On August 12, 2019 Cellectar Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLRB), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of drugs for the treatment of cancer, reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2019, and provided a corporate update (Press release, Cellectar Biosciences, AUG 12, 2019, View Source [SID1234538589]).

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"We made considerable progress on both the clinical and regulatory fronts during the second quarter and subsequent period. CLR 131 continues to advance, delivering encouraging preliminary data with improving efficacy and a clear dose response in our ongoing Phase 1 study. In addition, the company received FDA Fast Track Designation for CLR 131 in two separate indications and believe that we continue to track toward a registrational study in at least one B-cell hematologic malignancy from our ongoing Phase 2 CLOVER-1 study," said Jim Caruso, CEO of Cellectar. "Our recently adopted fractionated dosing schedule of CLR 131 has led to the improved efficacy and tolerability observed in our latest cohorts and we are moving forward with this dosing strategy in our recently initiated pediatric Phase 1 trial for the treatment of life-threatening cancers."

Second Quarter and Recent Corporate Highlights

·Announced initial results from Cohort 6 in the company’s ongoing Phase 1 clinical study with CLR 131 in Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (R/R MM). Data from Cohort 6 showed improved efficacy and a clear dose response compared to prior cohorts, including a 50% overall response rate, a 50% minimal response rate and 100% disease control rate. The International Myeloma Working Group defines a partial response as a 50% to 89.9% reduction in the marker of disease and minimal response as 25% to 49.9% reduction in the marker of disease. One patient achieved a minimal response with a 48% reduction in their m-protein. The other patient achieving a minimal response had a 39% reduction in m-protein remains on study and continues to be evaluated.

·Expanded the third cohort of our ongoing Phase 2 CLOVER-1 study of CLR 131 after preliminary results showed it exceeded pre-specified performance criteria. We are currently enrolling patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) in the third cohort. The company continues to expect to report top-line data from the Phase 2 CLOVER-1 study in 2019.

·Received FDA Fast Track Designation for CLR 131 in two separate indications: in fourth line or later relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma and in relapsed or refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL). CLR 131 is currently being evaluated in Cellectar’s ongoing CLOVER-1 Phase 2 clinical study in patients with select B-Cell lymphomas, including multiple myeloma and DLBCL.

·Closed on a financing for gross proceeds of $10 million. In a registered direct offering, Cellectar issued 1,982,000 shares of common stock. In a separate concurrent private placement transaction, Cellectar sold 2,018,000 shares of common stock. In conjunction with the offerings, the company also issued 4,000,000 warrants to purchase common stock in the private placement.

Second Quarter Summary of Financial Results

Cash and Cash Equivalents: As of June 30, 2019, cash and cash equivalents were approximately $16.8 million compared to $13.3 million as of December 31, 2018. We believe that our cash balance is adequate to fund our basic budgeted operations through the fourth quarter of 2020. Cash used in operating activities was approximately $5.5 million during the six months ended June 30, 2019 as compared to $5.7 million used during the six months ended June 30, 2018.

Research and Development Expense: R&D expense for the three months ended June 30, 2019 was $1.8 million compared to $1.7 million in the three months ended June 30, 2018. The cumulative R&D spending for the first six months of 2019 was $4.1 million as compared to $3.8 million for the first six months of 2018. The majority of the company’s R&D spend for year-to-date 2019 was dedicated to the start-up and support of our pediatric study with $1.3 million and $2.9 million spent for the three and six months ending June 30, 2019, respectively, related to clinical project costs and manufacturing expenses.

General and Administrative Expense: General and administrative (G&A) expense for the three months ended June 30, 2019 was approximately $1.4 million compared to approximately $1.2 million in the three months ended June 30, 2018. The cumulative G&A spending for the first six months of 2019 were of $2.7 million as compared to $2.6 million for the first six months of 2018.

Net Loss: Net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2019 was $(3.2) million, or a loss of $(0.46) per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $(2.9) million, or a loss of $(1.69) per diluted share, in the three months ended June 30, 2018. Net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was $(6.8) million, or a loss of $(1.15) per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $(6.4) million, or a loss of $(3.75) per diluted share, in the six months ended June 30, 2018.

About CLR 131

CLR 131 is a small-molecule, targeted Phospholipid Drug Conjugate (PDC) designed to deliver cytotoxic radiation directly to cancer cells, while limiting exposure to healthy cells. CLR 131 is the company’s lead product candidate and is currently being evaluated in a Phase 2 study in B-Cell lymphomas, and two Phase 1 dose-escalating clinical studies, one in multiple myeloma and one in pediatric solid tumors and lymphoma. CLR 131 was granted Orphan Drug designation for the treatment of multiple myeloma, and was granted Orphan Drug and Rare Pediatric Disease designations for the treatment of neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma and osteosarcoma.

On August 12, 2019 Phio Pharmaceuticals Corp. (NASDAQ: PHIO), a biotechnology company developing the next generation of immuno-oncology therapeutics based on its proprietary self-delivering RNAi (sd-rxRNA) therapeutic platform, reported its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2019, and provided a business update (Press release, Phio Pharmaceuticals, AUG 12, 2019, View Source [SID1234538607]).

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"Our focus in 2019 remains on execution of our new development strategy, as we continue to advance and expand our immuno-oncology pipeline," said Dr. Gerrit Dispersyn, Phio’s President and CEO. "During the first half of the year, we’ve continued to accelerate our R&D efforts and have made significant progress with our lead candidates. We are now are on track to initiate up to three clinical programs in 2020. Our novel sd-rxRNA for silencing PD-1 receptor expression by T cells is approaching the clinic for both ex vivo application to enhance adoptive cell transfer efficiency and for direct local administration into the tumor micro-environment. In parallel, we are advancing our sd-rxRNA compound designed to overcome immune exhaustion and activate T cells and natural killer cells. As we complete clinical translation for these lead assets, we also expect to announce additional pipeline updates in the near future."

Mid-Year Review

Organization: In March 2019, Dr. Dispersyn was appointed as the Company’s President and CEO, and in April 2019, Dr. John A. Barrett joined the Company as Chief Development Officer. With more than 25 years of experience in research and development, most recently at Ziopharm Oncology, Inc., Dr. Barrett has made an immediate and significant positive impact. Under his leadership, the Company is continuing to build its research and development team to accelerate its internal activities.

Collaborations: Phio has established a number of strong collaborations with leading academic and corporate institutions. Results from several of these collaborators validate and build upon internal results for PH-762, supporting its progress toward clinical translation. In addition, the Company entered into new collaborations supporting the research and development of sd-rxRNA-based products beyond T-cells, including an agreement with Glycostem Therapeutics BV to support the evaluation of sd-rxRNA in adoptive cell therapy using natural killer (NK) cells.

Pipeline Advancements: The Company’s current pipeline products are based on clinically validated targets. Lead product candidate PH-762 is designed to elicit checkpoint blockade by inhibiting PD-1 receptor expression in T cells. Internal data, and data generated by collaborators, showed that silencing mRNA for PD-1 with PH-762 results in enhanced T cell activation and tumor cytotoxicity. Based on these positive preclinical results, Phio is advancing PH-762 for two distinct clinical applications: one for use in adoptive cell transfer of T cells and one for direct administration within the tumor micro-environment. The Company expects to start clinical studies for both of these pipeline products based on PH-762 in 2020.

The Company’s next pipeline product, PH-804, is designed to silence the expression of immune exhaustion target TIGIT by NK cells and T cells resulting in them becoming "weaponized." To date, Phio has shown that reduction of TIGIT by PH-804 leads to an increase in the cytotoxic capacity of NK cells. The Company plans to enter the clinic with PH-804 in the second half of 2020.

To further support the development of Phio’s immuno-oncology pipeline, the Company is working to validate and prioritize additional pipeline products focusing on adoptive cell therapy, the tumor micro-environment, as well as direct tumor applications. The Company’s additional pipeline products include sd-rxRNA compounds that impact the PD-1/PD-L1 axis and compounds that otherwise increase immune cell activity, for example by improving cell metabolism (e.g. increased spare respiratory capacity) and by impacting cell differentiation. We expect to advance additional sd-rxRNA candidates into preclinical and clinical development in the second half of 2019.

Corporate Developments: The Company entered into a purchase agreement with Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC ("Lincoln Park") on August 7, 2019, in which the Company has the right to sell to Lincoln Park up to $10 million in shares of the Company’s common stock, subject to the terms of the agreement. This investment by Lincoln Park is a continuation of its prior investment in the Company. The Company believes that this will provide the Company with access to capital at more favorable terms, as the Company controls the timing and amount of any future sales to Lincoln Park, while also providing Phio with a flexible funding option to advance its immuno-oncology programs into the clinical development phase.
Select Quarterly Financial Results

Cash Position

At June 30, 2019, the Company had cash of $10.8 million as compared with $14.9 million at December 31, 2018. The Company expects its cash to provide funding for at least the next twelve months.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses for the quarter ended June 30, 2019, were $1.1 million as compared with $1.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2018. The decrease was primarily due to a reduction in licensing fees.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses for the quarter ended June 30, 2019, were $0.9 million as compared with $0.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2018. The increase was primarily due to an increase in legal fees.

Net Loss

Net loss for the quarter ended June 30, 2019, was $2.0 million or $0.08 per share, compared with $1.9 million or $0.46 per share for the quarter ended June 30, 2018. The increase was primarily due to changes in operating expenses, as discussed above.

On August 12, 2019 Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: PTLA) reported plans to offer, subject to market and other conditions, $200 million of its common stock in an underwritten public offering (Press release, Portola Pharmaceuticals, AUG 12, 2019, View Source [SID1234538608]). The company expects to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional $30 million of its common stock in connection with the offering. All of the shares of common stock in the offering will be sold by Portola Pharmaceuticals.

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Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Citigroup, Cowen, and William Blair are acting as joint book-running managers. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. is acting as lead manager for the offering. A registration statement related to the offering has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and became effective on August 7, 2019. A preliminary prospectus supplement and final prospectus supplement, when available, may be obtained from Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Prospectus Department, 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282, by telephone at 866-471-2526, by facsimile at 212-902-9316 or by email at [email protected]; Citigroup Global Markets Inc., c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, or by telephone at 1-800-831-9146; Cowen and Company, LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, Attn: Prospectus Department, by telephone at 631-592-5973 or by email at [email protected]; or William Blair & Company, L.L.C., Attention: Prospectus Department, 150 North Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606, by telephone at 800-621-0687 or by email at [email protected].

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. Any offer, if at all, will be made only by means of a prospectus, including a prospectus supplement, forming a part of the effective registration statement.

On August 12, 2019 Boehringer Ingelheim and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center reported a new multi-year partnership to conduct collaborative research to rapidly advance therapies for various types of cancers, including gastrointestinal and lung cancers (Press release, Boehringer Ingelheim, AUG 12, 2019, View Source [SID1234538593]). The establishment of a joint Virtual Research and Development Center will enable effective data sharing and analysis between the organizations.

The partnership is built on a flexible framework, allowing for projects to enter at different stages (research, development and/or clinical stage) over several years. It further combines the unique patient-driven drug-development capabilities of MD Anderson’s Therapeutics Discovery division (link is external) with the innovative pipeline of novel medicines from Boehringer Ingelheim.

MD Anderson’s Therapeutics Discovery division is a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and researchers focused on advancing the next generation of cancer therapies. As part of the division, the TRACTION (link is external) (Translational Research to Advance Therapeutics and Innovation in Oncology) platform conducts cutting-edge translational research to better understand how new medicines work and which patients will see most benefit.

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Dr Victoria Zazulina

"We could not have chosen a better partner with all its research, translational and clinical expertise in lung and gastrointestinal cancers. Together, we hope to transform the treatment landscape for these diseases by tackling their root causes and drivers, that have so far remained elusive, exploring new and smart ways of killing cancer cells," said Dr Victoria Zazulina, Corporate Vice President and Global Head of Oncology, Medicine, at Boehringer Ingelheim. "Our innovative oncology pipeline coupled with strong partnerships like this will contribute to unravelling the complexities of these diseases and bringing innovative solutions to people with various types of cancers."

The Virtual Research and Development Center will focus on the development of potential new treatments including:
KRAS inhibition concepts, as mutations in the KRAS gene are common in various cancers, specifically in certain types of lung and gastrointestinal cancers.
a TRAILR2 agonistic antibody, with the potential to selectively induce cancer cell death (apoptosis).
"Within MD Anderson, we are committed to a singular goal of ending cancer," said Tim Heffernan, Ph.D., executive director of TRACTION at MD Anderson. "We look forward to working with Boehringer Ingelheim to advance their innovative pipeline of cancer medicines. Our Therapeutics Discovery team is well-poised to conduct impactful translational research, and this partnership will allow us to more rapidly advance much-needed new therapies to patients."

More than 4.1 million people die from gastrointestinal and lung cancers every year worldwide1, indicating an urgent need for new treatment approaches. Gastrointestinal cancers represent a heterogeneous complex array of diseases, and include oesophageal (throat), gastric (stomach), liver, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers. In 2018, lung cancer caused more than 1.7 million deaths1. There are two main types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Intended audiences
This press release is issued from our Corporate Headquarters in Ingelheim, Germany and is intended to provide information about our global business. Please be aware that information relating to the approval status and labels of approved products may vary from country to country, and a country-specific press release on this topic may have been issued in the countries where we do business.

On August 12, 2019 Precision Optics Corporation, Inc. (OTCQB: PEYE) (the "Company") reported that it has scheduled a conference call to discuss preliminary fourth quarter and fiscal 2019 revenue as well as its recent acquisition of Ross Optical Industries on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at 5:00pm ET (Press release, Precision Optics, AUG 12, 2019, View Source [SID1234538609]).

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The Company intends to release its preliminary revenue and to file an 8-K/A including pro forma financials associated with its acquisition of Ross Optical Industries, which was originally announced on July 8, 2019, after the close of the market on August 15, 2019 followed by the conference call.

Conference Call Details

Date and Time: Thursday, August 15, 2019 at 5:00pm ET

Call-in Information: Interested parties can access the conference call by dialing (877) 317-6789 or (412) 317-6789.

Live Webcast Information: Interested parties can access the conference call via a live Internet webcast, which is available at View Source

Replay: A teleconference replay of the call will be available until August 22, 2019 at (877) 344-7529 or (412) 317-0088, confirmation #10134182. A webcast replay will be available at View Source