On August 4, 2016 Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ: LGND) reported financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, and provided an operating forecast and program updates (Press release, Ligand, AUG 4, 2016, View Source [SID:1234514247]). Ligand management will host a conference call today beginning at 9:00 a.m. Eastern time to discuss this announcement and answer questions.

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"The past few months have been very active and rewarding with excellent revenue reports from our key licensees and important clinical, regulatory and commercial accomplishments by our partners," said John Higgins, Chief Executive Officer of Ligand. "Royalties are up nearly 50% over a year ago, driven by significant increases for Promacta and Kyprolis. One of our licensed products with the highest royalty rate is EVOMELA, and we are pleased to see its approval and commercial launch over the past few months. The OmniAb platform technology we acquired early this year continues to be validated with new and expanded licensing agreements, and adds considerable value in addition to our growing roster of Captisol-enabled programs. We now have more than 150 shots-on-goal, or fully funded programs partnered or licensed with other companies."

Second Quarter 2016 Financial Results

Total revenues for the second quarter of 2016 were $19.5 million, compared with $18.4 million for the same period in 2015. Royalty revenues were $9.8 million, compared with $6.6 million for the same period in 2015 primarily due to higher royalties from Promacta and Kyprolis. Material sales were $3.9 million, compared with $10.7 million for the same period in 2015 due to timing of Captisol purchases for use in clinical trials and commercial products. License and milestone revenues were $5.9 million, compared with $1.1 million for the same period in 2015 due primarily to the timing of milestones and upfront license fees.

Cost of goods sold was $0.7 million for the second quarter of 2016, compared with $2.6 million for the same period in 2015 due to the timing and mix of Captisol sales. Amortization of intangibles was $2.7 million, compared with $0.6 million for the same period in 2015 due primarily to additional amortization of intangibles related to the acquisition of OMT. Research and development expense was $4.5 million, compared with $3.4 million for the same period of 2015 as a result of timing of spending on internal development programs and non-cash stock-based compensation expense. General and administrative expense was $6.9 million, compared with $7.2 million for the same period in 2015.

GAAP net loss for the second quarter of 2016 was $5.8 million, or $0.28 per share, compared with GAAP net income for the same period of 2015 of $23.6 million, or $1.11 per diluted share. GAAP net loss includes a $10 million non-cash write-down in the value of the Company’s equity holdings of Viking, or $0.48 per share due to its ownership in Viking being reduced from 49% to 33% as a result of Viking’s financing completed during the second quarter. Currently, the Company records the value of Viking shares using the Equity Method, which requires the Company to estimate the dilution to its position upon Viking issuing new shares to third-parties. Adjusted net income for the second quarter of 2016 was $10.8 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, compared with adjusted net income for the same period in 2015 of $38.5 million, or $1.85 per diluted share.

As of June 30, 2016, Ligand had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $107.0 million.

Year-to-Date Financial Results

Total revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2016 were $49.2 million, compared with $33.0 million for the same period in 2015. Royalty revenues were $24.1 million, compared with $16.9 million for the same period in 2015 primarily due to higher royalties from Promacta and Kyprolis. Material sales were $9.2 million, compared with $14.4 million for the same period in 2015 due to timing of Captisol purchases for use in clinical trials and commercial products. License and milestone revenues were $15.8 million, compared with $1.7 million for the same period in 2015 due primarily to the timing of milestones and upfront license fees.

Cost of goods sold was $1.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016, compared with $3.7 million for the same period in 2015 due to the timing and mix of Captisol sales. Amortization of intangibles was $5.2 million, compared with $1.2 million for the same period in 2015 due primarily to additional amortization of intangibles related to the acquisition of OMT. Research and development expense was $8.5 million, compared with $6.8 million for the same period of 2015 as a result of timing of spending on internal development programs and non-cash stock-based compensation expense. General and administrative expense was $13.7 million, compared with $13.2 million for the same period in 2015 due to costs associated with OmniAb and non-cash stock-based compensation expense.

GAAP net income for the six months ended June 30, 2016 was $0.8 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, compared with GAAP net income for the same period of 2015 of $24.3 million, or $1.16 per diluted share. GAAP net income includes a $10 million non-cash write-down in the value of the Company’s equity holdings of Viking, or $0.44 per share due to its ownership in Viking being reduced as a result of Viking’s financing completed during the second quarter. Adjusted net income for the six months ended June 30, 2016 was $31.8 million, or $1.47 per diluted share, compared with adjusted net income for the same period in 2015 of $45.4 million, or $2.19 per diluted share.

Financial Forecast

The Company affirms expectations for full-year 2016 total revenues to be between $115 million and $119 million, and adjusted earnings per diluted share to be between $3.41 and $3.46. Second half total revenues are projected to be in the range of $66 million to $70 million, and adjusted earnings per share are projected to be in the range of $1.94 to $1.99.

The adjusted earnings per diluted share guidance excludes non-cash stock-based compensation expense, non-cash debt-related costs, amortization related to acquisitions, changes in contingent liabilities, non-cash net losses of Viking Therapeutics equity, mark-to-market adjustment for amounts owed to licensors, fair value adjustments to Viking Therapeutics convertible note receivable and warrants, non-cash tax benefit (expense), unissued shares related to the anti-dilutive effect of second quarter 2016 GAAP net loss, unissued shares relating to the Senior Convertible Note and adjustments for discontinued operations, net of non-cash tax expense.

Second Quarter 2016 and Recent Business Highlights

Portfolio Program Progress

Promacta/Revolade

Novartis announced Q2 2016 net sales of Promacta (eltrombopag) of $158 million, a $27 million or 21% increase over Q1 2016. This is the largest quarter-over-quarter increase in net sales and comes one year after Novartis’s acquisition of the product from GSK in early 2015.
The European Commission approved Revolade (eltrombopag), a Novartis product, for the treatment of pediatric (age 1 and above) chronic immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) patients who are refractory to other treatments (e.g., corticosteroids, immunoglobulins). The approval includes the use of tablets as well as a new oral suspension formulation of Revolade, which is designed for younger children who may not be able to swallow tablets.
Kyprolis (carfilzomib), an Amgen Product Utilizing Captisol

On July 3, 2016, Amgen announced that the European Commission approved an expanded indication for Kyprolis (carfilzomib), to be used in combination with dexamethasone alone, for adult patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy.
On July 4, 2016, Ono Pharmaceuticals, holder of Kyprolis (carfilzomib) marketing rights in Japan, announced approval in Japan for treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.
On May 26, 2016, Amgen announced that the Kyprolis Global Economic Model (K-GEM) was published in the Journal of Medical Economics showing that in the United States, Kyprolis (carfilzomib) in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone is cost-effective compared with lenalidomide and dexamethasone alone in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma and demonstrated an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $107,250 per Quality-Adjusted Life Year.
Additional Pipeline and Partner Developments

Spectrum Pharmaceuticals announced that the FDA granted seven years of Orphan Drug Exclusivity for EVOMELA for use as a high-dose conditioning treatment prior to hematopoietic progenitor (stem) cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma.
Coherus BioSciences announced data demonstrating the equivalence of its etanercept biosimilar (CHS-0214) to Enbrel (etanercept), the reference product, with respect to efficacy as measured by the primary endpoint, ACR20 at 24 weeks.
Sage Therapeutics presented data that expanded scientific, clinical and burden-of-illness data for SAGE-547 at the 68th American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting. Data from the open-label Phase 1/2 trial of SAGE-547 in super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) demonstrated that the 77% key efficacy endpoint response rate was not related to age, gender, ethnicity, co-morbid medical condition or underlying antiepileptic or third-line agents. Additional data presented illustrated that SRSE has a high burden of illness with significant morbidity, lengthy hospitalizations and significant utilization of ICU and overall hospital resources.
Oncobiologics announced that its Phase 3 clinical plan for ONS-3010 (Humira biosimilar) received the first of its European Union clinical trial authorization approvals, including in the United Kingdom, Germany and Spain, for the biosimilarity study portion of the Phase 3 clinical program.
Viking Therapeutics highlighted positive data from a Phase 1b trial of VK2809 (TR Beta) in subjects with mild hypercholesterolemia at the 65th Annual Scientific Session and Expo of the American College of Cardiology.
Viking Therapeutics announced positive top-line results from a proof-of-concept study of VK0214 in a mouse model of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), showing that VK0214 rapidly reduced plasma very long chain fatty acid levels by more than 25% in treated animals compared with vehicle controls (p < 0.01).
Merrimack Pharmaceuticals announced that the FDA granted seribantumab (MM-121) Fast Track designation for development in patients with heregulin-positive, locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose disease has progressed following immunotherapy.
Merrimack Pharmaceuticals announced initiation of a Phase 1 study of MM-151 in combination with ONIVYDE plus fluorouracil (5-FU) and Leucovorin in patients with RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer, as well as the initiation of a biomarker-selected, multi-arm Phase 1 study for MM-151/MM-121 in metastatic colorectal, NSCLC and head and neck cancer that uses a combination of genetic and nongenetic biomarkers to match patients to appropriate novel combinations of investigational drug regimens based on their cancer’s molecular signature.
Millennium/Takeda highlighted Phase 1b data on pevonedistat + chemotherapy at the 2016 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) meeting.
Opthea announced that the Phase 1 dose-escalation study of OPT-302 met its primary objective demonstrating safety and tolerability as monotherapy and in combination with the current wet AMD standard of care Lucentis. Opthea is currently recruiting patients for its Phase 2a dose-expansion trial and expects data by the end of 2016.
Upsher-Smith announced that it commenced the first clinical study of its CXCR4 antagonist USL311 in patients with advanced solid tumors, triggering a $500,000 milestone payment to Ligand.
Marinus Pharmaceuticals announced that the FDA granted Orphan Drug designation to ganaxalone IV for the treatment of status epilepticus and that the company dosed the first subject in its Phase 1 clinical trial for the program.
An OmniAb licensee broadened its access to the platform by adding OmniFlic. Prior to the option exercise, this licensee’s access to the OmniAb technology was limited to OmniRat.
Wuxi out-licensed China rights to an undisclosed IND-ready antibody it discovered with the OmniAb platform and its sub-licensee will be responsible for all future costs related to the program.
Eli Lilly added a drug candidate to its Captisol platform license and supply agreement, first entered into in December of 2011.
New Licensing Deals

Ligand announced a license agreement for its LTP technology with Nucorion Pharmaceuticals, a venture-funded biotechnology company focused on developing anti-cancer and anti-viral agents initially directed to China, of which Ligand is a minority shareholder. Three initial programs fall under the license: NUC-202, a targeted anti-cancer analog for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma; NUC-404, a targeted nucleotide analog for the treatment of hepatitis B; and NUC-101, a targeted nucleotide analog for the treatment of hepatitis C. Ligand is eligible to receive milestones in addition to royalties ranging from 5% to 9% on future net sales of any approved program.
Ligand announced a worldwide license agreement with Gilead Sciences that allows Gilead to use the OmniAb platform to discover fully human mono- and bispecific antibodies. Ligand is eligible to receive annual access payments, milestone payments and royalties on future net sales of any antibodies discovered under the license.
Ligand entered a worldwide license agreement with F-Star Biotechnology Limited that allows F-Star to use the OmniAb platform to discover fully human mono- and bispecific antibodies. Ligand is eligible to receive annual access payments, milestone payments and royalties on future net sales of any antibodies discovered under the license.
Internal Glucagon Receptor Antagonist (GRA) Program

Ligand scientists gave an oral presentation on GRA at ENDO 2016 and presented a poster at the Levine-Riggs Diabetes Research Symposium, which highlighted data from the Phase 1b trial demonstrating that GRA significantly reduced fasting and post-prandial glucose in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Ligand expects to initiate a Phase 2 trial for the program in Q3 2016.
Recent Acquisitions

In May 2016, Ligand acquired economic rights to multiple programs owned by CorMatrix. Ligand paid $17.5 million to receive a portion of revenue from CorMatrix’s existing marketed products and will have the right to receive future royalties from potential future products.
Adjusted Financial Measures

The adjusted financial measures discussed above and in the tables below for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 exclude non-cash stock-based compensation expense, non-cash debt-related costs, amortization related to acquisitions, changes in contingent liabilities, non-cash net losses of Viking Therapeutics equity, mark-to-market adjustment for amounts owed to licensors, fair value adjustments to Viking Therapeutics convertible note receivable and warrants, non-cash tax benefit (expense), unissued shares related to the anti-dilutive effect of second quarter 2016 GAAP net loss, unissued shares relating to the Senior Convertible Note and adjustments for discontinued operations, net of non-cash tax expense.

Management has presented net income, net income per share in accordance with GAAP and on an adjusted basis. Ligand believes the presentation of adjusted financial measures provides useful supplementary information to investors and reflects amounts that are more closely aligned with the cash profits for the period. Ligand uses these adjusted financial measures in connection with its own budgeting and financial planning. These adjusted financial measures are in addition to, and not a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in conformity with GAAP.

On August 4, 2016 Juniper Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: JNP) ("Juniper" or the "Company"), a women’s health therapeutics company, reported financial and other results for the three-month period ended June 30, 2016 (Press release, Juniper Pharmaceuticals, AUG 4, 2016, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2193006 [SID:1234514246]). Recent highlights include:

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· Product and service revenue increased 15% and 24%, respectively, versus the second quarter of 2015;

· Balance sheet remains strong;

Crinone (progesterone gel) approved in Japan under the brand OneCrinone;
· Completed enrollment of Phase 2b trial of COL-1077 10% lidocaine vaginal gel in women undergoing a minimally invasive pipelle-directed endometrial biopsy;

· Two Phase 1 studies of COL-1077 published in the international peer-reviewed medical journal Clinical Pharmacology in Drug Development;

· Phase 1 proof-of-concept study demonstrating the ability of Juniper’s intravaginal ring to successfully deliver the nine amino acid peptide leuprolide published in the influential peer-reviewed Journal of Controlled Release; and,

· Alicia Secor appointed President and CEO, and a director of the Company.

"I am very excited to join the Company, and congratulate the team on a strong second quarter," said Alicia Secor, Juniper’s President and CEO. "I look forward to building on this momentum as we work to transform Juniper into a leading, global, women’s health company."

"Strong growth of the ex-U.S. Crinone franchise and Juniper Pharma Services drove revenue up 16% to $11.9 million for the second quarter of 2016 versus the same period last year," said George O. Elston, Juniper’s Chief Financial Officer. "This solid year-to-date performance has enabled us to maintain a stable, healthy cash position while advancing our proprietary R&D programs."

"We are uniquely positioned to leverage our world-class service and platform capabilities to develop and commercialize important new therapeutics for women," Ms. Secor continued. "I look forward to advancing our current product candidates and expanding our portfolio to fulfill our mission to deliver value-added treatments that meet the unique and underserved healthcare needs of women."

The Company continues to expect to report top-line results of its recently-completed Phase 2b clinical trial of COL-1077 10% lidocaine bioadhesive vaginal gel this quarter and, assuming positive outcomes, to advance this candidate into Phase 3 in 2017.

If successful, COL-1077 is expected to fill an unmet need for pain management in women undergoing minimally-invasive gynecologic procedures. There are over seven million such procedures performed annually in the United States, with no standard of care for pre-treatment analgesia.

Juniper’s intravaginal ring ("IVR") programs continue to advance toward clinical development. The most advanced IVR product candidate is JNP-0101, an oxybutynin IVR for the treatment of overactive bladder in women. IND-enabling studies are underway including a study, defined in the Company’s pre-IND meeting with the FDA, to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of JNP-0101 in a representative animal model.

The Company is accelerating the Chemistry Manufacturing and Controls ("CMC") and production scale-up for JNP-0101 beyond its existing in-house capacity to further develop the go-to-market formulation and commercial manufacturing process ahead of its IND filing, which is now expected in 2017. This activity is intended to reduce CMC-related risks as JNP-0101 moves through clinical trials and toward commercialization in the $1.3 billion U.S. overactive bladder market.

Second Quarter Financial Results

Second quarter total revenues increased 16% to $11.9 million, compared with $10.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2015.

Product revenues were $7.6 million, an increase of $1.0 million, or 15%, versus the second quarter of last year, driven by continued in-market growth and new market sales of Crinone (progesterone gel) by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.

Service revenues from Juniper Pharma Services were $3.4 million, an increase of $0.7 million, or 24%, versus the second quarter of last year, as we experienced continued strong growth in customer volume. Royalty revenues, based on Allergan’s sales of Crinone, were essentially unchanged at $0.9 million.

Gross profit increased to $5.4 million as compared with $4.6 million in the prior year quarter.

Total operating expenses were $7.2 million in the second quarter of 2016, a $2.2 million increase as compared to the prior year quarter.

Sales and marketing costs increased $0.1 million to $0.4 million in the second quarter of 2016, reflecting continued investment in the U.S. market by Juniper Pharma Services.

The $1.4 million increase in R&D spending as compared to the prior year quarter was predominantly driven by costs associated with the Phase 2b clinical trial of COL-1077. R&D expense also includes preclinical development costs for the IVR pipeline product candidates: JNP-0101 (oxybutynin IVR), JNP-0201 (estradiol + progesterone IVR for symptoms of menopause), and JNP-0301 (progesterone IVR for the prevention of preterm birth).

The $0.7 million increase in general and administrative costs as compared to the prior year quarter was primarily driven by the creation of an internal business development function that was not in place in 2015 along with costs associated with CEO succession and organizational growth.

Juniper recorded a net loss of $1.7 million, or $(0.16) per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2016, compared to a net loss of $0.3 million, or ($0.03) per diluted share, in the same period of 2015.

Liquidity

Cash and cash equivalents were $13.0 million as of June 30, 2016, versus $13.5 million at March 31, 2016 and $13.9 million at December 31, 2015. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was primarily the result of capital expenditures.

Outlook

Based on year-to date revenues and expectations for the second half of the year, Juniper now anticipates full-year 2016 revenue growth in the low- to mid-teen percentage range over 2015 results.

On August 4, 2016 Insmed Incorporated (Nasdaq:INSM), a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the unmet needs of patients with rare diseases, reported financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2016 (Press release, Insmed, AUG 4, 2016, View Source [SID:1234514245]).

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Business Update

Global phase 3 CONVERT study advancing on track. The company continues to expect patient enrollment in its phase 3 study of ARIKAYCE (liposomal amikacin for inhalation) to conclude in 2016. The study, which is known as CONVERT or INS-212, is evaluating ARIKAYCE in nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) lung disease caused by Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). CONVERT is taking place in 18 countries and involves more than 145 sites. The primary efficacy endpoint is the proportion of subjects who achieve culture conversion at Month 6 in the ARIKAYCE plus multi-drug regimen arm compared to the multi-drug regimen without ARIKAYCE arm.
Data from phase 2 study of ARIKAYCE presented at the 1st World Bronchiectasis Conference. One-year follow-up data from the company’s phase 2 study of ARIKAYCE in patients with NTM lung disease were recently presented at the 1st World Bronchiectasis Conference in Hannover, Germany. The presentation was one of nine abstracts accepted for oral presentation.
Data from phase 1 clinical study of INS1009 to be presented at ERS 2016. Two abstracts have been accepted for presentation at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress taking place in London September 3-7. The posters are titled "Single dose pharmacokinetics of C16TR for Inhalation (INS1009) vs. treprostinil inhalation solution" and "Safety and pharmacokinetics study of a single ascending dose of C16TR for inhalation (INS1009)". The presentations will take place on Monday September 5. INS1009 is one of the company’s nebulized treprostinil prodrugs, which may offer a differentiated product profile with therapeutic potential in rare pulmonary disorders such as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), pulmonary sarcoidosis, and severe refractory asthma.
US Patent strengthens global patent portfolio. The United States Patent and Trademark Office issued patent no. 9,402,845, which provides methods of treating pulmonary infections via inhalation administration of a formulation containing a liposomal quinolone antibiotic and free quinolone antibiotic, such as ciprofloxacin. For example, a method of treating a bronchiectasis patient for a Pseudomonas aeruginosa pulmonary infection with the formulation is provided. The patent complements ARIKAYCE’s global intellectual property estate and further solidifies Insmed’s position as an innovator of liposomal antibiotic technology for pulmonary disorders and infections.
"Our phase 3 CONVERT study is our top corporate priority and we anticipate concluding enrollment later this year," said Will Lewis, president and chief executive officer of Insmed. "Positive data from CONVERT are expected to support a broad global regulatory strategy and advance our goal of bringing ARIKAYCE to patients with NTM lung disease who are in great need of new therapeutic options."

Second Quarter Financial Results

For the second quarter of 2016, Insmed posted a net loss of $36.6 million, or $0.59 per share, compared with a net loss of $28.6 million, or $0.47 per share, for the second quarter of 2015.

Research and development expenses were $23.9 million for the second quarter of 2016, compared with $18.2 million for the second quarter of 2015. The increase was primarily due to the advancement of the company’s global phase 3 CONVERT study of ARIKAYCE in NTM lung disease.

General and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2016 were $12.3 million, compared with $9.7 million for the second quarter of 2015. The increase was primarily related to pre-commercial activities, namely the buildout of the company’s infrastructure and NTM disease awareness activities, as well as an increase in headcount and related expenses.

Balance Sheet Highlights and Cash Guidance

"Observing the market changes from the beginning of the year, we are closely managing our operations resulting in cash operating expenses at the low end of our guidance for the first half of the year," said Andy Drechsler, chief financial officer of Insmed. "We continue to ensure that mission-critical priorities, such as the phase 3 CONVERT study and other key pre-commercial activities, are fully resourced. Given our solid cash position and disciplined approached to capital allocation, we expect to execute on our operational and strategic priorities."

As of June 30, 2016, Insmed had cash and cash equivalents of $223 million. Excluding depreciation and stock-based compensation expense, the company’s cash operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2016 were $59 million, which was at the low end of the company’s previously guided range of $58 to $68 million. Insmed ended the second quarter of 2016 with $25 million in debt and $197 million of working capital.

The company is investing in the following activities in 2016: (i) clinical development of ARIKAYCE, (ii) regulatory and pre-commercial initiatives for ARIKAYCE, and (iii) preclinical and clinical activities for its earlier-stage pipeline. Insmed expects its cash-based operating expenses for the second half of 2016 to be in the range of $62 to $72 million.

On August 4, 2016 ImmunoGen, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMGN), a leader in the expanding field of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for the treatment of cancer, reported an update on the Company’s progress and reported financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended June 30, 2016 (Press release, ImmunoGen, AUG 4, 2016, View Source [SID:1234514243]).

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"With our lead candidate poised to enter Phase 3 and a portfolio of well-differentiated programs advancing behind it, I am excited to have joined the strong team managing ImmunoGen’s transition to a fully-integrated biotech company," stated Mark Enyedy, President and CEO. "We will build upon ImmunoGen’s leadership position in ADCs by focusing on four strategic priorities: complete development and commercialize mirvetuximab soravtansine, accelerate our earlier-stage portfolio, continue to drive innovation in ADCs for the treatment of cancer, and support new and existing partnerships. As we execute on these priorities, we will look to improve the efficiency of our operations and more effectively manage our cash position."

Mr. Enyedy continued, "We made significant progress on these priorities over the past three months, including meeting with the FDA to review the path to registration for mirvetuximab soravtansine and our proposed Phase 3 trial, FORWARD I. With the benefit of the guidance provided by the agency, we are moving ahead with the study as designed and expect to enroll our first patient before year end. Following successful dose escalation, we have also initiated a 35-patient, Phase 2 expansion cohort for mirvetuximab soravtansine in combination with Avastin as part of our FORWARD II trial. With the initiation of Phase 1 dose escalation for IMGN779 and the progression of IMGN632 into pre-IND testing, we continue to advance our earlier-stage candidates deploying our new IGN payload technology to broaden the range of ADC-treatable cancers. The progress with our product candidates and those of our partners demonstrates ImmunoGen’s continuing commitment to drive ADC innovation to improve the lives of patients with cancer."

Pipeline Updates

Mirvetuximab Soravtansine

Mirvetuximab soravtansine is a well-differentiated experimental therapy for the treatment of ovarian cancer and potentially other tumor types that express its target, folate receptor alpha (FRα). This ADC is being evaluated in clinical trials as a single-agent therapy for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and in combination regimens for both platinum-resistant and platinum-sensitive disease.

Single-Agent Therapy

Held Type B meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to review the path to registration for mirvetuximab soravtansine and the proposed FORWARD I study protocol. With the benefit of the agency’s guidance, ImmunoGen is moving forward with initiating this Phase 3 trial as previously outlined, including with the primary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS).
Reported data from 46 patients with FRα-positive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) meeting in June. Mirvetuximab soravtansine demonstrated robust single-agent activity in these patients, with the greatest response rates and PFS reported in patients with high or medium levels of FRα expression on their tumors and who had received up to three prior regimens, the patient population eligible for enrollment in FORWARD I.
Strategic Combination Regimens

Initiated the 35-patient Phase 2 assessment in FORWARD II of mirvetuximab soravtansine in combination with Avastin following successful completion of dose finding.
Continued enrollment in the FORWARD II cohorts assessing the ADC used with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) and, separately, with carboplatin, with the cohort assessing the combination with Keytruda on track to open this summer.
Exploring Additional Opportunities

Through ImmunoGen’s collaboration with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), grants were awarded for clinical assessment of mirvetuximab soravtansine in combination with gemcitabine and as a treatment of triple negative breast cancer as well as for preclinical studies on mechanisms of resistance, sensitivity, and biomarkers.
IMGN779 / IMGN632

IMGN779 and IMGN632 deploy ImmunoGen’s new ultra-potent, DNA-acting payload agents that alkylate DNA without crosslinking it. In preclinical studies, these agents have been found to avoid the sustained toxicity seen with DNA-crosslinking agents.

Initiated Phase 1 clinical testing of IMGN779, a CD33-targeting ADC, for the treatment of AML. Initial clinical data from this trial are expected to be presented in 2017.
Advanced CD123-targeting IMGN632 into IND-enabling testing. The first preclinical findings with this novel ADC were presented at the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) annual meeting, with additional data on its distinctive activity and tolerability expected to be presented in late 2016.
IMGN529

IMGN529 deploys ImmunoGen’s validated maytansinoid payload technology and recently gained orphan drug status in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Initiated Phase 2 clinical testing of IMGN529 used in combination with Rituxan for patients with B-cell malignancies including DLBCL based on marked synergy in preclinical testing.
Fiscal Year 2016 Financial Results

ImmunoGen’s fiscal year 2016 ended June 30, 2016. The Company is moving to reporting on a calendar year basis, effective January 1, 2017.

For the Company’s fiscal year ended June 30, 2016 (FY2016), ImmunoGen reported a net loss of $143.7 million, or $1.65 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $60.7 million, or $0.71 per basic and diluted share, for its fiscal year ended June 30, 2015 (FY2015). For the quarter ending June 30, 2016, ImmunoGen reported a net loss of $44.8 million, or $0.51 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $30.5 million, or $0.35 per basic and diluted share, for the same quarter in FY2015.

Revenues in FY2016 were $60.0 million, compared to $85.5 million in FY2015, with the decrease principally due to reduced non-cash revenue from the amortization of upfront fees. FY2016 revenues include $26.9 million of license and milestone fees compared to $57.8 million in FY2015. The current period includes less revenue from the amortization of previously-received upfront fees than the prior period, $8.6 million and $41.4 million, respectively, and more revenue from partner milestone payments, $18.0 million and $14.0 million, respectively. Revenues in FY2016 also include $25.5 million of royalty revenues, all but $200,000 of which was non-cash, compared with $19.4 million for FY2015, of which $5.5 million was non-cash and $13.9 million was cash. Revenues for FY2016 also include $4.0 million of research and development support fees and $3.6 million of clinical materials revenue, compared with $2.8 million and $5.5 million, respectively, in such fees for FY2015. The changes reflect variations in the level of research support and the number of batches of clinical materials produced and released to partners on a year-to-year basis.

Operating expenses in FY2016 were $183.8 million, compared to $140.0 million in FY2015, with the increase principally due to costs associated with ImmunoGen advancing mirvetuximab soravtansine and other innovative, wholly-owned product candidates. Research and development expenses were $146.9 million in FY2016, compared to $111.8 million in FY2015. The increase in FY2016 is primarily due to increased clinical trial costs, particularly related to mirvetuximab soravtansine, to greater third-party costs related to ImmunoGen product program advancement, and to increased personnel expenses, principally due to hiring in the first three quarters of FY2016. General and administrative expenses were $36.9 million in FY2016, compared to $28.2 million in FY2015. This increase is primarily due to increased personnel expenses, particularly higher non-cash stock compensation costs which include a substantial charge resulting from the CEO transition, and to a lesser extent, increased third-party service fees.

ImmunoGen had approximately $245.0 million in cash and cash equivalents and $100.0 million of convertible debt outstanding as of June 30, 2016, compared with $278.1 million of cash and cash equivalents and no debt on June 30, 2015. Cash used in operations was $124.5 million in FY2016, compared with $55.3 million in FY2015. Capital expenditures were $10.4 million and $7.4 million for FY2016 and FY2015, respectively.

Financial Guidance

ImmunoGen is transitioning to a fiscal year ending December 31, effective January 1, 2017. For the six months ending December 31, 2016, ImmunoGen expects: revenues to be between $40 million and $45 million; operating expenses to be between $95 million and $100 million; net loss to be between $55 million and $60 million; cash used in operations to be between $65 million and $70 million; and capital expenditures to be between $2 million and $5 million. Cash and marketable securities at December 31, 2016 are anticipated to be between $170 million and $175 million.

On August 4, 2016 Genocea Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GNCA), a biopharmaceutical company developing T cell-directed vaccines and immunotherapies, reported corporate highlights and financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2016 (Press release, Genocea Biosciences, AUG 4, 2016, View Source [SID:1234514241]).

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"Full results from the Phase 2 dose optimization trial evaluating GEN-003, our immunotherapy for genital herpes, were showcased at ASM Microbe 2016 in June. The data show that a single course of treatment has significant and durable effects on both HSV-2 viral activity and genital herpes clinical disease for at least 12 months post dosing. Based on this clinical profile, we believe GEN-003 may offer benefits similar to a full year of daily administration of oral antivirals, giving us confidence in the potential for GEN-003 to become a cornerstone therapy for patients suffering with genital herpes," said Chip Clark, president and chief executive officer of Genocea. "We are looking forward to reporting viral shedding and six-month clinical efficacy data from our ongoing Phase 2b study of GEN-003 in September and around the end of this year, respectively."

Recent Business Highlights and Anticipated Milestones

GEN-003 – Immunotherapy for treatment of genital herpes in Phase 2 development. Greater than $1 billion potential revenue opportunity in U.S. alone

In June 2016, Genocea highlighted positive 12-month efficacy data from its Phase 2 dose optimization trial evaluating GEN-003 for the treatment of genital herpes at the American Society for Microbiology ("ASM") annual general meeting, ASM Microbe 2016. The study results, first announced in March 2016, demonstrate sustained and statistically significant reductions compared to baseline across multiple dose groups in the rate of viral shedding 12 months after treatment with GEN-003, as well as sustained efficacy at multiple dose levels across secondary endpoints measuring the impact on clinical disease. GEN-003 was well tolerated by patients, with no serious adverse events related to the vaccine in the trial.

Multiple anticipated upcoming clinical and regulatory milestones for GEN-003

Phase 2b viral shedding data expected in September
Phase 2b 6-month clinical efficacy data expected around the end of 2016
End-of-Phase 2 meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expected in Q1 2017
Initiation of Phase 2 antiviral combination study in fourth quarter of 2016
In September, Genocea expects to report viral shedding data from an ongoing Phase 2b trial. Approximately 135 subjects have been randomized to one of three dose groups – placebo, 60 µg per protein / 50 µg of adjuvant and 60 µg per protein / 75 µg of adjuvant – and are being monitored for 12 months.

Around the end of 2016, Genocea expects to report 6-month clinical efficacy data from this Phase 2b trial. The placebo-controlled data will represent the first opportunity to measure GEN-003 against potential Phase 3 clinical endpoints at 6-months after dosing.

Following these two data readouts, Genocea expects to conduct an end-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA in the first quarter of 2017. During this meeting, the Company will confirm the Phase 3 program for GEN-003, which it expects to initiate in the second half of 2017.

Genocea also expects to commence a Phase 2b antiviral combination study in the fourth quarter of 2016. Six-month clinical efficacy data from this trial is expected in the second half of 2017. If GEN-003 is additive to the effect of chronic suppressive oral anti-viral therapy, the Company believes this would further strengthen GEN-003’s value proposition to patients and physicians.

Immuno-oncology collaborations and cancer vaccine strategy

Genocea continues to advance its collaborations with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and expects to announce further data from these collaborations together with an update on its internal cancer vaccine development strategy in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Expanded company leadership

John Bishop, Ph.D. joined as Senior Vice President of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Ron Cooper appointed to the Board of Directors
In May 2016, John Bishop, Ph.D. joined the company as senior vice president of pharmaceutical sciences. He was formerly at Momenta Pharmaceuticals Inc., where he was responsible for all aspects of chemistry, manufacturing, and controls across an array of development and commercial-stage products. In his new role at Genocea, Dr. Bishop will lead pharmaceutical sciences and manufacturing activities for all stages of product development and commercialization.

In June 2016, Ron Cooper joined the company’s board of directors. Mr. Cooper is currently president and chief executive officer of Albireo Ltd. (Albireo), a late-stage biopharmaceutical company developing therapeutics to treat orphan pediatric liver diseases. Prior to joining Albireo, he spent more than 25 years at Bristol-Myers Squibb, where he worked in five different countries and held positions of increasing responsibility in sales, marketing and general management, most recently as president of Europe.

Second Quarter 2016 Financial Results and Guidance

Cash Position: Cash, cash equivalents and investments as of June 30, 2016 were $86.0 million compared to $95.7 million as of March 31, 2016.
Research and Development (R&D) Expenses: R&D expenses for the quarter ending June 30, 2016 decreased $0.3 million, to $6.7 million, from the same period in 2015. The decrease was driven by the conduct of a smaller Phase 2 trial for GEN-003 in comparative quarterly periods and lower GEN-003 manufacturing costs due to the timing of activities in support of clinical trial supply. GEN-004 costs were also lower due to the Phase 2a trial which was ongoing in the second quarter of 2015 and has since been completed. These lower costs were partially offset by higher personnel and lab-related costs to advance Genocea’s preclinical product candidates and develop the ATLAS platform for immuno-oncology.
General and Administrative (G&A) Expenses: G&A expenses increased approximately $0.9 million to $4.0 million for the second quarter ending June 30, 2016 from $3.2 million for the same period in 2015. The increase was due largely to GEN-003 market research costs and higher depreciation costs from facility expansion.
Net Loss: Net loss was $11.0 million for the second quarter ended June 30, 2016, compared to a net loss of $10.3 million for the same period in 2015.
Financial Guidance: On the basis of Genocea’s current operating plans, including the planned commencement of Phase 3 trials for GEN-003 in the second half of 2017, Genocea expects that cash, cash equivalents, and investments will be sufficient to fund its operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the second half of 2017, assuming no receipt of proceeds from potential business development partnerships, equity financings or debt drawdowns.