On November 2, 2020 Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: EGRX) ("Eagle" or the "Company") reported financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 (Press release, Eagle Pharmaceuticals, NOV 2, 2020, View Source [SID1234569669]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

Business and Recent Highlights:

Received formal notification from FDA granting Priority Review for the Company’s abbreviated new drug application ("ANDA") filed for vasopressin. A trial date of January 11, 2021 has been set;
Added four experienced pharmaceutical industry executives to clinical, formulations and commercial leadership teams as follows: Judith ("Judi") Ng-Cashin, M.D., is EVP and Chief Medical Officer; John Kimmet, is EVP, Oncology and Acute Care Marketing; Valentin R. Curt, M.D., is SVP, Clinical Drug Development; and Gaozhong Zhu, Ph.D., is SVP, Pharmaceutical Development;
Promoted Brian Cahill as the Company’s new Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Cahill has served as Eagle’s VP, Finance for the last four years and brings more than 20 years of public company and public accounting experience to the Company;
Received Board approval for a $25.0 million accelerated share repurchase transaction with JPMorgan as part of the Company’s existing $160.0 million share repurchase program. To date, Eagle has purchased $205.0 million, or approximately 22% of the Company’s issued shares, at approximately $55.00 per share;
Announced the publication of preclinical research on dantrolene sodium in the peer-reviewed Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. The academic-based study, conducted by Eagle’s collaboration partner, the University of Pennsylvania, demonstrated dantrolene sodium improved memory and cognition in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease;
Initiating dose ranging studies in another animal model using intravenous administration of RYANODEX for the treatment of brain damage secondary to nerve agent exposure and will include an arm using an intramuscular formulation of EA-111. Eagle believes that the preliminary results will allow the Company to update its Special Protocol Assessment with the FDA; and
Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has not experienced significant disruptions to its supply chain to date, and believes it has sufficient supply chain inventory to continue manufacturing and to provide product without interruption consistent with its current business plans and projections; the Company has experienced variable financial impacts and has also experienced delays in the timing of certain of its pre-clinical programs and delays in its ongoing litigation matters due to the COVID-19 pandemic; the Company continues to monitor the ongoing pandemic and evaluate and evolve its business plans and response strategy thereto.
Oncology Highlights:

Held a positive Type C meeting with FDA on fulvestrant and is in the process of gaining agreement on the details of the formal protocol for the clinical study;
Japanese licensing partner, SymBio, received regulatory approval for TREAKISYM ready-to-dilute ("RTD") (250 ml) liquid formulation from the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency in Japan. The approval covers all currently approved TREAKISYM indications (low-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia) and triggered a $5.0 million milestone payment to Eagle. SymBio’s conversion of its current lyophilized formulation of TREAKISYM to Eagle’s RTD liquid formulation and commercial launch are expected in January 2021;
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services established unique Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System code, or J-code, for PEMFEXY (Pemetrexed for Injection, 10 mg), a branded alternative to ALIMTA effective October 1, 2020;
Granted a supplement approval by FDA for 500mg multiple-dose vial of PEMFEXY. The Company has initial market entry (equivalent to approximately a three-week supply of current ALIMTA utilization) on February 1, 2022, and a subsequent uncapped entry on April 1, 2022; and
The Company’s strategic collaboration partner, Tyme Technologies, Inc. ("Tyme"), announced that FDA granted Orphan Drug Designation for its lead product candidate, SM-88, a treatment for patients with pancreatic cancer.
Third Quarter 2020 Financial Highlights

Total revenue for Q3 2020 was $49.9 million, compared to $41.1 million in Q3 2019, primarily reflecting increased product sales of BELRAPZO and RYANODEX, as well as the $5.0 million milestone from SymBio, partially offset by lower product sales of BENDEKA.
Net income for Q3 2020 was $7.1 million, or $0.52 per basic and $0.51 per diluted share, compared to net loss for Q3 2019 of $2.4 million, or ($0.17) per basic and diluted share.
Adjusted non-GAAP net income for Q3 2020 was $16.1 million, or $1.19 per basic and $1.17 per diluted share, compared to adjusted non-GAAP net income for Q3 2019 of $3.7 million, or $0.27 per basic and $0.26 per diluted share.
Cash and cash equivalents were $89.7 million, net accounts receivable was $52.2 million, and debt was $36.0 million as of September 30, 2020.
"Our strong third-quarter results demonstrate the efficiency of our business model as we continue to reinvest in our company. This momentum is further supported by multiple near-term product opportunities we are advancing, including vasopressin, fulvestrant, RYANODEX for several indications and PEMFEXY, along with our key partnerships with SymBio for bendamustine and Tyme for pancreatic cancer and other oncology indications. We are also excited to welcome a talented group of pharmaceutical executives to the Eagle team and look forward to their contributions in support of our promising lineup of products and anticipated upcoming launches. The next 12-18 months look to be an active period for Eagle, and I am optimistic about our prospects going forward," stated Scott Tarriff, Chief Executive Officer of Eagle Pharmaceuticals.

Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results

Total revenue for Q3 2020 was $49.9 million, as compared to $41.1 million for Q3 2019.

Q3 2020 BELRAPZO product sales were $8.7 million, compared to $3.4 million in Q3 2019.

Q3 2020 RYANODEX product sales were $4.2 million, compared to $2.6 million in Q3 2019.

Royalty revenue was $27.6 million in the third quarter of 2020, compared to $26.5 million in the third quarter of 2019. BENDEKA royalties were $27.6 million in the third quarter of 2020, compared to $26.2 million in the third quarter of 2019. A summary of total revenue is outlined below:

Gross Margin was 76% during the third quarter of 2020, as compared to 64% in the third quarter of 2019. The expansion in gross margin in the third quarter of 2020 was driven by an increase in RYANODEX sales, lower BENDEKA product sales in the period to our marketing partner, on which Eagle earns no profit, the increase in BENDEKA royalty revenue, and the $5.0 million milestone payment from SymBio.

R&D expense was $4.8 million for the third quarter of 2020, compared to $10.2 million in the third quarter of 2019. The decrease primarily resulted from lower spending on vasopressin and RYANODEX for the treatment of exertional heat stroke, as well as lower stock-based compensation expense. Excluding stock-based compensation and other non-cash and non-recurring items, R&D expense during the third quarter of 2020 was $5.3 million.

SG&A expense in the third quarter of 2020 decreased to $17.7 million compared to $18.5 million in the third quarter of 2019, primarily due to decreases in travel and entertainment expenses, trade show costs, and external legal expenses. Excluding stock-based compensation and other non-cash and non-recurring items, third quarter 2020 SG&A expense was $11.9 million.

Net income for the third quarter of 2020 was $7.1 million, or $0.52 per basic and $0.51 per diluted share, compared to net loss of $2.4 million, or ($0.17) per basic and diluted share, in the third quarter of 2019.

Adjusted non-GAAP net income for the third quarter of 2020 was $16.1 million, or $1.19 per basic and $1.17 per diluted share, compared to adjusted non-GAAP net income of $3.7 million or $0.27 per basic and $0.26 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2019. For a full reconciliation of adjusted non-GAAP net income to the most comparable GAAP financial measures, please see the tables at the end of this press release.

2020 Expense Guidance

R&D expense in 2020, on a non-GAAP basis, is expected to be $40-$44 million, as compared to $31 million in 2019.
SG&A spend in 2020, on a non-GAAP basis, is expected to be $61-$64 million, as compared to $56 million in 2019.
The guidance provided in this section represents forward-looking information, and actual results may vary. Please see the risks and assumptions referred to in the Forward-Looking Statements section of this press release.

Liquidity

As of September 30, 2020, the Company had $89.7 million in cash and cash equivalents plus $52.2 million in net accounts receivable, $34.3 million of which was due from Teva. The Company had $36.0 million in outstanding debt. Therefore, as of September 30, 2020, the Company had net cash plus receivables of $105.9 million.

In the third quarter of 2020, the Company repurchased $28.0 million of its common stock as part of the Company’s $160.0 million share repurchase program. From August 2016 through September 30, 2020, the Company repurchased $205.0 million of its common stock.

Conference Call

As previously announced, Eagle management will host its Q3 2020 conference call as follows:

www.eagleus.com, under the "Investor + News" section

Participants should dial in 15 minutes prior to the start of the call to ensure timely access.

A replay of the conference call will be available for one week after the call’s completion by dialing 800-934-3336 (US) or 402-220-1148 (International) and entering conference call ID EGRXQ320. The webcast will be archived for 30 days at the aforementioned URL.

On November 2, 2020 Fusion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: FUSN), a clinical-stage oncology company focused on developing next-generation radiopharmaceuticals as precision medicines, reported a collaboration with AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) to develop and commercialize next-generation alpha-emitting radiopharmaceuticals and combination therapies for the treatment of cancer (Press release, Fusion Pharmaceuticals, NOV 2, 2020, View Source [SID1234569668]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

The collaboration leverages Fusion’s Targeted Alpha Therapies (TATs) platform and expertise in radiopharmaceuticals with AstraZeneca’s leading portfolio of antibodies and cancer therapeutics, including DNA Damage Response Inhibitors (DDRis).

Under the terms of the agreement, the companies will discover, develop and commercialize novel TATs, which will utilize Fusion’s Fast-Clear linker technology platform with antibodies in AstraZeneca’s oncology portfolio. In addition, the companies will exclusively explore certain specified combination strategies between TATs (including Fusion’s lead candidate FPI-1434) and AstraZeneca therapeutics, for the treatment of various cancers. Both companies will retain full rights to their respective assets.

"This collaboration represents a true partnership that combines the expertise and intellectual property of each collaborator," said Fusion Pharmaceuticals Chief Executive Officer John Valliant, Ph.D. "The agreement will allow us to leverage Fusion’s platform and AstraZeneca’s industry-leading antibody portfolio, creating new therapies with shared rights on new TATs, while allowing Fusion to retain full ownership of our existing programs. We are excited about AstraZeneca’s long-term commitment to our collaboration including significant support for exploring combination therapies. We believe it is evidence of the growing interest in the use of molecularly targeted radiation as a next-generation cancer therapy."

"Radiopharmaceuticals are a promising area of exploration in oncology, with the potential to deliver radiation therapy selectively to tumors. With this collaboration, we will seek to identify synergies between our pipelines to unlock the full potential of our medicines, and also to develop novel targeted radiopharmaceuticals," said Susan Galbraith, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Head of Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca. "We believe that the Fusion team’s expertise in next-generation radiopharmaceuticals complements AstraZeneca’s extensive research and development portfolio."

Collaboration Terms

The agreement includes an upfront payment from AstraZeneca , as well as future development milestone and other payments.

Co-Development and Potential Co-Commercialization of Novel TATs

Under the terms of the agreement, Fusion and AstraZeneca will jointly discover, develop and have the option to co-commercialize novel TATs in the United States. The novel TATs will leverage Fusion’s Fast-Clear linker technology to bind the alpha-emitting isotope Actinium-225 to antibodies in AstraZeneca’s oncology portfolio. Fusion will be responsible for preclinical development through first-time-in-human studies, while AstraZeneca will be responsible for subsequent clinical development. For these novel TATs, the companies will share development costs equally through clinical development. Fusion will have co-promotion rights in the United States and AstraZeneca will have commercialization rights in the rest of the world, unless otherwise agreed. Both companies will have a 50/50 profit and loss share on a worldwide basis.

Development of Combination Therapies with Fusion and AstraZeneca Products

The companies will also evaluate potential combination strategies involving existing assets in their respective portfolios. Fusion will conduct preclinical development. AstraZeneca will conduct and fund clinical development of the combination therapies. Each company retains all rights to their respective assets.

Fusion Conference Call Information

Fusion will host a live conference call and webcast today beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss the collaboration agreement. To access the live call, please dial 1-877-870-4263 (domestic) or 1-412-317-0790 (international) and refer to the Fusion Pharmaceuticals event. A webcast of the conference call will be available under "Events and Presentations" in the Investors & Media section of Fusion’s website at View Source The archived webcast will be available on Fusion’s website shortly after the conclusion and will be available for 90 days following the event.

On November 2, 2020 Horizon Therapeutics plc (Nasdaq: HZNP) reported record third-quarter 2020 financial results and increased both its full-year 2020 net sales and adjusted EBITDA guidance (Press release, Horizon Pharma, NOV 2, 2020, View Source [SID1234569667]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"We are proud of the fact that in just eight months TEPEZZA has made such a dramatic difference in the lives of so many patients, resulting in one of the most successful rare disease medicine launches ever," said Tim Walbert, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Horizon. "We are now pursuing our global strategy to provide TEPEZZA to patients with Thyroid Eye Disease in other parts of the world. Furthermore, we are significantly increasing our investment in TEPEZZA to drive additional awareness of Thyroid Eye Disease and support the continued strong demand for this important medicine."

Walbert continued, "During the third quarter we also saw a return to growth for KRYSTEXXA, our biologic for the treatment of uncontrolled gout and a key growth driver for the Company. With our substantial progress this year, including the improvements we have made to our capital structure and investments in our clinical programs, we are well positioned for continued growth."

Third-Quarter and Recent Company Highlights

Increasing TEPEZZA Investment to Support Continued Strong Growth: Today, the Company increased full-year 2020 net sales guidance for TEPEZZA to greater than $800 million from greater than $650 million. In addition, to support the Company’s outlook for continued strong TEPEZZA growth, as well as to increase awareness of Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), the Company is significantly expanding its commercial and field-based organization for TEPEZZA and increasing its investment in marketing initiatives, including its direct-to-consumer campaign. The Company is also increasing its investment in TEPEZZA long-term supply. These initiatives are intended to support TEPEZZA peak U.S. annual net sales guidance of greater than $3 billion.
Pursuing TEPEZZA Expansion Outside the United States: With the U.S. launch of TEPEZZA earlier this year and the demonstrated benefit it has provided U.S. patients with TED, the Company is pursuing its global expansion strategy to bring TEPEZZA to patients with TED in other parts of the world. Based on its preliminary analysis, the Company projects the initial opportunity to be greater than $500 million in annual net sales, which covers multiple geographies but does not yet incorporate any potential revenue in Europe. Japan is one of the countries the Company is pursuing, and the Company will be engaging with Japanese regulatory authorities and the Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency, as well as with the Japanese medical community, to better understand the current dynamics of TED in Japan and the regulatory requirements for approval of TEPEZZA.
New Executive Vice President, Research & Development and Chief Scientific Officer: The Company announced today that Karin Rosén, M.D., Ph.D., has joined Horizon as executive vice president, research and development and chief scientific officer. Dr. Rosén is an accomplished life sciences executive and physician with nearly three decades of experience, which includes biologic clinical research and development, as well as building, leading and successfully launching multiple novel medicines in the United States and globally. Dr. Rosén will contribute to solidifying the Company’s position as a leading rare disease biopharmaceutical company.

Expanding HZN-825 Development Program: As part of its strategy to further explore the potential fibrosis-mediating benefits of LPAR1 antagonism, the Company is planning a clinical development program for its pipeline candidate HZN-825 in interstitial lung diseases. The most common interstitial lung disease (ILD) is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a rare progressive lung disease with a median survival of less than five years. The Company anticipates initiating its first trial in an ILD, a Phase 2b pivotal trial in the IPF indication, in mid-2021.
KRYSTEXXA Immunomodulation RECIPE Trial Achieved 86 Percent Response Rate: Data from the investigator-initiated trial RECIPE will be presented at the 2020 American College of Rheumatology annual meeting on Nov. 7, 2020. This trial was the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the effect of co-administration of KRYSTEXXA with an immunomodulator to increase the complete response rate of KRYSTEXXA. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with serum uric acid (sUA) less than or equal to 6 mg/dL at 12 weeks: 86 percent of patients receiving KRYSTEXXA co-administered with the immunomodulator mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) achieved this outcome, compared to 40 percent of placebo patients on KRYSTEXXA monotherapy (p-value 0.01). After 12 weeks off of MMF therapy but continuing on KRYSTEXXA therapy, 68 percent of patients achieved a sustained response, compared to 30 percent of placebo patients. The combination was well tolerated with no new safety signals. This trial adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the immunomodulation treatment approach where complete response rates have ranged between 70 and 100 percent.
Initiated Enrollment in KRYSTEXXA Shorter Infusion Duration Trial: On Oct. 29, 2020, the Company announced that the first patient was enrolled in an open-label clinical trial to evaluate a shorter infusion duration for KRYSTEXXA co-prescribed with methotrexate to treat patients with uncontrolled gout. Currently, KRYSTEXXA is infused over a two-hour or longer timeframe. A shorter infusion duration administration could meaningfully impact the experience for patients, physicians and sites of care.
Announced Interim Data in KRYSTEXXA PROTECT Trial: On Oct. 22, 2020, the Company announced interim data from its PROTECT open-label trial evaluating KRYSTEXXA to improve management of uncontrolled gout for adults with a kidney transplant. These data were presented as part of the 2020 American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week. Early data of this ongoing clinical trial are encouraging with respect to the ability of KRYSTEXXA to treat uncontrolled gout in this very sensitive transplant population without compromising kidney function.
Expanding HZN-825 Development Program: As part of its strategy to further explore the potential fibrosis-mediating benefits of LPAR1 antagonism, the Company is planning a clinical development program for its pipeline candidate HZN-825 in interstitial lung diseases. The most common interstitial lung disease (ILD) is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a rare progressive lung disease with a median survival of less than five years. The Company anticipates initiating its first trial in an ILD, a Phase 2b pivotal trial in the IPF indication, in mid-2021.
Completed Enrollment for KRYSTEXXA MIRROR RCT: In August 2020, the Company completed enrollment of its MIRROR RCT, with a total of 145 patients, exceeding its target enrollment of 135 patients. MIRROR RCT is the first randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the concomitant use of KRYSTEXXA with methotrexate to increase the complete response rate of KRYSTEXXA. Preliminary six-month results are expected in the first half of 2021 with the full 12-month dataset available after the trial is completed in the second half of 2021.
Announced Topline Data from TEPEZZA OPTIC-X Open-Label Extension Trial and OPTIC 48-Week Off-Treatment Follow-Up Period: In July 2020, the Company announced topline results from its OPTIC-X open-label clinical trial, an extension trial of OPTIC, the TEPEZZA Phase 3 pivotal confirmatory clinical trial, as well as data from the OPTIC 48-week off-treatment follow-up period. OPTIC-X results demonstrated that 89 percent of patients who received placebo during OPTIC and then entered OPTIC-X and received TEPEZZA achieved the primary endpoint of 2 mm or more reduction in proptosis at Week 24. These patients had a TED diagnosis for an average of one year prior to initiating treatment with TEPEZZA compared with an average of six months for patients in OPTIC. The results of the OPTIC 48-week off-treatment follow-up period demonstrated that the majority of TEPEZZA patients who were proptosis responders at Week 24 of OPTIC maintained their response at Week 72, nearly a year off treatment. For the small number of TEPEZZA patients who relapsed during the OPTIC follow-up period, the majority experienced improvements in proptosis with an additional course of TEPEZZA in OPTIC-X. The OPTIC-X and OPTIC 48-week follow-up data underscore the long-term durability of TEPEZZA, the potential for retreatment and the efficacy of TEPEZZA in patients with longer duration of TED.
Permanent J-Code Issued for TEPEZZA: On Oct. 1, 2020, the Company’s permanent, product-specific Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) J-code (J3241) became effective for TEPEZZA. The permanent J-code enables reimbursement in all outpatient treatment settings.
Additional Clinical Trial Data on TEPEZZA at Upcoming Medical Meetings: Several TEPEZZA-related events will take place at the Nov. 13-15, 2020, virtual American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) 2020 annual meeting, including additional details on OPTIC 48-week off-treatment durability of response as well as OPTIC-X treatment results. The Nov. 20-22, 2020, virtual American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) Fall Scientific Symposium will include a presentation on the recent case report published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology on the treatment of a patient with chronic TED. Additionally, case reports of improvement of dysthyroid optic neuropathy after treatment with TEPEZZA will be presented at both meetings.
Completed Equity Offering and Improved Company’s Capital Structure: On Aug. 11, 2020, the Company completed a public offering of ordinary shares and raised approximately $920 million in net proceeds. On Aug. 3, 2020, the Company completed the extinguishment of all $400 million of its 2.50 percent exchangeable senior notes due 2022.
Received Best Workplace Awards: During the third quarter, the Company received three workplace recognitions. In August 2020, Crain’s Chicago Business selected Horizon as one of the "Best Places to Work in Chicago" and Fortune and Great Place to Work named Horizon to the "Fortune Best Workplaces for Millennials" list. In September 2020, Horizon ranked 15th out of 50 U.S. companies on the "PEOPLE Companies That Care" list. More recently, in October 2020, Horizon was named to the "Fortune Best Small & Medium Workplaces" list, the Chicago Tribune Top Workplaces 2020 list, the "San Francisco Bay Area’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For" list, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption "Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces" list and the Crain’s Chicago Business "Most Innovative Companies" List. To date in 2020, the Company has received 11 workplace-related recognitions, reflecting the high level of engagement of its employees.
Key Research and Development Programs

HZN-825 Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis (dcSSc) Program: HZN-825 is the Company’s LPAR1 antagonist in development for the treatment of dcSSc, a rare, chronic autoimmune disease marked by fibrosis, or skin thickening, with no FDA-approved treatment options. The Company expects to begin a Phase 2b pivotal trial in the first half of 2021.
HZN-825 ILD Program: As part of its strategy to further explore the potential fibrosis-mediating benefits of LPAR1 antagonism, the Company is planning a clinical development program for its pipeline candidate HZN-825 in ILD, starting with IPF, which is a rare progressive lung disease with a median survival of less than five years. The Company anticipates initiating a Phase 2b pivotal trial in the IPF indication in mid-2021.
TEPEZZA Trial in Chronic TED: The Company expects to initiate a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of TEPEZZA in patients with chronic TED by year-end 2020. In chronic TED, the disease is no longer progressive; however, significant disease manifestations such as proptosis (eye bulging) and diplopia (double vision) remain.
TEPEZZA Subcutaneous Administration Program: The Company has initiated a pharmacokinetic trial to explore subcutaneous dosing of TEPEZZA, which is currently administered by infusion. The objective of the trial is to inform the potential for additional administration options for TEPEZZA, which could provide greater flexibility for patients and physicians.
TEPEZZA dcSSc Exploratory Trial: As part of its evaluation of additional potential indications for TEPEZZA, the Company is planning to initiate an exploratory trial in dcSSc by year-end 2020.
KRYSTEXXA MIRROR RCT: The Company is currently evaluating the efficacy and safety of the concomitant use of KRYSTEXXA with methotrexate to increase the complete response rate of KRYSTEXXA in the MIRROR placebo-controlled RCT. The trial has completed enrollment, with 145 patients. The primary endpoint of the trial is the proportion of serum uric acid (sUA) responders (sUA of less than 6 mg/dL) at six months, with secondary endpoints out to 12 months. The registrational trial is designed to enable the potential submission of results to the FDA to update the prescribing information. The MIRROR RCT follows the MIRROR open-label trial completed in 2019 that demonstrated a 79 percent complete response rate for patients using KRYSTEXXA with methotrexate, nearly double the 42 percent response rate in the KRYSTEXXA Phase 3 clinical program, which evaluated KRYSTEXXA alone. Methotrexate is the immunomodulator most used by rheumatologists and has been shown to reduce anti-drug antibody formation to biologic therapies when used in conjunction with these therapies.

KRYSTEXXA PROTECT Trial in Kidney Transplant Patients with Uncontrolled Gout: The Company has achieved more than 75 percent enrollment in its PROTECT open-label clinical trial, and expects to complete enrollment by the end of 2020. The trial is evaluating the effect of KRYSTEXXA on serum uric acid levels in kidney transplant patients with uncontrolled gout. Kidney transplant patients have more than a tenfold increase in the prevalence of gout when compared to the general population, and literature suggests that persistently high serum uric acid levels can be associated with organ rejection. Managing uncontrolled gout is one of the most common and significant unmet needs of kidney transplant patients.
KRYSTEXXA Shorter Infusion Duration Trial: On Oct. 29, 2020, the Company enrolled the first patient in its shorter infusion duration trial to evaluate the impact of administering KRYSTEXXA over a significantly shorter infusion duration. Currently, KRYSTEXXA is infused over a two-hour or longer timeframe. A shorter infusion duration administration could meaningfully impact the experience for patients, physicians and sites of care.
Third-Quarter Financial Results

Note: For additional detail and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, please refer to the tables at the end of this release.

Net Sales: Third-quarter 2020 net sales were $636.4 million, an increase of 90 percent compared to the third quarter of 2019.
Gross Profit: Under U.S. GAAP, the third-quarter 2020 gross profit ratio was 76.2 percent compared to 73.2 percent in the third quarter of 2019. The non-GAAP gross profit ratio in the third quarter of 2020 was 86.7 percent compared to 90.7 percent in the third quarter of 2019.
Operating Expenses: Research and development (R&D) expenses were 4.7 percent of net sales and selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were 35.5 percent of net sales. Non-GAAP R&D expenses were 4.4 percent of net sales, and non-GAAP SG&A expenses were 30.5 percent of net sales.
Income Tax Benefit: In the third quarter of 2020, income tax benefit on a GAAP and non-GAAP basis was $91.1 million and $73.3 million, respectively.
Net Income: On a GAAP basis in the third quarter of 2020, net income was $292.8 million. Third-quarter 2020 non-GAAP net income was $392.2 million.
Adjusted EBITDA: Third-quarter 2020 adjusted EBITDA was $329.8 million.
Earnings per Share: On a GAAP basis diluted earnings per share in the third quarter of 2020 and 2019 was $1.31 and $0.09, respectively. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share in the third quarter of 2020 and 2019 was $1.74 and $0.64, respectively. Weighted average shares outstanding used for calculating GAAP and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share in the third quarter of 2020 were 223.7 million and 225.3 million, respectively.
Third-Quarter Segment Results

Management uses net sales and segment operating income to evaluate the performance of the Company’s two segments, the orphan segment and the inflammation segment. While segment operating income contains certain adjustments to the directly comparable GAAP figures in the Company’s consolidated financial results, it is considered to be prepared in accordance with GAAP for purposes of presenting the Company’s segment operating results.

Third-quarter 2020 net sales of the orphan segment, the Company’s strategic growth segment, were $534.8 million, an increase of 131 percent over the prior year’s quarter, driven by the strong performance of TEPEZZA, KRYSTEXXA, RAVICTI and PROCYSBI. The orphan segment represented 84 percent of total third-quarter net sales.
Third-quarter 2020 orphan segment operating income was $274.7 million, which includes significant investment spend associated with the commercial launch of TEPEZZA.
On Feb. 27, 2020, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratory initiated an at-risk launch of generic VIMOVO in the United States.

(2)

In June 2019, the Company divested the rights to MIGERGOT.

Third-quarter 2020 net sales of the inflammation segment were $101.6 million and segment operating income was $55.1 million.
Cash Flow Statement and Balance Sheet Highlights

On a GAAP basis, operating cash flow in the third quarter of 2020 was $108.9 million. Non-GAAP operating cash flow was $109.0 million.
The Company had cash and cash equivalents of $1.725 billion as of Sept. 30, 2020.
As of Sept. 30, 2020, the total principal amount of debt outstanding was $1.018 billion, which reflects the extinguishment by holders in the third quarter of the remaining $193.0 million of the total $400.0 million of the Company’s 2.50 percent exchangeable senior notes due 2022 through $191.3 million of exchanges for ordinary shares and $1.7 million of cash redemptions. As of Sept. 30, 2020, the gross-debt-to-last-12-months adjusted EBITDA leverage ratio was 1.3 times, compared to 2.9 times as of Sept. 30, 2019.
Revised 2020 Guidance

The Company now expects full-year 2020 net sales to range between $2.12 billion and $2.14 billion, an increase from the previous guidance range of $1.85 billion to $1.90 billion. The Company now expects TEPEZZA full-year 2020 net sales of greater than $800 million, compared to the previous guidance of greater than $650 million, and low double-digit KRYSTEXXA full-year 2020 net sales growth. Full-year 2020 adjusted EBITDA is now expected to range between $920 million and $940 million, an increase from the previous guidance range of $725 million to $775 million.

Webcast

At 8 a.m. EST / 1 p.m. IST today, the Company will host a live webcast to review its financial and operating results and provide a general business update. The live webcast and a replay may be accessed at View Source Please connect to the Company’s website at least 15 minutes prior to the live webcast to ensure adequate time for any software download that may be needed to access the webcast. A replay of the webcast will be available approximately two hours after the live webcast.

On November 2, 2020 IVERIC bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: ISEE) reported financial and operating results for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2020 and provided a general business update (Press release, Ophthotech, NOV 2, 2020, View Source [SID1234569666]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"It has been a landmark year as we have achieved several major milestones for Zimura," stated Glenn P. Sblendorio, Chief Executive Officer and President of IVERIC bio. "Over the past year, we announced positive 12-month and 18-month results from our GATHER1 Phase 3 clinical trial of Zimura for the treatment of geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration. We initiated patient enrollment in GATHER2, our second Phase 3 clinical trial for the treatment of GA secondary to AMD. Additionally, we strengthened our balance sheet, advanced our two lead gene therapy product candidates to be on track to enter into the clinic next year and identified a lead compound for our HtrA1 inhibitor program."

Pravin U. Dugel, M.D., Chief Strategy and Business Officer of IVERIC bio added, "We are excited about the momentum generated with Zimura as a potential treatment for GA and, based on scientific data, Zimura‘s potential impact in wet (neovascular) AMD and in earlier stages of dry AMD. We are also encouraged by our HtrA1 inhibitor, IC-500, which we believe could be another important target in the treatment of AMD. Looking forward, our goal is to expand our footprint in multiple stages and types of AMD, dry and wet. We intend to do this by potentially studying Zimura in additional indications and by advancing the development of IC-500. We expect to make great strides in 2021, as we continue to move our pipeline of therapeutics and gene therapy product candidates forward."

Therapeutics Programs Targeting Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Zimura (avacincaptad pegol): Complement C5 Inhibitor
In September 2020, the Company announced that the positive Phase 3 results from its GATHER1 clinical trial with Zimura were published in Ophthalmology, the Journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The published article is available online at View Source(20)30845-9/fulltext.
Today, the Company announced that the positive GATHER1 data from the first Zimura Phase 3 clinical trial will be presented at the 2020 American Academy of Ophthalmology – Retina Subspecialty Day Virtual Annual Meeting, November 13, 2020 at 6:10pm ET by Dr. Donald J. D’Amico, Professor and Chairman of Ophthalmology at Weill Cornell Medical College and Ophthalmologist-in-Chief at the New York Presbyterian Hospital.
The GATHER1 data were recently presented at the following virtual conferences:

Virtual EURETINA Annual Meeting, by Dr. Frank G. Holz, Professor and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Germany;
Retina Society Annual Meeting, by Dr. Carl D. Regillo, Chief, Retina Services at Wills Eye Hospital;
Meeting of the Club Jules Gonin, by Dr. Glenn J. Jaffe, Robert Machemer Professor of Ophthalmology and a member of the Vitreoretinal Faculty at Duke University Eye; and
American Society of Retina Specialists Annual Meeting, by Dr. Baruch D. Kuppermann, Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at UC Irvine.
In late June 2020, the Company announced that the first patient had been dosed in GATHER2, its second Phase 3 clinical trial for Zimura for the treatment of GA secondary to AMD. If 12-month results from GATHER2 are positive, the Company plans to file applications with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency for marketing approval of Zimura for GA.
IC-500: HtrA1 (high temperature requirement A serine peptidase 1 protein) Inhibitor Program

The Company selected a lead product candidate from its HtrA1 inhibitor program, which it will refer to as IC-500. Based on current timelines, the Company is planning to submit an IND to the FDA for IC-500 in GA secondary to AMD in the second half of 2021.
Gene Therapy Programs in Orphan Inherited Retinal Diseases (IRDs)

IC-100: Rhodopsin-Mediated Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa (RHO-adRP) and IC-200: BEST1-Related IRDs
IND-enabling activities for IC-100 and IC-200, and natural history studies for IC-200, are ongoing. The Company plans to file an IND for IC-100 with the FDA in early 2021 and begin enrolling patients in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial for IC-100 during the first half of 2021. The Company plans to file an IND for IC-200 with the FDA in the middle of 2021 and begin enrolling patients in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial for IC-200 in the second half of 2021.
Minigene Programs
The Company, in collaboration with the University of Massachusetts Medical School, continues to advance its minigene programs for Leber Congenital Amaurosis Type 10 (LCA10), autosomal recessive Stargardt Disease (ABCA4), and USH2A-related IRDs. The Company expects to select a lead construct for its LCA10 minigene program in the fourth quarter of 2020 or early 2021. The Company expects to obtain additional results from its Stargardt Disease minigene program in early 2021. The Company expects to obtain preliminary results from its USH2A minigene program in early 2021.
Corporate Update

In July 2020, Mark S. Blumenkranz, M.D., M.M.S., joined the Company’s board of directors. Dr. Blumenkranz is a biotechnology industry leader and internationally known Vitreo-Retinal Specialist with notable expertise in pharmaceuticals for age-related macular degeneration and ocular gene therapy.

Third Quarter 2020 Operational Update and Cash Guidance

As of September 30, 2020, the Company had $231.1 million in cash, cash equivalents and available for sale securities. The Company has revised its estimated year-end 2020 cash, cash equivalents and available for sale securities to range between $210 million and $215 million, reflecting the impact of a fourth quarter $6.0 million milestone payment to Archemix Corp. The Company also estimates that its cash, cash equivalents and available for sale securities will be sufficient to fund its planned capital expenditure requirements and operating expenses, excluding any potential approval or sales milestones payable to Archemix Corp. or any commercialization expenses for Zimura, through at least mid-2024. These estimates are based on the Company’s current business plan, including the continuation of its ongoing clinical development programs for Zimura, the progression of its IC-100 and IC-200 programs into the clinic, and the advancement of its IC-500 development program. These estimates also assume that the Company will enroll approximately 400 patients in the GATHER2 trial. These estimates do not reflect any additional expenditures related to potentially studying Zimura in other indications or resulting from the potential in-licensing or acquisition of additional product candidates or technologies or commencement of new sponsored research programs, and any associated development the Company may pursue.

2020 Q3 Financial Highlights

R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $18.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, compared to $10.4 million for the same period in 2019. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, research and development expenses were $45.3 million compared to $28.1 million for the same period in 2019. Research and development expenses increased primarily due to increased manufacturing and preclinical development activities associated with the Company’s IC-100 and IC-200 gene therapy programs, the completion of its GATHER1 clinical trial, the initiation of its GATHER2 clinical trial and the progression of its IC-500 development program.
G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $6.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, compared to $4.7 million for the same period in 2019. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, general and administrative expenses were $17.9 million compared to $15.4 million for the same period in 2019. General and administration expenses increased primarily due to increases in general consulting costs and professional fees.
Net Income: The Company reported a net loss for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 of $25.5 million, or ($0.27) per diluted share, compared to net loss of $14.4 million, or ($0.35) per diluted share, for the same period in 2019. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company reported a net loss of $59.1 million or ($0.87) per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $41.4 million or ($1.00) for the same period in 2019.
Conference Call/Web Cast Information

IVERIC bio will host a conference call/webcast to discuss the Company’s financial and operating results and provide a business update. The call is scheduled for November 2, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. To participate in this conference call, dial 866-575-6539 (USA) or 323-794-2575 (International), passcode 6339331. A live, listen-only audio webcast of the conference call can be accessed on the Investors section of the IVERIC bio website at www.ivericbio.com. A replay will be available approximately two hours following the live call for two weeks. The replay number is 888-203-1112 (USA), passcode 6339331.

On November 2, 2020 Bio-Techne Corporation (NASDAQ:TECH) reported that Jim Hippel, Chief Financial Officer, will present at the 29th Annual Credit Suisse Virtual Healthcare Conference on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at 4:15 p.m. EST (Press release, Bio-Techne, NOV 2, 2020, View Source [SID1234569665]). A live webcast of the presentation can be accessed via the IR Calendar page of Bio-Techne’s Investor Relations website at View Source

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!