Guardant Health Reports First Quarter 2022 Financial Results

On May 5, 2022 Guardant Health, Inc. (Nasdaq: GH), a leading precision oncology company focused on helping conquer cancer globally through use of its proprietary tests, vast data sets and advanced analytics, reported financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 (Press release, Guardant Health, MAY 5, 2022, View Source [SID1234613717]).

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Recent Highlights

Revenue of $96.1 million for the first quarter of 2022, an increase of 22% over the corresponding period of 2021
Reported 27,100 tests to clinical customers and 5,100 tests to biopharmaceutical customers in the first quarter of 2022, representing an increase of 47% and 45%, respectively, over the first quarter of 2021
Launched Shield as a Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) test, the Company’s first blood-based test for detection of early-stage colorectal cancer
Announced a partnership with Epic, a widely used comprehensive health record system in the United States, making the Company’s broad portfolio of cancer tests available to over 250 million patients with a record in Epic
Received regulatory approval for Guardant360 CDx in Japan for use in patients with advanced solid cancers as well as a companion diagnostic to identify patients with microsatellite instability-high, or MSI-High, solid tumors who may benefit from Keytruda and patients with MSI-High advanced colorectal cancer who may benefit from Opdivo
Received Medicare coverage for Guardant360 TissueNext test under the Molecular Diagnostics Services program (MolDX) LCD
"We delivered strong clinical volume growth this quarter and I am proud of our team’s work to establish Guardant as the leader in liquid biopsy through our high-performance testing portfolio and excellent customer service," said Helmy Eltoukhy, co-founder and co-CEO. "We now have more than 11,000 ordering oncologists and are seeing our core base of customers ordering more tests and using more Guardant products each quarter. Fueled by the launch of our most recent products, we are continuing to blaze a trail forward and help patients across all stages of cancer live longer and healthier lives with the data provided from our powerful blood tests."

"The recent launch of our Shield LDT screening test represents a major milestone in our commitment to transform cancer screening," said AmirAli Talasaz, co-founder and co-CEO. "If the ECLIPSE readout is close to our LDT validation performance, we are confident that Shield will become the leading non-invasive CRC screening methodology. Colorectal cancer screening is the start of this journey. We will soon expand into high-sensitivity multi-cancer screening, including lung and pancreas, where we believe cancer screening can save lives."

First Quarter 2022 Financial Results

Revenue was $96.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022, a 22% increase from $78.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. Precision oncology revenue grew 32% driven predominantly by an increase in clinical testing volume and biopharma sample volume, which grew 47% and 45%, respectively, over the prior year period. Development services and other revenue decreased 20%, primarily due to the progression of collaboration projects with biopharmaceutical customers for companion diagnostic development and regulatory approval services, and discontinuation of our Guardant-19 COVID tests in August 2021, partially offset by royalty revenues earned during the three months ended March 31, 2022.

Gross profit, or total revenue less cost of precision oncology testing and cost of development services and other, was $64.1 million for the first quarter of 2022, an increase of $14.2 million from $49.9 million for the corresponding prior year period. Gross margin, or gross profit divided by total revenue, was 67%, as compared to 63% for the corresponding prior year period.

Operating expenses were $187.5 million for the first quarter of 2022, as compared to $157.8 million for the corresponding prior year period, an increase of 19%. Non-GAAP operating expenses were $158.7 million for the first quarter of 2022, as compared to $100.7 million for the corresponding prior year period.

Net loss attributable to Guardant Health, Inc. common stockholders was $123.2 million for the first quarter of 2022, as compared to $109.7 million for the corresponding prior year period. Net loss per share attributable to Guardant Health, Inc. common stockholders was $1.21 for the first quarter of 2022, as compared to $1.09 for the corresponding prior year period. Non-GAAP net loss was $93.2 million for the first quarter of 2022, as compared to $49.4 million for the corresponding prior year period. Non-GAAP net loss per share was $0.91 for the first quarter of 2022, as compared to $0.49 for the corresponding prior year period.

Adjusted EBITDA loss was $86.6 million for the first quarter of 2022, as compared to a $45.4 million loss for the corresponding prior year period.

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $1.6 billion as of March 31, 2022.

2022 Guidance

Guardant Health continues to expect full year 2022 revenue to be in the range of $460 million to $470 million, representing 23% to 26% growth over full year 2021.

Webcast Information

Guardant Health will host a conference call to discuss the first quarter 2022 financial results after market close on Wednesday, May 5, 2022 at 1:30 pm Pacific Time / 4:30 pm Eastern Time. A webcast of the conference call can be accessed at View Source The webcast will be archived and available for replay for at least 90 days after the event.

Non-GAAP Measures

Guardant Health has presented in this release certain financial information in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and also on a non-GAAP basis, including non-GAAP cost of precision oncology testing, non-GAAP research and development expense, non-GAAP sales and marketing expense, non-GAAP general and administrative expense, non-GAAP loss from operations, non-GAAP net loss, non-GAAP net loss attributable to Guardant Health, Inc., common stockholders, non-GAAP net loss per share attributable to Guardant Health, Inc. common stockholders, basic and diluted, and Adjusted EBITDA.

We define our non-GAAP measures as the applicable GAAP measure adjusted for the impacts of stock-based compensation and related employer payroll tax payments, changes in estimated fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interest, contingent consideration, acquisition related expenses, amortization of intangible assets, and other non-recurring items.

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net loss attributable to Guardant Health, Inc. common stockholders adjusted for interest income, interest expense, other income (expense), net, provision for (benefit from) income taxes, depreciation and amortization expense, stock-based compensation expense and related employer payroll tax payments, adjustments relating to redeemable noncontrolling interest and contingent consideration and, if applicable in a reporting period, acquisition-related expenses and other non-recurring items.

We believe that the exclusion of certain income and expenses in calculating these non-GAAP financial measures can provide a useful measure for investors when comparing our period-to-period core operating results, and when comparing those same results to that published by our peers. We exclude certain other items because we believe that these income (expenses) do not reflect expected future operating expenses. Additionally, certain items are inconsistent in amounts and frequency, making it difficult to perform a meaningful evaluation of our current or past operating performance. We use these non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate ongoing operations, for internal planning and forecasting purposes, and to manage our business.

These non-GAAP financial measures are not intended to be considered in isolation from, as substitute for, or as superior to, the corresponding financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. There are limitations inherent in non-GAAP financial measures because they exclude charges and credits that are required to be included in a GAAP presentation, and do not present the full measure of our recorded costs against its revenue. In addition, our definition of the non-GAAP financial measures may differ from non-GAAP measures used by other companies.

Insmed Reports First Quarter 2022 Financial Results and Provides Business Update

On May 5, 2022 Insmed Incorporated (Nasdaq:INSM), a global biopharmaceutical company on a mission to transform the lives of patients with serious and rare diseases, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022 and provided a business update (Press release, Insmed, MAY 5, 2022, View Source [SID1234613734]).

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"I am proud of Insmed’s solid progress in the first quarter of 2022, with steady ARIKAYCE performance in three territories around the globe, advancement of seven clinical trials, including our ASPEN and ARISE/ENCORE trials, and continued development of our early-stage research programs," commented Will Lewis, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Insmed. "We ended the quarter in a position of financial strength, with a strong balance sheet and steady revenue stream. The remainder of 2022 will be a critical execution period across the four pillars of our business, and I am confident we have the ambition, determination, and talent to achieve our objectives and deliver high-impact medicines for patients in need."

Recent Pillar Highlights

ARIKAYCE

In the first quarter of 2022, ARIKAYCE revenue grew 32% over the first quarter of 2021, reflecting steady U.S. performance and ongoing launch activities in Japan and Europe.
Enrollment remains on track in the post-marketing confirmatory, frontline clinical trial program of ARIKAYCE in patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease caused by Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), consisting of the ARISE and ENCORE trials. Insmed anticipates completing enrollment in ARISE in 2022 and having topline data in the first half of 2023; the Company also anticipates completing enrollment in ENCORE by the end of 2023.
Insmed announced that it will present data at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2022 International Conference, taking place May 13-18, 2022, highlighting the reduction in hospitalizations after initiation of ARIKAYCE treatment in a retrospective cohort study of patients in real-world settings.
Brensocatib

Enrollment remains on track in the Phase 3 ASPEN study, a global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of brensocatib in patients with bronchiectasis. Insmed continues to anticipate completing enrollment in this trial in early 2023.
A Phase 2 pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study of brensocatib in patients with cystic fibrosis is underway and Insmed continues to anticipate sharing data by early 2023.
As previously shared, Insmed plans to develop brensocatib in two new potential indications – chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps and hidradenitis suppurativa.
Insmed will present data at the ATS 2022 International Conference evaluating the benefit-risk profile in a post-hoc analysis of the Phase 2 WILLOW study of brensocatib in patients with bronchiectasis.
TPIP

Insmed remains on track to share preliminary data from a small number of patients in a Phase 2a trial of treprostinil palmitil inhalation powder (TPIP) in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) this year. The Phase 2a study will measure the impact of TPIP on pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) over a 24-hour period.
Insmed is also advancing a Phase 2b study to evaluate the effect of TPIP on PVR and 6-minute walk distance over a 16-week treatment period in patients with PAH, and a Phase 2 study to assess the safety and tolerability of TPIP in patients with pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD) over a 16-week treatment period.
Translational Medicine

Insmed is advancing a translational medicine portfolio encompassing a wide range of technologies and modalities, including gene therapy, gene editing, protein deimmunization, and manufacturing capabilities. The Company anticipates filing at least one Investigational New Drug Application per year from this portfolio.
First Quarter 2022 Financial Results

Total revenue for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, was $53.1 million, compared to total revenue of $40.2 million for the first quarter of 2021. Total revenue for the first quarter of 2022 comprised ARIKAYCE net sales of $40.8 million in the U.S., $10.7 million in Japan, and $1.6 million in Europe and rest of world.
Cost of product revenues (excluding amortization of intangible assets) was $12.2 million for the first quarter of 2022, compared to $9.8 million for the first quarter of 2021.
Research and development (R&D) expenses were $84.4 million for the first quarter of 2022, compared to $61.4 million for the first quarter of 2021.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the first quarter of 2022 were $56.7 million, compared to $51.6 million for the first quarter of 2021.
For the first quarter of 2022, Insmed reported a net loss of $94.6 million, or $0.80 per share, compared to a net loss of $91.6 million, or $0.89 per share, for the first quarter of 2021.
Balance Sheet, Financial Guidance, and Planned Investments

As of March 31, 2022, Insmed had cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities of $664.7 million. The Company’s total operating expenses for the first quarter of 2022 were $142.9 million.

Insmed continues to expect full-year 2022 global revenues for ARIKAYCE to increase at least 30% year over year from 2021. The Company also continues to anticipate that its cash on hand will support its ongoing business into 2024.

The Company plans to continue to invest in the following key activities in 2022:

(i)

commercialization and expansion of ARIKAYCE globally;

(ii)

launch activities for ARIKAYCE in Japan; and

(iii)

clinical trial activities, including (a) advancement of the confirmatory, frontline clinical trial program for ARIKAYCE (ARISE and ENCORE), (b) advancement of brensocatib, including the Phase 3 ASPEN study in patients with bronchiectasis, (c) advancement of the Phase 2 clinical development programs for TPIP, and (d) advancement of our translational medicine efforts.

Conference Call

Insmed will host a conference call beginning today at 8:30 AM Eastern Time. Shareholders and other interested parties may participate in the conference call by dialing (844) 200-6205 (U.S. toll free), (646) 904-5544 (U.S. local), or +1-929-526-1599 (international) and referencing access code 388457. The call will also be webcast live on the company’s website at www.insmed.com.

A replay of the conference call will be accessible approximately 1 hour after its completion through June 4, 2022, by dialing (866) 813-9403 (U.S. toll free), (929) 458-6194 (U.S. local), or +44-204-525-0658 (international) and referencing access code 252664. A webcast of the call will also be archived for 90 days under the Investor Relations section of the company’s website at www.insmed.com.

About ARIKAYCE

ARIKAYCE is approved in the United States as ARIKAYCE (amikacin liposome inhalation suspension), in Europe as ARIKAYCE Liposomal 590 mg Nebuliser Dispersion, and in Japan as ARIKAYCE inhalation 590 mg (amikacin sulfate inhalation drug product). Current international treatment guidelines recommend the use of ARIKAYCE for appropriate patients. ARIKAYCE is a novel, inhaled, once-daily formulation of amikacin, an established antibiotic that was historically administered intravenously and associated with severe toxicity to hearing, balance, and kidney function. Insmed’s proprietary PULMOVANCE liposomal technology enables the delivery of amikacin directly to the lungs, where liposomal amikacin is taken up by lung macrophages where the infection resides, while limiting systemic exposure. ARIKAYCE is administered once daily using the Lamira Nebulizer System manufactured by PARI Pharma GmbH (PARI).

About PARI Pharma and the Lamira Nebulizer System

ARIKAYCE is delivered by a novel inhalation device, the Lamira Nebulizer System, developed by PARI. Lamira is a quiet, portable nebulizer that enables efficient aerosolization of ARIKAYCE via a vibrating, perforated membrane. Based on PARI’s 100-year history working with aerosols, PARI is dedicated to advancing inhalation therapies by developing innovative delivery platforms to improve patient care.

About Brensocatib

Brensocatib is a small molecule, oral, reversible inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase 1 (DPP1) being developed by Insmed for the treatment of patients with bronchiectasis and other neutrophil-mediated diseases. DPP1 is an enzyme responsible for activating neutrophil serine proteases (NSPs), such as neutrophil elastase, in neutrophils when they are formed in the bone marrow. Neutrophils are the most common type of white blood cell and play an essential role in pathogen destruction and inflammatory mediation. In chronic inflammatory lung diseases, neutrophils accumulate in the airways and result in excessive active NSPs that cause lung destruction and inflammation. Brensocatib may decrease the damaging effects of inflammatory diseases such as bronchiectasis by inhibiting DPP1 and its activation of NSPs. Brensocatib is an investigational drug product that has not been approved for any indication in any jurisdiction.

About TPIP

Treprostinil palmitil inhalation powder (TPIP) is a dry powder formulation of treprostinil palmitil, a treprostinil prodrug consisting of treprostinil linked by an ester bond to a 16-carbon chain. Developed entirely in Insmed’s laboratories, TPIP is a potentially highly differentiated prostanoid being evaluated for the treatment of patients with PAH, PH-ILD, and other rare and serious pulmonary disorders. TPIP is administered in a capsule-based inhalation device. TPIP is an investigational drug product that has not been approved for any indication in any jurisdiction.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR ARIKAYCE IN THE U.S.

WARNING: RISK OF INCREASED RESPIRATORY ADVERSE REACTIONS

ARIKAYCE has been associated with an increased risk of respiratory adverse reactions, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, hemoptysis, bronchospasm, and exacerbation of underlying pulmonary disease that have led to hospitalizations in some cases.

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis has been reported with the use of ARIKAYCE in the clinical trials. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (reported as allergic alveolitis, pneumonitis, interstitial lung disease, allergic reaction to ARIKAYCE) was reported at a higher frequency in patients treated with ARIKAYCE plus background regimen (3.1%) compared to patients treated with a background regimen alone (0%). Most patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis discontinued treatment with ARIKAYCE and received treatment with corticosteroids. If hypersensitivity pneumonitis occurs, discontinue ARIKAYCE and manage patients as medically appropriate.

Hemoptysis has been reported with the use of ARIKAYCE in the clinical trials. Hemoptysis was reported at a higher frequency in patients treated with ARIKAYCE plus background regimen (17.9%) compared to patients treated with a background regimen alone (12.5%). If hemoptysis occurs, manage patients as medically appropriate.

Bronchospasm has been reported with the use of ARIKAYCE in the clinical trials. Bronchospasm (reported as asthma, bronchial hyperreactivity, bronchospasm, dyspnea, dyspnea exertional, prolonged expiration, throat tightness, wheezing) was reported at a higher frequency in patients treated with ARIKAYCE plus background regimen (28.7%) compared to patients treated with a background regimen alone (10.7%). If bronchospasm occurs during the use of ARIKAYCE, treat patients as medically appropriate.

Exacerbations of underlying pulmonary disease has been reported with the use of ARIKAYCE in the clinical trials. Exacerbations of underlying pulmonary disease (reported as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), infective exacerbation of COPD, infective exacerbation of bronchiectasis) have been reported at a higher frequency in patients treated with ARIKAYCE plus background regimen (14.8%) compared to patients treated with background regimen alone (9.8%). If exacerbations of underlying pulmonary disease occur during the use of ARIKAYCE, treat patients as medically appropriate.

Anaphylaxis and Hypersensitivity Reactions: Serious and potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported in patients taking ARIKAYCE. Signs and symptoms include acute onset of skin and mucosal tissue hypersensitivity reactions (hives, itching, flushing, swollen lips/tongue/uvula), respiratory difficulty (shortness of breath, wheezing, stridor, cough), gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, crampy abdominal pain), and cardiovascular signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis (tachycardia, low blood pressure, syncope, incontinence, dizziness). Before therapy with ARIKAYCE is instituted, evaluate for previous hypersensitivity reactions to aminoglycosides. If anaphylaxis or a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue ARIKAYCE and institute appropriate supportive measures.

Ototoxicity has been reported with the use of ARIKAYCE in the clinical trials. Ototoxicity (including deafness, dizziness, presyncope, tinnitus, and vertigo) were reported with a higher frequency in patients treated with ARIKAYCE plus background regimen (17%) compared to patients treated with background regimen alone (9.8%). This was primarily driven by tinnitus (7.6% in ARIKAYCE plus background regimen vs 0.9% in the background regimen alone arm) and dizziness (6.3% in ARIKAYCE plus background regimen vs 2.7% in the background regimen alone arm). Closely monitor patients with known or suspected auditory or vestibular dysfunction during treatment with ARIKAYCE. If ototoxicity occurs, manage patients as medically appropriate, including potentially discontinuing ARIKAYCE.

Nephrotoxicity was observed during the clinical trials of ARIKAYCE in patients with MAC lung disease but not at a higher frequency than background regimen alone. Nephrotoxicity has been associated with the aminoglycosides. Close monitoring of patients with known or suspected renal dysfunction may be needed when prescribing ARIKAYCE.

Neuromuscular Blockade: Patients with neuromuscular disorders were not enrolled in ARIKAYCE clinical trials. Patients with known or suspected neuromuscular disorders, such as myasthenia gravis, should be closely monitored since aminoglycosides may aggravate muscle weakness by blocking the release of acetylcholine at neuromuscular junctions.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Aminoglycosides can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Aminoglycosides, including ARIKAYCE, may be associated with total, irreversible, bilateral congenital deafness in pediatric patients exposed in utero. Patients who use ARIKAYCE during pregnancy, or become pregnant while taking ARIKAYCE should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus.

Contraindications: ARIKAYCE is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any aminoglycoside.

Most Common Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reactions in Trial 1 at an incidence ≥5% for patients using ARIKAYCE plus background regimen compared to patients treated with background regimen alone were dysphonia (47% vs 1%), cough (39% vs 17%), bronchospasm (29% vs 11%), hemoptysis (18% vs 13%), ototoxicity (17% vs 10%), upper airway irritation (17% vs 2%), musculoskeletal pain (17% vs 8%), fatigue and asthenia (16% vs 10%), exacerbation of underlying pulmonary disease (15% vs 10%), diarrhea (13% vs 5%), nausea (12% vs 4%), pneumonia (10% vs 8%), headache (10% vs 5%), pyrexia (7% vs 5%), vomiting (7% vs 4%), rash (6% vs 2%), decreased weight (6% vs 1%), change in sputum (5% vs 1%), and chest discomfort (5% vs 3%).

Drug Interactions: Avoid concomitant use of ARIKAYCE with medications associated with neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and ototoxicity. Some diuretics can enhance aminoglycoside toxicity by altering aminoglycoside concentrations in serum and tissue. Avoid concomitant use of ARIKAYCE with ethacrynic acid, furosemide, urea, or intravenous mannitol.

Overdosage: Adverse reactions specifically associated with overdose of ARIKAYCE have not been identified. Acute toxicity should be treated with immediate withdrawal of ARIKAYCE, and baseline tests of renal function should be undertaken. Hemodialysis may be helpful in removing amikacin from the body. In all cases of suspected overdosage, physicians should contact the Regional Poison Control Center for information about effective treatment.

U.S. INDICATION

LIMITED POPULATION: ARIKAYCE is indicated in adults, who have limited or no alternative treatment options, for the treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease as part of a combination antibacterial drug regimen in patients who do not achieve negative sputum cultures after a minimum of 6 consecutive months of a multidrug background regimen therapy. As only limited clinical safety and effectiveness data for ARIKAYCE are currently available, reserve ARIKAYCE for use in adults who have limited or no alternative treatment options. This drug is indicated for use in a limited and specific population of patients.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on achieving sputum culture conversion (defined as 3 consecutive negative monthly sputum cultures) by Month 6. Clinical benefit has not yet been established. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

Limitation of Use: ARIKAYCE has only been studied in patients with refractory MAC lung disease defined as patients who did not achieve negative sputum cultures after a minimum of 6 consecutive months of a multidrug background regimen therapy. The use of ARIKAYCE is not recommended for patients with non-refractory MAC lung disease.

Patients are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1‑800‑FDA‑1088. You can also call the Company at 1-844-4-INSMED.

10-Q – Quarterly report [Sections 13 or 15(d)]

Puma Biotechnology has filed a 10-Q – Quarterly report [Sections 13 or 15(d)] with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission .

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BioCryst Reports First Quarter 2022 Financial Results and Upcoming Key Milestones

On May 5, 2022 BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:BCRX) reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, and provided a corporate update (Press release, BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, MAY 5, 2022, View Source [SID1234613611]).

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"We are now over a year into the ORLADEYO launch and are excited to see strong and continuing patient demand and steady expansion in our prescriber base among both new and existing prescribers. These trends continued in the first quarter of 2022 and reinforce our confidence that we will achieve no less than $250 million in net ORLADEYO revenue in 2022 and peak ORLADEYO sales of $1 billion," said Jon Stonehouse, president and chief executive officer of BioCryst.

"We also have made substantial progress in our investigation with BCX9930. Based on our initial findings, we believe that both dose and dosing regimen could be contributing factors to the safety signal we have observed. By the end of the third quarter, we plan to discuss our proposed approach to resume the REDEEM trials, under a revised dosing protocol, with regulators," Stonehouse added.

Program Updates and Key Milestones

ORLADEYO (berotralstat): Oral, Once-daily Treatment for Prevention of Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) Attacks

U.S. Launch

ORLADEYO net revenue in the first quarter of 2022 was $49.7 million.
Approximately 50 percent of patients currently on ORLADEYO have switched from another prophylactic therapy, and half of those patients have come from lanadelumab. These trends continued with new patients starting ORLADEYO in Q1 2022.
In the first quarter, new patient prescriptions were evenly split between repeat prescribers and new prescribers, with an approximately equal number of new prescriptions coming from the top 500 HAE treaters and the broader set of other HAE treaters.
The company has completed its latest quarterly survey of another 60 allergists who treat an average of eight HAE patients. These physicians were already using ORLADEYO on 13 percent of their patients and predicted growth to 23 percent over the next 12 months. These findings were in line with previously reported market research from August 2021.
Approximately 80 percent of HAE patients in the U.S. are insured by payors and pharmacy benefit managers that cover ORLADEYO. Despite prior authorization headwinds early in 2022, approximately 80 percent of patients on ORLADEYO were receiving paid product by the end of the first quarter, a substantial increase from approximately 66 percent of patients in the second half of 2021.
Most patients are well-controlled on ORLADEYO and remain on therapy. Once payor prior authorization is complete, 78 percent of patients switching from lanadelumab and 73 percent of patients switching from subcutaneous C1 inhibitor remain on ORLADEYO for at least six months. About 70 percent of all patients who receive reimbursed product stay on ORLADEYO for at least 12 months, compared to 60 percent of patients who remain on long-term free product.
The company expects steady quarterly ORLADEYO net revenue growth throughout the remainder of 2022, with total 2022 ORLADEYO net revenue of no less than $250 million.
"We are very pleased that strong patient demand continued to drive growth in the first quarter and overcome the traditional Q1 reimbursement headwinds. With outstanding reimbursement in place, patients continuing to enjoy an excellent experience on ORLADEYO and the expansion of both our new and existing prescriber bases, we expect steady growth throughout the remainder of 2022 as we achieve no less than $250 million in ORLADEYO net revenues for the year," said Charlie Gayer, chief commercial officer of BioCryst.

ORLADEYO: Global Updates

ORLADEYO has been launched in Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. The company expects launches in additional countries throughout the year.
Complement Oral Factor D Inhibitor Program – BCX9930

On April 8, 2022, BioCryst announced that the company was voluntarily pausing enrollment in BCX9930 clinical trials while it investigated observed elevations in serum creatinine seen in some patients.

Patients in the REDEEM-1, REDEEM-2 and RENEW clinical trials randomized to BCX9930 began those trials by starting immediately at a dose of 500 mg twice-daily. Patients receiving BCX9930 in the long-term extension trial started at lower doses as part of the proof-of-concept dose escalation regimen and were ultimately moved up to 500 mg twice-daily.

Preliminary evidence from the investigation points to both the 500 mg twice-daily dosing level and the immediate start of that dose, without a period at a lower dose first, as plausible contributory factors for the observed increases in serum creatinine.

Based on the initial results of the investigation, and the safety and efficacy data observed in the BCX9930 clinical program at 400 mg twice-daily, the company plans to discuss with regulators whether clinical trials with amended protocols could resume using stepped dosing to 400 mg twice-daily. The company expects to have discussions with regulators by the end of the third quarter.

During the ongoing investigation the company has observed the following:

Three patients with PNH receiving BCX9930 in the REDEEM trials had early onset, and moderate or severe, elevations in their serum creatinine (2-4 xULN) after several weeks of dosing with 500 mg twice-daily. Two of these patients have been discontinued from therapy and one patient (who had the smallest increase in serum creatinine) continues on BCX9930 at this time.
The company estimates that one-third of subjects randomized to BCX9930 in the REDEEM studies have had early increases in serum creatinine.
The company also found a different pattern of slowly evolving, late onset, mild to moderate increases in serum creatinine in approximately 40 percent of patients in the long-term extension of the proof-of-concept trial, after those patients switched to the 500 mg twice-daily dose. This pattern was not observed during treatment with doses lower than 500 mg.
Subsequent to BioCryst voluntarily pausing trial enrollments, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) informed the company that it has placed the clinical program for BCX9930 on a partial clinical hold. Consistent with BioCryst’s voluntary action, the company may not enroll new patients in its BCX9930 clinical trials, however patients already enrolled who are receiving clinical benefit from BCX9930 treatment, and have no other available treatment options, can continue to be dosed and remain in the trials.

"As we complete our investigation, we will continue to be comprehensive and deliberate, with a primary focus on patient safety. After consultation with regulators, we will determine the next step for the BCX9930 program," said Dr. William Sheridan, Chief Medical Officer of BioCryst.

The company does not plan to provide additional updates on the BCX9930 program until it completes additional regulatory discussions and has more clarity on the next steps for the program.

Additional Updates

On February 8, 2022, the company announced the appointment of Machelle Sanders to its board of directors.
First Quarter 2022 Financial Results

For the three months ended March 31, 2022, total revenues were $49.9 million, compared to $19.1 million in the first quarter of 2021 (+161.3 percent year-over-year (y-o-y)). The increase was primarily due to $49.7 million in ORLADEYO net revenue in the first quarter of 2022, compared to $10.9 million in ORLADEYO net revenue in the first quarter of 2021 (+356.0 percent y-o-y).

Research and development (R&D) expenses for the first quarter of 2022 increased to $65.4 million from $42.4 million in the first quarter of 2021 (+54.2 percent y-o-y), primarily due to increased investment in the development of our Factor D program, including BCX9930, as well as other research, preclinical and development costs.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the first quarter of 2022 increased to $34.3 million, compared to $22.1 million in the first quarter of 2021 (+55.2 percent y-o-y). The increase was primarily due to increased investment to support the commercial launch of ORLADEYO and expanded international operations.

Interest expense was $23.8 million in the first quarter of 2022, compared to $12.9 million in the first quarter of 2021 (+84.5 percent y-o-y). The increase was due to service on the royalty financings, which were completed in November 2021.

Net loss for the first quarter of 2022 was $74.2 million, or $0.40 per share, compared to a net loss of $64.3 million, or $0.36 per share, for the first quarter of 2021.

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and investments totaled $446.8 million at March 31, 2022, compared to $244.4 million at March 31, 2021. Operating cash use for the first quarter of 2022 was $71.0 million.

Financial Outlook for 2022

Based on the strength of the ORLADEYO launch, and continued steady growth from new patient demand anticipated throughout the year, the company expects full year 2022 net ORLADEYO revenue to be no less than $250 million.

The company had previously expected operating expenses for full year 2022, not including non-cash stock compensation, to be between $440 million to $480 million. Once the company completes its investigation into BCX9930 and has clarity on the next step for the program it expects to provide an updated outlook on full year 2022 operating expenses. If BCX9930 program enrollment resumes, then operating expenses are likely to be at the lower end of the previously provided range. If we discontinue the BCX9930 program, then operating expenses for the year would be lower than that.

Conference Call and Webcast

BioCryst management will host a conference call and webcast at 8:30 a.m. ET today to discuss the financial results and provide a corporate update. The live call may be accessed by dialing 877-303-8027 for domestic callers and 760-536-5165 for international callers and using conference ID # 9498023. A live webcast of the call and any slides will be available online at the investors section of the company website at www.biocryst.com. A telephone replay of the call will be available by dialing 855-859-2056 for domestic callers or 404-537-3406 for international callers and entering the conference ID # 9498023.

Regulus Therapeutics Announces Timing for First Quarter 2022 Financial Results Webcast and Conference Call

On May 5, 2022 Regulus Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: RGLS), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines targeting microRNAs (the "Company" or "Regulus"), reported that it will report its first quarter 2022 financial results on Thursday, May 12, 2022, after the U.S. financial markets close (Press release, Regulus, MAY 5, 2022, View Source [SID1234613655]).

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In connection with the earnings release, Regulus’ management team will host a live conference call and webcast at 5:00 PM ET on Thursday, May 12, 2022, to discuss the Company’s financial results and provide a corporate update. To access the call, please dial (866) 652-5200 (domestic) or (412) 317-6060. To access the telephone replay of the call, dial (877) 344-7529 (domestic) or (412) 317-0088 and refer to conference ID 6812601. The webcast and telephone replay will be archived on the Company’s website at www.regulusrx.com following the call.