Glactone Pharma receives funding from Swelife and Medtech4health

On May 24, 2018 Glactone Pharma reported that in strong competition and after external examination, the company in collaboration with researchers from Karolinska Institutet and Lund University has been awarded a SEK 1,000,000 (approx. USD 115,000) grant from Swelife and Medtech4health, two Swedish national life-science innovation programs funded by Vinnova, Sweden’s Innovation Agency (Press release, Glactone Pharma, MAY 24, 2018, View Source [SID1234526882]). Glactone Pharma’s funded project, STAT3 inhibition as immunotherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer, aims to investigate the mechanism behind the combination effect of STAT3 inhibition and immunotherapy. Unravelling the mechanism is an important step in the development towards an effective immunotherapy for prostate cancer. The call for applications was aimed towards projects that have a strong innovation potential and that address unmet medical needs and demands from patients, caregivers and healthcare systems.

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Glactone Pharma is a Swedish biotech company developing novel drugs that can inhibit the transcription factor STAT3, a highly relevant drug target in cancer. The project is a collaboration with Dr Andreas Lundqvist, Associate Professor, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Oncology-Pathology and Professor Anders Bjartell, Department of Translational Medicine, Medical Faculty, Lund University. Glactone Pharma will provide expertise in drug development as well as access to the company’s candidate drug. The groups of Dr Lundqvist and Professor Bjartell will provide expertise in the areas of tumor immunology and prostate cancer respectively.

The objective for this project is to investigate the mechanism that links STAT3 inhibition to increased efficacy of checkpoint inhibition immunotherapy in prostate cancer. Using advanced models of prostate cancer, the interactions between immune cells and prostate cancer cells following STAT3 inhibition will be studied. Having this information is very important in order to predict which patients might respond and to guide the optimal treatment, thereby increasing the chances of success in future clinical trials.

Martin Johansson, CEO of Glactone Pharma, says: "Immunotherapy is one of the most exciting and promising areas of drug development today. However, many limitations exist. With the funding for this project, we can address a great unmet medical need and potentially bring forward an innovative and effective treatment for prostate cancer patients. We are very grateful to be recognized in this way and we look forward to collaborating with two leading Swedish academic institutions."

About immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment modality that activates and utilizes the body’s own immune system to recognize and attack tumors and is today the fastest growing and most promising area of cancer research. With the great potential that immunotherapies offer for cancer patients, a large interest in novel immunotherapies has arisen.

About STAT3
STAT3 (Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3) is a transcription factor/signaling protein that is frequently activated in many forms of cancer.

STAT3 is a highly promising target in cancer with both preclinical and clinical data supporting the important roles that STAT3 plays in cancer occurrence and progression. In particular, STAT3 is involved in mechanisms that enable tumors and cancer cells to evade the immune system and become treatment resistant.

STAT3 is an intractable drug target as it is an intracellular protein with no enzymatic activity and is activated by multiple upstream factors. Despite STAT3 not being a "classic drug target", Glactone Pharma has developed orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitors that can directly inhibit the function of STAT3.

Clinical Genomics Presents Clinical Utility Data for COLVERA™ at 2018 ASCO Annual Meeting

On May 24, 2018 Clinical Genomics, a leading provider of colorectal cancer (CRC) testing and solutions, reported that data demonstrating the utility of COLVERA for detection of methylated ctDNA following surgery and prediction of risk for residual and recurrent disease will be presented at 2018 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting taking place in Chicago, IL, June 1-5 (Press release, Clinical Genomics, MAY 24, 2018, View Source [SID1234526881]).

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COLVERA is a new blood-based test for detection of circulating tumor DNA methylated in the two genes, BCAT1 and IKZF1. The study was performed in collaboration with Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer (Adelaide, Australia).
"The observation that the COLVERA blood test, when positive, indicates increased risk of residual disease and subsequently for recurrence has implications for adjuvant therapy and monitoring," stated Dr. Susanne Pedersen, Chief Scientific Officer of Clinical Genomics.

"The results of this study suggest serious consideration for the use of the COLVERA blood test after curative intent surgery and during the post-treatment surveillance period for all Stage II and Stage III CRC patients," added Tadd S. Lazarus, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Clinical Genomics.

The study selected for poster presentation at this year’s meeting is:

A prospective cohort study in colorectal cancer assessing the relationship between post-surgery detection of methylated BCAT1 or IKZF1 ctDNA and risk for residual disease and survival.
Presenter: David Murray, Senior Scientist, Clinical Genomics
Abstract Number: 3596
Poster Board Number: 89

Data will be presented in Hall A of McCormick Place during Poster Session: Gastrointestinal (Colorectal) Cancer on June 3, 8:00 AM-11:30 AM.

Moleculin Invited to Present to International BioForum 2018 Conference

On May 24,2018 Moleculin Biotech, Inc., (Nasdaq:MBRX) ("Moleculin" or the "Company"), a clinical stage pharmaceutical company focused on the development of oncology drug candidates, all of which are based on license agreements with The University of Texas System on behalf of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, reported that its CEO, Walter Klemp, was asked to address the 2018 BioForum Conference in Łódź, Poland (Press release, Moleculin, MAY 24, 2018, View Source [SID1234526880]).

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The Moleculin Chairman and CEO was asked to give a lecture on Polish-American Innovation Bridge: Bringing validated innovations from USA to Poland. Now, in its 17th edition, BioForum 2018 has become one of the biggest partnering conferences in Central Europe, providing the world’s most innovative leaders across the life science sector to network and do business with one another.

"We are honored that Moleculin’s innovative approach to global collaboration is being used as an example of cutting edge development," commented Walter Klemp, Moleculin’s Chairman and CEO. "Our partnerships in Poland have already facilitated more rapid development of our drug pipeline. We look forward to continuing to leverage the strengths of both the US and Poland to create faster, more cost-effective outcomes."

Medtronic Reports Fourth Quarter And Fiscal Year 2018 Financial Results

On May 24, 2018 Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT) reported financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2018, which ended April 27, 2018 (Press release, Medtronic, MAY 24, 2018, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2350610 [SID1234526879]).

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The company reported fourth quarter worldwide revenue of $8.144 billion, an increase of 2.9 percent as reported, or 6.5 percent on an organic basis, which adjusts for the divestiture of its Patient Care, Deep Vein Thrombosis (Compression), and Nutritional Insufficiency businesses to Cardinal Health that occurred in the second quarter, and a $315 million positive impact from foreign currency. As reported, fourth quarter GAAP net income and diluted earnings per share (EPS) were $1.460 billion and $1.07, respectively. As detailed in the financial schedules included through the link at the end of this release, fourth quarter non-GAAP net income and diluted EPS were $1.942 billion and $1.42, increases of 6 percent and 7 percent, respectively. Adjusting for the divestiture and a negative 2 cent impact from foreign currency, fourth quarter non-GAAP diluted EPS increased 15 percent.

Fourth quarter U.S. revenue of $4.187 billion represented 52 percent of company revenue and decreased 4.9 percent as reported, while it increased 5.3 percent on a comparable basis, which adjusts for the divestiture. Non-U.S. developed market revenue of $2.718 billion represented 33 percent of company revenue and increased 10.8 percent as reported and 4.6 percent on a comparable, constant currency basis. Emerging market revenue of $1.239 billion represented 15 percent of company revenue and increased 16.8 percent as reported and 15.5 percent on a comparable, constant currency basis.

Medtronic’s fiscal year 2018 revenue of $29.953 billion increased 0.8 percent, or 4.6 percent on an organic basis, adjusting for the divestiture, acquisitions, and the $494 million positive impact from foreign currency. As reported, fiscal year 2018 net earnings were $3.104 billion or $2.27 per diluted share. As detailed in the link at the end of this release, fiscal year 2018 non-GAAP earnings and diluted EPS were $6.530 billion and $4.77, representing increases of 2 percent and 4 percent, respectively. Adjusting for the divestiture and a negative 4 cent impact from foreign currency, fiscal year 2018 non-GAAP diluted EPS increased 10 percent.

Fiscal year 2018 cash flow from operations was $4.7 billion, which includes a $1.1 billion pre-payment the company elected to make late in the fourth quarter to the U.S. IRS related to in-process litigation on Puerto Rico transfer pricing. Excluding the $1.1 billion payment, fiscal year 2018 free cash flow would have been $4.7 billion. The expense associated with this payment was recognized in prior quarters’ earnings, and the payment was made to eliminate the timing uncertainty of the cash outflow, as well as stop the accrual of significant interest.

"Looking at our fourth quarter results, we delivered another strong quarter, as we continue to execute on our sustainable growth strategy, driving therapy innovation and global market penetration, while delivering enterprise synergies to expand margins," said Omar Ishrak, Medtronic chairman and chief executive officer. "We overcame several challenges in the first half of our fiscal year to deliver a strong second half, led by 6.5 percent organic revenue growth. We came in at the high end of both the revenue and EPS guidance we established at the start of the year."

Cardiac and Vascular Group
The Cardiac and Vascular Group (CVG) includes the Cardiac Rhythm & Heart Failure (CRHF), Coronary & Structural Heart (CSH), and Aortic & Peripheral Vascular (APV) divisions. CVG worldwide fourth quarter revenue of $3.135 billion increased 10.1 percent, or 5.4 percent on a constant currency basis. CVG revenue performance was driven by strong, low-teens growth in CSH, mid-single digit growth in APV, and low-single digit growth in CRHF, all on a constant currency basis.

CRHF fourth quarter revenue of $1.633 billion increased 5.8 percent, or 1.5 percent on a constant currency basis. Arrhythmia Management grew in the low-single digits on a constant currency basis, driven by high-single digit growth in Pacing, led by the strong adoption of the Micra Transcatheter Pacing System and the launch of the Azure wireless pacemaker. Results were also driven by double digit growth in AF Solutions, Mechanical Circulatory Support, and TYRX in Infection Control.
CSH fourth quarter revenue of $1.005 billion increased 18.7 percent, or 12.8 percent on a constant currency basis, led by low-twenties constant currency growth in transcatheter aortic valves on the global strength of the CoreValve Evolut PRO. Coronary grew in the mid-teens on a constant currency basis, driven by strong demand for the company’s Resolute Onyx(TM) drug-eluting stent in the U.S. and Japan.
APV fourth quarter revenue of $497 million increased 8.8 percent, or 4.8 percent on a constant currency basis. Aortic grew in the low-single digits on a constant currency basis, driven by customer adoption of its endoanchor fixation solutions for short necks. Peripheral grew in the low-single digits on a constant currency basis, driven by strong PTA balloon growth in the United States and drug-coated balloon growth in international markets. Mid-teens constant currency growth in endoVenous was driven by strong demand for the VenaSeal(TM) closure system.
Minimally Invasive Therapies Group
The Minimally Invasive Therapies Group (MITG) includes the Surgical Innovations (SI) and the Respiratory, Gastrointestinal & Renal (RGR) divisions. MITG worldwide fourth quarter revenue of $2.237 billion decreased 14.1 percent as reported, or increased 4.8 percent on a comparable, constant currency basis. MITG revenue performance was driven by mid-single digit growth in SI and low-single digit growth in RGR, both on a comparable, constant currency basis.

SI fourth quarter revenue of $1.513 billion increased 5.9 percent on a comparable, constant currency basis, driven by growth from new products in Advanced Energy and Advanced Stapling, including LigaSure(TM) vessel sealing instruments with nano-coating, endo stapling specialty reloads, and the Signia(TM) powered stapler.
RGR fourth quarter revenue of $724 million increased 2.5 percent on a comparable, constant currency basis. GI and Hepatology grew in the low-double digits on a comparable, constant currency basis, with continued strength across the GI therapeutics, diagnostics, and ablation product lines. Respiratory and Patient Monitoring grew in the low-single digits on a comparable, constant currency basis, with continued strength in Nellcor(TM) pulse oximetry sensors given the strong incidence of influenza in the U.S.
Restorative Therapies Group
The Restorative Therapies Group (RTG) includes the Spine, Brain Therapies, Specialty Therapies, and Pain Therapies divisions. RTG worldwide fourth quarter revenue of $2.127 billion increased 9.0 percent, or 6.1 percent on a constant currency basis. Group results were driven by low-double digit growth in Brain Therapies and Pain Therapies, mid-single digit growth in Specialty Therapies, and low-single digit growth in Spine, all on a constant currency basis.

Spine fourth quarter revenue of $699 million increased 3.4 percent, or 1.0 percent on a constant currency basis. Spine’s growth was driven by high-single digit constant currency growth in bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) offset by low-single digit declines in Core Spine.
Brain Therapies fourth quarter revenue of $672 million increased 14.9 percent, or 11.3 percent on a constant currency basis. Neurovascular grew in the high-teens on a constant currency basis, with strong growth in stents and access products. Neurosurgery grew in the low-double digits on a constant currency basis, led by strong sales of the StealthStation S8 surgical navigation system, Mazor X(TM) robotic guidance system, and Visualase MRI-guided laser ablation system.
Specialty Therapies fourth quarter revenue of $424 million increased 7.1 percent, or 4.3 percent on a constant currency basis. Results were led by mid-single digit growth in Pelvic Health and ENT and low-single digit growth in Transformative Solutions, all on a constant currency basis.
Pain Therapies fourth quarter revenue of $332 million increased 12.9 percent, or 9.9 percent on a constant currency basis. The division had strong mid-teens growth in Pain Stimulation on the strength of the recently launched Intellis(TM) platform for spinal cord stimulation, as well as mid-single digit growth in Targeted Drug Delivery and Interventional Pain.
Diabetes Group
The Diabetes Group includes the Intensive Insulin Management (IIM), Diabetes Service & Solutions (DSS), and Non-Intensive Diabetes Therapies (NDT) divisions. Diabetes Group worldwide fourth quarter revenue of $645 million increased 26.0 percent, or 21.3 percent on a constant currency basis. The group is experiencing strong global demand for its new sensor-augmented insulin pump systems.

IIM fourth quarter revenue grew in the high-twenties on a constant currency basis, driven by the U.S. launch of the MiniMed 670G hybrid closed loop insulin pump system with the Guardian sensor 3 continuous glucose monitor (CGM). In international markets, IIM delivered mid-twenties constant currency growth on the continued strength of the MiniMed 640G system.
DSS fourth quarter revenue grew in the low-double digits on a constant currency basis, with strong growth in consumables benefitting from customer base growth and improved patient utilization.
NDT fourth quarter revenue declined in the low twenties on a constant currency basis, given the commercial focus on the MiniMed 670G launch and competitive pressures.
Guidance
The company today issued its fiscal year 2019 revenue and EPS growth guidance.

In fiscal year 2019, the company expects organic revenue growth to be in the range of 4.0 to 4.5 percent. If current exchange rates remain similar for the fiscal year, the company’s fiscal year 2019 revenue would be negatively affected by approximately $50 million to $150 million.

In fiscal year 2019, the company expects diluted non-GAAP EPS in the range of $5.10 to $5.15, which implies 10 percent growth at the mid-point of the range and assumes a 5 cent benefit from foreign exchange based on current exchange rates.

"Looking ahead, we feel good about the growth opportunities in our markets and our competitive position in these markets. We expect continued revenue growth and margin expansion. We are also focused on improving free cash flow conversion and making the right investments to drive shareholder value," said Ishrak. "We look forward to discussing our long-term strategies and providing our long-range outlook at our biennial institutional investor and analyst meeting on June 5th."

Webcast Information
Medtronic will host a webcast today, May 24, at 8:00 a.m. EDT (7:00 a.m. CDT) to provide information about its businesses for the public, analysts, and news media. This quarterly webcast can be accessed by clicking on the Investor Events link at investorrelations.medtronic.com and this earnings release will be archived at newsroom.medtronic.com. Medtronic will be live tweeting during the webcast on our Newsroom Twitter account, @Medtronic. Within 24 hours of the webcast, a replay of the webcast and transcript of the company’s prepared remarks will be available by clicking on the Investor Events link at investorrelations.medtronic.com.

Financial Schedules
To view the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2018 financial schedules and non-GAAP reconciliations, click here. To view the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2018 earnings presentation, click here. Both documents can also be accessed by visiting newsroom.medtronic.com

West Announces Participation in Upcoming June Investor Conferences

On May 24, 2018 West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE: WST), a global leader in innovative solutions for injectable drug administration, reported that its Management Team will present an overview of the Company’s business at two investor conferences in June (Press release, West Pharmaceutical Services, MAY 24, 2018, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2350600 [SID1234526878]). Management will present at the Jefferies 2018 Global Healthcare Conference in New York, New York at 8:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, June 5, 2018; and at the Goldman Sachs 39th Annual Global Healthcare Conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, California at 10:00 a.m. PDT on Thursday, June 14, 2018.

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A live audio webcast of the presentation and a copy of the presentation will be accessible from the Company’s website at www.westpharma.com/en/investors.