Labcorp Announces 2022 First Quarter Results

On April 28, 2022 Labcorp (NYSE: LH), a leading global life sciences company, reported results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, and updated full-year guidance (Press release, LabCorp, APR 28, 2022, View Source [SID1234613098]).

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"Labcorp continues to advance our strategy through science, innovation and technology," said Adam Schechter, chairman and CEO of Labcorp. "We delivered a solid first quarter despite the impact of Omicron. We remain focused on growth opportunities while continuing to take actions to mitigate inflation. Our base business performance coming out of the quarter positions us well for continued success throughout the year."

During the quarter, Labcorp launched the Labcorp OnDemand digital health platform, intensifying its consumer focus and enhancing the user experience. The company made strides in oncology, including through key collaborations and closing its acquisition of Personal Genome Diagnostics (PGDx). Labcorp also entered into and expanded several strategic relationships with hospitals and health systems, including agreements to purchase select outreach laboratory business assets.

The company announced a quarterly dividend of $0.72 per share of common stock, which will be payable June 9, 2022, to stockholders of record at the close of business on May 19, 2022. In addition, Labcorp published its 2021 Corporate Responsibility Report which underscores its commitment to pursuing responsible, ethical and sustainable operations.

Consolidated Results

First Quarter Results

Revenue for the quarter was $3.90 billion, a decrease of (6.3%) from $4.16 billion in the first quarter of 2021. The decrease was due to organic revenue of (6.3%) and foreign currency translation of (0.4%), partially offset by acquisitions net of divestitures of 0.4%. The (6.3%) decline in organic revenue was driven by a (9.8%) decrease in COVID-19 PCR and antibody testing (COVID-19 Testing), partially offset by a 3.5% increase in the company’s organic Base Business. Base Business includes Labcorp’s operations except for COVID-19 Testing.

Operating income for the quarter was $687.9 million, or 17.6% of revenue, compared to $1,057.9 million, or 25.4%, in the first quarter of 2021. The company recorded amortization, restructuring charges, and special items, which together totaled $106.1 million in the quarter, compared to $124.0 million during the same period in 2021. Adjusted operating income (excluding amortization, restructuring charges, and special items) for the quarter was $794.0 million, or 20.4% of revenue, compared to $1,181.9 million, or 28.4%, in the first quarter of 2021. The decrease in operating income and margin was primarily due to a reduction in COVID-19 Testing, higher personnel expense, and other inflationary costs, partially offset by organic Base Business growth and LaunchPad savings.

Net earnings for the quarter were $491.6 million compared to $769.6 million in the first quarter of 2021. Diluted EPS were $5.23 in the quarter compared to $7.82 during the same period in 2021. Adjusted EPS (excluding amortization, restructuring charges, and special items) were $6.11 in the quarter compared to $8.79 in the first quarter of 2021.

Operating cash flow for the quarter was $356.0 million compared to $1,157.6 million in the first quarter of 2021. The decrease in operating cash flow was due to lower cash earnings and higher working capital requirements. Capital expenditures totaled $117.2 million compared to $95.4 million a year ago. As a result, free cash flow (operating cash flow less capital expenditures) was $238.8 million compared to $1,062.2 million in the first quarter of 2021.

At the end of the quarter, the company’s cash balance and total debt were $1.2 billion and $5.4 billion, respectively. During the quarter, the company invested $455.1 million on acquisitions. As part of the company’s accelerated stock repurchase program initiated in December 2021, 0.6 million shares were retired during the quarter.

First Quarter Segment Results

The following segment results exclude amortization, restructuring charges, special items, and unallocated corporate expenses.

Diagnostics

Revenue for the quarter was $2.45 billion, a decrease of (11.0%) from $2.76 billion in the first quarter of 2021. The decrease was due to organic revenue of (11.5%), partially offset by acquisitions of 0.5%. The (11.5%) decrease in organic revenue was due to a (14.7%) reduction from COVID-19 Testing, partially offset by a 3.2% increase in the Base Business. Total Base Business growth compared to the Base Business in the prior year was 5.6%.

Total volume (measured by requisitions) decreased by (5.0%) as organic volume decreased by (5.3%) and acquisition volume contributed 0.3%. Organic volume was impacted by a (8.5%) decrease in COVID-19 Testing, partially offset by a 3.1% increase in Base Business. Price/mix decreased by (6.0%) due to a decrease in COVID-19 Testing of (6.3%), partially offset by acquisitions of 0.2% and organic Base Business growth of 0.1%. Base Business volume was up 4.4% compared to the Base Business last year, while price/mix was up 1.2%.

Adjusted operating income for the quarter was $683.1 million, or 27.8% of revenue, compared to $991.6 million, or 36.0%, in the first quarter of 2021. The decrease in adjusted operating income and adjusted operating margin was primarily due to a reduction in COVID-19 Testing, higher personnel expense, and other inflationary costs, partially offset by organic Base Business growth and LaunchPad savings.

Drug Development

Revenue for the quarter was $1.46 billion, an increase of 1.5% from $1.44 billion in the first quarter of 2021. The increase was due to organic Base Business growth of 4.3% and acquisitions net of divestitures of 0.1%, partially offset by lower COVID-19 Testing of (1.7%) and foreign currency translation of (1.2%).

Adjusted operating income for the quarter was $168.6 million, or 11.6% of revenue, compared to $234.1 million, or 16.3%, in the first quarter of 2021. Adjusted operating income and margin declined primarily due to COVID-19 Testing, a reduction in COVID-19 vaccine and therapeutic work, the interruption of some clinical trial activity due to the conflict in Ukraine, higher personnel expense, and other inflationary costs. These impacts were partially offset by organic Base Business growth and LaunchPad savings.

Net orders and net book-to-bill during the trailing twelve months were $7.20 billion and 1.23, respectively. Backlog at the end of the quarter was $15.19 billion, an increase of 8.7% compared to last year. The company expects approximately $4.95 billion of its backlog to convert into revenue in the next twelve months.

Outlook for 2022

Labcorp is updating 2022 full year guidance to reflect its first quarter performance and full-year outlook. The following guidance assumes foreign exchange rates effective as of March 31, 2022, for the remainder of the year. Enterprise level guidance includes the estimated impact from currently anticipated capital allocation, including acquisitions, share repurchases and dividends.

(Dollars in billions, except per share data)

(1) 2022 Updated Guidance includes an impact from foreign currency translation of (0.4%), previous 2022 Guidance was (0.2%)

(2) Enterprise level revenue is presented net of intersegment transaction eliminations, including Drug Development COVID-19 Testing revenue

(3) 2022 Updated Guidance includes an impact from foreign currency translation of 0.0%, previous 2022 Guidance was (0.1%)

(4) 2022 Updated Guidance includes an impact from foreign currency translation of (1.1%), previous 2022 Guidance was (0.4%)

(5) Free Cash Flow consists of operating cash flow less capital expenditures

Use of Adjusted Measures

The company has provided in this press release and accompanying tables "adjusted" financial information that has not been prepared in accordance with GAAP, including adjusted net income, adjusted EPS (or adjusted net income per share), adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, free cash flow, and certain segment information. The company believes these adjusted measures are useful to investors as a supplement to, but not as a substitute for, GAAP measures, in evaluating the company’s operational performance. The company further believes that the use of these non-GAAP financial measures provides an additional tool for investors in evaluating operating results and trends, and growth and shareholder returns, as well as in comparing the company’s financial results with the financial results of other companies. However, the company notes that these adjusted measures may be different from and not directly comparable to the measures presented by other companies. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP measures and an identification of the components that comprise "special items" used for certain adjusted financial information are included in the tables accompanying this press release.

The company today is providing an investor relations presentation with additional information on its business and operations, which is available in the investor relations section of the company’s website at View Source Analysts and investors are directed to the website to review this supplemental information.

A conference call discussing Labcorp’s quarterly results will be held today at 9:00 a.m. ET and is available by dialing 877-825-4844 (631-813-4900 for international callers). The conference ID is 2386657. A telephone replay of the call will be available through May 12, 2022, and can be heard by dialing 855-859-2056 (404-537-3406 for international callers). The conference ID for the replay is 2386657. A live online broadcast of Labcorp’s quarterly conference call on April 28, 2022, will be available at Labcorp Investor Relations website beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET. This online broadcast will be archived and accessible through April 14, 2023.

Merck Announces First-Quarter 2022 Financial Results

On April 28, 2022 Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, reported financial results for the first quarter of 2022 (Press release, Merck KGaA, APR 28, 2022, View Source [SID1234613097]).

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"We successfully delivered across our key strategic priorities and achieved strong top- and bottom-line growth," said chief executive officer and president, Robert M. Davis. "Robust first quarter performance was driven by significant clinical advancements in our research pipeline and effective commercial execution across a broad set of key growth drivers. We remain focused on driving our strategy, which is led by science, and are confident in the durability of our growth prospects, as we continue to provide value for patients, shareholders and all stakeholders today and well into the future."

Financial Summary

Financial information presented in this release reflects Merck’s results on a continuing operations basis, which excludes Organon & Co., that was spun-off on June 2, 2021.

GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) earnings per share assuming dilution (EPS) was $1.70 for the first quarter of 2022. Non-GAAP EPS of $2.14 for the first quarter of 2022 excludes acquisition- and divestiture-related costs, restructuring costs, as well as income and losses from investments in equity securities. Refer to the GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation table on page 11 for further details.

Oncology Program Highlights

Merck continued to advance development programs across its oncology portfolio with multiple approvals in the quarter across different stages of disease. Merck announced the following regulatory milestones in the first quarter:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab), an anti-PD-1 therapy, as a single agent for the treatment of patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR), as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation, based on data from Cohorts D and K of the KEYNOTE-158 trial.
FDA approval of Lynparza (olaparib), a PARP inhibitor being co-developed and co-commercialized with AstraZeneca, for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline BRCA-mutated, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative high-risk early breast cancer who have been treated with neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy based on results from the OlympiA trial. Updated results from OlympiA, including overall survival findings, were presented at a European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Virtual Plenary.
Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare approval of KEYTRUDA plus Lenvima (lenvatinib), an orally available tyrosine kinase inhibitor being co-developed and co-commercialized with Eisai, for radically unresectable or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) based on results from the CLEAR/KEYNOTE-581 study.
Positive opinions from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency, including a recommendation for KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab, for the treatment of persistent, recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer in adult patients whose tumors express PD-L1 (Combined Positive Score ≥1) (KEYNOTE-826); a recommendation for KEYTRUDA as a monotherapy for certain patients with unresectable or metastatic MSI-H/dMMR colorectal, gastric, small intestine or biliary cancer, as well as advanced or recurrent MSI-H/dMMR endometrial cancer (KEYNOTE-158/KEYNOTE-164); and a recommendation for KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as monotherapy as adjuvant treatment after surgery for adults with locally advanced, or early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) at high risk of recurrence (KEYNOTE-522).
Merck provided additional study updates including:
Results from the KEYNOTE-091 trial (EORTC-1416-LCG/ETOP-8-15 – PEARLS) at an ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Virtual Plenary. The study found that adjuvant treatment with KEYTRUDA significantly improved disease-free survival (DFS), one of the dual primary endpoints, compared to placebo in patients with stage IB to IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) following surgical resection, regardless of PD-L1 expression. There was also an improvement in DFS for patients whose tumors express PD-L1 (Tumor Proportion Score ≥50%) treated with KEYTRUDA compared to placebo, the other dual primary endpoint; these results did not reach statistical significance per the pre-specified statistical plan.
Positive topline distant metastasis-free survival results for the KEYNOTE-716 trial evaluating KEYTRUDA for the adjuvant treatment of patients with resected stage IIB and IIC melanoma compared to placebo. These key secondary endpoint results build on the FDA approval and previously reported statistically significant improvement observed in recurrence-free survival.
Results presented by Merck and AstraZeneca from the PROpel trial at the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Genitourinary Cancers Symposium. The study showed Lynparza plus abiraterone and prednisone demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in radiographic progression-free survival versus abiraterone plus prednisone, a standard of care, as a first-line treatment for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) regardless of mutational status of homologous recombination genes.
Publication of results from KEYNOTE-522 and KEYNOTE-775/Study 309 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Discontinuation of the KEYLYNK-010 trial investigating KEYTRUDA plus Lynparza for the treatment of patients with mCRPC who progressed after treatment with chemotherapy and either abiraterone acetate or enzalutamide.
COVID-19 Program Highlights

Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics (Ridgeback) continue to advance LAGEVRIO (molnupiravir), an investigational oral antiviral COVID-19 treatment. LAGEVRIO has received multiple authorizations or approvals worldwide to date, with additional applications under review. LAGEVRIO is currently available in more than 30 markets, including in the U.K. (under Conditional Marketing Authorization), the U.S. (under Emergency Use Authorization), and Japan (under Special Approval for Emergency).

Merck and Ridgeback announced that data from studies evaluating LAGEVRIO were presented at the 2022 European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases. The presentation included final analyses of prespecified exploratory virologic outcomes from the Phase 3 MOVe-OUT trial, which studied LAGEVRIO versus placebo for the treatment of non-hospitalized adults with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 at high risk for progressing to severe disease. Results showed that among patients with infectious virus isolated at baseline and for whom post-baseline infectivity data were available, LAGEVRIO was associated with more rapid elimination of infectious SARS-CoV-2 than placebo.
Infectious Diseases Program Highlights

Merck announced the findings from a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of data from real-world observational studies of PREVYMIS (letermovir) for primary prophylaxis (prevention) of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) who were CMV-seropositive. Compared to controls, primary prophylaxis with PREVYMIS was associated at 100 days of follow-up after alloHCT with: 87% lower odds of CMV reactivation; 91% lower odds for clinically significant CMV infection; 69% lower odds of CMV disease; 94% lower odds of CMV-related hospitalization; and 48% lower odds of Grade 2 or greater graft versus host disease. PREVYMIS was approved by the FDA in 2017.
Cardiovascular Program Highlights

Merck held a virtual investor event, which provided a detailed overview of the company’s broad and growing late-stage cardiovascular pipeline and portfolio, which has tripled in size in the past year through clinical trial progress and business development.
The company is positioned to deliver at least eight cardiovascular approvals by 2030.
Merck completed the enrollment of the STELLAR study, the first registrational study designed to evaluate sotatercept/MK-7962 in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and a moderate range of disabilities.
Vaccines Program Updates

Merck announced receipt of breakthrough therapy designation from the FDA for V116, the company’s investigational 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, for the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumococcal pneumonia in adults caused by the serotypes in the vaccine. V116, which is expected to move to Phase 3 in 2022, is designed to target serotypes that account for 85% of all invasive pneumococcal disease in individuals aged 65 and over in the U.S. as of 20193.
Merck reaffirmed its commitment to enable broad equitable access to the company’s Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, GARDASIL [Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16 and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant] and GARDASIL 9 (Human Papillomavirus 9-valent Vaccine, Recombinant). The company expanded its vaccines manufacturing facility located in Elkton, VA, completing the construction of a 120,000 square foot extension and adding 150 new jobs at the site to increase capacity and global supply of the company’s HPV vaccines.
Merck announced the FDA has extended the Prescription Drug User Fee Act date for the supplemental biologics license application for VAXNEUVANCE (Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine) in infants and children to July 1, 2022.
Additional Updates

Merck issued a statement on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine noting that the company’s primary concerns are the safety and well-being of its employees and ensuring patients have continued access to medicines and vaccines needed for patient and public health. The financial impacts of the war were immaterial to the company’s results for the first quarter of 2022.
Merck will host an Oncology Investor Event to coincide with the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at which senior management will provide an update on the company’s oncology strategy and program. The event will take place in Chicago, IL, and will be accessible via webcast. Further details, including the webcast link, will be announced at a later date.
Merck held a virtual investor event which discussed the details of the company’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) priority areas (Access to Health, Employees, Environmental Sustainability and Ethics and Values) and outlined how its ESG strategy is fundamental to the company’s long-term business value and success.
First-Quarter Sales Performance

*Alliance revenue for this product represents Merck’s share of profits, which are product sales net of cost of sales and commercialization costs.

**Other revenues are comprised primarily of third-party manufacturing sales and miscellaneous corporate revenues, including

revenue-hedging activities. The revenue-hedging activities resulted in negative revenue in the first quarter of 2021.

Pharmaceutical Revenue

First-quarter pharmaceutical sales increased 53% to $14.1 billion. Pharmaceutical sales growth in the first quarter was 18% excluding LAGEVRIO sales and was primarily driven by oncology, vaccines and hospital acute care products. The COVID-19 pandemic unfavorably affected sales in the first quarter of 2021 by approximately $500 million, which favorably impacted the growth rate in the first quarter of 2022.

LAGEVRIO sales totaled $3.2 billion for the first quarter, primarily consisting of sales in the U.S., the U.K., Japan, and Australia. There were no sales of LAGEVRIO in the first quarter of 2021.

Growth in oncology was largely driven by higher sales of KEYTRUDA, which rose 23% to $4.8 billion in the quarter. Global sales growth of KEYTRUDA reflects continued strong momentum from the NSCLC indications as well as uptake in other indications, including RCC, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, TNBC and MSI-H cancers. Also contributing to higher sales in oncology was a 75% increase in Lenvima alliance revenue driven primarily by higher demand in the U.S. and China, as well as a 17% increase in Lynparza alliance revenue, reflecting continued uptake globally, particularly in the U.S.

Growth in vaccines for the first quarter was primarily driven by higher combined sales of GARDASIL and GARDASIL 9, vaccines to prevent certain cancers and other diseases caused by HPV. First-quarter GARDASIL and GARDASIL 9 sales grew 59% to $1.5 billion, primarily driven by strong demand outside of the U.S., particularly in China, which also benefited from increased supply. Additionally, higher sales in the U.S. reflect public sector buying patterns. Growth in vaccines also reflects higher sales of ROTATEQ (Rotavirus Vaccine, Live, Oral, Pentavalent), a vaccine to help protect against rotavirus gastroenteritis in infants and children, which increased 36% to $216 million attributable to public sector buying patterns in the U.S.

Growth in hospital acute care reflects higher demand globally for BRIDION (sugammadex) injection 100 mg/mL, a medicine for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium bromide or vecuronium bromide in adults and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older undergoing surgery. Sales increased 16% to $395 million due primarily to the ongoing recovery in surgical procedures during the quarter. Also contributing to growth in hospital acute care were higher sales of ZERBAXA (ceftolozane and tazobactam), a combination cephalosporin antibacterial and beta-lactamase inhibitor for the treatment of adults with certain bacterial infections. Sales of $30 million resulted from the phased resupply initiated in the fourth quarter of 2021 that was expanded to additional markets in the first quarter of 2022.

Pharmaceutical sales growth was partially offset by lower combined sales of ISENTRESS/ISENTRESS HD (raltegravir), an HIV integrase inhibitor used in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection, which declined 24% to $158 million reflecting lower global demand, including the impact from the timing of a government tender. Pharmaceutical sales growth was also partially offset by lower combined sales of JANUVIA (sitagliptin) and JANUMET (sitagliptin and metformin HCI), which declined 5% to $1.2 billion reflecting lower demand in the U.S., partially offset by higher demand in certain international markets. The company will lose market exclusivity for JANUVIA and JANUMET in the European Union and China in the third quarter of 2022.

Animal Health Revenue

Animal Health sales totaled $1.5 billion for the first quarter of 2022, an increase of 4% compared with the first quarter of 2021. Excluding the unfavorable effect from foreign exchange, Animal Health sales grew 9%. Higher sales of companion animal products were primarily driven by the BRAVECTO (fluralaner) parasiticide line of products, as well as vaccines. Sales growth in livestock products reflects higher demand globally for ruminant and poultry products.

First-Quarter Expense, EPS and Related Information

GAAP Expense, EPS and Related Information

Gross margin was 66.2% for the first quarter of 2022 compared to 69.9% for the first quarter of 2021. The decrease primarily reflects impacts from LAGEVRIO, which has a lower gross margin due to profit sharing with Ridgeback, as well as higher manufacturing costs and higher acquisition- and divestiture-related costs. The gross margin decline was partially offset by the favorable effects of product mix and a charge in the first quarter of 2021 related to the discontinuation of COVID-19 development programs.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $2.3 billion in the first quarter of 2022, an increase of 6% compared to the first quarter of 2021. The increase primarily reflects higher acquisition- and divestiture-related costs and higher administrative costs, including compensation and benefit costs, partially offset by the favorable impact from foreign exchange.

Research and development (R&D) expenses were $2.6 billion in the first quarter of 2022, an increase of 7% compared with the first quarter of 2021. The increase was primarily due to higher clinical development spending, and higher investments in technology in support of the digital enablement of Merck’s research operations, partially offset by the favorable impact from foreign exchange.

Other (income) expense, net, was $708 million of expense in the first quarter of 2022 compared to $455 million of income in the first quarter of 2021, primarily due to net realized and unrealized losses from investments in equity securities in the first quarter of 2022 compared with net realized and unrealized income from investments in equity securities in the first quarter of 2021.

The effective income tax rate of 11.4% for the first quarter of 2022 reflects the impact of lower U.S. income due to net losses from investments in equity securities.

GAAP EPS was $1.70 for the first quarter of 2022 compared with $1.08 for the first quarter of 2021.

Non-GAAP Expense, EPS and Related Information

Non-GAAP gross margin was 70.7% for the first quarter of 2022 compared to 76.6% for the first quarter of 2021. The decrease in non-GAAP gross margin primarily reflects impacts from LAGEVRIO, which has a lower gross margin due to profit sharing with Ridgeback, as well as higher manufacturing costs. The gross margin decline was partially offset by the favorable effects of product mix.

Non-GAAP SG&A expenses were $2.3 billion in the first quarter of 2022, an increase of 4% compared to the first quarter of 2021. The increase primarily reflects higher administrative costs, including compensation and benefit costs, partially offset by the favorable impact from foreign exchange.

Non-GAAP R&D expenses were $2.5 billion in the first quarter of 2022, a 7% increase compared to the first quarter of 2021. The increase was primarily due to higher clinical development spending, and higher investments in technology in support of the digital enablement of Merck’s research operations, partially offset by the favorable impact from foreign exchange.

Non-GAAP other (income) expense, net, was $139 million of expense in the first quarter of 2022 compared to $134 million of expense in the first quarter of 2021.

The non-GAAP effective income tax rate was 14.0% for the first quarter of 2022.

Non-GAAP EPS was $2.14 for the first quarter of 2022 compared with $1.16 for the first quarter of 2021.

A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP net income and EPS is provided in the table that follows.

Financial Outlook

Beginning in 2022, Merck will no longer exclude expenses for upfront and milestone payments related to collaborations and licensing agreements, or charges related to pre-approval assets obtained in transactions accounted for as asset acquisitions from its non-GAAP results. Historically, the company excluded these charges to the extent they were considered by the company to be significant to the results of a particular period. These changes are being made to align with views expressed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Prior periods have been recast to reflect these changes. For 2021, non-GAAP results have been recast to include $1.7 billion of incremental R&D expense, and a related reduction in full-year EPS of $0.65, resulting in revised 2021 EPS of $5.37.

While business development continues to be a priority for Merck, the financial outlook does not assume any significant expenses or charges from transactions that would have been previously excluded from non-GAAP results.

Merck continues to experience strong global underlying demand across its key pillars of growth. As a result, Merck is raising and narrowing its full-year guidance for revenues and EPS.

At mid-April 2022 exchange rates, Merck now expects sales growth of 17% to 19% in 2022, with full-year revenue estimated to be between $56.9 billion and $58.1 billion, including a negative impact from foreign exchange of just over 2%.

Merck’s full-year effective income tax rate is now assumed to be between 13.5% and 14.5%.

Merck is raising and narrowing its full-year 2022 GAAP EPS range to be between $5.90 and $6.02.

Merck is raising and narrowing its full-year 2022 non-GAAP EPS range to be between $7.24 and $7.36, including a negative impact from foreign exchange of approximately 2%, or $0.11, at mid-April 2022 exchange rates.

The non-GAAP range excludes acquisition- and divestiture-related costs and costs related to restructuring programs as well as income and losses from investments in equity securities.

This full year guidance includes expected sales of $5.0 billion to $5.5 billion from LAGEVRIO. Merck shares profits equally with its partner, Ridgeback, which is reflected in cost of sales.

*The company does not have any non-GAAP adjustments to sales.

**EPS guidance for 2022 assumes a share count (assuming dilution) of approximately 2.53 billion shares.

A reconciliation of anticipated full-year 2022 GAAP EPS to non-GAAP EPS and the items excluded from non-GAAP EPS are provided in the table below.

Earnings Conference Call

Investors, journalists and the general public may access a live audio webcast of the call today at 8:00 a.m. EDT on Merck’s website at View Source

Institutional investors can participate by dialing (833) 353-0277 or (469) 886-1947 and using ID code number 6647568. Members of the media are invited to monitor the call by dialing (833) 353-0277 or (469) 886-1947 and using ID code number 6647568. Journalists who wish to ask questions are requested to contact a member of Merck’s Media Relations team.

Solid First-Quarter Financial Results Reflect Lilly’s Continued Momentum into 2022

On April 28, 2022 Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2022 (Press release, Eli Lilly, APR 28, 2022, View Source [SID1234613096]).

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"Lilly delivered another quarter of volume-driven revenue growth led by key products and anticipates 2022 to be an exciting year with several potential approvals and new pipeline events," said David A. Ricks, Lilly’s chair and CEO. "With the depth of our pipeline, and growth of our medicines in the market, we are well-positioned to help address health challenges in areas of significant unmet medical need, such as obesity, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer."

Today, the company is sharing new notable announcements:

Tirzepatide delivered up to 22.5% weight loss in adults with obesity or overweight in the 72-week Phase 3 SURMOUNT-1 study. Participants taking tirzepatide lost up to 52 lb. and 63% of participants taking tirzepatide 15 mg achieved at least 20% body weight reduction as a key secondary endpoint.
Lilly submitted mirikizumab to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adults with moderately-to-severely active ulcerative colitis.
Lilly shared numerous updates recently on key regulatory, clinical, business development and other events, including:

The FDA approved Jardiance to treat adults with heart failure regardless of left ventricular ejection fraction.
Bebtelovimab received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients.
The FDA issued a Complete Response Letter (CRL) for sintilimab in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of people with nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer.
As anticipated, Lilly received a CRL from the FDA for the Olumiant atopic dermatitis indication as the company was not in alignment with the FDA on the indicated population.
Lebrikizumab combined with topical corticosteroids showed 70% of patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis experienced at least 75% reduction in disease severity at 16 weeks in the ADhere Phase 3 trial.
More than 50% of patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis experienced at least 75% reduction in disease severity at 16 weeks with lebrikizumab in Lilly’s pivotal Phase 3 atopic dermatitis ADvocate studies.
Nearly 40% of adults with alopecia areata taking Olumiant 4-mg saw at least 80% scalp hair coverage at 52 weeks in Lilly’s pivotal Phase 3 studies.
Nearly two-thirds of patients responded to mirikizumab treatment at 12 weeks in Lilly’s first-in-class ulcerative colitis Phase 3 LUCENT-1 study.
The company announced that the Jardiance Phase 3 EMPA-KIDNEY trial will stop early due to clear positive efficacy in people with chronic kidney disease.
Adults hospitalized for acute heart failure were 36% more likely to experience a clinical benefit over 90 days if initiated on Jardiance following stabilization and prior to discharge compared with placebo in the Phase 3 EMPULSE trial.
Lilly supplied 600,000 doses of bebtelovimab to the U.S. government in an ongoing effort to provide COVID-19 treatment options.
The company announced the launch of the Lilly Institute for Genetic Medicine and a $700 million investment to establish a new site in the Boston Seaport.
For additional information on these and other important public announcements, visit the news section of Lilly’s website.

Financial Results

A discussion of the non-GAAP financial measures is included under "Reconciliation of GAAP Reported to Selected Non-GAAP Adjusted Information (Unaudited)." Beginning in 2022, presentations of non-GAAP financial measures will not include adjustments for upfront charges and development milestones related to acquired in-process research and development (IPR&D). Non-GAAP financial measures for Q1 2021 have been adjusted to reflect this updated presentation.

First-Quarter Reported Results

In Q1 2022, worldwide revenue was $7.81 billion, an increase of 15% compared with Q1 2021, primarily driven by a 20% increase in volume, partially offset by a 3% decrease due to lower realized prices and a 2% decrease due to the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates. Key growth products, consisting of Trulicity, Verzenio, Jardiance, Taltz, Olumiant, Emgality, Retevmo, Cyramza and Tyvyt, contributed 13 percentage points of revenue growth and represented 61% of total revenue for Q1 2022, excluding revenue from COVID-19 antibodies. The company recognized worldwide revenue of $1.47 billion from COVID-19 antibodies during Q1 2022 compared with $810.1 million in Q1 2021. Excluding revenue from COVID-19 antibodies and Alimta, which lost exclusivity in certain major markets, worldwide revenue increased 10% in Q1 2022.

Revenue in the U.S. increased 31%, to $5.17 billion, driven by a 32% increase in volume. The company recognized U.S. revenue from COVID-19 antibodies of $1.46 billion in Q1 2022 compared to $650.6 million in Q1 2021. Excluding revenue from COVID-19 antibodies and Alimta, revenue in the U.S. increased by 14% driven by key growth products.

Revenue outside the U.S. decreased 8%, to $2.64 billion, driven by a 7% decrease due to lower realized prices and a 5% decrease due to the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates, partially offset by a 4% increase in volume. The lower realized prices were primarily driven by the impact of the National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) formulary for certain products in China, particularly Tyvyt. The increase in volume outside the U.S. was largely driven by key growth products and sales of the company’s rights to Cialis in Taiwan and Saudi Arabia, partially offset by decreased volume for Alimta, Cymbalta and Forteo resulting from the entry of generic competition, as well as decreased volume for COVID-19 antibodies. Excluding revenue from COVID-19 antibodies and Alimta, revenue outside the U.S. increased by 5%.

Gross margin increased 16%, to $5.74 billion, in Q1 2022 compared with Q1 2021. Gross margin as a percent of revenue was 73.5%, an increase of 1.1 percentage points compared with Q1 2021. The increase in gross margin percent was primarily driven by an unfavorable effect in Q1 2021 of foreign exchange rates on international inventories sold, partially offset by increased sales of COVID-19 antibodies and, to a lesser extent, lower realized prices.

In Q1 2022, research and development expenses decreased 4% to $1.61 billion, or 21% of revenue, largely driven by lower development expenses for COVID-19 antibodies, partially offset by higher development expenses for late-stage assets.

Marketing, selling and administrative expenses decreased 1% to $1.56 billion in Q1 2022.

In Q1 2022, the company recognized acquired IPR&D and development milestone charges of $165.6 million primarily related to a purchase of a Priority Review Voucher. In Q1 2021, the company recognized acquired IPR&D and development milestone charges of $312.0 million primarily related to business development transactions with Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Precision BioSciences, Inc.

There were no asset impairment, restructuring and other special charges recognized in Q1 2022. In Q1 2021, the company recognized asset impairment, restructuring and other special charges of $211.6 million, largely related to an intangible asset impairment resulting from the decision to sell the rights to Qbrexza, as well as acquisition and integration costs associated with the acquisition of Prevail Therapeutics Inc.

Operating income in Q1 2022 was $2.40 billion, compared to $1.16 billion in Q1 2021. Operating margin percent, defined as operating income as a percent of revenue, was 30.8%, which includes a negative impact of approximately 210 basis points attributed to acquired IPR&D and development milestone charges.

Other income (expense) was expense of $350.7 million in Q1 2022, compared with income of $321.1 million in Q1 2021. The reduction in other income (expense) was primarily driven by net losses on investments in equity securities in Q1 2022 compared with net gains on investments in equity securities in Q1 2021.

The effective tax rate was 7.3% in Q1 2022, compared with 8.2% in Q1 2021. The lower effective tax rate in Q1 2022 was largely driven by decreased tax expense related to net losses in 2022 and net gains in 2021 on investments in equity securities and decreased tax expense related to the implementation of the provision in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the 2017 Tax Act) that requires capitalization and amortization of research and development expenses for tax purposes starting in 2022, partially offset by a lower net discrete tax benefit compared to the same period in 2021.

In Q1 2022, net income and earnings per share (EPS) were $1.90 billion and $2.10, respectively, compared with $1.36 billion and $1.49 in Q1 2021. Q1 2022 EPS is inclusive of $0.15 of acquired IPR&D and development milestone charges, compared with $0.27 in Q1 2021.

First-Quarter Non-GAAP Measures

On a non-GAAP basis, Q1 2022 gross margin increased 16%, to $5.94 billion compared with Q1 2021. Gross margin as a percent of revenue was 76.1%, an increase of 0.7 percentage points. The increase in gross margin percent was primarily driven by an unfavorable effect in Q1 2021 of foreign exchange rates on international inventories sold, partially offset by increased sales of COVID-19 antibodies and, to a lesser extent, lower realized prices.

Operating income on a non-GAAP basis increased $1.03 billion, or 66%, to $2.61 billion in Q1 2022 compared with Q1 2021. Operating margin percent was 33.4% on a non-GAAP basis, which includes a negative impact of approximately 210 basis points attributed to acquired IPR&D and development milestone charges.

Other income (expense) on a non-GAAP basis was income of $37.7 million in Q1 2022, compared with income of $34.6 million in Q1 2021.

The effective tax rate on a non-GAAP basis was 10.3% in Q1 2022, compared with 8.9% in Q1 2021. The higher effective tax rate for Q1 2022 reflects a lower net discrete tax benefit compared to the same period in 2021, partially offset by decreased tax expense related to the implementation of the 2017 Tax Act.

On a non-GAAP basis, in Q1 2022 net income and EPS were $2.37 billion and $2.62, respectively, compared with $1.47 billion and $1.61 in Q1 2021. Q1 2022 non-GAAP EPS is inclusive of $0.15 of acquired IPR&D and development milestone charges, compared with $0.27 in Q1 2021.

For further detail on non-GAAP measures, see the reconciliation below as well as the "Reconciliation of GAAP Reported to Selected Non-GAAP Adjusted Information (Unaudited)" table later in this press release.

(a) COVID-19 antibodies include sales for bamlanivimab administered alone, for
bamlanivimab and etesevimab administered together, and for bebtelovimab, and were
made pursuant to EUAs or similar regulatory authorizations

(b) Humalog includes Insulin Lispro

(c) Jardiance includes Glyxambi, Synjardy, and Trijardy XR

(d) Olumiant includes sales of baricitinib that were made pursuant to EUA or similar
regulatory authorizations

NM – not meaningful

Trulicity

For Q1 2022, worldwide Trulicity revenue was $1.74 billion, an increase of 20% compared with Q1 2021. U.S. revenue increased 18%, to $1.31 billion, driven by increased demand, partially offset by lower realized prices as well as wholesale and retail buying patterns. Revenue outside the U.S. was $427.4 million, an increase of 27%, driven by increased volume, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates and, to a lesser extent, lower realized prices.

Humalog

For Q1 2022, worldwide Humalog revenue remained flat compared with Q1 2021, at $618.2 million. Revenue in the U.S. increased 11%, to $368.9 million, primarily driven by higher realized prices due to changes to estimates for rebates and discounts in both periods and, to a lesser extent, increased demand. However, the company expects a decline for realized Humalog prices in the U.S. for the remainder of 2022, largely driven by patient assistance programs. Revenue outside the U.S. decreased 12%, to $249.3 million, driven by decreased volume, the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates and, to a lesser extent, lower realized prices.

Taltz

For Q1 2022, worldwide Taltz revenue increased 21% compared with Q1 2021, to $488.1 million. U.S. revenue increased 23%, to $307.2 million, driven by increased demand and higher realized prices due to segment mix, partially offset by specialty pharmacy buying patterns. Revenue outside the U.S. increased 18%, to $180.8 million, driven by increased volume, partially offset by lower realized prices and the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates.

Verzenio

For Q1 2022, worldwide Verzenio revenue increased 74% compared with Q1 2021, to $469.4 million. U.S. revenue was $301.5 million, an increase of 74%, primarily driven by increased demand. Revenue outside the U.S. was $167.9 million, an increase of 74%, largely driven by increased volume, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates.

Jardiance

The company’s worldwide Jardiance revenue during Q1 2022 was $419.4 million, an increase of 34% compared with Q1 2021. U.S. revenue increased 52%, to $229.8 million, primarily driven by increased demand. Revenue outside the U.S. was $189.7 million, an increase of 18%, driven by increased volume, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates.

Jardiance is part of the company’s alliance with Boehringer Ingelheim. Lilly reports as revenue royalties received on net sales of Jardiance.

Alimta

For Q1 2022, worldwide Alimta revenue decreased 38% compared with Q1 2021, to $343.9 million. U.S. revenue decreased 3%, to $254.3 million, driven by decreased volume, partially offset by higher realized prices. Revenue outside the U.S. decreased 70%, to $89.7 million, largely driven by decreased volume due to entry of generic competition in certain markets and, to a lesser extent, lower realized prices.

The company expects continued volume decline for Alimta as a result of the entry of generic competition due to the loss of patent exclusivity in Japan and major European markets. An alternative form of pemetrexed launched in the U.S. during Q1 2022 and the company expects multiple generics to launch in Q2 2022, causing a rapid and severe decline in revenue.

Olumiant

For Q1 2022, worldwide Olumiant revenue increased 32% compared with Q1 2021, to $255.6 million. U.S. revenue was $71.3 million, representing growth of $46.6 million compared with Q1 2021. Revenue outside the U.S. was $184.3 million, an increase of 9%, driven by increased volume, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates and lower realized prices. Increased volume worldwide was partially driven by utilization of Olumiant for the treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Emgality

For Q1 2022, Emgality generated worldwide revenue of $149.3 million, an increase of 25% compared with Q1 2021. U.S. revenue was $108.3 million, an increase of 7%, driven by increased demand, partially offset by lower realized prices. Revenue outside the U.S. was $41.0 million, an increase of $23.0 million compared with Q1 2021, driven by increased demand.

Tyvyt

For Q1 2022, the company’s Tyvyt revenue in China was $85.5 million, a decrease of 22% compared with Q1 2021, driven by lower realized prices due to the impact of the NRDL formulary in China on Tyvyt, largely offset by increased demand.

Tyvyt is part of the company’s alliance with Innovent. Lilly reports total sales of Tyvyt made by Lilly as revenue, with payments made to Innovent for its portion of the gross margin reported as cost of sales. Lilly also reports as revenue a portion of the gross margin for Tyvyt sales made by Innovent.

2022 Financial Guidance

The company has updated certain elements of its 2022 financial guidance on both a reported and non-GAAP basis. EPS for 2022 is now expected to be in the range of $7.30 to $7.45 on a reported basis and $8.15 to $8.30 on a non-GAAP basis. The company’s 2022 financial guidance reflects adjustments shown in the reconciliation table below.

Beginning in 2022, presentations of non-GAAP financial measures will not include adjustments for upfront charges and development milestones related to acquired IPR&D. Non-GAAP financial measures for Q1 2021 have been adjusted to reflect this updated presentation.

The company now anticipates 2022 revenue to be between $28.8 billion and $29.3 billion. This $1.0 billion increase reflects additional COVID-19 antibodies revenue from the sale of 600,000 doses of bebtelovimab to the U.S. government in Q1 2022. An unfavorable impact from foreign exchange rates on revenue is offset by strength of the core business. The U.S. government has an option to purchase an additional 500,000 doses of bebtelovimab no later than July 31, 2022, but it is uncertain whether the option will be exercised, and any associated revenue is not included in guidance.

Gross margin percent is now expected to be approximately 76% on a reported basis and 78% on a non-GAAP basis. The majority of this roughly 200 basis point reduction is due to the impact of Q1 bebtelovimab sales and, to a lesser extent, increased manufacturing costs due to inflation.

Research and development expenses were increased by $100 million and are now expected to be between $7.1 billion and $7.3 billion, driven by investment in late-stage pipeline assets.

The company is now providing 2022 financial guidance for acquired IPR&D and development milestone charges, which are expected to be approximately $520 million, reflecting Q1 2022 charges of $166 million, with the remainder primarily related to a charge associated with the buy-out of future obligations that were contingent upon the development, regulatory and commercial successes of the company’s mutant-selective PI3Kα inhibitor. This financial guidance does not include any impact from potential or pending business development transactions.

Operating margin percent has been reduced by 200 basis points and is now expected to be approximately 28% on a reported basis and approximately 30% on a non-GAAP basis primarily due to the negative impact attributable to acquired IPR&D and development milestone charges.

Other income (expense) for 2022 is now expected to be expense in the range of $500 million to $400 million on a reported basis and is still expected to be expense in the range of $100 million to $0 on a non-GAAP basis. The company’s updated reported guidance reflects the impact of net losses on investments in equity securities during Q1 2022.

The company’s financial results for Q1 2022 include the favorable impact related to the implementation of the provision of the 2017 Tax Act that requires capitalization and amortization of research and development expenses for tax purposes. The company’s financial guidance assumes this provision of the 2017 Tax Act will be deferred or repealed by Congress effective for 2022. If this provision of the 2017 Tax Act is not deferred or repealed by Congress effective for 2022, the company expects the reported and non-GAAP tax rates to be approximately 10% to 11%.

Non-GAAP guidance reflects adjustments presented in the earnings per share table above.

Webcast of Conference Call

As previously announced, investors and the general public can access a live webcast of the Q1 2022 financial results conference call through a link on Lilly’s website at investor.lilly.com/webcasts-and-presentations. The conference call will begin at 9 a.m. Eastern time today and will be available for replay via the website.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Certain financial information for 2022 and 2021 is presented on both a reported and a non-GAAP basis. Some numbers in this press release may not add due to rounding. Reported results were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and include all revenue and expenses recognized during the periods. Non-GAAP measures reflect adjustments for the items described in the reconciliation tables later in the release. Beginning in 2022, presentations of non-GAAP financial measures will not include adjustments for upfront charges and development milestones related to acquired IPR&D. Non-GAAP financial measures for Q1 2021 have been adjusted to reflect this updated presentation. The company’s 2022 financial guidance is being provided on both a reported and a non-GAAP basis. The non-GAAP measures are presented to provide additional insights into the underlying trends in the company’s business.

Q1 2022 report and presentation

On April 28, 2022 ArcticZymes Technologies (OSE: AZT) reported sales of NOK 49.2 million (40.9) and an EBITDA of NOK 27.9 million (25.8) for the first quarter of 2022 (Press release, Biotec Pharmacon, APR 28, 2022, View Source [SID1234613094]).

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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

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Highlights from Q1 2022

ArcticZymes Technologies (AZT) had Q1 sales of NOK 49.2 million growing by 21% (Q1 2021: NOK 40.9 million)
Positive EBITDA of NOK 27.9 million (Q1 2021: NOK 25.8 million)
Cash flow for Q1 was positive NOK 14.2 million (Q1 2021: NOK 23.2 million) giving a cash balance of NOK 214.6 million (Q1 2021: NOK 163.3 million)
Signed a new OEM supply deal with a leading global Life Science company
Established new application laboratory at ShareLab in Oslo

CEO Jethro Holter comments:

"We are delighted with the strong performance of our first quarter for 2022. The ArcticZymes team has delivered the best-ever quarterly performance achieving sales revenues of NOK 49.2 million and an EBITDA of NOK 27.9 million. Both Molecular Tools and Biomanufacturing were instrumental in delivering growth.

Furthermore, ArcticZymes is proud to expand its operational activities outside of Tromsø and strategically establish itself at ShareLab in Oslo. Initial activities at Sharelab will focus on application development."

Targovax ASA: Two ONCOS-102 abstracts accepted for ASCO

On April 28, 2022 Targovax ASA (OSE: TRVX), a clinical stage immuno-oncology company developing immune activators to target hard-to-treat solid tumors, reported that two ONCOS-102 abstracts have been accepted for poster presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in Chicago 3-7 June 2022 (Press release, Targovax, APR 28, 2022, View Source [SID1234613093]).

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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

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The abstracts will be released on the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) website 26 May 17:00 CEST (View Source). The posters are scheduled for presentation during the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) congress 3 – 7 June 2022.

Poster title: Final survival outcomes and immune biomarker analysis of a randomized, open-label, phase I/II study combining oncolytic adenovirus ONCOS-102 with pemetrexed/cisplatin (P/C) in patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM)
Presenter: Dr Santiago Ponce, Medical Oncology, Hospital 12 Octubre, Madrid, Spain
Poster title: Study to evaluate intraperitoneal (IP) ONCOS-102 with systemic durvalumab in patients with peritoneal disease who have epithelial ovarian (OC) or metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC): Phase 2 results
Presenter: Dr Dmitriy Zamarin, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA

About ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper)

American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2022 will be held in McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois, United States between 03 – 07 June 2022.

The 2022 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting Program will offer presentations on the latest research in cancer care. This year’s program will feature sessions complementing the meeting’s theme: Advancing Equitable Cancer Care Through Innovation.