On November 9, 2016 SciClone Pharmaceuticals, reported financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 (Filing, 8-K, SciClone Pharmaceuticals, NOV 9, 2016, View Source [SID1234516725]).

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Revenues: In the third quarter of 2016, SciClone reported revenues of $40.5 million, compared to $42.9 million for the same period in 2015.
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GAAP Diluted EPS: In the third quarter of 2016, SciClone reported GAAP diluted net income per share of $0.19, compared to GAAP diluted net income per share of $0.23 for the same period in 2015.
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Non-GAAP Diluted EPS: In the third quarter of 2016, SciClone reported non-GAAP diluted net income per share of $0.24, compared to $0.26 for the same period in 2015.

Revenues in the third quarter of 2016 were $40.5 million, a $2.4 million or 6% decrease, compared to $42.9 million for the same period in 2015. The decrease in revenue in the third quarter 2016 compared to the same period last year included $1.0 million in revenue related to initial sales of DC Bead recorded in the third quarter of 2015. ZADAXIN revenues were $37.8 million in the third quarter of 2016, a $1.4 million or 3% decrease, compared to $39.2 million for the same period in 2015. The 3% decrease in ZADAXIN revenues for the third quarter of 2016 compared to the same period last year includes a 15% revenue decrease (9% of which was due to a price decrease for ZADAXIN and 6% of which was due to the effects of foreign exchange), partially offset by a 12% increase in ZADAXIN volume sales compared to the same period last year. An agreement with the Company’s exclusive China importer and tier 1 distributer implemented on January 1, 2016, affects a portion of the price decrease which impacts the timing of when SciClone recognizes revenue from sales, but this does not materially impact the total amount of revenue recognized on an annual basis. In the third quarter 2016, ZADAXIN volume sales increased by 12% compared to the same period last year. Promotion services revenues were $1.1 million for the third quarter of 2016, a $0.2 million or 22% increase, compared to $0.9 million in the same period in 2015, reflecting continued strong growth in the Company’s oncology portfolio. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, revenues were $116.0 million, compared to $114.4 million for the same period last year.

On a GAAP basis, SciClone reported net income in the third quarter of 2016 of $10.1 million, or $0.20 and $0.19 per share on a basic and diluted basis, respectively, compared to net income of $12.0

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million, or $0.24 and $0.23 per share on a basic and diluted basis, respectively, for the same period in 2015. SciClone’s net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $24.3 million, compared with net income of $16.9 million for the same period in the prior year, or $0.49 and $0.46 per share on a basic and diluted basis, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared with $0.34 and $0.32 per share on a basic and diluted basis, respectively, for the same period in 2015.

SciClone’s non-GAAP net income in the third quarter of 2016 was $12.7 million, or $0.25 and $0.24 per share on a basic and diluted basis, respectively, compared with non-GAAP net income of $13.4 million, or $0.27 and $0.26 per share on a basic and diluted basis, respectively, for the same period last year. SciClone’s non-GAAP net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $33.1 million, compared with non-GAAP net income of $36.7 million for the same period in the prior year, or $0.66 and $0.63 per share on a basic and diluted basis, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared with non-GAAP net income of $0.73 and $0.70 per share on a basic and diluted basis, respectively, for the same period in 2015.

Friedhelm Blobel, PhD, SciClone’s Chief Executive Officer, commented: "We are pleased with our performance in the third quarter and year to date, which is in line with our expectations and reflects the value and continued growth potential of our core business, led by ZADAXIN. ZADAXIN continues to significantly out-perform the growth rate of the China pharmaceuticals market, with double-digit volume growth. The decrease in revenue was in line with our expectations, and predominantly reflects a stabilizing overall growth rate of China’s pharmaceuticals market, in the range of 6%-9%, and pricing pressure at the provincial level. We continue to expect that pricing pressures on revenue in 2016 will be offset, at least in significant part, through sharing of the burden with our China distributor and through our strategies to increase volume. Moreover, we are pleased with the continuing strong cash generation of our business.

"ZADAXIN continues to have significant growth potential as a differentiated, high quality, Western-manufactured brand, and the thymalfasin marketplace demand remains strong. We achieved a major milestone with the initiation and dosing of the first patient in our investigator-initiated clinical trial in sepsis, a major unmet medical need and growth opportunity for ZADAXIN.

"We made considerable progress in advancing our development portfolio. During the third quarter, we announced a regional licensing agreement with Soligenix, Inc, for SGX942, a novel first-in-class therapy being developed for oral mucositis. We also announced that the first patient had been dosed in the Phase 1 proof-of-concept trial of PT-112 in Taiwan, a novel anticancer agent in-licensed from Phosplatin Therapeutics. SGX942 and PT-112 are valuable additions to our development portfolio, offering opportunities to participate in the Chinese Class 1 regulatory pathway including local manufacturing, and with the potential to meaningfully expand our oncology business in China and adjacent markets for the future.

"The healthcare reform movement in China continues to offer opportunities for SciClone to grow our marketed product portfolio and to advance our development pipeline of high quality, differentiated medicines. We remain confident about our prospects for near-term growth and maximizing long-term value creation."

For the third quarter of 2016, sales and marketing (S&M) expenses were $13.3 million, compared with $15.1 million for the same period in 2015. The decrease in S&M for the third quarter of 2016,

2

compared to the same period in 2015, is primarily related to decreases in sales and marketing events and lower DC Bead-related launch costs. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, S&M expenses were $40.1 million, compared with $39.7 million, for the same period last year.

For the third quarter of 2016, research and development (R&D) expenses were $3.3 million, compared with $1.0 million of R&D expenses for the same period of 2015. For the third quarter of 2016 and 2015, we recorded $0.3 million and zero, respectively, related to in-license arrangements with certain licensees and $2.8 million and $1.0 million, respectively, related to R&D expenses for clinical and preclinical R&D activities with certain licensees. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, R&D expenses were $9.5 million, compared with $8.7 million, for the same period last year.

For the third quarter of 2016, general and administrative (G&A) expenses were $7.9 million, compared with $7.3 million for the same period in 2015. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, G&A expenses were $23.5 million, compared with $20.8 million for the same period last year. G&A was higher for both the third quarter and nine-month periods of 2016, compared to the same periods of 2015, related to legal costs in connection with the Company’s ongoing strategic review and stock-based compensation expenses.

For the third quarter of 2016, SciClone’s income tax expense was $1.1 million, compared with $0.6 million for the same period in 2015. Income tax expense was lower in the third quarter of 2015 related to the restructuring of the Company’s China business. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, income tax expense was $2.6 million, compared with $0.6 million, for the same period last year, and included a $1.3 million uncertain tax provision for our China operations from 2013 to 2015.

As of September 30, 2016, cash and cash equivalents totaled $130.1 million, compared to $101.4 million as of December 31, 2015, excluding the $12.8 million of restricted cash held in escrow as of December 31, 2015 for the SEC settlement which was released and paid in February 2016.

SciClone has presented non-GAAP information above as the Company believes this non-GAAP information is useful for investors, taken in conjunction with SciClone’s GAAP financial statements, because management uses such information internally for its operating, budgeting and financial planning purposes. Non-GAAP information is not prepared under a comprehensive set of accounting rules and should only be used to supplement an understanding of SciClone’s operating results as reported under GAAP. The non-GAAP calculations and reconciliation are provided in the accompanying table titled "Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Net Income" except that for the non-GAAP EPS referenced in "2016 Non-GAAP Earnings Guidance Revised Upward" below, the Company is unable to provide a quantitative reconciliation of its forward-looking estimate of non-GAAP EPS to a forward-looking estimate of GAAP EPS because certain information needed to make a reasonable forward-looking estimate of GAAP EPS for the full fiscal year 2016 is difficult to predict and estimate and is often dependent on future events which may be uncertain or outside of the Company’s control, for example, milestone payments.

2016 Non-GAAP Earnings Guidance Revised Upward

Based on the continued volume growth of ZADAXIN and implementation of effective operating cost controls, SciClone is revising upwards its projected non-GAAP earnings per share on a fully diluted basis to be in the range of $0.78 to $0.82, up from the previously expected range of $0.70 to $0.74 for

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the year. The Company continues to project its 2016 revenue to be in the range of $158 million to $163 million.

The Company’s outlook for 2016 continues to be influenced by several factors, including the overall growth rate of the China pharmaceuticals market, anticipated pricing pressure at the provincial level and higher R&D expenses as it continues to advance its pipeline products toward commercialization. The Company further expects that pricing pressures on revenue in 2016 will be offset, at least in significant part, through sharing of the burden with its China distributors and potentially through volume increases.


On November 9, 2016 Puma Biotechnology, Inc. (NYSE: PBYI), a biopharmaceutical company, reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2016 (Press release, Puma Biotechnology, NOV 9, 2016, View Source [SID1234516720]).

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Unless otherwise stated, all comparisons are for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2015.

Based on accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP), Puma reported a net loss applicable to common stock of $65.8 million, or $2.02 per share, for the third quarter of 2016, compared to a net loss of $60.4 million, or $1.87 per share, for the third quarter of 2015. Net loss applicable to common stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $203.4 million, or $6.26 per share, compared to $177.6 million, or $5.55 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

Non-GAAP adjusted net loss was $36.0 million, or $1.11 per share, for the third quarter of 2016, compared to non-GAAP adjusted net loss of $35.5 million, or $1.10 per share, for the third quarter of 2015. Non-GAAP adjusted net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $115.4 million, or $3.55 per share, compared to $104.3 million, or $3.26 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Non-GAAP adjusted net loss excludes stock-based compensation expense, which represents a significant portion of overall expense and has no impact on the cash position of the Company. For a reconciliation of GAAP net loss to non-GAAP adjusted net loss and GAAP net loss per share to non-GAAP adjusted net loss per share, please see the financial tables at the end of this news release.

Net cash used in operating activities for the third quarter of 2016 was $34.9 million. Net cash used in operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $100.7 million. At September 30, 2016, Puma had cash and cash equivalents of $52.5 million and marketable securities of $56.4 million, compared to cash and cash equivalents of $31.6 million and marketable securities of $184.3 million at December 31, 2015. The Company’s balance of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities at the end of the quarter does not include the net proceeds of approximately $162 million received from the Company’s public offering in October 2016.

"During the third quarter, we achieved several key milestones, including the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) validation of the Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for neratinib as an extended adjuvant treatment of HER2-positive early stage breast cancer in Europe, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) acceptance of the New Drug Application (NDA) for neratinib as an extended adjuvant treatment for patients with early stage HER2-overexpressed/amplified breast cancer who have received prior adjuvant trastuzumab (Herceptin)-based therapy," said Alan H. Auerbach, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Puma.

"We anticipate a number of additional milestones through the end of 2016 and first half of 2017," Mr. Auerbach added. "These include: (i) reporting additional data in the fourth quarter of 2016 from the Phase II trial of neratinib as an extended adjuvant treatment in HER2-positive early stage breast cancer using loperamide and budesonide prophylaxis; (ii) reporting additional Phase II data in the fourth quarter of 2016 from the FB-7 neoadjuvant HER2-positive breast cancer trial in the subgroup of patients who are MammaPrint High; (iii) reporting data in the fourth quarter of 2016 from the Phase II trial of neratinib plus fulvestrant in patients with HER2 non-amplified breast cancer that has a HER2 mutation; (iv) reporting data in the first half of 2017 from the Phase III trial of neratinib in third-line HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer patients; and (v) reporting data during the first half of 2017 from the Phase II trial of neratinib in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer patients with brain metastases."

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses were $66.0 million for the third quarter of 2016, compared to $60.7 million for the third quarter of 2015. Operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were $203.7 million, compared to $178.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

General and Administrative Expenses:

General and administrative expenses were $14.0 million for the third quarter of 2016, compared to $8.8 million for the third quarter of 2015. General and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were $37.3 million, compared to $22.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The increase of approximately $15.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 resulted primarily from increases of approximately $7.5 million in stock-based compensation, $1.9 million in payroll and related costs, $3.7 million in professional fees and expenses, and $1.6 million in facility and equipment costs. These increases reflect higher legal and compliance expenses, as well as overall corporate growth.

Research and Development Expenses:

Research and development expenses were $52.0 million for the third quarter of 2016, compared to $51.9 million for the third quarter of 2015. Research and development expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were $166.4 million, compared to $156.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The increase of approximately $10.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 resulted primarily from increases of approximately $7.2 million in stock-based compensation, $3.7 million for internal clinical development, regulatory affairs and quality assurance and internal chemical manufacturing expenses, and $2.7 million in consultants and contractors related expenses, offset by a $3.3 million decrease in clinical trial expenses.

On November 9, 2016 Puma Biotechnology, Inc. (NYSE: PBYI), a biopharmaceutical company, reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2016 (Press release, Puma Biotechnology, NOV 9, 2016, View Source [SID1234516704]).

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Unless otherwise stated, all comparisons are for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2015.

Based on accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP), Puma reported a net loss applicable to common stock of $65.8 million, or $2.02 per share, for the third quarter of 2016, compared to a net loss of $60.4 million, or $1.87 per share, for the third quarter of 2015. Net loss applicable to common stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $203.4 million, or $6.26 per share, compared to $177.6 million, or $5.55 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

Non-GAAP adjusted net loss was $36.0 million, or $1.11 per share, for the third quarter of 2016, compared to non-GAAP adjusted net loss of $35.5 million, or $1.10 per share, for the third quarter of 2015. Non-GAAP adjusted net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $115.4 million, or $3.55 per share, compared to $104.3 million, or $3.26 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Non-GAAP adjusted net loss excludes stock-based compensation expense, which represents a significant portion of overall expense and has no impact on the cash position of the Company. For a reconciliation of GAAP net loss to non-GAAP adjusted net loss and GAAP net loss per share to non-GAAP adjusted net loss per share, please see the financial tables at the end of this news release.

Net cash used in operating activities for the third quarter of 2016 was $34.9 million. Net cash used in operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $100.7 million. At September 30, 2016, Puma had cash and cash equivalents of $52.5 million and marketable securities of $56.4 million, compared to cash and cash equivalents of $31.6 million and marketable securities of $184.3 million at December 31, 2015. The Company’s balance of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities at the end of the quarter does not include the net proceeds of approximately $162 million received from the Company’s public offering in October 2016.

"During the third quarter, we achieved several key milestones, including the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) validation of the Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for neratinib as an extended adjuvant treatment of HER2-positive early stage breast cancer in Europe, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) acceptance of the New Drug Application (NDA) for neratinib as an extended adjuvant treatment for patients with early stage HER2-overexpressed/amplified breast cancer who have received prior adjuvant trastuzumab (Herceptin)-based therapy," said Alan H. Auerbach, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Puma.

"We anticipate a number of additional milestones through the end of 2016 and first half of 2017," Mr. Auerbach added. "These include: (i) reporting additional data in the fourth quarter of 2016 from the Phase II trial of neratinib as an extended adjuvant treatment in HER2-positive early stage breast cancer using loperamide and budesonide prophylaxis; (ii) reporting additional Phase II data in the fourth quarter of 2016 from the FB-7 neoadjuvant HER2-positive breast cancer trial in the subgroup of patients who are MammaPrint High; (iii) reporting data in the fourth quarter of 2016 from the Phase II trial of neratinib plus fulvestrant in patients with HER2 non-amplified breast cancer that has a HER2 mutation; (iv) reporting data in the first half of 2017 from the Phase III trial of neratinib in third-line HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer patients; and (v) reporting data during the first half of 2017 from the Phase II trial of neratinib in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer patients with brain metastases."

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses were $66.0 million for the third quarter of 2016, compared to $60.7 million for the third quarter of 2015. Operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were $203.7 million, compared to $178.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

General and Administrative Expenses:

General and administrative expenses were $14.0 million for the third quarter of 2016, compared to $8.8 million for the third quarter of 2015. General and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were $37.3 million, compared to $22.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The increase of approximately $15.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 resulted primarily from increases of approximately $7.5 million in stock-based compensation, $1.9 million in payroll and related costs, $3.7 million in professional fees and expenses, and $1.6 million in facility and equipment costs. These increases reflect higher legal and compliance expenses, as well as overall corporate growth.

Research and Development Expenses:

Research and development expenses were $52.0 million for the third quarter of 2016, compared to $51.9 million for the third quarter of 2015. Research and development expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were $166.4 million, compared to $156.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The increase of approximately $10.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 resulted primarily from increases of approximately $7.2 million in stock-based compensation, $3.7 million for internal clinical development, regulatory affairs and quality assurance and internal chemical manufacturing expenses, and $2.7 million in consultants and contractors related expenses, offset by a $3.3 million decrease in clinical trial expenses

On November 3, 2016 La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company (NASDAQ: LJPC) (the Company or La Jolla), a leader in the development of innovative therapies intended to significantly improve outcomes in patients suffering from life-threatening diseases, reported financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and recent corporate progress (Filing, Q3, La Jolla Pharmaceutical, 2016, NOV 9, 2016, View Source [SID1234516680]).

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Recent Corporate Progress

In September 2016, La Jolla reported positive results from a multicenter, open-label, dose-escalation Phase 1 trial of LJPC-401, the Company’s novel formulation of synthetic human hepcidin, in patients at risk for iron overload due to conditions such as hereditary hemochromatosis (HH), beta thalassemia, sickle cell disease (SCD) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Fifteen patients were dosed at escalating dose levels ranging from 1 to 20 mg. LJPC-401 was well tolerated, and there were no dose-limiting toxicities observed. A dose-dependent, statistically significant reduction in serum iron was observed (p=0.008 for dose response; not adjusted for multiple comparisons). At the 20 mg dose level, LJPC-401 reduced serum iron by an average of 58.1% from baseline to hour 8 (p=0.001; not adjusted for potential regression to the mean effect), and serum iron had not returned to baseline through day 7 (21.2% reduction from baseline to the end of day 7).

In September 2016, La Jolla reached agreement with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on the design of a pivotal trial of LJPC-401, the Company’s novel formulation of synthetic human hepcidin. The pivotal trial will be a randomized, controlled, multicenter trial in beta thalassemia patients suffering from iron overload, a major unmet need in an orphan patient population. The primary endpoint will be a clinically relevant measurement directly related to iron overload. La Jolla plans to initiate this pivotal trial in mid-2017.

In October 2016, the EMA Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products (COMP) issued a positive opinion recommending LJPC-401, synthetic human hepcidin, for designation as an orphan medicinal product for the treatment of SCD.

"The first nine months of 2016 have been productive for La Jolla, highlighted by continued enrollment of our ATHOS 3 Phase 3 trial of LJPC-501 and encouraging results from our Phase 1 trial of LJPC-401, which demonstrated a clear dose-dependent effect of LJPC-401 on serum iron, a clinically important measure," said George Tidmarsh, M.D., Ph.D., La Jolla’s President and Chief Executive Officer. "We look forward to building on this positive momentum, with the anticipation of reporting results from our ATHOS 3 Phase 3 trial of LJPC-501 in the first quarter of 2017 and initiation of our pivotal trial for LJPC-401 in mid-2017."

Results of Operations

As of September 30, 2016, La Jolla had $85.0 million in cash and cash equivalents, compared to $126.5 million as of December 31, 2015. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was primarily due to net cash used for operating activities. Based on current operating plans and projections, La Jolla believes that its current cash and cash equivalents are sufficient to fund operations into 2018.

La Jolla’s net cash used for operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $40.1 million, compared to net cash used for operating activities of $16.7 million for the same period in 2015. La Jolla’s net loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $21.3 million and $53.3 million, or $1.23 per share and $3.10 per share, respectively, compared to a net loss of $10.5 million and $30.1 million, or $0.70 per share and $1.99 per share, respectively, for the same periods in 2015. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, La Jolla recognized contract revenue of approximately $44,000 and $531,000, respectively. The net loss includes non-cash, share-based compensation expense of $3.9 million and $11.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to $3.1 million and $10.3 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2015.

The increases in net cash used for operating activities and net loss in the 2016 periods as compared to the 2015 periods were primarily due to increased development costs associated with our ATHOS 3 Phase 3 trial of LJPC-501 in patients with catecholamine-resistant hypotension and our Phase 1 trial of LJPC-401 in patients with iron overload.

On November 9, 2016 MEI Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: MEIP), an oncology company focused on the clinical development of novel therapies for cancer, reported results for its first quarter ended September 30, 2016 (Press release, MEI Pharma, NOV 9, 2016, View Source [SID1234516663]). The Company also highlighted recent progress with its pipeline of drug candidates and previewed upcoming data presentations.

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"The past quarter was one of unprecedented achievement for the company, highlighted by the receipt of Breakthrough Therapy Designation and a global strategic partnership for Pracinostat," said Daniel P. Gold, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of MEI Pharma. "Now we approach the end of the calendar year in a position of significant strength, armed with a fully funded Phase III program, a pipeline of drug candidates advancing in the clinic and a healthy cash position that affords us the ability to not only execute our clinical development plan, but also to enhance our pipeline with the right opportunity."

Pipeline Update

Strategic partnership for development and commercialization of Pracinostat. In August 2016, the Company entered into an exclusive licensing, development and commercialization agreement with Helsinn Healthcare, SA, a Swiss pharmaceutical corporation, for Pracinostat, an investigational agent currently being evaluated in clinical studies for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other potential indications. Under the terms of the agreement, Helsinn is granted a worldwide exclusive license to Pracinostat and is responsible for funding its global development and commercialization. As compensation, MEI Pharma will receive near-term payments of $20 million, including a $15 million upfront payment and a $5 million payment upon the earlier of (i) dosing of the first patient in the upcoming Phase III study of Pracinostat in newly diagnosed AML patients unfit to receive induction therapy, or (ii) March 1, 2017. In addition, MEI Pharma will be eligible to receive up to $444 million in potential regulatory and sales-based milestones, along with royalty payments on the net sales of Pracinostat. In a related transaction, Helsinn made a $5 million equity investment in MEI Pharma.
Dose-optimization study of Pracinostat plus azacitidine in high-risk MDS. As part of the license, development and commercialization agreement, the Company will work with Helsinn to determine an optimal dosing regimen of Pracinostat in combination with azacitidine for the treatment of high and very high risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Based on its clinical experience with the combination, the Company believes that an optimized dose may improve tolerability in this population, which in turn could result in increased efficacy of the combination vs. azacitidine alone. MEI Pharma will be responsible for the conduct of the study and Helsinn will share the cost. The study is anticipated to commence in the first half of calendar year 2017.
Breakthrough Therapy Designation from U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In August 2016, the Company announced that the FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for Pracinostat in combination with azacitidine for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed AML who are ≥75 years of age or unfit for intensive chemotherapy. According to the FDA, Breakthrough Therapy Designation is intended to expedite the development and review of drugs for serious or life-threatening conditions. The criteria for Breakthrough Therapy Designation require preliminary clinical evidence that demonstrates the drug may have substantial improvement on at least one clinically significant endpoint over available therapy. In addition, the Company announced that agreement has been reached with the FDA on the proposed Phase III AML study design.
Phase Ib study of PI3K delta inhibitor ME-401 open for enrollment. In September 2016, the Company’s Phase 1b clinical study of ME-401 in patients with relapsed refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma or follicular lymphoma was opened for enrollment. ME-401 is a potent and highly selective oral PI3K delta inhibitor with the potential for a wide therapeutic window that may lead to safer treatment options, including combination treatment options, for patients with lymphomas. This study will allow the Company to study the safety and tolerability of ME-401 over time as it seeks to identify an optimal dose for future Phase 2 studies. Interim data from the study is expected by the middle of calendar year 2017.
Investigator-sponsored study of mitochondrial inhibitor ME-344 open for enrollment. In August 2016, an investigator-sponsored study of ME-344 in combination with the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor bevacizumab (marketed as Avastin) in patients with HER2-negative breast cancer was opened for enrollment. The study is being conducted in collaboration with the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre in Madrid. Pre-clinical data from the collaboration showed substantially enhanced anti-tumor activity of ME-344 in cancer cells when combined with VEGF inhibitors due to a disruption of both mitochondrial and glycolytic metabolism. Data from the investigator-sponsored study are expected by the end of calendar year 2017.
Upcoming Data Presentations

Long-term survival and response data from Phase II study of Pracinostat in AML. Data from a multi-center Phase II clinical study of Pracinostat and azacitidine in older patients with AML who are not eligible for induction chemotherapy have been selected for oral presentation at the upcoming ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in San Diego on December 3, 2016. The presentation by principal investigator Dr. Guillermo Garcia-Manero, MD Anderson Cancer Center, is expected to highlight the durable responses and long-term survival benefit achieved in this investigational study, which appeared to compare favorably to azacitidine alone in a recent international Phase III study (AZA-AML-001). Pracinostat is an investigational agent and is not approved for use in the U.S.
Exposure data from clinical study of ME-401 supporting wide therapeutic window. Additional data from a first-in-human clinical study of ME-401 in healthy volunteers will be presented at the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Annual Meeting in Denver on November 15, 2016. The presentation will highlight formulation selection and development for ME-401, including exposure margins based on clinical data and preclinical toxicity supporting the potential for an improved therapeutic window from repeated dosing compared to the approved PI3K delta inhibitor idelalisib (marketed as Zydelig).
Financial Highlights

As of September 30, 2016, MEI Pharma had $58.9 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, which the Company believes will be sufficient to fund operations through at least calendar year 2017.
Net loss was $4.3 million, or $0.12 per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $5.7 million, or $0.17 per share, for the previous quarter, and $4.6 million, or $0.13 per share for the same period in 2015.
Research and development expenses were $1.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $2.8 million for the same period in 2015. The decrease was primarily due to a reduction in clinical trial expenses for Pracinostat and ME-344.
General and administrative expenses were $2.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $1.8 million for the same period in 2015. The increase was primarily due to professional service costs associated with the Helsinn license agreement.