Hovione and Zerion Pharma announce a strategic partnership to market the Dispersome® technology platform

On February 22, 2022 Hovione, the leader in spray drying and particle engineering, reported a strategic partnership with Zerion Pharma to market and commercialize Dispersome, Zerion´s proprietary solubility enhancement technology platform (Press release, Zerion, FEB 22, 2022, View Source [SID1234609347]).

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Zerion´s innovative Dispersome technology builds on a new concept of increasing drug solubility by using natural protein-based excipients to formulate APIs into amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) by spray drying. By combining Dispersome technology with Hovione’s unique spray drying capabilities, experience in development, scale-up and GMP manufacturing, Hovione further strengthens its leadership in amorphous solid dispersions and shows its commitment to innovative solutions to overcome one of the most prevalent challenges faced by the industry: low drug solubility.

"We are extremely pleased to have entered into this partnership with Zerion whom we recognize as a very innovative company in the field of oral drug formulations. By joining forces, Zerion and Hovione will be able to bring Dispersome to the market faster. We look forward to applying the technology in collaboration with our customers and partners in our effort to develop novel drugs with strong benefits to patients.", comments Jean-Luc Herbeaux, Hovione´s Chief Operating Officer. "Hovione will continue to pursue opportunities to enhance its offering around core areas of expertise such as particle engineering and inhalation by partnering with companies and research institutions developing innovative drug formulation technologies, like Dispersome".

Zerion´s CEO, Ole Wiborg, sees a strong synergy in the partnership and expects it to generate new pharma partnerships. "We consider Hovione the global leader in the field of producing amorphous solid dispersions by spray-drying. More importantly for us, this leadership has resulted in Hovione being, over the last 5 years, the main commercial manufacturer of novel FDA-approved drugs formulated as amorphous solid dispersions. Incorporating these competencies in our offering to the pharma industry both validates the strength of our Dispersome platform and provides us and our pharma partners immediate access to the highest quality in upscaling and commercial GMP manufacturing." says Ole Wiborg.

The announcement of this partnership follows Hovione’s communication on a further expansion with an expected investment of $170 million in assets worldwide and shows the company’s commitment to also expand its technology platforms. Hovione is investing both in new assets and innovative technologies to meet customer demand for integrated and differentiated services in drug substance manufacturing, particle engineering and most recently drug product manufacturing.

Exact Sciences Announces Fourth Quarter 2021 Results

On February 22, 2022 Exact Sciences Corp. (Nasdaq: EXAS), a leader in advanced cancer diagnostics, reported that the company generated revenue of $473.8 million for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2021 and $1,767.1 million for the full year ended Dec. 31, 2021 (Press release, Exact Sciences, FEB 22, 2022, View Source [SID1234608800]).

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"Cologuard and Oncotype DX are off to a great start in 2022, with strong momentum from the fourth quarter carrying over to the new year," said Kevin Conroy, chairman and CEO of Exact Sciences. "We have a team of talented people dedicated to defeating cancer. You’ll see the results of their dedication this year as we test more patients and share evidence supporting our pipeline of innovative tests across the cancer continuum."

Fourth Quarter 2021 Financial Results

For the three-month period ended Dec. 31, 2021, as compared to the same period of 2020 (where applicable):

Total revenue was $473.8 million, an increase of 2 percent
Total revenue, excluding COVID-19 testing, increased 16 percent
Screening revenue was $277.7 million, an increase of 11 percent
Precision Oncology revenue was $149.0 million, an increase of 27 percent
COVID-19 testing revenue was $47.1 million, a decrease of 52 percent
Gross margin including amortization of acquired intangible assets was 70 percent, and non-GAAP gross margin excluding amortization of acquired intangible assets was 75 percent
Net loss was $220.6 million or $1.28 per share, compared to a net loss of $418.3 million or $2.67 per share
EBITDA was $(175.1) million and adjusted EBITDA was $(122.2) million
Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities were $1,030.5 million at the end of the quarter
Screening includes laboratory service revenue from Cologuard tests and revenue from Biomatrica products. Precision Oncology includes laboratory service revenue from global Oncotype products and therapy selection products, including oncomapTM and oncomapTM ExTra, formerly known as Oncotype MapTM and GEM ExTra, respectively.

2022 Outlook

The company anticipates revenue of $1,975-$2,027 million during 2022, assuming:

Screening revenue of $1,340-$1,367 million, including $40-$42 million from PreventionGenetics,
Precision Oncology revenue of $595-$610 million, and
COVID-19 testing revenue of $40-$50 million
Non-GAAP Disclosure

In addition to the company’s financial results determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the company provides non-GAAP measures that it determines to be useful in evaluating its operating performance. The company presents EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, as well as non-GAAP gross margin and non-GAAP gross profit. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA consist of net loss after adjustment for those items shown in the table below. The company defines non-GAAP gross profit and non-GAAP gross margin as GAAP gross profit and GAAP gross margin, respectively, excluding amortization of acquired intangible assets. The amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets used in the calculation of non-GAAP gross profit and non-GAAP gross margin pertain only to the amortization associated with developed technology acquired and recorded through purchase accounting transactions. The amortization of these intangible assets will recur in future periods until such intangible assets have been fully amortized. The company believes that these non-GAAP measures are useful in evaluating the company’s operating performance. The company uses this non-GAAP financial information to evaluate ongoing operations and for internal planning and forecasting purposes. Non-GAAP financial information, when taken collectively, may be helpful to investors because it provides consistency and comparability with past financial performance. However, non-GAAP financial information is presented for supplemental information purposes only, has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For example, non-GAAP gross margin and non-GAAP gross profit exclude the amortization of acquired intangible assets although such measures include the revenue associated with the acquisitions. For a reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to GAAP, see below "EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliations" and "Non-GAAP Gross Profit and Non-GAAP Gross Margin Reconciliations."

Fourth Quarter Conference Call & Webcast

Company management will host a conference call and webcast on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at 5 p.m. ET to discuss fourth quarter and full year 2021 results. The webcast will be available at www.exactsciences.com. Domestic callers should dial 888-330-2384 and international callers should dial +1-240-789-2701. The access code for both domestic and international callers is 4437608.

An archive of the webcast will be available at www.exactsciences.com. A replay of the conference call will be available by calling 800-770-2030 domestically or +1-647-362-9199 internationally. The access code for the replay of the call is 4437608. The webcast, conference call, and replay are open to all interested parties.

About Cologuard

The Cologuard test was approved by the FDA in August 2014, and results from Exact Sciences’ prospective 90-site, point-in-time, 10,000-patient pivotal trial were published in the New England Journal of Medicine in March 2014. The Cologuard test is included in the American Cancer Society’s (2018) colorectal cancer screening guidelines and the recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (2021) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (2016). The Cologuard test is indicated to screen adults 45 years of age and older who are at average risk for colorectal cancer by detecting certain DNA markers and blood in the stool. Do not use the Cologuard test if you have had precancer, have inflammatory bowel disease and certain hereditary syndromes, or have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer. The Cologuard test is not a replacement for colonoscopy in high-risk patients. The Cologuard test performance in adults ages 45-49 is estimated based on a large clinical study of patients 50 and older. The Cologuard test performance in repeat testing has not been evaluated.

The Cologuard test result should be interpreted with caution. A positive test result does not confirm the presence of cancer. Patients with a positive test result should be referred for diagnostic colonoscopy. A negative test result does not confirm the absence of cancer. Patients with a negative test result should discuss with their doctor when they need to be tested again. Medicare and most major insurers cover Cologuard. For more information about Cologuard, visit www.cologuardtest.com. Rx only.

About Oncotype DX

The Oncotype DX portfolio of breast, colon and prostate cancer tests applies advanced genomic science to reveal the unique biology of a tumor in order to optimize cancer treatment decisions. In breast cancer, the Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score test is the only test that has been shown to predict the likelihood of chemotherapy benefit as well as recurrence in invasive breast cancer. Additionally, the Oncotype DX Breast DCIS Score test predicts the likelihood of recurrence in a pre-invasive form of breast cancer called DCIS. In prostate cancer, the Oncotype DX Genomic Prostate Score test predicts disease aggressiveness and further clarifies the current and future risk of the cancer prior to treatment intervention, and the Oncotype DX AR-V7 Nucleus Detect test helps determine which patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) are resistant to androgen receptor (AR)-targeted therapies. The Oncotype DX AR-V7 Nucleus Detect test is performed by Epic Sciences at its centralized, CLIA-certified laboratory in San Diego and offered exclusively by Exact Sciences. The Oncotype MAP Pan-Cancer Tissue test is a rapid, comprehensive tumor profiling panel that aids therapy selection for patients with advanced, metastatic, refractory, or recurrent cancer. With nearly 1.5 million patients tested in more than 90 countries, the Oncotype tests have redefined personalized medicine by making genomics a critical part of cancer diagnosis and treatment. To learn more about Oncotype tests, visit www.OncotypeIQ.com, www.MyBreastCancerTreatment.org or www.MyProstateCancerTreatment.org.

About Exact Sciences’ Therapy Selection Program

Exact Sciences’ therapy selection program includes two comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) tests to help physicians identify the genomic mutations driving advanced cancers, leading patients to better care through targeted cancer treatments. The oncomap ExTra test, formerly known as GEM ExTra, detects damage in tumor genes and provides a complete biological picture of certain refractory, rare, or aggressive cancers. With an extensive panel of approximately 20,000 genes and 169 introns, the oncomap ExTra test is one of the most comprehensive genomic (DNA) and transcriptomic (RNA) panels available today. The oncomap ExTra test provides physicians, academic medical centers, and biopharma researchers with vital interpreted information to understand changes to a patient’s tumor genomic profile and recommend therapeutic treatment plans.2 For patients with advanced and metastatic cancer, the company offers the oncomap test, formerly known as Oncotype MAP, a rapid, comprehensive tumor profiling panel, which delivers results in three to five business days and allows physicians to understand a patient’s tumor profile and recommend actionable targeted therapies or clinical trials.

About PreventionGenetics

Founded in 2004 and located in Marshfield, Wisconsin, PreventionGenetics is a CLIA and ISO 15189:2012 accredited laboratory. PreventionGenetics delivers clinical genetic testing of the highest quality at fair prices with exemplary service to people around the world. PreventionGenetics has 25 PhD geneticists on staff and provides tests for nearly all clinically relevant genes including the powerful and comprehensive germline whole genome sequencing test, PGnome and whole exome sequencing test, PGxome. PreventionGenetics was acquired by Exact Sciences in December 2021.

Viewpoint Molecular Targeting® Appoints Thijs Spoor as Chief Executive Officer

On February 22, 2022 Viewpoint Molecular Targeting, Inc. ("Viewpoint" or the "Company"), a precision oncology company developing alpha-particle therapies and complementary diagnostic imaging agents, reported the appointment of Thijs Spoor, MBA as its Chief Executive Officer (Press release, Viewpoint Molecular Targeting, FEB 22, 2022, https://viewpointmt.com/viewpoint-molecular-targeting-appoints-thijs-spoor-as-chief-executive-officer/ [SID1234608816]).

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"We are incredibly pleased to welcome Thijs to the executive leadership team. His expertise and successful track record of advancing clinical programs, raising capital, and generating value for stakeholders will be a valuable asset as we propel Viewpoint to its next phase of growth," said Dr. Michael Schultz, co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Viewpoint Molecular Targeting. Frances L. Johnson, MD, co-founder and COO of Viewpoint Molecular Targeting, added, "We founded Viewpoint Molecular Targeting with the goal of bringing the best possible diagnostic and therapeutic drugs to cancer patients. Our achievements have been recognized through grant awards, peer-reviewed publications, and regulatory authorizations. As we continue to develop these agents in human trials, we are thrilled to attract a terrific team of people and are pleased to welcome Thijs as the latest addition to the team."

Mr. Spoor joins the Viewpoint team having most recently served as the President and CEO of KBP Biosciences, a global, clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative small-molecule therapeutics for the treatment of serious cardiorenal and infectious diseases. While at KBP, Mr. Spoor led all operations for major fund-raising and IPO readiness upon completion and publication of Phase 2b trial data. He drove the company’s small molecule clinical development programs including toxicology, clinical pharmacology, Phase 2 studies and discussions with regulators. Prior to that, Mr. Spoor served as the President and CEO of AzurRx BioPharma, where he led its spin-off, NASDAQ IPO, completion of animal studies, regulatory approvals and multiple Phase 2 studies. Mr. Spoor also served as the President and CEO of FluoroPharma Medical, which he took public, as well as a Health and Life Sciences strategy consultant to Fortune 500 companies at Oliver Wyman. Mr Spoor worked on Wall Street as an equity research analyst at JP Morgan and Credit Suisse where he covered biotechnology stocks and medical device companies. He started his career with a formal training in nuclear pharmacy which led to increasing commercial leadership roles in the imaging business at GE Healthcare (Amersham) in cardiology and oncology. Mr. Spoor holds a Pharmacy degree from the University of Toronto and an MBA from Columbia Business School.

"The Viewpoint team has done a tremendous job executing on its research and development initiatives and advancing its precision oncology therapeutics and complementary diagnostic imaging agents. I joined Viewpoint because I believe we have the potential to bring disruptive oncology treatment options to patients and physicians. I am really excited to have the support of such a strong board of directors and work with such a terrific team at Viewpoint to progress our robust pipeline and maximize the value across all stakeholders," added Mr.

RenovoRx Enrolls First Pancreatic Cancer Patient at Columbia University’s New York-Presbyterian Hospital Irving Medical Center in Ongoing TIGeR-PaC Phase 3 Clinical Trial

On February 22, 2022 RenovoRx, Inc. ("RenovoRx" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: RNXT), a biopharmaceutical company and innovator in targeted cancer therapy, reported enrollment of its first patient at one of its newest clinical sites, Columbia University New York-Presbyterian Hospital Irving Medical Center ("Columbia University"), in its ongoing TIGeR-PaC Phase 3 clinical trial (Press release, Renovorx, FEB 22, 2022, View Source [SID1234608834]). The study is evaluating the Company’s therapy platform RenovoTAMP (RenovoRx Trans-Arterial Micro-Perfusion), as a potential treatment option for locally advanced pancreatic cancer ("LAPC") that may extend life while improving quality of life by reducing the often debilitating side-effects associated with systemic chemotherapy delivered intra-venously.

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Columbia University is the most recent trial site to join the Phase 3 study which continues enrolling patients at participating clinical sites across the U.S.

"Cancer of the pancreas is aggressive and difficult to detect and treat," said Principal Investigator Susan Bates, M.D., Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

Dr. Bates added, "Treatment options have been limited to systemic chemotherapy for most patients. Local perfusion allows us to deliver much higher concentrations of an effective agent to the tumor. In the TIGeR-PaC trial, the tumor is temporarily isolated and saturated with gemcitabine, a well validated chemotherapeutic agent. In comparison to systemic chemotherapy treatment, RenovoRx has shown in its Phase 1/2 clinical trials that its therapy platform delivers a higher concentration of chemotherapy directly to the tumor with reduced patient side effects. This trial will offer a proof-of-principle that could establish direct delivery of chemotherapy as a strategy for treating pancreatic cancer in various settings."

Dr. Ramtin Agah, RenovoRx’s Founder and Chief Medical Officer, commented, "Dr. Bates and her Columbia University team share our deep commitment to helping pancreatic cancer patients. Enrolling our first patient at this renowned institution is an important milestone for the TIGeR-PaC clinical trial. This also gives more LAPC patients in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut an opportunity to participate in this study."

To learn more about RenovoRx’s ongoing clinical trials, please visit the Clinical Trials page of our website.

About the Phase 3 TIGeR-PaC Clinical Trial

The TIGeR-PaC clinical trial is a randomized multi-center study using the RenovoTAMP platform to evaluate RenovoRx’s first product candidate, RenovoGem to treat unresectable LAPC through the intra-arterial delivery of gemcitabine. TIGeR-PaC is currently enrolling locally advanced, unresectable pancreatic cancer patients. To learn more about the study and the participating clinical trial sites, visit View Source

LUMICKS Unveils Groundbreaking New C-Trap® Product at Biophysical Society Annual Meeting

On February 22, 2022 LUMICKS, a leading life science tools company advancing science and improving human health by unlocking the measurement of forces and interactions in biology, reported that it is introducing a new innovative C-Trap to its portfolio at the 66th Annual Biophysical Society Meeting in San Francisco, California (Press release, LUMICKS, FEB 22, 2022, View Source;utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lumicks-unveils-new-c-trap-product [SID1234608855]).

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The technological advances embodied in LUMICKS’ C-Trap technology have been lauded by researchers worldwide for their transformational role in advancing scientific discoveries and led to approximately 100 peer-reviewed papers in leading scientific journals over the past 5 years. The C-Trap portfolio is now complemented by the new C‑Trap ‘Edge’, which is dedicated to support important surface related applications, such as cytoskeletal structure & transport and mechanobiology where current tools are not sufficient to manipulate, observe and measure the mechanism of action in real-time.

Jos Maas, General Manager of LUMICKS’ Dynamic Single Molecule (DSM) business unit, states "We are delighted to expand our portfolio with the introduction of the C-Trap ‘Edge’. Its new functionality will help us address the growing needs of our academic research customers around the world. It brings our powerful optical tweezers and microfluidics technology ‘to the surface’ with TIRF imaging, label-free IRM and a dedicated workflow for force measurements and manipulation at the surface. For even more flexibility, the C-Trap ‘Edge’ can be equipped with a widefield imaging mode to unlock solution assays, which makes it a versatile multi-user tool."

LUMICKS also announced that it will rebrand its existing flagship C-Trap product line into C‑Trap ‘Dymo’. The C-Trap ‘Dymo’ combines state-of-the-art optical tweezers with microfluidics and confocal or STED microscopy. The C-Trap ‘Dymo’ is a proven solution for impactful science in important application areas such as DNA-binding proteins, protein folding, and biomolecular condensates.