Panbela to Participate in the 34th Annual Roth Conference

On March 10, 2022 Panbela Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PBLA), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing disruptive therapeutics for the treatment of patients with cancer, reported that management will participate in a fireside chat at the 34th Annual Roth Conference on March 14, 2022, at 11:30AM PT (Press release, Panbela Therapeutics, MAR 10, 2022, View Source [SID1234609872]). The webcast will be available at: View Source

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To learn more or to schedule a one-on-one meeting with management, please contact your conference representative or [email protected].

About SBP-101

SBP-101 is a proprietary polyamine analogue designed to induce polyamine metabolic inhibition (PMI) by exploiting an observed high affinity of the compound for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and other tumors. The molecule has shown signals of tumor growth inhibition in clinical studies of US and Australian metastatic pancreatic cancer patients, demonstrating a median overall survival (OS) of 12.0 months which is not yet final, and an objective response rate (ORR) of 48%, both exceeding what is seen typically with the standard of care of gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel suggesting potential complementary activity with the existing FDA-approved standard chemotherapy regimen. In data evaluated from clinical studies to date, SBP-101 has not shown exacerbation of bone marrow suppression and peripheral neuropathy, which can be chemotherapy-related adverse events. Serious visual adverse events have been evaluated and patients with a history of retinopathy or at risk of retinal detachment will be excluded from future SBP-101 studies. The safety data and PMI profile observed in the current Panbela sponsored clinical trial provides support for continued evaluation of SBP-101 in a randomized clinical trial. For more information, please visit
View Source .

Corvus Pharmaceuticals Provides Business Update and Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Financial Results

On March 10, 2022 Corvus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Corvus or the Company) (Nasdaq: CRVS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2021 (Press release, Corvus Pharmaceuticals, MAR 10, 2022, View Source [SID1234609888]).

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"We continue to advance three clinical programs for novel product candidates targeting CD73, the adenosine 2A receptor, and ITK, which are involved in immune response to cancers and other diseases," said Richard A. Miller, M.D., co-founder, president and chief executive officer of Corvus. "We have established sound scientific foundations for our product candidates, which give us confidence as we initiate mid-stage clinical trials in front-line treatment of lung cancer and renal cell cancer. In addition, our partnership with Angel Pharmaceuticals has expanded the clinical development of CPI-818 for T cell lymphomas into China and is accelerating global development of this product candidate."

Mupadolimab (anti-CD73)

The Company plans to initiate a randomized Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating mupadolimab as a front-line therapy for the treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The randomized, blinded trial will compare standard chemotherapy plus pembrolizumab (anti-PDL-1) with or without mupadolimab. The Company intends to enroll approximately 150 patients with any tumor PDL-1 expression in the clinical trial, potentially addressing a large patient population. The primary endpoint for the study will be progression free survival and secondary endpoints will evaluate objective response rate and overall survival.
The Company continues to enroll its two Phase 1b/2 clinical trial expansion cohorts of patients with (1) head and neck cancers that have failed previous treatment with anti-PD-1 therapy and chemotherapy and (2) relapsed refractory NSCLC who have failed previous treatment with anti-PD(L)-1 therapy and chemotherapy. Up to 15 patients will be enrolled in each expansion cohort and initial results are anticipated to be presented in the second half of 2022.
In November 2021, the Company presented results from its Phase 1/1b clinical trial that, along with pre-clinical data, provided further evidence regarding mupadolimab’s mechanism of action and its potential anti-tumor activity in cancer patients. The data showed that mupadolimab doses of 12mg/kg or greater, resulted in complete occupancy of the CD73 target and B cell activation. In the assessment of anti-tumor activity in sixteen evaluable patients receiving the 12mg/kg or greater doses of mupadolimab, tumor regression (not meeting the threshold for partial response by RECIST) was seen in five patients who had progressive disease as the best response to most recent prior therapy, which included anti-PD(L)1. We believe these interim findings support mupadolimab’s potential to cause tumor regression in patients with tumors refractory to anti-PD(L)1.
CPI-818 (selective ITK inhibitor)

The Company’s partner in China, Angel Pharmaceuticals, initiated patient enrollment in a Phase 1/1b clinical trial of CPI-818 for the treatment of refractory T cell lymphomas. Angel Pharmaceuticals is responsible for all expenses related to conducting the clinical trial in China.
The Company continues to enroll patients in its Phase 1/1b clinical trial, which was expanded to include patients with certain types of T cell leukemias in addition to T cell lymphomas.
Based on interim results observed in patients with peripheral T cell lymphoma (PTCL) in these Phase 1/1b clinical trials, the Company believes such results could provide the foundation for a potential global phase 2 clinical trial in advanced PTCL.
Ciforadenant (adenosine 2a receptor antagonist)

The Company plans to collaborate with the Kidney Cancer Clinical Trials Consortium to initiate an open-label Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating ciforadenant as a first-line therapy for metastatic renal cell cancer (RCC) in combination with ipilimumab (anti-PD-1) and nivolumab (anti-CTLA-4). The clinical trial will enroll up to 60 patients and is intended to evaluate the potential for ciforadenant to generate increased complete responses and deep responses in the front-line setting. The Kidney Cancer Clinical Trials Consortium is comprised of a group of leading cancer centers in the United States led by investigators at MD Anderson. The trial design is based on Corvus’ preclinical research published in 2018 in Cancer Immunology Research that demonstrated impressive antitumor control and cures in several animal models using ciforadenant in combination with anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD1.
The Company continues to advance its understanding of the Adenosine Gene Signature biomarker, which has been confirmed by other groups as a means to identify an unfavorable group of renal cell cancer patients. Tumor biopsies from the Phase 2 clinical trial will be evaluated for expression of the Adenosine Gene Signature.
Financial Results
As of December 31, 2021, Corvus had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaling $69.5 million compared to $44.3 million as of December 31, 2020. Corvus expects full year 2022 net cash used in operating activities to be between $34 million and $36 million.

Research and development expenses for the three months and full year ended December 31, 2021 totaled $4.8 million and $29.1 million, respectively, compared to $7.2 million and $31.8 million for the same periods in 2020. In the fourth quarter of 2021, the decrease of $2.4 million was primarily due to a decrease in clinical trial and personnel costs.

Net loss for the three months and full year ended December 31, 2021 was $9.2 million and $43.2 million, respectively, compared to net income of $27.3 million and a net loss of $6.0 million for the same periods in 2020. Results for the year ended December 31, 2020 included a $37.5 million gain from the deconsolidation of Angel Pharmaceuticals. Total stock compensation expense for the three months and year ended December 31, 2021 was $0.7 million and $4.2 million, respectively, compared to $1.2 million and $5.7 million for the same periods in 2020.

Conference Call and Webcast
Corvus will host a conference call and webcast today, March 10, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. PT), during which time management will provide a business update and discuss the fourth quarter and full year 2021 financial results. The conference call can be accessed by dialing 1-877-407-0784 (toll-free domestic) or 1-201-689-8560 (international) and using the conference ID 13727689. The live webcast may be accessed via the investor relations section of the Corvus website. A replay of the webcast will be available on Corvus’ website for 90 days.

Theseus Pharmaceuticals Announces Business Highlights and Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Financial Results

On March 10, 2022 Theseus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: THRX) (Theseus or the Company), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on improving the lives of cancer patients through the discovery, development and commercialization of transformative targeted therapies, reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2021 (Press release, Theseus Pharmaceuticals, MAR 10, 2022, View Source [SID1234609904]).

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"2021 was a transformative year for Theseus—we evolved into a clinical stage company, strengthened our team, and completed a successful IPO," said Tim Clackson, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Theseus. "In January 2022 we initiated a Phase 1/2 clinical trial to evaluate our lead candidate, THE-630, in patients with advanced GIST and continue to drive towards development candidate nomination for our fourth-generation EGFR program in non-small cell lung cancer. Over the course of this year, we look forward to executing across our pipeline, which includes advancing THE-630 in the clinic, initiating IND-enabling studies of our second development candidate targeting EGFR, and expanding our pipeline with one or more additional kinase targets."

Recent Business Highlights and Anticipated Milestones:

Initiated Phase 1/2 clinical trial to evaluate THE-630 in patients with GIST. First patient treated in January 2022 in a Phase 1/2 dose escalation and expansion clinical trial of THE-630 in patients with advanced GIST. THE-630 is a pan-variant inhibitor of the receptor tyrosine kinase KIT designed for patients with advanced GIST whose cancer has developed resistance to earlier lines of therapy. Initial data from the Phase 1 portion of the clinical trial is expected to be presented at a scientific meeting in the first half of 2023.
Nomination of development candidate for fourth-generation EGFR program expected in the third quarter of 2022. Theseus expects to nominate an EGFR candidate designed to inhibit the full range of single-, double-, and triple-mutant EGFR variants found in the tumors of patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC that have developed resistance to osimertinib, including the C797S mutation. Preclinical data is expected to be presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in April and at a scientific conference in the second half of 2022. IND submission is expected in 2023.
One or more additional kinase targets expected to be nominated by the end of 2022.
Successfully completed initial public offering (IPO). In October 2021, the Company completed a successful IPO, raising $178.8 million in aggregate gross proceeds, and listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.
Fourth Quarter and Full Year Financial Results:

Cash Position: As of December 31, 2021, Theseus had cash and cash equivalents of $244.7 million. Theseus expects its cash and cash equivalents, including proceeds from the IPO, to fund operations and capital expenditures into the second half of 2024 based on its current operating plan.
R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $5.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2021, as compared to $2.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2020. This increase was primarily due to $1.6 million of increased employee-related costs, and $0.9 million in increased expenses for clinical and preclinical studies. Research and development expenses were $18.3 million for the full year 2021, as compared to $6.0 million for the full year 2020.
G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $3.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2021, as compared to $0.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2020. This increase was primarily due to $1.6 million of increased employee-related costs, primarily due to increases in our headcount, as well as $1.7 million of increased general expenses, primarily driven by public company-related costs. General and administrative expenses were $9.0 million for the full year 2021, as compared to $0.9 million for the full year 2020.
Net Loss: Net loss was $8.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2021, as compared to a net loss of $2.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2020. Net loss was $27.3 million for the full year 2021, or a net loss per share of $2.84, as compared to a net loss of $12.0 million for the full year 2020, or a net loss per share of $21.10.

Aldeyra Therapeutics Schedules Webcast and Conference Call to Report Full-Year 2021 Financial Results and Discuss Recent Corporate Highlights

On March 10, 2022 Aldeyra Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALDX) (Aldeyra) reported that it will host a conference call at 8:00 a.m. ET Thursday, March 17, 2022 to report financial results for the year ended December 31, 2021 and discuss recent corporate highlights (Press release, Aldeyra Therapeutics, MAR 10, 2022, View Source [SID1234609921]).

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The dial-in numbers are (844) 200-6205 for domestic callers and (929) 526-1599 for international callers. The access code is 132077. A live webcast of the conference call will also be available on the Investors & Media page of the Aldeyra website at View Source After the live webcast, the event will remain archived on the website for 90 days.

AcelRx Pharmaceuticals Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Financial Results

On March 10, 2022 AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ACRX), (AcelRx), a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative therapies for use in medically supervised settings, reported its fourth quarter and full year 2021 financial results (Press release, AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, MAR 10, 2022, View Source [SID1234609937]).

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"We are executing on our strategy to expand and diversify our product portfolio by acquiring commercial-ready, or late-stage development-ready assets that address what we consider as unmet market needs for medically supervised settings. In particular, we are currently focused on the development and ultimate approval of our newly secured pre-filled syringes and Niyad (nafamostat) product candidates which could potentially provide multiple value creating catalysts for our shareholders in the near-term," said Vince Angotti, Chief Executive Officer of AcelRx. Mr. Angotti continued, "In addition, we have taken deliberate actions to adapt to the evolving healthcare environment as many medical procedures resulting in moderate-to-severe pain that were previously performed in surgical centers or hospitals have now been shifted to procedural suites, allowing us the opportunity to introduce DSUVIA into these settings. We have thus shifted our commercial resources, beginning in the third quarter, to focus on this new customer base, resulting in solid growth in DSUVIA unit sales in the fourth quarter 2021."

FY 2021 and Recent Highlights

AcelRx entered into a license agreement with Laboratoire Aguettant (Aguettant) providing AcelRx with two innovative pre-filled syringe product candidates for the U.S. The expected market opportunity for these two product candidates exceeds $100 million, and AcelRx currently plans to file New Drug Applications for both in 2022.

A second license transaction with Aguettant was completed establishing Aguettant as the commercial partner for DZUVEO in Europe with an expected launch in the third quarter of 2022. AcelRx is entitled to receive up to approximately $55 million in combined up-front and sales-based milestone payments.

AcelRx announced the closing of its acquisition of Lowell Therapeutics, Inc. (Lowell) in January 2022 in a transaction for consideration of approximately $32.5 million plus net cash acquired and certain other adjustments, and which includes up to approximately $26.0 million of contingent consideration payable in cash or stock at AcelRx’s option, upon the achievement of regulatory and sales-based milestones. Niyad (nafamostat) is the lead product, with a targeted indication of anticoagulation of the extracorporeal circuit, and which has received Breakthrough Device Designation from the FDA, as well as an ICD-10 procedural code from CMS which allows for reimbursement. Annual peak sales potential for Niyad is expected to exceed $200 million.

Since January 2021, six articles on DSUVIA were published reporting the benefits of administering DSUVIA in place of IV opioids, including reducing perioperative opioid use, rapid recovery times, efficacy and safety among a wide range of demographics and the overall advantages of sublingual delivery. Of note, one of these articles was a commentary published in Military Medicine, identifying DSUVIA as the next evolution in battlefield pain management. An additional study of DSUVIA for painful cosmetic procedures has been accepted for publication by the American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery and another study on the use of DSUVIA during general anesthesia for lengthy plastic surgery procedures has been submitted for publication.

As of December 31, 2021, AcelRx has achieved 725 approvals compared to our initial target of 615. As of February 28, 2022, AcelRx has achieved 813 formulary approvals for DSUVIA.

In February 2022, AcelRx was notified that it had met all requirements set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with regards to the FDA Warning Letter regarding certain DSUVIA promotional materials, dated February 11, 2021, and a Closeout Letter is expected in Q1 2022.
Financial Information

The cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments balance was $51.6 million as of December 31, 2021.

8,960 units of DSUVIA were sold in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared to 3,710 units in the third quarter of 2021; however, the Company has recognized only $2 thousand in net revenues in the fourth quarter 2021 as a result of a $0.3 million reserve for potential returns related to a certain wholesale customer that purchased product for the Department of Defense (DoD) in 2020. The DoD has purchased exclusively from a secondary wholesale customer instead of their primary wholesaler, and therefore the Company has recorded a reserve in the event this product is not ultimately sold to the DoD.

Unit sales growth in the first two months of Q1 2022, compared to the first two months of Q4 2021 is 63%.

Combined R&D and SG&A expenses for the fourth quarter of 2021 totaled $6.9 million compared to $8.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2020. Excluding non-cash depreciation and stock-based compensation expense, these amounts were $5.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2021, compared to $7.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2020. R&D and SG&A expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021 totaled $35.0 million compared $40.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Excluding non-cash depreciation and stock-based compensation expense, these figures were $29.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to $35.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease in combined R&D and SG&A expenses in the fourth quarter and year ended 2021 was primarily due to reductions in personnel-related costs, including travel expense, partially offset by increased Catalent manufacturing-related DSUVIA development expenses.

Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $7.9 million, or $0.06 per basic and diluted share, compared to $8.9 million, or $0.10 per basic and diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2020. Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $35.1 million, or $0.29 per basic and diluted share, compared to $40.4 million, or $0.47 per basic and diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2020.
2022 Guidance

The Company’s 2022 year-end goals include the submission of two NDAs for its pre-filled syringe product candidates, pending outcome of FDA feedback that is expected in the second quarter, and the manufacturing of initial lots of nafamostat. Quarterly combined R&D and SG&A expense is expected to be approximately $9-$10 million (and $8-$9 million excluding stock compensation and depreciation). Annual debt service is expected to approximate $10 million as the Company continues to pay down amounts outstanding under its senior debt facility that matures in June 2023. Annual capital expenditures are expected to approximate $2 million attributed mainly to the final validation of the automated packaging line at AcelRx’s contract manufacturer.

2022 financial guidance is based on the Company’s current expectations and are forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially depending on market conditions and the factors set forth under Forward-Looking Statements below.

Webcast and Conference Call Information
As previously announced, AcelRx will host a live webcast Thursday, March 10th at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time (1:30 p.m. Pacific Time) to discuss these financial results and provide other corporate updates. The webcast is accessible by visiting the Investors page of AcelRx’s website at View Source and clicking on the webcast link. The webcast will be accompanied by a slide presentation. Investors who wish to participate in the conference call may do so by dialing (866) 361-2335 for domestic callers, (855) 669-9657 for Canadian callers or (412) 902-4204 for international callers. A webcast replay will be available on the AcelRx website for 90 days following the call by visiting the Investor page of AcelRx’s website at View Source.

About DSUVIA (sufentanil sublingual tablet), 30 mcg
DSUVIA, to be marketed as DZUVEO in Europe, is indicated for use in adults in certified medically supervised healthcare settings, such as hospitals, surgical centers, and emergency departments, for the management of acute pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic, and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. DSUVIA was designed to provide rapid analgesia via a non-invasive route of administration and to eliminate dosing errors associated with intravenous (IV) administration of opioid analgesics. DSUVIA is a single-strength solid dosage form administered sublingually via a single-dose applicator (SDA) by healthcare professionals. Sufentanil is an opioid analgesic previously only marketed for IV and epidural anesthesia and analgesia. The sufentanil pharmacokinetic profile when delivered sublingually avoids the high peak plasma levels and short duration of action observed with IV administration. The European Commission approved DZUVEO for marketing in Europe and it will be commercialized by AcelRx’s European partner, Aguettant.

For more information, including important safety information and black box warning for DSUVIA, please visit www.DSUVIA.com.

About nafamostat Nafamostat is a broad spectrum, synthetic serine protease inhibitor with anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory and potential anti-viral activities. Niyad is a lyophilized formulation of nafamostat and is currently being studied under an investigational device exemption, or IDE, as an anticoagulant for the extracorporeal circuit. Niyad has received Breakthrough Device Designation Status from the FDA. LTX-608 is a proprietary nafamostat formulation for direct IV infusion that we plan to potentially develop as a COVID anti-viral treatment, as well as for the treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and acute pancreatitis.