Lilly Reports Strong Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2019 Financial Results, Updates 2020 Guidance for Pending Dermira Acquisition

On January 30, 2020 Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2019 (Press release, Eli Lilly, JAN 30, 2020, View Source [SID1234553688]).

Certain financial information for 2019 and 2018 is presented on both a reported and a non-GAAP basis. Some numbers in this press release may not add due to rounding. Reported results were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), include all revenue and expenses recognized during the periods, and reflect Elanco Animal Health (Elanco) as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Non-GAAP measures reflect adjustments for the items described in the reconciliation tables later in the release, and assume that the disposition of Elanco occurred at the beginning of all periods presented (including the benefit from the reduction in shares of common stock outstanding). The company’s 2020 financial guidance is being provided on both a reported and a non-GAAP basis. The non-GAAP measures are presented to provide additional insights into the underlying trends in the company’s business.

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"Lilly is in the early phase of an exciting period of growth for the company. The combination of strong revenue growth from our newer medicines and prudent expense control across our business enabled Lilly to invest more in our R&D pipeline and still deliver impressive earnings growth in the fourth quarter and full-year 2019," said David A. Ricks, Lilly’s chairman and CEO. "We look forward to continuing this progress in 2020, as our scientists work to expand our portfolio of innovative medicines to offer new treatment options for patients in the areas of diabetes, oncology, immunology, and neuroscience."

Key Events Over the Last Three Months
Regulatory

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted priority review for the New Drug Application for selpercatinib for the treatment of patients with advanced RET fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), RET-mutant medullary thyroid cancer, and RET fusion-positive thyroid cancer.

The FDA approved Trijardy XR (empagliflozin/linagliptin/metformin hydrochloride extended release tablets) to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise. Trijardy XR provides three type 2 diabetes medicines in one pill, including Jardiance (empagliflozin), Tradjenta (linagliptin), and metformin hydrochloride extended release.

The European Commission approved a new indication and associated label update for Cyramza. The new label will include an indication for Cyramza in combination with erlotinib for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic NSCLC with activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations.

The European Commission approved Baqsimi (glucagon) nasal powder 3 mg for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in people with diabetes ages four years and above.

Clinical

The company and Incyte announced that baricitinib met the primary endpoint in two Phase 3 studies. BREEZE-AD4 evaluated the safety and efficacy of baricitinib in combination with topical corticosteroids for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis who were inadequate responders, intolerant or had contraindication to treatment with cyclosporine. BREEZE-AD5 evaluated the safety and efficacy of baricitinib for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.

The company and Innovent Biologics, Inc. announced that the results of a Phase 3 study in China of Tyvyt in combination with Alimta and platinum in first-line advanced or recurrent nonsquamous NSCLC without sensitive EGFR mutation or ALK rearrangement

met the predefined primary endpoint of progression-free survival in an interim analysis.

The company and Boehringer Ingelheim announced results from two Phase 3 clinical trials related to functional endpoints with Jardiance in adults with chronic heart failure with reduced and preserved ejection fraction. In both trials, there was no significant change from baseline to week 12 in exercise ability with Jardiance versus placebo, as measured by the six-minute walk test which was the primary endpoint of the studies. The safety profile seen in the trials was similar to the currently known safety profile of Jardiance and no new safety risks were identified.

Business Development/Other Developments

The company announced a definitive agreement to acquire Dermira, Inc. for $18.75 per share, or approximately $1.1 billion, in an all-cash transaction. Dermira is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing new therapies for chronic skin conditions. The pending acquisition will expand Lilly’s immunology pipeline with the addition of lebrikizumab, a novel, investigational, monoclonal antibody designed to bind IL-13 with high affinity that is being evaluated in a Phase 3 clinical development program for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adolescent and adult patients, ages 12 years and older. The pending acquisition of Dermira will also expand Lilly’s portfolio of marketed dermatology medicines with the addition of QBREXZA, a medicated cloth approved by the FDA for the topical treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis (uncontrolled excessive underarm sweating).

The company announced plans to add two more cost-saving options to its suite of solutions for people in the U.S. who use Lilly insulin by introducing lower-priced versions of Humalog Mix75/25 KwikPen and Humalog Junior KwikPen. Both insulins will have 50 percent lower list prices compared to the branded versions and will be available by mid-April. Lilly’s first lower-priced insulin, Insulin Lispro Injection, was made available in May 2019 at a 50 percent lower list price than Humalog. In December 2019, nearly 80,000 people filled prescriptions for Insulin Lispro Injection, and approximately 10 percent of people using Humalog in the U.S. have utilized the lower-priced option. Insulin Lispro Injection is now distributed by all major

U.S. wholesalers and can be ordered by any pharmacy.

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana ruled in favor of Lilly that the Alimta vitamin regimen patent would be infringed by a competitor that had stated its intent to market alternative salt forms of pemetrexed prior to the patent’s expiration. The ruling came in the case of Eli Lilly and Company v. Apotex Inc., and Apotex has filed an appeal.

The company announced a global commercialization agreement to integrate DexCom, Inc. products into Lilly’s personalized diabetes management system, currently in development to advance the treatment of diabetes. Under the terms of the non-exclusive agreement, Lilly will use Dexcom’s continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices in both the pen- and pump-based platforms of the system being designed to help improve diabetes management.

The company and Boehringer Ingelheim modernized their alliance to focus their combined expertise and investment on the continued development and commercialization of Jardiance in type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. Trajenta and Basaglar remain part of the alliance, with primary responsibility for development and commercialization led by the innovator company. Boehringer Ingelheim will continue as strategic lead for Trajenta, and Lilly for Basaglar.

Fourth-Quarter Reported Results
In the fourth quarter of 2019, worldwide revenue was $6.114 billion, an increase of 8 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2018. The increase in revenue was driven by a 10 percent increase due to volume, partially offset by a 1 percent decrease due to lower realized prices.

Revenue in the U.S. increased 7 percent, to $3.519 billion, as increased volume of 8 percent was partially offset by lower realized prices. Increased U.S. volume for key growth products including Trulicity, Taltz, Verzenio, Jardiance, Emgality and Basaglar, was partially offset by decreased volume for Cialis due to loss of patent exclusivity, lower volume for Forteo, as well as the impact from the product withdrawal of Lartruvo.

Revenue outside the U.S. increased 10 percent, to $2.595 billion, driven by increased volume of 12 percent, which was primarily from key growth products, including Trulicity, Olumiant, Taltz, Verzenio, and Jardiance, partially offset by decreased volume for Strattera due to loss of patent exclusivity and the impact of the product withdrawal of Lartruvo. In addition, revenue outside the

U.S. benefited from a milestone from Bayer Consumer Care AG resulting from its exclusive development and commercialization license for Vitrakvi . The increase in revenue due to volume was partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates and lower realized prices.

Gross margin increased 7 percent, to $4.831 billion, in the fourth quarter of 2019 compared with the fourth quarter of 2018. Gross margin as a percent of revenue was 79.0 percent, a decrease of 1.0 percentage point compared with the fourth quarter of 2018. The decrease in gross margin percent
was primarily due to unfavorable product mix, the unfavorable effect of foreign exchange rates on international inventories sold, higher intangibles amortization expense, and the impact of lower realized prices on revenue.

Total operating expenses in the fourth quarter of 2019, defined as the sum of research and development and marketing, selling, and administrative expenses, increased 6 percent to $3.280 billion compared with the fourth quarter of 2018. Research and development expenses increased 14 percent to $1.581 billion, or 25.9 percent of revenue, driven by higher development expenses for late-stage assets. Marketing, selling, and administrative expenses remained relatively flat at $1.698 billion, as lower spending on late life-cycle products and ongoing cost containment measures were offset by increased expenses for recently launched products.

There were no acquired in-process research and development charges in the fourth quarter of 2019. In the fourth quarter of 2018, the company recognized acquired in-process research and development charges of $329.4 million related to business development transactions with Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, SIGA Technologies, Chugai Pharmaceuticals, NextCure, and Hydra Biosciences.

In the fourth quarter of 2019, the company recognized asset impairment, restructuring and other special charges of $151.7 million. The charges were primarily related to the decision to close and sell a research and development facility located in the United Kingdom, as well as severance costs incurred

as a result of actions taken to reduce the company’s cost structure. In the fourth quarter of 2018, the company recognized asset impairment, restructuring and other special charges of $192.7 million, primarily associated with severance costs incurred as a result of actions taken to reduce the company’s cost structure.

Operating income in the fourth quarter of 2019 was $1.400 billion, compared to $900.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2018. The increase in operating income was primarily driven by lower acquired in-process research and development charges and higher gross margin, partially offset by higher research and development expenses.

Other income was $262.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, compared with $31.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2018. The increase in other income was primarily driven by the gain on the sale of the company’s antibiotics business in China and higher net gains on investment securities, partially offset by a charge related to the repurchase of debt.

The effective tax rate was 10.1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2019, and contained net discrete tax benefits, including a tax benefit from a capital loss on the disposition of subsidiary stock. During the fourth quarter of 2018, the company recorded an income tax benefit of $189.8 million despite earning $931.6 million of income before income taxes. The 2018 income tax benefit was primarily due to U.S. tax reform adjustments of $344.6 million.

In the fourth quarter of 2019, net income and earnings per share were $1.496 billion and $1.64, respectively, compared with net income of $1.125 billion and earnings per share of $1.10 in the fourth quarter of 2018. The increase in net income in the fourth quarter of 2019 was primarily driven by higher operating income and higher other income, partially offset by higher income taxes. In addition to the increase in net income, earnings per share in the fourth quarter of 2019 significantly benefited from lower weighted-average shares outstanding as a result of the Elanco exchange offer and share repurchases.

Fourth-Quarter Non-GAAP Measures
On a non-GAAP basis, fourth-quarter 2019 gross margin increased 7 percent, to $4.885 billion compared with the fourth quarter of 2018. Gross margin as a percent of revenue was 79.9 percent, a decrease of 0.7 percentage points. The decrease in gross margin percent was primarily due to unfavorable product mix, the unfavorable effect of foreign exchange rates on international inventories sold, and the impact of lower realized prices on revenue.

Operating income on a non-GAAP basis increased $145.6 million, or 10 percent, to $1.605 billion in the fourth quarter of 2019 compared with the fourth quarter of 2018, due to higher gross margin, partially offset by higher research and development expenses.

Other income on a non-GAAP basis was $205.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, compared with $31.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2018. The increase in other income was primarily due to higher net gains on investment securities and higher net foreign currency gains, partially offset by higher net interest expense.

The effective tax rate on a non-GAAP basis was 12.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2019, compared with 15.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2018. The lower effective tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2019 was driven primarily by an increase in net discrete tax benefits.

On a non-GAAP basis, in the fourth quarter of 2019, net income increased 26 percent, to $1.583 billion, while earnings per share increased 31 percent, to $1.73, compared with $1.258 billion and $1.32, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2018. The increase in net income was driven primarily by higher other income and higher operating income. The increase in earnings per share was driven primarily by the increase in net income and, to a lesser extent, the benefit from lower weighted-average shares outstanding as a result of share repurchases. Non-GAAP weighted average shares outstanding for both periods have been reduced by the approximately 65 million shares retired in the Elanco exchange offer.

For further detail of non-GAAP measures, see the reconciliation below as well as the "Reconciliation of GAAP Reported to Selected Non-GAAP Adjusted Information" table later in this press release.

Numbers may not add due to rounding.
(a) For the fourth quarter of 2019, amount relates to a tax benefit from a capital loss on the disposition of subsidiary stock. For the fourth quarter of 2018, amount relates to adjustments to the 2017 Toll Tax for U.S. tax reform proposed regulations and tax expenses associated with the separation of Elanco.
(b) Non-GAAP earnings per share assume that the disposition of Elanco occurred at the beginning of all periods presented and, therefore, exclude the approximately 65.0 million shares of Lilly common stock retired in the Elanco exchange offer.

Year-to-Date Reported Results
For the full year 2019, worldwide revenue increased 4 percent compared with 2018 to $22.319 billion. The revenue increase was driven by an 8 percent increase due to volume, partially offset by a 3 percent decrease due to lower realized prices and a 1 percent decrease due to the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates.

Revenue in the U.S. increased 3 percent to $12.723 billion, driven by increased volume for key growth products, including Trulicity, Taltz, Verzenio, Jardiance, Emgality and Basaglar. The increase in revenue was partially offset by decreased volume for products that have lost exclusivity, primarily Cialis, as well as the impact from the product withdrawal of Lartruvo, and lower volume for Forteo. Excluding

Cialis, volume in the U.S. grew 15 percent. The increase in U.S. revenue was negatively impacted by lower realized prices for several products, primarily Trulicity.

Revenue outside the U.S. increased 5 percent to $9.597 billion, due to increased volume for key growth products, including Trulicity, Olumiant, Taltz, Jardiance and Verzenio. The increase in revenue was partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates and, to a lesser extent, lower realized prices.

Gross margin increased 5 percent to $17.598 billion in 2019. Gross margin as a percent of revenue was 78.8 percent, an increase of 0.6 percentage points compared with 2018. The increase in gross margin percent was primarily due to the favorable impact of foreign exchange rates on international inventories sold and lower intangibles amortization expense, partially offset by unfavorable product mix, the impact of lower realized prices on revenue, and charges resulting from the product withdrawal of Lartruvo.

Total operating expenses, defined as the sum of research and development and marketing, selling, and administrative expenses, increased 7 percent to $11.809 billion in 2019. Research and development expenses increased 11 percent to $5.595 billion, or 25.1 percent of revenue, driven by higher late-stage development expenses. Marketing, selling and administrative expenses increased 4 percent to $6.214 billion, primarily due to increased marketing expenses for recently launched products, partially offset by lower expenses for late life-cycle products.

In 2019, the company recognized acquired in-process research and development charges of $239.6 million resulting from business development transactions with AC Immune, Centrexion Therapeutics, ImmuNext, and Avidity Biosciences. In 2018, the company recognized acquired in-process research and development charges of $1.984 billion, primarily related to the acquisition of ARMO BioSciences and the business development transaction with Dicerna Pharmaceuticals.

In 2019, the company recognized asset impairment, restructuring and other special charges of $575.6 million. The charges were primarily associated with the accelerated vesting of Loxo Oncology employee equity awards as part of the closing of the acquisition of Loxo Oncology, and, to a lesser extent, the charges associated with the decision to close and sell a research and development facility located in the United Kingdom. In 2018, the company recognized asset impairment, restructuring, and other special charges of $266.9 million primarily associated with asset impairments related to the sale of the Posilac (rbST) brand and its Augusta, Georgia manufacturing site. The charges also include expenses associated with efforts to reduce the company’s cost structure.

Operating income in 2019 increased 41 percent compared with 2018 to $4.974 billion, driven primarily by lower acquired in-process research and development and, to a lesser extent, higher gross margin, partially offset by higher operating expenses.

Other income was $291.6 million in 2019 compared with $145.6 million in 2018. The increase in other income was primarily driven by higher net gains on investment securities and the gain on the sale of the company’s antibiotics business in China, partially offset by the charge related to the repurchase of debt and higher net interest expense.

For the full year 2019, the effective tax rate was 11.9 percent, compared with an effective tax rate of 14.4 percent for the full year 2018. The higher effective tax rate in 2018 was primarily due to non-deductible acquired in-process research and development charges.

For the full year 2019, net income and earnings per share were $8.318 billion and $8.89, respectively, compared with $3.232 billion, and $3.13, respectively, in 2018. The increases in net income and earnings per share during 2019 were driven primarily by the gain recognized on the disposition of Elanco as well as higher operating income. In addition to the increase in net income, earnings per share in 2019 significantly benefited from lower weighted-average shares outstanding as a result of the Elanco exchange offer and share repurchases.

Year-to-Date Non-GAAP Measures
On a non-GAAP basis for the full year 2019, gross margin increased 4 percent, to $17.888 billion compared with the full year 2018. Gross margin as a percent of revenue for the full year 2019 was 80.1 percent, compared to 79.8 percent for the full year 2018.

Operating income on a non-GAAP basis decreased $54.8 million, or 1 percent, to $6.079 billion driven by higher operating expenses, partially offset by higher gross margin.

Other income on a non-GAAP basis was $234.3 million for the full year 2019, compared with $119.8 million for the full year 2018. The increase in other income was primarily due to higher net gains on investment securities, partially offset by higher net interest expense.

The effective tax rate on a non-GAAP basis was 11.8 percent for the full year 2019, compared with 15.7 percent for the full year 2018. The lower effective tax rate was driven primarily by an increase in net discrete tax benefits resulting from the resolution of certain global income tax audits.

On a non-GAAP basis, net income increased 6 percent and earnings per share increased 11 percent to $5.568 billion, and $6.04, respectively. The increase in net income was driven primarily by lower tax expense and higher other income, partially offset by lower operating income. The increase in earnings per share was driven by the increase in net income as well as the benefit from lower weighted-average shares outstanding as a result of share repurchases. Non-GAAP weighted average shares outstanding

for both periods have been reduced by the approximately 65 million shares retired in the Elanco exchange offer.

For further detail of non-GAAP measures, see the reconciliation below as well as the "Reconciliation of GAAP Reported to Selected Non-GAAP Adjusted Information" table later in this press release.

Numbers may not add due to rounding. NM – not meaningful
(a) Non-GAAP earnings per share assume that the disposition of Elanco occurred at the beginning of all periods presented and, therefore, exclude the approximately 65.0 million shares of Lilly common stock retired in the Elanco exchange offer.
(b) For 2019, amount relates to a tax benefit from a capital loss on the disposition of subsidiary stock. For 2018, amount relates to adjustments to the 2017 Toll Tax for U.S. tax reform proposed regulations and tax expenses associated with the separation of Elanco.

(a) Humalog includes Insulin Lispro
(b) Jardiance includes Glyxambi and Synjardy
NM – not meaningful; Numbers may not add due to rounding

Trulicity
Fourth-quarter 2019 worldwide Trulicity revenue was $1.208 billion, an increase of 31 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2018. U.S. revenue increased 29 percent, to $942.0 million, driven by increased demand, partially offset by lower realized prices. Trulicity’s lower realized prices in the U.S. were primarily due to changes in segment mix, increased coverage gap funding requirements in Medicare Part D, and higher contracted rebates, partially offset by changes in estimates for rebates and discounts. Revenue outside the U.S. was $266.1 million, an increase of 36 percent, driven by increased volume, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates and lower realized prices.

For the full year 2019, worldwide Trulicity revenue was $4.128 billion, an increase of 29 percent compared with the full year 2018. U.S. revenue increased 25 percent, to $3.155 billion, driven by higher demand, partially offset by lower realized prices. Revenue outside the U.S. increased 42 percent, to $972.7 million, primarily driven by increased volume, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates and, to a lesser extent, lower realized prices.

Humalog
For the fourth quarter of 2019, worldwide Humalog revenue decreased 1 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2018, to $763.4 million. Revenue in the U.S. increased 3 percent, to $468.7 million, driven primarily by increased volume and higher realized prices due to segment mix. Revenue outside the U.S. decreased 7 percent, to $294.7 million, primarily driven by decreased volume and, to a lesser extent, the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates.

For the full year 2019, worldwide Humalog revenue decreased 6 percent to $2.821 billion compared with the full year 2018. U.S. Humalog revenue for 2019 was $1.670 billion, a 7 percent decrease, primarily driven by lower realized prices and decreased demand. Humalog revenue outside the U.S. was $1.151 billion, a 5 percent decrease, primarily driven by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates.

Alimta
For the fourth quarter of 2019, worldwide Alimta revenue decreased 5 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2018, to $530.7 million. U.S. revenue decreased 1 percent, to $313.7 million, primarily driven by lower realized prices due to changes in estimates for rebates and discounts, partially offset by increased demand. Revenue outside the U.S. decreased 10 percent to $217.0 million, primarily driven by lower realized prices, partially offset by increased volume.

For the full year 2019, worldwide Alimta revenue decreased 1 percent to $2.116 billion compared with the full year 2018. U.S. Alimta revenue for 2019 was $1.219 billion, an 8 percent increase, driven by increased demand, partially offset by lower realized prices. Alimta revenue outside the U.S. was $896.4 million, an 11 percent decrease, driven by lower realized prices and, to a lesser extent, the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates and lower volume resulting from the entry of generic pemetrexed
in Germany.

Forteo
For the fourth quarter of 2019, worldwide Forteo revenue decreased 18 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2018, to $360.2 million. U.S. revenue decreased 25 percent, to $171.7 million, primarily driven by decreased demand. Revenue outside the U.S. decreased 10 percent to $188.5 million, primarily driven by decreased volume and, to a lesser extent, lower realized prices.

For the full year 2019, worldwide Forteo revenue decreased 11 percent to $1.405 billion compared with the full year 2018. U.S. Forteo revenue for 2019 was $645.5 million, a 15 percent decrease primarily driven by decreased demand. Forteo revenue outside the U.S. was $759.1 million, a 7 percent decrease driven by decreased volume and, to a lesser extent, the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates and lower realized prices.

The company expects further volume declines for Forteo as a result of competitive dynamics in the U.S. and the entry of generic and biosimilar competition following the loss of patent exclusivity in the third quarter of 2019 in the U.S., Japan and major European markets.

For the fourth quarter of 2019, worldwide Taltz revenue increased 37 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2018, to $420.1 million. U.S. revenue increased 30 percent, to $317.2 million, driven by increased demand, partially offset by lower realized prices due to unfavorable segment mix. Revenue outside the U.S. increased 62 percent, to $102.8 million, primarily driven by increased volume from recent launches, partially offset by lower realized prices and the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates.

For the full year 2019, Taltz generated worldwide revenue of $1.366 billion, an increase of 46 percent compared with the full year 2018. U.S. revenue was $1.017 billion, an increase of 38 percent primarily driven by increased demand, partially offset by lower realized prices. Revenue outside the U.S. was $349.6 million, an increase of 76 percent, driven by increased volume from recent launches, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates.

Humulin
For the fourth quarter of 2019, worldwide Humulin revenue increased 3 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2018, to $348.0 million. U.S. revenue increased 3 percent, to $240.1 million, driven by increased volume and higher realized prices due to changes in estimates for rebates and discounts. Revenue outside the U.S. increased 3 percent, to $107.9 million, due to higher realized prices and increased volume, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates.

For the full year 2019, worldwide Humulin generated revenue of $1.290 billion, a decrease of 3 percent compared with the full year 2018. U.S. revenue was $879.7 million, a 3 percent decrease, driven by lower realized prices, partially offset by increased volume. Revenue outside the U.S. was $410.4 million, a 3 percent decrease, primarily driven by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates, partially offset by increased volume and, to a lesser extent, higher realized prices.

Basaglar
For the fourth quarter of 2019, worldwide Basaglar revenue increased 32 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2018, to $307.2 million. U.S. revenue increased 34 percent, to $243.5 million, driven by higher realized prices and, to a lesser extent, increased demand. Revenue outside the U.S. increased 28 percent, to $63.7 million, driven by increased volume, partially offset by lower realized prices and the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates. Basaglar is part of the company’s alliance with Boehringer Ingelheim, and Lilly reports total sales of Basaglar as revenue, with payments made to Boehringer Ingelheim for its portion of the gross margin reported as cost of sales.

For the full year of 2019, Basaglar generated worldwide revenue of $1.113 billion, an increase of 39 percent compared with the full year 2018. U.S. revenue was $876.2 million, an increase of 41 percent, driven by higher realized prices and increased demand. Revenue outside of the U.S. was $236.3 million, an increase of 32 percent, driven by increased volume, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates and, to a lesser extent, lower realized prices.

Jardiance
The company’s worldwide Jardiance revenue during the fourth quarter of 2019 was $268.0 million, an increase of 39 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2018. U.S. revenue increased 36 percent, to $157.5 million, driven by increased demand. Revenue outside the U.S. was $110.5 million, an increase of 42 percent, driven by increased volume, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates. Jardiance is part of the company’s alliance with Boehringer Ingelheim, and Lilly reports as revenue a portion of Jardiance’s gross margin.

For the full year 2019, worldwide Jardiance revenue was $944.2 million, an increase of 43 percent compared with the full year 2018. U.S. revenue increased 41 percent, to $565.9 million, driven by increased demand. Revenue outside the U.S. increased 47 percent, to $378.3 million, primarily driven by increased volume, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates.

Cyramza
For the fourth quarter of 2019, worldwide Cyramza revenue was $245.1 million, an increase of 11 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2018. U.S. revenue was $87.9 million, an increase of 9 percent, primarily driven by increased demand. Revenue outside the U.S. was $157.2 million, an increase of 12 percent, primarily driven by increased volume.

For the full year 2019, worldwide Cyramza revenue was $925.1 million, an increase of 13 percent compared with the full year 2018. U.S. revenue increased 15 percent, to $335.3 million, driven by increased demand and, to a lesser extent, higher realized prices. Revenue outside the U.S. increased 11 percent, to $589.9 million, primarily due to increased volume, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates and lower realized prices.

Cialis
For the fourth quarter of 2019, worldwide Cialis revenue decreased 44 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2018, to $197.8 million. U.S. revenue was $22.4 million in the fourth quarter, an 87 percent decrease compared with the fourth quarter of 2018, driven by decreased demand due to generic competition. Revenue outside the U.S. decreased 1 percent to $175.4 million, driven by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates, partially offset by higher realized prices.

For the full year 2019, worldwide Cialis revenue decreased 52 percent to $890.5 million compared with the full year 2018. U.S. Cialis revenue for 2019 was $231.7 million, a 79 percent decrease, driven by decreased demand due to generic competition. Cialis revenue outside the U.S. was $658.8 million, a 9

percent decrease, driven by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates, lower volume due to the loss of exclusivity in Europe and, to a lesser extent, lower realized prices.

Verzenio
For the fourth quarter of 2019, Verzenio generated worldwide revenue of $179.1 million, an increase of $21.9 million compared with the third quarter of 2019. U.S. revenue was $131.2 million, an increase of $6.4 million compared with the third quarter of 2019, primarily driven by increased demand. Revenue outside the U.S. was $47.9 million, an increase of $15.4 million compared with the third quarter of 2019.

For the full year of 2019, Verzenio generated worldwide revenue of $579.7 million. U.S. revenue increased 83 percent compared with the full year 2018 to $454.8 million, driven by increased demand, and, to a lesser extent, higher realized prices. Revenue outside of the U.S. was $124.9 million, driven by higher volume from recent international launches.

Olumiant
For the fourth quarter of 2019, Olumiant generated worldwide revenue of $127.8 million. U.S. revenue was $13.0 million. Revenue outside the U.S. was $114.9 million, an increase of 74 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2018, driven by increased demand, partially offset by lower realized prices and the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates.

For the full year of 2019, Olumiant generated worldwide revenue of $426.9 million, an increase of $224.4 million compared with the full year 2018. U.S. revenue was $42.2 million. Revenue outside of the U.S. increased 96 percent, to $384.7 million, driven by increased volume, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates and, to a lesser extent, lower realized prices.

Emgality
For the fourth quarter of 2019, Emgality generated worldwide revenue of $66.3 million, an increase of $18.5 million compared with the third quarter of 2019. U.S. revenue was $63.1 million, an increase of $17.3 million compared with the third quarter of 2019, primarily driven by increased demand. Revenue outside of the U.S. was $3.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2019.

For the full year of 2019, Emgality generated worldwide revenue of $162.5 million. U.S. revenue was $154.9 million. Revenue outside of the U.S. was $7.7 million.

2020 Financial Guidance
The company has updated certain elements of its 2020 financial guidance on both a reported basis and non-GAAP basis to reflect the pending acquisition of Dermira. On a reported basis, earnings per share for 2020 are now expected to be in the range of $6.18 to $6.28. On a non-GAAP basis, the company reaffirmed earnings per share for 2020 to be in the range of $6.70 to $6.80.

Numbers may not add due to rounding
(a) Reported earnings per share percent change from 2019 calculated based on change from 2019 earnings per share from continuing operations.
(b) Includes estimated charges for inventory step-up, accelerated vesting of employee equity awards, amortization of intangible assets, and other integration costs associated with the pending acquisition of Dermira. Amounts are estimates and may change after the acquisition is completed.

The company now anticipates 2020 revenue between $23.7 billion and $24.2 billion. Revenue growth is still expected to be driven by volume from key growth products including Trulicity, Taltz, Basaglar, Jardiance, Verzenio, Cyramza, Olumiant, Emgality, Baqsimi, and the expected launch of ReyvowTM. Revenue growth could also benefit from the addition of QBREXZA revenue from the pending acquisition of Dermira, as well as the potential launch of other new medicines. Revenue growth is expected to be partially offset by lower revenue for products that have lost patent exclusivity, including the expected entry of generic competition for Forteo in the U.S. Revenue growth is also expected to be partially offset by a low-single digit net price decline in the U.S. driven primarily by rebates and legislated increases to Medicare Part D cost sharing, patient affordability programs, and net price declines in China, Japan and Europe.

Gross margin as a percent of revenue is still expected to be approximately 79.0 percent on a reported basis and approximately 81.0 percent on a non-GAAP basis.

Marketing, selling and administrative expenses are now expected to be in the range of $6.2 billion to $6.4 billion. Research and development expenses are still expected to be in the range of $5.6 billion to $5.9 billion.

Operating margin percentage, defined as operating income as a percent of revenue, is now expected to be approximately 28 percent on a reported basis and is still expected to be 31 percent on a non-GAAP basis.

Other income (expense) is still expected to be expense in the range of $100 million to $250 million.

The 2020 effective tax rate is still expected to be approximately 15 percent on both a reported basis and a non-GAAP basis.
ance reflects adjustments presented in the earnings per share table above.

Webcast of Conference Call
As previously announced, investors and the general public can access a live webcast of the fourth-quarter and full-year 2019 financial results conference call through a link on Lilly’s website at www.lilly.com. The conference call will begin at 9:00 a.m. Eastern time (ET) today and will be available for replay via the website.

Lilly is a global healthcare leader that unites caring with discovery to create medicines that make life better for people around the world. We were founded more than a century ago by a man committed to

creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs, and today we remain true to that mission in all our work. Across the globe, Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. F-LLY

Thermo Fisher Scientific Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2019 Results

On January 30, 2020 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO), the world leader in serving science, reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2019 (Press release, Thermo Fisher Scientific, JAN 30, 2020, View Source [SID1234553687]).

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Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2019 Highlights

•Fourth quarter revenue increased 5% to $6.83 billion.
•Fourth quarter GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) increased 12% to $2.49.
•Fourth quarter adjusted EPS increased 9% to $3.55.

•Full year revenue grew 5% to $25.54 billion.
•Full year GAAP diluted EPS increased 27% to $9.17.
•Full year adjusted EPS increased 11% to $12.35.

•Delivered another excellent year of high-impact innovation, launching new products across our businesses, highlighted by the Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Exploris 480 and Eclipse Tribrid mass spectrometers, Thermo Scientific Krios G4 cryo-electron microscope, Applied Biosystems QuantStudio 6 and 7 Pro real-time PCR systems, the addition of numerous allergens to the Thermo Scientific ImmunoCAP menu and, in the fourth quarter, the launch of our new Ion Torrent Genexus next-generation sequencing instrument.

•Built on our industry-leading scale in emerging and high-growth markets, opening new customer solution centers in Seoul and Shanghai for life sciences applications, new centers in Beijing and Delhi for improving food quality and safety, and a new pharma and biotech customer center in Shanghai to accelerate development of new drug therapies.

•Significantly strengthened our pharma services network in 2019 to develop and deliver high-quality medicines to patients around the world by acquiring leading viral vector manufacturer Brammer Bio and the GSK active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing site in Ireland, and expanding production capacity at facilities in North America and Europe to support growing demand for biologics and gene therapies.

•Continued to successfully execute our capital deployment strategy during the year, completing $1.8 billion of bolt-on acquisitions, returning $1.8 billion of capital to shareholders through stock buybacks and dividends, and refinancing $5.6 billion of debt to generate $80 million of savings annually.

Adjusted EPS, adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin and free cash flow are non-GAAP measures that exclude certain items detailed later in this press release under the heading "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures."

"We finished the year strong and exceeded the goals we set out to accomplish in 2019," said Marc N. Casper, president and chief executive officer of Thermo Fisher Scientific. "From a financial perspective, we again delivered excellent revenue and earnings growth, along with strong cash flow performance.

"We continued to execute our proven growth strategy to create a differentiated experience for our customers and gain share. Across our technology-focused businesses, we extended our leading innovation track record to support our customers’ work in life sciences, clinical and applied markets. In high-growth and emerging markets, we opened new solution centers to help our customers address their challenges in a range of applications. We also strengthened our pharma services and bioproduction capabilities through a combination of strategic acquisitions and capacity investments."

Casper added, "We’re pleased to deliver another excellent year, and are even more excited about our prospects ahead as we kick off the next decade an even stronger company."

Fourth Quarter 2019

Revenue for the quarter grew 5% to $6.83 billion in 2019, versus $6.51 billion in 2018. Organic revenue growth was 5%; acquisitions, net of a divestiture, increased revenue by 1% and currency translation decreased revenue by 1%.

GAAP Earnings Results

GAAP diluted EPS in the fourth quarter of 2019 increased 12% to $2.49, versus $2.22 in the same quarter last year. GAAP operating income for the fourth quarter of 2019 grew to $1.23 billion, compared with $1.15 billion in the year-ago quarter. GAAP operating margin increased to 18.0%, compared with 17.6% in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Non-GAAP Earnings Results

Adjusted EPS in the fourth quarter of 2019 increased 9% to $3.55, versus $3.25 in the fourth quarter of 2018. Adjusted operating income for the fourth quarter of 2019 grew 5% compared with the year-ago quarter. Adjusted operating margin increased to 24.9%, compared with 24.8% in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Full Year 2019

Revenue for the full year grew 5% to $25.54 billion in 2019, versus $24.36 billion in 2018. Organic revenue growth was 6%; acquisitions, net of a divestiture, increased revenue by 1% and currency translation decreased revenue by 2%.

GAAP Earnings Results

GAAP diluted EPS for the full year increased 27% to $9.17, versus $7.24 in 2018. GAAP operating income for 2019 grew to $4.59 billion, compared with $3.78 billion a year ago. GAAP operating margin increased to 18.0% in 2019, compared with 15.5% in 2018. GAAP results for 2019 reflect the gain on the sale of the company’s Anatomical Pathology business during the second quarter.

Non-GAAP Earnings Results

Adjusted EPS for the full year rose 11% to $12.35, versus $11.12 in 2018. Adjusted operating income for 2019 grew 6% compared with 2018, and adjusted operating margin increased to 23.4%, compared with 23.1% a year ago.

Annual Guidance for 2020

The company will provide 2020 financial guidance during its earnings conference call this morning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time.

Segment Results

Management uses adjusted operating results to monitor and evaluate performance of the company’s four business segments, as highlighted below. Since these results are used for this purpose, they are also considered to be prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Life Sciences Solutions Segment

In the fourth quarter of 2019, Life Sciences Solutions Segment revenue grew 8% to $1.84 billion, compared with revenue of $1.70 billion in the fourth quarter of 2018. Segment adjusted operating margin increased to 37.5%, versus 36.8% in the 2018 quarter.

For the full year 2019, Life Sciences Solutions Segment revenue rose 9% to $6.86 billion, compared with revenue of $6.27 billion in 2018. Segment adjusted operating margin increased to 35.7% in 2019, compared with 34.4% a year ago.

Analytical Instruments Segment

Analytical Instruments Segment revenue was $1.52 billion in the fourth quarter of 2019, compared with revenue of $1.57 billion in the fourth quarter of 2018. Segment adjusted operating margin was 26.0%, versus 26.6% in the 2018 quarter.

For the full year 2019, Analytical Instruments Segment revenue increased 1% to $5.52 billion, compared with revenue of $5.47 billion in 2018. Segment adjusted operating margin grew to 23.1%, versus 22.8% in 2018.

Specialty Diagnostics Segment

Specialty Diagnostics Segment revenue was $0.94 billion in the fourth quarter of 2019, compared with revenue of $0.95 billion in the fourth quarter of 2018, reflecting the divestiture of the Anatomical Pathology business in June 2019. Segment adjusted operating margin was 23.7%, versus 24.5% in the 2018 quarter.

For the full year 2019, Specialty Diagnostics Segment revenue was flat at $3.72 billion, compared with 2018. Segment adjusted operating margin was 25.0%, versus 2018 results of 25.6%.

Laboratory Products and Services Segment

In the fourth quarter of 2019, Laboratory Products and Services Segment revenue grew 9% to $2.83 billion, compared with revenue of $2.60 billion in the fourth quarter of 2018. Segment adjusted operating margin increased to 13.8%, versus 13.1% in the 2018 quarter.

For the full year 2019, Laboratory Products and Services Segment revenue grew 6% to $10.60 billion, compared with revenue of $10.04 billion in 2018. Segment adjusted operating margin was 12.5% in both years.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to the financial measures prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), we use certain non-GAAP financial measures, including adjusted EPS, adjusted operating income and adjusted operating margin, which exclude certain acquisition-related costs, including charges for the sale of inventories revalued at the date of acquisition and significant transaction costs; restructuring and other costs/income; and amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets. Adjusted EPS also excludes certain other gains and losses that are either isolated or cannot be expected to occur again with any predictability, tax provisions/benefits related to the previous items, the impact of significant tax audits or events and the results of discontinued operations. We exclude the above items because they are outside of our normal operations and/or, in certain cases, are difficult to forecast accurately for future periods. We also use a non-GAAP measure, free cash flow, which is operating cash flow, excluding net capital expenditures, and also excludes operating cash flows from discontinued operations to provide a view of the continuing operations’ ability to generate cash for use in acquisitions and other investing and financing activities. We believe that the use of non-GAAP measures helps investors to gain a better understanding of our core operating results and future prospects, consistent with how management measures and forecasts the company’s performance, especially when comparing such results to previous periods or forecasts.

For example:

We exclude costs and tax effects associated with restructuring activities, such as reducing overhead and consolidating facilities. We believe that the costs related to these restructuring activities are not indicative of our normal operating costs.

We exclude certain acquisition-related costs, including charges for the sale of inventories revalued at the date of acquisition and significant transaction costs. We exclude these costs because we do not believe they are indicative of our normal operating costs.

We exclude the expense and tax effects associated with the amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets because a significant portion of the purchase price for acquisitions may be allocated to intangible assets that have lives of 3 to 20 years. Based on acquisitions closed through the end of the fourth quarter of 2019, adjusted EPS will exclude approximately $3.21 of expense for the amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets. Exclusion of the amortization expense allows comparisons of operating results that are consistent over time for both our newly acquired and long-held businesses and with both acquisitive and non-acquisitive peer companies.

We also exclude certain gains/losses and related tax effects, the impact of significant tax audits or events (such as changes in deferred taxes from enacted tax rate changes or the estimated initial impacts of U.S. tax reform legislation), which are either isolated or cannot be expected to occur again with any predictability and that we believe are not indicative of our normal operating gains and losses. For example, we exclude gains/losses from items such as the sale of a business or real estate, gains or losses on significant litigation-related matters, gains on curtailments of pension plans, the early retirement of debt and discontinued operations.

We also report free cash flow, which is operating cash flow, excluding net capital expenditures, and also excludes operating cash flows from discontinued operations to provide a view of the continuing operations’ ability to generate cash for use in acquisitions and other investing and financing activities.

Thermo Fisher’s management uses these non-GAAP measures, in addition to GAAP financial measures, as the basis for measuring the company’s core operating performance and comparing such performance to that of prior periods and to the performance of our competitors. Such measures are also used by management in their financial and operating decision-making and for compensation purposes.

The non-GAAP financial measures of Thermo Fisher’s results of operations and cash flows included in this press release are not meant to be considered superior to or a substitute for Thermo Fisher’s results of operations prepared in accordance with GAAP. Reconciliations of such non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are set forth in the accompanying tables. Thermo Fisher does not provide GAAP financial measures on a forward-looking basis because we are unable to predict with reasonable certainty, and without unreasonable effort, items such as the timing and amount of future restructuring actions and acquisition-related charges as well as gains or losses from sales of real estate and businesses, the early retirement of debt and the outcome of legal proceedings. The timing and amount of these items are uncertain and could be material to Thermo Fisher’s results computed in accordance with GAAP.

Conference Call

Thermo Fisher Scientific will hold its earnings conference call today, January 30, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time. To listen, dial (877) 273-7122 within the U.S. or (647) 689-5496 outside the U.S. You may also listen to the call live on our website, www.thermofisher.com, by clicking on "Investors." You will find this press release, including the accompanying reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures and related information, in that section of our website under "Financial Results." An audio archive of the call will be available under "Webcasts and Presentations" through Friday, February 7, 2020.

VAXIMM to Participate at Upcoming Industry Events

On January 30, 2020 VAXIMM AG, a Swiss/German biotech company focused on developing oral T-cell immunotherapies, reported that the Company will participate in several industry events in the coming months (Press release, Vaximm, JAN 30, 2020, View Source [SID1234553685]). Company representatives will be available for networking and one-on-one meetings at the following conferences:

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BIO CEO & Investor Conference
February 10-11, 2020
New York, NY, USA
VAXIMM representatives will be available for one-on-one meetings during the conference. To schedule a meeting, please use the event partnering system or contact [email protected].

13th SACHS Annual European Life Science CEO Forum
February 19-20, 2020
Zurich, Switzerland
Dr. Heinz Lubenau, CEO, will give a corporate presentation on February 19th at 2:15 pm CET and participate in the panel, "Oncology Advanced Therapies & Diagnostics," taking place on the same day at 4:30 pm. The Company will also host one-on-one meetings at this event. To request a meeting with VAXIMM, please sign up through the event’s meeting system.

14th Annual International Partnering Conference BIO-Europe Spring
March 23-25, 2020
Paris, France
VAXIMM plans to give a corporate presentation and host one-on-one meetings at this event. To request a meeting, please sign up through the event’s partneringONE meeting system.

30th MedTech Investing Europe Conference
March 31-April 1, 2020
Lausanne, Switzerland
VAXIMM representatives will be available for one-on-one meetings during the conference. Dr. Heinz Lubenau also plans to give a corporate presentation. To schedule a meeting, please contact [email protected].

Karolinska Development’s portfolio company Aprea Therapeutics receives FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation

On January 30, 2020 Karolinska Development (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) reported that its portfolio company Aprea Therapeutics has been granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for APR-246 in combination with azacitidine for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with a TP53 mutation (Press release, Aprea, JAN 30, 2020, https://www.karolinskadevelopment.com/en/press-releases?page=/en/pressreleases/karolinska-development%2527s-portfolio-company-aprea-therapeutics-receives-fda-breakthrough-therapy-designation-1769167 [SID1234553684]). A Breakthrough Therapy Designation facilitates expedited development and regulatory review of a drug candidate.

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APR-246 is a small molecular drug candidate that binds, refolds and stabilizes mutant p53, occurring in approximately 50% of all human tumors. A pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial of APR-246 and azacitidine for frontline treatment of TP53 mutant MDS is ongoing. APR-246 has previously received Orphan Drug and Fast Track designations from the FDA for MDS, and Orphan Drug designation from the EMA for MDS, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and ovarian cancer.

"This is yet another success for Aprea Therapeutics, and we look forward to following the continued development of its potentially ground-breaking cancer therapy", says Viktor Drvota, CEO, Karolinska Development AB, in response to the announcement.

MDS represents a spectrum of hematopoietic stem cell malignancies in which bone marrow fails to produce sufficient numbers of healthy blood cells. Approximately 30-40% of MDS patients progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and mutation of the p53 tumor suppressor protein is thought to directly contribute to disease progression and a poor overall prognosis.

The FDA’s Breakthrough Therapy Designation is intended to expedite the development and review of a drug candidate that is planned to treat a serious or life-threatening disease or condition when preliminary clinical evidence indicates that the drug may demonstrate substantial improvement over available therapies on one or more clinically significant endpoints.

Sysmex and RIKEN Innovation Sign a Comprehensive Collaborative Agreement

On January 30, 2020 Sysmex Corporation (HQ: Kobe, Japan; Chairman and CEO: Hisashi Ietsugu) and RIKEN Innovation Co., Ltd. (HQ: Saitama, Japan; President and CEO: Yoshihiro Aburatani) reported that they have signed a partnership agreement to use the research results from National Research and Development Institute RIKEN (HQ: Saitama, Japan; President: Hiroshi Matsumoto) to jointly create new businesses and return benefits to society (Press release, Sysmex, JAN 30, 2020, View Source [SID1234553683]).

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Through this agreement, the companies aim to apply advanced and broad-ranging research results from RIKEN, a comprehensive research institution for the natural sciences. The objective is to create high-value testing and diagnostic technologies to resolve global medical issues and contribute to the realization of personalized medicine.

The healthcare issues faced by individual countries have grown more diverse in recent years, due to aging populations and the expansion of preventive medicine in developed countries, and the establishment of healthcare infrastructures in emerging markets. With IT and other technological innovations making industries increasingly borderless, it is important to respond to increasingly diverse healthcare needs, proactively collaborate with companies and research institutions that go beyond their industry boundaries, and conduct R&D activities leading to efficient and effective innovation and the creation of new business opportunities.

Sysmex has established an open innovation lab at Technopark (Nishi-ku, Kobe) to pursue collaboration with researchers in Japan and overseas. The Company is pursuing numerous joint research projects at global R&D centers and through its network of Group companies, centering on the development of new diagnostic applications. In these ways, Sysmex aims to acquire unique diagnostic technologies through open innovation with medical and research institutions in Japan and overseas.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of RIKEN, RIKEN Innovation is tasked with promoting collaboration between industry and academia that will quickly return value to society based on RIKEN’s research results. As Japan’s key comprehensive research institution for the natural sciences, RIKEN is involved in a broad range of research fields. By promoting the joint creation of businesses, RIKEN Innovation will leverage research results from diverse researchers engaged in fundamental and applied research. As a result, RIKEN Innovation aims to work together on a variety of measures that will help resolve issues faced by companies and society.

Sysmex and RIKEN Innovation have entered into a partnership agreement in the aim of leveraging RIKEN’s cross-disciplinary research results and Sysmex’s R&D knowhow related to diagnostic technologies to create new diagnostic technologies and new businesses that can be rolled out globally.

Based on this partnership agreement, the two companies will collaborate in searching for needs with a view to creating new diagnostic technologies, outlining diagnostic technology development themes, and building an R&D structure. The companies will pursue open innovation aimed at creating new businesses.

Going forward, by providing diagnostic technologies created under this agreement, Sysmex, RIKEN Innovation and RIKEN aim to create treatment opportunities for patients with diseases that have no established diagnostic methods and contribute to medical economy through more efficient healthcare.