Elpiscience Announces Clinical Trial Approval of ES101 in China

On February 22, 2019 Elpiscience Biopharma, Ltd. reported that the bispecific antibody ES101 has been approved by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) for clinical trials in China (Press release, Elpiscience, FEB 22, 2019, View Source;id=1311 [SID1234536920]). ES101 is a first-in-class, bispecific antibody targeting both PD-L1 and 4-1BB, where 4-1BB-induced T cell activation is dependent on the binding to PD-L1 in the tumor microenvironment. The combination of "de-brake" and "add-gas" ideas not only greatly improved the efficacy of the drug, but also avoided the toxicity that 4-1BB single agent may have. This would solve the problem that 4-1BB monoclonal antibodies have encountered in clinical development. In the mean time, on February 19th, Inhibrx, Elpiscience’s US partner of ES101, announced the dosing of first patient of ES101 in the US. With ES101 being tested in clinical trials both in China and the US, it is expected to benefit cancer patients worldwide.

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Dr. Darren Ji, CEO of Elpiscience, said: "ES101 represents the arrival of the next generation of cancer immunotherapy beyond PD-1/PD-L1. As a first-in-class bispecific antibody, ES101 is expected to bring a transformative treatment to cancer patients on top of the existing therapies. We are delighted to witness this historical moment, which would have marked a small step for Elpiscience and its partner, and a giant leap for patients."

About ES101

ES101 is a tetravalent bispecific antibody that contains four binding domains, two targeting PD-L1 and two targeting 4-1BB, with a molecular weight being only two-thirds of that of an conventional antibody. Based on the high expression of PD-L1 in the tumor microenvironment and an unique antibody engineering, ES101 can conditionally activate 4-1BB upon binding to PD-L1. This would allow for a more efficient tumor killing by immune cells.

First-in-Human Trial Using BXQ-350 for the Treatment of Cancer

On February 22, 2019 Bexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Bexion) reported the opening of Part 3 of their Phase I First-In-Human Trial using BXQ-350 for the treatment of cancer (Press release, Bexion, FEB 22, 2019, View Source [SID1234533802]). This trial was designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose of BXQ-350 and to characterize its safety and pharmacokinetics.

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The Phase I Part 1 study showed that BXQ-350 was well tolerated at all five doses tested with no dose limiting toxicities observed and with no serious adverse events attributed to the therapy. Part 2 tested the highest dose in an additional 36 solid tumor patients. Preliminary data support a safe and tolerable drug profile. The purpose of Part 3 will be to explore safety, and additional indications in rare and gastrointestinal tumors.

"By enrolling patients in Part 3, we hope to gain a better understanding of the potential of BXQ-350 in treating cancer," stated Dr. Ray Takigiku, Founder and CEO of Bexion.

Intrexon to Announce Fourth Quarter 2018 Financial Results on February 28th

On February 21, 2019 Intrexon Corporation (NASDAQ: XON), a leader in the engineering and industrialization of biology to improve the quality of life and health of the planet, reported it will release fourth quarter 2018 financial results after the market closes on Thursday, February 28th, 2019 (Press release, Intrexon, FEB 21, 2019, View Source [SID1234533526]). The Company will host a conference call that day at 5:30 PM ET to discuss the results and provide a general business update.

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The conference call may be accessed by dialing 1-888-317-6003 (Domestic US), 1-866-284-3684 (Canada), and 1‑412-317-6061 (International) and providing the number 4443860 to join the Intrexon Corporation Call. Participants may also access the live webcast through Intrexon’s website in the Investors section at View Source

Agios to Present at the Leerink Global Healthcare Conference on Thursday, February 28, 2019

On February 21, 2019 Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:AGIO), a leader in the field of cellular metabolism to treat cancer and rare genetic diseases, reported that the company is scheduled to present at the Leerink Global Healthcare Conference in New York City on Thursday, February 28, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. ET (Press release, Agios Pharmaceuticals, FEB 21, 2019, View Source [SID1234533528]).

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A live webcast of the presentation can be accessed under "Events & Presentations" in the Investors section of the company’s website at www.agios.com. A replay of the webcast will be archived on the Agios website for at least two weeks following the presentation

Genomic Health Reports Record 2018 Fourth Quarter and Year-end Financial Results and Provides 2019 Financial Guidance

On February 21, 2019 Genomic Health, Inc. (NASDAQ: GHDX) reported financial results and business progress for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2018 (Press release, Genomic Health, FEB 21, 2019, Genomic Health Reports Record 2018 Fourth Quarter and Year-end Financial Results and Provides 2019 Financial Guidance [SID1234533545]).

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"2018 was a record year for Genomic Health. We delivered $394.1 million in revenue and non-GAAP net income of $39.7 million, exceeding expectations for the year. In December, we achieved a significant milestone delivering our one millionth Oncotype DX tests to cancer patients worldwide," said Kim Popovits, chairman of the board, chief executive officer and president of Genomic Health. "Additionally, positive results from the landmark NCI-sponsored TAILORx trial, published in June, elevated Oncotype DX to a new global standard of care for early-stage breast cancer. In 2019, we expect this momentum to continue as we increase penetration of our Oncotype DX tests both in the U.S. and key European markets and broaden global access with national reimbursement progress. We also expect to continue the expansion and diversification of our portfolio through multiple platforms and partners for longer-term growth."

Full Year 2018 Financial Results
Total revenue for 2018 was $394.1 million, compared with pre-606 adjusted revenue* of $334.0 million for 2017, an increase of 18 percent. Reported revenue was $340.8 million for 2017.

U.S. product revenue was $334.7 million for the full year 2018, compared with pre-606 adjusted revenue* of $281.6 million for 2017, an increase of 19 percent. U.S. product reported revenue was $287.4 million for 2017. U.S. invasive breast revenue from Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score tests was $299.4 million for 2018, compared with pre-606 adjusted revenue* of $254.0 million for 2017, an increase of 18 percent. U.S. invasive breast reported revenue was $259.7 million for 2017. U.S. prostate test revenue from Oncotype DX Genomic Prostate Score (GPS) tests was $26.8 million in 2018, compared with pre-606 adjusted revenue* of $17.9 million in 2017, an increase of 50 percent. U.S. prostate test reported revenue from GPS tests was $17.9 million in 2017.

International product revenue for 2018 was $59.4 million, compared with pre-606 adjusted revenue* of $52.0 million for 2017, an increase of 14 percent, and an increase of 12 percent on a non-GAAP constant currency basis. International product reported revenue was $53.1 million for 2017.

GAAP net income was $25.7 million, or $0.72 and $0.68 per share on a basic and diluted basis, respectively, for 2018, an improvement of $29.6 million, compared with a net loss of $3.9 million, or $0.11 per share on a basic and diluted basis, for 2017. GAAP operating income was $23.9 million for 2018, an improvement of $30.4 million, compared with an operating loss of $6.5 million for 2017.

Non-GAAP net income was $39.7 million for 2018, an improvement of $41.3 million, compared with a $1.6 million non-GAAP net loss for 2017. Non-GAAP operating income was $38.8 million for 2018, an improvement of $41.0 million, compared with a non-GAAP operating loss of $2.2 million for 2017.

2019 Financial Guidance
"We have entered 2019 with strong momentum in our business and expect to deliver revenue growth between 11 and 14 percent and significantly greater improvement in profitability for the full year with continued operating leverage," said Brad Cole, chief financial officer of Genomic Health. "In 2019, operating margin expansion is expected to deliver net income growth between 35 and 50 percent for the year on a non-GAAP basis."

The company is providing the following guidance for the full year ending December 31, 2019:

Low

High

Revenue(1)

$ 436

$ 448

Revenue Growth

11%

14%

Net Income (GAAP) (1)

$ 48

$ 54

GAAP Diluted EPS (2)

$ 1.23

$ 1.38

Net Income (Non-GAAP) (1) (3)

$ 54

$ 60

Non-GAAP Diluted EPS (2)

$ 1.38

$ 1.54

(1)

In millions.

(2)

Based on 39 million estimated shares outstanding for Diluted EPS.

(3)

Non-GAAP net income excludes charges for clinical and commercial development milestone payments; changes in fair value of investments and acquisition fees.

Additional 2018 Full Year and Fourth Quarter Financial Results
Total revenue was $104.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, compared with pre-606 adjusted revenue* of $85.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2017, an increase of 22 percent. Revenue growth in the fourth quarter would have been 18 percent excluding $3.5 million to reflect ASC-606 portfolio adjustments. Reported revenue was $87.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2017.

U.S. product revenue was $88.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, compared with pre-606 adjusted revenue* of $72.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2017, an increase of 23 percent. U.S. product reported revenue was $73.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. U.S. invasive breast revenue from Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score tests was $79.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, compared with pre-606 adjusted revenue* of $64.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, an increase of 22 percent. U.S. invasive breast reported revenue was $66.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. U.S. prostate test revenue from Oncotype DX GPS tests was $7.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, compared with pre-606 adjusted revenue* of $5.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, an increase of 48 percent. U.S. prostate test reported revenue from GPS tests was $5.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2017.

International product revenue was $16.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, compared with pre-606 adjusted revenue* of $13.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2017, an increase of 19 percent, and a 21 percent increase on a non-GAAP constant currency basis. International product reported revenue was $13.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2017.

GAAP net income was $8.9 million, or $0.25 and $0.23 per share on a basic and diluted basis, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2018, an improvement of $7.0 million, compared with $1.9 million, or $0.05 per share on a basic and diluted basis, in the fourth quarter of 2017. GAAP operating income was $9.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, an improvement of $7.3 million, compared with $2.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Non-GAAP net income was $12.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, an improvement of $9.5 million, compared with non-GAAP net income of $2.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. Non-GAAP operating income was $12.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, compared with a non-GAAP operating income of $3.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2017.

More than 35,530 Oncotype test results were delivered in the fourth quarter of 2018, an increase of 11 percent, compared with more than 31,990 test results delivered in the same period in 2017. Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score tests delivered in the U.S. grew 9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2018, compared with the same period in 2017. Oncotype DX GPS tests delivered in the U.S. grew 19 percent in the fourth quarter of 2018, compared with the same period in 2017. Oncotype DX international tests delivered grew 15 percent in the fourth quarter of 2018, compared with the same period in 2017 and represented approximately 24 percent of total test volume in the quarter.

More than 136,380 Oncotype test results were delivered for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of 8 percent, compared with more than 126,730 test results delivered in the same period in 2017. Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score tests delivered in the U.S. grew 7 percent in 2018 compared to the prior year. Oncotype DX GPS tests delivered in the U.S. grew 23 percent in 2018 compared to the prior year. Oncotype DX international tests delivered grew 4 percent in 2018 compared to the prior year and represented approximately 24 percent of total test volume in 2018.

Cash and cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities at December 31, 2018, were $209.8 million, an increase of $80.2 million compared with $129.6 million at December 31, 2017.

Recent Business Highlights

Delivered, in collaboration with physicians around the world, more than 1 million Oncotype DX tests to cancer patients worldwide since the first test was made available to patients in 2004. To date, more than 53,000 physicians across 90 countries have used Oncotype DX to optimize treatment decisions for their breast, prostate and colon cancer patients, improving outcomes and saving more than $5 billion in healthcare costs.
Expanded exclusive collaboration with Biocartis Group NV to include urology for the anticipated development of an in vitro diagnostic version of the Oncotype DX Genomic Prostate Score test on Biocartis’ Idylla platform.
The U.K.’sNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued updated guidance again recommending the Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score test for use in clinical practice to guide adjuvant chemotherapy treatment decisions and expanding its prior recommendation to now include patients with micrometastases.
The Breast published results from a French prospective decision impact study on the real-life utilization of the Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score test in clinical practice, demonstrating a 36 percent reduction in chemotherapy use. Consistent with other decision impact studies worldwide, these results highlight the value and need for broader patient access in France.
Nature Partner Journals (NPJ) Breast Cancer published a new analysis of the randomized NSABP B-20 study confirming patients with Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score results greater than 25 receive life-saving benefit from chemotherapy, reinforcing the conclusions of the landmark TAILORx study.
Presented results from two Oncotype DX studies at the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium reinforcing the real-world value of the Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score test in optimizing treatment and outcomes in breast cancer patients regardless of age or race.
Received acceptance to present five studies at the 16thSt. Gallen International Breast Cancer Conference in March 2019.
Urology published results from a multi-center study establishing Oncotype DX as the first genomic prostate cancer test with prospective validation for predicting adverse pathology to identify patients for active surveillance.
Presented results from multiple studies in men on active surveillance at the 2019 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium demonstrating association between the Oncotype DX GPS test and adverse pathology, underscoring its value in identifying patients who will ultimately require surgery due to disease progression.
*Pre-606 Adjusted Product Revenue
Effective January 1, 2018, the company adopted the new ASC 606 accounting standard for revenue, using the modified retrospective method, which applies the new standard prospectively and does not impact prior years’ financial statements. Since the as-reported 2017 quarterly and annual financial statements will not be restated to reflect the new accounting standard, the company has provided a supplemental financial schedule in the non-GAAP tables at the end of this press release, reflecting an estimate of revenue as if the new standard had been applied to the historical 2017 product revenue portion of revenue as of January 1, 2017, referred to herein as "pre-606 adjusted revenue."

Non-GAAP Disclosure
The company makes reference in this press release to "non-GAAP operating income (loss)," which excludes 2018 expenses resulting from the restructuring charges for the cessation of the Oncotype SEQ Liquid Select test product development and commercialization activities in the first quarter of 2018, the cessation of its collaboration with Cleveland Diagnostics in the second quarter of 2018, the expenses for milestone payments to Biocartis N.V. (Biocartis) in the second and third quarters of 2018, as well as the payment to Biocartis for exercising its option to expand the collaboration to include urology in the fourth quarter of 2018. Additionally, the company references "non-GAAP net income (loss)," which also excludes fair value adjustments related to its collaborations with Biocartis and Epic Sciences, and the gain on sale of marketable securities in the first quarter of 2017. The company believes that excluding these items and their related tax effects from its financial results reflects operating results that are more indicative of the company’s ongoing operating performance while improving comparability to prior periods, and, as such, may provide investors with an enhanced understanding of the company’s past financial performance and prospects for the future. The company also considers the impact of foreign currency exchange rates on its global business as described in the constant currency table accompanying this press release. The company’s management uses such non-GAAP measures internally to evaluate and assess its core operations and to make ongoing operating decisions. This information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for income (loss) from operations or net income (loss) information prepared in accordance with GAAP. An explanation and reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is included in the tables accompanying this press release.

Conference Call Details
To access the live conference call today, February 20, 2019, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time via phone, please dial (877) 303-7208 from the United States and Canada, or +1 (224) 357-2389 internationally. The conference call ID is 8989205. Please dial in approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. To access the live and subsequently archived webcast of the conference call, go to the Investor Relations section of the company’s website at View Source Please connect to the website at least 15 minutes prior to the presentation to allow for any software download that may be necessary.