On July 27, 2015 Varian Medical Systems UK Ltd reported it had signed contracts with the National Health Service to equip and service two new national NHS proton therapy centers in England with the Varian ProBeam proton therapy system (Press release, Varian Medical Systems, JUL 27, 2015, View Source [SID:1234506705]). Earlier this year, Varian announced that it was selected as the preferred supplier for two three-room NHS centers to be constructed in London and Manchester. Varian expects to book the equipment portion of the order in its fiscal fourth quarter with the remainder of the order to be booked in accordance with the company’s policies over the term of the agreements.

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The UK government is investing £250m in building and equipping the two NHS centres at UCLH (University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) in London and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester. Varian is contracted for up to £80 million for equipment supply and service. Equipment installation is expected to take place from August 2017, with patient treatments expected to begin from 2018.

"Varian is proud to have been contracted to equip and service the national NHS proton therapy centers at UCLH and The Christie," said Dow Wilson, Varian’s chief executive officer. "ProBeam was selected after an extremely rigorous and thorough tender process that identified Varian’s technology as the most suitable for the country’s future proton therapy needs. As the leading supplier of radiotherapy equipment and software to the NHS we will be able to leverage our existing UK-based engineering and logistics infrastructure to deliver industry leading technology while meeting the NHS requirements for value for money."

"Unlike some single room facilities, the ProBeam systems here in the UK will provide a flexible solution with a total of six treatment rooms, all with a full 360 degrees of gantry rotation which means the tumor can be targeted from more directions," added David Scott, regional sales director for Varian Medical Systems. "The ProBeam system also leverages much of the technological advances already employed on the TrueBeam linear accelerator, providing high patient throughput combined with high precision image-guided treatment. The result is an easily upgradeable platform designed for long-term viability that should enable the NHS to meet capacity projections for patients that may benefit from proton therapy, without compromise, today and into the future."

Proton therapy makes it possible to treat certain types of cancer more precisely and with potentially fewer side effects than is possible with conventional radiation therapy. With proton therapy, the risk of damage to healthy tissues and potential side effects are reduced because proton beams can be controlled so that they deposit their energy within the tumor site rather than passing all the way through the patient. In pediatric patients the risk of developing a new, radiation-induced cancer later in life may be reduced.

Varian’s ProBeam system with Dynamic Peak Scanning is uniquely capable of high-speed intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) which is the most precise form of proton therapy available. ProBeam technology is being used to treat patients at the Scripps Proton Therapy Center in San Diego, the Rinecker Proton Therapy Center in Munich, and the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland. Varian also has contracts for system installations at 10 other sites around the world.

"In the 18 months since the first ProBeam room at Scripps was commissioned, we have completed three new software releases that were designed to increase the efficiency of operations while enhancing functionality and patient comfort," said Moataz Karmalawy, general manager of Varian’s particle therapy business. "And we’ve been able to make the upgrades to the system without causing downtime or negatively impacting clinical operations. Varian’s commitment to ongoing partnership with customers and continual improvement of the systems we provide, are, I believe, major factors in our having been selected to equip the national NHS centers in the UK."

In keeping with historical practice, Varian will not recognize revenues for the two UK projects until commencement of production of the systems. Revenues for Varian Particle Therapy are recognized based on the percentage of completion of the manufacture, installation and commissioning of the systems.

On July 27, 2015 Allergan plc (NYSE: AGN) reported that it has entered into a definitive agreement under which Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. will acquire Allergan’s global generic pharmaceuticals business for $40.5 billion (Press release, Actavis, JUL 27, 2015, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2071091 [SID:1234506706]). Allergan will receive $33.75 billion in cash and $6.75 billion in Teva stock. In addition, Allergan retains 50 percent of Teva’s future economics from generic lenalidomide (Revlimid). The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of Allergan and Teva and is strongly supported by the management teams of both companies.

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Logo – View Source

Under the agreement, Teva will acquire Allergan’s legacy Actavis global generics business, including the U.S. and international generic commercial units, third-party supplier Medis, global generic manufacturing operations, the global generic R&D unit, the international over-the-counter (OTC) commercial unit (excluding OTC eye care products) and some established international brands.

Allergan will retain its dynamic global branded pharmaceutical and medical aesthetic businesses, as well as its biosimilars development programs and the Anda distribution business.

"This transaction will accelerate Allergan’s evolution into a branded Growth Pharma leader, enable a sharpened focus on expanding and enhancing our global branded pharmaceutical business and strengthen our financial position to build on our proven track-record of value creation led by effective capital deployment," said Brent Saunders, CEO and President of Allergan.

"Allergan expects to have 2015 pro forma sales of approximately $15.5 billion, a simplified operating model and a strong position in seven therapeutic areas, including Eye Care, Gastroenterology (GI), Aesthetics, Women’s Health, CNS, Urology and Anti-infectives. Allergan will have a simplified manufacturing network of 12 plants globally, an industry-leading mid-to-late-stage R&D pipeline with 70 projects and a global commercial operating model engineered to drive double-digit branded product sales with compelling profit margins.

"The transaction results in after tax net cash and equity proceeds of approximately $36 billion that we intend to deploy to further accelerate the robust growth prospects of our branded business. We will have the potential to add scale in existing therapeutic areas, expand into new therapeutic areas and geographies and evaluate strategic transformational deals as we continue to build on our position as the most dynamic branded growth pharma company.

"Over the years, our global team of highly capable and dedicated employees has dramatically expanded our generics portfolio, capabilities and footprint, with over 220 ANDAs pending FDA approval with 74 confirmed First-to-File opportunities, creating one of the most dynamic generics businesses in the world today. While we were not actively seeking a buyer for our generics business, Teva presented an offer at a very compelling valuation that reflects and recognizes the significant value that our global generics team has generated in creating and managing a world-class generics business. As a result of the transaction, we will also obtain a minority equity interest in Teva, to share in the upside of the generic R&D pipeline we are transferring in this combination."

Leading Brand Pharmaceutical Portfolio Supported by a World-Class Sales and Marketing Organization

The new Allergan will maintain its exceptional global brand pharmaceutical business with leading positions in key therapeutic categories. The company has blockbuster franchises in Eye Care, CNS, Aesthetics, GI and Women’s Health including world-renowned brands such as BOTOX, RESTASIS, JUVEDERM, NAMENDA XR, LINZESS and LO LOESTRIN Fe among others.

The company’s experienced sales and marketing organization will continue to deliver exceptional product support and service to our customers.

Strong Commercial Presence across Global Markets

Allergan will continue to have significant international commercial opportunities in all priority therapy areas, including GI, Women’s Health and the legacy Allergan businesses. The company’s commercial presence will extend across the globe with a significant presence across the UK, Canada, Europe, Southeast Asia and Latin America and a growing footprint in the Nordics, Russia, Eastern Europe, China and India. Allergan also maintains exceptional global brand equity, industry-leading consumer marketing capabilities and strong consumer awareness of key Allergan products in global markets, including VISTABEL, RESTASIS, JUVEDERM, ASACOL, OZURDEX, OPTIVE and others.

Leading Growth Pharma R&D Pipeline

Allergan will maintain its strong commitment to R&D, with 2015 pro forma investment of approximately $1.4 billion, focused on the development of innovative and durable value-enhancing global products within our brands and biologics portfolios. Allergan has a strong record of successful drug development and currently has more than 70 innovative products in mid-to-late stage development. The company’s pipeline is strategically focused within its core therapeutic areas, with key candidates for global development in Eye Care, Aesthetics, CNS, GI, Anti-infectives, Women’s Health and Urology.

Allergan’s innovative development-focused R&D organization places an emphasis on the strategic, late-stage development of important durable products that will drive long-term value, and on being the partner of choice for new and existing development collaborations.

The Company is also planning to add significant depth across its pipeline this year with the pending acquisitions of:

Naurex, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing therapies utilizing a compelling new mechanism to target areas of significant unmet medical need in Major Depressive Disorder;
Merck’s small molecule oral calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists for Migraine, an intensely debilitating and immobilizing condition for patients worldwide;
Oculeve, which adds novel, complementary dry eye development programs to Allergan’s current eye care research and development programs; and
Kythera, which immediately enhances Allergan’s global facial aesthetics portfolio with the addition of KYBELLA (deoxycholic acid) injection, the first and only approved non-surgical treatment for contouring moderate to severe submental fullness, commonly referred to as double chin.

Financially Compelling Transaction

Allergan will receive $33.75 billion in cash and $6.75 billion in Teva stock. The number of shares received will be based on the 20-day volume weighted average price (VWAP) ending Friday, July 31, 2015 and will be subject to a 12-month lock-up. The transaction is expected to have minimal tax leakage of approximately 10 percent with anticipated net cash/equity proceeds of approximately $36 billion which can be deployed to accelerate the company’s growth prospects. Allergan expects to have double-digit topline growth, expanding operating margins and strong free cash flow. Allergan expects to use a portion of the sale proceeds to pay down debt, including certain credit facilities and bonds. The transaction is structured to maintain the existing bond issuer and guarantor structure and compliance with bond covenants. Teva will not assume any of the bonds. Allergan remains committed to its investment grade ratings.

Beginning with its third quarter earnings report, Allergan will report its generics business as discontinued operations and expects to provide an updated 2015 forecast by mid-to-late September.

Additional Details

The transaction contains customary conditions to closing, including antitrust clearance in the U.S. and the EU and certain other jurisdictions. Following an initial period of 15 business days, there will be no financing contingency related to the transaction. No shareholder vote is required at either Allergan or Teva. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2016.

J.P. Morgan is acting as sole financial advisor to Allergan and Latham & Watkins LLP is serving as Allergan’s lead legal advisor.

On July 27, 2015 DelMar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTCQX: DMPI) ("DelMar" and the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing proven cancer therapies in new orphan drug indications, reported that it has accepted subscriptions from institutional and accredited investors for a registered direct placement ("Placement") of 3.35 million shares of common stock and 3.35 million common stock purchase warrants for aggregate purchases of $2 million (Press release, DelMar Pharmaceuticals, JUL 27, 2015, View Source [SID:1234506707]).

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Each common share was purchased at a price of $0.60 per share and each common stock purchase warrant entitles the holder to purchase an additional share of the Company’s common stock at a price of $0.75 per share for a period of five years.

Included in the subscriptions announced today are $1.3 million in purchases from existing DelMar Shareholders, including $157,000 from Directors and Officers of the Company.

"We are very pleased for the continued strong support from our existing shareholders as we continue to pursue our mission to benefit patients and create shareholder value by rapidly developing and commercializing anti-cancer therapies," said Jeffrey Bacha, DelMar’s president & CEO.

DelMar will use the proceeds from this financing to support the continued clinical development of its lead product candidate, VAL-083, as a potential new treatment for refractory glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), and additional research into new indications including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and other solid tumors, and for general corporate purposes.

The securities described above have been offered pursuant to a registration statement (File No. 333-203357), which was declared effective by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on July 15, 2015. Under the terms of the registration statement, the Company may issue up to 13,333,333 shares of common stock and 13,333,333 common stock purchase warrants for gross proceeds of up to $8 million. The registered offering will expire on July 31, 2015, unless extended to August 14, 2015 at the sole discretion of the Company.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein, nor shall there by any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. Copies of the prospectus related to this offering may be obtained by clicking on the following link: View Source

On July 27, 2015 Nymox Pharmaceutical Corporation (NASDAQ:NYMX) reported that the Company’s U.S. long-term extension prospective double-blind Phase 3 BPH studies NX02-0017 and NX02-0018 of fexapotide triflutate (NX-1207) for BPH have successfully met the pre-specified primary endpoint of long-term symptomatic statistically significant benefit superior to placebo (Press release, Nymox, JUL 27, 2015, View Source;fvtc=4&fvtv=6907 [SID:1234506709]). Fexapotide showed an excellent safety profile with no evidence of drug-related short-term or long-term toxicity nor any significant related molecular side effects in the 2 studies (n=978).

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The Company now intends to meet with authorities and to proceed to file where possible in due course for regulatory approvals for fexapotide triflutate in various jurisdictions and territories.

The Company will present a public webinar and conference call today July 27 at 4:30 p.m. EDT (see below).

The primary endpoint variable of the long-term study was improvement in the AUA BPH Symptom Score which was statistically significant (p<.02) in fexapotide-treated patients compared to placebo, at a median duration of 42 months (3.5 years) after a single double-blind injection treatment of fexapotide vs. saline placebo. In addition, responder analysis for the primary endpoint variable met the prespecified endpoint (p<.01). All subjects from both studies with 2 years or more duration follow-up after a single painless injection were eligible, however all documented treatment failures of any duration in the studies from day 1 onward were also included in the data as treatment failures. Patients were followed double-blind up to 65 months (5.4 years) after a single injection.

Highlights of the pivotal Phase 3 extension top-line results are summarized as follows:

Median duration of 3.5 years from a single injection treatment mean improvement of 5.3 points in AUA BPH Symptom Score. Statistically significant (mean p<.025; median p<.02) vs saline placebo injection.

Mean improvement of 7.1 points in AUA BPH Symptom Score (primary endpoint variable) after median duration of 3.5 years in first-line BPH treatment of fexapotide treated subjects (p<.025 vs placebo).

Patient responder rate: Statistically significant higher proportion (64%) of long-term improved patients in AUA BPH Symptom Score (primary outcome variable) after a single injection in fexapotide treated subjects vs controls (p<.005).

Improvement of nocturia: Percentage of patients with stabilization or improvement of frequency of nocturia in fexapotide treatment superior to placebo (p<.03).

The Company also reported on new Phase 3 data of lowered incidence of surgery in patients in Phase 3 studies NX02-0020 and NX02-0022.

Reduced incidence of surgery: Subjects in Phase 3 studies NX02-0020 and NX02-0022 with 1 or 2 injections of fexapotide had statistically significant reduction of BPH surgery within 24 months of fexapotide treatment (1.7% incidence of surgery in 2 years) (p<.02 vs placebo).

In addition, the following advantages of the new drug are highlighted:

Safety profile highly superior to existing treatments. Minimal or no sexual, hormonal or cardiovascular or other debilitating side effects.

Reduced cancer risk in Phase 2 data: U.S. Phase 2 data showing therapeutic effect of fexapotide on prostate cancer. Phase 2 data showed fexapotide treated low grade localized prostate cancer (Gleason 3+3 or less) had statistically significant less progression compared to controls. By comparison, some commonly used older approved BPH treatments have been linked to increased cancer risk.

Enhanced compliance and patient convenience compared to oral medications. Fexapotide is given as a single painless office treatment injectable. Older approved oral medications generally involve daily pills intended for the rest of the patient’s life.
– See more at: View Source;fvtc=4&fvtv=6907#sthash.6hF2kWGB.dpuf

On July 27, 2015 MorphoSys AG (FSE: MOR; Prime Standard Segment; TecDAX, OTC: MPSYY) reported its financial results for the six months ending 30 June 2015. Group revenues were EUR 82.6 million (H1 2014: EUR 30.5 million) (Press release, MorphoSys, JUL 26, 2015, View Source [SID:1234506699]). The increase is attributable to revenue booked in connection with the ending of the collaboration with Celgene on MorphoSys’s proprietary drug candidate MOR202. This comprised the full realization of deferred revenues from an up-front payment received from Celgene in 2013 together with a one-time termination payment. Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) amounted to EUR 46.1 million (H1 2014: EUR 0.4 million). On 30 June 2015, MorphoSys held cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and financial assets classified as loans and receivables of EUR 324.9 million in comparison to EUR 352.8 million on 31 December 2014.

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Highlights of the Second Quarter 2015

At the end of the second quarter of 2015, MorphoSys’s product pipeline comprised a total of 102 therapeutic antibodies, including 24 clinical programs. Three partnered programs are currently in phase 3 trials.

MorphoSys presented its updated phase 2 clinical results for MOR208 in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) at the 2015 annual conference of the American Society of Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper). The clinical data showed that MOR208 is well tolerated with a low level of infusion reactions and demonstrated encouraging single-agent activity.

MorphoSys also presented preliminary clinical data on the safety, pharmacokinetics and efficacy of MOR202 in multiple myeloma at the 2015 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) conference. MOR202 proved to be safe and well tolerated and showed early signs of clinical activity and cases of long-lasting tumor control.

In May 2015, MorphoSys acquired all outstanding shares in the Dutch biopharmaceutical company Lanthio Pharma. The acquisition added new development candidates to MorphoSys’s proprietary portfolio, including a preclinical program for fibrotic diseases (MOR107).

In April 2015, MorphoSys announced that it had reached a clinical milestone with the initiation of a phase 2 study of the antibody guselkumab in psoriatic arthritis by its partner Janssen Biotech. The milestone payment was recognized in the first quarter of 2015.
Shortly after the end of the second quarter, MorphoSys announced that it had reached a clinical milestone associated with the IND filing of an antibody being developed to treat blood disorders by its partner Novartis, which was recognized in the second quarter of 2015.

At the Annual General Meeting on 8 May 2015, Ms. Wendy Johnson, Mr. Klaus Kühn and Dr. Frank Morich were newly elected to the Supervisory Board. Dr. Gerald Möller, Dr. Marc Cluzel and Ms. Karin Eastham were all re-elected to the Supervisory Board. Additionally, all resolutions proposed by the management were adopted.

MorphoSys repurchased 88,670 of its own shares in the second quarter of 2015. The shares will be used primarily for long-term incentive programs for the Management Board and Senior Management Group.

"The second quarter saw excellent progress with regard to our proprietary pipeline and the further expansion of our drug development capabilities in the biologics arena beyond antibodies. Clearly the highlight of the quarter from a pipeline perspective was the presentation of encouraging clinical data for our most advanced proprietary oncology programs MOR208 and MOR202," stated Dr. Simon Moroney, Chief Executive Officer of MorphoSys AG.

"We are very pleased with the first half of 2015 and are on track to meet our goals for the full year. The addition of Lanthio’s portfolio of therapeutic peptides to our pipeline combined with new therapeutic antibody programs initiated by our partners have increased the number of therapeutic candidates in different stages of development for the first time beyond the 100 program mark," commented Jens Holstein, Chief Financial Officer of MorphoSys AG.

Financial Review for the First Half of 2015 (IFRS)

Group revenues for the first six months of 2015 amounted to EUR 82.6 million (H1 2014: EUR 30.5 million). Reasons for the increase were one-time effects in H1 2015 in connection with the full realization of deferred revenues from an up-front payment received from Celgene in 2013 together with a one-time termination fee. The Proprietary Development segment recorded revenues of EUR 59.6 million (H1 2014: EUR 7.7 million), all of which were recorded in connection with the co-development agreement with Celgene. Revenues in the Partnered Discovery segment comprised EUR 21.0 million in funded research and licensing fees (H1 2014: EUR 21.4 million) and EUR 2.0 million in success-based payments (H1 2014: EUR 1.4 million).

Total operating expenses for the first six months of 2015 amounted to EUR 40.9 million (H1 2014: EUR 30.1 million). Total research and development expenses were EUR 33.9 million (H1 2014: EUR 23.4 million). R&D expenses mainly consisted of costs for external lab services and personnel costs. Expenses for proprietary product and technology development amounted to EUR 25.3 million (H1 2014: EUR 14.9 million). General and administrative expenses increased to EUR 7.0 million (H1 2014: EUR 6.7 million) driven by higher expenses for personnel.

Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) amounted to EUR 46.1 million (H1 2014: EUR 0.4 million). The Proprietary Development segment reported a segment EBIT of EUR 40.2 million (H1 2014: EUR -5.9 million), while Partnered Discovery showed a segment EBIT of EUR 12.5 million (H1 2014: EUR 12.5 million).

For the first half of 2015, MorphoSys realized a net profit of EUR 36.5 million compared to EUR 0.6 million in the same period of the previous year. The resulting diluted earnings per share for the six months ending 30 June 2015 amounted to EUR 1.39 (H1 2014: EUR 0.02).

On 30 June 2015, the Company held liquid funds and marketable securities, as well as other financial assets (reported in the balance sheet under cash and cash equivalents, available for sale financial assets, bonds available for sale and financial assets classified as loans and receivables), in the amount of EUR 324.9 million, compared to EUR 352.8 million on 31 December 2014. The net cash inflow from operations in H1 2015 was EUR 1.1 million (H1 2014: net cash outflow of EUR 9.9 million). The number of shares issued at 30 June 2015 was 26,469,834, compared to 26,456,834 on 31 December 2014.

Second Quarter of 2015 (IFRS)

In the second quarter of 2015, the Company generated revenues in the amount of EUR 12.2 million, compared to EUR 14.7 million in the same quarter of 2014. Total operating expenses amounted to EUR 23.2 million in Q2 2015, compared to EUR 15.6 million in the same quarter of 2014. EBIT amounted to EUR -6.7 million (Q2 2014: EUR -1.0 million). Net loss for the second quarter 2015 was EUR 4.3 million, compared to a net loss of EUR 0.5 million in the second quarter of 2014.

Outlook for 2015

MorphoSys re-confirmed its guidance for 2015. MorphoSys anticipates total Group revenues of EUR 101 million to EUR 106 million and anticipates a positive EBIT in the range of EUR 9 to EUR 16 million in 2015. Expenses for proprietary product and technology development are expected to amount to EUR 56 million to EUR 63 million.