1stOncology™: Cancer Intelligence Service – Page 13155 – 1stOncology is recognized as a Top 10 Global Pharma Analytic Provider

EyePoint Pharmaceuticals Reports Second Quarter 2019 Financial Results and Highlights Recent Company Progress

On August 7, 2019 EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYPT), a specialty biopharmaceutical company committed to developing and commercializing innovative ophthalmic products, reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2019 and highlighted recent commercial and corporate developments (Press release, pSivida, AUG 7, 2019, View Source [SID1234538309]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

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

Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"The physician feedback to date from our two commercial product launches, YUTIQ and DEXYCU, has been very positive, and we have seen a solid uptake in treatment volume along with tremendous progress in market access," said Nancy Lurker, President and Chief Executive Officer of EyePoint Pharmaceuticals. "Our field force has received similar reception and eagerness to meet from physicians in the office setting for YUTIQ and at ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) for DEXYCU. Our efforts on training and certifying physicians during our phased launch of DEXYCU are generating sales momentum with a solid start in July, as evidenced by the number of ASCs purchasing product for the first time, as well as repeat purchases. YUTIQ continues to address a large unmet need for patients afflicted with chronic non-infectious posterior segment uveitis and July sales remain on a solid upward trajectory with the number of ordering physicians increasing month over month. With the recently accelerated October 1, 2019 effective date of a permanent and specific J code for YUTIQ, J7413, payor approval and reimbursement will soon become even easier and more streamlined."

Ms. Lurker continued, "Physicians are now actively seeing the clinical results of both YUTIQ and DEXYCU with their patients and to date have experienced positive efficacy and safety results as seen in the pivotal clinical studies. We are very proud to have launched our two exciting ophthalmic products, YUTIQ and DEXYCU, and to bring these innovative products to patients in need."

"In an effort to support our commercial activities we have enhanced our leadership team with the appointments of Scott Jones as Chief Commercial Officer and Said Saim, Ph.D., as Chief Technology Officer. We look forward to making further progress in growing the reach of our commercially available products and advancing the balance of our pipeline to deliver much-needed innovation to ophthalmic patients," concluded Ms. Lurker.

Commercial Performance in Second Quarter 2019

YUTIQ (fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant) 0.18 mg for chronic non-infectious uveitis affecting the posterior segment of the eye

10 Key Account Managers (KAMs) are dedicated to calling predominantly uveitis specialists across the U.S.

Since the February launch, approximately 95% of the top decile uveitis specialists have been visited by the 10 KAMs.

YUTIQ has been included in more than 20 Academic Formularies and is pending inclusion for an additional 8.

As of July 31, market access has been well established with 100% of Medicare patients being covered and benefit investigations being approved for over 95% of Medicare advantage and commercial plan patients.

DEXYCU (dexamethasone intraocular suspension) 9% for the treatment of post-operative inflammation following cataract surgery

33 KAMs dedicated to the promotion of DEXYCU have focused on a phased launch program to ensure proper physician training for the preparation, application and administration of DEXYCU

Since launch, over 400 surgeons in more than 275 ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) have completed the training/certification program and are now able to purchase DEXYCU.

Since launch, over 4,200 patients have been injected with DEXYCU via the Company’s sampling program.

Since launch, over 3,000 medical professionals and office staff have been called on to discuss DEXYCU.

As of July 31, our market access initiatives have resulted in 100% of Medicare Fee-For-Service lives being covered and benefit investigations being approved for over 90% of Medicare Advantage and commercial plan patients.

R&D Highlights

At the 37th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) that took place July 26-30, 2019 in Chicago, three podium presentations highlighted data supporting YUTIQ for the treatment of non-infectious posterior segment uveitis. Highlights from each of the presentations include

Results at the 36-month follow up of the Phase 3 trial of YUTIQ demonstrated that visual acuity gains of 3-lines were more common with YUTIQ (33% vs 15%) and losses were more common with sham (9% vs 1%).

At 36-months, the recurrence rate in YUTIQ randomized eyes was significantly lower than in sham treated eyes (56.3% vs. 92.9%, respectively; p<0.001). The number of eyes with at least 1 recurrence was 49 for YUTIQ and 39 for sham treated eyes, with total recurrences of 103 for YUTIQ and 166 for sham treated eyes. The median time to the first recurrence was 1,051 days for YUTIQ (95% CI 686, 1,125) and 95 days for sham-treated eyes (95% CI 71, 117).

Safety data showed 19.5% of YUTIQ treated eyes needed the assistance of adjunctive intraocular/periocular injection medication for uveitic inflammation compared to 69.0% for sham treated eyes.

Corporate Updates

Scott Jones was appointed Chief Commercial Officer in June 2019 and will lead the Company’s sales and marketing efforts for the Company’s two ophthalmic commercial products. Mr. Jones brings significant experience commercializing drugs and devices globally to EyePoint. Most recently, he served as Chief Commercial Officer and Vice President, Business Development at Notal Vision, where he developed the commercial and growth strategy for the organization.

Also in June 2019, Said Saim, Ph.D., was appointed Chief Technology Officer, a newly created position at the Company, where he will be responsible for advancing EyePoint’s pipeline products and technology for ocular treatments from formulation, preclinical research up to clinical development, as well as pharmaceutical sciences, manufacturing and operations. Dr. Saim has more than 25 years of product development experience. He most recently served as Vice President, Pharmaceutical Development at Collegium Pharmaceutical, where his responsibilities included managing formulation development, clinical trial manufacturing, and commercial manufacturing for immediate, delayed and controlled release dosage forms.

In July 2019, Wendy DiCicco, CPA, was appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors and Audit Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Committee. Ms. DiCicco most recently was Chief Operating and Financial Officer of Centinel Spine, a privately-held designer, developer and worldwide distributor of spinal implants, where she established the Company’s international operations, and was instrumental in both the recapitalization of the Company’s financial structure as well as active in corporate development initiatives.

Review of Second Quarter Results Ended June 30, 2019

For the three months ended June 30, 2019, total revenue was $7.2 million. Net product revenue was $6.7 million generated from sales of YUTIQ. Due to adequate inventory stocking by the Company’s distributor, Cardinal Health, ahead of the mid-March launch prior to the end of the first quarter, DEXYCU did not generate product revenue during the second quarter of 2019. Neither of these products had net revenue in the corresponding quarter in 2018.

Net revenue from royalties and collaborations for the three months ended June 30, 2019 totaled $505,000 compared to $715,000 in the corresponding quarter in 2018.

Operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2019 increased to $17.4 million from $10.5 million in the prior year period, due primarily to investments in sales and marketing infrastructure and program costs, professional services, stock-based compensation and cost of sales related to product revenue. Non-operating expense, net, for the three months ended June 30, 2019 totaled $1.3 million of net interest expense. Net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2019 was $11.5 million, or $0.11 per share, compared to a net loss of $34.4 million, or $0.62 per share, for the prior year quarter.

Review of Six Months Results Ended June 30, 2019

For the six months ended June 30, 2019, total net product revenue was $7.9 million. Neither product had net revenue in the corresponding period in 2018. Net revenue from royalties and collaborations for the six months ended June 30, 2019 totaled $1.3 million compared to $1.6 million in the corresponding period in 2018.

Operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2019 increased to $34.0 million from $16.1 million in the prior year period, due primarily to investments in sales and marketing infrastructure and program costs, professional services, stock-based compensation, cost of sales related to product revenue and amortization of the DEXYCU intangible asset. Non-operating expense, net, for the six months ended June 30, 2019 totaled $5.9 million and consisted of $2.1 million of net interest expense and $3.8 million from the loss on extinguishment of debt related to the payoff of the SWK term loan. Net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was $30.7 million, or $0.30 per share, compared to a net loss of $41.4 million, or $0.82 per share, for the prior year period.

Cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2019 totaled $44.2 million compared to $45.3 million at December 31, 2018.

Financial Outlook

Given that the Company’s two commercial products, YUTIQ and DEXYCU, have not yet established a consistent sales trajectory, guidance regarding the timing of positive cash flow is not being provided at this time. We expect that the Company’s existing cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2019 and cash inflows from anticipated YUTIQ and DEXYCU product sales will be sufficient to fund our operating plan into 2020.

Conference Call Information

EyePoint will host a conference call today, Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at 8:30 AM ET to discuss the results for the second quarter ended June 30 and recent operational developments. To access the conference call, please dial (877) 312-7507 from the U.S. and Canada or (631) 813-4828 (international) at least 10 minutes prior to the start time and refer to conference ID 5175125. A live webcast will be available on the Investor Relations section of the corporate website at View Source A replay of the webcast will also be available on the corporate website.

Arvinas To Present at the Wedbush PacGrow Healthcare Conference

On August 7, 2019 Arvinas Inc. (Nasdaq: ARVN), a biotechnology company creating a new class of drugs based on targeted protein degradation, reported that the company is scheduled to present at the 2019 Wedbush PacGrow Healthcare Conference on Wednesday, August 14th, at 9:45 a.m. ET (Press release, Arvinas, AUG 7, 2019, View Source [SID1234538308]).

A live audio webcast of the presentation will be available at www.arvinas.com under the Events & Presentations page. A replay of the webcast will be archived on the Arvinas website for 30 days following the presentation.

LYNPARZA® (olaparib) Phase 3 PROfound Trial in HRR Mutation-Selected Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Met Primary Endpoint

On August 7, 2019 AstraZeneca and Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, reported positive results from the Phase 3 PROfound trial of LYNPARZA in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who have an homologous recombination repair gene mutation (HRRm) and have progressed on prior treatment with new hormonal anticancer treatments (e.g. enzalutamide and abiraterone) (Press release, Merck & Co, AUG 7, 2019, View Source [SID1234538307]).

Results from the trial showed a statistically-significant and clinically-meaningful improvement in the primary endpoint of radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) with LYNPARZA vs. enzalutamide or abiraterone in men with mCRPC selected for BRCA 1/2 or ATM gene mutations, a subpopulation of HRR gene mutations. HRR gene mutations occur in approximately 25% of men diagnosed with mCRPC within which BRCA 1/2 and ATM form the majority. The safety and tolerability profile of LYNPARZA was generally consistent with previous trials.

José Baselga, executive vice president, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, said, "For men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, the disease remains deadly, especially in those who have failed on a new hormonal anticancer treatment. This is the only positive Phase 3 trial of any PARP inhibitor in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, where the need for new, effective therapies is high. The PROfound trial also demonstrates the potential value of genomic testing in this at-risk patient population. We look forward to discussing these results with global health authorities soon."

Dr. Roy Baynes, senior vice president and head of global clinical development, chief medical officer, Merck Research Laboratories, said, "Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer is a deadly disease and represents an area of critical unmet medical need. The Phase 3 PROfound trial is another example of Merck and AstraZeneca’s shared commitment to improving long-term outcomes for people living with cancer. These results represent the potential for a new, oral, and targeted treatment option for this patient population."

AstraZeneca and Merck plan to present the full data from the trial at a future medical meeting. The companies are also exploring additional trials in prostate cancer, including the ongoing Phase 3 PROpel trial, evaluating LYNPARZA as a first-line therapy in mCRPC, in combination with abiraterone.

About PROfound

PROfound is a prospective, multi-center, randomized, open-label, Phase 3 trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of LYNPARZA versus enzalutamide or abiraterone in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who have progressed on prior treatment with a new hormonal anticancer treatment and have a qualifying tumor mutation in one of 15 genes involved in the homologous recombination repair (HRR) pathway, among them BRCA 1/2 , ATM and CDK12.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

CONTRAINDICATIONS

There are no contraindications for LYNPARZA.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Myelodysplastic Syndrome/Acute Myeloid Leukemia (MDS/AML): Occurred in <1.5% of patients exposed to LYNPARZA monotherapy, and the majority of events had a fatal outcome. The duration of therapy in patients who developed secondary MDS/AML varied from <6 months to >2 years. All of these patients had previous chemotherapy with platinum agents and/or other DNA-damaging agents, including radiotherapy, and some also had a history of more than one primary malignancy or of bone marrow dysplasia.

Do not start LYNPARZA until patients have recovered from hematological toxicity caused by previous chemotherapy (≤Grade 1). Monitor complete blood count for cytopenia at baseline and monthly thereafter for clinically significant changes during treatment. For prolonged hematological toxicities, interrupt LYNPARZA and monitor blood count weekly until recovery.

If the levels have not recovered to Grade 1 or less after 4 weeks, refer the patient to a hematologist for further investigations, including bone marrow analysis and blood sample for cytogenetics. Discontinue LYNPARZA if MDS/AML is confirmed.

Pneumonitis: Occurred in <1% of patients exposed to LYNPARZA, and some cases were fatal. If patients present with new or worsening respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and fever, or a radiological abnormality occurs, interrupt LYNPARZA treatment and initiate prompt investigation. Discontinue LYNPARZA if pneumonitis is confirmed and treat patient appropriately.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Based on its mechanism of action and findings in animals, LYNPARZA can cause fetal harm. A pregnancy test is recommended for females of reproductive potential prior to initiating treatment.

Females

Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months following the last dose.

Males

Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential or who are pregnant to use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months following the last dose of LYNPARZA and to not donate sperm during this time.

ADVERSE REACTIONS—First-Line Maintenance BRCAm Advanced Ovarian Cancer

Most common adverse reactions (Grades 1-4) in ≥10% of patients in clinical trials of LYNPARZA in the first-line maintenance setting for SOLO-1 were: nausea (77%), fatigue (67%), abdominal pain (45%), vomiting (40%), anemia (38%), diarrhea (37%), constipation (28%), upper respiratory tract infection/influenza/ nasopharyngitis/bronchitis (28%), dysgeusia (26%), decreased appetite (20%), dizziness (20%), neutropenia (17%), dyspepsia (17%), dyspnea (15%), leukopenia (13%), UTI (13%), thrombocytopenia (11%), and stomatitis (11%).

Most common laboratory abnormalities (Grades 1-4) in ≥25% of patients in clinical trials of LYNPARZA in the first-line maintenance setting for SOLO-1 were: decrease in hemoglobin (87%), increase in mean corpuscular volume (87%), decrease in leukocytes (70%), decrease in lymphocytes (67%), decrease in absolute neutrophil count (51%), decrease in platelets (35%), and increase in serum creatinine (34%).

ADVERSE REACTIONS—Maintenance Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

Most common adverse reactions (Grades 1-4) in ≥20% of patients in clinical trials of LYNPARZA in the maintenance setting for SOLO-2 were: nausea (76%), fatigue (including asthenia) (66%), anemia (44%), vomiting (37%), nasopharyngitis/upper respiratory tract infection (URI)/influenza (36%), diarrhea (33%), arthralgia/myalgia (30%), dysgeusia (27%), headache (26%), decreased appetite (22%), and stomatitis (20%).

Study 19: nausea (71%), fatigue (including asthenia) (63%), vomiting (35%), diarrhea (28%), anemia (23%), respiratory tract infection (22%), constipation (22%), headache (21%), decreased appetite (21%), and dyspepsia (20%).

Most common laboratory abnormalities (Grades 1-4) in ≥25% of patients in clinical trials of LYNPARZA in the maintenance setting (SOLO-2/Study 19) were: increase in mean corpuscular volume (89%/82%), decrease in hemoglobin (83%/82%), decrease in leukocytes (69%/58%), decrease in lymphocytes (67%/52%), decrease in absolute neutrophil count (51%/47%), increase in serum creatinine (44%/45%), and decrease in platelets (42%/36%).

ADVERSE REACTIONS—Advanced gBRCAm ovarian cancer

Most common adverse reactions (Grades 1-4) in ≥20% of patients in clinical trials of LYNPARZA for advanced gBRCAm ovarian cancer after 3 or more lines of chemotherapy (pooled from 6 studies) were: fatigue/asthenia (66%), nausea (64%), vomiting (43%), anemia (34%), diarrhea (31%), nasopharyngitis/upper respiratory tract infection (URI) (26%), dyspepsia (25%), myalgia (22%), decreased appetite (22%), and arthralgia/musculoskeletal pain (21%).

Most common laboratory abnormalities (Grades 1-4) in ≥25% of patients in clinical trials of LYNPARZA for advanced gBRCAm ovarian cancer (pooled from 6 studies) were: decrease in hemoglobin (90%), mean corpuscular volume elevation (57%), decrease in lymphocytes (56%), increase in serum creatinine (30%), decrease in platelets (30%), and decrease in absolute neutrophil count (25%).

ADVERSE REACTIONS—gBRCAm, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer

Most common adverse reactions (Grades 1-4) in ≥20% of patients in OlympiAD were: nausea (58%), anemia (40%), fatigue (including asthenia) (37%), vomiting (30%), neutropenia (27%), respiratory tract infection (27%), leukopenia (25%), diarrhea (21%), and headache (20%).

Most common laboratory abnormalities (Grades 1-4) in >25% of patients in OlympiAD were: decrease in hemoglobin (82%), decrease in lymphocytes (73%), decrease in leukocytes (71%), increase in mean corpuscular volume (71%), decrease in absolute neutrophil count (46%), and decrease in platelets (33%).

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Anticancer Agents: Clinical studies of LYNPARZA in combination with other myelosuppressive anticancer agents, including DNA-damaging agents, indicate a potentiation and prolongation of myelosuppressive toxicity.

CYP3A Inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use of strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors. If a strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitor must be co-administered, reduce the dose of LYNPARZA. Advise patients to avoid grapefruit, grapefruit juice, Seville oranges, and Seville orange juice during LYNPARZA treatment.

CYP3A Inducers: Avoid concomitant use of strong or moderate CYP3A inducers when using LYNPARZA. If a moderate inducer cannot be avoided, there is a potential for decreased efficacy of LYNPARZA.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Lactation: No data are available regarding the presence of olaparib in human milk, its effects on the breastfed infant or on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in the breastfed infant, advise a lactating woman not to breastfeed during treatment with LYNPARZA and for 1 month after receiving the final dose.

Pediatric Use: The safety and efficacy of LYNPARZA have not been established in pediatric patients.

Hepatic Impairment: No adjustment to the starting dose is required in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh classification A and B). There are no data in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh classification C).

Renal Impairment: No adjustment to the starting dose is necessary in patients with mild renal impairment (CLcr=51-80 mL/min) but patients should be monitored closely for toxicity. In patients with moderate renal impairment (CLcr=31-50 mL/min), reduce the dose to 200 mg twice daily. There are no data in patients with severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease (CLcr ≤30 mL/min).

INDICATIONS

LYNPARZA is a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor indicated:

First-Line Maintenance BRCAm Advanced Ovarian Cancer

For the maintenance treatment of adult patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline or somatic BRCA-mutated (gBRCAm or sBRCAm) advanced epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer who are in complete or partial response to first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. Select patients with gBRCAm advanced epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer for therapy based on an FDA-approved companion diagnostic for LYNPARZA.

Maintenance Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

For the maintenance treatment of adult patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer, who are in complete or partial response to platinum-based chemotherapy.

Advanced gBRCAm ovarian cancer

For the treatment of adult patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline BRCA-mutated (gBRCAm) advanced ovarian cancer who have been treated with 3 or more prior lines of chemotherapy. Select patients for therapy based on an FDA-approved companion diagnostic for LYNPARZA.

gBRCAm, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer

In patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious gBRCAm, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative metastatic breast cancer who have been treated with chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant, adjuvant or metastatic setting. Patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer should have been treated with a prior endocrine therapy or be considered inappropriate for endocrine therapy. Select patients for therapy based on an FDA-approved companion diagnostic for LYNPARZA.

Please click here for complete Prescribing Information, including Patient Information (Medication Guide).

About LYNPARZA (olaparib)

LYNPARZA is a first-in-class PARP inhibitor and the first targeted treatment to potentially exploit DNA damage response (DDR) pathway deficiencies, such as BRCA mutations, to preferentially kill cancer cells. Inhibition of PARP with LYNPARZA leads to the trapping of PARP bound to DNA single-strand breaks, stalling of replication forks, their collapse and the generation of DNA double-strand breaks and cancer cell death. LYNPARZA is being tested in a range of tumor types with defects and dependencies in the DDR.

LYNPARZA, which is being jointly developed and commercialized by AstraZeneca and Merck, has a broad and advanced clinical trial development program, and AstraZeneca and Merck are working together to understand how it may affect multiple PARP-dependent tumors as a monotherapy and in combination across multiple cancer types.

About Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC)

Prostate cancer is the second-most common cancer in men, with an estimated 1.6 million new cases diagnosed worldwide in 2015 and is associated with a significant mortality rate. Development of prostate cancer is often driven by male sex hormones called androgens, including testosterone. mCRPC occurs when prostate cancer grows and spreads to other parts of the body despite the use of androgen-deprivation therapy to block the action of male sex hormones. Approximately 10-20% of men with advanced prostate cancer will develop CRPC within five years, and at least 84% of these will have metastases at the time of CRPC diagnosis. Of men with no metastases at CRPC diagnosis, 33% are likely to develop metastases within two years. Despite an increase in the number of available therapies for men with mCRPC, remains low.

About Homologous Recombination Repair (HRR) Mutations

Homologous recombination repair (HRR) plays a significant role in maintaining the genetic stability of cells and suppressing tumor growth by repairing damaged DNA. Mutations, or defects, in homologous recombination (HR) pathway genes – which include ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and BRCA1/2 genes – increase the risk for breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate and other cancers.

About the AstraZeneca and Merck Strategic Oncology Collaboration

In July 2017, AstraZeneca and Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, US, known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, announced a global strategic oncology collaboration to co-develop and co-commercialize LYNPARZA, the world’s first PARP inhibitor, and potential new medicine selumetinib, a MEK inhibitor, for multiple cancer types. Working together, the companies will develop LYNPARZA and selumetinib in combination with other potential new medicines and as monotherapies. Independently, the companies will develop LYNPARZA and selumetinib in combination with their respective PD-L1 and PD-1 medicines.

Merck’s Focus on Cancer

Our goal is to translate breakthrough science into innovative oncology medicines to help people with cancer worldwide. At Merck, the potential to bring new hope to people with cancer drives our purpose and supporting accessibility to our cancer medicines is our commitment. As part of our focus on cancer, Merck is committed to exploring the potential of immuno-oncology with one of the largest development programs in the industry across more than 30 tumor types. We also continue to strengthen our portfolio through strategic acquisitions and are prioritizing the development of several promising oncology candidates with the potential to improve the treatment of advanced cancers. For more information about our oncology clinical trials, visit www.merck.com/clinicaltrials.

Rexahn Pharmaceuticals Reports Second Quarter 2019 Financial Results and Provides Update on RX-3117 Development

On August 7, 2019 Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NasdaqCM: REXN), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies to improve patient outcomes in cancers that are difficult to treat, reported financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and provided an update on RX-3117 development (Press release, Rexahn, AUG 7, 2019, View Source [SID1234538306]).

Recent Highlights and RX-3117 Development Updates:

Announced a collaboration and license agreement with BioSense Global LLC, a New Jersey- and Suzhou, China-based biopharmaceutical company, to advance the development and commercialization of RX-3117 for pancreatic and other cancers in Greater China. Under the agreement, Rexahn will receive an upfront payment, a portion of which has been paid, and will be eligible to receive up to $126 million in development and regulatory milestones and up to $100 million in commercial milestones for each product containing RX-3117, contingent on achieving commercial goals.

As of July 24, 2019, an overall response rate of 23% has been observed in 40 patients that have had at least one scan on treatment in the Phase 2a study of RX-3117 in combination with ABRAXANE (paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension) in patients newly diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer. The Company previously reported in January 2019 an overall response rate of 38% in the first 24 patients who had at least one scan on treatment. Preliminary and unaudited data indicates that the median progression free survival for patients in the study is approximately 5.4 months. Patients currently active in the study will continue to be treated and final data from the trial is expected to be available in 2020.

Transferred its stock exchange listing to the Nasdaq Capital Market from its previous listing on NYSE American.

Effected a 1-for-12 reverse stock split of outstanding shares on April 12, 2019.

As of August 7, 2019, had approximately $15.3 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities (unaudited). Rexahn expects that its cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities will be sufficient to fund the company’s currently expected cash flow requirements for its activities for at least the next 12 months.

"We are surprised and disappointed with the most recent preliminary data from the ongoing Phase 2a trial of RX-3117 in combination with ABRAXANE in first line metastatic pancreatic cancer patients," said Douglas J. Swirsky president and chief executive officer of Rexahn. "RX-3117 appears to be well tolerated and we are evaluating development options for RX-3117 in other indications, including through our collaboration with BioSense. In the near term, we are focused on supporting our collaborations with BioSense and Zhejiang Haichang Biotechnology Co., Ltd. as we evaluate the best path forward for our programs."

See the discussion below under Important Cautionary Statements regarding our cash balance and the other forward-looking statements in this release.

Q2 2019 Financial Results:

R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $1.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019, compared to $3.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018. Research and development expenses were $3.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to $7.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The decrease in research and development expenses is primarily attributable to decreases in drug manufacturing and clinical trial costs and a reduction in preclinical programs and headcount.

G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $1.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $1.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018. General and administrative expenses were $3.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $3.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in personnel expenses, offset by increases in professional fees.

Net Loss: Rexahn’s loss from operations was $3.0 million and $5.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Rexahn’s net loss was $2.5 million, or $0.61 per share, for the three months ended June 30, 2019, compared to a net loss of $3.8 million, or $1.45 per share, for the three months ended June 30, 2018. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2019, Rexahn’s net loss was $4.8 million, or $1.23 per share, compared to a net loss of $5.9 million, or $2.24 per share for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 includes unrealized gains on the fair value of warrants of $1.9 million and $4.5 million, respectively. The fair value adjustments are non-cash charges and are primarily a result of changes in stock price between reporting periods.

Athenex, Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2019 Financial Results, Positive Phase III Results on Oral Paclitaxel plus Encequidar and Increased Product Sales Guidance

On August 7, 2019 Athenex, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATNX), a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapies for the treatment of cancer, reported its financial results and business highlights for the second quarter of 2019 (Press release, Athenex, AUG 7, 2019, View Source [SID1234538305]).

"Athenex has continued to execute successfully across all of our strategic objectives in our development programs as well as our commercial operations and readiness," stated Dr. Johnson Lau, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Athenex. "We are particularly excited about today’s announcement of success in our Phase III study of oral paclitaxel and encequidar in metastatic breast cancer. We believe the success of this program serves to derisk our technology platform and provides further validation as we continue advancing our other Orascovery candidates (including docetaxel, cabazitaxel, irinotecan, topotecan and eribulin) and combination therapies."

Mr. Jeffrey Yordon, Chief Operating Officer of Athenex, commented, "We have been building the commercial infrastructure in manufacturing (active pharmaceutical ingredient and dosage-form), logistics and marketing to support the potential launch of oral paclitaxel and encequidar, which, based on the Phase III results announced, we believe has significant potential. Athenex is in the process of transforming from a clinical stage company to a fully integrated, commercial organization focused on delivering innovative cancer treatments that can improve patient outcomes."

Second Quarter 2019 and Recent Business Highlights:

Clinical Programs:

Phase III study of oral paclitaxel and encequidar for metastatic breast cancer

Primary efficacy endpoint met in Phase III clinical trial of oral paclitaxel and encequidar (Oral Paclitaxel) versus IV paclitaxel in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Oral Paclitaxel showed a statistically significant improvement compared to IV paclitaxel with an ORR of 36% compared to 24% based on intention-to-treat analysis (p = 0.01). Oral Paclitaxel also showed statistically significant improvement compared to IV paclitaxel based on other analyses on populations excluding non-evaluable patients (which would give higher response rates), with p £ 0.01 in all analyses.

Results also showed that the proportion of confirmed responders with a duration of response more than 150 days was 2.5 times higher in Oral Paclitaxel versus IV paclitaxel.

There were strong trends in progression-free survival (p = 0.077) and overall survival (p = 0.11) favoring Oral Paclitaxel over IV paclitaxel.

Neuropathy was less frequent with Oral Paclitaxel compared to IV paclitaxel.

Plan to request a pre-NDA meeting as soon as possible and present data at a major upcoming scientific meeting.

Other

Reported promising clinical results from a clinical study of oral paclitaxel and encequidar in cutaneous angiosarcoma. Preliminary data show rapid, visible response to oral paclitaxel and encequidar monotherapy in the first seven subjects, including three complete responses.

Four posters featuring the Company’s products/technologies were presented at the 2019 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting.

Preliminary positive clinical activity signals observed in a cohort of patients with psoriasis treated with tirbanibulin ointment (formerly known as KX2-391) in a Phase I clinical trial.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed the Company’s Investigational New Drug (IND) application for the clinical investigation of PT01 (Pegtomarginase) for the treatment of patients with advanced malignancies.

Corporate Announcements:

Launched new brand, Athenex Oncology, and corresponding website, AthenexOncology.com, during the 2019 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting.

Strategically expanded presence in Europe and Latin America to grow the Company’s global clinical research and development capacity and maximize the global potential of its pipeline.

Formed a subsidiary in the U.K. and established offices in Manchester.

Entered into a definitive agreement to acquire certain assets of CIDAL Limited, a contract research organization (CRO) with headquarters in Guatemala and operations in various countries in Latin America.

Voluntarily suspended production activities at its active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) plant in Chongqing (Taihao API plant). This decision was made based on discussions with the Department of Emergency Management of Chongqing (DEMC) related to concerns raised about the location of our plant. The DEMC has been evaluating the safety of all chemical and other plants in the region after recent accidents at other plants. In the meantime, the Company has been working on the build-out of the new API plant in Chongqing, and the plant is expected to commence operations in the first half of 2020.

Commercial Business:

Athenex Pharmaceutical Division (APD) currently markets a total of 30 products with 58 SKUs.

Athenex Pharma Solutions (APS) currently markets 5 products in total with 13 SKUs.

Goal is to launch 9-12 products in 2019.

Financial Results for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2019

Product sales for the three months ended June 30, 2019 were $22.0 million, compared with $11.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, an increase of $10.6 million or 92%. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in 503B revenue of $6.0 million, an increase in specialty product revenue of $4.6 million, and an increase in API sales of $0.6 million.

Cost of sales for the three months ended June 30, 2019 totaled $16.9 million, an increase of $7.5 million, or 79%, as compared to $9.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018. This was primarily due to an increase of $5.8 million in cost of sales from the sale of specialty products and $1.7 million from 503B and API products. Gross margin attributable to product sales increased from 17.7% in the three months ended June 30, 2018 to 23.1% in the three months ended June 30, 2019, primarily as a result of change in product mix.

Research and development expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2019 were $18.5 million as compared to $26.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018. This was primarily due to a decrease in licensing fees, as well as expenses in relation to clinical operations and product development. The decrease in these R&D expenses was offset primarily by an increase of $1.1 million of preclinical development costs related to the arginase and TCR-T platforms.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2019 were $17.2 million as compared to $12.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018. This was primarily due to an increase of $3.7 million related to the costs of preparing to commercialize our proprietary drugs, if approved, and an increase of $1.3 million in general administrative expenses including legal fees and other professional service fees, offset by a decrease of $0.6 million in administrative related compensation expense.

Net loss attributable to Athenex for the three months ended June 30, 2019 was $32.0 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $36.9 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, in the same period last year.

On May 7, 2019, the Company closed a private placement transaction in which it issued 10 million shares of common stock to three institutional investors (Perceptive Advisors, Avoro Capital Advisors (formerly known as venBio Select Advisor) and OrbiMed) at a purchase price of $10.00 per share, for net proceeds of approximately $99.9 million to Athenex.

The Company received a $20 million milestone payment from Almirall S.A. during the second quarter of 2019 in connection with the partnership on tirbanibulin and expects this payment to be recorded as revenue in the second half of 2019.

At June 30, 2019, the Company had cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments of $165.9 million, compared to $107.4 million at December 31, 2018. Based on the current operating plan, we expect that our cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments as of June 30, 2019, together with cash to be generated from our operating activities, will enable us to fund our operations into the third quarter in 2020.

Financial Results for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019

Product sales reached $47.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019, compared with $24.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, an increase of $23.1 million or 96%.

Total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was $47.5 million, a decrease of $1.9 million, or 4%, as compared to $49.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The decrease was primarily due to $25.0 million related to license milestone revenue earned in the

first quarter of 2018, and $1.1 million decrease in medical device product sales and contract manufacturing revenue, offset by a $24.3 million the increase in product sales, of which $10.9 million was from the sales of 503B products, $10.5 million was from sales of specialty products, and $2.8 million was from API.

Cost of sales for the six months ended June 30, 2019 totaled $36.8 million, an increase of $16.1 million, or 77%, as compared to $20.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018. This was primarily due to the increase of $12.0 million in cost of sales from the sale of specialty products and $4.1 million in cost of sales from 503B and API products. Gross margin attributable to product sales increased from 13.7% in the six months ended June 30, 2018 to 21.9% in the six months ended June 30, 2019, primarily as a result of change in product mix.

Research and development expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2019 were $43.0 million as compared to $47.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018. This was primarily due to a decrease in licensing fees, as well as expenses in relation to clinical operations and product development. The decrease in these R&D expenses was offset by an increase of $2.8 million of preclinical development costs related to the arginase and TCR-T platforms, and a $1.7 million increase of R&D related compensation.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2019 were $32.4 million as compared to $25.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018. This was primarily due to an increase of $6.2 million related to the costs of preparing to commercialize our proprietary drugs, if approved, and an increase of $1.3 million of general administrative expenses including legal fees and other professional service fees, offset by a decrease of $1.3 million in administrative related compensation expense.

Net loss attributable to Athenex for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was $67.3 million, or $0.96 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $44.2 million, or $0.71 per diluted share, in the same period last year.

Outlook and Upcoming Milestones:

Intend to submit results from Phase III clinical trial of oral paclitaxel and encequidar in metastatic breast cancer for presentation at a major upcoming scientific meeting and for peer review publication (Q4 2019 / H1 2020)

Expect to request a pre-NDA meeting as soon as possible for oral paclitaxel and encequidar in metastatic breast cancer (Q4 2019)

Expect to file an NDA for tirbanibulin ointment in actinic keratosis (Q1 2020)

Financial Guidance:

Athenex provides revenue guidance for product sales only. The Company is raising its product sales guidance for 2019 and is now forecasting that product sales this year will increase by between 30% and 35% year-over-year from $56.4 million in 2018 (versus previous guidance of 25% – 30% annual growth). This new revenue guidance has taken into account the court’s latest decision in the Vasopressin proceeding and the suspension of operations at our Taihao API plant. The revenue guidance excludes license and collaboration fees.

Conference Call and Webcast Information:

The Company will host a conference call and live audio webcast today, Wednesday, August 7, 2019, at 8:00am Eastern Time to discuss the financial results and provide a business update.

To participate in the call, dial 877-407-0784 (domestic) or 201-689-8560 (international) fifteen minutes before the conference call begins and reference the conference passcode 13691069. The live conference call and replay can be accessed via audio webcast at View Source and also on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website, located at View Source