Ultragenyx Reports Preliminary 2021 Revenue and 2022 Revenue Guidance for Crysvita® in Ultragenyx Territories* And Dojolvi® Globally; Provides Pipeline Updates and 2022 Milestones

On December 10, 2022 Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ: RARE), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel products for serious rare and ultra-rare genetic diseases, reported preliminary unaudited 2021 Crysvita revenue in Ultragenyx territories and Dojolvi global revenue, cash and investments at year end 2021, and provided 2022 revenue guidance for Crysvita in Ultragenyx territories and Dojolvi globally (Press release, Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, JAN 10, 2022, View Source [SID1234598470]).

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

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

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"We are seeing strong growth for Crysvita multiple years out from launch and expect similar progress for Dojolvi heading into year two," said Emil D. Kakkis, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and President of Ultragenyx. "2022 will be a year of execution and momentum for us, both on the commercial side as we gear up for the launch of Evkeeza in Europe and other key ex-US geographies, and on the clinical side as we progress our large and late-stage pipeline that includes four pivotal programs."

Ultragenyx will present at the 40ᵗʰ annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on Monday, January 10, 2022 at 3:45 p.m. ET. The live and archived webcast of the presentation will be accessible from the company’s website at View Source

Financial Update

Crysvita: 2021 Preliminary Revenue (unaudited) and 2022 Guidance

Crysvita revenue in Ultragenyx territories* for the year ended December 31, 2021 is approximately $191 million to $193 million. This is above the guidance range of $180 million to $190 million that was provided at the beginning of 2021, notwithstanding disruptions and effects from the COVID-19 pandemic. For 2022, Crysvita revenue in the Ultragenyx territories is estimated to be between $250 million and $260 million, representing growth of 33% year-over-year at the mid-point of our guidance.

Dojolvi: 2021 Preliminary Revenue (unaudited) and 2022 Guidance

Dojolvi revenue for the year ended December 31, 2021 is approximately $38 million to $40 million. For 2022, Dojolvi revenue is estimated to be between $55 million and $65 million, representing growth of 60% year-over-year at the mid-point of our guidance in the second year of launch.

2021 Ending Cash Position (unaudited)

Cash, cash equivalents, and available-for-sale investments were approximately $1.0 billion as of December 31, 2021.

The 2021 revenue and cash position included in this release are preliminary and prior to the completion of review and audit procedures by Ultragenyx’s external auditors and are therefore subject to adjustment. The preliminary revenue results are based on management’s initial analysis of operations for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2021. The Company expects to issue full financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2021 in February 2022.

Recent Updates and 2022 Milestones

Evkeeza for Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (HoFH): Submission of reimbursement dossiers expected in European countries in 2022

Ultragenyx and Regeneron announced a license and collaboration agreement for Ultragenyx to commercialize and distribute Evkeeza (evinacumab) in countries outside of the U.S. This includes the European Economic Area where Evkeeza was approved in June 2021 as a first-in-class monoclonal antibody targeting ANGPTL3 for use together with diet and other low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering therapies to treat adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older with HoFH.

Ultragenyx plans to submit reimbursement dossiers with national health authorities in Europe in 2022.

GTX-102 for Angelman Syndrome: Phase 1/2 study is titrating patients in Canada and the U.K. with data anticipated mid-year 2022

The first four patients in the Phase 1/2 study have received multiple doses of GTX-102 and regular assessments for safety. To date three have also received a preliminary assessment of clinical response. There have been no treatment-related serious adverse events of any type nor adverse events related to lower extremity weakness observed in these patients, and initial assessments have shown early signs of clinical activity.

The data safety monitoring board (DSMB) met to discuss the assessments for the first two patients in Cohort 4 (ages 4 to <8 years) and recommended that dose escalation may proceed as planned and the study may enroll the remaining four patients in this cohort. Since then, both patients in Cohort 4 met the criteria to increase their doses and have each escalated to the 5 mg dose, and Cohort 4 has been expanded and an additional patient has received their first dose. The DSMB for Cohort 5 (ages 8 to <18 years) is expected to meet soon and confirm whether enrollment for the remaining four patients in that group may commence. Data on full Cohorts 4 and 5 in the Canada/U.K. arm of the study is anticipated in mid 2022 after completing Day 128 of the protocol.

UX143 (setrusumab) for Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI): Pivotal Phase 2/3 Orbit study expected to initiate in first half of 2022; Phase 2 study in children under age 5 planned for second half of 2022

Ultragenyx expects to initiate the seamless Phase 2/3 Orbit study of UX143 in pediatric and adult patients ages 5 to <26 in the first half of 2022. A dosing update in the Phase 2 portion and transition to Phase 3 is expected in the second half of 2022. In addition, Ultragenyx intends to initiate a Phase 2 study in children under age 5 with OI in the second half of 2022.

DTX401 for Glycogen Storage Disease Type Ia (GSDIa): Positive longer-term data from Phase 1/2 study presented at ICIEM; Phase 3 GlucoGene study initiated and screening patients

Data presented at the 14th International Congress of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (ICIEM) in November demonstrate that across all 12 patients in the Phase 1/2 study the mean reduction in daily cornstarch intake was 69.9% (p < 0.0001), ranging from 19-100% when comparing baseline to the most recent visit. The 12 patients in the study continued to demonstrate improved glucose control while tapering or discontinuing oral glucose replacement therapy with cornstarch up to 3 years after receiving DTX401.

The Phase 3 GlucoGene study of DTX401 in patients with GSDIa is currently screening patients with the first patient randomized and expected to receive a first dose later this month. The planned 48-week study will enroll approximately 50 patients, randomized 1:1 to DTX401 or placebo. The primary endpoint focuses on glycemic control by assessing the reduction in cornstarch requirements while maintaining or improving glucose control. Secondary endpoints include time to hypoglycemia during a controlled fasting challenge and change from baseline in the Glycogen Storage Disease Functional Assessment Diary (GSD FAD) Signs and Symptoms Scale.

DTX301 for Ornithine Transcarbamylase (OTC) Deficiency: Durable metabolic control and sustained responses in Phase 1/2 study presented at ICIEM; Phase 3 Enh3ance study expected to initiate in first half of 2022

Data presented at ICIEM in November show that the six patients who previously demonstrated a response remain clinically and metabolically stable. The longest treated responders have demonstrated a durable response up to 4 years after dosing and up to 3.5 years after discontinuing ammonia-scavenger medications and liberalizing protein-restricted diets.

Ultragenyx expects to initiate the Phase 3 Enh3ance study of DTX301 in patients with OTC in the first half of 2022. The 64-week study will include approximately 50 patients, randomized 1:1 to DTX301 or placebo. The primary endpoints are response as measured by change in baseline disease management and change in 24-hour ammonia levels, supported by change in the rate of ureagenesis as a key secondary endpoint.

UX701 for Wilson Disease: Cyprus2+ pivotal Phase 1/2/3 study currently enrolling

Ultragenyx is currently screening and enrolling patients with Wilson disease into the baseline monitoring period prior to dosing in its pivotal, seamless Phase 1/2/3 Cyprus2+ study of UX701. During the first stage of the study, the safety and efficacy of up to three dose levels of UX701 will be evaluated and a dose will be selected for further evaluation in stage 2. In stage 2, a new cohort of patients will be randomized 2:1 to receive the selected dose of UX701 or placebo. The primary efficacy endpoints are change in 24-hour urinary copper concentration and percent reduction in standard of care medication by Week 52.

UX053 for Glycogen Storage Disease Type III (GSDIII) Debrancher Deficiency: Phase 1/2 study currently dosing patients; Preliminary data from first part of study and initiation of second part of study anticipated in second half of 2022

Ultragenyx has begun to dose patients in the two-part Phase 1/2 clinical trial evaluating the safety, tolerability and efficacy of UX053 in adults age 18 and older with GSDIII. Part 1 is open label and will enroll up to 10 patients who will receive a single ascending dose of UX053 administered via intravenous infusion. Part 2 is double-blind and will evaluate five repeat doses at escalating dose levels in up to 16 patients across four cohorts randomized 3:1 to UX053 or placebo. The primary endpoints are treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), serious TEAEs, and related TEAEs in both parts of the study. Secondary endpoints include pharmacokinetic parameters. Exploratory endpoints include clinician- and patient-reported outcomes, muscle strength, blood sugar, and biomarkers of liver, cardiac and muscle health.

Preliminary data from the Part 1 single ascending dose phase of the study and initiation of the Part 2 repeat dosing phase of the study is anticipated in the second half of the year.

*Ultragenyx territories for Crysvita include the collaboration revenue from the North American profit share territory (U.S. and Canada) and other regions where revenue from product sales are recognized by Ultragenyx (Latin America, Turkey) pursuant to the company’s collaboration and license agreement with Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. This excludes the European territory revenue, which is recognized as non-cash royalty revenue since the rights were sold to Royalty Pharma in December 2019.

Cerus Corporation Announces Record Preliminary Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2021 Product Revenue and Provides Business Update

On January 10, 2021 Cerus Corporation (Nasdaq: CERS) reported preliminary product revenue for the fourth quarter and full-year 2021, provided product revenue guidance for 2022 and provided an update on its INTERCEPT Blood System for Cryoprecipitation offering, which is used to produce INTERCEPT Fibrinogen Complex (Press release, Cerus, JAN 10, 2022, View Source [SID1234598469]).

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!

Cerus’ unaudited preliminary product revenue for the fourth quarter of 2021 totaled $39.9 million, representing an increase of 41% over the $28.2 million recognized during the fourth quarter of 2020. The Company expects its unaudited preliminary full-year 2021 product revenue to be $130.9 million, exceeding the Company’s most recent 2021 product revenue guidance range of $127-$129 million. The preliminary product revenue results have not been audited and are subject to change.

"Cerus’ commercial momentum during the first three quarters of 2021 carried on during the fourth quarter, continuing the Company’s growth trajectory. Strong uptake of INTERCEPT platelets in the fourth quarter of 2021 was again led by U.S. blood center adoption and growing hospital demand. I am pleased to report yet another record quarter and the corresponding positive impact on patient access to INTERCEPT-treated blood components," stated William "Obi" Greenman, Cerus’ president and chief executive officer. "With the INTERCEPT Blood System for platelets being adopted so rapidly in the U.S. market, I am proud to say that on a run-rate basis, more than half of platelets in the U.S. are now treated with our technology, helping us realize our mission of making pathogen inactivation the standard of care globally. In this age of pandemic preparedness and awareness, we believe 2022 will see a continuation of our positive trajectory and result in another record year for product revenues for the Company."

The Company expects full-year 2022 product revenue will be in the range of $157-$164 million, representing strong growth of approximately 20%-25% compared to preliminary unaudited 2021 full-year product revenue of $130.9 million.

"In addition to the commercial momentum that we expect will continue in 2022, we have several exciting initiatives on tap that we believe will extend our leadership position in transfusion medicine globally," continued Greenman. "We remain committed to balancing these investments in these initiatives in the future with the financial discipline necessary to potentially achieve cash flow breakeven."

Finally, Cerus is beginning the nationwide launch early for INTERCEPT Fibrinogen Complex after one of the Company’s blood center production partners, Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, received its Biological License Application (BLA) approval from U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"As the launch of INTERCEPT Fibrinogen Complex continues in 2022, I am pleased to announce that we have made strides to expand access to this new product across the U.S.," added Greenman. "The receipt of the first BLA approval was sooner than we expected and we are excited about IFC’s potential to drive growth for us over the next several years."

Cerus will provide complete fourth quarter and full-year 2021 financial results and host a call to discuss both 2021 results and 2022 expectations in late February.

Clovis Oncology Announces Preliminary Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021

On January 10, 2022 Clovis Oncology, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLVS) reported its preliminary, unaudited global product revenues for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2021 (Press release, Clovis Oncology, JAN 10, 2022, View Source [SID1234598468]). The financial information presented in this news release may be adjusted as a result of completion of customary quarterly review and audit procedures.

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!

Unaudited preliminary results include:

$35.5M – $36.1M in estimated Rubraca global product revenues for the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to $37.9M for Q3 2021 and $43.3M for Q4 2020
US and Europe product revenues approximately $27.5M – $27.9M and $8.0M – $8.2M
$148.3M – $148.9M in estimated Rubraca product revenues for FY 2021 compared to $164.5M for FY 2020
Approximately $143.4M in cash and cash equivalents and $27.8M in available funding under the ATHENA financing at December 31, 2021
Net cash used in operating activities for the fourth quarter of 2021 approximately $41.1M to $41.7M, down approximately 10 to 11 percent from the prior quarter
Cash used in operating activities does not reflect approximately $9.7M provided to the Company under the ATHENA financing
Clovis plans to discuss these results with investors this week at the 40th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference which is being held virtually January 9-13, 2022.

"The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent reduction in ovarian cancer diagnoses and treatments continue to impact Rubraca sales in both the US and Europe. Despite these continuing commercial headwinds, we anticipate 2022 will be the most significant year of clinical data readouts in the Company’s history," said Patrick J. Mahaffy, President and CEO of Clovis Oncology. "For Rubraca, we anticipate three Phase 3 readouts during the year: ATHENA-MONO as monotherapy in the first-line ovarian cancer maintenance treatment setting during Q1, TRITON3 in the second-line prostate cancer treatment setting for selected patients during Q2, and ATHENA-COMBO in combination with Opdivo in the first-line ovarian cancer maintenance treatment setting in the second half of 2022. In addition, for FAP-2286, we are actively enrolling the Phase 1 portion of LuMIERE and anticipate data presentations at nuclear medicine meetings during 2022. We and our investigators are extremely enthusiastic about this program and look forward to initiating the Phase 2 portion of the LuMIERE study later this year."

Clovis Oncology to Present at 40th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on January 12

Clovis’ President and CEO, Patrick J. Mahaffy, will present at the 40th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on Wednesday, January 12 at 9:45 a.m. ET. A live audio webcast of the presentation/Q&A session, as well as the accompanying slide presentation, can be accessed through the investor relations section of the Company’s website at clovisoncology.com. Approximately 24 hours following the live presentation, a replay of the webcast will be available on the Company’s website for up to 30 days.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Financial Results Release Planned for February 23

The Company plans to report financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2021 on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, before the open of the US financial markets. Clovis’ senior management will host a conference call and live audio webcast at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss the Company’s results in greater detail.

Additionally, the Company filed today with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Current Report on Form 8-K that provides additional information about the Company’s financial performance, status of clinical trials, liquidity position and impact of COVID-19.

About Rubraca (rucaparib)

Rubraca is an oral, small molecule inhibitor of PARP1, PARP2 and PARP3 being developed in multiple tumor types, including ovarian and prostate cancers, as monotherapy and in combination with other anti-cancer agents. Exploratory studies in other tumor types are also underway. Clovis holds worldwide rights for Rubraca.

In the United States, Rubraca is approved for the maintenance treatment of adult patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who are in a complete or partial response to platinum-based chemotherapy. Rubraca is also approved in the United States for the treatment of adult patients with deleterious BRCA mutation (germline and/or somatic) associated epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who have been treated with two or more chemotherapies and selected for therapy based on an FDA-approved companion diagnostic for Rubraca. Additionally, Rubraca is approved in the US for the treatment of adult patients with a deleterious BRCA mutation (germline and/or somatic)-associated metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who have been treated with androgen receptor-directed therapy and a taxane-based chemotherapy. Select patients for therapy based on an FDA-approved companion diagnostic for Rubraca. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on objective response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials. The TRITON3 clinical trial is expected to serve as the confirmatory study for the Rubraca accelerated approval in mCRPC.

In Europe, Rubraca is approved for the maintenance treatment of adults with platinum-sensitive relapsed high-grade epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who are in response (complete or partial) to platinum-based chemotherapy. Rubraca is also approved in Europe for the treatment of adult patients with platinum sensitive, relapsed or progressive, BRCA mutated (germline and/or somatic), high-grade epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer, who have been treated with two or more prior lines of platinum-based chemotherapy, and who are unable to tolerate further platinum-based chemotherapy.

Rubraca is an unlicensed medical product outside of the US and Europe.

About FAP-2286

FAP-2286 is a clinical candidate under investigation as a peptide-targeted radionuclide therapy (PTRT) and imaging agent targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP). FAP-2286 consists of two functional elements; a targeting peptide that binds to FAP and a site that can be used to attach radioactive isotopes for imaging and therapeutic use. High FAP expression has been shown in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, cancer of unknown primary, salivary gland, mesothelioma, colon, bladder, sarcoma, squamous non–small cell lung, and squamous head and neck cancers. High FAP expression was detected in both primary and metastatic tumor samples and was independent of tumor stage or grade. Clovis holds US and global rights for FAP-2286 excluding Europe, Russia, Turkey, and Israel.

FAP-2286 is an unlicensed medical product.

About Targeted Radionuclide Therapy

Targeted radionuclide therapy is an emerging class of cancer therapeutics, which seeks to deliver radiation directly to the tumor while minimizing delivery of radiation to normal tissue. Targeted radionuclides are created by linking radioactive isotopes, also known as radionuclides, to targeting molecules (e.g., peptides, antibodies, small molecules) that can bind specifically to tumor cells or other cells in the tumor environment. Based on the radioactive isotope selected, the resulting agent can be used to image and/or treat certain types of cancer. Agents that can be adapted for both therapeutic and imaging use are known as "theranostics." Clovis, together with licensing partner 3B Pharmaceuticals, is developing a pipeline of novel, targeted radiotherapies for cancer treatment and imaging, including its lead candidate, FAP-2286, an investigational peptide-targeted radionuclide therapeutic (PTRT) and imaging agent, as well as three additional discovery-stage compounds.

About the LuMIERE Clinical Study

LuMIERE is a Phase 1/2 study evaluating FAP-2286 as a peptide-targeted radionuclide therapy (PTRT) targeting fibroblast activation protein, or FAP, in patients with advanced solid tumors. The Phase 1 portion of the LuMIERE study -is evaluating the safety of the investigational therapeutic agent and will identify the recommended Phase 2 dose and schedule of lutetium-177 labeled FAP-2286 (177Lu-FAP-2286). FAP-2286 labeled with gallium-68 (68Ga-FAP-2286) will be utilized as an investigational imaging agent to identify patients with FAP-positive tumors appropriate for treatment with the therapeutic agent. Once the Phase 2 dose is determined, Phase 2 expansion cohorts are planned in multiple tumor types.

Ascendis Pharma A/S Provides Update on Vision 3×3 Strategic Roadmap at 40th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference

On January 10, 2022 Ascendis Pharma A/S (Nasdaq: ASND) reported that the Company will today provide an update on its Vision 3×3 and planned 2022 key milestones at the 40th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference. Details of the update are outlined below, and CEO Jan Mikkelsen will give a virtual presentation to attendees from 3:00-3:40 p.m. Eastern Time (Press release, Ascendis Pharma, JAN 10, 2022, View Source;3-strategic-roadmap [SID1234598467]).

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

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

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"We took major steps in 2021 to becoming a viable, sustainable, and profitable biopharmaceutical company," said Jan Mikkelsen, Ascendis Pharma’s President and Chief Executive Officer. "A strong flow of clinical results and our first commercial TransCon product showcased how we are leveraging our technology platform to build a leading global biopharmaceutical company able to successfully meet the needs of patients with differentiated product candidates."

"This year, I am happy to report that our U.S. launch of SKYTROFA (lonapegsomatropin-tcgd), the first U.S. FDA-approved once-weekly treatment for pediatric growth hormone deficiency is off to a strong start," continued Mr. Mikkelsen. "In only two short months since launch, we have already seen 10% of our target prescribers’ writing prescriptions for SKYTROFA instead of daily growth hormone."

"During 2022, we look forward to sharing multiple clinical data readouts across our high-value endocrinology rare disease and oncology portfolios," continued Mr. Mikkelsen. "We believe the clinical readouts will demonstrate our ability to deliver therapies that make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives. In addition, we look forward to announcing a third independent therapeutic area with its own diversified pipeline in the fourth quarter of 2022."

Pipeline Updates

TransCon hGH: TransCon hGH is an investigational once-weekly prodrug designed to deliver somatropin over a one-week period. TransCon hGH is approved by the FDA in the U.S. under the brand name SKYTROFA (lonapegsomatropin-tcgd) for the treatment of pediatric patients one year and older who weigh at least 11.5 kg and have growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone.

In mid-October, the Company commercially launched in the U.S. TransCon hGH under the brand name SKYTROFA. Since launch, physician enthusiasm for SKYTROFA is reflected by an increase in prescriptions, submission of formulary exceptions, and repeat prescribers. During the fourth quarter, 369 SKYTROFA prescriptions were written by 139 targeted prescribers, which includes 42% repeat prescribers.1
In November 2021, the Company received a positive opinion from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency for TransCon hGH for patients with pediatric growth hormone deficiency. The European Commission’s approval of the Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) is expected by the end of January 2022.
During the second quarter of 2022, the Company plans to submit a protocol to the FDA for TransCon hGH in Turner Syndrome subjects.
Ascendis is targeting completion of enrollment in foresiGHt, a global Phase 3 trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of TransCon hGH in adult patients with growth hormone deficiency during the second quarter of 2022.

TransCon PTH: TransCon PTH is an investigational long-acting prodrug of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in development as a potential once-daily replacement therapy for adult hypoparathyroidism (HP):

During the first quarter of 2022, top-line results are expected from PaTHway, a Phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in North America and Europe, investigating the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of TransCon PTH in adults with HP.
If the Phase 3 PaTHway Trial results are positive, Ascendis plans to submit a New Drug Application (NDA) to the FDA in the third quarter of 2022 followed by a MAA submission to the EMA in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Top-line results from PaTHway Japan, a single-arm Phase 3 trial of TransCon PTH in a minimum of 12-Japanese subjects with HP are expected in the third quarter of 2022.
Initiation of a pediatric HP program is planned for the fourth quarter of 2022.

TransCon CNP: TransCon CNP, an investigational long-acting prodrug of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), as a potential therapeutic option for patients with achondroplasia (ACH):

Top-line data from the ACcomplisH Trial, a Phase 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in North America, Europe, and Oceania in subjects with achondroplasia (age 2–10) are expected in the fourth quarter of 2022.
During the second quarter of 2022, the Company plans to file an Investigational New Drug (IND) application or similar for the ACcomplisH Infants Trial in subjects with achondroplasia (age 0–2).

TransCon TLR7/8 Agonist: TransCon TLR7/8 Agonist is an investigational long-acting prodrug of resiquimod, a small molecule agonist of Toll-like receptors (TLR) 7 and 8 designed to provide sustained activation of intratumoral antigen-presenting cells driving tumor antigen presentation and induction of immune stimulatory cytokines for weeks or months with a single intratumoral injection:

Enrollment continues in transcendIT-101. Top-line data from monotherapy and combo-therapy dose escalation expected in the third quarter of 2022.
TransCon IL-2 β/γ: TransCon IL-2 β/γ is an investigational long-acting prodrug designed to improve cancer immunotherapy by sustained exposure to an IL-2 variant that selectively activates the IL-2Rβ/γ, with minimal binding to IL-2Rα:

Top-line monotherapy data from the IL-βelieγe Trial are expected in the fourth quarter of 2022.
The Company expects to dose the first patient in the combo-therapy and dose escalation arm of the IL-βelieγe Trial in the first quarter of 2022.
TransCon TLR7/8 Agonist and TransCon IL-2 β/γ Combinations:

During the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company plans to submit an IND or similar for Phase 2 cohort expansion for TransCon TLR7/8 Agonist and TransCon IL-2 β/γ.
Presentation at J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on Monday, January 10th
The live webcast of the J.P. Morgan presentation will be available on the Investors & News section of the Ascendis Pharma website at www.ascendispharma.com. A webcast replay will be available on this website shortly after conclusion of the event for 30 days. The Company’s slides from the J.P. Morgan presentation also will also be available on the Investor Relations website.

Rubius Therapeutics Recaps 2021 Achievements and Outlines 2022 Objectives Across the RED PLATFORM at the 40th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference

On January 10, 2022 Rubius Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: RUBY), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that is biologically engineering red blood cells to create an entirely new class of cellular medicines called Red Cell Therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases, reported that provided an overview of the Company’s achievements in 2021 and outlined its objectives for 2022 (Press release, Rubius Therapeutics, JAN 10, 2022, View Source [SID1234598466]). Pablo J. Cagnoni, M.D., president and chief executive officer, will present these updates on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at 8:15 a.m. EST at the virtual 40th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference.

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!

"In 2021, Rubius Therapeutics demonstrated strong execution in advancing our clinical oncology pipeline and showing preclinical proof of concept of our tolerance induction approach in autoimmunity that could extend well beyond type 1 diabetes to other T cell-mediated diseases," said Pablo J. Cagnoni, M.D., president and chief executive officer, of Rubius Therapeutics. "With the initial clinical results from the Phase 1 clinical trial of RTX-240 in patients with advanced solid tumors reported in March 2021, we provided clinical validation of the RED PLATFORM and increased our likelihood of success across our entire oncology pipeline of Red Cell Therapeutics. With multiple data milestones on the horizon in 2022, we are on the cusp of potentially further validating the RED PLATFORM and benefiting an even greater number of patients."

Anticipated 2022 Catalysts and Operational Objectives

Present additional clinical results from the Phase 1 arm of the RTX-240 Phase 1/2 clinical trial in advanced solid tumors and the Phase 1 arm in relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) during the first quarter of 2022
Initiate RTX-240 Phase 2 expansion cohorts in select solid tumor types during the first quarter of 2022
Report initial clinical results from the Phase 1 clinical trial of RTX-321 in patients with advanced HPV 16-positive cancers during the second half of 2022
Present initial clinical data from the Phase 1 arm of the RTX-240 clinical trial in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with advanced solid tumors during the second half of 2022
Scale to 200L bioreactors by mid-2022 to support potential pivotal trial and eventual commercialization
2021 Achievements and Operational Updates

RED PLATFORM

Enabling rapid and repeatable parallel generation of therapeutic candidates with the programmable RED PLATFORM
1,000 different therapeutic proteins biologically engineered since platform inception, underscoring the highly versatile and programmable nature of the platform
The platform creates multiple modalities for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune disease and the ability to express hundreds of thousands of copies of therapeutic proteins on or within the cell to access numerous immune pathways
Achieved clinical validation of the RED PLATFORM with initial clinical results from the single-agent RTX-240 Phase 1 clinical trial in advanced solid tumors, reported in March 2021
RCTs are well tolerated, induce the desired biological effect and generate clinical benefit in certain patients with advanced solid tumors
Advancing next generation artificial antigen-presenting cells (aAPCs) with loadable MHC Class I, enabling the presentation of multiple antigens on a single RCT and broadening the potential patient population with a library of HLA types
Oncology

Broad Immune Stimulation

RTX-240

RTX-240 is an allogeneic, off-the-shelf cellular therapy product candidate that is engineered to simultaneously present hundreds of thousands of copies of the costimulatory molecule 4-1BB ligand (4-1BBL) and IL-15TP (trans-presentation of IL-15 on IL-15Rα) in their native forms. RTX-240 is designed to broadly stimulate the immune system by activating and expanding both NK and CD8+ memory T cells to generate a potent anti-tumor response.

Established clinical proof of concept of RTX-240 in advanced solid tumors, based on initial results reported in March 2021, potentially increasing the likelihood of clinical success across the oncology pipeline
Escalated the dose of single-agent RTX-240 in the Phase 1 solid tumor clinical trial to three doses of 5e10 cells followed by 1e10 cells until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity, based on no dose-limiting toxicities observed to date, a clear dose response in the increase of NK cells and other pharmacodynamic effects
Additional clinical results are expected from this trial and the Phase 1 arm in relapsed/refractory AML during the first quarter of 2022
The Company plans to initiate RTX-240 Phase 2 expansion cohorts in select solid tumor types during the first quarter of 2022
Continuing dose escalation in the RTX-240 Phase 1 combination study with pembrolizumab in patients with advanced solid tumors with initial clinical data expected during the second half of 2022
RTX-224

RTX-224 is an allogeneic, off-the-shelf cellular therapy product candidate that is engineered to express hundreds of thousands of copies of 4-1BBL and interleukin-12 (IL-12) on the cell surface. While the lead oncology product candidate, RTX-240, is designed to broadly stimulate the immune system by activating and expanding NK and CD8+ memory T cells, RTX-224 is expected to produce a broad and potent anti-tumor T cell response, an innate immune response and have anti-tumor activity in those tumor types with known sensitivity to T cell killing, including tumor types with high mutational burden, PD-L1 expression and known responsiveness to checkpoint inhibitors.

Expect to begin dosing patients in the Phase 1/2 clinical trial of RTX-224 in selected relapsed/refractory or locally advanced solid tumors during the first quarter of 2022
Select cancers include non-small cell lung cancer, cutaneous melanoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, urothelial (bladder) carcinoma and triple-negative breast cancer
Presented preclinical data at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper)’s (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) 36th Annual Meeting in November 2021, demonstrating that the mouse surrogate of RTX-224, mRBC-224, generated potent anti-tumor activity in B16F10 melanoma models, intravenously and subcutaneously, that was associated with pharmacodynamic changes in the tumors, including activated CD8 + T cells, NK cells and macrophages
Antigen-Specific Immune Stimulation

RTX-321 Artificial Antigen-Presenting Cell (aAPC) Development Program for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 16-Positive Cancers

RTX-321 is an allogeneic, off-the-shelf artificial aAPC therapy product candidate that is engineered to induce a tumor-specific immune response by expanding antigen-specific T cells. RTX-321 expresses hundreds of thousands of copies of an HPV peptide antigen bound to major histocompatibility complex class I proteins, the costimulatory molecule 4-1BBL and the cytokine IL-12 on the cell surface to mimic human T cell-APC interactions.

Continuing enrollment in the Phase 1 clinical trial of RTX-321 in patients with advanced HPV 16-positive cancers
Based on no dose limiting toxicities to date, the Company plans to dose escalate beyond the current cohort of 1e10 cells
Plan to report initial clinical results during the second half of 2022
Autoimmune Diseases and Type 1 Diabetes

Red Cell Therapeutics for the treatment of autoimmune disease are biologically engineered to express proteins and peptides inside the cell and are designed to be phagocytized, or ingested, by dendritic cells or macrophages to induce tolerance, retraining the immune system to no longer recognize these self-antigens as foreign.

Demonstrated tolerance induction and bystander suppression in stringent type 1 diabetes preclinical models
Established efficacy in the BDC2.5 adoptive transfer model with data supporting that repeated dosing extended duration of disease protection, reversed established inflammation, which is important for the treatment of existing autoimmunity, and induced two types of regulatory T cells, resulting in protection against re-challenge
Showed efficacy in non-obese diabetes (NOD) preclinical model
Results at 25 weeks exhibit bystander suppression by delivering only two antigens, indicating the mouse surrogate of RTX-T1D prevented or delayed disease caused by many autoantigens
These findings are potentially translatable beyond type 1 diabetes to multiple autoimmune diseases, including other Rubius’ high priority target indications, including multiple sclerosis and celiac disease.
Fully Owned Manufacturing

Increased cells produced per batch by four times in 50L bioreactors from 2020 to 2021, enabling uninterrupted clinical supply for three Phase 1 arms of the RTX-240 clinical trial and Phase 1 RTX-321 trial
Additional accomplishments include:
High success rate: greater than 90% lot success rate for RTX-240 and RTX-321 clinical supply in 2021
Hundreds of doses administered across three arms of RTX-240 Phase 1 and RTX-321 Phase 1 trials
High transduction efficiency: greater than 90% of cells are transduced with therapeutic proteins
Highly consistent protein expression (dual or triple)
Introduced frozen drug substance for RTX-321 and RTX-224, enabling inventory storage of greater than two years
Developing frozen drug product to further simplify supply chain with the goal of making our therapies available around the world
Bringing all product testing in-house to strengthen supply chain and reduce time-to-product release
Continuing to invest in the platform to improve productivity and efficiency
Scaling to 200L bioreactors by mid-2022 to support potential pivotal trial and eventual commercialization
Listen to the Webcast

A live audio webcast of Dr. Cagnoni’s presentation will be available on January 12, 2022, at 8:15 a.m. EST within the Investors & Media section of the Rubius Therapeutics website. An archived replay will be accessible for 30 days following the event.