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Aptose to Present New CG-806 and APTO-253 Data at the 2019 AACR Annual Meeting

On February 28, 2019 Aptose Biosciences Inc. ("Aptose" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: APTO, TSX: APS), a clinical-stage company developing highly differentiated therapeutics targeting the underlying mechanisms of cancer, reported that preclinical data for CG-806, its first-in-class, highly potent oral small molecule pan-FLT3/pan-BTK inhibitor, and APTO-253, its MYC inhibitor, will be presented in two separate posters at the 2019 AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in Atlanta, GA (Press release, Aptose Biosciences, FEB 28, 2019, View Source [SID1234533805]).

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CG-806 Poster Presentation Details:

CG-806, a pan-FLT3 / pan-BTK inhibitor, demonstrates superior potency against cells from IDH-1 mutant and other non-favorable risk groups of AML patients
Date & Time: Monday, April 1, 2019, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Session Category: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics
Session Title: Tyrosine Kinase and Phosphatase Inhibitors 1
Abstract Number: 1323
Location: Georgia World Congress Center, Exhibit Hall B, Poster Section 15

APTO-253 Poster Presentation Details:

Resistance to APTO-253 caused by internal deletion and alternate promoter usage of the MYC gene in malignant B cells
Date & Time: Monday, April 1, 2019, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Session Category: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics
Session Title: Drug Resistance 3
Abstract Number: 2096
Location: Georgia World Congress Center, Exhibit Hall B, Poster Section 15

All abstracts will be available on the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) website, www.aacr.org, and published in the 2018 Proceedings of the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper).

About CG-806
CG-806 is an oral, first-in-class pan-FLT3/pan-BTK multi-cluster kinase inhibitor. This small molecule, in-licensed from CrystalGenomics Inc. in Seoul S. Korea, demonstrates potent inhibition of wild type and all mutant forms of FLT3 (including internal tandem duplication, or ITD, and mutations of the receptor tyrosine kinase domain and gatekeeper region), cures animals of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) tumors in the absence of toxicity in murine xenograft models, and represents a potential best-in-class therapeutic for patients with AML. Likewise, CG-806 demonstrates potent, non-covalent inhibition of the wild type and Cys481Ser (C481S) mutant forms of the BTK enzyme, as well as other oncogenic kinase pathways operative in B cell malignancies, suggesting CG-806 may be developed for various B cell malignancy patients (including CLL, SLL, MCL, DLBCL and others) that are resistant/refractory/intolerant to covalent BTK inhibitors. Because CG-806 targets key kinases/pathways operative in malignancies derived from the bone marrow, it is in development for B cell cancers and AML.

About APTO-253
APTO-253 is a clinical-stage, small molecule, targeted therapeutic agent that inhibits expression of the MYC oncogene, leading to cell cycle arrest and programmed cell death (apoptosis) in human-derived solid tumor and hematologic cancer cells. The MYC oncogene is overexpressed in hematologic cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Aptose researchers have reported the ability of APTO-253 to induce cell death, or apoptosis, in multiple blood cancer cell lines including AML, as well as in vitro synergy with various classes of conventional approved and investigational therapies for AML or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). New findings reveal that APTO-253 might also serve certain solid tumor patients with BRCA1/2 mutations, but without causing toxicity to the normal bone marrow functions.

AbbVie to Present at the Cowen Health Care Conference

On February 28, 2019 AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a research-based global biopharmaceutical company, reported that it will participate in the 39th Annual Cowen Health Care Conference on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 (Press release, AbbVie, FEB 28, 2019, https://news.abbvie.com/news/press-releases/abbvie-to-present-at-cowen-health-care-conference.htm [SID1234533803]). Richard A. Gonzalez, chairman and chief executive officer, will present at 7:00 a.m. Central time.

A live audio webcast of the presentation will be accessible through AbbVie’s Investor Relations website at investors.abbvie.com. An archived edition of the session will be available later that day.

Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2018 Results

On February 28, 2019 gle Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Eagle" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: EGRX) reported its financial results for the three months and full year ended December 31, 2018 (Press release, Eagle Pharmaceuticals, FEB 28, 2019, View Source [SID1234533800]). Highlights of, and subsequent to, the fourth quarter of 2018 include:

Business and Recent Highlights:

· Commenced enrollment in a study to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of RYANODEX (dantrolene sodium) in collaboration with the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense ("USAMRICD"), the nation’s leading science and technology laboratory in the area of medical chemical countermeasures research and development;

· Announced positive results of pre-clinical study conducted to evaluate effects of RYANODEX in Acute Radiation Syndrome ("ARS");

·On February 20, 2019, the FDA issued a decision in favor of Eagle regarding the scope of BENDEKA’s Orphan Drug Exclusivity ("ODE"), further protecting the longevity of the BENDEKA franchise; and

·Executed a $50.0 million accelerated share repurchase ("ASR") as part of our $150.0 million share repurchase program (the "Share Repurchase Program").

Financial Highlights:

Fourth Quarter 2018

· Total revenue for the fourth quarter of 2018 was $56.1 million, compared to $46.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2017;

· Q4 2018 bendamustine hydrochloride 500ml solution ("Big Bag" or "BELRAPZO") product sales were $6.8 million; in February of 2019, the Company achieved peak market share of 10%, according to IQVIA Holdings Inc.;

· Q4 2018 RYANODEX product sales were $5.1 million, up 10% compared to Q4 2017;

· Q4 2018 net income was $12.6 million, or $0.88 per basic and $0.86 per diluted share, compared to net income of $9.1 million, or $0.61 per basic and $0.58 per diluted share in Q4 2017;

· Q4 2018 adjusted non-GAAP net income was $17.7 million, or $1.23 per basic and $1.20 per diluted share, compared to adjusted non-GAAP net income of $15.6 million, or $1.05 per basic and $1.00 per diluted share in Q4 2017; and

·Q4 2018, Eagle executed a $50.0 million ASR of common stock as part of the Share Repurchase Program.

Full Year 2018

· Total revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 was $213.3 million, compared to $236.7 million in 2017 including $37.5 million in milestone payments for BENDEKA, reflecting revenue growth of 7% when excluding milestone payments;

·2018 net income was $31.9 million, or $2.16 per basic and $2.09 per diluted share, compared to net income of $51.9 million, or $3.44 per basic and $3.27 per diluted share in 2017;

· 2018 adjusted non-GAAP net income was $59.2 million, or $4.01 per basic and $3.87 per diluted share, compared to adjusted non-GAAP net income of $69.0 million, or $4.57 per basic and $4.34 per diluted share in 2017;

· From August 2016 through December 31, 2018, Eagle has repurchased $154.0 million of its common stock; and

· Cash and cash equivalents were $78.8 million, accounts receivable was $66.5 million, and debt was $45.0 million as of December 31, 2018.

"We had another outstanding quarter, nearly doubling our product sales in Q4 2018 compared to Q4 2017 and generating 20% growth in total quarterly revenue year over year. We were able to deliver substantial cash flow throughout the year, repurchase $78 million of our own shares, and maintain a very strong balance sheet with which to execute our development and commercial activities," stated Scott Tarriff, Chief Executive Officer of Eagle Pharmaceuticals.

"There are multiple exciting opportunities we plan to advance in 2019. The study initiated with the U.S. Military to evaluate RYANODEX in the treatment of nerve agent exposure is progressing nicely. Three of the six animal cohorts have now been challenged. The results of our pre-clinical study to evaluate the effect of RYANODEX in treating ARS are encouraging, and we are continuing our dialogue with the FDA regarding a path forward for EHS. As the year unfolds, we look forward to gaining greater clarity regarding our pipeline, exploring new opportunities with existing products, and delivering a very efficient business model that provides the cash necessary to execute our development, commercial activities, and potential licensing opportunities," concluded Tarriff.

Fourth Quarter 2018 Financial Results

Total revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2018 was $56.1 million, as compared to $46.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017. Royalty revenue was $35.7 million, compared to $36.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. BENDEKA royalties were $31.9 million, compared to $34.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. A summary of total revenue is outlined below:

Gross Margin was 67% during the fourth quarter of 2018, as compared to 71% in the fourth quarter of 2017. The year over year compression in gross margin resulted from the introduction of Big Bag revenue was partly offset by an expansion in RYANODEX gross margin.

R&D expenses were $5.9 million for the quarter, compared to $9.4 million in the prior year quarter. The fourth quarter year over year decrease reflects a substantial reduction in fulvestrant expenses, partially offset by the cost of analytical work to support our vasopressin ANDA. Excluding stock-based compensation and other non-cash and non-recurring items, R&D expense during the fourth quarter was $4.4 million.

SG&A expenses in the fourth quarter of 2018 increased to $15.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to $13.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. External legal expenses account for the year over year increase. Excluding stock-based compensation and other non-cash and non-recurring items, fourth quarter 2018 SG&A expense was $11.3 million.

Net income for the fourth quarter of 2018 was $12.6 million, or $0.88 per basic and $0.86 per diluted share, compared to net income of $9.1 million, or $0.61 per basic and $0.58 per diluted share in the three months ended December 31, 2017, due to the factors discussed above.

Adjusted non-GAAP net income for the fourth quarter of 2018 was $17.7 million, or $1.23 per basic and $1.20 per diluted share, compared to adjusted non-GAAP net income of $15.6 million or $1.05 per basic and $1.00 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2017. For a full reconciliation of adjusted non-GAAP net income to the most comparable GAAP financial measures, please see the tables at the end of this press release.

Full Year 2018 Financial Results

The increase in product sales in 2018 was driven primarily by the launch of Big Bag, as well as continued growth in RYANODEX revenue. Royalty revenue totaled $142.9 million in 2018 compared to $153.9 million in 2017. In 2018, Eagle did not earn any license and other income. In 2017, Eagle earned certain contractual milestones in connection with the Company’s BENDEKA licensing agreement with Teva, as well as an upfront payment associated with the SymBio collaboration covering Japanese rights for bendamustine hydrochloride ready-to-dilute and rapid infusion injection products.

Gross margin was 71% in 2018, as compared to 76% in 2017. The year over year compression in gross margin resulted from the introduction of Big Bag revenue was partly offset by an expansion in RYANODEX gross margin.

R&D expense increased to $44.4 million in 2018, compared to $32.6 million in 2017, reflecting the cost of the fulvestrant trial as well as the vasopressin analytical work. Excluding stock-based compensation and other non-cash and non-recurring items, R&D expense in 2018 was $37.8 million.

SG&A expenses decreased by $10.9 million to $60.5 million in 2018, compared to $71.4 million in 2017. In 2017, SG&A included increased marketing expense related to exertional heat stroke ("EHS") and the contract sales force agreement with Spectrum. The elimination of those expenses in 2018 was partly offset by an increase in external legal expenses. Excluding stock-based compensation and other non-cash and non-recurring items, SG&A expense in 2018 was $43.1 million.

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $31.9 million or $2.16 per basic and $2.09 per diluted share as compared to net income of $51.9 million or $3.44 per basic and $3.27 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2017, as a result of the factors discussed above.

Adjusted non-GAAP net income for 2018 was $59.2 million, or $4.01 per basic and $3.87 per diluted share, compared to adjusted non-GAAP net income of $69.0 million, or $4.57 per basic and $4.34 per diluted share in 2017.

Liquidity

As of December 31, 2018, the Company had $78.8 million in cash and cash equivalents and $66.5 million in net accounts receivable, $41.8 million of which was due from Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. The Company had $45.0 million in outstanding debt.

In the fourth quarter of 2018, we purchased $50.0 million of Eagle’s common stock as part of our $150.0 million Share Repurchase Program. From August 2016 through December 31, 2018, we have repurchased $154.0 million of our common stock, including the $50.0 million ASR. As disclosed on October 30, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors retired the prior share repurchase programs and approved the new $150.0 million Share Repurchase Program (which includes the ASR).

Conference Call

As previously announced, Eagle management will host its fourth quarter and full year 2018 conference call as follows:

Date

Thursday, February 28, 2019

Time

8:30 A.M. EST

Toll free (U.S.)

877-876-9177

International

785-424-1672

Webcast (live and replay)

www.eagleus.com, under the "Investor + News" section

A replay of the conference call will be available for one week after the call’s completion by dialing 800-283-4799 (US) or 402-220-0860 (International) and entering conference call ID EGRXQ418. The webcast will be archived for 30 days at the aforementioned URL.

OncBioMune Announces Consulting Agreement with CATO Research LLC for Developing PGT, a Protein Drug Complex Targeting CD71 for Refractory Cancers

On February 28, 2019 OncBioMune Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTCQB:OBMP) ("OncBioMune" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company engaged in the development of a proprietary therapeutic cancer vaccine immunotherapy and targeted cancer therapy, reported that it has entered into a consulting agreement with CATO Research, LLC, a global provider of regulatory and clinical research services, effective immediately (Press release, Oncbiomune, FEB 28, 2019, View Source [SID1234533799]).

This agreement relates to the formation of the clinical development plan of OncBioMune’s patented targeted chemotherapy combining paclitaxel, gallium, and transferrin, otherwise known as "PGT."

PGT is designed to deliver the chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel to cancer cells over-expressing the transferrin receptor (aka CD71). Paclitaxel is currently FDA-approved in two forms: as solvent-based paclitaxel (sb-paclitaxel, Taxol) and protein-based paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel, ABRAXANE ).

PGT binds paclitaxel to the human protein transferrin as opposed to albumin, which is employed in nab-paclitaxel. This creates the potential to target the paclitaxel to CD71, which has been shown to be over-expressed on many different cancer types. Additionally, PGT takes advantage of the fact that the transferrin protein has binding sites for iron that can bind a different metal ion, gallium, which has anti-cancer activity. In theory, this creates a novel protein drug complex which has the capacity to deliver two, non-cross resistant cancer therapeutics in a targeted fashion.

"We are thrilled to be able to partner with a high-quality provider such as CATO Research as we work together toward the goal of getting PGT accessible to patients with refractory cancers," commented Dr. Brian Barnett, Chief Executive Officer at OncBioMune. "We believe, given their experience in drug development, that CATO Research will be instrumental in helping us accomplish the goal of providing new safe and effective alternatives to this patient population with a high unmet medical need."

G1 Therapeutics Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2018 Financial Results

On February 28, 2019 G1 Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: GTHX), a clinical-stage oncology company, reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full-year ended December 31, 2018 (Press release, G1 Therapeutics, FEB 28, 2019, View Source [SID1234533798]). The company also highlighted 2018 operational results and upcoming 2019 milestones.

"Data from four randomized Phase 2 trials showed the benefits of trilaciclib across different indications, lines of therapy and chemotherapy regimens," said Raj Malik, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President, R&D. "We have scheduled meetings with U.S. and European regulatory authorities in the first half of 2019 to discuss the totality of data and next steps for the development of trilaciclib. We will provide an update on these meetings in the second quarter."

"We made substantial progress across our three clinical-stage product candidates in 2018. We reported positive results from all four Phase 2 trilaciclib trials, presented proof-of-concept data on lerociclib in breast cancer, initiated a trial of lerociclib in non-small cell lung cancer, and brought our oral selective estrogen receptor degrader G1T48 into the clinic," said Mark Velleca, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer. "These accomplishments will drive a number of important clinical and regulatory milestones in 2019 in the advancement of our pipeline."

Corporate Highlights

Reported positive multi-lineage myelopreservation data from three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trials of trilaciclib in small cell lung cancer (SCLC): In the fourth quarter, the company presented additional data from its Phase 2 trial of trilaciclib in combination with chemotherapy in first-line SCLC at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2018 Congress, and reported preliminary data from Phase 2 trials in first-line SCLC in combination with chemotherapy/Tecentriq (atezolizumab) and second/third-line SCLC in combination with chemotherapy. In these trials, patients receiving trilaciclib showed statistically significant improvements in duration and occurrence of severe neutropenia (primary endpoints) and clinically meaningful reductions in G-CSF administrations and red blood cell transfusions. Treatment was well tolerated and the safety profile of trilaciclib was consistent across the three trials.

Presented preliminary improved progression-free survival data from randomized Phase 2 trial of trilaciclib in combination with chemotherapy in patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC): In December, the company presented data from its Phase 2 trial of trilaciclib in patients with mTNBC at the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. Preliminary median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.4 months in the chemotherapy arm, 8.8 months in the chemotherapy and trilaciclib (dosed the day of chemotherapy) arm (hazard ratio 0.52, p=0.0669), and 7.3 months in the chemotherapy and trilaciclib (dosed the day prior to and day of chemotherapy) arm (hazard ratio 0.49; p=0.0546). A combined analysis of trilaciclib-treated patients showed PFS of 5.4 months for the chemotherapy arm and 7.9 months for chemotherapy and trilaciclib (hazard ratio 0.50, p=0.0189). Patients on trilaciclib received more chemotherapy cycles than those in the control arm. The safety profile of trilaciclib was consistent with previously reported trials; no trilaciclib-related serious adverse events were reported.

Anticipated Milestones for 2019

Meet with U.S. and European regulatory authorities in the first half of 2019 and announce the next steps for trilaciclib development in the second quarter of 2019.

Initiate additional randomized trials for trilaciclib in the second half of 2019, pending feedback from regulatory authorities.

Report additional data from all four randomized Phase 2 trilaciclib clinical trials.

Present additional data from the Phase 1b clinical trial of lerociclib/Faslodex (fulvestrant) in ER+, HER2- breast cancer in the second half of 2019.

Present preliminary dose-escalation data from the Phase 1b clinical trial of lerociclib/Tagrisso (osimertinib) in non-small cell lung cancer in the second half of 2019.

Present preliminary dose-escalation data from the Phase 1 clinical trial of G1T48, an oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), in ER+ breast cancer in the second half of 2019.

Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2018 Financial Highlights

Cash Position: Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $369.3 million as of December 31, 2018, compared to $390.5 million as of September 30, 2018, and $103.8 million as of December 31, 2017.

Operating Expenses: Operating expenses were $26.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2018, compared to $17.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2017. GAAP operating expenses include stock-based compensation expense of $3.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2018, compared to $1.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2017. Operating expenses for the full-year 2018 were $89.3 million, compared to $61.0 million for the prior year. Stock-based compensation expense for the full-year 2018 was $10.2 million, compared to $3.4 million for the prior year.

Research and Development Expenses: Research and development (R&D) expenses for the fourth quarter of 2018 were $19.1 million, compared to $15.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2017. The increase in expense was due to an increase in clinical program costs, drug manufacturing costs to support clinical programs, external research studies and personnel costs due to additional headcount. R&D expenses for the full-year 2018 were $70.7 million, compared to $53.9 million for the prior year.

General and Administrative Expenses: General and administrative (G&A) expenses for the fourth quarter of 2018 were $7.0 million, compared to $2.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2017. The increase in expense was largely due to an increase in professional fees and personnel-related costs. G&A expenses for the full-year 2018 were $18.6 million, compared to $7.1 million for the prior year.

Net Loss: G1 reported a net loss of $24.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2018, compared to $17.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2017. Net loss for the full-year 2018 was $85.3 million, compared to a net loss of $60.1 million for the prior year.

Webcast and Conference Call

The management team will host a webcast and conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET today to provide a financial update for the fourth quarter and full-year of 2018. The live call may be accessed by dialing 866-763-6020 (domestic) or 210-874-7713 (international) and entering the conference code: 2698949. A live and archived webcast will be available on the Events & Presentations page of the company’s website: www.g1therapeutics.com. The webcast will be archived on the same page for 90 days following the event.

Clinical program updates will be provided at the Investor Day 2019 meeting on March 6.