Scholar Rock to Present at the 2021 Wedbush PacGrow Healthcare Conference

On August 5, 2021 Scholar Rock (NASDAQ: SRRK), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of serious diseases in which protein growth factors play a fundamental role, reported that management will present at the 2021 Wedbush PacGrow Healthcare Conference on Wednesday, August 11th, 2021 at 9:10 a.m. ET (Press release, Scholar Rock, AUG 5, 2021, View Source [SID1234585949]).

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Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

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A live webcast of the presentation may be accessed by visiting the Investors & Media section of the Scholar Rock website at View Source An archived replay of the webcast will be available on the Company’s website for approximately 90 days following the presentation.

Akebia Therapeutics Reports Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results and Highlights Recent Company Milestones

On August 5, 2021 Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKBA), a biopharmaceutical company with the purpose of bettering the lives of people impacted by kidney disease, reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021 and highlighted recent corporate milestones (Press release, Akebia, AUG 5, 2021, View Source [SID1234585790]). The Company will host a conference call today, Thursday, August 5, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

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Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

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"The first half of 2021 has been marked by significant milestones that have further strengthened Akebia’s position and the potential market opportunity for vadadustat, an investigational oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor (HIF-PHI), setting the stage for an exciting and catalyst-rich year ahead for us. During the quarter, these achievements included publication of our global Phase 3 results for vadadustat in the New England Journal of Medicine and, more recently, FDA acceptance of the vadadustat NDA for filing with a PDUFA target action date of March 29, 2022," stated John P. Butler, Chief Executive Officer of Akebia. "As there are currently no approved HIF-PHIs to treat anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the U.S., we believe vadadustat is positioned as a potential first-in-class product with a broader opportunity in the dialysis market than originally anticipated. With vadadustat’s PDUFA date set for March, we are highly focused on pre-launch activities to ensure that we are well positioned for a successful U.S. launch in 2022, and are excited to be one step closer to having a novel, oral therapeutic available for people living with this disease, subject to regulatory approval."

Steven K. Burke, M.D., Senior Vice President, Research & Development and Chief Medical Officer of Akebia stated, "We remain confident in the clarity and quality of our data, and continue to be encouraged by the safety profile of vadadustat demonstrated in our global Phase 3 program for the treatment of anemia due to CKD. As seen in the recent New England Journal of Medicine publications of our global Phase 3 results, the data showed no significant safety signals on adverse events, including thromboembolic events, seizures and infections. More specifically, the data showed that these events were very similar for vadadustat as compared to darbepoetin alfa."

Akebia is also working in close collaboration with its partner, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., to prepare a Marketing Authorization Application for vadadustat for submission to the European Medicines Agency, expected this year.

Recent Business Highlights:

In late May, the FDA accepted for filing the NDA for vadadustat for the treatment of anemia due to CKD in both adult patients on dialysis and adult patients not on dialysis. The FDA assigned the application a standard review and a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date of March 29, 2022.
In April, the New England Journal of Medicine published the results of Akebia’s global Phase 3 program for vadadustat, which consisted of two programs that evaluated the efficacy and safety of vadadustat versus darbepoetin alfa for the treatment of anemia due to CKD in adult patients on dialysis (INNO2VATE) and not on dialysis (PRO2TECT).
In June, Akebia presented data regarding the hematologic efficacy of vadadustat for anemia in patients with kidney failure on dialysis and not on dialysis from the global Phase 3 program for vadadustat at the European Renal Association – European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) Virtual Congress 2021.
In March, Akebia submitted an NDA to the FDA for vadadustat for the treatment of anemia due to CKD in both adult patients on dialysis and adult patients not on dialysis.
Second Quarter Financial Results

Revenues: Total revenue was $52.9 million for the second quarter of 2021 compared to $90.1 million for the second quarter of 2020. The decrease compared to the same period in 2020 was primarily due to lower collaboration revenue consistent with the Company successfully completing the INNO2VATE and PRO2TECT global Phase 3 clinical programs.
Collaboration revenue was $20.0 million for the second quarter of 2021 compared to $59.4 million for the second quarter of 2020.
Net product revenue for Auryxia was $33.0 million for the second quarter of 2021 compared with $30.7 million for the second quarter of 2020, an increase of 7.4 percent.
COGS: Cost of goods sold was $52.5 million for the second quarter of 2021 and included a $30.3 million non-cash charge related to an increase to the liability for excess purchase commitments consistent with the Company’s long-term payor contract strategy, which remains focused on contract economics and net product revenue growth. Cost of goods sold was $174.6 million for the second quarter of 2020 and included a non-cash impairment charge of $115.5 million related to the Auryxia intangible asset, $19.9 million in non-cash charges related to the fair-value inventory step-up from the application of purchase accounting, $11.0 million in non-cash charges related to an increase to the liability for excess purchase commitments and $9.9 million primarily related to the write-down of inventory.
R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $37.2 million for the second quarter of 2021 compared to $52.8 million for the second quarter of 2020. The decrease compared to the prior year period was primarily due to the completion of the INNO2VATE and PRO2TECT global Phase 3 clinical programs.
SG&A Expenses: Selling, general and administrative expenses were $41.7 million for the second quarter of 2021 compared to $35.5 million for the second quarter of 2020. The increase compared to the prior year period was due primarily to higher marketing expenses.
Net Loss: Net loss was $83.0 million for the second quarter of 2021 compared to $175.8 million for the second quarter of 2020. The improvement in net loss compared to the prior year period was due primarily to the non-recurrence of a $115.5 million non-cash impairment charge in the prior year period, as well as lower operating expenses in the 2021 period, partially offset by lower collaboration revenue in the 2021 period.
Cash Position: Cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities as of June 30, 2021 were $247.0 million. This balance includes net proceeds of $37.3 million from sales of common stock under the Company’s at-the-market offering program during the second quarter of 2021. The Company also received net cash proceeds of $16.1 million from sales of common stock under this program subsequent to quarter end through July 16, 2021. The Company believes that its cash resources will be sufficient to fund its current operating plan through at least the next twelve months. Additionally, the Company believes its cash runway would extend beyond the next twelve months assuming timely regulatory approval of vadadustat and the receipt of associated regulatory milestones.
"We continue to be encouraged by Auryxia’s revenue growth, which we believe is a great illustration of our commercial team’s execution in this ongoing COVID-19 environment," stated David A. Spellman, Chief Financial Officer of Akebia. "We believe this performance also highlights Auryxia’s favorable product profile and the critical nature of this therapy. While we remain cautious due to COVID-19, we believe the team’s focus and execution on marketing, sales, and payor strategies will continue to drive net product revenue growth."

Conference Call

Akebia will host a conference call today, Thursday, August 5, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss its second quarter financial results and recent business highlights. To listen to the conference call, please dial (877) 458-0977 (domestic) or (484) 653-6724 (international) using conference ID number 5529396. The call will also be webcast LIVE and can be accessed via the Investors section of the Company’s website at View Source

A replay of the conference call will be available two hours after the completion of the call through August 11, 2021. To access the replay, dial (855) 859-2056 (domestic) or (404) 537-3406 (international) and reference conference ID number 5529396. An online archive of the conference call can be accessed via the Investors section of the Company’s website at View Source

Insmed Reports Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results and Provides Business Update

On August 5, 2021 Insmed Incorporated (Nasdaq:INSM), a global biopharmaceutical company on a mission to transform the lives of patients with serious and rare diseases, reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021 and provided a business update (Press release, Insmed, AUG 5, 2021, View Source [SID1234585806]).

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"Insmed made meaningful progress in the second quarter of 2021, with important achievements across our four pillars—ARIKAYCE, brensocatib, TPIP, and translational medicine," commented Will Lewis, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Insmed. "With the launch of ARIKAYCE just last month in Japan, the largest market for refractory MAC lung disease that we are pursuing, we’re thrilled that our lead product is now available in three major territories. We continue to enroll patients in both the Phase 3 ASPEN study of brensocatib in patients with bronchiectasis and the ARIKAYCE frontline clinical trial program in patients with NTM lung disease in line with expectations, and we are advancing TPIP to Phase 2 development in both PAH and PH-ILD. As we carry forward learnings from the past year and a half in navigating the pandemic, we have great confidence in our ability to execute on our commercial and clinical activities around the world."

Recent Corporate Developments & Program Highlights

ARIKAYCE

ARIKAYCE launched in Japan in July of 2021, following its approval by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare in March of 2021 for the treatment of patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease caused by Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) who did not sufficiently respond to prior treatment with a multidrug regimen. ARIKAYCE has been priced in Japan in line with list prices in the U.S. and Europe.
Insmed continues to advance the European launch of ARIKAYCE following its approval by the European Commission in October of 2020 for the treatment of NTM lung infections caused by MAC in adults with limited treatment options who do not have cystic fibrosis (CF). Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.
Enrollment continues in the post-approval confirmatory frontline clinical trial program of ARIKAYCE in patients with NTM lung disease caused by MAC. The program consists of ARISE, an interventional study designed to validate a patient-reported outcome (PRO) tool in MAC lung disease, and ENCORE, a pivotal trial designed to establish, using the PRO tool validated in the ARISE trial, the clinical benefits and evaluate the safety of ARIKAYCE in patients with newly diagnosed MAC lung disease.
Brensocatib

Enrollment continues in the Phase 3 ASPEN study, a global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of brensocatib in patients with bronchiectasis. Patients with bronchiectasis due to CF may not be enrolled in the study.
The CF Therapeutics Development Network has endorsed Insmed’s study protocol for brensocatib in CF and the process for initiating study sites for a Phase 2 pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic multiple-dose study is now underway.
TPIP

Insmed expects to present data from the Phase 1 healthy volunteer trial of TPIP at the European Society of Cardiology Congress on August 30, 2021. The Company reported positive topline data from this study earlier this year.
Insmed plans to advance two Phase 2 studies of TPIP in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The first study will measure the impact of TPIP on pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) over a 24-hour period. The Company anticipates sharing preliminary data from a small number of patients in this study in the second half of 2021. The second study will evaluate the effect of TPIP on PVR and 6-minute walk distance over a 16-week treatment period. The Company plans to initiate this study in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Insmed plans to initiate a Phase 2 study of TPIP in patients with pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD) in early 2022.
Corporate Updates

In July of 2021, Insmed announced the promotion of Michael Smith to the role of General Counsel, Senior Vice President of Insmed, replacing Christine Pellizzari, who retired from her position as the Company’s Chief Legal Officer. Mike joined Insmed in 2014 and most recently served as the Company’s Senior Vice President, General Counsel – U.S. In his new role, Mike will have responsibility for Insmed’s global legal function, including corporate governance, intellectual property, and contract management.
Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results

Total revenue for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021 was $45.4 million, compared to total revenue of $42.5 million for the second quarter of 2020.
Cost of product revenues (excluding amortization of intangible assets) was $10.8 million for the second quarter of 2021, compared to $10.0 million for the second quarter of 2020.
Research and development (R&D) expenses were $64.7 million for the second quarter of 2021, compared to $35.7 million for the second quarter of 2020.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the second quarter of 2021 were $57.2 million, compared to $49.7 million for the second quarter of 2020.
For the second quarter of 2021, Insmed reported a GAAP net loss of $117.3 million, or $1.07 per share, compared to a GAAP net loss of $61.9 million, or $0.64 per share, for the second quarter of 2020.
During the second quarter of 2021, Insmed completed a public offering of 11,500,000 shares of common stock, including 1,500,000 shares issued pursuant to the exercise in full of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares, as well as a public offering of $575 million aggregate principal amount of its 0.75% convertible senior notes due 2028 (the 2028 Convertible Notes), including $75 million aggregate principal amount of notes purchased pursuant to the exercise in full of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional notes, solely to cover over-allotments. The offerings resulted in net cash proceeds of approximately $270.1 million and $559.0 million, respectively, after deducting underwriting discounts and other offering-related expenses. A portion of the net cash proceeds from the 2028 Convertible Notes was used to repurchase $225.0 million of the Company’s outstanding 1.75% convertible senior notes due 2025 (2025 Convertible Notes). The offerings resulted in net cash proceeds of approximately $590.0 million after the repurchase of a portion of the outstanding 2025 Convertible Notes.
Balance Sheet and Planned Investments

As of June 30, 2021, Insmed had cash and cash equivalents of $928.3 million. The Company’s total operating expenses for the second quarter of 2021 were $133.9 million. Adjusted R&D expenses for the second quarter of 2021 were $58.9 million and adjusted SG&A expenses for the second quarter of 2021 were $48.8 million. Adjusted R&D expenses and adjusted SG&A expenses are non-GAAP measures, which we describe further below.

The Company plans to continue to invest in the following key activities in 2021:

(i)

U.S. commercialization of ARIKAYCE;

(ii)

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

(iii)

launch activities for ARIKAYCE in initial European countries and in Japan.

Conference Call

Insmed will host a conference call beginning today at 8:30 AM Eastern Time. Shareholders and other interested parties may participate in the conference call by dialing (844) 200-6205 (domestic) or +44-208-0682-558 (international) and referencing access code 711350. The call will also be webcast live on the Company’s website at www.insmed.com.

A replay of the conference call will be accessible approximately 45 minutes after its completion through September 6, 2021 by dialing (929) 458-6194 (domestic) or +44-204-525-0658 (international) and referencing access code 984249. A webcast of the call will also be archived for 90 days under the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.insmed.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to the U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) results, this earnings release includes non-GAAP financial measures: adjusted R&D expenses, which Insmed defines as R&D expenses less stock-based compensation expense and depreciation; and adjusted SG&A expenses, which Insmed defines as SG&A expenses less stock-based compensation and depreciation. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is presented in the table attached to this press release.

Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to both management and investors in analyzing our ongoing business and operating performance. Management believes that providing this non-GAAP information to investors, in addition to the GAAP results, allows investors to view our financial results in the way that management views financial results. Management does not intend the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for results prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures may differ from similarly named measures used by other companies.

About ARIKAYCE

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

About PARI Pharma and the Lamira Nebulizer System

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

About Brensocatib

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

About TPIP

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

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR ARIKAYCE IN THE U.S.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

U.S. INDICATION

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

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

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

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

Iovance Biotherapeutics Reports Second Quarter and First Half 2021 Financial Results and Corporate Updates

On August 5, 2021 Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: IOVA), a late-stage biotechnology company developing novel T cell-based cancer immunotherapies (tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte, TIL, and peripheral-blood lymphocyte, PBL), reported second quarter 2021 financial results and corporate updates (Press release, Iovance Biotherapeutics, AUG 5, 2021, View Source [SID1234585853]).

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Frederick Vogt, Ph.D., J.D., Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Iovance, stated, "During the first half of 2021 we advanced our TIL pipeline and presented clinical data across multiple solid tumor indications and treatment settings, including single-agent TIL in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma, as well as initial clinical data for TIL in combination with pembrolizumab in early line melanoma. Our top priority remains our ongoing work to address FDA feedback regarding the potency assays for lifileucel to support our planned BLA submission. We are increasingly confident in the broad potential for TIL as the next class of paradigm-shifting therapy for cancer patients with significant unmet need."

Second Quarter 2021 Highlights and Recent Corporate Updates

Regulatory

Potency assays for lifileucel: Following FDA feedback regarding the potency assays for lifileucel, Iovance will continue ongoing work developing and validating its potency assays and plans to submit additional assay data and anticipates meeting with the FDA before the end of 2021. The company’s biologics license application (BLA) submission for lifileucel is now expected to occur during the first half of 2022. Resolution of the potency assay for lifileucel in melanoma is also a key step towards our regulatory plans in other indications.
Clinical

TIL therapy in melanoma:
Metastatic melanoma: follow up data from Cohort 2 in the C-144-01 study of lifileucel in advanced melanoma were presented at the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2021 Annual Meeting. As of the April 2021 data cutoff for the presentation, the overall response rate (ORR) was 36.4% (4.5% complete response rate and 31.8% partial response rate) and median duration of response (DOR) was not reached at 33.1 months of median study follow up as assessed by investigators (n=66). Detailed Cohort 2 data were also published in a manuscript in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, an ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) journal.
Anti-PD-1 naïve melanoma: initial clinical data for lifileucel in combination with pembrolizumab were presented in a poster at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2021. The ORR was 86% and the complete response rate was 43% at a median follow up of 8.2 months in anti-PD-1 naïve melanoma patients in Cohort 1A in the IOV-COM-202 basket study (n=7).
TIL therapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC):

LN-145 clinical data in metastatic NSCLC (mNSCLC): clinical data for LN-145 showed a 21.4% ORR and 64.3% disease control rate in mNSCLC patients from Cohort 3B in the IOV-COM-202 study (n=28), including two responders with PD-L1 negative tumors. All Cohort 3B patients had received one or more prior systemic therapies, including anti-PD-1 therapy, and all responders also received prior chemotherapy. Detailed results are anticipated at a medical meeting in 2021.
LN-145 in second-line mNSCLC: the first patient was dosed and more than 15 U.S. clinical sites have been activated in the registration-supporting IOV-LUN-202 study of LN-145 in patients with mNSCLC.
Research

Iovance is committed to advancing the next generation of TIL and related therapies and technologies. Late preclinical programs in IND-enabling studies include a novel IL-2 analog (IOV-3001) as well as a genetically modified TIL (IOV-4001). IOV-4001 leverages TALEN technology licensed from Cellectis S.A. to genetically knock out PD-1 in TIL cells.
Manufacturing

TIL manufacturing success: to date, nearly 500 patients have been dosed with Iovance TIL products with more than a 90 percent manufacturing success rate.
Iovance Cell Therapy Center (iCTC): the investigational new drug (IND) application amendment has been cleared and clinical manufacturing of TIL is expected to commence at the iCTC in the near future. Commercial manufacturing remains on track to commence with a potential regulatory approval.
Corporate

Cash position of $708.7 million on June 30, 2021 is expected to be sufficient well into 2023.
A strong organization of nearly 270 employees with an average of more than 3.5 years of cell therapy experience is in place to advance research, development, manufacturing, and commercial launch preparations.
Iovance continues to expand its intellectual property portfolio and currently owns more than 25 granted or allowed U.S. and international patents for compositions and methods of treatment in a broad range of cancers relating to the Gen 2 manufacturing process. Iovance’s Gen 2 patent rights are expected to provide exclusivity through 2038. Iovance’s portfolio also includes patent applications and granted patents directed towards Gen 3 manufacturing, selected TIL products, stable and transient genetic TIL modifications, tumor digest and fragment compositions and methods (including cryopreservation), and combinations of checkpoint inhibitors and TIL products.
Second Quarter and First Half 2021 Financial Results

Iovance held $708.7 million in cash, cash equivalents, investments and restricted cash at June 30, 2021 compared to $635.0 million at December 31, 2020. The cash position as of the second quarter is expected to be sufficient for more than two years based on the current operating plan.

Jean-Marc Bellemin, Chief Financial Officer, stated, "Our balance sheet remains strong to advance our operating plan, including launch preparations and pipeline development, with no immediate need to raise additional capital."

Net loss for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021, was $81.4 million, or $0.53 per share, compared to a net loss of $63.0 million, or $0.47 per share, for the second quarter ended June 30, 2020. Net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2020, was $156.8 million, or $1.04 per share, compared to a net loss of $132.6 million, or $1.02 per share, for the same period ended June 30, 2020.

Research and development expenses were $62.1 million for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021, an increase of $12.8 million compared to $49.3 million for the second quarter ended June 30, 2020. Research and development expenses were $118.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, an increase of $11.8 million compared to $106.2 million for the same period ended June 30, 2020.

The increase in research and development expenses in the second quarter 2021 over the prior year period was primarily attributable to an increase in costs associated with growth of the internal research and development team and increases in manufacturing and iCTC facility related costs. The increase in research and development expenses in the first half of 2021 over the prior year period was primarily attributable to growth of the internal research and development team, an increase in iCTC facility related costs, which were partially offset by lower manufacturing and clinical costs following the completion of enrollment in the pivotal cohorts for melanoma and cervical cancer.

General and administrative expenses were $19.3 million for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021, an increase of $5.0 million compared to $14.4 million for the second quarter ended June 30, 2020. General and administrative expenses were $38.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, an increase of $10.7 million compared to $28.2 million for the same period ended June 30, 2020.

The increases in general and administrative expenses in the second quarter and first half of 2021 compared to the prior year periods were primarily attributable to growth of the internal general and administrative team and higher stock-based compensation expenses.

Webcast and Conference Call

Iovance will host a conference call today at 4:30 p.m. ET to discuss the second quarter 2021 financial results and corporate updates. The conference call dial-in numbers are 1-(844) 646-4465 (domestic) or 1-(615) 247-0257 (international) and the access code is 1489438. The live webcast can be accessed in the Investors section of the company’s website at View Source The archived webcast will be available for a year in the Investors section at www.iovance.com.

Vaxart Provides Business Update and Reports Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results

On August 5, 2021 Vaxart, Inc. (Nasdaq: VXRT) reported its business update today for the second quarter of 2021, reporting strong forward momentum in development of oral tablet vaccines that it believes can revolutionize public health (Press release, Aviragen Therapeutics, AUG 5, 2021, View Source [SID1234585870]).

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Vaxart, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing oral recombinant vaccines that are administered by tablet rather than by injection, announced its business progress and provided financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021.

"By any measure, Vaxart showed real forward momentum during the last quarter," CEO Andrei Floroiu said. "We strengthened our balance sheet, made major research advances, deepened our scientific knowledge, grew the company, and took the company closer to our goal of developing disruptive oral tablet vaccines that can have a material impact on the world’s public health."

Recent Business Highlights

Corporate Developments

Vaxart raised $36.2 million in net proceeds from its $250 million at-the-market facility in the three months ended June 30, 2021.
Vaxart signed an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with Altesa Biosciences, Inc. to allow Altesa to develop and commercialize Vaxart’s Vapendavir, a clinical-stage broad spectrum antiviral.
The licensing agreement provides for milestone payments up to $130 million and royalties for global Vapendavir sales.
Building out the infrastructure necessary to support its groundbreaking research, Vaxart added to its management team and strengthened its research, clinical, and manufacturing groups and R&D infrastructure. The number of R&D employees grew by 36% in the quarter to 49 full-time employees.
Pre-Clinical and Clinical

Platform-Wide Developments

Vaxart completed its first boosting study, which showed in clinical trials that its norovirus vaccine built on the VAAST platform can successfully boost immune responses in subjects previously vaccinated with a Vaxart oral vaccine more than a year earlier.
The research supports the company’s thesis that its oral tablet vaccines have the potential to be used annually for indications that may require a boost such as flu or COVID-19.
The data announced that Vaxart’s vaccines may not suffer from certain antibody response challenges that can occur with viral vector-based vaccines.
COVID-19 Vaccine Developments

While the nation’s death and illness tolls have fallen markedly since the beginning of the last quarter, new variants such as the Delta strain continue to worry national political and health leaders. Vaxart broadened its research into the various COVID-19 strains while continuing its development of an oral tablet vaccine. Among the most significant developments in the second quarter:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared Vaxart to move to its next phase of COVID-19 testing with a study of its next generation S-1 construct.
Vaxart is manufacturing the vaccine necessary to start the Phase 2 clinical study of its S-Wuhan construct and expects to begin this study shortly.
A Non-Human Primate study of the S&N construct along with S-Wuhan and S-South Africa constructs showed optimal performance by the S-Wuhan construct and also cross reactivity against all variants tested. The decision was made to the S-Wuhan vaccine construct into Phase 2.
Norovirus Vaccine Developments

Norovirus is a highly infectious illness that affects around 20 million Americans annually, with an annual economic impact of approximately $10.5 billion in the United States.

In addition to its boosting study, Vaxart enrolled the first subjects in a Phase 1b placebo-controlled, dose-ranging, repeat dose trial investigating its oral norovirus vaccine candidate in elderly subjects aged 55 – 80 years.
This study is designed to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of Vaxart’s candidate, which is the only clinical stage norovirus oral tablet vaccine actively being developed.
Financial Results for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2021

Vaxart ended the quarter with cash, cash equivalents, and available-for-sale debt securities of $198.9 million, compared to $177.3 million as of March 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to net receipts of $36.2 million from the Company’s $250 million at-the-market facility entered into in October 2020 and $0.9 million from the exercise of warrants and options, partially offset by $13.2 million of cash used in operations and $2.2 million spent on property and equipment.
Vaxart reported a net loss of $16.1 million for the second quarter of 2021 compared to $9.0 million for the second quarter of 2020. Net loss per share for the second quarter of 2021 was $0.13, compared to a net loss of $0.12 in the second quarter of 2020. The small increase in net loss per share was due to the increase in net loss being mostly offset by the increase in the weighted average number of shares outstanding.
Revenue for the second quarter of 2021 was $112,000 compared to $523,000 in the second quarter of 2020. The decrease was principally due to the absence of royalty revenue related to Relenza sales in Japan as a result of the patent expiring and a reduction in royalty revenue related to Inavir sales in Japan as a result of lower incidences of seasonal influenza.
Research and development expenses were $10.7 million for the second quarter of 2021 compared to $5.1 million for the second quarter of 2020. The increase was mainly due to manufacturing and clinical trial expenses related to the COVID-19 and norovirus vaccine candidates.
General and administrative expenses were $5.2 million for the second quarter of 2021 compared to $3.9 million for the second quarter of 2020. The increase was mainly due to higher insurance expenses and an increase in headcount and related costs.