Haematologica publishes Celyad THINK Study

Case Report of CYAD-01 Induced Complete

Remission in Relapsed/Refractory AML Patient

On May 3, 2018 Celyad (Euronext Brussels and Paris, and NASDAQ: CYAD) a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of CAR-T cell therapies, reported the publication later today of a patient case study from the hematological arm of its THINK Phase I trial in the journal Haematologica1 (Press release, Celyad, MAY 3, 2018, View Source [SID1234526052]). The publication, entitled "NKG2D-based Chimeric Antigen Receptor Therapy Induced Remission in a Relapsed/Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patient" is authored by the trial investigators at the Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in Tampa, Fla. and by Celyad’s scientific team.

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The publication details the first objective response to CAR-T in relapsed/refractory AML using CYAD-01, Celyad’s Natural Killer Group 2D (NKG2D) chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, without pre-conditioning lymphodepletion. The patient received CYAD-01 infusions at the initial dose level of 3×108 cells every 2 weeks for 3 administrations, achieving a morphologic leukemia-free state (MLFS2) at 3-months which enabled the patient to benefit from an allo-hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT). The patient achieved a complete molecular remission and remains in remission 9 months post study enrollment. CYAD-01 was well tolerated with no significant toxicities. The demonstrated first objective response to any CAR-T in relapsed/refractory AML without preconditioning chemotherapy highlights the potential of CYAD-01 as a treatment for AML.

"Our results demonstrate the validity of NKG2D as a target, in particular in the context of refractory AML and without other intervening treatments nor preconditioning", commented Frédéric Lehmann, VP Clinical Development and Medical Affairs at Celyad. "We look forward to continue our clinical development plan for our NKG2D CAR based platform and explore the various conditions within which this therapy could provide benefits to patients with end stage cancers."

Dr. David Sallman, Assistant Member in the Malignant Hematology Department of Moffitt Cancer Center, added: "The THINK study case report provides the first clinical validity of CYAD-01 as a tumor-specific antigen-receptor and AML as a disease sensitive to gene-engineered cell therapies. As antigen targeting offers significant challenges in AML, this outcome brings hope for the further use of gene-engineered T-cells for patients with AML that have run out of therapeutic options. It’s all the more striking that this outcome was observed without any prior lymphodepletion highlighting the potential of using a physiologic antigen-receptor."

APOLLO ENDOSURGERY, INC. REPORTS FIRST QUARTER 2018 RESULTS

On May 3, 2018 Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. ("Apollo") (Nasdaq: APEN), a leader in less invasive medical devices for bariatric and gastrointestinal procedures, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018 (Press release, Lpath, MAY 3, 2018, View Source [SID1234526078]).
First Quarter 2018 Highlights

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Total revenues increased 8% over the first quarter of 2017 to $15.7 million

Total Endo-bariatric product sales were $10.3 million, up 40% over the first quarter of 2017
Todd Newton, CEO of Apollo, said, "We are pleased with our first quarter results and 2018 is off to a great start for the Company. Our worldwide Endo-bariatric product sales increased 40% compared to the first quarter of 2017, with OverStitch sales more than doubling compared to the same quarter of last year. For Orbera, the launch of Orbera365 produced both higher selling prices and increased unit sales in our European markets and in the U.S. Orbera implant volume increased 27% compared to the fourth quarter of 2017 as we rebuild U.S. momentum."
First Quarter 2018 Results
Total revenues in the first quarter of 2018 were $15.7 million, compared to $14.5 million in the first quarter 2017, an increase of 8%.
Total Endo-bariatric product sales increased 40% to $10.3 million in the first quarter of 2018 compared to $7.3 million in the first quarter of 2017, primarily due to higher OverStitch product sales in all markets. Outside the U.S. ("OUS") Endo-bariatric product sales increased 61% or $2.4 million and U.S. Endo-bariatric product sales increased 18%, or $0.6 million in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017. Endo-bariatric product sales comprised 65% of total revenues in the first quarter of 2018 compared to 51% in the first quarter of 2017.
Total Surgical product sales decreased $1.8 million, or 26% in the first quarter 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017 due to reductions in gastric banding procedures being performed.
Gross margin for the first quarter of 2018 was 58.4%, compared to 64.9% for the first quarter of 2017 as a result of a greater proportion of our overall product sales coming from our Endo-bariatric products. We have several gross margin improvement projects underway that are expected to be completed over the next couple of years with the goal to reduce the unit cost of our Endo-bariatric products.
Total operating expenses increased $0.6 million to $16.8 million in the first quarter of 2018, compared to the first quarter of 2017. Higher sales and marketing expenses and research and development expenses in the first quarter were partially offset by lower general and administrative expenses. The increase in sales and marketing expenses was primarily due to higher sales compensation costs while the increase in research and development expense was primarily the result of an increase in clinical study activity and associated costs. Lower general and administrative expenses in the quarter were due to non-recurring fees and costs we incurred in the first quarter of 2017 associated with new public company activities.
Interest expense for the first quarter of 2018 decreased $0.5 million when compared to the first quarter of 2017 due to lower interest charges as a result of a $7.0 million principal payment in March 2017.
Net loss for the first quarter 2018 was $8.1 million compared to $8.2 million for the first quarter of 2017.
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash were $23.3 million as of March 31, 2018. During the first quarter of 2018, we used $1.2 million of cash for capital expenditures associated with gross margin improvement projects, $1.2 million for inventory purchases required to maintain safety stock for Endo-bariatric product growth, and $1.2 million for interest and debt amendment fees related to our credit facility. The remaining $4.6 million change was due to cash outflows from our operating activities.
Conference Call

Apollo will host a conference call on May 3, 2018 at 3:30 p.m. Central Time / 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss Apollo’s operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018.
To participate in the conference call dial (888) 213-3934 for domestic callers and (323) 794-2557 for international callers. The conference ID number is 7312360. A live webcast of the conference call will be made available on the "Events and Presentations" section of our Investor Relations website: www.ir.apolloendo.com.
A replay of the webcast will remain available on Apollo’s website, www.apolloendo.com, until Apollo releases its second quarter 2018 financial results. In addition, a telephonic replay of the call will be available until May 10, 2018. The replay dial-in numbers are (844) 512-2921 for domestic callers and (412) 317-6671 for international callers. The replay conference ID number is 7312360.

Moderna and Merck Expand mRNA Cancer Vaccines Collaboration

On May 3, 2018 Moderna Therapeutics and Merck (NYSE:MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, reported an expansion of their 2016 collaboration to develop and commercialize novel personalized messenger RNA (mRNA) cancer vaccines to now include shared antigen mRNA cancer vaccines including mRNA-5671, Moderna’s mRNA KRAS cancer vaccine (Press release, Merck & Co, MAR 3, 2018, View Source [SID1234526097]).

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Moderna developed mRNA-5671 starting in 2017. The two companies will now advance jointly mRNA-5671 in human studies, and plan to conduct combination studies with additional immuno-oncology therapies.

"Augmentation of immune responses offers great promise in cancer therapy, as our work with the PD-1-specific antibody KEYTRUDA has shown," said Dr. Roger M. Perlmutter, President, Merck Research Laboratories. "We now look forward to expanding our exploration of mRNA cancer vaccines, working in concert with our colleagues at Moderna."

Under the expanded agreement, Merck will be responsible for clinical development of mRNA-5671 and associated costs while Moderna will be responsible for clinical supply and associated costs. Following the completion of human proof-of-concept (hPOC) studies, Merck may opt-in on further development and commercialization of mRNA-5671 upon payment of an undisclosed fee to Moderna. Following opt-in, the parties will share equally the global net profits and costs associated with mRNA-5671. As part of this agreement, the parties may also initiate and collaborate on other shared antigen mRNA cancer vaccines programs. In addition, Merck will make a $125 million investment in Moderna in newly priced series H preferred equity. Moderna closed a series G round earlier this year.

"We are excited to build upon our productive relationship with Merck and to rapidly advance our novel mRNA-based KRAS cancer vaccine into the clinic," said Stephane Bancel, Moderna’s Chief Executive Officer. "While KRAS has long been a challenging target, we believe our mRNA platform offers a novel approach designed to generate and specifically present KRAS mutations to the immune system, potentially allowing the patient’s own immune system to attack and eradicate cancers that harbor these mutations."

KRAS is one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes in human cancer, occurring in approximately 90 percent of pancreatic cancers and 30 percent of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), where they are associated with worse outcomes. Presentation of epitopes containing KRAS mutations to the immune system may elicit an anti-tumor response. mRNA-5671 encodes for the four most commonly found KRAS mutations, and is designed to target most of the KRAS mutations that occur in NSCLC, colorectal cancer and pancreatic cancer.

The Moderna KRAS mRNA program utilizes tumor sequencing to identify suitable patients with specific mutations in KRAS in order to personalize their therapy, and complements the other personalized mRNA cancer vaccines in the collaboration.

About the Updated Collaboration

This is the fourth collaboration between Merck and Moderna in the past three years. The oncology alliance builds upon an initial June 2016 agreement to jointly develop personalized mRNA cancer vaccines, combining Merck’s established leadership in immuno-oncology with Moderna’s pioneering mRNA vaccine platform and GMP manufacturing capabilities. Under the 2016 personal cancer vaccine (PCV) agreement, Merck made an upfront cash payment to Moderna of $200 million to discover and develop individually tailored cancer vaccines for patients across a spectrum of cancers through proof of concept.

In November, 2017 the companies announced a key milestone with the first-in-human dosing of mRNA-4157, an mRNA PCV. The Phase 1 open-label, dose escalation, multicenter study in the United States (KEYNOTE-603) will assess the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of mRNA-4157 alone in subjects with resected solid tumors and in combination with KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) an anti-PD-1 therapy, in subjects with unresectable solid tumors.

About KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) Injection 100mg

KEYTRUDA is an anti-PD-1 therapy that works by increasing the ability of the body’s immune system to help detect and fight tumor cells. KEYTRUDA is a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, thereby activating T lymphocytes which may affect both tumor cells and healthy cells.

Merck has the industry’s largest immuno-oncology clinical research program, which currently involves more than 750 trials studying KEYTRUDA across a wide variety of cancers and treatment settings. The KEYTRUDA clinical program seeks to understand the role of KEYTRUDA across cancers and the factors that may predict a patient’s likelihood of benefitting from treatment with KEYTRUDA, including exploring several different biomarkers.

KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) Indications and Dosing

Melanoma

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma at a fixed dose of 200 mg every three weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Lung Cancer

KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have high PD-L1 expression [tumor proportion score (TPS) ≥50%] as determined by an FDA-approved test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.

KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is also indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors express PD-L1 (TPS ≥1%) as determined by an FDA-approved test, with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving KEYTRUDA.

KEYTRUDA, in combination with pemetrexed and carboplatin, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic nonsquamous NSCLC. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and progression-free survival. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.

In metastatic NSCLC, KEYTRUDA is administered at a fixed dose of 200 mg every three weeks until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or up to 24 months in patients without disease progression.

When administering KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy, KEYTRUDA should be administered prior to chemotherapy when given on the same day. See also the Prescribing Information for pemetrexed and carboplatin.

Head and Neck Cancer

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. In HNSCC, KEYTRUDA is administered at a fixed dose of 200 mg every three weeks until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or up to 24 months in patients without disease progression.

Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), or who have relapsed after three or more prior lines of therapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. In adults with cHL, KEYTRUDA is administered at a fixed dose of 200 mg every three weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity, or up to 24 months in patients without disease progression. In pediatric patients with cHL, KEYTRUDA is administered at a dose of 2 mg/kg (up to a maximum of 200 mg) every three weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity, or up to 24 months in patients without disease progression.

Urothelial Carcinoma

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who are not eligible for cisplatin-containing chemotherapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.

KEYTRUDA is also indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy.

In locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma, KEYTRUDA is administered at a fixed dose of 200 mg every three weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity, or up to 24 months in patients without disease progression.

Microsatellite Instability-High (MSI-H) Cancer

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR)

solid tumors that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options, or
colorectal cancer that has progressed following treatment with fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan.
This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. The safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA in pediatric patients with MSI-H central nervous system cancers have not been established.

In adult patients with MSI-H cancer, KEYTRUDA is administered at a fixed dose of 200 mg every three weeks until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or up to 24 months in patients without disease progression. In children with MSI-H cancer, KEYTRUDA is administered at a dose of 2 mg/kg (up to a maximum of 200 mg) every three weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity, or up to 24 months in patients without disease progression.

Gastric Cancer

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent locally advanced or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 [Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1] as determined by an FDA-approved test, with disease progression on or after two or more prior lines of therapy including fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy and if appropriate, HER2/neu-targeted therapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. The recommended dose of KEYTRUDA is 200 mg every three weeks until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or up to 24 months in patients without disease progression.

Selected Important Safety Information for KEYTRUDA

KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis, including fatal cases. Pneumonitis occurred in 94 (3.4%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 1 (0.8%), 2 (1.3%), 3 (0.9%), 4 (0.3%), and 5 (0.1%) pneumonitis, and occurred more frequently in patients with a history of prior thoracic radiation (6.9%) compared to those without (2.9%). Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of pneumonitis. Evaluate suspected pneumonitis with radiographic imaging. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater pneumonitis. Withhold KEYTRUDA for Grade 2; permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for Grade 3 or 4 or recurrent Grade 2 pneumonitis.

KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated colitis. Colitis occurred in 48 (1.7%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.4%), 3 (1.1%), and 4 (<0.1%) colitis. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of colitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater colitis. Withhold KEYTRUDA for Grade 2 or 3; permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for Grade 4 colitis.

KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated hepatitis. Hepatitis occurred in 19 (0.7%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.1%), 3 (0.4%), and 4 (<0.1%) hepatitis. Monitor patients for changes in liver function. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater hepatitis and, based on severity of liver enzyme elevations, withhold or discontinue KEYTRUDA.

KEYTRUDA can cause hypophysitis. Hypophysitis occurred in 17 (0.6%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.2%), 3 (0.3%), and 4 (<0.1%) hypophysitis. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypophysitis (including hypopituitarism and adrenal insufficiency). Administer corticosteroids and hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Withhold KEYTRUDA for Grade 2; withhold or discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 hypophysitis.

KEYTRUDA can cause thyroid disorders, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroiditis. Hyperthyroidism occurred in 96 (3.4%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.8%) and 3 (0.1%) hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurred in 237 (8.5%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (6.2%) and 3 (0.1%) hypothyroidism. The incidence of new or worsening hypothyroidism was higher in patients with HNSCC, occurring in 28 (15%) of 192 patients with HNSCC, including Grade 3 (0.5%) hypothyroidism. Thyroiditis occurred in 16 (0.6%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.3%) thyroiditis. Monitor patients for changes in thyroid function (at the start of treatment, periodically during treatment, and as indicated based on clinical evaluation) and for clinical signs and symptoms of thyroid disorders. Administer replacement hormones for hypothyroidism and manage hyperthyroidism with thionamides and beta-blockers as appropriate. Withhold or discontinue KEYTRUDA for Grade 3 or 4 hyperthyroidism.

KEYTRUDA can cause type 1 diabetes mellitus, including diabetic ketoacidosis, which have been reported in 6 (0.2%) of 2799 patients. Monitor patients for hyperglycemia or other signs and symptoms of diabetes. Administer insulin for type 1 diabetes, and withhold KEYTRUDA and administer antihyperglycemics in patients with severe hyperglycemia.

KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated nephritis. Nephritis occurred in 9 (0.3%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.1%), 3 (0.1%), and 4 (<0.1%) nephritis. Monitor patients for changes in renal function. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater nephritis. Withhold KEYTRUDA for Grade 2; permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for Grade 3 or 4 nephritis.

Immune-mediated rashes, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) (some cases with fatal outcome), exfoliative dermatitis, and bullous pemphigoid, can occur. Monitor patients for suspected severe skin reactions and based on the severity of the adverse reaction, withhold or permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA and administer corticosteroids. For signs or symptoms of SJS or TEN, withhold KEYTRUDA and refer the patient for specialized care for assessment and treatment. If SJS or TEN is confirmed, permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA.

KEYTRUDA can cause other clinically important immune-mediated adverse reactions. These immune-mediated reactions may occur in any organ system. For suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, ensure adequate evaluation to confirm etiology or exclude other causes. Based on the severity of the adverse reaction, withhold KEYTRUDA and administer corticosteroids. Upon improvement to Grade 1 or less, initiate corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Based on limited data from clinical studies in patients whose immune-related adverse reactions could not be controlled with corticosteroid use, administration of other systemic immunosuppressants can be considered. Resume KEYTRUDA when the adverse reaction remains at Grade 1 or less following corticosteroid taper. Permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for any Grade 3 immune-mediated adverse reaction that recurs and for any life-threatening immune-mediated adverse reaction.

The following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred in less than 1% (unless otherwise indicated) of 2799 patients: arthritis (1.5%), uveitis, myositis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, myasthenia gravis, vasculitis, pancreatitis, hemolytic anemia, and partial seizures arising in a patient with inflammatory foci in brain parenchyma. In addition, myelitis and myocarditis were reported in other clinical trials, including classical Hodgkin lymphoma, and postmarketing use.

Solid organ transplant rejection has been reported in postmarketing use of KEYTRUDA. Treatment with KEYTRUDA may increase the risk of rejection in solid organ transplant recipients. Consider the benefit of treatment with KEYTRUDA vs the risk of possible organ rejection in these patients.

KEYTRUDA can cause severe or life-threatening infusion-related reactions, including hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis, which have been reported in 6 (0.2%) of 2799 patients. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions, including rigors, chills, wheezing, pruritus, flushing, rash, hypotension, hypoxemia, and fever. For Grade 3 or 4 reactions, stop infusion and permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA.

Immune-mediated complications, including fatal events, occurred in patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) after being treated with KEYTRUDA. Of 23 patients with cHL who proceeded to allogeneic HSCT after treatment with KEYTRUDA on any trial, 6 patients (26%) developed graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), one of which was fatal, and 2 patients (9%) developed severe hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) after reduced-intensity conditioning, one of which was fatal. Cases of fatal hyperacute GVHD after allogeneic HSCT have also been reported in patients with lymphoma who received a PD-1 receptor–blocking antibody before transplantation.

These complications may occur despite intervening therapy between PD-1 blockade and allogeneic HSCT. Follow patients closely for early evidence of transplant-related complications such as hyperacute GVHD, severe (Grade 3 to 4) acute GVHD, steroid-requiring febrile syndrome, hepatic VOD, and other immune-mediated adverse reactions, and intervene promptly.

In clinical trials in patients with multiple myeloma, the addition of KEYTRUDA to a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone resulted in increased mortality. Treatment of these patients with a PD-1 or PD-L1 blocking antibody in this combination is not recommended outside of controlled clinical trials.

Based on its mechanism of action, KEYTRUDA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. If used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant during treatment, apprise the patient of the potential hazard to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use highly effective contraception during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose of KEYTRUDA.

In KEYNOTE-006, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 9% of 555 patients with advanced melanoma; adverse reactions leading to discontinuation in more than one patient were colitis (1.4%), autoimmune hepatitis (0.7%), allergic reaction (0.4%), polyneuropathy (0.4%), and cardiac failure (0.4%). Adverse reactions leading to interruption of KEYTRUDA occurred in 21% of patients; the most common (≥1%) was diarrhea (2.5%). The most common adverse reactions with KEYTRUDA vs ipilimumab were fatigue (28% vs 28%), diarrhea (26% with KEYTRUDA), rash (24% vs 23%), and nausea (21% with KEYTRUDA). Corresponding incidence rates are listed for ipilimumab only for those adverse reactions that occurred at the same or lower rate than with KEYTRUDA.

In KEYNOTE-010, KEYTRUDA monotherapy was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 8% of 682 patients with metastatic NSCLC. The most common adverse event resulting in permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA was pneumonitis (1.8%). Adverse reactions leading to interruption of KEYTRUDA occurred in 23% of patients; the most common (≥1%) were diarrhea (1%), fatigue (1.3%), pneumonia (1%), liver enzyme elevation (1.2%), decreased appetite (1.3%), and pneumonitis (1%). The most common adverse reactions (occurring in at least 20% of patients and at a higher incidence than with docetaxel) were decreased appetite (25% vs 23%), dyspnea (23% vs 20%), and nausea (20% vs 18%).

In KEYNOTE-021(G1), when KEYTRUDA was administered in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed (carbo/pem) in advanced nonsquamous NSCLC, KEYTRUDA was discontinued in 10% of 59 patients. The most common adverse reaction resulting in discontinuation of KEYTRUDA (≥2%) was acute kidney injury (3.4%). Adverse reactions leading to interruption of KEYTRUDA occurred in 39% of patients; the most common (≥2%) were fatigue (8%), neutrophil count decreased (8%), anemia (5%), dyspnea (3.4%), and pneumonitis (3.4%). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) with KEYTRUDA compared to carbo/pem alone were fatigue (71% vs 50%), nausea (68% vs 56%), constipation (51% vs 37%), rash (42% vs 21%), vomiting (39% vs 27%), dyspnea (39% vs 21%), diarrhea (37% vs 23%), decreased appetite (31% vs 23%), headache (31% vs 16%), cough (24% vs 18%), dizziness (24% vs 16%), insomnia (24% vs 15%), pruritus (24% vs 4.8%), peripheral edema (22% vs 18%), dysgeusia (20% vs 11%), alopecia (20% vs 3.2%), upper respiratory tract infection (20% vs 3.2%), and arthralgia (15% vs 24%). This study was not designed to demonstrate a statistically significant difference in adverse reaction rates for KEYTRUDA as compared to carbo/pem alone for any specified adverse reaction.

In KEYNOTE-012, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 17% of 192 patients with HNSCC. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 45% of patients. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients were pneumonia, dyspnea, confusional state, vomiting, pleural effusion, and respiratory failure. The most common adverse reactions (reported in at least 20% of patients) were fatigue, decreased appetite, and dyspnea. Adverse reactions occurring in patients with HNSCC were generally similar to those occurring in patients with melanoma or NSCLC, with the exception of increased incidences of facial edema (10% all Grades; 2.1% Grades 3 or 4) and new or worsening hypothyroidism.

In KEYNOTE-087, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 5% of 210 patients with cHL, and treatment was interrupted due to adverse reactions in 26% of patients. Fifteen percent (15%) of patients had an adverse reaction requiring systemic corticosteroid therapy. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 16% of patients. The most frequent serious adverse reactions (³1%) included pneumonia, pneumonitis, pyrexia, dyspnea, GVHD, and herpes zoster. Two patients died from causes other than disease progression; one from GVHD after subsequent allogeneic HSCT and one from septic shock. The most common adverse reactions (occurring in ³20% of patients) were fatigue (26%), pyrexia (24%), cough (24%), musculoskeletal pain (21%), diarrhea (20%), and rash (20%).

In KEYNOTE-052, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 11% of 370 patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma. The most common adverse reactions (in ³20% of patients) were fatigue (38%), musculoskeletal pain (24%), decreased appetite (22%), constipation (21%), rash (21%), and diarrhea (20%). Eighteen patients (5%) died from causes other than disease progression. Five patients (1.4%) who were treated with KEYTRUDA experienced sepsis which led to death, and 3 patients (0.8%) experienced pneumonia which led to death. Adverse reactions leading to interruption of KEYTRUDA occurred in 22% of patients; the most common (≥1%) were liver enzyme increase, diarrhea, urinary tract infection, acute kidney injury, fatigue, joint pain, and pneumonia. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 42% of patients, the most frequent (≥2%) of which were urinary tract infection, hematuria, acute kidney injury, pneumonia, and urosepsis.

In KEYNOTE-045, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 8% of 266 patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma. The most common adverse reaction resulting in permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA was pneumonitis (1.9%). Adverse reactions leading to interruption of KEYTRUDA occurred in 20% of patients; the most common (≥1%) were urinary tract infection (1.5%), diarrhea (1.5%), and colitis (1.1%). The most common adverse reactions (³20%) in patients who received KEYTRUDA vs those who received chemotherapy were fatigue (38% vs 56%), musculoskeletal pain (32% vs 27%), pruritus (23% vs 6%), decreased appetite (21% vs 21%), nausea (21% vs 29%), and rash (20% vs 13%). Serious adverse reactions occurred in 39% of KEYTRUDA-treated patients, the most frequent (≥2%) of which were urinary tract infection, pneumonia, anemia, and pneumonitis.

It is not known whether KEYTRUDA is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, instruct women to discontinue nursing during treatment with KEYTRUDA and for 4 months after the final dose.

There is limited experience in pediatric patients. In a study, 40 pediatric patients (16 children aged 2 years to younger than 12 years and 24 adolescents aged 12 years to 18 years) with advanced melanoma, lymphoma, or PD-L1–positive advanced, relapsed, or refractory solid tumors were administered KEYTRUDA 2 mg/kg every 3 weeks. Patients received KEYTRUDA for a median of 3 doses (range 1–17 doses), with 34 patients (85%) receiving KEYTRUDA for 2 doses or more. The safety profile in these pediatric patients was similar to that seen in adults treated with KEYTRUDA. Toxicities that occurred at a higher rate (³15% difference) in these patients when compared to adults under 65 years of age were fatigue (45%), vomiting (38%), abdominal pain (28%), hypertransaminasemia (28%), and hyponatremia (18%).

Nicox announces the presentation of scientific data for NCX 667 at ARVO 2018

On May 3, 2018 Nicox SA (Euronext Paris: FR0013018124, COX), an international ophthalmology company, reported a poster presentation highlighting scientific data for NCX 667, a novel nitric oxide (NO) donating compound, at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2018 Annual Meeting, one of the key scientific events in the ophthalmology calendar, being held on April 29 – May 3, 2018 in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States.

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Synthesized and characterized by Nicox, NCX 667 is a lead molecule among the Company’s future generation of stand-alone NO-donors which are designed to optimize NO dosing and can be used alone or in combination with existing standard-of-care drugs, as either ophthalmic solutions or extended release formulations, to enable robust intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

The ARVO 2018 abstract by Francesco Impagnatiello, Ph.D., et al. describes results following single dose administration of various doses (0.1%, 0.3% and 1.0% solution) of NCX 667 in several ocular normotensive and ocular hypertensive animal models. These results demonstrate that NCX 667 lowers IOP in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, an in vitro bioengineered human trabecular meshwork/Schlemm’s canal (TM/SC) system was used to study the effects of NCX 667 on the conventional outflow facility. These data support the hypothesis that the IOP-lowering effects of NCX 667 are likely due to an increase in outflow facility via the TM/SC outflow pathway.

Michael Bergamini, Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer of Nicox, commented: "The results presented at ARVO this year show a clear, dose-dependent, and meaningful lowering of IOP in both ocular normotensive and hypertensive models. These results, combined with the in vitro data, continue to build upon the growing body of scientific evidence supporting the development of NCX 667, a lead molecule among our future generation of stand-alone NO-donors. We are continuing to generate new compounds in this class and are testing multiple leads using topical and sustained release dosing."

An estimated 3.5% of the worldwide population between 40 and 80 years of age are affected by the most common forms of glaucoma1.

The ARVO 2018 abstracts have been published in the meeting website located at View Source and details for the poster presentation are as follows:

Title: NCX 667, a novel nitric oxide (NO) donor lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) via stimulation of trabecular meshwork/Schlemm’s canal outflow facility

Date and time: Wednesday, May 2, 2018 from 11:15 am to 1:00 pm HAST

Presenter: Francesco Impagnatiello, Ph.D. , Nicox Research Institute

Session n° 448, Title: Glaucoma – Trabecular Meshwork

Abstract n°: 4707 / Poster n°: B0131

Location: Hawaii Convention Center, Exhibit Hall

Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2018 Financial Results

On May 3, 2018 Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:PCRX) reported consolidated financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018 (Press release, Pacira Pharmaceuticals, MAY 3, 2018, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2346741 [SID1234526024]).

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"2018 is off to a terrific start with EXPAREL daily sales volumes accelerating from 6 percent in January to 15 percent in March, as well as a recently expanded label that now includes interscalene brachial plexus block," said Dave Stack, chairman and chief executive officer of Pacira Pharmaceuticals. "As the only long-acting, single-dose nerve block commercially available, EXPAREL has the potential to eliminate cumbersome delivery technologies, like catheters and pumps, and shift more procedures to the outpatient setting. We believe this expanded label along with our robust educational initiatives and strong coalition of like-minded collaborators, including Johnson & Johnson, will fuel positive sales trends as we continue to drive meaningful change toward eliminating the role of the operating room as a gateway to opioid use and abuse."

First Quarter 2018 Financial Results

EXPAREL net product sales were $74.0 million in the first quarter of 2018, a 9% increase over the $67.7 million reported for the first quarter of 2017.

Total operating expenses were $81.5 million in the first quarter of 2018, compared to $83.3 million in the first quarter of 2017.

GAAP net loss was $10.7 million, or $(0.26) per share (basic and diluted), in the first quarter of 2018, compared to a GAAP net loss of $19.9 million, or $(0.52) per share (basic and diluted), in the first quarter of 2017.

Non-GAAP net income was $0.9 million, or $0.02 per share (basic and diluted) in the first quarter of 2018, compared to a non-GAAP net loss of $7.3 million, or $(0.19) per share (basic and diluted) in the first quarter of 2017.

Pacira ended the first quarter of 2018 with cash, cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments ("cash") of $361.5 million.

Pacira had 40.7 million basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding in the first quarter of 2018.

For non-GAAP measures, Pacira had 41.6 million diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding in the first quarter of 2018.
2018 Outlook

Pacira reiterated its full year 2018 financial guidance as follows. Pacira expects:

EXPAREL net product sales of $300 million to $310 million.

Non-GAAP gross margins of 70% to 72%.

Non-GAAP research and development (R&D) expense of $50 million to $60 million.

Non-GAAP selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense of $150 million to $160 million.

Stock-based compensation of $30 million to $35 million.
See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" and "Reconciliations of GAAP to Non-GAAP 2018 Financial Guidance" below.

Today’s Conference Call and Webcast Reminder

The Pacira management team will host a conference call to discuss the company’s financial results and recent developments today, Thursday, May 3, at 8:30 a.m. ET. The call can be accessed by dialing 1-877-845-0779 (domestic) or 1-720-545-0035 (international) ten minutes prior to the start of the call and providing the Conference ID 6585169.

A replay of the call will be available approximately two hours after the completion of the call and can be accessed by dialing 1-855-859-2056 (domestic) or 1-404-537-3406 (international) and providing the Conference ID 6585169. The replay of the call will be available for two weeks from the date of the live call.

The live, listen-only webcast of the conference call can also be accessed by visiting the "Investors & Media" section of the company’s website at investor.pacira.com. A replay of the webcast will be archived on the Pacira website for two weeks following the call.

Non-GAAP Financial Information

This press release contains financial measures that do not comply with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), such as non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP cost of goods sold, non-GAAP gross margins, non-GAAP research and development (R&D) expense and non-GAAP selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense, because such measures exclude stock-based compensation, amortization of debt discount, loss on early extinguishment of debt and exit costs related to the discontinuation of DepoCyt(e) production.

These measures supplement the company’s financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP. Pacira management uses these measures to better analyze its financial results, estimate its future cost of goods sold, gross margins, R&D expense and SG&A expense outlook for 2018 and to help make managerial decisions. In management’s opinion, these non-GAAP measures are useful to investors and other users of our financial statements by providing greater transparency into the operating performance at Pacira and the company’s future outlook. Such measures should not be deemed to be an alternative to GAAP requirements or a measure of liquidity for Pacira. Non-GAAP measures are also unlikely to be comparable with non-GAAP disclosures released by other companies. See the tables below for a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP measures, and a reconciliation of our GAAP to non-GAAP 2018 financial guidance for gross margins, R&D expense and SG&A expense.