PDS Biotech Aligns with FDA on Phase 3 Trial in HPV16-Positive First-Line Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer

On August 1, 2024 PDS Biotechnology Corporation (Nasdaq: PDSB) ("PDS Biotech" or the "Company"), a late-stage immunotherapy company focused on transforming how the immune system targets and kills cancers and the development of infectious disease vaccines, reported that it has received the official minutes from its meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") regarding next steps in its planned Phase 3 clinical trial of its Versamune based investigational immunotherapy designed to stimulate a targeted T cell attack against HPV16-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma ("HNSCC") (Press release, PDS Biotechnology, AUG 1, 2024, View Source [SID1234645268]). The Company will host a conference call today at 8:00 a.m. ET to discuss details of the anticipated Phase 3 clinical trial of Versamune HPV (formerly PDS0101) in this indication.

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PDS Biotech presented the FDA with recent data from both the VERSATILE-002 study of Versamune HPV + pembrolizumab, and the triple combination of Versamune HPV + PDS01ADC + bintrafusp alfa. The Company also provided an updated design of the Phase 3 VERSATILE-003 trial of Versamune HPV + pembrolizumab which included updated statistical endpoints based on recent and more mature survival data. PDS Biotech proposed the addition of a third arm to the study which would be a triple combination of Versamune HPV + PDS01ADC + pembrolizumab. The first part of the study would therefore involve a dose optimization of PDS01ADC in the novel combination.

The FDA supported the strategy and development of the double and triple combinations. Also, the FDA requested additional safety analysis in the lead-in PDS01ADC dose optimization part of the study. To avoid potential delays in initiating the randomized trial, the FDA agreed that the dose optimization should be done separately and the registrational trial of the revised 2-arm double combination trial, VERSATILE-003, should proceed. The Versamune HPV + pembrolizumab combination has received Fast Track designation.

"We appreciate the FDA’s support in the development of both the double and triple Versamune HPV-based combinations. We are also pleased to have aligned on initiating the updated VERSATILE-003 study," said Frank Bedu-Addo, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of PDS Biotech. "The VERSATILE-002 results have matured significantly and positively over the last year, allowing us to revise the statistical endpoints of the study to provide additional robustness to the study design. We continue to believe that the combination, based on encouraging survival, disease control response rates and safety has the potential to significantly advance the treatment of HPV16-positive HNSCC. Our goal now is to investigate Versamune HPV + pembrolizumab’s potential as the first targeted immunotherapy for HPV16-positive HNSCC. The addition of PDS01ADC in the future has the potential to provide further clinical benefit to an effective targeted immunotherapy."

Kirk Shepard, MD, Chief Medical Officer, continued, "We have contracted with a clinical research organization and the preparatory work is advancing to begin enrollment in the VERSATILE-003 Phase 3 clinical trial in first-line treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic HPV16-positive HNSCC, with overall survival as the study’s primary endpoint. Our VERSATILE-003 trial has significant key opinion leader support, including from the investigators involved in VERSATILE-002, and we have lined up a significant number of the target sites that have indicated strong interest in participating in the trial."

Conference Call Details
Date: August 1, 2024
Time: 8:00 a.m. ET
Dial-in: 1-877-704-4453 or 1-201-389-0920
Webcast Registration: Click Here
Call MeTM Registration: Click Here (Available 15 minutes prior to call)

Financial Results of Astellas for the First Three Months of FY2024

On August 1, 2024 Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Naoki Okamura, "the Company") reported the financial results for the first three months (April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024) of the fiscal year 2024 ending March 31, 2025 (FY2024) (Press release, Astellas, AUG 1, 2024, View Source [SID1234645287]).

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BridgeBio Pharma Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Business Update

On August 1, 2024 BridgeBio Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: BBIO) (BridgeBio or the Company), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on genetic diseases, reported its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024, and provided an update on the Company’s operations (Press release, BridgeBio, AUG 1, 2024, View Source [SID1234645250]).

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"Our team has continued its preparation for the commercial launch of acoramidis while also executing against our goal of fully enrolling our three Phase 3 clinical programs by the end of 2024. We are well positioned to launch acoramidis and achieve three readouts in 2025. Our differentiated capability to develop multiple candidates for genetic-based diseases provides a unique opportunity to create significant value for patients and shareholders," said Dr. Neil Kumar, CEO and Founder of BridgeBio.

Pipeline overview:

Program Status Next expected milestone
Acoramidis for ATTR-CM NDA filed with FDA November 29, 2024 PDUFA date
Encaleret for ADH1 Enrolling CALIBRATE, Phase 3 study Enrollment completion in 2024
BBP-418 for LGMD2I/R9 Enrolling FORTIFY, Phase 3 study Enrollment completion in 2024
Low-dose infigratinib for achondroplasia Enrolling PROPEL 3, Phase 3 study Enrollment completion in 2024
Low-dose infigratinib for hypochondroplasia Enrolling observational run-in for ACCEL 2, Phase 2 study Enrollment completion date to be announced
BBP-631 for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) Dose finding / analysis in Phase 2 study Program update in August 2024
BBP-812 for Canavan disease Enrolling at high dose in Phase 1/2 study Key regulatory interactions

Program updates:

Acoramidis (AG10) – Transthyretin (TTR) stabilizer for transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM):
During the 2024 International Symposium of Amyloidosis (ISA), five new analyses were disclosed through oral presentations and posters, discussing the following:
Acoramidis treatment resulted in increased serum transthyretin (TTR) levels by Day 28 that were sustained and were correlated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality (ACM), cardiovascular mortality (CVM), and cardiovascular hospitalization (CVH) in ATTR-CM participants through Month 30.
Acoramidis treatment resulted in a significant improvement in the composite endpoint of ACM and CVH in ATTR-CM participants, with benefit evident as early as Month 3.
In ATTRibute-CM, participants with at least one CVH had a significantly higher risk of mortality, highlighting the need for ATTR-CM treatments that reduce the risk of CVH.
BridgeBio also shared the rationale and design of ACT-EARLY, the acoramidis ATTR amyloidosis prevention trial, which it expects to initiate later this year.
At this year’s European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure (ESC-HF) Congress 2024, BridgeBio shared four positive analyses, which included the following data:
In a pre-specified Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel sensitivity analysis applied to the entire ITT population of the study (N=632), acoramidis significantly reduced ACM (p=0.04), with no safety signals of potential clinical concern.
Among ATTRibute-CM participants enrolled with Stage 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) (N=21), acoramidis treatment was associated with proportionally fewer deaths compared with placebo, with no safety signals of potential clinical concern.
At Month 30 of the ATTRibute-CM study, acoramidis treatment resulted in a statistically significant and clinically important reduction in the progressive decline in health-related quality of life as assessed by the EuroQoL Health Outcomes Assessment tool, EQ-5D-5L.
Acoramidis treatment also reduced the decline in health status and quality of life as shown by statistically significant and clinically meaningful benefits in the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) overall summary score and supported by numerical and consistent benefits in individual KCCQ domains.
In ATTRibute-CM, acoramidis significantly improved NT-proBNP indices that can be a signal of ATTR-CM disease progression and be predictive of subsequent mortality risk.
During the 2024 American College of Cardiology (ACC), BridgeBio presented cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging evidence consistent with clinical improvement observed in the ATTRibute-CM. The data demonstrate that targeting near-complete TTR stabilization with acoramidis may enable cardiac remodeling and functional recovery in patients with ATTR-CM.
Encaleret – Calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) inhibitor for autosomal dominant hypocalcemia type 1 (ADH1):
CALIBRATE, the Phase 3 clinical trial of encaleret in ADH1, continues to enroll; the Company anticipates sharing topline data from CALIBRATE in 2025.
BBP-418 – Glycosylation substrate for limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2I/R9 (LGMD2I/R9):
BridgeBio has surpassed its interim analysis enrollment target for its Phase 3 FORTIFY study of BBP-418 in individuals living with LGMD2I/R9, with top-line results from the interim analysis expected in 2025.
Recent Type C interactions with U.S. FDA focused on the validated glycosylated alpha-dystroglycan (αDG) bioassay and our interim analysis plans reinforce BridgeBio’s belief that there is potential to pursue Accelerated Approval for BBP-418.
Rare Pediatric Disease Designation for BBP-418 highlights that LGMD2I/R9 is a rare disease with serious manifestations, which primarily impacts children. If BBP-418 is approved, BridgeBio may qualify for a Priority Review Voucher, which can be applied to another therapy in the Company’s pipeline for a shorter timeline during the review process of a NDA or can be sold to another company looking to receive priority review for one of its applications.
Low-dose infigratinib – FGFR1-3 inhibitor for achondroplasia and hypochondroplasia:
BridgeBio shared data from Month 12 and 18 for Cohort 5 of PROPEL 2 (0.25 mg/kg/day), its Phase 2 trial in achondroplasia with the oral treatment, infigratinib, with results including:
A statistically significant and sustained increase in AHV, with a mean change from baseline of +2.51cm/yr at Month 12, and +2.50 cm/yr at Month 18 (p=0.0015).
At Month 18, there was a statistically significant improvement in body proportionality (p-value of 0.001). The mean upper to lower body segment ratio was 1.88 at Month 18, as compared to 2.02 at baseline.
Infigratinib continues to be well-tolerated as a single daily oral therapy with no adverse events (AEs) assessed as treatment-related in any participant in Cohort 5.
Infigratinib for achondroplasia was granted Fast Track Designation and Rare Pediatric Drug Designation by the U.S. FDA. If infigratinib is approved, BridgeBio may qualify for a Priority Review Voucher.
In May 2024, the first participant consented to be part of ACCEL, the observational run-in study for infigratinib in children living with hypochondroplasia.
Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results:

Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Short-term Restricted Cash

Cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and short-term restricted cash, totaled $587.2 million as of June 30, 2024, compared to $392.6 million of cash, cash equivalents and short-term restricted cash as of December 31, 2023. The $194.6 million net increase in cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and short-term restricted cash was primarily attributable to net proceeds received from the term loan under the credit facility with Blue Owl of $434.0 million, net proceeds received from various equity financings of $314.8 million, proceeds from the sale of investments in equity securities of $63.2 million, and special cash dividends received from investments in equity securities of $25.7 million. These were primarily offset by refinancing of the Company’s previous senior secured credit term loan, inclusive of prepayment fees and exit-related costs in aggregate of $473.4 million, net cash used in operating activities of $144.8 million, purchases of equity securities of $20.3 million, and repurchase of shares to satisfy tax withholdings of $4.7 million during the six months ended June 30, 2024.

Revenue

Revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 were $2.2 million and $213.3 million, respectively, as compared to $1.6 million and $3.5 million for the same periods in the prior year.

The increase of $0.6 million in revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period in the prior year, was primarily due to the recognition of services revenue under the exclusive license and collaboration agreements with Bayer and Kyowa Kirin. Revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2023 primarily consists of the recognition of services revenue under the Navire-BMS License Agreement, which terminated effective June 2024.

The increase of $209.8 million in revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period in the prior year, was primarily due to $202.9 million from recognition of non-refundable upfront payments and service revenue under the Bayer and the Kyowa Kirin exclusive license and collaboration agreements.

Operating Costs and Expenses

Operating costs and expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 were $177.7 million and $388.5 million, respectively, compared to $147.7 million and $275.7 million for the same periods in the prior year.

The overall increase of $30.0 million in operating costs and expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period in the prior year, was primarily due to an increase of $23.4 million in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses mainly to support commercialization readiness efforts, an increase of $7.2 million in research and development and other expenses (R&D) to advance the Company’s pipeline of research and development programs, offset by a decrease of $0.6 million in restructuring, impairment and related charges.

The overall increase of $112.8 million in operating costs and expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period in the prior year, was primarily due to an increase of $58.1 million in SG&A expenses mainly to support commercialization readiness efforts, and an increase of $55.3 million in R&D expenses to advance the Company’s pipeline of research and development programs, offset by a decrease of $0.6 million in restructuring, impairment and related charges. Operating costs and expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2024, include $22.5 million of nonrecurring deal-related costs for transactions that were closed during the three months ended March 31, 2024.

Restructuring, impairment and related charges for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 amounted to $2.9 million and $6.3 million, respectively. These charges primarily consisted of impairments and write-offs of long-lived assets, severance and employee-related costs, and exit and other related costs. Restructuring, impairment and related charges for the same periods in the prior year was $3.5 million and $6.9 million, respectively. These charges primarily consisted of winding down, exit costs, and severance and employee-related costs.

Stock-based compensation expenses included in operating costs and expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2024 were $21.5 million, of which $4.9 million is included in R&D expenses, $16.5 million is included in SG&A expenses, and $0.1 million is included in Restructuring expenses. Stock-based compensation expenses included in operating costs and expenses for the same period in the prior year were $27.2 million, of which $13.2 million is included in R&D expenses, and $14.0 million is included in SG&A expenses.

Stock-based compensation expenses included in operating costs and expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2024 were $50.3 million, of which $17.7 million is included in R&D expenses, $32.5 million is included in SG&A expenses, and $0.1 million is included in Restructuring expenses. Stock-based compensation expenses included in operating costs and expenses for the same period in the prior year were $50.7 million, of which $25.0 million is included in R&D expenses, and $25.7 million is included in SG&A expenses.

Total Other Income (Expense), net
Total other income (expense), net for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 were $100.0 million and $63.5 million, respectively, compared to ($14.6) million and ($31.2) million for the same periods in the prior year.

The increase in total other income (expense), net of $114.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period in the prior year, was primarily due to the Company’s gain on deconsolidation of a subsidiary of $126.3 million. This was partially offset by a net loss from an equity method investment of $7.9 million and an increase in interest expense of $2.3 million.

The increase in total other income (expense), net of $94.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period in the prior year, was primarily due to the Company’s gain on deconsolidation of a subsidiary of $126.3 million and an increase in other income (expense), net of $8.1 million mainly from income or mark to market fair value adjustments from the Company’s investments in equity securities. These were partially offset by a loss on extinguishment of debt of $26.6 million, a net loss from an equity method investment of $7.9 million and an increase in interest expense of $5.7 million.

Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders of BridgeBio and Net Loss per Share

For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company recorded a net loss attributable to common stockholders of BridgeBio of $73.5 million and $108.7 million, respectively, compared to $157.9 million and $298.1 million, respectively for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2023.

For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company reported a net loss per share of $0.39 and $0.59, respectively compared to $0.98 and $1.90, respectively for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2023.

BRIDGEBIO PHARMA, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except shares and per share amounts)

Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2024 2023 2024 2023
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Revenue $ 2,168 $ 1,641 $ 213,288 $ 3,467
Operating costs and expenses:
Research, development and other expenses 115,293 108,087 256,863 201,599
Selling, general and administrative 59,523 36,122 125,330 67,230
Restructuring, impairment and related charges 2,891 3,531 6,291 6,900
Total operating costs and expenses 177,707 147,740 388,484 275,729
Loss from operations (175,539 ) (146,099 ) (175,196 ) (272,262 )
Other income (expense), net:
Interest income 5,195 4,514 9,270 8,667
Interest expense (22,937 ) (20,594 ) (46,408 ) (40,715 )
Gain on deconsolidation of a subsidiary 126,294 — 126,294 —
Loss on extinguishment of debt — — (26,590 ) —
Net loss from equity method investment (7,925 ) — (7,925 ) —
Other income (expense), net (632 ) 1,476 8,851 875
Total other income (expense), net 99,995 (14,604 ) 63,492 (31,173 )
Net loss (75,544 ) (160,703 ) (111,704 ) (303,435 )
Net loss attributable to redeemable convertible noncontrolling interests and noncontrolling interests 2,088 2,804 3,032 5,380
Net loss attributable to common stockholders of BridgeBio $ (73,456 ) $ (157,899 ) $ (108,672 ) $ (298,055 )
Net loss per share, basic and diluted $ (0.39 ) $ (0.98 ) $ (0.59 ) $ (1.90 )
Weighted-average shares used in computing net loss per share, basic and diluted 187,586,680 160,535,435 183,145,995 156,645,838

Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
Stock-based Compensation 2024 2023 2024 2023
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Research, development and other expenses $ 4,937 $ 13,229 $ 17,716 $ 25,008
Selling, general and administrative 16,471 13,947 32,542 25,645
Restructuring, impairment and related charges 43 — 43 —
Total stock-based compensation $ 21,451 $ 27,176 $ 50,301 $ 50,653

BRIDGEBIO PHARMA, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)

June 30, December 31,

2024 2023
Assets (Unaudited) (1)
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities $ 447,771 $ 375,935
Investments in equity securities — 58,949
Receivables from licensing and collaboration agreements 660 1,751
Short-term restricted cash 139,409 16,653
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 28,396 24,305
Investment in nonconsolidated entity 117,006 -
Property and equipment, net 9,840 11,816
Operating lease right-of-use assets 7,267 8,027
Intangible assets, net 25,123 26,319
Other assets 18,903 22,625
Total assets $ 794,375 $ 546,380
Liabilities, Redeemable Convertible Noncontrolling Interests and Stockholders’ Deficit
Accounts payable $ 18,126 $ 10,655
Accrued and other liabilities 96,517 122,965
Operating lease liabilities 11,682 13,109
Deferred revenue 32,059 9,823
2029 Notes, net 737,882 736,905
2027 Notes, net 544,270 543,379
Term loan, net 435,447 446,445
Other long-term liabilities 485 5,634
Redeemable convertible noncontrolling interests (223 ) 478
Total BridgeBio stockholders’ deficit (1,092,925 ) (1,354,257 )
Noncontrolling interests 11,055 11,244
Total liabilities, redeemable convertible noncontrolling interests and stockholders’ deficit $ 794,375 $ 546,380

(1 ) The condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023 are derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of that date.

BRIDGEBIO PHARMA, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)

Six Months Ended June 30,
2024 2023
Operating activities:
Net loss $ (111,704 ) $ (303,435 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Stock-based compensation 38,511 49,085
Loss on extinguishment of debt 26,590 —
Accretion of debt 3,683 4,580
Depreciation and amortization 3,170 3,270
Noncash lease expense 2,093 2,024
Accrual of payment-in-kind interest on term loan — 6,742
Net loss from equity method investment 7,925 —
Loss (gain) on deconsolidation of subsidiaries (126,294 ) 1,241
Gain from investment in equity securities, net (8,136 ) (2,399 )
Fair value adjustment of warrants — (222 )
Other noncash adjustments (1,911 ) (328 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables from licensing and collaboration agreements 1,091 8,466
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (6,506 ) 1,057
Other assets 942 32
Accounts payable 8,858 (4,098 )
Accrued compensation and benefits (8,378 ) (11,071 )
Accrued research and development liabilities 7,067 (11,322 )
Operating lease liabilities (2,981 ) (2,443 )
Deferred revenue 22,236 (3,184 )
Accrued professional and other liabilities (1,090 ) 4,330
Net cash used in operating activities (144,834 ) (257,675 )
Investing activities:
Purchases of marketable securities (93,811 ) (19,754 )
Maturities of marketable securities 55,000 41,550
Purchases of investments in equity securities (20,271 ) (71,504 )
Proceeds from sales of investments in equity securities 63,229 67,068
Proceeds from special cash dividends received from investments in equity securities 25,682 —
Payment for an intangible asset (3,190 ) —
Purchases of property and equipment (749 ) (440 )
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents resulting from deconsolidation of subsidiaries (98 ) (503 )
Net cash provided by investing activities 25,792 16,417
Financing activities:
Proceeds from term loan under Financing Agreement 450,000 —
Issuance costs and discounts associated with term loan under Financing Agreement (15,986 ) —
Repayment of term loan under Loan and Security Agreement (473,417 ) —
Proceeds from issuance of common stock through public offerings, net 314,759 144,049
Proceeds from BridgeBio common stock issuances under ESPP 2,364 1,809
Proceeds from stock option exercises, net of repurchases 778 312
Repurchase of RSU shares to satisfy tax withholding (4,679 ) (1,715 )
Other financing activities — 4,563
Net cash provided by financing activities 273,819 149,018
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 154,777 (92,240 )
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 394,732 416,884
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 549,509 $ 324,644

Six Months Ended June 30,
2024 2023
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid for interest $ 49,046 $ 28,738
Supplemental Disclosures of Noncash Investing and Financing Information:
Unpaid public offering issuance costs $ 18 $ —
Deferred and unpaid issuance costs recorded to "Accrued and other liabilities" $ 74 $ —
Unpaid property and equipment $ 70 $ 131
Transfers to noncontrolling interests $ (1,929 ) $ (5,940 )
Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 407,958 $ 302,438
Restricted cash 139,409 19,930
Restricted cash — Included in "Other assets" 2,142 2,276
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period shown in the
condensed consolidated statements of cash flows $ 549,509 $ 324,644

Puma Biotechnology Reports Second Quarter Financial Results

On August 1, 2024 Puma Biotechnology, Inc. (NASDAQ: PBYI), a biopharmaceutical company, reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024 (Press release, Puma Biotechnology, AUG 1, 2024, View Source [SID1234645269]). Unless otherwise stated, all comparisons are for the second quarter 2024 compared to the second quarter 2023.

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Product revenue, net consists entirely of revenue from sales of NERLYNX, Puma’s first commercial product. Product revenue, net in the second quarter of 2024 was $44.4 million, compared to product revenue, net of $51.6 million in the second quarter of 2023. Product revenue, net in the first six months of 2024 was $84.6 million, compared to $98.3 million in the first six months of 2023.

Based on accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP), Puma reported a net loss of $4.5 million, or $0.09 per share, for the second quarter of 2024, compared to net income of $2.1 million, or $0.05 per basic and diluted share, for the second quarter of 2023. Net loss for the first six months of 2024 was $9.3 million, or $0.19 per share, compared to net income of $3.5 million, or $0.08 per basic share and $0.07 per diluted share, for the first six months of 2023.

Non-GAAP adjusted net loss was $2.5 million, or $0.05 per share, for the second quarter of 2024, compared to non-GAAP adjusted net income of $4.6 million, or $0.10 per basic and diluted share, for the second quarter of 2023. Non-GAAP adjusted net loss for the first six months of 2024 was $4.9 million, or $0.10 per share, compared to non-GAAP adjusted net income of $8.8 million, or $0.19 per basic and diluted share, for the first six months of 2023. Non-GAAP adjusted net (loss) income excludes stock-based compensation expense. For a reconciliation of GAAP net (loss) income to non-GAAP adjusted net (loss) income and GAAP net (loss) income per share to non-GAAP adjusted net (loss) income per share, please see the financial tables at the end of this news release.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the second quarter of 2024 was $1.0 million, compared to $3.3 million in the second quarter of 2023. Net cash provided by operating activities for the first six months of 2024 was $12.3 million, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $5.9 million in the first six months of 2023. At June 30, 2024, Puma had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $96.8 million, compared to cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $96.0 million at December 31, 2023.

Alan H. Auerbach, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Puma, said, "We were pleased to see promising efficacy signals from the Phase I/Ib study of alisertib in combination with osimertinib in advanced osimertinib-resistant EGFR-mutated lung cancer, which was presented at the 2024 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper). The trial has been amended such that future enrollment will be limited to patients who are tp53 wild type and we look forward to further studying this combination in this biomarker directed cohort of patients. In addition, the biomarker analysis from the Phase II randomized clinical trial of alisertib alone vs. alisertib + fulvestrant for the treatment of patients with endocrine and CDK4/6 inhibitor (CDK 4/6i) resistant, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-negative), hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer, presented at the same conference, may provide clarity into the subset of patients who may derive the greatest benefit from treatment with alisertib."

Mr. Auerbach added, "We anticipate the following key milestones over the next 12 months: (i) initiation of ALISCA-Breast1, a Phase II trial of alisertib in combination with endocrine treatment in patients with chemotherapy-naïve HER2-negative, hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer (Q4 2024) and (ii) interim data from ALISCA-Lung1, a Phase II clinical trial of alisertib monotherapy for the treatment of patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer (Q4 2024)."

Revenue

Total revenue consists of product revenue, net from sales of NERLYNX, Puma’s first commercial product, license revenue from Puma’s sub-licensees and royalty revenue. For the second quarter ended June 30, 2024, total revenue was $47.1 million, of which $44.4 million was net product revenue and $2.7 million was royalty revenue. This compares to total revenue for the second quarter of 2023 of $54.6 million, of which $51.6 million was net product revenue and $3.0 million was royalty revenue. For the first six months of 2024, total revenue was $90.8 million, of which $84.6 million was net product revenue and $6.2 million was royalty revenue. This compares to total revenue for the first six months of 2023 of $107.3 million, of which $98.3 million was net product revenue and $9.0 million was royalty revenue.

Operating Costs and Expenses

Total operating costs and expenses were $49.3 million for the second quarter of 2024, compared to $49.7 million for the second quarter of 2023. Operating costs and expenses in the first six months of 2024 were $95.3 million, compared to $98.0 million in the first six months of 2023.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales was $10.7 million for the second quarter of 2024, compared to $11.9 million for the second quarter of 2023. Cost of sales was $21.4 million for the first six months of 2024, compared to $25.1 million for the first six months of 2023. The $3.7 million decrease in the first six months of 2024 resulted primarily from lower royalty expense resulting from decreased worldwide net sales.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $25.0 million for the second quarter of 2024, compared to $24.4 million for the second quarter of 2023. SG&A expenses for the first six months of 2024 were $46.7 million, compared to $46.8 million for the first six months of 2023. The decrease was primarily due to lower payroll costs related to lower headcount and recruiting related expenses, a decrease in credit losses due to collection on an overdue receivable, a decrease in stock-based compensation expense and a decrease in marketing costs, partially offset by an increase in legal fees.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development (R&D) expenses were $13.6 million for the second quarter of 2024, compared to $13.4 million for the second quarter of 2023. R&D expenses for the first six months of 2024 were $27.2 million, compared to $26.1 million for the first six months of 2023. The $1.1 million year-over-year increase for the first six months resulted primarily from an increase in clinical trial expenses related to alisertib drug product procurement, as well as a one-time payroll-related expense.

Total Other Income (Expenses)

Total other expenses were $2.0 million for the second quarter of 2024, compared to $2.6 million for the second quarter of 2023. Total other expenses were $4.2 million for the first six months of 2024, compared to $5.4 million for the first six months of 2023. The $1.2 million year-over-year decrease in other expenses for the first six months of 2024 resulted primarily from higher interest income associated with higher interest rates in the current year.

Third Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Outlook

Third Quarter 2024

Full Year 2024

Net Product Revenue

$50 -53 million

$183 – $190 million

Royalty Revenue

$20 – $22 million

$30 – $33 million

License Revenue

$0 million

$1 – $2 million

Net Income

$11 – $13 million

$12 – $15 million

Gross to Net Adjustment

18.5% – 19.5%

21% – 22%

Conference Call

Puma Biotechnology will host a conference call to report its second quarter 2024 financial results and provide an update on Puma’s business and outlook at 1:30 p.m. PDT/4:30 p.m. EDT on Thursday, August 1, 2024. The call may be accessed by dialing 1-877-709-8150 (domestic) or 1-201-689-8354 (international). Please dial in at least 10 minutes in advance and inform the operator that you would like to join the "Puma Biotechnology Conference Call." A live webcast of the conference call and presentation slides may be accessed on the Investors section of the Puma Biotechnology website at View Source A replay of the call will be available shortly after completion of the call and will be archived on Puma’s website for 90 days.

Vir Biotechnology Acts on Expanded Strategy of Powering the Immune System Through Exclusive Worldwide License Agreement with Sanofi for Multiple Potential Best-in-Class Clinical-Stage T-cell Engagers

On August 1, 2024 Vir Biotechnology, Inc. (Nasdaq: VIR) reported that it has entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement with Sanofi for three clinical-stage masked T-cell engagers (TCEs) and exclusive use of the protease-cleavable masking platform for oncology and infectious diseases, acquired by Sanofi from Amunix Pharmaceuticals (Press release, Vir Biotechnology, AUG 1, 2024, View Source [SID1234646506]). The clinical-stage assets include SAR446309 (AMX-818), a dual-masked HER2-targeted TCE; SAR446329 (AMX-500), a dual-masked PSMA-targeted TCE; and SAR446368 (AMX-525), a dual-masked EGFR-targeted TCE. Sanofi’s proprietary masking platform can be applied to TCEs, cytokines, and other molecules by exploiting the intrinsically high protease activity of the tumor microenvironment to specifically activate drugs in tumor tissues. The selective activation of the molecules in the tumor microenvironment potentially increases the therapeutic index (TI) and mitigates toxicities associated with the systemic immune activation seen with traditional TCEs.

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"At Vir, the cornerstone of our commitment is and always will be patient-centered, with the aim to advance transformative medicines for patients facing severe diseases with unmet medical needs. Despite recent innovation in cancer therapeutics, the prognosis for many patients remains poor and treatment-associated toxicity is a major problem," said Marianne De Backer, M.Sc., Ph.D., MBA, Vir’s Chief Executive Officer. "These potential best-in-class T-cell engagers aim to help address these problems and further us in our mission of powering the immune system to transform lives."

This deal announcement coincides with the Company’s statement today on its strategic restructuring initiatives to prioritize its clinical-stage pipeline opportunities.

Sanofi’s masking platform has yielded three promising clinical-stage TCE programs:

SAR446309 is a dual-masked HER2xCD3 TCE in Phase 1 clinical study including participants with metastatic treatment resistant HER2+ tumors such as breast and colorectal cancers. Increasing the TI through this proprietary dual masking may allow for both monotherapy and combinations with checkpoint inhibitors.
SAR446329 is a dual-masked PSMAxCD3 TCE in Phase 1 clinical study including participants with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Increasing the TI through this proprietary dual masking may allow for both monotherapy and combinations.
SAR446368 is a dual-masked EGFRxCD3 TCE with a cleared IND. Phase 1 clinical study, which is expected to begin enrollment in the first quarter of 2025 or sooner, will include participants with EGFR-expressing tumors of various types such as colorectal, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, non-small cell lung cancer, and renal cell carcinoma.
As part of the strategic agreement with Sanofi, key employees with extensive scientific and development expertise in TCEs, and in-depth experience using the masking platform technology, will join Vir upon receipt of Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Act clearance.

"A central focus of our discovery team has been conditionally activated biologics, so adding this platform and key talents is highly strategic for us," said Jennifer Towne, Ph.D., Vir’s Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer. "Our demonstrated deep understanding of T-cell immunology, robust infrastructure, and leading machine learning and antibody engineering capabilities will create opportunities for real synergies and patient-centric innovation."

Pursuant to this agreement, Sanofi will receive an upfront payment and is eligible to receive future development, regulatory and commercial net sales-based milestone payments and tiered royalties on worldwide net sales. This agreement is subject to regulatory approval.

This strategic licensing transaction marks a significant milestone in Vir’s commitment to develop transformative therapeutics for some of the most severe diseases. Across its portfolio of clinical assets, below are anticipated upcoming catalysts:

Tobevibart +/- Elebsiran : Phase 2 SOLSTICE 24-week treatment data for chronic hepatitis delta virus infection expected in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Tobevibart + Elebsiran +/- PEG-IFN-⍺: Phase 2 MARCH Part B 48-week end of treatment data for hepatitis B virus infection expected in the fourth quarter of 2024.
SAR446309 : Phase 1 monotherapy and combination study data expected in the second half of 2025.
SAR446329 : Phase 1 monotherapy study data expected in the second half of 2025.
SAR446368 : Phase 1 study to begin enrollment in the first quarter of 2025 or sooner.
Evercore Group L.L.C. acted as Vir’s exclusive financial advisor and Ropes & Gray LLP acted as Vir’s legal advisor for this transaction.