Sermonix to Present Poster on ‘Lasofoxifene as a Potential Treatment for ER+ Metastatic Breast Cancer’ at 2019 ASCO Annual Meeting

On May 7, 2019 Sermonix Pharmaceuticals LLC, a privately held biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of female-specific oncology products, reported that it will present a poster on the performance of its lead investigational drug, lasofoxifene, at the 2019 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (Press release, Sermonix Pharmaceuticals, MAY 7, 2019, View Source [SID1234535888]). The abstract, "Lasofoxifene as a Potential Treatment for ER+ Metastatic Breast Cancer," will be presented during the poster session Breast Cancer – Metastatic, June 2, 8-11 a.m., at McCormick Place in Chicago.

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Sermonix is currently enrolling patients in the Phase 2 Evaluation of Lasofoxifene in ESR1 Mutations (ELAINE) study, assessing the activity of oral lasofoxifene versus intramuscular fulvestrant for the treatment of postmenopausal women with locally advanced or metastatic estrogen receptor-positive (ER+)/HER2- breast cancer with an ESR1 mutation.

"For the abstract presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2019, we used a mouse intraductal model to investigate the combination of lasofoxifene and palbociclib, a CDK4/6 inhibitor, as a potential therapeutic for mutant ESR1 metastatic breast cancer, as compared to palbociclib and fulvestrant," said Barry Komm, Sermonix chief scientific officer. "We look forward to sharing our findings at this important gathering of the oncology community."

About Lasofoxifene

Lasofoxifene is an investigational, nonsteroidal selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), which Sermonix licensed from Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: LGND) and has been studied in previous comprehensive Phase 1-3 non-oncology clinical trials in more than 15,000 postmenopausal women worldwide. Lasofoxifene’s bioavailability and activity in mutations of the estrogen receptor could potentially hold promise for patients who have acquired endocrine resistance and ESR1 mutations, a common mutation in the metastatic setting and an area of high unmet medical need. Lasofoxifene’s novel activity in ESR1 mutations was recently discovered and Sermonix has exclusive rights to develop and commercialize it in this area. A potent, well-characterized SERM, lasofoxifene, if approved, could play a critical role in the targeted precision medicine treatment of advanced ER+ breast cancer.

Regeneron Reports First Quarter 2019 Financial and Operating Results

On May 7, 2019 Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) reported financial results for the first quarter of 2019 and provided a business update (Press release, Regeneron, MAY 7, 2019, View Source [SID1234535804]).

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"In the first quarter, aggregate sales of all Regeneron-invented products, recorded by the Company and its collaborators, were $2.27 billion, an increase of 23% over the same period last year. This was driven by an 8% increase in EYLEA net sales, 185% increase in Dupixent net sales, and a strong initial launch for Libtayo in advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma," said Leonard S. Schleifer, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Regeneron. "We continue to unlock the full potential of Dupixent, which is now FDA-approved in atopic dermatitis and asthma in both adults and adolescents and is currently under Priority Review by the FDA for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Regeneron also continues to invest in a broad immuno-oncology portfolio. At the June European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) meeting, we look forward to presenting updated promising results of the Phase 1 study of REGN1979 in relapsed or refractory B-cell non-hodgkin lymphoma, including in patients who have failed previous CAR-T therapy."

Business Highlights

Key Pipeline Progress
Regeneron has twenty product candidates in clinical development, including five of the Company’s U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved products for which it is investigating additional indications. Updates from the clinical pipeline include:
EYLEA (aflibercept) Injection

In April 2019, the Company resubmitted a supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for EYLEA in a pre-filled syringe.

The EYLEA sBLA for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy has a target action date of May 13, 2019.

Dupixent (dupilumab)

In March 2019, the FDA approved Dupixent for adolescent patients 12 to 17 years of age with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not advisable.

The FDA accepted for priority review the sBLA for Dupixent as an add-on maintenance treatment for adults with inadequately controlled severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), with a target action date of June 26, 2019. The Company and Sanofi have also submitted a European Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for CRSwNP.

The European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) adopted a positive opinion for Dupixent, recommending it be approved for use in adults and adolescents 12 years and older as add-on maintenance treatment for severe asthma.

Initiated a Phase 3 study in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Libtayo (cemiplimab)

The European Medicines Agency’s CHMP recommended conditional approval for Libtayo for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic or locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) who are not candidates for curative surgery or curative radiation.

REGN1979, a bispecific antibody against CD20 and CD3

The Company expects to begin a potentially pivotal Phase 2 study in advanced follicular lymphoma this quarter, and a potentially pivotal Phase 2 study in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) later this year.

At the June European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) meeting, the Company plans to present updated results of the Phase 1 study in relapsed or refractory B-cell non-hodgkin lymphoma, including in patients who have failed previous CAR-T therapy.

Praluent (alirocumab)

In March 2019, the European Commission approved a new indication for Praluent to reduce cardiovascular risk in adults with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) by lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels as an adjunct to correction of other risk factors.

In April 2019, the FDA approved a new indication for Praluent to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and unstable angina requiring hospitalization in adults with established cardiovascular disease.

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Beginning in March 2019, Praluent was made available for both the 75 mg and 150 mg doses at a U.S. list price of $5,850 annually, a 60% reduction from the original price.

Business Development Update

In April 2019, the Company entered into a collaboration with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to discover, develop, and commercialize new RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics for diseases of the eye and central nervous system, in addition to a select number of targets expressed in the liver. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company is obligated to make an up-front payment of $400 million and purchase $400 million of Alnylam common stock. In addition, the Company will provide Alnylam with a specified amount of funding at program initiation and at lead candidate designation, and Alnylam is eligible to receive up to $200 million in clinical proof-of-principle milestones.

First Quarter 2019 Financial Results

Product Revenues: Net product sales were $1.104 billion in the first quarter of 2019, compared to $988 million in the first quarter of 2018. EYLEA net product sales in the United States were $1.074 billion in the first quarter of 2019, compared to $984 million in the first quarter of 2018. Overall distributor inventory levels for EYLEA in the United States remained within the Company’s one-to-two-week targeted range.

Total Revenues: Total revenues, which include product revenues described above, increased by 13% to $1.712 billion in the first quarter of 2019, compared to $1.512 billion in the first quarter of 2018. Total revenues include Sanofi and Bayer collaboration revenues(6) of $523 million in the first quarter of 2019, compared to $437 million in the first quarter of 2018. The increase in Sanofi collaboration revenue in the first quarter of 2019 was primarily due to the Company’s share of lower losses of collaboration antibodies, primarily driven by higher net product sales of Dupixent. This increase was partly offset by a decrease in reimbursement of research and development costs under the Immuno-oncology Discovery and Development Agreement with Sanofi, as the amended agreement narrowed the scope of reimbursable activities to the BCMAxCD3 and MUC16xCD3 programs.

Refer to Table 4 for a summary of collaboration and other revenue.

Research and Development (R&D) Expenses: GAAP R&D expenses were $642 million in the first quarter of 2019, compared to $499 million in the first quarter of 2018. The higher R&D expenses in the first quarter of 2019 were principally due to additional costs incurred in connection with our earlier-stage pipeline, an increase in Libtayo development expenses, higher clinical manufacturing costs, and higher headcount and headcount-related costs. In the first quarter of 2019, R&D-related non-cash share-based compensation expense was $59 million, compared to $41 million in the first quarter of 2018.

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Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) Expenses: GAAP SG&A expenses were $411 million in the first quarter of 2019, compared to $331 million in the first quarter of 2018. The higher SG&A expenses in the first quarter of 2019 were primarily due to higher headcount and headcount-related costs, higher contributions to independent not-for-profit patient assistance organizations, and an increase in commercialization-related expenses for Dupixent. In the first quarter of 2019, SG&A-related non-cash share-based compensation expense was $44 million, compared to $35 million in the first quarter of 2018.

Cost of Collaboration and Contract Manufacturing (COCM): GAAP COCM expenses were $108 million in the first quarter of 2019, compared to $46 million in the first quarter of 2018. The increase in COCM was primarily due to higher expenses in connection with process validation at our Limerick manufacturing facility, higher inventory write-offs and reserves, and the recognition of manufacturing costs associated with higher sales of Dupixent.

Other Income (Expense): GAAP other income (expense), net, in the first quarter of 2019 and 2018 includes the recognition of $43 million and $9 million, respectively, of net gains on equity securities.

Income Taxes: In the first quarter of 2019, GAAP income tax expense was $85 million and the effective tax rate was 15.6%, compared to $107 million and 18.3% in the first quarter of 2018. The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2019 was positively impacted, compared to the U.S. federal statutory rate, primarily by the federal tax credit for research activities, stock-based compensation, the foreign-derived intangible income deduction, and income earned in foreign jurisdictions with tax rates lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate.

GAAP and Non-GAAP Net Income(2): GAAP net income was $461 million, or $4.23 per basic share and $3.99 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2019, compared to GAAP net income of $478 million, or $4.44 per basic share and $4.16 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2018.

Non-GAAP net income was $518 million, or $4.75 per basic share and $4.45 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2019, compared to non-GAAP net income of $537 million, or $4.99 per basic share and $4.67 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2018.

A reconciliation of the Company’s GAAP to non-GAAP results is included in Table 3 of this press release.

Regeneron records net product sales of EYLEA in the United States. Outside the United States, EYLEA net product sales comprise sales by Bayer in countries other than Japan and sales by Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. in Japan under a co-promotion agreement with an affiliate of Bayer. The Company recognizes its share of the profits (including a percentage on sales in Japan) from EYLEA sales outside the United States within "Bayer collaboration revenue" in its Statements of Operations.

This press release uses non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP net income per share, non-GAAP unreimbursed R&D, and non-GAAP SG&A, which are financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"). These non-GAAP financial measures are computed by excluding certain non-cash and other items from the related GAAP financial measure. Non-GAAP adjustments also include the estimated income tax effect of reconciling items.

The Company makes such adjustments for items the Company does not view as useful in evaluating its operating performance. For example, adjustments may be made for items that fluctuate from period to period based on factors that are not within the Company’s control (such as the Company’s stock price on the dates share-based grants are issued or changes in the fair value of the Company’s equity investments) or items that are not associated with normal, recurring operations (such as changes in applicable laws and regulations). Management uses these non-GAAP measures for planning, budgeting, forecasting, assessing historical performance, and making financial and operational decisions, and also provides forecasts to investors on this basis. Additionally, such non-GAAP measures provide investors with an enhanced understanding of the financial performance of the Company’s core business operations. However, there are limitations in the use of these and other non-GAAP financial measures as they exclude certain expenses that are recurring in nature. Furthermore, the Company’s non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable with non-GAAP information provided by other companies. Any non-GAAP financial measure presented by Regeneron should be considered supplemental to, and not a substitute for, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of the Company’s historical GAAP to non-GAAP results is included in Table 3 of this press release.

The Company’s 2019 financial guidance does not assume the completion of any significant business development transactions not completed as of the date of this press release (other than the collaboration with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. discussed above).

Unreimbursed R&D represents R&D expenses reduced by R&D expense reimbursements from the Company’s collaborators and/or customers.

The Company’s collaborators provide it with estimates of the collaborators’ respective sales and the Company’s share of the profits or losses from commercialization of products for the most recent fiscal quarter. The Company’s estimates for such quarter are reconciled to actual results in the subsequent fiscal quarter, and the Company’s share of the profit or loss is adjusted on a prospective basis accordingly, if necessary.

Conference Call Information

Regeneron will host a conference call and simultaneous webcast to discuss its first quarter 2019 financial and operating results on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at 8:30 AM. To access this call, dial (800) 708-4539 (U.S.) or (847) 619-6396 (International). A link to the webcast may be accessed from the "Investors and Media" page of Regeneron’s website at www.regeneron.com. A replay of the conference call and webcast will be archived on the Company’s website and will be available for 30 days.

HALOZYME REPORTS FIRST QUARTER 2019 RESULTS

On May 7, 2019 Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HALO), a biotechnology company developing novel oncology and drug-delivery therapies, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019 and provided an update on recent corporate activities (Press release, Halozyme, MAY 7, 2019, View Source [SID1234535828]).

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"We enjoyed a strong start to 2019 as our first quarter included a new ENHANZE collaboration with argenx, positive phase III data from Janssen’s COLUMBA study evaluating a subcutaneous formulation of DARZALEX, and FDA approval of Herceptin Hylecta," said Dr. Helen Torley, president and chief executive officer. "Looking ahead in 2019, we expect this momentum to continue. On ENHANZE we anticipate regulatory submissions by ENHANZE partner Janssen for the subcutaneous formulation of DARZALEX, a new phase 3 trial initiation by one of our ENHANZE partners and multiple Phase 1 trial initiations. On PEGPH20, we project the announcement of topline results from our HALO-301 pivotal phase 3 trial in pancreas cancer in the second half of the year."

First Quarter 2019 and Recent Highlights Include:

In February 2019, we announced that Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, received approval from the FDA for Herceptin Hylecta, a co-formulation of trastuzumab and rHuPH20. Herceptin Hylecta is approved for the treatment of certain people with HER2-positive early breast cancer. Herceptin Hylecta is a ready-to-use formulation that can be administered in two to five minutes, compared to 30 to 90 minutes for intravenous trastuzumab. In April 2019, Roche made Herceptin Hylecta available in the U.S.

In February 2019, Janssen’s development partner, Genmab, announced positive Phase 3 trial results from the COLUMBA study. The study evaluated subcutaneous DARZALEX in comparison to DARZALEX IV in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. DARZALEX SC, using ENHANZE drug delivery technology, was found to be non-inferior to DARZALEX IV with regard the co-primary endpoints of Overall Response Rate and Maximum Trough concentration on day 1 of the third treatment cycle. Additional data from this trial will be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in Chicago at an oral presentation on Sunday, June 2, 2019.

In February 2019, we entered into a collaboration agreement with argenx for the right to develop and commercialize one exclusive target, the human neonatal Fc receptor FcRn, which includes argenx’s lead asset efgartigimod (ARGX-113), and an option to select two additional targets using our ENHANZE technology for an upfront payment of $30.0 million. We will receive payments of $10.0 million per target for future target nominations and potential milestone payments of up to $160.0 million per target, subject to the achievement of specific development, regulatory and sales-based milestones. We will receive mid-single digit royalties on sales of commercialized products.

With regard to HALO-301, a Phase 3 study evaluating PEGPH20 in metastatic pancreas cancer, the company now expects to achieve the target number of overall survival (OS) events in the third quarter of 2019. The company plans to initiate the database lock process for final analysis after 330 OS events have been achieved with mature data. As a result, the company expects topline results will be available in the second half of 2019.

First Quarter 2019 Financial Highlights

Revenue for the first quarter was $56.9 million compared to $30.9 million for the first quarter of 2018. The year-over-year increase was primarily driven by $30.0 million in upfront license fees for the argenx collaboration. Revenue for the quarter included $18.0 million in royalties and $8.4 million in product sales, which compared to $20.9 million and $6.8 million, respectively, in the prior year period. The decrease in royalties was mainly driven by lower sales of Herceptin SC by Roche, partially offset by higher sales of RITUXAN HYCELA in the U.S. by Roche.

Research and development expenses for the first quarter were $31.3 million, compared to $38.0 million for the first quarter of 2018. The decline in expenses was driven by reduced clinical trial activity due to the completion of enrollment in HALO-301.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the first quarter were $18.0 million, compared to $13.6 million for the first quarter of 2018. The increase is related to an increase in personnel expenses, including stock based compensation as well as preparations for the potential commercial launch of PEGPH20.

Net income for the first quarter was $1.8 million, or $0.01 per share, compared to a net loss in the first quarter of 2018 of $27.5 million, or $0.19 per share.

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $328.7 million at March 31, 2019, compared to $354.5 million at December 31, 2018.

Financial Outlook for 2019

Halozyme reiterates its overall 2019 financial guidance while lowering the anticipated contribution from royalties and increasing the anticipated contribution from products sales related to API. For 2019, Halozyme now expects:

Net revenue of $205 million to $215 million;

Revenue from royalties of $72 million to $74 million, with the decrease primarily attributable to the ongoing impact from biosimilars in Europe and updated expectations for the US launched products;

Product sales related to API increased to reflect additional customer orders;

Operating expenses of $265 million to $275 million, or $225 million to $235 million excluding an expected increase in cost of goods sold;

Operating cash burn of $45 million to $55 million;

Debt repayment of approximately $90 million, the company expects to pay off the remainder of the royalty-backed debt by the end of the first quarter of 2020;

Year-end cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities balance of $210 million to $220 million.

This guidance continues to exclude revenue from any potential, new ENHANZE global collaboration and licensing agreements.

Webcast and Conference Call

Halozyme will webcast its Quarterly Update Conference Call for the first quarter of 2019 today, Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT. Dr. Torley will lead the call, which will be webcast live through the "Investors" section of Halozyme’s corporate website and a replay will be available following the close of the call. To access the webcast and additional documents related to the call, please visit halozyme.com approximately fifteen minutes prior to the call to register, download and install any necessary audio software. The call may also be accessed by dialing (866) 393-4306 (domestic callers) or (734) 385-2616 (international callers). A telephone replay will be available after the call by dialing (855) 859-2056 (domestic callers) or (404) 537-3406 (international callers) using replay ID number 3076769.

CohBar Appoints Steven B. Engle as Chief Executive Officer

On May 7, 2019 CohBar, Inc. (NASDAQ: CWBR), a clinical stage biotechnology company developing mitochondria based therapeutics (MBTs) to treat age-related diseases and extend healthy lifespan, reported that it has appointed Steven B. Engle as its Chief Executive Officer, effective May 15, 2019 (Press release, CohBar, MAY 7, 2019, View Source [SID1234535845]). CohBar’s interim Chief Executive Officer Dr. Philippe Calais will continue to serve on the company’s Board, a position he has held since June 2018.

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"Steven is a highly accomplished healthcare executive, and we are very happy to have him leading the CohBar team at this important time in the company’s evolution," said Albion J. Fitzgerald, Chairman of the Board of Directors. "With our phase 1a/1b clinical trial of CB4211 in NASH and obesity, and our expanding pipeline of mitochondrial-derived peptides that hold great promise as a new class of novel therapeutics, we believe we are well positioned to become a leader in the development of therapeutics to treat a broad range of age-related diseases. We expect that Steven’s extensive experience in drug discovery, development and commercialization, together with his track record of executing value-creating strategic transactions, will be instrumental in leading the company toward achieving our corporate and clinical goals."

"On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Philippe for his dedication, contributions and leadership during this transition. We look forward to his continued contributions as a valued member of our Board," Mr. Fitzgerald concluded.

"I am very pleased to be working with the CohBar Board, executive management and the broader team to realize the company’s vision to develop mitochondria based therapeutics that treat chronic diseases with underlying metabolic dysfunction," commented Mr. Engle. "This is an exciting time for CohBar, and I look forward to our advancing the company’s novel pipeline through value-creating milestones."

Steven Engle has over 20 years of executive leadership experience with public biotech companies developing breakthrough products in metabolic, autoimmune, oncologic and infectious disease areas. Before joining CohBar, Mr. Engle served for seven years as CEO of Averigon Consulting, an advisory firm to the life science industry, supporting companies through product partnering, regulatory planning, investor relations and executive management. Previously, he served for four years as Chairman and CEO of XOMA Corporation, a leader in therapeutic antibodies and antibody technologies. Prior to XOMA, Mr. Engle served for fourteen years as Chairman and CEO of La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company, which discovered the biology of B cell tolerance, developed the first B cell toleragen for lupus patients, and received an approvable letter from the FDA. Earlier, he also served as Vice President of Marketing for Cygnus, Inc., a drug delivery systems company, where he helped to gain FDA approval and to launch Nicotrol for smoking cessation.

Mr. Engle is Chairman of the Board of Prescient Therapeutics Ltd., a clinical stage oncology company, and also serves on the Boards of Author-it Software Corporation, and AROA Biosurgery Ltd. He is a former director of BIO, BayBio and BIOCOM, and served on the board of the Lupus Foundation of America. Mr. Engle holds M.S.E.E. and B.S.E.E. degrees from the University of Texas with a focus in biomedical engineering.

About CB4211

CohBar’s lead program is based on CB4211, a first-in-class mitochondria based therapeutic (MBT) that has demonstrated significant therapeutic potential in preclinical models of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and obesity. CB4211 is a novel and improved analog of MOTS-c, a naturally occurring mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) which was discovered in 2012 by CohBar founder Dr. Pinchas Cohen and his academic collaborators and has been shown to play a significant role in the regulation of metabolism. In July 2018, CB4211 entered a Phase 1a/1b clinical trial which includes a potential activity readout relevant to NASH and obesity. In November 2018, the company announced the temporary suspension of the trial to address mild injection site reactions that were unexpectedly persistent, and announced the anticipated resumption of the clinical trial in May 2019. NASH has been estimated to affect as many as 12% of adults in the U.S., and there is currently no approved treatment for the disease.

Theravance Biopharma, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2019 Financial Results and Provides Business Update

On May 7, 2019 Theravance Biopharma, Inc. ("Theravance Biopharma" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: TBPH) reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019 (Press release, Theravance, MAY 7, 2019, View Source [SID1234535861]). Revenue for the first quarter of 2019 was $5.3 million. First quarter operating loss was $73.7 million or $61.4 million excluding share-based compensation expense. Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaled $434.1 million as of March 31, 2019.

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Rick E Winningham, Chief Executive Officer, commented: "As we continue to make progress in 2019, we remain highly focused on implementing our strategy to discover, develop and commercialize transformational medicines with the potential to address important unmet patient, payor and caregiver needs.

"The Phase 2 Crohn’s disease and Phase 2b/3 ulcerative colitis studies of TD-1473, our gut-selective pan-JAK inhibitor, are actively enrolling patients. Our registrational Phase 3 clinical program of ampreloxetine in symptomatic nOH is also underway, and we plan to present supportive five-month data from the completed Phase 2 study at scientific meetings in mid-2019. The Phase 1 study of TD-8236, our lung-selective JAK inhibitor, in healthy volunteers and asthmatic patients is ongoing and we expect to report results from the study in the third quarter of 2019.

"The YUPELRI launch is progressing following the commencement of formal sales and marketing efforts earlier this year in partnership with Mylan. In addition, sales of GSK’s TRELEGY ELLIPTA for COPD continue to accelerate supported by product approvals and launches in additional geographies, including the recent approval in Japan. We were pleased to see GSK’s recent announcement that the Phase 3 CAPTAIN study of TRELEGY ELLIPTA in patients with asthma met its primary endpoint, and GSK plans to submit the full dataset for regulatory review.

"Our strong cash position enables us to drive forward key programs in TD-1473, ampreloxetine, TD-8236, and YUPELRI, and to advance novel, organ-selective research programs toward the clinic. We intend to continue to build momentum throughout the year with a line-up of important milestones leading toward additional catalysts over the next 12 to 18 months as our late-stage trials mature, earlier-stage programs advance, and our commercial efforts gain traction," concluded Mr. Winningham.

Program Updates

TD-1473 (gut-selective pan-Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor):

Supplemental data from the Phase 1b study of TD-1473 in patients with ulcerative colitis to be shared in an oral presentation at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) in May 2019
Phase 2 DIONE induction study in Crohn’s disease and registrational Phase 2b/3 RHEA induction and maintenance study in ulcerative colitis underway
Ampreloxetine (TD-9855, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI)):

5-month data from the Phase 2 study in patients with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) to be presented at the International Association of Parkinsonism and Related Disorders (IAPRD) in June 2019 and selected for oral presentation at the 32nd European Neurology Congress (ENC) in July 2019
Ongoing registrational Phase 3 program in symptomatic nOH comprised of two studies:
4-week treatment study; and
4-month open label study followed by a 6-week randomized withdrawal phase to demonstrate durability of response
TD-8236 (novel, lung-selective inhaled pan-JAK inhibitor for serious respiratory diseases):

Phase 1 data expected in the third quarter of 2019; study designed to evaluate safety and provide biomarker data of TD-8236 in healthy volunteers and asthmatic patients
Program goal in asthma is the prevention of exacerbations and the improvement of symptoms in patients uncontrolled by steroids despite compliance
TD-8236 shown to potently inhibit targeted mediators of Th2-high and Th2-low asthma in human cells in preclinical studies
YUPELRI (revefenacin) inhalation solution (lung-selective nebulized long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA)):

First and only once-daily, nebulized bronchodilator approved in the US for the maintenance treatment of patients with COPD
Launch underway with partner Mylan; combined sales infrastructures covering the hospital, hospital discharge, and home health settings
TRELEGY ELLIPTA (first once-daily single inhaler triple therapy for COPD)1:

First quarter 2019 net sales of $112.7 million; Theravance Biopharma entitled to approximately 5.5% to 8.5% (tiered) of worldwide net sales of the product
Phase 3 CAPTAIN study in patients with asthma met primary endpoint:
TRELEGY demonstrated statistically significant 110mL improvement in lung function compared with RELVAR/BREO
GSK plans to submit data for regulatory review once full dataset is available
Marketing authorization granted in Japan for the treatment for COPD; product now launched in 30 markets with the potential for an approval in China later this year
Notes:
1 As reported by Glaxo Group Limited or one of its affiliates (GSK); reported sales converted to USD; economic interest related to TRELEGY ELLIPTA (the combination of fluticasone furoate, umeclidinium, and vilanterol, (FF/UMEC/VI), jointly developed by GSK and Innoviva, Inc.) entitles Company to upward tiering payments equal to approximately 5.5% to 8.5% on worldwide net sales of the product (net of TRC LLC expenses paid and the amount of cash, if any, expected to be used in TRC over the next four fiscal quarters). RELVAR/BREO ELLIPTA (the combination of fluticasone furoate and vilanterol)

First Quarter Financial Results

Revenue

Revenue from collaborative arrangements for the first quarter of 2019 was $5.3 million compared to $4.6 million in the same period in 2018. Total revenue decreased by approximately $3.0 million as compared to the first quarter of 2018. The decrease in total revenue resulted primarily from no product sales being recognized in the first quarter of 2019 following the sale of VIBATIV to Cumberland Pharmaceuticals in late 2018.

Research and Development (R&D) Expenses

R&D expenses for the first quarter of 2019 were $53.8 million, compared to $47.8 million in the same period in 2018. The increase was primarily due to an increase in external and employee-related expenses. The increase in employee-related expenses includes the impact of the reduction in force announced in the first quarter of 2019. First quarter R&D expenses included non-cash share-based compensation of $6.2 million.

Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) Expenses

SG&A expenses for the first quarter of 2019 were $25.2 million, compared to $24.7 million in the same period in 2018. The increase was primarily due to higher collaboration and employee-related expenses. The increase in employee-related expenses includes the impact of the reduction in force announced in the first quarter of 2019. First quarter SG&A expenses included non-cash share-based compensation of $6.1 million.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, excluding restricted cash, totaled $434.1 million as of March 31, 2019.

2019 Financial Guidance

The Company’s guidance on operating loss excluding non-cash share-based compensation for the full year of 2019 remains unchanged at $210.0 million to $230.0 million. Operating loss guidance does not include royalty income for TRELEGY ELLIPTA which the Company recognizes as non-operating income. The Company’s share of US profits and losses related to the commercialization of YUPELRI, potential future business development collaborations as well as the timing and cost of clinical studies associated with its key programs, among other factors, could impact the Company’s financial guidance.

Arbitration Against Innoviva

As noted in the Innoviva, Inc. ("Innoviva") Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 20192 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 1, 2019, no distributions were made to Theravance Biopharma with respect to its 85% economic interest in Theravance Respiratory Company, LLC ("TRC LLC") for the quarter ended December 31, 2018. As a result of this unjustified withholding of cash and Innoviva’s statement to Theravance Biopharma that it intends to cause TRC LLC to withhold making further cash distributions through calendar 2019, the Company has initiated an arbitration against Innoviva and TRC LLC regarding Innoviva’s material breach of its obligations to cause TRC LLC to make contractually-required distributions to the Company from royalties paid to TRC LLC by GlaxoSmithKline and its affiliates (collectively, "GSK") related to GSK’s net sales of TRELEGY ELLIPTA.

Rick E Winningham, chairman and chief executive officer of Theravance Biopharma, commented: "Theravance Biopharma intends to aggressively enforce all aspects of its agreement with Innoviva and TRC LLC to ensure we continue receiving our stipulated 85% share of royalties linked to TRELEGY ELLIPTA net sales. We firmly believe there is no justification or legal basis for Innoviva to cause TRC LLC to withhold the Q4 2018 distributions, the 2019 distributions or any material amount of cash. We are confident that Theravance Biopharma will prevail in this dispute and retain all rights to its full portion of the TRELEGY ELLIPTA royalties paid to TRC LLC by GSK."

In connection with Theravance Biopharma’s spin-off from Innoviva in 2014, the two companies (collectively, and including Theravance Biopharma affiliates who became members, the "Members") entered into a limited liability company agreement (the "TRC LLC Agreement") that established TRC LLC. TRC LLC is jointly owned by the two companies despite being managed by Innoviva, and its purpose is to collect and disburse royalties from GSK’s sales of certain products, including TRELEGY ELLIPTA, to the Members. The terms of the Agreement plainly state that Member interests owned by Theravance Biopharma entitle it to 85% of the royalties paid to TRC LLC by GSK as a result of GSK’s net sales of TRELEGY ELLIPTA (net of TRC LLC expenses paid and the amount of cash, if any, expected to be used in TRC LLC over the next four fiscal quarters). The TRC LLC Agreement imposes express fiduciary duties on Innoviva equal to those of directors of a for-profit corporation and those of a controlling shareholder. To ensure that Innoviva causes TRC LLC to fulfill its contractual duties to distribute royalties, and to discharge its own fiduciary duties, the TRC LLC Agreement imposes significant limitations on Innoviva’s authority as manager, including requiring Theravance Biopharma’s consent before taking actions or omitting to take actions that would reasonably be expected to have a direct or indirect material and adverse effect on the Company’s economic interest in TRC LLC or its rights, preferences, privileges or obligations.

On November 30, 2018, an affiliate of Theravance Biopharma named Triple Royalty Sub LLC (the "Issuer") closed a private placement of $250 million aggregate principal amount of non-recourse Triple PhaRMAsm 9% Fixed Rate Term notes due on or before April 15, 2033 (the "Notes"). The Notes are secured by, and the primary source of funds to make payments on the Notes is, the Issuer’s 63.75% economic interest in any future payments made by GSK to TRC LLC (net of TRC LLC expenses paid and the amount of cash, if any, expected to be used in TRC LLC over the next four fiscal quarters).

The Notes bear an annual interest rate of 9%, with interest and principal payable quarterly beginning April 15, 2019. Through October 15, 2020, the terms of the Notes provide that to the extent there are insufficient funds to satisfy the Issuer’s scheduled quarterly interest obligations, the shortfall shall be added to the principal amount of the Notes without a default or event of default occurring. The terms of the Notes also provide that, at Theravance Biopharma’s option, the quarterly interest payment obligations can be satisfied by making a capital contribution to the Issuer, but not for more than four (4) consecutive quarterly interest payment dates or for more than six (6) quarterly interest payment dates during the term of the Notes. For the April 15, 2019 interest payment date, Theravance Biopharma R&D, Inc. (parent entity of Issuer) made a capital contribution to satisfy the interest payment obligations for that scheduled payment. If necessary, interest may be paid in-kind or Theravance Biopharma may exercise its capital contribution option in the near future while we arbitrate this dispute with Innoviva.

Rick E Winningham concluded:

"As we work to resolve this dispute in our favor, we will continue to execute on our go-forward strategy. Again, we firmly believe there is no justification or legal basis for Innoviva to cause TRC LLC to withhold any material amount of cash. We are confident that Theravance Biopharma will prevail in this dispute and retain all rights to its full portion of the TRELEGY ELLIPTA royalties paid to TRC LLC by GSK. We believe the arbitration process provided for under the Agreement will enable us to pursue and achieve a favorable resolution in a relatively timely manner."

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP is serving as external counsel to Theravance Biopharma in this matter.

Notes
2 As disclosed in Innoviva’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity in the Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2019.

Conference Call and Live Webcast Today at 5:00 pm ET

Theravance Biopharma will hold a conference call and live webcast accompanied by slides today at 5:00 pm ET. To participate in the live call by telephone, please dial (855) 296-9648 from the US, or (920) 663-6266 for international callers, and use the confirmation code 9890346. Those interested in listening to the conference call live via the internet may do so by visiting Theravance Biopharma’s website at www.theravance.com, under the Investor Relations section, Presentations and Events. Please go to the website 15 minutes prior to the start of the call to register, download, and install any necessary audio software.

A replay of the conference call will be available on Theravance Biopharma’s website for 30 days through June 7, 2019. An audio replay will also be available through 8:00 pm ET on May 14, 2019 by dialing (855) 859-2056 from the U.S., or (404) 537-3406 for international callers, and then entering confirmation code 9890346.