Calithera Biosciences Provides Overview of 2020 Corporate Milestones and Financial Guidance

On January 13, 2020 Calithera Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: CALA), a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing novel small molecule drugs for the treatment of cancer and other life-threatening diseases, reported an overview of select expected fourth quarter 2019 financial results, initial 2020 financial guidance and upcoming corporate milestones (Press release, Calithera Biosciences, JAN 13, 2020, View Source [SID1234553065]).

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 anticipate that 2020 will be an exciting year for Calithera, building on the substantial progress we made in 2019 and the potential for several significant clinical and regulatory milestones," said Susan Molineaux, PhD, president and chief executive officer of Calithera. "We remain in a strong financial position to advance our key clinical programs and robust pipeline this year, and we are pleased with our strong cash balance at the end of 2019."

2020 Milestones

Calithera expects to achieve the following milestones in 2020:

Announce topline data from randomized CANTATA trial of telaglenastat with cabozantinib in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The CANTATA trial is a global, randomized, double-blind clinical trial of telaglenastat combined with cabozantinib, in patients with advanced or metastatic RCC who have received one or two prior treatments. The CANTATA trial enrolled 445 patients at multiple centers globally. The primary endpoint is progression-free survival. Calithera plans to report top-line efficacy and safety data from the trial in the second half of 2020.

Initiate Phase 2 trial of telaglenastat in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with genetic mutation NRF2/KEAP1. The NRF2/KEAP1 pathway is known to drive the development of certain cancers, including a significant proportion of NSCLC through the regulation of reactive oxygen species in a manner that is dependent upon glutaminase activity. Recently presented clinical data demonstrate that activation of this pathway, either through the loss of KEAP1 function or activation of NRF2, results in very poor outcomes in NSCLC patients. The clear mechanistic rationale, strong preclinical data, and high unmet medical need in the NSCLC population have led Calithera to design a clinical study that will evaluate telaglenastat in combination with chemo-immunotherapy in first line NSCLC patients with tumors that harbor mutations in either KEAP1 or NRF2 that activate this pathway. This trial is expected to begin in the first half of 2020.

Enroll telaglenastat (CB-839) combination trials in collaboration with Pfizer. Calithera and Pfizer have two clinical trial collaborations to evaluate Pfizer’s CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib, also known as IBRANCE, and the dual-mechanism poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor talazoparib, also known as TALZENNA, each in combination with glutaminase inhibitor telaglenastat.

Continue enrollment of multiple clinical trials evaluating Calithera’s arginase inhibitor INCB001158. INCB001158 is a small-molecule immuno-oncology therapeutic being evaluated in multiple clinical trials as a single-agent and in combination with immunotherapies and chemotherapy for the treatment of patients with cancer. INCB001158 is being developed as part of a collaboration and license agreement with Incyte.

Enroll clinical dose escalation trial evaluating CB-280, an oral arginase inhibitor, in cystic fibrosis (CF). Arginase is believed to be critical in the pathology of cystic fibrosis. It impairs production of nitric oxide and generates metabolites of arginine that may impair lung function. A Phase 1b clinical study in people with CF, which is expected to start enrollment in the first half of 2020, will test multiple doses of CB-280 compared to placebo in approximately 30 adults with CF to determine a safe dose range, and pharmacodynamics effects of arginase inhibition in this population. Patients with any CF transmembrane conductance regulator mutational status will be eligible for the study.

Select Expected Fourth Quarter 2019 Financial Results and Financial Guidance for 2020

Based upon preliminary estimates, cash, cash equivalents and investments totaled $157.4 million at December 31, 2019. Calithera expects to utilize cash and investments between $75 and $85 million in 2020. The information relating to cash, cash equivalents and investments is preliminary, has not been audited and is subject to change upon completion of the audit of Calithera’s financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Karyopharm Announces Preliminary Unaudited Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2019 Product Sales for XPOVIO® (selinexor) and Provides Commercial Update

On January 13, 2020 Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:KPTI), an oncology-focused pharmaceutical company, reported preliminary unaudited fourth quarter and full year 2019 net product sales for XPOVIO (selinexor), the Company’s first-in-class, oral Selective Inhibitor of Nuclear Export (SINE) compound, and provided additional updates on the product’s commercial launch (Press release, Karyopharm, JAN 13, 2020, View Source [SID1234553064]).

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!

Strong XPOVIO Commercial Rollout Continues in the U.S.

Oral XPOVIO tablets became commercially available to patients in the U.S. on July 9, 2019. Based on preliminary unaudited financial information, Karyopharm expects net product sales of XPOVIO to be between $17 and $18 million during the fourth quarter and between $30 and $31 million for the full year 2019. As of December 31, 2019, approximately 1,400 XPOVIO prescriptions have been fulfilled, driven by strong demand from both academic and community-based oncologists. In less than 6 months on the market, XPOVIO has been prescribed by more than 550 unique physicians and healthcare accounts. These updates will be discussed during a webcast presentation at the 38th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. PT (1:00 p.m. ET). A live webcast of the presentation and Q&A session can be accessed through the investor section of the Company’s website at www.karyopharm.com. Following the live presentation, a replay of the webcast will be available on the Company’s website for 30 days.

"By all accounts, 2019 was a transformational year for Karyopharm with the accelerated approval and commercial launch of XPOVIO, the first and only oral nuclear export inhibitor approved in the U.S., indicated for patients with heavily pretreated multiple myeloma," said Michael G. Kauffman, MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Karyopharm. "We are extremely pleased with the commercial launch of XPOVIO thus far, including the breadth of prescribing physicians and early feedback from patients who have initiated therapy. We are proud to be making such an important impact for patients who are battling relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma."

The Company intends to provide 2020 financial guidance on non-GAAP R&D and SG&A expenses and year-end cash balance in connection with the final financial results for the fourth quarter and audited financial results for full year 2019 expected to be provided in February 2020.

The financial information presented in this press release may be adjusted as a result of the completion of customary quarterly review and audit procedures, and the Company’s actual financial results may differ materially from the preliminary estimated financial information set forth above.

About XPOVIO (selinexor)

XPOVIO is a first-in-class, oral Selective Inhibitor of Nuclear Export (SINE) compound. XPOVIO functions by selectively binding to and inhibiting the nuclear export protein exportin 1 (XPO1, also called CRM1). XPOVIO blocks the nuclear export of tumor suppressor, growth regulatory and anti-inflammatory proteins, leading to accumulation of these proteins in the nucleus and enhancing their anti-cancer activity in the cell. The forced nuclear retention of these proteins can counteract a multitude of the oncogenic pathways that, unchecked, allow cancer cells with severe DNA damage to continue to grow and divide in an unrestrained fashion. In addition to receiving accelerated U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of XPOVIO in July 2019 in combination with dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who have received at least four prior therapies and whose disease is refractory to at least two proteasome inhibitors, at least two immunomodulatory agents, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, Karyopharm has also submitted a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) with a request for conditional approval of selinexor. A New Drug Application was recently submitted to the FDA seeking accelerated approval for selinexor as a new treatment for patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Selinexor has received Fast Track and Orphan designation from the FDA for the patient population evaluated in the SADAL study. Selinexor is also being evaluated in several other mid-and later-phase clinical trials across multiple cancer indications, including in multiple myeloma in a pivotal, randomized Phase 3 study in combination with Velcade (bortezomib) and low-dose dexamethasone (BOSTON), as a potential backbone therapy in combination with approved therapies (STOMP), in liposarcoma (SEAL) and in endometrial cancer (SIENDO), among others. Additional Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies are ongoing or currently planned, including multiple studies in combination with approved therapies in a variety of tumor types to further inform Karyopharm’s clinical development priorities for selinexor. Additional clinical trial information for selinexor is available at www.clinicaltrials.gov.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Thrombocytopenia

XPOVIO can cause thrombocytopenia, leading to potentially fatal hemorrhage. Thrombocytopenia was reported as an adverse reaction in 74% of patients, and severe (Grade 3-4) thrombocytopenia occurred in 61% of patients treated with XPOVIO. The median time to onset of the first event was 22 days. Bleeding occurred in 23% of patients with thrombocytopenia, clinically significant bleeding occurred in 5% of patients with thrombocytopenia and fatal hemorrhage occurred in <1% of patients.

Monitor platelet counts at baseline, during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Monitor more frequently during the first two months of treatment. Institute platelet transfusion and/or other treatments as clinically indicated. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of bleeding and evaluate promptly. Interrupt and/or reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction.

Neutropenia

XPOVIO can cause neutropenia, potentially increasing the risk of infection. Neutropenia was reported as an adverse reaction in 34% of patients, and severe (Grade 3-4) neutropenia occurred in 21% of patients treated with XPOVIO. The median time to onset of the first event was 25 days. Febrile neutropenia was reported in 3% of patients.

Obtain neutrophil counts at baseline, during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Monitor more frequently during the first two months of treatment. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of concomitant infection and evaluate promptly. Consider supportive measures including antimicrobials for signs of infection and use of growth factors (e.g., G-CSF). Interrupt and/or reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction.

Gastrointestinal Toxicity

Gastrointestinal toxicities occurred in patients treated with XPOVIO.

Nausea/Vomiting

Nausea was reported as an adverse reaction in 72% of patients, and Grade 3 nausea occurred in 9% of patients treated with XPOVIO. The median time to onset of the first nausea event was 3 days.

Vomiting was reported in 41% of patients, and Grade 3 vomiting occurred in 4% of patients treated with XPOVIO. The median time to onset of the first vomiting event was 5 days.

Provide prophylactic 5-HT3 antagonists and/or other anti-nausea agents, prior to and during treatment with XPOVIO. Manage nausea/vomiting by dose interruption, reduction, and/or discontinuation. Administer intravenous fluids and replace electrolytes to prevent dehydration in patients at risk. Use additional anti-nausea medications as clinically indicated.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea was reported as an adverse reaction in 44% of patients, and Grade 3 diarrhea occurred in 6% of patients treated with XPOVIO. The median time to onset of diarrhea was 15 days.

Manage diarrhea by dose modifications and/or standard anti-diarrheal agents; administer intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration in patients at risk.

Anorexia/Weight Loss

Anorexia was reported as an adverse reaction in 53% of patients, and Grade 3 anorexia occurred in 5% of patients treated with XPOVIO. The median time to onset of anorexia was 8 days.

Weight loss was reported as an adverse reaction in 47% of patients, and Grade 3 weight loss occurred in 1% of patients treated with XPOVIO. The median time to onset of weight loss was 15 days.

Monitor patient weight at baseline, during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Monitor more frequently during the first two months of treatment. Manage anorexia and weight loss with dose modifications, appetite stimulants, and nutritional support.

Hyponatremia

XPOVIO can cause hyponatremia; 39% of patients treated with XPOVIO experienced hyponatremia, 22% of patients experienced Grade 3 or 4 hyponatremia. The median time to onset of the first event was 8 days.

Monitor sodium level at baseline, during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Monitor more frequently during the first two months of treatment. Correct sodium levels for concurrent hyperglycemia (serum glucose >150 mg/dL) and high serum paraprotein levels. Treat hyponatremia per clinical guidelines (intravenous saline and/or salt tablets), including dietary review. Interrupt and/or reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction.

Infections

In patients receiving XPOVIO, 52% of patients experienced any grade of infection. Upper respiratory tract infection of any grade occurred in 21%, pneumonia in 13%, and sepsis in 6% of patients. Grade ≥3 infections were reported in 25% of patients, and deaths resulting from an infection occurred in 4% of patients. The most commonly reported Grade ≥3 infections were pneumonia in 9% of patients, followed by sepsis in 6%. The median time to onset was 54 days for pneumonia and 42 days for sepsis. Most infections were not associated with neutropenia and were caused by non-opportunistic organisms.

Neurological Toxicity

Neurological toxicities occurred in patients treated with XPOVIO.

Neurological adverse reactions including dizziness, syncope, depressed level of consciousness, and mental status changes (including delirium and confusional state) occurred in 30% of patients, and severe events (Grade 3-4) occurred in 9% of patients treated with XPOVIO. Median time to the first event was 15 days.

Optimize hydration status, hemoglobin level, and concomitant medications to avoid exacerbating dizziness or mental status changes.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on data from animal studies and its mechanism of action, XPOVIO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Selinexor administration to pregnant animals during organogenesis resulted in structural abnormalities and alterations to growth at exposures below those occurring clinically at the recommended dose.

Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential and males with a female partner of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with XPOVIO and for 1 week after the last dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) are thrombocytopenia, fatigue, nausea, anemia, decreased appetite, decreased weight, diarrhea, vomiting, hyponatremia, neutropenia, leukopenia, constipation, dyspnea, and upper respiratory tract infection.

The treatment discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions was 27%; 53% of patients had a reduction in the XPOVIO dose, and 65.3% had the dose of XPOVIO interrupted. The most frequent adverse reactions requiring permanent discontinuation in 4% or greater of patients who received XPOVIO included fatigue, nausea, and thrombocytopenia. The rate of fatal adverse reactions was 8.9%.

Investor Presentation dated January 14, 2020

On January 31, 2020 G1 Therapeutics Presented the corporate presentation (Presentation, G1 Therapeutics, JAN 13, 2020, View Source [SID1234553063]).

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!


Aduro Biotech, Inc. Investor Presentation.

On January 13, 2020 Aduro Biotech presented the corporate presentation (Presentation, Aduro Biotech, JAN 13, 2020, View Source [SID1234553062]).

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!


EMERGENT BIOSOLUTIONS ANNOUNCES PRELIMINARY 2019 FINANCIAL RESULTS AND PROVIDES 2020 FINANCIAL FORECAST

On January 13, 2020 Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE: EBS) reported selected preliminary unaudited 2019 financial results and its financial forecast for 2020 (Press release, Emergent BioSolutions, JAN 13, 2020, View Source [SID1234553059]).

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!

Robert G. Kramer Sr., president and chief executive officer of Emergent BioSolutions Inc. stated, "Our preliminary results for 2019 reflect another strong year of execution on the part of the entire Emergent team. With total revenue of $1.1 billion, anticipated gross margin of 56% to 58%, which is a 200 to 400 basis point improvement over prior year, and margins on adjusted net income and adjusted EBITDA of 14% (1) and 26% (2), respectively, our financial performance reflects the consistency and durability of our business model and its focus on public health threat solutions. Moreover, we achieved our key operational goals for the year, which included securing over $3 billion of renewed contract value, expanding markets for our existing products and services portfolio, and continuing investments to advance our product pipeline and enhance our manufacturing infrastructure."

Continuing, Kramer stated, "As we enter 2020, we are planning for continued expansion of our business and a financial forecast that at the midpoint anticipates 11% year-over-year growth in total revenue along with strong absolute and relative gains in adjusted net income and adjusted EBITDA. We intend to achieve these outcomes while simultaneously expanding our portfolio of advanced stage product candidates that address serious global public health threats. As a result, we are confident in the strength of our business model as we pursue the sustained growth and value creation to be realized in the 2020-2024 growth strategy we announced at the Analyst & Investor Day we held in November, which contemplates annual revenue in excess of $2 billion by 2024."
PRELIMINARY 2019 FINANCIAL RESULTS (Unaudited)
The company is providing the following preliminary, unaudited financial results for full year 2019.

Total Revenue
For the full year 2019, the company anticipates total revenue of $1,100 to $1,105 million, the midpoint of which represents a $320 million or 41% increase from 2018, the second year in a row of approximately 40% year-over-year growth in total revenue. This annual increase is due primarily to the contribution of sales of NARCAN (naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray and ACAM2000 (Smallpox (Vaccinia) Vaccine, Live) in 2019 as well as higher contracts and grants revenue, offset by lower anthrax vaccine revenue (now a combination of BioThrax (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed) and AV7909 (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed, Adjuvanted) (4)).

Net Income (GAAP and Adjusted)
For the full year 2019, the company anticipates net income of $53 to $63 million, which reflects the impact of two significant items, contingent consideration related to the Adapt acquisition and a non-cash impairment. The company also anticipates adjusted net income of $150 to $160 million, the midpoint of which represents a $33 million or 27% increase from 2018, reflecting the impact of both increased product sales as well as higher average margins on the products contributing to product sales in 2019. (See "Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted Net Income, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA" for a definition of terms and reconciliation tables.)

Note:
The preliminary 2019 financial results are subject to revision and will be finalized upon completion of the company’s external audit, which is anticipated by late February 2020. The company’s final audited financial results could differ materially from these selected preliminary results.
2020 FINANCIAL FORECAST

For the full year of 2020, the company’s financial forecast includes the impact of the following items:

continued growth in sales of NARCAN Nasal Spray to a range of $285 — $315 million;

combined deliveries of AV7909 (4) and BioThrax to the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) in a range of $270 — $300 million;

deliveries of ACAM2000 in a range of $180 — $200 million under procurement contracts with the U.S. government and other foreign governments;

deliveries of raxibacumab to the SNS under the anticipated follow-on procurement contract with the ASPR;

domestic and international sales of the other medical countermeasures that comprise Other Product sales;

continued expansion of CMO services revenue;

continued improvement of gross margin in a range of 200 — 400 basis points, driven by improved product mix; and

continued investment in discretionary development projects funded by the company, most notably the anticipated Phase 3 studies for both the Chikungunya and FLU-IGIV product candidates, among other R&D projects.

The outlook for 2020 does not include estimates for potential new corporate development or other M&A transactions.

PRESENTATION WEBCAST
The company will provide an update on the current business and discuss preliminary 2019 financial results, the forecast and corporate goals for 2020, and long-term goals for the five-year period 2020-2024 during its presentation at the 38th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on January 14, 2020 at 10:30 AM Pacific time.

A live webcast of the presentation can be accessed through Emergent’s website. Visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com and select the "Investors" section. An on-demand replay of the webcast can also be accessed in the investors section after the presentation has concluded.

FOOTNOTES

Adjusted Net Income margin is defined as Adjusted Net Income divided by total revenues. For the 2019 Preliminary Results, we reference this metric using the midpoints of the relevant factors. Specifically: $155/$1,103 = 14%.

Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by total revenues. For the 2019 Preliminary Results, we reference this metric using the midpoints of the relevant factors. Specifically: $285/$1,103 = 26%.

See "Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted Net Income, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA" for a definition of terms and a reconciliation tables.

AV7909 is a product candidate not yet approved by the FDA or any other health regulatory agency but procured by the U.S. government under special circumstances.

RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO ADJUSTED NET INCOME, EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA
This press release contains five financial measures (Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Net Income margin, EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization), Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin) that are considered "non-GAAP" financial measures under applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered supplemental to and not a substitute for financial information prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s definition of these non-GAAP measures may differ from similarly titled measures used by others. Adjusted Net Income adjusts for specified items that can be highly variable or difficult to predict, or reflect the non-cash impact of charges resulting from purchase accounting. All adjustments are tax effected utilizing the federal statutory tax rate for the US, except for changes in the fair value of contingent consideration as the vast majority is non-deductible for tax purposes. Adjusted Net Income margin is defined as Adjusted Net Income divided by total revenues. EBITDA reflects net income excluding the impact of depreciation, amortization, interest expense and provision for income taxes. Adjusted EBITDA also excludes specified items that can be highly variable and the non-cash impact of certain purchase accounting adjustments. Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by total revenues. The Company views these non-GAAP financial measures as a means to facilitate management’s financial and operational decision-making, including evaluation of the Company’s historical operating results and comparison to competitors’ operating results. These non-GAAP financial measures reflect an additional way of viewing aspects of the Company’s operations that, when viewed with GAAP results and the reconciliations to the corresponding GAAP financial measure may provide a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting the Company’s business.

The determination of the amounts that are excluded from these non-GAAP financial measures are a matter of management judgment and depend upon, among other factors, the nature of the underlying expense or income amounts. Because non-GAAP financial measures exclude the effect of items that will increase or decrease the Company’s reported results of operations, management strongly encourages investors to review the Company’s consolidated financial statements and publicly filed reports in their entirety.