On November 12, 2019 Cellectar Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLRB), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of drugs for the treatment of cancer, reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2019, and provided a corporate update (Press release, Cellectar Biosciences, NOV 12, 2019, View Source [SID1234550940]).

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Third Quarter and Recent Corporate Highlights

. Presented data from the DLBCL cohort in the company’s Phase 2 CLOVER-1 study of CLR 131 in relapsed or refractory select B-cell malignancies at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress 2019. The oral presentation featured data from 6 subjects, who received up to a single 30-minute intravenous (IV) dose of 25mCi/m2 of CLR 131. Data showed durable responses with a mean of 312 days (ongoing) and includes a 33% overall response rate (ORR), a 16.6% complete response rate (CR) and a 50% clinical benefit rate (CBR). CLR 131 had activity in both DLBCL subtypes (germinal center B-cell and activated B-cell) and patients with highly resistant/aggressive cytogenetics (known as "dual hit"). All patients enrolled in the study received an average of 3 prior lines of systemic therapy, 5 of 6 patients were refractory to at least one prior line of therapy.

·Presented a poster entitled: "Phospholipid ether delivery vehicle shows specificity for a broad range of tumor cells and provides a novel and improved approach for targeted therapy," at the Cancer Research UK-AACR Joint Conference on Engineering and Physical Sciences in Oncology. The poster featured data demonstrating that phospholipid ether drug conjugates (PDCs) were capable of delivering small molecule cytotoxins selectively to tumor cells and were well tolerated in animal models.

·Presented data from cohort 6 of its Phase 1 dose escalation study of CLR 131 in relapsed or refractory MM, in a late breaker poster at the 17th International Myeloma Workshop. Data highlighted 4 subjects in cohort 6 who received a fractionated dose of 37.5mCi/m2. Subjects in this cohort achieved a 50% ORR, with two subjects achieving partial responses (PR) and two subjects achieving minimal responses (39% and 48% reduction in M protein). CLR 131 was deemed safe and tolerated in all subjects with cytopenias being the only reported treatment emergent adverse events of grade 3 or higher. The majority (75%) of the subjects had high risk cytogenetics where median bone marrow plasma cell involvement was 25%. Patients’ median age was 72.5 and they averaged 5 prior systemic therapies, with one patient being dual class refractory, one being quad-refractory, and two penta-refractory.

·Received a second FDA Fast Track Designation for CLR 131 for relapsed/refractory DLBCL. CLR 131 is currently being evaluated in patients with select B-cell lymphomas, including MM and DLBCL in the Phase 2 CLOVER-1 clinical study.

·Successfully completed the first cohort of malignant brain tumor patients in the ongoing Phase 1 study of CLR 131 in children and adolescents with select solid tumors, lymphoma, and malignant brain tumors, including relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma, and osteosarcoma. The independent Data Monitoring Committee determined the 15mCi/m2 single dose to be safe and tolerated and recommended the company progress to a second cohort utilizing a 30mCi/m2 single dose of CLR 131.

· Received orphan drug designation from the European Commission for CLR 131 in the treatment of multiple myeloma. The designation provides ten years of market exclusivity for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

·Strengthened the management team with the appointment of Dov Elefant, Chief Financial Officer.

"We continue to effectively manage our financial resources to fund our budgeted operations into 2021 while advancing multiple clinical and preclinical programs. The third quarter proved to be highly productive for Cellectar with CLR 131 receiving FDA Fast Track Designation for DLBCL and Orphan Drug Designation for multiple myeloma from the European Commission. In addition, we presented incremental positive data at international scientific conferences," said Jim Caruso, CEO of Cellectar. "We continue to anticipate data from our ongoing clinical studies by the end of this year and in early 2020."

Third Quarter and Nine Months Summary of Financial Results

Cash and Cash Equivalents: As of September 30, 2019, cash and cash equivalents were approximately $13.3 million compared to $13.3 million as of December 31, 2018. The company believes the cash balance is adequate to fund its budgeted operations into the first quarter 2021. Cash used in operating activities was approximately $9.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 as compared to $8.7 million used during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

Research and Development Expense: Research and development (R&D) expense for the three months ended September 30, 2019 was $2.7 million compared to $2.0 million in the three months ended September 30, 2018. The cumulative R&D spending for the first nine months of 2019 was $6.8 million as compared to $5.8 million for the first nine months of 2018. The majority of the company’s R&D spend for year-to-date 2019 was dedicated to the start-up costs and support of our pediatric study. Clinical project costs and manufacturing expenses were $2.1 million and $5.0 million for the three and nine months ending September 30, 2019, respectively.

General and Administrative Expense: General and administrative (G&A) expense for the three months ended September 30, 2019 was approximately $1.3 million compared to approximately $1.1 million in the three months ended September 30, 2018. The cumulative G&A spending for the first nine months of 2019 were of $4.0 million as compared to $3.6 million for the first nine months of 2018.

Net Loss: Net loss attributable to common stockholders for the three months ended September 30, 2019 was $(3.9) million, or a loss of $(0.42) per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $(5.3) million, or a loss of $(1.65) per diluted share, in the three months ended September 30, 2018. Net loss attributable to common stockholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $(10.7) million, or a loss of $(1.51) per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $(11.7) million, or a loss of $(5.29) per diluted share, in the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

About CLR 131

CLR 131 is a small-molecule, targeted Phospholipid Drug Conjugate (PDC) designed to deliver cytotoxic radiation directly to cancer cells, while limiting exposure to healthy cells. CLR 131 is the company’s lead product candidate and is currently being evaluated in a Phase 2 study in B-cell lymphomas, and two Phase 1 dose-escalating clinical studies, one in multiple myeloma and one in pediatric solid tumors and lymphoma. CLR 131 was granted Orphan Drug designation for the treatment of multiple myeloma, and was granted Orphan Drug and Rare Pediatric Disease designations for the treatment of neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma and osteosarcoma.

On November 12, 2019 Heron Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: HRTX), a commercial-stage biotechnology company focused on improving the lives of patients by developing best-in-class treatments to address some of the most important unmet patient needs, reported financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and highlighted recent corporate updates (Press release, Heron Therapeutics, NOV 12, 2019, View Source [SID1234550939]).

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Recent Corporate Updates

Pain Management Franchise

FDA Acceptance of New Drug Application Resubmission for HTX-011: In October 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted Heron’s New Drug Application (NDA) resubmission for HTX-011, an investigational agent for the management of postoperative pain. The FDA set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date of March 26, 2020.
Positive Topline Results from Phase 3b Clinical Study of HTX-011 in Total Knee Arthroplasty: In October 2019, Heron reported positive topline results of a multi-center postoperative pain management study in which 51 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery received HTX-011 together with a scheduled postoperative regimen of generic oral analgesics (acetaminophen and celecoxib). In this study, 75% of patients were discharged from the hospital without a prescription for opioids.
CINV Franchise

CINV 2019 Net Product Sales: For the three months ended September 30, 2019, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) franchise net product sales were $42.6 million, up 115% from the same period in 2018, and up 16% from the three months ended June 30, 2019. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, CINV franchise net product sales were $110.9 million, up 128% from the same period in 2018. Heron is raising its full-year 2019 CINV franchise net product sales guidance from $115–120 million to $135 million.
CINVANTI Net Product Sales: Net product sales of CINVANTI (aprepitant) injectable emulsion for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 were $36.4 million and $97.6 million, respectively, compared to $16.4 million and $32.8 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2018.
SUSTOL Net Product Sales: Net product sales of SUSTOL (granisetron) extended-release injection for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 were $6.2 million and $13.3 million, respectively, compared to $3.4 million and $15.8 million for the same periods in 2018.
FDA Approval of Supplemental NDA for CINVANTI: In October 2019, the FDA approved Heron’s supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for CINVANTI (aprepitant) injectable emulsion for intravenous (IV) use. The sNDA approval resulted in a CINVANTI label expansion that standardizes the CINVANTI 130 mg single-dose regimen for patients receiving HEC and/or MEC as an injection over 2 minutes or an infusion over 30 minutes, further simplifying dosing and administration and eliminating the need to take oral aprepitant on Days 2 and 3 in patients receiving MEC.
"We are pleased with the advances made during the third quarter of 2019 in both our pain management and CINV franchises, highlighted by the FDA acceptance of our recent NDA resubmission for HTX-011 and strong net product sales for our CINV franchise, even amid the launch of generic fosaprepitant," said Barry Quart, Pharm.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Heron Therapeutics. "We look forward to continuing our commercial momentum with the launch of HTX-011 for postoperative pain management in the second quarter of 2020, pending FDA approval."

Financial Results

Net product sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 were $42.6 million and $110.9 million, respectively, compared to $19.8 million and $48.6 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2018.

Heron’s net loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $33.6 million and $146.8 million, or $0.42 per share and $1.85 per share, respectively, compared to $38.3 million and $129.3 million, or $0.49 per share and $1.81 per share, respectively, for the same periods in 2018. Net loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 included non-cash, stock-based compensation expense of $9.7 million and $40.3 million, respectively, compared to $8.1 million and $23.6 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2018.

As of September 30, 2019, Heron had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $256.3 million. Adjusting for net proceeds of $162.2 million from our October 2019 public offering of common stock, Heron had pro-forma cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $418.5 million. This compares to $332.4 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as of December 31, 2018. Net cash used for operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $97.6 million, compared to $158.3 million for the same period in 2018.

About HTX-011 for Postoperative Pain

HTX-011, an investigational agent, is a dual-acting, fixed-dose combination of the local anesthetic bupivacaine with a low dose of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug meloxicam. It is the first and only extended-release local anesthetic to demonstrate in Phase 3 studies significantly reduced pain and opioid use through 72 hours compared to bupivacaine solution, the current standard-of-care local anesthetic for postoperative pain control. HTX-011 was granted Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the fourth quarter of 2017 and Breakthrough Therapy designation in the second quarter of 2018. Heron submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) to the FDA for HTX-011 in October of 2018 and received Priority Review designation in December of 2018. A Complete Response Letter (CRL) was received from the FDA regarding the NDA for HTX-011 on April 30, 2019 relating to chemistry, manufacturing and controls and non-clinical information. No issues related to clinical efficacy or safety were noted. Heron resubmitted an NDA to the FDA for HTX-011 in September 2019, and the FDA set a PDUFA goal date of March 26, 2020. A Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) for HTX-011 was validated by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in March 2019 for review under the Centralised Procedure.

About CINVANTI (aprepitant) injectable emulsion

CINVANTI, in combination with other antiemetic agents, is indicated in adults for the prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of HEC, including high-dose cisplatin, and nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of MEC. CINVANTI is an IV formulation of aprepitant, an NK1 RA. CINVANTI is the first IV formulation to directly deliver aprepitant, the active ingredient in EMEND capsules. Aprepitant (including its prodrug, fosaprepitant) is the only single-agent NK1 RA to significantly reduce nausea and vomiting in both the acute phase (0–24 hours after chemotherapy) and the delayed phase (24–120 hours after chemotherapy). The FDA-approved dosing administration included in the United States prescribing information for CINVANTI is a 30-minute IV infusion or a 2-minute IV injection.

Please see full prescribing information at www.CINVANTI.com.

About SUSTOL (granisetron) extended-release injection

SUSTOL is indicated in combination with other antiemetics in adults for the prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC) or anthracycline and cyclophosphamide (AC) combination chemotherapy regimens. SUSTOL is an extended-release, injectable 5-HT3 receptor antagonist that utilizes Heron’s Biochronomer drug delivery technology to maintain therapeutic levels of granisetron for ≥5 days. The SUSTOL global Phase 3 development program was comprised of two, large, guideline-based clinical studies that evaluated SUSTOL’s efficacy and safety in more than 2,000 patients with cancer. SUSTOL’s efficacy in preventing nausea and vomiting was evaluated in both the acute phase (0–24 hours after chemotherapy) and delayed phase (24–120 hours after chemotherapy).

On November 12, 2019 SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SWTX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing life-changing medicines for patients with severe rare diseases and cancer, reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2019, and provided an update on recent company developments (Press release, SpringWorks Therapeutics, NOV 12, 2019, View Source [SID1234550938]).

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"The third quarter of 2019 was a productive period for SpringWorks as we completed a successful initial public offering while simultaneously achieving important regulatory and clinical development milestones, including dosing the first patient in our Phase 2b ReNeu trial of mirdametinib for patients with plexiform neurofibromas," said Saqib Islam, Chief Executive Officer of SpringWorks. "Our team is focused on enrolling patients in our two potentially registrational trials in rare oncology indications and our Phase 1b trial in patients with RAS and RAF mutated solid tumors, and collaborating with our partners to initiate two additional Phase 1 studies in genetically defined cancers by early next year. We also continue to evaluate new business development opportunities to expand our pipeline and maximize the value of our portfolio."

Third Quarter 2019 Business Highlights

·Initiated Potentially Registrational ReNeu Clinical Trial: In October 2019, SpringWorks announced the initiation of the Phase 2b ReNeu clinical trial evaluating mirdametinib in children and adults with neurofibromatosis type 1-associated plexiform neurofibromas (NF1-PN).
·Completed Successful Initial Public Offering: In September 2019, SpringWorks completed its initial public offering of 10,350,000 shares of common stock, including the exercise in full by the underwriters of their option to purchase up to 1,350,000 additional shares of its common stock, at the public offering price of $18.00 per share. The Company raised $186.3 million in aggregate gross proceeds.
·Received EU Orphan Drug Designation for Nirogacestat: In September 2019, the European Commission granted Orphan Drug Designation for nirogacestat for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma.
·Received Breakthrough Therapy Designation for Nirogacestat: In August 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to nirogacestat for the treatment of adult patients with progressive, unresectable, recurrent or refractory desmoid tumors or deep fibromatosis.
·Strengthened Leadership Team and Board of Directors: In August 2019, SpringWorks appointed Francis (Frank) I. Perier, Jr. as Chief Financial Officer and Alan Fuhrman to its Board of Directors and as Audit Committee Chair.
·Received EU Orphan Drug Designation for Mirdametinib: In July 2019, the European Commission granted Orphan Drug Designation for mirdametinib for the treatment of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).

Third Quarter and Year to Date 2019 Financial Results

·Research and Development (R&D) Expenses: R&D expenses as of September 30, 2019 were $10.7 million and $30.4 million for the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively, compared to $3.4 million and $6.2 million for the comparable periods of 2018, respectively. The increases in R&D expenses in 2019 are primarily attributable to increased clinical study and drug supply costs related to the ongoing Phase 3 DeFi and Phase 2b ReNeu trials, as well as growth in employee costs, including non-cash share-based compensation associated with increases in the number of R&D personnel.
·General and Administrative (G&A) Expenses: G&A expenses as of September 30, 2019 were $4.6 million and $11.5 million for the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively, compared to $1.8 million and $5.9 million for the comparable periods of 2018, respectively. The increases in G&A expenses in 2019 are primarily attributable to growth in employee costs, including non-cash share-based compensation associated with increases in the number of G&A personnel, and increases in consulting and professional services related to the expansion of our business activities.
·Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders: As of September 30, 2019, SpringWorks reported net losses of $16.8 million, or $1.77 loss per share, and $34.4 million, or $9.24 loss per share, for the third quarter and year-to-date periods respectively. This compares to net losses of $5.0 million, or $11.55 loss per share, and $11.6 million, or $44.20 loss per share, for the comparable periods of 2018, respectively.
·Cash Position: Cash and cash equivalents were $343.8 million as of September 30, 2019. This includes net proceeds of $169.7 million from SpringWorks’ initial public offering completed in September 2019.

On November 12, 2019 Celldex Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLDX) reported business and financial highlights for the third quarter ended September 30, 2019 (Press release, Celldex Therapeutics, NOV 12, 2019, View Source [SID1234550936]).

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"Celldex achieved a significant milestone last week, reporting data at SITC (Free SITC Whitepaper) that CDX-1140 has exceeded the hurdles we defined for Phase 1 monotherapy development and has the potential to be a best in class CD40 agonist," said Anthony Marucci, Co-founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Celldex Therapeutics. "We are very encouraged by the results we have seen to date across the study and have expanded the trial to more broadly explore the clinical activity we observed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and to include a combination cohort with KEYTRUDA under a clinical trial collaboration with Merck.

We also continue to make excellent progress in our Phase 2 program of our ErbB3 inhibitor, CDX-3379, and reported the potential for a promising biomarker strategy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) this summer. Earlier this month, our IND for our KIT inhibitor, CDX-0159, was accepted by the FDA and we look forward to initiating a Phase 1 trial by year-end. The positive advancements across our pipeline will continue to drive us towards multiple milestones over the next six to 18 months and we look forward to keeping our shareholders updated on our progress," concluded Marucci.

Recent Pipeline Highlights:

CDX-1140—a potent CD40 agonist that Celldex believes has the potential to successfully balance systemic doses for good tissue and tumor penetration with an acceptable safety profile.

The monotherapy arm of the Phase 1 dose-escalation study of CDX-1140 in patients with recurrent, locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors and B cell lymphomas has been completed with an identified maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended Phase 2 dose of 1.5 mg/kg. The combination cohort with CDX-301 has been generally well tolerated to date and the cohort is progressing on track. Patient enrollment is ongoing in the final cohort of CDX-1140 at 1.5 mg/kg plus CDX-301.

Interim data from the study were presented at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper)’s (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) 34th Annual Meeting on November 8, 2019. As of the cut-off date for data reporting, 38 patients with advanced refractory solid tumors had pre- and post-treatment scans available. Patients were heavily pretreated (median of 4 prior therapies) and per protocol were required to have received all standard of care treatments prior to study entry. CDX-1140 demonstrated clinical and biological activity in the study.
– Two of five patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treated with CDX-1140 monotherapy at doses of 0.72 mg/kg or higher experienced clinical benefit. The first patient experienced dramatic shrinkage of a large, protruding neck mass on physical exam after two doses of CDX-1140 at 1.5 mg/kg with documented evidence of tumor necrosis/cavitation on CT scan. This patient also reported decreased tumor pain. A second patient experienced cavitation of greater than 50% of lung metastases on CT scan after one dose of CDX-1140 3 mg/kg.
– A patient with gastroesophageal carcinoma experienced a RECIST response after two cycles of CDX-1140 0.36 mg/kg plus CDX-301 that included 41% shrinkage of liver and lymph node target lesions, with near complete resolution of the liver lesion. This response was durable for four months.
– Six patients experienced stable disease (n=4 CDX-1140 monotherapy; n=2 CDX-1140/CDX-301 combination) with a duration of 1.8 months to 5.4 months.
– One patient experienced immune unconfirmed progressive disease on their first scan and continues on treatment for 10+ months without confirmation of progressive disease at CDX-1140 0.09 mg/kg plus CDX-301.
– In the CDX-1140 monotherapy cohort, two patients out of six experienced pneumonitis as DLTs in the CDX-1140 3.0 mg/kg monotherapy cohort. No dose limiting toxicities have been reported to date in the CDX-301 combination cohort up to 0.72 mg/kg CDX-1140.
– Potent pharmacological effects associated with immune activation were also observed, including transient induction of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines associated with dendritic cell and T cell activation at higher dose levels. Similar activation was observed with each cycle of therapy. Peripheral blood immune cells had upregulated immune activation markers. CDX-301 markedly increased the number of dendritic cells and was associated with higher IL-12p40 induction; IL-12 is a key molecule for inducing anti-tumor T cell responses.

Based on the clinical activity observed in HNSCC, up to an additional 15 patients with HNSCC will be enrolled to the study at 1.5 mg/kg CDX-1140 monotherapy. In addition, Celldex has amended the ongoing Phase 1 study to evaluate CDX-1140 in combination with KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab), Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy under a clinical trial collaboration agreement with Merck (known as MSD outside of the U.S. and Canada). The cohort is designed to characterize the safety, pharmacodynamics and activity of CDX-1140 in combination with pembrolizumab in patients refractory to PD-1/PDL-1 treatment. This cohort is expected to open to enrollment in Q1 2020.
CDX-3379—a differentiated human monoclonal antibody designed to block the activity of ErbB3 (HER3). ErbB3 is expressed in many cancers, including head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) and is believed to be an important receptor regulating cancer cell growth and survival as well as resistance to targeted therapies.

Enrollment continues in the Phase 2 study of CDX-3379 in advanced HNSCC in combination with Erbitux in Erbitux-resistant patients who have been previously treated with or are ineligible for checkpoint therapy.
– Interim data from the study (n=15) were presented at the 2019 American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in June that suggested notable clinical activity in this refractory patient population and a promising biomarker strategy.
– Emerging data from the Phase 2 study and earlier studies of CDX-3379 suggest that antitumor activity may be associated with somatic mutations in the FAT1 and NOTCH1, NOTCH2 or NOTCH3 (NOTCH1-3) genes—genes associated with tumor suppression.
– In the exploratory analyses presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper), seven patients were identified as having FAT1 mutated tumors and four of these patients demonstrated clinical response (3 confirmed).
– Based on these biomarker observations and the clinical activity observed in the ongoing Phase 2 study, the study has been expanded (n= ~45 patients, including at least 15 patients with FAT1 mutations) to allow for an evaluation of the utility of biomarkers for patient selection. Enrollment is ongoing.
CDX-0159—a monoclonal antibody that specifically binds the KIT receptor and potently inhibits its activity. The KIT receptor tyrosine kinase is expressed in a variety of cells, including mast cells. In certain inflammatory diseases, such as chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU), mast cell degranulation plays a central role in the onset and progression of the disease.

Celldex’s Investigational New Drug (IND) Application for CDX-0159 has been accepted by the Food and Drug Administration and the Company plans to initiate a Phase 1a study of CDX-0159 by year-end 2019. The study is designed to evaluate the safety profile, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of single ascending doses of CDX-0159 in healthy subjects. Following completion of this study, the Company plans to further study CDX-0159 in chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU), a mast cell-related disease. CIU presents as itchy hives, angioedema or both for at least six weeks without a specific trigger; multiple episodes can play out over years or even decades. The prevalence of CIU is estimated to be 0.5% to 1% of the total population or up to 3.2 million cases in the United States. About 50% of patients with CIU achieve symptomatic control with antihistamines or leukotriene receptor antagonists. Omalizumab, an IgE inhibitor, provides relief for roughly half of the remaining antihistamine/leukotriene refractory patients. Consequently, there is a need for more effective later line therapies. A review of the CDX-0159 early development program was presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting on November 9, 2019 in the Distinguished Industry Oral Abstract Session.
Celldex continues to advance a robust preclinical portfolio and data from the Company’s CDX-527 bispecific candidate were presented on November 9th at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) 34th Annual Meeting (SITC 2019). Bispecific antibodies that engage two independent pathways involved in controlling immune responses to tumors are a rapidly growing area for the development of next generation PD-1 inhibitors. CDX-527 uses Celldex’s proprietary highly active anti-PD-L1 and CD27 human antibodies to couple CD27 co-stimulation with blockade of the PD-L1/PD-1 pathway. Celldex’s prior clinical experience with combining CD27 activation and PD-1 blockade provide the rationale for linking these two pathways into one molecule. The data presented at SITC (Free SITC Whitepaper) demonstrate that CDX-527 is more potent at T cell activation and anti-tumor immunity than the combination of parental monoclonal antibodies. Celldex is currently completing CDX-527 GMP manufacturing activities and IND-enabling studies and plans to file an IND in the first quarter of 2020.

Third Quarter 2019 Financial Highlights and First Nine Months 2019 Financial Highlights and 2019 Guidance

Cash Position: Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $72.9 million as of September 30, 2019 compared to $81.3 million as of June 30, 2019. The decrease was primarily driven by third quarter cash used in operating activities of $11.1 million, partially offset by $2.5 million in net proceeds from sales of common stock under the Cantor agreement. At September 30, 2019, Celldex had 15.9 million shares outstanding.

Revenues: Total revenue was $0.5 million in the third quarter of 2019 and $2.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $0.9 million and $7.8 million for the comparable periods in 2018. The decrease in revenue was primarily due to lower revenue from the collaboration agreement with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and the contract manufacturing and research and development agreements with the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative and Rockefeller University.

R&D Expenses: Research and development (R&D) expenses were $11.1 million in the third quarter of 2019 and $32.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $11.9 million and $55.2 million for the comparable periods in 2018. The decrease in R&D expenses was primarily due to lower clinical trial, personnel and contract manufacturing costs.

G&A Expenses: General and administrative (G&A) expenses were $3.4 million in the third quarter of 2019 and $12.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $3.7 million and $14.9 million for the comparable periods in 2018. The decrease in G&A expenses was primarily due to lower personnel and commercial planning costs and lower lease restructuring expense.

Changes in Fair Value Remeasurement of Contingent Consideration: The gain on fair value remeasurement of contingent consideration was $2.1 million in the third quarter of 2019 and $1.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, primarily due to changes in discount rates, the passage of time and updated assumptions for the varlilumab program.

Net Loss: Net loss was $11.4 million, or ($0.75) per share, for the third quarter of 2019, and $40.4 million, or ($2.92) per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to a net loss of $7.2 million, or ($0.66) per share, for the third quarter of 2018 and $141.8 million, or ($14.12) per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

Financial Guidance: Celldex believes that the cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities at September 30, 2019, combined with the anticipated proceeds from future sales of common stock under the Cantor agreement, are sufficient to meet estimated working capital requirements and fund planned operations through 2020. This could be impacted if Celldex elects to pay Kolltan contingent milestones, if any, in cash.

Erbitux is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly & Co. KEYTRUDA is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA.

On November 12, 2019 Nurix Therapeutics, Inc., a company developing therapies that control disease-causing proteins, reported that the Company management team will attend the Stifel 2019 Healthcare conference and the 31st Annual Piper Jaffray Healthcare Conference (Press release, Nurix Therapeutics, NOV 12, 2019, View Source [SID1234550935]).

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Additional conference details can be found below:

Stifel 2019 Healthcare
Date: November 20, 2019
Time: 2:25 p.m. EST
Location: Lotte Palace, 455 Madison Ave, New York, NY

31st Annual Piper Jaffray Healthcare Conference
Date: December 3, 2019
Time: 11:10 a.m. EST
Location: New York, NY