On October 23, 2019 Verastem, Inc. (Nasdaq:VSTM) (Verastem Oncology or the Company), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing medicines seeking to improve the survival and quality of life of cancer patients, reported that five posters highlighting clinical data for COPIKTRA (duvelisib) will be presented at the Lymphoma & Myeloma 2019 International Congress taking place October 23-26, 2019, in New York City (Press release, Verastem, OCT 23, 2019, View Source [SID1234542447]). The presented abstracts focus on clinical data from the Phase 3 DUO study, including evaluation of COPIKTRA efficacy and safety in high-risk patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), dose modification data and results from a post-hoc analysis evaluating the effect of COPIKTRA on lymphocytosis in patients. Other presented data include the characterization of duvelisib in patients with refractory Marginal Zone Lymphoma from the Phase 2 DYNAMO study, and an update on the safety profile and management of adverse events in heavily pre-treated patients with advanced hematological malignancies.

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"Findings from the DUO study demonstrated that patients taking duvelisib who have received two or more prior therapies experienced improved clinical outcomes and a manageable safety profile," states Matthew S. Davids, MD, Associate Director, Center for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. "These results with duvelisib are important for this patient population, which is in need of targeted therapies to control their disease."

"The data presented at this year’s Lymphoma & Myeloma Congress reflect the utility of duvelisib in patients with relapsed or refractory CLL/SLL after at least two prior therapies, including in patients with advanced disease or at high-risk of recurrence," commented Hagop Youssoufian, MSc, M.D., Head of Medical Strategy at Verastem Oncology. "Further, the research supports the approach to management of adverse events through dose interruptions or dose reductions without an impact on the patient’s response, which could allow patients who are benefitting to stay on therapy longer."

COPIKTRA, a targeted oral inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and the first approved dual inhibitor of PI3K-delta and PI3K-gamma, received approval as monotherapy from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September 2018 for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory CLL/SLL after at least two prior therapies. COPIKTRA also received accelerated approval for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) after at least two prior systemic therapies. Continued approval in FL may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

Details for the poster presentations are as follows:

Title: An improved benefit-risk profile of duvelisib in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma who received ≥2 prior therapies
Lead author: Matt Davids, M.D., Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
Presentation ID: P-012

Title: Effect of dose modifications on response to duvelisib in patients with relapsed or refractory CLL/SLL in the DUO trial
Lead author: Nicole Lamanna, Columbia University Medical Center
Presentation ID: P-030

Title: Patterns of duvelisib-induced lymphocytosis in patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, including those with high-risk factors treated in the DUO trial
Lead author: Jacqueline Barrientos, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
Presentation ID: P-015

Title: Characterization of duvelisib in patients with refractory marginal zone lymphoma: data from the phase 2 DYNAMO trial
Lead author: Eric Jacobsen, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
Presentation ID: P-029

Title: Safety Profile and Management of Adverse Events Associated with Duvelisib in Patients with Advanced Hematologic Malignancies
Lead author: Karen Francoeur, Verastem Oncology
Presentation ID: P-031

PDF copies of these poster presentations will be available here after the meeting.

COPIKTRA includes a Boxed Warning for fatal and serious toxicities including infections, diarrhea or colitis, cutaneous reactions and pneumonitis. See full Prescribing Information for complete Boxed Warning and other important safety information.

SELECT IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

This does not include all information needed to use COPIKTRA (duvelisib) safely and effectively. See full Prescribing Information.

WARNING: FATAL AND SERIOUS TOXICITIES: INFECTIONS, DIARRHEA OR COLITIS, CUTANEOUS REACTIONS, and PNEUMONITIS
See full Prescribing Information for complete boxed warning
Fatal and/or serious infections occurred in 31% (4% fatal) of COPIKTRA-treated patients. Monitor for signs and symptoms of infection. Withhold COPIKTRA if infection is suspected.
Fatal and/or serious diarrhea or colitis occurred in 18% (<1% fatal) of COPIKTRA-treated patients. Monitor for the development of severe diarrhea or colitis. Withhold COPIKTRA.
Fatal and/or serious cutaneous reactions occurred in 5% (<1% fatal) of COPIKTRA-treated patients. Withhold COPIKTRA.
Fatal and/or serious pneumonitis occurred in 5% (<1% fatal) of COPIKTRA-treated patients. Monitor for pulmonary symptoms and interstitial infiltrates. Withhold COPIKTRA.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE

COPIKTRA is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

Relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) after at least two prior therapies.
Relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) after at least two prior systemic therapies. Accelerated approval based on overall response rate and continued approval may be contingent upon confirmatory trials
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Hepatotoxicity: Monitor hepatic function.
Neutropenia: Monitor blood counts.
Embryo-Fetal toxicity: COPIKTRA can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception.
ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) are diarrhea or colitis, neutropenia, rash, fatigue, pyrexia, cough, nausea, upper respiratory infection, pneumonia, musculoskeletal pain, and anemia.

To report Adverse Reactions, contact FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or www.fda.gov/medwatch and Verastem Oncology at 1-877-7RXVSTM (1-877-779-8786).

DRUG INTERACTIONS

CYP3A inducers: Avoid co-administration with strong CYP3A inducers.
CYP3A inhibitors: Monitor for COPIKTRA toxicities when co-administered with strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors. Reduce COPIKTRA dose to 15 mg twice daily when co-administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.
CYP3A substrates: Monitor for signs of toxicities when co-administering COPIKTRA with sensitive CYP3A substrates.
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed.

About COPIKTRA (duvelisib)

COPIKTRA is an oral inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and the first approved dual inhibitor of PI3K-delta and PI3K-gamma, two enzymes known to help support the growth and survival of malignant B-cells. PI3K signaling may lead to the proliferation of malignant B-cells and is thought to play a role in the formation and maintenance of the supportive tumor microenvironment.1,2,3 COPIKTRA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) after at least two prior therapies and relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) after at least two prior systemic therapies. COPIKTRA is also being developed by Verastem Oncology for the treatment of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), for which it has received Fast Track status and Orphan Drug Designation, and is being investigated in combination with other agents through investigator-sponsored studies.4 For more information on COPIKTRA, please visit www.COPIKTRA.com. Information about duvelisib clinical trials can be found on www.clinicaltrials.gov.

On October 23, 2019 Evogene Ltd. (NASDAQ: EVGN) (TASE: EVGN), a leading biotechnology company developing novel products for life science markets, reported that it will release its financial results for the third quarter of 2019 on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 (Press release, Evogene LTD, OCT 23, 2019, View Source [SID1234542464]). Dr. Elran Haber, CEO of Evogene’s human microbiome subsidiary, Biomica, will join the conference call to discuss the company’s activity.

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On the day of the announcement, the Company’s management will host a conference call to discuss the results at 09:00 AM Eastern time, 16:00 Israel time. To access the conference call, please dial 1-888-668-9141 toll free from the United States, or +972-3-918-0609 internationally. Access to the call will also be available via live webcast through the Company’s website at www.evogene.com.

A replay of the conference call will be available approximately three hours following the completion of the call. To access the replay, please dial 1-888-326-9310 toll free from the United States, or +972-3-925-5900 internationally. The replay will be accessible through November 15, 2019, and an archive of the webcast will be available on the Company’s website through November 28, 2019.

On October 23, 2019 Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALXN) reported financial results for the third quarter of 2019 (Press release, Alexion, OCT 23, 2019, View Source [SID1234542431]). Total revenues in the third quarter were $1,263.1 million, a 23 percent increase compared to the same period in 2018. The negative impact of foreign currency on total revenues year-over-year was less than 1 percent, or $2.5 million, inclusive of hedging activities. On a GAAP basis, diluted EPS in the quarter was $2.08, a 41 percent increase versus the prior year. Non-GAAP diluted EPS for the third quarter of 2019 was $2.79, a 38 percent increase versus the third quarter of 2018.

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"With consistent and strong execution, we have delivered another record performance in the third quarter, building on our momentum from the first half of 2019. Our teams continued to demonstrate launch excellence across the globe, with very rapid starts to the German and Japanese ULTOMIRIS PNH launches, where conversion is progressing ahead of the best-in-class U.S. launch at the same time points, as well as a strong start to the SOLIRIS NMOSD launch in the U.S.," said Ludwig Hantson, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Alexion. "We also continued to expand our portfolio with two additional approvals – ULTOMIRIS for atypical HUS in the U.S. and SOLIRIS for NMOSD in the EU – and three new business development transactions that further diversify our pipeline, including an agreement to acquire Achillion. By continuing to deliver on the ambitious transformation plan we laid out two-and-a-half years ago, we have successfully established a strong foundation for the future and look forward to building on this progress as we advance our mission of delivering life-changing therapies to people with rare diseases."

Third Quarter 2019 Financial Highlights

Total net product sales were $1,263.1 million in the third quarter of 2019, compared to $1,026.5 million in the third quarter of 2018.
SOLIRIS (eculizumab) net product sales were $990.5 million, compared to $888.0 million in the third quarter of 2018, representing a 12 percent increase. SOLIRIS volume increased 11 percent year-over-year.
ULTOMIRIS (ravulizumab-cwvz) net product sales were $89.9 million in the third quarter of 2019.
STRENSIQ (asfotase alfa) net product sales were $154.3 million, compared to $113.2 million in the third quarter of 2018, representing a 36 percent increase. STRENSIQ volume increased 36 percent year-over-year.
KANUMA (sebelipase alfa) net product sales were $28.4 million, compared to $25.3 million in the third quarter of 2018, representing a 12 percent increase. KANUMA volume increased 16 percent year-over-year.
GAAP cost of sales was $95.2 million, compared to $90.6 million in the third quarter of 2018. Non-GAAP cost of sales was $91.8 million, compared to $87.3 million in the third quarter of 2018.
GAAP R&D expense was $232.9 million, compared to $174.8 million in the third quarter of 2018. Non-GAAP R&D expense was $186.1 million, compared to $162.3 million in the third quarter of 2018.
GAAP SG&A expense was $299.3 million, compared to $258.7 million in the third quarter of 2018. Non-GAAP SG&A expense was $260.4 million, compared to $224.5 million in the third quarter of 2018.
GAAP income tax expense was $67.9 million, compared to $11.2 million in the third quarter of 2018. Non-GAAP income tax expense was $82.5 million, compared to $75.8 million in the third quarter of 2018.
GAAP diluted EPS was $2.08, compared to $1.47 in the third quarter of 2018. Non-GAAP diluted EPS was $2.79, compared to $2.02 in the third quarter of 2018.
Research and Development

PHASE 3

SOLIRIS – Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD): In August 2019, the European Commission approved SOLIRIS for adults with anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) auto antibody-positive NMOSD. An application for approval in Japan is under review. Alexion plans to initiate a Phase 3 study in children and adolescents with NMOSD by the end of 2019.
SOLIRIS – Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG): A Phase 3 study of SOLIRIS in children and adolescents with gMG is underway.
ULTOMIRIS – Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH): A Phase 3 study of ULTOMIRIS in children and adolescents with PNH is underway.
ULTOMIRIS – Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS): In October 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ULTOMIRIS for the treatment of aHUS to inhibit complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) for adults and children one month and older. Applications for approval in the EU and Japan are under review. A Phase 3 study of ULTOMIRIS in children and adolescents with aHUS is underway.
ULTOMIRIS – Subcutaneous: A single, PK-based Phase 3 study of ULTOMIRIS delivered subcutaneously once per week is underway to support registration in PNH and aHUS. Data are expected in the first half of 2020.
ULTOMIRIS – gMG: A Phase 3 study of ULTOMIRIS in adults with gMG is underway.
ULTOMIRIS – NMOSD: Alexion plans to initiate a Phase 3 study of ULTOMIRIS in NMOSD by the end of 2019.
ULTOMIRIS – Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant-Associated Thrombotic Microangiopathy (HSCT-TMA): Alexion plans to initiate a Phase 3 study of ULTOMIRIS in HSCT-TMA in the first half of 2020, pending regulatory feedback.
ULTOMIRIS – Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Alexion plans to initiate a Phase 2/3 study for ULTOMIRIS in ALS in early 2020, pending regulatory feedback.
ALXN1840 (WTX101) – Wilson Disease: A Phase 3 study of ALXN1840 (WTX101) in Wilson disease is underway. Enrollment is expected to complete in early 2020.
CAEL-101 – Caelum Biosciences: Alexion is collaborating with Caelum Biosciences to develop CAEL-101 for light chain (AL) amyloidosis, a rare systemic disorder that causes misfolded immunoglobulin light chain protein to build up in and around tissues, resulting in progressive and widespread organ damage. A pivotal Phase 2/3 study investigating CAEL-101 as an add-on to current standard-of-care therapy is planned to begin in the first half of 2020. In October 2019, the European Commission granted orphan drug designation to CAEL-101 for the treatment of AL amyloidosis.
AG10 – Eidos: In September 2019, Alexion announced an agreement with Eidos for an exclusive license to develop and commercialize AG10 in Japan. AG10 is a small molecule designed to treat the root cause of transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) – destabilized and misfolded transthyretin (TTR) protein – by binding and stabilizing TTR in the blood. Eidos is currently evaluating AG10 in a Phase 3 study in the U.S. and Europe for ATTR cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) – a progressive, fatal disease caused by the accumulation of misfolded TTR amyloid in the heart – and plans to begin a Phase 3 study in ATTR polyneuropathy (ATTR-PN) – a progressive, fatal disease caused by the accumulation of misfolded TTR amyloid in the peripheral nervous system. Alexion plans to expand the AG10 program into Japan in 2020, pending regulatory feedback.
Elamipretide – Stealth: In October 2019, Alexion announced an agreement with Stealth BioTherapeutics for an option to co-develop and commercialize elamipretide for mitochondrial diseases. Currently being evaluated in a Phase 3 study in people with primary mitochondrial myopathy (PMM) – a genetic mitochondrial disease – elamipretide is a novel, potential first-in-class therapy that targets mitochondrial dysfunction. Alexion will have the opportunity to exercise the option following the delivery of results from the Phase 3 PMM study, which are expected in the first quarter of 2020. If exercised, the option also provides for co-development and commercialization of elamipretide in Barth syndrome, Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) and geographic atrophy associated with dry age-related macular degeneration (GA).
PHASE 1/2

ALXN1830 (SYNT001): Alexion plans to initiate a Phase 2 study of ALXN1830 (SYNT001) in warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (WAIHA) in early 2020. In addition, Alexion plans to initiate a Phase 1 study of a subcutaneous formulation of ALXN1830 in healthy volunteers in early 2020. Pending results from the Phase 1 study, Alexion plans to initiate a Phase 2 study of subcutaneous ALXN1830 in gMG in the second half of 2020.
Danicopan (ACH-4471) & ACH-5228 – Achillion: In October 2019, Alexion announced an agreement to acquire Achillion. Pending approval of Achillion shareholders, satisfaction of customary closing conditions and approval from relevant regulatory agencies, including clearance under the HSR Act, the acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2020. The acquisition will add two oral Factor D inhibitors to treat rare diseases associated with the complement alternative pathway to Alexion’s clinical-stage pipeline – danicopan (ACH-4471) and ACH-5228. Danicopan is currently in Phase 2 development as an add-on therapy to eculizumab for PNH in patients with clinical extravascular hemolysis (EVH) and for C3 glomerulopathy, and ACH-5228 is currently in Phase 1 development.
ULTOMIRIS – Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS): Alexion plans to initiate an exploratory clinical study of ULTOMIRIS in PPMS.
ALXN1810 – Subcutaneous: Alexion has completed a Phase 1 study of subcutaneous ALXN1210 co-administered with Halozyme’s ENHANZE drug-delivery technology, recombinant human hyaluronidase enzyme (rHuPH20), a next-generation subcutaneous formulation called ALXN1810. Strategic planning for the best development path for ALXN1810 is ongoing.
Affibody AB – ABY-039: Alexion is partnering with Affibody AB to co-develop ABY-039 for rare Immunoglobulin G (IgG)-mediated autoimmune diseases. Currently in Phase 1 development, ABY-039 is a bivalent antibody-mimetic that targets the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn).
ALXN1720: In September 2019, Alexion began a Phase 1 study of ALXN1720, a novel anti-C5 albumin-binding bi-specific mini-body that binds and prevents activation of human C5, in healthy volunteers.
PRE-CLINICAL

Zealand Pharma A/S: Alexion is collaborating with Zealand Pharma A/S to discover and develop novel peptide therapies for up to four targets in the complement pathway. Peptides offer a number of advantages, including being highly selective and potent, allowing low dosage volumes for ease of administration, and having the potential to treat a broad range of complement-mediated diseases.
Dicerna – GalXCTM: Alexion is collaborating with Dicerna Pharmaceuticals to jointly discover and develop up to four subcutaneously delivered GalXCTM RNA interference (RNAi) candidates, currently in pre-clinical development, for the treatment of complement-mediated diseases.
Complement Pharma – CP010: Alexion is collaborating with Complement Pharma to co-develop CP010, a pre-clinical C6 inhibitor that has the potential to treat multiple neurological disorders.
Immune Pharma – anti-eotaxin-1 antibody: Alexion has entered into an asset purchase agreement with Immune Pharma to acquire an anti-eotaxin-1 antibody for potential development in inflammatory diseases. The agreement is pending completion of bankruptcy proceedings, which are expected to conclude by the first quarter of 2020.
Share Repurchase Authorization

In October 2019, the Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase authorization of $1 billion. The repurchase program does not have an expiration date and we are not obligated to acquire a particular number of shares of common stock.

Updated 2019 financial guidance assumes a GAAP effective tax rate of 5 to 6 percent and a non-GAAP effective tax rate of 13 to 14 percent for the year.

Updated guidance excludes the financial impact of the recently announced agreement to acquire Achillion as it is anticipated to close in the first half of 2020.

Alexion’s financial guidance is based on current foreign exchange rates net of hedging activities and does not include the effect of acquisitions, license and collaboration agreements, intangible asset impairments, litigation charges, changes in fair value of contingent consideration or restructuring and related activity outside of the previously announced activities that may occur after the issuance of this press release.

Conference Call/Webcast Information:

Alexion will host a conference call/audio webcast to discuss the third quarter 2019 results today at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. To participate in the call, dial 866-762-3111 (USA) or 210-874-7712 (International), conference ID 6281803 shortly before 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. A replay of the call will be available for a limited period following the call. The audio webcast can be accessed on the Investor page of Alexion’s website at: View Source

On October 23, 2019 FibroGen, Inc. (NASDAQ: FGEN), reported the dosing of the first patient in the LAPIS Phase 3 clinical study of pamrevlumab in patients with unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) (Press release, FibroGen, OCT 23, 2019, View Source [SID1234542448]).

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"Patients with unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer face a dire prognosis. The use of pamrevlumab, a novel anti-fibrotic used as neoadjuvant therapy, may change tumor status from unresectable to resectable thus potentially improving the prognosis of the patient", said Pascal Hammel, MD, PhD a gastroenterologist, oncologist, Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy France. "If this pivotal phase 3 trial is successful, I believe this type of treatment will be highly valued by the physician community treating LAPC."

"With this announcement of dosing of the first patient in our LAPIS study, we are excited to further advance late-stage development of pamrevlumab as a treatment for locally-advanced pancreatic cancer," said Elias Kouchakji, M.D., Senior Vice President, Clinical Development, and Drug Safety and Pharmacovigilance, with FibroGen. "We are grateful for the opportunity to build on supportive data from our previous Phase 2 studies, as we continue to explore the potential of pamrevlumab as an important treatment option for patients with LAPC."

In LAPC patients who undergo resection, median survival and five-year survival rates are higher than for unresectable LAPC patients who did not undergo resection. Therefore, achieving surgical resection in this patient population is a meaningful treatment goal.

LAPIS is a multinational randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 study that will evaluate neoadjuvant pamrevlumab therapy in combination with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel. The design of this study is similar to FibroGen’s prior Phase 2 trials. In these studies, a higher percentage of patients treated with the pamrevlumab combination achieved surgical resection and had a statistically significant median survival rate. LAPIS is expected to enroll approximately 260 patients. The primary endpoint of the study is overall survival. The resection rate is a surrogate endpoint, and, should the resection rates favor the pamrevlumab combination, FibroGen plans to request a meeting with the FDA to discuss a marketing application under the provisions of accelerated approval.

For more information regarding this study please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03941093).

About Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
In locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC), the patient’s tumor typically involves structures, particularly blood vessels that are closely associated with the pancreas such as the superior mesenteric artery and superior mesenteric vein. Involvement of the cancer around these blood vessels precludes surgical removal of the tumor. Patients with unresectable LAPC have a median survival of 6 to 10 months, only slightly better than patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, and only 20 percent of newly diagnosed patients are classified as having resectable disease. Patients who have their tumor surgically removed have a much better prognosis with median survival of approximately 23 months with some patients being cured.

About Pamrevlumab
Pamrevlumab is a first-in-class antibody developed by FibroGen to inhibit the activity of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a common factor in fibrotic and proliferative disorders characterized by persistent and excessive scarring that can lead to organ dysfunction and failure. Pamrevlumab is in Phase 3 clinical development for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and for the treatment of locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer (LAPC), and in Phase 2 clinical development for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) to pamrevlumab for the treatment of patients with IPF, LAPC, and DMD. Pamrevlumab has also received Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with IPF and LAPC. Across all clinical studies, pamrevlumab has consistently demonstrated a good safety and tolerability profile to date. For information about pamrevlumab studies currently recruiting patients, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.

On October 23, 2019 Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) reported sales of $2.707 billion during the third quarter of 2019 (Press release, Boston Scientific, OCT 23, 2019, View Source [SID1234542465]). This represents growth of 13.1 percent on a reported basis, 14.2 percent on an operational1 basis and 9.3 percent on an organic2 basis, all compared to the prior year period. The company reported GAAP earnings of $126 million or $0.09 per share (EPS), compared to GAAP earnings of $432 million or $0.31 per share a year ago, and achieved adjusted earnings per share of $0.39 for the period, compared to $0.35 a year ago.

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"Our third quarter results reflect accelerated growth fueled by several key product launches, excellent regional performance and the broad strength of our core portfolio, and we continue to invest in building a robust pipeline," said Mike Mahoney, chairman and chief executive officer, Boston Scientific. "I am proud of our global teams across Boston Scientific who continue to bring forward new clinical solutions that advance science and help improve patient lives."

Third quarter financial results and recent developments:

Reported third quarter sales of $2.707 billion, representing an increase of 13.1 percent on a reported basis, compared to the company’s guidance range of 8 to 10 percent; 14.2 percent on an operational basis; and 9.3 percent on an organic basis, compared to the company’s guidance range of 7.5 to 9 percent, all compared to the prior year period.3
Reported GAAP earnings of $0.09 per share compared to the company’s guidance range of $0.23 to $0.25 per share, due to acquisition-related charges in the quarter primarily associated with the acquisition of BTG plc (BTG Acquisition or BTG). Achieved adjusted earnings per share of $0.39 compared to the guidance range of $0.37 to $0.39 per share.3
Achieved third quarter revenue growth in all segments compared to the prior year period (excludes BTG Acquisition†):
MedSurg: 13.2 percent reported, 14.1 percent operational and 10.5 percent organic
Rhythm and Neuro: 5.4 percent reported, 6.5 percent operational and 3.9 percent organic
Cardiovascular: 11.3 percent reported, 12.6 percent operational and 12.6 percent organic
Reported third quarter revenue growth in all regions, compared to the prior year period (excludes BTG Acquisition†):
U.S.: 10.6 percent reported and operational
EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa): 6.3 percent reported and 10.8 percent operational
APAC (Asia-Pacific): 13.8 percent reported and 14.2 percent operational
Emerging Markets4: 16.1 percent reported and 19.3 percent operational
Commenced launch of the WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device in Japan upon securing positive local reimbursement; surpassed 100,000 patient implants worldwide. Also presented, at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) annual scientific symposium, budget implications data confirming that the WATCHMAN device is an affordable stroke risk reduction strategy for Medicare and Medicare beneficiaries compared to warfarin.
Announced at TCT results from the EVOLVE Short DAPT clinical trial that demonstrated that after being treated with the SYNERGY Bioabsorbable Polymer (BP) Stent, a three-month regimen of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is non-inferior to a 12-month DAPT regimen in certain patients with high bleeding risk. Also announced CE Mark for the SYNERGY MEGATRON Bioabsorbable Polymer Stent which is designed for use in large proximal vessels.
Received from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services continued new technology add-on payment (NTAP) classification for the SENTINEL Cerebral Protection System and an increased add-on payment for FY2020.
Presented at TCT positive data for the LOTUS TAVR System, a mechanically-expanding valve, including a three-year analysis from the REPRISE III study demonstrating significant, sustained improvement in functional and health status following LOTUS valve implantation versus CoreValve systems (Medtronic), and significantly fewer cases of disabling stroke and moderate or greater paravalvular leak versus the CoreValve system–a self-expanding valve. Additionally, a Medicare budget impact analysis demonstrated the mechanically-expanded LOTUS valve is a less costly alternative to self-expanding valves at one year post procedure in high-risk patients with aortic stenosis.
Announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of ImageReady MRI labeling for the Vercise Gevia Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) System to be used in a full-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) environment.5
Completed clinical trial assessing the performance of the EXALT Model D Single-Use Duodenoscope during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures, with positive results presented at the United European Gastroenterology Week Congress.
Announced the completion of the acquisition of BTG plc pursuant to the previously announced scheme of arrangement. In addition, divested microspheres and bland embolic bead products to Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
1. Operational revenue growth excludes the impact of foreign currency fluctuations.
2. Organic revenue growth excludes the impact of foreign currency fluctuations and sales from the recent acquisitions of Claret Medical, Inc. (Claret), Augmenix, Inc. (Augmenix), Vertiflex, Inc. (Vertiflex) and BTG plc (BTG Acquisition), each with no prior year comparable sales. Organic revenue growth also excludes the impact of the divestiture of our global embolic microspheres portfolio, a transaction entered into in connection with obtaining the antitrust clearances required to complete the BTG transaction.
3. As the BTG Acquisition had not yet closed, our previously disclosed third quarter guidance did not include the results of BTG.
4. We define Emerging Markets as the 20 countries that we believe have strong growth potential based on their economic conditions, healthcare sectors and our global capabilities. Periodically, we assess our list of Emerging Markets; effective January 1, 2019, we updated our list of Emerging Market countries. We have revised prior year amounts to the current year’s presentation. The revision had an immaterial impact on prior year Emerging Markets sales.
5. 1.5 Tesla MRI conditional when all conditions of use are met.
† For the third quarter of 2019, there have been no changes to our internal reporting structure and, accordingly, we have not revised our segment reporting or geographic presentation. We will continue to integrate the BTG Acquisition into our operations in the fourth quarter and will reassess our operating and reportable segments as well as geographic presentation for any changes related to our internal reporting structure. Our results of operations include the results of BTG following the acquisition date of August 19, 2019. BTG net sales are substantially U.S. based.

Guidance for Full Year and Fourth Quarter 2019

The company estimates revenue growth for the full year 2019, versus the prior year period, to be in a range of approximately 9 to 9.5 percent on a reported basis (compared to prior guidance of 7 to 8 percent), and to be approximately 7.5 percent on an organic basis (compared to prior guidance of 7 to 8 percent). Full year organic guidance excludes the impact of foreign currency fluctuations and contribution of approximately 360 basis points from the acquisitions of Nxthera, Inc., Claret, Augmenix, Vertiflex and BTG, each with no prior period related net sales and the impact of the divestiture of our global embolic microspheres portfolio following the close of the BTG Acquisition. The company now estimates income on a GAAP basis in a range of $0.72 to $0.75 per share (compared to prior guidance of $0.94 to $0.98 per share) and estimates adjusted earnings, excluding certain charges (credits), in a range of $1.55 to $1.58 per share (compared to prior guidance of $1.54 to $1.58 per share).

The company estimates revenue growth for the fourth quarter of 2019, versus the prior year period, to be in a range of approximately 13 to 15 percent on a reported basis and a growth range of approximately 8 to 9 percent on an organic basis. Fourth quarter organic guidance excludes the impact of foreign currency fluctuations and contribution of approximately 600 to 680 basis points from the acquisitions of Vertiflex and BTG, each with no prior period related net sales and the impact of the divestiture of our global embolic microspheres portfolio following the close of the BTG Acquisition. The company estimates earnings on a GAAP basis in a range of $0.22 to $0.25 per share and adjusted earnings, excluding certain charges (credits), in a range of $0.42 to $0.45 per share.

Conference Call Information

Boston Scientific management will be discussing these results with analysts on a conference call today at 8:00 a.m. EDT. The company will webcast the call to interested parties through its website: www.bostonscientific.com. Please see the website for details on how to access the webcast. The webcast will be available for approximately one year on the Boston Scientific website.