On May 9, 2022 Genprex, Inc. ("Genprex" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: GNPX), a clinical-stage gene therapy company focused on developing life-changing therapies for patients with cancer and diabetes, reported that its Chief Medical Officer, Mark Berger, M.D., will be featured as an expert panelist at the 33rd Annual Cancer Progress Conference, taking place virtually May 10-12, 2022 (Press release, Genprex, MAY 9, 2022, View Source [SID1234613950]).

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The live panel discussion, titled, "Into the Unknown – Bringing New Modalities into Solid Tumors," will take place on Thursday, May 12 at 9 a.m. ET. This panel will explore considerations with respect to positioning of cell-based and other emerging immunotherapy platforms in solid tumors. Topics to be addressed by this panel include the current state of play, alignment of science with evolving unmet needs and perceived paths toward value inflection within different solid tumor markets.

Since 1989, Cancer Progress is the only oncology conference that facilitates discussions of scientific progress within the context of development, regulatory, clinical, commercial and investment perspectives over three days of provocative, informative panel discussions. The conference will feature pivotal topics, frank discussions, vigorous debate, opportunities for audience questions and comments, and a partnering platform to enable meaningful connections and meetings with innovators, developers and investors.

On May 9, 2022 Verastem Oncology (Nasdaq: VSTM), a biopharmaceutical company committed to advancing new medicines for patients with cancer, reported financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and highlighted recent progress (Press release, Verastem, MAY 9, 2022, View Source [SID1234613967]).

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"In the first quarter of this year, we made significant progress building on our breakthrough therapy designation in recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer and advancing our development programs and scientific platform to establish VS-6766 as the backbone therapy for RAS-driven solid tumors. This includes completing enrollment for the selection phase of both our RAMP 201 trial in low-grade serous ovarian cancer and our RAMP 202 trial in KRAS G12V-mutant non-small cell lung cancer, with topline results planned for the second quarter and the second half of this year, respectively. Further, we initiated enrollment in the Phase 1/2 trial with Amgen to evaluate VS-6766 in combination with LUMAKRASTM (sotorasib) in patients with KRAS G12C-mutant non-small lung cancer," said Brian Stuglik, Chief Executive Officer of Verastem Oncology. "At the same time, we strengthened our flexibility by entering into a term loan facility with Oxford, which combined with our financial resources will allow us to effectively advance our current development and commercial objectives, working to bring VS-6766 and defactinib to patients with high unmet needs."

First Quarter 2022 and Recent Highlights

Low Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer (LGSOC)

Planned enrollment is complete in the selection phase (Part A; n=64) of the registration-directed Phase 2 RAMP 201 study investigating VS-6766 alone or in combination with defactinib for the treatment of recurrent LGSOC. Verastem plans to report topline results from Part A during the second quarter of 2022, following discussions with regulatory authorities.
Enrollment has commenced in the expansion phase (Part B) of RAMP 201, with both treatment arms (VS-6766 alone and in combination with defactinib) currently advancing in all patients. Verastem expects to complete enrollment in Part B during the second half of 2022.
Translational data presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) meeting in April provided mechanistic insights into the encouraging response rates and progression free survival observed in patients with LGSOC treated with VS-6766 with defactinib in the investigator-initiated FRAME study. These data support the ongoing registration-directed Phase 2 RAMP 201 study assessing VS-6766 with defactinib for patients with LGSOC regardless of KRAS status.
KRAS Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Planned enrollment is now complete in the selection phase (Part A; n=32) of the registration-directed RAMP 202 study investigating VS-6766 alone and in combination with defactinib in patients with KRAS G12V-mutant NSCLC. Enrollment has also been completed in the non-G12Vmutant cohort in the expansion phase (Part B). The Company expects to report topline results from Part A and initiate Part B during the second half of 2022, following discussions with regulatory authorities.
Based on preclinical rationale, Verastem has added BRAF-mutant cohorts to the RAMP 202 study to efficiently evaluate VS-6766 with defactinib in BRAF-mutant NSCLC. In Part A of the study, the Company expects to enroll two cohorts comprised of 15 patients each to evaluate the combination in patients with V600E or non V600E BRAF mutations, respectively. These cohorts are open and enrolling.
The Phase 1/2 RAMP 203 study evaluating VS-6766 in combination with Amgen’s LUMAKRASTM (sotorasib) in G12C-mutant NSCLC opened and is enrolling. The initial results are expected to be reported during the second half of 2022.
Corporate Updates

Secured debt facility with Oxford Finance LLC for up to $150 Million. Under the terms of the credit facility with Oxford Finance LLC, Verastem drew an initial $25 million term loan at closing. The Company has the ability to access up to an additional $125 million in a series of tranches, $75 million of which is based on certain pre-determined milestones and $50 million of which is available at the lender’s discretion.
With the credit facility and expected milestones related to the sale of COPIKTRA (duvelisb) to Secura Bio Inc. (Secura) in 2020, the Company expects to have a cash runway through 2025 to support the continued development and potential commercial launches of VS-6766 and defactinib.
Secura sublicensee, CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Limited (CSPC), obtained drug registration approval for duvelisib granted by the National Medical Products Administration of the People’s Republic of China for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma after at least two prior systematic therapies, which entitles Verastem to a $2.5 million milestone payment.
Preclinical data presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) meeting in April continued to support the versatility of VS-6766 in RAS-driven tumors, including KRAS G12C-mutant NSCLC, low-grade serous ovarian cancer and cutaneous melanoma.
First Quarter 2022 Financial Results

Verastem Oncology ended the first quarter 2022 with cash, cash equivalents and investments of $106.3 million.

Total revenue for the three months ending March 31, 2022 (2022 Quarter) was $2.6 million, compared to $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 (2021 Quarter). Revenue for the 2022 Quarter was primarily comprised of one regulatory milestone for $2.5 million achieved by Secura’s sublicensee, CSPC. Revenue for the 2021 Quarter was primarily comprised of one regulatory milestone for $0.8 million achieved by Secura’s sublicensee, Sanofi.

Total operating expenses for the 2022 Quarter were $19.6 million, compared to $15.1 million for the 2021 Quarter.

Research & development expenses for the 2022 Quarter were $13.6 million, compared to $8.9 million for the 2021 Quarter. The increase of $4.7 million, or 52.8%, primarily resulted from an increase in drug product and drug substance costs, contract research organization costs and investigator fees.

Selling, general & administrative expenses for the 2022 Quarter were $5.9 million, compared to $6.2 million for the 2021 Quarter. The decrease of $0.3 million, or 4.8%, primarily resulted from lower consulting and professional fees.

Net loss for the 2022 Quarter was $17.0 million, or $0.09 per share (basic and diluted), compared to net loss of $15.0 million, or $0.09 per share (basic and diluted), for the 2021 Quarter.

For the 2022 Quarter, non-GAAP adjusted net loss was $15.3 million, or $0.08 per share (diluted), compared to non-GAAP adjusted net loss of $12.4 million, or $0.07 per share (diluted), for the 2021 Quarter. Please refer to the GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation attached to this press release.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement Verastem Oncology’s condensed consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP), the Company uses the following non-GAAP financial measures in this press release: non-GAAP adjusted net (loss) income and non-GAAP net (loss) income per share. These non-GAAP financial measures exclude certain amounts or expenses from the corresponding financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP. Management believes this non-GAAP information is useful for investors, taken in conjunction with the Company’s GAAP financial statements, because it provides greater transparency and period-over-period comparability with respect to the Company’s operating performance and can enhance investors’ ability to identify operating trends in the Company’s business. Management uses these measures, among other factors, to assess and analyze operational results and trends and to make financial and operational decisions. Non-GAAP information is not prepared under a comprehensive set of accounting rules and should only be used to supplement an understanding of the Company’s operating results as reported under GAAP, not in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures are unlikely to be comparable with non-GAAP information provided by other companies. The determination of the amounts that are excluded from non-GAAP financial measures is a matter of management judgment and depends upon, among other factors, the nature of the underlying expense or income amounts. Reconciliations between these non-GAAP financial measures and the most comparable GAAP financial measures for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 are included in the tables accompanying this press release after the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

About VS-6766

VS-6766 (formerly known as CH5126766 and RO5126766) is a RAF/MEK clamp that induces inactive complexes of MEK with ARAF, BRAF and CRAF potentially creating a more complete and durable anti-tumor response through maximal RAS pathway inhibition. VS-6766 is currently in late-stage development.

In contrast to other MEK inhibitors, VS-6766 blocks both MEK kinase activity and the ability of RAF to phosphorylate MEK. This unique mechanism allows VS-6766 to block MEK signaling without the compensatory activation of MEK that appears to limit the efficacy of other inhibitors. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted Breakthrough Therapy designation for the combination of Verastem Oncology’s investigational RAF/MEK inhibitor VS-6766, with defactinib, its FAK inhibitor, for the treatment of all patients with recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC) regardless of KRAS status after one or more prior lines of therapy, including platinum-based chemotherapy.1

Verastem Oncology is conducting Phase 2 registration-directed trials of VS-6766 alone and with defactinib in patients with recurrent LGSOC and in patients with recurrent KRAS G12V-mutant NSCLC as part of its RAMP (Raf And Mek Program) clinical trials, RAMP 201 and RAMP 202, respectively. Verastem Oncology has also established clinical collaborations with Amgen and Mirati to evaluate LUMAKRAS (sotorasib) and adagrasib in combination with VS-6766 in KRAS G12C-mutant NSCLC as part of the RAMP 203 and RAMP 204 trials, respectively.

On May 9, 2022 Cardinal Health (NYSE:CAH) and URAC, the nation’s largest independent health care accreditation organization, reported an agreement to help customers of Cardinal Health pursue accreditation for their specialty pharmacies and practices (Press release, Cardinal Health, MAY 9, 2022, View Source [SID1234614064]).

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Leveraging insights from operating 70 outpatient pharmacies in 19 states, Cardinal Health offers pharmacies and medically integrated dispensaries a full range of solutions through its Specialty Pharmacy Services including consultative support, assessments and new facility openings, as well as providing leadership and day-to-day management. As part of the agreement with URAC, Cardinal Health customers will receive special pricing for new URAC accreditations, which validate that a pharmacy meets the most rigorous standards in the industry and demonstrates the value of the clinical services it provides.

"Hospitals across the country continue to face challenges in minimizing the costs and complexity of specialty medications. Many are searching for ways to better manage this growing area of outpatient pharmaceutical spend more effectively," said Peter J. Siavelis, senior vice president and general manager of Acute Care Distribution and Services at Cardinal Health. "Our agreement with URAC will further strengthen our commitment to providing the guidance and support needed to help hospitals and health systems determine the right path for their pharmacies."

URAC accreditation also serves as a framework for ensuring quality within an organization by identifying areas for improvement through performance analysis and education.

"Because of their role in serving patients with complex, chronic illnesses, pharmacies are a critical and growing resource within the health care landscape," said Jeffrey Carr, URAC’s vice president of business development. "We’re pleased to offer Cardinal Health preferred pricing for new accreditation to its customers nationwide, further validating the high-quality care they provide and their commitment to improving patient outcomes."

Cardinal Health helps hospitals and health systems determine the right outpatient pharmacy approach for their facilities based on their unique goals and needs. These services also extend to federally qualified health centers, independent physician practices, independent pharmacies and dispensing clinicians. Visit cardinalhealth.com/accreditedspecialtypharmacy to learn more.

On May 9, 2022 Nykode Therapeutics AS (Euronext Growth (Oslo): NYKD), a clinicalstage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of vaccines and novel immunotherapies, reported positive interim results from its Phase 2 VB C-02 trial of VB10.16, its wholly-owned therapeutic cancer vaccine, in combination with the PD-L1 inhibitor atezolizumab in patients with HPV16-positive advanced cervical cancer (Press release, Nykode Therapeutics, MAY 9, 2022, View Source [SID1234613862]). Interim results from 39 patients with a median follow up of 6 months show an ORR of 21%—including two patients who achieved a complete response and six who achieved a partial response—and a very high disease control rate of 64%. The trial enrolled a heavily pre-treated patient population with more than two thirds of the patients having received at least two previous systemic lines of treatment.

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Interestingly, anti-tumor activity was observed in both PD-L1 positive (ORR of 27% and DCR of 77%) and PD-L1 negative patients (ORR of 17% and DCR of 58%) indicating a potential clinical benefit also in the PD-L1 negative population. In addition, a DCR of 71% was observed in patients with noninflamed tumors, including both immune desert and T cell excluded tumors. Together these findings suggest a differentiated anti-tumor response pattern of the combination treatment compared to checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy.

"We are thrilled to report these positive interim safety and efficacy results from our Phase 2 trial with VB10.16, which showed evidence of durable anti-tumor activity in a heavily pre-treated population of patients with late-stage cervical cancer," said Michael Engsig, Chief Executive Officer of Nykode Therapeutics. "These interim results support Nykode’s unique approach of targeting AntigenPresenting Cells (APCs), designed to produce a robust and long-lasting CD8 killer T cell response against cancer cells. We look forward to reporting updated efficacy data readouts from the Phase 2 trial during the first half of 2023 as we continue to advance our cervical cancer program."

Immunological analyses of the peripheral T cell responses demonstrated an increased HPV16-specific IFN T cell immune response post-vaccination in the majority of subjects and were associated with clinical efficacy indicating the induction of clinically relevant T cell responses. Clearance of circulating HPV16 DNA was significantly correlated with clinical response and progression free survival suggesting ctDNA may be an early marker of response to treatment in cervical cancer. VB10.16 is potentially a first-in-class therapeutic vaccine against HPV16-positive cervical cancer.

"The patients who were treated with VB10.16 in combination with atezolizumab in the C-02 trial were heavily pre-treated and are prone to progress quickly," said Professor Peter Hillemanns, Director of the Departments of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Breast Cancer at Hannover University Hospital, Germany and principal investigator of the C-02 trial. "It is very encouraging to see that a majority of patients experienced a clinical benefit and that many patients had durable responses. The combination of VB10.16 and atezolizumab was also well tolerated by patients."

"Treatment advances within the area of advanced cervical cancer have been limited though checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated clinical efficacy in some patients. The unmet need is still high, and we are very pleased to see a high disease control rate and durable responses in these heavily pre-treated HPV16+ cervical cancer patients. The anti-tumor activity seen in both noninflamed and PD-L1 negative populations may potentially open up a new subset of patients for treatment. These findings indicate that VB10.16 may give a meaningful added clinical benefit compared to the existing standard of care treatment in this setting. We would like to thank all the investigators, patients and their relatives for participating in this trial. Without all of you the advances of VB10.16 would not have been possible," added Siri Torhaug, Chief Medical Officer of Nykode Therapeutics.

VB10.16 was generally safe and well tolerated, with 10% of patients experiencing Grade 3 or more treatment-related adverse events, indicating no increased toxicity compared with atezolizumab monotherapy and a favorable safety profile that is consistent with previously published data for the Nykode DNA vaccine technology platform. Nykode expects to report updated efficacy data read-outs from VB C-02 during the first half of 2023. Webcast Investors and analysts are invited to join a webcast presentation of the interim results conducted by CEO Michael . The slide presentation will be available in the Investors section of the Company’s website at View Source following the event. The live and archived webcast of the presentation can be accessed in the Investors section of the Company’s website at View Source/financial-reports-and-presentations.

About the VB C-02 trial VB C-02 is a multi-center, single arm, open-label Phase 2 trial of patients with advanced or recurrent, non-resectable HPV16-positive cervical cancer. Patients received treatment with VB10.16 in combination with the PD-L1 inhibitor atezolizumab for up to one year. The main aim of the trial was to assess the efficacy, immunogenicity and safety of VB10.16 when given in combination with atezolizumab. The trial is now fully enrolled with 52 patients enrolled at sites in Europe, and the preplanned second interim analysis was performed at the cut-off date of 14 February 2022. Nykode has previously reported positive interim safety data from the trial. Additional information about the VB C-02 trial is available at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04405349).

About VB10.16
VB10.16 is a potentially first-in-class off-the-shelf therapeutic cancer vaccine candidate in development for the treatment of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16)-positive cancers. The cancer vaccine is designed based on Nykode’s Vaccibody technology platform of targeting antigens to antigen presenting cells. The candidate has demonstrated favorable clinical data in a Phase I/IIa study in pre-cancerous HPV16-induced high grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (HSIL; CIN 2/3) demonstrating a statistically significant correlation of immune responses and clinical responses. VB10.16 is currently being investigated in the VB C-02 trial in patients with advanced or recurrent, non-resectable HPV16-positive cervical cancer.

About cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide and is most frequently diagnosed between the ages of 35 and 44. Each year around 600,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide. Almost all cases are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and HPV16 accounts for more than half of all cervical cancer cases. Approximately 80% of patients with cervical cancer have squamous cell carcinoma (arising from cells lining the bottom of the cervix) and most other patients have adenocarcinomas (arising from glandular cells in the upper cervix). Cervical cancer is often curable when detected early and effectively managed, but treatment options are more limited in advanced disease stages or when the cancer has spread.

On May 9, 2022 Heron Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: HRTX), a commercial-stage biotechnology company focused on improving the lives of patients by developing and commercializing therapeutic innovations that improve medical care, reported financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and highlighted recent corporate updates (Press release, Heron Therapeutics, MAY 9, 2022, View Source [SID1234613919]).

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Recent Corporate Updates

Acute Care Franchise

ZYNRELEF:

The ZYNRELEF (bupivacaine and meloxicam) extended-release solution New Drug Application (NDA) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2021. In December 2021, the FDA approved our supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for ZYNRELEF, now covering approximately 7 million procedures annually. ZYNRELEF is currently indicated for use in adults for soft tissue or periarticular instillation to produce postsurgical analgesia for up to 72 hours after foot and ankle, small-to-medium open abdominal, and lower extremity total joint arthroplasty surgical procedures. The FDA also agreed to the contents of a second sNDA, planned for later this year, designed to further expand the indication statement.

ZYNRELEF net product sales for the three months ended March 31, 2022 were $1.1 million, which was net of $0.3 million in returns of short-dated ZYNRELEF and a continued reduction of initial distribution channel inventory. Short-dated product returns were due to delays in obtaining initial FDA approval of ZYNRELEF.

ZYNRELEF end-user (ambulatory surgical centers (ASC) and hospitals) demand units’ sales were 8,673 in the first quarter of 2022, representing an increase of 68% over the prior quarter.

During the first three quarters of commercial launch ended March 31, 2022, over 450 unique accounts purchased ZYNRELEF with 80% of those accounts reordering the product.

As of April 30, 2022, ZYNRELEF has received 319 formulary approvals, with over a 90% hospital approval rate, and an estimated 68% of formulary approvals have been for unrestricted use. Over 60 additional formulary review meetings are scheduled through June 30, 2022.

Effective April 1, 2022, ZYNRELEF became the only local anesthetic separately reimbursed for Medicare patients in the Hospital Outpatient Department (HOPD) setting of care under a 3-year transitional pass-through status. Multiple commercial and Medicaid payers covering over 120 million lives have agreed to reimburse ZYNRELEF outside of the surgical bundle payment for surgeries performed in ASCs, with many of these covered lives also having their hospital outpatient procedures reimbursed outside the surgical bundle payment. Commercial and Medicaid payers represent more than 80% of our target patients in the outpatient setting. On November 2, 2021, we were issued a specific C-code (C9088) for separate reimbursement in the ASC setting of care effective January 1, 2022.

In March 2022, Health Canada issued a Notice of Compliance to commercialize ZYNRELEF for instillation into the surgical wound for postoperative analgesia after bunionectomy, open inguinal herniorrhaphy, and total knee arthroplasty surgical procedures. Based on prior agreements with the FDA, Heron already has clinical studies underway, which we plan to submit to Health Canada to expand the indication statement. Heron is currently in partnering discussions related to Canada and other countries outside the U.S.
NDA Submission for HTX-019 for Prevention of PONV in Adults Under Review: A 505(b)(2) NDA for HTX-019 for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in adults was submitted to the FDA in November 2021. The FDA accepted the NDA for filing and set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date of September 17, 2022.
Oncology Care Franchise

2022 Oncology Care Franchise Net Product Sales: For the three months ended March 31, 2022, oncology care franchise net product sales were $22.4 million, compared to $20.0 million for the same period in 2021. During the first quarter, Heron’s oncology care franchise net product sales grew by 13% over the prior quarter with continued moderate growth expected for the remainder of 2022.

CINVANTI Net Product Sales: Net product sales of CINVANTI (aprepitant) injectable emulsion for the three months ended March 31, 2022 were $20.3 million, compared to $18.5 million for the same period in 2021.

SUSTOL Net Product Sales: Net product sales of SUSTOL (granisetron) extended-release injection for the three months ended March 31, 2022 were $2.1 million, compared to $1.5 million for the same period in 2021.

2022 Oncology Care Franchise Net Product Sales Guidance: Heron currently expects the second quarter of 2022 net product sales for the oncology care franchise in the range of $22 million to $23 million, with full-year 2022 net product sales for the oncology care franchise in the range of $89 million to $93 million.
"Although the start of the first quarter was challenging due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in the last few months ZYNRELEF has gained momentum following the FDA approval of the expanded indications. We expect continued strong growth in the current quarter with the receipt of pass-through status from CMS for HOPD, as evidenced by an 85% increase in demand units in the first month of the second quarter versus the first month of the first quarter," said Barry Quart, Pharm.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Heron. "In oncology care, our CINV portfolio continues to perform well and we look forward to achieving net product sales of $22 million to $23 million in the second quarter of 2022 and full year 2022 net product sales of $89 million to $93 million."

Financial Results

Net product sales for the three months ended March 31, 2022 were $23.5 million, compared to $20.0 million for the same period in 2021.

Heron’s net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was $63.9 million, or $0.63 per share, compared to $52.6 million, or $0.58 per share, for the same period in 2021. Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2022 included non-cash, stock-based compensation expense of $10.9 million, compared to $11.5 million for the same period in 2021.

As of March 31, 2022, Heron had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $111.9 million, compared to $157.6 million as of December 31, 2021. Net cash used for operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was $43.9 million, compared to $41.9 million for the same period in 2021. The increase in our net cash used for operating activities was primarily due to changes in working capital related to the launch of ZYNRELEF, including manufacturing of commercial inventory, and an increase in net loss. We expect net cash used for operating activities of $37 million to $39 million in the second quarter of 2022.

Conference Call and Webcast

Heron will host a conference call and webcast on May 9, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. ET. The conference call can be accessed by dialing 1-844-825-9789 for domestic callers and 1-412-317-5180 for international callers. Please provide the operator with the passcode 10166891 to join the conference call. The conference call will also be available via webcast under the Investor Relations section of Heron’s website at www.herontx.com. An archive of the teleconference and webcast will also be made available on Heron’s website for 60 days following the call.

About ZYNRELEF for Postoperative Pain

ZYNRELEF is the first and only dual-acting local anesthetic that delivers a fixed-dose combination of the local anesthetic bupivacaine and a low dose of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug meloxicam. ZYNRELEF is the first and only extended-release local anesthetic to demonstrate in Phase 3 studies significantly reduced pain and significantly increased proportion of patients requiring no opioids through the first 72 hours following surgery compared to bupivacaine solution, the current standard-of-care local anesthetic for postoperative pain control. ZYNRELEF was initially approved by the FDA in May 2021 for use in adults for soft tissue or periarticular instillation to produce postsurgical analgesia for up to 72 hours after bunionectomy, open inguinal herniorrhaphy and total knee arthroplasty. In December 2021, the FDA approved an expansion of ZYNRELEF’s indication. ZYNRELEF is now indicated in the U.S. in adults for soft tissue or periarticular instillation to produce postsurgical analgesia for up to 72 hours after foot and ankle, small-to-medium open abdominal, and lower extremity total joint arthroplasty surgical procedures. Safety and efficacy have not been established in highly vascular surgeries, such as intrathoracic, large multilevel spinal, and head and neck procedures. In September 2020, the European Commission granted a marketing authorization for ZYNRELEF for the treatment of somatic postoperative pain from small- to medium-sized surgical wounds in adults. As of January 1, 2021, ZYNRELEF is approved in 31 European countries including the countries of the European Union and European Economic Area and the United Kingdom. In March 2022, Health Canada issued a Notice of Compliance for ZYNRELEF for instillation into the surgical wound for postoperative analgesia after bunionectomy, open inguinal herniorrhaphy, and total knee arthroplasty surgical procedures.

Please see full prescribing information, including Boxed Warning, at www.ZYNRELEF.com.

About HTX-019 for PONV

HTX-019 is an IV injectable emulsion formulation designed to directly deliver aprepitant, the active ingredient in EMEND (aprepitant) capsules, which is the only substance P/neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist (RA) to be approved in the U.S. for the prevention of PONV in adults. The FDA-approved dose of oral EMEND is 40 mg for PONV prevention, which is given within 3 hours prior to induction of anesthesia for surgery. In a Phase 1 clinical trial, 32 mg of HTX-019 as a 30-second IV injection was demonstrated to be bioequivalent to oral aprepitant 40 mg. The NDA for HTX-019 for PONV was submitted in November 2021 and the FDA set a PDUFA goal date of September 17, 2022.

About CINVANTI for Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) Prevention

CINVANTI, in combination with other antiemetic agents, is indicated in adults for the prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy (HEC) including high-dose cisplatin as a single-dose regimen, delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy (MEC) as a single-dose regimen, and nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of MEC as a 3-day regimen. CINVANTI is an IV formulation of aprepitant, an NK1 RA. CINVANTI is the first IV formulation to directly deliver aprepitant, the active ingredient in EMEND capsules. Aprepitant (including its prodrug, fosaprepitant) is the only single-agent NK1 RA to significantly reduce nausea and vomiting in both the acute phase (0–24 hours after chemotherapy) and the delayed phase (24–120 hours after chemotherapy). The FDA-approved dosing administration included in the U.S. prescribing information for CINVANTI include 100 mg or 130 mg administered as a 30-minute IV infusion or a 2-minute IV injection.

Please see full prescribing information at www.CINVANTI.com.

About SUSTOL for CINV Prevention

SUSTOL is indicated in combination with other antiemetics in adults for the prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC) or anthracycline and cyclophosphamide (AC) combination chemotherapy regimens. SUSTOL is an extended-release, injectable 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 RA that utilizes Heron’s Biochronomer drug delivery technology to maintain therapeutic levels of granisetron for ≥5 days. The SUSTOL global Phase 3 development program was comprised of two, large, guideline-based clinical studies that evaluated SUSTOL’s efficacy and safety in more than 2,000 patients with cancer. SUSTOL’s efficacy in preventing nausea and vomiting was evaluated in both the acute phase (0–24 hours after chemotherapy) and delayed phase (24–120 hours after chemotherapy).