On August 8, 2019 Nektar Therapeutics (Nasdaq: NKTR) reported its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2019 (Press release, Nektar Therapeutics, AUG 8, 2019, View Source [SID1234538426]).

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Cash and investments in marketable securities at June 30, 2019 were $1.8 billion as compared to $1.9 billion at December 31, 2018.

"Nektar is making good progress advancing our multiple programs in immuno-oncology, immunology and pain," said Howard W. Robin, President and CEO of Nektar. "With our partner Bristol-Myers Squibb, although we’ve experienced some delays, we are working to finalize the development program for bempegaldesleukin in combination with nivolumab in a number of tumor types and which are designed to support registration for this unique I-O doublet. We have a number of registrational trials already started and we recently received a breakthrough designation from FDA for bempeg and nivo in the setting of first-line untreated metastatic melanoma. Our partner Eli Lilly will be initiating several new studies later this year for NKTR-358, our T regulatory stimulator candidate. These studies will expand the program with additional indications beyond lupus. We recently filed an IND with the FDA for NKTR-255, our IL-15 agonist, and will initiate our first-in-human clinical study this quarter in patients with relapsed, refractory NHL and in patients with multiple myeloma."

Nektar is hosting a conference call with analysts and investors today on which it will discuss quarterly results. On the call, the company will provide a specific update and discussion on its bempegaldesleukin clinical development program, including recent developments related to the manufacturing of bempegaldesleukin.

Revenue in the second quarter of 2019 was $23.3 million as compared to $1.088 billion in the second quarter of 2018. Year-to-date revenue for 2019 was $51.5 million as compared to $1.126 billion in the first half of 2018. Revenue was lower in the second quarter and first half of 2019 as compared to the same periods in 2018 primarily because of the recognition of $1.06 billion of license revenue from the Bristol-Myers Squibb collaboration agreement in the second quarter of 2018.

Total operating costs and expenses in the second quarter of 2019 were $134.3 million as compared to $114.1 million in the second quarter of 2018. Total operating costs and expenses in the first half of 2019 were $283.2 million as compared to $238.9 million in the first half of 2018. Total operating costs and expenses increased primarily as a result of increased research and development (R&D) expense.

R&D expense in the second quarter of 2019 was $106.7 million as compared to $88.3 million in the second quarter of 2018. For the first half of 2019, R&D expense was $225.1 million as compared to $187.8 million in the first half of 2018. R&D expense was higher in the second quarter and first half of 2019 as compared to the same periods in 2018 primarily because of expenses for our pipeline programs, including the continued development of bempegaldesleukin in Phase 2 and registrational studies and related manufacturing costs, costs related to Phase 1 clinical studies of NKTR-358 and IND-enabling activities for NKTR-255. These increases were partially offset by cost decreases related to the NKTR-181 New Drug Application and NKTR-181 pre-commercial manufacturing which were higher during the second quarter and first half of 2018.

General and administrative (G&A) expense was $22.6 million in the second quarter of 2019 as compared to $20.3 million in the second quarter of 2018. G&A expense in the first half of 2019 was $47.6 million as compared to $38.9 million in the first half of 2018. G&A expense was higher in the second quarter and first half of 2019 as compared to the same periods in 2018 primarily due to costs related to commercialization readiness activities for NKTR-181 and increased non-cash stock-based compensation.

Net loss in the second quarter of 2019 was $109.9 million or $0.63 basic and diluted loss per share as compared to a net income of $971.5 million or $5.33 diluted earnings per share in the second quarter of 2018. Net loss in the first half of 2019 was $228.4 million or $1.31 basic and diluted loss per share as compared to a net income of $875.7 million or $4.91 diluted earnings per share in the first half of 2018.

Second Quarter 2019 and Recent Business Highlights

·In August, the FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for bempegaldesleukin in combination with Opdivo (nivolumab) for the treatment of patients with previously untreated unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
·In July, for NKTR-181, Nektar received a General Advice Letter from FDA that stated that it is postponing product-specific advisory committee meetings for opioid analgesics, including the one previously scheduled for August 21, 2019 to discuss the NDA for the NKTR-181 product, while the agency continues to consider a number of scientific and policy issues relating to this class of drugs. The FDA indicated that it will continue to review the NDA for NKTR-181 according to the existing Prescription Drug User Fee Act ("PDUFA") timeline; however, because of the postponed Advisory Committee Meeting, it is possible the agency may not be able to meet the PDUFA goal date of August 29, 2019.
·In June, Nektar presented data from a first-in-human Phase 1a study evaluating single-ascending doses of NKTR-358, supporting development of the candidate as a first-in-class T regulatory cell stimulator for the treatment of autoimmune and other chronic inflammatory conditions.
·In June, Nektar presented data for NKTR-181 at the 81st Annual Scientific Meeting of the College on Problems of Drug Dependence. The data presented identified low rates of withdrawal and a low risk of abuse potential, diversion or addiction associated with NKTR-181 in Phase 3 trials according to the MADDERS system, the first standardized system for discerning abuse-related events.

·In June, Nektar presented biomarker and clinical data from the ongoing Phase 2 PIVOT-02 study for bempegaldesleukin in combination with Opdivo (nivolumab) at the 2019 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting. Clinical data presented included 12 month follow-up for the Stage 4 first-line melanoma patient cohort and showed a deepening and durability of response over time. Registrational studies in melanoma, renal cell carcinoma and urothelial cancer are currently recruiting patients.
· In May, Nektar announced formation of Inheris Biopharma, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary responsible for launch preparation and commercialization for NKTR-181, a novel, first-in-class, investigational opioid molecule. NKTR-181 is currently under review with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The company also announced the following upcoming presentations during the second half of 2019:

CAR-TCR Summit, Boston, MA:

· Presentation: "Utilizing Next Generation Cytokines to Enhance Efficacy and Durability of CAR-Ts"
o Presenter: Mario Marcondes, M.D., Nektar Therapeutics
o Session: Enhancing Efficacy with Combinations
o Date and Time: September 11, 2019, 6:18 – 6:48 p.m. EDT
Oxford Global 2nd Annual Advances In Immuno-Oncology USA Congress, San Diego, CA:

· Presentation: "Harnessing Potent Cytokine Agonist Pathways by Polymer Engineering to Develop Novel Immune Therapeutic Agents"
o Presenter: Loui Madakamutil, Ph.D., Nektar Therapeutics
o Date and Time:October 9, 2019, 12:00 – 12:30 p.m. PDT
American Conference on Pharmacometrics (ACoP) 2019, Orlando, FL:

· Poster Title: "NKTR-262 Released Below Quantifiable Levels of TLR 7/8 Agonist in Human Plasma in Phase 1b/2 Clinical Study as Predicted A-Priori by PK Modeling and Scaling to Humans", Bhasi, K., et al.
o Date: October 20 – 23, 2019
Conference Call to Discuss Second Quarter 2019 Financial Results

Nektar management will host a conference call to review the results beginning at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time/2:00 p.m. Pacific Time today, Thursday, August 8, 2019.

This press release and a live Webcast of the conference call can be accessed through a link that is posted on the home page and Investors section of the Nektar website: View Source The web broadcast of the conference call will be available for replay through Monday, September 9, 2019.

To access the conference call, follow these instructions:

Dial: (877) 881-2183 (U.S.); (970) 315-0453 (international)
Passcode: 2879328 (Nektar Therapeutics is the host)

In the event that any non-GAAP financial measure is discussed on the conference call that is not described in the press release, or explained on the conference call, related information will be made available on the Investors page at the Nektar website as soon as practical after the conclusion of the conference call.

On August 8, 2019 Sierra Oncology, Inc. (SRRA), a late-stage drug development company focused on advancing targeted therapeutics for the treatment of patients with significant unmet needs in hematology and oncology, reported its financial and operational results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2019 (Press release, Sierra Oncology, AUG 8, 2019, View Source [SID1234538442]).

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"During the second quarter, we achieved major milestones in the development programs for our drug candidates. We reported Phase 3 regulatory clarity and the granting of Fast Track designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for our lead asset, momelotinib, and we reported proof-of-concept clinical data for our Chk1 inhibitor, SRA737, at the 2019 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, suggesting that this drug candidate has a defined clinical path forward toward potential initial registration," said Dr. Nick Glover, President and CEO of Sierra Oncology. "Our current focus is on preparing for the launch of the MOMENTUM Phase 3 clinical trial, expected in the fourth quarter of 2019, designed to support potential registration of momelotinib on a global basis. We also continue to develop the assets in our DDR portfolio, SRA737 and SRA141, and have previously announced we are conducting a campaign intended to seek non-dilutive strategic options to support their further advancement."

Second Quarter 2019 Highlights:

Momelotinib (targeting JAK1/JAK2/ACVR1):

During the second quarter, Sierra obtained regulatory clarity with the FDA concerning the design of a Phase 3 clinical trial for momelotinib intended to support its potential registration.
Sierra also announced the design of the MOMENTUM Phase 3 clinical trial, planned for launch in the fourth quarter of 2019. The randomized double-blind trial is designed to enroll 180 myelofibrosis patients who are symptomatic, anemic and have been treated previously with a JAK inhibitor. The Primary Endpoint of the trial is the Total Symptom Score (TSS) response rate of momelotinib compared to danazol at Week 24 (99% power; p-value < 0.05). Dr. Srdan Verstovsek, MD, PhD, Chief, Section for Myeloproliferative Neoplasms, Department of Leukemia, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, has been named Chief Investigator of the MOMENTUM trial.
Sierra also reported that the FDA has granted Fast Track designation to momelotinib for the treatment of patients with intermediate/high-risk myelofibrosis who have previously received a JAK inhibitor.
DNA Damage Response (DDR) portfolio (SRA737 and SRA141):

At the 2019 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual meeting, Sierra reported preliminary efficacy and safety data from two ongoing clinical trials evaluating SRA737 across multiple indications, as monotherapy and when potentiated by non-cytotoxic low-dose gemcitabine (LDG). SRA737 demonstrated notable anti-cancer activity in multiple indications including a 30% Overall Response Rate in evaluable patients with anogenital cancer treated with SRA737+LDG, an indication for which the second line metastatic setting represents a significant unmet medical need with no approved therapies and very poor life expectancy. Additionally, evaluable RAS wild-type subjects whose tumors harbored FA/BRCA gene network mutations displayed favorable outcomes across multiple indications, with an Overall Response Rate of 25%.
During the second quarter, Sierra announced plans to prioritize its resources on the development of momelotinib and that it has launched a campaign exploring non-dilutive strategic options to support the future continued development of its portfolio of DDR assets.
Second Quarter 2019 Financial Results (all amounts reported in U.S. currency)

Research and development expenses were $11.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019, compared to $8.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018. The increase was primarily due to momelotinib related costs, including a $3.1 million increase in clinical trial and development related costs and a $1.2 million increase in third-party manufacturing costs, and a $1.1 million increase in personnel-related and allocated overhead costs. These increases were partially offset by decreases in SRA737 and SRA141 costs, including a $1.3 million decrease in third-party manufacturing costs, a $0.7 million decrease in clinical trial costs primarily related to SRA737, and a $0.5 million decrease in research and preclinical costs. Research and development expenses included non-cash stock-based compensation of $1.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018.

Research and development expenses were $21.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to $17.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The increase was primarily due to momelotinib related costs, including a $4.4 million increase in clinical trial and development costs and a $1.3 million increase in third-party manufacturing costs, and a $2.4 million increase in personnel-related and allocated overhead costs. These increases were partially offset by decreases in SRA737 and SRA141 costs, including a $2.2 million decrease in third-party manufacturing costs and a $1.2 million decrease in research and preclinical costs. Research and development expenses included non-cash stock-based compensation of $2.4 million and $2.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

General and administrative expenses were $3.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019, compared to $4.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018. This decrease was primarily due to decreases in professional fees of $0.4 million and personnel-related and allocated overhead costs of $0.3 million. General and administrative expenses included non-cash stock-based compensation of $0.5 million and $0.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

General and administrative expenses were $6.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to $7.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018. This decrease was primarily due to decreases in professional fees of $0.5 million and personnel-related and allocated overhead costs of $0.3 million. General and administrative expenses included non-cash stock-based compensation of $1.0 million and $1.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018.

For the three months ended June 30, 2019, Sierra incurred a net loss of $14.9 million compared to a net loss of $12.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, Sierra incurred a net loss of $27.9 million compared to a net loss of $23.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $78.8 million as of June 30, 2019, compared to $106.0 million as of December 31, 2018. At June 30, 2019, there were 74,688,283 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, an additional 13,335,583 issuable upon exercise of stock options and warrants, and a term loan of $5.0 million.

Equity Inducement Plan

On August 5, 2019, the Compensation Committee of Sierra Oncology’s Board of Directors granted non-qualified stock options to purchase an aggregate of 112,000 shares of its common stock to two new employees under Sierra Oncology’s 2018 Equity Inducement Plan.

The 2018 Equity Inducement Plan is used exclusively for the grant of equity award to individuals who were not previously an employee or non-employee director of Sierra (or following a bona fide period of non-employment), as an inducement material to such individual’s entering into employment with Sierra, pursuant to Rule 5635(c)(4) of the NASDAQ Listing Rules.

The options have an exercise price of $0.49 per share, which is equal to the closing price of Sierra’s common stock on the date of grant. Each option will vest and become exercisable as to 25% of the shares on the first anniversary of the recipient’s start date, and then will vest and become exercisable as to the remaining 75% of the shares in 36 equal monthly installments following the first anniversary, in each case, subject to each such employee’s continued employment with Sierra on such vesting dates. The options are subject to the terms and conditions of Sierra’s 2018 Equity Inducement Plan, and the terms and conditions of the stock option agreement covering the grant.

On August 8, 2019 Gossamer Bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOSS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, acquiring, developing and commercializing therapeutics in the disease areas of immunology, inflammation and oncology, reported its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2019 and provided a corporate update (Press release, Gossamer Bio, AUG 8, 2019, View Source [SID1234538460]).

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"Over the last several months, we have made significant progress advancing our diversified development portfolio, with five clinical trials now active," said Sheila Gujrathi, M.D., Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Gossamer. "We are poised for a steady cadence of data readouts throughout 2020. Supported by a strong balance sheet and our experienced and growing team, we are well positioned to advance toward our goal of becoming an industry leader in immunology, inflammation and oncology."

Pipeline Updates

GB001: Oral DP2 Antagonist for Asthma and Allergic Disease

Enrollment in the Phase 2b LEDA study in moderate-to-severe eosinophilic asthma is on track, with an interim analysis expected in the first half of 2020. Full results from the LEDA study are expected in the second half of 2020.
Patient enrollment in the TITAN Phase 2 proof-of-concept study in chronic rhinosinusitis, with and without nasal polyps, commenced in the second quarter. Topline data from the TITAN study are expected in the second half of 2020.
GB002: Inhaled PDGFR Inhibitor for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)

During the second quarter, the European Medicines Agency granted orphan medicinal product designation to GB002 for the treatment of PAH.
Sites have been initiated for a Phase 1b translational study in patients with PAH, with patient enrollment expected to begin in the third quarter. Results from the Phase 1b study are expected in the first half of 2020.
GB004: Oral HIF-1α Stabilizer for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Patient enrollment in a Phase 1b study of active mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis (UC) began during the second quarter, and the Company expects topline results from the study in the first half of 2020.
GB1275: Oral CD11b Modulator for Oncology Indications

Patient screening in a Phase 1/2 study in selected solid tumors is now underway, with patient enrollment expected to begin in the third quarter of 2019. Following monotherapy dose escalation, we will explore combinations with anti-PD-1 therapy and chemotherapy. Initial data from the Phase 1/2 study is expected in the second half of 2020.
Preclinical data supporting GB1275 were published in the July 3, 2019 edition of Science Translational Medicine by researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Rush University.
Financial Results for Quarter Ended June 30, 2019

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities: Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of June 30, 2019, were $464.0 million. The Company expects current cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, and access to its debt facility will be sufficient to fund its operating and capital expenditures into the second half of 2021.
Research and Development (R&D) Expenses: For the quarter ended June 30, 2019, R&D expenses were $35.7 million, including $2.5 million of stock-based compensation, compared to R&D expenses of $7.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2018. The increase was primarily due to costs related to the research and development of GB001, GB002, GB004 and GB1275.
In-Process Research and Development (IPR&D) Expenses: For the quarter ended June 30, 2019, IPR&D expenses were $1.0 million, compared to $20.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, which included $20.0 million associated with the in-license of GB004.
General and Administrative (G&A) Expenses: For the quarter ended June 30, 2019, G&A expenses were $9.7 million, which included $2.7 million of stock-based compensation. This compared to G&A expenses of $4.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, which included $1.3 million of stock-based compensation. The increase was primarily attributable to personnel-related expenses, professional and legal fees, and stock-based compensation.
Net Loss: For the quarter ended June 30, 2019, net loss was $44.5 million, or a loss of $0.74 per share.
Conference Call and Webcast

Gossamer’s management team will host a conference call and live audio webcast at 4:30 p.m. ET today, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, to discuss its second quarter 2019 financial results and provide a corporate update.

The live audio webcast may be accessed through the Events/Presentations page in the Investors section of the Company’s website at www.gossamerbio.com. Alternatively, the conference call may be accessed through the following:

Conference ID: 1393207
Domestic Dial-in Number: (866) 221-1654
International Dial-in Number: (470) 495-9466
Live Webcast: View Source

A replay of the audio webcast will be available for 30 days on the Investors section of the Company’s website, www.gossamerbio.com.

On August 8, 2019 ORIC Pharmaceuticals, a privately held, clinical-stage oncology company focused on developing cancer treatments that address mechanisms of therapeutic resistance, reported the closing of a $55 million Series D financing. This financing brings the total capital raised by the Company to over $175 million (Press release, ORIC Pharmaceuticals, AUG 8, 2019, View Source [SID1234538476]).

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The round was led by new investors Arrowmark Partners and Invus Opportunities, who were joined by Hartford HealthCare Endowment, Casdin Capital, and others. Also participating were ORIC’s existing investors, including The Column Group, TopSpin Partners, OrbiMed, EcoR1 Capital, Fidelity Management & Research Company, City Hill Ventures, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Kravis Investment Partners, Foresite Capital, and Taiho Ventures.

ORIC will use the proceeds to support continued clinical development of its lead candidate, ORIC-101—a potent and selective glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist—in multiple Phase 1b studies and enable advancement into one or more Phase 2 studies. Current or planned Phase 1b studies of ORIC-101 include a combination with Abraxane (nab-paclitaxel) in patients with solid tumors and a combination with an androgen receptor modulator in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. The investment also will support advancement of ORIC’s second program—an orally available, small molecule inhibitor of CD73—into clinical development as well as further the preclinical development of additional pipeline programs targeting mechanisms of therapeutic resistance in cancer.

"We are pleased that through this Series D financing, we have expanded our investor base with additional prominent investors who are joined by our existing syndicate in supporting ORIC’s work on behalf of patients with cancer," said Jacob Chacko, MD, ORIC’s CEO. "Over the past year, we have significantly reshaped ORIC’s senior leadership team by recruiting a new CMO, CSO, CBO, and SVP of Clinical Development, all of whom have deep expertise in oncology drug discovery and development. This stellar team, combined with a strong balance sheet, enable us to advance our pipeline of internally generated programs. In addition, we are well positioned to opportunistically and selectively augment our pipeline with external assets that fit within ORIC’s vision and that leverage our team’s expertise."

"Our Board and investors continue to be excited about the therapeutic potential of ORIC-101 as well as the broader pipeline that addresses the problem of cancer treatment resistance," said Richard Heyman, PhD, ORIC co-Founder and Chairman. "The support of our investor syndicate strengthens ORIC’s foundation and will help ORIC achieve its mission of overcoming resistance in cancer."

On August 8, 2019 AnaptysBio, Inc. (Nasdaq: ANAB), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing first-in-class antibody product candidates focused on unmet medical needs in inflammation, reported operating results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2019 and provided pipeline updates (Press release, AnaptysBio, AUG 8, 2019, View Source [SID1234538411]).

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"In the first half of 2019, we’ve made significant progress across our entire clinical and preclinical pipeline toward achieving our mission of bringing novel treatments to patients with severe inflammatory diseases," said Hamza Suria, president and chief executive officer of AnapytsBio. "With multiple data readouts from our etokimab and ANB019 clinical trials, and an IND planned for ANB030, the remainder of 2019 is set to be an important period for AnaptysBio."

Etokimab (ANB020 Anti-IL-33) Program

In June 2019, AnaptysBio presented full data from its Phase 2a proof-of-concept clinical trial of etokimab in adult patients with severe eosinophilic asthma at the 2019 European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) Congress. Data showed that a single dose of etokimab resulted in rapid and sustained lung function improvement as measured using Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second, or FEV1, patient reported outcomes associated with asthma symptoms, as measured using the Asthma Control Questionnaire 5, and biomarker levels as measured using blood eosinophils. The Company believes these data support continued development of etokimab in eosinophilic asthma and plans to initiate a multi-dose Phase 2b randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial in 300-400 eosinophilic asthma patients in the fourth quarter of 2019.

The Company is also conducting its ATLAS trial, a Phase 2b randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multi-dose study in approximately 300 adult patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. The study is designed to assess different dose levels and dosing frequencies of subcutaneously-administered etokimab, with top-line data expected in the fourth quarter of 2019.

AnaptysBio is conducting a randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial in approximately 100 adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, also referred to as the ECLIPSE trial. Patients are being treated with two multi-dosing frequencies of subcutaneously-administered etokimab or placebo, each in combination with mometasone furoate nasal spray as background therapy. The Company anticipates interim top-line data from the ECLIPSE trial in the fourth quarter of 2019.

ANB019 (Anti-IL-36 Receptor) Program

The Company is conducting a single arm, open-label Phase 2 trial of ANB019 in up to 10 patients with generalized pustular psoriasis, or GPP, also known as the GALLOP trial, with interim top-line data expected in mid-2019.

The Company is conducting a randomized, placebo-controlled, multi-dose Phase 2 trial in 50 patients with palmoplantar pustulosis, or PPP, also known as the POPLAR trial, with top-line data anticipated in the first half of 2020.

ANB030 (Anti-PD-1 Agonist) Program

ANB030 is a wholly-owned antibody that binds PD-1 in an agonistic manner, leading to reduced T cell activity and anti-inflammatory effects in vivo. Genetic mutations in the PD-1 pathway are associated with increased susceptibility to various inflammatory conditions and we believe ANB030 has the potential to suppress inflammatory diseases by restoring insufficient PD-1-mediated negative signaling on activated T cells. The Company plans to focus future clinical development of ANB030 on certain autoimmune diseases where PD-1 checkpoint receptor function may be under-represented and anticipates filing an Investigational New Drug Application (IND) in the fourth quarter of 2019. Preclinical data from the ANB030 was presented in June at the 2019 FOCIS Annual Meeting.
Second Quarter Financial Results

Cash, cash equivalents and investments totaled $467.9 million as of June 30, 2019 compared to $500.2 million as of December 31, 2018, for a decrease of $32.3 million. The decrease relates primarily to cash used for operating activities.

Collaboration revenue was $5.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, which related to a milestone for initiation of a Phase 3 trial in a second indication for dostarlimab, the anti-PD-1 antagonist antibody partnered with TESARO, a GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) company, compared to no revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018.

Research and development expenses were $27.4 million and $48.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to $10.6 million and $22.4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018. The increase was due primarily to continued advancement of the Company’s etokimab and ANB019 clinical programs and additional personnel-related expenses, including share-based compensation.

General and administrative expenses were $4.3 million and $8.4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to $3.8 million and $7.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018. The increase was due primarily to additional personnel-related expenses, including share-based compensation.

Net loss was $24.0 million and $46.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, or a net loss per share of $0.89 and $1.70, compared to a net loss of $13.6 million and $28.7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, or a net loss per share of $0.57 and $1.20.
Financial Guidance
AnaptysBio expects that its cash, cash equivalents and investments will fund its current operating plan at least through the end of 2020.
About Etokimab
Etokimab, previously referred to as ANB020, is an antibody that potently binds and inhibits the activity of interleukin-33, or IL-33, a pro-inflammatory cytokine that multiple studies have indicated is a central mediator of atopic diseases, which AnaptysBio believes is broadly applicable to the treatment of atopic inflammatory disorders, such as atopic dermatitis, eosinophilic asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, or CRSwNP, and potentially other allergic conditions. Following completion of a healthy volunteer Phase 1 trial of etokimab, AnaptysBio continued clinical development of etokimab into a Phase 2a trial for moderate-to-severe adult atopic dermatitis and a placebo-controlled Phase 2a trial in severe adult eosinophilic asthma patients. AnaptysBio is conducting its ATLAS trial, a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled multi-dose Phase 2b clinical trial of etokimab in approximately 300 moderate-to-severe adult atopic dermatitis patients where top-line data is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2019. The Company is conducting its ECLIPSE trial, a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial of etokimab in approximately 100 adult patients with CRSwNP with interim top-line data anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2019. AnaptysBio also plans to initiate a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multi-dose Phase 2b trial of etokimab in patients with eosinophilic asthma in the fourth quarter of 2019.

About ANB019
ANB019 is an antibody that inhibits the function of the interleukin-36-receptor, or IL-36R, which AnaptysBio plans to initially develop as a potential first-in-class therapy for patients suffering from generalized pustular psoriasis, or GPP, and palmoplantar pustulosis, or PPP. AnaptysBio has previously presented data from a Phase 1 clinical trial, which demonstrated favorable safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic properties that supported advancement of ANB019 into Phase 2 studies. AnaptysBio is conducting its GALLOP trial, a Phase 2 study of ANB019 in GPP where interim top-line data is anticipated in mid-2019, and its POPLAR trial, a Phase 2 study in PPP where top-line data is anticipated in the first half of 2020.
About AnaptysBio
AnaptysBio is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing first-in-class antibody product candidates focused on unmet medical needs in inflammation. The Company’s proprietary anti-inflammatory pipeline includes its anti-IL-33 antibody etokimab, previously referred to as ANB020, for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, eosinophilic asthma, and adult chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, or CRSwNP; its anti-IL-36R antibody ANB019 for the treatment of rare inflammatory diseases, including generalized pustular psoriasis, or GPP, and palmoplantar pustulosis, or PPP; and its PD-1 agonist program, ANB030, and other novel anti-inflammatory checkpoint receptor modulator antibodies for treatment of certain autoimmune diseases where immune checkpoint receptors are insufficiently activated. AnaptysBio’s antibody pipeline has been developed using its proprietary somatic hypermutation, or SHM platform, which uses in vitro SHM for antibody discovery and is designed to replicate key features of the human immune system to overcome the limitations of competing antibody discovery technologies. AnaptysBio has also developed multiple therapeutic antibodies in an immuno-oncology partnership with TESARO, a GSK company, including an anti-PD-1 antagonist antibody (dostarlimab (TSR-042)), an anti-TIM-3 antagonist antibody (TSR-022) and