NewLink Genetics Reports Third Quarter 2018 Financial Results and Announces Abstracts to Be Presented at Upcoming Medical Meetings

On November 1, 2018 NewLink Genetics Corporation (NASDAQ:NLNK) reported consolidated financial results for the third quarter 2018 and reviewed recent highlights and upcoming milestones (Press release, NewLink Genetics, NOV 1, 2018, View Source [SID1234530642]).

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"NewLink Genetics continues to produce encouraging data supporting indoximod in targeted cancer indications. We remain confident in the advancement of our clinical programs as we strive to develop novel therapies addressing areas of great unmet need," said Charles J. Link, Jr, MD, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We look forward to presenting data at SITC (Free SITC Whitepaper) and ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) this fall."
Data to be Presented at Upcoming Medical Meetings

Abstract accepted for oral presentation at the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, December 1-4, 2018

Abstract 332: Indoximod combined with standard induction chemotherapy is well tolerated and induces a high rate of complete remission with MRD-negativity in patients with newly diagnosed AML: results from a Phase 1 trial, Emadi, A., et al. – to be presented during the oral session, 616 entitled "Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Novel Therapy, excluding Transplantation: Combination Therapy" Sunday, Dec 2, 2018, 9:30-11:00 AM PT. Data indicate that a high percentage of newly diagnosed AML patients treated with indoximod plus standard-of-care (SOC) chemotherapy achieved complete response (CR) and showed no evidence of minimal residual disease (were MRD-negative). Indoximod was well tolerated.

Abstracts accepted for poster presentation at the SITC (Free SITC Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, November 7-11, 2018

Abstract 11213: A phase 1a clinical trial of NLG802, a prodrug of indoximod with enhanced pharmacokinetic properties, Rixe, O., et al. (Poster #P331)

Abstract 10294: The immunogenomic impact of indoximod on the tumor microenvironment of melanoma patients, Yu, J., et al. (Poster #P142)

Abstract 10304: Effects of indoximod plus gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel on tumor microenvironment of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, Yu, J., et al. (Poster #P706)

Posters are being presented on Friday, November 9th, and Saturday, November 10th, from 8 AM to 8 PM, in Exhibition Hall E of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Outlook for 2019

Updated results from Phase 1 trial of indoximod plus radiotherapy for pediatric patients with recurrent malignant brain tumors including initial survival data expected to be presented 1H 2019

Updated data from Phase 1 trial of indoximod plus radiotherapy in DIPG anticipated in 2019

Data from Phase 2 trial of NLG207 (CRLX101), a nanoparticle formulation of the topoisomerase 1 inhibitor, camptothecin, plus paclitaxel in recurrent ovarian cancer anticipated in 2019

Exhibit 99.1

Clinical Update
NewLink Genetics continues its clinical trials of indoximod in combination therapies for adult patients with newly diagnosed AML, pediatric patients with recurrent brain tumors, and pediatric patients with newly diagnosed DIPG. These targeted indications are those with unmet need where indoximod has produced encouraging early data and where standard-of-care therapy has not changed significantly for decades.
A Phase 2 study evaluating NLG207, a nanoparticle formulation of the topoisomerase 1 inhibitor camptothecin, in combination with paclitaxel for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer is complete, and data analysis is underway. NLG207 is an asset acquired from Cerulean Pharma Inc. in 2017. This trial is being conducted in conjunction with the Gynecological Oncology Group.
Board Changes
Paolo Pucci has resigned his position as a Director on NewLink Genetics’ Board effective October 31, 2018 due to the increasing responsibilities associated with his current position as CEO of ArQule, Inc. and current guidelines of proxy advisors regarding the number of directorships to be held by a CEO. With Mr. Pucci’s departure, NewLink’s Board will consist of seven directors.
Financial Results for the Three-Month Period Ended September 30, 2018
Cash Position: NewLink Genetics ended the quarter on September 30, 2018, with cash and cash equivalents totaling $122.1 million compared to $158.7 million for the year ending December 31, 2017.
R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses for the third quarter of 2018 were $7.6 million, a decrease of $10.9 million from $18.5 million for the same period in 2017. The decrease was due to reductions of $7.3 million in contract research and manufacturing spend, $2.5 million in clinical trial expense, $570,000 in personnel-related and stock compensation expense, $560,000 in supplies and licensing, and $100,000 in restructuring costs. These reductions were offset by an increase of $70,000 in legal and consulting expense.
G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses for the third quarter of 2018 were $7.6 million, a decrease of $320,000 from $7.9 million for the same period in 2017. The decrease was due to reductions of $300,000 in restructuring costs, $240,000 in legal and consulting expenses, and $10,000 in personnel-related and stock compensation expense. These reductions were offset by an increase of $230,000 in supplies and other expense.
Net Loss: NewLink Genetics reported a net loss of $7.4 million or ($0.20) per diluted share for the third quarter of 2018 compared to a net loss of $20.6 million or ($0.69) per diluted share for the third quarter of 2017.
NewLink Genetics ended the quarter with 37,216,892 shares outstanding.
Conference Call and Webcast Details
The Company has scheduled a conference call and webcast for 4:30 p.m. ET today to discuss the results and to give an update on clinical and business development activities. NewLink Genetics’ senior management team will host the call, which will be open to all listeners. There will also be a question and answer session following the prepared remarks.
Access to the live conference call is available by dialing (855) 235-8286 (U.S.) or (267) 753-2161 (international) five minutes prior to the start of the call. The conference call will be webcast live and a link to the webcast can be accessed through the NewLink Genetics website at www.NewLinkGenetics.com in the "Investors & Media" section under "Events and Presentations" or by clicking here. To ensure a timely connection, it is recommended that users register at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled webcast. A replay of the call will be available approximately two hours after the completion of the call and can be accessed by dialing (855) 859-2056 (U.S.) or (404) 537-3406 (international) and using the passcode 1753698. The replay will be available for two weeks from the date of the call.
About Indoximod
Indoximod is an investigational, orally available small molecule targeting the IDO pathway. The IDO pathway is a key immuno-oncology target, suppressing immune response and allowing for immune escape by degrading tryptophan

Exhibit 99.1

with the resultant production of kynurenine. Indoximod reverses the immunosuppressive effects of low tryptophan and high kynurenine through mechanisms that include modulation of the AhR-driven transcription of genes that control immune function. This results in increased proliferation of effector T cells, increased differentiation into helper T cells rather than regulatory T cells, and downregulation of IDO expression in dendritic cells. Indoximod is being evaluated in combination with treatment regimens including chemotherapy, radiation, checkpoint blockade and cancer vaccines across multiple indications including recurrent pediatric brain tumors, DIPG, and AML

Oncolytics Biotech® Announces Abstract for ASH Annual Meeting & Exposition Demonstrating Pelareorep Increases PD-L1 Expression When Combined with a Proteasome Inhibitor

On November 1, 2018 Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC), currently developing pelareorep, an intravenously delivered immuno-oncolytic virus, reported publication of an abstract on pelareorep to be presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting & Exposition taking place December 1-4 in San Diego, California (Press release, Oncolytics Biotech, NOV 1, 2018, View Source [SID1234530637]).

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The abstract, authored by Craig C. Hofmeister, Acting Associate Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology Emory University School of Medicine, et al., is titled "Oncolytics Virus Replication Using Pelareorep (Reolysin) and Carfilzomib in Relapsed Myeloma Patients Increases PD-L1 Expression with Clinical Responses".

Because immune checkpoint inhibitors can only be effective when tumors express checkpoints such as PD-L1, an industry-wide effort is underway to identify agents that can upregulate the checkpoints on checkpoint-naked tumor cells. The abstract outlines a two-part study that demonstrated an increase in viral infection, viral replication and PD-L1 expression on the surface of myeloma cells for patients undergoing treatment with pelareorep in combination with carfilzomib (Kyprolis), a proteasome inhibitor, while carfilzomib alone has not been shown to induce PD-L1 expression. In part one of the study, six carfilzomib-sensitive patients showed reovirus infection and replication in the post-treatment bone marrow aspirates. In part two of the study, seven carfilzomib-refractory patients were enrolled, and of the three patients processed to date, reovirus infection was detected in myeloma cells of two patients and endothelial cells of one patient.

"With two very good partial responses and two partial responses, the results demonstrate an objective response at the recommended dose, as well as increased viral infection and viral replication," said Dr. Matt Coffey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oncolytics Biotech. "Most notably, in these myeloma patients receiving a proteasome inhibitor, systemically delivered pelareorep led to increases in PD-L1 expression, making pelareorep an ideal candidate to use in combination with this drug class."

The complete abstract can be found online at View Source Full details from the poster presentation will be announced after it is presented.

Presentation Number: 2655
Title:
Oncolytics Virus Replication Using Pelareorep (Reolysin) and Carfilzomib in Relapsed Myeloma Patients Increases PD-L1 Expression with Clinical Responses
Date: Sunday, December 2
Lecture Time: 6:00 p.m. PT – 8:00 p.m. PT
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Hall GH
Speakers: Craig Hofmeister
Session:
605. Molecular Pharmacology, Drug Resistance—Lymphoid and Other Diseases: Poster II

About Pelareorep
Pelareorep is a non-pathogenic, proprietary isolate of the unmodified reovirus: a first-in-class intravenously delivered immuno-oncolytic virus for the treatment of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. The compound induces selective tumor lysis and promotes an inflamed tumor phenotype through innate and adaptive immune responses to treat a variety of cancers and has been demonstrated to be able to escape neutralizing antibodies found in patients.

Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals to Host Third Quarter 2018 Financial Results Conference Call

On November 1, 2018 Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTPH), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel antibiotics to treat life-threatening multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections, reported that company management will host a conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 8, 2018 to discuss third quarter financial results and provide a general corporate update (Press release, Tetraphase, NOV 1, 2018, View Source [SID1234530632]).

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The conference call may be accessed by dialing 844-831-4023 (U.S. and Canada) or 731-256-5215 (international) and entering conference ID number 3997765. A live audio webcast of the conference call, or the subsequent archived recording, will be available online from the "Investors – Events & Presentations" section of the Tetraphase website at www.tphase.com.

A replay of the conference call will be available from 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 8, 2018, through 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 15, 2018 by dialing 855-859-2056 (U.S. and Canada) and 404-537-3406 for (international) callers. The conference ID number is 3997765. A replay of the webcast will be available for 90 days by visiting Tetraphase’s website.

Infinity Announces IPI-549 Late-Breaking Presentation at SITC 33rd Annual Meeting

On November 1, 2018 Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: INFI) reported that an abstract describing data from the expansion of the MARIO-1 Phase 1b Study of IPI-549 in combination with nivolumab in advanced solid tumors has been selected as a late-breaking poster presentation at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) 33rd Annual Meeting in Washington D.C., November 7 – 11. Details of the presentation are as follows (Press release, Infinity Pharmaceuticals, NOV 1, 2018, View Source [SID1234530631]):

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Title: The first clinical/translational data from the expansion cohorts of a Ph1/1b Study of IPI-549, a tumor macrophage-reprogramming small molecule, in combination with nivolumab in advanced solid tumors
Poster Number: P716; Abstract Number: 10767
Poster Presentation Hours: Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 12:20-1:50 p.m. and 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Poster Hall Location: Hall E
Presenting Author: Ryan J. Sullivan, M.D., Massachusetts General Hospital, PI for the MARIO-1 Study

Infinity will also host a reception for investors and analysts on Saturday, November 10, 2018, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. ET to discuss these results. The event will feature David Hong, M.D., Deputy Chair, Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX. There will also be a panel discussion with David Hong, M.D., and, from Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Sam Agresta, M.D., M.P.H., CMO, and Jeffery Kutok, M.D., Ph.D., CSO.

About IPI-549 and the Ongoing Phase 1/1b Study
IPI-549 is an investigational first-in-class, oral, immuno-oncology product candidate targeting tumor-associated myeloid cells through selective phosphoinositide-3-kinase-gamma (PI3K-gamma) inhibition, thereby reducing pro-tumor macrophage function and increasing anti-tumor macrophage function. In preclinical studies, IPI-549 demonstrated the ability to reprogram macrophages from a pro-tumor (M2), immune suppressive function, to an anti-tumor (M1) immune activating function and enhance the activity of, and overcome resistance to, checkpoint inhibitors.i ii As such, IPI-549 may have the potential to treat a broad range of solid tumors and represents a potentially additive or synergistic approach to restoring anti-tumor immunity in combination with other immunotherapies such as checkpoint inhibitors.

The ongoing Phase 1/1b study being conducted by Infinity is designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, activity, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of IPI-549 as a monotherapy and in combination with nivolumab (Opdivo) in approximately 200 patients with advanced solid tumors.iii The study includes monotherapy and combination dose-escalation components, in addition to monotherapy expansion and combination expansion components. The monotherapy dose-escalation and expansion components are complete. The combination dose-escalation component is also complete, and combination expansion cohorts are enrolling.

The combination expansion component of the study includes multiple cohorts designed to evaluate IPI-549 in patients with specific types of cancer, including patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), melanoma and head and neck cancer whose tumors show initial resistance or initially respond to but subsequently develop resistance to immune checkpoint blockade therapy. The combination expansion component also includes a cohort of patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) who have not been previously treated with immune checkpoint blockade therapy, a cohort of patients with mesothelioma, a cohort of patients with adrenocortical carcinoma and a cohort of patients with high baseline blood levels of MDSCs.

IPI-549 is an investigational compound and its safety and efficacy has not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any other health authority.

Quanterix Corporation Releases Operating Results for Third Quarter 2018

On November 1, 2018 Quanterix Corporation (NASDAQ:QTRX), a company digitizing biomarker analysis to advance the science of precision health, reported financial results for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018 (Press release, Quanterix, NOV 1, 2018, View Source [SID1234530628]).

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"This third quarter has been an incredibly productive one for our company, as we continue to achieve strong momentum and hit important milestones, including gaining back unrestricted rights to our Simoa technology for the in vitro diagnostics (IVD) markets," said Kevin Hrusovsky, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman. "Our Simoa technology is at the bleeding edge of the biomarker revolution, which has gained considerable traction recently as biomarkers are increasingly being recognized for their abilities to transform treatment options by accelerating development of more effective and safer drugs for all disease categories, and then longer-term, enabling and empowering individuals to take control of their lives and prevent disease."

Third Quarter 2018 Financial Highlights

Key financial results for the third quarter are shown below:

· Q3 revenue of $10.6M versus prior year Q3 of $5.7M, an increase of 85%.

· Q3 product revenue was $6.0M versus prior year Q3 of $3.3M, an increase of 82%.

· Q3 Service and Other revenue totaled $3.0M versus prior year Q3 of $2.2M, an increase of 36%.

Q3 2018 revenue includes a one-time item of $1.3M related to termination of a licensing agreement with bioMérieux for the Simoa technology. Revenue growth would have been 61% excluding this item.

YTD 2018 Financial Highlights

Key financial results for 2018 YTD are shown below:

· YTD revenue of $26.8M versus prior year $16.3M, an increase of 64%.

· YTD product revenue of $15.9M versus prior year $10.1M, an increase of 57%.

·YTD Service and Other revenue of $8.7M versus prior year $5.4M, an increase of 61%.

Excluding the $1.3M one-time item, total YTD revenue growth would have been 56%.

Third Quarter 2018 Business Highlights

· Gained unrestricted rights back for its Simoa technology in IVD markets with the termination of a license agreement with bioMérieux.

· Cadence of publications continued to increase with more than 40 new publications featuring Simoa technology in Q3 alone, bringing the total to approximately 300.

· Major presence at the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) Congress with a record number of posters/presentations mentioning the use of Quanterix’ serum neurofilament light (NfL) assay for a wide range of clinical studies in multiple sclerosis (MS) disease progression and monitoring.

· Led webinar alongside world-renowned researchers on how Simoa technology is enabling advances in drug development through the use of digital biomarkers; presented at MedCity

CONVERGE describing the power of predictive biomarkers for the diagnosis of cancer; delivered presentations at several leading investor conferences and garnered additional analyst coverage; featured in leading publications, including Forbes, Bloomberg and Digital Biotech.

Conference Call

In conjunction with this announcement, Quanterix Corporation will host a conference call on November 1, 2018, at 4:30 p.m. EDT to discuss the Company’s financial results and business outlook. To access this call, dial (833) 686-9351 for domestic callers, or (612) 979-9890 for international callers. Please reference the following conference ID: 2573579.