01/28/2016 Corcept Therapeutics Announces Preliminary Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2015 Summary Financial Results, Provides 2016 Revenue Guidance and Corporate Update

On January 28, 2016 Corcept Therapeutics Incorporated (NASDAQ: CORT), a pharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery, development and commercialization of drugs that treat severe metabolic, oncologic and psychiatric disorders by modulating the effects of cortisol, reported its preliminary financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2015 (Press release, Corcept Therapeutics, JAN 28, 2016, http://www.corcept.com/news_events/view/pr_1454017543 [SID:1234508902]). The company also provided an update

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Preliminary 2015 Financial Results; 2016 Revenue Guidance

Corcept reported preliminary revenue of $15.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2015 and $50.3 million for the full year. Preliminary GAAP net income for the fourth quarter of 2015 was $0.01 per share, compared to a net loss of $0.04 per share in the fourth quarter of 2014. For the full year, the company reported a preliminary GAAP net loss of $0.06 per share for 2015, compared to a net loss of $0.31 per share in 2014. The company’s cash and cash equivalents were $40.4 million at year-end, an increase of $4.0 million from September 30, 2015.

The company estimates 2016 revenue will be $76-81 million.

"Our Korlym revenue grew 89 percent last year. We expect significant growth in 2016 and beyond, as there are still many patients who could benefit from the medication and have not received it," said Joseph K. Belanoff, MD, Corcept’s Chief Executive Officer. "The continued growth in our Cushing’s syndrome business, in conjunction with our lean business model, allowed us to generate our first GAAP profit last quarter and will be sufficient to fund our planned development activities."

2016 Clinical and Pre-Clinical Development

"Our clinical and pre-clinical pipeline will expand significantly in 2016," said Robert S. Fishman, MD, Corcept’s Chief Medical Officer. "Our Phase 1/2 trial of mifepristone with eribulin to treat triple-negative breast cancer will generate efficacy and safety results around mid-year."

"We also plan to begin two Phase 2 studies of our next-generation, selective cortisol modulator, CORT125134, by the end of the first quarter," Dr. Fishman said. "And we are advancing additional selective cortisol modulators towards Phase 1, including CORT118335, a compound that has shown promise in animal models of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease."

Dr. Fishman also noted the importance to Corcept’s development program of its collaborations with independent researchers. "We have more than thirty pre-clinical and clinical studies underway with academic investigators around the world. Their work has deepened our understanding of cortisol modulation’s therapeutic potential and is invaluable as we select new development targets. Our oncology program, for example, is based on pioneering work by University of Chicago researchers in the study of cortisol modulators, both mifepristone and our next-generation compounds, as potential treatments for TNBC, ovarian and prostate cancer."

Mifepristone for the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Corcept is investigating whether mifepristone, the active ingredient in Korlym, will enhance the effect of eribulin in patients with TNBC. At the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium in December 2015, Corcept presented preliminary data from its Phase 1/2 trial’s efficacy phase. Enrollment is ongoing.

Two Phase 2 Trials of CORT125134

CORT125134 is a next-generation, selective cortisol modulator. It was well-tolerated in its Phase 1 trial, which showed that the compound shares Korlym’s ability to modulate activity at the glucocorticoid receptor (the essential quality in treating Cushing’s syndrome). Unlike Korlym, CORT125134 is not active at the progesterone receptor and so does not terminate pregnancy or cause other side effects associated with progesterone receptor antagonism. When administered with a chemotherapeutic agent, CORT125134 slows tumor growth significantly in mouse models of TNBC and castration-resistant prostate cancer. In vitro, it similarly slows the growth of ovarian cancer tumor cells. Corcept has submitted INDs to the FDA covering CORT125134’s use in two Phase 2 trials – one to treat patients with Cushing’s syndrome and another for the treatment of patients with a range of solid tumors.

Conference Call

Corcept will hold a conference call on January 28, 2016, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (2:00 p.m. Pacific Time) to discuss this announcement. To participate, dial 1-888-771-4371 from the United States or 1-847-585-4405 internationally approximately 10 minutes before the start of the call. The passcode will be 4156 8920.

A replay will be available through February 12, 2016 at 1-888-843-7419 from the United States and 1-630-652-3042 internationally. The passcode will be 4156 8920.

About Korlym

Korlym modulates the effect of cortisol at the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), one of the two receptors to which cortisol binds, thereby inhibiting the effects of excess cortisol in patients with Cushing’s syndrome. Since 2012, Corcept has made Korlym available as a once-daily oral treatment of hyperglycemia secondary to endogenous Cushing’s syndrome in adult patients with glucose intolerance or diabetes mellitus type 2 who have failed surgery or are not candidates for surgery. Korlym was the first FDA-approved treatment for that illness and the FDA has designated it as an Orphan Drug for that indication.

About Cushing’s Syndrome

Endogenous Cushing’s syndrome is caused by prolonged exposure of the body’s tissues to high levels of the hormone cortisol and is generated by tumors that produce cortisol or ACTH. Cushing’s syndrome is an orphan indication that most commonly affects adults aged 20-50. An estimated 10-15 of every one million people are newly diagnosed with this syndrome each year, resulting in over 3,000 new patients annually in the United States. An estimated 20,000 patients in the United States have Cushing’s syndrome. Symptoms vary, but most people have one or more of the following manifestations: high blood sugar, diabetes, high blood pressure, upper body obesity, rounded face, increased fat around the neck, thinning arms and legs, severe fatigue and weak muscles. Irritability, anxiety, cognitive disturbances and depression are also common. Cushing’s syndrome can affect every organ system in the body and can be lethal if not treated effectively.

About Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer is a form of the disease in which the three receptors that fuel most breast cancer growth – estrogen, progesterone and the HER-2/neu gene – are not present. Because the tumor cells lack the necessary receptors, treatments that target estrogen, progesterone and HER-2 receptors are ineffective. In 2013, approximately 40,000 women were diagnosed with TNBC. It is estimated that more than 75 percent of these women’s tumor cells expressed the GR receptor to which cortisol binds. There is no FDA-approved treatment and neither a targeted treatment nor an approved standard chemotherapy regimen for relapsed TNBC patients exists.

AbbVie Initiates Enrollment in Phase 3 Clinical Program for Elagolix in Patients with Uterine Fibroids

On January 28, 2016 AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), in cooperation with Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: NBIX), reported the initiation of the first of two planned Phase 3 clinical studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of Elagolix alone or in combination with add-back therapy compared to placebo (Press release, Neurocrine Biosciences, JAN 28, 2016, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2137247 [SID:1234509041]). These studies are designed to assess the change in menstrual blood loss utilizing the alkaline hematin method, comparing baseline to month six of treatment. Additional secondary efficacy endpoints are being evaluated; including assessing changes in fibroid volume, monthly blood loss and hemoglobin levels. Bone mineral density will also be assessed.

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"There are limited, non-surgical treatment options for women suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding associated with uterine fibroids. AbbVie is eager to further explore Elagolix’s potential to address this unmet need," said Michael Severino, M.D., executive vice president, research and development and chief scientific officer, AbbVie.

The Elagolix Phase 3 uterine fibroid clinical development program is part of AbbVie’s pipeline and includes two replicate, randomized, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Each trial is expected to enroll approximately 400 subjects for an initial six-month placebo-controlled dosing period, after which, subjects who are eligible will have an option to continue for an additional six-month dosing period in a safety and efficacy extension study. AbbVie will make a $15MM milestone payment to Neurocrine Biosciences upon enrollment of the first patient.

Uterine fibroids (also called leiomyomas or myomas) are noncancerous muscle tissue tumors of the uterus.1 Fibroids are most common in women aged 30-40 years but can occur at any age.1 They can range in size from nearly undetectable to bulky masses that can distort the uterus.2 Fibroids can be asymptomatic but in some women cause symptoms such as: longer, more frequent, or heavy menstrual bleeding; menstrual pain; vaginal bleeding at time other than menstruation; pain in the abdomen or lower back; pain during sex; difficulty urinating; frequent urination; constipation or rectal pain.1

About Elagolix
Elagolix is an orally administered gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist that is currently being investigated in diseases that are mediated by sex hormones, such as uterine fibroids and endometriosis. To date, Elagolix has been studied in over 40 clinical trials totaling more than 3,000 subjects. Phase 3 trials of Elagolix for the management of endometriosis-associated pain are also ongoing.

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Announces Financial Results for Fiscal 2015

On January 28, 2016 Roche reported strong results in 2015 (Press release, Chugai, JAN 28, 2016, View Source [SID:1234508879]).

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Group sales increased by 5%1 at constant exchange rates, 1% in Swiss francs

Pharmaceuticals Division sales up 5%, driven by oncology medicines Herceptin, Avastin and Perjeta as well as Esbriet for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Diagnostics Division sales grew by 6%, driven primarily by immunodiagnostic products

Major pipeline progress: ocrelizumab with positive phase III data for relapsing and for primary progressive forms of multiple sclerosis; and promising results for atezolizumab in bladder and lung cancer

Fully automated cobas 6800 and cobas 8800 systems launched in the US in Molecular Diagnostics

Core earnings per share2 up 7% at constant exchange rates excluding the sale of filgrastim rights in 2014, -3% in Swiss francs

Board proposes dividend increase to CHF 8.10

Outlook for 2016: sales expected to grow low- to mid-single digit, at constant exchange rates. Core earnings per share targeted to grow ahead of sales at constant exchange rates. Roche expects to further increase its dividend in Swiss francs

Key figures 2015

Commenting on the Group’s results, Roche CEO Severin Schwan said: "2015 was a successful year, with strong business results in both Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics, driven by our newly launched medicines and diagnostic platforms. I am particularly pleased with the progress of our product pipeline. We reported important clinical data across several areas including cancer, multiple sclerosis, immune and blood diseases. Based on our strong product portfolio and promising pipeline, we are well positioned for the future."

Group
Strong sales growth in both Divisions
In 2015, Group sales increased by 5% to CHF 48.1 billion, driven primarily by pharmaceutical sales in the US and by strong demand for immunodiagnostic products.

In the Pharmaceuticals Division, sales rose 5% to CHF 37.3 billion. The increase was driven by the oncology portfolio (+8%), led by the HER2 medicines and Avastin. Sales of the immunology franchise grew by 24%, driven by the strong uptake of Esbriet, a new medicine for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, as well as higher sales of Actemra/RoActemra and Xolair. Sales of Pegasys declined due to competition from a new generation of treatments, while Valcyte/Cymevene and Xeloda faced generic competition as expected.

All regions contributed to the sales growth, with particularly strong performance in the US (+6%) and in Europe (+4%), which was driven by strong demand for the HER2 medicines along with strong uptake of Esbriet. Growth in the International region3 (+5%) was driven by key markets including Brazil (+10%) and China (+4%). In Japan, sales grew by 6%, driven by Avastin, the HER2 franchise and the new lung cancer medicine Alecensa.

In Diagnostics, sales grew 6% to CHF 10.8 billion, with Asia-Pacific (+15%) and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA, +4%) as the main contributors. Sales were up in Latin America (+11%) and in North America (+3%), whilst sales in Japan were stable. The major growth driver was Professional Diagnostics, which grew by 8%. Sales in Molecular Diagnostics and Tissue Diagnostics increased 10% and 12% respectively. Diabetes Care sales decreased 3% due to continuing challenging market conditions, especially in the US.

Profitability growth ahead of sales
Excluding a one-time income of CHF 428 million from the sale of filgrastim rights in 2014, core operating profit increased 7% at constant exchange rates. On the same basis, core earnings per share (CHF 13.49) were 7% higher.

IFRS net income increased 4% at constant exchange rates, but declined 5% in Swiss franc terms due to a major negative currency impact.

The Board of Directors has recommended a dividend increase to CHF 8.10 per share and non-voting equity security. Subject to approval by the Annual General Meeting of shareholders on 1 March 2016, this will be Roche’s 29th consecutive annual dividend increase.

Product approvals and portfolio progress
Roche made significant progress with launches of new medicines and diagnostics as well as its product pipeline. In 2015, Roche obtained five major approvals and four FDA breakthrough therapy designations on its medicines.

In the past year, Roche presented important results from a number of key clinical trials. For ocrelizumab, Roche announced positive phase III data in relapsing forms of MS and in primary progressive MS (PPMS). Ocrelizumab is the first medicine to show a clinically meaningful impact on the progression of disability in people with PPMS in a pivotal phase III trial. Roche will submit the data in relapsing forms of MS and PPMS to global health authorities in 2016.

In January 2016, Roche completed the US filing for its lead investigational cancer immunotherapy medicine atezolizumab in metastatic bladder cancer and expects to complete a second filing in metastatic lung cancer soon. Late in 2015, Roche received approvals in the US and EU for Cotellic in combination with Zelboraf to treat metastatic melanoma. In December, the US FDA granted accelerated approval for Roche’s cancer medicine Alecensa in a specific form of non-small cell lung cancer.

In Diagnostics, Roche further extended its industry-leading product portfolio with seven test and eight instrument launches, including new cobas 6800 and cobas 8800 systems in Molecular Diagnostics and the Ventana HE 600 system in Tissue Diagnostics.

Strategic partnerships to improve patient care
In January 2016, Roche announced a partnership with Flatiron Health, an industry leader in real-world oncology data. Building on the collaboration with Foundation Medicine, begun in 2015, this agreement is another important milestone to drive our leadership in personalised healthcare. High-quality healthcare data and advanced analytics will improve both the development of medicines and the quality of treatment decisions. In 2015, Roche also acquired Ariosa Diagnostics, Signature Diagnostics, CAPP Medical and Kapa Biosystems, companies with strong expertise and technologies which will complement Roche’s activities aimed at building a next-generation sequencing portfolio.

Outlook for 2016
In 2016, Roche expects sales to grow low- to mid-single digit, at constant exchange rates. Core earnings per share are targeted to grow ahead of sales at constant exchange rates. Roche expects to further increase its dividend in Swiss francs.

Lilly Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2015 Results

On January 28, 2016 Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2015 (Press release, Eli Lilly, JAN 28, 2016, View Source [SID:1234508880]).

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Certain financial information for 2015 and 2014 is presented on both a reported and a non-GAAP basis. Some numbers in this press release may not add due to rounding. Reported results were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and include all revenue and expenses recognized during the period. Non-GAAP measures exclude the items described in the reconciliation tables later in the release. Non-GAAP measures in 2014 include the results of Novartis Animal Health as if the acquisition and the financing for the acquisition had occurred as of January 1, 2014. Non-GAAP financial measures for all periods presented also exclude amortization of intangibles primarily associated with costs of marketed products acquired or licensed from third parties. The company’s 2016 financial guidance is also being provided on both a reported and a non-GAAP basis. The non-GAAP measures are presented in order to provide additional insights into the underlying trends in the company’s business.

"Lilly’s 2015 results reinforce our confidence in the future with six FDA approvals and multiple positive Phase III data readouts, as well as encouraging results from newly launched products including Cyramza, Trulicity, Jardiance and Basaglar," said John C. Lechleiter, Ph.D., Lilly’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. "In 2016, we aim to continue revenue growth, margin expansion and value creation for our shareholders, all while sustaining a flow of innovative medicines from our pipeline to improve people’s lives."

Key Events Over the Last Three Months

Commercial

The company launched Portrazza (necitumumab) in the U.S., in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin, as the first biologic for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Regulatory

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Portrazza.

The FDA approved Basaglar (insulin glargine injection) 100 units/mL. Basaglar is a long-acting insulin with an identical amino acid sequence to Lantus, another U-100 insulin glargine. Per the company’s settlement agreement with Sanofi, Basaglar will be available in the U.S. starting on December 15, 2016. Basaglar is part of the Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly Diabetes Alliance.

Following positive opinions from Europe’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP), the European Commission has approved:
Cyramza (ramucirumab) in combination with docetaxel for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with disease progression after platinum-based chemotherapy.
Cyramza in combination with FOLFIRI for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with disease progression on or after prior therapy with bevacizumab, oxaliplatin and a fluoropyrimidine.

The company and Incyte Corporation announced the submission of a new drug application to the FDA for the approval of oral once-daily baricitinib for the treatment of moderately-to-severely active rheumatoid arthritis. Baricitinib was also submitted to the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of moderately-to-severely active rheumatoid arthritis.

Within the Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly Diabetes Alliance:
The FDA accepted the filing of data from the long-term clinical trial investigating cardiovascular (CV) outcomes for Jardiance (empagliflozin) in adults with type 2 diabetes at high risk for CV events. The data were also submitted to European regulators. Jardiance is the only diabetes medicine to have demonstrated a significant reduction in both cardiovascular risk and cardiovascular death in a dedicated outcomes trial.
The fixed-dose combination tablet containing empagliflozin and linagliptin was submitted to European regulators.

The company received a positive opinion from Europe’s CHMP recommending approval of Portrazza in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin chemotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic epidermal growth factor receptor expressing squamous NSCLC who have not received prior chemotherapy for this condition.
Clinical

The company ceased development of basal insulin peglispro, a potential treatment for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

The company announced that psoriatic arthritis patients treated with ixekizumab for 24 weeks achieved significant improvements in signs and symptoms of their disease when compared with placebo, while also experiencing significantly less progression of radiographic structural joint damage, reduced disability when performing certain physical functions and improved skin clearance of plaque psoriasis.

Business Development/Other

The company and Merck announced extensions of an existing collaboration to:
Evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combination of Lilly’s Alimta (pemetrexed for injection) and Merck’s Keytruda (pembrolizumab) in a pivotal Phase III study in first-line nonsquamous NSCLC.
Evaluate abemaciclib, Lilly’s cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4 and 6 inhibitor, and Merck’s Keytruda in a Phase I study across multiple tumor types.

The company announced an agreement with Roche Diagnostics related to Roche’s ongoing development of a commercially scalable cerebrospinal fluid assay for amyloid-beta 1-42.
The company revealed plans to expand its global research and development headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana. A new $70 million building within Lilly’s development complex will feature a multi-disciplinary laboratory to facilitate collaboration across multiple R&D functions.
The company announced it will close its animal health manufacturing facility in Sligo, Ireland. As a result of this action, the company expects to record a charge of approximately $100 million (pre-tax) or approximately $0.09 per share (after tax) in the first-quarter of 2016.
The company announced a dividend for the first quarter of 2016 of $0.51 per share on outstanding common stock, representing a 2 percent increase. The annual indicated rate is now $2.04 per share.
As part of its previously announced share repurchase program, the company repurchased approximately $250 million in company stock in the fourth quarter of 2015. For the full year 2015, the company returned approximately $2.9 billion in cash to shareholders through both its dividend and share repurchase program.

Fourth-Quarter Reported Results
In the fourth quarter of 2015, worldwide revenue was $5.376 billion, an increase of 5 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2014. The revenue increase was comprised of 7 percent due to increased volume and 3 percent due to higher prices, partially offset by 6 percent due to the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates. The increase in worldwide volume was primarily due to the inclusion of revenue from Novartis Animal Health and increased volume for several products, including Trulicity and Cyramza, as well as Erbitux due to the transfer of commercialization rights in North America. These worldwide volume increases were partially offset by the residual impact of the loss of exclusivity for Cymbalta. Revenue in the U.S. increased 15 percent to $2.821 billion, driven by higher prices, the inclusion of revenue from Novartis Animal Health and increased volumes for several pharmaceutical products. Revenue outside the U.S. decreased 4 percent to $2.555 billion, driven by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates and the loss of exclusivity for Cymbalta in Europe in 2014, partially offset by the inclusion of revenue from Novartis Animal Health and increased volumes for several pharmaceutical products.

Gross margin increased 3 percent to $3.986 billion in the fourth quarter of 2015 compared to the fourth quarter of 2014. Gross margin as a percent of revenue was 74.2 percent, a decrease of 1.3 percentage points compared with the fourth quarter of 2014. The decrease in gross margin percent was primarily due to the inclusion of Novartis Animal Health and the transfer of Erbitux commercialization rights in North America, partially offset by productivity improvements from the company’s diabetes manufacturing technical agenda, efficiencies in other manufacturing processes and higher prices in the U.S.

Operating expenses in the fourth quarter of 2015, defined as the sum of research and development, and marketing, selling and administrative expenses, were $3.243 billion, an increase of 9 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2014. Research and development expenses increased 22 percent to $1.444 billion, or 26.9 percent of revenue, primarily driven by charges associated with the terminations of evacetrapib and basal insulin peglispro of approximately $135 million, and higher late-stage clinical development costs. Marketing, selling and administrative expenses remained flat at $1.798 billion, as the favorable impact of foreign exchange rates and lower litigation expenses were offset by expenses related to new product launches and the inclusion of Novartis Animal Health.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, the company recognized acquired in-process research and development charges of $199.0 million. These charges were primarily associated with the acquisition of worldwide rights to an intranasal glucagon from Locemia Solutions. In the fourth quarter of 2014, the company recognized acquired in-process research and development charges of $105.2 million. The 2014 charges were comprised of $55.2 million associated with revisions to the agreement between Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim and $50.0 million related to a collaboration with Adocia focused on developing an ultra-rapid insulin, known as BioChaperone Lispro.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, the company recognized asset impairment, restructuring and other special charges of $144.9 million. The charges are associated with severance costs, integration costs related to the acquisition of Novartis Animal Health and asset impairments. In the fourth quarter of 2014, the company recognized asset impairment, restructuring and other special charges of $401.0 million, comprised of asset impairments primarily associated with the closure of a manufacturing site in Puerto Rico, severance costs related to ongoing cost containment efforts to reduce the company’s cost structure and global workforce, and costs for the then-pending acquisition of Novartis Animal Health.

Operating income in the fourth quarter of 2015 was $399.9 million, an increase of 6 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2014, as lower asset impairment, restructuring and other special charges, and higher gross margin were largely offset by higher operating expenses and acquired in-process research and development charges.

Other income (expense) was income of $44.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2015, compared with income of $137.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. Other income during the fourth quarter of 2014 was primarily driven by $92.0 million of other income associated with revisions to the agreement between Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim and net gains on investments.

The effective tax rate was a benefit of 7.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2015, compared with an expense of 16.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2014. The effective tax rates for both periods include the full-year benefit of the renewal of certain U.S. tax provisions, including the R&D tax credit, at the end of each respective period. The 2015 effective tax rate also includes a favorable tax impact of acquired in-process research and development charges, asset impairment, restructuring and other special charges, and a net discrete tax benefit of $17 million.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, net income increased 12 percent to $478.4 million, and earnings per share increased 13 percent to $0.45, compared with $428.5 million and $0.40, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2014. The increases in net income and earnings per share were driven by a lower effective tax rate and higher operating income, partially offset by lower other income.

Fourth-Quarter Non-GAAP Measures
On a non-GAAP basis, worldwide revenue of $5.376 billion in the fourth quarter of 2015 remained flat compared with the fourth quarter of 2014. A revenue decrease of 6 percent due to the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates was essentially offset by revenue increases of 3 percent due to higher prices and 2 percent due to increased volume. U.S. revenue increased 12 percent to $2.821 billion driven by higher prices and increased volumes. Revenue outside the U.S. decreased 11 percent to $2.555 billion, driven by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates and the loss of exclusivity for Cymbalta in Europe in 2014, partially offset by increased volumes for several pharmaceutical products.

Gross margin increased 1 percent to $4.153 billion in the fourth quarter of 2015. Gross margin as a percent of revenue was 77.3 percent, an increase of 1.0 percentage point compared with the fourth quarter of 2014. The increase in gross margin percent reflects productivity improvements from the company’s diabetes manufacturing technical agenda, efficiencies in other manufacturing processes and increased prices in the U.S.

Operating expenses in the fourth quarter of 2015 were $3.241 billion, an increase of 5 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2014. Research and development expenses increased 19 percent to $1.444 billion, or 26.9 percent of revenue, primarily driven by charges associated with the terminations of evacetrapib and basal insulin peglispro of approximately $135 million, and higher late-stage clinical development costs. Marketing, selling and administrative expenses decreased 3 percent to $1.797 billion, driven by the favorable impact of foreign exchange rates and lower litigation expenses, partially offset by expenses related to new product launches.

Operating income in the fourth quarter of 2015 was $912.8 million, a decline of 12 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2014, due to higher research and development expenses, partially offset by higher gross margin.

Other income (expense) was income of $44.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2015, compared with income of $11.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2014.

The effective tax rate decreased 2.9 percentage points to 13.5 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2014. The effective tax rates for both periods include the full-year benefit of the renewal of certain U.S. tax provisions, including the R&D tax credit, at the end of each respective period. The fourth quarter of 2015 also includes a net discrete tax benefit of $17 million.

Net income decreased 6 percent to $828.2 million, and earnings per share decreased 5 percent to $0.78, compared with $880.5 million and $0.82, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2014. The decreases in net income and earnings per share were driven by lower operating income, primarily as a result of the termination costs for evacetrapib and basal insulin peglispro.

For further detail of non-GAAP measures, see the reconciliation below as well as the Reconciliation of GAAP Reported to Selected Non-GAAP Adjusted Information table later in this press release.

Full-Year 2015 Reported Results
For the full-year 2015, worldwide revenue increased 2 percent to $19.959 billion compared with 2014. This increase was comprised of 8 percent due to increased volume and 1 percent due to higher prices, partially offset by 7 percent due to the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates. The increase in volume was primarily due to the inclusion of revenue from Novartis Animal Health and increased volume for several pharmaceutical products, including Cyramza, Trulicity and Humalog, as well as Erbitux due to the transfer of commercialization rights in North America. These worldwide volume increases were partially offset by the residual impact of the loss of exclusivity for Cymbalta and Evista. Revenue in the U.S. increased 11 percent to $10.097 billion due to higher prices, the inclusion of revenue from Novartis Animal Health, and increased volumes for several pharmaceutical products, partially offset by the residual impact of the loss of exclusivity for Cymbalta and Evista. Revenue outside the U.S. decreased 6 percent to $9.861 billion primarily due to the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates, partially offset by the inclusion of revenue from Novartis Animal Health and increased volumes for several pharmaceutical products.

Gross margin increased 2 percent to $14.922 billion in 2015. Gross margin as a percent of revenue was 74.8 percent, essentially flat compared with 2014 as the unfavorable impacts of the inclusion of Novartis Animal Health and inventory step-up and amortization costs were offset by the favorable impact of foreign exchange rates on international inventories sold.

Total operating expenses remained flat in 2015 compared with 2014. Research and development expenses increased 1 percent to $4.796 billion, or 24.0 percent of revenue, driven primarily by higher late-stage clinical development costs, the inclusion of Novartis Animal Health and an increase in charges associated with the termination of late-stage molecules, partially offset by the favorable impact of foreign exchange rates. Marketing, selling and administrative expenses decreased 1 percent to $6.533 billion, due to the favorable impact of foreign exchange rates and a 2014 charge associated with the Branded Prescription Drug Fee, partially offset by the inclusion of Novartis Animal Health and expenses related to new product launches.

In 2015, the company recognized acquired in-process research and development charges of $535.0 million. These charges are associated with the following payments:

$200.0 million to Pfizer following an FDA decision allowing the resumption of Phase III clinical trials for tanezumab.
$149.0 million to Locemia Solutions associated with the acquisition of worldwide rights to an intranasal glucagon.
$56.0 million to Innovent associated with a collaboration to develop potential oncology therapies.
$50.0 million to Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., related to an exclusive license and collaboration agreement for Hanmi’s oral Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor for the treatment of autoimmune and other diseases.
$30.0 million to BioNTech AG related to a research collaboration to discover novel cancer immunotherapies.
$50.0 million for other technology collaborations.
In 2014, the company recognized acquired in-process research and development charges of $200.2 million. These charges included the following:

$55.2 million associated with revisions to the agreement between Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim.
$50.0 million related to the collaboration with Adocia.
$50.0 million related to an agreement with AstraZeneca to co-develop and commercialize AZD3293, an oral beta secretase cleaving enzyme (BACE) inhibitor as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.
$45.0 million related to a collaboration agreement with Immunocore to research and potentially develop novel T cell-based cancer therapies.
In 2015, the company recognized asset impairment, restructuring, and other special charges of $367.7 million. The charges relate to severance costs, integration costs for Novartis Animal Health, and asset impairments. In 2014, the company recognized charges of $468.7 million for asset impairment, restructuring and other special charges. The charges included severance costs related to ongoing cost containment efforts to reduce the company’s cost structure and global workforce, asset impairments primarily associated with the closure of a manufacturing site in Puerto Rico, and integration costs for the then-pending acquisition of Novartis Animal Health.

Operating income in 2015 increased 1 percent compared with 2014 to $2.689 billion, as higher gross margin and lower asset impairment, restructuring and other special charges were largely offset by higher acquired in-process research and development charges.

Other income (expense) was income of $100.6 million in 2015, compared with income of $340.5 million in 2014. Other income in 2015 included net gains of $236.7 million on investments, partially offset by a net charge of $152.7 million related to the repurchase of $1.65 billion of debt. Other income in 2014 included net gains of $216.4 million on investments and $92.0 million of other income associated with revisions to the agreement between Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim.

The effective tax rate was 13.7 percent in 2015, compared with 20.3 percent in 2014. The effective tax rate for 2014 reflects the impact of a $119.0 million nondeductible charge associated with the U.S. Branded Prescription Drug Fee. The decrease in the tax rate for 2015 compared with 2014 is primarily due to a favorable tax impact of the net charge related to the repurchase of debt, acquired in-process research and development charges, and asset impairment, restructuring, and other special charges.

For the full year 2015, net income increased 1 percent to $2.408 billion, and earnings per share increased 1 percent to $2.26, compared with full-year 2014 results of $2.390 billion and $2.23, respectively. The increases in net income and earnings per share were driven by lower income taxes and higher operating income, largely offset by lower other income.

Full-Year 2015 Non-GAAP Measures
Operating income increased 10 percent to $4.371 billion driven by lower operating expenses, partially offset by lower gross margin. The effective tax rate for 2015 was 20.9 percent compared with 20.6 percent in 2014. Net income increased 12 percent and earnings per share increased 13 percent to $3.656 billion and $3.43, respectively.

For further detail of non-GAAP measures, see the reconciliation below as well as the Reconciliation of GAAP Reported to Selected Non-GAAP Adjusted Information table later in this press release.

Humalog
For the fourth quarter of 2015, worldwide Humalog sales increased 10 percent, to $798.7 million. Sales in the U.S. increased 20 percent to $511.0 million, driven by higher realized prices and, to a lesser extent, increased volume. Sales outside the U.S. decreased 6 percent to $287.7 million, driven by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates, partially offset by increased volume.

For the full year of 2015, worldwide Humalog sales increased 2 percent to $2.842 billion. U.S. Humalog sales for 2015 were $1.772 billion, a 9 percent increase, driven by higher realized prices and, to a lesser extent, increased volume. Humalog sales outside the U.S. were $1.070 billion, an 8 percent decline, driven by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates, partially offset by higher volume.

Alimta
For the fourth quarter of 2015, Alimta generated sales of $627.2 million, which decreased 13 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2014. U.S. sales of Alimta decreased 17 percent, to $283.0 million, driven by decreased demand and, to a lesser extent, lower realized prices. Sales outside the U.S. decreased 10 percent, to $344.2 million, driven by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates and, to a lesser extent, lower realized prices, partially offset by higher volume.

For the full year of 2015, worldwide Alimta sales decreased 11 percent to $2.493 billion. U.S. Alimta sales for 2015 were $1.162 billion, a 5 percent decline, driven by decreased demand and, to a lesser extent, lower realized prices. Alimta sales outside the U.S. were $1.331 billion, a 15 percent decline, driven by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates and, to a lesser extent, lower realized prices, partially offset by increased volume.

Cialis
Cialis sales for the fourth quarter of 2015 increased 3 percent to $638.4 million. U.S. sales of Cialis were $387.0 million in the fourth quarter, a 22 percent increase compared with the fourth quarter of 2014, driven by higher realized prices. Sales of Cialis outside the U.S. decreased 17 percent, to $251.4 million, driven by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates and decreased volume, partially offset by higher realized prices.

For the full year of 2015, worldwide Cialis sales increased 1 percent to $2.311 billion. U.S. Cialis sales for 2015 were $1.257 billion, a 21 percent increase, driven by higher realized prices. Cialis sales outside the U.S. were $1.054 billion, a 16 percent decline, driven by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates.

Forteo
Fourth-quarter 2015 sales of Forteo were $377.9 million, a 1 percent decline compared with the fourth quarter of 2014. U.S. sales of Forteo increased 2 percent to $185.8 million, as higher realized prices were largely offset by lower volume. Sales outside the U.S. decreased 3 percent to $192.1 million, driven by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates, largely offset by increased volume.

For the full year of 2015, worldwide Forteo sales increased 2 percent to $1.348 billion. U.S. Forteo sales for 2015 were $612.4 million, a 14 percent increase driven by higher realized prices, partially offset by decreased volume. Forteo sales outside the U.S. were $735.9 million, a 6 percent decline, driven by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates, partially offset by increased volume.

Humulin
Worldwide Humulin sales decreased 9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2015, to $358.6 million. U.S. sales remained relatively flat at $211.2 million. Sales outside the U.S. decreased 20 percent, to $147.4 million, driven by decreased volume, primarily due to the loss of a government contract in Brazil, and the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates.

For the full year of 2015, worldwide Humulin sales decreased 7 percent to $1.307 billion. U.S. Humulin sales for 2015 were $764.4 million, a 7 percent increase, driven by higher realized prices and, to a lesser extent, wholesaler buying patterns, partially offset by decreased demand. Humulin sales outside the U.S. were $543.0 million, a 21 percent decline, driven by decreased volume, primarily due to the loss of a government contract in Brazil, and the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates.

Cymbalta
For the fourth quarter of 2015, Cymbalta generated $223.6 million in revenue, a decline of 39 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2014. Sales of Cymbalta outside the U.S. decreased by 35 percent to $198.5 million, due to the loss of exclusivity in Europe in 2014 and the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates.

For the full year of 2015, worldwide Cymbalta sales decreased 36 percent to $1.028 billion. Sales of Cymbalta outside the U.S. were $883.0 million, a 26 percent decline, driven by unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates and the loss of exclusivity in Europe in 2014.

Zyprexa
In the fourth quarter of 2015, Zyprexa sales totaled $229.1 million, a decline of 9 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2014. Zyprexa sales outside the U.S. decreased 7 percent, to $203.4 million, primarily due to the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates.

For the full year of 2015, worldwide Zyprexa sales decreased 9 percent to $940.3 million. Zyprexa sales outside the U.S. were $783.6 million, a 15 percent decline, driven primarily by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates.

Strattera
During the fourth quarter of 2015, Strattera generated $221.6 million of sales, an increase of 14 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2014. U.S. sales increased 21 percent to $143.7 million, driven primarily by higher realized prices. Sales outside the U.S. increased 3 percent to $77.9 million, driven by increased volume, largely offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates.

For the full year of 2015, worldwide Strattera sales increased 6 percent to $784.0 million. U.S. Strattera sales for 2015 were $502.1 million, a 11 percent increase, driven by higher realized prices and, to a lesser extent, increased demand. Strattera sales outside the U.S. were $281.9 million, a 1 percent decline, driven by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates, largely offset by increased volume.

Effient
Effient sales were $140.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2015, an increase of 2 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2014. U.S. Effient sales increased 7 percent to $114.6 million, driven by higher realized prices, partially offset by decreased demand. Sales outside the U.S. decreased 17 percent to $25.7 million, driven by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates and lower realized prices.

For the full year of 2015, worldwide Effient sales remained flat at $523.0 million. U.S. Effient sales for 2015 were $417.6 million, a 6 percent increase driven by higher realized prices, partially offset by decreased demand. Effient sales outside the U.S. were $105.4 million, a 17 percent decline, driven primarily by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates.

Evista
Evista sales for the fourth quarter of 2015 were $52.8 million, a decline of 27 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2014. Sales outside the U.S. decreased 16 percent to $44.4 million, driven primarily by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates.

For the full year of 2015, worldwide Evista sales decreased 43 percent to $237.3 million. U.S. sales of Evista were $61.7 million, a 70 percent decline, driven by the loss of patent exclusivity in March 2014. Sales outside the U.S. decreased 17 percent to $175.6 million, driven primarily by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates.

Animal Health
In the fourth quarter of 2015, worldwide animal health sales totaled $811.7 million, an increase of 28 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2014. U.S. animal health sales increased 19 percent, to $381.8 million and animal health sales outside the U.S. were $429.9 million, a 38 percent increase. The increases were driven by the inclusion of revenue from Novartis Animal Health.

Including the sales of Novartis Animal Health in 2014, fourth-quarter worldwide animal health sales decreased 11 percent, U.S. sales decreased 2 percent, and sales outside the U.S. decreased 18 percent. The decline in U.S. sales was driven by lower realized prices and volume in food animal products, partially offset by higher volume for companion animal products. The decline in sales outside the U.S. was driven by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates and decreased volume. Including the sales of Novartis Animal Health in 2014 and excluding the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates, worldwide animal health sales decreased 5 percent.

For the full year of 2015, worldwide animal health sales totaled $3.181 billion, an increase of 36 percent compared with the full year of 2014. U.S. animal health sales increased 21 percent, to $1.541 billion and animal health sales outside the U.S. were $1.640 billion, a 53 percent increase. The increases were driven by the inclusion of revenue from Novartis Animal Health.

Including the sales of Novartis Animal Health in 2014, full-year worldwide animal health sales decreased 7 percent, U.S. sales decreased 1 percent, and sales outside the U.S. decreased 13 percent. The decline in U.S. sales was driven primarily by decreased volume in food animal products. The decline in sales outside the U.S. was driven by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates and decreased volume in companion animal products, partially offset by higher realized prices and volume for food animal products. Including the sales of Novartis Animal Health in the full year of 2014 and excluding the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates, worldwide animal health sales decreased 1 percent.

2016 Financial Guidance
Earnings per share for 2016 are now expected to be in the range of $2.83 to $2.93 on a reported basis. Earnings per share for 2016 are still expected to be $3.45 to $3.55 on a non-GAAP basis. Non-GAAP figures for 2016 exclude amortization of intangibles as well as integration costs associated with the Novartis Animal Health acquisition.

The company still anticipates 2016 revenue between $20.2 billion and $20.7 billion. Excluding the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates, the company expects revenue growth from a number of established products including Humalog, Trajenta, Cialis, Forteo, Strattera, Erbitux, and animal health products, as well as higher revenues from new products including Cyramza, Trulicity, Jardiance, Portrazza, and Basaglar.

Marketing, selling and administrative expenses are still expected to be in the range of $6.0 billion to $6.2 billion. Research and development expenses are still expected to be in the range of $4.8 billion to $5.0 billion.

The 2016 tax rate is now expected to be approximately 21.0 percent on a reported basis due to the tax impact of amortization of intangibles, integration costs associated with the Novartis Animal Health acquisition and restructuring charges. The non-GAAP tax rate is still expected to be approximately 22.5 percent.

[PDF]Change in the Company Name of Western Pharmaceutical Subsidiaries of Kyowa Hakko Kirin

On January 29, 2016 Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd. (Tokyo 4151; President and CEO: Nobuo Hanai, "Kyowa Hakko Kirin") reported that it will change the name of all its western pharmaceutical subsidiaries, using "Kyowa Kirin" as a common company brand name (Press release, Kyowa Hakko Kirin, JAN 28, 2016, View Source [SID:1234508911]). Every subsidiary will begin officially operating under this new company trade name at various points during 2016.

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Kyowa Hakko Kirin is expanding its business globally and, as shown in its business vision, "Kyowa Hakko Kirin will be a Japan-based Global Specialty Pharmaceutical Company contributing to human health and well-being worldwide through innovative drug discovery and global commercialization, driven by state-of-the art antibody technologies mainly in the core therapeutic areas of oncology, nephrology and immunology". The company plans to launch late stage development products in the US and Europe in this mid-term business plan. Kyowa Hakko Kirin’s decision to unify all of its western pharmaceutical subsidiaries under one name, "Kyowa Kirin", is in pursuit of its aim to become a Global Specialty Pharmaceutical Company.

"I am convinced that a unified brand name will strengthen interaction and integration in our group." said Nobuo Hanai, Ph.D., President and CEO of Kyowa Hakko Kirin. "This will assist us in leaping forward as a Global Specialty Pharmaceutical Company, creating innovations across the group’s various business bases."

The Kyowa Hakko Kirin Group companies strive to contribute to the health and well-being of people around the world by creating new value through the pursuit of advances in life sciences and technologies.