On November 3, 2016 Exelixis, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXEL) reported financial results for the third quarter of 2016 and provided an update on progress toward delivering upon its key 2016 corporate objectives, as well as commercial and clinical development milestones (Press release, Exelixis, NOV 3, 2016, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2219503 [SID1234516248]).

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Exelixis is focused on the U.S. launch of CABOMETYX (cabozantinib) tablets as a treatment for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who have received prior anti-angiogenic therapy. CABOMETYX generated $31.2 million in net product revenue during the third quarter of 2016, which reflects the first full quarter of product sales. Net product revenues for the third quarter of 2016, including sales of COMETRIQ (cabozantinib) capsules for the treatment of certain forms of thyroid cancer, were $42.7 million. While Exelixis focuses on commercialization in the United States, its partner Ipsen is in the process of launching CABOMETYX in the European Union, following the European Commission’s (EC) September 2016 approval of CABOMETYX for the treatment of adult patients with advanced RCC who have received prior vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted therapy. Exelixis is eligible to receive royalties on CABOMETYX sales by Ipsen outside of the United States, Canada and Japan.

"The third quarter of 2016 was an important inflection point for Exelixis. We recorded our first full quarter of CABOMETYX sales and also made significant progress on our path towards becoming a profitable, fully integrated, commercial biopharmaceutical company," said Michael M. Morrissey, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Exelixis. "Feedback from prescribers, as well as performance to date, suggest that clinicians treating advanced renal cell carcinoma see CABOMETYX as a differentiated therapy and are increasingly incorporating it into their practice. While we continued to execute on the U.S. CABOMETYX launch and pursue important clinical trials like CABOSUN that have the potential to further advance our business, we also demonstrated sound fiscal discipline, resulting in a significantly decreased net loss and cash burn. As we close out the year, we remain committed to maximizing our opportunity to improve the treatment of cancer while building a strong and nimble company."

Cabozantinib Highlights

Presented Positive Results from Phase 2 CABOSUN Trial in Advanced RCC. At the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2016 Congress, detailed results were presented from CABOSUN, the randomized phase 2 trial of cabozantinib compared with sunitinib in patients with previously untreated advanced RCC with intermediate- or poor-risk disease per the International Metastatic Renal Carcinoma Database Consortium risk criteria. In this trial, cabozantinib demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in the rate of disease progression or death as compared to sunitinib. The CABOSUN results were the subject of a late-breaking abstract at ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper), and were highlighted at one of the Congress’ Presidential Symposia and in its official media program. CABOSUN was conducted by The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology with support from the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (NCI-CTEP).

Plans for Supplemental New Drug Application in First-Line Advanced RCC. Based on the CABOSUN results, Exelixis plans to submit a Supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for cabozantinib as a treatment for previously untreated advanced RCC. The company is working with The Alliance to transfer the complete CABOSUN clinical database to Exelixis and will facilitate an independent radiological review of the CABOSUN imaging data in preparation for filing.

Phase 1 Trial Results for Cabozantinib in Combination with Nivolumab in Advanced Genitourinary Tumors. Also at the ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2016 Congress, positive results were presented from the NCI-CTEP-sponsored phase 1 trial of cabozantinib in combination with nivolumab in patients with previously treated genitourinary tumors. Part II of the study is evaluating the triplet combination of cabozantinib, nivolumab, and ipilimumab and thus far has enrolled 15 patients. Expansion cohorts assessing cabozantinib and nivolumab, including patients with bladder, renal, and rare genitourinary cancers, are also currently being accrued.

European Commission Approval of CABOMETYX for the Treatment of Advanced RCC. On September 9, 2016, the EC approved CABOMETYX for the treatment of advanced RCC in adults following prior VEGF-targeted therapy. The approval allows for the marketing of CABOMETYX in all 28 member states of the European Union, Norway and Iceland. Under the license agreement with Ipsen, the EC approval triggered a $60.0 million milestone payment from Ipsen to Exelixis, which is expected to be received in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Outcome from First Planned Interim Analysis of Phase 3 CELESTIAL Trial. On September 6, 2016, Exelixis announced the outcome from the first planned interim analysis of CELESTIAL, the randomized global phase 3 trial of cabozantinib compared with placebo in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma who have been previously treated with sorafenib. Following the analysis, the trial’s Independent Data Monitoring Committee determined that the study should continue without modifications per the study protocol. The trial protocol calls for a second interim analysis to take place once 75 percent of planned events have been observed.

Cobimetinib Highlights

Results from Cobimetinib Combination Trials Support Further Advancement. Cobimetinib, the Exelixis-discovered MEK inhibitor now the subject of a worldwide collaboration with Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, was the subject of seven presentations at the ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2016 Congress. For the first time, investigators presented preliminary results from the phase 1b clinical trial of the triple combination of cobimetinib, vemurafenib, and atezolizumab in patients with previously untreated BRAF V600 mutation-positive advanced melanoma. The regimen was associated with promising antitumor activity and a manageable safety profile; details of a subsequent Roche-sponsored phase 3 pivotal trial, TRILOGY, have been posted to www.ClinicalTrials.gov. Investigators also presented updated results from the phase 1 trial of cobimetinib plus atezolizumab in advanced colorectal cancer that provide a rationale for COTEZO, the ongoing phase 3 pivotal trial in the same disease setting. New data from the phase 1 part of COLET, the phase 1/2 trial of cobimetinib and paclitaxel in triple-negative breast cancer, were also the subject of a poster presentation at the meeting.

Corporate Highlights

Exelixis Presence at the ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2016 Congress. Exelixis-discovered compounds were the subject of 15 presentations at the ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2016 Congress, which was held October 7-11 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The company also hosted an investor/analyst briefing in which management and invited guests discussed the cabozantinib data at the meeting, including CABOSUN and the combination trial of cabozantinib and nivolumab in advanced genitourinary tumors. For full details, see the August 31st abstract acceptance press release, the subsequent data press releases, and the replay of the briefing on www.exelixis.com.

Addition to the Exelixis Board of Directors. On September 22, 2016, Exelixis named Julie Anne Smith to the company’s Board of Directors. Ms. Smith joins the Exelixis board with nearly two decades of operational leadership experience in high growth public, private, startup, and established biopharmaceutical businesses. She served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Raptor Pharmaceuticals, a commercial-stage, global innovator in the development and commercialization of orphan disease therapies, from January 2015 through the company’s acquisition by Horizon Pharma plc, or Horizon. Ms. Smith is continuing to provide transition services to Horizon through December 31, 2016.

Phase 3 Clinical Development for CS-3150. On September 26, 2016, Exelixis announced its partner Daiichi Sankyo initiated a phase 3 pivotal trial to evaluate CS-3150 (esaxerenone (r-INN)), an oral, non-steroidal, selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, as a treatment for essential hypertension in Japanese patients. Enrollment of the trial’s first patient made Exelixis eligible to receive a $15.0 million milestone payment, which it received in the fourth quarter of 2016. CS-3150 is one of the compounds identified during Exelixis’ prior research collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo.

Conversion and Redemption of 4.25% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes. On August 9, 2016 and August 19, 2016, respectively, Exelixis entered into separate, privately negotiated exchange transactions with certain holders of the 4.25% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2019, or the 2019 Notes. Under the terms of the associated exchange agreements, the holders agreed to convert an aggregate principal amount of $239.4 million of 2019 Notes held by them in exchange for an aggregate of 45,064,456 shares of Exelixis common stock and an aggregate cash payment of approximately $2.4 million. Following completion of the exchange transactions, on August 24, 2016, Exelixis provided public notice of the redemption of the final $48.1 million of the 2019 Notes, representing all remaining notes outstanding. Following a required redemption period, holders of the remaining 2019 Notes had the option to convert their notes into shares of Exelixis common stock, plus cash in lieu of any fractional share, at a conversion rate of 188.2353 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of their notes at any time before close of business on October 31, 2016. During the required redemption period, $47.5 million of the 2019 Notes were converted into shares of Exelixis common stock and the remaining $0.6 million of the 2019 Notes outstanding on November 2, 2016 were redeemed in cash for 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding such date.

2016 Financial Guidance

The company is refining its guidance that operating expenses for the full year 2016 will be approximately $245 million, including approximately $25 million of non-cash items primarily related to stock-based compensation expense.

Third Quarter 2016 Financial Results

Total revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 were $62.2 million, compared to $9.9 million for the comparable period in 2015. Total revenues for the third quarter of 2016 include $42.7 million of net product revenue compared to $6.9 million for the comparable period in 2015. The increase in net product revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015, reflects the impact of the commercial launch of CABOMETYX in late April 2016, as well as an increase in COMETRIQ revenues. Net product revenues for CABOMETYX and COMETRIQ were $31.2 million and $11.5 million, respectively. Total revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 include the recognition of $15.0 million of contract revenue from the Daiichi Sankyo CS-3150 milestone, $3.8 million of license revenues recognized under Exelixis’ collaboration and license agreement with Ipsen and $0.7 million of royalties on ex-U.S. net sales of COTELLIC (cobimetinib). There was $3.0 million of contract revenues for a milestone payment received from Merck related to their worldwide license of Exelixis’ PI3K-delta program during the comparable period in 2015.

Research and development expenses for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 were $20.3 million, compared to $26.1 million for the comparable period in 2015. The decrease was primarily related to decreases in share-based compensation, clinical trial costs and the allocation of general corporate costs; those decreases were partially offset by increases in personnel related expenses resulting from an increase in headcount predominantly associated with the build-out of the Exelixis Medical Affairs organization.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 were $32.5 million, compared to $17.8 million for the comparable period in 2015. The increase was primarily related to an increase in personnel related expenses resulting from an increase in headcount connected with the build-out of the Exelixis U.S. commercial organization, marketing and outside services to support the launch and commercialization of CABOMETYX.

Other income (expense), net for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 was a net expense of ($18.5) million compared to ($9.8) million for the comparable period in 2015. The increase in net expense was primarily due to the $13.8 million of loss associated with the conversion through September 30, 2016 of $285.3 million in aggregate principal amount of the company’s 2019 Notes for 53,704,911 shares of our common stock. The net expense also includes interest expense which includes $3.9 million of non-cash expense related to the accretion of the discounts on both the 2019 Notes and the company’s indebtedness under its Secured Convertible Notes due 2018 held by entities associated with Deerfield for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, as compared to $4.9 million for the comparable period in 2015.

Net loss for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 was ($11.3) million, or ($0.04) per share, basic, compared to ($45.5) million, or ($0.21) per share, basic, for the comparable period in 2015. The decreased net loss for the quarter was primarily due to increases in net revenues and a decrease in research and development expenses, which were partially offset by increases in selling, general and administrative expenses and other income (expense), net.

Cash and cash equivalents, short- and long-term investments and long-term restricted cash and investments totaled $379.6 million at September 30, 2016, which increased from $253.3 million at December 31, 2015.

Basis of Presentation

Exelixis adopted a 52- or 53-week fiscal year that generally ends on the Friday closest to December 31st. For convenience, references in this press release as of and for the fiscal periods ended September 30, 2016, January 1, 2016 and October 2, 2015 are indicated as being as of and for the periods ended September 30, 2016, December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2015, respectively.

Correction of an Immaterial Error

Certain historical amounts in other income (expense), net, net loss and stockholders’ equity (deficit) presented herein have been revised to reflect the correction of the accounting for non-cash interest expense associated with the 2019 Notes. See "Note 1 – Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to Exelixis’ Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Exelixis’ quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016 for a further description of this error and the historical amounts which have been corrected.

On November 3, 2016 Five Prime Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:FPRX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing innovative immuno-oncology protein therapeutics, reported a corporate update and reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2016 (Press release, Five Prime Therapeutics, NOV 3, 2016, View Source [SID1234516271]).

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"We have continued to make progress on all of our clinical and preclinical programs during the quarter," said Lewis T. "Rusty" Williams, M.D., Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Five Prime. "We achieved an important milestone by advancing into the Phase 1b portion of our clinical trial evaluating the immunotherapy combination of cabiralizumab (FPA008) with nivolumab in multiple tumor types. We believe targeting both the CSF1R and PD-1 pathways has the potential to produce a synergistic therapeutic effect. Our Phase 1 trial evaluating FPA144 in patients with gastric cancer is also progressing well. We have added cohorts to enroll gastric cancer patients with tumors at varying levels of FGFR2b expression as well as a cohort to evaluate bladder tumors that overexpress FGFR2b. Additionally, we continue to advance our pre-clinical programs and have begun IND-enabling activities for three of our immuno-oncology therapeutic candidates."

Business Highlights and Recent Developments

Clinical Pipeline:

Cabiralizumab (FPA008): an investigational antibody that inhibits CSF1R and has been shown to block the activation and survival of monocytes and macrophages. In the setting of advanced cancer, tumor-associated macrophages can inhibit the immune system’s ability to eradicate the disease. In pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS), a CSF-1-driven tumor, the bulk of the tumor mass in joints is formed by the macrophages themselves. Five Prime and Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) have an exclusive worldwide collaboration agreement for the development and commercialization of cabiralizumab for these and potentially additional indications.

Initiated Phase 1b portion of cabiralizumab/OPDIVO trial.
In October 2016, Five Prime initiated the Phase 1b portion of the clinical trial evaluating the immunotherapy combination of cabiralizumab with the PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor OPDIVO (nivolumab) in multiple tumor types. Five Prime and BMS are evaluating the safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy of the combination in advanced solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, renal cell carcinoma and ovarian cancer. The Phase 1a/1b trial is expected to enroll approximately 280 patients.

Advanced the Phase 2 trial of cabiralizumab in patients with PVNS.
Five Prime continued enrollment and dosing in the Phase 2 trial of cabiralizumab in PVNS. During Phase 2, Five Prime is evaluating clinical measures, including response rate, pain and range of motion, in approximately 30 PVNS patients.

FPA144: an isoform-selective antibody in development as a targeted immuno-therapy for tumors that overexpress FGFR2b, a splice variant of a receptor for some members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family. FPA144 has been engineered for enhanced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) to increase direct tumor cell killing by recruiting natural killer (NK) cells. Five Prime retains global development and commercialization rights to FPA144.

Opened new gastric cancer cohorts and added a bladder cancer cohort in Phase 1 monotherapy trial of FPA144. Enrollment continues in the expansion portion of the trial evaluating the safety, PK and efficacy of biweekly 15 mg/kg infusions of FPA144 in patients with gastric cancer whose tumors highly overexpress FGFR2b. During the quarter, Five Prime added cohorts to evaluate FPA144 in patients with bladder cancer whose tumors overexpress FGFR2b and in patients with gastric cancer whose tumors express moderate or low levels of FGFR2b. Five Prime reported encouraging initial single-agent efficacy and safety data at the 2016 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting.

Announced FDA Orphan Drug Designation for FPA144 in July for the treatment of gastric cancer and cancer of the gastroesophageal junction in patients whose tumors overexpress FGFR2b.

FP-1039: a protein drug designed to intervene in FGF signaling. As a ligand trap, FP-1039 binds to and neutralizes FGF ligands (such as FGF2), preventing these signaling proteins from reaching FGFR1 on the surface of tumor cells.

Although Five Prime regained full rights to FP-1039 from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in September, GSK will complete the ongoing Phase 1b trial combining FP-1039 with first-line pemetrexed and cisplatin in untreated, unresectable mesothelioma. GSK concluded trial recruitment with 25 patients enrolled at the 15 mg/kg dose, and continues to dose and follow patients. Five Prime plans to make decisions on potential future development of FP-1039 in mesothelioma once objective response rate, disease control rate and progression-free survival data are sufficiently mature.
Preclinical Research and Development:

IND-enabling studies initiated for preclinical development candidates. Five Prime advanced multiple preclinical immuno-oncology programs and initiated IND-enabling activities for three therapeutic candidates. In vivo data from preclinical studies of Five Prime’s tetravalent GITR agonist antibody (FPA154) have been accepted for presentation in a poster at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) Annual Meeting on November 11, 2016. Five Prime intends to share further details on all three programs during its R&D Day in New York City on December 8. The company’s goal is to file at least one IND application for a new molecule each year for the foreseeable future, beginning in 2017.

Completed multiple immuno-oncology research screens to identify new targets and drug candidates. Five Prime’s research team completed functional screens on CD8 T cells and regulatory T cells, as well as a comprehensive screen of all extracellular binding interactions in the "immunome," a defined subset of extracellular proteins selectively expressed on immune cells. The screens were conducted in order to identify new immuno-oncology targets, which the company is prioritizing for further development as new drug candidates, either as monotherapies or as part of combination regimens.
Summary of Financial Results and Guidance:

Cash Position. Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaled $440.7 million on September 30, 2016, compared to $517.5 million on December 31, 2015. The decrease in cash was primarily attributable to cash used in operations to advance the FPA144 clinical trial, preclinical programs and tax payments.
Revenue. Collaboration revenue for the third quarter of 2016 increased by $0.8 million to $6.7 million from $5.9 million in the third quarter of 2015. This increase was primarily due to revenue recognized under the 2015 cabiralizumab collaboration agreement with BMS, under which Five Prime is reimbursed for the expenses from the cabiralizumab immuno-oncology trial.
R&D Expenses. Research and development expenses for the third quarter of 2016 decreased by $0.8 million to $23.9 million from $24.7 million in the third quarter of 2015. In the third quarter of 2015, the company recorded an $8.0 million expense related to in-licensing. Adjusted for this expense, research and development expenses increased $7.2 million over the prior year’s quarter, primarily related to advancing the FPA144 clinical trial, preclinical development and immuno-oncology research programs.
G&A Expenses. General and administrative expenses for the third quarter of 2016 increased by $3.9 million to $9.1 million from $5.2 million in the third quarter of 2015. This increase was primarily due to increases in payroll and stock-based compensation expenses.
Net Loss. Net loss for the third quarter of 2016 was $19.4 million, or $0.72 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $24.0 million, or $0.93 per basic and diluted share, for the third quarter of 2015.
Shares Outstanding. Total shares outstanding were 28.4 million as of September 30, 2016.
Cash Guidance. Five Prime continues to expect full-year 2016 net cash used in operating activities to be less than $120 million, comprising less than $90 million used in operations and less than $30 million used for tax payments. The company estimates ending 2016 with more than $400 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities.

On November 3, 2016 Aviragen Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVIR) reported its financial results for the three month period ended September 30, 2016, which is the first quarter of the Company’s 2017 fiscal year, and also provided an update on recent corporate developments (Press release, Nabi Biopharmaceuticals, NOV 3, 2016, View Source [SID1234516303]).

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"Throughout the last quarter and in recent weeks, we have made significant progress advancing each of our Phase 2 antiviral clinical programs. Most notably, I am pleased to announce the completion of enrollment in the SPIRITUS Phase 2b trial of vapendavir for the treatment of HRV infections in moderate and severe asthmatic patients as well as the Phase 2a RSV challenge study of BTA585. We look forward to announcing top-line data from both of these trials in the coming months," commented Joseph M. Patti, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aviragen Therapeutics.

Recent Corporate Highlights

Announced Completion of Enrollment in the SPIRITUS Phase 2b Trial of Vapendavir for the Treatment of Human Rhinovirus (HRV) Infections. Today, the Company announced completion of patient enrollment in the Phase 2b trial of vapendavir for the treatment of HRV infections in moderate and severe asthmatics. Given the 35 day follow up for each patient, the last patient is expected to complete the study in early December. Top-line data are expected approximately eight weeks after the last patient completes the study. The primary endpoint of SPIRITUS is the change from baseline to study day 14 measured by an asthma control questionnaire (ACQ)-6 total score. The secondary endpoints are focused on safety and tolerability, and lung function assessments.

Announced Completion of Enrollment in the Phase 2a RSV Challenge Study of BTA585. Today, the Company announced the completion of patient enrollment in the final cohort (600 mg bid) in the Phase 2a trial in healthy volunteers intranasally challenged with RSV. Top-line data from this trial is expected around the end of the year.

Presented BTA585 Phase 1a and 1b Data at ID Week 2016. Pharmacokinetic (PK) and safety data from a Phase 1 single ascending dose and multiple ascending dose study with BTA585 were presented in New Orleans at the annual ID Week in October 2016. The clinical data from 85 healthy volunteers demonstrated that BTA585 was generally well tolerated and there was a low incidence of adverse events with the most common being headache, nausea, and chromaturia. BTA585 plasma Cmax was rapidly achieved at approximately one hour following oral dosing, exposure was dose-proportional, there was no accumulation of BTA585 over the duration of dosing and the half-life (T1/2) was approximately five to six hours. Additionally, dosing of BTA585 with a high fat meal did not adversely affect the PK.

Hosted Key Opinion Leader (KOL) Meeting on HRV Infections. In October 2016, the Company hosted a KOL breakfast focused on the significant burden of HRV infections in at-risk patient populations. The meeting featured keynote presentations from Dr. Frederick G. Hayden, Professor Emeritus of Infectious Diseases and International Health at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, and Dr. Sebastian L. Johnston, Professor of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy at Imperial College London and Director of the Wellcome Trust Centre for Respiratory Infection.

Reported Data from the Vapendavir Phase 1 Bioavailability Trial. In August 2016, the Company completed a single-center, open-label, three-period comparative bioavailability study in healthy volunteers to assess the comparability of the vapendavir phosphate salt capsule, and two new formulations of vapendavir free base in the forms of an oral suspension and tablet. Results showed that the bioavailability of the oral suspension and tablet formulations were comparable to the capsule form of vapendavir. The oral suspension formulation is intended to enable the conduct of future pediatric trials, and the tablet formulation will allow an increase in manufacturing scale appropriate for Phase 3 trials and commercial development.

Financial Results for the Three Month Period Ended September 30, 2016

The Company reported a net loss of $10.0 million for the three month period ended September 30, 2016, as compared to a net loss of $6.6 million in the same quarter of the prior fiscal year. Basic and diluted net loss per share was $0.26 for the three month period ended September 30, 2016, as compared to a basic and diluted net loss per share of $0.17 in the same period in 2015. The major components of net loss in both periods are detailed below.

Revenue decreased to $0.1 million for the three month period ended September 30, 2016 from $1.7 million in the same period in 2015 due to a $1.6 million reduction in royalty revenues, reflecting no government stockpiling orders of the flu product Relenza for the three month period ended September 30, 2016. The Company currently receives a 7% royalty on sales of Relenza in the U.S. and in certain other countries. However, in October 2016, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit Decision Board upheld the Patent Office’s rejection of claims in U.S. Patent Application 08/737,141 relating to the method of prevention and treatment of influenza by inhalation of zanamivir (Relenza). The Company is working with its partner to determine possible next steps in the prosecution of the patent application.

Research and development expense increased to $7.6 million for the three month period ended September 30, 2016 from $5.5 million in the same period in 2015. The $2.1 million increase largely reflected higher clinical and manufacturing costs associated with our ongoing trials.

General and administrative expense was $2.2 million for both the three month period ended September 30, 2016 and the same period in 2015, as higher consulting and professional fees were fully offset by decreased personnel costs.

Non-cash implied interest expense was $0.4 million for the three month period ended September 30, 2016 related to the royalty interest sale in April 2016. There was no non-cash implied interest expense for the same period in 2015.

The Company held $58.3 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments as of September 30, 2016.

On November 3, 2016 TESARO, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSRO), an oncology-focused biopharmaceutical company, reported operating results for third-quarter 2016 and provided an update on the Company’s marketed product and development programs (Press release, TESARO, NOV 3, 2016, View Source [SID1234516336]).

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"We are very pleased to have submitted regulatory applications for niraparib in both the United States and in Europe for the maintenance treatment of patients with platinum-sensitive, recurrent ovarian cancer who are in response to platinum-based chemotherapy. Pre-launch activities are well underway in support of four potential product launches in 2017, including VARUBI IV and niraparib in the U.S and VARUBI oral and niraparib in Europe," said Lonnie Moulder, CEO of TESARO. "The recent ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2016 Congress was very gratifying for TESARO, highlighted by the presentation of the landmark niraparib NOVA trial results during a Presidential Symposium by Dr. Mansoor Raza Mirza. We look forward to advancing our comprehensive ovarian cancer clinical program and expanding niraparib development into other tumor types in 2017."

Recent Business Highlights

The U.S. launch of VARUBI continues, and unit volume increased by 14% for the third quarter compared to the second quarter. For the month of September, VARUBI achieved a 28% market share in the oral NK-1 market in the U.S.
TESARO officially opened its international commercial headquarters in Zug, Switzerland on October 11.
Earlier this week, the rolling submission of a New Drug Application (NDA) for niraparib to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was completed for the maintenance treatment of patients with recurrent, platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer who are in response to platinum-based chemotherapy. The indication proposed in the niraparib NDA provides for the use of niraparib regardless of tumor biomarker status, and it is anticipated that the BRACAnalysis CDx and myChoice HRD tests would be available to physicians as complementary diagnostics.
The Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) for niraparib has been submitted to and accepted for review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the maintenance treatment of patients with recurrent, platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer who are in response to platinum-based chemotherapy.
The niraparib Phase 3 ENGOT-OV16/NOVA clinical trial results were presented at the Presidential Symposium at the ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2016 Congress by Dr. Mansoor Raza Mirza, M.D., Medical Director of the Nordic Society of Gynecologic Oncology (NSGO) and principal investigator. These data were simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Planning is underway to support initiation of an Early Access Program (EAP) for niraparib in the United States and Europe.
Janssen initiated a Phase 2 clinical trial with niraparib in monotherapy in men with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and recently began a Phase 1 safety and pharmacokinetics study of niraparib plus apalutamide (ARN-509).
Enrollment continues in the PRIMA trial for patients with first-line ovarian cancer, the QUADRA trial of niraparib for the treatment of patients with ovarian cancer who have received three or more prior lines of chemotherapy, and in the BRAVO trial for patients with germline BRCA-mutated, metastatic breast cancer.
Enrollment continues in the TOPACIO trial of niraparib plus KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) in patients with ovarian cancer or with triple negative breast cancer and in the AVANOVA trial of niraparib plus bevacizumab in patients with ovarian cancer.
TESARO and Zai Lab (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. announced a collaboration to support the development and commercialization of niraparib for patients in China and the potential to advance two immuno-oncology programs outside of China.
The Phase 1 dose escalation study of TSR-022, an anti-TIM-3 antibody candidate, was initiated in July, and the Phase 1 trial of TSR-042, an anti-PD-1 antibody candidate, continues to enroll.
Third Quarter 2016 Financial Results

TESARO reported a net loss of $101.2 million, or ($1.98) per share, for the third quarter of 2016, compared to a net loss of $66.6 million, or ($1.66) per share, for the third quarter of 2015.

Net product revenue for the third quarter of 2016 totaled $2.8 million and included sales of VARUBI from specialty pharmacy customers to patients and from specialty distributors to providers that were made during the third quarter, as well as sales from specialty distributors to providers that occurred in the second quarter of 2016. License, collaboration and other revenue for the third quarter of 2016 totaled $0.9 million and included amortization of milestone payments and shipments of clinical materials under our license agreements with Hengrui and Janssen.

Research and development expenses increased to $60.8 million for the third quarter of 2016, compared to $40.1 million for the third quarter of 2015, driven primarily by higher costs related to the ongoing registration trials of niraparib, manufacturing costs associated with niraparib, and the initiation of clinical studies for our immuno-oncology portfolio, in addition to increased headcount.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $37.7 million for the third quarter of 2016, compared to $22.8 million for the third quarter of 2015, primarily due to higher commercial headcount, including the establishment of a U.S. field sales organization in August 2015, commercial activities in support of the launch of VARUBI, costs associated with the establishment of our international headquarters, and higher professional service fees.

Operating expenses, as described above, include total non-cash, stock-based compensation expense of $12.9 million for the third quarter of 2016, compared to $8.1 million for the third quarter of 2015.

As of September 30, 2016, TESARO had approximately $647 million in cash and cash equivalents, which includes the $409 million in net proceeds from a follow-on offering of 5.3 million shares of common stock that was completed in July 2016. For the quarter ended September 30, 2016, TESARO had approximately 51.2 million shares outstanding on a weighted average basis.

In anticipation of four product launches in 2017, TESARO will continue to invest in pre-launch inventory manufacturing, development of supply chain capabilities and capacity, and expansion of European and targeted U.S. commercial operations, in addition to making milestone payments for regulatory submissions. As a result of these investments, the Company expects its cash and cash equivalents balance to decline by approximately $100 million during the fourth quarter of 2016.

Corporate Objectives

The following is a summary of TESARO’s key objectives:

VARUBI (rolapitant):

Achieve #1 market share position within the oral NK-1 receptor antagonist market by year-end 2016 in the U.S.;
Launch VARUBI IV into the U.S. market in 1H 2017, pending FDA approval;
Establish a European commercial organization; and
Launch VARUBI oral in Europe in 1H 2017, pending EMA approval.
Niraparib:

Continue commercial preparations in support of the launches of niraparib in the U.S. in 1H 2017 and Europe in 2H 2017, pending regulatory approvals;
Report QUADRA data in 2H 2017;
Report Phase 3 BRAVO data in 2H 2017;
Finalize a potential lung cancer registration strategy and initiate development program in 1H 2017; and
Determine the potential registration strategy for niraparib plus an anti-PD-1 antibody in ovarian cancer and triple-negative breast cancer in 2H 2017.
Immuno-Oncology Portfolio:

Identify a dose and schedule for TSR-042 (anti-PD-1 antibody) by the end of 2016;
Select at least one bispecific antibody clinical candidate by the end of 2016;
Identify the first clinical candidate within the MD Anderson collaboration in 1H 2017;
Initiate a Phase 1 study of TSR-033 (anti-LAG-3 antibody) in 1H 2017;
Finalize the TSR-042 registration strategy and initiate a registration program in 1H 2017; and
Initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial of TSR-022 in combination with an anti-PD-1 antibody in mid-2017.

On November 21 Moleculin Biotech, Inc., (NASDAQ: MBRX) ("Moleculin" or the "Company"), a preclinical and clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on the development of anti-cancer drug candidates, some of which are based on license agreements with The University of Texas System on behalf of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center ("MD Anderson"), reported its financial and operating results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2016 (Press release, Moleculin, NOV 3, 2016, View Source [SID1234516729]).

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During the third quarter and year to date, key activities included:
Updated the Annamycin clinical strategy to add a Phase I arm to its next Phase II trial that leverages a potential increase in the maximum tolerable drug dose, which could significantly increase the chance for positive outcomes. Despite some likely cost increases, which the Company believes will be offset by the Dermin supply agreement, as well as a likely extension in approval timing by several months, the Company believes that it remains on track to generate useful Phase II data by the second half of 2017;
Secured an agreement with Dermin Sp. Zo. O. to utilize its supply of Annamycin for the Company’s clinical trial, substantially reducing expenditures required of Moleculin for drug product and shortening the time required to produce clinical supplies;
Announced it had received verbal positive guidance from the FDA regarding its planned IND submission indicating that the Company may incorporate by reference the IND established by a prior developer;
Benefitting from additional grant funded research at MD Anderson for WP1066;
Announced promising initial results on the preclinical toxicology work for WP1122. Preliminary escalating single dose toxicity testing in mice was successfully completed. No toxic death was observed and the drug was well tolerated;
Appointed a new CFO, Jonathan P. Foster; and
Completed successful initial public offering and bridge financing.
Planned activities and milestones for the remainder of 2016 include:
Receive pre-IND guidance from FDA for liposomal Annamycin, an anthracycline for the treatment of relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (R/R AML);
Submit IND for liposomal Annamycin based on FDA guidance;
Strengthen license and IP portfolio; and
Continue development of pipeline assets, including drug and other molecular portfolio.
Walter Klemp, Chairman and CEO of Moleculin stated: "We continue to make progress towards executing on our clinical programs and are pleased with recent developments that allow us to more cost effectively fund our activities and potentially improve target outcomes, while maintaining our milestone to report Phase II data by the second half of 2017. We continue to believe we have sufficient funds to pursue our planned operations through the generation of Phase II data for Annamycin through the end of the third quarter of 2017."
Unaudited Financial Results for the Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2016
Research and development expense was $496,659 and $38,409 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The increase of approximately $458,000 mainly represents accrued license fees to MD Anderson for approximately $40,000, $37,500 for research performed by HPI, and approximately $228,000 related to MD Anderson sponsored research.
General and administrative expense was $924,041 and $184,344 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The expense increase of approximately $740,000 was mainly attributable to additional payroll and related expenses of approximately $459,000 related to a full three months of our Chief Financial Officer’s, Chief Operating Officer’s and Chief Executive Officer’s salaries and compensation for our Board of Directors. Also, included in this quarter’s expense was $118,000 related to the severance of the former Chief Financial Officer. The Company also incurred approximately $289,000 of expenses related to investor relations, audit and accounting, and insurance costs.
Interest expense included expense accrued on the Company’s convertible promissory notes issued in 2015 and 2016 bearing interest at the rate of 8% per annum.
The Company’s net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2016 amounted to $1,432,079.
As of September 30, 2016, the Company had $6,183,783 in cash. During the period from January 1, 2016 through May 2, 2016, the Company sold 234,296 common shares for $702,888. On May 31, 2016, the Company completed its initial public offering, pursuant to which it sold 1,540,026 shares of common stock at $6.00 per share for net proceeds of $8,464,183 after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and direct offering expenses.
Net cash used in operating activities was $2,596,647 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and mainly included payments made for payroll, travel, insurance and professional fees to the Company’s consultants, attorneys and accountants for services related to becoming a publicly traded company and related filing fees, along with payments made to MD Anderson for license and maintenance fees. Additionally, prepayments were made for insurance.
Net cash used in investing activities was $109,793 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and primarily represents the cash paid to acquire Moleculin, LLC.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $8,862,132 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The Company received $8,464,183 net proceeds from its IPO stock issuance, $702,888 from issuance of common shares at $3 per share, and $165,000 from issuance of convertible notes. Net cash used in financing activities included approximately $470,000 for payments of notes payable.
(Tables to follow)
Restatement of the Unaudited Financial Results for the Second Quarter Ended
June 30, 2016
Today, the Company filed its restated unaudited financial statements for the Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2016 with the Security and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on Form 10-Q/A.
The Company identified the following non-cash errors due to an error in the accounting for the business combination of Moleculin, LLC. The impact of the correction of the error was as follows:
1 – The net loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 was overstated by approximately $256,889 due to amortization of an intangible which was recorded in error. Upon correction, the net loss for the period will be $738,727 and $1,070,968, respectively.
2 – A liability in the amount of $750,000 should not have been reflected in the balance sheet as of June 30, 2016. Upon correction for this and item 1 above, the total for Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity was $18,740,288.
3 – Intangibles were overstated by $750,000 before the amortization mentioned above. Upon correction, total assets was $18,740,288.