Portola Pharmaceuticals Reports First Quarter 2019 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update

On May 8, 2019 Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: PTLA) reported financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and provided a corporate update (Press release, Portola Pharmaceuticals, MAY 8, 2019, View Source [SID1234535924]).

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"Our first quarter results continue to reflect strong demand for Andexxa, as well as focused execution on our commercial launch. The full commercial U.S. launch of Andexxa is off to a great start, and with approval of Ondexxya in Europe, we now have another long-term growth catalyst and the ability to impact thousands of additional patient lives," said Scott Garland, Portola’s president and chief executive officer. "Additionally, we continue to make progress with cerdulatinib and look forward to further defining the safety and efficacy profile, along with that of Andexxa, in a number of scientific presentations anticipated in Q2."

Quarter Ending March 31, 2019

Total revenues for the first quarter of 2019 were $22.2 million, compared with $6.6 million for the first quarter of 2018. This includes $20.3 million in net product revenues from Andexxa sales, $77 thousand in revenues from Bevyxxa sales and $1.8 million in collaboration and license revenues. Please see the tables at the end of this press release for a detailed breakdown of revenues.

Net loss attributable to Portola, according to generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (GAAP), was $78.2 million for the first quarter of 2019, or $1.17 net loss per share, compared with a net loss of $84.2 million, or $1.28 net loss per share, for the same period in 2018. This includes the effect of two charges taken in the first quarter related to the FDA approval for the Company’s Gen 2 manufacturing process. The first is a $5.8 million charge associated with the valuation of the Company equity that will be issued to Lonza, our Andexxa Gen 2 manufacturer ("manufacturing site charge"), and the second is a $3.9 million charge associated with the Andexxa Gen 1 product as hospitals transition to the Gen 2 product ("Gen 1 supply charge").

Non-GAAP net loss for the first quarter of 2019 was $68.4 million, or a non-GAAP basic and diluted loss per share of $1.02. Non-GAAP net loss and net loss per share have been adjusted to remove the manufacturing site charge and the Gen 1 supply charge. Please see the reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures at the end of this release for more details.

Cash, cash equivalents and investments at March 31, 2019 totaled $322.8 million, compared with $317.0 million as of December 31, 2018. In March, the Company entered into a $125 million loan agreement and received an initial tranche of $62.5 million, with the balance available at Portola’s option in the third quarter, subject to certain conditions, extending our cash runway to the end of 2020.

Total operating expenses for the first quarter of 2019 were $95.8 million, compared with $91.9 million for the same period in 2018. The increase was driven by the timing of launch activities in the U.S., the build-out of the Company’s field force and launch preparations in Europe.

Non-GAAP total operating expenses, which excludes the two charges outlined above, were $86.0 million for the first quarter of 2019. Please see the reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures table at the end of this release for more details.

Stock-based compensation expense for the first quarter of 2019 was $17.9 million, compared with $11.0 million for the same period in 2018. This year-over-year increase was driven primarily by the equity issued for the manufacturing site charge.

Cost of Sales (COS) for the first quarter of 2019 were $7.2 million, compared to $336 thousand for the same period in 2018. The increase was driven by the launch of Andexxa and the Gen 1 supply charge.

Research and development (R&D) expenses were $35.6 million for the first quarter of 2019, compared with $60.1 million for the first quarter of 2018. The decrease was driven primarily by the manufacturing costs for Andexxa Gen 2 being capitalized and no longer flowing through R&D.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the first quarter of 2019 were $53.0 million, compared with $31.5 million for the same period in 2018. The increase was driven by the expansion of the Company’s field force, commercial activities to support the launch of Andexxa and launch preparations in Europe.

Recent Achievements and Events

Received European Commission approval of Ondexxya and hired Head of Europe to build a team to support planned commercial activity.

Received C-code from The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, allowing hospitals an additional reimbursement pathway for Andexxa.

Submitted additional data to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on the proposed dose for cerdulatinib.

Announced the retirements of Portola co-founder Charles Homcy, M.D. from the Board of Directors, and John Curnutte, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Vice President of Research and Development.

Upcoming Milestones

Staged launch of Ondexxya in a select group of high-potential European countries where Factor Xa use is among the highest.

Present new data on:

The impact of Andexxa on patients with an intracranial hemorrhage at the European Stroke Organization Conference in Milan in May.

The question of whether PCCs have clinical activity in the reversal of direct FXa inhibitors at the International Society of Thrombosis and Hematology meeting in Melbourne.

The safety and efficacy of cerdulatinib in relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma, either alone or in combination with rituximab.

Initiate discussions with the FDA on a number of potential label expansion opportunities including the addition of the ANNEXA-4 efficacy data, the inclusion of edoxaban and enoxaparin, and the potential initiation of a study in urgent surgery.

Conference Call Details

Portola will host a conference call today, Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at 8:30 a.m. ET, during which time management will discuss the first quarter 2019 financial results, updates on the U.S. launch of Andexxa, launch preparations in Europe and other matters. The live call can be accessed by phone by dialing (844) 452-6828 from the U.S. and Canada or 1 (765) 507-2588 internationally and using the passcode 1684446. The webcast can be accessed live on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at View Source It will be archived for 30 days following the call.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release and the reconciliation table included herein include non-GAAP net loss, non-GAAP basic and diluted loss per share and non-GAAP operating expenses. The Company believes the presentation of non-GAAP financial measures provides useful information to management and investors regarding the company’s financial condition and results of operations. When viewed in conjunction with GAAP financial measures, investors are provided with a more meaningful understanding of the Company’s ongoing operating performance and are better able to compare the Company’s performance between periods. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures are among those that the Company uses as a basis for evaluating performance, allocating resources and planning and forecasting future periods. Non-GAAP financial measures are not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for GAAP financial measures. A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures is provided in the accompanying table entitled "Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures."

BioNTech Acquires MabVax Therapeutics’ Antibody Assets to Expand Portfolio

On May 8, 2019 BioNTech SE, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on patient-specific immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer and other serious diseases, reported the acquisition of antibody assets and infrastructure from San Diego-based MabVax Therapeutics Holding, Inc. (Nasdaq: MBVX), a clinical-stage oncology drug development company (Press release, BioNTech, MAY 8, 2019, View Source [SID1234535923]).

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Under the terms of the agreement, BioNTech has acquired MabVax Therapeutics’ lead candidate, MVT-5873, as well as other pre-clinical antibody assets to expand and complement its existing antibody portfolio and proprietary RiboMABS development capabilities. The acquired lead asset is currently in Phase 1 clinical development in pancreatic cancer and has been tested in 35 patients with initial positive interim data announced in February 2018. MVT-5873 is a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting sialyl Lewis A (sLea), an epitope expressed in pancreatic and other GI cancers that plays a role in tumor adhesion and metastasis formation.

"BioNTech’s vision is to identify and provide the best therapeutic options for each individual cancer patient. To make this possible, we are developing and integrating complementary technologies and drug modalities into our overall portfolio of treatment approaches," said Prof. Dr. Ugur Sahin, CEO of BioNTech. "MabVax Therapeutics has developed an antibody with a novel mode of action in a disease indication that complements our pipeline expansion plans. This clinical-stage antibody together with the other pre-clinical assets that we have acquired from MabVax Therapeutics enhance our antibody portfolio, which also benefits from our ongoing collaboration with Genmab and the acquisition of MAB Discovery earlier this year."

In conjunction with the agreement, BioNTech has purchased MabVax Therapeutics’ infrastructure and laboratory equipment with the intention of establishing a research facility in San Diego. The location is advantageous for BioNTech’s planned US-based clinical trials and will further support production of the Company’s investigational treatments. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Stemline Therapeutics to Host Conference Call on First Quarter 2019 Financial Results on May 10, 2019

On May 8, 2019 Stemline Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: STML), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel oncology therapeutics, reported that the company will host a conference call and live webcast on Friday, May 10, 2019 at 8:00 a.m. ET to report its first quarter 2019 financial results and other business highlights (Press release, Stemline Therapeutics, MAY 8, 2019, https://ir.stemline.com/news-releases/news-release-details/stemline-therapeutics-host-conference-call-first-quarter-2019 [SID1234535922]).

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The conference call can be accessed by dialing 1-800-667-5617 (domestic) or 1-334-323-0509 (international) and referring to conference ID 2090827. The live webcast can be accessed via the company’s website (www.stemline.com), at the bottom of the "Investors & Media" section in the "News & Events" page. The webcast will be archived and made available for replay on the company’s website shortly after the event.

About ELZONRIS
ELZONRIS (tagraxofusp-erzs), a CD123-directed cytotoxin, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and commercially available in the U.S. for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients, two years or older, with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN). For full prescribing information in the U.S., visit www.ELZONRIS.com. In Europe, a marketing authorization application (MMA) is under review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). ELZONRIS is also being evaluated in additional clinical trials in other indications including chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), myelofibrosis (MF) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

About BPDCN
BPDCN is an aggressive hematologic malignancy with historically poor outcomes and an area of unmet medical need. BPDCN typically presents in the bone marrow and/or skin and may also involve lymph nodes and viscera. The BPDCN cell of origin is the plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) precursor. The diagnosis of BPDCN is based on the immunophenotypic diagnostic triad of CD123, CD4, and CD56, as well as other markers. For more information, please visit the BPDCN disease awareness website at www.bpdcninfo.com.

About CD123
CD123 is a cell surface target expressed on a wide range of myeloid tumors including blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN), certain myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) including chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) and myelofibrosis (MF), acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (and potentially enriched in certain AML subsets), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). CD123 has also been reported on certain lymphoid malignancies including multiple myeloma (MM), acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL), hairy cell leukemia (HCL), Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL), and certain Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL). In addition, CD123 has been detected on some solid tumors as well as autoimmune disorders including cutaneous lupus and scleroderma.

Genmab Announces Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2019

On May 8, 2019 Genmab reported that Interim Report for the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2019 (Press release, Genmab, MAY 8, 2019, View Source [SID1234535921])

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Highlights

Regulatory applications for daratumumab in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone based on the MAIA study in frontline multiple myeloma submitted in U.S. and Europe
Regulatory applications for daratumumab in combination with bortezomib, thalidomide and dexamethasone based on the CASSIOPEIA study in frontline multiple myeloma submitted in U.S. and Europe
Positive topline results from Phase III COLUMBA study of subcutaneous daratumumab for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma
MorphoSys patent infringement complaint against Genmab and Janssen Biotech, Inc. dismissed, MorphoSys patents ruled invalid for lack of enablement, case ended
DARZALEX net sales increased 46% over Q1 2018 to USD 629 million, resulting in royalty income of DKK 502 million
"The first quarter was filled with regulatory news for DARZALEX, with our collaboration partner Janssen filing multiple new regulatory applications and achieving one new approval. In addition, we reported positive topline data for subcutaneous daratumumab in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma," said Jan van de Winkel, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab. "During the first quarter we also continued to invest in and advance our innovative proprietary products under development using Genmab’s expertise in antibody drug development to create truly differentiated products to help cancer patients."

Financial Performance First Quarter of 2019

Revenue was DKK 591 million in the first quarter of 2019 compared to DKK 681 million in the first quarter of 2018. The decrease of DKK 90 million, or 13%, was mainly driven by the one-time payment from Novartis of USD 50 million (DKK 304 million) during the first quarter of 2018 for lost potential milestones and royalties following announcement of Novartis’ intention to transition Arzerra (ofatumumab) to limited availability via compassionate use programs for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in non-US markets, partly offset by higher DARZALEX royalties and reimbursement income from our collaborations with Seattle Genetics and BioNTech.
Operating expenses were DKK 617 million in the first quarter of 2019 compared to DKK 357 million in the first quarter of 2018. The increase of DKK 260 million, or 73%, was driven by the advancement of enapotamab vedotin and tisotumab vedotin, additional investments in our product pipeline, and the increase in employees to support expansion of our product pipeline.
Operating loss was DKK 26 million in the first quarter of 2019 compared to operating income of DKK 324 million in the first quarter of 2018. As anticipated, the decrease of DKK 350 million, or 108%, was driven primarily by the one-time payment from Novartis in 2018 and increased operating expenses.
Outlook
Genmab is maintaining its 2019 financial guidance published on February 20, 2019.

Conference Call
Genmab will hold a conference call in English to discuss the results for the first quarter of 2019 today, Wednesday, May 8, at 6.00 pm CEST, 5.00 pm BST or 12.00 pm EDT. To join the call dial
+1 631 510 7495 (US participants) or +44 2071 928000 (international participants) and provide conference code 8692103.

A live and archived webcast of the call and relevant slides will be available at www.genmab.com.

Contact:
Marisol Peron, Corporate Vice President, Communications & Investor Relations
T: +1 609 524 0065; E: [email protected]
For Investor Relations:
Andrew Carlsen, Senior Director, Investor Relations
T: +45 3377 9558; E: [email protected]

Blinded Independent Validation Study of Tissue Systems Pathology Test in Determining Risk of Progression to Esophageal Cancer in Patients with Barrett’s Esophagus to be Presented at DDW 2019

On May 8, 2019 Cernostics, developer of next-generation cancer diagnostics and prognostics reported that the results of an independent study validating the use of its TissueCypher Barrett’s Esophagus Assay in determining the risk of progression to esophageal cancer (EC) in patients with Barrett’s esophagus (BE) will be presented during an oral session at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2019 (Press release, Cernostics, MAY 8, 2019, View Source [SID1234535920]).

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The study was conducted by clinicians at Cleveland Clinic and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, in collaboration with Cernostics. DDW 2019, the world’s largest gathering of physicians, researchers and industry in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and gastrointestinal surgery, is taking place in San Diego, May 18 – 21, 2019.

"Independent validation of TissueCypher is an important milestone that provides physicians and patients additional confidence that this innovative approach can improve management of BE and reduce the risk of progression to EC," said Mike Hoerres, Cernostics’ CEO. "We look forward to the presentation of the results of this study, and believe they add to the growing body of evidence demonstrating that TissueCypher provides independent prognostic information for clinicians that cannot be attained by other methods. The TissueCypher platform uniquely evaluates protein expression of multiple biomarkers in the context of tissue structure of esophageal biopsies, and does so in a highly objective and quantitative manner."

Independent Validation of a Tissue Systems Pathology Test to Predict Progression in Barrett’s Esophagus Patients
Session Type: Clinical Symposium #1068
Session Title: Challenges and Controversies in Barrett’s Esophagus
Date: May 21, 2019 Time: 2:15 – 2:30 p.m. Location: SDCC Room 33ABC
DDW attendees are invited to attend the oral scientific session being presented by Rebecca Critchley-Thorne, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at Cernostics.

About Barrett’s
BE affects more than three million Americans, occurring when chronic exposure to stomach acid causes the esophageal cell lining to deteriorate and undergo changes that can create an environment for cancer. Without treatment, Barrett’s can lead to EC, with a poor 5-year survival of less than 20%. Today, Barrett’s is commonly managed by surveillance, involving regular endoscopic procedures with biopsy, monitoring disease progression, and GERD-related drug therapy to control symptoms and prevent esophageal injury.