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Biodesix Announces Second Quarter 2021 Results and Highlights

On August 10, 2021 Biodesix, Inc. (Nasdaq: BDSX), a leading data-driven diagnostic solutions company with a focus in lung disease, reported its financial and operating results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021 and provided a corporate update (Press release, Biodesix, AUG 10, 2021, View Source [SID1234586221]).

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"It was a productive quarter with 180% year over year growth in total revenue. Our first four blood-based tests which make up our core lung diagnostic testing, grew 109% year over year and 20% over the prior quarter," said Scott Hutton, CEO of Biodesix. "We expect growth in core lung diagnostic testing to continue through 2021 driven by the U.S.’s emergence from the pandemic, productivity from our growing salesforce, and our efforts to build on the body of evidence supporting the use of our tests. Beyond our currently marketed products, we also continue to develop our Diagnostic Cortex Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform and expand our pipeline of products capable of providing broad lung diagnostics to address patients’ needs over the course of their disease. The launch of our 72-hour liquid NGS test is now projected for the first quarter of 2022 and will supplement our 36-hour VeriStrat and GeneStrat tests. With this accelerated launch and multiple studies underway for our Risk of Recurrence (ROR) and Primary Immune Response (PIR) tests as well as our ALTITUDE, BEACON, INSIGHT, and ORACLE prospective studies actively enrolling or following patients, we look forward to a productive and exciting second half of the year."

Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results

For the three-month period ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the same period of 2020 (where applicable):

Total revenue of $11.9 million, an increase of 180%;

Core lung diagnostic revenue of $4.8 million, an increase of 109%;
Continued sequential recovery from initial rapid uptake of COVID-19 immunizations.
Growth driven primarily by Nodify XL2 and Nodify CDT.
Nodify XL2 growth triggered the previously disclosed milestone resulting in a $37 million obligation payable by us over six quarterly installments of approximately $4.6 million beginning January 2022 and a final payment of approximately $9.3 million in July 2023.
COVID-19 testing revenue of $6.1 million, an increase of 345%;
Sequential quarter over quarter decline commensurate with our prior commentary as US immunizations accelerated in second quarter.
Services revenue of $1.0 million, an increase of 76%;
Clinical trial services showed improvement and we expect further recovery in clinical trial enrollments in second half of 2021.

Gross profit of $4.8 million, an increase of 103%, and gross margin percentage of 40% as compared to 56% representing a decline primarily attributable to the lower gross margin COVID-19 testing;

Operating expenses (excluding direct costs and expenses) of $15.4 million, which includes an investment in the planned expansion of our sales force, increased 93% over second quarter 2020;
On track to double size of lung focused direct and dedicated sales force in 2021.
Non-cash stock compensation expense of $0.5 million as compared to $0.1 million.
Non-cash expense for change in fair value of contingent consideration of $0.6 million as compared to a gain of $1.0 million.

Net loss of $11.4 million, an increase of 38% over second quarter of 2020; and

Maintained fiscal discipline and strong liquidity with cash and cash equivalents of $56.3 million as of June 30, 2021 and expect to qualify for PPP loan forgiveness of $3.1 million later in 2021.
For a full list of Biodesix’s press releases and webinars, please visit Biodesix.com.

Conference call and webcast information

Management will host an investor conference call and webcast today, August 10, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

Crinetics’ Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results and Corporate Update

On August 10, 2021 Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: CRNX), a clinical stage pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel therapeutics for rare endocrine diseases and endocrine-related tumors, reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021 and provided a corporate update (Press release, Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, AUG 10, 2021, View Source [SID1234586220]).

"We’ve seen advancements across our pipeline over the past months, with the commencement of dosing in the Phase 3 PATHFNDR-1 trial of paltusotine in acromegaly and the announcement of data from CRN04894’s Phase 1 program," said Scott Struthers, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Crinetics. "This program continues to follow the blueprint of paltusotine’s success, as early clinical data have provided proof-of-concept by demonstrating the dose-dependent and clinically-significant pharmacodynamic effects of CRN04894 on a well validated hormonal biomarker. We are also mirroring this approach with our somatostatin receptor type 5 agonist, CRN04777, and remain on track to report data from the single-ascending dose cohorts of the ongoing Phase 1 trial in September."

Dr. Struthers continued, "Looking forward, our strong financial foundation and talented team of in-house endocrinology experts leaves us well positioned to execute on our corporate and clinical objectives. Through the continued advancement of our pipeline, we aim to solidify our position as a leader in the design and development of novel small molecule drugs for endocrine diseases."

SECOND QUARTER AND SUBSEQUENT HIGHLIGHTS
Reported positive data from single-ascending dose (SAD) cohorts of first-in-human study of CRN04894. In August 2021, Crinetics announced positive data from the SAD cohorts of an ongoing Phase 1 study of its ACTH antagonist, CRN04894. Preliminary data provided evidence of clinically relevant cortisol suppression. CRN04894 demonstrated dose-dependent reductions in basal cortisol levels as well as suppression of cortisol following ACTH challenge. In addition, the data suggests that CRN04894 was orally bioavailable and demonstrated dose-proportional pharmacokinetics. CRN04894 was well-tolerated, and all adverse events were considered mild. The data is supportive of proceeding to the multiple-ascending dose cohorts of the Phase 1 study and additional data is expected in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Commenced dosing in Phase 3 PATHFNDR-1 study. In June 2021, Crinetics announced that the first patient had been dosed in PATHFNDR-1, one of two planned Phase 3 trials assessing the safety and efficacy of once-daily oral paltusotine that together will evaluate paltusotine in a wide cross section of acromegaly patients. Topline data from PATHFNDR-1 is expected to be available in 2023.
Strengthened balance sheet with successful common stock offerings. In April 2021, Crinetics completed an underwritten follow-on offering and raised gross proceeds of approximately $75.0 million and in August 2021, Crinetics entered into a securities purchase agreement with Frazier Healthcare Partners for the private placement of 851,306 shares at $17.62 per share, raising gross proceeds of $15.0 million.
Appointed Garlan Adams as General Counsel. In June 2021, Crinetics strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Ms. Adams to the newly created role of General Counsel. Ms. Adams brings more than two decades of experience managing legal and compliance matters associated with the development and commercialization of innovative pharmaceutical and biotechnology products.

SECOND QUARTER 2021 FINANCIAL RESULTS
Research and development expenses were $20.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, compared to $12.6 million for the same period in 2020. The increase was primarily due to an increase in personnel costs of $3.0 million, of which stock-based compensation was $1.1 million, and increased spending on manufacturing and development activities of $4.1 million associated with our clinical and nonclinical activities for paltusotine and our other clinical and preclinical programs.
General and administrative expenses were $5.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, compared to $4.3 million for the same period in 2020. The increase was primarily due to additional personnel costs of $0.8 million, of which stock-based compensation was $0.6 million.
Net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2021 was $26.1 million, compared to a net loss of $16.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020.
Unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and investments totaled $203.8 million as of June 30, 2021, compared to $170.9 million as of December 31, 2020. The increase was attributable to the $72.6 million net proceeds from the common stock offering completed in April.
As of July 31, 2021, the company had 38,563,660 common shares outstanding.

Almac Group and PILA PHARMA Ink Manufacturing Agreement

On August 10, 2021 Almac Sciences, global provider of integrated drug development services and member of the Almac Group, reported that the company has signed a manufacturing agreement with Swedish biotech company, PILA PHARMA, for the production of XEN-D0501 active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) (Press release, Almac, AUG 10, 2021, View Source [SID1234586219]).

From its global headquarter facilities in Northern Ireland, Almac Sciences will manufacture XEN-D0501, a highly selective and very potent small molecule TRPV1 antagonist, previously in development by Bayer Healthcare and Xention/Ario Pharma. The TRPV1 target (also called the "chili-receptor") has demonstrated applications across pain and inflammatory diseases and possibly in diabetes as well. XEN-D0501 was acquired by PILA PHARMA in March 2016, and subsequently, PILA PHARMA has demonstrated good safety results as well as efficacy, i.e. a statistically improved endogenous insulin response to oral glucose versus placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes, thus demonstrating proof of principle of XEN-D0501.

Commented by Professor Tom Moody, VP Technology Development and Commercialisation, Almac Sciences and Arran Chemical Company, "Almac Sciences is delighted to be working with PILA PHARMA and supporting their API manufacture. The project showcases deployment of our technology platforms including integration of green chemistries and we look forward to further opportunities in this space."

Dorte X. Gram, CEO, PILA PHARMA states, "The availability of new API is key for us to be able to conduct planned 3-month toxicology studies, that are in turn a prerequisite for initiating our main goal, conducting a clinical phase 2b study with XEN-D0501 in type-2 diabetics. I am, therefore, very pleased to have signed off this agreement and we look forward to the collaboration with Almac on timely delivery of new API."

The global company has proven expertise in small and large molecule analytics, API supply, stable & 14C radiolabelling, formulation development & solid-state services and earlier this year announced the completion of its £5 million two-storey centre for biocatalysis, flow chemistry technologies and peptide research and development.

Pulmatrix Reports Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results and Provides Business Update

On August 10, 2021 Pulmatrix, Inc. (NASDAQ: PULM), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative inhaled therapies to address serious pulmonary and non-pulmonary disease using its patented iSPERSE technology, reported its second quarter 2021 financial results and provides a business update (Press release, Pulmatrix, AUG 10, 2021, View Source [SID1234586218]).

"We have made steady progress across our pipeline in the second quarter," said Ted Raad, Chief Executive Officer of Pulmatrix. "Recent toxicology data from PUR1800 suggests the potential to expand into indications that require chronic dosing. We look forward to presenting topline data from the fully enrolled, ongoing Phase 1b study of PUR1800 in Q1 2022. We are also rapidly advancing towards the clinic with PUR3100 in acute migraine. We believe that our strong cash position allows us to advance our pipeline through major data milestones into 2023."

Second Quarter and Recent Highlights:

PUR1800

Completed enrollment in ongoing Phase 1b clinical study of PUR1800 in acute exacerbations in COPD (AECOPD). Study endpoints include safety, tolerability, and exploratory biomarkers to demonstrate target engagement and anti-inflammatory effect.
PUR1800 Phase 1b top-line data is expected in Q1 2022.
Results from 6-month rat and 9-month dog toxicology results demonstrate no progression of 28-day findings, suggesting potential for chronic dosing of PUR1800 in indications beyond AECOPD including, but not limited to, steroid resistant asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
The Company estimates an approximate peak net revenue opportunity of $2.4B in AECOPD1, due to the significant unmet need beyond standard of care oral steroids and/or antibiotic therapy. Expansion to chronic indications should further broaden the market potential of PUR1800.
PUR3100

14-day toxicology results for PUR3100, Pulmatrix’s dry powder iSPERSE formulation of dihydroergotamine (DHE) for pulmonary delivery to treat acute migraine are expected in Q3 2021.
IND filing planned in Q4 2021, with a Phase 1/ Phase 2 clinical study start date anticipated in Q1 2022. Data from this proof-of-concept study are expected in Q4 2022.
Pulmazole

Pulmatrix notified Cipla Technologies LLC (Cipla) that it is in material breach of the Development and Commercialization Agreement (the Cipla Agreement) in May 2021. The Company continues to seek Cipla’s reaffirmation of all of its obligations under the Cipla Agreement and, in the absence of such reaffirmation, to pursue all available remedies.
1 Market research and analysis from ClearView Healthcare Partners

Financials

As of June 30, 2021, Pulmatrix had $56.9 million in cash and cash equivalents, compared to $31.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Revenue for the second quarter of 2021 was $2.2 million, compared to $3.5 million for the same period in 2020. The revenue for the second quarter of 2021 was the result of the collaboration and licensing agreements with Cipla and JJEI.

Research and development expense was $4.5 million in the second quarter of 2021 compared to $3.2 million for the same period in 2020. The increase year–over-year was primarily attributable to increased preclinical and manufacturing costs related to the PUR3100 project partially offset by decreased spend on the Pulmazole clinical trial.

General and administrative expense was $1.6 million for the second quarter of 2021 compared to $1.5 million for the same period in 2020. The increase year–over-year was primarily attributable to increase legal, patent, ad public company costs partially offset by decreased employment costs.

Net loss was $3.9 million for the second quarter of 2021 compared to a net loss of $1.2 million for the same period of 2020. The $2.7 million increase in net loss year-over-year was due to increased spend for preclinical and manufacturing expenses on the PUR3100 program and reduced revenue recognized that related to the Pulmazole program.

IMV Announces Final Topline Results of the DeCidE1 Clinical Trial in Advanced Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

On August 10, 2021 IMV Inc. (NASDAQ: IMV; TSX: IMV), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering a novel class of immunotherapies against difficult-to-treat cancers, reported the final topline results of the DeCidE1 Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating maveropepimut-S (MVP-S, formerly known as DPX-Survivac) in subjects with advanced recurrent ovarian cancer (Press release, IMV, AUG 10, 2021, View Source [SID1234586217]).

"The overall results obtained from the DeCidE1 trial are very promising," said Dr. Oliver Dorigo, Principal Investigator of the DeCidE1 study and Director of the Gynecologic Oncology Service at Stanford University. "Treatment was well-tolerated with an overall survival rate of 44.9% at 23.8 months of follow up and a median overall survival of 19.9 months. These results are particularly encouraging because many subjects in the trial had been heavily pre-treated and 57.9% were platinum resistant. We believe that these results support the further clinical study of maveropepimut-S in ovarian cancer." Secondary endpoints in the DeCidE1 clinical study included an extensive analysis of collected biological samples. Dr Jeremy Graff, Chief Scientific Officer of IMV commented, "The translational analyses provide strong evidence that maveropepimut-S successfully elicits the generation of tumor antigen-specific T cells. Importantly, these analyses affirm the molecular and cellular mechanism of MVP-S based therapy. This data will also inform the discussion and design of a Phase 2 clinical study to be submitted to the FDA." The details of these translational analyses have been submitted to upcoming scientific meetings for presentation.

About the DeCidE1 Study

"DeCidE1" was a Phase 1b/2 multicenter, randomized, open-label study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of maveropepimut-S (MVP-S, formerly named DPX-Survivac) with intermittent low dose cyclophosphamide (CPA). This Phase 2 trial enrolled 22 subjects with recurrent, advanced platinum-sensitive and resistant ovarian cancer. Subjects received 2 subcutaneous injections of MVP-S three weeks apart and every eight weeks thereafter, and intermittent low dose CPA one week on and one week off until end of treatment. Tumor biopsies were performed prior to treatment and on treatment.

Primary endpoints of this study were overall response rate, disease control rate and safety. Secondary endpoints included cell mediated immunity, immune cell infiltration in paired biopsy samples, duration of response, time to progression, overall survival, and biomarker analyses. More information on the DeCidE1 study can be found here.