Incyte and AstraZeneca to Enter Clinical Trial Collaboration in Early Lung Cancer

On October 31, 2017 Incyte Corporation (Nasdaq:INCY) and MedImmune, AstraZeneca’s (NYSE:AZN) global biologics research and development arm, reported the expansion of their clinical collaboration (Press release, Incyte, OCT 31, 2017, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2312658 [SID1234521326]). As part of the agreement, the companies will evaluate the efficacy and safety of epacadostat, Incyte’s investigational selective IDO1 enzyme inhibitor, in combination with AstraZeneca’s Imfinzi (durvalumab), a human monoclonal antibody directed against PD-L1, compared to Imfinzi alone.
The exclusive collaboration for the study population allows the two companies to conduct a Phase 3 trial in patients with locally-advanced (Stage III), unresectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose disease has not progressed following platinum-based chemotherapy concurrent with radiation therapy (CRT).
"We are pleased to expand our ongoing clinical collaboration with AstraZeneca and to further explore the potential of epacadostat in patients with locally-advanced unresectable lung cancer," said Steven Stein, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Incyte. "We look forward to beginning this additional pivotal trial for epacadostat, as we seek to position IDO1 enzyme inhibition as a key component of combination immunotherapy."
"Imfinzi has shown exciting clinical potential in treating patients with locally-advanced lung cancer. We are pleased to build on recent data from the PACIFIC trial to further explore how Imfinzi, in combination with an IDO1 enzyme inhibitor, could provide additional benefit to patients with locally-advanced lung cancer," said Sean Bohan, Executive Vice President, Global Medicines Development and Chief Medical officer, AstraZeneca.
The Phase 3 trial, which will be co-funded by the two companies and will be conducted by AstraZeneca, is expected to begin enrolling patients in the first-half of 2018. This agreement builds on an existing clinical collaboration for epacadostat and Imfinzi, announced by both companies in May 2014.
About Locally Advanced (Stage III) NSCLC
Stage III lung cancer is divided into two stages (IIIA and IIIB), which are defined by how much the cancer has spread locally and the possibility of surgery.
Stage III lung cancer represents approximately one-third of NSCLC incidence and was estimated to affect around 105,000 patients in seven leading markets1 in 2016. More than half of these patients have tumors that are unresectable. The current standard of care is chemotherapy and radiation followed by active surveillance to monitor for progression. The prognosis remains poor and long-term survival rates are low.
About Epacadostat (INCB024360)
The immunosuppressive effects of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) enzyme activity on the tumor microenvironment help cancer cells evade immunosurveillance. Epacadostat is an investigational, highly potent and selective oral inhibitor of the IDO1 enzyme. In single-arm studies, the combination of epacadostat and immune checkpoint inhibitors has shown proof-of-concept in patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and bladder cancer. In these studies, epacadostat combined with the CTLA-4 inhibitor ipilimumab or the PD-1 inhibitors pembrolizumab or nivolumab improved response rates compared with studies of the immune checkpoint inhibitors alone.

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Array BioPharma Reports Financial Results For The First Quarter Of Fiscal 2018

On October 31, 2017 Array BioPharma Inc. (Nasdaq: ARRY), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of targeted small molecule cancer therapies, reported results for its first quarter of fiscal 2018 and provided an update on the progress of its key clinical development programs (Press release, Array BioPharma, OCT 31, 2017, View Source [SID1234521349]).

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COLUMBUS PHASE 3 TRIAL: Binimetinib and encorafenib submissions under review at FDA and EMA
In September 2017, the FDA accepted for review Array’s NDAs to support use of the combination of binimetinib 45 mg twice daily and encorafenib 450 mg once daily (COMBO450) for the treatment of patients with BRAF-mutant advanced, unresectable or metastatic melanoma. The FDA set a target action date under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) of June 30, 2018 for both applications. In addition, the FDA informed Array that, based on its preliminary review of the applications, it has not identified any potential review issues, and that it is not currently planning to hold an advisory committee meeting to discuss these NDAs. Array completed its NDA submissions based on findings from the pivotal Phase 3 COLUMBUS trial.

“We look forward to supporting the FDA and EMA reviews of the submissions for binimetinib and encorafenib,” said Ron Squarer, Chief Executive Officer. “The robust progression free survival benefit together with the attractive tolerability profile demonstrated in COLUMBUS suggest the combination represents a potentially important addition to the MEK/BRAF treatment landscape for patients with BRAF-mutant melanoma. We continue to build our team to support potential commercialization in 2018.”

Metastatic melanoma is the most serious and life-threatening type of skin cancer and is associated with low survival rates[1-2]. There are about 200,000 new cases of melanoma diagnosed worldwide each year, approximately half of which have BRAF mutations, a key target in the treatment of metastatic melanoma[1, 3, 4].

Binimetinib and encorafenib are investigational medicines and are not currently approved in any country.

BEACON CRC PHASE 3 TRIAL: Promising results from safety lead-in presented at 2017 ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper)
Array continues to enroll BEACON CRC, a global Phase 3 trial of encorafenib and Erbitux (cetuximab), an anti-EGFR antibody, with or without binimetinib, versus standard of care in patients with BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer (CRC) who have previously received first- or second-line systemic therapy. BRAF-mutant CRC represents a difficult-to-treat subtype of colorectal cancer that impacts 10 to 15% of CRC patients.

At the 2017 ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress held during the quarter, safety results and initial clinical activity were presented from the safety lead-in of the Phase 3 BEACON CRC study evaluating the triplet combination of binimetinib, encorafenib and Erbitux (BINI 45 mg twice daily, ENCO 300 mg daily and CETUX per label). As of the data cutoff date of August 9, 2017, 30 patients were treated in the safety lead-in and received the triplet combination. Out of the 30 patients, 29 had a BRAFV600E mutation. Microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) was detected in only one patient. The triplet demonstrated good tolerability, supporting initiation of the randomized portion of the study. In addition, promising initial clinical activity was observed, with a confirmed overall response rate (ORR) of 41%, including a complete response, in patients with the BRAFV600E mutation, a group of patients with historically poor outcomes. Responses were observed in 10 out of 17 patients (59%) who had received only one prior line of therapy. Out of 28 patients with both a BRAFV600E mutation and a post-baseline assessment, 27 showed tumor regression.

In the safety lead-in, the triplet combination was generally well-tolerated. The most common grade 3 or 4 AEs observed in at least 10% of patients were nausea (10%), vomiting (10%), increased blood creatine kinase (10%) and urinary tract infection (10%). Three patients discontinued treatment due to AEs with only one considered related to treatment. At the time of the analysis, 76% of patients remain on study treatment after a median duration of treatment of 5.6 months (range 1.0 – 9.3 months).

“The BRAF mutation carries a very poor prognosis for patients with advanced colorectal cancer, and is particularly unresponsive after first-line therapy,” said Dr. Victor Sandor, Chief Medical Officer. “In the safety lead-in, the triplet combination was well tolerated and showed impressive results with a confirmed overall response rate of 41%. Several patients also showed prolonged stable disease, with 76% of patients overall continuing on therapy after a median duration of exposure of 5.6 months. These results are unprecedented for this patient population based on existing standards of care.”

BEACON CRC was initiated based on results from a Phase 2 study that included the combination of encorafenib and cetuximab in 50 patients with advanced BRAF-mutant CRC, and that was presented at the 2016 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) annual meeting. In this Phase 2 study, Overall Survival for patients treated with the doublet combination of encorafenib and cetuximab exceeded one year, which is more than double several separate historical standard of care published benchmarks for this population. [12-17] In addition, confirmed ORR from this study was 22%, whereas historical published benchmarks in this patient population using standard of care regimens range between 4-8%. [15-18]

Worldwide, colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in men and the second most common in women, with approximately 1.4 million new diagnoses in 2012. Of these, nearly 750,000 were diagnosed in men, and 614,000 in women. Globally in 2012, approximately 694,000 deaths were attributed to colorectal cancer. In the U.S. alone, an estimated 135,430 patients will be diagnosed with cancer of the colon or rectum in 2017, and approximately 50,000 are estimated to die of their disease. [5] In the United States, BRAF mutations are estimated to occur in 10 to 15 percent of patients with colorectal cancer and represent a poor prognosis for these patients.[6-9] Based on recent estimates, the prevalence of MSI-H in tumors from patients with metastatic BRAF-mutant CRC ranged from 14% in a Phase 1b/2 trial (NCT01719380) (Array, data on file) to 18% from a recent Southwestern Oncology Group (SWOG) randomized phase 2 study.[10]

NEW CLINICAL TRIAL INITIATED IN MICROSATELLITE STABLE METASTATIC CRC (MSS CRC) WITH BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB; TRIAL WITH MERCK EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN SECOND HALF OF 2017
Array is collaborating separately with Bristol-Myers Squibb and Merck to study binimetinib plus anti-PD-1 therapy in patients with MSS CRC. The majority of metastatic colorectal cancers exhibit an MSS phenotype. [11]

The clinical trial in collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb, which was initiated in September 2017, will investigate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of binimetinib in combination with Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Opdivo (nivolumab) and Opdivo + Yervoy (ipilimumab) regimen in patients with advanced MSS CRC and presence of a RAS mutation who have received one or two prior lines of therapy. The trial in collaboration with Merck, which is expected to begin during the second half of 2017, will investigate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of binimetinib with Merck’s KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) as part of multiple novel regimens. Array entered into these collaborations based on the growing body of preclinical and clinical evidence that the immune activity of an anti-PD-1 therapy can be enhanced when combined with a MEK inhibitor, such as binimetinib.

The Phase 1/2 studies are expected to establish recommended dose regimens and explore the preliminary anti-tumor activity of the combinations. Results from these studies will be used to determine optimal approaches to further clinical development of these combinations. Under the Merck agreement, Merck will act as the sponsor of this clinical trial, and Array will supply Merck with binimetinib for use in the trial. Under the Bristol-Myers Squibb agreement, Array and Bristol-Myers Squibb will jointly support the study with Array acting as the sponsor.

OTHER CLINICAL UPDATES: ARRY-382 and ARRY-797 programs
Array is advancing a Phase 1/2 dose escalation trial of ARRY-382 in combination with pembrolizumab (Keytruda), a PD-1 antibody, in patients with advanced solid tumors, including melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. ARRY-382 is a wholly-owned, highly selective and potent, small molecule inhibitor of CSF-1R kinase activity. A poster entitled “Phase 1b/2 dose-escalation study of ARRY-382, an oral inhibitor of colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF1R), in combination with pembrolizumab for treatment of patients with advanced solid tumors” will be presented at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) Annual Meeting on November 10, 2017. The presentation will provide preliminary safety and pharmacokinetic data as well as initial efficacy data in patients with advanced solid tumors.

Array plans to initiate a Phase 3 trial of ARRY-797, an oral, selective p38 MAPK inhibitor, in patients with LMNA A/C-related dilated cardiomyopathy as it evaluates options regarding the asset, including advancing it internally, partnering the program or creating a separate company to advance development and commercialization. LMNA A/C-related dilated cardiomyopathy is a rare, degenerative cardiovascular disease caused by mutations in the LMNA gene and characterized by poor prognosis.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Novartis Financial Commitment
Novartis continues to substantially fund all ongoing trials with binimetinib and encorafenib that were active or planned as of the close of the Novartis Agreements in 2015, including the COLUMBUS Phase 3 trial. Reimbursement revenue from Novartis was approximately $94.1 million for the 12 months ended September 30, 2017, of which $18.2 million was recorded in the quarter ended September 30, 2017. Total revenue and upfront payment collected from Novartis since the start of the 2015 agreement is $326.3 million.

Raised $258.8 million in public offering
Array completed an underwritten public offering of 24.1 million shares of its common stock at a price of $10.75 per share on September 19, 2017. The total gross proceeds from the offering were $258.8 million, before underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses.

First Quarter of Fiscal 2018 Compared to Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2017 (Sequential Quarters Comparison)

Revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2018 was $29.7 million, compared to $33.8 million for the prior quarter due to slightly higher milestones received in the prior quarter.
Cost of partnered programs for the first quarter of fiscal 2018 was $11.8 million, compared to $10.1 million for the prior quarter. The increase was primarily due to higher costs incurred for the BEACON CRC trial as it continues to advance.
Research and development expense was $41.4 million, compared to $39.1 million in the prior quarter. The increase was driven by $6.4 million in one-time charges for commercial drug supply of binimetinib and encorafenib from Novartis, which was partially offset by reduced expenses associated with the Novartis transitioned studies.
Loss from Operations for the quarter was $35.5 million, which includes $6.2 million of stock-based compensation and depreciation expense. The higher than normal stock-based compensation expense was primarily due to an employee departure. This compares to a loss from operations of $26.3 million in the previous quarter, which included $3.7 million of stock-based compensation and depreciation expense. The increase in net loss was primarily due to non-recurring costs for commercial drug supply from Novartis, increased stock-based compensation expense and decrease in reimbursement revenue from Novartis.
Net loss for the first quarter was $38.0 million, or ($0.22) per share, compared to $29.6 million, or ($0.17) per share, in the prior quarter.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities as of September 30, 2017 were $464.3 million.
First Quarter of Fiscal 2018 Compared to First Quarter of Fiscal 2017 (Prior Year Comparison)

Revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2018 decreased $9.5 million compared to the same quarter of fiscal 2017. The decrease was primarily due to decreased reimbursement revenue for the Novartis transitioned studies.
Cost of partnered programs increased $2.9 million compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The increase was primarily due to higher costs incurred for the BEACON CRC trial.
Research and development expense decreased $5.1 million, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The decrease was due to expenses associated with the Novartis transitioned studies.
Net loss for the first quarter of fiscal 2018 was $38.0 million, or ($0.22) per share, compared to $28.6 million, or ($0.20) per share, for the same quarter in fiscal 2017. The increase in net loss was primarily due to a decrease in reimbursement revenue from Novartis and non-recurring costs for commercial drug supply from Novartis.
CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION
Array will hold a conference call on Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss these results and provide an update on the progress of its key clinical development programs. Ron Squarer, Chief Executive Officer, will lead the call.

Date:
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Time:
9:00 a.m. Eastern Time
Toll-Free:
(844) 464-3927
Toll:
(765) 507-2598
Pass Code:
94698561
Webcast, including Replay and Conference Call Slides:
View Source

About Array BioPharma
Array BioPharma Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of targeted small molecule drugs to treat patients afflicted with cancer. Nine registration studies are currently advancing related to seven Array-owned or partnered drugs: binimetinib (MEK162), encorafenib (LGX818), selumetinib (partnered with AstraZeneca), danoprevir (partnered with Roche), ipatasertib (partnered with Genentech), larotrectinib (partnered with Loxo Oncology) and tucatinib (partnered with Cascadian Therapeutics).

References
[1] Melanoma Skin Cancer. American Cancer Society. Available at: View Source (link is external). Accessed June 2017.
[2] A Snapshot of Melanoma. National Cancer Institute. Available at: View Source (link is external). Accessed June 2017.
[3] Globocan 2012: Estimated Cancer Incidence, Mortality and Prevalence Worldwide in 2012. View Source (link is external). Accessed June 2017.
[4] Klein O, et al. (2013) BRAF inhibitor activity in V600R metastatic melanoma. Eur J Cancer. 49(5):1073-1079.
[5] Cancer Facts & Figures 2017. American Cancer Society. Available at: View Source (link is external). Accessed July 2017.
[6] Saridaki Z, et al. (2013) BRAFV600E Mutation Analysis in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC) in Daily Clinical Practice: Correlations with Clinical Characteristics, and Its Impact on Patients’ Outcome. PLoS ONE 8(12): e84604. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0084604
[7] Sorbye H, et al. (2015) High BRAF Mutation Frequency and Marked Survival Differences in Subgroups According to KRAS/BRAF Mutation Status and Tumor Tissue Availability in a Prospective Population-Based Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Cohort. PLoS ONE 10(6): e0131046. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0131046
[8] Loupakis F, et al. (2009) KRAS codon 61, 146 and BRAF mutations predict resistance to cetuximab plus irinotecan in KRAS codon 12 and 13 wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer. British Journal of Cancer 101(4), 715 – 721
[9] Vecchione, et al. (2016) A Vulnerability of a Subset of Colon Cancers with Potential Clinical Utility. Cell 165, 317–330
[10] Kopetz et al. J Clin Oncol. 2017;35:520-20
[11] Boland, C. Richard, et al. (2010) Microsatellite Instability in Colorectal Cancer. Gastroenterology, 138(6): 2073–2087.e3. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2009.12.064
[12] Ulivi et al., J Transl Med. 2012
[13] Saridaki et al., PLoS One. 2013
[14] Loupakis et al., Br J Cancer. 2009
[15] De Roock et al., Lancet Oncol, 2010
[16] Peeters et al., ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2014
[17] Kopetz et al., ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2017
[18] Seymour et al., Lancet Oncol, 2013 (supplementary appendix)

Forward-Looking Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements about the timing of the announcement of the results of clinical trials for our proprietary and our partnered programs, the timing of the completion or initiation of further development of our wholly-owned and our partnered programs, including the timing of regulatory filings or approvals, expectations that events will occur that will result in greater value for Array, the potential for the results of ongoing preclinical and clinical trials to support regulatory approval or the marketing success of a drug candidate, our ability to partner our proprietary drug candidates for up-front fees, milestone and/or royalty payments, our future plans to progress and develop our proprietary programs, our future capital requirements and the plans of our collaborators to progress and develop programs we have licensed to them, and our plans to build a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company. These statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in our most recent annual report filed on Form 10-K, in our quarterly reports filed on Form 10-Q, and in other reports filed by Array with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Because these statements reflect our current expectations concerning future events, our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, our ability to continue to fund and successfully progress internal research and development efforts and to create effective, commercially-viable drugs; risks relating to the regulatory approval process for our drug candidates, which may not result in approval for our drug candidates, cause delays in development or require that we expend more resources to obtain approval than expected; risks associated with our dependence on our collaborators for the clinical development and commercialization of our out-licensed drug candidates; the ability of our collaborators and of Array to meet objectives tied to milestones and royalties; our ability to effectively and timely conduct clinical trials in light of increasing costs and difficulties in locating appropriate trial sites and in enrolling patients who meet the criteria for certain clinical trials; risks associated with our dependence on third-party service providers to successfully conduct clinical trials within and outside the United States; our ability to achieve and maintain profitability and maintain sufficient cash resources; the extent to which the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries are willing to in-license drug candidates for their product pipelines and to collaborate with and fund third parties on their drug discovery activities; our ability to out-license our proprietary candidates on favorable terms; and our ability to attract and retain experienced scientists and management. We are providing this information as of October 31, 2017. We undertake no duty to update any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of events or circumstances after the date of such statements or of anticipated or unanticipated events that alter any assumptions underlying such statements.

-more-



Array BioPharma Inc.
Condensed Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)















Three Months Ended






September 30,






2017

2016
Revenue






Reimbursement revenue


$ 18,192

$ 31,321

Collaboration and other revenue


8,008

6,289

License and milestone revenue


3,546

1,661


Total revenue


29,746

39,271









Operating expenses






Cost of partnered programs


11,759

8,845

Research and development for proprietary programs


41,445

46,563

General and administrative


12,048

7,862


Total operating expenses


65,252

63,270









Loss from operations


(35,506)

(23,999)









Other income (expense)






Impairment loss related to cost method investment




(1,500)

Realized gains on investments and other






Change in fair value of notes payable


200

(200)

Interest income


525

70

Interest expense


(3,213)

(2,979)


Total other expense, net


(2,488)

(4,609)









Net loss


$ (37,994)

$ (28,608)


















Net loss per share – basic


$ (0.22)

$ (0.20)
Net loss per share – diluted


$ (0.22)

$ (0.20)









Weighted average shares outstanding – basic


174,772

145,100
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted


174,772

145,100


















Summary Balance Sheet Data
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)






September 30, 2017

June 30, 2017












Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities


$ 464,336

$ 235,055



Working capital


$ 402,899

$ 200,626



Total assets


$ 502,309

$ 279,145



Long-term debt, net


$ 123,266

$ 121,305



Total stockholders’ equity


$ 226,621

$ 11,727


CONTACT:
Tricia Haugeto

(303) 386-1193

[email protected]


View original content with multimedia:View Source

SOURCE Array BioPharma Inc.

Novartis submits application to FDA for KymriahTM (tisagenlecleucel) in adult patients with r/r DLBCL, seeking second indication for first-ever FDA approved CAR-T therapy

On October 31, 2017 Novartis reported that the company has submitted a supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for KymriahTM (tisagenlecleucel) suspension for intravenous infusion, formerly CTL019, for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory (r/r) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) (Press release, Novartis, OCT 31, 2017, View Source [SID1234521328]). In April 2017, Novartis received Breakthrough Therapy designation for r/r DLBCL which, if approved, would be the second indication for Kymriah. In August 2017, Kymriah became the first available chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy when it received FDA approval five weeks prior to its PDUFA date and was launched for patients up to 25 years of age with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that is refractory or has relapsed at least twice. Kymriah is a novel immunocellular therapy and a one-time treatment that uses a patient’s own T cells to fight cancer.

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“Kymriah represents a historic breakthrough in the evolution of individualized immunotherapy and we are committed to bringing this innovation to as many patients who may benefit as possible,” said Vas Narasimhan, Global Head of Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer, Novartis. “The response rates we’ve seen in the JULIET trial show that Kymriah has the potential to transform treatment for these patients and we look forward to collaborating with the FDA to make it available to patients for this second indication.”

DLBCL is the most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), a cancer of the lymphatic system, accounting for up to 40% of all NHL cases globally[1]. Roughly 50-60% of patients with DLBCL achieve and maintain complete remission after first-line therapy; however, roughly one-third of patients relapse after receiving first-line treatment[2],[3]. Only about 25% of patients with r/r DLBCL are eligible for ASCT, the mainstay of secondary treatment. If left untreated, r/r DLBCL has a life expectancy of three to four months[2].

“The approval of tisagenlecleucel in the treatment of children and young adults with second relapse or refractory B-cell ALL was a watershed moment in the journey for researchers to develop immunocellular therapies,” said Stephen Schuster, MD, director of the Lymphoma Program and Lymphoma Translational Research, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. “The data show this therapy could change the treatment paradigm for patients with r/r DLBCL as we’ve seen durable complete responses in patients who previously relapsed or were refractory to prior therapies, and this second filing is a significant step toward realizing its potential for even more patients who are currently battling fatal blood cancers.”

Kymriah is an innovative immunocellular therapy that is a one-time treatment. Kymriah uses the 4-1BB costimulatory domain in its chimeric antigen receptor to enhance cellular expansion and persistence. In 2012, Novartis and the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) entered into a global collaboration to further research, develop and commercialize CAR-T cell therapies, including Kymriah, for the investigational treatment of cancers.

The submission is based on results from the Novartis-sponsored, global, multi-center Phase II JULIET study (NCT02445248), the first global, multi-center registration study for Kymriah in adult patients with r/r DLBCL. JULIET was conducted in collaboration with Penn and is the largest study examining a CAR-T therapy exclusively in DLBCL, enrolling patients from 27 sites in 10 countries across the US, Canada, Europe, Australia and Japan. Data from the six-month primary analysis of JULIET will be presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) in December 2017.

Novartis plans to submit an additional application for marketing authorization for Kymriah with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in both DLBCL and pediatric ALL later this year. Novartis plans additional regulatory filings for Kymriah outside the US and EU in 2018.

About CAR-T
CAR-T is different from typical small molecule or biologic therapies because it is manufactured for each individual patient using their own cells. During the treatment process, T cells are drawn from a patient’s blood and reprogrammed in the laboratory to create T cells that are genetically coded to hunt the patient’s cancer cells and other B cells expressing a particular antigen.

About Kymriah Manufacturing
Kymriah is manufactured for each individual patient using their own cells at the Novartis Morris Plains, New Jersey facility. Novartis has successfully demonstrated a 22-day turnaround time for manufacturing Kymriah in the commercial setting, and this will continue to be the target. The reliable and integrated manufacturing and supply chain platform for Kymriah allows for an individualized treatment approach on a global scale. The process includes cryopreservation of a patient’s harvested (or leukapheresed) cells, giving treating physicians and centers the flexibility to initiate therapy with Kymriah based on the individual patient’s condition.

Building on the company’s experience, having manufactured CAR-T cells for over 250 patients from 11 countries across various indications in clinical trials, it has demonstrated a high-quality and reproducible product. Novartis continues to advance its CAR-T manufacturing expertise and make investments to support the anticipated demand to meet the needs of patients.

Novartis Leadership in Immuno-Oncology
Novartis is at the forefront of investigational immunocellular therapy as the first pharmaceutical company to initiate global CAR-T trials, and has significantly invested in CAR-T research and worked with pioneers in the field. Active research programs are underway targeting other hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, and include efforts focused on next generation CAR-Ts that involve simplified manufacturing schemes and gene edited cells.

KymriahTM (tisagenlecleucel) Important Safety information (for pediatric and young adult patients with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia)
The full prescribing information, including Boxed WARNING, for Kymriah can be found at:
View Source (link is external)

Kymriah may cause side effects that are severe or life-threatening, such as Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) or Neurological Toxicities. Patients with CRS may experience symptoms including high fever, difficulty breathing, chills/shaking chills, severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, severe muscle or joint pain, very low blood pressure, or dizziness/lightheadedness. Patients may be admitted to the hospital for CRS and treated with other medications.

Patients with neurological toxicities may experience symptoms such as altered or decreased consciousness, headaches, delirium, confusion, agitation, anxiety, seizures, difficulty speaking and understanding, or loss of balance. Patients should be advised to call their health care provider or get emergency help right away if they experience any of these signs and symptoms of CRS or neurological toxicities.

Because of the risk of CRS and neurological toxicities, Kymriah is only available through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) in the US called Kymriah REMS.

Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, may occur after Kymriah infusion.
Kymriah can increase the risk of life-threatening infections that may lead to death. Patients should be advised to tell their health care provider right away if they develop fever, chills, or any signs or symptoms of an infection.

Patients may experience prolonged low blood cell counts (cytopenia), where one or more types of blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets) are decreased. The patient’s health care provider will do blood tests to check all of their blood cell counts after treatment with Kymriah. Patients should be advised to tell their health care provider right away if they get a fever, are feeling tired, or have bruising or bleeding.

Patients may experience hypogammaglobulinemia, a condition in which the level of immunoglobulins (antibodies) in the blood is low and the risk of infection is increased. It is expected that patients may develop hypogammaglobulinemia with Kymriah, and may need to receive immunoglobulin replacement for an indefinite amount of time following treatment with Kymriah. Patients should tell their health care provider about their treatment with Kymriah before receiving a live virus vaccine.

After treatment with Kymriah, patients will be monitored life-long by their health care provider, as they may develop secondary cancers or recurrence of their leukemia.

Patients should not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities for 8 weeks after receiving Kymriah because the treatment can cause temporary memory and coordination problems, including sleepiness, confusion, weakness, dizziness, and seizures.

Some of the most common side effects of Kymriah are difficulty breathing, fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher), chills/shaking chills, confusion, severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, severe muscle or joint pain, very low blood pressure, and dizziness/lightheadedness. However, these are not all of the possible side effects of Kymriah. Patients should talk to their health care provider for medical advice about side effects.

Prior to a female patient starting treatment with Kymriah, their health care provider may do a pregnancy test. There is no information available for Kymriah use in pregnant or breast-feeding women. Therefore, Kymriah is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breast feeding. If either sex partner has received Kymriah, patients should talk to their health care provider about birth control and pregnancy.

Patients should tell their health care provider about all the medicines they take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

After receiving Kymriah, patients should be advised that some commercial HIV tests may cause a false positive test result. Patients should also be advised not to donate blood, organs, or tissues and cells for transplantation after receiving Kymriah.

Disclaimer
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as “potential,” “can,” “will,” “plan,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “look forward,” “believe,” “committed,” “investigational,” “pipeline,” “launch,” or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for the investigational or approved products described in this press release, regarding our ability to implement, scale and sustain commercial manufacturing for the investigational or approved products described in this press release, regarding our ability to build and sustain a network of treatment centers to offer the investigational or approved products described in this press release, or regarding potential future revenues from such products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Neither can there be any guarantee that Novartis will successfully implement, scale and sustain commercial manufacturing for the investigational or approved products described in this press release, or successfully build and sustain a network of treatment centers to offer the investigational or approved products described in this press release. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding such products could be affected by, among other things, our ability to successfully implement, scale and sustain commercial manufacturing and build and sustain a network of treatment centers; the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures; general economic and industry conditions, including the effects of the persistently weak economic and financial environment in many countries; safety, quality or manufacturing issues, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG’s current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Pfizer Reports Third-Quarter 2017 Results

On October 31, 2017 Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) reported financial results for third-quarter 2017 and narrowed certain 2017 financial guidance ranges (Press release, Pfizer, OCT 31, 2017, View Source [SID1234521337]).

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Results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 and 2016(3) are summarized below.

OVERALL RESULTS

($ in millions, except
per share amounts)
Third-Quarter Nine Months
2017 2016 Change 2017 2016 Change
Revenues $ 13,168 $ 13,045 1% $ 38,843 $ 39,196 (1%)
Reported Net Income(1) 2,840 1,355 * 9,034 6,440 40%
Reported Diluted EPS(1) 0.47 0.22 * 1.49 1.04 43%
Adjusted Income(2) 4,059 3,761 8% 12,313 11,867 4%
Adjusted Diluted EPS(2) 0.67 0.61 10% 2.03 1.92 6%

REVENUES

($ in millions) Third-Quarter Nine Months
2017 2016 % Change 2017 2016 % Change
Total Oper. Total Oper.
Innovative Health $ 8,118 $ 7,332 11% 11% $ 23,204 $ 21,471 8% 9%
Essential Health 5,050 5,712 (12%) (11%) 15,639 17,725 (12%) (11%)
Total Company $ 13,168 $ 13,045 1% 1% $ 38,843 $ 39,196 (1%) —

Excluding HIS revenues from all periods:
Total Company $ 13,168 $ 12,764 3% 4% $ 38,746 $ 38,317 1% 2%
Essential Health 5,050 5,432 (7%) (6%) 15,543 16,846 (8%) (6%)

Acquisitions and divestitures completed in 2016 and in the first nine months of 2017 impacted financial results in the periods presented.(4) Some amounts in this press release may not add due to rounding. All percentages have been calculated using unrounded amounts. References to operational variances pertain to period-over-period growth rates that exclude the impact of foreign exchange.(5)

2017 FINANCIAL GUIDANCE(6)

Pfizer’s updated 2017 financial guidance is presented below:


Revenues $52.4 to $53.1 billion
(previously $52.0 to $54.0 billion)
Adjusted Cost of Sales(2) as a Percentage of Revenues 20.0% to 20.5%
(previously 20.0% to 21.0%)
Adjusted SI&A Expenses(2) $14.0 to $14.5 billion
(previously $13.7 to $14.7 billion)
Adjusted R&D Expenses(2) $7.5 to $7.8 billion
(previously $7.5 to $8.0 billion)
Adjusted Other (Income)/Deductions(2) Approximately $500 million of income
(previously approximately $200 million of income)
Effective Tax Rate on Adjusted Income(2) Approximately 23.0%
Adjusted Diluted EPS(2) $2.58 to $2.62
(previously $2.54 to $2.60)

CAPITAL ALLOCATION

During the first nine months of 2017, Pfizer returned $10.8 billion directly to shareholders, through a combination of:
$5.8 billion of dividend payments, composed of a dividend of $0.32 per share of common stock in each of the first, second and third quarters of 2017; and
a $5.0 billion accelerated share repurchase agreement executed in February 2017 and completed in May 2017, which resulted in a reduction of approximately 150 million shares of Pfizer’s outstanding common stock.
As of October 31, 2017, Pfizer’s remaining share repurchase authorization was approximately $6.4 billion.
EXECUTIVE COMMENTARY

Ian Read, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We reported solid third-quarter 2017 financial results and raised the midpoint of the range for our 2017 Adjusted diluted EPS(2) guidance. Innovative Health revenues grew 11% operationally, primarily driven by the performance of our key growth drivers, notably Ibrance, Eliquis, Xtandi and Xeljanz, all of which are products that are early in their patent-protected lifecycle in attractive therapeutic areas. While Essential Health revenues remained challenged primarily due to continued headwinds from products that recently lost marketing exclusivity and product supply, we had solid operational growth in emerging markets and in biosimilars.

"Looking ahead, we are encouraged by the convergence of two positive trends: an expected decline in the unfavorable revenue impact associated with product losses of exclusivity and the beginning of an expected multi-year wave of potential new product launches and product line extensions driven by our pipeline. We believe that the convergence of these trends, coupled with anticipated continued strong growth from the aforementioned innovative products, positions the Company for long-term success," Mr. Read concluded.

Frank D’Amelio, Executive Vice President, Business Operations and Chief Financial Officer, stated, "Overall, I am pleased with our third-quarter 2017 financial results, including 2% operational revenue growth after excluding the net impact of acquisitions and divestitures completed in 2016 and the first nine months of 2017. As a result of our strong performance to date in 2017, we narrowed the ranges for certain 2017 financial guidance components, including a $0.03 increase to the midpoint of our range for Adjusted diluted EPS(2) to a range of $2.58 to $2.62. The midpoint of our new guidance range for Adjusted diluted EPS(2) implies 8% growth compared with last year. Finally, earlier this month, we announced that we are reviewing strategic alternatives for our Consumer Healthcare business."

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Third-Quarter 2017 vs. Third-Quarter 2016)

Third-quarter 2017 revenues totaled $13.2 billion, an increase of $123 million, or 1% compared to the prior-year quarter, reflecting operational growth of $178 million, or 1%, slightly offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange of $54 million.

Excluding the revenues for HIS in the prior-year quarter and the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange, third-quarter 2017 revenues increased by $458 million, or 4%. Third-quarter 2017 revenues excluding the net impact of acquisitions and divestitures completed in 2016 and the first nine months of 2017 increased $264 million, or 2%, operationally compared to third-quarter 2016.

Innovative Health Highlights

IH revenues increased 11% operationally in third-quarter 2017, driven by continued growth from key brands including Ibrance and Eliquis globally, the addition of Xtandi revenues in the U.S. resulting from the September 2016 acquisition of Medivation, as well as Lyrica and Xeljanz, both primarily in the U.S. Global Ibrance revenues increased 59% operationally while global operational revenue growth for Eliquis and Xeljanz was 43% and 49%, respectively.
Third-quarter 2017 operational growth was negatively impacted by lower revenues for Enbrel in most developed Europe markets due to continued biosimilar competition, and for Viagra in the U.S. primarily due to wholesaler destocking in advance of anticipated generic competition beginning in December 2017.
Global Prevnar 13/Prevenar 13 revenues declined 1% operationally in third-quarter 2017. In the U.S., Prevnar 13 revenues decreased 4%, primarily due to the continued decline in revenues for the Adult indication due to a smaller remaining "catch up" opportunity compared to the prior-year quarter partially offset by growth from the pediatric indication. Prevenar 13 revenues in international markets increased 5% operationally, primarily due to the favorable overall impact of timing of government purchases in certain emerging markets for the pediatric indication.
Essential Health Highlights

Third-quarter 2017 EH revenues declined 11% operationally, of which 5% operationally was due to the February 2017 divestiture of HIS. Third-quarter 2017 EH revenues were also negatively impacted by a 22% operational decline from Peri-LOE Products, including declines in Pristiq in the U.S. as well as Lyrica and Vfend, both primarily in developed Europe. EH revenues were also negatively impacted by a 12% operational decline from the Sterile Injectable Pharmaceuticals (SIP) portfolio, primarily due to legacy Hospira product shortages in the U.S. These declines were partially offset by 67% operational growth from Biosimilars.
EH developed markets revenues declined 18% operationally, of which 6% operationally was due to the February 2017 divestiture of HIS. EH developed markets revenues were also negatively impacted by a 33% operational decline from Peri-LOE Products and a 20% operational decline from the SIP portfolio, primarily due to the aforementioned legacy Hospira product shortages in the U.S., partially offset by 65% operational growth from Biosimilars.
EH revenues in emerging markets grew 7% operationally, primarily driven by 6% operational growth from the Legacy Established Products portfolio and 14% operational growth from the SIP portfolio. Excluding HIS from both periods, EH revenues in emerging markets grew 8% operationally.
GAAP Reported(1) Income Statement Highlights

SELECTED TOTAL COMPANY REPORTED COSTS AND EXPENSES(1)

($ in millions)
(Favorable)/Unfavorable
Third-Quarter Nine Months
2017 2016 % Change 2017 2016 % Change
Total Oper. Total Oper.
Cost of Sales(1) $ 2,847 $ 3,085 (8%) (8%) $ 7,980 $ 9,111 (12%) (10%)
Percent of Revenues 21.6 % 23.6 % N/A N/A 20.5 % 23.2 % N/A N/A
SI&A Expenses(1) 3,500 3,559 (2%) (1%) 10,233 10,414 (2%) (1%)
R&D Expenses(1) 1,859 1,881 (1%) (1%) 5,346 5,360 — —
Total $ 8,205 $ 8,525 (4%) (4%) $ 23,560 $ 24,885 (5%) (4%)

Other (Income)/Deductions−net(1)
$ 51 $ 1,417 (96%) (97%) ($16 ) $ 2,815 * (98%)
Effective Tax Rate on Reported Income(1) 20.3 % 15.5 % 20.1 % 14.6 %

* Indicates calculation not meaningful.

Adjusted(2) Income Statement Highlights

SELECTED TOTAL COMPANY ADJUSTED COSTS AND EXPENSES(2)

($ in millions)
(Favorable)/Unfavorable
Third-Quarter Nine Months
2017
2016 % Change 2017 2016 % Change
Total Oper. Total Oper.
Adjusted Cost of Sales(2) $ 2,699 $ 2,957 (9%) (9%) $ 7,729 $ 8,584 (10%) (7%)
Percent of Revenues 20.5 % 22.7 % N/A N/A 19.9 % 21.9 % N/A N/A
Adjusted SI&A Expenses(2) 3,478 3,531 (1%) (1%) 10,151 10,342 (2%) (1%)
Adjusted R&D Expenses(2) 1,851 1,873 (1%) (1%) 5,326 5,336 — —
Total $ 8,028 $ 8,361 (4%) (4%) $ 23,206 $ 24,262 (4%) (3%)

Adjusted Other (Income)/Deductions−net(2)
($261 ) ($168 ) 55% 59% ($519 ) ($547 ) (5%) (17%)
Effective Tax Rate on Adjusted Income(2) 23.7 % 22.0 % 22.9 % 22.7 %

The diluted weighted-average shares outstanding used to calculate Reported(1) and Adjusted(2) diluted EPS declined by 109 million shares compared to the prior-year quarter due to Pfizer’s share repurchase program, reflecting the impact of a $5 billion accelerated share repurchase agreement executed in February 2017 and completed in May 2017.

A full reconciliation of Reported(1) to Adjusted(2) financial measures and associated footnotes can be found starting on page 17 of the press release located at the hyperlink below.

RECENT NOTABLE DEVELOPMENTS (Since August 1, 2017)

Product Developments

Bavencio (avelumab) — In September 2017, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (Merck KGaA) and Pfizer announced that the European Commission granted marketing authorization for Bavencio as a monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive skin cancer. Bavencio will have marketing authorization in the 28 countries of the European Union in addition to Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland. Bavencio has been launched in certain European markets and is expected to become commercially available in other European markets in the coming months. Additionally, in September 2017, Bavencio was approved by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) for curatively unresectable Merkel cell carcinoma in Japan.
Besponsa (inotuzumab ozogamicin) — In August 2017, Pfizer announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Besponsa for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Besponsa is the first and only CD22-directed antibody-drug conjugate approved for this indication.
Bosulif (bosutinib) — In August 2017, Pfizer and Avillion LLP announced that a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Bosulif was accepted for filing and granted Priority Review by the FDA. If approved, the sNDA would expand the approved use of Bosulif to include patients with newly diagnosed chronic phase Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia. The Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date for a decision by the FDA is in December 2017. In addition, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) validated for review a Type II Variation application for use of Bosulif in the same patient population.
Ibrance (palbociclib)
In September 2017, Ibrance was approved by the Japanese MHLW for use in patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative inoperable or recurrent breast cancer.
In August 2017, the Alliance Foundation Trials, LLC, in conjunction with Pfizer and six international cancer research groups, announced the launch of PATINA – a randomized, open-label, Phase 3 clinical study of palbociclib. The PATINA trial will evaluate palbociclib in combination with anti-HER2 therapy and endocrine therapy versus standard therapy as a first-line treatment for patients with HR+, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) metastatic breast cancer. The trial randomized its first patient in July 2017.
Inflectra (infliximab-dyyb, infliximab CT-P13) — In October 2017, Pfizer and Celltrion Healthcare announced the secondary outcomes from a Phase 3 study of Inflectra that demonstrated that switching patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) to Inflectra from Remicade(7) (infliximab) led to comparable efficacy, safety and tolerability to treatment with Remicade(7) over a 24 week period. The full 54-week results of the randomized controlled trial comparing Inflectra and Remicade(7) in biologic-naïve patients with active CD support the long-term effectiveness of treatment with Inflectra. The results also demonstrated that Inflectra was well-tolerated, with a similar safety profile to Remicade(7). Full results of this study were presented at the 25th United European Gastroenterology Week conference.
Lyrica CR (pregabalin) — In October 2017, Pfizer announced that the FDA approved Lyrica CR extended-release tablets CV as once-daily therapy for the management of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and the management of postherpetic neuralgia. Lyrica CR did not receive approval for the management of fibromyalgia. Pfizer expects Lyrica CR will be available in the U.S. beginning in January 2018.
Mylotarg (gemtuzumab ozogamicin) — In September 2017, Pfizer announced that the FDA approved Mylotarg for adults with newly diagnosed CD33-positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and adults and children 2 years and older with relapsed or refractory CD33-positive AML. Mylotarg is the first therapy with an indication that includes pediatric AML and is also the only AML therapy that targets CD33, an antigen expressed on AML cells in up to 90% of patients.
Sutent (sunitinib malate) — In September 2017, Pfizer announced that the FDA’s Oncologic Drug Advisory Committee (ODAC) voted 6 in favor and 6 against the benefit-risk profile for Sutent as adjuvant treatment of adult patients at high risk of recurrent renal cell carcinoma after nephrectomy (surgical removal of the cancer-containing kidney). The role of the Advisory Committee is to provide recommendations to the FDA. The ODAC discussions were based on the sNDA currently under review by the FDA. The PDUFA goal date for a decision by the FDA is in January 2018.
Xeljanz (tofacitinib citrate) — In August 2017, Pfizer announced that the FDA’s Arthritis Advisory Committee (AAC) voted 10 to 1 to recommend approval of the proposed dose of tofacitinib for the treatment of adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis. Pfizer submitted sNDAs for Xeljanz 5 mg twice daily and Xeljanz XR extended release 11 mg once daily for this pending indication. The PDUFA goal date for a decision by the FDA is in December 2017.
Xtandi (enzalutamide) — In September 2017, Astellas Pharma Inc. (Astellas) and Pfizer announced that the Phase 3 PROSPER trial evaluating Xtandi plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) versus ADT alone in patients with non-metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC) met its primary endpoint of improved metastasis-free survival. The preliminary safety analysis of the PROSPER trial appears consistent with the safety profile of Xtandi in previous clinical trials. Based on the results of PROSPER, the companies intend to discuss the data with global health authorities to potentially support expanding the label for Xtandi to cover all patients with CRPC.
Pipeline Developments

A comprehensive update of Pfizer’s development pipeline was published today and is now available at www.pfizer.com/science/drug-product-pipeline. It includes an overview of Pfizer’s research and a list of compounds in development with targeted indication and phase of development, as well as mechanism of action for some candidates in Phase 1 and all candidates from Phase 2 through registration.

Lorlatinib (PF-06463922) — In October 2017, Pfizer announced full results from the Phase 2 clinical trial of the investigational, next-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor lorlatinib that exhibited clinically meaningful activity against lung tumors and brain metastases in a range of patients with ALK-positive and ROS1-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including those who were heavily pretreated. Further, side effects were generally manageable and primarily mild to moderate in severity. The results were presented during an oral session at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer 18th World Conference on Lung Cancer. Pfizer is currently evaluating lorlatinib in the Phase 3 CROWN study, an ongoing, open label, randomized, two-arm study comparing lorlatinib to crizotinib in the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic ALK-positive NSCLC.
PF-04965842 — In September 2017, positive results from a Phase 2b clinical trial of PF-04965842, Pfizer’s JAK1 inhibitor for atopic dermatitis (AD), were presented at the 26th Congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. The 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study evaluated the efficacy and safety of 267 adult patients with moderate-to-severe AD who were randomized to receive either placebo or 10 mg, 30 mg, 100 mg or 200 mg of PF-04965842 once-daily. After evaluating the results of this trial, Pfizer intends to initiate pivotal studies of PF-04965842 in AD in the coming months.
PF-05280014 (proposed biosimilar trastuzumab)
In September 2017, Pfizer announced positive findings from REFLECTIONS B327-02, a pivotal Phase 3 randomized, double-blind comparative safety and efficacy study of the company’s investigational trastuzumab biosimilar versus Herceptin(8) (trastuzumab), at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2017 Congress. Positive data from a supplemental study, REFLECTIONS B327-04, were also presented at the meeting. The REFLECTIONS B327-02 study achieved the primary objective for equivalence in the objective response rate of PF-05280014 versus Herceptin(8) in patients receiving first-line treatment, in combination with paclitaxel, for HER2+ metastatic breast cancer. The REFLECTIONS B327-04 study found there were no clinically meaningful differences between PF-05280014 and Herceptin(8) in terms of efficacy, safety, immunogenicity, and noninferiority in pharmacokinetics, as neoadjuvant treatment taken in combination with docetaxel and carboplatin for patients with operable HER2+ breast cancer. PF-05280014 is being developed by Pfizer as a potential biosimilar to Herceptin(8).
In August 2017, the FDA accepted for review a Biologics License Application for PF-05280014. The Biosimilar User Fee Act goal date for a decision by the FDA is in April 2018. In addition, the EMA validated for review a Marketing Authorization Application for PF-05280014 in July 2017.
PF-06482077 — In October 2017, Pfizer initiated a Phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of PF-06482077, Pfizer’s next-generation multi-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine candidate in healthy adults. PF-06482077 is being studied to potentially extend coverage beyond the thirteen serotypes covered by Prevnar 13 to include seven additional serotypes prevalent in causing pneumococcal disease in adults and children. Results from a previously completed Phase 1 trial demonstrated that the vaccine candidate was safe and well tolerated and induced functional immune responses that could kill all twenty serotypes. The FDA granted Fast Track designation for PF-06482077 in May 2017 for use in an infant population and in October 2017 for use in an adult population. The FDA’s Fast Track approach is a process designed to facilitate the development and expedite the review of new drugs and vaccines intended to treat or prevent serious conditions and address an unmet medical need.
Corporate Developments

In October 2017, Pfizer announced that it is reviewing strategic alternatives for its Consumer Healthcare business. A range of options will be considered, including a full or partial separation of the Consumer Healthcare business from Pfizer through a spin-off, sale or other transaction, and Pfizer may ultimately determine to retain the business. This review is part of Pfizer’s continuing efforts to allocate resources and capital to best serve patients and maximize value for its shareholders. Pfizer expects that any decision regarding strategic alternatives for Consumer Healthcare would be made during 2018. The company does not plan to make any further statements about the strategic review process until a decision has been reached or upon the completion of the strategic review.
Please find Pfizer’s press release and associated financial tables, including reconciliations of certain GAAP reported to non-GAAP adjusted information, at the following hyperlink:

View Source

(Note: If clicking on the above link does not open up a new web page, you may need to cut and paste the above URL into your browser’s address bar.)

For additional details, see the associated financial schedules and product revenue tables attached to the press release located at the hyperlink referred to above and the attached disclosure notice.

(1) Revenues is defined as revenues in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Reported net income is defined as net income attributable to Pfizer Inc. in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Reported diluted earnings per share (EPS) is defined as reported diluted EPS attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

(2)
Adjusted income and its components and Adjusted diluted EPS are defined as reported U.S. GAAP net income(1) and its components and reported diluted EPS(1) excluding purchase accounting adjustments, acquisition-related costs, discontinued operations and certain significant items (some of which may recur, such as restructuring or legal charges, but which management does not believe are reflective of ongoing core operations). Adjusted cost of sales, Adjusted selling, informational and administrative (SI&A) expenses, Adjusted research and development (R&D) expenses and Adjusted other (income)/deductions are income statement line items prepared on the same basis as, and therefore components of, the overall Adjusted income measure. As described in the "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations−Non-GAAP Financial Measure (Adjusted Income)" section of Pfizer’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 2, 2017, management uses Adjusted income, among other factors, to set performance goals and to measure the performance of the overall company. Because Adjusted income is an important internal measurement for Pfizer, management believes that investors’ understanding of our performance is enhanced by disclosing this performance measure. Pfizer reports Adjusted income, certain components of Adjusted income, and Adjusted diluted EPS in order to portray the results of the Company’s major operations––the discovery, development, manufacture, marketing and sale of prescription medicines, vaccines and consumer healthcare (OTC) products––prior to considering certain income statement elements. See the accompanying reconciliations of certain GAAP Reported to Non-GAAP Adjusted information for the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 and 2016. The Adjusted income and its components and Adjusted diluted EPS measures are not, and should not be viewed as, substitutes for U.S. GAAP net income and its components and diluted EPS.

(3) Pfizer’s fiscal year-end for international subsidiaries is November 30 while Pfizer’s fiscal year-end for U.S. subsidiaries is December 31. Therefore, Pfizer’s third quarter and first nine months for U.S. subsidiaries reflect the three and nine months ending on October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016 while Pfizer’s third quarter and first nine months for subsidiaries operating outside the U.S. reflect the three and nine months ending on August 27, 2017 and August 28, 2016.

(4) The following acquisitions and divestitures impacted financial results for the periods presented:

On June 24, 2016, Pfizer acquired Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Anacor). Therefore, financial results for the first nine months of 2017 reflect legacy Anacor operations while financial results for the first nine months of 2016 reflect approximately three months of legacy Anacor operations. Financial results for the third quarter of 2017 and 2016 both reflect legacy Anacor operations.
On September 28, 2016, Pfizer acquired Medivation, Inc. (Medivation). Therefore, financial results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 reflect legacy Medivation operations while financial results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2016 reflect three business days of legacy Medivation operations, which were immaterial.
On December 22, 2016, Pfizer completed the acquisition of the development and commercialization rights to AstraZeneca’s small molecule anti-infective business, primarily outside the U.S. Therefore, financial results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 reflect contributions from certain legacy AstraZeneca anti-infective products.
On February 3, 2017, Pfizer completed the sale of its global infusion therapy net assets, Hospira Infusion Systems (HIS). Therefore, financial results for the third quarter of 2017 do not reflect any contribution from legacy HIS operations, while the first nine months of 2017 reflect approximately one month of legacy HIS domestic operations and approximately two months of legacy HIS international operations.(3) Financial results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2016 reflect three and nine months of legacy HIS global operations, respectively.

(5) References to operational variances in this press release pertain to period-over-period growth rates that exclude the impact of foreign exchange. The operational variances are determined by multiplying or dividing, as appropriate, the current period U.S. dollar results by the current period average foreign exchange rates and then multiplying or dividing, as appropriate, those amounts by the prior-year period average foreign exchange rates. Although exchange rate changes are part of Pfizer’s business, they are not within Pfizer’s control. Exchange rate changes, however, can mask positive or negative trends in the business; therefore, Pfizer believes presenting operational variances provides useful information in evaluating the results of its business.

(6) The 2017 financial guidance reflects the following:

Pfizer does not provide guidance for GAAP Reported financial measures (other than Revenues) or a reconciliation of forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP Reported financial measures on a forward-looking basis because it is unable to predict with reasonable certainty the ultimate outcome of pending litigation, unusual gains and losses, acquisition-related expenses and potential future asset impairments without unreasonable effort. These items are uncertain, depend on various factors, and could have a material impact on GAAP Reported results for the guidance period.
Does not assume the completion of any business development transactions not completed as of October 1, 2017, including any one-time upfront payments associated with such transactions.
Exchange rates assumed are a blend of the actual exchange rates in effect through September 2017 and mid-October 2017 exchange rates for the remainder of the year.
Reflects an anticipated negative revenue impact of $2.3 billion due to recent and expected generic and biosimilar competition for certain products that have recently lost or are anticipated to soon lose patent protection.
Reflects the anticipated negative impact of $0.1 billion on revenues and $0.01 on Adjusted diluted EPS(2) as a result of unfavorable changes in foreign exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar compared to foreign exchange rates from 2016.
Guidance for Adjusted diluted EPS(2) assumes diluted weighted-average shares outstanding of between 6.0 and 6.1 billion shares, which reflects the impact of the $5 billion accelerated share repurchase agreement executed in February 2017 and completed in May 2017.

(7) Remicade is a registered U.S. trademark of Janssen Biotech, Inc.

(8) Herceptin is a registered U.S. trademark of Genentech, Inc.

DISCLOSURE NOTICE: Except where otherwise noted, the information contained in this earnings release and the related attachments is as of October 31, 2017. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this earnings release and the related attachments as a result of new information or future events or developments.

This earnings release and the related attachments contain forward-looking statements about our anticipated future operating and financial performance, business plans and prospects, in-line products and product candidates, including anticipated regulatory submissions, data read-outs, approvals, performance, timing of exclusivity and potential benefits of Pfizer’s products and product candidates, strategic reviews, capital allocation, business-development plans, the benefits expected from our acquisitions and other business development activities, manufacturing and product supply and plans relating to share repurchases and dividends, among other things, that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by the fact that they use future dates or use words such as "will," "may," "could," "likely," "ongoing," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," "target," "forecast," "goal," "objective," "aim" and other words and terms of similar meaning. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from past results and future plans and projected future results are the following:

the outcome of research and development activities, including, without limitation, the ability to meet anticipated pre-clinical and clinical trial commencement and completion dates, regulatory submission and approval dates, and launch dates for product candidates, as well as the possibility of unfavorable pre-clinical and clinical trial results, including unfavorable new clinical data and additional analyses of existing clinical data;
decisions by regulatory authorities regarding whether and when to approve our drug applications, which will depend on the assessment by such regulatory authorities of the benefit-risk profile suggested by the totality of the efficacy and safety information submitted; decisions by regulatory authorities regarding labeling, ingredients and other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of our products; and uncertainties regarding our ability to address the comments in complete response letters received by us with respect to certain of our drug applications to the satisfaction of the FDA;
the speed with which regulatory authorizations, pricing approvals and product launches may be achieved;
the outcome of post-approval clinical trials, which could result in the loss of marketing approval for a product or changes in the labeling for, and/or increased or new concerns about the safety or efficacy of, a product that could affect its availability or commercial potential;
risks associated with preliminary, early stage or interim data, including the risk that final results of studies for which preliminary, early stage or interim data have been provided and/or additional clinical trials may be different from (including less favorable than) the preliminary, early stage or interim data results and may not support further clinical development of the applicable product candidate or indication;
the success of external business-development activities, including the ability to satisfy the conditions to closing of announced transactions in the anticipated time frame or at all or to realize the anticipated benefits of such transactions;
competitive developments, including the impact on our competitive position of new product entrants, in-line branded products, generic products, private label products, biosimilars and product candidates that treat diseases and conditions similar to those treated by our in-line drugs and drug candidates;
the implementation by the FDA and regulatory authorities in certain other countries of an abbreviated legal pathway to approve biosimilar products, which could subject our biologic products to competition from biosimilar products, with attendant competitive pressures, after the expiration of any applicable exclusivity period and patent rights;
risks related to our ability to develop and launch biosimilars, including risks associated with "at risk" launches, defined as the marketing of a product by Pfizer before the final resolution of litigation (including any appeals) brought by a third party alleging that such marketing would infringe one or more patents owned or controlled by the third party;
the ability to meet competition from generic, branded and biosimilar products after the loss or expiration of patent protection for our products or competitor products;
the ability to successfully market both new and existing products domestically and internationally;
difficulties or delays in manufacturing, including delays caused by natural events, such as hurricanes; supply shortages at our facilities; and legal or regulatory actions, such as warning letters, suspension of manufacturing, seizure of product, injunctions or voluntary recall of a product;
trade buying patterns;
the impact of existing and future legislation and regulatory provisions on product exclusivity;
trends toward managed care and healthcare cost containment, and our ability to obtain or maintain timely or adequate pricing or formulary placement for our products;
the impact of any significant spending reductions or cost controls affecting Medicare, Medicaid or other publicly funded or subsidized health programs or changes in the tax treatment of employer-sponsored health insurance that may be implemented, and/or any significant additional taxes or fees that may be imposed on the pharmaceutical industry as part of any broad deficit-reduction effort;
the impact of any U.S. healthcare reform or legislation, including any repeal, substantial modification or invalidation of any or all of the provisions of the U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act;
U.S. federal or state legislation or regulatory action and/or policy efforts affecting, among other things, pharmaceutical product pricing, reimbursement or access, including under Medicaid, Medicare and other publicly funded or subsidized health programs; patient out-of-pocket costs for medicines, manufacturer prices and/or price increases that could result in new mandatory rebates and discounts or other pricing restrictions; the importation of prescription drugs from outside the U.S. at prices that are regulated by governments of various foreign countries; restrictions on direct-to-consumer advertising; limitations on interactions with healthcare professionals; or the use of comparative effectiveness methodologies that could be implemented in a manner that focuses primarily on the cost differences and minimizes the therapeutic differences among pharmaceutical products and restricts access to innovative medicines; as well as pricing pressures for our products as a result of highly competitive insurance markets;
legislation or regulatory action in markets outside the U.S. affecting pharmaceutical product pricing, reimbursement or access, including, in particular, continued government-mandated reductions in prices and access restrictions for certain biopharmaceutical products to control costs in those markets;
the exposure of our operations outside the U.S. to possible capital and exchange controls, expropriation and other restrictive government actions, changes in intellectual property legal protections and remedies, as well as political unrest, unstable governments and legal systems and inter-governmental disputes;
contingencies related to actual or alleged environmental contamination;
claims and concerns that may arise regarding the safety or efficacy of in-line products and product candidates;
any significant breakdown, infiltration or interruption of our information technology systems and infrastructure;
legal defense costs, insurance expenses and settlement costs;
the risk of an adverse decision or settlement and the adequacy of reserves related to legal proceedings, including patent litigation, product liability and other product-related litigation, including personal injury, consumer, off-label promotion, securities, antitrust and breach of contract claims, commercial, environmental, government investigations, employment and other legal proceedings, including various means for resolving asbestos litigation, as well as tax issues;
our ability to protect our patents and other intellectual property, both domestically and internationally;
interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, including the impact of possible currency devaluations in countries experiencing high inflation rates and the volatility following the United Kingdom (U.K.) referendum in which voters approved the exit from the EU;
governmental laws and regulations affecting domestic and foreign operations, including, without limitation, tax obligations and changes affecting the tax treatment by the U.S. of income earned outside the U.S. that may result from pending and possible future proposals;
any significant issues involving our largest wholesale distributors, which account for a substantial portion of our revenues;
the possible impact of the increased presence of counterfeit medicines in the pharmaceutical supply chain on our revenues and on patient confidence in the integrity of our medicines;
the end result of any negotiations between the U.K. government and the EU regarding the terms of the U.K.’s exit from the EU, which could have implications on our research, commercial and general business operations in the U.K. and the EU;
any significant issues that may arise related to the outsourcing of certain operational and staff functions to third parties, including with regard to quality, timeliness and compliance with applicable legal requirements and industry standards;
any significant issues that may arise related to our joint ventures and other third-party business arrangements;
changes in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles;
changes in interpretations of existing laws and regulations, or changes in laws and regulations, in the U.S. and other countries;
uncertainties related to general economic, political, business, industry, regulatory and market conditions including, without limitation, uncertainties related to the impact on us, our customers, suppliers and lenders and counterparties to our foreign-exchange and interest-rate agreements of challenging global economic conditions and recent and possible future changes in global financial markets; and the related risk that our allowance for doubtful accounts may not be adequate;
any changes in business, political and economic conditions due to actual or threatened terrorist activity in the U.S. and other parts of the world, and related U.S. military action overseas;
growth in costs and expenses;
changes in our product, segment and geographic mix;
the impact of purchase accounting adjustments, acquisition-related costs, discontinued operations and certain significant items;
the impact of acquisitions, divestitures, restructurings, internal reorganizations, product recalls, withdrawals and other unusual items, including our ability to realize the projected benefits of our cost-reduction and productivity initiatives and of the internal separation of our commercial operations into our current operating structure;
the risk of an impairment charge related to our intangible assets, goodwill or equity-method investments;
risks related to internal control over financial reporting;
risks and uncertainties related to our acquisitions of Hospira, Inc. (Hospira), Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Anacor), Medivation, Inc. (Medivation) and AstraZeneca’s small molecule anti-infectives business, including, among other things, the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of those acquisitions, including the possibility that expected cost savings related to the acquisition of Hospira and accretion related to the acquisitions of Hospira, Anacor and Medivation will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time frame; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully; disruption from the transactions making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; risks related to our ability to grow revenues for Xtandi and expand Xtandi into the non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer setting; significant transactions costs; and unknown liabilities; and
risks and uncertainties related to our evaluation of strategic alternatives for our Consumer Healthcare business, including, among other things, the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of any strategic alternatives we may pursue for our Consumer Healthcare business, including the potential for disruption to our business resulting from the evaluation of strategic alternatives for Pfizer Consumer Healthcare; the possibility that we may not be able to realize a higher value for Pfizer Consumer Healthcare through strategic alternatives; and unknown liabilities.
We cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be realized. Achievement of anticipated results is subject to substantial risks, uncertainties and inaccurate assumptions. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from past results and those anticipated, estimated or projected. Investors should bear this in mind as they consider forward-looking statements, and are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. A further list and description of risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and in our subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, in each case including in the sections thereof captioned "Forward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors", and in our subsequent reports on Form 8-K.

The operating segment information provided in this earnings release and the related attachments does not purport to represent the revenues, costs and income from continuing operations before provision for taxes on income that each of our operating segments would have recorded had each segment operated as a standalone company during the periods presented.

This earnings release may include discussion of certain clinical studies relating to various in-line products and/or product candidates. These studies typically are part of a larger body of clinical data relating to such products or product candidates, and the discussion herein should be considered in the context of the larger body of data. In addition, clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations, and, even when we view data as sufficient to support the safety and/or effectiveness of a product candidate or a new indication for an in-line product, regulatory authorities may not share our views and may require additional data or may deny approval altogether.

Contacts
Pfizer Inc.
Media
Joan Campion, 212-733-2798
or
Investors
Chuck Triano, 212-733-3901
Ryan Crowe, 212-733-8160
Bryan Dunn, 212-733-8917

[PDF]Concerning an Announcement by Kirin Holdings Company, Limited

On October 31, 2017 Today Kirin Holdings Company, Limited, parent company of Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd. (hereinafter, "Kyowa Hakko Kirin") reported "Notice Regarding Termination of Joint Venture Agreement with Amgen Inc (Press release, Kyowa Hakko Kirin, OCT 31, 2017, View Source [SID1234521327])." However, this matter will not impact the business of Kyowa Hakko Kirin, and Kyowa Hakko Kirin will continue to develop, manufacture and sell pharmaceuticals licensed by Kirin-Amgen, Inc.

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