Affimed Reports Financial Results for Third Quarter 2017

On November 7, 2017 Affimed N.V. (Nasdaq: AFMD), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing highly targeted cancer immunotherapies, reported financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 (Press release, Affimed, NOV 7, 2017, View Source [SID1234521625]).

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"We continue to make great strides in validating our NK cell engager programs, in particular through encouraging data from studies of our lead candidate AFM13, which is progressing through clinical development as a mono- and combination therapy," said Dr. Adi Hoess, CEO of Affimed. "Leveraging our unique NK cell-based platform for high-affinity CD16A-targeting, we are advancing our tetravalent bispecific antibodies with the potential to tailor immune-engaging therapy to different indications and settings."

Third Quarter Updates

Corporate Update

· In September 2017, Dr. Wolfgang Fischer, former Global Head of Program and Project Management of Sandoz Biopharmaceuticals (Novartis Group) joined Affimed as Chief Operating Officer. Dr. Fischer has over 20 years of R&D experience with a focus on oncology, immunology and pharmacology. With his proven track record in drug development, he will support the Company in advancing its unique immune cell engagers to address the existing medical need in hematologic and solid tumor indications. In addition to his role as COO, Dr. Fischer will assume responsibility as interim CMO, working closely with the Company’s clinical team.

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NK cell engager programs

· In Affimed’s Phase 1b combination study of its lead product candidate, the CD30/CD16A-targeting NK cell engager AFM13, with Merck’s Keytruda (pembrolizumab) in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), the dose expansion cohort is open and recruiting. Data analysis of three-month response rates is ongoing for the escalation phase of the trial with analysis of 9 out of 12 patients completed to date. Of the 3 patients enrolled into cohort 1, two experienced partial metabolic responses, while one patient progressed. Of the 3 patients enrolled into cohort 2, one patient experienced a complete metabolic response, one patient experienced a partial metabolic response and one patient progressed. Out of the six patients in dose cohort 3, three were analyzed to date, all of which experienced partial metabolic responses at the first tumor response assessment. The Company intends to present detailed dose escalation data including response data of the three remaining patients in cohort 3 at the upcoming ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2017 Annual Meeting in December.

· Affimed is supporting a translational Phase 1b/2a study of AFM13 in patients with relapsed or refractory CD30-positive lymphoma with cutaneous manifestation led by Columbia University. The study is designed to allow for serial biopsies, thereby enabling assessment of NK cell biology and tumor cell killing within the tumor microenvironment. The first cohort has been fully enrolled and recruitment into further cohorts is ongoing. The first patient, suffering from anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) with cutaneous manifestation, experienced a complete response of cutaneous lesions after the first treatment cycle. Systemic evaluation is ongoing. This provides first evidence that NK cell engagers are able to induce tumor regression in this indication.

· The Company’s investigator-sponsored Phase 2a monotherapy study of AFM13 in HL led by the German Hodgkin Study Group (GHSG), is open to recruit under the new design, which includes patients pre-treated with both brentuximab vedotin (B.V.) and anti-PD1.

· In Affimed’s collaboration with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) evaluating the Company’s NK cell engager AFM13 in combination with MDACC’s NK cell product, preclinical research activities are progressing.

· The Company has developed multiple tetravalent, bispecific antibody formats in addition to its TandAbs. These molecules confer distinct biophysical properties aimed at tailoring PK profiles. Based on its platform, Affimed is advancing AFM24, an EGFR/CD16A-specific NK cell engager and AFM26, a BCMA/CD16A-specific NK cell engager, through IND-enabling studies. Final candidates have been selected for AFM24 and AFM26, respectively.

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· Candidates for AFM24, developed to treat solid tumors, are based on both TandAb format and on novel proprietary antibody formats. AFM24 molecules offer a differentiated mode of action as compared to cetuximab. Furthermore, binding to NK cells is largely unaffected by IgG competition, resulting in higher efficacy and elimination of cells with low target expression. Affimed is currently evaluating its novel format-based AFM24 molecules, which have significantly longer half-lives, in comparison to the Company’s TandAbs, which have already shown evidence of a beneficial safety profile.

· AFM26 is designed to eliminate malignant cells in multiple myeloma (MM) independent of BCMA expression levels. AFM26 offers a differentiated mode of action, targeting cells expressing very low levels of BCMA, conferring NK cell cytotoxicity and eliciting lower cytokine release compared to a BiTE molecule. Furthermore, binding to NK cells is largely unaffected by IgG competition. These unique features could position AFM26 in patients receiving autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT)-eligible at or shortly after transplant, a period in which no treatment is currently available.

T cell engager programs

· Affimed is conducting two clinical Phase 1 dose-escalation trials with AFM11, a CD3/CD19-targeting tetravalent bispecific T cell engager in patients with relapsed and refractory (r/r) acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and with r/r non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), respectively. Both studies are ongoing and recruiting.

· Recruitment is ongoing into a first-in-human Phase 1 dose escalation trial of AMV564 conducted by Amphivena Therapeutics, Inc. in patients with r/r acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AMV564 is a CD33/CD3-specific antibody based on Affimed’s technology platform. Affimed owns ~18.5% of Amphivena (fully diluted).

Financial Highlights
(Figures for the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 and 2016 represent unaudited figures)

Cash and cash equivalents and financial assets totaled €41.8 million as of September 30, 2017 compared to €44.9 million as of December 31, 2016. Affimed’s operational expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were primarily offset by net proceeds of €16.4 million from a public offering of common shares in the first quarter and of €2.5 million from the drawdown of the second tranche of the loan from Silicon Valley Bank.

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Net cash used in operating activities was €20.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to €25.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease was primarily related to lower cash expenditure for research and development (R&D) in connection with Affimed’s development and collaboration programs and to the expiration of the Amphivena collaboration.

Revenue for the third quarter of 2017 was €0.5 million compared to €0.9 million for the third quarter of 2016. Revenue in the 2017 period was derived from AbCheck services while revenue in the 2016 period related predominantly to Affimed’s collaboration with Amphivena.

R&D expenses for the third quarter of 2017 were €6.0 million compared to €8.8 million for the third quarter of 2016. The decrease was primarily related to lower expenses for AFM13 and our discovery/early stage development activities.

G&A expenses for the third quarter of 2017 were €1.9 million compared to €2.2 million for the third quarter of 2016.

Net loss for the third quarter of 2017 was €8.1 million, or €0.18 per common share, compared to a net loss of €10.3 million, or €0.31 per common share, for the third quarter of 2016. The decrease of operating expenses was partially offset by lower revenue and higher finance costs.

Note on IFRS Reporting Standards
Affimed prepares and reports the consolidated financial statements and financial information in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). None of the financial statements were prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) in the United States. Affimed maintains its books and records in Euro.

Conference Call and Webcast Information
Affimed’s management will host a conference call to discuss the company’s financial results and recent corporate developments today at 8:30 a.m. ET. A webcast of the conference call can be accessed in the "Events" section on the "Investors & Media" page of the Affimed website at View Source A replay of the webcast will be available on Affimed’s website shortly after the conclusion of the call and will be archived on the Affimed website for 30 days following the call.

Opdivo Plus Yervoy Combination Delivered Overall Survival Benefit Across PD-L1 Expression Levels in Intermediate- and Poor-Risk Patients with Previously Untreated Advanced or Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

On November 7, 2017 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) reported results from a new exploratory analysis of the phase 3 CheckMate -214 trial evaluating Opdivo (nivolumab) plus Yervoy (ipilimumab) versus the standard of care, sunitinib, in intermediate- and poor-risk patients with previously untreated advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (Press release, Bristol-Myers Squibb, NOV 7, 2017, View Source [SID1234521642]). In an exploratory analysis of PD-L1 expression subgroups, an overall survival (OS) advantage was seen with the Opdivo plus Yervoy combination over sunitinib in both the PD-L1 expression level <1% [HR= 0.73, (CI: 95% 0.56 to 0.96)] and ≥1% subgroups [HR= 0.45 (CI: 95% 0.29 to 0.71)]. The median overall survival (OS) was not reached for the Opdivo plus Yervoy combination or sunitinib for those with PD-L1 levels < 1%, and for patients with PD-L1 expression levels ≥1%, the median OS was not reached for the combination and was 19.6 months for sunitinib. The safety profile of Opdivo plus Yervoy was consistent with that of previous reports.

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These data will be presented on November 10 at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper)’s (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) 32nd Annual Meeting in National Harbor, MD, during the High Impact Clinical Trial Results Session from 3:50 to 4:05 PM EST (Abstract #O38). Previously, the Company announced the phase 3 trial stopped early, at the Data Monitoring Committee’s recommendation, for statistically significant superiority in OS with Opdivo plus Yervoy versus sunitinib. Results of CheckMate -214, including the primary endpoints of OS, objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS) in intermediate- and poor-risk patients, were presented earlier this year at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2017 Congress on September 10 in Madrid, Spain.

"After seeing overall survival data from CheckMate -214 two months ago, the scientific community has been eager to understand the role of subgroups in these results," said Robert J. Motzer, M.D., Jack and Dorothy Byrne Chair in Clinical Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. "We’re pleased to show that in CheckMate -214, patients with first-line advanced renal cell carcinoma saw an overall survival benefit across PD-L1 expression levels. The PD-L1 analysis results, quality of life data and safety profile advance our understanding of the combination’s potential to address a high unmet need for intermediate- and poor-risk patients with advanced disease."

Findings from an exploratory endpoint showed patients reported statistically significantly better kidney cancer symptom control with the Opdivo plus Yervoy combination compared to sunitinib, when assessed using a valid tumor-specific patient-reported kidney cancer scale in the FKSI-19. Through the first six months of data, when completion rates exceeded 80%, a 3-6 point difference was observed, which is considered clinically meaningful.

"As a leader in Immuno-Oncology, we are committed to improving overall survival and are encouraged by these results in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma, whose treatment options remain limited," said Arvin Yang, M.D., Ph.D., development lead, melanoma and genitourinary cancers, Bristol-Myers Squibb. "We continue to evaluate the potential of Opdivo plus Yervoy in this population and look forward to discussing these results with regulatory authorities."

About CheckMate -214

CheckMate -214 is a phase 3, randomized, open-label study evaluating the combination of Opdivo plus Yervoy versus sunitinib in patients with previously untreated advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Patients in the combination group received Opdivo 3 mg/kg plus Yervoy 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks for 4 doses followed by Opdivo 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks. Patients in the comparator group received sunitinib 50 mg once daily for 4 weeks, followed by 2 weeks off before continuation of treatment. Patients were treated until progression or unacceptable toxic effects. The primary endpoints of the trial are overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), and progression-free survival (PFS) in an intermediate- to poor-risk patient population (approximately 75% of patients). Safety is a secondary endpoint.

Grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs) were reported in 46% of patients (252/547) in the combination group, compared with 63% of patients (337/535) in the sunitinib group. The most common grade 3/4 AEs in the combination group were fatigue (4%), diarrhea (4%), nausea (2%), decreased appetite (1%), and, in less than 1% each, pruritus, hypothyroidism and hypertension. In the sunitinib group, the most common grade 3/4 AEs were hypertension (16%), fatigue (9%), Palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome (9%), diarrhea (5%), stomatitis (3%), mucosal inflammation (3%), nausea (1%), decreased appetite (1%), and in less than 1% each, hypothyroidism and dysgeusia. Adverse events (AEs) leading to discontinuation were reported in 22% of patients (120/547) in the combination group, compared with 12% of patients in the sunitinib group (64/535). Seven treatment-related deaths occurred in the combination group and four in the sunitinib group.

About Renal Cell Carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults, accounting for more than 100,000 deaths worldwide each year. Clear-cell RCC is the most prevalent type of RCC and constitutes 80% to 90% of all patients. RCC is approximately twice as common in men as in women, with the highest rates of the disease in North America and Europe. Globally, the five-year survival rate for those diagnosed with metastatic, or advanced, kidney cancer is 12.1%.

Bristol-Myers Squibb & Immuno-Oncology: Advancing Oncology Research

At Bristol-Myers Squibb, patients are at the center of everything we do. Our vision for the future of cancer care is focused on researching and developing transformational Immuno-Oncology (I-O) medicines for hard-to-treat cancers that could potentially improve outcomes for these patients.

We are leading the scientific understanding of I-O through our extensive portfolio of investigational compounds and approved agents. Our differentiated clinical development program is studying broad patient populations across more than 50 types of cancers with 14 clinical-stage molecules designed to target different immune system pathways. Our deep expertise and innovative clinical trial designs position us to advance I-O/I-O, I-O/chemotherapy, I-O/targeted therapies and I-O radiation therapies across multiple tumors and potentially deliver the next wave of therapies with a sense of urgency. We also continue to pioneer research that will help facilitate a deeper understanding of the role of immune biomarkers and how patients’ tumor biology can be used as a guide for treatment decisions throughout their journey.

We understand making the promise of I-O a reality for the many patients who may benefit from these therapies requires not only innovation on our part but also close collaboration with leading experts in the field. Our partnerships with academia, government, advocacy and biotech companies support our collective goal of providing new treatment options to advance the standards of clinical practice.

About Opdivo

Opdivo is a programmed death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitor that is designed to uniquely harness the body’s own immune system to help restore anti-tumor immune response. By harnessing the body’s own immune system to fight cancer, Opdivo has become an important treatment option across multiple cancers.

Opdivo’s leading global development program is based on Bristol-Myers Squibb’s scientific expertise in the field of Immuno-Oncology and includes a broad range of clinical trials across all phases, including Phase 3, in a variety of tumor types. To date, the Opdivo clinical development program has enrolled more than 25,000 patients. The Opdivo trials have contributed to gaining a deeper understanding of the potential role of biomarkers in patient care, particularly regarding how patients may benefit from Opdivo across the continuum of PD-L1 expression.

In July 2014, Opdivo was the first PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor to receive regulatory approval anywhere in the world. Opdivo is currently approved in more than 60 countries, including the United States, the European Union and Japan. In October 2015, the company’s Opdivo and Yervoy combination regimen was the first Immuno-Oncology combination to receive regulatory approval for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and is currently approved in more than 50 countries, including the United States and the European Union.

U.S. FDA-APPROVED INDICATIONS FOR OPDIVO

OPDIVO (nivolumab) as a single agent is indicated for the treatment of patients with BRAF V600 mutation-positive unresectable or metastatic melanoma. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on progression-free survival. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) as a single agent is indicated for the treatment of patients with BRAF V600 wild-type unresectable or metastatic melanoma.

OPDIVO (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on progression-free survival. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving OPDIVO.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who have received prior anti-angiogenic therapy.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) that has relapsed or progressed after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and brentuximab vedotin or after 3 or more lines of systemic therapy that includes autologous HSCT. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) with disease progression on or after platinum-based therapy.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-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 confirmatory trials.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adults and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib. 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.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: IMMUNE-MEDIATED ADVERSE REACTIONS

YERVOY can result in severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions. These immune-mediated reactions may involve any organ system; however, the most common severe immune-mediated adverse reactions are enterocolitis, hepatitis, dermatitis (including toxic epidermal necrolysis), neuropathy, and endocrinopathy. The majority of these immune-mediated reactions initially manifested during treatment; however, a minority occurred weeks to months after discontinuation of YERVOY.

Assess patients for signs and symptoms of enterocolitis, dermatitis, neuropathy, and endocrinopathy and evaluate clinical chemistries including liver function tests (LFTs), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level, and thyroid function tests at baseline and before each dose.

Permanently discontinue YERVOY and initiate systemic high-dose corticosteroid therapy for severe immune-mediated reactions.

Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis. Fatal cases have been reported. Monitor patients for signs with radiographic imaging and for symptoms of pneumonitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or more severe pneumonitis. Permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 and withhold until resolution for Grade 2. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, fatal cases of immune-mediated pneumonitis have occurred. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 3.1% (61/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 6% (25/407) of patients.

In Checkmate 205 and 039, pneumonitis, including interstitial lung disease, occurred in 6.0% (16/266) of patients receiving OPDIVO. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 4.9% (13/266) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=1) and Grade 2 (n=12).

Immune-Mediated Colitis

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated colitis. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of colitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 (of more than 5 days duration), 3, or 4 colitis. Withhold OPDIVO monotherapy for Grade 2 or 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 or recurrent colitis upon re-initiation of OPDIVO. When administered with YERVOY, withhold OPDIVO and YERVOY for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 or recurrent colitis. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated colitis occurred in 2.9% (58/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated colitis occurred in 26% (107/407) of patients including three fatal cases.

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal (diarrhea of ≥7 stools above baseline, fever, ileus, peritoneal signs; Grade 3-5) immune-mediated enterocolitis occurred in 34 (7%) patients. Across all YERVOY-treated patients in that study (n=511), 5 (1%) developed intestinal perforation, 4 (0.8%) died as a result of complications, and 26 (5%) were hospitalized for severe enterocolitis.

Immune-Mediated Hepatitis

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated hepatitis. Monitor patients for abnormal liver tests prior to and periodically during treatment. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater transaminase elevations. For patients without HCC, withhold OPDIVO for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue OPDIVO for Grade 3 or 4. For patients with HCC, withhold OPDIVO and administer corticosteroids if AST/ALT is within normal limits at baseline and increases to >3 and up to 5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), if AST/ALT is >1 and up to 3 times ULN at baseline and increases to >5 and up to 10 times the ULN, and if AST/ALT is >3 and up to 5 times ULN at baseline and increases to >8 and up to 10 times the ULN. Permanently discontinue OPDIVO and administer corticosteroids if AST or ALT increases to >10 times the ULN or total bilirubin increases >3 times the ULN. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 1.8% (35/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 13% (51/407) of patients.

In Checkmate 040, immune-mediated hepatitis requiring systemic corticosteroids occurred in 5% (8/154) of patients receiving OPDIVO.

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal hepatotoxicity (AST or ALT elevations >5x the ULN or total bilirubin elevations >3x the ULN; Grade 3-5) occurred in 8 (2%) patients, with fatal hepatic failure in 0.2% and hospitalization in 0.4%.

Immune-Mediated Neuropathies

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, 1 case of fatal Guillain-Barré syndrome and 1 case of severe (Grade 3) peripheral motor neuropathy were reported.

Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated hypophysitis, immune-mediated adrenal insufficiency, autoimmune thyroid disorders, and Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypophysitis, signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, thyroid function prior to and periodically during treatment, and hyperglycemia. Administer hormone replacement as clinically indicated and corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater hypophysitis. Withhold for Grade 2 or 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 hypophysitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 3 or 4 adrenal insufficiency. Withhold for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 adrenal insufficiency. Administer hormone-replacement therapy for hypothyroidism. Initiate medical management for control of hyperthyroidism. Withhold OPDIVO for Grade 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 hyperglycemia.

In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, hypophysitis occurred in 0.6% (12/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, hypophysitis occurred in 9% (36/407) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 1% (20/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 5% (21/407) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, hypothyroidism or thyroiditis resulting in hypothyroidism occurred in 9% (171/1994) of patients. Hyperthyroidism occurred in 2.7% (54/1994) of patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, hypothyroidism or thyroiditis resulting in hypothyroidism occurred in 22% (89/407) of patients. Hyperthyroidism occurred in 8% (34/407) of patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, diabetes occurred in 0.9% (17/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, diabetes occurred in 1.5% (6/407) of patients.

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe to life-threatening immune-mediated endocrinopathies (requiring hospitalization, urgent medical intervention, or interfering with activities of daily living; Grade 3-4) occurred in 9 (1.8%) patients. All 9 patients had hypopituitarism, and some had additional concomitant endocrinopathies such as adrenal insufficiency, hypogonadism, and hypothyroidism. 6 of the 9 patients were hospitalized for severe endocrinopathies.

Immune-Mediated Nephritis and Renal Dysfunction

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated nephritis. Monitor patients for elevated serum creatinine prior to and periodically during treatment. Administer corticosteroids for Grades 2-4 increased serum creatinine. Withhold OPDIVO for Grade 2 or 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 increased serum creatinine. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction occurred in 1.2% (23/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction occurred in 2.2% (9/407) of patients.

Immune-Mediated Skin Adverse Reactions and Dermatitis

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated rash, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), some cases with fatal outcome. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 3 or 4 rash. Withhold for Grade 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 rash. For symptoms or signs of SJS or TEN, withhold OPDIVO and refer the patient for specialized care for assessment and treatment; if confirmed, permanently discontinue. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated rash occurred in 9% (171/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated rash occurred in 22.6% (92/407) of patients.

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal immune-mediated dermatitis (eg, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, or rash complicated by full thickness dermal ulceration, or necrotic, bullous, or hemorrhagic manifestations; Grade 3-5) occurred in 13 (2.5%) patients. 1 (0.2%) patient died as a result of toxic epidermal necrolysis. 1 additional patient required hospitalization for severe dermatitis.

Immune-Mediated Encephalitis

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated encephalitis. Evaluation of patients with neurologic symptoms may include, but not be limited to, consultation with a neurologist, brain MRI, and lumbar puncture. Withhold OPDIVO in patients with new-onset moderate to severe neurologic signs or symptoms and evaluate to rule out other causes. If other etiologies are ruled out, administer corticosteroids and permanently discontinue OPDIVO for immune-mediated encephalitis. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, encephalitis occurred in 0.2% (3/1994) of patients. Fatal limbic encephalitis occurred in one patient after 7.2 months of exposure despite discontinuation of OPDIVO and administration of corticosteroids. Encephalitis occurred in one patient receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY (0.2%) after 1.7 months of exposure.

Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

Based on the severity of the adverse reaction, permanently discontinue or withhold OPDIVO, administer high-dose corticosteroids, and, if appropriate, initiate hormone-replacement therapy. Across clinical trials of OPDIVO monotherapy or in combination with YERVOY, the following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions, some with fatal outcome, occurred in <1.0% of patients receiving OPDIVO: myocarditis, rhabdomyolysis, myositis, uveitis, iritis, pancreatitis, facial and abducens nerve paresis, demyelination, polymyalgia rheumatica, autoimmune neuropathy, Guillain-Barré syndrome, hypopituitarism, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, gastritis, duodenitis, sarcoidosis, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi lymphadenitis), motor dysfunction, vasculitis, and myasthenic syndrome.

Infusion Reactions

OPDIVO can cause severe infusion reactions, which have been reported in <1.0% of patients in clinical trials. Discontinue OPDIVO in patients with Grade 3 or 4 infusion reactions. Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion in patients with Grade 1 or 2. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, infusion-related reactions occurred in 6.4% (127/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, infusion-related reactions occurred in 2.5% (10/407) of patients.

Complications of Allogeneic HSCT after OPDIVO

Complications, including fatal events, occurred in patients who received allogeneic HSCT after OPDIVO. Outcomes were evaluated in 17 patients from Checkmate 205 and 039, who underwent allogeneic HSCT after discontinuing OPDIVO (15 with reduced-intensity conditioning, 2 with myeloablative conditioning). Thirty-five percent (6/17) of patients died from complications of allogeneic HSCT after OPDIVO. Five deaths occurred in the setting of severe or refractory GVHD. Grade 3 or higher acute GVHD was reported in 29% (5/17) of patients. Hyperacute GVHD was reported in 20% (n=2) of patients. A steroid-requiring febrile syndrome, without an identified infectious cause, was reported in 35% (n=6) of patients. Two cases of encephalitis were reported: Grade 3 (n=1) lymphocytic encephalitis without an identified infectious cause, and Grade 3 (n=1) suspected viral encephalitis. Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) occurred in one patient, who received reduced-intensity conditioned allogeneic HSCT and died of GVHD and multi-organ failure. Other cases of hepatic VOD after reduced-intensity conditioned allogeneic HSCT have also been reported in patients with lymphoma who received a PD-1 receptor blocking antibody before transplantation. Cases of fatal hyperacute GVHD have also been reported. 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.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on their mechanisms of action, OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with an OPDIVO- or YERVOY- containing regimen and for at least 5 months after the last dose of OPDIVO.

Lactation

It is not known whether OPDIVO or YERVOY is present in human milk. Because many drugs, including antibodies, are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from an OPDIVO-containing regimen, advise women to discontinue breastfeeding during treatment. Advise women to discontinue nursing during treatment with YERVOY and for 3 months following the final dose.

Serious Adverse Reactions

In Checkmate 037, serious adverse reactions occurred in 41% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=268). Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions occurred in 42% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent Grade 3 and 4 adverse drug reactions reported in 2% to <5% of patients receiving OPDIVO were abdominal pain, hyponatremia, increased aspartate aminotransferase, and increased lipase. In Checkmate 066, serious adverse reactions occurred in 36% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=206). Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions occurred in 41% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were gamma-glutamyltransferase increase (3.9%) and diarrhea (3.4%). In Checkmate 067, serious adverse reactions (73% and 37%), adverse reactions leading to permanent discontinuation (43% and 14%) or to dosing delays (55% and 28%), and Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions (72% and 44%) all occurred more frequently in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm (n=313) relative to the OPDIVO arm (n=313). The most frequent (≥10%) serious adverse reactions in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm and the OPDIVO arm, respectively, were diarrhea (13% and 2.6%), colitis (10% and 1.6%), and pyrexia (10% and 0.6%). In Checkmate 017 and 057, serious adverse reactions occurred in 46% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=418). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, dyspnea, pyrexia, pleural effusion, pneumonitis, and respiratory failure. In Checkmate 025, serious adverse reactions occurred in 47% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=406). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients were acute kidney injury, pleural effusion, pneumonia, diarrhea, and hypercalcemia. In Checkmate 205 and 039, adverse reactions leading to discontinuation occurred in 7% and dose delays due to adverse reactions occurred in 34% of patients (n=266). Serious adverse reactions occurred in 26% of patients. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in ≥1% of patients were pneumonia, infusion-related reaction, pyrexia, colitis or diarrhea, pleural effusion, pneumonitis, and rash. Eleven patients died from causes other than disease progression: 3 from adverse reactions within 30 days of the last OPDIVO dose, 2 from infection 8 to 9 months after completing OPDIVO, and 6 from complications of allogeneic HSCT. In Checkmate 141, serious adverse reactions occurred in 49% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were pneumonia, dyspnea, respiratory failure, respiratory tract infection, and sepsis. In Checkmate 275, serious adverse reactions occurred in 54% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=270). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were urinary tract infection, sepsis, diarrhea, small intestine obstruction, and general physical health deterioration. In Checkmate 040, serious adverse reactions occurred in 49% of patients (n=154). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients were pyrexia, ascites, back pain, general physical health deterioration, abdominal pain, and pneumonia.

Common Adverse Reactions

In Checkmate 037, the most common adverse reaction (≥20%) reported with OPDIVO (n=268) was rash (21%). In Checkmate 066, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) reported with OPDIVO (n=206) vs dacarbazine (n=205) were fatigue (49% vs 39%), musculoskeletal pain (32% vs 25%), rash (28% vs 12%), and pruritus (23% vs 12%). In Checkmate 067, the most common (≥20%) adverse reactions in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm (n=313) were fatigue (59%), rash (53%), diarrhea (52%), nausea (40%), pyrexia (37%), vomiting (28%), and dyspnea (20%). The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions in the OPDIVO (n=313) arm were fatigue (53%), rash (40%), diarrhea (31%), and nausea (28%). In Checkmate 017 and 057, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=418) were fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, cough, dyspnea, and decreased appetite. In Checkmate 025, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=406) vs everolimus (n=397) were asthenic conditions (56% vs 57%), cough (34% vs 38%), nausea (28% vs 29%), rash (28% vs 36%), dyspnea (27% vs 31%), diarrhea (25% vs 32%), constipation (23% vs 18%), decreased appetite (23% vs 30%), back pain (21% vs 16%), and arthralgia (20% vs 14%). In Checkmate 205 and 039, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=266) were upper respiratory tract infection (44%), fatigue (39%), cough (36%), diarrhea (33%), pyrexia (29%), musculoskeletal pain (26%), rash (24%), nausea (20%) and pruritus (20%). In Checkmate 141, the most common adverse reactions (≥10%) in patients receiving OPDIVO were cough and dyspnea at a higher incidence than investigator’s choice. In Checkmate 275, the most common adverse reactions (≥ 20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=270) were fatigue (46%), musculoskeletal pain (30%), nausea (22%), and decreased appetite (22%). In Checkmate 040, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=154) were fatigue (38%), musculoskeletal pain (36%), abdominal pain (34%), pruritus (27%), diarrhea (27%), rash (26%), cough (23%), and decreased appetite (22%). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients who received OPDIVO as a single agent were fatigue, rash, musculoskeletal pain, pruritus, diarrhea, nausea, asthenia, cough, dyspnea, constipation, decreased appetite, back pain, arthralgia, upper respiratory tract infection, pyrexia.

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, the most common adverse reactions (≥5%) in patients who received YERVOY at 3 mg/kg were fatigue (41%), diarrhea (32%), pruritus (31%), rash (29%), and colitis (8%).

Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information for OPDIVO and YERVOY, including Boxed WARNING regarding immune-mediated adverse reactions for YERVOY.

Checkmate Trials and Patient Populations

Checkmate 067 – advanced melanoma alone or in combination with YERVOY; Checkmate 037 and 066 – advanced melanoma; Checkmate 017 – squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); Checkmate 057 – non-squamous NSCLC; Checkmate 025 – renal cell carcinoma; Checkmate 205/039 – classical Hodgkin lymphoma; Checkmate 141 – squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck; Checkmate 275 – urothelial carcinoma; Checkmate 040 – hepatocellular carcinoma.

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Reports Third Quarter 2017 Financial Results and Highlights Recent Period Activity

On November 7, 2017 Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALNY), the leading RNAi therapeutics company, reported its consolidated financial results for the third quarter 2017, and highlighted recent progress in advancing its pipeline (Press release, Alnylam, NOV 7, 2017, View Source [SID1234521669]).

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"In our view, 2017 has proven to be a remarkable year for RNAi therapeutics, for Alnylam, and, most importantly, for the patients that we serve. With patisiran, our recent APOLLO Phase 3 study results demonstrate what we believe to be the transformative potential for RNAi therapeutics as a new class of innovative medicines. With these data, we expect to submit our first regulatory filings in the coming months, and are planning for the possibility of having regulatory approval for patisiran in mid-2018," said John Maraganore, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Alnylam. "We have also made significant progress across our other programs, including the initiation of our ENVISION Phase 3 program for givosiran in acute hepatic porphyrias and, with our partners at The Medicines Company, the ORION Phase 3 program in hypercholesterolemia. Additionally, we aim to resume dosing in all fitusiran studies, including the ATLAS Phase 3 program, as soon as possible. These milestones position Alnylam with multiple late-stage clinical assets, while we concurrently transition into a fully integrated commercial company with the goal of delivering innovative medicines to patients around the world."

Third Quarter 2017 and Recent Significant Corporate Highlights

Advanced patisiran, an investigational RNAi therapeutic in development for the treatment of patients with hereditary ATTR (hATTR) amyloidosis, with positive results from the APOLLO Phase 3 study (N=225).
Patisiran met its primary endpoint (p = 9.26 x 10-24) with a 34.0 point mean difference relative to placebo and a negative 6.0 point mean change (improvement) relative to baseline in the modified neuropathy impairment score (mNIS+7) at 18 months, as well as all secondary endpoints (p less than 0.001), including a 21.1 point mean difference relative to placebo and a negative 6.7 point mean change (improvement) relative to baseline in the NORFOLK Quality of Life-Diabetic Neuropathy score (NORFOLK QOL-DN) (p = 1.10 x 10-10), at 18 months.
Patisiran also demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile relative to placebo. The most commonly reported adverse events (AEs) for patisiran were generally mild to moderate and included peripheral edema (29.7 percent) and infusion-related reactions (IRRs) (18.9 percent), and the frequency of deaths and serious adverse events (SAEs) was similar in the patisiran and placebo groups. No deaths were considered drug-related.
Specifically, the Company believes that these data support a potentially "best-in-class" product profile, with significant benefit relative to placebo, negative mean and median values (improvement) for mNIS+7 and QOL measures relative to baseline, and encouraging safety and tolerability.
In addition, patisiran achieved significant effects in the study’s cardiac subpopulation, including on disease biomarker, echocardiographic, and functional parameters.
The Company believes the totality of the APOLLO data are consistent with a clinically meaningful impact for patisiran on hATTR amyloidosis, and plans to submit an NDA for patisiran by the end of 2017 and a Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) shortly thereafter.
Advanced ALN-TTRsc02, a subcutaneously administered investigational RNAi therapeutic in development for the treatment of ATTR amyloidosis.
Presented updated Phase 1 data showing up to 95% transthyretin (TTR) knockdown with a single 50 mg dose, with durability supportive of a once quarterly and, possibly, bi-annual subcutaneous dose regimen.
Reaffirmed guidance to initiate a Phase 3 program for ALN-TTRsc02 in 2018.
Advanced givosiran, an investigational RNAi therapeutic in development for the treatment of acute hepatic porphyrias (AHPs), with initiation of the ENVISION Phase 3 study.
The Company reached alignment with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the design of ENVISION, including an interim analysis based on reduction of urinary aminolevulinic acid (ALA), a biomarker that the FDA considers to be reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit.
The Company has also reached alignment on the ENVISION Phase 3 study design with the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
The Company is guiding that it expects interim analysis results in mid-2018 and, pending FDA review of the program at the time of interim analysis and assuming positive results, it expects to submit an NDA at or around year-end 2018.
Advanced fitusiran, an investigational RNAi therapeutic in development for the treatment of hemophilia A and B with or without inhibitors, with new positive data from the Phase 2 open-label extension (OLE) study presented at the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis 2017 Congress.
Results from the Phase 1 study were published in The New England Journal of Medicine in a paper titled, "Targeting of Antithrombin in Hemophilia A or B with RNAi Therapy."
Announced the initiation of the ATLAS Phase 3 program, a global, multicenter clinical program designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of fitusiran in patients with hemophilia A and B with or without inhibitors.
The Company temporarily suspended dosing in all ongoing studies of fitusiran following the observation of a fatal thrombotic SAE that occurred in a patient with hemophilia A without inhibitors who was receiving fitusiran in the Phase 2 OLE study. Alnylam and fitusiran study investigators have aligned on a risk management plan for further advancement of fitusiran and are now conferring with global regulators with the goal of resuming dosing as soon as possible, potentially by the end of 2017.
Alnylam and The Medicines Company announced initiation of the ORION-11 Phase 3 study of inclisiran, an investigational RNAi therapeutic targeting PCSK9 in development for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
The companies announced new positive data from the ORION-1 Phase 2 study of inclisiran at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2017.
Advanced cemdisiran (formerly known as ALN-CC5), a subcutaneously administered investigational RNAi therapeutic targeting complement component C5 for the treatment of complement-mediated diseases, with the initiation of a Phase 2 clinical study in patients with atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome (aHUS).
Advanced lumasiran (formerly known as ALN-GO1), an investigational RNAi therapeutic in development for the treatment of primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1), with new positive data from the Phase 1/2 study presented at the American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week 2017 Annual Meeting.
Alnylam announced a licensing agreement with Vir Biotechnology for the development and commercialization of RNAi therapeutics for infectious diseases, including hepatitis B.
Advanced RNAi platform technology with new pre-clinical data on Alnylam’s next generation "Enhanced Stabilization Chemistry Plus" (ESC+) GalNAc-siRNA conjugate platform presented at the 13th Annual Meeting of the Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Society.
Upcoming Events

Alnylam announces today that Alnylam scientists and collaborators will present new results from multiple pipeline programs at the 59th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, being held December 9 – 12, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. Presentations include:
Explore: A Prospective, Multinational History Study of Patients with Acute Hepatic Porphyrias (AHP) with Recurrent Attacks
Session: 102. Regulation of Iron Metabolism: Poster II
Date/Time: Sunday, December 10, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. ET
Perioperative Management in Patients with Hemophilia Receiving Fitusiran, an Investigational RNAi Therapeutic Targeting Antithrombin for the Treatment of Hemophilia
Session: 322. Disorders of Coagulation or Fibrinolysis: Poster II
Date/Time: Sunday, December 10, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. ET
In Silico Modeling of the Impact of Antithrombin Lowering on Thrombin Generation in Rare Bleeding Disorders
Session: 321. Blood Coagulation and Fibrinolytic Factors: Poster III
Date/Time: Monday, December 11, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. ET
Alnylam plans to file its first NDA for patisiran with the FDA by the end of 2017, followed by an MAA in the EU in early 2018.
Alnylam plans to meet with global regulatory authorities with the goal of reaching agreement on a risk mitigation plan and resumption of dosing in fitusiran clinical studies.
Financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2017

"Alnylam’s strong balance sheet and overall financial position allow us to build our commercial capabilities in preparation for anticipated product launches in the U.S. and Western Europe during 2018, assuming regulatory approvals in the U.S. and EU," said Manmeet Soni, Chief Financial Officer of Alnylam. "Additionally, we continue to invest in our broad pipeline of investigational RNAi therapeutics, advancing our four late-stage programs as well as the early-stage pipeline programs."

Cash and Investments
At September 30, 2017, Alnylam had cash, cash equivalents and fixed income marketable securities, and restricted investments of $1.15 billion, as compared to $1.09 billion at December 31, 2016.

GAAP and Non-GAAP Net Loss
The net loss according to accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (GAAP) for the third quarter of 2017 was $122.9 million, or $1.34 per share on both a basic and diluted basis, as compared to a net loss of $104.1 million, or $1.21 per share on both a basic and diluted basis, for the same period in the previous year.

The non-GAAP net loss for the third quarter of 2017 was $97.0 million, or $1.06 per share on both a basic and diluted basis, as compared to a non-GAAP net loss of $88.5 million, or $1.03 per share on both a basic and diluted basis for the same period in the previous year.

The non-GAAP net loss excludes stock-based compensation expense. See "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for a description of non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation between GAAP and non-GAAP net loss appearing later in this press release.

Revenues
Revenues were $17.1 million in the third quarter of 2017, as compared to $13.7 million in the third quarter of 2016. Revenues for the third quarter of 2017 included $14.6 million from the Company’s alliance with Sanofi Genzyme, $2.3 million from the Company’s alliance with The Medicines Company and $0.2 million from other sources.

GAAP and Non-GAAP Research and Development Expenses
GAAP research and development (R&D) expenses were $95.3 million in the third quarter of 2017 as compared to $97.9 million in the third quarter of 2016.

Non-GAAP R&D expenses were $80.2 million in the third quarter of 2017 as compared to $88.6 million in the third quarter of 2016. Non-GAAP R&D expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense. A reconciliation between GAAP and non-GAAP R&D expenses appears later in this press release.

GAAP and Non-GAAP General and Administrative Expenses
GAAP general and administrative (G&A) expenses were $47.6 million in the third quarter of 2017 as compared to $22.4 million in the third quarter of 2016.

Non-GAAP G&A expenses were $36.8 million in the third quarter of 2017 as compared to $16.2 million in the third quarter of 2016. Non-GAAP G&A expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense. A reconciliation between GAAP and non-GAAP G&A expenses appears later in this press release.

Financial Guidance
Alnylam remains on track to end 2017 with greater than $1.0 billion in cash, cash equivalents and fixed income marketable securities including $150.0 million in restricted investments.

Conference Call Information
Management will provide an update on the Company and discuss third quarter 2017 results as well as expectations for the future via conference call on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at 4:30 p.m. ET. To access the call, please dial 877-312-7507 (domestic) or 631-813-4828 (international) five minutes prior to the start time and refer to conference ID 2432127. A replay of the call will be available beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET on the day of the call. To access the replay, please dial 855-859-2056 (domestic) or 404-537-3406 (international), and refer to conference ID 2432127.

Alnylam – Sanofi Genzyme Alliance
In January 2014, Alnylam and Sanofi Genzyme, the specialty care global business unit of Sanofi, formed an alliance to accelerate the advancement of RNAi therapeutics as a potential new class of innovative medicines for patients around the world with rare genetic diseases. The alliance enables Sanofi Genzyme to expand its rare disease pipeline with Alnylam’s novel RNAi technology and provides access to Alnylam’s R&D engine, while Alnylam benefits from Sanofi Genzyme’s proven global capabilities to advance late-stage development and, upon commercialization, accelerate market access for these promising genetic medicine products.

In the case of patisiran, Alnylam will advance the product in the United States, Canada and Western Europe, while Sanofi Genzyme will advance the product in the rest of the world. In November 2016, Sanofi Genzyme elected to co-develop (through Sanofi R&D) and co-commercialize fitusiran in the United States, Canada and Western Europe, in addition to commercializing fitusiran in its rest of world territories. Sanofi Genzyme has the right to opt in to develop and commercialize lumasiran in territories outside of the United States, Canada and Western Europe and could elect to exercise its one right to a global license for lumasiran. In the case of ALN-TTRsc02, Sanofi Genzyme has the right to opt into the program with co-development/co-commercialization rights.

About RNAi
RNAi (RNA interference) is a natural cellular process of gene silencing that represents one of the most promising and rapidly advancing frontiers in biology and drug development today. Its discovery has been heralded as "a major scientific breakthrough that happens once every decade or so," and was recognized with the award of the 2006 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine. By harnessing the natural biological process of RNAi occurring in our cells, a major new class of medicines, known as RNAi therapeutics, is on the horizon. Small interfering RNA (siRNA), the molecules that mediate RNAi and comprise Alnylam’s RNAi therapeutic platform, function upstream of today’s medicines by potently silencing messenger RNA (mRNA) – the genetic precursors – that encode for disease-causing proteins, thus preventing them from being made. This is a revolutionary approach with the potential to transform the care of patients with genetic and other diseases.

About LNP Technology
Alnylam has licenses to Arbutus LNP intellectual property for use in RNAi therapeutic products using LNP technology.

10-Q – Quarterly report [Sections 13 or 15(d)]

Alnylam has filed a 10-Q – Quarterly report [Sections 13 or 15(d)] with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (Filing, 10-Q, Alnylam, 2017, NOV 7, 2017, View Source [SID1234521660]).

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Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

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10-Q – Quarterly report [Sections 13 or 15(d)]

Nektar Therapeutics has filed a 10-Q – Quarterly report [Sections 13 or 15(d)] with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (Filing, 10-Q, Nektar Therapeutics, 2017, NOV 7, 2017, View Source [SID1234521728]).

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Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!