On February 25, 2021 PTC Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: PTCT) reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ending December 31, 2020 and provided a corporate update (Press release, PTC Therapeutics, FEB 25, 2021, View Source [SID1234575666]).

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"Despite the challenges of the pandemic, PTC has been able to make significant progress in moving our pipeline forward and has been able to continue to bring therapies to our patients throughout 2020," said Stuart W. Peltz, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, PTC Therapeutics, Inc. "I am very proud of our team and their abilities to execute on our 2020 goals even in such turbulent times. I am confident that we will continue to progress on our 2021 goals that will create value for all of our stakeholders."

Key 2020 Corporate Highlights:

Strong continued revenue growth for the DMD franchise, with total net product revenue of $331 million for Translarna (ataluren) and Emflaza (deflazacort) in 2020.
Translarna growth was driven by broader uptake due to new patients in existing geographies, geographic expansion and label updates.
Emflaza experienced strong 38% year-over-year revenue growth in 2020 due to increased new prescriptions and high compliance.
Evrysdi (risdiplam) was approved by the FDA in August 2020 for treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients aged 2 months and older. A strong global launch is under way, leading to increased patient uptake across all disease subtypes. Evrysdi is a product of a collaboration between PTC, Roche, and the SMA Foundation.
PTC initiated five clinical trials in 2020, three of which are registration-directed clinical studies:
The MIT-E Phase 2/3 trial with vatiquinone for mitochondrial epilepsy with data anticipated in the third quarter of 2022.
The MOVE-FA Phase 3 trial with vatiquinone for Friedreich ataxia with data anticipated in 2023.
The FITE19 Phase 2/3 clinical trial for PTC299 in patients with COVID-19.
A healthy volunteer study for PTC857, the second Bio-e compound.
A healthy volunteer study for PTC518 for the Huntington disease program from the splicing platform.
Submitted a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) to European Medicines Agency (EMA) for PTC-AADC, a gene therapy for aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency.
PTC strengthened its balance sheet with a $650 million upfront payment for a portion of the Evrysdi royalties.
2021 Potential Value-Creating Milestones:

Results from Phase 1 healthy volunteer study of PTC518 for Huntington disease program from the splicing platform are expected in the first half.
Data from the healthy volunteer study for PTC857 are expected in the first half.
PTC expects an opinion on the PTC-AADC MAA from the EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) in the second quarter.
PTC is on track for a submission of a Biologics License Application (BLA) to the FDA in the second quarter for PTC-AADC.
PTC anticipates an opinion from the CHMP for Evrysdi in the first quarter.
A registration-directed study, APHENITY, for PTC923 in patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) is expected to initiate mid-year.
The second stage of the FITE19 Phase 2/3 clinical trial to assess PTC299 in patients with COVID-19 has been initiated. Data from this study is expected in the second half of the year.
PTC expects to dose the first patient with PTC-FA gene therapy for Friedreich ataxia before year end.
Results from the ongoing clinical trials evaluating PTC596 in Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) and Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) are expected by year end.
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Financial Highlights:

Total revenues were $118.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to $96.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2019. Total revenues were $380.8 million for the full year 2020, compared to $307.0 million for the full year 2019.
Total revenue includes net product revenue across the commercial portfolio of $107.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2020 and $333.4 million for full year 2020, and collaboration and royalty revenue of $11.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2020 and $47.4 million for full year 2020.
Translarna net product revenues were $69.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to $48.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2019. Translarna net product revenues were $191.9 million for the full year 2020, compared to $190.0 million for the full year 2019. In October 2020, PTC secured a purchase agreement for Translarna with the Ministry of Health in Brazil specifying two shipments, both of which were fulfilled in 2020.
Emflaza net product revenues were $36.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to $32.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2019. Emflaza net product revenues were $139.0 million for the full year 2020, compared to $101.0 million for the full year 2019.
Roche reported Evrysdi 2020 year-to-date sales of approximately CHF 55 million. During the third quarter of 2020, the acceptance of the MAA filed by Roche for Evrysdi for the treatment of SMA triggered a $15 million milestone payment to PTC and the first commercial sale of Evrysdi in the U.S. triggered a $20 million milestone payment to PTC. Additionally, in October 2020, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Co. Ltd, a member of the Roche group, announced that a new drug application for Evrysdi for the treatment of SMA was filed in Japan. The filing in Japan triggered a $7.5 million milestone payment to PTC in the fourth quarter of 2020. As a result, PTC recognized $35.0 million in the third quarter of 2020 and $7.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 of collaboration revenue associated with Roche milestone events.
Based on U.S. GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), GAAP R&D expenses were $118 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to $81.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2019. GAAP R&D expenses were $477.6 million for the full year 2020, compared to $257.4 million for the full year 2019. The increase in R&D expenses for the fourth quarter and full year 2020 reflects costs associated with advancing the gene therapy and Bio-e platforms, increased investment in research programs, and advancement of the clinical pipeline. Additionally, the increase in R&D expenses full year 2020 includes one-time charges in 2020 of $53.6 million related to the acquisition of Censa Pharmaceuticals, and $41.4 million related to the MassBiologics of the University of Massachusetts Medical School agreement for commercial manufacturing of our lead gene therapy program in AADC deficiency.
Non-GAAP R&D expenses were $105.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, excluding $12.7 million in non-cash, stock-based compensation expense, compared to $76.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2019, excluding $5.6 million in non-cash, stock-based compensation expense. Non-GAAP R&D expenses were $438.9 million for the full year 2020, excluding $38.7 million in non-cash, stock-based compensation expense, compared to $236.6 million for the full year 2019, excluding $20.8 million in non-cash, stock-based compensation expense.
GAAP SG&A expenses were $75.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to $63.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2019. GAAP SG&A expenses were $245.2 million for the full year 2020, compared to $202.5 million for the full year 2019. The increase reflects continued investment to support PTC’s commercial activities including the expanding commercial portfolio, and rent and related expenses associated with entering into a long-term lease for the Hopewell facility that commenced on July 1, 2020.
Non-GAAP SG&A expenses were $66.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, excluding $8.7 million in non-cash, stock-based compensation expense, compared to $57.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2019, excluding $5.8 million in non-cash, stock-based compensation expense. Non-GAAP SG&A expenses were $213.6 million for the full year 2020, excluding $31.6 million in non-cash, stock-based compensation expense, compared to $181.2 million for the full year 2019, excluding $21.3 million in non-cash, stock-based compensation expense.
Change in the fair value of deferred and contingent consideration was $6.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to $12.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2019. Change in the fair value of deferred and contingent consideration was $23.3 million for the full year 2020, compared to $48.4 million for the full year 2019. The change is related to the fair valuation of the potential future consideration to be paid to former equity holders of Agilis Biotherapeutics, Inc. (Agilis), as a result of our merger with Agilis which closed in August 2018. Changes in the fair value were due to the re-calculation of discounted cash flows for the passage of time and changes to certain other estimated assumptions.
Settlement of deferred and contingent consideration was $10.6 million for the full year 2020. The settlement of deferred and contingent consideration is related to a loss upon the settlement of the deferred and contingent consideration liabilities as a result of the rights exchange agreement with certain former shareholders of Agilis, whereby such former shareholders exchanged their pro rata share of specific future cash milestone payments in the aggregate amount of $225 million for a mixture of cash and equity of PTC. Under this agreement, which the former shareholders and PTC entered into on April 29, 2020, PTC has paid $36.9 million in cash and issued 2,821,176 shares of common stock in exchange for the cancellation and forfeiture of the participating shareholders’ rights to receive (i) $174.0 million, in the aggregate, of potential milestone payments based on the achievement of certain regulatory milestones and (ii) $37.6 million, in the aggregate, of $40.0 million in development milestone payments that would have been due upon the passing of the second anniversary of the closing of PTC’s merger with Agilis, regardless of whether the milestones are achieved.
Net loss was $74.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to net loss of $77.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2019. Net loss was $438.2 million for the full year 2020, compared to net loss of $251.6 million for the full year 2019.
Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities was $1.1 billion at December 31, 2020, compared to $686.6 million at December 31, 2019.
Shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020 were 69,718,096.
PTC Reaffirms Full Year 2021 Guidance as Follows:

PTC anticipates net product revenues for the DMD franchise for the full year 2021 to be between $355 and $375 million.
PTC anticipates GAAP R&D and SG&A expense for the full year 2021 to be between $825 and $855 million.
PTC anticipates Non-GAAP R&D and SG&A expense for the full year 2021 to be between $725 and $755 million, excluding estimated non-cash, stock-based compensation expense of $100 million.
Today’s Conference Call and Webcast Reminder:
Today’s conference call will take place at 4:30 pm ET and can be accessed by dialing (877) 303-9216 (domestic) or (973) 935-8152 (international) five minutes prior to the start of the call and providing the passcode 2174406. A live, listen-only webcast of the conference call can be accessed on the investor relations section of the PTC website at www.ptcbio.com. The accompanying slide presentation will be posted on the investor relations section of the PTC website. A webcast replay of the call will be available approximately two hours after completion of the call and will be archived on the company’s website for 30 days following the call.

On February 25, 2021 Allogene Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALLO), a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering the development of allogeneic CAR T (AlloCAR T) therapies for cancer, reported fourth quarter and full year financial results for the periods ended December 31, 2020 (Press release, Allogene, FEB 25, 2021, View Source [SID1234575665]).

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"By all measures, 2020 was a year of exceptional growth and success as we progressed development of our AlloCAR T candidates and continued to establish Allogene as a leader in the cell therapy field. We’ve now treated over 75 patients with our AlloCAR T therapies, more than any other company in the field. Continued progress on our first three Phase 1 trials, ALPHA, ALPHA2, and UNIVERSAL, two new IND submissions, including our first in solid tumors, and the establishment of our Allogene Overland Biopharm joint venture highlight our executional capabilities," said David Chang, M.D., Ph.D., President, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Allogene. "Looking ahead to key milestones this year, we are looking forward to presenting an update on our CD19 program and the possibility of launching our first pivotal trial as well as operationalizing our state-of-the-art AlloCAR T production facility in Newark, California."

Pipeline Highlights

Anti-CD19 AlloCAR T Program

Additional data from the Phase 1 ALPHA study of ALLO-501 in relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and initial data from the Phase 1 ALPHA2 study of ALLO-501A are planned for Q2 2021. The Company intends to initiate a potentially pivotal Phase 2 trial of ALLO-501A by the end of 2021.
ALLO-501A was recently granted Fast Track Designation (FTD) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of relapsed/refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), a type of NHL. FTD is intended to facilitate the development, and expedites the review of, medicines to treat serious conditions and fill unmet medical need. FTD allows for potentially greater access to the FDA for the purpose of expediting the drug product candidate’s development, review and potential approval.
Anti-BCMA AlloCAR T Program
The Company continues to expand its portfolio of anti-BCMA therapies to realize the potential benefits of an allogeneic approach to patients with multiple myeloma.

ALLO-715 UNIVERSAL Trial
In December 2020, at an oral session of the 62nd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper), the Company reported initial data on ALLO-715, its first AlloCAR T candidate for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM). The Phase I UNIVERSAL trial utilizes a proprietary lymphodepletion regimen consisting of ALLO-647 (anti-CD52 mAb) and chemotherapy.
As per the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) presentation, 31 ALLO-715 treated patients were evaluable for safety and 26 patients were evaluable for efficacy.
Higher CAR T cell doses were associated with an increased response rate and greater AlloCAR T cell expansion.
In the DL3 cohort (320M CAR T+ cells), the overall response rate (ORR) was 60% with 40% of patients achieving a very good partial response (VGPR) or better (VGPR+).
Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) was assessed in five patients with VGPR+ and all five were MRD negative.
Approximately 90% of patients were treated within five days of study enrollment. No bridging therapy was required.
No graft-vs-host disease or Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS) was observed. Cytokine Release Syndrome (Grade 1 or 2) was reported in 14 patients (45%) and was manageable with standard therapies. The rate of Grade 3+ infection events was similar to what has been reported in other advanced MM studies. Any Grade 3+ adverse events reported as serious adverse events occurred in 19% of patients. A single Grade 5 event related to progressive myeloma and a cyclophosphamide and ALLO-647 conditioning regimen was reported.
ALLO-715 + nirogacestat
The FDA cleared the Investigational New Drug Application (IND) to evaluate ALLO-715 in combination with the investigational gamma secretase inhibitor nirogacestat, in patients with relapsed/refractory MM. Enrollment has been initiated. Nirogacestat is being developed by SpringWorks Therapeutics.
ALLO-605 TurboCAR
An IND submission is planned for 1H 2021 for ALLO-605, the first anti-BCMA TurboCAR T cell therapy, for use in relapsed/refractory MM. Upon clearance, the IGNITE trial is expected to begin this year. The Company presented preclinical findings supporting ALLO-605 at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) in December 2020. TurboCAR technology allows cytokine activation signaling to be engineered selectively into CAR T cells. TurboCAR has the potential to improve efficacy, overcome cell exhaustion, and reduce dosing requirements of AlloCAR T therapy.
Solid Tumor AlloCAR T Program

ALLO-316 (anti-CD70) – TRAVERSE Trial
The FDA cleared an IND to evaluate ALLO-316, Allogene’s first CAR T candidate for solid tumors. The Company expects to initiate the Phase 1 TRAVERSE trial in Q1 2021 to examine safety, tolerability, anti-tumor efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of ALLO-316 in patients with advanced or metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).
ALLO-316 also has potential application in hematologic malignancies. The Company presented preclinical findings of ALLO-316 targeting CD70 in models of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) in December and plans to explore AML as a potential second indication for ALLO-316.
Corporate Highlights

Establishment of Allogene Overland Biopharm
The Company and Overland Pharmaceuticals, which is backed by Hillhouse Capital, announced the formation of Allogene Overland Biopharm. The joint venture will have an exclusive license to develop, manufacture and commercialize specific Allogene candidates targeting BCMA, CD70, FLT3, and DLL3 in the licensed territories.
Cell Forge 1 Manufacturing Facility
Construction of the Company’s new state-of-the-art cGMP cell manufacturing facility, Cell Forge 1, in Newark, California has been completed. cGMP manufacturing from this facility is expected to begin in 2021.
Fourth Quarter Financial Results

Research and development expenses were $52.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, which includes $7.9 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense. For the full year of 2020, research and development expenses were $193.0 million. Research and development expense for the year includes $31.3 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense.
General and administrative expenses were $17.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, which includes $8.6 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense. For the full year of 2020, general and administrative expenses were $65.3 million, which includes $34.0 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense.
Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2020 was $68.6 million, or $0.53 per share, including non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $16.5 million. For the full year of 2020, net loss was $250.2 million, or $2.08 per share, including non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $65.3 million.
The Company had $1.0 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and investments as of December 31, 2020.
2021 Financial Guidance

Allogene expects full year GAAP Operating Expenses to be between $300 million and $330 million including estimated non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $80 million to $90 million and excluding any impact from potential new business development activities.

Conference Call and Webcast Details
Allogene will host a live conference call and webcast today at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time /5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss financial results and provide a business update. To access the live conference call by telephone, please dial 1 (866) 940-5062 (U.S.) or 1 (409) 216-0618 (International). The conference ID number for the live call is 4973969. The webcast will be made available on the Company’s website at www.allogene.com under the Investors tab in the News and Events section. Following the live audio webcast, a replay will be available on the Company’s website for approximately 30 days.

On February 25, 2021 BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ: BMRN) (BioMarin or the Company) reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2020 (Press release, BioMarin, FEB 25, 2021, View Source [SID1234575664]).

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Net Product Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2020 were essentially flat as compared to the fourth quarter of 2019. The change in Net Product Revenues was primarily attributed to the following:

Kuvan Net Product Revenues decreased by $33.6 million, primarily due to the U.S. loss of market exclusivity in October 2020 resulting from generic competition; and
Aldurazyme Net Product Revenues decreased by $22.7 million due to timing of product fulfillment to Genzyme. Aldurazyme is marketed by Genzyme and BioMarin Aldurazyme revenues are driven by the timing of when the product is released and control is transferred to Genzyme. Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2020 were comparatively lower than 2019 due to such timing. Based on data provided to us by Genzyme, patients receiving commercial Aldurazyme increased by 10% during 2020; partially offset by
Naglazyme and Vimizim Net Product Revenues increased by an aggregate of $35.1 million primarily due to timing of sales in the Middle East and Latin America;
Palynziq Net Product Revenues increased by $17.9 million driven by a combination of revenue from U.S. patients achieving maintenance dosing and new patients initiating therapy; and
Brineura Net Product Revenues increased by $9.8 million driven by growth in the number of patients in all regions.
The increase in GAAP Net Income for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to the same period in 2019 was primarily due to the following:

decreased research and development (R&D) expense of $16.1 million primarily due to lower clinical activity spend for valoctocogene roxaparvovec gene therapy programs and decreased tralesinidase alfa costs as the program was licensed to a third-party in 2019; and
an increase in the benefit from income taxes of $37.5 million primarily due to the change in the jurisdictional mix of earnings and the related tax impact from the completion of an intra-entity transfer of certain intellectual property rights to an Irish subsidiary where the Company’s ex-US regional headquarters are located during the third quarter of 2020; partially offset by
an increase in Cost of Sales of $30.2 million primarily due to inventory reserves and higher sales volumes of products with lower margins.
Non-GAAP Income for the fourth quarter of 2020 decreased to $39.5 million, compared to Non-GAAP Income of $46.4 million for the same period in 2019. The decrease in Non-GAAP Income for the quarter, compared to the same period in 2019, was primarily attributed to lower gross profits and higher SG&A expenses, partially offset by lower R&D expenses.

As of December 31, 2020, BioMarin had cash, cash equivalents and investments totaling $1.35 billion, which includes net proceeds of $535.8 million from the Company’s May 2020 convertible debt offering, as compared to $1.17 billion as of December 31, 2019. On October 15, 2020, the Company’s 1.50% senior subordinate convertible notes matured and were settled in cash for approximately $375.0 million.

Commenting on full-year 2020 results, Jean-Jacques Bienaimé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BioMarin, said, "Despite the impact in 2020 from the COVID-19 pandemic and a delay in the potential approval of valoctocogene roxaparvovec for severe hemophilia A, demand for our current product portfolio continued to drive steady revenue growth and expansion of our pipeline. Excluding contributions from Kuvan, for which a generic became available during 2020, total revenues grew 13% in 2020, and generated $85 million of positive operating cash flows for the full year, underscoring the essential nature of our medicines."

Mr. Bienaimé continued, "The most recent Phase 3 data updates from our latest-stage development programs in achondroplasia and severe hemophilia A demonstrated significant efficacy. In the largest gene therapy trial ever conducted for the treatment of severe hemophilia A, we were pleased that valoctocogene roxaparvovec was the first in hemophilia A to demonstrate statistically significant evidence of annualized bleed rate superiority over standard of care recombinant FVIII. Based on these results, we are very encouraged that one infusion of valoctocogene roxaparvovec gene therapy may potentially address the high treatment burden for people with severe hemophilia A. We are targeting submission of the one-year Phase 3 results to the European Medicines Agency in the second quarter of 2021 and planning to dialog with the FDA to align on steps to obtain approval in the United States."

"Also in 2021, we look forward to the potential approval of vosoritide, which would be the first pharmacological treatment to address the underlying cause of achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism. We announced in the fourth quarter of 2020 that vosoritide demonstrated sustained growth effects for over two years in children with achondroplasia participating in our Phase 3 extension study. In addition to the large, Phase 3 program currently in the extension phase, we have built a multi-pronged dossier of additional studies to support our understanding of the unmet medical need for children with achondroplasia and the effects of vosoritide in this condition. In addition to the highly statistically significant placebo-controlled Phase 3 results, the program includes the long-term clinical results in 5 to 18 year-olds from our Phase 2 study, natural history data, and the ongoing study of newborns through 5 years. Many families are keen to seek early treatment for their children so we are hopeful that, if approved, vosoritide will become available later in 2021 upon potential approvals."

Key Program Highlights

Valoctocogene roxaparvovec gene therapy for severe hemophilia A: On January 10, 2021, the Company announced positive top-line, one-year data results from its ongoing global Phase 3 GENEr8-1 study of valoctocogene roxaparvovec, an investigational gene therapy for the treatment of adults with severe hemophilia A. Data from the study in the pre-specified primary analysis for Annualized Bleeding Rate (ABR) showed that a single dose of valoctocogene roxaparvovec significantly reduced ABR by 84% compared with prior treatment with prophylactic FVIII infusions. These results were from a pre-specified group of participants in a non-interventional prospective baseline observational study (rollover population; N=112) with a median follow-up of 60.1 weeks after dosing with valoctocogene roxaparvovec. 80% of the rollover participants were bleed-free starting at week five after treatment.
Additionally, at the end of the first year post-infusion with valoctocogene roxaparvovec, participants in the modified intent-to-treat (mITT) population (N=132) had a mean endogenous Factor VIII expression level of 42.9 (SD 45.5, median 23.9) IU/dL, as measured by the chromogenic substrate (CS) assay, supporting the marked clinical benefits observed with abrogation of bleeding episodes and Factor VIII infusion treatment rate. Factor VIII expression declined at a slower rate compared to the Phase 1/2 study, and remained in a range to provide hemostatic efficacy. In a subset of the mITT population that had been dosed at least two years prior to the data cut date (N=17), Factor VIII expression declined from a mean of 42.2 (SD 50.9, median 23.9) IU/dL at the end of year one to a mean of 24.4 (SD 29.2, median 14.7) IU/dL at the end of year two with continued hemostatic efficacy demonstrated by a mean ABR of 0.9 (median 0.0) bleeding episodes per year.

Valoctocogene roxaparvovec also significantly reduced the mean annualized Factor VIII usage in the rollover population by 99% from 135.9 (median 128.6) to 2.0 (median 0.0) infusions per year (p-value <0.0001).

In the U.S., the FDA recommended that the Company complete the Phase 3 study and submit two-year follow-up safety and efficacy data on all study participants. The Company plans to meet with FDA to review the two-year data request and share the Phase 3 GENEr8-1 results announced on January 10, 2021. BioMarin is targeting submission of the Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) with these results to the EMA in the second quarter of 2021 pending confirmation in presubmission meetings.

Vosoritide for children with achondroplasia: On December 21, 2020 the Company announced that children in the open-label long-term extension of the Phase 3 study of vosoritide, an investigational, once daily injection analog of C-type Natriuretic Peptide (CNP), maintained an increase in Annual Growth Velocity (AGV) through the second year of continuous treatment. An analysis, comparing all children randomized and treated with vosoritide for two years (n=52) to all children from the run-in study who were randomized to receive placebo with an untreated observation period of two years (n=38), showed improvement in one-year height change in the treated group relative to the untreated group that was similar in the second year of treatment, 1.79 cm, as in the first year of treatment, 1.73 cm. The cumulative height gain over the 2-year treatment period was 3.52 cm more than the untreated children.
In 2020, marketing applications for vosoritide were validated and accepted by EMA and FDA, respectively. The CHMP opinion is expected in Europe in June of 2021. The U.S. New Drug Application (NDA) for vosoritide is under review by the FDA with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date of August 20, 2021.

In January 2021, the Company received notice from FDA that the NDA for vosoritide had been granted Priority Review Designation. Under this designation, the vosoritide NDA may qualify for a Priority Review Voucher (PRV) upon approval. A PRV confers priority review to a subsequent drug application that would not otherwise qualify for that designation. The rare pediatric disease review voucher program is designed to encourage development of new drugs and biologics for the prevention or treatment of rare pediatric diseases.

Palynziq for PKU: On October 7, 2020 the Company announced that the FDA approved the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) to increase the maximum allowable dose of Palynziq (pegvaliase-pqpz) Injection for treatment of adults with PKU to 60 mg daily. Previously, the maximum dose was 40 mg daily. In the Phase 3 PRISM studies, 19% of study participants required a 60 mg dose to achieve adequate response to Palynziq.
Palynziq is indicated to reduce blood Phe concentrations in adults with PKU, who have uncontrolled blood Phe concentrations greater than 600 μmol/L on existing management. Palynziq, a PEGylated recombinant phenylalanine ammonia lyase enzyme, is the first and only approved enzyme substitution therapy to target the underlying cause of PKU by helping the body to break down Phe.

BMN 307 gene therapy product candidate for PKU: The Company announced that it plans to dose escalate in PHEarless, the Phase 1/2 study of BMN 307 based on encouraging Phe lowering and safety signals observed in study participants who were treated with the lowest dose. Both the FDA and EMA granted BMN 307 Orphan Drug Status. Additionally, the FDA has granted Fast Track status to BMN 307. Product for use in the Phase 1/2 study was made at commercial scale from BioMarin’s award-winning gene therapy manufacturing facility.
BMN 331 gene therapy product candidate for Hereditary Angioedema (HAE): IND-enabling studies are ongoing with BMN 331, BioMarin’s third gene therapy candidate, for the treatment of HAE. BioMarin plans to leverage its broad expertise in developing gene therapies for severe hemophilia A and PKU to improve efficiencies in the development process of BMN 331.
DiNA-001 for MYBPC3 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): Pre-clinical studies are underway with DiNA-001 following a collaboration announced in 2020 with DiNAQOR, a gene therapy platform company, to develop novel gene therapies to treat rare genetic cardiomyopathies. DiNAQOR received an undisclosed upfront payment and is eligible to receive development, regulatory and commercial milestones on product sales in addition to tiered royalties on worldwide sales.
BMN 255 for a subset of chronic renal disease: On January 11, 2021 the Company announced that it filed an IND in 2020 for BMN 255, a small molecule for a subset of chronic renal disease. BMN 255 was driven by genetic discoveries for both mechanism and for identifying individuals for treatment.
BMN 351 for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD): IND-enabling studies are underway with BMN 351, an oligonucleotide therapy that has demonstrated a high-level of protein expression in experimental animals possessing skippable dystrophic mutations and at doses that are promising in regard to safety. The Company intends to determine timing of a potential IND filing at the end of the year based on results of ongoing IND-enabling studies.
BioMarin will host a conference call and webcast to discuss fourth quarter and full-year 2020 financial results today, Thursday, February 25, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. ET. This event can be accessed on the investor section of the BioMarin website at www.biomarin.com.

On February 25, 2021 AnaptysBio, Inc. (Nasdaq: ANAB), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing first-in-class antibody product candidates focused on emerging immune control mechanisms applicable to inflammation and immuno-oncology indications, reported operating results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2020 and provided pipeline updates (Press release, AnaptysBio, FEB 25, 2021, View Source [SID1234575663]).

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"We made progress in advancing AnaptysBio’s pipeline during 2020 and look forward to multiple clinical readouts from our wholly-owned programs in 2021. Imsidolimab will continue to be our key focus going forward as we anticipate GPP Phase 3 initiation and Phase 2 topline readouts from five other immune-dermatology indications through 2021 and 2022. We also anticipate commercial launch of dostarlimab this year and meaningful milestone and royalty revenue to AnaptysBio under our GSK partnership," said Hamza Suria, president and chief executive officer of AnaptysBio. "Our strategy is to continue advancing first-in-class immunology-focused therapeutic antibodies through key clinical data catalysts using a capital-efficient business model."

Imsidolimab (Anti-IL-36 Receptor) Program

In July, we announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted orphan drug designation for imsidolimab, our proprietary anti-interleukin-36 receptor (IL-36R) antibody, for the treatment of patients with GPP.
In October, we announced positive topline data from an interim analysis of our imsidolimab GALLOP Phase 2 trial in GPP. Six of 8 patients achieved the primary endpoint of disease improvement upon Day 29, while erythema with skin pustules, which clinically defines GPP, decreased by 94% on Day 29 relative to baseline. We plan to report 16-week data from the GALLOP trial at a medical conference in 2021.
We anticipate initiation of a Phase 3 trial for imsidolimab in GPP during mid-2021 following completion of protocol alignment, and review of 16-week data from the Phase 2 GALLOP trial, with the FDA.
We are also conducting a randomized, placebo-controlled, multi-dose Phase 2 trial in 59 patients with palmoplantar pustulosis, or PPP, also known as the POPLAR trial, with topline data anticipated in Q1 2021.
We have expanded our imsidolimab program into third and fourth new clinical indications, EGFRi-mediated skin toxicities and ichthyosis, with interim top-line data from Phase 2 trials anticipated at the end of 2021 and in 2022, respectively, and we are also expanding the imsidolimab program into fifth and sixth new clinical indications, hidradenitis suppurativa and acne, with initiation of Phase 2 trials in these indications anticipated in Q2 2021.
We initiated a worldwide registry of GPP and PPP patients, named RADIANCE, in Q1 2021, to improve understanding of the patient journey and support enrollment of future trials.
ANB030 (Anti-PD-1 Agonist) Program

We anticipate topline data from our ongoing Phase 1 healthy volunteer clinical trial of ANB030, our wholly-owned PD-1 agonist antibody, designed to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ANB030 in single and multiple ascending dose cohorts in mid-2021.
Preclinical translational data using ANB030 was presented in March 2020 at the Festival of Biologics Meeting.
We anticipate initiating Phase 2 trials of ANB030 in alopecia areata and vitiligo in Q4 2021.
ANB032 (Anti-BTLA Modulator) Program

We filed a Clinical Trial Notification ("CTN") in Australia for ANB032, our wholly-owned BTLA modulator antibody, during the first quarter of 2021 and anticipate initiating a healthy volunteer Phase 1 trial in the first half of 2021 upon clearance of the CTN.
We presented preclinical data regarding ANB032 at the 2020 Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies (FOCIS) Virtual Annual Meeting in October 2020.
Etokimab (ANB020 Anti-IL-33) Program

We discontinued further development of etokimab, our anti-IL-33 antibody previously referred to as ANB020, following review of topline week 16 data from the approximately 100-patient ECLIPSE trial in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), where patients dosed with etokimab every four (q4w) or eight weeks (q8w) failed to achieve statistically significant over placebo on either co-primary endpoint.
Dostarlimab (Anti-PD-1 Antagonist) Program Partnered with GSK

In October 2020, we amended our immuno-oncology collaboration with GSK resulting in increased financial consideration to AnaptysBio. Royalties due to AnaptysBio for dostarlimab were increased to 8-25% of global net sales, where AnaptysBio will receive 8% of annual global net sales below $1 billion, and 12-25% of net sales above $1 billion. The $1.1 billion in cash milestone payments due under the collaboration agreement remain unchanged, and AnaptysBio anticipates receiving $75 million in such cash milestones over the next 18 months as dostarlimab obtains FDA and EMA regulatory approval for the first two indications. An additional $165 million in sales milestones is anticipated by AnaptysBio upon achievement of certain dostarlimab annual sales revenues. GSK also agreed, starting January 1, 2021, to pay AnaptysBio a 1% royalty on all of GSK’s global net sales of Zejula. In addition, GSK paid AnaptysBio a one-time cash payment of $60 million in Q4 2020. In exchange, AnaptysBio provided GSK with freedom to conduct development and commercialization of Zejula in combination with third-party molecules and settled the dispute between AnaptysBio and GSK.
US BLA and European Union EMA approvals for dostarlimab are anticipated for endometrial cancer in H1 2021, which will result in $20 million and $10 million milestone payments, respectively. The FDA recently accepted a subsequent US BLA for dostarlimab in pan-deficient mismatch repair tumors and we anticipate receiving a $10 million payment from GSK in Q1 2021 as a result of this milestone.
Board of Directors

In January 2021, the Company appointed Dr. Magda Marquet to its board of directors. She is the co-founder of AltheaDx, a commercial stage, precision medicine company, and co-founded Althea Technologies and as its co-CEO led the company to become a highly profitable, commercial company. Prior to starting Althea Technologies, Dr. Marquet held several positions in pharmaceutical development in companies such as Vical and Amylin Pharmaceuticals. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Arcturus Therapeutics, Micronoma, Matrisys Biosciences and ProciseDx.
Fourth Quarter Financial Results

Cash, cash equivalents and investments totaled $411.2 million as of December 31, 2020 compared to $428.5 million as of December 31, 2019, for a net decrease of $17.3 million. The decrease relates primarily to cash used for operating activities partially offset by an increase in collaboration revenue of $67.0 million.
Collaboration revenue was $60.0 million and $75.0 million for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2020, which related to milestone payments for successful BLA and MAA filings for dostarlimab and the $60.0 million amendment related payment from GSK, compared to $3.0 million and $8.0 million for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019.
Research and development expenses were $21.6 million and $80.0 million for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2020, compared to $21.4 million and $99.3 million for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019. The annual decrease was due primarily to reduced outside services for manufacturing and clinical activities based on the timing of projects.
General and administrative expenses were $5.1 million and $18.9 million for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2020, compared to $3.8 million and $16.1 million for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019. The increase was due primarily to increased legal and insurance expenses.
Net income was $33.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020, or a net income per share of $1.23 and a net loss of $19.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, or a net loss per share of $0.73, compared to a net loss of $20.3 million and $97.3 million for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019, or a net loss per share of $0.75 and $3.60.
Financial Guidance

AnaptysBio expects its net cash burn in 2021 will be close to $100 million. We anticipate that our cash, cash equivalents and anticipated revenues will fund our current operating plan at least into 2024.

On February 25, 2021 Caladrius Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: CLBS) ("Caladrius" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of cellular therapies designed to reverse disease, reported financial results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2020 (Press release, Caladrius Biosciences, FEB 25, 2021, View Source [SID1234575662]).

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"Despite the continued headwinds of the global pandemic, we are pleased to report continued progress of our development programs as well as an improved financial situation during the fourth quarter and full year of 2020, which reflect the resiliency, creativity and strength of our team and the growing optimism associated with our CD34+ cell technology-based clinical programs," stated David J. Mazzo, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Caladrius. "We ended 2020 in a strong financial and strategic position and have set the stage for key clinical enrollment milestones this year.

"Importantly, we have continued the operational momentum into 2021 with an even further strengthened balance sheet, giving us the confidence and means to expand program development and execute on our business priorities," Dr. Mazzo concluded.

Product Development and Financing Highlights

CLBS16 for the treatment of coronary microvascular dysfunction

Caladrius reported in May 2020 the compelling positive results of its ESCaPE-CMD Phase 2a study of CLBS16 for the treatment of coronary microvascular dysfunction ("CMD"), a disease that continues to be underdiagnosed and potentially afflicts millions annually – a vast majority of whom are female – with no current treatment options. The Company is committed to raising awareness of this growing women’s health crisis and finding an effective treatment for it. Consequently, Caladrius recently initiated a rigorous 105-subject Phase 2b clinical trial (the FREEDOM trial), which, to our knowledge, is the first controlled regenerative medicine trial in CMD, and, which is currently recruiting and treating patients and is targeted to complete enrollment by the end of 2021 with top line data anticipated for the third quarter of 2022. This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2b trial will evaluate the efficacy and safety of delivering autologous CD34+ cells in subjects with CMD and without obstructive coronary artery disease. In support of the FREEDOM trial, the Company is engaging with the American Heart Association for a variety of initiatives around Heart Health Month (February) and the "Go Red for Women" campaign to help raise awareness of CMD.

HONEDRA (CLBS12) for the treatment of critical limb ischemia

The Company’s open-label, registration-eligible study of SAKIGAKE-designated HONEDRA in Japan for the treatment of critical limb ischemia ("CLI") and Buerger’s Disease (an orphan-sized subset of CLI) has shown strong results to date. The initial responses observed in the subjects who have reached an endpoint in this study are consistent with a therapeutic effect and safety profile reported by previously published clinical trials in Japan and the USA. Although the study’s enrollment has been slowed by the pandemic’s impact in Japan, the Company is encouraged by the patient pre-screening pipeline and hopes to conclude trial enrollment during the second quarter of 2021. While the final outcome of the trial will depend on all data from all subjects, the data to date is very encouraging (~60% of subjects in the completed Buerger’s Disease cohort have reached a positive "CLI-free" endpoint, despite a natural history of such patients predicting continuing disease progression to amputation).

CLBS201 for the treatment of pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease

Our most recently proposed development program, CLBS201, is designed to assess the safety and efficacy of CD34+ cell therapy as a treatment for chronic kidney disease ("CKD") in patients not yet requiring dialysis. Based on a wealth of published preclinical and early clinical data, it appears that the innate ability of CD34+ cells to promote the growth of new microvasculature could be a means to attenuate the progression of the disease or even reverse the course of CKD. Caladrius plans to file an IND for this program in the second quarter of 2021 and to initiate a Phase 1/2 proof-of-concept study of CLBS201 in a moderate to severe CKD population shortly thereafter. Chronic Kidney Disease remains a largely unmet medical need, especially as the general population ages and the incidence of diabetes and hypertension increases.

OLOGO for the treatment of no option refractory disabling angina ("NORDA")

We acquired the rights to data and regulatory filings for a CD34+ cell therapy program for NORDA that had been advanced to Phase 3 by a previous sponsor. Based on the clinical evidence from the completed studies that a single administration of OLOGO reduces mortality, improves angina and increases exercise capacity in patients with otherwise untreatable angina, this product received Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy ("RMAT") designation from the FDA. We remain in discussion with the FDA regarding the size and scope of a phase 3 trial which, in combination with previously filed Phase 1, 2 and 3 data, will be considered for the registration of OLOGO. Notably, the RMAT designation affords the product a 6-month review time for a biologics license application ("BLA"), once submitted.

Closed on an additional $90.0 million in funding

In January 2021, the Company announced that it had closed on a $25.0 million capital raise through the sale of its common stock to several institutional and accredited investors in a private placement priced at-the-market under Nasdaq rules. In February 2021, the Company announced that it closed a $65.0 million capital raise through the sale of its common stock to several institutional and accredited investors in two registered direct offerings priced at-the-market under Nasdaq rules.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Financial Highlights

Research and development expenses for the fourth quarter of 2020 were $2.9 million, a 5% increase compared with $2.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2019, and $9.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $10.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, representing a decrease of approximately 14%. Research and development in both the current year and prior year periods focused on the advancement of our ischemic repair platform and related to:

Expenses associated with exploration of our concept program, CLBS119, a CD34+ cell therapy for repair of COVID-19 induced lung damage targeting patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection that required ventilatory support due to respiratory failure (this program has since been indefinitely postponed due to the continuous evolution of the targeted patient population);

Ongoing expenses for HONEDRA in critical limb ischemia in Japan, whereby we continue to focus spending on patient enrollment and Japanese NDA preparation (enrollment completion is now targeted for 2Q21 based on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan);

Expenses associated with the proof-of-concept study for CLBS16 in coronary microvascular dysfunction, for which study enrollment was completed in the second quarter of 2019 and full results reported in May 2020 and continuing efforts to advance CLBS16 into a Phase 2b study (the FREEDOM trial) in the second half of 2020; and
Expenses associated with the ongoing dialogue with FDA regarding design and execution of confirmatory Phase 3 study of OLOGO in NORDA.
General and administrative expenses, which focus on general corporate related activities, were $2.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020, compared to $2.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019, and $9.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $9.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, representing an increase of 6%.

Overall, net losses were $8.1 million and $19.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Balance Sheet Highlights

As of December 31, 2020, Caladrius had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $34.6 million and, following the previously mentioned capital raises in January and February 2021, the Company has cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of approximately $116 million as of February 25, 2021. Based on existing programs and projections, the Company remains confident that its current cash balances will fund its operations for the next several years, notably, through study completion for the Phase 2b for CLBS16, through the registration-eligible study completion for HONEDRA and through the Phase 1/2 Proof-of-Concept study for CLBS201 while still providing capital to explore additional pipeline expansion opportunities.

Conference Call

Caladrius will hold a conference call on Thursday, February 25, 2021, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time to discuss the financial results, provide a business update and answer questions. To join the conference call, please refer to the dial-in information provided below. The conference call will also be webcast live under the Investors section on the Company’s website at www.caladrius.com.

For those unable to participate in the live conference call, an audio replay will be available approximately two hours after the call has concluded until March 4, 2021, by dialing 855-859-2056 (domestic) or 404-537-3406 (international) and referencing conference ID / passcode: 7372695. A webcast recording of the call will also be archived for 90 days under the Investors section of the Company’s website at www.caladrius.com.