On May 5, 2022 Intellia Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:NTLA), a leading genome editing company focused on developing potentially curative therapies leveraging CRISPR-based technologies, reported operational highlights and financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022 (Press release, Intellia Therapeutics, MAY 5, 2022, View Source [SID1234613618]).

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"Intellia is successfully executing on its 2022 strategic priorities as we advance our proprietary CRISPR-based drug discovery and development platform. We recently shared updated interim data from our landmark study of NTLA-2001, which demonstrated that treatment with NTLA-2001 in people with ATTR amyloidosis with polyneuropathy was generally well-tolerated and delivered rapid, consistent, dose-dependent reductions in serum TTR. In addition to achieving a mean reduction of 93% at the 1.0 mg/kg dose, we were particularly pleased that reductions in serum TTR levels persisted, further bolstering our confidence in NTLA-2001 as a potentially durable, one-time treatment for ATTR amyloidosis. In June, we plan to share additional durability data from the dose-escalation portion of the polyneuropathy arm and data supporting our fixed dose selection for Part 2," said Intellia President and Chief Executive Officer John Leonard, M.D. "Alongside the progress of our lead program, we continued to advance our second in vivo candidate, NTLA-2002, which benefits from the modularity of our platform. We look forward to another important clinical milestone in the second half of this year when we expect to present initial data from the NTLA-2002 first-in-human study. Finally, Intellia remains well-funded to drive forward our robust portfolio and to support continued investment in platform innovation as we build upon our leadership position in genome editing."

First Quarter 2022 and Recent Operational Highlights

In Vivo Program Updates

Transthyretin (ATTR) Amyloidosis

NTLA-2001: NTLA-2001 is the first investigational CRISPR-based therapy to be systemically delivered to edit genes inside the human body and has the potential to be the first single-dose treatment for ATTR amyloidosis. Delivered with the Company’s in vivo lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology, NTLA-2001 offers the possibility of halting and reversing the disease by driving a deep, potentially lifelong reduction in transthyretin (TTR) protein after a single dose. NTLA-2001 is subject to a co-development/co-promotion agreement between Intellia, the lead party for this program, and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

In February, Intellia presented updated interim clinical data from 15 patients with hereditary ATTR amyloidosis with polyneuropathy (ATTRv-PN) treated across four single-ascending dose cohorts of the ongoing Phase 1 study. Treatment with NTLA-2001 led to dose-dependent reductions in serum TTR and achieved maximal reductions by day 28, with mean reductions of 86% (n=3) and 93% (n=6) in the 0.7 mg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg dose group, respectively. The maximum TTR reduction was 98% at 1.0 mg/kg. Mean serum TTR reductions were durable through the observation period, with patient follow-up ranging from two to 12 months following a single dose. NTLA-2001 was generally well-tolerated at all dose levels. The most frequent adverse events included headache, infusion-related reactions, back pain, rash and nausea.
Based on these data, Intellia is evaluating a fixed dose of 80 mg in Part 2 of the Phase 1 study, which is expected to deliver a similar exposure to the 1.0 mg/kg dose. The Company announced today that the first patient has been dosed in Part 2, a single-dose expansion cohort, in the polyneuropathy arm.
The Company plans to present additional interim data from Part 1, the single-ascending dose portion, of the polyneuropathy arm at the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) International Liver Congress 2022, to be held June 22-26.
Intellia also continues to dose patients in the cardiomyopathy arm of its expanded Phase 1 study, which is currently evaluating NTLA-2001 in dose-escalation cohorts of patients with ATTR amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). The Company’s goal is to present the first interim data from the cardiomyopathy arm in the second half of 2022. Enrollment across both ATTRv-PN and ATTR-CM patient populations is expected to complete in 2022.
Hereditary Angioedema (HAE)

NTLA-2002: NTLA-2002 leverages Intellia’s proprietary in vivo LNP delivery technology to knock out the KLKB1 gene in the liver with the potential to permanently reduce total plasma kallikrein protein and activity, a key mediator of HAE. This investigational approach aims to prevent attacks for people living with HAE by providing continuous reduction of plasma kallikrein activity following a single dose and to eliminate the significant treatment burden associated with currently available HAE therapies.

Intellia is progressing the single-ascending dose portion of its Phase 1/2 study evaluating the safety, tolerability and activity of NTLA-2002 in adults with Type I or Type II HAE. The Company has completed dosing in the first dose-escalation cohort (25 mg fixed dose) and has begun enrolling patients in the second dose-escalation cohort (75 mg fixed dose).
The Company anticipates presenting interim data in the second half of 2022 from the first-in-human study, with initial results expected to characterize the emerging safety and activity profile of NTLA-2002, and potentially demonstrate preliminary proof-of-concept.
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD)

NTLA-3001 for associated lung disease: NTLA-3001 is a wholly owned, first-in-class CRISPR-mediated in vivo targeted gene insertion development candidate for the treatment of AATD-associated lung disease. It is designed with the aim to precisely insert a healthy copy of the SERPINA1 gene, which encodes the alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT) protein, with the potential to restore permanent expression of functional A1AT protein to therapeutic levels after a single dose. This approach seeks to improve patient outcomes, including eliminating the need for weekly IV infusions of A1AT augmentation therapy or lung transplant in severe cases.

Intellia is conducting Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling activities for NTLA-3001, with plans to file an IND or IND-equivalent in 2023.
NTLA-2003 for associated liver disease: NTLA-2003 is a wholly owned in vivo knockout development candidate for the treatment of AATD-associated liver disease. It is designed to inactivate the SERPINA1 gene responsible for the production of abnormal A1AT protein in the liver. This approach aims to halt the progression of liver disease and eliminate the need for liver transplant in severe cases.

Intellia is initiating IND-enabling activities for NTLA-2003.
Ex Vivo Program Updates

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

NTLA-5001: NTLA-5001 is an investigational autologous T cell receptor (TCR)-T cell therapy engineered to target the Wilms’ Tumor 1 (WT1) antigen for the treatment of all genetic subtypes of AML.

In March, Intellia announced the first patient was dosed in its Phase 1/2a study evaluating NTLA-5001 for the treatment of AML. The Company continues to enroll patients in the ongoing study.
In March, Intellia announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted orphan drug designation to NTLA-5001 for the treatment of AML.
CD30+ Lymphomas

NTLA-6001: NTLA-6001 is a wholly owned, allogeneic CAR-T development candidate targeting CD30 for the treatment of CD30-expressing hematologic cancers, including relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). NTLA-6001 is the first candidate developed using Intellia’s proprietary allogeneic cell engineering platform, which leverages a novel combination of sequential gene edits to protect T cells from immune rejection by both host T and natural killer (NK) cells.

Intellia is initiating IND-enabling activities for NTLA-6001.
At the 2022 Keystone Symposia’s Precision Genome Engineering Conference, Intellia presented preclinical data leading to the development of NTLA-6001. The data demonstrated that Intellia’s proprietary allogeneic solution created T cells that not only avoided immune recognition by host CD4 and CD8 T cells, but also were protected from NK cell-mediated killing in in vitro and in vivo mouse models. Furthermore, allogeneic T cells engineered sequentially with LNPs retained high viability, cell expansion, memory phenotype, cytotoxic and cytokine secretion characteristics.
Research and Corporate Updates

Modular Platform and Pipeline Expansion: Intellia is expanding its industry-leading genome editing platform and scientific leadership through editing, delivery and cell engineering innovations that may enable broader in vivo and ex vivo applications.

Intellia plans to advance at least one additional new in vivo development candidate by the end of 2022.
The Company plans to highlight additional advances to its proprietary technology capabilities, including both genome editing and delivery tools, at upcoming scientific conferences in 2022.
Collaboration Updates

In February, Intellia announced a collaboration agreement with ONK Therapeutics Ltd. for the development of allogeneic CRISPR-edited NK cell therapies for the treatment of cancer.
In January, Intellia announced a licensing and collaboration agreement with Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. for the development of KYV-201, an allogeneic CD19 CAR-T cell investigational candidate for the treatment of select autoimmune diseases.
Corporate Updates

In May, Intellia announced the appointment of Muna Bhanji, R.Ph., to its Board of Directors. Ms. Bhanji brings more than 30 years of strategic and operational experience in the biopharmaceutical industry to Intellia’s board, including a proven track record of driving growth across a broad portfolio of medicines and vaccines.
In February, Intellia completed the acquisition of Rewrite Therapeutics, Inc. (Rewrite), a private biotechnology company focused on advancing novel DNA writing technologies. Rewrite’s DNA writing technology may enable a range of editing strategies, including targeted corrections, insertions, deletions and the full range of single-nucleotide changes.
In February, Intellia announced a lease agreement to develop a 140,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Waltham, Massachusetts, to support the manufacturing of key components for its CRISPR-based investigational therapies. The new manufacturing facility will be Good Manufacturing Practice compliant and support the preclinical through commercial supply for key components of Intellia’s CRISPR-based therapies.
Upcoming Events

The Company will participate in the following events during the second quarter of 2022:

RBC Capital Markets Global Healthcare Conference, May 17, New York
Jefferies Healthcare Conference, June 9, New York
EASL International Liver Congress 2022, June 22-26, London
Upcoming Milestones

The Company has set forth the following for pipeline progression:

In Vivo

NTLA-2001 for ATTR amyloidosis:

Report additional interim data from ATTRv-PN arm of Phase 1 study in June 2022
Present interim data from ATTR-CM arm of Phase 1 study in 2H 2022
Complete enrollment of Phase 1 study for both ATTRv-PN and ATTR-CM subjects in 2022
NTLA-2002 for HAE: Present interim data from Phase 1/2 study in 2H 2022
NTLA-3001 for AATD: File an IND or IND-equivalent in 2023
Advance at least one additional new in vivo development candidate by the end of 2022
Ex Vivo

NTLA-5001 for AML: Continue to enroll patients in Phase 1/2a study in 2022
Modular Platform

Advance additional novel platform capabilities in 2022
First Quarter 2022 Financial Results

Cash Position: Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $994.7 million as of March 31, 2022, compared to $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2021. The decrease was driven by cash used to fund operations of approximately $95.7 million as well as the acquisition of Rewrite for $45.0 million. The decrease was offset in part by $38.9 million in net equity proceeds raised from the Company’s "At the Market" (ATM) agreement and $8.4 million in proceeds from employee-based stock plans.
Collaboration Revenue: Collaboration revenue increased by approximately $4.8 million to $11.3 million during the first quarter of 2022, compared to $6.4 million during the first quarter of 2021. The increase was primarily driven by our joint venture with AvenCell.
R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses increased by $93.8 million to $133.1 million during the first quarter of 2022, compared to $39.3 million during the first quarter of 2021. This increase was primarily driven by $56.0 million of expense related to the acquisition of Rewrite, which includes a $45.0 million upfront payment and $10.5 million related to a potential stock-based earnout payment. The remaining $37.8 million was driven by the advancement of our lead programs, research personnel growth to support these programs, and expansion of the development organization.
G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses increased by $8.8 million to $22.4 million during the first quarter of 2022, compared to $13.6 million during the first quarter of 2021. This increase was primarily related to employee related expenses, including stock-based compensation of $5.3 million.
Net Loss: The Company’s net loss was $146.9 million for the first quarter of 2022, compared to $46.2 million during the first quarter of 2021.
Conference Call to Discuss First Quarter 2022 Results

The Company will discuss these results on a conference call today, Thursday, May 5, at 8 a.m. ET.

To join the call:

U.S. callers should dial 1-833-316-0545 and international callers should dial 1-412-317-5726, approximately five minutes before the call. All participants should ask to be connected to the Intellia Therapeutics conference call.

Please visit this link for a simultaneous live webcast of the call.
A replay of the call will be available through the Events and Presentations page of the Investors & Media section on Intellia’s website at intelliatx.com, beginning on May 5, at 12 p.m. ET.

On May 5, 2022 Curis, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRIS), a biotechnology company focused on the development of innovative therapeutics for the treatment of cancer, reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022 and provided business updates (Press release, Curis, MAY 5, 2022, View Source [SID1234613647]).

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"During the first quarter of 2022, we continued to advance the clinical trials of emavusertib, previously referred to as CA-4948, our first-in-class, small molecule IRAK4 inhibitor in nine distinct patient populations across AML, MDS and B cell cancers. In January, we provided additional preliminary data showing early anti-cancer activity of emavusertib in AML/MDS patients with spliceosome or FLT3 mutation. In addition, we presented initial data from the dose escalation study of CI-8993, a monoclonal antibody targeting VISTA, in patients with relapsed/refractory solid tumors. We also would highlight that we have cleared the 0.3mg/kg dose level, which we believe is an important initial safety hurdle," said James Dentzer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Curis.

"Shortly after the close of the first quarter, our two TakeAim studies were put on partial clinical hold by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") as the agency is seeking additional data relating to emavusertib, including data related to rhabdomyolysis and our determination of the Recommended Phase 2 Dose. We are working collaboratively with the FDA and hope to resolve the partial hold on our studies quickly," continued Mr. Dentzer. "As we gain clarity on the timing of this resolution, we will provide updated guidance on our plan to discuss the potential for a rapid registrational path for emavusertib with the FDA."

First Quarter 2022 and Recent Operational Highlights

Precision oncology, emavusertib (IRAK4 Inhibitor; Aurigene collaboration):

In January, the company hosted a conference call detailing updated data from the TakeAim Leukemia study.
The TakeAim Leukemia study is a Phase 1/2 dose escalation, dose expansion study examining emavusertib use as both monotherapy and in combination with azacitidine or venetoclax in patients with relapsed or refractory ("R/R") acute myeloid leukemia ("AML") or R/R high risk myelodysplastic syndrome ("MDS").
In patients with spliceosome-mutated R/R AML, key findings included:
CR/CRh rate of 40% (2 out of 5 patients)
Both patients who achieved CR/CRh have been on study > 6 months and achieved negative MRD (minimal residual disease) status
Consistent tumor burden reduction observed, 3 out of 5 patients with elevated blast counts achieving ≥ 50% reduction in blast counts
In patients with spliceosome-mutated R/R MDS, key findings included:
Objective response rate of 57% (4 out of 7 patients)
One of the patients who achieved a marrow CR ("mCR") proceeded to stem cell transplant after 1 cycle
Consistent tumor burden reduction observed, with 4 out of 6 patients with elevated baseline blast counts achieving ≥ 50% reduction in blast counts
In patients with a FLT3 mutated R/R AML, key findings included:
CR rate of 33% (1 out of 3 patients; this patient’s AML also had a spliceosome mutation)
2 out of 3 patients showed eradication of FLT3 mutation following treatment, indicating potential for disease modification with emavusertib
Consistent tumor burden reduction observed; with 2 out of 3 patients with elevated blast counts achieving ≥ 50% reduction in blast counts
Curis collaborators at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, published research suggesting the potential use of emavusertib in solid tumors, such as pancreatic cancer, a setting with very limited therapeutic options.
The manuscript titled "IRAK4 signaling drives resistance to checkpoint immunotherapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma" concluded that tumor IRAK4 drives T-cell exhaustion in pancreatic nonclinical ductal adenocarcinoma models and is a promising therapeutic target when combined with checkpoint immunotherapy.
The manuscript is available online at View Source(22)00201-3/pdf.
Immuno-oncology, CI-8993 (anti-VISTA antibody; ImmuNext collaboration):

Also discussed during the January update call were data from the Phase 1 study of CI-8993, Curis’s first-in-class monoclonal anti-VISTA antibody, in patients with R/R solid tumors.
Dose escalation has proceeded to the 0.6mg/kg dose level, past the 0.15mg/kg dose level where toxicities were seen previously, namely cytokine release syndrome, or CRS. Dose escalation will continue until the Recommended Phase 2 Dose ("RP2D") has been determined
Pharmacodynamic data suggest CI-8993 has multiple anticancer mechanisms that may position it for combination with existing checkpoint inhibitors, in addition to monotherapy
Presentations at the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting

Curis Presentations

TakeAim Lymphoma
Abstract Number: 7575
Abstract Title: Open-label, dose-escalation, and expansion trial of CA-4948 in combination with ibrutinib in patients with relapsed or refractory hematologic malignancies.
Session Type/Title: Poster Session/ Hematologic Malignancies—Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Session Date and Time: Saturday, June 4, 2022, 8:00 AM-11:00 AM CDT
TakeAim Leukemia
Abstract Number: 7016
Abstract Title: Phase 1/2a study of the IRAK4 inhibitor CA-4948 as monotherapy or in combination with azacitidine or venetoclax in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome.
Session Type/Title: Poster Discussion Session/ Hematologic Malignancies—Leukemia, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, and Allotransplant
Session Date and Time: Saturday, June 4, 2022, 1:15 PM-2:45 PM; 8:00 AM-11:00 AM CDT
Collaborator Presentations

Gastric and Esophageal Cancer
Abstract Number: TPS4168
Abstract Title: Phase I trial of CA-4948, an IRAK4 inhibitor, in combination with FOLFOX/PD-1 inhibitor +/- trastuzumab for untreated unresectable gastric and esophageal cancer
Session Type/Title: Poster Session/Gastrointestinal Cancer—Gastroesophageal, Pancreatic, and Hepatobiliary
Session Date and Time: Saturday, June 4, 2022, 8:00 AM-11:00 AM CDT
Melanoma Brain Metastases
Abstract Number: 2011
Abstract Title: CA-4948 for the treatment of melanoma brain metastasis.
Session Type/Title: Poster Discussion Session/ Central Nervous System Tumors
Session Date and Time: Sunday, June 5, 2022, 11:30 AM-1:00 PM; 8:00 AM-11:00 AM CDT
Upcoming Planned Milestones for 2022

Report data from the TakeAim Lymphoma study
In the first half of 2022, we plan to present new data for approximately 12 patients who have received treatment with the combination of emavusertib and ibrutinib at the upcoming American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) ("ASCO") and European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) ("EHA") meetings in June 2022
Report data from the TakeAim Leukemia study
In the first half of 2022, we plan to present the monotherapy data released on our January update call in a peer-reviewed setting at the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) and EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) conferences
In the second half of 2022, we plan to present an update with additional monotherapy data
In the second half of 2022, we plan to present initial data for the study of emavusertib in combination with azacitadine or venetoclax
Report data from the CI-8993 (VISTA checkpoint inhibitor) study
In the second half of 2022, we plan to present an update with additional monotherapy data
First Quarter 2022 Financial Results

For the first quarter of 2022, Curis reported a net loss of $16.1 million or $0.18 per share on both a basic and diluted basis, as compared to a net loss of $9.9 million, or $0.11 per share on both a basic and diluted basis for the same period in 2021.

Revenues for the first quarter of 2022 and 2021 were $2.1 million and $2.2 million, respectively. Revenues for both periods comprise primarily royalty revenues recorded on Genentech and Roche’s net sales of Erivedge.

Operating expenses for the first quarter of 2022 were $17.2 million, as compared to $11.0 million for the same period in 2021, and comprised the following:

Cost of Royalty Revenues. Cost of royalty revenues, represents amounts due to third-party university patent licensors in connection with Genentech and Roche’s Erivedge net sales, were $0.1 million for the first quarter of 2022 and 2021.

Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses were $11.4 million for the first quarter of 2022 as compared to $6.8 million for the same period in 2021. The increase in direct research and development expenses for the quarter is primarily attributable to increased manufacturing costs for our programs and increased consulting services. Additionally, personnel related costs increased by $2.4 million and stock compensation increased $0.4 million, primarily as a result of additional headcount.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses were $5.7 million for the first quarter of 2022, as compared to $4.1 million for the same period in 2021. The increase in general and administrative expense was driven primarily by higher costs for personnel, stock-based compensation, and insurance costs.

Other Expense, Net. For the third quarter of 2022 and 2021, net other expense was $1.0 million and $1.1 million, respectively. Net other expense primarily consisted of imputed interest expense related to future royalty payments.

As of March 31, 2022, Curis’s cash, cash equivalents and investments totaled $120.7 million, and there were approximately 91.6 million shares of common stock outstanding. Curis expects that its existing cash, cash equivalents and investments should enable it to maintain its planned operations into 2024.

Conference Call Information

Curis management will host a conference call today, May 5, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. ET, to discuss these financial results, as well as provide a corporate update.

To access the live conference call, please dial 1-888-346-6389 from the United States or 1-412-317-5252 from other locations, shortly before 4:30 p.m. ET. The conference call can also be accessed on the Curis website at www.curis.com in the Investors section.

On May 5, 2022 CytomX Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: CTMX), a leader in the field of conditionally activated oncology therapeutics, reported first quarter 2022 financial results and provided a business update (Press release, CytomX Therapeutics, MAY 5, 2022, View Source [SID1234613662]).

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"The CytomX team continued to execute across our portfolio during the first quarter of 2022, including significant progress with patient enrollment in our most advanced clinical studies. Initial data readouts for both Arms A and B for praluzatamab ravtansine and a data update for CX-2029 remain on track for the second half of this year. Beyond these important milestones, we are also advancing many new experimental therapeutics, including our conditionally activated version of interferon alpha-2b, which was detailed in a presentation at the recent American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting. The breadth of our clinical and preclinical pipeline continues to demonstrate the multi-modality potential of our technology platform to deliver important new treatments for cancer," said Sean McCarthy, D.Phil., chief executive officer and chairman at CytomX Therapeutics.

First Quarter Business Highlights and Recent Developments

Praluzatamab ravtansine – Praluzatamab ravtansine is a CD166-directed conditionally activated antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) wholly-owned by CytomX. The three-arm Phase 2 study is evaluating praluzatamab ravtansine as monotherapy in patients with hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-non-amplified breast cancer (Arm A) and in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC, Arm B), and in combination with pacmilimab, our PD-L1 directed Probody therapeutic, in patients with TNBC (Arm C). Enrollment to Arm A is complete.
CX-2029 – CX-2029 is a CD71-directed conditionally activated ADC being co-developed by CytomX and AbbVie. In addition to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, the Phase 2 expansion study has now also completed patient enrollment in the squamous non-small cell lung cancer cohort. The study remained open for enrollment in the esophageal and gastro-esophageal junction cancers cohort, and the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cohort.
CX-904 – CX-904 is a conditionally activated T-cell-engaging bispecific antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on tumor cells and the CD3 receptor on T cells, and is partnered with Amgen. The investigational new drug application for a first-in-human Phase 1 study of CX-904 in patients with advanced solid tumors was allowed to proceed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and study start-up activities were initiated.
Ipilimumab Probody Program – BMS-986249 and BMS-986288 are Probody versions of the anti-CTLA4 antibody, ipilimumab and non-fucosylated ipilimumab, respectively. BMS-986249 is currently being evaluated by CytomX’s collaboration partner, Bristol Myers Squibb, in a randomized Phase 2 study in combination with nivolumab, the anti-PD-1 antibody, versus ipilimumab plus nivolumab in patients newly diagnosed with advanced melanoma. This novel combination is also being studied in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, castration-resistant prostate cancer, and TNBC. Bristol Myers Squibb also continued to evaluate BMS-986288, as monotherapy and in combination with nivolumab, in a Phase 1 study in advanced solid tumors.
Preclinical Programs – CytomX continued to work on broadening the potential application of its multi-modality Probody platform to other product candidates, including a broad initiative towards enhancing the therapeutic window of cytokines. At the 2022 AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, CytomX presented encouraging preclinical data that highlighted a conditionally activated interferon alpha-2b therapeutic candidate as a promising addition to current immunotherapy regimens, potentially expanding benefit to patients with typically unresponsive tumors.
Priorities for 2022

Continue enrolling patients with TNBC in Arms B and C in the Phase 2 study of praluzatamab ravtansine and report initial data from Arms A and B in the second half of 2022
Continue advancing the expansion phase of the Phase 2 study of CX-2029 in collaboration with our partner AbbVie and provide a data update in the second half of 2022
Advance the Phase 1 study of CX-904 in solid tumors
First Quarter 2022 Financial Results
Cash, cash equivalents and investments totaled $263 million as of March 31, 2022, compared to $305 million as of December 31, 2021.

Total revenue was $17.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to $16.0 million for the corresponding period in 2021. The increase in total revenue was largely related to the CD71 collaboration with AbbVie.

Research and development expenses increased by $8.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2022 to $30.6 million compared to $22.4 million for the first quarter of 2021. The increase was primarily driven by contract and service expenses in manufacturing and development activities in support of our pre-clinical and clinical portfolio.

General and administrative expenses increased by $1.3 million during the first quarter of 2022 to $10.5 million compared to $9.2 million in the same period in 2021. The increase was mainly in personnel and professional expenses.

Conference Call & Webcast Information
CytomX management will host a conference call and a simultaneous webcast today at 5:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. PT) to discuss the financial results and provide a business update. To join the conference call, please dial (877) 809-6037 (domestic) or (615) 247-0221 (international) and reference the conference ID 5241057. A live webcast of the call can be accessed on the Events and Presentations page of CytomX’s website at View Source An archived replay of the webcast will be available on the Company’s website until May 12, 2022.

On May 5, 2022 Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company leveraging its extensive virology expertise to develop novel therapeutics that target specific viral diseases, reported its first quarter 2022 financial results and provides pipeline updates (Press release, Arbutus Biopharma, MAY 5, 2022, View Source [SID1234613678]).

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"In the first quarter of 2022, we continued to advance our efforts to develop a functional cure for hepatitis B and to develop novel treatment options for coronavirus infections, including SARS-CoV-2," said William Collier, Arbutus’ President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are on-track to achieve our goal of reporting data later this year from four clinical trials with chronically infected HBV patients being treated with either AB-729, our RNAi therapeutic, or AB-836, our next generation oral capsid inhibitor. Furthermore, our IND-enabling studies with our oral PD-L1 inhibitor, AB-101, and our oral RNA destabilizer, AB-161, are moving forward and we expect these to be completed in the second half of 2022. Additionally, we have had seven abstracts accepted at the EASL International Liver Congress, which include some of these data."

Mr. Collier continued, "With respect to our research efforts to develop a nsp5 main protease (Mpro) and nsp12 viral polymerase for SARS-CoV-2 and future coronavirus outbreaks, we are on-track to initiate IND-enabling studies for a nsp5 Mpro candidate later this year. Lead optimization activities are continuing for a nsp12 viral polymerase candidate. Financially, we are well-positioned to continue advancing all our current clinical programs through important data milestones with a projected cash runway into the second quarter of 2024."

Anticipated Milestones in 2022:

Dose first patient in the AB-729-202 Phase 2a clinical trial evaluating AB-729, in combination with VTP-300, Vaccitech plc’s (Vaccitech) therapeutic vaccine and nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy (NA), in cHBV patients in the first half of 2022.
Present new on-treatment data as well as long-term off-treatment data for cHBV patients in the AB-729-001 clinical trial at a medical conference later this year.
Report initial data from the AB-729-201 Phase 2a clinical trial evaluating AB-729 in combination with ongoing NA therapy and short courses of PEG-IFNα-2a in cHBV patients in the second half of 2022.
Report initial data from the Phase 2a clinical trial evaluating AB-729 in combination with vebicorvir (VBR), Assembly Biosciences, Inc.’s (Assembly) lead HBV core inhibitor (capsid inhibitor), and an NA in cHBV patients in the second half of 2022.
Report data set from the AB-836-001 clinical trial evaluating multiple doses of AB-836 in cHBV patients in the first half of 2022.
Complete IND-enabling studies for two oral compounds (PD-L1 inhibitor, AB-101 and RNA destabilizer, AB-161) to treat HBV in the second half of 2022.
Advance an oral compound that inhibits the SARS-CoV-2 nsp5 main protease into IND enabling studies in the second half of 2022.
Continue to explore a potential oncology indication with our oral PD-L1 program.
Financial Results

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments

As of March 31, 2022, the Company had cash, cash equivalents and investments in marketable securities of $221.8 million, as compared to $191.0 million as of December 31, 2021.

During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company received a $40.0 million (net of withholding taxes) upfront payment from Qilu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ("Qilu") related to a technology transfer and license agreement for AB-729 in greater China, $15.0 million of gross proceeds from Qilu’s equity investment and $0.3 million of net proceeds from the issuance of common shares under Arbutus’s "at-the-market" offering program. These cash inflows were partially offset by $23.4 million of cash used in operations. The Company expects a net cash burn between $90 to $95 million in 2022, not including the $55 million of proceeds received from Qilu, and believes its cash runway will be sufficient to fund operations into the second quarter of 2024.

Revenue

Revenues were $12.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to $2.1 million for the same period in 2021. The increase of $10.5 million was due primarily to $9.6 million of revenue recognition from the Company’s license agreement with Qilu based on employee labor hours expended by the Company during the first quarter of 2022 to perform its manufacturing obligations under the license agreement.

Net Loss

For the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company’s net loss attributable to common shares was $15.8 million, or a loss of $0.11 per basic and diluted common share, as compared to a net loss attributable to common shares of $19.6 million, or a loss of $0.21 per basic and diluted common share, for the three months ended March 31, 2021. Net loss attributable to common shares for the three months ended March 31, 2021 included $3.2 million of non-cash expense for the accrual coupon on the Company’s convertible preferred shares, which converted into 22.8 million common shares in October 2021.

Operating Expenses

Research and development expenses were $18.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to $13.8 million for the same period in 2021. The increase of $4.7 million was due primarily to an increase in expenses related to the Company’s multiple, ongoing AB-729 Phase 2a clinical trials, including its collaborations with Assembly and Vaccitech, an increase in expenses for its ongoing AB-836-001 clinical trial, and an increase in expenses for its early stage development programs, including AB-101 and AB-161. General and administrative expenses were $4.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to $3.9 million for the same period in 2021. This increase was due primarily to increases in professional fees, employee compensation and non-cash stock-based compensation expense.

Outstanding Shares

As of March 31, 2022, the Company had approximately 148.7 million common shares issued and outstanding, as well as approximately 15.7 million stock options outstanding. Roivant Sciences Ltd. owned approximately 26% of the Company’s outstanding common shares as of March 31, 2022.

COVID-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in and will likely continue to result in significant disruptions to businesses. Measures implemented around the world in attempts to slow the spread of COVID-19 have had, and will likely continue to have, a major impact on clinical development, at least in the near-term, including shortages and delays in the supply chain and prohibitions in certain countries on enrolling subjects and patients in new clinical trials. While we have been able to progress with our clinical and pre-clinical activities to date, it is not possible to predict if the COVID-19 pandemic will materially impact our plans and timelines in the future.

On May 5, 2022 Altimmune, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALT), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, reported that it will report its first quarter 2022 financial results on Thursday, May 12, 2022 and will provide a business update (Press release, Altimmune, MAY 5, 2022, View Source [SID1234613694]).

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Altimmune management will host a conference call at 8:30 am E.T. on May 12 to discuss financial results and provide a business update.