On August 14, 2024 Monopar Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: MNPR), a clinical-stage radiopharma company focused on developing innovative treatments for cancer patients, reported the successful dosing of the first patient in its open-label Phase 1 imaging and dosimetry clinical trial of its uPAR-targeted imaging radiopharmaceutical MNPR-101-Zr (Press release, Monopar Therapeutics, AUG 14, 2024, View Source [SID1234645924]).

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MNPR-101-Zr was well-tolerated with no serious adverse reactions reported through the last imaging timepoint and the corresponding initial safety review. Preliminary analysis of MNPR-101-Zr’s pharmacokinetics and biodistribution suggests the low radiation dose to healthy tissue aligns with what was anticipated based on the previously presented MNPR-101-Zr preclinical biodistribution data. Dosimetry analysis showed absorbed organ doses were well below accepted safety limits; for example, the radiation dose to red bone marrow was about 14 mGy, which is around 150 times less than the generally accepted limit of 2-to-3 Gy. No unanticipated or excessive uptake of MNPR-101-Zr was observed in any critical organs through the end of the subject’s imaging period. The patient has metastatic disease from a cancer type not known for high uPAR expression. The study aims to include several patients with cancers known to express high levels of uPAR to gain insight into MNPR-101-Zr’s tumor uptake profile, in addition to patients with cancers of unknown uPAR expression.

"The safety profile observed thus far, along with the encouraging biodistribution data, gives us an increased confidence as we continue to advance our Phase 1 study and prepare to launch our therapeutic study," said Andrew Cittadine, Monopar’s Chief Operating Officer.

Further information about the ongoing MNPR-101-Zr trial is available at www.ClinicalTrials.gov under study identifier NCT06337084.

On August 14, 2024 Phio Pharmaceuticals Corp. (Nasdaq: PHIO), a clinical stage biotechnology company whose proprietary INTASYL siRNA gene silencing technology is designed to make immune cells more effective in killing tumor cells, reported its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 and provided a business update (Press release, Phio Pharmaceuticals, AUG 14, 2024, View Source [SID1234645925]).

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Recent Corporate Updates

· The Phase 1b clinical trial for our lead product candidate, PH-762, received a positive safety recommendation from the Safety Monitoring Committee (SMC). There were no dose-limiting toxicities, or clinically relevant treatment-emergent adverse events in the initial cohort receiving intratumoral PH-762. The injections were well tolerated. The SMC recommended dose escalation and enrollment of the next planned cohort in the clinical study.
· The clinical trial is currently enrolling patients for the 2nd cohort.
· A fifth clinical trial site has been added to our Phase 1b study of PH-762. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Department of Dermatology joins four other sites engaged in the clinical study: The George Washington University-Medical Faculty Associates in Washington, D.C; Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Gilbert, Arizona; Integrity Research Clinical Associates in Delray Beach, Florida; and Centricity Research in Dublin Ohio.
· An additional patent in a family of patents covering INTASYL compounds that target aging skin disorders was recently granted in South Korea. The patent covers the INTASYL RXI-185 compound that treats aging and skin disorders, including photo-aging. RXI-185 is a potent silencer of MMP1 expression in the skin, interrupting ultraviolet radiation (UVR) induced collagen breakdown, thereby improving and/or slowing the progression for skin thickening, elasticity and wrinkles.
· Phio entered into definitive agreements to exercise certain outstanding warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 545,286 shares of common stock of the Company, originally issued in February 2020 through December 2023, having exercise prices between $324.00 and $9.72 per share, at a reduced exercise price of $5.45 per share. The gross proceeds to the Company from the exercise of these warrants were approximately $3.1 million.
· A reverse Stock Split became effective on July 5, 2024. Every nine (9) shares of the Company’s common stock were combined into one (1) share of common stock, with no change to the par value of $0.0001 per share. This reduced the Company’s outstanding common stock from approximately 4.6 million shares to approximately 0.5 million shares. The reverse stock split affects all stockholders uniformly and will not alter any stockholder’s percentage interest in the Company’s common stock, except for adjustments that may result from the treatment of fractional shares.
· On July 19, 2024, we received written notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC that stated that the Company was now in compliance with the minimum $1.00 bid price requirement for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
· Phio announced appointment of Robert M. Infarinato to the position of vice president and chief financial officer effective August 1, 2024. He will serve in the capacity of Principal Financial Officer including responsibility for accounting, finance, treasury, investor relations and administration.
· We entered into an exploratory collaboration with a global, multi-billion dollar skin care company regarding opportunities for Phio’s proprietary compounds targeting cosmeceutical skin care applications.

Financial Results

Cash Position

At June 30, 2024, the Company had cash of $4.7 million as compared with $8.5 million at December 31, 2023.

In July 2024, the Company entered into inducement letter agreements with certain holders of the Company’s existing warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 545,286 shares of common stock at a reduced exercise price of $5.45 per share. In consideration for the immediate exercise of the existing warrants, the Company agreed to issue five and one-half year term Series C warrants to purchase up to 583,098 shares of common stock and eighteen month term Series D warrants to purchase up to 507,474 shares of common stock, both at an exercise price of $5.45. The net proceeds to the Company are expected to be approximately $2.6 million, after deducting placement agent fees and offering expenses.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses were $0.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 as compared with $1.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023, a decrease of 37%. The decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in clinical consulting fees incurred in connection with our IND filing for PH-762 in the prior year period in addition to the Company’s cost rationalization measures in transitioning from a research company to a product development company resulting in decreases in salary-related costs, including stock-based compensation expense, and lab supplies associated with the reduction in headcount.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses were $1.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 as compared with $1.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023, a decrease of 10%. The decrease was primarily due to decreases in salary-related expenses for the Company’s President & CEO and in professional fees related to consulting as compared to the prior year period.

Net Loss

Net loss was $1.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 as compared with $2.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease in net loss was primarily due to the changes in research and development expenses, as described above.

On August 14, 2024 Evotec reported its half-year interim report 2024 (Presentation, Evotec, AUG 14, 2024, View Source [SID1234647164]).

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On August 14, 2024 RemeGen Co. Ltd. (688331.SH/09995.HK) reported that 484 subjects have been enrolled in 74 sites across China in the "randomized, open-label, parallel, controlled and multicenter phase 3 clinical study of Disitamab Vedotin for injection plus Toripalimab vs Gemcitabine plus cisplatin/carboplatin for HER2-expressing locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma" led by Professor Jun Guo from Beijing Cancer Hospital and Professor Aiping Zhou from Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (Press release, RemeGen, AUG 14, 2024, View Source;cid=115&id=2261 [SID1234656127]).

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This study was initiated in June, 2022 and aimed at comparing the efficacy and safety between Disitamab Vedotin plus Toripalimab and Gemcitabine plus cisplatin/carboplatin in treating HER2-expressing (HER2 IHC 1+, 2+ or 3+) locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma. HER2-expressing locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma patients who did not receive systemic treatment (including chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy) before were enrolled in this study.

Platinum-based chemotherapy is the current standard of care (SOC) for locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma but has less favorable long-term efficacy. Urothelial carcinoma is the second indication of Disitamab Vedotin approved in China at the end of 2021 for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma patients with HER2 IHC 2+ or 3+, who received platinum-containing chemotherapy before. According to the clinical data for the initial BLA submission, the objective response rate (ORR) based on assessment by the Independent Review Committee reached 50.5%, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.9 months and the median overall survival (OS) was 14.2 months, demonstrating significant efficacy and clinical benefit. Another exploratory study of Disitamab Vedotin combined with PD-1 inhibitor also had remarkable results which have been reported by ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) for several times. The phase 3 study based on the above clinical data will be helpful for the transition of Disitamab Vedotin from later-line treatment to first-line treatment, bringing better survival benefits for more patients.

On August 14, 2024 bluebird bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLUE) ("bluebird bio" or the "Company") reported second quarter results and business highlights for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, including recent commercial and operational progress (Press release, bluebird bio, AUG 14, 2024, View Source [SID1234645891]).

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"We are seeing clear evidence that our commercial launch is accelerating, with over 20 cell collections completed in sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia to date in 2024, and more than 40 additional patients already scheduled to initiate the treatment journey for a bluebird gene therapy by the end of this year," said Andrew Obenshain, chief executive officer, bluebird bio. "We are further encouraged by the commitment to provide patient access across both commercial and government payers, most recently conveyed through multiple positive Medicaid decisions and the growing number of published coverage policies for LYFGENIA, and we expect approximately 85 patient starts across our portfolio this year."

COMMERCIAL LAUNCH UPDATES

LYFGENIA launch building (lovotibeglogene autotemcel); continued commercial momentum for ZYNTEGLO (betibeglogene autotemcel) and SKYSONA (elivaldogene autotemcel)

27 patient starts completed across portfolio to date in 2024 (19 ZYNTEGLO, 4 LYFGENIA, 4 SKYSONA).
Launch momentum building with more than 40 additional patients scheduled for cell collection across commercial portfolio through year end.
Successfully completed manufacturing and release testing for first commercial LYFGENIA patient and the first infusion is being scheduled.
Rapid acceleration projected for ZYNTEGLO following the recent approval of additional manufacturing capacity.
Validated access and reimbursement strategy is driving favorable coverage landscape

Significant progress with formalized paths to market access. To date, more than half of Medicaid-insured individuals with sickle cell disease in the U.S. live in a state that has affirmed coverage for LYFGENIA through a preferred drug list or published coverage criteria.
Nearly 20% of Medicaid-insured individuals with sickle cell disease in the U.S. live in a state that has already completed prior authorization approval for the use of LYFGENIA for at least one patient.
Multiple outcomes-based agreements are published and in place for LYFGENIA with national commercial payer organizations, representing more than 200 million U.S. lives.
Timely access to ZYNTEGLO and SKYSONA has continued, with zero ultimate denials to date for either therapy across both Medicaid and commercial payers.
Substantial QTC footprint established

bluebird has activated more than 70 total QTCs for LYFGENIA and ZYNTEGLO (defined as a signed MSA).
Six centers are activated to administer SKYSONA for patients with cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (CALD).
RECENT COMPANY UPDATES

James Sterling appointed as Chief Financial Officer

Effective June 10, 2024, James Sterling became Chief Financial Officer of bluebird bio. Mr. Sterling most recently served as chief financial officer of Renalytix plc, a diagnostics company focused on clinical management of kidney disease. Mr. Sterling was previously managing partner at Renwick Capital LLC, and managing director at investment banks Brock Capital Group LLC and Aleutian Capital Group. He also serves as a board director for a fund managed by Star Mountain Capital. Mr. Sterling has experience as a management consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton. He received his B.A. from Boston University and an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School.
Michael Cloonan appointed to bluebird bio’s Board of Directors

On June 20, 2024, Michael Cloonan was appointed to bluebird bio’s Board of Directors. Mr. Cloonan is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of Sionna Therapeutics. He was previously Chief Operating Officer at Sage Therapeutics leading all business and G&A functions. During his four years with Sage, he helped lead the growth of the organization through multiple capital raises, the launch of the company’s first product, and execution of a transformational, multi-billion-dollar collaboration. An experienced and respected global biotech leader, Mr. Cloonan has over 20 years of biopharma experience across global organizations in various business and commercial roles.
2024 GUIDANCE

The Company anticipates approximately 85 patient starts (cell collections) combined across its portfolio of three FDA approved therapies (LYFGENIA, ZYNTEGLO, SKYSONA) in 2024. Consistent with previous quarters, bluebird plans to provide quarterly updates on patient starts by indication for each of its therapies.
The Company continues to anticipate gross-to-net discounts across all three products to be in the range of 20% to 25% of gross revenue in 2024 and expects they will fluctuate based on product and payer mix, as well as utilization of outcomes-based agreements for LYFGENIA and ZYNTEGLO.
Based on projected timelines from cell collection to infusion, the Company anticipates recognizing revenue from its first infusion of LYFGENIA in the third or fourth quarter of 2024.
SECOND QUARTER FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Cash Position: The Company’s cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash balance was approximately $193 million, including restricted cash of approximately $49 million, as of June 30, 2024.

Based on current operating assumptions, bluebird expects its cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2024 will be sufficient to fund its operations into the second quarter of 2025i, not accounting for the cash minimums required under the Company’s loan agreement with Hercules Capital, Inc. and excluding receipt of any future tranches under the agreement.

The Company has also renegotiated certain terms of its loan agreement with Hercules Capital, Inc. and is eligible to receive two future tranches totaling $50 million, contingent upon achievement of patient start and product delivery milestones and completion of additional financing. These tranches take the place of previously agreed tranches tied to patient starts and gross profit.
Revenue, net: Total revenue, net was $16.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $6.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The increase of $9.2 million was due to increased ZYNTEGLO product revenue.
On March 26, 2024, bluebird announced that it will restate its consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022, and for each of the first three quarters of 2022 and 2023 in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the "2023 Form 10-K"). The restatements relate to the identification of leases and the treatment of non-lease components contained in lease agreements. The restatement is not expected to impact the Company’s cash position or revenue. As a result of the restatement, the Company is delayed in filing its 2023 Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2024 (the "Q1 2024 Form 10-Q") and June 30, 2024 (the "Q2 2024 Form 10-Q"). The Company is continuing to work expeditiously to complete these filings.

The financial results included in this press release represent the most current information available to the Company’s management. The Company expects that its actual results to be reported in its Q2 2024 Form 10-Q will not differ materially from the results included herein, however, these results are subject to change following the completion of the Company’s financial close procedures and the review of its consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended June 30, 2024.

CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS

bluebird will hold a conference call to discuss its second quarter 2024 results and business updates today, Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 8:00 am ET.

To participate in the conference call, please dial +1 (800) 715-9871 (U.S. and Canada) and ask to be joined into the bluebird call or provide the Conference ID 2776050.

The live webcast of the call may be accessed by visiting the "Events & Presentations" page within the Investors & Media section of the bluebird website at View Source A replay of the webcast will be available on the bluebird website for 90 days following the event.