Quest Diagnostics To Speak At The Barclays Global Healthcare Conference

On February 26, 2020 Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), the world’s leading provider of diagnostic information services, reported that it is scheduled to speak at the Barclays Global Healthcare Conference in Miami (Press release, Quest Diagnostics, FEB 26, 2020, View Source [SID1234554835]). Mark Guinan, Executive Vice President and CFO, will discuss the company’s vision, goals and two-point strategy to accelerate growth and drive operational excellence. The presentation is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time.

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The presentation will be webcast live during the conference and will be available on the company’s investor relations page which can be accessed at ir.QuestDiagnostics.com. In addition, the archived webcast will be available within 24 hours after the conclusion of the live event and will remain available until April 9, 2020.

Madrigal Pharmaceuticals Reports 2019 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Financial Results and Highlights

On February 26, 2020 Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDGL) reported its fourth quarter and full year 2019 financial results and highlights (Press release, Synta Pharmaceuticals, FEB 26, 2020, View Source [SID1234554778]):

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"Madrigal made significant progress during 2019 in executing our business strategy and advancing the development of resmetirom. We initiated two Phase 3 studies in NASH: the liver biopsy endpoint study, MAESTRO-NASH, and a non-invasive study in NAFLD patients with presumed NASH, MAESTRO-NAFLD-1," stated Paul Friedman, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Madrigal. "We filled vital organizational needs including expansion of our medical operations team and the addition of Jim Daly, who has deep commercial expertise, to our Board. Further, we believe we have sufficient financial resources to fund our two ongoing Phase 3 clinical studies."

Becky Taub, M.D., CMO and President, Research & Development of Madrigal added, "According to plan, we initiated our Phase 3 MAESTRO-NASH clinical study in the first quarter, and our Phase 3 MAESTRO-NAFLD-1 study in the fourth quarter. Both Phase 3 studies are on track to complete enrollment this year for the 52 week readout by the end of 2021. In addition, MAESTRO-NAFLD-1 includes an open label active treatment arm that will provide data on lipids and non-invasive NASH biomarkers in 2020. We were also pleased with the publication of our successful Phase 2 NASH study in The Lancet in 2019. We continue to believe resmetirom has the potential to resolve NASH and reduce liver fibrosis while decreasing cardiovascular risk, through reduction of levels of multiple atherogenic lipids including LDL-C and triglycerides, and through the reduction of inflammatory fat in the liver. Realization of this potential could provide an important new therapy that delivers benefit to patients across the spectrum of early and late-stage NASH."

Financial Results for the Three Months and Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2019

As of December 31, 2019, Madrigal had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $439.0 million, compared to $483.7 million at December 31, 2018. The decrease in cash and marketable securities resulted primarily from cash used in operations of $41.6 million.

Operating expenses were $30.0 million and $95.0 million, respectively, for the three month and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019, compared to $14.5 million and $40.7 million in the comparable prior year periods.

Research and development expenses for the three month and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019 were $24.9 million and $72.3 million, respectively, compared to $8.9 million and $25.4 million in the comparable prior year periods. The increases are primarily attributable to increases in clinical costs resulting from initiation of our Phase 3 studies, and personnel costs, including non-cash stock compensation.

General and administrative expenses for the three month and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019 were $5.0 million and $22.6 million, respectively, compared to $5.6 million and $15.3 million in the comparable prior year periods. The decrease in general and administrative expenses for the latest three month period was due primarily to lower stock compensation expense, the effect of which was partially offset by higher personnel costs. The increase in general and administrative expenses for the latest twelve month period was due primarily to higher stock compensation, and personnel costs.

Interest income for the three month and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019 was $2.2 million and $11.0 million, respectively, as compared to $3.0 million and $7.7 million in the comparable prior year periods. The decrease in interest income for the latest three month period was due primarily to lower average principal balances in our investment accounts in 2019, and lower interest rates. The increase in interest income for 2019 was due primarily to higher average principal balances in our investment accounts, the effects of which were partially offset by lower interest rates.

About resmetirom (MGL-3196)

Among its many functions in the human body, thyroid hormone, through activation of its beta receptor, plays a central role in controlling lipid metabolism, impacting a range of health parameters from levels of serum cholesterol and triglycerides to the pathological buildup of fat in the liver. Attempts to exploit this pathway for therapeutic purposes in cardio-metabolic and liver diseases have been hampered by the lack of selectivity of older compounds for the thyroid hormone receptor (THR)-ß, chemically-related toxicities and undesirable distribution in the body.

Madrigal recognized that greater selectivity for thyroid hormone receptor (THR)-ß and liver targeting might overcome these challenges and deliver the full therapeutic potential of THR-ß agonism. Madrigal believes that resmetirom is the first orally administered, small-molecule, liver-directed, truly ß-selective THR agonist.

Based on the positive Phase 2 clinical study results in patients with NASH (Phase 2 NASH 36-Week Results Press Release), Madrigal initiated a Phase 3 multinational, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of resmetirom in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis to resolve NASH and reduce progression to cirrhosis and/or hepatic decompensation (Phase 3 MAESTRO-NASH Initiation Press Release and ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03900429). Additionally, in both the NASH Phase 2 study, and a second positive Phase 2 clinical study in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (Phase 2 HeFH Results Press Release Phase 2 HeFH Results Press Release), significant reductions in multiple atherogenic lipids were observed. Based on the foregoing positive results, Madrigal also initiated MAESTRO-NAFLD-1, a 52-week, double-blind, placebo controlled Phase 3 clinical study in patients with biopsy-confirmed or presumed NASH (Phase 3 MAESTRO-NAFLD-1 Initiation Press Release and ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04197479). Key MAESTRO-NAFLD-1 endpoints are safety, including safety biomarkers, LDL cholesterol, lipid biomarkers, and fibrosis biomarkers. Except for serial liver biopsies, the study protocol is similar to the MAESTRO-NASH study and includes key secondary lipid, MRI-PDFF and NASH biomarker endpoints. In addition, MAESTRO-NAFLD-1 includes an open label arm in which up to 100 patients will be dosed with 100 mg resmetirom. The MAESTRO -NAFLD-1 study will help support the adequacy of the safety database at the time of NDA submission for subpart H approval for treatment of NASH in patients with F2 or F3 fibrosis (MAESTRO-NASH, NASH resolution surrogate endpoint).

Portola Pharmaceuticals Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2019 Financial Results
and Provides Corporate Update

On February 26, 2020 Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: PTLA) reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2019 (Press release, Portola Pharmaceuticals, FEB 26, 2020, View Source [SID1234554804]).

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"2019 was a year of significant accomplishments for Portola with the launch of our Gen 2 formulation of Andexxa in the United States and the approval and launch of Ondexxya in Europe. In 2020 we have several catalysts that we expect to drive further adoption and growth worldwide," said Scott Garland, Portola’s president and chief executive officer. "This includes the presentation of new clinical data, enhanced education and support related to reimbursement, the initiation of our urgent surgery study, and continued execution of the Ondexxya launch in Europe. Combined with the robust growth in the Factor Xa inhibitor market and our other strategic initiatives, we are confident that Andexxa has significant long-term growth potential."
Quarter Ending December 31, 2019, and Full-Year 2019 Financial Results

Total global revenues for the fourth quarter of 2019 were $29.2 million compared with $15.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2018. This includes $28.4 million in net product revenues from sales of Andexxa/Ondexxya [coagulation factor Xa (recombinant), inactivated-zhzo], and $0.9 million in collaboration and license revenues. Total global revenues for the full year 2019 were $116.6 million compared with $40.1 million for the full year 2018. This includes $111.5 million in net product revenues from sales of Andexxa/Ondexxya, and $5.0 million in collaboration and license revenues.

Net loss attributable to Portola was $96.7 million, or $1.24 net loss per share for the fourth quarter of 2019, compared with a net loss of $88.5 million, or $1.34 net loss per share, for the same period in 2018. Net loss attributable to Portola was $290.7 million, or $4.06 net loss per share for the full year 2019, compared with a net loss of $350.2 million, or $5.31 net loss per share, for the full year 2018. This includes the effect of a $27.5 million charge taken in the fourth quarter of 2019 for Bevyxxa inventory and manufacturing related to the decision to discontinue the commercialization of Bevyxxa, and a $3.2 million impairment charge taken in the second quarter of 2019 related to the discontinuation of our SRX program.

Non-GAAP net loss for the fourth quarter of 2019 was $58.3 million, or a non-GAAP basic and diluted loss per share of $0.75. For the full year 2019, non-GAAP net loss was $198.2 million, or a non-GAAP basic and diluted loss per share of $2.77. Non-GAAP net loss and loss per share have been adjusted to exclude the Bevyxxa inventory and manufacturing charge and an impairment charge as well as stock-based compensation expenses. Please see the reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures at the end of this release for more details.

Total operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2019 were $119.4 million compared with $102.5 million for the same period in 2018. Total operating expenses for the full year 2019 were $387.9 million, compared with $385.5 million for the full year 2018.

Non-GAAP total operating expenses, which excludes the Bevyxxa inventory and manufacturing charge and impairment charge as well as stock based compensation expenses, were $81.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2019, and $295.5 million for the full year 2019. Please see the reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures table at the end of this release for more details.

Research and development (R&D) expenses were $29.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2019 compared with $49.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2018. R&D expenses for the full year 2019 were $124.6 million, compared with $216.2 million for the full year 2018. The decrease in both periods is primarily due to the manufacturing costs for Andexxa Gen 2 being capitalized and no longer flowing through R&D.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the fourth quarter 2019 were $60.0 million compared with $40.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2018. SG&A expenses for the full year 2019 were $218.9 million compared with $151.2 million for the full year 2018. The increase in both periods is due to commercial costs to support the launch of Andexxa, including the expansion of the field sales teams and support for the launch of Ondexxya in Europe.

Cost of sales (COS) for the fourth quarter of 2019 was $29.6 million compared to $12.4 million for the same period in 2018. COS for the full year 2019 was $44.4 million compared with $18.1 million for the full year 2018. The increase in both periods is due to a charge for Bevyxxa inventory and manufacturing as the Company winds down that program.

Please see the GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation table at the end of this release for a detailed breakdown.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments:

Cash, cash equivalents and investments at December 31, 2019, totaled $466.2 million, compared with $317.0 million as of December 31, 2018. During the fourth quarter, the Company drew down the remaining $62.5 million available under its $125.0 million loan agreement with HealthCare Royalty Partners (HCR) and investment funds manager Athyrium Capital Management, LP.
2020 Annual Financial Guidance
For the fiscal year 2020, Portola expects total R&D expenses to be between $105 million and $120 million, including stock-based compensation expenses of approximately $14 million. Portola expects total SG&A expenses to be between $235 million and $250 million, including stock-based compensation expenses of approximately $38 million.
Recent Achievements and Events

Completed an internal restructuring to align resources to drive Andexxa growth including the discontinuation of commercialization and partnering efforts for Bevyxxa. In addition, the Company has decided not to initiate the CELTIC-1 trial for the SYK/JAK inhibitor cerdulatinib until a partner is identified.

Initiated the single-arm urgent surgery study for Andexxa, ANNEXA-S.

Andexxa was highlighted as a first-line Factor Xa reversal option by the American College of Emergency Physicians in recommendations published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine, bringing the total number of guideline inclusions to 19.

Presented multiple abstracts related to cerdulatinib at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2019 Annual Meeting in December. The data demonstrated good tolerability and clinical response in patients with relapsed/refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), including a 52% overall response rate in patients with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL), and a 76% overall response rate in patients with follicular lymphoma treated with cerdulatinib in combination with rituximab.

Appointed 20-year industry veteran Rajiv Patni, M.D., as executive vice president and chief medical officer, with responsibility for leading Clinical Development, Clinical Operations, Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, Biometrics, Pharmacovigilance and Project Management.

Launched a partnership with the American Heart Association supporting its hospital-focused quality improvement initiative for enhanced awareness and understanding of best care practices for hemorrhagic stroke.
Planned Upcoming Milestones

Present and publish clinical, research and HEOR studies supporting the adoption of Andexxa at medical meetings and in peer-reviewed journals throughout the year, starting with the presentation of three abstracts at the American College of Cardiology 2020 Annual Meeting in March.

Secure reimbursement coverage in the United Kingdom (early 2H 2020), Germany (2H 2020) and other Wave 1 European countries.

Continue launch of Ondexxya into Wave 2 countries in Europe, which include the additional EU5 countries of France, Spain, and Italy.

Conference Call Details
Portola will host a conference call today, Wednesday, February 26, 2020, at 4:30 p.m. ET, during which time management will discuss the fourth quarter and full-year 2019 financial results, updates on the U.S. and European launches of Andexxa/Ondexxya, and its operations. The live call can be accessed by phone by calling (844) 452-6828 from the United States and Canada or 1 (765) 507-2588 internationally and using the passcode 6192918. The webcast can be accessed live on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at View Source It will be archived for 30 days following the call.

Seattle Genetics to Present at the Cowen 40th Annual Healthcare Conference

On February 26, 2020 Seattle Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:SGEN) reported that management will present at the Cowen 40th Annual Healthcare Conference on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at 9:20 a.m. Eastern Time (Press release, Seattle Genetics, FEB 26, 2020, View Source [SID1234554820]). The presentation will be webcast live and available for replay from Seattle Genetics’ website at www.seattlegenetics.com in the Investors section.

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Cellular Biomedicine Group to Report Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2019 Results on February 28, 2020

On February 26, 2020 Cellular Biomedicine Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBMG) ("CBMG" or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical firm engaged in the drug development of immunotherapies for cancer and stem cell therapies for degenerative diseases, reported that it will release its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2019 after the market closes on Friday, February 28, 2020 (Press release, Cellular Biomedicine Group, FEB 26, 2020, View Source [SID1234554836]).

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The Company will host a conference call and webcast with the investment community on Friday, February 28th at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, featuring remarks by Tony Liu, Executive Director, CEO and CFO of CBMG.

What:

Cellular Biomedicine Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2019 Results Conference Call

Date:

Friday, February 28, 2020

Time:

4:30 p.m. Eastern Time

Live Call:

Toll-Free: 1-877-423-9813

International: 1-201-689-8573

Webcast:

View Source

Replay:

Toll-Free: 1-844-512-2921

International: 1-412-317-6671

Conference ID: 13699688

(Available approximately two hours after the completion of the live call until 11:59 p.m. ET on March 13, 2020)