The Medicines Company Reports Third-Quarter 2017 Business and Financial Results

On October 25, 2017 The Medicines Company (NASDAQ: MDCO) reported its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017, and provided an update on its clinical and operational activities (Press release, Medicines Company, OCT 25, 2017, View Source [SID1234521157]).

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"We made significant clinical and strategic progress during the third quarter," said Clive Meanwell, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of The Medicines Company. "We aggressively advanced start-up work for the inclisiran Phase III clinical program, preparing investigational sites–which began screening patients in September–and manufacturing double-blind-packaged drug supply, and are pleased to announce that dosing of patients in the Phase III LDL-C lowering program will commence next week. We remain confident that all trials comprising the inclisiran LDL-C lowering program will commence before year-end. Turning to our process to monetize our Infectious Disease Business (ID Business), we continue to expect to announce a transaction to divest the business before the end of the year. In the meantime, independent of that transaction, we are finalizing plans to significantly restructure the remainder of The Medicines Company. We anticipate that the restructuring, which we intend to substantially implement within the next 45 days, will reduce headcount to less than 60 people at The Medicines Company (excluding the ID Business), significantly reducing go-forward annual operating expenses. As indicated in our strategic plans previously disclosed, we believe that the restructuring, when taken together with the anticipated disposition of our ID Business, will provide the Company with a strong financial position from which to aggressively advance the inclisiran development program to anticipated readout of final data from the Phase III LDL-C lowering trials in the second half of 2019. We expect to provide further information regarding the restructuring plan and its implementation in our third quarter Form 10-Q."

Third-Quarter 2017 Highlights

Inclisiran (PCSK9 synthesis inhibitor)

On August 28, 2017, new, one-year data from the ORION-1 Phase II study of inclisiran was presented in the "Hot Line – Late-Breaking Clinical Trials 2" session at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2017. Efficacy data presented reaffirmed inclisiran’s significant LDL-C lowering effects following a starting dose of 300 mg given on Day-1 and Day-90, after which the mean LDL-C reduction was 56% at Day-150 and 51% at Day-180. For the subsequent six-month period – from Day-90 to Day-270 – the time-averaged LDL-C reduction was 51%, with minimum intra-patient variability over time (all comparisons to placebo P <0.0001). These robust data underscore the selection of a six-monthly maintenance dose of 300 mg in the inclisiran Phase III clinical program. With completion of one-year follow-up, safety data for inclisiran from the Phase II ORION-1 study now include 370 subject-years of observation, including at least 300 subject-years of inclisiran effects. As in prior analyses, no material safety issues were observed on inclisiran, which continued to demonstrate an adverse event profile similar to placebo. There were no deaths or serious adverse events during the extended observation period. In particular, in spite of the prolonged LDL-C lowering effects of inclisiran, there were no investigational drug-related elevations of liver enzymes and no neuropathy, change in renal function, thrombocytopenia or anti-drug antibodies during extended follow-up, or at any earlier time periods in the ORION-1 study.
VABOMERE

On August 29, 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved VABOMERE (meropenem-vaborbactam) for injection for the treatment of adult patients with complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI), including pyelonephritis, caused by designated susceptible Enterobacteriaceae – Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter cloacae species complex.
At IDWeek 2017 in October, the Company presented new data on VABOMERE, including results from the landmark TANGO II study of VABOMERE versus "best available therapy" (BAT) in the treatment of suspected or documented infections due to carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). Highlights from the posters on the TANGO II study included:
VABOMERE was associated with a higher clinical cure versus BAT in patients with a baseline organism that was CRE (mCRE-MITT population) at both end-of-therapy (EOT) (VABOMERE 64.3% vs. BAT 33.3%; p=0.04) and test-of-cure (TOC) (VABOMERE 57.1% vs. BAT 26.7%; p=0.04). In immunocompromised patients, VABOMERE was also associated with a higher clinical cure versus BAT at EOT (VABOMERE 60% vs. BAT 12.5%; p<0.01), and a relative mortality benefit of 46.7%.
In further exploratory analyses, VABOMERE was associated with a relative mortality benefit of 84% (p = 0.03) compared to BAT when excluding patients with previous antibiotic failures.

Sensitivity Analysis of Clinical Cure at TOC and All-Cause Mortality at Day 28 Across All
Infection Types (mCRE-MITT) Excluding Prior Antibiotic Failure

M-V
N=19
n (%) BAT
N=15
n (%)
Absolute Difference
(95% CI)
P value
Relative
Difference
Patients with All Infection Types
Clinical Cure at TOC 13 (68.4) 4 (26.7) 41.8 (11.1 to 72.4) 0.008 156.2
Day-28 All-cause Mortality 1 (5.3) 5 (33.3) -28.1 (-54.0 to -2.2) 0.03 -84.1

VABOMERE was associated with decreased nephrotoxicity and significantly fewer treatment-related adverse events versus BAT.
An analysis using the composite endpoints of clinical failure or nephrotoxicity demonstrated a risk-benefit profile favoring VABOMERE versus BAT (VABOMERE 32.1% vs BAT 80.0% (95% CI: −74.5 to −21.2; P< 0.001)).
In July 2017, the Company announced randomization in the TANGO II trial was stopped early following a recommendation by the TANGO II independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) based on an analysis of 72 patients, including 43 patients with microbiologically evaluable CRE infections of blood, lung, urinary tract and abdominal organs. The DSMB concluded that a risk-benefit analysis of available data no longer supported randomization of additional patients to the best available therapy comparator arm.
VABOMERE is now available for pharmacies to order through wholesalers and usual distribution channels.
Third-Quarter 2017 Financial Summary from Continuing Operations
Worldwide net revenue was $16.9 million in the third quarter of 2017 compared to $37.6 million in the third quarter of 2016. Included in total net revenue for the third quarter of 2017 and 2016 was $7.9 million and $28.9 million, respectively, of total Angiomax revenue, including both royalty revenues derived from the gross profit on authorized generic sales of Angiomax (bivalirudin) by Sandoz, Inc. and worldwide Angiomax/Angiox (bivalirudin) net product sales. Other products recorded aggregate sales of $9.0 million in the third quarter of 2017 compared to $6.7 million in the third quarter of 2016. Among these other products, Minocin (minocycline) for Injection and Orbactiv (oritavancin) recorded sales of $9.0 million in the third quarter of 2017 compared to $6.5 million in the third quarter of 2016, an increase of 38%, predominantly driven by an increase in Orbactiv (oritavancin) revenue of 57%, from $4.3 million in the third quarter of 2016 to $6.8 million in the third quarter of 2017. The third quarter of 2016 also included $2.0 million of sales related to the divested non-core cardiovascular products.

On a GAAP basis, net loss from continuing operations in the third quarter of 2017 was $30.2 million, or $0.42 per share, compared to $86.4 million, or $1.23 per share, in the third quarter of 2016. On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted net loss (1) from continuing operations in the third quarter of 2017 was $86.3 million, or $1.19(1) per share, compared to $44.8 million, or $0.64(1) per share, in the third quarter of 2016.

Third-Quarter 2016 Financial Summary from Discontinued Operations
In the first quarter of 2016, the Company completed the divestiture of its hemostasis products for an upfront payment of $174.1 million, and potential milestone payments of up to an additional $235.0 million, in the aggregate, following the achievement of certain specified net sales milestones. Net income from discontinued operations in the third quarter of 2016 was $0.1 million.

First Nine Months 2017 Financial Summary from Continuing Operations
Worldwide net revenue was $59.8 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared to $142.6 million in the first nine months of 2016. Included in total net revenue for the first nine months of 2017 and 2016 was $35.9 million and $104.9 million, respectively, of total Angiomax revenue, including both royalty revenues derived from the gross profit on authorized generic sales of Angiomax (bivalirudin) by Sandoz, Inc. and worldwide Angiomax/Angiox (bivalirudin) net product sales. Other products, including Minocin (minocycline) for Injection and Orbactiv (oritavancin), recorded aggregate sales of $23.9 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared to $17.4 million in the first nine months of 2016. The first nine months of 2016 also included $20.3 million of sales related to the divested non-core cardiovascular products.

On a GAAP basis, net loss from continuing operations in the first nine months of 2017 was $530.1 million, or $7.39 per share, compared to net income from continuing operations of $5.1 million, or $0.07 per share, in the first nine months of 2016. Included in net loss from continuing operations for the first nine months of 2017 were net charges of approximately $277.0 million associated with the discontinuation and market withdrawal of Ionsys (fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system) in the U.S. market, and $27.3 million associated with the discontinuation of the clinical development program for MDCO-700, our investigational anesthetic agent. On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted net loss (1) from continuing operations in the first nine months of 2017 was $234.5 million, or $3.27(1) per share, compared to $164.2 million, or $2.35(1) per share, in the first nine months of 2016.

First Nine Months 2016 Financial Summary from Discontinued Operations
Net loss from discontinued operations in the first nine months of 2016 was $1.4 million, or $0.02 per share.

(1) Adjusted net loss and adjusted loss per share from continuing operations are non-GAAP financial performance measures with no standardized definitions under U.S. GAAP. For further information and a detailed reconciliation, refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures" and "Reconciliations of GAAP to Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted Loss per Share" sections of this press release.

At September 30, 2017, the Company had a total of $208.9 million in cash and cash equivalents and available for sale securities.

Third-Quarter 2017 Conference Call and Webcast Information
The Company will host a conference call and webcast today, October 25, 2017, at 8:30 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time, to discuss its third-quarter 2017 financial results and provide clinical and operational updates. The dial-in information to access the call is as follows:

U.S./Canada: (877) 359-9508
International: (224) 357-2393
Conference ID: 9194649

A taped replay of the conference call will be available from 11:30 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time, today until 11:30 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on November 1, 2017. The replay may be accessed as follows:

U.S./Canada: (855) 859-2056
International: (404) 537-3406
Conference ID: 9194649

The webcast can be accessed in the Investors section of The Medicines Company website. A replay of the webcast will also be available.

Incyte and MacroGenics Announce Global Collaboration and Licensing Agreement for Anti-PD-1 Monoclonal Antibody MGA012

On October 25, 2017 Incyte Corporation (NASDAQ:INCY) and MacroGenics, Inc. (NASDAQ:MGNX) reported that the companies have entered into an exclusive global collaboration and license agreement for MacroGenics’ MGA012, an investigational monoclonal antibody that inhibits programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) (Press release, MacroGenics, OCT 25, 2017, View Source [SID1234521156]). Incyte has obtained exclusive worldwide rights for the development and commercialization of MGA012 in all indications, while MacroGenics retains the right to develop its pipeline assets in combination with MGA012.

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"Anti-PD-1 therapy is becoming a mainstay of cancer treatment across multiple tumor types, and we believe the addition of MGA012 to our clinical pipeline is important to fulfilling our long-term development strategy in immuno-oncology. This collaboration with MacroGenics will allow us to rapidly explore the potential clinical benefit of developing MGA012 as a monotherapy and also combining anti-PD-1 therapy with several of our existing portfolio assets," said Steven Stein, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Incyte.

"We believe Incyte is the ideal partner for MGA012, given its immuno-oncology portfolio and dedication to researching and developing innovative and transformative cancer therapies and we hope that the combined resources of both companies will be able to significantly expand and accelerate the current development efforts for this promising molecule," said Scott Koenig, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of MacroGenics. "Furthermore, we look forward to exploring the combination of MGA012 with multiple molecules in our own portfolio, including DART molecules for redirected T-cell killing, antibodies with enhanced effector function and ADCs, potentially to provide improved patient benefit."

Enrollment in the dose escalation portion of the Phase 1 study of MGA012 has been completed and the molecule is currently being evaluated as monotherapy across four solid tumor types in the dose expansion portion of the study. Data from the dose escalation portion of the Phase 1 study have been accepted for poster presentation at the upcoming Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) 32nd Annual Meeting in November 2017.

Terms of the Collaboration

Upon closing, Incyte will pay MacroGenics an upfront payment of $150 million. Incyte will receive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize MGA012 in all indications.

Per the terms of the collaboration, MacroGenics will also be eligible to receive up to $420 million in potential development and regulatory milestones, and up to $330 million in potential commercial milestones. If MGA012 is approved and commercialized, MacroGenics would be eligible to receive royalties, tiered from 15 percent to 24 percent, on future sales of MGA012 by Incyte.

Under the terms of the collaboration, Incyte will lead global development of MGA012. MacroGenics retains the right to develop its pipeline assets in combination with MGA012, with Incyte commercializing MGA012 and MacroGenics commercializing its asset(s), if any such potential combinations are approved.

In addition, MacroGenics retains the right to manufacture a portion of both companies’ global clinical and commercial supply needs of MGA012. MacroGenics intends to utilize its commercial-scale GMP facility, which is expected to be fully operational in 2018.

The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2017, subject to the early termination or expiration of any applicable waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and customary closing conditions.

Updated Clinical Data from Combination of X4P-001-IO and Inlyta® (axitinib) in Patients with Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Will Be Presented at the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics

On October 25, 2017 X4 Pharmaceuticals, a clinical stage biotechnology company developing novel CXCR4 inhibitor drugs to improve immune cell trafficking to treat cancer and rare diseases, reported that the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) has published Phase 1 data from an ongoing Phase 1/2 study of X4P-001-IO in combination with Inlyta (axitinib), Pfizer’s VEGFR kinase inhibitor (Press release, X4 Pharmaceuticals, OCT 25, 2017, View Source [SID1234521155]). Updated preliminary efficacy data along with safety and tolerability of the combination will be highlighted in a poster presentation at the 2017 AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper)-NCI-EORTC Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics Conference on October 26-30 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Details of the Poster Presentations on X4P-001-IO:
Poster Title: A Phase 1 dose finding study of X4P-001 (an oral CXCR4 inhibitor) and axitinib in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC)
Author: Atkins, Michael
Session Category: Tumor Microenvironment
Session Date and Time: Sunday Oct 29, 2017 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Hall E, Pennsylvania Convention Center
Permanent Abstract Number: B201

About X4P-001-IO in Cancer

X4P-001-IO is an investigational selective, oral, small molecule inhibitor of CXCR4 (C-X-C receptor type 4) that regulates the tumor microenvironment thereby enhancing endogenous anti-tumor responses. CXCR4 is a chemokine receptor that modulates immune function and angiogenesis through the trafficking of key immune cells such as T- cells, dendritic cells, and myeloid derived suppressor cells. CXCR4 signaling is disrupted in a broad range of cancers, facilitating tumor growth by allowing cancer cells to evade immune detection and creating a pro-tumor microenvironment.

About Renal Cell Carcinoma

Kidney cancer is among the ten most common cancers in both men and women with more than 60,000 new diagnoses each year in the United States.1 Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common form of kidney cancer, and advanced ccRCC accounts for approximately 20% of the patient population. Therapies for advanced ccRCC include immunotherapies, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase inhibitors, and angiogenesis inhibitors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors.2 There continue to be unmet medical needs with advanced ccRCC because durable responses remain a serious clinical challenge for patients with advanced disease.

LabCorp Announces Record Third Quarter Results and Increases 2017 Guidance

On October 25, 2017 LabCorp (or the "Company") (NYSE: LH) reported results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017, and increased its 2017 guidance (Press release, LabCorp, OCT 25, 2017, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2310992 [SID1234521154]).

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"We delivered record results highlighted by outstanding growth in the quarter, as revenue increased by 10%, adjusted EPS increased by 9%, and continued strong cash flow resulted in an increase of our full year free cash flow guidance to roughly $1 billion," said David P. King, chairman and CEO. "The Diagnostics business had strong organic and total volume growth despite the adverse impact from multiple hurricanes, and the Drug Development business turned in a solid performance, highlighted by improved margins, robust net orders, increased book-to-bill, and the closing of the Chiltern acquisition. We continue to expand our capabilities, broaden our geographic and customer base, deliver innovative solutions that only LabCorp can offer, and position ourselves for growth in the years ahead."

Consolidated Results

Third Quarter Results

Net revenue for the quarter was $2.60 billion, an increase of 9.5% compared to $2.37 billion in the third quarter of 2016. The increase in net revenue was due to growth from acquisitions of 6.9%, organic growth (net revenue growth less revenue from acquisitions for the first twelve months after the close of each acquisition) of 2.3%, and the benefit from foreign currency translation of approximately 30 basis points. In addition, revenue growth was negatively impacted by approximately 0.7% due to multiple hurricanes during the quarter.

Operating income for the quarter was $341.3 million, or 13.1% of net revenue, compared to $324.0 million, or 13.7%, in the third quarter of 2016. The increase in operating income was primarily due to acquisitions, organic revenue growth, and the LaunchPad business process improvement initiative, partially offset by higher personnel costs. The decline in operating margin was primarily due to restructuring charges, special items, and amortization totaling $105.2 million in the quarter, compared to $80.0 million during the same period in 2016. Adjusted operating income (excluding amortization of $54.6 million, as well as restructuring charges and special items of $50.6 million) for the quarter was $446.5 million, or 17.2% of net revenue, compared to $404.0 million, or 17.0%, in the third quarter of 2016.

Net earnings in the quarter were $180.6 million, compared to $179.5 million in the third quarter of 2016. Diluted EPS were $1.74 in the quarter, an increase of 1.8% compared to $1.71 in the same period in 2016. Adjusted EPS (excluding amortization, restructuring charges and special items) were $2.46 in the quarter, an increase of 9.3% compared to $2.25 in the third quarter of 2016. The Company’s adjusted earnings in the quarter were reduced by approximately $0.09 per diluted share due to the impact from multiple hurricanes.

Operating cash flow for the quarter was $350.9 million, compared to $249.9 million in the third quarter of 2016. The increase in operating cash flow was primarily due to higher cash earnings and improved working capital management. Capital expenditures totaled $75.3 million, compared to $66.2 million a year ago. As a result, free cash flow (operating cash flow less capital expenditures) was $275.6 million, compared to $183.7 million in the third quarter of 2016.

At the end of the quarter, the Company’s cash balance and total debt were $409.3 million and $7.2 billion, respectively. During the quarter, the Company invested approximately $1.2 billion in acquisitions, and repurchased $42.1 million of stock representing approximately 0.3 million shares. The Company had $447.4 million of authorization remaining under its share repurchase program at the end of the quarter.

Year-To-Date Results

Net revenue was $7.50 billion, an increase of 6.4% over last year’s $7.05 billion. The increase in net revenue was due to growth from acquisitions of 4.4%, and organic growth of 2.3%, partially offset by the impact of foreign currency translation of approximately 20 basis points.

Operating income was $1,010.0 million, or 13.5% of net revenue, compared to $989.0 million, or 14.0%, in the first nine months of 2016. The Company recorded restructuring charges and special items of $111.5 million in the first nine months of the year, compared to $82.7 million during the same period in 2016. The increase in operating income was primarily due to strong revenue growth and productivity, partially offset by higher personnel costs. The decline in operating margin was primarily due to higher amortization, restructuring charges and special items. Adjusted operating income (excluding amortization of $153.6 million, restructuring charges and special items) was $1.3 billion, or 17.0% of net revenue, compared to $1.2 billion, or 17.1%, in the first nine months of 2016.

Net earnings in the first nine months of 2017 were $561.4 million, or $5.40 per diluted share, compared to $547.7 million, or $5.25 per diluted share, last year. Adjusted EPS (excluding amortization, restructuring charges and special items) were $7.14, an increase of 7.0% compared to $6.67 in the first nine months of 2016.

Operating cash flow was $895.4 million, compared to $727.0 million in the first nine months of 2016. The increase in operating cash flow was primarily due to higher cash earnings and lower working capital usage. Capital expenditures totaled $216.8 million, compared to $204.6 million in the first nine months of 2016. As a result, free cash flow (operating cash flow less capital expenditures) was $678.6 million, compared to $522.4 million in the first half of 2016.

***

The following segment results exclude amortization, restructuring charges, special items and unallocated corporate expenses.

Third Quarter Segment Results

LabCorp Diagnostics

Net revenue for the quarter was $1.84 billion, an increase of 9.9% over $1.67 billion in the third quarter of 2016. The increase in net revenue was driven by acquisitions, organic volume (measured by requisitions excluding those from acquisitions for the first twelve months after the close of each acquisition), price, mix, and the benefit from foreign currency translation of approximately 20 basis points. Total volume (measured by requisitions) increased by 7.3%, of which organic volume was 2.3% and acquisition volume was 5.1%. Volume was negatively impacted by approximately 1.0% due to multiple hurricanes during the quarter. Revenue per requisition increased by 2.4%.

Adjusted operating income (excluding amortization, restructuring charges and special items) for the quarter was $373.8 million, or 20.3% of net revenue, compared to $341.8 million, or 20.4%, in the third quarter of 2016. The increase in operating income was primarily due to strong revenue growth and LaunchPad savings. The 10 basis point decline in operating margin was due to the adverse impact from multiple hurricanes during the quarter. Excluding the impact from hurricanes, the operating margin would have increased 60 basis points over last year. During the quarter, the Company achieved its three-year goal to deliver $150 million in net LaunchPad savings.

Covance Drug Development

Net revenue for the quarter was $761.1 million, an increase of 8.6% over $701.1 million in the third quarter of 2016. The increase was primarily due to the acquisition of Chiltern, as well as organic growth and the benefit from foreign currency translation of approximately 60 basis points.

Adjusted operating income (excluding amortization, restructuring charges and special items) for the quarter was $108.9 million, or 14.3% of net revenue, compared to $95.5 million, or 13.6%, in the third quarter of 2016. The increase in operating income and margin were primarily due to the acquisition of Chiltern, organic revenue growth, cost synergies, and LaunchPad savings, partially offset by increased personnel costs. During the quarter, the Company achieved its three-year goal to deliver cost synergies of $100 million related to the acquisition of Covance. In addition, the Company remains on track to generate savings of approximately $20 million in 2017 (approximately $45 million on an annualized basis) from the expansion of the LaunchPad initiative to include Covance Drug Development.

Net orders and net book-to-bill during the trailing twelve months were $3.82 billion and 1.33, respectively. Backlog at the end of the quarter was $6.84 billion, which includes backlog from the Chiltern acquisition of $1.0 billion. The Company expects approximately $2.7 billion of this backlog to convert into revenue in the next twelve months.

Outlook for 2017

The following guidance assumes foreign exchange rates effective as of September 30, 2017 for the remainder of the year, and includes capital allocation.

Net revenue growth of 8.0% to 8.5% over 2016 net revenue of $9.44 billion, which includes the negative impact from approximately 10 basis points of foreign currency translation. This is an increase over the prior guidance of 5.0% to 6.5%.
Net revenue growth in LabCorp Diagnostics of 8.5% to 9.0% over 2016 net revenue of $6.59 billion. This is an increase over the prior guidance of 7.0% to 8.0% primarily due to the consolidation of a joint venture related to the acquisition of PAML.
Net revenue growth in Covance Drug Development of 6.0% to 7.5% over 2016 net revenue of $2.84 billion, which includes the negative impact from approximately 10 basis points of foreign currency translation. This is an increase over the prior guidance of 1.0% to 3.0% due to the acquisition of Chiltern.
Adjusted EPS of $9.40 to $9.60, an increase of approximately 6% to 9% as compared to $8.83 in 2016. This is an improvement over the prior guidance of $9.30 to $9.65.
Free cash flow (operating cash flow less capital expenditures) of $970 million to $1,010 million, an increase of approximately 8% to 13% over the prior year. This is an increase over the prior guidance of $925 million to $975 million due to continued strong earnings and working capital management.
Use of Adjusted Measures

The Company has provided in this press release and accompanying tables "adjusted" financial information that has not been prepared in accordance with GAAP, including Adjusted EPS, Adjusted Operating Income, Free Cash Flow, and certain segment information. The Company believes these adjusted measures are useful to investors as a supplement to, but not as a substitute for, GAAP measures, in evaluating the Company’s operational performance. The Company further believes that the use of these non-GAAP financial measures provides an additional tool for investors in evaluating operating results and trends, and growth and shareholder returns, as well as in comparing the Company’s financial results with the financial results of other companies. However, the Company notes that these adjusted measures may be different from and not directly comparable to the measures presented by other companies. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP measures are included in the tables accompanying this press release.

The Company today is furnishing a Current Report on Form 8-K that will include additional information on its business and operations. This information will also be available in the investor relations section of the Company’s website at www.labcorp.com. Analysts and investors are directed to the Current Report on Form 8-K and the website to review this supplemental information.

A conference call discussing LabCorp’s quarterly results will be held today at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time and is available by dialing 844-634-1444 (615-247-0253 for international callers). The access code is 90788597. A telephone replay of the call will be available through November 8, 2017 and can be heard by dialing 855-859-2056 (404-537-3406 for international callers). The access code for the replay is 90788597. A live online broadcast of LabCorp’s quarterly conference call on October 25, 2017 will be available at View Source or at View Source beginning at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. This webcast will be archived and accessible through October 19, 2018.

Incyte and MacroGenics Announce Global Collaboration and Licensing Agreement for Anti-PD-1 Monoclonal Antibody MGA012

On October 25, 2017 Incyte Corporation (NASDAQ:INCY) and MacroGenics, Inc. (NASDAQ:MGNX) reported that the companies have entered into an exclusive global collaboration and license agreement for MacroGenics’ MGA012, an investigational monoclonal antibody that inhibits programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) (Press release, Incyte, OCT 25, 2017, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2310980 [SID1234521152]). Incyte has obtained exclusive worldwide rights for the development and commercialization of MGA012 in all indications, while MacroGenics retains the right to develop its pipeline assets in combination with MGA012.

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"Anti-PD-1 therapy is becoming a mainstay of cancer treatment across multiple tumor types, and we believe the addition of MGA012 to our clinical pipeline is important to fulfilling our long-term development strategy in immuno-oncology. This collaboration with MacroGenics will allow us to rapidly explore the potential clinical benefit of developing MGA012 as a monotherapy and also combining anti-PD-1 therapy with several of our existing portfolio assets," said Steven Stein, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Incyte.

"We believe Incyte is the ideal partner for MGA012, given its immuno-oncology portfolio and dedication to researching and developing innovative and transformative cancer therapies and we hope that the combined resources of both companies will be able to significantly expand and accelerate the current development efforts for this promising molecule," said Scott Koenig, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of MacroGenics. "Furthermore, we look forward to exploring the combination of MGA012 with multiple molecules in our own portfolio, including DART molecules for redirected T-cell killing, antibodies with enhanced effector function and ADCs, potentially to provide improved patient benefit."

Enrollment in the dose escalation portion of the Phase 1 study of MGA012 has been completed and the molecule is currently being evaluated as monotherapy across four solid tumor types in the dose expansion portion of the study. Data from the dose escalation portion of the Phase 1 study have been accepted for poster presentation at the upcoming Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) 32nd Annual Meeting in November 2017.

Terms of the Collaboration
Upon closing, Incyte will pay MacroGenics an upfront payment of $150 million. Incyte will receive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize MGA012 in all indications.

Per the terms of the collaboration, MacroGenics will also be eligible to receive up to $420 million in potential development and regulatory milestones, and up to $330 million in potential commercial milestones. If MGA012 is approved and commercialized, MacroGenics would be eligible to receive royalties, tiered from 15 percent to 24 percent, on future sales of MGA012 by Incyte.

Under the terms of the collaboration, Incyte will lead global development of MGA012. MacroGenics retains the right to develop its pipeline assets in combination with MGA012, with Incyte commercializing MGA012 and MacroGenics commercializing its asset(s), if any such potential combinations are approved.

In addition, MacroGenics retains the right to manufacture a portion of both companies’ global clinical and commercial supply needs of MGA012. MacroGenics intends to utilize its commercial-scale GMP facility, which is expected to be fully operational in 2018.

The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2017, subject to the early termination or expiration of any applicable waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and customary closing conditions.