Bristol-Myers Squibb Announces Phase 3 CheckMate -498 Study Did Not Meet Primary Endpoint of Overall Survival with Opdivo (nivolumab) Plus Radiation in Patients with Newly Diagnosed MGMT-Unmethylated Glioblastoma Multiforme

On May 9, 2019 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) reported the Phase 3 CheckMate -498 trial evaluating Opdivo (nivolumab) plus radiation versus temozolomide plus radiation in patients with newly diagnosed O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT)-unmethylated glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) did not meet its primary endpoint of overall survival (OS) at final analysis (Press release, Bristol-Myers Squibb, MAY 9, 2019, View Source [SID1234536005]). The safety profile of Opdivo was consistent with previously reported studies in solid tumors. The Company will complete a full evaluation of the data from CheckMate -498 and work with investigators on the future presentation and publication of the results.

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"While we are disappointed the CheckMate -498 trial did not meet its primary endpoint, GBM is a notoriously aggressive cancer," said Fouad Namouni, M.D., head, oncology development, Bristol-Myers Squibb. "We are grateful to all those who participated in this trial and remain committed to researching the potential of immunotherapy to address the important unmet medical need of patients who suffer from this devastating disease."

Opdivo is also being studied in patients with newly diagnosed MGMT-methylated GBM in the Phase 3 CheckMate -548 (NCT02667587) study, in which Opdivo is added to the current standard of care, radiation plus temozolomide.

About CheckMate -498

CheckMate -498 (NCT02617589) is a Phase 3 randomized, multi-center study evaluating Opdivo and radiation versus temozolomide and radiation in patients with newly diagnosed MGMT-unmethylated GBM. After surgery, patients in the experimental arm received Opdivo every two weeks concurrent with radiation, followed by maintenance with Opdivo every four weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint of the trial was OS. Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival, and OS rate at two years.

About Glioblastoma Multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and most aggressive type of primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system. Globally, an estimated 300,000 patients develop, and 241,000 patients die from, brain or central nervous system cancer each year. Standard treatment for patients with newly diagnosed GBM can include surgery followed by radiation and chemotherapy, but treatment options are limited. The last investigational medicine to improve survival for patients with newly diagnosed GBM was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2005. The five year survival rate of patients with GBM is less than five percent.

MGMT methylation status is the most commonly used biomarker in GBM and, studies suggest, may be predictive of the likelihood of patients with GBM to respond to alkylating chemotherapy such as temozolomide. Patients with MGMT-unmethylated GBM are generally known to have a worse prognosis than patients with MGMT-methylated GBM.

Bristol-Myers Squibb: Advancing Oncology Research

At Bristol-Myers Squibb, patients are at the center of everything we do. The focus of our research is to increase quality, long-term survival for patients and make cure a possibility. Through a unique multidisciplinary approach powered by translational science, we harness our deep scientific experience in oncology and Immuno-Oncology (I-O) research to identify novel treatments tailored to individual patient needs. Our researchers are developing a diverse, purposefully built pipeline designed to target different immune system pathways and address the complex and specific interactions between the tumor, its microenvironment and the immune system. We source innovation internally, and in collaboration with academia, government, advocacy groups and biotechnology companies, to help make the promise of transformational medicines, like I-O, a reality for patients.

About Opdivo

Opdivo is a programmed death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitor that is designed to uniquely harness the body’s own immune system to help restore anti-tumor immune response. By harnessing the body’s own immune system to fight cancer, Opdivo has become an important treatment option across multiple cancers.

Opdivo’s leading global development program is based on Bristol-Myers Squibb’s scientific expertise in the field of Immuno-Oncology, and includes a broad range of clinical trials across all phases, including Phase 3, in a variety of tumor types. To date, the Opdivo clinical development program has enrolled more than 25,000 patients. The Opdivo trials have contributed to gaining a deeper understanding of the potential role of biomarkers in patient care, particularly regarding how patients may benefit from Opdivo across the continuum of PD-L1 expression.

In July 2014, Opdivo was the first PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor to receive regulatory approval anywhere in the world. Opdivo is currently approved in more than 65 countries, including the United States, the European Union, Japan and China. In October 2015, the Company’s Opdivo and Yervoy combination regimen was the first Immuno-Oncology combination to receive regulatory approval for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and is currently approved in more than 50 countries, including the United States and the European Union.

U.S. FDA-APPROVED INDICATIONS FOR OPDIVO

OPDIVO (nivolumab) as a single agent is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.

OPDIVO (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving OPDIVO.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic small cell lung cancer (SCLC) with progression after platinum-based chemotherapy and at least one other line of therapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who have received prior anti-angiogenic therapy.

OPDIVO (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of patients with intermediate or poor risk, previously untreated advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) that has relapsed or progressed after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and brentuximab vedotin or after 3 or more lines of systemic therapy that includes autologous HSCT. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) with disease progression on or after platinum-based therapy.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

OPDIVO (nivolumab), as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

OPDIVO (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of patients with melanoma with involvement of lymph nodes or metastatic disease who have undergone complete resection.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: IMMUNE-MEDIATED ADVERSE REACTIONS

YERVOY can result in severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions. These immune-mediated reactions may involve any organ system; however, the most common severe immune-mediated adverse reactions are enterocolitis, hepatitis, dermatitis (including toxic epidermal necrolysis), neuropathy, and endocrinopathy. The majority of these immune-mediated reactions initially manifested during treatment; however, a minority occurred weeks to months after discontinuation of YERVOY.

Assess patients for signs and symptoms of enterocolitis, dermatitis, neuropathy, and endocrinopathy, and evaluate clinical chemistries including liver function tests (LFTs), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level, and thyroid function tests, at baseline and before each dose.

Permanently discontinue YERVOY and initiate systemic high-dose corticosteroid therapy for severe immune-mediated reactions.

Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis. Fatal cases have been reported. Monitor patients for signs with radiographic imaging and for symptoms of pneumonitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or more severe pneumonitis. Permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 and withhold until resolution for Grade 2. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, fatal cases of immune-mediated pneumonitis have occurred. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 3.1% (61/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg, immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 6% (25/407) of patients. In RCC patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg, immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 4.4% (24/547) of patients. In MSI-H/dMMR mCRC patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg, immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 1.7% (2/119) of patients.

In Checkmate 205 and 039, pneumonitis, including interstitial lung disease, occurred in 6.0% (16/266) of patients receiving OPDIVO. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 4.9% (13/266) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=1) and Grade 2 (n=12).

Immune-Mediated Colitis

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated colitis. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of colitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 (of more than 5 days duration), 3, or 4 colitis. Withhold OPDIVO monotherapy for Grade 2 or 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 or recurrent colitis upon re-initiation of OPDIVO. When administered with YERVOY, withhold OPDIVO and YERVOY for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 or recurrent colitis. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated colitis occurred in 2.9% (58/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg, immune-mediated colitis occurred in 26% (107/407) of patients including three fatal cases. In RCC patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg, immune-mediated colitis occurred in 10% (52/547) of patients. In MSI-H/dMMR mCRC patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg, immune-mediated colitis occurred in 7% (8/119) of patients.

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal (diarrhea of ≥7 stools above baseline, fever, ileus, peritoneal signs; Grade 3-5) immune-mediated enterocolitis occurred in 34 (7%) patients. Across all YERVOY-treated patients in that study (n=511), 5 (1%) developed intestinal perforation, 4 (0.8%) died as a result of complications, and 26 (5%) were hospitalized for severe enterocolitis.

Immune-Mediated Hepatitis

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated hepatitis. Monitor patients for abnormal liver tests prior to and periodically during treatment. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater transaminase elevations. For patients without HCC, withhold OPDIVO for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue OPDIVO for Grade 3 or 4. For patients with HCC, withhold OPDIVO and administer corticosteroids if AST/ALT is within normal limits at baseline and increases to >3 and up to 5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), if AST/ALT is >1 and up to 3 times ULN at baseline and increases to >5 and up to 10 times the ULN, and if AST/ALT is >3 and up to 5 times ULN at baseline and increases to >8 and up to 10 times the ULN. Permanently discontinue OPDIVO and administer corticosteroids if AST or ALT increases to >10 times the ULN or total bilirubin increases >3 times the ULN. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 1.8% (35/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 13% (51/407) of patients. In RCC patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 7% (38/547) of patients. In MSI-H/dMMR mCRC patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 8% (10/119) of patients.

In Checkmate 040, immune-mediated hepatitis requiring systemic corticosteroids occurred in 5% (8/154) of patients receiving OPDIVO.

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal hepatotoxicity (AST or ALT elevations >5x the ULN or total bilirubin elevations >3x the ULN; Grade 3-5) occurred in 8 (2%) patients, with fatal hepatic failure in 0.2% and hospitalization in 0.4%.

Immune-Mediated Neuropathies

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, 1 case of fatal Guillain-Barré syndrome and 1 case of severe (Grade 3) peripheral motor neuropathy were reported.

Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated hypophysitis, immune-mediated adrenal insufficiency, autoimmune thyroid disorders, and Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypophysitis, signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, thyroid function prior to and periodically during treatment, and hyperglycemia. Administer hormone replacement as clinically indicated and corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater hypophysitis. Withhold for Grade 2 or 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 hypophysitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 3 or 4 adrenal insufficiency. Withhold for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 adrenal insufficiency. Administer hormone-replacement therapy for hypothyroidism. Initiate medical management for control of hyperthyroidism. Withhold OPDIVO for Grade 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 hyperglycemia.

In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, hypophysitis occurred in 0.6% (12/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg, hypophysitis occurred in 9% (36/407) of patients. In RCC patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg, hypophysitis occurred in 4.6% (25/547) of patients. In MSI-H/dMMR mCRC patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg, immune-mediated hypophysitis occurred in 3.4% (4/119) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 1% (20/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 5% (21/407) of patients. In RCC patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 7% (41/547) of patients. In MSI-H/dMMR mCRC patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 5.9% (7/119) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, hypothyroidism or thyroiditis resulting in hypothyroidism occurred in 9% (171/1994) of patients. Hyperthyroidism occurred in 2.7% (54/1994) of patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy. In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg, hypothyroidism or thyroiditis resulting in hypothyroidism occurred in 22% (89/407) of patients. Hyperthyroidism occurred in 8% (34/407) of patients receiving this dose of OPDIVO with YERVOY. In RCC patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg, hypothyroidism or thyroiditis resulting in hypothyroidism occurred in 22% (119/547) of patients. Hyperthyroidism occurred in 12% (66/547) of patients receiving this dose of OPDIVO with YERVOY. In MSI-H/dMMR mCRC patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg, hypothyroidism or thyroiditis resulting in hypothyroidism occurred in 15% (18/119) of patients. Hyperthyroidism occurred in 12% (14/119) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, diabetes occurred in 0.9% (17/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg, diabetes occurred in 1.5% (6/407) of patients. In RCC patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg, diabetes occurred in 2.7% (15/547) of patients.

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe to life-threatening immune-mediated endocrinopathies (requiring hospitalization, urgent medical intervention, or interfering with activities of daily living; Grade 3-4) occurred in 9 (1.8%) patients. All 9 patients had hypopituitarism, and some had additional concomitant endocrinopathies such as adrenal insufficiency, hypogonadism, and hypothyroidism. Six of the 9 patients were hospitalized for severe endocrinopathies.

Immune-Mediated Nephritis and Renal Dysfunction

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated nephritis. Monitor patients for elevated serum creatinine prior to and periodically during treatment. Administer corticosteroids for Grades 2-4 increased serum creatinine. Withhold OPDIVO for Grade 2 or 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 increased serum creatinine. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction occurred in 1.2% (23/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg, immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction occurred in 2.2% (9/407) of patients. In RCC patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg, immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction occurred in 4.6% (25/547) of patients. In MSI-H/dMMR mCRC patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg, immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction occurred in 1.7% (2/119) of patients.

Immune-Mediated Skin Adverse Reactions and Dermatitis

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated rash, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), some cases with fatal outcome. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 3 or 4 rash. Withhold for Grade 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 rash. For symptoms or signs of SJS or TEN, withhold OPDIVO and refer the patient for specialized care for assessment and treatment; if confirmed, permanently discontinue. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated rash occurred in 9% (171/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg, immune-mediated rash occurred in 22.6% (92/407) of patients. In RCC patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg, immune-mediated rash occurred in 16.6% (91/547) of patients. In MSI-H/dMMR mCRC patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg, immune-mediated rash occurred in 14% (17/119) of patients.

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal immune-mediated dermatitis (eg, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, or rash complicated by full thickness dermal ulceration, or necrotic, bullous, or hemorrhagic manifestations; Grade 3-5) occurred in 13 (2.5%) patients. 1 (0.2%) patient died as a result of toxic epidermal necrolysis. 1 additional patient required hospitalization for severe dermatitis.

Immune-Mediated Encephalitis

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated encephalitis. Evaluation of patients with neurologic symptoms may include, but not be limited to, consultation with a neurologist, brain MRI, and lumbar puncture. Withhold OPDIVO in patients with new-onset moderate to severe neurologic signs or symptoms and evaluate to rule out other causes. If other etiologies are ruled out, administer corticosteroids and permanently discontinue OPDIVO for immune-mediated encephalitis. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, encephalitis occurred in 0.2% (3/1994) of patients. Fatal limbic encephalitis occurred in one patient after 7.2 months of exposure despite discontinuation of OPDIVO and administration of corticosteroids. Encephalitis occurred in one patient receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg (0.2%) after 1.7 months of exposure. Encephalitis occurred in one RCC patient receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg (0.2%) after approximately 4 months of exposure. Encephalitis occurred in one MSI-H/dMMR mCRC patient (0.8%) receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg after 15 days of exposure.

Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

Based on the severity of the adverse reaction, permanently discontinue or withhold OPDIVO, administer high-dose corticosteroids, and, if appropriate, initiate hormone-replacement therapy. Across clinical trials of OPDIVO monotherapy or in combination with YERVOY, the following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions, some with fatal outcome, occurred in <1.0% of patients receiving OPDIVO: myocarditis, rhabdomyolysis, myositis, uveitis, iritis, pancreatitis, facial and abducens nerve paresis, demyelination, polymyalgia rheumatica, autoimmune neuropathy, Guillain-Barré syndrome, hypopituitarism, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, gastritis, duodenitis, sarcoidosis, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi lymphadenitis), motor dysfunction, vasculitis, aplastic anemia, pericarditis, and myasthenic syndrome.

If uveitis occurs in combination with other immune-mediated adverse reactions, consider a Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like syndrome, which has been observed in patients receiving OPDIVO and may require treatment with systemic steroids to reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.

Infusion Reactions

OPDIVO can cause severe infusion reactions, which have been reported in <1.0% of patients in clinical trials. Discontinue OPDIVO in patients with Grade 3 or 4 infusion reactions. Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion in patients with Grade 1 or 2. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy as a 60-minute infusion, infusion-related reactions occurred in 6.4% (127/1994) of patients. In a separate study in which patients received OPDIVO monotherapy as a 60-minute infusion or a 30-minute infusion, infusion-related reactions occurred in 2.2% (8/368) and 2.7% (10/369) of patients, respectively. Additionally, 0.5% (2/368) and 1.4% (5/369) of patients, respectively, experienced adverse reactions within 48 hours of infusion that led to dose delay, permanent discontinuation or withholding of OPDIVO. In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, infusion-related reactions occurred in 2.5% (10/407) of patients. In RCC patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg, infusion-related reactions occurred in 5.1% (28/547) of patients. In MSI-H/dMMR mCRC patients receiving OPDIVO 3 mg/kg with YERVOY 1 mg/kg, infusion-related reactions occurred in 4.2% (5/119) of patients.

Complications of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Fatal and other serious complications can occur in patients who receive allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) before or after being treated with a PD-1 receptor blocking antibody. Transplant-related complications include hyperacute graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), acute GVHD, chronic GVHD, hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) after reduced intensity conditioning, and steroid-requiring febrile syndrome (without an identified infectious cause). These complications may occur despite intervening therapy between PD-1 blockade and allogeneic HSCT.

Follow patients closely for evidence of transplant-related complications and intervene promptly. Consider the benefit versus risks of treatment with a PD-1 receptor blocking antibody prior to or after an allogeneic HSCT.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on their mechanisms of action, OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with an OPDIVO- or YERVOY- containing regimen and for at least 5 months after the last dose of OPDIVO.

Increased Mortality in Patients with Multiple Myeloma when OPDIVO is Added to a Thalidomide Analogue and Dexamethasone

In clinical trials in patients with multiple myeloma, the addition of OPDIVO to a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone resulted in increased mortality. Treatment of patients with multiple myeloma with a PD-1 or PD-L1 blocking antibody in combination with a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone is not recommended outside of controlled clinical trials.

Lactation

It is not known whether OPDIVO or YERVOY is present in human milk. Because many drugs, including antibodies, are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from an OPDIVO-containing regimen, advise women to discontinue breastfeeding during treatment. Advise women to discontinue breastfeeding during treatment with YERVOY and for 3 months following the final dose.

Serious Adverse Reactions

In Checkmate 037, serious adverse reactions occurred in 41% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=268). Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions occurred in 42% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent Grade 3 and 4 adverse drug reactions reported in 2% to <5% of patients receiving OPDIVO were abdominal pain, hyponatremia, increased aspartate aminotransferase, and increased lipase. In Checkmate 066, serious adverse reactions occurred in 36% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=206). Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions occurred in 41% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were gamma-glutamyltransferase increase (3.9%) and diarrhea (3.4%). In Checkmate 067, serious adverse reactions (74% and 44%), adverse reactions leading to permanent discontinuation (47% and 18%) or to dosing delays (58% and 36%), and Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions (72% and 51%) all occurred more frequently in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm (n=313) relative to the OPDIVO arm (n=313). The most frequent (≥10%) serious adverse reactions in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm and the OPDIVO arm, respectively, were diarrhea (13% and 2.2%), colitis (10% and 1.9%), and pyrexia (10% and 1.0%). In Checkmate 017 and 057, serious adverse reactions occurred in 46% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=418). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, dyspnea, pyrexia, pleural effusion, pneumonitis, and respiratory failure. In Checkmate 032, serious adverse reactions occurred in 45% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=245). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were pneumonia, dyspnea, pneumonitis, pleural effusions, and dehydration. In Checkmate 025, serious adverse reactions occurred in 47% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=406). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients were acute kidney injury, pleural effusion, pneumonia, diarrhea, and hypercalcemia. In Checkmate 214, serious adverse reactions occurred in 59% of patients receiving OPDIVO plus YERVOY and in 43% of patients receiving sunitinib. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients were diarrhea, pyrexia, pneumonia, pneumonitis, hypophysitis, acute kidney injury, dyspnea, adrenal insufficiency, and colitis; in patients treated with sunitinib, they were pneumonia, pleural effusion, and dyspnea. In Checkmate 205 and 039, adverse reactions leading to discontinuation occurred in 7% and dose delays due to adverse reactions occurred in 34% of patients (n=266). Serious adverse reactions occurred in 26% of patients. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in ≥1% of patients were pneumonia, infusion-related reaction, pyrexia, colitis or diarrhea, pleural effusion, pneumonitis, and rash. Eleven patients died from causes other than disease progression: 3 from adverse reactions within 30 days of the last OPDIVO dose, 2 from infection 8 to 9 months after completing OPDIVO, and 6 from complications of allogeneic HSCT. In Checkmate 141, serious adverse reactions occurred in 49% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=236). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were pneumonia, dyspnea, respiratory failure, respiratory tract infection, and sepsis. In Checkmate 275, serious adverse reactions occurred in 54% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=270). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were urinary tract infection, sepsis, diarrhea, small intestine obstruction, and general physical health deterioration. In Checkmate 142 in MSI-H/dMMR mCRC patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, serious adverse reactions occurred in 47% of patients. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients were colitis/diarrhea, hepatic events, abdominal pain, acute kidney injury, pyrexia, and dehydration. In Checkmate 040, serious adverse reactions occurred in 49% of patients (n=154). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients were pyrexia, ascites, back pain, general physical health deterioration, abdominal pain, and pneumonia. In Checkmate 238, Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions occurred in 25% of OPDIVO-treated patients (n=452). The most frequent Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of OPDIVO-treated patients were diarrhea and increased lipase and amylase. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 18% of OPDIVO-treated patients.

Common Adverse Reactions

In Checkmate 037, the most common adverse reaction (≥20%) reported with OPDIVO (n=268) was rash (21%). In Checkmate 066, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) reported with OPDIVO (n=206) vs dacarbazine (n=205) were fatigue (49% vs 39%), musculoskeletal pain (32% vs 25%), rash (28% vs 12%), and pruritus (23% vs 12%). In Checkmate 067, the most common (≥20%) adverse reactions in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm (n=313) were fatigue (62%), diarrhea (54%), rash (53%), nausea (44%), pyrexia (40%), pruritus (39%), musculoskeletal pain (32%), vomiting (31%), decreased appetite (29%), cough (27%), headache (26%), dyspnea (24%), upper respiratory tract infection (23%), arthralgia (21%), and increased transaminases (25%). In Checkmate 067, the most common (≥20%) adverse reactions in the OPDIVO arm (n=313) were fatigue (59%), rash (40%), musculoskeletal pain (42%), diarrhea (36%), nausea (30%), cough (28%), pruritus (27%), upper respiratory tract infection (22%), decreased appetite (22%), headache (22%), constipation (21%), arthralgia (21%), and vomiting (20%). In Checkmate 017 and 057, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=418) were fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, cough, dyspnea, and decreased appetite. In Checkmate 032, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=245) were fatigue (45%), decreased appetite (27%), musculoskeletal pain (25%), dyspnea (22%), nausea (22%), diarrhea (21%), constipation (20%), and cough (20%). In Checkmate 025, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=406) vs everolimus (n=397) were fatigue (56% vs 57%), cough (34% vs 38%), nausea (28% vs 29%), rash (28% vs 36%), dyspnea (27% vs 31%), diarrhea (25% vs 32%), constipation (23% vs 18%), decreased appetite (23% vs 30%), back pain (21% vs 16%), and arthralgia (20% vs 14%). In Checkmate 214, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) reported in patients treated with OPDIVO plus YERVOY (n=547) vs sunitinib (n=535) were fatigue (58% vs 69%), rash (39% vs 25%), diarrhea (38% vs 58%), musculoskeletal pain (37% vs 40%), pruritus (33% vs 11%), nausea (30% vs 43%), cough (28% vs 25%), pyrexia (25% vs 17%), arthralgia (23% vs 16%), decreased appetite (21% vs 29%), dyspnea (20% vs 21%), and vomiting (20% vs 28%). In Checkmate 205 and 039, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=266) were upper respiratory tract infection (44%), fatigue (39%), cough (36%), diarrhea (33%), pyrexia (29%), musculoskeletal pain (26%), rash (24%), nausea (20%) and pruritus (20%). In Checkmate 141, the most common adverse reactions (≥10%) in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=236) were cough and dyspnea at a higher incidence than investigator’s choice. In Checkmate 275, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=270) were fatigue (46%), musculoskeletal pain (30%), nausea (22%), and decreased appetite (22%). In Checkmate 142 in MSI-H/dMMR mCRC patients receiving OPDIVO as a single agent, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were fatigue (54%), diarrhea (43%), abdominal pain (34%), nausea (34%), vomiting (28%), musculoskeletal pain (28%), cough (26%), pyrexia (24%), rash (23%), constipation (20%), and upper respiratory tract infection (20%). In Checkmate 142 in MSI-H/dMMR mCRC patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were fatigue (49%), diarrhea (45%), pyrexia (36%), musculoskeletal pain (36%), abdominal pain (30%), pruritus (28%), nausea (26%), rash (25%), decreased appetite (20%), and vomiting (20%). In Checkmate 040, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=154) were fatigue (38%), musculoskeletal pain (36%), abdominal pain (34%), pruritus (27%), diarrhea (27%), rash (26%), cough (23%), and decreased appetite (22%). In Checkmate 238, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) reported in OPDIVO-treated patients (n=452) vs ipilimumab-treated patients (n=453) were fatigue (57% vs 55%), diarrhea (37% vs 55%), rash (35% vs 47%), musculoskeletal pain (32% vs 27%), pruritus (28% vs 37%), headache (23% vs 31%), nausea (23% vs 28%), upper respiratory infection (22% vs 15%), and abdominal pain (21% vs 23%). The most common immune-mediated adverse reactions were rash (16%), diarrhea/colitis (6%), and hepatitis (3%).

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, the most common adverse reactions (≥5%) in patients who received YERVOY at 3 mg/kg were fatigue (41%), diarrhea (32%), pruritus (31%), rash (29%), and colitis (8%).

Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information for OPDIVO and YERVOY, including Boxed WARNING regarding immune-mediated adverse reactions for YERVOY.

Checkmate Trials and Patient Populations

Checkmate 037–previously treated metastatic melanoma; Checkmate 066–previously untreated metastatic melanoma; Checkmate 067–previously untreated metastatic melanoma, as a single agent or in combination with YERVOY; Checkmate 017–second-line treatment of metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer; Checkmate 057–second-line treatment of metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer; Checkmate 032–small cell lung cancer; Checkmate 025–previously treated renal cell carcinoma; Checkmate 214–previously untreated renal cell carcinoma, in combination with YERVOY; Checkmate 205/039–classical Hodgkin lymphoma; Checkmate 141–recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck; Checkmate 275–urothelial carcinoma; Checkmate 142–MSI-H or dMMR metastatic colorectal cancer, as a single agent or in combination with YERVOY; Checkmate 040–hepatocellular carcinoma; Checkmate 238–adjuvant treatment of melanoma.

About the Bristol-Myers Squibb and Ono Pharmaceutical Collaboration

In 2011, through a collaboration agreement with Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Bristol-Myers Squibb expanded its territorial rights to develop and commercialize Opdivo globally, except in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, where Ono had retained all rights to the compound at the time. On July 23, 2014, Ono and Bristol-Myers Squibb further expanded the companies’ strategic collaboration agreement to jointly develop and commercialize multiple immunotherapies – as single agents and combination regimens – for patients with cancer in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

Athenex, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2019 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update

On May 9, 2019 Athenex, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATNX), a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapies for the treatment of cancer and related conditions, reported its financial results and business highlights for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019 (Press release, Athenex, MAY 9, 2019, View Source [SID1234536004]).

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"In the first quarter of 2019 we continued to make progress across our all our technology platforms and business units as we execute on our corporate strategy to build a global oncology company delivering more effective, safer and tolerable treatments for cancer patients," stated Dr. Johnson Lau, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Athenex. "Most notably, we recently reported promising preliminary data from our ongoing pilot study of Oraxol in angiosarcoma, which included three complete responses from the first seven patients to receive at least six weeks of Oraxol monotherapy, all of whom showed visible improvements in the angiosarcoma lesions within one to two weeks. We believe the high response rate and strong safety profile further support the rationale that oral paclitaxel can potentially achieve a more desirable pharmacokinetic profile and a better clinical outcome, giving us greater confidence in our all of our Oraxol clinical programs."

Dr. Lau continued, "Having achieved target enrollment in our Phase III trial of Oraxol in metastatic breast cancer we look forward to announcing top line results in August. Preparations are underway for regulatory filings for our partnered product KX2-391 in actinic keratosis. We are also working to build out our commercial and manufacturing infrastructure and develop our corporate brand in advance of anticipated proprietary product launches. Finally, we have added to our Board of Directors with four key appointments."

"We have also strengthened our balance sheet, with a private placement equity offering, completed on May 7, 2019, in which we raised gross proceeds of $100 million. We are very grateful for the support from the three leading healthcare investment firms who participated in this transaction," concluded Dr. Lau.

First Quarter 2019 and Recent Business Highlights:

Clinical Programs:

Presented positive Phase 3 data on KX2-391 in actinic keratosis (AK) at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) annual meeting. Both Phase 3 studies are nearing completion of the one-year follow-up of patients who had complete responses and the final top-line data will be discussed with the FDA at an upcoming pre-NDA meeting.

Oraxol Phase III studies in metastatic breast cancer: Achieved target enrollment of more than 360 patients. Topline results are expected to be available in August 2019.

Announced Investigational New Drug (IND) allowance by China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) to begin registrational related clinical studies in China of TAEST16001 injection in patients with solid tumors

TAEST16001 is a cancer immunotherapy product candidate based on Athenex’s T-cell receptor Affinity Enhanced Specific T-cell (TAEST) technology

TEAST technology is being developed by Axis Therapeutics, a joint venture between Athenex and Xiangxue Life Sciences (XLifeSc)

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

Presented preclinical data on Oraxol in the treatment of angiosarcoma at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) annual meeting on April 3, 2019

Announced acceptance of four abstracts for presentation at the 2019 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) annual meeting. Abstract topics include:

Oraxol program in metastatic breast cancer, including information about ongoing Phase III trial and about Phase II trial in Taiwan (two abstracts)

Preliminary results from Oratecan Phase I study

Preclinical proof of concept data on Arginine Deprivation Therapy platform

Corporate Announcements:

Appointed new members to the Board of Directors:

John Moore Vierling, MD, FACP, FAASLD, AGAF, tenured Professor of Medicine and Surgery at the Baylor College of Medicine

Stephanie Davis, Senior Client Partner at Korn Ferry

Jordan S. Kanfer, Managing Director, Convertible and Equity Research at Opti Capital Management

John Koh, an independent director of NSL Ltd.; Mapletree Industrial Trust, a Singapore listed REIT; Kris Energy; and Aurora Mobile Limited (JG)

Commercial Business:

Athenex Pharmaceutical Division ("APD") currently markets a total of 29 products with 54 SKUs

Athenex Pharma Solutions ("APS") currently markets 6 products in total with 16 SKUs

Financial Results for the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2019

Athenex is on track to achieve its revenue guidance on products sales issued in March 2019. Product sales for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were $25.2 million, compared with $12.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, an increase of $12.6 million or approximately 100%. The increase was attributable to a $6.0 million increase in specialty product sales, a $5.0 million increase in 503B product sales driven significantly by Vasopressin, and a $2.1 million increase in API product sales.

Total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $25.3 million, a decrease of $12.5 million, or 33%, as compared to $37.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in licensing revenue of $25.0 million. This decrease was offset by the increases in product sales described above.

Cost of sales for the three months ended March 31, 2019 totaled $19.9 million, an increase of $8.6 million, or 76%, as compared to $11.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. This was primarily due to the increase of $6.2 million cost of sales from the specialty products and $2.4 million cost of sales from 503B and API products. The decrease in gross profit and gross margin was primarily due to the absence of licensing revenue in the interim period.

Research and development expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were $24.5 million as compared to $21.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. This was primarily due to an increase in licensing fees and preclinical development activities.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were $15.2 million as compared to $13.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. This was primarily due to an increase of $2.6 million related to the pre-launch costs of the Company’s proprietary drugs, offset by a decrease of $0.5 million in general administrative expenses.

Net loss attributable to Athenex for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $35.2 million, or $0.53 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $7.3 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, in the same period last year.

At March 31, 2019, the Company had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments aggregating $71.3 million, compared to $107.4 million at December 31, 2018. Based on the current operating plan, the Company expects that its cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as of March 31, 2019, together with proceeds it has recently raised from the private placement and cash to be generated from operating activities, will enable it to fund its operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements through at least the next twelve months.

On May 7, 2019, the Company closed a private placement agreement 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 aggregate gross proceeds of $100 million to Athenex, before deducting offering expenses.

Outlook and Upcoming Milestones:

Presentations at the 2019 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) annual meeting

Expect to file an IND for Pegtomarginase by mid-2019

Top line results from Phase 3 trial of Oraxol in metastatic breast cancer, August 2019

Expect to conduct a pre-IND meeting with the U.S. FDA for TAEST16001 injection product under the TCR-T immunotherapy program

Financial Guidance:

The company provides revenue guidance for product sales only. The revenue guidance excludes license and collaboration fees. Athenex reaffirms the product sales guidance issued in March 2019. Athenex is forecasting that product sales in 2019 will increase by between 25% and 30% year-over-year from $56.4 million in 2018.

Conference Call and Webcast Information:

The Company will host a conference call and live audio webcast today, Thursday, May 9, 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 13689379. The live conference call and replay can also be accessed via audio webcast at View Source and on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website, located at View Source, under "Events and Presentations."

Alpine Immune Sciences Provides Corporate Update and Reports First Quarter 2019 Financial Results

On May 9, 2019 Alpine Immune Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALPN), a leading clinical-stage immunotherapy company focused on developing innovative treatments for cancer, autoimmune/inflammatory, and other diseases, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019 (Press release, Alpine Immune Sciences, MAY 9, 2019, View Source [SID1234536003]).

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"The first quarter of 2019 was a significant one for Alpine as we transitioned into a clinical stage company by initiating the first-in-human Phase I study of our lead autoimmune/inflammatory disease program ALPN-101," said Mitchell H. Gold, MD, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Alpine. "Building on this momentum, we are on track to have two programs in clinical trials as we expect to file for authorization to begin a Phase I study of our lead oncology program, ALPN-202, by the end of this year. Our team is focused on delivering the next generation of immunotherapies to patients suffering from debilitating and deadly diseases and continues to execute our pre-clinical and clinical strategy."

Recent Corporate and Clinical Highlights

First Subjects Dosed in Phase I Clinical Trial for Lead Autoimmune/Inflammatory Disease Program ALPN-101: Alpine announced successful initiation of dosing in its first-in-human Phase I study of ALPN-101, a first-in-class dual ICOS/CD28 antagonist, this past February. This study is evaluating the safety and tolerability of single- and multiple-ascending intravenous and subcutaneous doses of ALPN-101 in healthy volunteers. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and exploratory biomarkers are also being evaluated to help determine ALPN-101’s potential for the treatment of autoimmune/inflammatory diseases.

Closed $25 Million Private Placement and Min Cui, PhD appointed to Alpine’s Board of Directors: Alpine entered into a definitive securities purchase agreement for the sale of units consisting of shares of common stock and warrants to purchase common stock in a private placement resulting in gross proceeds to the Company of approximately $25.3 million. The private placement was led by Decheng Capital with participation from existing investors OrbiMed Advisors, Frazier Healthcare Partners, Alpine BioVentures, and BVF Partners. Min Cui, PhD, Founder and Managing Director of Decheng Capital, was appointed to Alpine’s Board of Directors.

Appointment of Stanford Peng, MD, to President and Head of Research and Development: Effective April 16, 2019, Dr. Peng was appointed President and Head of Research and Development. Dr. Peng is an industry veteran who has led Alpine’s research and development activities since late 2016, advancing lead program ALPN-101 into the clinic and positioning ALPN-202, Alpine’s lead oncology program, to be submitted for clinical trial authorization later this year.

Jan Hillson, MD, Appointed as Senior Vice President, Clinical Development: During the first quarter of 2019, Alpine appointed Dr. Hillson to Senior Vice President, Clinical Development. Dr. Hillson brings with her more than two decades of experience in academic rheumatology research, patient care, and teaching, and more than a decade directing strategy and operations of clinical research and translational medicine programs. Prior to joining Alpine, Dr. Hillson was Senior Vice President of Drug Development for ChemoCentryx, and earlier, she served as Vice President of Clinical and Translational Research at Momenta Pharmaceuticals. She has served in senior roles with ZymoGenetics/Bristol Myers Squibb and Xcyte Therapies and was a member of the Clinical Faculty at Harvard Medical School (Cambridge Health Alliance), Assistant Professor at the University of Washington, and Division Head at Virginia Mason Medical Center. Dr. Hillson is a licensed rheumatologist and continues to care for patients. She received her MD from Stanford School of Medicine, an MS from the California Institute of Technology, an MS in Marine Chemistry from Scripps Institute of Oceanography, and a BS from Michigan State University.

First Quarter 2019 Financial Results

As of March 31, 2019, Alpine had cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaling $64.0 million. Net cash used in operating activities for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019 was $11.2 million compared to $4.4 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018. Alpine recorded a net loss of $12.4 million and $5.3 million for the first quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Research and development expenses for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019 were $10.4 million compared to $3.8 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in direct research, contract manufacturing, and nonclinical development activities to support ALPN-101 and ALPN-202, plus increases in development personnel supporting Alpine’s programs and associated overhead and facility costs.

General and administrative expenses for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019 were $2.3 million compared to $2.1 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018. The increase was primarily attributable to professional and legal fees related to operating as a public company, in addition to personnel-related expenses and the costs associated with expanding the company’s operations as we accelerate development and clinical activities.

Cash Guidance

Alpine expects to have sufficient cash to fund operations into 2021, including the clinical advancement of Alpine’s lead autoimmune/inflammatory program, ALPN-101, and its lead oncology program, ALPN-202.

About ALPN-101

ALPN-101 is a novel Fc fusion protein of a human inducible T cell costimulator ligand (ICOSL) variant immunoglobulin domain (vIgD), and a first-in-class therapeutic simultaneously inhibiting the CD28 and ICOS inflammation pathways. CD28 and ICOS are closely related costimulatory molecules with partially overlapping roles in T cell activation likely connected to multiple autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In preclinical models of graft versus host disease, inflammatory arthritis, and multiple sclerosis, ALPN-101 demonstrates efficacy superior to blockade of the CD28 or ICOS pathways alone.

ALPN-101 was engineered using Alpine’s vIgD platform, which uses directed evolution to transform native IgSF proteins into multifunctional protein therapeutics. ALPN-101 is currently enrolling a first-in-human Phase I healthy volunteer trial.

Agenus Reports First Quarter 2019 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update

On May 9, 2019 Agenus Inc. (NASDAQ: AGEN), an immuno-oncology (I-O) company with a pipeline of immune checkpoint antibodies, cancer vaccines and adoptive cell therapies1, provided corporate updates and reported financial results for the first quarter of 2019 (Press release, Agenus, MAY 9, 2019, View Source [SID1234536002]).

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Agenus Logo

"2019 is off to a strong start. We have made significant progress towards our efforts to bring transformative treatments to cancer patients." said Garo H. Armen, Ph.D., Chairman and CEO of Agenus. "In the first quarter of this year, we have strengthened our balance sheet, accelerated enrollment in our BLA path trials, and started a new clinical trial with our second generation CTLA4."

Achievements
Strengthened balance sheet
Closed on our collaboration with Gilead, which included $120M upfront, $30M equity investment and up to $1.7B in potential additional fees and milestone payments plus royalties
Received $7.5 million from Gilead as milestone payment for IND acceptance of AGEN1423 (now GS-1423), by the FDA
Enrollment in lead trials progressing; On track for BLA in 2020
Ongoing trials in cervical cancer are designed to support BLA via accelerated pathway
We plan to expand PD-1 development in additional indications through novel funding mechanisms
Enrollment proceeding in next-gen CTLA-4 trial
Started first-in-human trial with our next-gen CTLA4.
Enrollment advancing, and combinations and data expected this year
Advanced new discoveries, towards the clinic
First-in-class bispecific licensed to Gilead, GS-1423 IND accepted by the FDA
On track to file an IND for a CD137 agonist and an off-the shelf phosphorylated neoantigen vaccine
QS-21 Updates
Sales of Shingrix, containing our QS-21 Stimulon, continue to increase; GSK projects 2019 sales will exceed $1.3Bn and pledged $100M investment to expand production of its adjuvant system
A large-scale trial with QS-21 containing Mosquirix vaccine against malaria, began in Africa
AgenTus Cell Therapy Business:
2019 INDs are on track
Partnership and private financing discussions are underway
First Quarter 2019 Financial Results

We ended the first quarter of 2019 with a cash balance of $158 million as compared to $53 million at December 31, 2018.

For the first quarter ended March 31, 2019, we reported net income of $17 million or $0.14 per share compared to a net loss for same period in 2018 of $54 million, or $0.53 per share. In the first quarter we recognized revenue of $80 million which includes revenue from our transaction with Gilead and non-cash royalties earned.

Conference Call, Webcast and Prepared Statement Information

Date: Thursday, May 9, 2019
Time: 8:30 a.m. ET
Domestic Dial-in Number: (866) 682-6100
International Dial-in Number: (862) 298-0702
Conference ID: Agenus

Live Webcast: accessible from the Company’s website at View Source or with this link View Source

A replay will be available on the Company’s website approximately two hours after the call and will remain available for 90 days.

Curadev Announces Licensing Agreement With Takeda for Novel STING Agonist

On May 8, 2019 Curadev announced it has licensed its novel lead small molecule Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) agonist (referred to by Curadev as CRD5500) and associated patents to Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (Takeda) (Press release, Takeda, MAY 8, 2019, View Source [SID1234538087]). The financial terms were not disclosed.

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"Our drug discovery efforts have targeted fundamental host immune mechanisms to stimulate anti-tumor immunity," said Curadev Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer Arjun Surya, Ph.D. "With its commitment to pursuing novel immuno-oncology targets, Takeda is an ideal partner to collaborate on the further development of a STING agonist that is potential first-in-class small molecule."

A poster presented at the 2019 Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) (LB-061: "CRD5500: a versatile small molecule STING agonist amenable to bioconjugation as an ADC") reported that the Curadev STING agonist potently activates all major known human STING variants and activates the immune system to shrink distant tumors and combines well with anti-PD-L1/anti-CTLA4/IDO-TDOi when dosed IT or systematically. It also demonstrated that the molecule has a long tumor residence time, good drug like properties, can be dosed by multiple routes, and has been successfully conjugated with trastuzumab.

"We look forward to collaborating with Curadev to further develop this novel STING agonist," said Chris Arendt, Head Oncology Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda. "This project is an example of Takeda’s commitment to collaborating with world-class partners like Curadev to pursue novel immuno-oncology targets that may one day deliver transformational benefit to patients."