20 years of experience in developing clinical assets at multiple biopharma companies, his deep acumen and proven success will be instrumental as we work toward our goal of delivering clinically meaningful outcomes for patients with highly unmet medical needs."

Most recently Dr. Gualberto served as co-founder and CMO at Kura Oncology, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of precision medicines for the treatment of cancer. At Kura, Dr. Gualberto led the discovery of the mechanism of action and clinical proof-of-concept of farnesyl transferase inhibitors as well as bringing a pipeline of new agents to the clinic. Prior to Kura, Dr. Gualberto held positions of increasing responsibility at EMD Serono, a subsidiary of Merck KGaA, Takeda and Pfizer. Dr. Gualberto received his MD and PhD degrees from the University of Seville in Spain. He also completed several fellowships in the field of Molecular Pathology, was a member of the Berkeley National Laboratory, and held academic faculty positions at Case Western Reserve University and Brown University.

"Our entire organization is thrilled by the appointment of Dr. Gualberto to the position of CMO here at H3," commented Terushige Iike, Chief Executive Officer of H3 and President of the Oncology Business Group at Eisai Co., Ltd. "We eagerly anticipate the progress we will make as a company with Antonio leading our global clinical research & development organization. His expertise and wide experience will be invaluable to H3 as we advance our pipeline of multiple clinical stage assets."

"With the umbrella of support of a global pharmaceutical company such as Eisai, H3 is uniquely positioned as a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company. In creating a prolific drug discovery engine and partnership platform, H3 has shown itself to be a leader in the development of new clinical programs," said Dr. Gualberto. "H3 has a first-rate team that is highly regarded in the Oncology community, with fantastic discovery and development capabilities and I look forward to working closely with our entire organization."

Premier Inc. ProvideGx™ Program Partners with Pfizer Inc. to Provide Corvert® and Vincristine to Providers

On February 19, 2020 Premier Inc. (NASDAQ: PINC), through its ProvideGx program, reported that it has partnered with Pfizer Inc. to supply Corvert (ibutilide fumarate injection) and Vincristine Sulfate Injection, USP, to healthcare providers, to help stabilize the long-term supply of two vital medications for its members (Press release, Premier, FEB 19, 2020, View Source [SID1234554518]).

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Corvert is an anti-arrhythmic heart medication used to treat atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Vincristine is a chemotherapy drug, primarily used to treat childhood cancers such as acute leukemia, and, in combination with other oncolytic agents, Hodgkin’s and non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, neuroblastoma and Wilms’ tumor.

"Supporting a sustainable supply of these important medicines is a top priority for Premier and our members," said Premier’s President, Michael J. Alkire. "This agreement speaks to the core strengths of the ProvideGx program – our ability to provide both short- and long-term solutions to support our members and patients. Together with our members, we have the nimbleness to act quickly when market events require it, thereby improving access and raising the bar for the entire drug supply chain. Moreover, the goal of ProvideGx is to create market stability and give manufacturers assurances to make the necessary investments for a consistent, long-term supply."

Premier’s ProvideGx program identifies safe, high-quality supply sources for drugs that are or may be at risk of being added to the national drug shortage list. Guided by health systems with more than 1,600 hospitals across the nation, Premier’s ProvideGx program has provided members access to more than 150 drugs that are or have been recently designated as shortage drugs, including metoprolol; cysteine hydrochloride; sodium bicarbonate; diphenhydramine; hydromorphone; lidocaine; morphine; thiamine; phytonadione injection; and emergency, pre-filled syringes of calcium chloride, epinephrine, sodium bicarbonate, atropine sulfate, dextrose and lidocaine. The program plans to introduce additional drugs from a target list of more than 50 products in months to come.

"Patients need continued access to these critical drugs and important treatments, "said Jerry Storm, Senior Vice President of Pharmacy Services at OSF HealthCare of Peoria, IL. "We commend Premier and Pfizer for reaching this deal to support long-term access to these medications now so that we can go back to the business of providing care to our patients that results in outstanding outcomes. Having a reliable supply of these drugs is critical for patients who can’t afford to wait, and crucial for their survival."

ProvideGx is part of Premier’s ongoing effort to help facilitate the availability of high-quality products, including drugs for which there may be supply challenges. In doing so, Premier is working to insulate its members from supply fluctuations that may affect the market at large.

"Over the past several years, Pfizer has made significant advancements in addressing drug shortages, including investing $2 billion to modernize manufacturing and increase capacity," said Suneet Varma, Global President, Pfizer Hospital. "This agreement with Premier continues to build on these efforts — which we hope will ultimately increase patient access to two vital medicines, Corvert and Vincristine — helping to drive market sustainably in the long term."

Integra LifeSciences Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2019 Financial Results and Provides 2020

On February 19, 2020 Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: IART) reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2019 and issued its financial guidance for 2020, consistent with the preliminary results and guidance provided on January 14, 2020 (Press release, Integra LifeSciences, FEB 19, 2020, View Source [SID1234554483]).

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Highlights:

Fourth Quarter 2019

Reported revenue increased 3.1% to $395.1 million and organic sales increased 4.6% over the fourth quarter 2018.

GAAP earnings per diluted share were $0.18, compared to $0.29 in the fourth quarter 2018.

Adjusted earnings per diluted share were $0.68, compared to $0.65 in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Full-Year 2019

Reported revenue increased by 3.1% to $1,517.6 million, and organic sales increased 4.8% over the full-year 2018.

GAAP earnings per diluted share were $0.58, compared to $0.72 in 2018.

Adjusted earnings per diluted share amounted to $2.74, a 13.2% increase over the prior year, which represents the sixth consecutive year of double-digit growth.

2020 Company Guidance

The Company expects full-year 2020 reported revenue in the range of $1.55 billion to $1.57 billion, representing approximately 3% growth at the midpoint.

The Company expects full-year 2020 organic sales growth, which excludes the effect of foreign currency, acquisitions, divestitures and discontinued products, to be approximately 5%.

The Company expects full-year GAAP earnings per diluted share to be in the range of $1.40 to $1.45, and full-year adjusted earnings per diluted share to be in the range of $3.00 to $3.05.

Fourth Quarter 2019 Financial Summary
Total reported revenues for the fourth quarter were $395.1 million, an increase of $11.8 million, or 3.1%, over the fourth quarter of 2018. Fourth quarter organic sales increased 4.6% over the prior year.
The Company reported GAAP net income of $15.3 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2019, compared to GAAP net income of $25.1 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, in the prior year. The decrease was attributable to expenses associated with the Rebound Therapeutics Corporation ("Rebound") acquisition and tax benefits received in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2019 was $91.6 million, compared to $88.8 million in the fourth quarter of the prior year. For the fourth quarter of 2019, adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue was 23.2%, unchanged from the prior year period.
Adjusted net income for the fourth quarter of 2019 was $58.9 million, or $0.68 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net income of $56.2 million, or $0.65 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Cash flows from operations totaled $89.2 million in the fourth quarter and capital expenditures were $22.2 million.

Full-Year 2019 Financial Summary
Total reported revenues for the full-year 2019 were $1,517.6 million, an increase of $45.1 million, or 3.1%, over the prior year. Organic sales for the full-year 2019 increased 4.8% over 2018.
The Company reported GAAP net income of $50.2 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, for the full-year 2019, compared to GAAP net income of $60.8 million, or $0.72 per diluted share in 2018. The decrease was primarily attributable to expenses associated with the Rebound acquisition.
Adjusted EBITDA for the full year 2019 was $368.6 million, an increase of $26.5 million over the prior year. For the full-year 2019, adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue increased 110 basis points to 24.3% from 23.2% in 2018, largely attributable to higher sales and improved gross margin.
Adjusted net income for the full-year 2019 was $237.4 million, or $2.74 per diluted share, compared to $203.5 million, or $2.42 per diluted share in 2018. The increase was largely attributable to higher sales, gross margin expansion and lower net interest expense.
Cash flows from operations totaled $231.4 million for the full-year 2019 and capital expenditures were $69.5 million. Adjusted free cash flow conversion for the trailing twelve months ended December 31, 2019 was 68.2% versus 59.9% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018.

2020 Financial Guidance
Consistent with guidance provided on January 14, 2020, the Company is reiterating full-year 2020 total revenue guidance in the range of $1.55 billion to $1.57 billion, representing organic sales growth of approximately 5%.
The Company expects GAAP earnings per diluted share for the full year to be between $1.40 and $1.45 and adjusted earnings per diluted share to be in the range of $3.00 to $3.05.

In the future, the Company may record, or expects to record, certain additional revenues, gains, expenses or charges as described in the Discussion of Adjusted Financial Measures below that it will exclude in the calculation of organic revenue growth, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS for historical periods and in providing adjusted EPS guidance.

Conference Call and Presentation Available Online
Integra has scheduled a conference call for 8:30 a.m. ET today, Wednesday, February 19, 2020 to discuss fourth quarter and full-year 2019 financial results, and forward-looking financial guidance. The conference call will be hosted by Integra’s senior management team and will be open to all listeners. Additional forward-looking information may be discussed in a question and answer session following the call.
Integra’s management team will reference a presentation during the conference call, which can be found on the Investor section of the website at investor.integralife.com.
Access to the live call is available by dialing 800-367-2403 and using the passcode 7727863. The call can also be accessed through a webcast via a link provided on the Investor Relations homepage of Integra’s website at investor.integralife.com. Access to the replay is available through February 24, 2020 by dialing 888-203-1112 and using the passcode 7727863. The webcast will also be archived on the website.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Accepts Karyopharm’s Supplemental New Drug Application for XPOVIO® (Selinexor) as a Treatment for Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

On February 19, 2020 Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:KPTI), an oncology-focused pharmaceutical company, reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for filing its supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) seeking accelerated approval for oral XPOVIO (selinexor) tablets, the Company’s first-in-class, Selective Inhibitor of Nuclear Export (SINE) compound, for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (RR DLBCL), not otherwise specified, who have received at least two prior therapies (Press release, Karyopharm, FEB 19, 2020, View Source [SID1234554503]). The FDA also granted Karyopharm’s request for Priority Review and assigned a user fee goal date of June 23, 2020 under the Prescription Drug User-Fee Act (PDUFA).

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"We look forward to supporting the FDA through the review process for our second NDA for XPOVIO as there remains significant unmet medical need for patients whose DLBCL has relapsed or is refractory to multiple drug therapies," said Sharon Shacham, PhD, MBA, Founder, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Karyopharm. "This regulatory milestone for XPOVIO represents another important step towards bringing a novel, oral treatment option with a unique mechanism of action to patients and families in need."

Provided marketing approval is granted by the FDA, Karyopharm plans to commercialize XPOVIO in the U.S. in this second indication by mid-2020. The Company also expects to submit a Marketing Authorization Application to the European Medicines Agency in 2020 requesting conditional approval for XPOVIO in this same indication.

Priority Review is granted by the FDA to drugs that, if approved, would provide significant improvements in the safety or effectiveness of the treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of a serious condition when compared to standard applications. XPOVIO has received both Orphan Drug and Fast Track designations from the FDA for the treatment for patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL.

About XPOVIO (selinexor)

XPOVIO is a first-in-class, oral Selective Inhibitor of Nuclear Export (SINE) compound. XPOVIO functions by selectively binding to and inhibiting the nuclear export protein exportin 1 (XPO1, also called CRM1). XPOVIO blocks the nuclear export of tumor suppressor, growth regulatory and anti-inflammatory proteins, leading to accumulation of these proteins in the nucleus and enhancing their anti-cancer activity in the cell. The forced nuclear retention of these proteins can counteract a multitude of the oncogenic pathways that, unchecked, allow cancer cells with severe DNA damage to continue to grow and divide in an unrestrained fashion. In addition to receiving accelerated U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of XPOVIO in July 2019 in combination with dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who have received at least four prior therapies and whose disease is refractory to at least two proteasome inhibitors, at least two immunomodulatory agents, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, Karyopharm has also submitted a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) with a request for conditional approval of selinexor. A supplemental New Drug Application was recently accepted by the FDA seeking accelerated approval for selinexor as a new treatment for adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Selinexor has received Fast Track and Orphan designation from the FDA for the patient population evaluated in the SADAL study. Selinexor is also being evaluated in several other mid-and later-phase clinical trials across multiple cancer indications, including in multiple myeloma in a pivotal, randomized Phase 3 study in combination with Velcade (bortezomib) and low-dose dexamethasone (BOSTON), as a potential backbone therapy in combination with approved therapies (STOMP), in liposarcoma (SEAL) and in endometrial cancer (SIENDO), among others. Additional Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies are ongoing or currently planned, including multiple studies in combination with approved therapies in a variety of tumor types to further inform Karyopharm’s clinical development priorities for selinexor. Additional clinical trial information for selinexor is available at www.clinicaltrials.gov.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Thrombocytopenia

XPOVIO can cause thrombocytopenia, leading to potentially fatal hemorrhage. Thrombocytopenia was reported as an adverse reaction in 74% of patients, and severe (Grade 3-4) thrombocytopenia occurred in 61% of patients treated with XPOVIO. The median time to onset of the first event was 22 days. Bleeding occurred in 23% of patients with thrombocytopenia, clinically significant bleeding occurred in 5% of patients with thrombocytopenia and fatal hemorrhage occurred in <1% of patients.

Monitor platelet counts at baseline, during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Monitor more frequently during the first two months of treatment. Institute platelet transfusion and/or other treatments as clinically indicated. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of bleeding and evaluate promptly. Interrupt and/or reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction.

Neutropenia

XPOVIO can cause neutropenia, potentially increasing the risk of infection. Neutropenia was reported as an adverse reaction in 34% of patients, and severe (Grade 3-4) neutropenia occurred in 21% of patients treated with XPOVIO. The median time to onset of the first event was 25 days. Febrile neutropenia was reported in 3% of patients.

Obtain neutrophil counts at baseline, during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Monitor more frequently during the first two months of treatment. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of concomitant infection and evaluate promptly. Consider supportive measures including antimicrobials for signs of infection and use of growth factors (e.g., G-CSF). Interrupt and/or reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction.

Gastrointestinal Toxicity

Gastrointestinal toxicities occurred in patients treated with XPOVIO.

Nausea/Vomiting

Nausea was reported as an adverse reaction in 72% of patients, and Grade 3 nausea occurred in 9% of patients treated with XPOVIO. The median time to onset of the first nausea event was 3 days.

Vomiting was reported in 41% of patients, and Grade 3 vomiting occurred in 4% of patients treated with XPOVIO. The median time to onset of the first vomiting event was 5 days.

Provide prophylactic 5-HT3 antagonists and/or other anti-nausea agents, prior to and during treatment with XPOVIO. Manage nausea/vomiting by dose interruption, reduction, and/or discontinuation. Administer intravenous fluids and replace electrolytes to prevent dehydration in patients at risk. Use additional anti-nausea medications as clinically indicated.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea was reported as an adverse reaction in 44% of patients, and Grade 3 diarrhea occurred in 6% of patients treated with XPOVIO. The median time to onset of diarrhea was 15 days.

Manage diarrhea by dose modifications and/or standard anti-diarrheal agents; administer intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration in patients at risk.

Anorexia/Weight Loss

Anorexia was reported as an adverse reaction in 53% of patients, and Grade 3 anorexia occurred in 5% of patients treated with XPOVIO. The median time to onset of anorexia was 8 days.

Weight loss was reported as an adverse reaction in 47% of patients, and Grade 3 weight loss occurred in 1% of patients treated with XPOVIO. The median time to onset of weight loss was 15 days.

Monitor patient weight at baseline, during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Monitor more frequently during the first two months of treatment. Manage anorexia and weight loss with dose modifications, appetite stimulants, and nutritional support.

Hyponatremia

XPOVIO can cause hyponatremia; 39% of patients treated with XPOVIO experienced hyponatremia, 22% of patients experienced Grade 3 or 4 hyponatremia. The median time to onset of the first event was 8 days.

Monitor sodium level at baseline, during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Monitor more frequently during the first two months of treatment. Correct sodium levels for concurrent hyperglycemia (serum glucose >150 mg/dL) and high serum paraprotein levels. Treat hyponatremia per clinical guidelines (intravenous saline and/or salt tablets), including dietary review. Interrupt and/or reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction.

Infections

In patients receiving XPOVIO, 52% of patients experienced any grade of infection. Upper respiratory tract infection of any grade occurred in 21%, pneumonia in 13%, and sepsis in 6% of patients. Grade ≥3 infections were reported in 25% of patients, and deaths resulting from an infection occurred in 4% of patients. The most commonly reported Grade ≥3 infections were pneumonia in 9% of patients, followed by sepsis in 6%. The median time to onset was 54 days for pneumonia and 42 days for sepsis. Most infections were not associated with neutropenia and were caused by non-opportunistic organisms.

Neurological Toxicity

Neurological toxicities occurred in patients treated with XPOVIO.

Neurological adverse reactions including dizziness, syncope, depressed level of consciousness, and mental status changes (including delirium and confusional state) occurred in 30% of patients, and severe events (Grade 3-4) occurred in 9% of patients treated with XPOVIO. Median time to the first event was 15 days.

Optimize hydration status, hemoglobin level, and concomitant medications to avoid exacerbating dizziness or mental status changes.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on data from animal studies and its mechanism of action, XPOVIO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Selinexor administration to pregnant animals during organogenesis resulted in structural abnormalities and alterations to growth at exposures below those occurring clinically at the recommended dose.

Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential and males with a female partner of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with XPOVIO and for 1 week after the last dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) are thrombocytopenia, fatigue, nausea, anemia, decreased appetite, decreased weight, diarrhea, vomiting, hyponatremia, neutropenia, leukopenia, constipation, dyspnea, and upper respiratory tract infection.

The treatment discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions was 27%; 53% of patients had a reduction in the XPOVIO dose, and 65.3% had the dose of XPOVIO interrupted. The most frequent adverse reactions requiring permanent discontinuation in 4% or greater of patients who received XPOVIO included fatigue, nausea, and thrombocytopenia. The rate of fatal adverse reactions was 8.9%.

H3 Biomedicine Announces Appointment of Chief Medical Officer, Antonio Gualberto

On February 13, 2020 H3 Biomedicine, Inc. (H3), a U.S.-based precision medicine research & development subsidiary of Eisai Co., Ltd., reported the appointment of Antonio Gualberto, MD, PhD, to the position of Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Dr. Gualberto will oversee global clinical research & development for the H3 pipeline of clinical stage assets (Press release, H3 Biomedicine, FEB 19, 2020, View Source [SID1234554519]).

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"H3 is at a pivotal stage of growth. The breadth of our precision medicine-driven discovery and clinical R&D requires a CMO with vast scientific knowledge and leadership expertise," said Lihua Yu, PhD, President and Chief Data Science Officer, H3. "Dr. Gualberto possesses more than 20 years of experience in developing clinical assets at multiple biopharma companies. His deep acumen and proven success will be instrumental as we work toward our goal of delivering clinically meaningful outcomes for patients with highly unmet medical needs."

Most recently Dr. Gualberto served as co-founder and CMO at Kura Oncology, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of precision medicines for the treatment of cancer. At Kura, Dr. Gualberto led the discovery of the mechanism of action and clinical proof-of-concept of farnesyl transferase inhibitors as well as bringing a pipeline of new agents to the clinic. Prior to Kura, Dr. Gualberto held positions of increasing responsibility at EMD Serono, a subsidiary of Merck KGaA, Takeda and Pfizer. Dr. Gualberto received his MD and PhD degrees from the University of Seville in Spain. He also completed several fellowships in the field of Molecular Pathology, was a member of the Berkeley National Laboratory and held academic faculty positions at Case Western Reserve University and Brown University.

"Our entire organization is thrilled by the appointment of Dr. Gualberto to the position of CMO here at H3," commented Terushige Iike, Chief Executive Officer of H3 and President of the Oncology Business Group at Eisai Co., Ltd. "We eagerly anticipate the progress we will make as a company with Antonio leading our global clinical research & development organization. His expertise and wide experience will be invaluable to H3 as we advance our pipeline of multiple clinical stage assets."

"With the umbrella of support of a global pharmaceutical company such as Eisai, H3 is uniquely positioned as a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company. In creating a prolific drug discovery engine and partnership platform, H3 has shown itself to be a leader in the development of new clinical programs," said Dr. Gualberto. "H3 has a first-rate team that is highly regarded in the oncology community with fantastic discovery and development capabilities, and I look forward to working closely with our entire organization."