PharmaCyte Biotech Retains Facet Life Sciences to Guide Pancreatic Cancer Therapy Development Lifecycle with FDA

On January 30, 2017 PharmaCyte Biotech, Inc. (OTCQB:PMCB), a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing targeted treatments for cancer and diabetes using its signature live-cell encapsulation technology, Cell-in-a-Box, officially reported that PharmaCyte has retained Facet Life Sciences, Inc. (Facet) to guide PharmaCyte through its pancreatic cancer therapy development lifecycle with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (Press release, PharmaCyte Biotech, JAN 30, 2017, View Source [SID1234517605]). Facet has been working with PharmaCyte and Translational Drug Development (TD2) since September 2016 and was instrumental in expediting PharmaCyte’s pre-IND meeting with the FDA.

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The Chief Executive Officer of PharmaCyte explained retention of Facet, "After we completed much of the Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control (CMC) work for PharmaCyte’s pre-IND submission to the FDA, we decided that PharmaCyte needed to retain a life sciences consulting firm that could guide it in a broad spectrum of areas that will be required for the successful development of PharmaCyte’s therapy for pancreatic cancer.

"Facet’s initial efforts to date have included assembling all of the preclinical and clinical data available on PharmaCyte’s therapy for pancreatic cancer and submission to the FDA as a ‘pre-IND package.’ Subsequently, Facet made arrangements with the FDA for the pre-IND meeting with the FDA and played a significant role in the meeting. We are extremely pleased with Facet’s performance and are convinced, based upon the results of the FDA meeting, that we made the right selection in retaining Facet."

The Facet Life Sciences team is comprised of drug development, regulatory affairs and regulatory writing experts who have scientific degrees and over 100 years of combined experience in the pharmaceutical, biologics, biopharmaceutical and medical device industry. The services offered by Facet span the full spectrum of services that PharmaCyte will need for regulatory approval of its therapy for pancreatic cancer. Facet is the U.S. Agent for PharmaCyte before the FDA and will assist with regulatory and clinical strategy, preparation and support for regulatory meetings, regulatory submission leadership, gap analyses, product labeling, risk management and medical writing in a number of areas.

The President and CEO of Facet, Ken VanLuvanee, commented on Facet’s retention by PharmaCyte saying, "We are extremely pleased to have been selected to work with PharmaCyte on its novel live-cell encapsulation therapy for pancreatic cancer. This is cutting edge technology that presents one of the most complex regulatory product candidates on which we have ever worked. In spite of its complexity, when compared to a single chemotherapy drug for example, we believe that successful development of PharmaCyte’s therapy may change the way tumors of the pancreas and other solid tumors are treated in the future. It’s truly an exciting time for us and PharmaCyte alike."

Facet development experts work closely with client teams to successfully reach their corporate and product goals. Facet has created and managed critical development aspects for some of the industry’s fastest growing life sciences companies. Its specialists deliver expert services and cutting-edge technologies that are designed to help small life science companies with big goals optimize their product research and development efforts.

Incyte and Calithera Biosciences Announce Global Collaboration to Develop and Commercialize CB-1158, a First-in-class, Small Molecule Arginase Inhibitor

On January 30, 2019 Incyte Corporation (NASDAQ:INCY) and Calithera Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:CALA) reported the companies have entered into a global collaboration and license agreement for the research, development and commercialization of Calithera’s first-in-class, small molecule arginase inhibitor CB-1158 in hematology and oncology (Press release, Calithera Biosciences, JAN 30, 2017, View Source [SID1234535251]). CB-1158 is currently being studied in a monotherapy dose escalation trial and additional studies are expected to evaluate CB-1158 in combination with immuno-oncology agents, including anti-PD-1 therapy.

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"Arginase-expressing tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells have been shown to play an important role in orchestrating the immune suppressive microenvironment in cancer; but, to date, therapeutic targeting of the arginase enzyme has remained elusive," said Reid Huber, Ph.D., Incyte’s Chief Scientific Officer. "The addition of this first-in-class, small molecule arginase inhibitor, CB-1158, to our portfolio expands our innovative immuno-oncology pipeline and allows us to continue to advance our mission of discovering and developing immune-active combination therapies to treat patients with cancer."

"In this strategic partnership with Incyte, CB-1158 is expected to be evaluated in multiple trials of novel therapeutic combinations, accelerating its development across hematological and oncology indications," said Susan Molineaux, Ph.D., Calithera’s Chief Executive Officer. Terms of the Collaboration Under the terms of the collaboration and license agreement, Calithera will receive an up-front payment of $45 million from Incyte.

In addition, Incyte will make an equity investment in Calithera of $8 million through the purchase of shares at a price of $4.65 per share. Incyte will receive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize CB-1158 in hematology and oncology and Calithera will retain certain rights to research, develop and commercialize certain other arginase inhibitors in certain orphan indications.

Incyte and Calithera will jointly conduct and co-fund development of CB-1158, with Incyte leading global development activities. Incyte will fund 70 percent of global development and Calithera will be responsible for the remaining 30 percent. In the event of regulatory approvals and commercialization of CB-1158, Incyte and Calithera will share in any future U.S. profits and losses (receiving 60 percent and 40 percent, respectively) and Calithera will be eligible to receive over $430 million in potential development, regulatory and commercialization milestones from Incyte. Per the terms of the agreement, Calithera will have the right to co-detail CB-1158 in the U.S. and also be eligible to receive from Incyte tiered royalties based on future ex-U.S. sales, with rates ranging from low-to-mid double-digits.

The agreement also provides that Calithera may choose to opt out of its co-funding obligations. In this scenario, Calithera would no longer be eligible to receive future U.S. profits and losses but would be eligible to receive up to $750 million in potential development, regulatory and commercialization milestones from Incyte and, if the product is approved and commercialized, also be eligible to receive reimbursement based on previous development expenditures incurred by Calithera and tiered royalty payments on future global sales of CB-1158, with rates ranging from low-to-mid double-digits. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2017, subject to customary closing conditions.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

Calithera will host a conference call today to discuss this collaboration at 8:30 a.m. ET, 5:30 a.m. PT. Participants may access the call by dialing (855)783-2599 (domestic) or (631)485-4877 (international) and referencing conference ID 58716954. The conference call will also be available by webcast in the Investor Relations page of Calithera’s website, www.calithera.com. The archived webcast will remain available for replay for 30 days.

About Arginase

Arginase is an enzyme produced by immunosuppressive myeloid cells, including myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and neutrophils, which prevents T-cell and natural killer (NK) cell activation in tumors. Arginase exerts its immunosuppressive effect by depleting the amino acid arginine in the tumor microenvironment which subsequently prevents activation and proliferation of the immune system’s cytotoxic T-cells and NK-cells. Inhibition of arginase activity reverses this immunosuppressive block and restores T-cell function. In preclinical models, arginase inhibition has been shown to enhance anti-tumor immunity and inhibit tumor growth.

Astellas Reports the First Nine Months Financial Results of FY2016

On January 31, 2017 Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Yoshihiko Hatanaka, "Astellas") reported financial results for three quarters of fiscal year 2016 ending March 31, 2017 ("FY2016") (Press release, Astellas, JAN 30, 2017, View Source [SID1234517620]).

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"We achieved many milestones including the acquisition of Ganymed Pharmaceuticals, a Germany-based pharma company, last December. The acquisition of Ganymed will enable Astellas to further expand its oncology pipeline with a late stage antibody program for the treatment of gastroesophageal cancer," said Yoshihiko Hatanaka, President and CEO, Astellas. "We remain committed to creating innovative medical solutions and delivering value for stakeholders including patients, as we reinforce our strategic plan through maximizing the product value, creating innovation and pursuing operational excellence."

Consolidated Financial Results (April 1, 2016 – December 31, 2016) (core basis) (Millions of yen) First nine months of FY2015 First nine months of FY2016 Change (%) Sales 1,065,666 1,005,587 -60,079 (-5.6%) Core operating profit 233,863 241,837 +7,974 (+3.4%) Core profit for the period 169,379 177,189 +7,810 (+4.6%) Basic core earnings per share (yen) 78.16 83.62 +5.46 (+7.0%)

Revenue Highlights for First Nine Months

Sales in the first nine months of FY2016 decreased by 5.6% compared to those in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year ("year-on-year") and resulted in 1,005.6 billion yen. Sales decreased due to the impact of foreign exchange as well as the impact of the NHI drug price revision in Japan enforced in April 2016. On a constant currency basis, however, sales increased by approximately 3% year-on-year.

In terms of global products, sales of XTANDI grew while sales of overall OAB treatments Vesicare (solifenacin succinate) and Betanis / Myrbetriq / BETMIGA decreased due to the impact of foreign exchange. Prograf (tacrolimus) sales also decreased. < Sales by Region1 >

Sales in Japan decreased by 4.2% year-on-year to 380.1 billion yen. Sales in the Japanese market decreased by 7.2% year-on-year to 358.2 billion yen mainly due to the impact of the NHI drug price revision. There was growth in sales of products including overall OAB treatments (Vesicare and Betanis ), Celecox (celecoxib), Symbicort (budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate) and Suglat (ipragliflozin). Sales of XTANDI decreased due to the impact of the NHI drug price revision. Sales of vaccines declined due to the continued impact of shipping restraints by the manufacturer in FY2015 (shipments of some of the products have 1 Based on location of sellers 3 already recommenced). Revenues were impacted by the decline in sales of products including Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) and Gaster (famotidine) mainly due to the impact of generics.

Sales in the Americas decreased by 11.6% year-on-year to 308.1 billion yen; however sales on a U.S. dollar basis increased by 0.8% year-on-year to 2,889 million USD. The increase in sales of CRESEMBA (isavuconazonium sulfate) contributed to the sales growth. Sales of products including XTANDI , overall OAB treatments (VESIcare and Myrbetriq ) and Lexiscan (regadenoson) decreased due to the impact of foreign exchange, while the sales of each product on a US dollar basis increased. Sales of Prograf decreased.

EMEA2 saw a 0.6% increase in sales year-on-year to 252.9 billion yen, with growth from XTANDI . Sales on a euro basis increased by 14.6% year-on-year to 2,143 million euros. Sales of overall OAB treatments (Vesicare and BETMIGA ) and Prograf declined due to the impact of foreign exchange.

In Asia and Oceania, sales decreased by 6.3% year-on-year to 64.5 billion yen, while the sales on a constant currency exchange rate basis increased by 9.5%. XTANDI and overall OAB treatments (Vesicare and BETMIGA ) contributed to the revenue growth. Sales of Prograf and Harnal (tamsulosin hydrochloride) declined mainly due to the foreign exchange impact. Other Financial Highlights Based on the transfer of the global dermatology business in April 2016, the sales and expenses of the transferred products were not included in the first nine months of FY2016; however the consideration for the business transfer was recognized as revenue over certain periods. As a result, there were certain positive impacts on sales and profit for the first nine months of FY2016. Latest Strategic Highlights Astellas continues to create sustainable growth over the mid-to long-term through the pursuit of three main strategies – "Maximizing the Product Value," " Creating Innovation" and "Pursuing Operational Excellence." The company achieved multiple 2 EMEA: Europe, the Middle East and Africa 4 accomplishments during the third quarter of FY2016 (October 1, 2016 – December 31, 2016) including the most recent highlights outlined below. Maximizing the Product Value

Continued to maximize the growth of the oncology franchise centered on XTANDI and the OAB franchise comprised of Vesicare and Betanis / Myrbetriq / BETMIGA with new launches across various countries and growth in sales Creating Innovation

Advanced multiple strategic collaborations including: – Completion of acquisition of Ganymed Pharmaceuticals Pursuing Operational Excellence Optimal allocation of resources: – Transfer of commercial rights for Qutenza (capsaicin 8% patch) to Grünenthal in Europe, Middle East and Africa

Continually enhance organization structure: – Outsourcing of facility and equipment management support in Japan, and dissolution of Astellas Business Service Company Limited NOTE: For further information on the results, please refer to the reference documents: Financial Results, Supplementary Documents, Overview of R&D Pipeline and Presentation Material for Information Meeting available on the Astellas website.

Lytix Biopharma granted 15.9 MNOK from The Research Council of Norway

On January 30, 2017 Lytix Biopharma, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel cancer immune therapies, reported that it has been awarded a NOK 15.9 million grant from The Norwegian Research Council (User-driven Research-based Innovation) to support the investigation of LTX-315’s ability to make ’’cold tumors hot’’ and Phase II trial in Triple Negative Breast cancer (TNBC) (Press release, Lytix Biopharma, JAN 30, 2017, View Source [SID1234517595]).

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Recent developments in immunotherapy have demonstrated a significant clinical impact in the field of cancer treatment. However, it is well known that immune therapy works better when there are immune effector cells present in the tumour microenvironment compared to if they are absent. When the tumour lacks immune effector cells, they are called "cold" and when immune effector cells are present they are named "hot". Preclinical studies have shown that the Lytix compound LTX-315 has the potential to make cold tumours hot and thus increase the overall patient response of combinations with other cancer treatments, for example immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Forty-two patients have so far been treated with LTX-315 alone, in two Phase I trials, and positive signals from these patients form the basis for this project. The primary objective for this project is to document in both preclinical and clinical studies that LTX-315 increase the infiltration of immune effector cells in the tumour and make the "cold" tumour "hot" in combination with immunotherapy. The clinical study will be performed in patients with Triple Negative Breast Cancer, a subtype of breast cancer. These patients have today limited treatment possibilities and the medical need for better treatments is high.

BIOGEN REPORTS 2016 REVENUES OF $11.4 BILLION

On January 26, 2017 Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ: BIIB) reported full year and fourth quarter 2016 financial results (Filing, Q4/Annual, Biogen, 2016, JAN 26, 2017, View Source [SID1234517572]).
Including:
•
Full year total revenues of $11.4 billion, a 6% increase versus the prior year. On a constant currency basis1, total revenues grew 9%.
◦
Growth was driven by a 9% increase in worldwide TECFIDERA revenues as well as increased revenues from TYSABRI, ELOCTATE, ALPROLIX, and BENEPALI. Revenues were partially offset by a decrease in worldwide interferon sales.
◦
Foreign exchange negatively impacted total revenues by approximately $211 million compared with 2015, primarily driven by changes in hedge results.
•
Full year GAAP net income attributable to Biogen Inc. of $3.7 billion, a 4% increase versus the prior year.
◦
GAAP net income was negatively impacted by $339 million, net of tax, related to the settlement and license agreement with Forward Pharma A/S.
•
Full year GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $16.93, a 10% increase versus the prior year.
◦
GAAP EPS were negatively impacted by $1.55, net of tax, related to the settlement and license agreement with Forward Pharma.
•
Full year non-GAAP net income attributable to Biogen Inc. of $4.4 billion, a 12% increase versus the prior year.
•
Full year non-GAAP diluted EPS of $20.22, a 19% increase versus the prior year.

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(In millions, except per share amounts)
Q4 ’16

Q3 ’16

Q4 ’15

Q4 ’16 v. Q3 ’16

Q4 ’16 v. Q4 ’15

FY ’16

FY ’15

FY ’16 v. FY ’15
Total revenues
$
2,872

$
2,956

$
2,839

(3%)

1%

$
11,449

$
10,764

6%

GAAP net income*
$
649

$
1,033

$
832

(37%)

(22%)

$
3,703

$
3,547

4%
GAAP diluted EPS
$
2.99

$
4.71

$
3.77

(37%)

(21%)

$
16.93

$
15.34

10%

Non-GAAP net income*
$
1,093

$
1,138

$
995

(4%)

10%

$
4,423

$
3,932

12%
Non-GAAP diluted EPS
$
5.04

$
5.19

$
4.5

(3%)

12%

$
20.22

$
17.01

19%
*Net income attributable to Biogen Inc.

A reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP full year and quarterly financial results can be found in Table 3 at the end of this release.

"Biogen seeks to advance transformational pipeline programs for some of the greatest challenges in medicine, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, and ALS," said Chief Executive Officer Michel Vounatsos. "SPINRAZA for spinal muscular atrophy is a prime example of the type of groundbreaking innovation that we must continue to pursue. As the first treatment for infants and children with this devastating disease, SPINRAZA has the potential to improve and extend the lives of thousands of patients worldwide."

"In 2016 we saw continued growth from our multiple sclerosis portfolio, which includes the market leading therapies amongst the orals, the interferons, and the high efficacy agents," Vounatsos continued. "Together with AbbVie we are launching ZINBRYTA as a new option for MS patients around the world. Our hemophilia products continued to perform well as we prepare to spin off this business in the coming days, and we are pleased with the strong growth of BENEPALI, an etanercept biosimilar we are commercializing in Europe. I am excited to take the helm of a company with such a strong foundation, and my plan is to maintain a disciplined focus on near-term execution while laying the groundwork for Biogen’s long-term sustainability through continued investment in R&D and innovation and business development."

Revenue Highlights
(In millions)
Q4 ’16

Q3 ’16

Q4 ’15

Q4 ’16 v. Q3 ’16

Q4 ’16 v. Q4 ’15

FY ’16

FY ’15

FY ’16 v. FY ’15
Multiple Sclerosis:

TECFIDERA
$
1,002

$
1,034

$
993

(3%)

1%

$
3,968

$
3,638

9%
Total Interferon
$
688

$
708

$
740

(3%)

(7%)

$
2,795

$
2,969

(6%)
AVONEX
$
564

$
580

$
637

(3%)

(12%)

$
2,314

$
2,630

(12%)
PLEGRIDY
$
125

$
128

$
103

(3%)

21%

$
482

$
338

42%
TYSABRI
$
474

$
515

$
481

(8%)

(1%)

$
1,964

$
1,886

4%
FAMPYRATM
$
22

$
21

$
28

4%

(20%)

$
85

$
90

(5%)
ZINBRYTA
$
6

$
2

$
—

201%

NMF

$
8

$
—

NMF

Hemophilia:

ELOCTATE
$
149

$
132

$
101

13%

47%

$
513

$
320

61%
ALPROLIX
$
93

$
85

$
71

9%

31%

$
334

$
234

42%

Other Product Revenues:

FUMADERMTM
$
11

$
11

$
13

1%

(10%)

$
46

$
51

(11%)
Biosimilars
$
53

$
31

$
—

72%

NMF

$
101

$
—

NMF
ZINBRYTA
$
5

$
—

$
—

NMF

NMF

$
5

$
—

NMF

Total Product Revenues:
$
2,503

$
2,540

$
2,426

(1%)

3%

$
9,818

$
9,188

7%

Anti-CD20 Revenues
$
318

$
318

$
334

0%

(5%)

$
1,315

$
1,339

(2%)
Other Revenues
$
51

$
99

$
79

(48%)

(36%)

$
316

$
237

34%

Total Revenues
$
2,872

$
2,956

$
2,839

(3%)

1%

$
11,449

$
10,764

6%
Note: Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

Expense Highlights

(In millions)
Q4 ’16

Q3 ’16

Q4 ’15

Q4 ’16 v. Q3 ’16

Q4 ’16 v. Q4 ’15

FY ’16

FY ’15

FY ’16 v. FY ’15
GAAP cost of sales
$
378

$
417

$
332

9%

(14%)

$
1,479

$
1,240

(19%)
Non-GAAP cost of sales
$
363

$
396

$
332

8%

(9%)

$
1,426

$
1,240

(15%)

GAAP R&D
$
534

$
529

$
542

(1%)

1%

$
1,973

$
2,013

2%
Non-GAAP R&D
$
531

$
529

$
542

(0%)

2%

$
1,970

$
2,013

2%

GAAP SG&A
$
496

$
463

$
583

(7%)

15%

$
1,948

$
2,113

8%
Non-GAAP SG&A
$
484

$
461

$
583

(5%)

17%

$
1,930

$
2,113

9%
Note: Percent changes represented as favorable & (unfavorable)

•
R&D expense for the fourth quarter of 2016 includes a $50 million milestone to Eisai following the initiation of Phase 3 trials for elenbecestat (E2609), a BACE inhibitor in development for Alzheimer’s disease.
•
Biogen booked a GAAP-only pre-tax charge in Q4 2016 of $455 million related to the recent settlement and license agreement with Forward Pharma. The charge in Q4 2016 represents the portion of the payment attributable to the sales of TECFIDERA during the period April 2014 through December 31, 2016. Upon effectiveness of this agreement, Biogen has agreed to pay Forward Pharma a total of $1.25 billion plus potential royalties.

Other Financial Highlights
•
For 2016, the Company’s full year weighted average diluted shares were 219 million. For the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company’s weighted average diluted shares were 217 million. The Company ended the year with approximately 216 million basic shares outstanding.

•
As of December 31, 2016, Biogen had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaling approximately $7.7 billion, and $6.5 billion in notes payable and other financing arrangements.

•
During the fourth quarter of 2016, Biogen repurchased 2.2 million shares of the Company’s common stock for a total value of $651 million.

2017 Financial Guidance
Biogen also announced its full year 2017 financial guidance. This guidance consists of the following components:

•
Revenue is expected to be approximately $11.1 to $11.4 billion.
•
GAAP and non-GAAP R&D expense is expected to be approximately 16% to 17% of total revenue.
•
GAAP and non-GAAP SG&A expense is expected to be approximately 15% to 16% of total revenue.
•
GAAP diluted EPS is expected to be between $18.00 and $18.80.
•
Non-GAAP diluted EPS is expected to be between $20.45 and $21.25.

Guidance assumptions:
◦
Includes one month of sales for our hemophilia products, ELOCTATE and ALPROLIX, as the spin-off of Bioverativ is expected to complete on February 1, 2017.
◦
GAAP guidance includes the minimum expense we expect to record in 2017 upon the effectiveness of our settlement and license agreement with Forward Pharma. The actual charges recorded will depend on the outcomes of the patent proceedings in the U.S. and E.U.
◦
R&D expense does not include any impact from potential acquisitions or large late-stage business development transactions, as both are hard to predict.
◦
Based on recent rates for foreign exchange.
◦
Does not include any impact from potential U.S. corporate tax reform or changes to the Affordable Care Act.

Biogen may incur charges, realize gains or experience other events in 2017 that could cause actual results to vary from this guidance.

In 2017, the Company plans to provide one update to its annual financial guidance, which is expected to be provided in connection with its second quarter earnings release. This approach is intended to synchronize guidance with internal business planning processes and to ensure a continued focus on long-term value creation.

Recent Events
• In January 2017, Biogen announced that it agreed to enter into a settlement and license agreement with Forward Pharma, subject to the approval of Forward Pharma’s shareholders and other customary conditions. The license agreement will provide Biogen an irrevocable license to all intellectual property owned by Forward Pharma. Upon the effectiveness of the settlement and license agreement, Biogen will provide Forward Pharma a cash payment of $1.25 billion. Under certain circumstances outlined in the agreement, Biogen will pay Forward Pharma royalties on net sales of Biogen products for the treatment of multiple sclerosis that are covered by a Forward Pharma patent and have dimethyl fumarate ("DMF") as an active pharmaceutical ingredient.

• In January 2017, Michel Vounatsos assumed the role of chief executive officer and was appointed as a member of the Board of Directors. Vounatsos previously held the position of executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Biogen.

• In January 2017, Biogen presented new data from the Phase 3 ENDEAR study of SPINRAZA, which demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the risk of death or permanent ventilation in SPINRAZA-treated infants with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) compared to untreated infants. The data were presented at the British Paediatric Neurology Association annual conference in Cambridge, UK.

• In December 2016, the U.S. FDA approved Biogen’s SPINRAZA under priority review for the treatment of SMA in pediatric and adult patients. SPINRAZA is the first and only treatment approved in the U.S. for SMA, a leading genetic cause of death in infants and toddlers that is marked by progressive, debilitating muscle weakness. The FDA also issued to Biogen a rare pediatric disease priority review voucher with the approval of SPINRAZA, which confers priority review to a subsequent drug application that would not otherwise qualify for priority review.

• In December 2016, Biogen announced that its board of directors approved the planned spin-off of its hemophilia business, which will be known as Bioverativ Inc., and declared a special dividend distribution of all of the outstanding shares of Bioverativ common stock. Shortly thereafter, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) declared effective the Registration Statement on Form 10 filed by Bioverativ Inc. Biogen expects to complete the separation of Bioverativ into an independent, global biotechnology company focused on hemophilia and other rare blood disorders on February 1, 2017.

• In December 2016, Biogen presented new data from the Phase 1b study of its investigational Alzheimer’s disease (AD) treatment aducanumab at the 9th Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease Meeting in San Diego. Data presentations included interim results from the titration cohort of the placebo-controlled period of the Phase 1b study as well as data from the first year of the long-term extension study. The results support the ongoing Phase 3 studies of aducanumab for early AD.

• In December 2016, Biogen and Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB (publ) (Sobi) presented new data, including updated longitudinal safety and efficacy findings from phase 3 and extension studies, on the companies’ extended half-life therapies, ELOCTATE for hemophilia A and ALPROLIX for hemophilia B, at the 58th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting & Exposition in San Diego. The presentations included efficacy data, which show low target joint annual bleeding rates and effective target joint resolution in patients on long-term prophylaxis with ELOCTATE. Biogen also presented preclinical data on recombinant FIXFc-XTEN, a fusion protein being investigated for once-weekly, subcutaneous treatment of hemophilia B. ELOCTATE, ALPROLIX, and the FIXFc-XTEN program are among the hemophilia-related assets included in the spin-off of Bioverativ anticipated to be completed on February 1, 2017.

• In November 2016, Biogen and Ionis Pharmaceuticals announced that SPINRAZA met the primary endpoint at the interim analysis of CHERISH, the Phase 3 study evaluating SPINRAZA in later-onset (consistent with Type 2) SMA. The analysis found that children receiving SPINRAZA experienced a highly statistically significant improvement in motor function compared to those who did not receive treatment. SPINRAZA also demonstrated a favorable benefit-risk profile in the study.

• In November 2016, Biogen announced that its Marketing Authorization Application was validated by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for SPINRAZA. SPINRAZA had previously been granted Accelerated Assessment status by the EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP). The Accelerated Assessment designation can reduce the standard review time.

1 Constant currency measures are non-GAAP measures calculated by translating the current period’s foreign currency values for sales into USD using the average exchange rates from the prior period and comparing them to the prior year values in USD, excluding any gains or losses from hedging.