On May 11, 2016 Kura Oncology, Inc., (NASDAQ:KURA) a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2016 (Press release, Kura Oncology, MAY 11, 2016, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2167626 [SID:1234512296]).

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"Kura has made important progress in advancing its pipeline of precision oncology drug candidates over the past quarter," said Troy Wilson, Ph.D., J.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Kura Oncology. "We continue to enroll patients in our on-going Phase 2 clinical trials of tipifarnib in patients with HRAS mutant solid tumors and in relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma, and earlier in May 2016, we initiated our Phase 2 trial of tipifarnib in lower risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)."

Dr. Wilson added: "In the second half or 2016, we are also planning to initiate a Phase 2 clinical trial with tipifarnib in patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), a population for which prognosis is very poor, with a three-year survival rate estimated at less than 30 percent. Objective responses, including complete responses, have been previously observed with tipifarnib in CMML. Moreover, as part of the study, we plan to test a biomarker hypothesis, which may allow us to identify those patients most likely to experience durable responses. We believe our ongoing Phase 2 clinical trials and our additional planned trial in CMML provide us with multiple potential opportunities to position tipifarnib for registration-enabling Phase 3 studies in late 2017 or early 2018."

Upcoming Clinical and Preclinical Milestones for Kura Oncology Programs

IND submission for ERK inhibitor, KO-947, is anticipated in the second quarter of 2016 followed by initiation of a Phase 1 clinical trial, which is anticipated in the second half of 2016
Receipt of topline data from the Phase 2 clinical trial for tipifarnib in HRAS mutant solid tumors is anticipated in the second half of 2016
Initiation of a Phase 2 clinical trial for tipifarnib in patients with CMML is anticipated in the second half of 2016
Nomination of a development candidate for the menin-MLL program is anticipated in the second half of 2016
Financial Results for the First Quarter 2016

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $78.5 million as of March 31, 2016, compared with $85.7 million as of December 31, 2015. Management expects that existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments will be sufficient to fund current operations into 2018.
Research and development expenses for the first quarter of 2016 were $4.6 million, compared to $3.6 million for the first quarter of 2015.
General and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2016 were $2.4 million, compared to $1.1 million for the first quarter of 2015.
Net loss for the first quarter of 2016 was $6.6 million, or $0.36 per share, compared to a net loss of $4.5 million, or $1.41 per share, for the first quarter of 2015.
Subsequent to the first quarter of 2016, Kura Oncology put in place a $20.0 million long-term debt financing agreement, of which $7.5 million has been drawn down. Use of proceeds is for development programs and general corporate purposes.

On May 6, 2016 La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company (NASDAQ: LJPC) (the Company or La Jolla), a leader in the development of innovative therapies intended to significantly improve outcomes in patients suffering from life-threatening diseases, reported first quarter 2016 financial results and highlighted recent corporate progress (Filing, Q1, La Jolla Pharmaceutical, 2016, MAY 11, 2016, View Source [SID:1234512493]).

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Recent Corporate Progress

• La Jolla’s ATHOS (Angiotensin II for the Treatment of High-Output Shock) 3 trial continued to enroll as planned through the first quarter of 2016. The ATHOS 3 trial is La Jolla’s multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase 3 clinical trial of LJPC-501, the Company’s proprietary formulation of angiotensin II, in catecholamine-resistant hypotension (CRH), which was initiated in 2015. The Company initiated the ATHOS 3 trial after reaching an agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA), in which the agreed-upon primary efficacy endpoint in ATHOS 3 is an increase in blood pressure. Results of ATHOS 3 are expected by the end of 2016.

• La Jolla reported interim results in January 2016 of its multicenter, open-label, dose-escalation Phase 1 clinical trial of LJPC-401, the Company’s novel formulation of hepcidin, in patients at risk for iron overload due to conditions such as hereditary hemochromatosis, beta thalassemia, sickle cell disease and myelodysplastic syndrome. These results suggested a dose-dependent reduction in serum iron following a single dose of LJPC-401. Complete results from this Phase 1 clinical trial, which was initiated in October 2015, are expected in the second half of 2016.
"The first quarter was a productive start to 2016 for La Jolla, highlighted by the continued enrollment of our ATHOS 3 trial and encouraging interim data from our Phase 1 clinical trial of LJPC-401," said George Tidmarsh, M.D., Ph.D., La Jolla’s President and Chief Executive Officer. "We look forward to continuing the advancement of each of our exciting programs during the rest of 2016, culminating with the results from the ATHOS 3 trial that are expected by the end of the year."
Results of Operations

As of March 31, 2016, La Jolla had $113.1 million in cash and cash equivalents, compared to $126.5 million as of December 31, 2015. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was primarily due to net cash used for operating activities. Based on current operating plans and projections, La Jolla believes that its current cash and cash equivalents are sufficient to fund operations into 2018.

La Jolla’s net cash used for operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $13.0 million, compared to net cash used for operating activities of $5.5 million for the same period in 2015. La Jolla’s net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $16.5 million, or $0.96 per share, compared to a net loss of $9.0 million, or $0.59 per share, for the same period in 2015. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, La Jolla recognized contract revenue of approximately $0.2 million, which was pursuant to a services agreement initiated in 2015 under which La Jolla provides research and development services to a related party. The net loss includes non-cash, share-based compensation expense of $3.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $3.4 million for the same period in 2015.

The increases in net cash used for operating activities and net loss in 2016 as compared to 2015 were primarily due to increased development costs associated with the ATHOS 3 trial and the costs associated with the initiation of the Phase 1 clinical trial of LJPC-401 in iron overload. In addition, there were increases in personnel and related costs, which were mainly due to the hiring of additional personnel and increased facility costs to support the increased development activities.

On May 11, 2016 Onconova Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:ONTX), a Phase 3 clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel products to treat cancer, reported a corporate update and reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2016 (Press release, Onconova, MAY 11, 2016, View Source [SID:1234512298]).

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"We recently reported two important advances in the development of rigosertib for the unmet medical needs of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Foremost is the elucidation of the novel mechanism of action of rigosertib targeting the RAS pathway, recently published in Cell, and the release of detailed clinical data from our ONTIME Phase 3 study in Lancet Oncology. These peer-reviewed papers provide important validation of the mechanistic rationale for rigosertib as a novel treatment option for patients with MDS," said Ramesh Kumar, Ph.D., President and CEO of Onconova. "We are encouraged by the continued progress in the global Phase 3 INSPIRE trial which is now enrolling patients in the U.S. and Europe."

Recent Business Highlights:

Progress in INSPIRE Pivotal Trial of Rigosertib in Higher-risk MDS (HR-MDS)

The global INSPIRE trial is now enrolling patients in the United States and Europe. As of May 3, 2016, 51 sites, including 13 in the U.S., are open and recruiting patients. This pivotal trial was initiated in 4Q2015.

Results from Onconova’s ONTIME trial were published in the top-tier, peer-reviewed journal, Lancet Oncology. The article, entitled, "Rigosertib versus best supportive care for patients with high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes after failure of hypomethylating drugs (ONTIME): a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial," appeared in the March 8, 2016 online edition of the journal.
Rigosertib Mechanism of Action

The unique RAS-targeted mechanism of action for rigosertib was published in the prestigious peer-reviewed experimental biology journal, Cell. The paper, entitled "A small molecule RAS-mimetic disrupts RAS association with effector proteins to block signaling," appeared in the April 21, 2016 edition of the journal.
Proprietary NCE targeting ARK5 and CDK4/6

A presentation at the 2016 American Association of Cancer Research Annual meeting demonstrated the important differentiating features of ON 123300, Onconova’s novel pre-clinical ARK5 and CDK4/6 targeted agent. Results indicated that the inhibitory activity of ON 123300 on ARK5 and CDK4/6 resulted in the activation of programmed cell death in colorectal cancer cells, while treatment with an approved CDK4/6 inhibitor merely resulted in cytostasis.
Upcoming Events

Enrollment of the first patient in the Phase 3 INSPIRE trial in Japan: 2Q2016

Presentation of updated Phase 2 data from oral rigosertib combination trial in MDS: 2Q2016

End of Phase 2 meeting with FDA to discuss data from oral rigosertib combination trial: 2H2016
First Quarter 2016 Financial Results

Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities as of March 31, 2016 totaled $16.8 million, compared to $19.8 million as of December 31, 2015.
Total net revenue was $1.5 million for the first quarter of 2016 compared to $0.1 million for the first quarter of 2015.
Research and development expenses were $5.8 million for the first quarter of 2016 compared to $9.5 million for the first quarter of 2015.
General and administrative expenses were $3.2 million for the first quarter of 2016 compared to $3.0 million for the first quarter of 2015.

About Rigosertib

Rigosertib is a small molecule inhibitor of cellular signaling and acts as a RAS mimetic. These effects of rigosertib appear to be mediated by direct binding of the compound to the RAS-binding domain (RBD) found in many RAS effector proteins, including the Raf kinases and PI3K. The therapeutic focus for rigosertib is myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), a group of bone marrow disorders characterized by ineffective formation of blood cells that often converts into acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Clinical trials for rigosertib are being conducted at leading institutions in the United States, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. Rigosertib is protected by issued patents (earliest expiry in 2026) and has been awarded Orphan Designation for MDS in the United States, Europe and Japan.

About INSPIRE

The INternational Study of Phase III IV RigosErtib, or INSPIRE, is based on guidance received from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency and derives from the findings of the ONTIME Phase 3 trial. INSPIRE is a multi-center, randomized controlled study to assess the efficacy and safety of IV rigosertib in HR-MDS patients who had progressed on, failed to respond to, or relapsed after previous treatment with an HMA within the first nine months of initiation of HMA treatment. This time frame optimizes the opportunity to respond to treatment with an HMA prior to declaring treatment failure, as per NCCN Guidelines. The trial will enroll approximately 225 patients randomized at a 2:1 ratio into two treatment arms: IV rigosertib plus Best Supportive Care versus Physician’s Choice plus Best Supportive Care. The primary endpoint of INSPIRE is overall survival and an interim analysis is anticipated. Full details of the INSPIRE trial, such as inclusion and exclusion criteria, as well as secondary endpoints, can be found on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02562443).

On May 10, 2016 GTx, Inc. (Nasdaq: GTXI) reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2016, and highlighted recent accomplishments and upcoming milestones (Press release, GTx, MAY 10, 2016, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2166792 [SID:1234512174]). The Company is currently enrolling patients in three clinical trials: two trials evaluating enobosarm as a potential treatment for women with advanced breast cancer and another assessing enobosarm as a potential treatment for stress urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women.

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"During the first quarter, we executed on several ongoing initiatives that we expect will make 2016 a year of considerable progress," said Dr. Robert J. Wills, Executive Chairman of GTx. "We have continued to make progress in the enrollment of our two advanced breast cancer clinical trials of enobosarm, with preliminary data from the first stage of each study expected by the end of 2016. Also, we are excited to be collaborating with doctors on a clinical trial that is the first clinical study to use a SARM to treat stress urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women and expect data from this study late in 2016."

Corporate Highlights and Anticipated Milestones

Enobosarm in Breast Cancer: The Company’s lead product candidate, a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM), is being developed as a targeted treatment for two advanced breast cancer indications: (i) estrogen receptor positive (ER+) and androgen receptor positive (AR+) breast cancer, and (ii) AR+ triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). For both clinical trials, the primary efficacy endpoint will be clinical benefit, which is defined as a complete response, partial response or stable disease.

ER+/AR+ breast cancer: We currently expect to complete enrollment in the first stage of the open-label, Phase 2 clinical trial of enobosarm in women with metastatic or locally advanced ER+/AR+ breast cancer in the second quarter of 2016, to allow us to determine during the fourth quarter of this year whether there is sufficient safety and efficacy data to warrant proceeding with the second stage of the clinical study. While the first stage of the trial will evaluate 18 patients for each of the two dosing arms, 9 mg and 18 mg of enobosarm, the trial is designed to enroll up to 118 patients to obtain data from 44 evaluable patients in each study arm (a total of 88 evaluable patients) to assess the primary efficacy objective of clinical benefit response following 24 weeks of treatment.
AR+ TNBC: We currently expect to complete enrollment in the first stage of the open-label, proof-of-concept Phase 2 clinical trial of 18 mg of enobosarm in women with advanced AR+ TNBC in the third quarter of 2016, to allow us to determine by the end of 2016 whether there is sufficient safety and efficacy data to warrant proceeding with the second stage of the clinical study. While the first stage will include 21 evaluable patients, the trial is designed to enroll up to 55 patients in total in order to obtain data from 41 evaluable patients to assess the primary efficacy objective of clinical benefit response following 16 weeks of treatment.
SARMs in Non-Oncologic Indications: The Company is exploring SARMs as potential treatments for both stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a rare disease characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness.

SUI: We are currently enrolling patients in a Phase 2 proof-of-concept clinical trial of 3 mg of enobosarm to treat up to 35 postmenopausal women with SUI, the first clinical trial to evaluate a SARM for SUI. Top-line data from the Phase 2 clinical trial is anticipated by the end of 2016.
DMD: The Company’s preclinical studies have continued to confirm beneficial effects from SARMs in mice genetically altered to simulate DMD, compared to control groups. The Company continues to advance its preclinical initiatives while pursuing a strategic collaboration with potential biopharma partners experienced in orphan drug development.
SARDs in Prostate Cancer: Our Selective Androgen Receptor Degrader (SARD) technology is being evaluated as a potentially novel treatment for men with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), including those who do not respond or are resistant to currently approved therapies. The Company believes that its SARD compounds will degrade multiple forms of the androgen receptor, including AR splice variants, such as AR-V7.

CRPC: Several lead SARD compounds are currently being evaluated in preclinical studies to select the best SARD compounds for continued development, as well as to develop data necessary to initiate first in human clinical trials in 2017.
First Quarter 2016 Financial Results

As of March 31, 2016, cash and short-term investments were $24.3 million compared to $29.3 million at December 31, 2015.
Research and development expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 were $4.0 million compared to $2.9 million for the same period of 2015.
General and administrative expenses were $2.1 million for both the quarter ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015.
The Company recognized a non-cash gain of $8.2 million and $2.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, due to the change in fair value of the Company’s warrant liability. During the first quarter of 2016, the Company recorded a non-cash reclassification of this warrant liability to stockholders’ equity due to the modification of these warrants. No adjustments to the fair value of these warrants will be made in the future.
Net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 was $2.1 million compared to a net loss of $2.4 million for the same period in 2015. Net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 included the non-cash gain of $8.2 million related the revaluation of our warrant liability. The net loss for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 included a non-cash gain of $2.6 million related to the change in the fair value of the Company’s warrant liability.
GTx had approximately 141.7 million shares of common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2016. Additionally, there remain warrants outstanding to purchase approximately 64.3 million shares of GTx common stock at an exercise price of $0.85 per share.

On May 10, 2016 CEL-SCI Corporation (NYSE MKT: CVM) reported financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 (Press release, Cel-Sci, MAY 10, 2016, View Source [SID:1234512270]).

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Key corporate and clinical developments during second quarter fiscal year 2016 include:

Enrolled an additional 186 patients in the global pivotal Phase 3 head and neck cancer trial during the first six months of FY 2016, a 32% increase in enrollment compared to the first six months of FY 2015.
Enrolled a monthly record of 41 patients in April 2016, following the end of Q2.
A total of 797 patients have been enrolled in the study as of April 30, 2016.
The Company’s CEO and CSO provided informative updates in multiple interviews, including Fox Business News.
Continued patient enrollment in the Phase 1 trial of Multikine* in HIV/HPV co-infected men and women with peri-anal warts at San Diego Naval Medical Center and University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).
Received significant litigation funding for arbitration lawsuit against former CRO that led to a narrowing of G&A expense and operating loss in Q2 FY 2016.
CEL-SCI reported an operating loss of ($6,273,603) for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 versus an operating loss of ($7,759,343) for the quarter ended March 31, 2015. The operating loss for the six months ended March 31, 2016 was ($12,056,735) versus ($17,755,084) during the six months ended March 31, 2015. The decrease in operating loss in the first half of fiscal 2016 was mostly attributable to a decrease in general and administrative expenses of approximately $5,803,000, as compared to the first half of fiscal 2015. A major component of the decrease is the approximate $3,254,000 gain on the derecognition of legal fees recognized pursuant to an agreement with Lake Whillans for funding litigation expenses in the Company’s arbitration against its former CRO. Additionally, during the first half of fiscal 2015, there was approximately $2,726,000 in employee compensation costs related to the issuance of shareholder approved shares of restricted stock released upon meeting predetermined milestones. Research and development expenses remained relatively consistent and decreased by $176,000 during the six months ended March 31, 2016.

CEL-SCI’s net loss available to common shareholders for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 was ($8,844,855) or ($0.07) per basic and diluted share, versus ($12,556,236) or ($0.17) per basic and diluted share during the quarter ended March 31, 2015. The net loss available to common shareholders for the six months ended March 31, 2016 was ($6,503,042) or ($0.06) per basic and diluted share, versus ($20,401,554) or ($0.27) per basic and diluted share during the same six months ended March 31, 2015. The decrease in net loss for the three and six month periods of 2016 as compared to the same periods in 2015 was primarily attributable to the decrease in operating loss and reduced loss and unrealized gain, respectively, on the fair value of warrants as a result of the change in the stock price between reporting periods.

About Multikine (Leukocyte Interleukin, Injection)

Multikine is an investigational immunotherapeutic agent that is being tested in an open-label, randomized, controlled, global pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial as a potential first-line treatment for advanced primary (not yet treated) squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Multikine is designed to be a different type of therapy in the fight against cancer: one that appears to have the potential to work with the body’s natural immune system in the fight against tumors.