On April 28, 2016 Aduro Biotech, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADRO) reported the publication of a pivotal paper elucidating the roles of B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and its ligand A PRoliferation-Inducing Ligand (APRIL) in multiple myeloma, highlighting the potential of its proprietary monoclonal antibody (mAb) BION-1301 targeting APRIL (Press release, Aduro BioTech, APR 28, 2016, View Source [SID:1234511546]). Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo! The authors demonstrated through in vivo and in vitro preclinical studies that the APRIL/BCMA ligand/receptor pair drives multiple myeloma tumor growth and survival, and activates immunosuppressive mechanisms that allow the tumor to thrive. Importantly, the studies demonstrated that BION-1301 halts tumor growth and overcomes drug resistance to chemotherapeutic agents lenalidomide and bortezomib in preclinical models.
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The study, entitled "APRIL and BCMA promote human multiple myeloma growth, chemoresistance, and immunosuppression in the bone marrow microenvironment," was published by Kenneth Anderson, M.D. Ph.D., and Yu-Tzu Tai, Ph.D. of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The article appears online ahead of print in the peer-reviewed journal Blood.
"For the first time, we have identified several different molecular mechanisms by which APRIL activates BCMA to promote multiple myeloma progression in vivo," said Dr. Anderson, program director of the Jerome Lipper Multiple Myeloma Center and LeBow Institute for Myeloma Therapeutics at Dana-Farber and Kraft Family Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. "Understanding the mechanism of tumor progression and resistance allowed us to test a novel approach to potentially combat disease advancement by using an anti-APRIL antibody. BION-1301 blocks the APRIL-induced signal cascade at a critical juncture, and represents a new potential mechanism to both achieve disease response and restore immune function, even in patients with myeloma resistant to current therapies."
The researchers also identified a novel and important role for APRIL and BCMA to induce immune suppression in multiple myeloma. They further developed a comprehensive understanding of APRIL as a strong driver of multiple features of tumor development even in the presence of protective bone marrow myeloid cells such as osteoclasts, macrophages, and dendritic cells. In contrast, introducing an anti-APRIL mAb blocked interaction with both BCMA and a second TNF receptor TACI to inhibit multiple myeloma tumor growth, adhesion to bone marrow cells and immune suppression. In addition, the introduction of BION-1301 allowed tumor cells to be susceptible to standard chemotherapy regimens of lenalidomide and bortezomib.
"Current therapies for patients with multiple myeloma have significantly improved patient survival, however a need for new treatments exists as drug resistance develops in the majority of the cases," said Andrea van Elsas, Ph.D., chief scientific officer of Aduro Biotech Europe. "With the recent elucidation of the important role of the tumor microenvironment, we believe that blocking APRIL using our proprietary monoclonal anti-APRIL antibody BION-1301 could allow for a highly targeted immunotherapy approach to treat multiple myeloma, particularly when added to standard of care chemotherapy. Based on these promising preclinical data, we intend to initiate a clinical trial of BION-1301 next year."
About Multiple Myeloma
Lymphocytes (B cells and T cells) are the primary cell types within the immune system that work together to fight infection and disease. As B cells respond to normal infection in the body, they mature and change into plasma cells, which in turn make antibodies that help the body attack infection. While lymphocytes circulate throughout the body, plasma cells remain primarily in the bone marrow. Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that occurs when malignant plasma cells proliferate uncontrollably. Approximately 50,000 new cases of multiple myeloma will be diagnosed in the United States and Europe each year. While many new therapies have become available in recent years, multiple myeloma remains incurable and significant unmet needs exist among patients who relapse following, are resistant to, or cannot tolerate currently available agents.
About APRIL and BION-1301
APRIL is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily and is primarily secreted by bone marrow and/or myeloid cells. APRIL is overproduced in patients with multiple myeloma and binds to BCMA to stimulate a wide variety of responses that promote multiple myeloma growth and suppress the immune system so that the tumor cells are allowed to proliferate. The team at Aduro Biotech Europe, in collaboration with Jan Paul Medema, Ph.D. of the Amsterdam Medical Center, developed BION-1301, a humanized antibody that blocks APRIL from binding to its receptors, using Aduro’s B-select monoclonal antibody platform. In preclinical studies, BION-1301 eliminated malignant cells and reduced resistance to therapy in models of multiple myeloma. In addition to multiple myeloma, APRIL’s role in other cancers and in B cell dependent autoimmune and inflammatory diseases indicate that BION-1301 may also be useful in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia, colorectal cancer and Berger’s disease (caused by IgA antibody lodging in the kidneys).
Author: [email protected]
FDA Grants Advaxis Fast Track Designation for ADXS-HER2 for Patients with Newly-Diagnosed, Non-Metastatic, Surgically-Resectable Osteosarcoma
On April 28, 2016 Advaxis, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADXS), a clinical stage biotechnology company developing cancer immunotherapies, reported that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track Designation for the company’s immunotherapy product candidate ADXS-HER2 for patients with newly-diagnosed, non-metastatic, surgically-resectable osteosarcoma (Press release, Advaxis, APR 28, 2016, View Source [SID:1234511535]). Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo! Advaxis’ investigational immunotherapies, including ADXS-HER2, are designed to capitalize on the body’s ability to recognize and attack bacterial infections. Advaxis’ core technology – Lm Technology – alters a live strain of Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) bacteria to generate cancer fighting T-cells directed against a cancer antigen and neutralizing factors that protect the tumor microenvironment from immunologic attack and contribute to tumor growth.
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The FDA established the Fast Track Drug Development Program under the FDA Modernization Act of 1997. The program is designed to facilitate the development and expedite the review of therapies intended to treat serious or life-threatening conditions and that demonstrate the potential to address unmet medical needs. The advantages of Fast Track designation include actions to expedite development, including opportunities for frequent interactions with the FDA review team to discuss all aspects of development to support approval and eligibility for accelerated approval and priority review depending on clinical data at the time of Biologics License Application (BLA) submission.
"We are pleased that the FDA has granted this important designation for ADXS-HER2," said Daniel O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer of Advaxis. "Currently, there are limited therapeutic treatment options available for this patient population, with no new treatments approved in over 20 years. ADXS-HER2 received orphan drug designation in 2015 from the FDA and EMA for the treatment of osteosarcoma. We believe that with these FDA implemented incentive programs, like Fast Track designation, patients are truly the benefactors."
About ADXS-HER2
ADXS-HER2 is an Lm Technology immunotherapy product candidate being developed by Advaxis to target HER2 expressing cancers. ADXS-HER2 has received orphan drug designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of osteosarcoma. Advaxis is developing ADXS-HER2 for both human and animal health, and has seen encouraging data in canine osteosarcoma, which is considered a model for human osteosarcoma.
Dr. Nicola Mason, PhD, BVetMed, Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, evaluated the immunogenicity, safety, and impact of attenuated, recombinant Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) transformed with a HER2/Neu fusion protein (ADXS-HER2) on survival in 18 dogs with surgically treated osteosarcoma. In the study, 18 dogs received either 2×108, 5×108, 1×109 or 3.3×109 CFU of ADXS–HER2 post-completion of surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy with 15 dogs showing an induced antigen-specific response within 6 months of immunotherapy administration. Additionally, treatment with ADXS-HER2 reduced the incidence of metastatic disease and prolonged survival relative to a historical control group. The median survival time for the ADXS-HER2 treated dogs was 956 days which was significantly longer than the 423 day median survival time of the historical control group (p=0.014, HR 0.33; 95% CI 0.136-0.802).
Advaxis has licensed ADXS-HER2 to Aratana Therapeutics, Inc. for the development of pet therapeutics and expects that the HER2 construct will be conditionally approved in 2016.
About HER2 Expressing Solid Tumor Cancers
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is overexpressed in a percentage of solid tumors such as breast, gastric, bladder, brain, pancreatic, ovarian and pediatric bone cancer (osteosarcoma). The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2015 in the United States alone there will be 231,840 new cases of invasive breast cancer; 24,590 new cases of gastric cancer; 74,000 new cases of bladder cancer; 22,850 new cases of brain/spinal cancer; 48,960 new cases of pancreatic cancer; 21,290 new cases of ovarian cancer; and 207 new cases of pediatric osteosarcoma. HER2 expression is associated with more aggressive disease, increased risk of relapse and decreased overall survival, and is an important target for immunotherapy.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Reports First Quarter Financial Results
On April 28, 2016 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) reported results for the first quarter of 2016, which were highlighted by strong sales for Opdivo, Eliquis and our hepatitis C franchise along with significant regulatory milestones and key data in Immuno-Oncology (Press release, Bristol-Myers Squibb, APR 28, 2016, View Source [SID:1234511529]). Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo! "We had a very good first quarter highlighted by strong sales growth and significant progress in bringing the promise of Immuno-Oncology across multiple types of cancer to patients," said Giovanni Caforio, M.D., chief executive officer, Bristol-Myers Squibb. "The launch of Opdivo continues to accelerate with data in new cancers, additional indications and continued rapid market adoption. By growing our business and advancing our pipeline, we are successfully executing our growth strategy."
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First Quarter
$ amounts in millions, except per share amounts
2016
2015
Change
Total Revenues $4,391 $4,041 9%
GAAP Diluted EPS 0.71 0.71 −
Non-GAAP Diluted EPS 0.74 0.71 4%
FIRST QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS
Bristol-Myers Squibb posted first quarter 2016 revenues of $4.4 billion, an increase of 9% compared to the same period a year ago. Global revenues increased 11% adjusted for foreign exchange impact. Excluding Abilify and Erbitux, global revenues increased 31% or 34% adjusted for foreign exchange impact.
U.S. revenues increased 24% to $2.5 billion in the quarter compared to the same period a year ago. International revenues decreased 7%. When adjusted for foreign exchange impact, international revenues decreased 2%.
Gross margin as a percentage of revenues was 76.0% in the quarter compared to 79.0% in the same period a year ago.
Marketing, selling and administrative expenses increased 4% to $1.1 billion in the quarter.
Research and development expenses increased 12% to $1.1 billion in the quarter.
The effective tax rate was 27.1% in the quarter, compared to 17.2% in the first quarter last year.
The company reported net earnings attributable to Bristol-Myers Squibb of $1.2 billion, or $0.71 per share, in the quarter compared to net earnings of $1.2 billion, or $0.71 per share, a year ago.
The company reported non-GAAP net earnings attributable to Bristol-Myers Squibb of $1.2 billion, or $0.74 per share, in the first quarter, compared to $1.2 billion, or $0.71 per share, for the same period in 2015. An overview of specified items is discussed under the "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information" section.
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $8.0 billion, with a net cash position of $1.3 billion, as of March 31, 2016.
FIRST QUARTER PRODUCT AND PIPELINE UPDATE
Global revenues for the first quarter of 2016, compared to the first quarter of 2015, were driven by Opdivo, which grew by $664 million; Eliquis, which grew by $379 million; Hepatitis C Franchise, which grew 62%; Orencia, which grew 19%; and Sprycel, which grew 9%.
Opdivo
In April, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to Opdivo for the potential indication of recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) after platinum based therapy. The designation is based on results of CheckMate -141, a Phase 3, open-label, randomized trial evaluating Opdivo versus investigator’s choice of therapy in patients with recurrent or metastatic SCCHN with tumor progression within six months of platinum therapies in the adjuvant, primary, recurrent or metastatic setting. This trial was stopped early in January 2016 because an assessment conducted by the independent Data Monitoring Committee concluded that the study met its primary endpoint of overall survival (OS).
In April, the FDA accepted for filing and review a Supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for Opdivo which seeks to expand use to patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) after prior therapies. The application included CheckMate -205 data, which evaluated Opdivo in cHL patients who have received autologous stem cell transplant and brentuximab vedotin.
In April, the European Commission (EC) approved Opdivo monotherapy for locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after prior chemotherapy in adults. The approval expands Opdivo’s existing lung cancer indication in previously treated metastatic squamous NSCLC to include the non-squamous patient population. Opdivo is the only approved PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor to demonstrate superior OS in two separate Phase 3 trials in previously treated metastatic NSCLC, regardless of PD-L1 expression; one trial in squamous NSCLC (CheckMate -017) and the other in non-squamous NSCLC (CheckMate -057), which were the basis of this approval. The approval allows for the expanded marketing of Opdivo in previously treated metastatic NSCLC in all 28 Member States of the European Union.
In April, the EC approved Opdivo monotherapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after prior therapy in adults. Opdivo is the first and only PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor approved in Europe to demonstrate an OS benefit versus a standard of care in this patient population. The approval is based on the results of the Phase 3 study CheckMate -025, which evaluated Opdivo in patients with advanced clear-cell RCC who received prior anti-angiogenic therapy compared to everolimus. This approval allows for the expanded marketing of Opdivo in previously treated advanced RCC in all 28 Member States of the European Union.
In April, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommended the approval of Opdivo in combination with Yervoy for the treatment of advanced (unresectable or metastatic) melanoma in adults. This CHMP recommendation will now be reviewed by the EC, which has the authority to approve medicines for the European Union.
In April, the company announced results from three studies for Opdivo and the Opdivo + Yervoy Regimen:
CheckMate -141: In this Phase 3 open-label, randomized trial, evaluating Opdivo in patients with recurrent or metastatic SCCHN after platinum therapy compared to investigator’s choice of therapy, Opdivo met the primary endpoints and demonstrated statistically significant OS versus three standards of care (cetuximab, docetaxel, or methotrexate). In the trial, patients treated with Opdivo had a one-year survival rate of 36% compared to 16.6% for investigator’s choice, and experienced a 30% reduction in the risk of death. Median OS was 7.5 months for Opdivo compared to 5.1 months for investigator’s choice. The safety profile of Opdivo in CheckMate -141 was consistent with prior studies, with no new safety signals identified.
CheckMate -069: In this Phase 2 trial, which is the first randomized study to evaluate the Opdivo + Yervoy combination regimen in patients with previously untreated advanced melanoma, the combination regimen demonstrated a two-year OS rate of 69% compared to 53% for Yervoy alone in patients with BRAF wild-type advanced melanoma. Similar results were observed in the overall study population, with an OS rate of 64% at two years for the combination regimen compared to 54% for Yervoy alone. A change in tumor burden was also seen with the combination regimen, with a median change of 70% compared to 5% for Yervoy alone. Overall survival was an exploratory endpoint in this trial. The safety profile of the Opdivo + Yervoy combination regimen in this study was consistent with previously reported studies.
CA209-003: In this Phase 1 study, evaluating Opdivo monotherapy in heavily pretreated advanced melanoma, the company reported extended follow-up, including five-year OS rates. This data represents the longest survival follow-up of patients who received an anti-PD-1 therapy in a clinical trial. At five years, Opdivo demonstrated a durable and consistent survival benefit with an OS rate of 34%, with an evident plateau in survival at approximately 4 years. The safety profile of Opdivo in Study 003 was similar to previously reported studies, with no new safety signals identified.
In March, the EMA validated a type II variation application, which seeks to extend the current indications for Opdivo to include the treatment of patients with cHL after prior therapies. The application included data from CheckMate -205, a Phase 2 study which evaluated Opdivo in cHL patients who have received autologous stem cell transplant and brentuximab vedotin. Validation of the application confirms the submission is complete and begins the EMA’s centralized review process.
Empliciti
In January, the company and its partner, AbbVie, Inc., announced the CHMP adopted a positive opinion recommending Empliciti, an investigational immunostimulatory antibody, be granted approval for the treatment of multiple myeloma as combination therapy with Revlimid and dexamethasone in patients who have received at least one prior therapy. The application will now be reviewed by the EC, which has the authority to approve medicines for the European Union. The CHMP positive opinion is based on data from the Phase 3, open-label ELOQUENT-2 study, which evaluated Empliciti in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (ERd) versus lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Rd) alone.
Daklinza
In February, the FDA approved Daklinza, an NS5A replication complex inhibitor, in combination with sofosbuvir (with or without ribavirin) in genotypes 1 and 3. The expanded label includes data in three additional challenging-to-treat patient populations: chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients with HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency virus) coinfection, advanced cirrhosis, or post-liver transplant recurrence of HCV. The Daklinza plus sofosbuvir regimen is also available for the treatment of chronic HCV genotype 3, and is currently the only 12-week, once-daily all-oral treatment option for these patients. The approval is based on data evaluating the Daklinza regimens from the Phase 3 ALLY-1 and ALLY-2 clinical trials.
In February, the company announced results from the first completed all-oral chronic HCV regimen Phase 3 trial that includes a Chinese patient population. In the study, which evaluated Daklinza in combination with asunaprevir for 24 weeks in Asian (non-Japanese) patients with genotype 1b HCV, 91% of patients from China achieved sustained virologic response at post-treatment week 24 (SVR24), which rose to 98% of patients without NS5A resistance-associated variants (RAVs) at baseline. SVR24 results were similarly high across all subgroups with genotype 1b HCV, including those with cirrhosis, and patients from Korea and Taiwan. SVR24 rates were also higher in all patients without baseline NS5A RAVs, regardless of the presence or absence of cirrhosis, and lower in patients with baseline NS5A RAVs. Results were presented at the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver Conference in Tokyo.
In January, the EC approved Daklinza for the treatment of chronic HCV in three new patient populations which provides additional treatment options for multiple HCV patient populations, including difficult-to-treat patients with decompensated cirrhosis. The expanded label allows for the use of Daklinza in combination with sofosbuvir (with or without ribavirin, depending on the indication and HCV genotype) in HCV patients with decompensated cirrhosis, HIV-1 coinfection, and post-liver transplant recurrence of HCV. The approval is based on data from the Phase 3 ALLY-2 and ALLY-2 clinical trials.
Revlimid is a trademark of Celgene Corporation.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
In April, the company acquired Padlock Therapeutics, Inc. (Padlock), a private, Cambridge, Massachusetts-based biotechnology company dedicated to creating new medicines to treat destructive autoimmune diseases. The acquisition gives the company full rights to Padlock’s Protein/Peptidyl Arginine Deiminase (PAD) inhibitor discovery program focused on the development of potentially transformational treatment approaches for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Padlock’s PAD discovery program may have additional utility in treating systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases.
In March, the company entered into an agreement with LabCentral, an innovative, shared laboratory space designed as a launch pad for life-sciences and biotech startup companies, to become a LabCentral platinum sponsor. The company can nominate up to two innovative life-sciences and biotech startup companies per year to take up residence in LabCentral’s Kendall Square facilities.
In February, the company and its partner, Pfizer Inc., announced a collaboration agreement with Portola Pharmaceuticals Inc. to develop and commercialize the investigational agent andexanet alfa in Japan. Andexanet alfa, which is in Phase 3 clinical development in the U.S. and Europe, is designed to reverse the anticoagulant activity of Factor Xa inhibitors, including Eliquis. This agreement builds on the companies’ existing clinical collaboration to develop andexanet alfa in the U.S. and Europe.
In February, the company entered into a research collaboration agreement with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute as part of the Immuno-Oncology Rare Population Malignancy (I-O RPM) program in the U.S. As part of the I-O RPM program, the company and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute will conduct a range of early phase clinical studies and Bristol-Myers Squibb will support the training of young investigators who contribute to the I-O RPM program at Dana-Farber.
In February, the company completed the previously announced sale of its HIV R&D portfolio to ViiV Healthcare. The sale included a number of programs at different stages of discovery, preclinical and clinical development. The agreements with ViiV Healthcare do not impact the company’s marketed HIV medicines, including Reyataz, Evotaz, Sustiva and Atripla.
2016 FINANCIAL GUIDANCE
Bristol-Myers Squibb is increasing its 2016 GAAP EPS guidance range from $2.30 – $2.40 to $2.37 – $2.47. The company is also increasing its non-GAAP EPS guidance range from $2.30 – $2.40 to $2.50 – $2.60. Both GAAP and non-GAAP guidance assume current exchange rates. Key revised 2016 non-GAAP guidance assumptions include:
Worldwide revenues increasing in the low-double digit range.
Marketing, sales and administrative expenses decreasing in the low-single digit range.
Research and development expenses increasing in the low-double digit range.
The financial guidance for 2016 excludes the impact of any potential future strategic acquisitions and divestitures, and any specified items that have not yet been identified and quantified. The non-GAAP 2016 guidance also excludes other specified items as discussed under "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information." Details reconciling adjusted non-GAAP amounts with the amounts reflecting specified items are provided in supplemental materials available on the company’s website.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information
This press release contains non-GAAP financial measures, including non-GAAP earnings and related earnings per share information. These measures are adjusted to exclude certain costs, expenses, significant gains and losses and other specified items. Among the items in GAAP measures but excluded for purposes of determining adjusted earnings and other adjusted measures are: restructuring and other exit costs; accelerated depreciation charges; IPRD and asset impairments; charges and recoveries relating to significant legal proceedings; charges related to licenses and acquisitions of investigational compounds that have not achieved regulatory approval which are immediately expensed; pension charges; and significant tax events. This information is intended to enhance an investor’s overall understanding of the company’s past financial performance and prospects for the future. Non-GAAP financial measures provide the company and its investors with an indication of the company’s baseline performance before items that are considered by the company not to be reflective of the company’s ongoing results. The company uses non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP marketing, selling and administrative expense, non-GAAP research and development expense, and non-GAAP other income and expense measures to set internal budgets, manage costs, allocate resources, and plan and forecast future periods. Non-GAAP effective tax rate measures are primarily used to plan and forecast future periods. Non-GAAP earnings and earnings per share measures are primary indicators the company uses as a basis for evaluating company performance, setting incentive compensation targets, and planning and forecasting of future periods. This information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.
New LTX-315 article published in Cell Death and Differentiation
On April 27, 2016 Lytix Biopharma reported that a new LTX-315 article was published in Cell Death and Differentiation (Press release, Lytix Biopharma, APR 27, 2016, View Source [SID:1234514844]).
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Title: The oncolytic peptide LTX-315 overcomes resistance of cancers to immunotherapy with CTLA4 checkpoint blockade
Authors: T Yamazaki, JM Pitt, M Vétizou, A Marabelle, C Flores, Ø Rekdal, G Kroemer and L Zitvogel
This preclinical study further provides strong rationale for combining LTX-315 with checkpoint inhibitor anti CTLA4.
Vertex Reports First Quarter 2016 Financial Results
On April 27, 2016 Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: VRTX) reported consolidated financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 and provided an update on its approved CF medicines and other investigational medicines (Press release, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, APR 27, 2016, View Source [SID:1234511503]). Vertex also provided financial guidance for 2016 ORKAMBI net revenues and increased its prior guidance for 2016 KALYDECO net revenues. Key financial results include:
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Three Months Ended March 31,
2016 2015 % Change
(in millions, except per share and percentage data)
ORKAMBI product revenues, net $ 223 $ — N/A
KALYDECO product revenues, net $
171
$
130
31%
TOTAL CF product revenues, net $
394
$
130
202%
GAAP net loss $ (42 ) $ (199 ) (79)%
GAAP net loss per share $ (0.17 ) $ (0.83 ) (80)%
Non-GAAP net income (loss) $ 22 $ (148 ) N/A
Non-GAAP net income (loss) per share $ 0.09 $ (0.62 ) N/A
"2016 marks an important transition for Vertex following the launch of ORKAMBI. With recent approvals and label expansions, there are now approximately 27,000 people with CF eligible to take ORKAMBI or KALYDECO. The number of CF patients eligible for and initiating treatment is driving significant revenue growth for a second straight year, and we expect this trend to continue in 2017 and beyond," said Jeffrey Leiden, M.D., Ph.D., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vertex. "In addition, we believe our portfolio of approved and pipeline medicines has the potential to treat the vast majority of people with CF. We remain focused on investing to create transformative future medicines and generating continued earnings growth in the years ahead."
CF Medicines and Pipeline Update
Vertex today provided the following updates for ORKAMBI, KALYDECO and the company’s progress toward developing new medicines with the goal of treating all people with CF:
ORKAMBI
Additional Regulatory Approvals Support Expansion Efforts: During the first quarter of 2016, Vertex received regulatory approval for ORKAMBI for the treatment of people with CF ages 12 and older who have two copies of the F508del mutation in Canada and Australia, where together there are approximately 2,500 people who are eligible for treatment with ORKAMBI. Vertex has now begun the reimbursement approval process in these countries.
Supplemental New Drug Application in Children Ages 6 to 11: In late March 2016, Vertex submitted a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) to the FDA for the approval of ORKAMBI for treatment of children with CF ages 6 to 11 who have two copies of the F508del mutation. The submission included a request for Priority Review, which if granted would shorten the FDA’s anticipated review time from 10 to six months. There are approximately 2,400 children ages 6 to 11 who have two copies of the F508del mutation in the U.S.
Vertex has submitted data from an open label Phase 3 clinical safety study of ORKAMBI in children ages 6 to 11 who have two copies of the F508del mutation for presentation at the 39th European Cystic Fibrosis Society Conference (ECFS), June 8 – 11 in Basel, Switzerland.
Enrollment Complete in Phase 3 Study of Children Ages 6 to 11: Vertex has completed enrollment in a six-month Phase 3 efficacy study evaluating ORKAMBI in approximately 200 children ages 6 to 11 who have two copies of the F508del mutation. Pending data from the study, Vertex plans to submit a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) variation in Europe in the first half of 2017 for approval of ORKAMBI for use in this age group. There are approximately 3,400 children ages 6 to 11 who have two copies of the F508del mutation in the European Union.
KALYDECO
Study in Children Under Two Years of Age: Vertex has initiated a Phase 3 clinical study of KALYDECO in children under 2 years of age to evaluate the effect of KALYDECO on markers of CF in young children. The study will utilize a weight-based dose of KALYDECO granules that can be mixed in soft foods or liquids. The study will enroll infants with one of the 10 mutations for which KALYDECO is currently approved.
Regulatory Filing for Patients with Residual Function Mutations: In October 2015, Vertex submitted an sNDA for approval of KALYDECO for treatment of people with CF ages 2 and older who have one of 23 residual function mutations. The company is in ongoing discussions with the FDA regarding a Complete Response Letter it received in February 2016. There are approximately 1,500 people ages 2 and older in the U.S. who have one of the 23 residual function mutations included in the sNDA.
Pipeline of Investigational Medicines for CF
VX-661 – Broad Phase 3 program ongoing in multiple groups of people with CF
Vertex provided the following updates on the Phase 3 studies of the investigational combination of VX-661 and ivacaftor in multiple different groups of people with CF who have at least one copy of the F508del mutation:
Enrollment in the study in people with two copies of the F508del mutation is expected to be complete in mid-2016, and data from this Phase 3 study are expected in early 2017.
Enrollment is ongoing in the Phase 3 study of VX-661 in combination with ivacaftor in patients with one copy of the F508del mutation and a second mutation that results in a gating defect. Vertex plans to complete enrollment of this study in late 2016 or early 2017.
Vertex has revised its enrollment target for the Phase 3 study of VX-661 in combination with ivacaftor in patients with one copy of the F508del mutation and a second mutation that results in residual CFTR function. The original expectation was for up to 300 patients to enroll in this study. Vertex now plans to enroll approximately 200 patients. Enrollment is expected to be complete in the second half of 2016.
Enrollment is complete in Part A of the study in people with one copy of the F508del mutation and a second mutation that results in minimal CFTR function. An interim futility analysis of efficacy data from Part A of this study is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2016.
In addition to evaluating the efficacy of the combination regimen, these Phase 3 studies will also provide safety data on the combination of VX-661 and ivacaftor to support the planned development of a triple combination regimen that includes a next-generation corrector in combination with VX-661 and ivacaftor.
VX-371 – Enrollment ongoing in Phase 2 study of VX-371 in combination with ORKAMBI
Vertex reported data from an exploratory Phase 2, 14-day study of its inhaled epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) inhibitor, VX-371 (P-1037), being developed in collaboration with Parion Sciences. The study dosed 142 people ages 12 and older with a confirmed diagnosis of CF. There was no restriction based on CFTR mutation. 136 people completed the study. Patients were not using any CFTR modulator therapy immediately before or during the study. The primary endpoint of the study was safety compared to placebo. Secondary endpoints evaluated the effect on mean absolute forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and patient-reported respiratory symptoms as reported in the CF questionnaire-revised (CFQ-R). The study met its primary safety endpoint, and safety data from the study showed that VX-371 was generally well tolerated. There were no statistically significant changes in FEV1 or CFQ-R for those who received VX-371.
The clinical safety data announced today provide support for the company’s ongoing placebo-controlled Phase 2a study evaluating VX-371 in combination with ORKAMBI, both with and without the addition of hypertonic saline. This study is expected to enroll approximately 150 people with CF ages 12 and older who have two copies of the F508del mutation. The primary endpoints of the Phase 2a study are safety and mean absolute change from baseline in FEV1 at day 28 compared to placebo.
In vitro, VX-371 showed a meaningful change in cilia beat frequency when VX-371 was used in combination with ORKAMBI in human bronchial epithelial cells with two copies of the F508del mutation, but did not show a meaningful change in cilia beat frequency when VX-371 was used alone.
Next-Generation Correctors – Phase 1 studies in healthy volunteers progressing as planned
In the fourth quarter of 2015, Vertex initiated clinical development of two next-generation correctors known as VX-152 and VX-440. Both VX-152 and VX-440 are being evaluated alone and as part of a triple combination with VX-661 and ivacaftor in ongoing Phase 1 studies in healthy volunteers.
Pending successful completion of the Phase 1 studies of VX-152 and VX-440, the company expects to begin Phase 2 proof-of-concept studies in combination with VX-661 and ivacaftor in the second half of 2016.
CRISPR Collaboration – Gene editing collaboration focused on discovering potential treatments to address the mutations and genes known to cause and contribute to CF
In October 2015, Vertex entered into a strategic research collaboration with CRISPR Therapeutics focused on the use of CRISPR’s gene editing technology, known as CRISPR-Cas9, to discover and develop potential new treatments aimed at the underlying genetic causes of human disease. The collaboration will evaluate the use of CRISPR-Cas9 across multiple diseases where targets have been validated through human genetics. As part of the collaboration, Vertex and CRISPR will evaluate the use of CRISPR-Cas9 to potentially correct the mutations in the CFTR gene known to result in the defective protein that causes CF and to edit other genes that contribute to the disease.
Other Research and Development Programs
Beyond CF, Vertex is advancing research and development programs focused on the treatment of key mechanisms in serious diseases. The company today provided the following updates to its pipeline programs:
Oncology
VX-970: VX-970 is an inhibitor of ATR, a critical regulator of the DNA damage repair system. Vertex presented data from a Phase 1 trial of VX-970 in combination with cisplatin in patients with advanced solid tumors at the Annual Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) meeting on April 17, 2016.
Vertex is currently conducting two Phase 1/2 studies that are enrolling specific cohorts of triple-negative breast cancer patients and non-small cell lung cancer patients. In these studies, VX-970 is being dosed in combination with commonly used DNA-damaging repair therapies.
Vertex has also entered into two cooperative research and development agreements (CRADAs) with the National Cancer Institute to support evaluation of VX-970 across other types of cancers. The CRADA enables NCI to conduct multiple clinical studies that will evaluate treatment with VX-970 in people with small cell lung, head and neck, bladder, ovarian and other cancers.
Pain
VX-150: Vertex is developing VX-150 as a potential medicine for the treatment of pain. VX-150 is designed to block pain signaling through inhibition of a sodium channel known as NaV 1.8. In the first quarter of 2016, Vertex initiated a six-week crossover Phase 2 proof-of-concept study of VX-150 in approximately 100 people with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee. Vertex expects to complete enrollment of this study in the second half of 2016.
Acute Spinal Cord Injury
VX-210: In the first quarter of 2016, Vertex initiated a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled Phase 2b/3 study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of VX-210 in patients with certain acute cervical spinal cord injuries. Vertex is developing VX-210 as a potential medicine for acute spinal cord injury. VX-210 is designed to inhibit a protein known as Rho that blocks neural regeneration after injury.
First Quarter 2016 Financial Highlights
Revenues:
Net product revenues from ORKAMBI were $223.1 million. ORKAMBI was launched in the U.S. in July 2015.
Net product revenues from KALYDECO were $170.5 million, compared to $130.2 million for the first quarter of 2015.
Expenses:
Non-GAAP research and development (R&D) expenses were $222.0 million compared to $177.2 million for the first quarter of 2015. The increase was primarily driven by increased investment to progress our portfolio of CF medicines. GAAP R&D expenses, including stock-based compensation expense, were $255.9 million compared to $215.6 million for the first quarter of 2015.
Non-GAAP sales, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $83.7 million compared to $69.1 million for the first quarter of 2015. The increase was primarily driven by increased investment to support the global launch of ORKAMBI. GAAP SG&A expenses, including stock-based compensation expense, were $105.2 million compared to $85.9 million for the first quarter of 2015.
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Vertex:
Non-GAAP net income was $22.4 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, compared to a non-GAAP net loss of $148.4 million, or $0.62 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2015. The GAAP net loss, including stock-based compensation expense, was $41.6 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, compared to Vertex’s GAAP net loss of $198.6 million, or $0.83 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2015.
Cash Position:
As of March 31, 2016, Vertex had $1.03 billion in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities compared to $1.04 billion in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of December 31, 2015.
As of March 31, 2016, Vertex had $300 million outstanding from a credit agreement, repayable by the end of the third quarter of 2017. The agreement allows for the facility to increase to up to $500 million.
2016 Financial Guidance:
Vertex today provided 2016 revenue guidance for ORKAMBI and increased 2016 revenue guidance for KALYDECO. The company also reiterated guidance for its 2016 combined non-GAAP R&D and SG&A expenses. The guidance is summarized below:
ORKAMBI: The company anticipates total 2016 product revenues for ORKAMBI of $1.0 to $1.1 billion. This guidance is based on the company’s understanding of treatment patterns from the launch of ORKAMBI to date, including:
Uptake: Approximately 65% of the 8,500 eligible patients in the U.S. have initiated treatment as of March 31, 2016. Vertex continues to expect the vast majority of eligible patients ages 12 and older in the U.S. will initiate treatment by the end of 2016.
Persistence: Of the patients who have started on treatment, approximately 15% discontinued treatment within the first three months of initiation. The company projects that the proportion of all patients who initiate and remain on treatment will stabilize at approximately 70% to 80%.
Compliance: The overall compliance rate, which reflects the number of pills actually taken by a patient in a given month, is expected to be between 70% to 80%.
2016 ORKAMBI guidance also reflects potential revenues from the anticipated approval of ORKAMBI in the U.S. for the treatment of people ages 6 to 11 who have two copies of the F508del mutation in the second half of 2016 and revenues from sales of ORKAMBI outside the U.S., primarily in Germany.
KALYDECO: Vertex today increased its guidance for 2016 revenues of KALYDECO. The company now expects product revenues of $685 to $705 million. The prior range, provided on January 10, 2016, was for KALYDECO product revenues of $670 to $690 million for 2016.
The change in KALYDECO guidance reflects:
A continued increase in the number of patients initiating treatment with KALYDECO globally
A reduced impact from the VX-661 Phase 3 program
2016 guidance for KALYDECO currently excludes any revenues related to the potential approval of KALYDECO for people in the U.S. who have residual function mutations.
Operating Expenses, Excluding Cost of Revenues (Combined Non-GAAP R&D and SG&A Expenses): Vertex continues to expect that its combined non-GAAP R&D and SG&A expenses in 2016 will be in the range of $1.18 to $1.23 billion. Vertex’s expected non-GAAP R&D and SG&A expenses exclude stock-based compensation expense and certain other expenses.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In this press release, Vertex’s financial results and financial guidance are provided in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) and using certain non-GAAP financial measures. In particular, non-GAAP financial results exclude stock-based compensation expense, costs and credits related to the relocation of the company’s corporate headquarters and hepatitis C-related revenues and costs and other adjustments. These results are provided as a complement to results provided in accordance with GAAP because management believes these non-GAAP financial measures help indicate underlying trends in the company’s business, are important in comparing current results with prior period results and provide additional information regarding the company’s financial position. Management also uses these non-GAAP financial measures to establish budgets and operational goals that are communicated internally and externally and to manage the company’s business and to evaluate its performance. A reconciliation of the GAAP financial results to non-GAAP financial results is included in the attached financial information.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
First Quarter Results
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2016 2015
Revenues:
Product revenues, net $ 394,410 $ 130,875
Royalty revenues 3,596 6,792
Collaborative revenues 74 842
Total revenues 398,080 138,509
Costs and expenses:
Cost of product revenues (Note 1) 49,789 9,381
Royalty expenses 860 2,926
Research and development expenses 255,860 215,599
Sales, general and administrative expenses 105,214 85,860
Restructuring expenses (income) 687 (3,272 )
Total costs and expenses 412,410 310,494
Loss from operations (14,330 ) (171,985 )
Interest expense, net (20,698 ) (21,307 )
Other income (expenses), net 4,411 (5,113 )
Loss from operations before provision for income taxes (30,617 ) (198,405 )
Provision for income taxes 5,485 299
Net loss (36,102 ) (198,704 )
(Income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (5,529 ) 98
Net loss attributable to Vertex $ (41,631 ) $ (198,606 )
Amounts per share attributable to Vertex common shareholders:
Net loss:
Basic and diluted $ (0.17 ) $ (0.83 )
Shares used in per share calculations:
Basic and diluted 243,831 239,493
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Net Income/(Loss)
First Quarter Results
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2016 2015
GAAP loss attributable to Vertex $ (41,631 ) $ (198,606 )
Stock-based compensation expense 55,472 57,384
Real estate restructuring costs and income (Note 2) 436 (3,567 )
HCV related revenues and costs (Note 3) (1,436 ) (4,469 )
Other adjustments (Notes 4 and 5) 9,581 882
Non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to Vertex $ 22,422 $ (148,376 )
Amounts per diluted share attributable to Vertex common shareholders:
GAAP $ (0.17 ) $ (0.83 )
Non-GAAP $ 0.09 $ (0.62 )
Shares used in diluted per share calculations:
GAAP 243,831 239,493
Non-GAAP 246,680 239,493
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Revenues and Expenses
First Quarter Results
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2016 2015
GAAP total revenues $ 398,080 $ 138,509
HCV related revenues (Note 3) (851 ) (2,869 )
Other adjustments (Note 4) (74 ) (200 )
Non-GAAP total revenues $ 397,155 $ 135,440
Three Months Ended March 31,
2016 2015
GAAP cost of product revenues and royalty expenses $ 50,649 $ 12,307
HCV related costs (Note 3) (139 ) (1,596 )
Non-GAAP cost of product revenues and royalty expenses $ 50,510 $ 10,711
GAAP research and development expenses $ 255,860 $ 215,599
Stock-based compensation expense (34,448 ) (38,217 )
HCV related costs (Note 3) 826 488
Other adjustments (Note 4) (192 ) (696 )
Non-GAAP research and development expenses $ 222,046 $ 177,174
GAAP sales, general and administrative expenses $ 105,214 $ 85,860
Stock-based compensation expense (21,024 ) (19,167 )
HCV related costs (Note 3) 32 2,904
Other adjustments (Note 4) (543 ) (448 )
Non-GAAP sales, general and administrative expenses $ 83,679 $ 69,149
Combined non-GAAP R&D and SG&A expenses $ 305,725 $ 246,323
Three Months Ended March 31,
2016 2015
GAAP interest expense, net and other expense, net $ (16,287 ) $ (26,420 )
Other adjustments (Note 4) 211 —
Non-GAAP interest expense, net and other expense, net $ (16,076 ) $ (26,420 )
GAAP provision for income taxes $ 5,485 $ 299
Other adjustments (Note 4) (3,063 ) 63
Non-GAAP provision for income taxes $ 2,422 $ 362
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Data
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015
Assets
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities $ 1,025,618 $ 1,042,462
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (VIE) (Note 5) 76,273 78,910
Accounts receivable, net 181,878 177,639
Inventories 63,200 57,207
Property and equipment, net 690,521 697,715
Intangible assets and goodwill 334,724 334,724
Other assets 115,692 109,930
Total assets $ 2,487,906 $ 2,498,587
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Other liabilities $ 397,379 $ 426,482
Deferred tax liability 112,259 110,439
Accrued restructuring expense 13,935 15,358
Deferred revenues 23,195 26,010
Capital leases 56,178 58,468
Fan Pier lease obligation 472,940 473,043
Senior secured term loan 295,822 295,159
Shareholders’ equity 1,116,198 1,093,628
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,487,906 $ 2,498,587
Common shares outstanding 247,287 246,307
Note 1 : Cost of product revenues includes the second and final $13.9 million commercial milestone that was earned by CFFT in the first quarter of 2016 related to sales of ORKAMBI.
Note 2: The company excludes from its non-GAAP income (loss) attributable to Vertex restructuring expense (income). In the three months ended March 31, 2016, "Real estate restructuring costs and income" consisted of restructuring charges, related to the company’s relocation from Cambridge to Boston, Massachusetts. In the three months ended March 31, 2015, "Real estate restructuring costs and income" consisted of restructuring credits of $3.6 million primarily related to the company’s relocation from Cambridge to Boston, Massachusetts.
Note 3: In the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, "HCV related revenues and costs" included net product revenues from Incivek, royalty revenues from Incivo, HCV collaborative revenues and operating costs and expenses related to HCV. The Company withdrew Incivek from the market in the United States in 2014.
Note 4: In the three months ended March 31, 2016, "Other adjustments" was primarily attributable to changes in the fair value of contingent milestone payments and royalties payable by Vertex to two variable interest entities ("VIEs"). In the three months ended March 31, 2015, "Other adjustments" was primarily attributable to development costs associated with VX-509.
Note 5: The company consolidates the financial statements of two of its collaborators as VIEs as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. These VIEs are consolidated because Vertex has licensed the rights to develop the company’s collaborators’ most significant intellectual property assets. The company’s interest and obligations with respect to these VIEs’ assets and liabilities are limited to those accorded to the company in its collaboration agreements with these collaborators. Restricted cash and cash equivalents (VIE) reflects the VIEs’ cash and cash equivalents, which Vertex does not have any interest in and which will not be used to fund the collaboration. Each reporting period Vertex estimates the fair value of the contingent milestone payments and royalties payable by Vertex to these collaborators. Any increase in the fair value of these contingent milestone and royalty payments results in a decrease in net income attributable to Vertex (or an increase in net loss attributable to Vertex) on a dollar-for-dollar basis. The fair value of contingent milestone and royalty payments is evaluated each quarter and any change in the fair value is reflected in the company’s statement of operations.
U.S. INDICATION AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR ORKAMBI (lumacaftor/ivacaftor) TABLETS
ORKAMBI is a combination of lumacaftor and ivacaftor indicated for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) in patients age 12 years and older who are homozygous for the F508del mutation in the CFTR gene. The efficacy and safety of ORKAMBI have not been established in patients with CF other than those homozygous for the F508del mutation.
Worsening of liver function, including hepatic encephalopathy, in patients with advanced liver disease has been reported in some patients with CF while receiving ORKAMBI.
Serious adverse reactions related to elevated transaminases have been reported in patients with CF receiving ORKAMBI and, in some instances, associated with concomitant elevations in total serum bilirubin.
Respiratory events (e.g., chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and chest tightness) were observed more commonly in patients during initiation of ORKAMBI compared to those who received placebo. Clinical experience in patients with percent predicted FEV1 < 40 is limited, and additional monitoring of these patients is recommended during initiation of therapy.
Co-administration of ORKAMBI with sensitive CYP3A substrates or CYP3A substrates with a narrow therapeutic index is not recommended as ORKAMBI may reduce their effectiveness. ORKAMBI may substantially decrease hormonal contraceptive exposure, reducing their effectiveness and increasing the incidence of menstruation-associated adverse reactions. Co-administration with strong CYP3A inducers is not recommended as they may reduce the therapeutic effectiveness of ORKAMBI.
Abnormalities of the eye lens (cataracts) have been reported in pediatric patients treated with ivacaftor, a component of ORKAMBI.
The most common adverse reactions associated with ORKAMBI include shortness of breath, sore throat, nausea, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, fatigue, chest tightness, increased blood creatinine phosphokinase, rash, flatulence, runny nose, and influenza.
Please see the full prescribing information for ORKAMBI.
U.S. INDICATION AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR KALYDECO (ivacaftor)
KALYDECO is a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulatory (CFTR) potentiator indicated for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) in patients age 2 years and older who have one of the following mutations in the CFTR gene: G551D, G1244E, G1349D, G178R, G551S, S1251N, S1255P, S549N, S549R or R117H.
KALYDECO is not effective in patients with CF with 2 copies of the F508del mutation (F508del/F508del) in the CFTR gene. The safety and efficacy of KALYDECO in children with CF younger than 2 years of age have not been studied. The use of KALYDECO in children under the age of 2 years is not recommended.
High liver enzymes (transaminases; ALT and AST) have been reported in patients with CF receiving KALYDECO.
Use of KALYDECO with medicines that are strong CYP3A inducers substantially decreases exposure of KALYDECO and may diminish effectiveness. Therefore, co-administration is not recommended. The dose of KALYDECO must be adjusted when used concomitantly with strong and moderate CYP3A inhibitors or when used in patients with moderate or severe hepatic disease.
Cases of non-congenital lens opacities/cataracts have been reported in pediatric patients treated with KALYDECO.
The most common side effects associated with KALYDECO include headache; upper respiratory tract infection (common cold), including sore throat, nasal or sinus congestion, and runny nose; stomach (abdominal) pain; diarrhea; rash; nausea; and dizziness.
Please see the full prescribing information for KALYDECO.