Immunocore to Report Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Earnings and Host Call on March 1, 2023

On February 23, 2023 Immunocore Holdings plc (Nasdaq: IMCR), a commercial-stage biotechnology company pioneering the development of a novel class of T cell receptor (TCR) bispecific immunotherapies designed to treat a broad range of diseases, including cancer, autoimmune and infectious diseases, reported that it will report full year 2022 results, before the US markets open on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 (Press release, Immunocore, FEB 23, 2023, View Source [SID1234627611]). Following the announcement, the Company will host a live teleconference and webcast at 8:00 a.m. ET (1:00 p.m. GMT) to discuss their financial results and provide a business and portfolio update.

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Audio Webcast
The call will be made available via webcast by visiting the Events & Presentations section on Immunocore’s website. A replay of this webcast will be available for 90 days.

Conference Call Details:
Domestic (toll-free): 877-405-1239
International (toll): +1 201-389-0851

Guardant Health Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Financial Results and Provides 2023 Outlook

On February 23, 2023 Guardant Health, Inc. (Nasdaq: GH), a leading precision oncology company focused on helping conquer cancer globally through use of its proprietary tests, vast data sets and advanced analytics, reported financial results for the quarter and full year ended December 31, 2022 (Press release, Guardant Health, FEB 23, 2023, View Source [SID1234627610]).

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Fourth Quarter 2022 Financial Highlights
•Revenue of $126.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2022, an increase of 17% over the fourth quarter of 2021.
•Reported 36,000 tests to clinical customers and 8,200 tests to biopharmaceutical customers in the fourth quarter of 2022, representing an increase of 41% and 24%, respectively, over the fourth quarter of 2021.
Full Year 2022 Financial Highlights
•Revenue of $449.5 million for the full year 2022, an increase of 20% over the full year 2021.
•Reported 124,800 tests to clinical customers and 26,000 tests to biopharmaceutical customers in the full year 2022, representing an increase of 42% and 40%, respectively, over the full year 2021.
Recent Highlights
•Demonstrated 83% sensitivity and 90% specificity in pivotal ECLIPSE study evaluating Shield for colorectal cancer detection. Separately, Guardant Shield LDT has shown greater than 90% adherence in real world settings.
•Announced FDA approval for Guardant360 CDx as companion diagnostic for ORSERDU for treatment of patients with ESR1 mutations in ER+, HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
•Obtained coverage for Guardant360 CDx tests in lung and breast cancer from United Healthcare.
•Introduced Guardant Galaxy suite of advanced AI analytics in partnership with Lunit to enhance our portfolio of cancer tests starting with the Guardant360 TissueNext PD-L1 test, shown to improve biomarker detection by >20% in NSCLC.
"2022 marked another year of great progress at Guardant Health. We achieved record revenues and volumes during the year, launched new offerings in minimal residual disease with multi cancer Reveal and expanded market access for our tests. We also launched our Smart Liquid Biopsy platform, which we believe will drive the next chapter of growth for our oncology business and enable significant R&D efficiency and operating leverage. With the approval of our first companion diagnostic in breast cancer and expanded payor coverage, we are poised for continued strong growth in the year ahead," said Helmy Eltoukhy, co-founder and co-CEO.
"In December, we reported successful results in our pivotal ECLIPSE study for colorectal cancer screening with 83% sensitivity at 90% specificity. With over 90% of individuals completing the blood-based screening test, Shield significantly improves adherence rates and adds an important new option for patients and healthcare providers to boost screening rates, detect more cancers and save countless lives," said AmirAli Talasaz, co-founder and co-CEO. "We intend to complete our submission to FDA in the first quarter of 2023 as we continue our research and development efforts in screening for lung and additional cancers."
Fourth Quarter 2022 Financial Results
Revenue was $126.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022, a 17% increase from $108.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021. Precision oncology revenue grew 28%, driven predominantly by an increase in clinical testing volume and biopharma sample volume, which grew 41% and 24%, respectively, over the prior year period. Development services and other revenue decreased by 33%, primarily due to a one-time catch-up royalty payment that was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Gross profit, or total revenue less cost of precision oncology testing and cost of development services and other, was $79.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2022, an increase of $5.1 million from $74.7 million for the corresponding prior year period. Gross margin, or gross profit divided by total revenue, was 63%, as compared to 69% for the corresponding prior year period.
Operating expenses were $225.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2022, as compared to $172.9 million for the corresponding prior year period, an increase of 31%. Non-GAAP operating expenses were $201.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2022, as compared to $146.2 million for the corresponding prior year period.

Net loss attributable to Guardant Health, Inc. common stockholders was $139.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2022, as compared to $90.9 million for the corresponding prior year period. Net loss per share attributable to Guardant Health, Inc. common stockholders was $1.36 for the fourth quarter of 2022, as compared to $0.89 for the corresponding prior year period. Non-GAAP net loss was $119.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2022, as compared to $70.4 million for the corresponding prior year period. Non-GAAP net loss per share was $1.17 for the fourth quarter of 2022, as compared to $0.69 for the corresponding prior year period.
Adjusted EBITDA loss was $109.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2022, as compared to a $64.6 million loss for the corresponding prior year period.
Full Year 2022 Financial Results
Revenue was $449.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a 20% increase from $373.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Precision oncology revenue grew 29%, driven predominantly by an increase in clinical testing volume and biopharma sample volume, which grew 42% and 40%, respectively, over the prior year period. Development services and other revenue decreased by 17%, primarily due to the change in collaboration projects with biopharmaceutical customers for companion diagnostic development and regulatory approval services, and discontinuation of our Guardant-19 tests in August 2021, partially offset by revenues earned from licensing our technologies, and providing data services during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Gross profit, or total revenue less cost of precision oncology testing and cost of development services and other, was $293.2 million for 2022, an increase of $42.5 million from $250.7 million for the corresponding prior year period. Gross margin, or gross profit divided by total revenue, was 65%, as compared to 67% for the corresponding prior year period.
Operating expenses were $837.6 million for 2022, as compared to $661.7 million for the corresponding prior year period, an increase of 27%. Non-GAAP operating expenses were $736.6 million for 2022, as compared to $506.8 million for the corresponding prior year period.
Net loss attributable to Guardant Health, Inc. common stockholders was $654.6 million for 2022, as compared to $405.7 million for the corresponding prior year period. Net loss per share attributable to Guardant Health, Inc. common stockholders was $6.41 for 2022, as compared to $4.00 for the corresponding prior year period. Non-GAAP net loss was $435.4 million for 2022, as compared to $251.7 million for the corresponding prior year period. Non-GAAP net loss per share was $4.26 for 2022, as compared to $2.48 for the corresponding prior year period.
Adjusted EBITDA loss was $403.4 million for 2022, as compared to a $231.5 million loss for the corresponding prior year period.
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable debt securities were $1.0 billion as of December 31, 2022.
2023 Guidance
Guardant Health expects full year 2023 revenue to be in the range of $525 million to $540 million, representing growth of 17% to 20% compared to full year 2022.
We expect full year 2023 operating expenses to be below full year 2022, and free cash outflow to be approximately $350 million in 2023.
Webcast Information
Guardant Health will host a conference call to discuss the fourth quarter and full year 2022 financial results after market close on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 1:30 pm Pacific Time / 4:30 pm Eastern Time. A webcast of the conference call can be accessed at View Source The webcast will be archived and available for replay for at least 90 days after the event.

Non-GAAP Measures
Guardant Health has presented in this release certain financial information in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and also on a non-GAAP basis, including non-GAAP cost of precision oncology testing, non-GAAP research and development expense, non-GAAP sales and marketing expense, non-GAAP general and administrative expense, non-GAAP loss from operations, non-GAAP net loss, non-GAAP net loss attributable to Guardant Health, Inc., common stockholders, non-GAAP net loss per share attributable to Guardant Health, Inc. common stockholders, basic and diluted, and Adjusted EBITDA.
We define our non-GAAP measures as the applicable GAAP measure adjusted for the impacts of stock-based compensation and related employer payroll tax payments, changes in estimated fair value of noncontrolling interest liability, adjustments relating to redeemable noncontrolling interest, contingent consideration, acquisition related expenses, amortization of intangible assets, fair value adjustments on marketable equity securities, impairment of other assets, and other non-recurring items.
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net loss attributable to Guardant Health, Inc. common stockholders adjusted for interest income; interest expense; other income (expense), net; provision for income taxes; depreciation and amortization expense; stock-based compensation expense and related employer payroll tax payments; changes in estimated fair value of noncontrolling interest liability; adjustments relating to redeemable noncontrolling interest and contingent consideration; and, if applicable in a reporting period, acquisition-related expenses, and other non-recurring items.
We believe that the exclusion of certain income and expenses in calculating these non-GAAP financial measures can provide a useful measure for investors when comparing our period-to-period core operating results, and when comparing those same results to that published by our peers. We exclude certain other items because we believe that these income (expenses) do not reflect expected future operating expenses. Additionally, certain items are inconsistent in amounts and frequency, making it difficult to perform a meaningful evaluation of our current or past operating performance. We use these non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate ongoing operations, for internal planning and forecasting purposes, and to manage our business.
These non-GAAP financial measures are not intended to be considered in isolation from, as substitute for, or as superior to, the corresponding financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. There are limitations inherent in non-GAAP financial measures because they exclude charges and credits that are required to be included in a GAAP presentation, and do not present the full measure of our recorded costs against its revenue. In addition, our definition of the non-GAAP financial measures may differ from non-GAAP measures used by other companies.

FORE BIOTHERAPEUTICS ANNOUNCES FIRST PATIENT DOSED IN GLOBAL PHASE 2 TRIAL EVALUATING FORE8394 IN BRAF-MUTATED SOLID AND BRAIN TUMORS

On February 23, 2023 Fore Biotherapeutics (Fore Bio), a precision oncology company dedicated to developing innovative treatments that provide a better outcome for cancer patients, reported that the first patient has been dosed in the global Phase 2 FORTE clinical trial evaluating FORE8394 with cobicistat in patients with solid or central nervous system (CNS) tumors with BRAF gene fusions and recurrent primary CNS tumors with BRAFV600E mutations refractory to standard therapies (Press release, Fore Biotherapeutics, FEB 23, 2023, View Source [SID1234627609]). The FORTE master protocol trial builds upon the design and interim data of the ongoing Phase 1/2a clinical trial evaluating FORE8394 in advanced solid and CNS tumors with BRAF alterations.

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"We are thrilled to have initiated our global Phase 2 trial of FORE8394 in patients with BRAF-mutated tumors who have previously received available treatments and are now in need of alternative therapies," said Stacie Shepherd, MD, PhD., Chief Medical Officer of Fore Biotherapeutics. "FORE8394, our next-generation BRAF paradox breaker, provides the potential for single agent clinical activity for both BRAF V600 mutations and BRAF fusions without MAPK pathway activation, avoiding the resistance and toxicities observed with the earlier-generation BRAF inhibitors. Advancing this novel therapy to address patients’ needs is the driving force behind our team’s mission to advance FORE8394 through the clinic. The dosing of the first patient is a significant milestone for the entire FORE team. With the FDA’s Fast Track Designation of FORE8394 in the third quarter of this past year, we look forward to continuing to develop FORE8394, working with the FDA and other global regulatory agencies to address the high unmet need for patients suffering from these difficult to treat cancers."

The FORTE trial is a global, multi-center, single-arm, open-label, Phase 2 master protocol evaluating the safety and efficacy of FORE8394 with cobicistat, a pharmacokinetic booster commonly used with HIV medications, in patients 10 years of age and older with cancer harboring BRAF alterations. The trial will enroll approximately 130 participants in two subprotocols: A) participants with recurrent primary CNS tumors harboring BRAFV600Emutations (N=50) and B) participants with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors or recurrent or progressive primary CNS tumors harboring BRAF fusions, excluding colorectal or pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (N=80). FORE8394 will be co-administered orally at a dose of 900 mg with cobicistat 150 mg once daily. The primary endpoint of each subprotocol is overall response rate, with duration of response.

The company previously announced interim data from the ongoing Phase 1/2a clinical trial evaluating FORE8394 in advanced solid and CNS tumors with activating BRAF alterations, providing evidence of durable anti-tumor activity in patients with BRAF-mutated (V600+) cancers. The data were presented at the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) in September 2022. Mature data from the Phase 1/2a clinical trial are expected in mid-2023.

About FORE8394

FORE8394 is an investigational, novel, small-molecule, next-generation, orally available selective inhibitor of mutated BRAF. It was designed to target a wide range of BRAF mutations while sparing wild-type forms of RAF. Preclinical studies and clinical trials have shown that its unique mechanism of action effectively inhibits not only the constitutively active BRAFV600 monomers targeted by first-generation RAF inhibitors but also disrupts constitutively active dimeric BRAF class 2 mutants, fusions, splice variants and others. Unlike first-generation RAF inhibitors, FORE8394 does not induce paradoxical activation of the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway. As a "paradox breaker," FORE8394 could therefore yield improved safety and more durable efficacy than currently approved RAF inhibitors, without the need for combination with a MEK inhibitor. Co-administration with cobicistat helps slow the metabolism, or breakdown, of FORE8394 in order for it to remain active in the body for longer periods of time at higher concentrations to help combat the cancer. FORE8394 was granted Fast Track Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with cancers harboring BRAF Class 1 (V600) and Class 2 (including fusions) alterations who have exhausted prior therapies.

Xspray Pharma Partners with EVERSANA® for the U.S. Launch and Commercialization of its Lead Product, Dasynoc (XS004) for the Treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) and Acute Lymphatic Leukemia (ALL)

On February 23, 2023 Xspray Pharma AB, (NASDAQ Stockholm: XSPRAY) reported that it has signed an agreement with EVERSANA to support the U.S. launch and commercialization of the company’s first innovative cancer therapy Dasynoc for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and acute lymphatic leukemia (ALL) (Press release, EVERSANA, FEB 23, 2023, View Source [SID1234627608]). While maintaining financial and strategic control, Xspray Pharma will grant EVERSANA exclusive commercialization access to support its Dasynoc launch, aimed at the second half of 2023. Dasynoc, pending FDA-approval and legal conditions, will be a new and differentiated treatment option for CML and ALL patients, entering the $3.5 billion commercial market for Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in the United States – a market that has grown by nearly 5% in the last year alone.

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Under the agreement, EVERSANA will provide Xspray with a dedicated commercialization team with deep experience in the successful commercialization of cancer drugs including TKI-products. This agreement provides Xspray with access to EVERSANA’s seasoned commercial leaders and allows for a short launch period while optimizing its launch budget. EVERSANA will additionally support Xspray in the areas of market access, agency services, clinical and commercial field teams, medical science liaisons, patient services and compliance.

"As we explored commercialization options to navigate the complexity of bringing new oncology therapies to the U.S., we wanted to find a full-service commercialization partner with vast experience in oncology," said Per Andersson, CEO of Xspray Pharma. "After a comprehensive evaluation process, EVERSANA met all our selection criteria, and we look forward to their support in bringing Dasynoc to patients in need across the U.S. with chronic myeloid leukemia and acute lymphatic leukemia."

"The commercialization of every oncology treatment is complex and requires a customized approach led by those with expertise in the space. We are proud to partner with Xspray to bring this much needed therapy to market," said Jim Lang, CEO, EVERSANA. "Patients deserve easy access to the best options as they fight this dreadful condition, and novel new therapies like Dasynoc may improve the outcome for thousands of patients. As a team, we truly believe in this product and are highly motivated to do everything possible to successfully bring this therapy to the U.S. as quickly as possible."

Dasynoc brings an important improvement for patients with CML. Retrospective registry data presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2022 show inferior 5-year overall survival for patients on concomitant tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment (e.g. omeprazole) of 79% vs. 94% for patients on TKI only. Nearly 50% of the patients in the study used prescribed PPIs during the first 5-year period, many times despite warnings for low TKI absorption when used together. Dasynoc uptake is not affected by PPIs, hence bringing an important benefit to CML patients. Dasynoc is bioequivalent to Sprycel at a 30% lower dose with significantly better variability allowing for better precision and predictability of dosing. Dasynoc is granted ODD by FDA for the treatment of CML and ALL.

The U.S. launch of the product is planned for the second half of 2023, at which time the company expects to have obtained approval from the FDA. The launch is also conditional on an ongoing litigation process pertaining to patents for crystalline dasatinib forms that Xspray is confident are not present in its product.

For additional information, please contact:
Kerstin Hasselgren, CFO Xspray Pharma AB
Tel: +46 (0) 70 311 16 83
E-mail: [email protected]

Matt Braun, Director, Corporate Communications, EVERSANA
Tel: +1 414-434-4830
E-mail: [email protected]

Enveric Biosciences Names Lynn Gallant Vice President, Clinical Operations, and Reports Inducement Grant Under NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)

On February 23, 2023 Enveric Biosciences (NASDAQ: ENVB) ("Enveric" or the "Company"), a biotechnology company dedicated to the development of novel small-molecule therapeutics for the treatment of anxiety, depression, and addiction disorders, reported the appointment of Lynn Gallant to the position of Vice President, Clinical Operations (Press release, Enveric Biosciences, FEB 23, 2023, View Source [SID1234627607]). Ms. Gallant brings more than 25 years of clinical operations and trial management experience to Enveric and will work alongside Bob Dagher, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, to oversee the ongoing development of the company’s EVM201 Series and EVM301 Series clinical programs.

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"Lynn possesses more than 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including leadership positions at both large and emerging pharmaceutical companies. As our newly appointed Vice President, Clinical Operations, she will be responsible for driving the clinical development of our EVM201 and EVM301 product platforms," said Joseph Tucker, Ph.D., Director and CEO of Enveric Bioscience. "During her impressive career, Lynn has led numerous clinical programs from ‘first-in-human’ to Phase 3, managing performance targets to meet company goals, maintain resources, and coordinate process development to ensure optimal trial outcomes. We are delighted that Lynn is joining Enveric’s senior team as we prepare to initiate a clinical trial investigating EB-373, the first product from the EVM201 Series, for the treatment of anxiety disorders."

Ms. Gallant was most recently Vice President, Clinical Operations at BlueRock Therapeutics, a subsidiary of Bayer, where she led multiple clinical programs investigating the company’s cell and gene therapy platform across several disease indications. Additionally, Ms. Gallant worked with BlueRock’s regulatory team to prepare and secure Investigation New Drug (IND) applications, fast track submissions, and breakthrough and orphan drug designations. Prior to BlueRock, Ms. Gallant served as Executive Director, Clinical Operations at Bioverativ, a Sanofi Genzyme company. During her tenure at Bioverativ, Ms. Gallant was responsible for leading the company’s clinical operations and providing strategic direction for its rare blood disease portfolios across multiple indications from development to commercialization to post market access. Earlier in her career, she held clinical operations and trial manager positions at EMD Serono, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, Genzyme Corporation, and Stryker Biotech. Ms. Gallant holds a B.S. in Medical Biology from the University of New England.

Ms. Gallant stated: "I am excited to join Enveric at a pivotal time for the company as we plan to soon advance EB-373 into the clinic for the treatment of anxiety disorders. I look forward to working with Enveric’s leadership and R&D teams as we seek to transform the lives of patients living with mental illness by developing novel treatments that open new pathways to target impaired neural circuitry, with the overarching goal of improving brain health."

The Company granted restricted stock units ("RSUs") convertible into an aggregate of 10,000 shares to Ms. Gallant, to become employed by the Company as Vice President, effective as of February 22, 2023, as an inducement award outside of the Company’s 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Subject to certain exceptions including change in control or termination of employment, the awarded RSUs shall vest in four equal installments on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant. The grant was approved by the board of directors of the Company and made as an inducement material to Ms. Gallant entering into employment with the Company in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).

About EB-373

Enveric’s lead drug candidate, EB-373, is next generation synthetic psilocybin analogue developed leveraging its Psybrary drug discovery platform. Enveric selected EB-373 from its EVM200 Series targeting novel and innovative treatments for anxiety disorders. In preclinical studies, EB-373 show positive serotonin 5-HT2A receptor stimulation in vivo, based on induction of the characteristic Head Twitch Response (HTR) behavioral marker in healthy mice. And in an animal behavioral model of anxiety, the Marble Burying Test, the compound exhibited anxiolytic benefit in chronically stressed mice.