AOP Orphan announces EU Marketing Authorization for BESREMi® (Ropeginterferon alfa-2b) for rare blood cancer (PV)

On February 20, 2019 AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals AG (AOP Orphan), a European pioneer in rare disease, reported that the European Commission (EC) has granted Marketing Authorization for BESREMi (Ropeginterferon alfa-2b) as first line monotherapy in adults for the treatment of Polycythaemia Vera (PV) without symptomatic splenomegaly (Press release, AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals, FEB 20, 2019, View Source [SID1234533522]).

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!

BESREMi is now approved for use in all twenty-eight-member states of the European Union, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

The EC approval was based on data generated in the clinical development program, comprising of pivotal PROUD-PV, PEN-PV, PEGINVERA and the ongoing trial CONTINUATION-PV. Clinical study data on patients receiving treatment up to seven years are available underlining the long experience with BESREMi in PV.

"BESREMi is the first approved interferon in PV and now, our next goal is to make it available to patients living with this condition in Europe as soon as possible," said Andreas Steiner, Chief Executive Officer of AOP Orphan.

About BESREMi

BESREMi is a novel, long-acting, mono-pegylated proline interferon (ATC L03AB15). Its pharmacokinetic properties offer a new level of tolerability. BESREMi is designed to be self-administered subcutaneously with a pen once every two weeks, or monthly during long-term maintenance. This treatment schedule is expected to lead to overall better safety, tolerability and adherence compared to conventional pegylated interferons.

For the EC Summary of Product Characteristics please visit:

View Source

Ropeginterferon alfa-2b was discovered by PharmaEssentia Corp. based in Taiwan (see www.pharmaessentia.com). In 2009, AOP Orphan and PharmaEssentia entered into a License and Manufacturing agreement for Ropeginterferon alfa-2b which is manufactured by PharmaEssentia in its new Taichung Plant opened in Oct 2012 which has also received a GMP-certificate by a European regulatory body in Jan 2018. The finished product was developed as a pre-filled pen by Vetter (Germany) and Ypsomed (Switzerland) under the overall project lead of AOP Orphan in order to make administration easier compared to a vial or syringe. AOP Orphan has the exclusive rights for clinical development and commercialization of Ropeginterferon alfa-2b in PV, other myeloproliferative neoplasia (MPN) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) for European, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and Middle Eastern markets. AOP Orphan informs separately when BESREMi will be available on the respective markets.

About Polycythemia Vera
Polycythemia Vera (PV) is a rare cancer of the blood-building stem cells in the bone marrow resulting in a chronic increase of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. This condition increases the risk for circulatory disorders such as thrombosis and embolism, its symptoms lead to a reduced quality of life and on the long run may progress to myelofibrosis or transform to leukemia. While the molecular mechanism underlying PV is still subject of intense research, current results point to blood-building stem cells in the bone marrow with a set of acquired mutations, the most important being a mutant form of JAK2 that make up the malignant clone. Important PV treatment goals are to achieve healthy blood counts (hematocrit below 45%), improve quality of life and to slow or delay the progression of disease.

Medtronic EVP & RTG President Geoff Martha to Speak at Leerink Partners Global Healthcare Conference

On February 20, 2019 Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT), the global leader in medical technology, reported it will participate in the 8th Annual Leerink Partners Global Healthcare Conference in New York (Press release, Medtronic, FEB 20, 2019, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2388179 [SID1234533520]).

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!

Geoff Martha, executive vice president and president of the Restorative Therapies Group (RTG) of Medtronic, will make a brief presentation and answer questions on the company, beginning at 9:00 a.m. EST (8:00 a.m. CST) on Wednesday, February 27, 2019.

A live audio webcast of the presentation will be available on February 27, 2019, by clicking on the Investor Events link at View Source An archive of the session will be available on the same webpage later in the day.

CTI BioPharma to Present at the 8th Annual SVB Leerink Global Healthcare Conference Wednesday, Feb. 27

On February 20, 2019 CTI BioPharma Corp. (CTI BioPharma) (NASDAQ: CTIC) reported that management will provide a corporate overview at the 8th Annual SVB Leerink Global Healthcare Conference at 11:30 a.m. EST at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel (Press release, CTI BioPharma, FEB 20, 2019, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2388092 [SID1234533519]).

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!

Presentation details:

Event:

8th Annual SVB Leerink Global Healthcare Conference

Date:

Wednesday, Feb. 27

Time:

11:30 a.m. EST

The presentation will be webcast live and available for replay from the Investors section of CTI BioPharma’s website at www.ctibiopharma.com.

Genomic Health Reports Record 2018 Fourth Quarter and Year-end Financial Results and Provides 2019 Financial Guidance

On February 20, 2019 Genomic Health, Inc. (NASDAQ: GHDX) reported financial results and business progress for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2018 (Press release, Genomic Health, FEB 20, 2019, View Source [SID1234533517]).

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!

"2018 was a record year for Genomic Health. We delivered $394.1 million in revenue and non-GAAP net income of $39.7 million, exceeding expectations for the year. In December, we achieved a significant milestone delivering our one millionth Oncotype DX tests to cancer patients worldwide," said Kim Popovits, chairman of the board, chief executive officer and president of Genomic Health. "Additionally, positive results from the landmark NCI-sponsored TAILORx trial, published in June, elevated Oncotype DX to a new global standard of care for early-stage breast cancer. In 2019, we expect this momentum to continue as we increase penetration of our Oncotype DX tests both in the U.S. and key European markets and broaden global access with national reimbursement progress. We also expect to continue the expansion and diversification of our portfolio through multiple platforms and partners for longer-term growth."

Full Year 2018 Financial Results

Total revenue for 2018 was $394.1 million, compared with pre-606 adjusted revenue* of $334.0 million for 2017, an increase of 18 percent. Reported revenue was $340.8 million for 2017.

U.S. product revenue was $334.7 million for the full year 2018, compared with pre-606 adjusted revenue* of $281.6 million for 2017, an increase of 19 percent. U.S. product reported revenue was $287.4 million for 2017. U.S. invasive breast revenue from Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score tests was $299.4 million for 2018, compared with pre-606 adjusted revenue* of $254.0 million for 2017, an increase of 18 percent. U.S. invasive breast reported revenue was $259.7 million for 2017. U.S. prostate test revenue from Oncotype DX Genomic Prostate Score (GPS) tests was $26.8 million in 2018, compared with pre-606 adjusted revenue* of $17.9 million in 2017, an increase of 50 percent. U.S. prostate test reported revenue from GPS tests was $17.9 million in 2017.

International product revenue for 2018 was $59.4 million, compared with pre-606 adjusted revenue* of $52.0 million for 2017, an increase of 14 percent, and an increase of 12 percent on a non-GAAP constant currency basis. International product reported revenue was $53.1 million for 2017.

GAAP net income was $25.7 million, or $0.72 and $0.68 per share on a basic and diluted basis, respectively, for 2018, an improvement of $29.6 million, compared with a net loss of $3.9 million, or $0.11 per share on a basic and diluted basis, for 2017. GAAP operating income was $23.9 million for 2018, an improvement of $30.4 million, compared with an operating loss of $6.5 million for 2017.

Non-GAAP net income was $39.7 million for 2018, an improvement of $41.3 million, compared with a $1.6 million non-GAAP net loss for 2017. Non-GAAP operating income was $38.8 million for 2018, an improvement of $41.0 million, compared with a non-GAAP operating loss of $2.2 million for 2017.

2019 Financial Guidance

"We have entered 2019 with strong momentum in our business and expect to deliver revenue growth between 11 and 14 percent and significantly greater improvement in profitability for the full year with continued operating leverage," said Brad Cole, chief financial officer of Genomic Health. "In 2019, operating margin expansion is expected to deliver net income growth between 35 and 50 percent for the year on a non-GAAP basis."

Additional 2018 Full Year and Fourth Quarter Financial Results

Total revenue was $104.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, compared with pre-606 adjusted revenue* of $85.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2017, an increase of 22 percent. Revenue growth in the fourth quarter

would have been 18 percent excluding $3.5 million to reflect ASC-606 portfolio adjustments. Reported revenue was $87.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2017.

U.S. product revenue was $88.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, compared with pre-606 adjusted revenue* of $72.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2017, an increase of 23 percent. U.S. product reported revenue was $73.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. U.S. invasive breast revenue from Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score tests was $79.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, compared with pre-606 adjusted revenue* of $64.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, an increase of 22 percent. U.S. invasive breast reported revenue was $66.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. U.S. prostate test revenue from Oncotype DX GPS tests was $7.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, compared with pre-606 adjusted revenue* of $5.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, an increase of 48 percent. U.S. prostate test reported revenue from GPS tests was $5.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2017.

International product revenue was $16.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, compared with pre-606 adjusted revenue* of $13.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2017, an increase of 19 percent, and a 21 percent increase on a non-GAAP constant currency basis. International product reported revenue was $13.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2017.

GAAP net income was $8.9 million, or $0.25 and $0.23 per share on a basic and diluted basis, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2018, an improvement of $7.0 million, compared with $1.9 million, or $0.05 per share on a basic and diluted basis, in the fourth quarter of 2017. GAAP operating income was $9.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, an improvement of $7.3 million, compared with $2.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Non-GAAP net income was $12.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, an improvement of $9.5 million, compared with non-GAAP net income of $2.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. Non-GAAP operating income was $12.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, compared with a non-GAAP operating income of $3.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2017.

More than 35,530 Oncotype test results were delivered in the fourth quarter of 2018, an increase of 11 percent, compared with more than 31,990 test results delivered in the same period in 2017. Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score tests delivered in the U.S. grew 9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2018, compared with the same period in 2017. Oncotype DX GPS tests delivered in the U.S. grew 19 percent in the fourth quarter of 2018, compared with the same period in 2017. Oncotype DX international tests delivered grew 15 percent in the fourth quarter of 2018, compared with the same period in 2017 and represented approximately 24 percent of total test volume in the quarter.

More than 136,380 Oncotype test results were delivered for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of 8 percent, compared with more than 126,730 test results delivered in the same period in 2017. Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score tests delivered in the U.S. grew 7 percent in 2018 compared to the prior year. Oncotype DX GPS tests delivered in the U.S. grew 23 percent in 2018 compared to the prior year. Oncotype DX international tests delivered grew 4 percent in 2018 compared to the prior year and represented approximately 24 percent of total test volume in 2018.

Cash and cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities at December 31, 2018, were $209.8 million, an increase of $80.2 million compared with $129.6 million at December 31, 2017.

Recent Business Highlights

Delivered, in collaboration with physicians around the world, more than 1 million Oncotype DX tests to cancer patients worldwide since the first test was made available to patients in 2004. To date, more than 53,000 physicians across 90 countries have used Oncotype DX to optimize treatment decisions for their

breast, prostate and colon cancer patients, improving outcomes and saving more than $5 billion in healthcare costs.

Expanded exclusive collaboration with Biocartis Group NV to include urology for the anticipated development of an in vitro diagnostic version of the Oncotype DX Genomic Prostate Score test on Biocartis’ Idylla platform.

The U.K.’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued updated guidance again recommending the Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score test for use in clinical practice to guide adjuvant chemotherapy treatment decisions and expanding its prior recommendation to now include patients with micrometastases.

The Breast published results from a French prospective decision impact study on the real-life utilization of the Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score test in clinical practice, demonstrating a 36 percent reduction in chemotherapy use. Consistent with other decision impact studies worldwide, these results highlight the value and need for broader patient access in France.

Nature Partner Journals (NPJ) Breast Cancer published a new analysis of the randomized NSABP B-20 study confirming patients with Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score results greater than 25 receive life-saving benefit from chemotherapy, reinforcing the conclusions of the landmark TAILORx study.

Presented results from two Oncotype DX studies at the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium reinforcing the real-world value of the Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score test in optimizing treatment and outcomes in breast cancer patients regardless of age or race.

Received acceptance to present five studies at the 16th St. Gallen International Breast Cancer Conference in March 2019.

Urology published results from a multi-center study establishing Oncotype DX as the first genomic prostate cancer test with prospective validation for predicting adverse pathology to identify patients for active surveillance.

Presented results from multiple studies in men on active surveillance at the 2019 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium demonstrating association between the Oncotype DX GPS test and adverse pathology, underscoring its value in identifying patients who will ultimately require surgery due to disease progression.

*Pre-606 Adjusted Product Revenue

Effective January 1, 2018, the company adopted the new ASC 606 accounting standard for revenue, using the modified retrospective method, which applies the new standard prospectively and does not impact prior years’ financial statements. Since the as-reported 2017 quarterly and annual financial statements will not be restated to reflect the new accounting standard, the company has provided a supplemental financial schedule in the non-GAAP tables at the end of this press release, reflecting an estimate of revenue as if the new standard had been applied to the historical 2017 product revenue portion of revenue as of January 1, 2017, referred to herein as "pre-606 adjusted revenue."

Non-GAAP Disclosure

The company makes reference in this press release to "non-GAAP operating income (loss)," which excludes 2018 expenses resulting from the restructuring charges for the cessation of the Oncotype SEQ Liquid Select test product development and commercialization activities in the first quarter of 2018, the cessation of its collaboration with Cleveland Diagnostics in the second quarter of 2018, the expenses for milestone payments to Biocartis N.V. (Biocartis) in the second and third quarters of 2018, as well as the payment to Biocartis for exercising its option to expand the collaboration to include urology in the fourth quarter of 2018. Additionally, the company references "non-GAAP net income (loss)," which also excludes fair value adjustments related to its collaborations with Biocartis and Epic Sciences, and the gain on sale of marketable securities in the first quarter of 2017. The company believes that excluding these items and their related tax effects from its financial results reflects operating results that are more indicative of the company’s ongoing operating performance while

improving comparability to prior periods, and, as such, may provide investors with an enhanced understanding of the company’s past financial performance and prospects for the future. The company also considers the impact of foreign currency exchange rates on its global business as described in the constant currency table accompanying this press release. The company’s management uses such non-GAAP measures internally to evaluate and assess its core operations and to make ongoing operating decisions. This information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for income (loss) from operations or net income (loss) information prepared in accordance with GAAP. An explanation and reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is included in the tables accompanying this press release.

Conference Call Details
To access the live conference call today, February 20, 2019, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time via phone, please dial (877) 303-7208 from the United States and Canada, or +1 (224) 357-2389 internationally. The conference call ID is 8989205. Please dial in approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. To access the live and subsequently archived webcast of the conference call, go to the Investor Relations section of the company’s website at View Source Please connect to the website at least 15 minutes prior to the presentation to allow for any software download that may be necessary.

Kura Oncology to Present at SVB Leerink Global Healthcare Conference

On February 20, 2019 Kura Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: KURA), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of precision medicines for oncology, reported that Troy Wilson, Ph.D., J.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, is scheduled to participate in a fireside chat at the 8th Annual SVB Leerink Global Healthcare Conference on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. ET / 7:00 a.m. PT (Press release, Kura Oncology, FEB 20, 2019, View Source [SID1234533516]).

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!

A live audio webcast of the fireside chat will be available in the Investors section of Kura’s website at www.kuraoncology.com, with an archived replay available for 30 days following the event.