On May 11, 2022 Atreca, Inc. (Atreca) (NASDAQ: BCEL), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapeutics generated through a unique discovery platform based on interrogation of the active human immune response, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022 and provided an overview of recent developments (Press release, Atreca, MAY 11, 2022, View Source [SID1234614169]).

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"Atreca has had an exciting start to 2022, with multiple key clinical and preclinical milestones achieved," said John Orwin, Chief Executive Officer of Atreca. "In additional to the clinical data update in March where we reported the first objective responses observed in patients treated with both ATRC-101 monotherapy and pembrolizumab combination therapy, we also provided several updates on our preclinical pipeline at our R&D Day in April, highlighted by the announcement of ATRC-301, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) of an Atreca-discovered antibody targeting EphA2, as our next clinical candidate. We look forward to reporting additional data later this year from both the ongoing ATRC-101 Phase 1b clinical trial and the IND-enabling toxicology studies for ATRC-301."

Recent Developments and Highlights

Atreca hosted its first R&D Day in April, focused on the Company’s preclinical pipeline, and provided several updates:
ATRC-301, an ADC that selectively targets a novel, membrane-proximal epitope on erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor A2 (EphA2), was declared as Atreca’s next clinical candidate. EphA2 is a validated and potentially high value target that is widely expressed across several types of cancer, and ATRC-301 has demonstrated potent, dose-dependent in vivo tumor regression in mice with no significant toxicity signals yet observed in murine models. Atreca has initiated IND-enabling studies, including a non-human primate toxicology study which is expected to read out in 2H22, and anticipates submitting an IND application for ATRC-301 in 2H23.
Atreca announced a licensing agreement with Zymeworks Inc. (Zymeworks) to utilize their ZymeLink technology to develop novel ADCs. As part of the licensing agreement with Zymeworks, Atreca’s novel antibodies will be conjugated using ZymeLink, Zymeworks’ suite of proprietary cytotoxins, linkers, and conjugation technologies. The agreement includes a two-year research term, with an option for a third year for Atreca, to evaluate antibodies as ADCs using ZymeLink, during which period Atreca can acquire up to three commercial licenses to develop three unique ADC programs.
Atreca announced multiple additional lead-stage programs in oncology, including ADC leads APN-497444 and APN–959038, CD3-engager lead APN-346958, and IL-15 superagonist (SA) conjugate lead APN-541885. Each program is based on an antibody identified via Atreca’s discovery platform from an active human immune response antibody, and upon further evaluation displayed strong and tumor-selective immunoreactivity against targets present on multiple tumor types across groups of patient samples. In their weaponized formats, each lead has demonstrated anti-tumor activity in in vivo preclinical studies. The targets bound by the antibodies vary in class and include both novel epitopes of known cancer targets as well as entirely novel target antigens in oncology.
To date, 55 total participants have been enrolled in the monotherapy and pembrolizumab-combination cohorts of the Phase 1b trial of ATRC-101, and participant selection based on target expression is expected to commence in 2Q22. Atreca anticipates reporting additional monotherapy and combination data in 2H22.
First Quarter 2022 Financial Results

As of March 31, 2022, cash and cash equivalents and investments totaled $125.8 million.
Research and development expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, were $17.1 million, including non-cash share-based compensation expense of $2.1 million.
General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2022, were $8.6 million, including non-cash share-based compensation expense of $2.3 million.
Atreca reported a net loss of $24.9 million, or basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders of $0.65, for the three months ended March 31, 2022.

On May 11, 2022 Targovax ASA (OSE: TRVX), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing immune activators to target hard-to-treat solid tumors, reported that it has entered into a clinical collaboration and supply agreement with Agenus Inc. (NASDAQ: AGEN) to combine Targovax’s oncolytic immunotherapy ONCOS-102 with two of Agenus´ checkpoint inhibitors in a multi-cohort phase 2 trial to treat anti-PD1 refractory malignant melanoma (Press release, Targovax, MAY 11, 2022, View Source [SID1234614186]).

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Targovax has previously reported a highly competitive 35% objective response rate (ORR) for ONCOS-102 in a phase 1 trial in anti-PD1 refractory melanoma. Importantly, deep translational analyses revealed broad and powerful ONCOS-102-induced immune activation, which correlated with tumor responses and demonstrated strong scientific evidence for additional combination treatments beyond anti-PD1 blockade. Based on these encouraging clinical findings, Targovax is preparing for a multi-cohort phase 2 trial to test ONCOS-102 with novel immunotherapy combinations in a larger number of patients.

Agenus is an immuno-oncology company with an extensive pipeline of therapeutics designed to activate immune response to cancers and infections. Agenus and Targovax plan to test ONCOS-102 in combination with Agenus´ two proprietary checkpoint inhibitors, balstilimab and botensilimab. Balstilimab is an anti-PD1 blocking antibody currently in clinical development in several solid tumors. Botensilimab is an Fc-enhanced anti-CTLA4 antibody that has shown promising activity in early trials in several treatment-resistant solid tumors as monotherapy and in combination with balstilimab.

Dr. Lone Ottesen, Chief Medical Officer of Targovax, said: "The excellent efficacy, immune activation potency and safety profile of ONCOS-102 argues strongly for moving into later stage development in combination with complementary immunotherapies. Based on our clinical biomarker and genomic data, we firmly believe we can further boost response rates in anti-PD1 refractory melanoma patients with novel combinations. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to work with Agenus´ new anti-CTLA4 candidate botensilimab, which has the potential to significantly improve on both efficacy and toxicity compared to ipilimumab, as well as enhancing the systemic activity of ONCOS-102."

Under the agreement, Targovax will be the sponsor and responsible for operational execution of the combination trial, and Agenus will provide drug supply and scientific support. Following demonstration of competitive clinical efficacy in the planned phase 2 study, the parties intend to extend the collaboration into a registrational development program.

Dr. Erik Digman Wiklund, Chief Executive Officer of Targovax ASA, added: "We are thrilled to extend our existing relationship with Agenus. We were looking for a collaboration partner with a portfolio of innovative, complementary immunotherapies, and in Agenus we have found the perfect fit. Together, we will test novel and differentiated combination treatments in melanoma with the goal to achieve response rates beyond the already observed 35% ORR. We are confident this will confirm ONCOS-102 as a leading candidate to address the growing unmet medical need for immune activators that can effectively reverse resistance to checkpoint inhibitor therapy."

On May 11, 2022 Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ACOR) reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022 (Press release, Acorda Therapeutics, MAY 11, 2022, View Source [SID1234614214]).

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"Although Q1 over Q1 net sales decreased, we believe that this is not reflective of a trend for either Inbrija or Ampyra. We were pleased to see that as the Omicron wave waned, net sales of both products rebounded substantially. In particular, Inbrija sales, which were similar in January and February, increased by approximately 85% in March over February and continued to increase through April," said Ron Cohen, M.D., Acorda’s President and Chief Executive Officer. "In addition, while we historically have seen Q4 to Q1 declines due to patient overstocking in Q4 and insurance resetting in January, the decline was exacerbated this year due in part to a significantly higher estimate for discounts and allowances, or D&A, in Q1 2022 compared to Q1 2021. We expect D&A charges to be lower over the remainder of the year, and we are reiterating our 2022 guidance of $68M-$78M in Ampyra net sales."

INBRIJA Ex-US
Today Acorda announced distribution and supply agreements with Biopas Laboratories to commercialize INBRIJA in nine countries within Latin America, including Brazil and Mexico. Under the terms of the agreements, Acorda will receive a significant, double-digit, tiered percentage of the selling price of INBRIJA in Latin America in exchange for supply of the product. Acorda will also receive sales-based milestones.

Esteve plans to launch INBRIJA in Germany in June 2022. Germany is the largest pharmaceutical market in Europe, and the fourth largest in the world.

First Quarter 2022 Financial Results
For the quarter ended March 31, 2022, the Company reported INBRIJA net revenue of $3.7 million, compared to $5.0 million for the same quarter in 2021.

The Company reported AMPYRA net revenue of $14.9 million, compared to $20.3 million for the same quarter in 2021. As previously disclosed, AMPYRA lost its exclusivity and generics entered the market in 2018, and the Company expects AMPYRA revenue to continue to decline.

Research and development (R&D) expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 were $1.7 million, including negligible share-based compensation expenses, compared to $4.7 million, including $0.2 million of share-based compensation for the same quarter in 2021.

Sales, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 were $26.9 million, including $0.5 million of share-based compensation, compared to $34.0 million, including $0.5 million of share-based compensation for the same quarter in 2021.

Change in fair value of derivative liability for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 was negligible, compared to $0.2 million for the same quarter in 2021.

Provision for income taxes for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 was $0.2 million, compared to a benefit from income taxes of $3.2 million for the same quarter in 2021.

The Company reported a GAAP net loss of $25.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, or $1.93 per diluted share. GAAP net loss in the same quarter of 2021 was $33.5 million, or $3.53 per diluted share.

Non-GAAP net loss for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 was $22.0 million, or $1.66 per diluted share. Non-GAAP net loss in the same quarter of 2021 was $23.3 million, or $2.46 per diluted share. This quarterly non-GAAP net loss measure, more fully described below under "Non-GAAP Financial Measures," excludes share-based compensation charges, non-cash interest charges on our debt, changes in the fair value of acquired contingent consideration, changes in the fair value of derivative liability related to our 2024 convertible senior secured notes, and expenses that pertain to non-routine corporate restructurings. A reconciliation of the GAAP financial results to non-GAAP financial results is included with the attached financial statements.

At March 31, 2022, the Company had cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash of $51.5 million, compared to $65.2 million at year end 2021. Restricted cash includes $18.6 million in escrow related to the 6% semi-annual interest portion, payable in cash or stock, of the convertible note exchange completed in December 2019. If the Company elects to pay interest due in stock, a corresponding amount of the restricted cash will be released from escrow.

Financial Guidance
For the full year 2022, Acorda continues to expect AMPYRA net revenue to be $68 – $78 million, and operating expenses to be $110 – $120 million. The operating expense guidance is a non-GAAP projection that excludes restructuring costs and share-based compensation as more fully described below under "Non-GAAP Financial Measures."

Webcast
To participate in the Webcast, please use the following pre-registration link:

View Source
If you register for the Webcast, you will have the opportunity to submit a written question for the Q&A portion of the presentation. Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email with Webcast details. You will receive an email 2 hours prior to the start of the webcast with the link to join. The presentation will be available on the Investors section of www.acorda.com.

A replay of the call will be available from 7:30 p.m. ET on May 11, 2022 until 11:59 p.m. ET on June 10, 2022. To access the replay, please dial 1 866 813 9403 (domestic) or +44 204 525 0658 (international); reference code 258745. The archived webcast will be available in the Investor Relations section of the Acorda website at www.acorda.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This press release includes financial results prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) and also certain historical and forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures. In particular, Acorda has provided non-GAAP net income (loss), adjusted to exclude the items below, and has provided 2022 operating expense guidance on a non-GAAP basis. Non-GAAP financial measures are not an alternative for financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. However, the Company believes that the presentation of non-GAAP net income (loss), when viewed in conjunction with actual GAAP results, provides investors with a more meaningful understanding of our ongoing and projected operating performance because this measure excludes (i) non-cash compensation charges and benefits that are substantially dependent on changes in the market price of our common stock, (ii) non-cash interest charges related to the accounting for our convertible debt which are in excess of the actual interest expense owing on such convertible debt, as well as non-cash interest related to the Fampyra royalty monetization and acquired Biotie debt, (iii) changes in the fair value of acquired contingent consideration which do not correlate to our actual cash payment obligations in the relevant periods, (iv) expenses that pertain to corporate restructurings which are not routine to the operation of the business, and (v) changes in the fair value of derivative liability relating to the 2024 convertible senior secured notes, which is a non-cash charge and not related to the operation of the business. The Company believes its non-GAAP net income (loss) measure helps indicate underlying trends in the Company’s business and is important in comparing current results with prior period results and understanding projected operating performance. Also, management uses this non-GAAP financial measure to establish budgets and operational goals, and to manage the Company’s business and to evaluate its performance.

In addition to non-GAAP net income (loss), we have provided 2022 operating expense guidance on a non-GAAP basis, as the guidance excludes restructuring costs and share-based compensation charges. Due to the forward looking nature of this information, the amount of compensation charges needed to reconcile this measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is dependent on future changes in the market price of our common stock and is not available at this time. Non-GAAP financial measures are not an alternative for financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. However, the Company believes that the presentation of this non-GAAP financial measure, when viewed in conjunction with actual GAAP results, provides investors with a more meaningful understanding of our ongoing and projected operating performance because it excludes (i) expenses that pertain to corporate restructurings not routine to the operation of our business, and (ii) non-cash charges that are substantially dependent on changes in the market price of our common stock. We believe this non-GAAP financial measure helps indicate underlying trends in the Company’s business and is important in comparing current results with prior period results and understanding expected operating performance. Also, management uses this non-GAAP financial measure to establish budgets and operational goals, and to manage the Company’s business and to evaluate its performance.

On May 11, 2022 Molecular Partners AG (SIX: MOLN; NASDAQ: MOLN), a clinical-stage biotech company developing a new class of custom-built protein drugs known as DARPin therapeutics, reported that members of its management team will participate in two upcoming investor events (Press release, Molecular Partners, MAY 11, 2022, View Source [SID1234614232]). In addition, the Company will publish its Q1 2022 earnings report on May 12, after the close of trading at the NASDAQ exchange.

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Conference Details:

2022 RBC Capital Markets Global Healthcare Conference, in-person, May 17-18, 2022

Fireside chat – Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 9:00am ET

BioEquity Europe 2022 – virtual 1×1 meetings, Monday-Tuesday, May 23-24, 2022
Virtual presentation made available on-demand
Presentations will be made available through the Molecular Partners website.

On May 11, 2022 Enveric Biosciences (NASDAQ: ENVB) ("Enveric" or the "Company"), a neuroscience-focused biotechnology company developing next-generation, psychedelic-inspired mental health medicines, reported plans to transfer and spin-off its cannabinoid clinical development pipeline assets to a wholly-owned subsidiary, Acanna Therapeutics Inc. ("Acanna"), by way of dividend to Enveric shareholders (Press release, Enveric Biosciences, MAY 11, 2022, View Source [SID1234614276]). The spin-off transaction will be subject to various conditions, including Acanna meeting the qualifications for listing on The Nasdaq Stock Market, and if successful, would result in two standalone public companies.

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Dr. Joseph Tucker, CEO of Enveric Biosciences, commented, "In these challenging markets, the Board and Management team have spent considerable time evaluating the best way to create additional value for all stakeholders – patients, shareholders, and employees. We believe it would be in the best interest of our shareholders to spin-off 100% equity ownership of our cannabinoid clinical development pipeline. Upon completion of the proposed transaction, each resulting public company would be able to focus all its resources on the development of its respective pipeline assets, enabling, we anticipate, greater opportunity for product development success."

Acanna has secured an initial $1MM from an investor in a Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and Warrant financing. Under the terms of the investment, Acanna will, subject to certain other conditions, receive an additional $4MM upon completion of the spin-off into an independent, separately traded public company listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market. Following the spin-off and the investment of an aggregate of $5MM, that investor is expected to hold 25% of Acanna and warrants to acquire additional shares. Palladium Capital Group acted as a financial advisor to Enveric. Please see the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Enveric on May 11, 2022, for further details.

Dr. Tucker continued, "For Enveric and Acanna, this spin-off transaction would allow each company to commit 100% of its efforts and capabilities towards developing its respective drug candidate portfolio. For Enveric, going forward, we intend to focus on mental health. We believe that Enveric’s achievements in the last year, including preparations for a clinical trial, positive preclinical data, and ongoing expansion of our drug candidate portfolio, the Psybrary, position us well for the future."

Strategic Rationale for Spinoff
The Company believes that spinning off the cannabinoid assets will allow Enveric and Acanna to maximize long-term value for all stakeholders. Following the proposed transaction, both Enveric and Acanna intend to:

Have separate, focused management teams with the knowledge and skills to deploy appropriate strategies and meet the unique requirements for each company’s operations.
Allocate capital more efficiently and strategically to develop their respective assets further.
Provide unique investment characteristics of interest to the capital markets.