On August 4, 2022 Adaptimmune Therapeutics plc (Nasdaq: ADAP), a leader in cell therapy to treat cancer, reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022 and provided a business update (Press release, Adaptimmune, AUG 4, 2022, View Source [SID1234617476]). For the three months ended June 30, 2022, Revenue was $5.5 million, Total Operating Expenses (Research and Development and General and Administrative) were $49.3 million, and Net Loss was $44.5 million.

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"We continue to demonstrate progress with our four focus areas for 2022: submitting our BLA for afami-cel, building a MAGE-A4 franchise, scaling up manufacturing capabilities, and advancing our allogeneic platform, pipeline and collaborations," said Adrian Rawcliffe, Adaptimmune’s Chief Executive Officer. "The data presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) further confirm the potential of afami-cel for the initial indication of synovial sarcoma with the BLA submission on-track for Q4 this year. To support commercialization of afami-cel and other products both near- and longer-term, we are investing in focused but scalable operational infrastructure to set us up for success. At the same time, we are carefully monitoring market conditions. We will continue to prudently manage expenses and stop or delay non-core activities."

Adaptimmune’s first potential commercial product, afami-cel, supported by positive data readouts

Biologics License Application (BLA) submission for afami-cel on track for Q4 2022

Adaptimmune is preparing its BLA and continues to target submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the fourth-quarter 2022 for the treatment of synovial sarcoma. This BLA is supported by data from Cohort 1 of the pivotal trial SPEARHEAD-1, which met its primary endpoint for efficacy. In addition, the Company has the following progress updates:

●Miltenyi Biotec vector facility released for cGMP manufacture
●Vector and T-cell product characterization nearing completion
●Method validation for commercial T-cell lot release assays (including potency assays) in progress
●Vector process performance qualification (PPQ) initiated
●Pre-market approval (PMA) for the companion diagnostic is on-track to be submitted simultaneously with BLA

Afami-cel presentation at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2022 – responses reported across all patient subgroups

As reported in June, data based on pooled analyses of characteristics associated with clinical responses (per investigator assessment) from both Cohort 1 of the SPEARHEAD-1 trial, as well as the Phase 1 trial of afami-cel in patients with advanced synovial sarcoma or myxoid/round cell liposarcoma (MRCLS), were presented at the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper)

●Overall response rate was 36% in heavily pre-treated patients across both types of sarcomas (41% in synovial sarcoma and 10% for MRCLS), with a median duration of response of 52 weeks
●Patients who responded to afami-cel had longer progression-free survival (median 58 weeks) compared to non-responders (median 12 weeks)

●Responses occurred across all clinical subgroups, with greater response rates associated with lower baseline tumor burden, fewer prior lines of therapy, and higher MAGE-A4 expression
●Benefit:risk profile of afami-cel has been favorable, to date

Potential of next-gen MAGE-A4 targeted cell therapy in multiple solid tumors

Phase 1 signal-finding SURPASS trial update at ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) in September

●The purpose of the next-generation ADP-A2M4CD8 program is to improve the potency of Adaptimmune’s first-generation product targeting MAGE-A4, afami-cel, to achieve meaningful clinical responses beyond sarcoma
●ADP-A2M4CD8 is being investigated in the SURPASS family of trials
●Last year, at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2021 Congress, Adaptimmune reported data from 22 evaluable patients with confirmed responses in ovarian, head and neck, esophagogastric junction, and bladder cancers from the Phase 1 signal-finding SURPASS trial, with this next-generation cell therapy
●Based on positive signals in gastroesophageal cancers in the Phase 1 SURPASS trial, Adaptimmune initiated a Phase 2 SURPASS-2 trial last year
●The Company plans to initiate an additional Phase 2 trial, SURPASS-3, this year for people with ovarian cancer, based on positive signals from the SURPASS Phase 1 trial
●On September 10, 2022 at 15:45 CET, Dr. David Hong from the MD Anderson Cancer Center, will present a data update from the Phase 1 signal-finding SURPASS trial at the ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2022 Congress
●Data at ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) will include 44 patients who received ADP-A2M4CD8 and 43 patients will be evaluable for efficacy (as of the data cut-off date of August 01, 2022)
●On September 9th, the Company will host a live virtual event from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. EDT to discuss the ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) data and its SURPASS family of trials

Corporate and other news

●Adaptimmune has implemented rigorous cost containment measures to enable delivery against its four key focus areas: submitting the BLA for afami-cel, building its MAGE-A4 franchise, scaling up manufacturing capabilities, and progressing the allogeneic platform
●To prioritize near- and mid-term value creation from its MAGE-A4 franchise, including the BLA submission for afami-cel and the SURPASS family of trials, Adaptimmune will delay submission of an IND for its new next-generation cell therapy ADP-A2M4N7X19, which it is developing in collaboration with Noile-Immune. Core preclinical activities will continue.
●Construction is underway to increase the Company’s cGMP manufacturing space at its Navy Yard site in Philadelphia, PA to support current clinical trials and future commercial products
●A dedicated allogeneic manufacturing facility in the United Kingdom is nearing completion, which will support the IND planned for 2023 for Adaptimmune’s wholly owned allogeneic cell therapy targeting MAGE-A4

Financial Results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022

●Cash / liquidity position: As of June 30, 2022, Adaptimmune had cash and cash equivalents of $97.8 million and Total Liquidity1 of $258.1 million, compared to $149.9 million and $369.6 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2021.
●Revenue: Revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 was $5.5 million and $9.1 million, respectively, compared to $3.1 million and $3.5 million for the same periods in 2021. Revenue has increased primarily due to an increase in development activities under our
1 Total liquidity is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is explained and reconciled to the most directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP below

collaboration arrangements, in particular due to development activities under the Genentech Strategic Collaboration and License Agreement, which become effective in October 2021.
●Research and development (R&D) expenses: R&D expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 were $34.7 million and $71.5 million, respectively, compared to $28.9 million and $53.4 million for the same periods in 2021. R&D expenses increased due to an increase in the average number of employees engaged in research and development, increases in subcontracted expenditures and increases in in-process research and development costs. These were offset by an increase in reimbursements receivable for research and development tax and expenditure credits.
●General and administrative (G&A) expenses: G&A expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 were $14.6 million and $31.4 million, respectively, compared to $13.5 million and $27.4 million for the same periods in 2021 due to increases in employee-related costs and other corporate costs.
●Net loss: Net loss attributable to holders of the Company’s ordinary shares for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 was $44.5 million and $94.8 million, respectively ($(0.05) and $(0.10) per ordinary share), compared to $39.1 million and $76.8 million, respectively ($(0.04) and $(0.08) per ordinary share), for the same periods in 2021.

Financial Guidance

The Company believes that its existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, together with the additional payments under the Strategic Collaboration and License Agreement with Genentech, will fund the Company’s current operations into early 2024, as further detailed in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission following this earnings release.

Conference Call Information

The Company will host a live teleconference and webcast to provide additional details at 8:00 a.m. EDT (1:00 p.m. BST) today, August 4, 2022. A live webcast of the conference call and replay can be accessed at View Source Call in information is as follows: (800)-952-5114 (US or Canada) or +1 (416)-406-0743 (International and additional options available HERE). After placing the call, please ask to be joined into the Adaptimmune conference call and provide the confirmation code (5869059).

On August 4, 2022 Cerus Corporation (Nasdaq: CERS) reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022 (Press release, Cerus, AUG 4, 2022, View Source [SID1234617524]).

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Recent developments and highlights include:

Second quarter 2022 total revenue of $47.6 million, reflecting a 26% increase over the prior year period. Total revenue was composed of (in thousands, except %):

As of the date of this release, the Company is reiterating its 2022 annual product revenue guidance range of $160 million to $165 million, representing a 22% to 26% increase over full-year 2021 reported product revenue.
Second quarter 2022 net loss attributable to Cerus Corporation of $8.4 million, or $0.05 per basic and diluted share, reflecting an improvement of $7.0 million over the prior year period of $15.4 million, or $0.09 per basic and diluted share, as a result of strong product revenue growth and expense management.
Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter of 2022 was negative $2.4 million, compared to negative $8.2 million during the prior year period. For additional information, please see definitions and the reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to net loss attributable to Cerus Corporation accompanying this release.
Cerus achieved cumulative sales for the INTERCEPT Blood System for platelets and plasma that have surpassed 12 million treatable doses globally since the products were first commercially launched.
The Company announced the appointment of Hua Shan, MD, PhD, Professor of Pathology and Medical Director, Transfusion Medicine Service at Stanford Medical Center to its Board of Directors.
Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments were $107.0 million at June 30, 2022.
"Our second quarter 2022 results continued our multi-year trend of strong top-line growth, once again led by sales of INTERCEPT Platelets in the United States," said William ‘Obi’ Greenman, Cerus’ president and chief executive officer. "Despite the significant macroeconomic issues challenging various aspects of the global economy, our business has remained resilient as we support blood centers around the world in providing pathogen reduced blood components to patients."

"We are confident that the growth opportunities we have visibility into will be enough to offset the expected persistence of foreign exchange headwinds and therefore we are pleased today to reiterate our product revenue guidance of $160-165 million for the full year, driven by strong underlying demand for our products," Greenman continued. "Additionally, in light of our continued financial discipline, we believe the Company is well positioned and securely capitalized as we continue to make progress towards our goal of achieving cashflow breakeven."

Revenue

Product revenue during the second quarter of 2022 was $41.0 million, compared to $31.5 million during the prior year period. The year-over-year growth in product revenue during the quarter of 30% comes despite average EUR:USD rates coming down by more than 10% year-to-date. The reported revenue growth was led by continued strong demand for our platelet products in North America.

Second quarter 2022 government contract revenue was $6.6 million, compared to $6.3 million during the prior year period. Reported government contract revenue is comprised of funding associated with research and development (R&D) activities related to the INTERCEPT Blood System for Red Blood Cells and sponsored efforts related to the development of next-generation pathogen reduction technology for whole blood.

Product Gross Profit & Margin

Product gross profit for the second quarter of 2022 was $21.3 million, increasing by $5.1 million over the prior year period. Product gross margin for the second quarter of 2022 was 51.9% compared to 51.3% for the second quarter of 2021, and is roughly flat compared to the first quarter of 2022.

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses for the second quarter of 2022 were $34.7 million compared to $36.8 million for the same period of the prior year. With a core focus on disciplined financial management to improve the overall financial profile of the business, the Company continued to demonstrate operating leverage in support of its goal of achieving cashflow breakeven in the near-term.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the second quarter of 2022 totaled $19.5 million, compared to $19.8 million for the second quarter of 2021, demonstrating continued leverage of the Company’s expense structure as product sales continue to ramp.

R&D expenses for the second quarter of 2022 were $15.2 million, compared to $17.1 million for the second quarter of 2021. In the second quarter, the Company’s R&D expenses declined $1.9 million on a year-over-year basis related to the timing of new product development activities.

Net Loss Attributable to Cerus Corporation

Net loss attributable to Cerus Corporation for the second quarter of 2022 was $8.4 million, or $0.05 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss attributable to Cerus Corporation of $15.4 million, or $0.09 per basic and diluted share, for the second quarter of 2021.

Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA

Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter of 2022 was negative $2.4 million, compared to non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA of negative $8.2 million, for the second quarter of 2021. For additional information, please see definitions and the reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to net loss attributable to Cerus Corporation accompanying this release.

Balance Sheet & Cash Use

At June 30, 2022, the Company had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $107.0 million, compared to $108.6 million at March 31, 2022.

As of June 30, 2022, the Company carried $55.0 million of notes due and a balance on its revolving line of credit of $14.9 million. The Company continues to have access to $5 million under its revolving line of credit.

For the second quarter, net cash used in operating activities totaled $0.3 million as compared to $8.7 million during the prior year period. For the first six months of 2022, net cash used in operating activities totaled $21.8 million as compared to $26.1 million during the prior year period. In both instances, increased product sales and their gross profit contribution, coupled with strong working capital management drove the improvements versus the prior year period.

Reiterating 2022 Product Revenue Guidance

The Company expects full-year 2022 product revenue will be in the range of $160-165 million, representing strong growth of approximately 22%-26% compared to full-year 2021 product revenue of $130.9 million.

Quarterly Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call at 4:30 P.M. EDT this afternoon, during which management will discuss the Company’s financial results and provide a general business overview and outlook. To listen to the live webcast, please visit the Investor Relations page of the Cerus website at View Source

A replay will be available on Cerus’ website approximately three hours after the call through August 19, 2022.

On August 4, 2022 Alector, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALEC), a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering immuno-neurology, reported second quarter 2022 financial results and recent portfolio and business updates (Press release, Alector, AUG 4, 2022, View Source [SID1234617540]). As of June 30, 2022, Alector’s cash, cash equivalents and investments totaled $808.9 million.

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Commentary on the Quarter:

"We continue to make significant progress in building our pipeline of novel immuno-neurology and immuno-oncology drug candidates which engage the innate immune system to treat neurodegeneration and cancer," said Arnon Rosenthal, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Alector.

"With the recent submission of an Investigational New Drug Application (IND) for our next first-in-class clinical drug candidate, AL044, Alector continues to build its position as an innovator in developing new approaches to tackle Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other serious neurodegenerative disorders. The company is planning its first AL044 study in healthy volunteers. AL044 modulates MS4A, which is a genetic risk locus for AD and an immune checkpoint expressed on microglia cells. MS4A activity is associated with multiple AD pathologies, including: Abeta and Tau accumulation, earlier age of onset, and increased rate of cognitive decline. We believe that AL044 has significant potential to be effective in the treatment of AD."

"Patient enrollment is progressing in INVOKE-2, a Phase 2 study of AL002, which is our first-in-class anti-TREM2 antibody for early AD. Following a voluntary exclusion of APOE e4/e4 homozygous patients, we have not observed additional serious adverse events related to amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA). We are implementing earlier patient monitoring to the trial that is consistent with recently published guidelines for ARIA monitoring and management as we continue to prioritize patient safety. TREM2 is an important risk gene for AD and is believed to control the survival, function, proliferation, and migration of microglia, the brain’s immune cells."

"In addition to our robust AD portfolio, we are opening additional sites and expanding recruitment efforts to enroll our Phase 3 INFRONT-3 pivotal study of latozinemab for frontotemporal dementia (FTD) with progranulin mutations (FTD-GRN). Later this year, we also expect to share new data from the Phase 1 study of AL101, the second product candidate from the company’s progranulin portfolio."

Sara Kenkare-Mitra, Ph.D., President and Head of Research and Development at Alector, added, "We are pleased to announce that the company has completed IND enabling studies for our immuno-oncology program, AL009, and anticipates submitting an IND in 2022. AL009 is a first-in-class multi Siglec inhibitor that works to enhance both the innate and adaptive immune system response to tumors by blocking a critical glycan checkpoint pathway that drives immune inhibition. As a leader in targeting myeloid biology, this brings us closer to achieving our goal of building a portfolio of innate immuno-oncology therapies by utilizing the company’s expertise in the central and peripheral innate immune system."

"Alongside these encouraging clinical updates, Alector continues to attract world class talent and we are delighted to announce that Peter Heutink, Ph.D., will be joining us as Chief Scientific Officer. Peter brings considerable experience in human genetics of neurodegenerative diseases, functional genomics, and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology that will help drive science and discovery at Alector."

Clinical Programs

Immuno-Neurology Portfolio
Progranulin Assets (Latozinemab, AL101)

Alector continues to progress the INFRONT-3 randomized, placebo-controlled, pivotal Phase 3 trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of latozinemab in at-risk and symptomatic patients with FTD-GRN. The company continues to build awareness of FTD, support genetic testing and educate the FTD patient community about the INFRONT-3 pivotal study to support clinical trial enrollment.

The company expects to report data at a medical conference later this year from the Phase 1 trial of AL101 in healthy volunteers. AL101 is being developed to elevate progranulin levels in a manner similar to latozinemab (AL001) with plans to investigate AL101 for the treatment of AD and Parkinson’s disease.
TREM2 and SIGLEC 3 Assets (AL002, AL003)

Enrollment in the INVOKE-2 Phase 2 study of AL002 continues with no additional serious adverse events related to ARIA following the exclusion of APOE e4/e4 homozygous patients. The company is implementing MRI monitoring prior to dose escalation for all clinical trial participants, consistent with recently published guidelines for ARIA monitoring and management. The INVOKE-2 Phase 2 clinical trial is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of AL002 in slowing disease progression in individuals with early AD. AL002 is being developed in collaboration with AbbVie and targets Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) to increase TREM2 signaling and the functionality of microglia brain specific immune cells.

As previously announced, AbbVie decided to terminate the CD33 collaboration program after Alector and AbbVie collaboratively reviewed next steps for AL003, which targets CD33. Both companies concluded the program did not warrant further development based on insufficient evidence of an effect on pharmacodynamic biomarkers from a Phase 1 study. This decision allows Alector to focus its resources on other more promising programs.
Novel MS4A Asset (AL044)

Alector has submitted a U.S. IND for AL044, which targets MS4A, a major genetic risk locus for AD and an immune checkpoint expressed on microglia immune system cells. Preclinical data suggest that AL044 may mimic or surpass the effects of a genetic variant of MS4A that is protective against AD.
Immuno-Oncology Portfolio
SIRPα and Multi-Siglec Assets (AL008, AL009)

The company intends to re-acquire the rights that were granted to Innovent Biologics for the development and commercialization of AL008. Innovent submitted an IND to the Chinese regulatory authorities, and Alector plans to utilize data and documentation from this regulatory filing to support a potential IND submission in the U.S. AL008 is a novel innate immuno-oncology candidate with a dual mechanism of action combining the inhibition of the CD47-SIRP-alpha (SIRPα) pathway with the activation of Fc receptors to promote immuno-stimulatory pathways that drive anti-tumor immunity.

The company has completed IND enabling studies for its first-in-class AL009 immuno-oncology program and anticipates submitting an IND later this year. AL009 is a dual function biologic that inhibits multiple Siglec receptors on myeloid cells and simultaneously activates a stimulating receptor on the same cells. The company plans to prioritize tumor types that have immunosuppressive phenotypes and expects to study AL009 as a monotherapy and in combination with standard of care.
Recent Corporate Updates

Dr. Peter Heutink, Ph.D., will join Alector as its soon-to-be new Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) in the fall of 2022. Dr. Heutink is a full professor, a group leader and the site speaker of the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) – Tübingen. In addition, he is a full professor of Genome Biology for Neurodegenerative Diseases at the Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Germany and an honorary professor of Functional Genomics of Ageing and Neurodegeneration at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), the Netherlands. Dr. Heutink has led teams that identified mutation in genes for Parkinson’s disease, FTD, chorea, ataxia, hemochromatosis, porencephaly and various development disorders. He has also made important contributions to genome wide association studies for major depression, Tourette Syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorders, FTD, and Parkinson’s Disease. He has made contributions to a series of genome wide association, exome and whole genome sequencing studies as a member of the International Parkinson’s Disease Genomics Consortium (IPDGC), the International Frontotemporal Dementia Genomics Consortium (IFGC) and the International FTLD-TDP WGS consortium and is a member of the steering committee of the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program. Dr. Heutink has been involved in many industry collaborations to bring genetic findings towards the clinic and is an author/co-author of over 400 peer-reviewed publications.

John Maraganore has joined Alector as a strategic advisor. Mr. Maraganore served as the founding CEO and Director at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals where he led the company’s efforts to form significant partnerships with leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies and built an integrated biotech company with a market capitalization exceeding $25 billion.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued additional patents covering the latozinemab composition of matter and the use of AL101 for treating AD, Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases including FTD.
Second Quarter 2022 Financial Results

Revenue. Collaboration revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, was $79.9 million, compared to $6.6 million for the same period in 2021. The increase of $73.3 million was due to a $52.0 million net increase to collaboration revenue under the AbbVie Agreement due to changes in estimated costs to satisfy the performance obligations resulting from the termination of the AL003 program, partially offset by increases in total expected costs for the AL002 program. The increase was also due to a $21.3 million increase in revenue recognized from the GSK Agreement.

R&D Expenses. Total research and development expenses for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, were $54.5 million, compared to $47.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2021. The increase in R&D expenses was mainly driven by increased personnel-related expenses, including stock-based compensation, as well as an increase in AL101 expenses.

G&A Expenses. Total general and administrative expenses for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, were $15.8 million, compared to $14.1 million for the same period in 2021. The increase was primarily due to an increase in personnel-related expenses, including stock-based compensation, offset by reduced legal expenses mainly to support the GSK collaboration deal in 2021.

Net Income (Loss). For the quarter ended June 30, 2022, Alector reported net income of $9.9 million, or $0.12 net income per share, compared to a net loss of $55.1 million, or $0.69 net loss per share, for the same period in 2021.

Cash Position. Cash, cash equivalents, and investments were $808.9 million as of June 30, 2022. Management anticipates that this will be sufficient to fund current operations into the second half of 2024.

On August 4, 2022 Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKBA), a biopharmaceutical company with the purpose to better the lives of people impacted by kidney disease, reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022 and provided business highlights (Press release, Akebia, AUG 4, 2022, View Source [SID1234617556]).

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"In May we outlined the pillars of our refined strategic focus in the wake of the unexpected Complete Response Letter (CRL) for vadadustat from the FDA to focus on driving Auryxia revenue while managing our overall spending, supporting the regulatory path for vadadustat, and thoughtfully investing in our pipeline," said John P. Butler, Chief Executive Officer of Akebia. "Today we are reporting 32.4% revenue growth for Auryxia versus the second quarter of 2021 and are increasing our revenue guidance for 2022. Since the beginning of the second quarter, we have regained the rights to vadadustat from Otsuka in the U.S., Europe, and other territories, completed our end of review conference with the FDA, and today we shared data for vadadustat in ARDS that we believe supports further development of the drug for this indication. The progress we’ve made in alignment with our refined focus is a testament to the resilience and tenacity of the Akebia team. We look forward to continuing our progress."

The company had several important business updates since the beginning of the second quarter 2022:

In April, Akebia completed a reduction in force, reducing the employee base by 42% of full-time employees, and further reducing open headcount for a 47% overall reduction.
In June, Akebia and Otsuka Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd (Otsuka) agreed to terminate their U.S. and international collaboration agreements. As a result, Akebia has regained the rights for vadadustat from Otsuka in the U.S., Europe, China, Russia, Canada, Australia, the Middle East, and certain other territories. Vadadustat is under review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults.
In July, Akebia completed an end of review conference with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the first step in the process to determine the path for a potential U.S. approval for vadadustat as a treatment of anemia due to CKD in patients on dialysis. The company received a CRL from the FDA for vadadustat in March 2022.
In July, Akebia repaid $25 million on its $100 million debt facility with Pharmakon. In exchange for the early payment, Pharmakon agreed to amend and waive certain provisions, as described in the Form 8-K filed by the company at the time. The repayment results in savings of approximately 34% of the company’s cash interest on the loan for the remainder of the term.
Today, in a separate press release, Akebia announced initial findings from an investigator-sponsored clinical study with the University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston (UTHealth Houston) evaluating vadadustat, Akebia’s investigational oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor (HIF-PHI), for the prevention and treatment of ARDS in clinical trial subjects with COVID-19 and hypoxemia (O2 saturation ≤94%).
"We clearly outlined our objective to manage the company with existing cash resources and ongoing cash from operations and we are pleased to have made significant progress both in terms of net product revenue growth and cost reduction measures," said David A. Spellman, Chief Financial Officer of Akebia. "Auryxia is delivering on a growth trajectory driven by an increase in net price per pill due to an improved payor mix and improved commercial contract terms. Further, our expenses have already begun to decrease significantly as a result of our refined strategy."

Financial Results

Revenues: Total revenue was $126.8 million for the second quarter of 2022 compared to $52.9 million for the second quarter of 2021.
Net product revenue was $43.7 million for the second quarter of 2022 compared with $33.0 million for the second quarter of 2021, a 32.4% increase; and, compared with $41.4 million for the first quarter of 2022, a 5.4% increase.
Akebia is increasing its net product revenue guidance for Auryxia to $170 – $175 million for fiscal year 2022, raising both the top and bottom end of the guidance range by $5 million. The guidance assumes, among other things, continued stabilization of the phosphate binder market and continued improvement of net realized price per tablet. The company’s gross margin continues to expand due to a reduction in supply chain costs and cost management activities.
License, collaboration and other revenue was $83.1 million for the second quarter of 2022 compared to $20.0 million for the second quarter of 2021. This increase reflects a nonrefundable and non-creditable payment of $55.0 million that Otsuka paid to Akebia in July 2022 under the terms of a termination and settlement agreement between the companies. In addition, the company recognized $15.5 million related to previously deferred revenue as of the date of termination and $9.6 million of non-cash consideration related to Otsuka’s obligations to complete certain agreed upon clinical activities.
COGS: Cost of goods sold was $18.6 million for the second quarter of 2022 compared to $52.5 million in the second quarter of 2021.The decrease compared to the prior year period was primarily due to a $30.3 million non-cash charge in 2021 related to an increase to the liability for excess purchase commitments during the second quarter of 2021.
R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $26.0 million for the second quarter of 2022 compared to $37.2 million for the second quarter of 2021. The decrease compared to the prior year period was primarily due to decreased headcount related costs related to the reduction in force and decreased consulting costs.
SG&A Expenses: Selling, general and administrative expenses were $32.8 million for the second quarter of 2022 compared to $41.7 million for the second quarter of 2021. The decrease compared to the same period in the prior year was primarily due to decreased headcount related costs as a result of the reduction in force and lower marketing expenses.
Restructuring: In connection with its previously announced workforce reductions, Akebia incurred $14.5 million in restructuring charges in the second quarter of 2022, primarily related to one-time termination benefits and contractual termination benefits including severance, non-cash stock-based compensation expense, healthcare and related benefits.
Net Income: Net income was $29.3 million for the second quarter of 2022 compared to a $83.0 million net loss for the second quarter of 2021.
Cash Position: Cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2022, were $143.9 million, which does not include the $55.0 million cash payment Akebia received from Otsuka in July 2022 and does not reflect Akebia’s approximately $25.0 million prepayment made to Pharmakon in July 2022. Akebia believes that its cash resources will be sufficient to fund its current operating plan for at least the next twelve months. Akebia’s operating plan includes assumptions pertaining to cost avoidance measures and the reduction of overhead costs resulting from the planned amendment of certain contractual arrangements, including with certain supply partners, and the reduction of certain infrastructure costs. The outcome of these assumptions, such as the potential amendment of certain contractual arrangements with supply partners, are outside of Akebia’s control. In addition, future decisions by the FDA or foreign regulatory agencies related to the potential regulatory approval of vadadustat or our ability to generate additional value from vadadustat through partnerships or other transactions may potentially further extend our cash runway, but such future decisions or transactions are not contemplated in our operating plan.
"A focus on our three strategic pillars have guided us to the point where we believe our existing cash resources and revenues from Auryxia will be sufficient to fund our company’s current operating plan for the next several years," said David A. Spellman, Chief Financial Officer of Akebia. "With key inflection points such as a potential European approval and partnering for vadadustat, we look forward to rebuilding in a measured way."

Conference Call

Akebia will host a conference call on Thursday, August 4, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss its second quarter financial results and provide business updates. To listen to the conference call on August 4th, please dial (833) 630-1955 (domestic) or (412) 317-1836 (international) and ask to join into the Akebia Therapeutics call. The call will also be webcast LIVE and can be accessed via the Investors section of Akebia’s website at View Source

A replay of the conference call will be available two hours after the completion of the call through August 10, 2022. To access the replay, dial (877) 344-7529 (domestic) or (412) 317-0088 (international) and reference replay access code 3608580. An online archive of the conference call can be accessed via the Investors section of Akebia’s website at View Source

On August 4, 2022 Arvinas, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARVN), a clinical-stage biotechnology company creating a new class of drugs based on targeted protein degradation, reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022 and provided a corporate update (Press release, Arvinas, AUG 4, 2022, View Source [SID1234617572]).

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"This is an exciting time at Arvinas as we remain on track to initiate two pivotal programs with ARV-471 in metastatic breast cancer in the second half of this year, have a clear development pathway for bavdegalutamide in molecularly defined metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, and are preparing to initiate our Phase 2 trial with ARV-766 by end of year," said John Houston, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer at Arvinas. "In June, we had a collaborative meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to gain alignment on the registrational trial design for bavdegalutamide. Based on our goal of advancing this important potential treatment for prostate cancer as quickly as possible, the promising clinical data we’ve seen to date, and a productive meeting with the Agency, we have decided to move directly into a pivotal Phase 3 trial. If successful, we think this approach may lead to the fastest potential path to availability for patients in need, both inside and outside the United States, and who are most likely to benefit from this innovative therapy."

Business Highlights and Recent Developments

Arvinas met with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to discuss the potential for an accelerated approach for bavdegalutamide based on a single arm Phase 2 trial and a confirmatory Phase 3 trial for full approval. FDA provided advice on the proposed registrational trial design, including patient eligibility, study design, and follow-up expectations.
After considering multiple factors, including input provided by the FDA, Arvinas believes a randomized, pivotal Phase 3 trial provides the best opportunity to enable simultaneous global regulatory submissions.
The planned Phase 3 trial will evaluate the safety and efficacy of bavdegalutamide in patients with AR T878X/875Y tumor mutations and is expected to initiate in 2H 2023.
Final dose selection for the planned Phase 3 trial will be based on data from additional patients enrolled in the ongoing Phase 1/2 trial, which the company expects will confirm 400 mg as the Phase 3 dose. This further dose exploration will run concurrently with the company seeking regulatory guidance on final Phase 3 design.
Arvinas finalized an agreement with Foundation Medicine to develop the FoundationOneLiquid CDx as a companion diagnostic for use with bavdegalutamide.
Arvinas launched the Global Early Career Researcher Award, which seeks to recognize the efforts of up-and-coming researchers bringing innovation, new approaches, and creative thinking to advance the field of targeted protein degradation.
Arvinas appointed John Northcott to newly created position of Chief Commercial Officer, effective August 1, 2022.
Anticipated Upcoming Milestones and Expectations

ARV-471

Present data from the VERITAC Phase 2 expansion trial (200 mg and 500 mg) (4Q 2022)
Initiate two Phase 3 trials in patients with metastatic breast cancer (as monotherapy and in combination) (2H 2022)
Initiate a Phase 1b combination trial with cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors or other targeted therapies (2H 2022)
Initiate a Phase 1b combination trial with everolimus (2H 2022)
Initiate a Phase 2 neoadjuvant trial in patients with early breast cancer (2H 2022)
Present safety data from the Phase 1b combination trial with palbociclib at a medical conference (1H 2023)
Bavdegalutamide (ARV-110)

Initiate a Phase 3 trial in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, or mCRPC, for patients with AR T878/H875 tumor mutations (2H 2023)
ARV-766

Share Phase 1 dose escalation trial data in mCRPC (2H 2022)
Initiate Phase 2 expansion trial in mCRPC (2H 2022)
Financial Guidance
Based on its current operating plane, Arvinas believes its cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and marketable securities as of June 30, 2022 is sufficient to fund planned operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements multiple years beyond 2024.

Second Quarter Financial Results

Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities Position: As of June 30, 2022, cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and marketable securities were $1,347.7 million as compared with $1,507.1 million as of December 31, 2021. The decrease in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and marketable securities of $159.4 million for the first six months of 2022 was primarily related to cash used in operating activities of $141.5 million (net of $6.5 million received from two collaborators), unrealized loss on marketable securities of $17.4 million, and the purchase of lab equipment and leasehold improvements of $3.5 million, partially offset by proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $3.0 million.

Research and Development Expenses: Research and development expenses were $75.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, as compared with $43.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2021. The increase in research and development expenses of $32.3 million for the quarter was primarily due to an increase in our continued investment in our platform and exploratory programs of $19.6 million, as well as an increase in expenses related to our ER program of $14.1 million, which is net of the cost sharing of ARV-471 under the global Pfizer collaboration agreement to develop and commercialize ARV-471 that was initiated in July 2021 (ARV-471 Collaboration Agreement), offset by a decrease in our AR program (which includes bavdegalutamide and ARV-766) of $1.4 million.

General and Administrative Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $24.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, as compared with $14.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2021. The increase of $9.9 million was primarily due to an increase in personnel and facility related costs of $6.9 million and insurance, taxes and professional fees of $2.9 million.

Revenues: Revenues were $31.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2022 as compared with $5.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2021. Revenue is related to the ARV-471 Collaboration Agreement, the license and rights to technology fees and research and development activities related to the collaboration and license agreement with Bayer that was initiated in July 2019, the collaboration and license agreement with Pfizer that was initiated in January 2018, and the amended and restated option, license and collaboration agreement with Genentech that was initiated in November 2017. The increase in revenues of $25.8 million was primarily due to revenue from the ARV-471 Collaboration Agreement.

Income Tax Expense: Income tax expense was $3.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, as compared with zero for the quarter ended June 30, 2021 due to taxable income projected for fiscal year 2022 primarily related to revenue recognized in 2022 for tax purposes from the ARV-471 Collaboration Agreement.

Net Loss: Net loss was $70.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, as compared with $50.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2021. The increase in net loss for the quarter was primarily due to increased research and development expenses, general and administrative expenses, and income tax expense, partially offset by increased revenue.

About bavdegalutamide (ARV-110)
Bavdegalutamide (ARV-110) is an investigational orally bioavailable PROTAC protein degrader designed to selectively target and degrade the androgen receptor (AR). Bavdegalutamide is being developed as a potential treatment for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Bavdegalutamide has demonstrated activity in preclinical models of AR mutation or overexpression, both common mechanisms of resistance to currently available AR-targeted therapies.

About ARV-471
ARV-471 is an investigational orally bioavailable PROTAC protein degrader designed to specifically target and degrade the estrogen receptor (ER) for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic ER+/HER2- breast cancer.

In preclinical studies, ARV-471 demonstrated near-complete ER degradation in tumor cells, induced robust tumor shrinkage when dosed as a single agent in multiple ER-driven xenograft models, and showed superior anti-tumor activity when compared to a standard of care agent, fulvestrant, both as a single agent and in combination with a CDK4/6 inhibitor. In July 2021, Arvinas announced a global collaboration with Pfizer for the co-development and co-commercialization of ARV-471; Arvinas and Pfizer will equally share worldwide development costs, commercialization expenses, and profits.

About ARV-766
ARV-766 is an investigational orally bioavailable PROTAC protein degrader designed to selectively target and degrade AR. In preclinical studies, ARV-766 degraded all resistance-driving point mutations of AR, including L702H, a mutation associated with treatment with abiraterone and other AR-pathway therapies.

ARV-766 is being developed as a potential treatment for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, and ARV-766 may also have applicability in other AR-driven diseases both in and outside oncology. ARV-766 has demonstrated activity in preclinical models of resistance to currently available AR-targeted therapies.