Boan Biotech’s Bevacizumab Injection Obtains Marketing Authorization in China

On May 7, 2021 Luye Pharma Group announced that its biopharmaceutical drug 博优诺 (Bevacizumab Injection), developed by the Group’s holding subsidiary Boan Biotech, has received marketing authorization from China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), for the treatment of advanced, metastatic or recurrent non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and metastatic colorectal cancer (Press release, Luye Pharma, MAY 7, 2021, View Source [SID1234597708]). 博优诺 is the third biosimilar of Avastin to enter the market in China, as well as the first product from Boan Biotech’s pipeline to receive marketing authorization.

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博优诺 and Avastin are Equivalent in Efficacy – Bevacizumab is a Standard Therapy for the Treatment of Multiple Cancers

The marketing approval for 博优诺 is based on the Guidelines on Similarity Evaluation and Indication Extrapolation of Biosimilars issued by the NMPA’s China Center for Drug Evaluation in February 2021. 博优诺 and Avastin were compared head-to-head in two pivotal clinical studies – the first was a pharmacokinetic(PK) study among healthy subjects, and the second was a comparative study of efficacy and safety in metastatic or recurrent non-squamous NSCLC patients. Both studies met primary endpoints, demonstrating that 博优诺 and Avastin are equivalent in efficacy and highly similar in terms of PK characteristics, safety, and immunogenicity.

As a classic anti-angiogenic oncology drug, Bevacizumab is considered standard therapy and is recommended by a number of guidelines worldwide for treating multiple malignant tumors. The drug is indicated for the treatment of NSCLC, metastatic colorectal cancer, glioblastoma, renal cell carcinoma, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and other solid tumors worldwide, with its efficacy and safety widely recognized by physicians and patients through its long-term clinical use. According to the Guidelines on Similarity Evaluation and Indication Extrapolation of Biosimilars, all indications for Avastin approved in China can also be gradually applied to 博优诺.

In addition, the combination of Bevacizumab and paclitaxel provides unique advantages in treatment. 博优诺 can be used with Luye Pharma’s core product paclitaxel liposome injection (Lipusu) to achieve a good synergy effect.

Preparing to Market 博优诺 – Meeting Patient Needs

According to data from the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, the number of new cancer cases reported in 2020 in China was 4.57 million, the highest in the year and accounting for 23.7% of the total in the world. Lung cancer and colorectal cancer are the two cancers with the highest incidence rate in China, with 820 thousand and 560 thousand new cases each, respectively. Based on the high and ever-increasing number of patients in these two disease areas, the approval of 博优诺 is expected to help patients gain access to high-quality medication and address unmet needs.

Meanwhile, Bevacizumab Injection has been included in China’s National Reimbursement Drug List, further increasing accessibility. As the third biosimilar of Avastin to enter Chinese market, 博优诺 is expected to have optimistic prospects. According to the data from IQVIA, global sales of Bevacizumab Injection totaled USD 6.09 billion, with sales in China accounting for RMB 3.63 billion in 2020.

Through comprehensive leverage of its expertise along the whole industry value chain, Boan Biotech has been active in the preparation for 博优诺 entering the market, in manufacturing, sales team building, market access channels, and other areas. In addition, Luye Pharma Group’s long-term accumulated resources and expansive networks in the field of oncology are also expected to bring synergetic effects to enable the success of 博优诺.

Boan Biotech’s Rapid R&D Pipeline Development – Efficiency in Innovation

Boan Biotech’s antibody discovery research is based on three technology platforms: Human Antibody Transgenic Mouse and Phage Display Technology, Bispecific T-cell Engager Technology, and ADC Technology. By leveraging its efficient and innovative capabilities, the company has developed more than 10 innovative antibody product candidates with international intellectual property protection, and 8 biosimilar products including 博优诺 .

"We are delighted to see 博优诺 become the first product from Boan Biotech’s pipeline approved for marketing, and hope it will bring benefit to patients in need of high-quality and affordable anti-angiogenic treatment." said Jiang Hua, Chief Executive Officer of Boan Biotech, "The approval of 博优诺 is an important milestone for us and validates our efforts in the field with a tangible and substantial payoff. Focusing on the development of biopharmaceuticals, we hope to further accelerate R&D progress with more innovative products, serving more patients in China and around the globe."

In addition to 博优诺, Boan Biotech has a series of biopharmaceutical products in various stages of clinical development, including LY-CovMab, an innovative antibody for the treatment of COVID-19, which has completed phase I clinical trial in China and is soon to start the phase II clinical trials in China, the U.S. and Europe. Other Boan Biotech biosimilar products are expected to bear fruit in the near future. Phase III clinical trials in China for LY06006 (a biosimilar of Prolia) are nearing completion, with final administration of the drug completed for all the subjects, and the drug already receiving approval for clinical trials in Europe and the U.S. LY01011 (A biosimilar of Xgeva) is undergoing phase III clinical trials in China and phase I clinical trials in Europe and the U.S., and LY09004, a biosimilar of Eylea is also undergoing phase III clinical trials in China.

Defence therapeutics, strong therapeutics pipeline: adc’s, cancer and covid vaccines

On May 7, 2021 Defence Therapeutics Inc. ("Defence" or the "Company"), a Canadian biotech Company focused on the development of novel and highly specific vaccines and antibody-drug conjugates targeting cancer and infectious diseases reported that it begin its trading on the CSE as of today

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The primary objective and business of Defence is the research, development and advancement of three main products using its proprietary Accum technology:
– Dendritic Cell (DC) cancer vaccines using Accum (AccuvacTM).
– A new protein-based vaccine formulation against COVID and infectious disease.
– ADCs (Antibody Drug Conjugates) targeting various cancer.

AccuvacTM: for Dendritic Cell cancer vaccines
Defence has optimized the chemical manufacturing of its experimental antigens to efficiently link the Accum moiety. When used to pulse DCs, these modified antigens were shown to breakdown endosomal membranes leading to efficient processing, presentation and activation of responding T cells. The prophylactic vaccination led to 100% protection against cancer growth. This process was rechallenged three times and led to a continue 100% protection against cancerous tumor growth.

Therapeutic vaccination of animals with pre-established tumors triggered a substantial delay in tumor growth as a stand-alone therapy. Combination of AccuvacTM to the immune-checkpoint inhibitor anti-PD1 cured 70% of treated animals.

To build upon this success, Defence is developing second and third generation Accum moieties to further enhance the potency and the efficacy of the AccuvacTM.
Defence has engineered two Accum variants with direct anti-tumoral effects. The results of the Accum variants displayed efficiency at killing melanoma, lymphoma, colon and breast cancer cells in vitro. In vivo studies are currently ongoing to test the intratumoral delivery of these variants as a means to induce regression of established tumors.

A COVID Vaccine
Defence is using the Accum technology to develop a distinct COVID-19 protein-based vaccine. So far, the vaccine is highly immunogenic in tests with rodent animals with antibody titers lasting for more than 16 weeks. In addition, the generated antibodies "neutralized" the ability of pseudotyped viruses (an artificial virus with COVID-19 S proteins) from infecting cells. Defence is currently preparing the initiation of IND-enabling studies while preparing to begin the Phase I trial.

Antibody Drug Conjugates
Defence has demonstrated that the Accum technology enhances the ability of the ADC Kadcyla (T-DM1) to specifically target and kill breast cancer cells. Defence completed the synthesis of 18 different Accum-variants conjugated to T-DM1 at 10X ratio. A toxicity screening will be performed in the near future on the selected breast cancer cell line to identify additional leads. A Phase 1 clinical trial for breast cancer is currently being prepared.

ANI Pharmaceuticals Reports First Quarter 2021 Results

On May 7, 2021 ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("ANI" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: ANIP) reported business highlights and financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2021 (Press release, ANI Pharmaceuticals, MAY 7, 2021, View Source [SID1234579484]).

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"We continue to make good progress on our Term Loan B in support of the Novitium transaction, and receiving our inaugural ratings from Moody’s and S&P represents another milestone in the maturation of the Company"

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First Quarter and Recent Business Highlights:

Continued efforts to assemble a robust re-filing package for Cortrophin Gel in preparation for second-quarter 2021 submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA").
Signed a definitive agreement to acquire Novitium Pharma LLC ("Novitium"), a privately held, New Jersey-based high-growth pharmaceutical company. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of this year, pending Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") clearance and shareholder approval of the equity issuances for the transaction. Upon close, Novitium will diversify ANI’s commercial portfolio, add a proven best-in-class R&D engine, enhance our North American manufacturing footprint, and yield compelling financial benefits.
Acquired the new drug applications ("NDAs") for OXISTAT Lotion, VEREGEN Ointment, and Pandel Cream and the abbreviated new drug application ("ANDA") for ApexiCon E Cream from Sandoz Inc. Collectively, these dermatology products generated net revenues of $13.2 million in 2020. Strengthened leadership team with the addition of key pharmaceutical executives: Christopher K. Mutz as Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Rare Diseases and Ori Gutwerg as Senior Vice President of Generics.
Received inaugural ratings from the two major rating agencies, Moody’s and S&P. Moody’s assigned a B2 rating with a stable outlook, and S&P Global Ratings assigned a B+ rating with a positive outlook.
First Quarter 2021 Financial Highlights:

Net revenues were $54.5 million compared to $49.8 million in Q1 2020.
GAAP net income was $0.1 million, and diluted GAAP earnings per share was $0.01.
Adjusted non-GAAP EBITDA was $18.9 million.
Adjusted non-GAAP diluted earnings per share was $1.04.
Cash and cash equivalents were $25.1 million, net accounts receivable was $91.9 million, and face value of debt was $184.6 million as of March 31, 2021.

"During the first quarter, we made excellent progress on our stated goal of building a sustainable biopharma company well positioned for growth and serving patients in need. Our dedicated Cortrophin technical team is finalizing our sNDA file for resubmission, and Chris has made strong additions to the commercial team to ensure that we are prepared for a successful launch. The pending Novitium acquisition and product acquisitions from Sandoz represent significant steps toward our goals and are aligned with our four pillars for accelerating growth. Since we signed the Novitium deal in March, Novitium has launched several products, including limited competition opportunities such as Gx Famotidine solution, and continues to build momentum in advance of officially joining the ANI family. At the same time, our operational and commercial teams have seamlessly transitioned the Sandoz product assets into the ANI portfolio," stated Nikhil Lalwani, President and CEO.

"Similar to many of our industry peers, we have seen a combination of pandemic-related and seasonal factors that have contributed to softness in prescription levels. Despite these challenges, we are at an inflection point, and I believe that the Novitium transaction and sizable market opportunity for Cortrophin have the potential to be transformational for ANI. We remain focused on the work to be done to unlock value for all of our stakeholders and to continue to serve patients in need," concluded Lalwani.

"We continue to make good progress on our Term Loan B in support of the Novitium transaction, and receiving our inaugural ratings from Moody’s and S&P represents another milestone in the maturation of the Company," stated Stephen Carey, CFO.

First Quarter 2021 Financial Results

Net Revenues

(in thousands)

Three Months Ended
March March 31,

2021

2020

Generic pharmaceutical products

$

32,988

$

37,495

Branded pharmaceutical products

7,517

9,157

Contract manufacturing

2,573

1,974

Royalty and other income

11,443

1,148

Total net revenues

$

54,521

$

49,774

Net revenues for generic pharmaceutical products were $33.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021, a decrease of 12.0% compared to $37.5 million for the same period in 2020. Based upon an analysis of IQVIA/IMS data, during the three months ended March 31, 2021, the total market for generic prescriptions in the United States declined approximately 9% when compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020. We believe that this overall decline in prescription activity is principally due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it negatively impacted the market for many of our generic pharmaceutical products. From a product perspective, the net decrease was driven by declines in sales of Ezetimibe Simvastatin, Methazolamide, Miglustat, and Diphenoxylate, somewhat tempered by increased revenues from sales of Paliperidone ER and Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate ("EES").

Net revenues for branded pharmaceutical products were $7.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021, a decrease of 17.9% compared to $9.2 million for the same period in 2020. The decrease primarily reflects lower unit sales of Inderal XL and InnoPran XL, tempered by increased sales of Casodex and Inderal LA.

Contract manufacturing revenues were $2.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021, an increase of 30.3% compared to $2.0 million for the same period in 2020, due to an increased volume of orders from contract manufacturing customers in the period.

Royalty and other revenues were $11.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021, an increase of $10.3 million from $1.1 million for the same period in 2020, primarily due to the recognition of royalties due ANI for patent rights related to Kite Pharma, Inc.’s oncology product, YESCARTA.

Operating expenses decreased to $51.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, from $57.6 million in the prior year period.

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization, decreased by $1.8 million to $20.0 million in the first quarter of 2021, primarily as a result of the non-recurrence of $2.7 million in cost of sales representing the excess of fair value over cost for inventory acquired in the Amerigen acquisition and subsequently sold during the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Research and development expenses decreased to $3.0 million in the first quarter of 2021, a decrease of 53.2% from $6.3 million in the first quarter of 2020, primarily due to the non-recurrence of the $3.8 million in-process research and development expense from the Amerigen acquisition in the first quarter 2020.

Selling, general and administrative expenses rose by $3.9 million in the first quarter of 2021 to $17.6 million compared to $13.7 million in the comparable quarter in 2020. The increase primarily reflects $2.9 million of transaction expenses related to the pending Novitium acquisition incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2021, increased pharmacovigilance compliance costs in continued support of the expansion of our commercial portfolio, and increased legal, insurance, and other professional fees.

Depreciation and amortization decreased by $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2021 to $10.9 million compared to $11.2 million in the comparable quarter in 2020.

Net income for the first quarter of 2021 was $0.1 million as compared to net loss of $7.0 million in the prior year period. Diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $0.01, compared to diluted loss per share of $0.59 in the prior year period.

Adjusted non-GAAP diluted earnings per share was $1.04 in the first quarter of 2021 and 2020.

For reconciliations of adjusted non-GAAP EBITDA and adjusted non-GAAP diluted earnings per share to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, please see Table 3 and Table 4, respectively.

Liquidity

As of March 31, 2021, the Company had $25.1 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents plus $91.9 million in net accounts receivable. The Company had $184.6 million (face value) in outstanding debt as of March 31, 2021.

Conference Call

As previously announced, ANI Pharmaceuticals management will host its first quarter 2021 conference call as follows:

A replay of the conference call will be available within two hours of the call’s completion and will remain accessible for one week by dialing 800-934-5153 and entering access code 5412658.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted non-GAAP EBITDA

ANI’s management considers adjusted non-GAAP EBITDA to be an important financial indicator of ANI’s operating performance, providing investors and analysts with a useful measure of operating results unaffected by non-cash stock-based compensation and differences in capital structures, tax structures, capital investment cycles, ages of related assets, and compensation structures among otherwise comparable companies. Management uses adjusted non-GAAP EBITDA when analyzing Company performance.

Adjusted non-GAAP EBITDA is defined as net income, excluding tax expense or benefit, interest expense, (net), other expense, (net), depreciation, amortization, the excess of fair value over cost of acquired inventory, non-cash stock-based compensation expense, expense from acquired in-process research and development, Novitium transaction expenses, Cortrophin pre-launch charges, asset impairments, and certain other items that vary in frequency and impact on ANI’s results of operations. Adjusted non-GAAP EBITDA should be considered in addition to, but not in lieu of, net income or loss reported under GAAP. A reconciliation of adjusted non-GAAP EBITDA to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is provided below.

Adjusted non-GAAP Net Income

ANI’s management considers adjusted non-GAAP net income to be an important financial indicator of ANI’s operating performance, providing investors and analysts with a useful measure of operating results unaffected by the excess of fair value over cost of acquired inventory sold, non-cash stock-based compensation, non-cash interest expense, depreciation and amortization, Cortrophin pre-launch charges, acquired in-process research and development ("IPR&D") expense, Novitium transaction expenses, asset impairments, and certain other items that vary in frequency and impact on ANI’s results of operations. Management uses adjusted non-GAAP net income when analyzing Company performance.

Adjusted non-GAAP net income is defined as net income, plus the excess of fair value over cost of acquired inventory sold, non-cash stock-based compensation expense, Novitium transaction expenses, non-cash interest expense, depreciation and amortization expense, expense from acquired in-process research and development, Cortrophin pre-launch charges, asset impairments, and certain other items that vary in frequency and impact on ANI’s results of operations, less the tax impact of these adjustments calculated using an estimated statutory tax rate. Management will continually analyze this metric and may include additional adjustments in the calculation in order to provide further understanding of ANI’s results. Adjusted non-GAAP net income should be considered in addition to, but not in lieu of, net income reported under GAAP. A reconciliation of adjusted non-GAAP net income to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is provided below.

Adjusted non-GAAP Diluted Earnings per Share

ANI’s management considers adjusted non-GAAP diluted earnings per share to be an important financial indicator of ANI’s operating performance, providing investors and analysts with a useful measure of operating results unaffected by the excess of fair value over cost of acquired inventory sold, non-cash stock-based compensation, non-cash interest expense, depreciation and amortization, Cortrophin pre-launch charges, acquired IPR&D expense, Novitium transaction expenses, asset impairments, and certain other items that vary in frequency and impact on ANI’s results of operations. Management uses adjusted non-GAAP diluted earnings per share when analyzing Company performance.

Adjusted non-GAAP diluted earnings per share is defined as adjusted non-GAAP net income, as defined above, divided by the diluted weighted average shares outstanding during the period. Management will continually analyze this metric and may include additional adjustments in the calculation in order to provide further understanding of ANI’s results. Adjusted non-GAAP diluted earnings per share should be considered in addition to, but not in lieu of, diluted earnings or loss per share reported under GAAP. A reconciliation of adjusted non-GAAP diluted earnings per share to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is provided below.

Daewoong showed improved performance both sales and earnings in Q1

On May 7, 2021 Daewoong Pharmaceutical(CEO Sengho Jeon) reported its management performance (based on consolidation) in Q1 of 2021 (Press release, Daewoong Pharmaceutical, MAY 7, 2021, View Source [SID1234579500]). Its sales and operating profit were 269.6 billion and 26.6 billion KRW. It rose 4.7 percent and 305 percent yoy, respectively. Operating profit surpassed 20 billion won in eight years as ETC and OTC drugs maintained solid sales plus upfront from Fexuprazan to China and decreased legal cost as ITC lawsuits were settled.

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The ETC division revenue grew 11.7 percent yoy(from 162.1 billion won to 181 billion won). Sales of products such as Ursa(prescription drug), Luphere Depot, and Crezet and introduced items such as Crestor, Forxiga, and Lixiana have increased. The OTC division showed stable results(from 26.1 billion KRW to 26.4 billion KRW). Impactamin(vitamin B complex) series and liver function-enhancing drug URSA(non prescription) continued stable sales.

Nabota’s sales reached 15.4 billion won from 15.1 billion won Q1, 2020. Not only did domestic sales increase, but ITC’s agreement on February 19 resolved uncertainties, resulted in surged U.S. sales, marking the historical high performance in March. Turkey and Chile, which recently acquired product licenses, are also planning to launch Nabota in Q3.

HanAll Biopharma, a major subsidiary, recorded 27.8 billion won this year from 22.1 billion won in sales in the same period last year, and its operating profit increased from 3 billion won to 5.4 billion won during the same period. Upfronts for new drug candidates, such as HL036(for dry eyes) and HL161(for autoimmune diseases) contributed to make better performance.

"We have been showing sluggish performance by many non business factors, but our performance defintely begun to improve from Q1. In particular, Nabota’s scalability in U.S. is just opening and it is expected to stand out in Europe, China and other markets." said from an insider. "Foistar Tab and DWRX2003(Niclosamide) for COVID19 treatmenmt and new drugs such as Fexuprazan and Enavogliflozin, are also considered to have great market potential" he said.

Meanwhile, Daewoong Co., a holding company of Daewoong Pharma., also announced its Q1 performance(based on consolidation). Its sales grew 6.2 percent year-on-year to 348.5 billion won and operating profit rose 78.7 percent to 44.3 billion won.

Sporos Launches with $38.1 Million Series A Financing

On May 6, 2021 Sporos Bioventures, LLC (the "Company" or "Sporos") reported the company officially launched with the close of a $38.1 million Series A financing. The Company, founded by a group of biotech executives, entrepreneurs, academic scholars, and investors, was formed to catalyze the rapid and accurate development of breakthrough therapies that target novel disease mechanisms in cancer and immune diseases. Harnessing its vast network of industry leaders, strategic resources, and operational expertise, Sporos aims to bring new hope to patients in a more efficient and impactful manner. In parallel to the Series A, Michael Wyzga, M.B.A., former chief financial officer of Genzyme, joins the team as Founding CFO.

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"Sporos was founded to accelerate the development of new medicines by addressing inefficiencies and risk in the establishment of new biotech companies," said Peter Feinberg, Sporos co-founder and member of the board of directors. "By leveraging our extensive network, including the Texas Medical Center, which is the world’s largest research and medical ecosystem, we first identify transformative scientific opportunities and then deploy our top-tier talent, funding and operational support to drive these insights into a growing pipeline of first-in-class treatment options."

Sporos launches with four entities, each founded on the basis of truly novel mechanisms governing cancer and immune disease. The Company plans to use the Series A proceeds to support the development of lead assets across its portfolio and build out the Sporos team.

Sporos’ most advanced company, Tvardi, is developing small molecule inhibitors to STAT3, a key regulatory protein integral to the survival and immune evasion of cancer cells as well as to the pathogenesis of many inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. Early clinical studies have shown that Tvardi’s lead asset in cancer, TTI-101, is well tolerated and has clinical activity across a broad range of tumors including multiple durable responses.

"By strategically deploying valuable resources to young companies that would not typically be supported by top-tier seasoned talent and infrastructure, we believe that we can efficiently bring a diverse set of therapies through clinical development," said Mr. Wyzga. "I am thrilled to join a team with decades of scientific and operational expertise and look forward to guiding our strategic and financial growth."

Sporos’ founding team includes industry veterans with a mix of impressive scientific expertise and operational understanding of the biotech industry, as well as deep roots in Boston, New York and the burgeoning Houston biotech ecosystem. Notable founders include: Sporos’ Chair of the Strategic Advisory Council, a group of medical and scientific advisors, Ronald DePinho, M.D., Ph.D. (hon), professor of Cancer Biology and past president of MD Anderson; Sporos Director Peter Feinberg, co-founder of BridgeBio Pharma, founding partner at Boxcar Partners and advisor and board member of Immuneering Corporation; Chief Scientific Officer Jeno Gyuris, Ph.D., an experienced biotech executive in oncology drug discovery and development; and Sporos Director Alex Cranberg, an entrepreneur and business leader with strong ties to the Texas and Houston biotech ecosystem through his time on the University of Texas Board of Regents.

(Press release, Sporos BioDiscovery, MAY 6, 2021, View Source [SID1234662125])