Kinnate Biopharma Inc. Reports Full Year 2021 Financial Results and Provides Operational Updates

On March 28, 2022 Kinnate Biopharma Inc. (Nasdaq: KNTE) ("Kinnate"), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of small molecule kinase inhibitors for difficult-to-treat, genomically defined cancers, reported financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2021 (Press release, Kinnate Biopharma, MAR 28, 2022, View Source [SID1234611049]).

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"The continuing advancement across our pipeline last year, including the first patient being dosed in our Phase 1 trial evaluating KIN-2787 in adult patients with BRAF-mutant advanced and metastatic tumors, positions the company to further deliver on several key upcoming milestones in 2022," said Nima Farzan, Chief Executive Officer of Kinnate Biopharma. "For KIN-2787, we are on target to report initial monotherapy data from the ongoing KN-8701 Phase 1 trial expected in the third quarter of 2022 and initial data from the combination of KIN-2787 with binimetinib in NRAS-mutant melanoma by year end 2022. Beyond KIN-2787, we were pleased to receive IND clearance for KIN-3248, a next-generation pan-FGFR inhibitor, from the FDA earlier this year and initiated the Phase 1 trial in the first quarter. Our goal of generating one IND filing per year from our Kinnate Discovery Engine remains an important focus for the company as we look to improve upon current targeted oncology outcomes."

Recent Business Highlights and Corporate Update:

KIN-2787, pan-RAF inhibitor

Announced that three abstracts highlighting data from KIN-2787 have been accepted for presentation at the upcoming American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2022, to be held April 8-13, in New Orleans, Louisiana. KIN-2787 is an orally available small molecule pan-RAF inhibitor being developed for the treatment of patients with lung cancer, melanoma, and other solid tumors. The three abstracts include:
Occurrence of BRAF class II and III alterations is common across solid tumors and is associated with inferior clinical outcomes in NSCLC and melanoma (PAN# 4122);
Design and rationale of a first in human (FIH) Phase 1/1b study evaluating KIN-2787, a potent and highly selective pan-RAF inhibitor, in adult patients with BRAF- and NRAS-mutation positive solid tumors (PAN# CT248); and
Antitumor activity of KIN-2787, a next-generation pan-RAF inhibitor, in preclinical models of human RAF/RAS mutant melanoma (PAN# 2674).
Presented findings from a collaborative study with Tempus investigating the prevalence of Class II and Class III alterations among patients with BRAF-mutated solid tumors. These findings were presented as an e-Poster at the virtual European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Targeted Anticancer Therapies Congress (TAT). The meeting took place March 7-9, 2022.
Delivered an oral presentation of KIN-2787 preclinical data at the virtual IASLC 2022 Targeted Therapies of Lung Cancer meeting which took place February 22-26, 2022. In this study, KIN-2787 activity was assessed by suppression of downstream MAPK pathway signaling and subsequent cell growth inhibition across BRAF-altered and/or RAS-altered versus wild type panels of human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines.
KIN-3248, FGFR Inhibitor

Announced the presentation of updates from preclinical studies evaluating its Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR) inhibitor candidate, KIN-3248, a next-generation pan-FGFR inhibitor being developed for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and urothelial carcinoma (UC) and other solid tumors. These findings were presented during a poster session at the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium which took place January 20-22, 2022.
On January 18, 2022 announced that the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the company’s Investigational New Drug (IND) application for KIN-3248. The Phase 1 trial initiated in the first quarter of 2022 and will evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and anti-cancer activity of KIN-3248 in FGFR inhibitor naïve and pretreated cancer patients with FGFR2 and/or FGFR3 gene alterations.
Full-Year 2021 Financial Results

Full year net loss for 2021 was $89.8 million, compared to $35.8 million in 2020.
Full year research and development expenses for 2021 were $67.2 million, compared to $29.2 million in 2020.
Full year general and administrative expenses for 2021 increased to $22.9 million, compared to $6.8 million in 2020.
As of December 31, 2021, the total of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments was $324.9 million, exclusive of the joint venture’s cash.
Key Upcoming 2022 Milestone Targets
KIN-2787

Initial monotherapy data from the ongoing KN-8701 Phase 1 trial expected in the third quarter of 2022.
Initiation of the combination portion of KN-8701 to study KIN-2787 with binimetinib in NRAS-mutant melanoma expected in the first half of 2022 with initial data expected by year end 2022.
Initiation of a Phase 1 trial in Greater China by Kinnjiu expected in mid-2022.
KIN-3248

Initial data from ongoing KN-4802 Phase 1 trial expected in the second half of 2023.
Early Discovery Pipeline

Goal to generate one IND filing a year from the company’s Kinnate Discovery Engine.
Announcement of the company’s next pipeline target expected in the second half of 2022.

Fortress Biotech Reports Record 2021 Financial Results and Recent Corporate Highlights

On March 28, 2022 Fortress Biotech, Inc. (NASDAQ: FBIO) ("Fortress"), an innovative biopharmaceutical company focused on efficiently acquiring, developing and commercializing or monetizing promising therapeutic products and product candidates, reported financial results and recent corporate highlights for the full-year ended December 31, 2021 (Press release, Fortress Biotech, MAR 28, 2022, View Source [SID1234611064]).

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Lindsay A. Rosenwald, M.D., Fortress’ Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Fortress and its partner companies had an exceptional year in 2021, generating a record-setting annual net revenue of $68.8 million, representing more than 50% growth over 2020. We also began to realize the value of our monetization strategy when AstraZeneca acquired Caelum Biosciences ("Caelum"), a company founded by Fortress, during the fourth quarter of 2021, when we received a $56.9 million payment for our investment in Caelum. Fortress has the potential to receive up to an additional approximately $155 million in future milestone payments from the transaction, which includes proceeds from the release of escrow funds. Our subsidiary Cyprium Therapeutics ("Cyprium") executed an agreement with Sentynl Therapeutics to commit development funding for and contingently acquire Cyprium’s proprietary rights to CUTX-101, its Copper Histidinate product candidate for the treatment of Menkes disease, upon FDA approval. Also of note, Journey Medical Corporation ("Journey Medical") completed its $30.6 million initial public offering ("IPO"), net of discounts and other offering costs, launched Accutane (isotretinoin), acquired Qbrexza (glycopyrronium) from Dermira, Inc. and entered into a collaboration agreement with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. to develop and commercialize DFD-29 (minocycline modified release capsules 40 mg) for the treatment of rosacea."

Dr. Rosenwald continued, "Looking ahead in 2022, we anticipate continued progress and growth from our nine marketed prescription pharmaceutical products and over 30 product candidates in development. We have 30 ongoing clinical trials, including four product candidates in seven2 ongoing pivotal clinical trials. We expect the rolling submission of the New Drug Application ("NDA") for CUTX-101 to be complete in mid-2022. After announcing positive top-line results from the registration-enabling study of cosibelimab in metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma ("cSCC") in January, our partner company Checkpoint Therapeutics, Inc. ("Checkpoint") intends to submit a Biologics License Application ("BLA") for cosibelimab in 2022, followed thereafter by a Marketing Authorization Application submission in Europe. Mustang Bio, Inc. ("Mustang Bio"), another one of our partner companies, plans to initiate a multicenter Phase 1/2 clinical trial investigating the safety and efficacy of MB-106, a CD20-targeted, autologous CAR T cell therapy for relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas ("B-NHL") and chronic lymphocytic leukemia ("CLL") in the first half of 2022. Mustang Bio also plans to enroll the first patient in a pivotal multicenter Phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate MB-107, a lentiviral gene therapy for the treatment of infants under the age of two with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency ("XSCID") in the second half of 2022. This ongoing advancement showcases the ability of Fortress’ business model to generate value for our shareholders and develop innovative therapies to help patients with unmet needs across multiple disease areas."

2021 and Recent Corporate Highlights3:

Marketed Dermatology Products and Product Candidates

Journey Medical currently has nine prescription dermatology products. In 2021 and early 2022, Journey Medical acquired and launched four prescription dermatology products including Accutane, Qbrexza, Amzeeq and Zilxi, and two product candidates, DFD-29 and FCD105.
Our products generated net revenues of $63.1 million for full-year 2021, compared to full-year 2020 net revenues of $44.5 million, representing growth of 42%.
In March 2022, Journey Medical dosed the first patient in the Phase 3 clinical program of DFD-29 for the treatment of papulopustular rosacea. Topline data is anticipated in the first quarter of 2023 with an NDA filing expected in the second half of 2023.
In February 2022, Journey Medical received notice from its exclusive licensing partner in Japan, Maruho Co., Ltd. ("Maruho"), that Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare ("MHLW") approved Rapifort Wipes 2.5% (glycopyrronium tosylate hydrate) for the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis. This approval triggered a milestone payment of $10 million to Journey Medical, of which $7.5 million will be paid to Dermira, Inc. ("Dermira"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, pursuant to the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement between Journey Medical and Dermira, with net proceeds of $2.5 million to Journey Medical.
In November 2021, Journey Medical completed its IPO of common stock of 3,520,000 shares at a public offering price of $10.00 per share, for net proceeds of $30.6 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses. All of the shares of common stock were offered by Journey Medical.
In July 2021, Journey Medical completed its final private placements under the 8% Cumulative Convertible Class A Preferred Stock Offering (the "Preferred Offering"), issuing an aggregate of 758,680 preferred shares at a price of $25.00 per share, raising approximately $19.0 million in gross proceeds and, after deducting commissions, fees and expenses, receiving approximately $17.0 million in net proceeds. These shares converted into Journey Medical common stock upon the IPO.
On April 1, 2021, Journey Medical entered into an agreement with East West Bank ("EWB") in which EWB provided a $7.5 million working capital line of credit. In January 2022, Journey Medical expanded the borrowing capacity of the EWB credit agreement to $30.0 million, which includes an increase to the working capital line of credit to $10.0 million and a $20.0 million term loan.
We intend to launch an additional prescription product this year in the first half of 2022.
CUTX-101 (Copper Histidinate for Menkes disease)

In February 2021, our subsidiary Cyprium signed a Development and Asset Purchase Agreement with Sentynl Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Zydus Lifesciences Ltd., for CUTX-101 for the treatment of Menkes disease. Under the terms of the agreement, Cyprium received $8 million upfront to fund the development of CUTX-101 and could receive up to $12 million in regulatory milestone payments related to the NDA submission and approval process and is eligible to receive sales milestones plus royalties. Royalties start from mid-single digits, scaling up to 25% on sales exceeding $100 million annually. Cyprium will retain 100% ownership over any FDA priority review voucher that may be issued at NDA approval for CUTX-101. Cyprium is responsible for the development of CUTX-101 through approval of the NDA by the FDA, and Sentynl will be responsible for commercialization of CUTX-101, as well as progressing newborn screening activities.
In October 2021, we announced positive results from an efficacy and safety analysis of data integrated from two completed pivotal studies in patients with Menkes disease treated with CUTX-101, copper histidinate (CuHis). These data were presented as a virtual poster at the 2021 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition. Overall, a 79% reduction in risk of death was observed in patients treated within four weeks of birth compared with an untreated historical control cohort of patients and median overall survival (OS) was 177.1 and 16.1 months, respectively, with a hazard ratio (HR) of (95% CI) = 0.208 (0.094, 0.463) p<0.0001. A 75% reduction in the risk of death was also observed in patients treated after four weeks of birth compared with untreated historical control subjects and median OS was 62.4 and 17.6 months, respectively; HR (95% CI) = 0.253 (0.119, 0.537); p<0.0001.
In December 2021, we initiated the rolling submission of an NDA to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") for CUTX-101. We intend to complete the rolling submission of the NDA for CUTX-101 in mid-2022.
In March 2022, Cyprium announced positive data on CUTX-101 were presented as a "Top-Rated Abstract" and Poster at the 2022 American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics Clinical Genetics Meeting. The abstract can be viewed here.
CUTX-101 was sourced by Fortress and is currently in development at Cyprium.
CAEL-101 (Light Chain Fibril-reactive Monoclonal Antibody for AL Amyloidosis)

On October 5, 2021, AstraZeneca plc as successor-in-interest to Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Alexion") acquired Caelum for an upfront payment of approximately $150 million paid to Caelum shareholders, of which approximately $56.9 million was paid to Fortress, net of the $6.4 million, 24-month escrow holdback amount and other miscellaneous transaction expenses. The agreement also provides for additional potential payments to Caelum shareholders totaling up to $350 million, payable upon the achievement of regulatory and commercial milestones. Fortress is eligible to receive 42.4% of all potential milestone payments, totaling up to approximately $212 million.
There are two ongoing Phase 3 studies of CAEL-101 for AL amyloidosis. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT04512235 and NCT04504825)
In December 2021, CAEL-101 data were presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting ("ASH2021"). Abstracts can be viewed online through the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper)2021 website here.
In June 2021, Caelum announced that CAEL-101 clinical data were presented at the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) 2021 Virtual Congress ("EHA2021"). The data, presented in two e-posters, demonstrates the safety and tolerability profile of CAEL-101 to further support the dose selection for the ongoing Phase 3 study, and suggest possible cardiac and renal response.
Also in June 2021, the FDA granted Fast Track designation to CAEL-101 for the treatment of light chain AL amyloidosis.
CAEL-101 was sourced by Fortress and was developed by Caelum until Caelum was acquired by AstraZeneca.
Cosibelimab (formerly CK-301, an anti-PD-L1 antibody)

In December 2021, we announced the initiation of the CONTERNO study, a global, randomized Phase 3 trial of cosibelimab in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer.
In January 2022, we announced positive topline results from our registration-enabling clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of our anti-PD-L1 antibody, cosibelimab, administered as a fixed dose of 800 mg every two weeks in patients with metastatic cSCC. The study met its primary endpoint, with cosibelimab demonstrating a confirmed objective response rate of 47.4% (95% CI: 36.0, 59.1) based on independent central review of 78 patients enrolled in the metastatic cSCC cohort using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 criteria. Checkpoint intends to submit a BLA for cosibelimab in 2022, followed by a Marketing Authorization Application submission in Europe and other territories worldwide. With a potentially favorable safety profile versus anti-PD-1 therapy and a plan to commercialize at a substantially lower price, we believe cosibelimab has the potential to be a market disruptive product in the $30 billion and growing PD-(L)1 class.
Cosibelimab was sourced by Fortress and is currently in development at our partner company, Checkpoint.
Olafertinib (formerly CK-101, a third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor ("EGFR") inhibitor)

During the second quarter of 2021, we had productive interactions with the FDA regarding Checkpoint’s ongoing development program for olafertinib (formerly CK-101), our third-generation EGFR inhibitor being evaluated by our partner in an ongoing double-blind, randomized Phase 3 study in China.
Olafertinib was sourced by Fortress and is currently in development at our partner company, Checkpoint.
MB-106 (CD20-targeted CAR T Cell Therapy)

In May 2021, we announced that the FDA approved Mustang Bio‘s Investigational New Drug ("IND") application to initiate a multicenter Phase 1/2 clinical trial investigating the safety and efficacy of MB-106, a CD20-targeted, autologous CAR T cell therapy for relapsed or refractory B-NHL and CLL. We intend to dose the first patient in that trial in the first half of 2022.
In June 2021, we announced that MB-106 CD20-targeted CAR T data were presented at EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper)2021. Dr. Mazyar Shadman of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center presented updated interim data from the ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial for B-NHL and CLL, which showed a favorable safety profile and compelling clinical activity, with a 93% overall response rate and 67% complete response rate in patients treated with the modified cell manufacturing process.
Also in June 2021, we hosted a key opinion leader webinar featuring a presentation from Dr. Shadman, who discussed interim results from the ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial investigating the safety and efficacy of MB-106 CD20-targeted CAR T for B-NHL and CLL.
In November 2021, we announced that Mustang Bio was awarded a grant of approximately $2 million from the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health. This two-year award will partially fund the Mustang Bio-sponsored multicenter trial to assess the safety, tolerability and efficacy of MB-106, a CD20-targeted, autologous CAR T cell therapy for patients with relapsed or refractory B- NHL or CLL.
In December 2021, we announced that MB-106 data were presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper)2021. Dr. Mazyar Shadman of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center presented updated interim data showing a 95% overall response rate, 65% complete response rate and favorable safety profile from the ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial for B-NHL and CLL. A copy of the poster can be viewed online here.
Also in December 2021, we hosted a key opinion leader webinar featuring a presentation from Dr. Shadman, who discussed interim results from the ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial investigating the safety and efficacy of MB-106 CD20-targeted CAR T for B-NHL and CLL. A replay of the webinar can be found here.
In January 2022, we announced that interim Phase 1/2 data on MB-106, a CD20-targeted, autologous CAR T cell therapy for patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell NHL and CLL, were selected for a poster presentation at the 2022 Tandem Meetings I Transplantation & Cellular Therapy Meetings of the American Society of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy and Center for International Blood & Marrow Transplant Research, rescheduled to take place April 23-26, 2022, in Salt Lake City, Utah. A copy of the abstract can be viewed on the meeting website here.
MB-106 was sourced by Fortress and is currently in development at our partner company, Mustang Bio.
Dotinurad (Urate Transporter (URAT1) Inhibitor)

In May 2021, we announced an exclusive license agreement with Fuji Yakuhin Co. Ltd. to develop Dotinurad in North America and Europe. Dotinurad is a potential best-in-class urate transporter (URAT1) inhibitor for gout and possibly other hyperuricemic indications including chronic kidney disease (CKD) and heart failure. Dotinurad (URECE tablet) was approved in Japan in 2020 as a once-daily oral therapy for gout and hyperuricemia. Dotinurad was efficacious and well-tolerated in more than 500 Japanese patients treated for up to 58 weeks in Phase 3 clinical trials. Over 1,000 Japanese patients have been treated safely with this drug.
In December 2021, we filed an IND with the FDA. We expect to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial to evaluate Dotinurad for the treatment of gout in the first half of 2022.
Dotinurad was sourced by Fortress and is currently in development at our subsidiary company, UR1 Therapeutics.
MB-107 and MB-207 (Lentiviral Gene Therapies for XSCID)

In February 2021, we announced encouraging MB-107 and MB-207 clinical updates from our XSCID investigator-IND trials, as well as additional consistent safety and efficacy data.
In August 2021, we announced that the European Medicines Agency ("EMA") granted Priority Medicines ("PRIME") designation to MB-107, a lentiviral gene therapy for the treatment of XSCID in newly diagnosed infants, also known as bubble boy disease.
In the second half of 2022, we expect to enroll the first patient in a pivotal multicenter Phase 2 clinical trial under Mustang Bio’s IND to evaluate MB-107, a lentiviral gene therapy for the treatment of infants under the age of two with XSCID.
Mustang Bio filed an IND application in December 2021 for its pivotal multicenter Phase 2 clinical trial of MB-207, a lentiviral gene therapy for the treatment of patients with XSCID who have been previously treated with a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation ("HSCT") and for whom re-treatment is indicated. The trial is currently on hold pending CMC clearance from the FDA, and based on feedback from the Agency, Mustang Bio expects to enroll the first patient in a pivotal multicenter Phase 2 clinical trial in the first quarter of 2023.
MB-107 and MB-207 were sourced by Fortress and are currently in development at our partner company, Mustang Bio.
Triplex (Cytomegalovirus ("CMV") vaccine)

In December 2021, we announced that a Phase 2 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was initiated to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Triplex, a cytomegalovirus ("CMV") vaccine, in eliciting a CMV-specific immune response and reducing CMV replication in people living with HIV. The trial is being conducted by the AIDS Clinical Trials Group and is funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, part of the National Institutes of Health.
Triplex was sourced by Fortress and is currently in development at our subsidiary company, Helocyte, Inc.
MB-101 (IL13Rα2-targeted CAR T Cell Therapy)

In May 2021, we announced that the first patient was dosed at City of Hope in a clinical trial to establish the safety and feasibility of administering MB-101 (autologous IL13Rα2-directed CAR T cells) to patients with leptomeningeal brain tumors (e.g., glioblastoma, ependymoma or medulloblastoma).
In October 2021, Christine Brown, Ph.D., Deputy Director, T Cell Therapeutics Research Laboratory Professor, Departments of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and Immuno-Oncology and The Heritage Provider Network Professor in Immunotherapy at City of Hope, presented updated Phase 1 clinical data regarding MB-101 (IL13Rα2‐targeted CAR T cells) for the treatment of glioblastoma at two scientific conferences, the First Annual Conference on CNS Clinical Trials, co-sponsored by the Society for Neuro-Oncology and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper), and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Virtual Special Conference: Brain Cancer.
MB-101 was sourced by Fortress and is currently in development at our partner company, Mustang Bio.
MB-105 (PSCA-targeted CAR T Cell Therapy)

In February 2022, Phase 1 data on MB-105, a PSCA-targeted CAR T cell therapy administered systemically to patients with PSCA-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer ("mCRPC"), were presented by City of Hope at the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Genitourinary Cancers Symposium. The data results indicated that PSCA-CAR T-cell therapy is feasible in patients with mCRPC with dose limiting toxicity of cystitis and show preliminary anti-tumor effect at a dose of 100 million cells plus lymphodepletion. It was concluded that escalation up to the next dose level of 300 million cells can proceed in the trial.
MB-105 was sourced by Fortress and is currently in development at our partner company, Mustang Bio.
MB-109 (MB-101 (IL13Rα2-targeted CAR T Cell Therapy) + MB-108 oncolytic virus)

In March 2022, we announced that an abstract reporting on Phase 1 trials being conducted at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and City of Hope of Mustang Bio’s exclusively licensed oncolytic viral and CAR T-cell therapies for the treatment of patients with glioblastoma (GBM) was selected as a late-breaking poster presentation at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2022, taking place April 8 – 13, 2022, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The abstract will also be published in the online Proceedings of the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper).
Novel CAR T Technology

In August 2021, we announced an exclusive license agreement with Mayo Clinic for a novel technology to create in vivo CAR T cells that may be able to transform the administration of CAR T therapies and has the potential to be used as an off-the-shelf therapy.
The novel CAR T technology was sourced by Fortress and is currently in development at our partner company, Mustang Bio.
Ex Vivo Lentiviral Gene Therapy for RAG1 Severe Combined Immunodeficiency ("RAG1-SCID")

In November 2021, we announced the execution of an exclusive license agreement with Leiden University Medical Centre for a first-in-class ex vivo lentiviral gene therapy for the treatment of RAG1-SCID.
The ex vivo lentiviral gene therapy was sourced by Fortress and is currently in development at Mustang Bio.
Financial Results:

To assist our stockholders in understanding our company, we have prepared non-GAAP financial results for the three months and twelve months ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. These results exclude the operations of our four public partner companies: Avenue Therapeutics, Inc. ("Avenue"), Checkpoint, Journey Medical and Mustang Bio, as well as any one-time, non-recurring, non-cash transactions. The goal in providing these non-GAAP financial metrics is to highlight the financial results of Fortress’ core operations, which are comprised of our privately held development-stage entities, as well as our business development and finance functions.

As of December 31, 2021, Fortress’ consolidated cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash totaled $308.0 million, compared to $254.4 million as of September 30, 2021, and $235.0 million as of December 31, 2020, an increase of $53.6 million for the fourth quarter and an increase of $73.0 million for the full year.
On a GAAP basis, Fortress’ net revenue totaled $68.8 million for the full year ended December 31, 2021, which included $63.1 million in net revenue generated from our marketed dermatology products. This compares to net revenue totaling $45.6 million for the full year ended 2020, which included $44.5 million in net revenue generated from our marketed dermatology products.
On a GAAP basis, consolidated research and development expenses including license acquisitions totaled $128.9 million for the full year ended December 31, 2021, compared to $64.1 million for the full year ended December 31, 2020. On a non-GAAP basis, research and development costs including research and development license acquisitions totaled $18.0 million for the full year ended December 31, 2021, compared to $10.0 million for the full year ended December 31, 2020.
On a GAAP basis, consolidated selling, general and administrative costs were $86.8 million for the full year ended December 31, 2021, compared to $61.2 million for the full year ended December 31, 2020. On a non-GAAP basis, selling, general and administrative expenses were $28.6 million for the full year ended December 31, 2021, compared to $23.4 for the full year ended December 31, 2020.
On a GAAP basis, consolidated net loss attributable to common stockholders was $(64.7) million, or $(0.79) per share, for the full year ended December 31, 2021, compared to net loss attributable to common stockholders of $(46.5) million, or $(0.65) per share for the full year ended December 31, 2020.
Fortress’ non-GAAP income attributable to common stockholders was $25.5 million, or $0.31 per share basic and $0.25 per share diluted, for the full year ended December 31, 2021, compared to Fortress’ non-GAAP loss attributable to common stockholders of $(30.8) million, or $(0.43) per share basic and diluted, for the full year ended December 31, 2020.
Use of Non-GAAP Measures:
In addition to the GAAP financial measures as presented in our Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 28, 2022, the Company, in this press release, has included certain non-GAAP measurements. The non-GAAP net loss attributable to common stockholders is defined by the Company as GAAP net loss attributable to common stockholders, less net losses attributable to common stockholders from our public partner companies Avenue, Checkpoint, Journey Medical and Mustang Bio ("public partner companies"), as well as our former subsidiary, Caelum. In addition, the Company has also provided a Fortress non-GAAP loss attributable to common stockholders which is a modified EBITDA calculation that starts with the non-GAAP loss attributable to common stockholders and removes stock-based compensation expense, non-cash interest expense, amortization of licenses and debt discount, changes in fair values of investment, changes in fair value of derivative liability, and depreciation expense. The Company also provides non-GAAP research and development costs, defined as GAAP research and development costs, less research and development costs of our public partner companies and non-GAAP selling, general and administrative costs, defined as GAAP selling, general and administrative costs, less selling, general and administrative costs of our public partner companies.

Management believes each of these non-GAAP measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding the Company’s performance because (i) it allows for greater transparency with respect to key measures used by management in its financial and operational decision-making; (ii) it excludes the impact of non-cash or, when specified, non-recurring items that are not directly attributable to the Company’s core operating performance and that may obscure trends in the Company’s core operating performance; and (iii) it is used by institutional investors and the analyst community to help analyze the Company’s standalone results separate from the results of its public partner companies. However, non-GAAP loss attributable to common stockholders and any other non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, the corresponding measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Further, non-GAAP financial measures used by the Company and the manner in which they are calculated may differ from the non-GAAP financial measures or the calculations of the same non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies, including the Company’s competitors.

Results for the year ended December 31, 2020 have been adjusted to remove Journey Medical as a public entity due to its IPO in November, 2021.
Avenue net loss for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 of $3.7 million and $5.2 million, respectively, net of non-controlling interest of $2.9 million and $4.0 million, respectively.
Checkpoint net loss for the year ended December 31, 2021 of $56.7 million net of non-controlling interest of $39.2 million, Master Services Agreement ("MSA") fee to Fortress of $0.5 million, financing fee and payment-in-kind ("PIK") dividend to Fortress of $1.0 million and $6.6 million, respectively; and net loss for the year ended December 31, 2020 of $23.1 million net of non-controlling interest of $13.3 million, MSA fee to Fortress of $0.5 million, financing fee and PIK dividend to Fortress of $0.9 million and $4.6 million, respectively.
Journey Medical net loss for the year ended December 31, 2021 of $44.0 million net of non-controlling interest of $5.7 million and tax expense recognized on a stand-alone basis of $1.6 million; and net income for the year ended December 31, 2020 of $5.3 million, net non-controlling interest of $0.5 million and stand-alone tax expense of $1.9 million.
Mustang net loss of $66.4 million net of non-controlling interest of $48.5 million, MSA fee to Fortress of $0.5 million and financing fee and PIK dividend to Fortress of $1.9 million and $4.2 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2021; and net loss of $60.0 million net of non-controlling interest of $36.4 million, MSA fee to Fortress of $0.5 million and financing fee and PIK dividend to Fortress of $2.4 million and $7.6 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Proceeds received from AstraZeneca plc acquisition of Caelum Biosciences, Inc. in October 2021.Includes Research and development expense and Research and development – licenses acquired expense for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Excludes $6.6 million and $4.6 million of PIK dividend payable to Fortress for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Excludes $0.3 million of Fortress MSA expense and $4.2 million PIK dividend payable to Fortress for the year ended December 31, 2021; and excludes $0.3 million of Fortress MSA expense and $7.6 million PIK dividend payable to Fortress for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Includes Selling, general and administrative expenses and wire transfer fraud loss for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Excludes $0.5 million of Fortress MSA expense and $1.0 million Fortress financing fee for the year ended December 31, 2021; and $0.5 million of Fortress MSA expense and $0.9 million Fortress financing fee for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Excludes $0.3 million of Fortress MSA expense and $1.9 million Fortress financing fee for the year ended December 31, 2021; and $0.3 million of Fortress MSA expense and $2.4 million Fortress financing fee for the year ended December 31, 2020.

ERYTECH TO PARTICIPATE IN THE UPCOMING APRIL INVESTOR CONFERENCES

On March 28, 2022 ERYTECH Pharma (Nasdaq & Euronext: ERYP), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies by encapsulating therapeutic drug substances inside red blood cells, reported their participation in upcoming investor conferences and invites investors to participate in one-on-one meetings (Press release, ERYtech Pharma, MAR 28, 2022, View Source [SID1234611127]):

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Investor Access Event

Link to the event

Date: Monday, April 4th and Tuesday, April 5th
Place: Paris (France)
Participant: Eric SOYER (CFO-COO)

Kempen 14th Life Sciences Conference

Link to the event

Date: Thursday, April 21st
Place: Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Participants: Gil BEYEN (CEO) and Eric SOYER (CFO-COO)

If you are interested in arranging a one-on-one meeting, please contact your conference representative.

Acacia Pharma Group PLC proposed Transaction with Eagle Pharmaceuticals PLC

On March 28, 2022 Acacia Pharma Group PLC reported that proposed Transaction with Eagle Pharmaceuticals PLC (Press release, Acacia Pharma, MAR 28, 2022, View Source [SID1234611029])

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Key highlights

Acacia Pharma Group PLC ("Acacia") met its formulary goals for both Barhemsys and Byfavo in FY2021 and continues to be encouraged that feedback for both products is indicative of significant future commercial potential.
However, Acacia’s standalone financial condition has been negatively impacted by physical access limitations caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and a significant latency of demand due to postponement of surgical procedures. Accordingly, Acacia expects it would require a minimum of approximately US$115m of additional cash to fund operations to break-even (based on projections assuming break-even by early FY2025).
As a result, the Acacia Board appointed Greenhill to undertake a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives available to maximise value for Acacia Shareholders. The review included consideration of options to raise additional capital, but found that the terms on which such capital was likely to be available would have led to significant dilution and potential destruction of value for Acacia Shareholders.
Following this comprehensive exploration and assessment of all strategic alternatives, the board of directors of Acacia and the board of directors of Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Eagle") hereby announce that they have reached agreement on the terms of a transfer of the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Acacia to Eagle by way of a scheme of arrangement under Part 26 of the Companies Act 2006 (the "Proposed Transaction").
Under the terms of the Proposed Transaction, each Scheme Shareholder will receive as consideration (the "Consideration"):
for each Scheme Share, €0.68 in cash and 0.0049 New Eagle Shares

The Proposed Transaction values Acacia’s existing issued and to be issued share capital at approximately €94.7 million on a fully diluted basis.
The cash portion of the Consideration represents approximately 75 per cent. of the total Consideration, and the New Eagle Shares that Acacia Shareholders would receive represent approximately 25 per cent. of the total Consideration, which represents approximately 3.8 per cent. of the enlarged Eagle share capital in issue immediately following completion of the Scheme. The total Consideration equates to €0.90 for each Scheme Share.
The Consideration provides Acacia Shareholders with both up-front cash and, through the New Eagle Shares to be acquired by Acacia Shareholders, equity participation in the value creation potential for the enlarged business through de-risked funding requirements, enlarged group synergies, and being part of a well-funded entity with shares trading on a liquid exchange.
Having considered all of the available alternatives as part of its strategic review, the Acacia Board believes that the Proposed Transaction represents the best option for Acacia Shareholders to maximise the value of their shares, and therefore unanimously recommends the Proposed Transaction.
Furthermore, the Acacia Board considers that there is a significant risk that if the Scheme is not approved by the necessary number of Acacia Shareholders, this could lead to a very material reduction in the value attributable to Acacia Shares and/or an insolvency procedure relating to the Acacia Group, which could in turn result in negligible (if any) value being attributable to Acacia Shares.
In making its recommendation, the board of Acacia has considered the financial position of Acacia given the significant operational challenges as a result of the limited physical access to institutions resulting from the global COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the significant latency of demand due to the postponement of non-essential surgical procedures, as a result of which the Acacia Group has experienced a significant reduction in its available liquidity as the net revenue in 2021 and so far in 2022 continues to lag behind expectations.
Recommendation, irrevocable undertakings and shareholder support for the Proposed Transaction

The Acacia Directors consider the Proposed Transaction to be the best available option for Acacia Shareholders. In making this assessment, the Acacia Directors have received financial advice from Greenhill who, in providing its financial advice, has taken into account the commercial assessments of the Acacia Directors. Accordingly, the Acacia Directors intend unanimously to recommend that Acacia Shareholders vote in favour of the Scheme at the Court Meeting and the Resolutions to be proposed at the General Meeting, as the Acacia Directors have irrevocably undertaken to do in respect of the 217,543 Acacia Shares which they hold and which they control (or can procure the control of) the voting rights, representing approximately 0.22 per cent. of the issued share capital of Acacia on 25 March 2022, being the last business day before this announcement.
In addition to the irrevocable undertakings referred to above, Eagle has also received irrevocable undertakings from the three largest shareholders of Acacia to vote in favour of the Scheme at the Court Meeting and the Resolutions to be proposed at the General Meeting in respect of the 49,012,875 Acacia Shares which they hold and which they control (or can procure the control of) the voting rights, representing approximately 48.56 per cent. of the issued share capital of Acacia on 25 March 2022, being the last business day before this announcement.
Therefore, Eagle has received irrevocable undertakings representing, in aggregate, 49,230,418 Acacia Shares representing approximately 48.78 per cent. of the issued share capital of Acacia.
Further details of these irrevocable undertakings, including the circumstances in which they cease to be binding, are set out in Appendix 3 to this announcement.
Information on Eagle

Eagle is a fully integrated pharmaceutical company with research and development, clinical, manufacturing and commercial expertise. Eagle is committed to developing innovative medicines that result in meaningful improvements in patients’ lives. Eagle’s commercialised products include vasopressin injection, PEMFEXY, RYANODEX, BENDEKA, BELRAPZO, TREAKISYM (Japan), and its oncology and CNS/metabolic critical care pipeline includes product candidates with the potential to address underserved therapeutic areas across multiple disease states. Additional information is available on Eagle’s website at www.eagleus.com.
Eagle is listed with shares of its common stock publicly traded on Nasdaq under the trading symbol "EGRX" and has a market capitalisation of approximately US$615 million as at 25 March 2022, being the last business day before this announcement.
Comments on the Proposed Transaction

Commenting on the Proposed Transaction, Scott Byrd, Chairman of Acacia, said:
"I am proud of the progress that Acacia has achieved in bringing Barhemsys through clinical trials to the market and in the progress it has subsequently made in launching both this product and Byfavo in the US. Both products are designed to address clear and important hospital needs and to date have received positive feedback from customers and strong formulary acceptance, positioning them well for future success. However, the global COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant and sustained challenges that have significantly disrupted hospital operations, limited access, and dramatically increased the time and investment required for product launches.

The Acacia Board believes this Proposed Transaction represents an opportunity for Acacia shareholders to realise value for their investment in cash and, through Eagle, retain an interest in the future value that may be generated from Barhemsys and Byfavo being part of a larger portfolio of hospital products, in the hands of a well-capitalised company. We are therefore unanimously recommending this Proposed Transaction to our shareholders."

Commenting on the Proposed Transaction, Scott Tarriff, President and Chief Executive Officer of Eagle, said:
"We are delighted to announce that we have agreed to terms for the proposed acquisition of Acacia. This will be a very important acquisition for us, both financially and strategically. In recent years, the pharmaceutical industry has witnessed slower uptake of new products and longer ramp periods. In the face of further challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, many smaller underfunded companies experienced significant hurdles launching products. We therefore believe that Eagle is well suited to drive uptake of these two new products, building from Acacia’s established foundation since its launch, through our experienced and specialised hospital-based sales organisation with minimal additional infrastructure."

Timetable

The Proposed Transaction will be implemented by means of a Court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement between Acacia and the Scheme Shareholders under Part 26 of the Companies Act.
he Scheme Document, containing further information about the Proposed Transaction and notices of the Court Meeting and General Meeting, together with the Forms of Proxy, will be sent to Acacia Shareholders and (for information only) participants in the Acacia Share Schemes as soon as reasonably practicable. An expected timetable of principal events will be included in the Scheme Document.
The Scheme is expected to become effective between the middle of May 2022 and 30 June 2022, subject to the satisfaction (or, where applicable, waiver) of the terms set out in Appendix 1 to this announcement.
This summary should be read in conjunction with, and is subject to, the full text of the following announcement (including its Appendices). The Proposed Transaction will be subject to the terms set out in Appendix 1 and to the full terms and conditions to be set out in the Scheme Document. Appendix 2 contains the sources and bases of certain information contained in this summary and the following announcement. Appendix 3 contains details of the irrevocable undertakings received by Eagle. Appendix 4 contains the definitions of certain terms used in this summary and the following announcement.

Ayala Pharmaceuticals Reports Full-Year 2021 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update

On March 28, 2022 Ayala Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Ayala or the Company) (Nasdaq: AYLA), a clinical-stage oncology company focused on developing and commercializing small molecule therapeutics for patients suffering from rare and aggressive cancers reported full-year 2021 financial results and provided a corporate update (Press release, Ayala Pharmaceuticals, MAR 28, 2022, View Source [SID1234611050]).

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"2022 is off to a very promising start for Ayala, following a number of important accomplishments across our pipeline of innovative gamma-secretase inhibitors in 2021," said Roni Mamluk, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Ayala. "We are pleased with the progress of our AL102 program in desmoid tumors, having recently completed enrollment in Part A of the open label RINGSIDE study. We are encouraged by initial positive feedback received from investigators so far. We plan to announce initial interim data from Part A around mid-year 2022 and intend to move into Part B, the randomized portion of the study, immediately thereafter. We look forward to announcing additional data readouts and updates on our other clinical programs throughout 2022 including further data on AL101 in adenoid cystic carcinoma."

2021 and Recent Business and Clinical Highlights

Completed enrollment of Part A of the Phase 2/3 RINGSIDE study of AL102 in desmoid tumors: 36 patients have been enrolled in Part A of the RINGSIDE study, which is evaluating the safety and tolerability of AL102, as well as tumor volume by MRI at 16 weeks. Ayala expects to report an initial interim data read-out around mid-2022, with Part B of the study commencing immediately thereafter.
Initiated "Window of Opportunity" study of AL101 in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC): The study is focused on determining the effects of AL101 for the treatment of ACC and other cancers. The goals of the study are to better understand the mechanism of AL101, determine the best treatment regime and generate data for the future development strategy. The study is being conducted in collaboration with M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation.
Presented positive preliminary clinical data from the ongoing ACCURACY trial in ACC: Updated interim data from the 6mg cohort of the Phase 2 ACCURACY study of AL101 in recurrent/metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma (R/M ACC) were presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress 2021 demonstrating partial responses in three subjects (9%) and stable disease in 20 subjects (61%). At ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper), the Company also presented preclinical proof of concept data on AL101 in combination with approved cancer therapies in patient-derived ACC tumor models
Initiated Phase 1 trial of AL102 in combination with Novartis’ B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) targeting agent WVT078 in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM): inhibition of gamma-secretase with AL102 prevents the cleavage and shedding of BCMA, which is ubiquitously expressed on MM cells. Preclinical data have demonstrated that treatment with AL102 increases the expression of membrane-bound BCMA on the surface of MM cells and could enhance the activity of WVT078. Ongoing patient enrollment continues as planned.
AL101 in Notch-activated triple negative breast cancer: The Company has elected to discontinue the Phase 2 TENACITY study as part of its efforts to focus its resources on the more advanced programs and studies including the RINGSIDE study in desmoid tumors and the ACCURACY study for ACC.
Upcoming Milestones

Initial interim data from the pivotal Phase 2/3 RINGSIDE trial in desmoid tumors (Mid-2022): Ayala expects to report an initial interim data read-out from Part A of the Phase 2/3 RINGSIDE trial of AL102 in desmoid tumors around mid-2022. Part B of the study will be a double-blind placebo-controlled study and will start immediately after dose selection from Part A.
Additional data from the Phase 2 ACCURACY trial of AL101 in ACC: The ongoing ACCURACY trial is an open-label, single-arm Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating AL101 as monotherapy for the treatment of R/M ACC patients with Notch-activated mutations. The first cohort of the trial included 45 subjects dosed at 4 mg of AL101 IV once weekly. Final data from the 4 mg cohort and additional data from the 6 mg cohort,which includes 42 subjects are expected to be reported in the second half of 2022.
Initiate Phase 2 Clinical Trial Evaluating AL102 in T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL): Ayala plans to begin a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating AL101 in R/R T-ALL in the second half of 2022.
Full Year 2021 Financial Results

Cash Position: Cash and cash equivalents were $37.3 million as of December 31, 2021, as compared to $42.4 million as of December 31, 2020.

Collaboration Revenue: Collaboration revenue was $3.5 million for the full year of 2021, as compared to $3.7 million for the full year of 2020.

R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $29.9 million for the full year 2021, compared to $22.4 million in 2020. The increase was primarily driven by additional costs in connection with the initiation and advancement of the Phase 2/3 RINGSIDE pivotal study for desmoid tumors.

G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $9.3 million as of December 31, 2021, compared to $7.4 million as of December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily due to higher expenses in connection with our operations as a public company, including director and officer insurance, increased headcount, and stock-based compensation.

Net Loss: Net loss was $40.3 million for the full year 2021, resulting in basic and diluted net loss per share of ($2.80). This compares with a net loss was $30.1 million for the full year of 2020, equivalent to basic and diluted net loss per share of ($3.06).

For further details on the Company’s financial results, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2021 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 28, 2022.