On November 7, 2019 Targos Molecular Pathology GmbH, a market leader in clinical biomarker services reported a technology partnership with Ultivue, the innovation leader in multiplex tissue biomarker assays, to offer the biopharmaceutical industry new capabilities to improve the characterization of cancer patients’ samples selected for clinical research programs (Press release, Targos Molecular Pathology, NOV 7, 2019, View Source [SID1234550671]). UltiMapper multiplex immuno-histochemistry assays enable the precise identification of cellular phenotypes that can be associated to drug efficacy and further used to develop a companion diagnostic assay.

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"UltiMapper assays are very modular by design, allowing for various levels of multiplexing and throughput, and supporting same day staining-to-data workflows," stated Dr. Thomas Henkel, CEO of Targos. "The adoption of highly standardized multiplex tissue biomarker assays is a strategic fit with our mission to continuously improve the success of clinical trials and deliver exceptional value to our biopharma partners."

Ultivue technologies and UltiMapper assays are widely used in tumor immune-profiling research strategies by the biomedical community to demonstrate the clinical utility of panels of markers. "Through our collaboration with Targos, the same panels can seamlessly be used in their existing setup to create a very effective continuum of translational and clinical research," said Philippe Mourere, SVP Commercial Operations at Ultivue. "Targos also offers highly customizable UltiMapper panels that can be used in combination with the company’s broad menu of additional assays and end-to-end quality services."

Additional details on the partnership will be communicated at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) Annual Meeting at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD on November 8 and 9, 2019 at the Ultivue booth #428.

On November 7, 2019 VistaGen Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VTGN), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing new generation medicines for central nervous system (CNS) diseases and disorders with high unmet need, reported financial results for its fiscal year 2020 second quarter ended September 30, 2019 (Press release, VistaGen Therapeutics, NOV 7, 2019, View Source [SID1234550704]).

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"During the quarter, we achieved several important milestones intended to advance development of each of our three differentiated CNS drug candidates," stated Shawn Singh, Chief Executive Officer of VistaGen. "We recently achieved target enrollment and completed patient dosing in our randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 ELEVATE study of AV-101, our novel oral NMDA receptor antagonist, in major depressive disorder. In addition, for development of AV-101 in suicidal ideation, with emphasis on U.S. Military Veterans, our collaborators at Baylor University recently completed dosing in their Phase 1b target engagement study in healthy volunteer Veterans, a study funded by the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs. We are also encouraged by post-Phase 2 feedback from the FDA earlier this year regarding our Phase 3 development plan for PH94B, our first-in-class, rapid-acting neuroactive nasal spray, in social anxiety disorder. We expect the coming months to be equally active and potentially transformative, as we look forward to topline readouts from two studies involving AV-101 before the end of 2019, and potential regulatory milestones involving PH94B before the end of fiscal 2020."

Financial Results for the Fiscal Quarter Ended September 30, 2019:

Net loss attributable to common stockholders for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2019 decreased to approximately $5.7 million compared to $7.7 million for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2018, primarily attributable to research and development activities relating to the Company’s CNS drug development programs.

Research and development expense decreased to $4.2 million for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2019, compared with $5.3 million for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2018. Expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 included $2.25 million noncash expense associated with the Company’s acquisition of its exclusive worldwide license to develop and commercialize PH94B and an option to acquire an exclusive worldwide license to develop and commercialize PH10, the Company’s first-in-class, rapid-onset neuroactive nasal spray in Phase 2 development for major depressive disorder, which option was subsequently exercised. Offsetting this noncash expense in the quarter ended September 30, 2019 are increased expenses for the ELEVATE study and various nonclinical activities across the Company’s CNS pipeline.

General and administrative expense decreased to approximately $1.1 million in the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2019, compared to approximately $2.2 million in the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2018. Noncash expense of $272,000 in the quarter ended September 30, 2019, decreased from $792,000 in the quarter ended September 30, 2018, primarily due to decreases in stock-based compensation and other expenses.

At September 30, 2019, VistaGen had cash and cash equivalents of $4.1 million, compared to $13.1 million at March 31, 2019.

As of November 6, 2019, there were 43,222,965 shares of common stock outstanding.

VistaGen’s CNS Pipeline

VistaGen is developing three new generation clinical-stage CNS drug candidates, AV-101, PH10 and PH94B, each with a differentiated mechanism of action, an exceptional safety profile in all clinical studies to date, and therapeutic potential in multiple CNS markets where current treatments are inadequate to meet high unmet patient needs.

AV-101 belongs to a new generation of investigational medicines in neuropsychiatry and neurology known as NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor modulators. The NMDA receptor is a pivotal receptor in the brain and abnormal NMDA function is associated with numerous CNS diseases and disorders. AV-101 is an oral prodrug of 7-Cl-KYNA, a potent and selective full antagonist of the glycine co-agonist site of the NMDA receptor. Based on several positive preclinical studies and its exceptional safety profile in all preclinical and clinical studies to date, AV-101 has potential to be a new at-home, non-sedating treatment for multiple large market CNS indications, including major depressive disorder, neuropathic pain, suicidal ideation, epilepsy and dyskinesia associated with levodopa therapy for Parkinson’s disease. The FDA has granted Fast Track designation for development of AV-101 as both a novel potential adjunctive treatment for MDD and a non-opioid treatment for neuropathic pain.

PH10 is a first-in-class, odorless, rapid-onset CNS neuroactive nasal spray in development for treatment of major depressive disorder. Administered in microgram doses, PH10 activates nasal chemosensory receptors that, in turn, engage neural circuits that lead to rapid antidepressant effects without psychological side effects, systemic exposure or safety concerns often associated with current oral antidepressants and ketamine-based therapies (intravenous ketamine or esketamine nasal spray). In an exploratory (n=30) randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2a clinical study in major depressive disorder, at microgram doses, rapid-onset antidepressant effects were observed and sustained for 8 weeks, without psychological side effects or systemic exposure. VistaGen is preparing for planned Phase 2b clinical development of PH10 for major depressive disorder.

PH94B is a first-in-class, odorless, rapid-onset (approximately 10 to 15 minutes) CNS neuroactive nasal spray with the potential to be the first FDA-approved, as-needed, on-demand treatment for millions of Americans who suffer from social anxiety disorder, with additional potential in peripartum anxiety, pre/postoperative anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Administered at microgram doses, PH94B activates nasal chemosensory receptors that trigger neural circuits in the brain that suppress fear and anxiety associated with everyday social and work or performance situations. Following successful Phase 2 development, VistaGen is preparing for Phase 3 clinical development of PH94B for social anxiety disorder.

On November 7, 2019 Athenex, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATNX), a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapies for the treatment of cancer and related conditions, reported its financial results and business highlights for the third quarter of 2019 (Press release, Athenex, NOV 7, 2019, View Source [SID1234550720]).

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"We continue to make strong progress across the board, bringing us closer to our goal of becoming a fully integrated global pharma company," stated Dr. Johnson Lau, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Athenex. "We have several major catalysts upcoming, including two anticipated NDA submissions. We are also scheduled to deliver an oral presentation to discuss the Phase III data for Oral Paclitaxel in metastatic breast cancer at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium in December. We have been strategic in building out and integrating our clinical and manufacturing operations in order to maximize the commercial opportunities of our rapidly advancing pipeline. We believe we are in a strong position to develop multiple, potentially successful therapies in the future."

Mr. Jeffrey Yordon, Chief Operating Officer of Athenex, commented, "We are continually optimizing our commercial infrastructure, developing the market, and building awareness of our Athenex Oncology brand in anticipation of commercial launch of Oral Paclitaxel. We have finalized our staffing and organizational plan, and intend to make additional key hires next year, including medical science liaisons and regional sales leaders, with the full sales team expected to come on board in the months leading up to potential approval. In addition to late-stage pipeline progress, we once again achieved strong revenue growth for our existing commercial business. We plan to continue launching additional products in the remainder of 2019 and into next year."

Third Quarter 2019 and Recent Business Highlights:

Clinical Programs:

Phase III Study of Oral Paclitaxel and Encequidar for Metastatic Breast Cancer

Study met primary endpoint showing statistically significant improvement in overall response rate for oral paclitaxel and encequidar ("Oral Paclitaxel") compared to IV paclitaxel.

Strong trend in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of Oral Paclitaxel compared to IV paclitaxel.

Proportion of confirmed responders with duration of response >150 days was 2.5 times higher for Oral Paclitaxel than IV paclitaxel.

Neuropathy was less frequent with Oral Paclitaxel compared to IV paclitaxel.

Planning to meet with the FDA and present data at SABCS.

Other Oral Paclitaxel Developments

European Commission granted orphan designations for paclitaxel and for encequidar for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma.

Presented three posters at European Society for Medical Oncology Congress 2019 demonstrating the results from clinical studies of Oral Paclitaxel for patients with a number of advanced solid tumor types as well as in combination with ramucirumab, an anti-VEGFR2 antibody therapy.

Tirbanibulin Ointment for Actinic Keratosis (AK)

Partner Almirall announced a progress update on the program, including AK recurrence rates in those patients who had complete clearance at the primary evaluation endpoint on day 57 and who were followed quarterly in the 12-month extension period.

Athenex completed pre-NDA consultation with the FDA.

Partner Almirall reiterated its expectations for launch of tirbanibulin ointment in the US and Europe in Q1 2021 and Q2 2021, respectively.

Phase I Clinical Study of KX2-361 Oral

Partner Xiangxue Pharmaceutical initiated a Phase I study in China. KX2-361 is the second compound derived from Athenex’s Src kinase inhibition platform, for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme.

Corporate Announcements:

Appointed Daniel Lang, MD, as President of Axis Therapeutics Limited (Axis) and Senior Director of Corporate Development at Athenex.

Completed construction of new API (active pharmaceutical ingredients) facility in Chongqing, China.

The 440,000-square-foot facility is expected to commence operations in the first half of 2020.

The construction of the facility is part of Athenex’s strategy for vertical integration to capture value across the supply chain.

Commercial Business:

Athenex Pharmaceutical Division (APD) currently markets a total of 31 products with 59 SKUs.

Athenex Pharma Solutions (APS) currently markets 5 products with 13 SKUs.

Goal is to launch 3-5 products in the remainder of 2019.

Financial Results for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2019

Product sales for the three months ended September 30, 2019 were $19.2 million, compared with $13.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $5.9 million or 45%. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in specialty product revenue and 503B revenue of $4.7 million and $2.5 million, respectively. The licensing fees and consulting revenue recorded in the three months ended September 30, 2018 primarily related to our tirbanibulin license agreement with Almirall.

Cost of sales for the three months ended September 30, 2019 totaled $17.1 million, an increase of $5.1 million, or 43%, as compared to $12.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The increase in cost of sales was in line with the increase in product sales.

Research and development expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2019 were $19.6 million as compared to $51.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. This was primarily due to a decrease in licensing fees, product development, clinical operations, and R&D related compensation. The licensing fee decrease mainly resulted from a $29.5 million non-cash license fee related to the license of TCR-T technology in connection with the establishment of Axis, recorded in the third quarter of 2018 and which did not recur. The decrease in R&D expenses was offset primarily by an increase in preclinical development costs related to the Arginine Deprivation Therapy and TCR-T Immunotherapy platforms.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2019 totaled $16.3 million, compared to $11.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. This was primarily due to an increase in costs of preparing to commercialize our proprietary drugs, if approved, and an increase in general administrative expenses including legal fees and other professional service fees. Administrative-related compensation expense remained consistent with the prior year.

Net loss attributable to Athenex for the three months ended September 30, 2019 was $34.8 million, or ($0.45) per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $46.2 million, or ($0.70) per diluted share, in the same period last year.

The Company received a $20 million milestone payment from Almirall during the second quarter of 2019 in connection with the partnership on tirbanibulin and expects this payment to be recorded as revenue in the fourth quarter of 2019.

At September 30, 2019, the Company had cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments of $129.2 million, compared to $107.4 million at December 31, 2018. Based on the current operating plan, we expect that our cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash as of September 30, 2019, together with cash to be generated from our operating activities, will enable us to fund our operations into the third quarter of 2020.

Financial Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

Product sales increased to $66.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, from $37.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

Total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 decreased by $1.0 million, to $66.9 million, as compared to $67.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The decrease was primarily due to $30.0 million related to license milestone revenue earned during 2018, and $2.3 million decrease in medical device product sales and contract manufacturing revenue, offset by a $15.2 million increase in specialty product sales, a $13.4 million increase in 503B sales, and a $2.7 million increase in sales of API. Revenue from 503B and API sales is expected to decline for the remainder of the year as we ceased sales of vasopressin in August 2019 and suspended production of API in the second quarter of 2019.

Cost of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 totaled $53.9 million, an increase of $21.2 million, or 65%, as compared to $32.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. This was primarily due to the increase of $16.9 million in cost of sales from the sale of specialty products and $4.3 million in cost of sales from 503B and API products. The increase in cost of sales was lower than that in product sales, primarily as a result of changes in our product portfolio.

Research and development expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 totaled $62.6 million, as compared to $99.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. This was primarily due to a decrease in licensing fees, as well as expenses in relation to clinical operations and product development, partially offset by an increase in preclinical development costs related to the Arginine Deprivation Therapy and TCR-T Immunotherapy platforms, and an increase of R&D related compensation expense.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 totaled $48.6 million, as compared to $37.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. This was primarily due to an increase related to the costs of preparing to commercialize our proprietary drugs, if approved, and an increase in general administrative expenses including legal fees and other professional service fees, partially offset by a decrease of in administrative related compensation expense.

Net loss attributable to Athenex for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $102.0 million, or ($1.41) per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $90.3 million, or ($1.42) per diluted share, in the same period last year.

Outlook and Upcoming Milestones:

Oral presentation of Phase III results for Oral Paclitaxel at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (December 13, 2019)

Expect to submit an NDA for tirbanibulin ointment in actinic keratosis (Q1 2020)

Expect to submit an NDA for Oral Paclitaxel in metastatic breast cancer (Q1 2020)

Raising Financial Guidance:

Athenex provides revenue guidance for product sales only. The Company is raising its product sales guidance for the full year 2019 to an increase of 35% to 40% year-over-year from $56.4 million in 2018, versus prior guidance of 30% to 35% year-over-year. This new revenue guidance has taken into account our discontinuation of vasopressin sales and the suspension of operations at our Taihao API plant. The revenue guidance excludes license and collaboration fees.

Conference Call and Webcast Information:

The Company will host a conference call and live audio webcast today, Thursday, November 7, 2019, at 8:00am Eastern Time to discuss the financial results and provide a business update.

To participate in the call, dial 877-407-0784 (domestic) or 201-689-8560 (international) fifteen minutes before the conference call begins and reference the conference passcode 13694941. The live conference call and replay can also be accessed via audio webcast here and on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website, located at View Source

On November 7, 2019 CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Company"), a pre-clinical stage biotechnology company specializing in the development of novel treatments for brain tumors, reported the pricing of its initial public offering of 2,125,000 shares of common stock at an offering price of $4.00 per share (Press release, CNS Pharmaceuticals, NOV 7, 2019, View Source [SID1234550839]). The gross proceeds from the offering, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses payable by the Company, are expected to be $8.5 million. In addition, the Company has granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 318,750 shares of common stock at the initial price to the public less underwriting discounts and commissions.

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The common stock is expected to begin trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market on November 8, 2019 under the symbol CNSP. The offering is expected to close on November 13, 2019, subject to customary closing conditions.

The Benchmark Company, LLC is acting as sole Book Running Manager for the offering.

A registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-232443) relating to the shares was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and became effective on November 7, 2019. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the final prospectus, when available, may be obtained from The Benchmark Company, LLC, Attn: Prospectus Department, 150 E 58th Street, 17th floor, New York, NY 10155, 212-312-6700, Email: [email protected].

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a 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.

On November 7, 2019 Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NasdaqGS: SPPI), a biopharmaceutical company focused on novel and targeted oncology therapies, reported financial results for the three-month period ended September 30, 2019 (Press release, Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, NOV 7, 2019, View Source [SID1234550611]).

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"Spectrum has an expanding pipeline, significant near-term milestones, solid capitalization and a highly focused team," said Joe Turgeon, President and CEO, Spectrum Pharmaceuticals. "In December, we look forward to results from Cohort 1 of our ZENITH20 study investigating poziotinib in lung cancer patients with hard-to-treat mutations. We recently submitted our BLA for ROLONTIS to the FDA, a key milestone, as we continue to execute on our strategic priorities."

Pipeline Updates

Poziotinib, an irreversible tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting EGFR and HER2 mutations

Topline results from the EGFR previously treated non-small cell lung cancer cohort (Cohort 1) in the ZENITH20 trial are expected in December. These data could potentially support a New Drug Application (NDA) filing with the FDA.
The HER2 previously-treated non-small cell lung cancer cohort (Cohort 2) of the ZENITH20 trial is fully accrued and is expected to have topline results by mid-year 2020. This cohort also has the potential to support an NDA filing with the FDA in the future.
A basket study has been initiated to investigate poziotinib in patients with EGFR or HER2 mutation-positive malignant solid tumors in an investigator-led study, with the first patient enrolled at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
In September, new preclinical data from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, was presented during the IASLC 2019 World Conference on Lung Cancer in Barcelona, Spain. These scientific data support the recently announced expansion of the ZENITH20 trial.
ROLONTIS (eflapegrastim), a novel long-acting GCSF

Spectrum submitted the ROLONTIS BLA to the FDA on October 24, 2019.
In October, Spectrum presented a poster at the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Supportive Care in Oncology Symposium in San Francisco, CA, highlighting integrated efficacy data from the Phase 3 ROLONTIS clinical trials, ADVANCE and RECOVER which studied more than 600 patients combined and met all primary and secondary endpoints.
Integrated safety data from the ROLONTIS studies will be presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium meeting in December.
Three-Month Period Ended September 30, 2019 (All numbers are from Continuing Operations and are approximate)

GAAP Results

Spectrum recorded a loss of $26.6 million, or $0.24 loss per basic and diluted share, in the three-month period ended September 30, 2019, compared to net loss of $69.2 million, or $0.66 loss per basic and diluted share, in the comparable period in 2018. Total research and development expenses were $17.2 million in the quarter, as compared to $15.3 million in the same period in 2018. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $13.1 million in the quarter, compared to $13.1 million in the same period in 2018.

The company ended the quarter with cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and marketable securities of $252 million.

Non-GAAP Results

Spectrum recorded a non-GAAP loss of $24.5 million, or a non-GAAP loss of $0.22 per basic and diluted share, in the three-month period ended September 30, 2019, compared to a non-GAAP loss of $25.3 million, or a non-GAAP loss of $0.24 per basic and diluted share, in the comparable period in 2018. Non-GAAP research and development expenses were $16.1 million, as compared to $14.7 million in the same period of 2018. Non-GAAP selling, general and administrative expenses were $9.9 million, as compared to $11.1 million in the same period in 2018.

Conference Call:

Thursday, November 7, 2019 @ 4:30 p.m. Eastern/1:30 p.m. Pacific

Domestic: (877) 837-3910, Conference ID# 1469173
International: (973) 796-5077, Conference ID# 1469173

This conference call will also be webcast. Listeners may access the webcast, which will be available on the investor relations page of Spectrum Pharmaceuticals’ website: View Source on November 7, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern/1:30 p.m. Pacific.