Q2 results confirm full year guidance. Strong pipeline results underpin potential of several highly innovative products

On July 18, 2017 Novartis reported sales growth across all divisions (Press release, Novartis, JUL 18, 2017, View Source [SID1234519855]).

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Net sales in line with prior year (0% cc[1], -2% USD), as growth drivers offset Gleevec/Glivec Gx impact:
Cosentyx (USD 490 million, +90% cc) continues strong growth in all three indications
Entresto (USD 110 million) grew steadily driven by improved access and US sales force expansion
Excluding Gleevec/Glivec, Oncology grew 9% (cc), driven by Promacta, Tafinlar + Mekinist  and Jakavi
Sandoz declined 4% (cc) mainly impacted by increased US pricing pressure
Alcon grew 3% (cc) driven by Surgical (+3% cc) with growth in key segments, including IOLs, and Vision Care (+2% cc)
Core[1] operating income in line with prior year (0% cc, -3% USD) as gross margin expansion and productivity offset the generic erosion and growth investments:
Core EPS of USD 1.22, grew 2% (cc, -1% USD), including the benefit from the share buyback program (approximately +1%)
Net income grew 14% (cc, +10% USD) mainly driven by divestment gains and lower amortization
Free cash flow[1] grew 28% versus prior year, to USD 3.2 billion
Innovation milestones strengthening pipeline and reinforcing growth prospects:
RTH258 demonstrated non-inferiority to aflibercept, majority of patients exclusively on a 12 week interval
ACZ885 reduced cardiovascular risk in people who survived a heart attack
CTL019 JULIET showed durable complete responses up to 6 months in adults with r/r DLBCL
Rydapt approved in US for FLT3-mutated AML and advanced systemic mastocytosis
Tafinlar + Mekinist received FDA approval for BRAF+ mutant metastatic NSCLC
Kisqali received  positive CHMP opinion for HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer
CTL019 unanimously recommended for approval by FDA advisory committee to treat pediatric ALL
Biosimilars Erelzi (etanercept) and Rixathon (rituximab) were approved in the EU and biosimilars for adalimumab and infliximab were accepted for regulatory review by EMA
Generic Advair Diskus regulatory submission was accepted by FDA
2017 Group outlook re-confirmed:
Net sales expected to be broadly in line with prior year (cc), core operating income expected to be broadly in line or decline low single digit (cc)
 
 
Key figures[1]
Q2 2017
Q2 2016
% change
 
H1 2017
H1 2016
% change
 
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
 
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
Net Sales
12 242
12 470
-2
0
 
23 781
24 070
-1
1
Operating income
2 280
2 093
9
13
 
4 202
4 544
-8
-4
Net income
1 979
1 806
10
14
 
3 644
3 817
-5
-1
EPS (USD)
0.84
0.76
11
15
 
1.54
1.60
-4
-1
Free cash flow
3 243
2 526
28
 
 
4 908
3 888
26
 
Core
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
3 235
3 332
-3
0
 
6 245
6 593
-5
-2
Net income
2 866
2 930
-2
1
 
5 556
5 718
-3
0
EPS (USD)
1.22
1.23
-1
2
 
2.35
2.40
-2
1
[1] Constant currencies (cc), core results and free cash flow are non-IFRS measures. An explanation of non-IFRS measures can be found on page 43 of the Condensed Interim Financial Report. Unless otherwise noted, all growth rates in this Release refer to same period in prior year. 
Basel, July 18, 2017 – Commenting on the results, Joseph Jimenez, CEO of Novartis, said:
"Novartis delivered very strong innovation in Q2 including the positive pivotal trial readouts for RTH258, ACZ885 and CTL019 JULIET, demonstrating the strength of our pipeline. We are on track for the full year guidance. The trajectory of the current growth drivers reinforces our confidence in our next growth phase, which we expect to start in 2018."
GROUP REVIEW
Second quarter Group financials
Net sales were USD 12.2 billion (-2%, 0% cc) in the second quarter, as volume growth of 6 percentage points was offset by the negative impacts of generic competition (-3 percentage points) and pricing (-3 percentage points).
Operating income was USD 2.3 billion (+9%, +13% cc) driven by higher divestment gains and lower amortization. Core adjustments amounted to USD 1.0 billion (2016: USD 1.2 billion).
Core operating income was USD 3.2 billion (-3%, 0% cc). Core operating income margin in constant currencies remained flat as generic erosion of Gleevec/Glivec and growth investments were offset by gross margin expansion and productivity. Currency had a negative impact of 0.3 percentage points, resulting in a net decrease of 0.3 percentage points to 26.4% of net sales.
Net income was USD 2.0 billion (+10%, +14% cc), broadly in line with operating income.
EPS was USD 0.84 (+11%, +15% cc), including the benefit from the share buyback program.
Core net income was USD 2.9 billion (-2%, +1% cc), broadly in line with core operating income.
Core EPS was USD 1.22 (-1%, +2% cc), including the benefit from the share buyback program.
Free cash flow amounted to USD 3.2 billion (+28% USD) compared to USD 2.5 billion in the prior year quarter. The increase of USD 0.7 billion was mainly driven by improved cash flows from operating activities, which included a higher dividend received from GSK Consumer Healthcare Holdings Ltd., as well as higher divestment proceeds and lower capital expenditure.
Innovative Medicines net sales were USD 8.3 billion (-1%, +1% cc) in the second quarter, with volume growth of 7 percentage points driven by Cosentyx, Entresto, Promacta/Revolade, Tafinlar + Mekinist,  Jakavi, and Gilenya. Generic competition had a negative impact of 4 percentage points and pricing had a negative impact of 2 percentage points, both largely due to Gleevec/Glivec genericization in Europe and the US.
Operating income was USD 2.1 billion (+11%, +16% cc), up mainly due to divestment gains and lower amortization. Core adjustments totaled USD 501 million (2016: USD 803 million). Core operating income was USD 2.6 billion (-3%, +1% cc). Core operating income margin in constant currencies decreased by 0.2 percentage points due to generic erosion and launch investments for Entresto, Cosentyx and Kisqali, partly offset by improved gross margin and productivity. Currency had a negative impact of 0.5 percentage points, resulting in a net decrease of 0.7 percentage points to 31.1% of net sales.
Sandoz net sales were USD 2.5 billion (-5%, -4% cc) in the second quarter, as volume growth of 4 percentage points was more than offset by 8 percentage points of price erosion, mainly in the US. Sales in the US declined 15% (cc), mainly due to pricing pressure in retail generics and prior year launch timing. Net sales across Europe and the rest of the world grew 3% (cc).
Operating income was USD 330 million (-13%, -13% cc). Core operating income was USD 497 million (-7%, -7% cc). Core operating income margin in constant currencies decreased by 0.7 percentage points, mainly due to higher M&S investment in key ex-US markets and biosimilars. Currency had a positive impact of 0.2 percentage points, resulting in a net decrease of 0.5 percentage points to 20.3% of net sales.
Alcon net sales were USD 1.5 billion (+1%, +3% cc) in the second quarter. Surgical sales grew 3% (cc) with strong growth in cataract consumables and vitreoretinal, intraocular lenses returning to growth globally. Vision Care sales grew 2% (cc), driven by the continued double-digit growth of Dailies Total1.
Operating loss was USD 19 million compared to USD 7 million income in the prior year quarter. Core operating income was USD 211 million (-11%, -7% cc), impacted by growth plan investments in M&S. Core operating income margin in constant currencies decreased by 1.5 percentage points. Currency had a negative impact of 0.4 percentage points, resulting in a net decrease of 1.9 percentage points to 13.9% of net sales.
First half
Net sales were USD 23.8 billion (-1%, +1% cc) in the first half, as volume growth of 6 percentage points was partially offset by the negative impacts of generic competition (-3 percentage points) and pricing (-2 percentage points).
Operating income was USD 4.2 billion (-8%, -4% cc). Core adjustments amounted to USD 2.0 billion in line with the prior year period, as the RLX030 net charge was offset mostly by lower amortization.
Core operating income was USD 6.2 billion (-5%, -2% cc). Core operating income margin in constant currencies decreased 0.9 percentage points, mainly due to generic erosion of Gleevec/Glivec and growth investments. Currency had a negative impact of 0.2 percentage points, resulting in a net decrease of 1.1 percentage points to 26.3% of net sales.
Net income was USD 3.6 billion (-5%, -1% cc), declining less than operating income due to higher income from associated companies.
EPS was USD 1.54 (-4%, -1% cc), including the benefit from the share buyback program.
Core net income was USD 5.6 billion (-3%, 0% cc), including the benefit from higher core income from associated companies.
Core EPS was USD 2.35 (-2%, +1% cc), including the benefit from the share buyback program.
Free cash flow amounted to USD 4.9 billion (+26% USD) compared to USD 3.9 billion in the prior year period. The increase of USD 1.0 billion was mainly driven by improved cash flows from operating activities, which included a higher dividend received from GSK Consumer Healthcare Holdings Ltd.
Innovative Medicines net sales were USD 16.0 billion (-1%, +2% cc) in the first half, with volume growth of 7 percentage points driven by Cosentyx, Entresto, Promacta/Revolade, Jakavi, Tafinlar + Mekinist and Gilenya. Generic competition had a negative impact of 4 percentage points and pricing had a negative impact of 1 percentage point, both largely due to Gleevec/Glivec genericization in Europe and the US.
Operating income was USD 3.8 billion (-6%, -2% cc). Core adjustments totaled USD 1.2 billion, in line with prior year, as the RLX030 net charge was offset mostly by lower amortization. Core operating income was USD 5.0 billion (-5%, -1% cc). Core operating income margin in constant currencies decreased by 1.0 percentage points mainly due to generic erosion and launch investments for Entresto, Cosentyx and Kisqali, partly offset by improved gross margin and productivity. Currency had a negative impact of 0.4 percentage points, resulting in a net decrease of 1.4 percentage points to 31.3% of net sales.
Sandoz net sales were USD 4.9 billion (-3%, -2% cc) in the first half, as volume growth of 6 percentage points was more than offset by 8 percentage points of price erosion. Sales in the US declined 8% (cc) mainly due to pricing pressure in retail generics. Net sales across Europe and the rest of the world grew 2% (cc).
Operating income was USD 673 million (-7%, -8% cc). Core operating income was USD 1.0 billion (-6%, -6% cc). Core operating income margin in constant currencies decreased by 1.0 percentage point, mainly due to higher M&S investment in key ex-US markets and biosimilars. Currency had a positive impact of 0.3 percentage points, resulting in a net decrease of 0.7 percentage points to 19.6% of net sales.
Alcon net sales were USD 2.9 billion (0%, +2% cc) in the first half. Surgical sales grew 1% (cc), driven by strong performance of the vitreoretinal portfolio and cataract consumables. Vision Care sales grew 3% (cc) driven by the continued double-digit growth of Dailies Total1.
Operating loss was USD 62 million compared to USD 38 million income in the prior year period. Core operating income was USD 398 million (-17%, -13% cc), impacted by growth plan investments in M&S. Core operating income margin in constant currencies decreased by 2.3 percentage points. Currency had a negative impact of 0.5 percentage points, resulting in a net decrease of 2.8 percentage points to 13.6% of net sales.
Key growth drivers
Underpinning our financial results in the second quarter is a continued focus on key growth drivers, including Cosentyx, Entresto, Promacta/Revolade, Tafinlar + Mekinist, Jakavi, Tasigna, Gilenya and Kisqali, as well as Biopharmaceuticals and Emerging Growth Markets.
Growth Drivers
Cosentyx (USD 490 million, +90% cc), continued its positive launch trajectory in the second quarter of 2017 with strong growth in PsA, AS and PsO. Cosentyx has been used to treat more than 90,000 patients since launch.
 
Entresto (USD 110 million, +240% cc), continued to grow, benefitting from the impact of improved access, sales force expansion in the US and reimbursement in Europe.
 
Promacta/Revolade (USD 210 million, +35% cc) grew at a strong double-digit rate, driven by continued worldwide uptake as well as growth of the thrombopoietin class for chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura.
 
Tafinlar + Mekinist (USD 216 million, +28% cc) performance was driven by double-digit growth across all regions.
 
Jakavi (USD 186 million, +32% cc) showed continued double-digit growth across all major markets driven by myelofibrosis and launch of the second-line polycythemia vera indication.
 
Tasigna (USD 463 million, +7% cc) showed solid growth in the second quarter driven by the US and Emerging Growth Markets.
 
Gilenya (USD 837 million, +5% cc), exhibited continued growth.
 
Kisqali (USD 8 million) CDK4/6 inhibitor continues to gain access in the US market. Second quarter sales were modest with multiple patient access programs available to initiate treatment and bridge to insurance coverage.
 
Biopharmaceuticals (USD 260 million, +6% cc) grew mainly driven by Zarxio in the US.
             
Emerging Growth Markets
Net sales in Emerging Growth Markets – which comprise all markets except the US, Canada, Western Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand – grew 4% USD, 8% cc driven by strong performance in China (+10% cc), Russia (+9% cc) and Brazil (+8% cc).
Strengthen R&D
Innovation Review
Benefitting from our continued focus on innovation, Novartis has one of the industry’s most competitive pipelines with more than 200 projects in clinical development.
Key developments from the second quarter of 2017 include:
New approvals and regulatory opinions
Kisqali received a positive CHMP opinion as a first-line option for HR+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer in combination with any aromatase inhibitor.
 
Rydapt (midostaurin, formerly PKC412) was approved in the US to treat newly diagnosed FLT3-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and three types of systemic mastocytosis.
 
Zykadia received FDA and EMA approval for first line use in ALK-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
 
Tafinlar + Mekinist received FDA approval for treatment of BRAF V600E mutant metastatic NSCLC.
 
CTL019 (tisagenlecleucel) was unanimously recommended for approval by an FDA Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee in July, for the treatment of pediatric and young adult patients with relapsed or refractory (r/r) B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
 
Cosentyx received EMA approval in July for a label update to include 52 week data from CLEAR study demonstrating long-term superiority of Cosentyx versus Stelara in psoriasis. The update also includes the use of Cosentyx in moderate-to-severe scalp psoriasis, one of the most difficult-to-treat types of psoriasis.
 
Tasigna received EMA approval for inclusion of Treatment-free Remission data in its product label. Tasigna is the first and only tyrosine kinase inhibitor to include information on stopping therapy in Ph+ CML-CP patients in the EU product information.
 
PDR001 (PD-1 Antagonist) received orphan drug designation from FDA for treatment of neuroendocrine tumors.
 
Sandoz received approval and launched two major biosimilars in the EU. Erelzi (etanercept) to treat immunological diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis. Rixathon (rituximab) to treat blood cancers and immunological diseases.
 
Alcon Clareon monofocal IOL was approved in the EU. Clareon is a next-generation intraocular lens with superior optical properties and stability.
 
Alcon CyPass Micro-stent was launched in Europe. The device is a micro invasive Glaucoma surgical device to lower intraocular pressure.
Regulatory submissions and filings
AMG 334 (erenumab) became the first anti-CGRP monoclonal antibody to be submitted to both FDA and EMA for migraine prevention. Novartis confirmed EMA acceptance of regulatory submission of AMG 334 in June.
 
Sandoz proposed biosimilars adalimumab (AbbVie’s Humira) and infliximab (Janssen and Merck’s Remicade) were accepted for regulatory review by EMA.
 
Sandoz Generic Advair Diskusregulatory submission was accepted by FDA for treatment of asthma and airflow obstruction and reducing exacerbations in patients with COPD.
Results from ongoing trials and other highlights
RTH258 (brolucizumab) phase III studies achieved the primary efficacy endpoint of non-inferiority to aflibercept, with a majority of patients maintained exclusively on a 12 week interval. The results of the HAWK and HARRIER trials will be presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting, in November.
 
ACZ885 (canakinumab) CANTOS phase III study met the primary endpoint showing that in combination with standard of care therapy, ACZ885 reduces cardiovascular risk in people with a prior myocardial infarction and inflammatory atherosclerosis.
 
CTL019 JULIET trial interim analysis showed durable complete responses in adults with r/r DLBCL. The three-month overall response rate was 45%, with 37% complete response (CR); all patients in CR at three months remained in CR at data cutoff. Primary analysis at six months confirmed the interim analysis.
 
CTL019 ELIANA 6-month follow-up data show durable remission rates in children and young adults with r/r B-cell ALL.
 
CTL119 in combination with ibrutinib showed that eight of nine patients tested had no signs of chronic lymphocytic leukemia in their bone marrow three months after treatment.
 
AMG 334 (erenumab) data from Phase III trials STRIVE and ARISE was presented at American Academy of Neurology. The data confirmed the potential of AMG 334 to substantially reduce days with migraine for people experiencing up to 14 migraine days a month (episodic migraine). The safety profile of AMG 334 was comparable to placebo.
 
AMG 334 data was presented at the American Headache Society that showed significantly reduced monthly migraine days by an average of 6.6 days from baseline for people experiencing at least 15 migraine days a month (chronic migraine).
 
PDR001 achieved First Patient First Visit (FPFV) for Phase III trial  in combination with Tafinlar + Mekinist for metastatic BRAF V600+ melanoma, Phase II trial of PDR001 in neuroendocrine tumors and three Phase I trials of PDR001 in other tumor types.
 
Cosentyx additional data showed sustained improvements in signs and symptoms for both AS and PsA in up to 80% of patients at 3 years. Also additional data showed rapid and sustained pain relief from as early as week 3, which was sustained out to 2 years in PsA patients.
 
Tafinlar + Mekinist study demonstrated durable survival benefit at five years in patients with BRAF mutation-positive metastatic melanoma.
 
Kisqali follow-up data was presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) and reinforced the efficacy and safety of Kisqali as a first-line option for HR+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer. The data showed that after nearly one year of additional follow-up, Kisqali plus letrozole demonstrated median progression-free survival of 25.3 months compared to 16.0 months for letrozole alone.
 
Rydapt Phase III RATIFY trial full analysis was published in the NEJM and showed significant overall survival benefit observed for FLT3+ AML patients consistent across FLT3 mutation subgroups, including ITD and TKD.
 
VAY785 (emricasan) exclusive option was exercised with Conatus granting Novartis the license to develop and commercialize globally for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Transform Alcon into an agile business
The Alcon Division grew sales 3% (cc) in the second quarter driven by Surgical (+3% cc) as well as continued growth in Vision Care (+2% cc). These results reflect the actions taken to accelerate innovation, strengthen customer relationships and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations. Based on these results the full year guidance for Alcon has been revised upward to low single digit growth.
The return to sales growth in Surgical was driven by growth in key segments, including strong performance in vitreoretinal and cataract consumables, as well as IOLs returning to growth globally. The division also invested in expanding its new product launches, and CyPass received US reimbursement in July and was launched in the EU during the quarter.
In Vision Care, contact lenses grew for the fifth consecutive quarter driven by Dailies Total1 growth in all regions.
In January 2017, Novartis announced a strategic review of Alcon. Options to maximize shareholder value of the Alcon Division are under consideration. A status update will be provided towards the end of 2017.
Create a stronger company for the future
We continued to advance all of our productivity and quality programs in the second quarter:
Novartis Business Services (NBS), our cross-divisional services organization, continues to deliver sustainable savings with a disciplined approach to investment while improving quality of services. In addition, we continue to optimize our geographical footprint to further strengthen capabilities in the five Novartis Global Service Centers.
 
Novartis Technical Operations (NTO) continues to execute on its priorities of driving efficiency through manufacturing synergy, improved resource allocation and reduction of external spend. The integrated Supply Chain organization is improving customer service levels, worldwide product launch coordination and its agility to respond to near-term market variability. NTO is additionally reviewing logistics strategies to improve Novartis’ overall competitiveness with a more efficient distribution network.
 
Global Drug Development (GDD), implemented in 2016, oversees drug development across the innovative medicines and the biosimilars portfolio. The enterprise-wide approach to portfolio management is enabling better resource allocation and increased R&D productivity.
 
Novartis continues to drive compliance, reliable product quality and sustainable efficiency as part of the quality strategy. A total of 107 global health authority inspections were completed in the first half (61 in Q2), 18 of which were conducted by the FDA (6 in Q2). All were deemed good or acceptable with one outcome pending.
       
Capital structure and net debt
Retaining a good balance between investment in the business, a strong capital structure and attractive shareholder returns remains a priority.
In January 2017, Novartis announced an up to USD 5 billion share buyback to be executed on the second trading line. During the first six months of 2017, Novartis repurchased 35.1 million shares under this buyback and 6.3 million shares to mitigate dilution related to equity-based participation plans of associates. In addition, 2.3 million shares were repurchased from associates, and 12.5 million treasury shares were delivered as a result of options exercised and share deliveries related to participation plans of associates. Consequently, the total number of shares outstanding decreased by 31.2 million versus December 31, 2016. Novartis aims to fully offset the dilutive impact from equity-based participation plans of associates. These treasury share transactions resulted in a net cash outflow of USD 2.9 billion.
As of June 30, 2017, the net debt increased by USD 6.1 billion to USD 22.1 billion. The increase was mainly driven by the USD 6.5 billion annual dividend payment, net share repurchases and M&A related payments, partly offset by USD 4.9 billion free cash flow in the first six months of 2017.
The long-term credit rating for the company continues to be double-A (Moody’s Investors Service Aa3; S&P Global Ratings AA-; Fitch Ratings AA).
2017 Outlook
Barring unforeseen events
We re-confirm our Group outlook as presented at the beginning of 2017. Group net sales in 2017 are expected to be broadly in line with the prior year (cc), after absorbing the impact of generic competition, including the continued genericization of Gleevec/Glivec in the US and Europe.
From a divisional perspective, we expect net sales performance (cc) in 2017 to be as follows:
Innovative Medicines: broadly in line with prior year, to a slight increase
Sandoz: broadly in line with prior year
Alcon: revised upward to low single digit growth
Group core operating income in 2017 is expected to be broadly in line with prior year to a low single digit decline (cc).
If mid-July exchange rates prevail for the remainder of 2017, the currency impact for the year would be negative 1 percentage point on net sales and negative 2 percentage points on core operating income. The estimated impact of exchange rates on our results is provided monthly on our website.
Summary Financial Performance
Innovative Medicines
Q2 2017
Q2 2016
  % change
 
H1 2017
H1 2016
  % change
 
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
 
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
Net Sales
8 275
8 387
-1
1
 
15 967
16 116
-1
2
Operating income
2 075
1 866
11
16
 
3 796
4 046
-6
-2
As a % of sales
25.1
22.2
 
 
 
23.8
25.1
 
 
Core Operating income
2 576
2 669
-3
1
 
5 002
5 271
-5
-1
As a % of sales
31.1
31.8
 
 
 
31.3
32.7
 
 
Sandoz
Q2 2017
Q2 2016
  % change
 
H1 2017
H1 2016
  % change
 
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
 
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
Net Sales
2 451
2 577
-5
-4
 
4 881
5 022
-3
-2
Operating income
 330
 380
-13
-13
 
 673
 726
-7
-8
As a % of sales
13.5
14.7
 
 
 
13.8
14.5
 
 
Core Operating income
 497
 535
-7
-7
 
 957
1 020
-6
-6
As a % of sales
20.3
20.8
 
 
 
19.6
20.3
 
 
Alcon
Q2 2017
Q2 2016
  % change
 
H1 2017
H1 2016
  % change
 
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
 
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
Net Sales
1 516
1 506
1
3
 
2 933
2 932
0
2
Operating loss / income
-19
 7
nm
nm
 
-62
 38
nm
nm
As a % of sales
-1.3
0.5
 
 
 
-2.1
1.3
 
 
Core Operating income
 211
 238
-11
-7
 
 398
 481
-17
-13
As a % of sales
13.9
15.8
 
 
 
13.6
16.4
 
 
nm = not meaningful
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate
Q2 2017
Q2 2016
  % change
 
H1 2017
H1 2016
 % change
 
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
 
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
Operating loss
-106
-160
34
29
 
-205
-266
23
18
Core Operating loss
-49
-110
55
51
 
-112
-179
37
32
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Group
Q2 2017
Q2 2016
  % change
 
H1 2017
H1 2016
 % change
 
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
 
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
Net Sales
12 242
12 470
-2
0
 
23 781
24 070
-1
1
Operating income
2 280
2 093
9
13
 
4 202
4 544
-8
-4
As a % of sales
18.6
16.8
 
 
 
17.7
18.9
 
 
Core Operating income
3 235
3 332
-3
0
 
6 245
6 593
-5
-2
As a % of sales
26.4
26.7
 
 
 
26.3
27.4
 
 
Net income
1 979
1 806
10
14
 
3 644
3 817
-5
-1
EPS (USD)
 0.84
 0.76
11
15
 
 1.54
 1.60
-4
-1
Cash flows from operating
activities
3 582
3 111
15
 
 
5 627
4 653
21
 
Free cash flow
3 243
2 526
28
 
 
4 908
3 888
26
 
A condensed interim financial report with the information listed in the index below can be found on our website at View Source
(link is external)

PeptiDream and Kleo Pharmaceuticals Announce Collaboration Agreement to Develop Novel Immunotherapies for Oncology

On July 2017 PeptiDream Inc., a public Tokyo-based biopharmaceutical company, PeptiDream and Kleo Pharmaceuticals Inc., a New Haven-based company using its proprietary Antibody Recruiting Molecule ("ARM") and Synthetic Antibody Mimic ("SyAM") platform technologies to develop small molecule immunotherapies ("Kleo"), reported a collaboration agreement to co-develop proprietary immune-oncology products in multiple indications (Press release, PeptiDream, JUL 18, 2017, View Source [SID1234537204]).

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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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Under the terms of the agreement, PeptiDream will use its proprietary Peptide Discovery Platform System ("PDPS") technology to identify macrocyclic/constrained peptides against multiple oncology targets of interest selected by Kleo, and to optimize hit peptides into optimized binders that will be engineered by Kleo into novel ARM and SyAM products. Kleo will receive an upfront payment and will have the right to develop and commercialize all compounds resulting from the collaboration. PeptiDream is eligible to receive a tiered share of proceeds from any products that arise from the collaboration based on degree to which PeptiDream funds development of the product. Specific financial terms were not disclosed.

"We are very excited to enter into this collaboration agreement with PeptiDream ," said Douglas Manion, MD, CEO of Kleo. "We think combining PeptiDream’s PDPS technology with Kleo’s ARM and SyAM platform represents a truly potent partnership that will generate many more effective targeted treatments for patients. We are looking forward to advancing this new paradigm of small molecule immunotherapies into the clinic."

"PeptiDream has long been on the forefront of transforming PDPS-identified peptides into peptide therapeutics, small molecule drugs, and peptide drug conjugates (PDCs)," said Keiichi Kubota, CEO of PeptiDream. "We greatly look forward to working with innovative leaders like Kleo to leverage our capabilities to develop the next generation of first-in-class and best-in-class immunotherapies."

DelMar Pharmaceuticals Announces Completion of First Site Initiation Visit for STAR-3 Pivotal Phase 3 Clinical Trial of VAL-083 in Refractory GBM

On July 18, 2017 DelMar Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: DMPI) ("DelMar" and "the Company"), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of new cancer therapies, reported the completion of the first site initiation visit at the Dent Neurological Institute ("Dent") for its pivotal Phase 3 Study in Temozolomide-Avastin (bevacizumab) Recurrent GBM ("STAR-3") (Press release, DelMar Pharmaceuticals, JUL 18, 2017, View Source [SID1234519814]). Site initiation visits are generally the final step before patient enrollment.

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The STAR-3 GBM trial is an adaptive design, randomized, controlled pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of VAL-083 versus salvage therapy in patients with late-stage glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) whose disease has progressed following prior treatment with temozolomide and bevacizumab, for whom there is currently no standard-of-care therapy.

The Dent Neurological Institute is the largest private neurology center in North America seeing more than 250,000 patients annually. Dr. Laszlo Mechtler will serve as principal investigator for the STAR-3 trial at Dent. Dr. Mechtler is Medical Director of Dent Neurologic Institute as well as the Chief of Neuro-Oncology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY. He has contributed to numerous publications and is currently the Principle Investigator of multiple clinical research protocols related to Neuro-Oncology. DelMar anticipates the initiation of additional centers and commencement of treatment under the STAR-3 protocol in the coming weeks.

A total of up to 180 eligible patients will be randomized at approximately 25 centers in the United States to receive either the investigational drug (VAL-083) or "investigator’s choice salvage therapy" in a 2:1 fashion. Up to 120 eligible patients will be randomized to receive intravenous VAL-083 at 40 mg/m2 on days 1, 2, and 3 of a 21-day treatment cycle, for up to 12 21-day treatment cycles or until they fulfill one of the criteria for study discontinuation. Up to 60 patients will be randomized to "investigator’s choice" control, limited to temozolomide, lomustine, or carboplatin, until they fulfill one of the criteria for study discontinuation.

The primary endpoint of the trial is overall survival of VAL-083 vs. the control arm. The statistical design between the two arms of the study is 90% power, and is proposed to include an interim analysis at 50% events for futility with O’Brien-Fleming superiority boundary and non-binding, gamma (-5) futility boundary. A detailed description of the STAR-3 trial can be found at clinicaltrials.gov, Identifier Number: NCT03149575.

"The activation of the STAR-3 trial and initiation of recruitment in collaboration with Dr. Mechtler and his team at Dent is a momentous occasion for our Company, and for the patients and their families who we hope will benefit from VAL-083," commented Jeffrey Bacha, chief executive officer of DelMar Pharmaceuticals. "In particular, GBM is a type of cancer that has been devoid of new drug approvals improving overall survival for decades, which is why we believe that VAL-083 represents tremendous value in the oncology treatment market. We are pleased to be launching this pivotal study to validate VAL-083’s potential by meeting the objectives in the STAR-3 trial."

About VAL-083

VAL-083 (dianhydrogalactitol) is a "first-in-class", DNA-targeting agent that introduces interstrand DNA cross-links at the N7-position of guanine leading to DNA double-strand breaks and cancer cell death. VAL-083 has demonstrated clinical activity against a range of cancers including GBM in historical clinical trials sponsored by the U.S. National Cancer Institutes.

VAL-083 has been granted an orphan drug designation by the U.S. FDA Office of Orphan Products for the treatment of glioma, medulloblastoma and ovarian cancer, and in Europe for the treatment of malignant gliomas.

DelMar has demonstrated that VAL-083’s anti-tumor activity against GBM is unaffected by the expression of MGMT in vitro. Further details regarding these studies can be found at View Source

The Company’s recent outcomes in Phase 1-2 clinical trials suggested that VAL-083 may offer a clinically meaningful survival benefit for patients with recurrent GBM following treatment with both TMZ and bevacizumab. A well-tolerated dosing regimen of 40mg/m2/day on days 1, 2, and 3 of a 21-day cycle was selected for study in subsequent GBM clinical trials.

DelMar has embarked on human clinical trials for VAL-083 across multiple lines of GBM therapy. These trials include, i) an ongoing single-arm, biomarker driven, Phase 2 study to determine if VAL-083 treatment of MGMT-unmethylated adult GBM patients at first recurrence/progression, prior to bevacizumab, improves overall survival, compared to historical control with lomustine (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02717962); ii) a pivotal, controlled Phase 3 study in temozolomide-Avastin Recurrent GBM ("STAR-3") to evaluate overall survival versus salvage chemotherapy (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03149575); iii) a single arm, biomarker driven, Phase 2 study to confirm the tolerability and efficacy of VAL-083 in combination with radiotherapy in newly diagnosed MGMT-unmethylated GBM patients whose tumors are known to express high MGMT levels (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03050736). The results of these studies may support a new treatment paradigm in chemotherapeutic regimens for the treatment of GBM.

About Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain cancer. Current standard of care includes surgery, radiation and treatment with temozolomide (TMZ), however nearly all tumors recur and the prognosis for recurrent GBM is dismal. Most GBM tumors have unmethylated promoter status for O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT); a validated biomarker for TMZ-resistance. Second-line treatment with anti-angiogenic agent bevacizumab has not improved overall survival (OS) and 5-year survival is less than 3%.

Genmab Announces Net Sales of DARZALEX® (daratumumab) for Second Quarter of 2017

On July 18, 2017 Genmab A/S (Nasdaq Copenhagen: GEN) reported that worldwide net sales of DARZALEX (daratumumab) as reported by Johnson & Johnson were USD 299 million in the second quarter of 2017 (Press release, Genmab, JUL 18, 2017, View Source [SID1234519819]). Net sales were USD 212 million in the U.S. and USD 87 million in the rest of the world. Genmab will receive royalties on the worldwide net sales of DARZALEX under the exclusive worldwide license to Janssen Biotech, Inc. to develop, manufacture and commercialize DARZALEX.

About DARZALEX (daratumumab)
DARZALEX (daratumumab) injection for intravenous infusion is indicated in the United States in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, or bortezomib and dexamethasone, for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy; in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least two prior therapies, including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor (PI); and as a monotherapy for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least three prior lines of therapy, including a PI and an immunomodulatory agent, or who are double-refractory to a PI and an immunomodulatory agent.1 DARZALEX is the first monoclonal antibody (mAb) to receive U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to treat multiple myeloma. DARZALEX is indicated in Europe for use in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, or bortezomib and dexamethasone, for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy and as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, whose prior therapy included a PI and an immunomodulatory agent and who have demonstrated disease progression on the last therapy. DARZALEX is the first human CD38 monoclonal antibody approved in Europe. For more information, visit www.DARZALEX.com.

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Daratumumab is a human IgG1k monoclonal antibody (mAb) that binds with high affinity to the CD38 molecule, which is highly expressed on the surface of multiple myeloma cells. Daratumumab triggers a person’s own immune system to attack the cancer cells, resulting in rapid tumor cell death through multiple immune-mediated mechanisms of action and through immunomodulatory effects, in addition to direct tumor cell death, via apoptosis (programmed cell death).1,2,3,4,5

Daratumumab is being developed by Janssen Biotech, Inc. under an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialize daratumumab from Genmab. Five Phase III clinical studies with daratumumab in relapsed and frontline multiple myeloma settings are currently ongoing, and additional studies are ongoing or planned to assess its potential in other malignant and pre-malignant diseases on which CD38 is expressed, such as smoldering myeloma, NKT-cell lymphoma, amyloidosis, myelodysplastic syndromes and solid tumors. Daratumumab has received two Breakthrough Therapy Designations from the U.S. FDA, for multiple myeloma, as both a monotherapy and in combination with other therapies.

Polaris Group Announces Treatment of First Patient in Phase 1 Study of ADI‑PEG 20 Plus Pembrolizumab in Advanced Solid Tumors

On July 14, 2017 Polaris Group reported that the first patient has been dosed in its phase 1 trial of ADI‑PEG 20 in combination with pembrolizumab for the treatment of advanced solid tumors (Press release, Polaris Pharmaceuticals, JUL 14, 2017, View Source [SID1234526284]). In addition to a global phase 2/3 trial in malignant plural mesothelioma featuring ADI‑PEG 20 in combination with pemetrexed and cisplatin (PemCis), Polaris Group is currently conducting multiple phase 1 clinical trials, including ADI‑PEG 20 in combination with PemCis in non-small cell lung carcinoma, glioblastoma, and uveal melanoma, in combination with low-dose cytarabine in older patients with acute myeloid leukemia and in combination with FOLFOX in hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer.

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"In addition to its enzymatic activity to breakdown arginine, ADI‑PEG 20 has also shown immune regulating activities in pre-clinical studies. We hope the combination will further enhance pembrolizumab’s efficacy while conferring additional anti-tumor activity from ADI‑PEG 20", said John Bomalaski, M.D., Executive Vice President, Medical Affairs at Polaris Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

About ADI‑PEG 20

ADI‑PEG 20 is a biologic being developed by Polaris Group to treat cancers carrying a major metabolic defect that renders them unable to internally synthesize arginine. Because arginine is essential for protein synthesis and survival of cells, these cancer cells become dependent upon the external supply of arginine to survive and grow. ADI‑PEG 20 is designed to deplete the external supply of arginine, causing arginine-dependent cancer cells to die while leaving the patient’s normal cells unharmed. Multiple cancers have been reported to have a high degree of arginine-dependency and can potentially be treated with ADI‑PEG 20.