Biogen Reports Record Third Quarter 2016 Revenues of $3.0 Billion

On September 26, 2016 Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ: BIIB) reported third quarter 2016 financial results, including:

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Total revenues of $3.0 billion, a 6% increase versus the same quarter in the prior year (Press release, Biogen, OCT 26, 2016, View Source [SID1234516018]).

Growth was driven by a 10% increase in worldwide TECFIDERA revenues as well as increased revenues from TYSABRI,
ELOCTATE, ALPROLIX, and BENEPALI. Revenues were partially offset by a decrease in worldwide interferon sales.

In the U.S., Biogen estimates that TECFIDERA benefited by approximately $40 million to $50 million versus prior quarter due to inventory build in the channel. Outside the U.S., third quarter 2016 TECFIDERA revenue decreased versus second quarter primarily due to parallel trade dynamics.

Foreign exchange negatively impacted total revenues by approximately $54 million compared with the third quarter of 2015, driven by changes in hedge results.

GAAP net income attributable to Biogen Inc. of $1.0 billion, a 7% increase versus the same quarter in the prior year.

GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $4.71, a 13% increase versus the same quarter in the prior year.

Non-GAAP net income attributable to Biogen Inc. of $1.1 billion, a 9% increase versus the same quarter in the prior year.

Non-GAAP diluted EPS of $5.19, a 16% increase versus the same quarter in the prior year.

(In millions, except per share amounts) Q3 ‘16 Q2 ‘16 Q3 ‘15 Q3 ‘16 v. Q2 ‘16 Q3 ‘16 v. Q3 ‘15
Total revenues $ 2,956 $ 2,894 $ 2,778 2 % 6 %

GAAP net income* $ 1,033 $ 1,050 $ 966 (2 %) 7 %
GAAP diluted EPS $ 4.71 $ 4.79 $ 4.15 (2 %) 13 %

Non-GAAP net income* $ 1,138 $ 1,142 $ 1,042 (0 %) 9 %
Non-GAAP diluted EPS $ 5.19 $ 5.21 $ 4.48 (0 %) 16 %
*Net income attributable to Biogen Inc.

A reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP quarterly financial results can be found in Table 3 at the end of this release.

"This quarter we saw solid performance from our leading multiple sclerosis business as an increasing number of patients globally are benefiting from our diverse portfolio of therapies," said Chief Executive Officer George A. Scangos, Ph.D. "We are also excited to be offering patients a new treatment option with the introduction of ZINBRYTATM, a new therapy for multiple sclerosis. In our biosimilars business, we are pleased to have launched two new treatments in Europe: FLIXABI, a biosimilar of infliximab, and BENEPALI, a biosimilar of etanercept."

"We also made significant progress in several important pipeline programs," Dr. Scangos continued. "We completed the rolling submission of a New Drug Application to the FDA for nusinersen within two months of receiving the positive interim results from the ENDEAR study – Biogen’s fastest filing time in our 38 year history. Earlier this month, we also filed a Marketing Authorization Application with the European Medicines Agency. If approved, nusinersen would be the first treatment for patients with spinal muscular atrophy, a leading genetic cause of death in infants. In addition, we believe aducanumab, our Phase 3 candidate for early Alzheimer’s disease, continues to show promise, and we are encouraged by both the growing body of data from the Phase 1b PRIME study as well as the Fast Track designation it recently received from the FDA."

Revenue Highlights


(In millions) Q3 ‘16 Q2 ‘16 Q3 ‘15 Q3 ‘16 v. Q2 ‘16 Q3 ‘16 v. Q3 ‘15
Multiple Sclerosis:
TECFIDERA $ 1,034 $ 987 $ 937 5 % 10 %
Total Interferon $ 708 $ 728 $ 785 (3 %) (10 %)
AVONEX $ 580 $ 606 $ 685 (4 %) (15 %)
PLEGRIDY $ 128 $ 123 $ 100 4 % 28 %
TYSABRI $ 515 $ 497 $ 480 4 % 7 %
FAMPYRA $ 21 $ 22 $ 21 (3 %) (0 %)
ZINBRYTA $ 2 - - NMF NMF

Hemophilia:
ELOCTATE $ 132 $ 125 $ 91 6 % 46 %
ALPROLIX $ 85 $ 80 $ 66 6 % 30 %

Other Product Revenues:
FUMADERM $ 11 $ 12 $ 12 (4 %) (9 %)
Biosimilars $ 31 $ 15 $ - 101 % NMF

Total Product Revenues: $ 2,540 $ 2,466 $ 2,392 3 % 6 %

Anti-CD20 Revenues $ 318 $ 349 $ 337 (9 %) (6 %)
Other Revenues $ 99 $ 79 $ 49 25 % 101 %

Total Revenues $ 2,956 $ 2,894 $ 2,778 2 % 6 %
Note: Numbers may not foot due to rounding

Expense Highlights


(In millions) Q3 ‘16 Q2 ‘16 Q3 ‘15 Q3 ‘16 v. Q2 ‘16 Q3 ‘16 v. Q3 ‘15
GAAP cost of sales $ 417 $ 370 $ 310 (13 %) (34 %)
Non-GAAP cost of sales $ 396 $ 354 $ 310 (12 %) (28 %)

GAAP R&D $ 529 $ 473 $ 520 (12 %) (2 %)
Non-GAAP R&D $ 529 $ 473 $ 520 (12 %) (2 %)

GAAP SG&A $ 463 $ 492 $ 478 6 % 3 %
Non-GAAP SG&A $ 461 $ 489 $ 478 6 % 4 %

Note: Percent changes represented as favorable & (unfavorable)

Cost of sales for the third quarter of 2016 was negatively impacted by approximately $25 million due to a mid-single digit royalty on US sales of AVONEX and PLEGRIDY.

R&D expense for the third quarter of 2016 includes a $75 million payment to Ionis Pharmaceuticals in connection with Biogen’s exercise of its opt-in right to develop and commercialize nusinersen globally.

During the third quarter of 2016, Biogen recognized $13 million in restructuring charges primarily related to organizational changes associated with the anticipated spin-off of Bioverativ, as well as additional cost saving measures.
Other Financial Highlights

For the third quarter of 2016, the Company’s weighted average diluted shares were 219 million.
As of September 30, 2016, Biogen had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaling approximately $7.4 billion, and $6.5 billion in notes payable and other financing arrangements.
During the third quarter of 2016, Biogen repurchased 1.1 million shares of the Company’s common stock for a total value of $349 million.

Recent Events

In October 2016, Biogen and Ionis Pharmaceuticals presented new data from the clinical program for nusinersen, an investigational treatment for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), at the 2016 World Muscle Society Congress in Granada, Spain. Initial data from the Phase 3 ENDEAR study in infantile-onset (consistent with Type 1) SMA demonstrated a favorable safety profile, and analysis of the ongoing Phase 2 open-label NURTURE study demonstrated a beneficial effect in infants prior to the onset of symptoms. These presentations followed the announcement in August 2016 that nusinersen met the primary endpoint pre-specified for the interim analysis of ENDEAR, which showed that infants receiving nusinersen experienced a statistically significant improvement in the achievement of motor milestones compared with those who did not receive treatment.
In October 2016, Biogen filed a Marketing Authorization Application with the European Medicines Agency, which had already granted Accelerated Assessment status to nusinersen. Earlier in September 2016, Biogen completed the rolling submission of a New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the approval of nusinersen. Biogen has also applied for Priority Review which, if granted, would shorten the review period of nusinersen following the FDA’s acceptance of the NDA.

In September 2016, Biogen presented updated clinical findings from its broad portfolio of multiple sclerosis (MS) therapies at the 32nd congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) in London. Presentations included real-world data and new clinical evidence demonstrating that TECFIDERA consistently delivers strong, sustained efficacy in relapsing-remitting MS while affirming its well-characterized safety profile. Also presented were a new analysis from the pivotal DECIDE study that further supports the positive impact of ZINBRYTA on "no evidence of disease activity" (NEDA) and detailed results evaluating opicinumab (anti-LINGO-1) in people with relapsing forms of MS from the Phase 2 SYNERGY study.
In September 2016, Biogen announced that aducanumab, an investigational treatment for early Alzheimer’s disease, was granted Fast Track designation by the FDA. Biogen also announced that in a recently completed interim analysis from PRIME, the ongoing Phase 1b study of aducanumab in early Alzheimer’s disease, efficacy and safety data were consistent with results previously reported. These data support the design of the ongoing Phase 3 ENGAGE and EMERGE studies, and Biogen plans to share detailed information about these results at the upcoming Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease (CTAD) conference in San Diego on December 9, 2016.

In August 2016, results from pre-clinical research and the Phase 1b PRIME study for aducanumab in early Alzheimer’s disease were published in Nature. The full manuscript titled "The Antibody Aducanumab Reduces Aβ Plaques in Alzheimer’s Disease" can be found in the September 1, 2016 issue of Nature View Source
In August 2016, Biogen announced that Bioverativ will be the name of the independent, publicly-traded global biotechnology company that it expects to spin off in early 2017. Bioverativ will be focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of treatments for hemophilia and other blood disorders. Following completion of the spin-off, Bioverativ plans to trade under the symbol "BIVV" on the NASDAQ Stock Market.

Biogen has discontinued development of amiselimod (MT-1303).

Myriad’s BRACAnalysis CDx® Test Identifies Patients with Ovarian Cancer Who Would Benefit from Second-Line Maintenance Treatment with Olaparib

On October 26, 2016 Myriad Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:MYGN), a leader in molecular diagnostics and personalized medicine, reported that its BRACAnalysis CDx test accurately identified patients who may benefit from treatment with olaparib (Press release, Myriad Genetics, OCT 26, 2016, View Source [SID1234516013]). The BRACAnalysis CDx test was included in the SOLO2 study (NCT01874353) as a diagnostic with olaparib, an oral PARP inhibitor being developed by AstraZeneca (Nasdaq:AZN).

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SOLO2 compared maintenance olaparib against placebo in patients with platinum-sensitive relapsed ovarian cancer. In this study, patients were tested for germline BRCA (gBRAC+) mutations as determined by Myriad’s BRACAnalysis CDx test. The primary endpoint for SOLO2 was progression-free survival (PFS). The aim was to determine whether patients carrying gBRAC mutations treated with olaparib as a second-line maintenance therapy experienced longer progression-free survival, compared to those patients receiving placebo. The results showed that the olaparib-treated patients achieved the primary endpoint of prolonged PFS.

"These outstanding findings represent another meaningful advancement for ovarian cancer patients," said Johnathan Lancaster, M.D., Ph.D., gynecologic oncologist and chief medical officer of Myriad Genetic Laboratories. "Importantly, the results demonstrated that BRCA status as determined by BRACAnalysis CDx can identify patients likely to benefit from PARP inhibition therapy."

The collaboration between Myriad and AstraZeneca on olaparib began in 2007. In Dec. 2014, Myriad received FDA approval for BRACAnalysis CDx to identify patients with advanced ovarian cancer who are eligible for fourth-line treatment with olaparib. BRACAnalysis CDx is Myriad’s first FDA-approved companion diagnostic and was the first-ever laboratory developed test reviewed and approved by the FDA.

About BRACAnalysis CDx
BRACAnalysis CDx is an in vitro diagnostic device intended for the qualitative detection and classification of variants in the protein coding regions and intron/exon boundaries of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes using genomic DNA obtained from whole blood specimens collected in EDTA. Single nucleotide variants and small insertions and deletions (indels) are identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing. Large deletions and duplications in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are detected using multiplex PCR. Results of the test are used as an aid in identifying ovarian cancer patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline BRCA variants eligible for treatment with Lynparza (olaparib). This assay is for professional use only and is to be performed only at Myriad Genetic Laboratories, a single laboratory site located at 320 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108.

Evotec AG announces its intent to acquire Cyprotex PLC

On October 26, 2016 Evotec AG (Frankfurt Stock Exchange, Prime Standard, ISIN: DE 000 566480 9, WKN 566480) reported that it has made an offer to acquire Cyprotex PLC (AIM Listing: CRX-GB), a specialist pre-clinical contract research organisation in ADME-Tox and DMPK headquartered in UK (Press release, Evotec, OCT 26, 2016, View Source [SID1234516093]). The proposed acquisition, which has been unanimously recommended by the board of Cyprotex, is expected to close before year-end 2016.

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Evotec will pay approximately £ 55.36 m (EUR 62.00 m; £/EUR exchange rate of 1.12) in cash for the acquisition of all 26.1 million issued and to be issued Cyprotex shares and the funding of all existing company debt. The offer of 1.60 £ per Cyprotex share reflects a 9.4% premium to the VWAP of the past 30 trading days at AIM. The offer is intended to be implemented by a scheme of arrangement regulated by the UK takeover code, with already >50% shares secured irrevocable.

Nordic Nanovector and Heidelberg Pharma enter collaboration to develop novel antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting leukaemias

On October 26, 2016 Nordic Nanovector ASA (OSE: NANO), reported has entered into a collaboration with Heidelberg Pharma GmbH, a subsidiary of biopharmaceutical company WILEX AG (FSE: WL6) specializing in the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), to develop novel ADCs for treating leukaemias (Press release, Nordic Nanovector, OCT 26, 2016, View Source [SID1234516028]). Leukaemias are orphan diseases with a significant unmet medical need, applicable indications representing a growing market worth over USD 5 billion by 2020.

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This collaboration is part of Nordic Nanovector’s strategy to develop its pipeline of targeted therapies to include antibody products conjugated to anti-cancer compounds that are not radionuclides. Such conjugates are commonly referred to as ADCs.

Jostein Dahle, Nordic Nanovector’s Chief Scientific Officer, commented: "We are pleased to further expand our R&D activities into the ADC area with Heidelberg Pharma in this second strategic collaboration, following closely the collaboration announced recently with LegoChem. During the past year, we have made important steps to execute our strategy designed to build a pipeline of innovative antibody-radionuclide conjugates (ARCs) and ADCs that combine our expertise and platform with complementary technologies from expert partners. This strategy is aimed at creating multiple new targeted treatment options for patients who suffer a range of leukaemias and lymphomas."

Professor Dr Andreas Pahl, Head of Research & Development and member of the Management Board of WILEX and Heidelberg Pharma, commented: "This project extends our portfolio of ADCs to further haematological cancers. Nordic Nanovector has an established chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) process for their antibody which will speed up processes and reduce the development costs of an ADC."

Moleculin Announces Advancement of Preclinical Testing for Brain Tumor Drug WP1122

On October 26, 2016 Moleculin Biotech, Inc., (NASDAQ: MBRX) ("Moleculin" or the "Company"), a preclinical and clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on the development of anti-cancer drug candidates, some of which are based on license agreements with The University of Texas System on behalf of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, reported promising initial results of the preclinical toxicology work that has begun for WP1122, a unique inhibitor of glucose metabolism, which is an important driver of glycolytic brain tumor progression and survival (Press release, Moleculin, OCT 26, 2016, View Source [SID1234516024]).

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The Company indicated that preliminary escalating single dose toxicity testing in mice (oral administration) was successfully completed and even at the highest possible dose, no toxic death was observed. In multiple therapeutic doses, WP1122 was well tolerated during intense twice-daily oral dosing. The Company plans to move forward with completing the preclinical toxicology package in order to generate proof of concept in humans.

Moleculin’s Chairman and CEO, Walter Klemp, commented, "As the newest of our technologies, we are pleased to see development work move to the next level. WP1122 has received significant attention from the scientific community as a promising new approach to treating brain tumors. Part of the excitement relates to the unusual nature of WP1122 and its design allowing for high brain uptake and retention. The design uses an alteration similar to that which turns morphine into heroine and enables rapid brain uptake. A similar alteration to our drug allows it to successfully enter the brain in high quantities and increases its circulation time."

Prior to this announcement, the Company had previously announced the presentation of promising preclinical data in July of this year (Moleculin Announces Data on WP1122 Presented at the 28th Annual International Carbohydrate Symposium), supporting the potential for using WP1122 as a treatment for glioblastoma.

No curative therapy exists for patients with high-grade brain tumors and new approaches to the treatment of this disease are urgently needed. One new approach to tackling this problem has been to focus on shutting down the metabolism of tumor cells, which can be highly dependent on glucose for continued survival and proliferation. WP1122 has been shown both in vitro and in vivo to induce a destruction of glioma cells, the most aggressive form of brain tumor, by essentially "starving" them. Its translational potential as a drug for brain tumors in general and glioma in particular is promising due to its improved circulation time as well as its increased brain uptake.