On September 29, 2016 ImmunoGen, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMGN), a leader in the expanding field of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for the treatment of cancer, reported the completion of a strategic review of its operations (Press release, ImmunoGen, SEP 29, 2016, View Source [SID:SID1234515518]). As a result of this initiative, the Company will reduce its workforce by 17% and seek to partner its non-core B-cell lymphoma programs, creating a stronger organization focused on delivering innovative ADC therapies that meaningfully improve the lives of cancer patients.
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"I am grateful for the contributions that the employees affected by this plan have made to ImmunoGen, and we will be supporting them through this transition," stated Mark Enyedy, President and CEO of ImmunoGen. "We have taken this necessary step to build a leaner and more agile organization, better positioned to execute on our strategic objectives. As part of this effort, we restructured our Technical Operations, substantially reduced G&A, and revised our approach to managing clinical trials. By adapting how we work and aligning our portfolio priorities, we will improve operating performance, extend our cash position, and enable the Company to create value on a sustainable basis. I am confident this plan will allow ImmunoGen to achieve its tremendous potential."
Through this plan, ImmunoGen will realize significant cost savings over the next two years in headcount, program, and support activities. These savings will include approximately $11 million per year relating to the elimination of 65 positions, primarily in Technical Operations and G&A functions. Going forward, the Company expects to focus investment principally on strategic growth initiatives, including conducting the mirvetuximab soravtansine Phase 3 pivotal trial and accelerating the development of its IGN programs, IMGN779 and IMGN632.
Based on its strong cash position and the savings generated from this strategic review, ImmunoGen expects to achieve its previously-stated goal of funding operations through the interim analysis of the mirvetuximab soravtansine pivotal trial and into mid-2018. This cash runway excludes any revenue generated from potential new product partnering deals. As a result of the workforce reduction, ImmunoGen will record a one-time charge totaling approximately $3.5 million related to termination benefits and other related expenses. The majority of this charge is expected to be recorded in the quarter ending September 30, 2016.
In addition, the Company has prioritized its portfolio and aligned its resources to deliver on key development milestones and drive innovation in oncology, including:
Executing a speed-to-market strategy to obtain full marketing approval for lead program mirvetuximab soravtansine, which will enter Phase 3 development next quarter;
Accelerating its earlier-stage portfolio of highly innovative IGN programs – IMGN779, IMGN632; and
Maintaining critical scale in Research to support continued innovation in ADCs as well as existing and new partnerships.
As part of this effort and the prioritization of its IGN programs, ImmunoGen will seek to monetize its non-core B-cell assets – IMGN529 and coltuximab ravtansine – through partnering with interested parties.