Cytokinetics to Participate in Upcoming Investor Conferences

On March 8, 2022 Cytokinetics, Incorporated (Nasdaq: CYTK) reported that Robert I. Blum, President and Chief Executive Officer, is scheduled to present at the virtual Oppenheimer 32nd Annual Healthcare Conference on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 11:20 am ET and participate in a fireside chat at the Barclays Global Healthcare Conference on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at 11:45 am ET at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel in Miami Beach (Press release, Cytokinetics, MAR 8, 2022, View Source [SID1234609797]).

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Interested parties may access the on-demand and live webcasts of the presentation and fireside chat by visiting the Investors & Media section of the Cytokinetics website at www.cytokinetics.com. The replay of each presentation will be archived on the Presentations page within the Investors & Media section of Cytokinetics’ website for 90 days following the conclusion of the event.

C4 Therapeutics to Present at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2022 

On March 8, 2022 C4 Therapeutics, Inc. (C4T) (Nasdaq: CCCC), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to advancing targeted protein degradation science to develop a new generation of small-molecule medicines and transform how disease is treated, reported that the Company will present a poster and three oral presentations at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2022, taking place between April 8-13, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana and virtually (Press release, C4 Therapeutics, MAR 8, 2022, View Source [SID1234609972]).

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Presentations at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2022:

Title: CFT7455: Pharmacokinetic (PK) Profile of a Novel IKZF1/3 Degrader, CFT7455, Enables Significant Potency Advantage over Other IKZF1/3 Degraders in Models of Multiple Myeloma (MM) and the Results of the Initial Treatment Cohort from a First-in-Human (FIH) Phase 1/2 Study of CFT7455 in MM
Abstract Number: CT186, Poster
Time: Tuesday, April 12, 2022, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM CT
Location: New Orleans Convention Center, Exhibit Halls D-H, Poster Section 33
Presenter: Sagar Lonial, M.D., FACP, chief medical officer, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University; professor and chair, department of hematology and medical oncology, Emory University School of Medicine

Title: The discovery and characterization of CFT7455: A Potent and Selective Degrader of IKZF1/3 for the Treatment of Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma
Abstract Number: 7922, Oral
Time: Monday, April 11, 2022, 10:15 AM -11:45 AM CT
Location: New Orleans Convention Center, La Nouvelle Orleans A-B
Session: New Drugs on the Horizon: Part 3
Presenter: Jim Henderson, Ph.D., vice president of chemistry, C4 Therapeutics

Title: The Discovery and Characterization of CFT8634: A Potent and Selective Degrader of BRD9 for the Treatment of SMARCB1-perturbed Cancers
Abstract Number: 7756, Oral
Time: Sunday, April 10, 2022, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM CT
Location: New Orleans Convention Center, La Nouvelle Orleans A-B
Session: New Drugs on the Horizon: Part 2
Presenter: Kate Jackson, Ph.D., senior director of chemistry, C4 Therapeutics
Title: Preclinical Evaluation of CFT1946 as a Selective Degrader of Mutant BRAF for the Treatment of BRAF Driven Cancers
Abstract Number: 2158, Oral
Time: Monday, April 11 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM CT
Location: New Orleans Convention Center, Great Hall AD
Session: Emerging New Anticancer Agents
Presenter: Mathew Sowa, Ph.D., senior director, proteomics and ubiquitin proteasome system biology, C4 Therapeutics
In addition to these data presentations, Chris Nasveschuk, senior vice president, chemistry, will be participating in the Targeted Protein Degradation: Access to New Medicines by Drugging Challenging Targets educational session on Friday, April 8, 2022 from 5:30 PM to 5:50 PM CT.

Investor Webcast Information
C4T will host an investor webcast on Friday, April 8, 2022 at 2 PM ET to discuss the CFT7455 Cohort A clinical data that will be presented at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting. The webcast can be accessed under "Events & Presentations" in the Investors section of the company’s website at www.c4therapeutics.com. A replay of the webcast will be available on C4T’s website for 30 days following the event.

Avid Bioservices Reports Financial Results for Third Quarter Ended January 31, 2022 and Recent Developments

On March 8, 2022 Avid Bioservices, Inc. (NASDAQ:CDMO), a dedicated biologics contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) working to improve patient lives by providing high quality development and manufacturing services to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, reported financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2022, ended January 31, 2022 (Press release, Avid Bioservices, MAR 8, 2022, View Source [SID1234609640]).

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Highlights from the Quarter Ended January 31, 2022, and Other Events:

"I am pleased to report another successful quarter for Avid. Our financial and operational performance were strong, demonstrating year-over-year growth in revenues, gross margin, net income and adjusted EBITDA. This represents our seventh consecutive quarter of operational profitability," stated Nicholas Green, president and chief executive officer of Avid Bioservices.

"Fueling this growth has been the success of our business development team. They continue to achieve robust new business signings, as evidenced by our current backlog of $140 million – our highest backlog to date. We expect this trend to continue as we increase capacity, expand our commercial team and broaden our services, including our recent expansion into the cell and gene therapy sector of the market.

"Finally, to support growth today and in the future, the company continues to execute a strategically phased expansion plan that allows us to align spending with increasing market demand. This is highlighted by our downstream expansion, which came on line this quarter just in time to support our increased backlog, up from $120 million last quarter to $140 million.

"The company expects to launch its new viral vector business in two phases with process and analytical development suites launching in mid calendar 2022 and GMP manufacturing suites coming on line approximately one year later. In addition, we anticipate the completion of the Myford South facility expansion in early calendar 2023. Combined, we expect these expansions to organically increase the company’s total annual revenue generating capacity from approximately $120 million to in excess of $350 million in a period of three years."

Financial Highlights and Guidance

The company is reiterating revenue guidance for fiscal 2022 of $115 million to $117 million, a 20-22% increase over fiscal 2021.

Revenues for the third quarter of fiscal 2022 were $31.5 million, representing a 44% increase compared to $21.8 million recorded in the prior year period. The increase in revenues for the quarter can primarily be attributed to an increase in the scope of in-process and completed manufacturing runs and an increase in process development revenues primarily associated with services provided to new customers as compared to the prior year period. For the first nine months of fiscal 2022, revenues were $88.4 million, a 29% increase compared to $68.3 million in the prior year period. The increase in revenues for the nine months of fiscal 2022 as compared to the prior year period can primarily be attributed to an increase in the number and scope of in-process and completed manufacturing runs, in unutilized reserved capacity fees, and in process development revenues.

As of January 31, 2022, revenue backlog was $140 million, representing a net increase of 17% compared to $120 million at the end of the same quarter last year. The company expects to recognize the majority of this backlog over the next twelve months.

Gross margin for the third quarter of fiscal 2022 was 29%, compared to a gross margin of 28% for the third quarter of fiscal 2021. Gross margin for the first nine months of fiscal 2022 was 34% compared to 31% for the prior year period. The increases in gross margin for the quarter and the first nine months were primarily from higher manufacturing and process development revenues during the periods, partially offset by increases in planned growth costs including compensation and benefits, stock-based compensation, and facility and equipment related costs.

Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") for the third quarter of fiscal 2022 were $5.8 million, an increase of 45% compared to $4.0 million recorded for the third quarter of fiscal 2021. The increase in SG&A for the third quarter was primarily due to stock-based compensation, compensation and benefits, and facility and related expenses. For the first nine months of fiscal 2022, SG&A expenses were $15.3 million as compared to $12.0 million for the prior year period. The increase in SG&A during the nine months was primarily due to stock-based compensation, facility and related expenses, advertising costs, compensation and benefits, and legal and accounting fees.

For the third quarter of fiscal 2022, the company recorded net income attributable to common stockholders of $2.2 million or $0.04 per basic and diluted share, as compared to net income attributable to common stockholders of $0.8 million or $0.01 per basic and diluted share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2021. For the first nine months of fiscal 2022, the company recorded net income attributable to common stockholders of $12.1 million or $0.20 per basic and $0.19 per diluted share, compared to net income attributable to common stockholders of $5.6 million or $0.10 per basic and diluted share, for the fiscal 2021 period.

Avid reported $150.0 million in cash and cash equivalents as of January 31, 2022 compared to $169.9 million as of the prior fiscal year ended April 30, 2021.
More detailed financial information and analysis may be found in Avid Bioservices’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission today.

Recent Corporate Developments

Drew Brennan, general manager of Avid’s viral vectors business, has successfully recruited key leadership for the viral vector business to manage process development, quality, operations and facilities. The process of adding additional strength and depth to the team is also well underway, as is the construction of our 53,000 square foot dedicated viral vector facility in Costa Mesa, CA.

The company’s commercial team signed multiple new orders during the third quarter, totaling approximately a net $52 million. These projects span all areas of the business, from process development to commercial manufacturing.

Phase I of the company’s Myford, mammalian facility was completed and is now operational, increasing annual revenue generating capacity from $120 million to $170 million. This expansion was strategically timed to accommodate the company’s growing backlog, which reached $140 million by the end of the third quarter. The company currently expects to complete the second phase of our Myford South expansion, which includes both upstream and downstream GMP manufacturing suites, during the first quarter of calendar 2023. With respect to the viral vectors business, the company expects to bring its process and analytical development capacity on line in mid-calendar 2022 and ultimately the GMP manufacturing suites on line approximately one year later. Please visit the Avid website Facilities page for more information about the company’s expansions and videos documenting progress (View Source).
Statement Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures such as non-GAAP adjusted net income, free cash flow, as well as adjusted EBITDA. The company uses these non-GAAP financial measures for financial and operational decision making and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. The company believes that they provide useful information about operating results, enhance the overall understanding of our operating performance and future prospects, and allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in our financial and operational decision making. These non-GAAP financial measures exclude amounts that the company does not consider part of ongoing operating results when planning and forecasting and when assessing the performance of the organization and our senior management. The company computes non-GAAP financial measures using the same consistent method from quarter to quarter and year to year, and may consider whether other significant items that arise in the future should be excluded from our non-GAAP financial measures.

The company reports non-GAAP financial measures in addition to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). These non-GAAP financial measures are not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles, differ from GAAP measures with the same names, and may differ from non-GAAP financial measures with the same or similar names that are used by other companies. The company believes that non-GAAP financial measures should only be used to evaluate our results of operations in conjunction with the corresponding GAAP financial measures, and encourages investors to carefully consider our results under GAAP, as well as the supplemental non-GAAP information and the reconciliations between these presentations, to more fully understand our business.

Non-GAAP net income excludes stock-based compensation; business transition and related costs including corporate initiatives into new business activities such as our expansion into viral vectors for the cell and gene therapy sector of the market and other costs directly associated with such activities, and severance and related expenses; non-cash interest expense on convertible senior notes for the accretion of the issuance costs associated with our convertible senior notes; and other income or expense items. Adjusted EBITDA excludes non-cash operating charges for stock-based compensation, depreciation and amortization as well as non-operating items such as interest income, interest expense, gain or loss on disposal or sale of assets, and income tax expense or benefit. For the reasons explained above, adjusted EBITDA also excludes certain business transition and related costs. The company also uses measures such as free cash flow, which represents cash flow from operations less cash used in the acquisition and disposition of capital.

Additionally, non-GAAP net income and adjusted EBITDA are key components of the financial metrics utilized by the company’s compensation committee to measure, in part, management’s performance and determine significant elements of management’s compensation. The company encourages investors to carefully consider its results under GAAP, as well as its supplemental non-GAAP information and the reconciliation between these presentations, to more fully understand its business. Reconciliations between GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures included at the end of this press release.

Conference Call

Avid will host a conference call and webcast this afternoon, March 8, 2022, at 4:30 PM EST (1:30 PM PST).

To listen to the conference call, please dial (877) 312-5443 or (253) 237-1126 and request the Avid Bioservices conference call. To listen to the live webcast, or access the archived webcast, please visit: View Source

Scorpion Therapeutics to Present Mutant-Selective PI3K? Program at AACR Annual Meeting 2022

On March 8, 2022 Scorpion Therapeutics, Inc. ("Scorpion Therapeutics"), a pioneering oncology company redefining the frontier of precision medicine through its Precision Oncology 2.0 strategy, reported that it will share preclinical proof-of-concept data for STX-H1047-PI3Kα, its lead program targeting the H1047X-mutant form of phosphoinositide 3-kinase alpha ("PI3Kα"), in a late-breaking poster presentation at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) ("AACR") Annual Meeting 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana, taking place April 8 – 13, 2022 (Press release, Scorpion Therapeutics, MAR 8, 2022, View Source;utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=scorpion-therapeutics-to-present-mutant-selective-pi3ka-program-at-aacr-annual-meeting-2022 [SID1234609657]).

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"We are excited to present preclinical data demonstrating the potentially best-in-class profile of our lead program, STX-H1047-PI3Kα. PI3Kα is an established cancer target and one of the most highly mutated targets in cancer. However, approved therapeutic options are limited by significant metabolic side effects and an inability to treat tumors that have progressed into the central nervous system," said Axel Hoos, M.D., Ph.D., CEO of Scorpion Therapeutics. "Consistent with our Precision Oncology 2.0 strategy, we designed STX-H1047-PI3Kα to specifically address these limitations, in hopes of delivering safer and more effective medicines to patients living with certain solid tumors. We look forward to informing the oncology community of our progress during AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper), as we work towards submitting an investigational new drug application for STX-H1047-PI3Kα in 2023."

Details of the poster presentation are as follows:

Presentation Title: Discovery and Characterization of a Mutant Selective PI3KαH1047X Inhibitor with a Best-In-Class Profile
Session Title: Late-Breaking Research: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics 2
Abstract Number: LB194
Poster Board Number: 7
Date & Time: Wednesday, Apr 13, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT (10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET)
Location: New Orleans Convention Center, Exhibit Halls D-H, Poster Section 16

The abstract and poster presentation will be published online at 12:00 p.m. CT (1:00 p.m. ET) on April 8, 2022 on the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) website at www.aacr.org.

NuCana Announces Upcoming Presentations on NUC-3373 at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2022

On March 8, 2022 NuCana plc (NASDAQ: NCNA) reported the release of two abstracts to be presented as posters at the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting being held from April 8 to 13, 2022 (Press release, Nucana BioPharmaceuticals, MAR 8, 2022, View Source [SID1234609674]).

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Abstract 4992: NUC-3373 Potentiates Immune-Mediated Cytotoxicity of CRC Cells

NUC-3373 causes colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines to release damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), molecular signals that can activate immune cells leading to immunogenic cell death (ICD). The addition of nivolumab, an anti-PD-1 antibody, to NUC-3373 enhanced tumor cell death in a model where cancer cells were incubated alongside human-derived immune cells, highlighting NUC-3373’s potential as an attractive combination partner for checkpoint inhibitors.

Abstract 1835: NUC-3373 Targets the DNA-Directed Pathway More Effectively than 5-FU

NUC-3373 and 5-FU exert their anti-cancer effects through the metabolite, FUDR-MP (or FdUMP), which inhibits thymidylate synthase (TS), a critical enzyme for cancer cell growth and survival. Pre-clinical and clinical data show that NUC-3373 generates far higher levels of FUDR-MP than 5-FU and is more effective at inhibiting TS activity. Data indicate that NUC-3373 also induces anti-cancer activity via the DNA-targeting metabolite, FdUTP. Furthermore, NUC-3373 avoids the RNA damage associated with 5-FU’s dose-limiting toxicities of diarrhea, myelosuppression and mucositis.

Through a more targeted, DNA-directed pathway, NUC-3373 may provide, if approved, a potentially more effective, safer and convenient therapeutic option than 5-FU for patients with cancer.

Hugh S. Griffith, NuCana’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer said: "We believe these data demonstrate NUC-3373’s advantages over 5-FU and are highly supportive of our clinical development strategy. Our Phase 1/2 study of NUC-3373 in patients with colorectal cancer (NuTide:302) continues to generate data which will support our Phase 3 study for NUC-3373 in second-line colorectal cancer patients. In addition, NUC-3373 is entering a Phase 1/2 study (NuTide:303) in patients with solid tumors to identify additional indications for development, including in combination with checkpoint inhibitors."