On November 6, 2018 Athersys, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHX) reported its financial results for the period ended September 30, 2018 (Press release, Athersys, NOV 6, 2018, View Source [SID1234530876]).

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Highlights of the third quarter of 2018 and recent events include:

Completed enrollment of our Phase 1/2 study evaluating MultiStem therapy in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients;

Commenced enrollment of patients in the MASTERS-2 Phase 3 registration study for ischemic stroke;

Continued to support Healios’ ongoing TREASURE study for ischemic stroke in Japan by providing clinical product;

Extended to December 6, 2018, Healios’ option and negotiation period for further expansion of the collaboration, including an exclusive option for a license to develop and commercialize MultiStem therapy in China for certain indications;

Recognized revenues of $2.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 and net loss of $9.7 million, or $0.07 net loss per share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2018; and

Cash and cash equivalents were $48.0 million at the end of the third quarter.

"We had another solid quarter in the third quarter of 2018 as we advanced key initiatives, reflected by the completion of enrollment in our exploratory clinical trial evaluating administration of MultiStem to patients suffering from ARDS and the initiation of enrollment in the Phase 3 MASTERS-2 study for treating ischemic stroke," commented Dr. Gil Van Bokkelen, Chairman & CEO at Athersys. "We are working collaboratively with Healios in multiple areas, and we further strengthened our core capabilities.

"In addition, we have maintained a solid balance sheet as we continue to implement our strategic plan, working toward the achievement of our key goals on behalf of our shareholders and the patients we are committed to help," concluded Dr. Van Bokkelen.

Third Quarter Results

Revenues increased to $2.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Our revenues are generally derived from license fees, manufacturing-related activities for Healios, royalty and related contract revenue from our collaborations, and grant revenue.

Research and development expenses increased to $9.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 from $5.4 million for the comparable period in 2017. The $4.1 million increase is primarily associated with increased clinical development costs of $3.0 million, increased personnel costs of $0.6 million, increased license fees of $0.2 million and increased internal research supplies and other of $0.3 million. The $3.0 million increase in our clinical costs during the period is primarily a result of increased clinical product manufacturing costs, covered in part by Healios, technology transfer services associated with planned Japan manufacturing for Healios, process development activities to support large-scale manufacturing, and costs related to our MASTERS-2 clinical trial that began enrolling patients in the third quarter of 2018.

General and administrative expenses increased to $2.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 from $2.1 million in the comparable period in 2017. The $0.5 million increase was due primarily to increases in professional fees, consulting services, personnel costs and other administrative costs compared to the same period last year.

Net loss for the third quarter was $9.7 million in 2018 compared to a net loss of $7.2 million in 2017. The difference of $2.5 million reflects the above variances, as well as an increase of $0.2 million in other income.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2018, net cash used in operating activities was $8.8 million compared to $17.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The difference reflects in part $15.0 million in license fees paid by Healios in connection with the collaboration expansion and an increase in clinical development activity in 2018. Healios is obligated to make two more license fee payments of $2.5 million each in December 2018 and March 2019. At September 30, 2018, we had $48.0 million in cash and cash equivalents, compared to $29.3 million at December 31, 2017.

Conference Call

William (B.J.) Lehmann, President and Chief Operating Officer, and Laura Campbell, Senior Vice President of Finance, will host a conference call today to review the results as follows:

Date Tuesday, November 6th, 2018
Time 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Telephone access: U.S. and Canada 800-273-1254
Telephone access: International 973-638-3440
Access code 7396506
Live webcast

www.athersys.com, under the Investors section
A replay will be available for on-demand listening shortly after the completion of the call until 11:59 PM Eastern Time on November 20, 2018 at the aforementioned URL, or by dialing (800) 585-8367 or (855) 859-2056 in the U.S. and Canada, or from abroad (404) 537-3406, and entering access code 7396506.

On November 6, 2018 Cancer Targeted Technology (CTT), a privately-held Seattle-based biotechnology company, reported that it filed an Investigational New Drug Application (IND) with the FDA to move forward a radiotherapeutic drug, CTT1403, into human clinical trials for prostate cancer (Press release, Cancer Targeted Technology, NOV 6, 2018, View Source [SID1234530938]). CTT1403 is a peptidomimetic drug that targets Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA). PSMA is over-expressed on prostate cancer and this expression increases as the cancer metastasizes and becomes hormone-resistant. Unlike other drugs, CTT’s molecules bind irreversibly to PSMA. This distinctive mode of binding enhances uptake and results in rapid and extensive internalization of these drugs by tumor cells, leading to increased uptake within the tumor. CTT1403 is labeled with the radionuclide 177-Lutetium and, unlike other PSMA-targeted drugs in clinical development, contains a unique albumin binding component. The albumin binding moiety on CTT1403 acts to increase the circulation of the drug in the body and further substantially increases the dose of drug that accumulates at the tumor sites. Once targeted to the tumor, the radionuclide on CTT1403 leads to tumor cell destruction. CTT1403 has shown excellent safety results to date in animal studies and CTT1403 treatment results in prolonged survival of animals with prostate cancer tumors

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"We are very excited with the potential for CTT1403 to make a difference in men with advanced stage prostate cancer. This is a highly innovative molecule that combines excellent PSMA-targeting characteristics, already proven effective in prostate cancer, with the ability to enhance circulation time allowing for greater anti-tumor effects," stated Dr. Beatrice Langton-Webster, CTT’s CEO and Principal Investigator for the clinical program. The unique chemical structure for CTT1403 was designed by Dr. Cliff Berkman, Professor of Chemistry at Washington State University (WSU) and consultant to CTT as its Chief Scientific Officer. The work to discover and progress CTT1403 through preclinical development to IND was funded by a $2.3M Small Business Innovation Research contract from the NIH.

CTT recently completed clinical trials of CTT1057, the companion PET diagnostic to CTT1403, with excellent safety and imaging results. CTT1057 is undergoing further development and commercialization by CTT’s licensing partner AAA/Novartis. CTT1057 and CTT1403 can act as a theranostic pair to both diagnose and treat prostate cancer. Phase I clinical trials for CTT1403 are expected to start January, 2019.

On November 6, 2018 Kura Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: KURA), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of precision medicines for oncology, reported that Troy Wilson, Ph.D., J.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, is scheduled to participate in two upcoming investor conferences (Press release, Kura Oncology, NOV 6, 2018, View Source [SID1234530755]):

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A presentation at the Stifel Healthcare Conference in New York on November 13, 2018 at 8:45 a.m. ET / 5:45 a.m. PT; and

A fireside chat at the Evercore ISI HealthConX in Boston on November 27, 2018 at 4:15 p.m. ET / 1:15 p.m. PT.
A live audio webcast and replay of each presentation will be available in the Investors section of Kura Oncology’s website at www.kuraoncology.com.

On November 6, 2018 Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HALO), a biotechnology company developing novel oncology and drug-delivery therapies, reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2018 and provided an update on recent corporate activities (Press release, Halozyme, NOV 6, 2018, View Source [SID1234530776]).

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"The expanded agreement we have signed with Roche, covering up to three new targets, speaks to the compelling and ongoing value proposition of our ENHANZE technology," said Dr. Helen Torley, president and chief executive officer. "The overall progress we made recently with the initiation of two Phase 1 trials combining ENHANZE with Alexion’s ALXN1210 and Bristol-Myers Squibb’s BMS-986179, an investigational anti-CD-73 antibody, reinforces our confidence in the potential for $1 billion in royalty revenue in 2027 and for up to $1 billion in cumulative lifetime milestone payments associated with our partners’ programs."

"Turning to our second potential growth engine, PEGPH20, we continue to make good progress with our pivotal HALO-301 pancreas cancer study and in our exploration of the pan tumor potential of PEGPH20. We are pleased to have moved into the randomization phase of our study in patients with cholangiocarcinoma and gall bladder cancer in August. Interest is high, with enrollment progressing very well in the randomization phase to date."

Third Quarter 2018 and Recent Highlights Include:

Halozyme licensed its ENHANZE drug-delivery technology to Roche for exclusive development of a new undisclosed clinical stage therapeutic target, with an option for Roche to select two additional targets within four years. Halozyme will receive an initial payment of $25 million, which will be recognized as revenue in the fourth quarter, with the potential to earn additional payments of up to $160 million to $165 million per target, subject to the achievement of specified development, regulatory and sales-based milestones. Halozyme will also receive mid-single digit royalties on sales of commercialized products.
Bristol-Myers Squibb has dosed the first subject in a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of BMS-986179. This investigational anti-CD-73 antibody is being tested in combination with Halozyme’s proprietary ENHANZE drug delivery technology.
Alexion continuing to progress ALXN1210 with ENHANZE, which advanced into Phase 1 clinical testing in the third quarter of 2018.
Health Canada approves a subcutaneous (SC) formulation of trastuzumab (Herceptin SC) for the treatment of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration accepted a Biologics License Application from Genentech for a subcutaneous (SC) formulation of trastuzumab (Herceptin SC) in July 2018.
Data presentations from two clinical trials for PEGPH20 (pegvorhyaluronidase alfa) in patients with advanced pancreas and metastatic breast cancer at ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2018. These data reinforce the potential for PEGPH20 in combination with chemotherapy and its ability to degrade tumor hyaluronan, which could allow for greater penetration of chemotherapy and improved access of the immune system to the tumor.
Janssen continuing in multiple ongoing trials of a subcutaneous formulation of DARZALEX (daratumumab) in support of plans for commercialization. Halozyme’s ENHANZE technology has the potential to enable a 15-ml injection to be delivered in five minutes or less. Ongoing trials in patients with multiple myeloma, amyloidosis and smoldering myeloma include four Phase 3 studies. Two additional Phase 3 trials, which are listed on clinicaltrials.gov, are planned and expected to begin shortly.
Progress continues in the HALO-301 trial in screening and enrolling patients. The company projects that an interim analysis of the first primary endpoint of progression free survival will be conducted upon achievement of the target number of events in the December 2018 to February 2019 time frame. The trial is investigating PEGPH20 in combination with ABRAXANE (nab-paclitaxel) and gemcitabine in first-line metastatic pancreas cancer patients with high levels of tumor hyaluronan (HA-High).
Strengthened management team and board of directors, with the appointment of Benjamin Hickey as Chief Commercial Officer and Bernadette Connaughton to the board of directors.
Third Quarter 2018 Financial Highlights

Revenue for the third quarter was $25.6 million compared to $63.7 million for the third quarter of 2017. The year-over-year decrease was driven by a one-time $30 million upfront license fee from Roche received in the prior year and an expected decrease in bulk rHuPH20 sales to partners and research and development reimbursements. The decrease was offset by a 9 percent growth in royalties on a reported basis from partner sales. Revenue for the third quarter included $18.7 million in royalties and $3.7 million in HYLENEX recombinant (hyaluronidase human injection) product sales.
Research and development expenses for the third quarter were $35.5 million, compared to $34 million for the third quarter of 2017.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the third quarter were $14.9 million, compared to $13.3 million for the third quarter of 2017.
Net loss for the third quarter was $27.9 million, or $0.19 per share, compared to net income in the third quarter of 2017 of $2.7 million, or $0.02 per share.
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $364.4 million at September 30, 2018, compared to $469.2 million at December 31, 2017.
Financial Outlook for 2018

For the full year 2018, the company is updating its prior guidance ranges for net revenue, operating expenses, operating cash burn and year-end cash, and is now expecting:

Net revenue of $150 million to $160 million, an increase from the prior range of $125 million to $135 million, driven by the $25 million upfront payment from the recent Roche ENHANZE license agreement expected in the fourth quarter;
Operating expenses to $220 million to $230 million, a reduction from the prior range of $230 million to $240 million;
Operating cash burn of $50 million to $60 million compared to the prior range of $75 million to $85 million; and
Year-end cash balance of $340 million to $350 million, an increase from the prior range of $310 million to $320 million, driven by the $25 million upfront payment from the recent Roche ENHANZE agreement, and the reduction in operating expenses, partially offset by changes in our working capital.
Webcast and Conference Call

Halozyme will webcast its Quarterly Update Conference Call for the third quarter of 2018 today, Tuesday, November 6 at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT. Dr. Torley will lead the call, which will be webcast live through the "Investors" section of Halozyme’s corporate website and a replay will be available following the close of the call. To access the webcast and additional documents related to the call, please visit halozyme.com approximately fifteen minutes prior to the call to register, download and install any necessary audio software. The call may also be accessed by dialing (877) 410-5657 (domestic callers) or (334) 323-7224 (international callers) using passcode 387156. A telephone replay will be available after the call by dialing (877) 919-4059 (domestic callers) or (334) 323-0140 (international callers) using replay ID number 55575898.

On November 6, 2018 OncoSec Medical Incorporated (OncoSec) (NASDAQ: ONCS), a company developing novel cancer immunotherapies based on its proprietary technology generating sustained intratumoral IL-12 levels, today reported preliminary data from KEYNOTE-695, a global, multicenter Phase 2b, open-label trial of intratumoral delivery of TAVO (tavokinogene telseplasmid / IL-12) with intravenous KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) in patients with unresectable, advanced melanoma (Press release, OncoSec Medical, NOV 6, 2018, View Source [SID1234530797]). Eligible patients had refractory, locally advanced or metastatic disease defined as unresectable Stage III/IV metastatic melanoma that had definitively progressed on a full-course of anti-PD-1 treatment with KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) or OPDIVO (nivolumab).

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As of September 1, 2018, 21 patients had been enrolled in the study. Out of the 21 patients, nine patients had completed 12 weeks of treatment and reached the first tumor evaluation point at approximately 12 weeks, while the remaining 12 patients had not yet reached the first tumor evaluation. All nine patients were previously treated and definitively progressed on anti-PD-1 therapies with 56% (5/9) having had more than one prior line of therapy. All enrolled patients had exceedingly low frequencies of intratumoral CD8+ peCTL (PD-1+/CTLA-4+) at screening with a notable increase in TIL density following treatment.

Two of the nine patients experienced a partial response and one patient had stable disease (22% BORR and 33% DCR) by RECIST v1.1. Tumor responses were noted in both treated and untreated lesions. Of the two responding patients, both had multiple prior rounds of anti-PD-1 therapy, with no response, and one had also progressed after 4
cycles of OPDIVO and YERVOY (ipilimumab), an FDA-approved anti-CTLA4 / anti-PD1 antibody combination. Tumor responses were associated with treatment-related upregulation of immune-based transcripts in the tumor microenvironment, as well as increased frequencies of intratumoral T cells within three weeks of therapy.

"There is currently no approved therapy for the KEYNOTE-695 patient population. A 10% response rate is considered meaningful in this cohort, since this is about what we expect with additional chemotherapy, however, such responses lack durability. The preliminary tumor responses (22% BORR and 33% DCR) and supporting immune data observed here for the first time are important," said Adil Daud, MD, HS Clinical Professor, Department of
Medicine (Hematology/Oncology), UCSF; Director, Melanoma Clinical Research, UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center.

KEYNOTE-695 enrollment criteria with respect to anti-PD-1 checkpoint failure is highly restrictive. In order to be considered an anti-PD-1 checkpoint failure, all patients must have Stage III/IV metastatic melanoma progressive disease after at least four prior cycles of either KEYTRUDA or OPDIVO. Disease progression is determined according to RECIST v1.1, measured by radiologic assessment, with confirmation of progression by second assessment. All patients must receive their first TAVO / KEYTRUDA combination treatment within 24 weeks of the last dose of an FDA approved anti-PD-1 therapy, with no intervening therapies between such failure and KEYNOTE695 enrollment. Patients that were BRAF eligible must have received and progressed
following BRAF treatment.

"Although several clinical studies have reported late-stage melanoma data in anti-PD-1 failures, such failures are inconsistently defined. This is a critical point," continued Dr. Daud. "Since patients in KEYNOTE-695 have unequivocally failed approved anti-PD-1 therapies, these preliminary data, viewed in this context, carry weight."
TAVO was well-tolerated, with Grade 1 adverse advents associated with injection site or procedural pain. One TAVO related Grade 3 SAE of cellulitis was reported and resolved.

KEYNOTE-695 is a registration-enabled clinical trial. In order to be eligible for accelerated approval, a product candidate must treat a serious condition and provide a meaningful advantage over available therapies. In early 2017 and prior to the commencement of the study, the Company reviewed the patient inclusion criteria with FDA so that KEYNOTE695 could be submitted to FDA for accelerated approval. KEYNOTE-695 is expected to
be completed in 2019. Based on the outcome of the study and feedback from FDA, the Company plans to file for accelerated approval by end of 2019 or early 2020.

TAVO has received both Orphan Drug and Fast-Track Designation by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.