Sorrento Receives FDA Clearance to Start Clinical Trial of Anti-CD47 Antibody, Discovered from Fully Human G-MAB Library, for Treatment of Multiple Malignancies

On March 2, 2021 Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SRNE, "Sorrento") reported that the FDA has cleared Sorrento’s internally developed anti-CD47 monoclonal antibody, STI-6643, which was discovered from Sorrento’s G-MAB library, for an initial clinical trial (Press release, Sorrento Therapeutics, MAR 2, 2021, View Source [SID1234575920]). The initial clinical trial will be a basket trial entitled "A Phase 1B, Open-Label, Dose-Escalation Study of the Safety and Efficacy of STI-6643, an Anti-CD47 Human Monoclonal Antibody, in Patients with Selected Relapsed or Refractory Malignancies."

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Cluster of differentiation 47 (also known as integrin-associated protein) ("CD47") is a ubiquitously-expressed glycoprotein of the immunoglobulin superfamily that plays a critical role in self-recognition. Various solid and hematologic cancers exploit CD47 expression to evade immunological eradication, and its overexpression is clinically correlated with poor prognoses. One essential mechanism behind CD47-mediated immune evasion is that it can interact with signal regulatory protein-alpha (SIRPα) expressed on myeloid cells, causing phosphorylation of the SIRPα cytoplasmic immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motifs and recruitment of Src homology 2 domain-containing tyrosine phosphatases to ultimately result in delivering an anti-phagocytic "don’t eat me" signal. Given its essential role as a negative checkpoint for innate immunity and subsequent adaptive immunity, the CD47/SIRPα axis has been explored as a new target for cancer immunotherapy and its disruption has demonstrated great therapeutic promise.

In preclinical evaluations, STI-6643 displayed decreased red blood cell binding and hemolysis, while maintaining potent anti-tumor activity in solid tumor disease models. Clinical trials with anti-CD47 mAbs have historically experienced limitations due to significant anemia, hemagglutination, and thrombocytopenia due to CD47 expression on normal red blood cells, ultimately requiring employment of complicated clinical dosing regimens. These issues have not been seen to date with STI-6643 in preclinical studies conducted head-to-head against synthesized versions of other CD47 mAbs. Additionally, STI-6643 showed minimal T, B or NK cell depletion as opposed to other synthesized mAb clones, which could potentially result in improved efficacy by preserving infiltrating anti-tumor immune cells. STI-6643 has the potential to be a "best-in-class" product if these preclinical benefits are able to be reproduced in human trials. Sorrento is also conducting preclinical studies to compare the safety and efficacy of lymphatic delivery of STI-6643 to established parenteral routes of administration using Sorrento’s Sofusa technology. This study will be conducted at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL with Dr. David A. Sallman as the coordinating lead investigator.

STI-6643 is the second anti-CD47 antibody that has been developed from the G-MAB library. The other anti-CD47 antibody (IMC-002) discovered from the G-MAB library was previously cleared by the FDA, and is currently in Phase 1 human studies sponsored by ImmuneOncia Therapeutics, LLC, a joint venture company between Sorrento (35% ownership) and Yuhan Corporation.

Regarding the recent clearance for a clinical trial for STI-6643 by the FDA, Dr. Henry Ji, Chairman and CEO of Sorrento, commented, "We have seen great performance from STI-6643 in our IND-enabling studies. Our internal anti-CD47 program has now yielded two clinical candidates, a signal of our continued commitment to the development of innovative, safe and efficacious cancer treatments in addition to our commitment to fighting COVID-19."

Eagle Pharmaceuticals Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Results and Provides Pipeline Review

On March 2, 2021 Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: EGRX) ("Eagle" or the "Company") reported financial results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2020, and reviewed key pipeline programs (Press release, Eagle Pharmaceuticals, MAR 2, 2021, View Source [SID1234575919]).

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Business and Recent Highlights:

Posted strong year-over-year adjusted non-GAAP earnings growth of 36%;
Received a complete response letter ("CRL") from U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") for its Abbreviated New Drug Application ("ANDA") for vasopressin. Eagle had a post-CRL meeting with FDA late last week and believes it has clear agreement on how to proceed. As previously disclosed, FDA restated that it has prioritized Eagle’s ANDA, and it is also flagged as a COVID priority. Eagle plans to re-submit its ANDA by mid-year. The patent trial against Endo Par Innovation Company, LLC was postponed and is now scheduled to begin on July 7, 2021; the Company believes it will have 180 days of exclusivity.
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, and
Continued productive engagement with FDA for EA-114, the Company’s fulvestrant product candidate. The Company now has agreement for the clinical design and study endpoints, and following additional formulation work, intends to begin a clinical trial in patients.
Financial Highlights

Fourth Quarter 2020

Total revenue for Q4 2020 was $49.9 million, compared to $48.3 million in Q4 2019, primarily reflecting increased product sales of Ryanodex and Belrapzo.
Q4 2020 net income was $8.1 million, or $0.62 per basic and $0.60 per diluted share, compared to net income of $1.0 million, or $0.07 per basic and diluted share in Q4 2019.
Q4 2020 adjusted non-GAAP net income was $12.8 million, or $0.98 per basic and $0.96 per diluted share, compared to adjusted non-GAAP net income of $6.7 million, or $0.49 per basic and $0.48 per diluted share, in Q4 2019.
Cash and cash equivalents were $103.2 million, net accounts receivable was $51.1 million, and debt was $34 million as of December 31, 2020.
Full Year 2020

Total revenue for the 12 months ended December 31, 2020 was $187.8 million, compared to $195.9 million in 2019. 2020 included a $5.0 million milestone from SymBio for regulatory approval of Treakisym ready-to-dilute (250 ml) liquid bendamustine formulation.
2020 net income was $12.0 million, or $0.89 per basic and $0.87 per diluted share, compared to net income of $14.3 million, or $1.04 per basic and $1.01 per diluted share in 2019.
2020 adjusted non-GAAP net income was $48.7 million, or $3.62 per basic and $3.54 per diluted share, compared to adjusted non-GAAP net income of $36.9 million, or $2.68 per basic and $2.61 per diluted share in 2019.
From August 2016 through December 31, 2020, Eagle has repurchased $206.9 million of its common stock.
"2020 proved to be a strong earnings year for Eagle, with 36% year-over-year growth, despite the significant challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our balance sheet remains healthy and provides a solid basis to support our development programs and future growth prospects. Our key pipeline products – vasopressin, fulvestrant and Ryanodex for nerve agent exposure – represent significant opportunities, and we are pleased to have a path forward. We remain committed to completing the additional work to advance them through the regulatory process," stated Scott Tarriff, Chief Executive Officer of Eagle Pharmaceuticals.

"Looking ahead, we have our exclusive Pemfexy launch in February 2022 and SymBio sales ramping in Japan. At the same time, we will continue pursuing both organic and inorganic opportunities that will deliver growth for many years to come," concluded Tarriff.

Fourth Quarter 2020 Financial Results

Total revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2020 was $49.9 million, as compared to $48.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019.

Q4 2020 BELRAPZO product sales were $10.2 million, compared to $7.6 million in Q4 2019.

Q4 2020 RYANODEX product sales were $7.9 million, compared to $3.5 million in Q4 2019.

Royalty revenue was $27.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to $32.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2019. BENDEKA royalties were $27.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to $32.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2019. A summary of total revenue is outlined below:

Gross Margin was 75% during the fourth quarter of 2020, as compared to 76% in the fourth quarter of 2019. The compression in gross margin for the fourth quarter of 2020 was primarily driven by the launch of Treakisym product sales to our partner, on which Eagle earns no profit.

R&D expense was $9.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to $11.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2019. The decrease is largely attributable to lower spend on fulvestrant and Ryanodex for EHS programs, partially offset by higher spend on vasopressin. Excluding stock-based compensation and other non-cash and non-recurring items, R&D expense during the fourth quarter of 2020 was $8.7 million.

SG&A expense in the fourth quarter of 2020 decreased to $18.2 million compared to $22.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2019. External legal spend associated with litigation on pemetrexed, a decrease of travel and entertainment and other expenses due to COVID-19, as well as differences in incentive pay, account for the year-over-year decrease. Excluding stock-based compensation and other non-cash and non-recurring items, fourth quarter 2020 SG&A expense was $11.2 million.

Net income for the fourth quarter of 2020 was $8.1 million, or $0.62 per basic and $0.60 per diluted share, compared to net income of $1.0 million, or $0.07 per basic and diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2019, due to the factors discussed above.

Adjusted non-GAAP net income for the fourth quarter of 2020 was $12.8 million, or $0.98 per basic and $0.96 per diluted share, compared to adjusted non-GAAP net income of $6.7 million or $0.49 per basic and $0.48 per diluted share in the fourth 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.

Full Year 2020 Financial Results

Total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $187.8 million, as compared to $195.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. A summary of total revenue is outlined below:

Product sales decreased by $1.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily driven by decreases in product sales of Bendeka of $15.7 million, coupled with decreases in Belrapzo’s product sales of $2.1 million, primarily due to volume decreases. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns have resulted in a decrease in healthcare utilization broadly and specifically have led to a reduction in the utilization of physician-administered oncology products including Belrapzo and Bendeka. The decreased sales were partially offset by increases in product sales of Ryanodex of $15.2 million due to higher volume coupled with product sales of $0.9 million from the 2020 product launch of Treakisym.

Gross margin was 76% in 2020, as compared to 69% in 2019. The increase in gross margin in 2020 was primarily related to an increase in product sales of Ryanodex and a decrease in product sales of Bendeka.

R&D expense decreased to $30.8 million in 2020, compared to $36.8 million in 2019, primarily reflecting a decrease in project spending for Ryanodex for the EHS indication. This decrease was partially offset by increased spend related to the Company’s fulvestrant formulation initiative. Excluding stock-based compensation and other non-cash and non-recurring items, R&D expense in 2020 was $27.8 million.

SG&A expenses increased by $2.2 million to $78.6 million in 2020, compared to $76.4 million in 2019. The increase primarily reflects costs related to the collaboration with Tyme and increases in stock compensation, partially offset by travel and entertainment expense which decreased due to COVID-19 restrictions on travel coupled with lower external legal fees. Excluding stock-based compensation and other non-cash and non-recurring items, SG&A expense in 2020 was $50.9 million.

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $12.0 million or $0.89 per basic and $0.87 per diluted share as compared to net income of $14.3 million or $1.04 per basic and $1.01 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2019, as a result of the factors discussed above.

Adjusted non-GAAP net income for 2020 was $48.7 million, or $3.62 per basic and $3.54 per diluted share, compared to adjusted non-GAAP net income of $36.9 million, or $2.68 per basic and $2.61 per diluted share in 2019.

2021 Expense Guidance

R&D spend in 2021, on a non-GAAP basis, is expected to be $26-$30 million, as compared to $27.8 million in 2020.
SG&A spend in 2021, on a non-GAAP basis, is expected to be $56-$60 million, as compared to $50.9 million in 2020.
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 December 31, 2020, the Company had $103.2 million in cash and cash equivalents plus $51.1 million in net accounts receivable, $29.9 million of which was due from Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. The Company had $34 million in outstanding debt. Therefore, as of December 31, 2020, the Company had net cash plus receivables of $120.3 million.

In the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company purchased $4.0 million of Eagle’s common stock as part of its $160.0 million Share Repurchase Program. From August 2016 through December 31, 2020, the Company has repurchased $206.9 million of its common stock.

Conference Call

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

A replay of the conference call will be available for one week after the call’s completion by dialing 800-934-7612 (US) or 402-220-6980 (International) and entering conference call ID EGRXQ420. The webcast will be archived for 30 days at the aforementioned URL.

Infinity to Present at the H.C. Wainwright Global Life Sciences Conference

On March 2, 2021 Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: INFI), a clinical-stage biotechnology company, reported that management will present at the H.C. Wainwright Global Life Sciences Conference, which is being held Tuesday, March 9th – Wednesday, March 10th, 2021 (Press release, Infinity Pharmaceuticals, MAR 2, 2021, View Source [SID1234575918]).

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The presentation will be available for on-demand listening at 7:00 am ET on Tuesday, March 9th, 2021 or via the following link: View Source

The webcast of the presentation can be accessed in the Investors/Media section of Infinity’s website at www.infi.com and will be available on Infinity’s website for 30 days following the event.

Inhibikase Therapeutics to Present at H.C. Wainwright & Co. Global Life Sciences Virtual Conference

On March 2, 2021 Inhibikase Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: IKT) (Inhibikase), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing therapeutics to modify the course of Parkinson’s disease and related disorders inside and outside of the brain, reported that Milton Werner, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Inhibikase, will present at the H.C. Wainwright & Co. Global Life Sciences Virtual Conference (Press release, Inhibikase Therapeutics, MAR 2, 2021, https://www.inhibikase.com/news/press-releases/detail/29/inhibikase-therapeutics-to-present-at-h-c-wainwright-co [SID1234575917]).

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The presentation will be available for on-demand viewing under "News & Events" in the Investors section of the Company’s website at www.inhibikcase.com, beginning Tuesday, March 9th, 2021 at 7:00 am ET. The webcast will be available for approximately 90 days following the event.

TRACON Pharmaceuticals to Present at the H.C. Wainwright Global Life Sciences Conference

On March 2, 2021 TRACON Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: TCON), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel targeted cancer therapeutics and utilizing a cost efficient, CRO-independent product development platform to partner with ex-U.S. companies to develop and commercialize innovative products in the U.S., reported that Charles Theuer, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, will present a corporate overview at the H.C. Wainwright Global Life Sciences Conference, being held virtually March 9-10, 2021 (Press release, Tracon Pharmaceuticals, MAR 2, 2021, View Source [SID1234575916]).

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The presentation will be available on-demand beginning on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, in the Investors section on the Company’s website at www.traconpharma.com.