CRISPR Therapeutics Provides Business Update and Reports First Quarter 2021 Financial Results

On April 27, 2021 CRISPR Therapeutics (Nasdaq: CRSP), a biopharmaceutical company focused on creating transformative gene-based medicines for serious diseases, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021 (Press release, CRISPR Therapeutics, APR 27, 2021, View Source [SID1234578554]).

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"We continue to make progress across our hemoglobinopathies and immuno-oncology programs on the clinical front, and expect to disclose data on multiple programs in 2021," said Samarth Kulkarni, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of CRISPR Therapeutics. "Our revised agreement with Vertex for CTX001 streamlines operations and allows us to further invest in innovation to build upon the remarkable results we have seen with the program thus far. In addition, we are continuing to execute on our earlier stage pipeline and look forward to bringing our regenerative medicine and in vivo programs to the clinic."

Recent Highlights and Outlook

Beta Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease

The European Medicines Agency granted Priority Medicines (PRIME) designation to CTX001, an investigational, autologous, ex vivo CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited therapy for the treatment of transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia (TDT). CTX001 was previously granted PRIME designation for the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD) in 2020.
Enrollment and dosing are ongoing in the clinical trials for CTX001. More than 30 patients have been dosed with CTX001 across both trials to date. Completion of enrollment in both trials is expected in 2021.
Immuno-Oncology

The Company expects to report additional data in 2021 from its ongoing Phase 1 CARBON trial assessing the safety and efficacy of several dose levels of CTX110, its wholly-owned allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) investigational therapy targeting CD19, for the treatment of relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies.
CRISPR Therapeutics’ Phase 1 clinical trial assessing the safety and efficacy of several dose levels of CTX120, its wholly-owned allogeneic CAR-T investigational therapy targeting B-cell maturation antigen for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, is ongoing. The Company expects to report top-line data from this trial in 2021.
CRISPR Therapeutics’ two independent Phase 1 clinical trials assessing the safety and efficacy of several dose levels of CTX130, its wholly-owned allogeneic CAR-T investigational therapy targeting CD70, for the treatment of both solid tumors and certain hematologic malignancies, are ongoing. The Company expects to report top-line data from these trials in 2021. Earlier this month, the Company announced preclinical data from its CAR-T program at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2021. The data, presented in an e-poster session entitled, "CD70 knockout: A novel approach to augment CAR-T cell function, found that the generation of CAR-T cells including knockout of the CD70 show improved properties, including potency and persistence over CAR-T cells where the CD70 gene remains intact."
Regenerative Medicine

CRISPR Therapeutics and its partner ViaCyte remain on track to initiate a Phase 1/2 trial of their allogeneic stem cell-derived therapy for the treatment of Type 1 diabetes in 2021. The combination of ViaCyte’s stem cell capabilities and CRISPR’s gene editing capabilities has the potential to enable a beta-cell replacement product that may deliver durable benefit to patients without requiring immune suppression.
Other Corporate Matters

Earlier this month, CRISPR Therapeutics and its partner Vertex announced that the companies have amended their collaboration agreement to develop, manufacture and commercialize CTX001. Under the terms of the amended agreement, CRISPR Therapeutics will be responsible for 40% of the program costs and will receive 40% of the profits from future sales of CTX001 worldwide. With this revised agreement, Vertex will deploy the breadth of its established global capabilities and proven experience in development, manufacturing, and commercialization to maximize the potential for CTX001 to transform the lives of tens of thousands of patients in the U.S., Europe and other countries. CRISPR Therapeutics will continue to support the development of CTX001 and invest in further innovation to maximize its potential. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and clearances, including clearance under the Hart-Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.
First Quarter 2021 Financial Results

Cash Position: Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $1,806.2 million as of March 31, 2021, compared to $1,690.3 million as of December 31, 2020. The increase in cash of $115.9 million was primarily driven by cash from financing activities of $226.0 million, which consists primarily of proceeds received from sales under our "at-the-market" offering in January and early February of 2021 offset by continuing operating expenses.

Revenue: Total collaboration revenue was $0.2 million for the first quarter of 2021 compared to $0.2 million for first quarter of 2020. Collaboration revenue primarily consisted of charges to partners for research activities.

R&D Expenses: R&D expenses were $90.6 million for the first quarter of 2021 compared to $54.2 million for the first quarter of 2020. The increase in expense was driven by development activities supporting the advancement of the hemoglobinopathies program and wholly-owned immuno-oncology programs, as well as increased headcount and supporting facilities related expenses.

G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $24.5 million for the first quarter of 2021 compared to $19.6 million for the first quarter of 2020. The increase in general and administrative expenses for the year was primarily driven by headcount-related expense.

Net Income/Loss: Net loss was $113.2 million for the first quarter of 2021 compared to a net loss of $69.7 million for the first quarter of 2020.
About CTX001
CTX001 is an investigational, autologous, ex vivo CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited therapy that is being evaluated for patients suffering from TDT or severe SCD, in which a patient’s hematopoietic stem cells are edited to produce high levels of fetal hemoglobin (HbF; hemoglobin F) in red blood cells. HbF is a form of the oxygen-carrying hemoglobin that is naturally present at birth, which then switches to the adult form of hemoglobin. The elevation of HbF by CTX001 has the potential to alleviate transfusion requirements for patients with TDT and reduce painful and debilitating sickle crises for patients with SCD.

Based on progress in this program to date, CTX001 has been granted Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT), Fast Track, Orphan Drug, and Rare Pediatric Disease designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for both TDT and SCD. CTX001 has also been granted Orphan Drug Designation from the European Commission for both TDT and SCD, as well as Priority Medicines (PRIME) designation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for SCD and TDT.

About the CRISPR-Vertex Collaboration
Vertex and CRISPR Therapeutics entered into a strategic research collaboration in 2015 focused on the use of CRISPR/Cas9 to discover and develop potential new treatments aimed at the underlying genetic causes of human disease. CTX001 represents the first potential treatment to emerge from the joint research program. Under a recently amended collaboration agreement, Vertex will lead global development and commercialization of CTX001 and split program costs and profits worldwide 60/40 with CRISPR Therapeutics. This amendment is subject to customary closing conditions and clearances, including clearance under the Hart-Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.

About CLIMB-Thal-111
The ongoing Phase 1/2 open-label trial, CLIMB-Thal-111, is designed to assess the safety and efficacy of a single dose of CTX001 in patients ages 12 to 35 with TDT. The trial will enroll up to 45 patients and follow patients for approximately two years after infusion. Each patient will be asked to participate in a long-term follow-up trial.

About CLIMB-SCD-121
The ongoing Phase 1/2 open-label trial, CLIMB-SCD-121, is designed to assess the safety and efficacy of a single dose of CTX001 in patients ages 12 to 35 with severe SCD. The trial will enroll up to 45 patients and follow patients for approximately two years after infusion. Each patient will be asked to participate in a long-term follow-up trial.

About CTX110
CTX110, a wholly owned program of CRISPR Therapeutics, is a healthy donor-derived gene-edited allogeneic CAR-T investigational therapy targeting cluster of differentiation 19, or CD19. CTX110 is being investigated in the ongoing CARBON trial.

About CARBON
The ongoing Phase 1 single-arm, multi-center, open label clinical trial, CARBON, is designed to assess the safety and efficacy of several dose levels of CTX110 for the treatment of relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies.

About CTX120
CTX120, a wholly-owned program of CRISPR Therapeutics, is a healthy donor-derived gene-edited allogeneic CAR-T investigational therapy targeting B-cell maturation antigen, or BCMA. CTX120 is being investigated in an ongoing Phase 1 single-arm, multi-center, open-label clinical trial designed to assess the safety and efficacy of several dose levels of CTX120 for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. CTX120 has been granted Orphan Drug designation from the FDA.

About CTX130
CTX130, a wholly-owned program of CRISPR Therapeutics, is a healthy donor-derived gene-edited allogeneic CAR-T investigational therapy targeting cluster of differentiation 70, or CD70, an antigen expressed on various solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. CTX130 is being developed for the treatment of both solid tumors, such as renal cell carcinoma, and T-cell and B-cell hematologic malignancies. CTX130 is being investigated in two ongoing independent Phase 1, single-arm, multi-center, open-label clinical trials that are designed to assess the safety and efficacy of several dose levels of CTX130 for the treatment of relapsed or refractory renal cell carcinoma and various subtypes of lymphoma, respectively.

Arch Oncology Secures $105 Million Series C Financing

On April 27, 2021 Arch Oncology, Inc., a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company focused on the discovery and development of anti-CD47 biologic therapies, reported that it has closed a $105 million Series C financing co-led by Eventide Asset Management, Cowen Healthcare Investments and current investor 3×5 Partners, who were joined by new investors Adage Capital Management, Point72 Asset Management, Avego Healthcare Capital, FMB Research and Broadfin Holdings (Press release, Arch Oncology, APR 27, 2021, View Source;utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=arch-oncology-secures-105-million-series-c-financing [SID1234578553]). Arch Oncology’s existing investors, including Roche Venture Fund, RiverVest Venture Partners, and Lightchain, also participated in the round. In connection with the financing, Joy Ghosh, Ph.D., Senior Research Analyst at Eventide Asset Management, Eric Pham, Ph.D., Associate at Cowen Healthcare Investments, and Joe Biller, Managing Director at 3×5 Partners, will join the Company’s Board of Directors.

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"This financing enables the clinical progress of our differentiated anti-CD47 product candidate AO-176, currently in Phase 1/2 clinical trials for solid tumors, both as a monotherapy and in combination with paclitaxel, and multiple myeloma. Looking forward, we plan to expand the AO-176 clinical program to include a combination trial with pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA) in solid tumors, and a combination trial with standard therapies in multiple myeloma. We will also explore other indications and combinations consistent with our novel mechanisms of action," said Laurence Blumberg, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Arch Oncology. "The quality of our new and existing investors is a testament to this pipeline and our mission on behalf of patients with cancer who need better therapeutic options."

AO-176 is an anti-CD47 IgG2 antibody in Phase 1/2 clinical trials for the treatment of patients with select solid tumors and with hematologic malignancies, both as monotherapy and in combination with standard therapies. AO-176 works by blocking the "don’t eat me" signal enabled by CD47’s interaction with SIRPa and inducing phagocytosis. It has a unique combination of features, positioning it to improve upon the safety and efficacy profile among anti-CD47 antibody therapies including: lower binding to normal cells in general and negligible binding to red blood cells; enhanced binding to CD47 in acidic environments found in tumors; and induction of programmed and immunogenic cell death.

"Arch Oncology’s highly differentiated approach to the development of anti-CD47 agents is a promising development in the immuno-oncology space," said John McKearn, Ph.D., Managing Director, RiverVest Venture Partners and Chairman of the Board of Arch Oncology. "We look forward to continuing to support the Company as it develops and advances its robust pipeline of promising drug candidates, including a broad clinical program for AO-176."

Amgen Reports First Quarter 2021 Financial Results

On April 27, 2021 Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) reported financial results for the first quarter of 2021 (Press release, Amgen, APR 27, 2021, View Source [SID1234578552]). Key results include:

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Total revenues decreased 4% to $5.9 billion in comparison to the first quarter of 2020, driven by lower net selling prices, partially offset by volume growth. These results reflect the cumulative, continuing negative effect of COVID-19 on patient visits and new patient diagnoses.
Although product sales decreased 5%, volumes grew double digits or better for a number of products including Repatha (evolocumab), Prolia (denosumab), MVASI (bevacizumab-awwb) and KANJINTI (trastuzumab-anns).
GAAP earnings per share (EPS) decreased 8% to $2.83 driven by decreased revenues, partially offset by lower weighted-average shares outstanding.
GAAP operating income decreased 10% to $2.1 billion and GAAP operating margin decreased 1.9 percentage points to 38.1%.
Non-GAAP EPS decreased 12% to $3.70 driven by decreased revenues and our share of BeiGene’s net loss, partially offset by lower weighted-average shares outstanding.
Non-GAAP operating income decreased 10% to $2.9 billion and non-GAAP operating margin decreased 2.7 percentage points to 51.2%.
The Company generated $1.9 billion of free cash flow in the first quarter versus $2.0 billion in the first quarter of 2020.
2021 total revenues guidance reaffirmed at $25.8-$26.6 billion; EPS guidance revised to $9.11-$10.71 on a GAAP basis, and reaffirmed at $16.00-$17.00 on a non-GAAP basis.
"While our business continued to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic particularly in the first two months of the quarter, we are encouraged by strong volume trends in many of our newer products and remain confident in the outlook for the full year," said Robert A. Bradway, chairman and chief executive officer. "We also continue to advance key pipeline opportunities, including three late-stage assets that have earned Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration."

References in this release to "non-GAAP" measures, measures presented "on a non-GAAP basis" and to "free cash flow" (computed by subtracting capital expenditures from operating cash flow) refer to non-GAAP financial measures. Adjustments to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures and other items are presented on the attached reconciliations. For comparability of results to the prior year, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP EPS amounts for 2020 have been revised to reflect the update to our non-GAAP policy that excludes gains and losses on certain equity investments. Refer to Non-GAAP Financial Measures below for further discussion.

Product Sales Performance

Consistent with prior years, we expect first quarter sales in 2021 to be the lowest quarter as a percentage of the full year.

COVID-19 update: As noted earlier, the cumulative missed patient visits and diagnoses since the start of the pandemic continue to impact our business, slowing treatment and new patient starts. In the quarter, demand was most negatively affected in January and February as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations surged in the U.S. and Europe, with demand improvement seen across most brands in March and continuing into April. While patient visits and diagnoses remain below pre-COVID-19 levels, both are showing improvement from the early days of the pandemic. We remain hopeful that the global vaccination rollout will support a steady recovery going forward. However, we expect to see continuing disruption from COVID-19 in the second quarter and, to a lesser degree, in the second half of the year.

Total product sales decreased 5% for the first quarter of 2021 versus the first quarter of 2020. Unit volumes grew 4% while net selling price declined 7%. Year-over-year growth was negatively impacted by 2% due to a benefit in Q1 2020 from ~$150M of changes to estimated sales deductions that did not recur to the same magnitude in Q1 2021. In addition, in Q1 2021, Enbrel (etanercept), Otezla (apremilast) and Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) followed the historic pattern of lower Q1 sales relative to the remainder of the year due to the impact of benefit plan changes, insurance reverifications and increased co-pay expenses as U.S. patients work through deductibles.

Results for individual products are as follows:

Prolia sales increased 16% year-over-year for the first quarter, driven by 13% volume growth as new and repeat patient volumes continue to recover from the pandemic. With a large proportion of osteoporosis patients likely having received COVID-19 vaccinations and diagnosis rates reaching ~90% of pre-COVID-19 levels, we are confident in Prolia’s continued growth in 2021.
EVENITY (romosozumab-aqqg) sales increased 7% year-over-year for the first quarter, driven by volume growth. U.S. sales increased 54% year-over-year driven by 67% volume growth. Rest of world (ROW) sales decreased 21% year-over-year partially due to the timing of purchases by our partner Astellas during the first half of 2020. We expect strong volume growth for Evenity to continue in 2021.
Repatha sales increased 25% year-over-year for the first quarter to record quarterly sales of $286 million, driven by 36% volume growth, partially offset by lower net selling price and the effect of favorable changes to estimated sales deductions in the prior year. We continue to see strong sales growth internationally with 42% volume growth in ROW regions. In the U.S., total prescription (TRx) volumes grew 32% year-over-year. Repatha new-to-brand prescriptions (NBRx) in the U.S. grew 54% quarter-over-quarter, partially benefited by improved formulary coverage. Given the increase in U.S. Medicare Part D patients receiving Repatha, we expect some additional reduction in global net price on a sequential basis.
Aimovig sales decreased 7% year-over-year for the first quarter. Unit volume growth of 20% was offset by lower net selling price and unfavorable changes to estimated sales deductions. Aimovig retains strong payer coverage and remains the segment leader within the preventive calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) class, with 45% average TRx share and 38% average NBRx share in the quarter.
Otezla sales decreased 1% year-over-year for the first quarter, driven by declines in net selling price and inventory, substantially offset by volume growth. In the U.S., TRx volumes grew 11% year-over-year. Otezla remains the segment-leading branded systemic medication for psoriasis with approximately 30% share of first-line treatment. However, NBRx volumes remained flat as COVID-19 continued to suppress the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis patients. Looking forward, we see attractive growth opportunities for Otezla as the pandemic recovery continues, as well as the anticipated approval of the mild-to-moderate psoriasis indication in the U.S. and continued geographic expansion.
Enbrel sales decreased 20% year-over-year for the first quarter, driven by unfavorable changes in estimated sales deductions, volume declines and lower net selling price. Of the ~$255 million in favorable changes to estimated sales deductions realized in 2020 related to Enbrel, ~$115M of these changes occurred in Q1 2020 and did not repeat this quarter. Going forward, we expect volume and net selling price trends to continue. With its long-established record of safety and efficacy, we continue to invest in Enbrel along with our broader inflammation portfolio.
AMGEVITA (adalimumab) increased 23% year-over-year for the first quarter, driven by volume growth as we expand geographically outside the U.S., partially offset by lower net selling price. AMGEVITA continues to be the most prescribed adalimumab biosimilar in Europe.
KYPROLIS (carfilzomib) sales decreased 10% year-over-year for the first quarter, primarily as a result of slower growth in the multiple myeloma segment as fewer patients were diagnosed and treated due to COVID-19. For the remainder of the year, we expect the new patient growth headwinds from the pandemic to be offset by the growth of KYPROLIS from its recently approved indication for use in combination with DARZALEX (daratumumab) plus dexamethasone (DKd).
XGEVA (denosumab) sales decreased 3% year-over-year for the first quarter, as volume growth in Asia was offset by lower net selling price in that region. U.S. unit volumes declined year-over-year driven by demand impacts from COVID-19 in January and February, with recovery beginning in March and into April.
Vectibix (panitumumab) sales decreased 5% year-over-year for the first quarter, primarily driven by the timing of shipments to Takeda, our partner in Japan, in Q1 2020.
Nplate (romiplostim) sales increased 4% year-over-year for the first quarter, driven by volume growth of 23% in ROW, partially offset by declines in U.S. sales.
BLINCYTO (blinatumomab) sales increased 14% year-over-year for the first quarter, driven by volume growth due to broader adoption in the community hospital setting.
MVASI sales increased 156% year-over-year for the first quarter, driven by volume growth and favorable changes to estimated sales deductions, partially offset by lower net selling price. In the U.S., MVASI continues to hold leading volume share of 50% of the bevacizumab segment in the quarter. Going forward, MVASI will continue to launch across multiple markets driving worldwide volume growth. However, we expect this to be offset by declines in net selling price due to increased competition.
KANJINTI sales increased 35% year-over-year for the first quarter, driven by volume growth, partially offset by lower net selling price. In the U.S., KANJINTI continues to hold leading volume share of 43% of the trastuzumab segment in the quarter. Sales increased 2% quarter-over-quarter as favorable changes to estimated sales deductions were offset by price declines due to increased competition. Going forward, we expect net selling price to continue to decline quarter-over-quarter.
Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) sales decreased 21% year-over-year for the first quarter, driven by declines in both net selling price and unit volumes due to increased biosimilar competition, partially offset by favorable changes to estimated sales deductions. Within the long-acting granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) segment, Neulasta Onpro maintained 54% volume share in the quarter and continues to be the preferred choice for physicians and patients, with over one million patients treated with Onpro. The most recent published Average Selling Price for Neulasta in the U.S. declined 30% year-over-year and 9% quarter-over-quarter. Going forward, we expect increased competition to result in additional net price erosion.
NEUPOGEN (filgrastim) sales decreased 48% year-over-year for the first quarter, primarily driven by volume declines due to competition.
EPOGEN (epoetin alfa) sales decreased 19% year-over-year for the first quarter, primarily driven by volume declines and lower net selling price resulting from our existing contractual commitment with DaVita.
Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) sales decreased 16% year-over-year for the first quarter, driven by volume declines and lower net selling price due to competition.
Parsabiv (etelcalcetide) sales decreased 55% year-over-year for the first quarter, driven by 65% volume declines. With Parsabiv’s inclusion in the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) bundled payment system in the U.S., we expect declining year-over-year sales trends to continue through 2021 as numerous dialysis centers update their treatment protocols due to the reimbursement change. For patients on hemodialysis, Parsabiv is the only IV-administered calcimimetic that treats secondary hyperparathyroidism and provides the opportunity to reduce patient pill burden.
Sensipar/Mimpara (cinacalcet) sales decreased 81% year-over-year for the first quarter, driven by volume declines in response to generic competition. Sales in Europe declined 74% year-over-year due to the expiration of supplemental patent protection in major European markets in April 2020.

Product Sales Detail by Product and Geographic Region

Operating Expense, Operating Margin and Tax Rate Analysis

On a GAAP basis:

Total Operating Expenses decreased 1%. We expect total operating expenses to grow for the year as we invest in internal and external innovation, launches and long-term growth. Cost of Sales margin increased 0.9 percentage points primarily driven by product mix, profit share and royalties, partially offset by lower amortization expense from acquisition-related assets. Research & Development (R&D) expenses increased 2% primarily due to higher research and early pipeline spend, including the acquisition of Rodeo Therapeutics, partially offset by lower late-stage development program spend. Selling, General & Administrative (SG&A) expenses decreased 5% driven by lower spend on general and administrative activities as well as favorable adjustments to estimated U.S. healthcare reform federal excise fees.
Operating Margin as a percentage of product sales decreased 1.9 percentage points to 38.1%.
Tax Rate increased 1.7 percentage points primarily driven by changes in jurisdictional mix of earnings.
On a non-GAAP basis:

Total Operating Expenses increased 2%. We continue to expect total operating expenses to grow for the year as we invest in internal and external innovation, launches and long-term growth. Cost of Sales margin increased 2.4 percentage points primarily due to product mix, profit share and royalties. R&D expenses increased 2% primarily due to higher research and early pipeline spend, including the acquisition of Rodeo Therapeutics, partially offset by lower late-stage development program spend. SG&A expenses decreased 5% driven by lower spend on general and administrative activities as well as favorable adjustments to estimated U.S. healthcare reform federal excise fees.
Operating Margin as a percentage of product sales decreased 2.7 percentage points to 51.2%.
Tax Rate increased 0.6 percentage points primarily driven by changes in jurisdictional mix of earnings.
Cash Flow and Balance Sheet

The Company generated $1.9 billion of free cash flow in the first quarter of 2021 versus $2.0 billion in the first quarter of 2020.
The Company’s first quarter 2021 dividend of $1.76 per share was declared on December 16, 2020, and was paid on March 8, 2021, to all stockholders of record as of February 15, 2021, representing a 10% increase from 2020.
During the first quarter, the Company repurchased 3.7 million shares of common stock at a total cost of $865 million. At the end of the first quarter, the Company had $5.5 billion remaining under its stock repurchase authorization.
Cash and investments totaled $10.6 billion and debt outstanding totaled $32.7 billion at the end of Q1 2021.
For the full year 2021, the Company now expects:

Total revenues in the range of $25.8 billion to $26.6 billion, unchanged from previous guidance.
On a GAAP basis, EPS in the range of $9.11 to $10.71 and a tax rate in the range of 14.0% to 15.5%.
Previously, the Company expected GAAP EPS in the range of $12.12 to $13.17 and a tax rate in the range of 11.0% to 12.5%.
On a non-GAAP basis, EPS in the range of $16.00 to $17.00, unchanged from previous guidance, and a tax rate in the range of 13.5% to 14.5%.
Previously, the Company expected a tax rate in the range of 13.0% – 14.0%.
Capital expenditures to be approximately $900 million.
Share repurchases in the range of $3.0 billion to $5.0 billion, versus previous guidance of $3.0 billion to $4.0 billion.
First Quarter Product and Pipeline Update

The Company provided the following updates on selected product and pipeline programs:

LUMAKRAS (sotorasib)

In February, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Priority Review for LUMAKRAS, a first in class, once-daily oral small molecule KRASG12C inhibitor, for the treatment of patients with KRAS G12C-mutated locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), following at least one prior systemic therapy. Based on the Priority Review designation, the Prescription Drug User Fee Action date for LUMAKRAS is Aug. 16, 2021, which is four months earlier than the standard review cycle. LUMAKRAS has received Breakthrough Therapy Designation and is being reviewed under the Real-Time Oncology Review pilot program in the U.S.
Regulatory submissions have also been completed in other jurisdictions, including the EU, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil and Australia, with submission in Japan planned for later today.
Enrollment completed in a Phase 3 study (CodeBreaK 200) comparing LUMAKRAS to docetaxel in patients with KRAS G12C-mutated advanced NSCLC. Based on the efficacy results in NSCLC from the pivotal Phase 2 monotherapy study (CodeBreaK 100) and guidance from the FDA, we have reduced the Phase 3 CodeBreaK 200 sample size to reflect the statistical power necessary for the progression free survival primary endpoint.
The Company expects to present updates on the pivotal Phase 2 monotherapy study in patients with NSCLC including subgroup analyses, overall survival data and biomarker analyses on mechanisms of resistance at upcoming medical conferences beginning this quarter.
The Company recently initiated a sub-study within CodeBreaK trial that will evaluate LUMAKRAS dosed at 240 mg once-daily vs. 960 mg once-daily in patients with advanced NSCLC, with enrollment expected to begin in the coming weeks. The results in the pivotal Phase 2 NSCLC study demonstrated that the 960 mg once-daily dose was safe and effective in this setting, and the intent of the dose comparison study is to evaluate whether a lower dose is also safe and efficacious. The Company does not anticipate any impact on the timelines of the ongoing FDA Priority Review of LUMAKRAS.
Mature data from the Phase 2 monotherapy study in patients with KRAS G12C-mutated advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) are expected in Q2 2021, with submission for publication expected by the end of the year.
A Phase 2 monotherapy study in patients with KRAS G12C-mutated solid tumors other than NSCLC and CRC has completed enrollment with data expected in H1 2022.
Exploration of LUMAKRAS in multiple Phase 1b combination cohorts continues to progress with more than 10 combinations now underway. We are initiating triplet cohorts of LUMAKRAS and standard of care chemotherapy in combination with either an EGFR antibody or bevacizumab in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Expansion cohorts to assess efficacy of LUMAKRAS in combination with a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor, an oral epidermal growth factor (EGFR) inhibitor or an EGFR Ab are underway, with initial data from these programs to be submitted for presentation in H2 2021.
Bemarituzumab

The Company has begun Phase 3 planning and expects to commence discussions with regulators for bemarituzumab, a first-in-class anti-fibroblast growth factor receptor 2b (FGFR2b) antibody for the treatment of patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative, FGFR2b-positive gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer.
In April, the FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for investigational bemarituzumab as first-line treatment for patients with FGFR2b-overexpressing and HER2-negative metastatic and locally advanced gastric and gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma in combination with modified FOLFOX6 (fluoropyrimidine, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin), based on an FDA-approved companion diagnostic assay showing at least 10% of tumor cells overexpressing FGFR2b.
The Company is also planning to investigate bemarituzumab in other solid tumors, including squamous cell NSCLC.
Acapatamab (AMG 160)

A dose expansion cohort of acapatamab a half-life extended (HLE) BiTE molecule targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), continues to enroll patients with metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Enrollment of acapatamab is ongoing in cohorts with reduced levels of monitoring during cycle one to explore outpatient administration.
An acapatamab dose escalation study has initiated for NSCLC-expressing PSMA.
A master protocol evaluating combinations of acapatamab with AMG 404, an anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1) antibody, or the novel hormone therapies enzalutamide or abiraterone, is enrolling patients with earlier-line mCRPC.
AMG 757

The Company has completed dose escalation for AMG 757, an HLE BiTE molecule targeting delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3), in patients with relapsed or refractory small cell lung cancer and expects to initiate the expansion phase by H2 2021.
A Phase 1b study of AMG 757 has initiated for patients with neuroendocrine prostate cancer expressing DLL3.
A Phase 1b study of AMG 757 in combination with AMG 404 is planned to initiate in Q3 2021 for patients with small cell lung cancer.
Pavurutamab (AMG 701)

Enrollment is anticipated to resume in May in the dose escalation study of pavurutamab, an HLE BiTE molecule targeting B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.
Additional oncology programs

The following programs continue to enroll patients in dose escalation studies:
BiTE molecules AMG 330 and AMG 427, targeting CD33 and fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3), respectively, for acute myeloid leukemia.
AMG 176, a small molecule inhibitor of myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL-1) for hematologic malignancies.
HLE BiTE molecules AMG 199 and AMG 910, targeting mucin 17 (MUC17) and claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2), respectively, for gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer.
AMG 509, a bivalent T-cell engager XmAb 2+1 antibody targeting six transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate 1 (STEAP1) for prostate cancer.
AMG 256, a bifunctional interleukin-21 agonist for PD-1 positive solid tumors.
Tezepelumab

Results from the pivotal Phase 3 NAVIGATOR study demonstrating significant reductions in exacerbations in a broad population of patients with severe uncontrolled asthma were presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Virtual Annual Meeting in February. Additional NAVIGATOR data will be presented at the American Thoracic Society International Conference in May 2021.
Regulatory submissions in the U.S. and EU are expected in Q2 2021.
A Phase 2 study continues to enroll patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
A Phase 2b study is enrolling patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria.
A Phase 3 chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps study has initiated.
Otezla

In February, a supplemental New Drug Application for the treatment of adults with mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis was submitted to the FDA based on the results of the Phase 3 ADVANCE study. Data from the ADVANCE study were presented at the American Academy of Dermatology Virtual Experience in April.
A Phase 2 study of Otezla for the treatment of Japanese patients with palmoplantar pustulosis successfully completed and planning for a Phase 3 trial in Japan is underway. Data from the Phase 2 study will be submitted to an upcoming medical conference.
In Q1, the Otezla arm of the Phase 2 open-label I-SPY COVID adaptive platform trial being conducted in critically ill COVID-19 patients who are receiving high-flow oxygen or mechanical ventilation was stopped for futility upon recommendation from the Data Monitoring Committee. COMMUNITY, an adaptive placebo-controlled, double-blind, Phase 3 platform study evaluating adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19, is ongoing.
Rozibafusp alfa (AMG 570)

Rozibafusp alfa (AMG 570), an antibody-peptide conjugate that simultaneously blocks inducible T-cell costimulatory ligand (ICOSL) and B-cell activating factor (BAFF) activity, continues to enroll patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a Phase 2b study.
Efavaleukin alfa (AMG 592)

A Phase 2b study of efavaleukin alfa (AMG 592), an interleukin-2 mutein, has been initiated, and enrollment of patients with SLE is expected to begin in Q2 2021. Data from the Phase 1b SLE study will be submitted to a medical conference in H2 2021.
AMG 714 / PRV-015

A Phase 2b study of AMG 714 / PRV-015, a monoclonal antibody that binds interleukin-15, continues to enroll patients with non-responsive celiac disease.
Repatha

In February, a variation to the marketing application was submitted to the European Medicines Agency for a new indication for pediatric patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and to include additional results in the label for pediatric patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.
Olpasiran (AMG 890)

Enrollment of a Phase 2 study in patients with elevated lipoprotein(a) has completed, with data expected in H1 2022.
Biosimilars

Phase 3 studies of ABP 654, a biosimilar candidate to STELARA (ustekinumab), and ABP 938, a biosimilar candidate to EYLEA (aflibercept), continue to enroll patients. A Phase 3 study of ABP 959, a biosimilar candidate to SOLIRIS (eculizumab), is ongoing.
Amgenpipeline.com

A listing of additional ongoing clinical programs can be found at Amgenpipeline.com
The trade name LUMAKRASTM is provisionally approved for use by the U.S. FDA

Tezepelumab is being developed in collaboration with AstraZeneca

AMG 714 (also known as PRV-015) is being developed in collaboration with Provention Bio

DARZALEX and STELARA are a registered trademarks of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV

EYLEA is a registered trademark of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

SOLIRIS is a registered trademark of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In this news release, management has presented its operating results for the first quarters of 2021 and 2020, in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and on a non-GAAP basis. In addition, management has presented its full year 2021 EPS and tax rate guidance in accordance with GAAP and on a non-GAAP basis. These non-GAAP financial measures are computed by excluding certain items related to acquisitions, restructuring and certain other items from the related GAAP financial measures. Reconciliations for these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are included in the news release. Management has also presented Free Cash Flow (FCF), which is a non-GAAP financial measure, for the first quarters of 2021 and 2020. FCF is computed by subtracting capital expenditures from operating cash flow, each as determined in accordance with GAAP.

The Company believes that its presentation of non-GAAP financial measures provides useful supplementary information to and facilitates additional analysis by investors. The Company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures to enhance an investor’s overall understanding of the financial performance and prospects for the future of the Company’s ongoing business activities by facilitating comparisons of results of ongoing business operations among current, past and future periods. The Company believes that FCF provides a further measure of the Company’s liquidity.

Beginning January 1, 2021, we began to exclude the gains and losses on our investments in equity securities from our non-GAAP measures that are recorded to Other income (expense). This exclusion will not apply to our share of the earnings and losses of our strategic investments in corporations accounted for under the equity method of accounting, such as our investment in BeiGene. The Company will be excluding gains and losses from equity investments for the purpose of calculating the non-GAAP financial measures presented because the Company believes the results of such gains and losses are not representative of our normal business operations. We are making this change beginning in 2021 because, as we have increased our investments in these companies, we recognized that the resulting variability can impede comparability between periods of our financial performance for our ongoing business operations. For comparability of results to the prior year, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP EPS amounts for 2020 have been revised to reflect the update to our non-GAAP policy that excludes gains and losses on certain equity investments.

The Company uses the non-GAAP financial measures set forth in the news release in connection with its own budgeting and financial planning internally to evaluate the performance of the business, including to allocate resources and to evaluate results relative to incentive compensation targets. The non-GAAP financial measures are in addition to, not a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Adaptimmune to Present First Preclinical Data from its HLA-independent TCR (HiT) Platform at ASGCT

On April 27, 2021 Adaptimmune Therapeutics plc (Nasdaq:ADAP), a leader in cell therapy to treat cancer, reported that it will report initial preclinical data from its HLA Independent TCR (HiT) targeting mesothelin, being co-developed with Astellas, during a poster presentation at the American Society for Cell and Gene Therapy (ASGCT) (Free ASGCT Whitepaper) meeting (Press release, Adaptimmune, APR 27, 2021, View Source [SID1234578551]). Abstracts were published online today, and data will be updated during the conference.

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Abstract Title: In vitro selection and engineering of a human leukocyte antigen-independent T-cell receptor recognizing human mesothelin (Abstract # 641)
Poster Presentation: Tuesday May 11, 2021 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. EDT during the Cancer – Immunotherapy, Cancer Vaccines Session

Quest Diagnostics To Speak At BofA Securities 2021 Virtual Healthcare Conference

On April 27, 2021 Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), the world’s leading provider of diagnostic information services, repored that it is scheduled to speak at the BofA Securities 2021 Virtual Healthcare Conference (Press release, Quest Diagnostics, APR 27, 2021, View Source [SID1234578550]). Mark Guinan, Executive Vice President & CFO will discuss the company’s vision, goals, and capital deployment strategies. The presentation is scheduled for Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

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

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

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

The presentation will be webcast live during the conference and will be available on the company’s investor relations page which can be accessed at ir.QuestDiagnostics.com. In addition, the archived webcast will be available within 24 hours after the conclusion of the live event and will remain available until June 10, 2021.