On November 7, 2016 Xenetic Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:XBIO) ("Xenetic" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovery, research and development of next-generation biologic drugs and novel orphan oncology therapeutics, reported the closing of its public offering of an aggregate of 2,424,242 units, consisting of (i) 484,849 units, consisting of one share of Convertible Series B Preferred Stock and a Class A Warrant to purchase one share of common stock and (ii) 1,939,393 units consisting of one share of Convertible Series B Preferred Stock and a Class B Warrant to purchase one share of common stock, at a public offering price of $4.125 per unit (Press release, Xenetic Biosciences, NOV 7, 2016, View Source [SID1234537810]). OPKO Health, Inc. (Nasdaq:OPK) along with other healthcare institutional investors participated in the offering.

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As previously announced, in connection with the closing of its public offering, the Company commenced trading of its common stock today on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol "XBIO."

Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. acted as the sole book running manager for the offering.

The total gross proceeds of the public offering are approximately $10 million before the underwriter’s discount and expenses. The net proceeds from this offering will be used to fund the research and development of Xenetic’s product candidates, including Virexxa, as well as future development programs, potential in licensing of products or technology, potential in licensing of products or technology, capital expenditures, working capital, repayment of existing indebtedness, and other general corporate purposes.

The shares and warrants described above were offered by Xenetic pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1 previously filed with, and subsequently declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). A final prospectus supplement relating to the offering was filed with the SEC and is available, along with the accompanying base prospectus, on the SEC’s website at View Source or from Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc., Prospectus Department, 570 Lexington Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, New York 10022, by calling (212) 409-2000.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale is not permitted.

On November 7, 2016 Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, reported that new data investigating the use of KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab), the company’s anti-PD-1 therapy, in patients with previously treated advanced urothelial cancer will be presented at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper)’s (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) 31st Annual Meeting, Nov. 9-13 (Press release, Merck & Co, NOV 7, 2016, View Source [SID1234516353]). Data on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) from the phase 3 KEYNOTE-045 study – investigating KEYTRUDA compared to investigator’s choice chemotherapy in patients with metastatic or locally advanced or unresectable urothelial cancer that has recurred or progressed following platinum-based chemotherapy – will be presented for the first time; these data were accepted as a late-breaking abstract. In addition, results from three different studies exploring the utility of various biomarkers for KEYTRUDA will be presented at the meeting.

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KEYTRUDA Data at SITC (Free SITC Whitepaper) 2016

Below is a select listing of the KEYTRUDA abstracts accepted at SITC (Free SITC Whitepaper) 2016; abstracts are available on the meeting website .

Late-Breaking Oral Presentation, Location: Maryland Ballroom

(Abstract #470) KEYNOTE-045: open-label, phase 3 study of pembrolizumab versus investigator’s choice of paclitaxel, docetaxel, or vinflunine for previously treated advanced urothelial cancer.
Session Time: Saturday, Nov. 12, 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET
Presentation Time: 11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET
Poster Presentations, Location: Prince George’s Exhibition Hall AB

(Abstract #61) Association between microsatellite instability and clinical response across tumor types in the phase 1b KEYNOTE-012 and KEYNOTE-028 studies of pembrolizumab in PD-L1-expressing advanced solid tumors.
Session Time: Friday, Nov. 11, 12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
(Abstract #72) An immune-related gene expression profile delineates features of the tumor microenvironment required for clinical response to PD-1 blockade.
Session Time: Saturday, Nov. 12, 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET
(Abstract #73) Tumor mutational load and T cell inflamed microenvironment are independent determinants of response to pembrolizumab.
Session Time: Friday, Nov. 11, 12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
The KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) clinical development program includes more than 30 tumor types in more than 360 clinical trials, including nearly 200 trials that combine KEYTRUDA with other cancer treatments. For genitourinary cancers, Merck has the largest immuno-oncology clinical development program in bladder cancer, with 27 trials underway involving KEYTRUDA as monotherapy and in combination, including four registration-enabling studies.

About KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab)

KEYTRUDA is a humanized monoclonal antibody that works by increasing the ability of the body’s immune system to help detect and fight tumor cells. KEYTRUDA blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, thereby activating T lymphocytes which may affect both tumor cells and healthy cells.

KEYTRUDA is administered as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes every three weeks for the approved indications. KEYTRUDA for injection is supplied in a 100 mg single use vial.

KEYTRUDA Indications and Dosing

Melanoma

KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma at a dose of 2 mg/kg every three weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Lung Cancer

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have high PD-L1 expression [tumor proportion score (TPS) ≥50%] as determined by an FDA-approved test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.

KEYTRUDA is also indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors express PD-L1 (TPS ≥1%) as determined by an FDA-approved test, with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving KEYTRUDA.

In metastatic NSCLC, KEYTRUDA is administered at a fixed dose of 200 mg every three weeks until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or up to 24 months in patients without disease progression.

Head and Neck Cancer

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. In HNSCC, KEYTRUDA is administered at a fixed dose of 200 mg every three weeks until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or up to 24 months in patients without disease progression.

Selected Important Safety Information for KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab)

KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis, including fatal cases. Pneumonitis occurred in 94 (3.4%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 1 (0.8%), 2 (1.3%), 3 (0.9%), 4 (0.3%), and 5 (0.1%) pneumonitis, and occurred more frequently in patients with a history of prior thoracic radiation (6.9%) compared to those without (2.9%). Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of pneumonitis. Evaluate suspected pneumonitis with radiographic imaging. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater pneumonitis. Withhold KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) for Grade 2; permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for Grade 3 or 4 or recurrent Grade 2 pneumonitis.

KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated colitis. Colitis occurred in 48 (1.7%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.4%), 3 (1.1%), and 4 (<0.1%) colitis. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of colitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater colitis. Withhold KEYTRUDA for Grade 2 or 3; permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for Grade 4 colitis.

KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated hepatitis. Hepatitis occurred in 19 (0.7%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.1%), 3 (0.4%), and 4 (<0.1%) hepatitis. Monitor patients for changes in liver function. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater hepatitis and, based on severity of liver enzyme elevations, withhold or discontinue KEYTRUDA.

KEYTRUDA can cause hypophysitis. Hypophysitis occurred in 17 (0.6%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.2%), 3 (0.3%), and 4 (<0.1%) hypophysitis. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypophysitis (including hypopituitarism and adrenal insufficiency). Administer corticosteroids and hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Withhold KEYTRUDA for Grade 2; withhold or discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 hypophysitis.

KEYTRUDA can cause thyroid disorders, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroiditis. Hyperthyroidism occurred in 96 (3.4%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.8%) and 3 (0.1%) hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurred in 237 (8.5%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (6.2%) and 3 (0.1%) hypothyroidism. The incidence of new or worsening hypothyroidism was higher in patients with HNSCC occurring in 28 (15%) of 192 patients with HNSCC, including Grade 3 (0.5%) hypothyroidism. Thyroiditis occurred in 16 (0.6%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.3%) thyroiditis. Monitor patients for changes in thyroid function (at the start of treatment, periodically during treatment, and as indicated based on clinical evaluation) and for clinical signs and symptoms of thyroid disorders. Administer replacement hormones for hypothyroidism and manage hyperthyroidism with thionamides and beta-blockers as appropriate. Withhold or discontinue KEYTRUDA for Grade 3 or 4 hyperthyroidism.

KEYTRUDA can cause type 1 diabetes mellitus, including diabetic ketoacidosis, which have been reported in 6 (0.2%) of 2799 patients. Monitor patients for hyperglycemia or other signs and symptoms of diabetes. Administer insulin for type 1 diabetes, and withhold KEYTRUDA and administer antihyperglycemics in patients with severe hyperglycemia.

KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) can cause immune-mediated nephritis. Nephritis occurred in 9 (0.3%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.1%), 3 (0.1%), and 4 (<0.1%) nephritis. Monitor patients for changes in renal function. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater nephritis. Withhold KEYTRUDA for Grade 2; permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for Grade 3 or 4 nephritis.

KEYTRUDA can cause other clinically important immune-mediated adverse reactions. For suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, ensure adequate evaluation to confirm etiology or exclude other causes. Based on the severity of the adverse reaction, withhold KEYTRUDA and administer corticosteroids. Upon improvement to Grade 1 or less, initiate corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Based on limited data from clinical studies in patients whose immune-related adverse reactions could not be controlled with corticosteroid use, administration of other systemic immunosuppressants can be considered. Resume KEYTRUDA when the adverse reaction remains at Grade 1 or less following corticosteroid taper. Permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for any Grade 3 immune-mediated adverse reaction that recurs and for any life-threatening immune-mediated adverse reaction.

The following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred in less than 1% (unless otherwise indicated) of 2799 patients: arthritis (1.5%), exfoliative dermatitis, bullous pemphigoid, rash (1.4%), uveitis, myositis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, myasthenia gravis, vasculitis, pancreatitis, hemolytic anemia, and partial seizures arising in a patient with inflammatory foci in brain parenchyma.

KEYTRUDA can cause severe or life-threatening infusion-related reactions, which have been reported in 6 (0.2%) of 2799 patients. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions, including rigors, chills, wheezing, pruritus, flushing, rash, hypotension, hypoxemia, and fever. For Grade 3 or 4 reactions, stop infusion and permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA.

Based on its mechanism of action, KEYTRUDA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. If used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant during treatment, apprise the patient of the potential hazard to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use highly effective contraception during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose of KEYTRUDA.

In KEYNOTE-006, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 9% of 555 patients with advanced melanoma; adverse reactions leading to discontinuation in more than one patient were colitis (1.4%), autoimmune hepatitis (0.7%), allergic reaction (0.4%), polyneuropathy (0.4%), and cardiac failure (0.4%). Adverse reactions leading to interruption of KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) occurred in 21% of patients; the most common (≥1%) was diarrhea (2.5%). The most common adverse reactions with KEYTRUDA vs ipilimumab were fatigue (28% vs 28%), diarrhea (26% with KEYTRUDA), rash (24% vs 23%), and nausea (21% with KEYTRUDA). Corresponding incidence rates are listed for ipilimumab only for those adverse reactions that occurred at the same or lower rate than with KEYTRUDA.

In KEYNOTE-002, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 12% of 357 patients with advanced melanoma; the most common (≥1%) were general physical health deterioration (1%), asthenia (1%), dyspnea (1%), pneumonitis (1%), and generalized edema (1%). Adverse reactions leading to interruption of KEYTRUDA occurred in 14% of patients; the most common (≥1%) were dyspnea (1%), diarrhea (1%), and maculopapular rash (1%). The most common adverse reactions with KEYTRUDA vs chemotherapy were fatigue (43% with KEYTRUDA), pruritus (28% vs 8%), rash (24% vs 8%), constipation (22% vs 20%), nausea (22% with KEYTRUDA), diarrhea (20% vs 20%), and decreased appetite (20% with KEYTRUDA). Corresponding incidence rates are listed for chemotherapy only for those adverse reactions that occurred at the same or lower rate than with KEYTRUDA.

KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 8% of 682 patients with metastatic NSCLC. The most common adverse event resulting in permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA was pneumonitis (1.8%). Adverse reactions leading to interruption of KEYTRUDA occurred in 23% of patients; the most common (≥1%) were diarrhea (1%), fatigue (1.3%), pneumonia (1%), liver enzyme elevation (1.2%), decreased appetite (1.3%), and pneumonitis (1%). The most common adverse reactions (occurring in at least 20% of patients and at a higher incidence than with docetaxel) were decreased appetite (25% vs 23%), dyspnea (23% vs 20%), and nausea (20% vs 18%).

KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 17% of 192 patients with HNSCC. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 45% of patients. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients were pneumonia, dyspnea, confusional state, vomiting, pleural effusion, and respiratory failure. The most common adverse reactions (reported in at least 20% of patients) were fatigue, decreased appetite, and dyspnea. Adverse reactions occurring in patients with HNSCC were generally similar to those occurring in patients with melanoma or NSCLC, with the exception of increased incidences of facial edema (10% all Grades; 2.1% Grades 3 or 4) and new or worsening hypothyroidism.

It is not known whether KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, instruct women to discontinue nursing during treatment with KEYTRUDA and for 4 months after the final dose.

Safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA have not been established in pediatric patients.

Our Focus on Cancer

Our goal is to translate breakthrough science into innovative oncology medicines to help people with cancer worldwide. At Merck, helping people fight cancer is our passion and supporting accessibility to our cancer medicines is our commitment. Our focus is on pursuing research in immuno-oncology and we are accelerating every step in the journey – from lab to clinic – to potentially bring new hope to people with cancer.

As part of our focus on cancer, Merck is committed to exploring the potential of immuno-oncology with one of the fastest-growing development programs in the industry. We are currently executing an expansive research program that includes more than 360 clinical trials evaluating our anti-PD-1 therapy across more than 30 tumor types. We also continue to strengthen our immuno-oncology portfolio through strategic acquisitions and are prioritizing the development of several promising immunotherapeutic candidates with the potential to improve the treatment of advanced cancers.

For more information about our oncology clinical trials, visit www.merck.com/clinicaltrials.

On November 7, 2016 Fate Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: FATE), a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of programmed cellular immunotherapies for cancer and immune disorders, reported business highlights and financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2016 (Filing, Q3, Fate Therapeutics, 2016, NOV 7, 2016, View Source [SID1234516386]).

"During the quarter, we made substantial progress and intensified our commitment towards accelerating the clinical development of ProTmune and bringing innovative natural killer- and T-cell cancer immunotherapies into the clinic," said Scott Wolchko, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fate Therapeutics. "We significantly bolstered our ability to pursue accelerated registration for ProTmune by instituting investigator and patient blinding in our randomized, controlled PROTECT study. We advanced FATE-NK100, a first-in-class adaptive NK cell product candidate with multi-faceted anti-tumor activity, to IND filing and we are now preparing for the initiation of clinical investigation in early 2017. Additionally, we joined forces with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to pioneer the development of off-the-shelf T-cell immunotherapies using engineered induced pluripotent cell lines, a breakthrough approach that enables the continuous production of clonal T-cell products at the scale necessary to serve significant numbers of patients."

Recent Highlights & Program Updates

• IND Filed for Adaptive NK Cell Cancer Immunotherapy. Fate Therapeutics, in collaboration with the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, plans to initiate clinical testing in 2017 of FATE-NK100, a first-in-class adaptive natural killer (NK) cell product candidate, for the treatment of refractory or relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). FATE-NK100 has demonstrated in preclinical studies enhanced anti-tumor activity, improved persistence and increased immune checkpoint resistance as compared to NK cell therapies that are being clinically-administered today. New preclinical data from the program are scheduled to be presented at an oral session at the 58th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and Exposition in December.

•
Bolstered Path for Accelerated Registration of ProTmune PROTECT Study. The Company amended its protocol for its randomized, controlled Phase 1/2 PROTECT clinical trial of ProTmune. The amendment blinds both investigators and subjects in the study, substantially enhancing its potential to support accelerated registration. In addition, the study eligibility criteria were expanded to include subjects with additional hematologic malignancies, including myelodysplastic syndromes, and to include cytomegalovirus (CMV)-seronegative subjects. ProTmune is currently being evaluated for the prevention of life-threatening complications, including acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), in adult subjects with hematologic malignancies undergoing allogeneic mobilized peripheral blood hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT).

•
Granted Broad Orphan Drug Designations by FDA and EMA for ProTmune. In September, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Orphan Drug Designation and, in October, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) granted Orphan Medicinal Product Designation, for ProTmune. The designation granted by each agency broadly covers subjects undergoing allogeneic HCT across diseases for which the procedure is performed, including blood cancers and genetic disorders. In June 2016, the FDA granted Fast Track designation for ProTmune for the reduction of incidence and severity of acute GvHD in patients undergoing allogeneic HCT.

•
Launched Off-the-Shelf T-Cell Immunotherapy Partnership with Memorial Sloan Kettering. The multi-year collaboration led by Michel Sadelain, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the Center for Cell Engineering and the Stephen and Barbara Friedman Chair at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), is advancing T-cell product candidates derived from engineered induced pluripotent cells. Like master cell lines used for the manufacture of monoclonal antibodies, pluripotent cell lines can serve as a renewable cell source for the consistent manufacture of clonal populations of effector cells for off-the-shelf treatment of patients. In connection with the partnership, Fate Therapeutics also exclusively licensed from MSK foundational intellectual property covering T cells and NK cells derived from induced pluripotent cells engineered with chimeric antigen receptors.

•
Completed $10.3M Common Stock Private Placement. In August, Fate Therapeutics issued 5.25 million shares of common stock at $1.96 per share pursuant to a securities purchase agreement with certain institutional investors including Franklin Advisers, Inc.

Third Quarter 2016 Financial Results

•
Cash & Short-term Investment Position: Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as of September 30, 2016 were $46.6 million compared to $64.8 million as of December 31, 2015. The decrease was primarily driven by the Company’s use of cash to fund operating activities and to service principal and interest obligations under its loan agreement with Silicon Valley Bank. This use was partially offset by $10.2 million in net proceeds received by the Company in August 2016 in connection with its private placement of common stock to certain institutional investors.

•
Total Revenue: Revenue was $1.0 million for the third quarter of 2016 as well as for the comparable period in 2015. All revenue was derived from the Company’s research collaboration and license agreement with Juno Therapeutics.

•
Total Operating Expenses: Total operating expenses were $9.4 million for the third quarter of 2016 compared to $7.4 million for the comparable period in 2015. Operating expenses for the third quarter of 2016 included $0.8 million of stock compensation expense, compared to $0.6 million for the comparable period in 2015.

•
R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $6.8 million for the third quarter of 2016 compared to $5.0 million for the comparable period in 2015. The increase in R&D expenses was primarily related to an increase in third-party service provider fees to support the Company’s clinical development of ProTmune and preclinical development of FATE-NK100 in collaboration with the University of Minnesota, and an increase in personnel expenses resulting from the hiring of additional employees to support the conduct of its research activities, including activities under its collaboration with Juno.

•
G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $2.6 million for the third quarter of 2016 compared to $2.4 million for the comparable period in 2015. The increase in G&A expenses was primarily related to an increase in intellectual property-related expenses.

•
Common Shares Outstanding: Common shares outstanding as of September 30, 2016 were 34.1 million compared to 28.7 million as of December 31, 2015. Common shares outstanding increased primarily as a result of the Company’s issuance of 5.25 million shares of common stock in August 2016 in connection with its private placement of common stock to certain institutional investors.

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On November 7, 2016 Kura Oncology, Inc., (Nasdaq:KURA) a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company committed to realizing the promise of precision medicines for the treatment of cancer, reported third quarter 2016 financial results and recent business highlights (Press release, Kura Oncology, NOV 7, 2016, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2220292 [SID1234516570]).

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"During the third quarter, we have continued to advance our tipifarnib development program," said Troy Wilson, Ph.D., J.D., President and CEO of Kura Oncology. "Our Phase 2 HRAS solid tumor trial is progressing and the two patients from stage 1 with partial responses have now been on study for 15 months and 8 months, which is encouraging given the relatively limited clinical benefit these patients observed on prior therapy. We have focused the second stage of the trial on patients with HRAS mutant squamous cell head and neck cancer, and we look forward to additional results in this patient population."

"In addition, our trials in PTCL and lower-risk MDS are ongoing, and we recently initiated our planned Phase 2 trial for tipifarnib in patients with CMML," stated Dr. Wilson. "We believe each of these Phase 2 studies has a strong scientific and clinical rationale, and they provide multiple potential opportunities for registration-enabling studies."

Dr. Wilson continued, "We are preparing to advance our ERK inhibitor, KO-947, into clinical testing and are encouraged by the consistent and compelling activity we have observed in preclinical models of cancers with mutations or dysregulation of the MAPK pathway as well as by our identification of potential biomarkers to guide development. I am very pleased we are on track to submit an IND before year-end."

Upcoming Clinical and Preclinical Activities for Kura Oncology Programs

Submission of the investigational new drug (IND) for KO-947 is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Nomination of a development candidate for the menin-MLL program is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Presentation of preclinical data for KO-947 and menin-MLL program at EORTC in Munich in November 2016.

Initiation of a Phase 1 study for KO-947 is anticipated in the first half of 2017.

Topline data from the Phase 2 study of tipifarnib in PTCL is anticipated in the first half of 2017.

Additional data from the Phase 2 study of tipifarnib in HRAS mutant tumors is anticipated in the first half of 2017.
Financial Results for the Third Quarter 2016

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $74.6 million as of September 30, 2016, compared with $85.7 million as of December 31, 2015. Management expects that current cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments will be sufficient to fund current operations into 2018.

Research and development expenses for the third quarter of 2016 were $5.3 million, compared to $4.6 million for the third quarter of 2015.

General and administrative expenses for the third quarter of 2016 were $1.7 million, compared to $1.8 million for the third quarter of 2015.

Net loss for the third quarter of 2016 was $6.9 million, or $0.37 per share, compared to a net loss of $6.1 million, or $0.57 per share, for the third quarter of 2015.

On November 7, 2016 Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:PGNX) reported financial results for the third quarter 2016 and business update (Press release, Progenics Pharmaceuticals, NOV 7, 2016, View Source [SID1234516354]).

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"In recent months, we have realized $100 million in non-dilutive funding from RELISTOR, first with the $50M RELISTOR oral approval milestone in July, followed by the $50 million of proceeds from the non-recourse loan secured by future RELISTOR royalties announced today," said Mark Baker, Chief Executive Officer of Progenics. "With our strong balance sheet, we have the resources to advance our programs through key milestones. We expect to report registrational topline data, in early 2017, for our ultra-orphan radiotherapeutic candidate AZEDRA, for the treatment of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, rare tumors of the adrenal gland, and are beginning to build our commercial infrastructure to support a potential launch. In addition, we are continuing to advance our innovative portfolio of imaging agents and therapeutic candidates which have the potential to transform how we find, fight and follow prostate cancer."

Key Business Highlights

RELISTOR, treatment for opioid-induced constipation (partnered with Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.)

Announced Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Approval and Commercial Launch of Oral RELISTOR for the Treatment of Opioid Induced Constipation in Adults with Chronic Non-Cancer Pain. The approval triggered a $50 million milestone payment on July 25 from Progenics’ commercialization partner, Valeant, as well as subsequent royalties and the potential of up to $200 million in sales milestones.

RELISTOR (SC and Oral) Net Sales for the Third of 2016 Totaled $22.1 million. The third quarter 2016 sales, as reported to Progenics by Valeant, translated to $3.3 million in royalty revenue for the quarter.
AZEDRA, Ultra-orphan radiotherapeutic candidate

AZEDRA Topline Results Expected First Quarter 2017. In early 2017, Progenics expects to report topline results from its ongoing registrational trial of AZEDRA. If the AZEDRA trial meets the endpoints of the Special Protocol Assessment (SPA), Progenics expects to submit a New Drug Application (NDA) to the FDA during the first half of 2017.
PSMA-Targeted Prostate Cancer Pipeline

Enrollment in Pivotal Phase 3 Study of 1404 is Ongoing. The study will enroll up to 450 patients with newly-diagnosed or low-grade prostate cancer who are candidates for active surveillance. Progenics plans for an interim analysis by the end of this year, to assess futility and evaluate the need for a sample size re-estimation, remain unchanged.

On Track to Initiate Phase 2/3 Trial of PyL Imaging Agent. Progenics remains on-track to initiate a Phase 2/3 trial of PyL by year-end. The study is designed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of PyL PET/CT imaging in patients with high risk and/or metastatic prostate cancer.

PyL Research Access ProgramTM. At the recent Prostate Cancer Foundation Scientific Retreat, Progenics announced a new PyL research access program that will make limited doses of PyL available to researchers beginning January 1, 2017. Progenics will be able to use the data generated from the access program to support its registration efforts for PyL and advance the development of algorithms designed to analyze and interpret the scans.

Company Remains On-Track to Initiate a Phase 1 Trial of 1095 in the Fourth Quarter of 2016. The Phase 1 Study of 1095, a PSMA-Targeted Therapeutic for Metastatic Prostate Cancer, will be conducted at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Corporate

Announced $50 Million RELISTOR Royalty-Backed Non-Dilutive Debt Financing with HealthCare Royalty Partners. In a separate press release issued today, Progenics announced that it has entered into a $50 million non-recourse, term loan agreement secured by and to be repaid from royalties on future sales of RELISTOR. Any future sales milestones received under Valeant agreement are excluded from the transaction and would not be used to repay interest or principal on the loan. Progenics and HealthCare Royalty Partners may mutually elect to include a second tranche of an additional $50 million within twelve months of the closing date.

Appointed Biopharmaceutical Industry Veteran Bryce V. Tenbarge as Vice President of Commercial. Mr. Tenbarge brings to Progenics over fifteen years of experience in biopharmaceutical marketing, most recently as Vice President of Marketing and Commercialization at Celldex Therapeutics.
Third Quarter 2016 Financial Results

Third quarter revenue totaled $53.9 million, up from $1.4 million in the third quarter of 2015, reflecting RELISTOR royalty income of $3.3 million compared to $1.2 million in the corresponding period of 2015. Valeant’s reported net sales include a non-recurring favorable sales return adjustment and launch of oral RELISTOR. The increase in revenue was primarily attributable to milestone revenue of $50 million for the July 19 approval of RELISTOR Tablets.

Third quarter and year-to-date research and development expenses increased by $2.8 million and $6.7 million, respectively, compared to the corresponding prior year periods, resulting from higher clinical trial and contract manufacturing expenses for 1404, AZEDRA, PyL and 1095. Third quarter general and administrative expenses increased by $2.6 million compared to the corresponding prior year period, primarily attributable to an accrual for front pay compensation related to litigation with a former employee, and higher consulting and market research expenses. Year-to-date general and administrative expenses increased by $4.2 million compared to the corresponding period in 2015, primarily due to higher depreciation expense as a result of a reduction in the remaining useful lives of our leasehold improvements at our Tarrytown, NY location, and higher compensation, consulting and market research expenses. Progenics also recorded a non-cash charge of $0.6 million in the third quarter related to an increase in the fair value estimate of the contingent consideration liability.

Net income attributable to Progenics for the quarter was $36.3 million or $0.52 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $10.0 million or $0.14 per diluted share in the corresponding 2015 period. Progenics ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $98.9 million, an increase of $24.8 million compared to cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2015.