GeneCentric Therapeutics to Present Data on Potential of its Cancer Subtyping Platform to Identify Responders to PARP Inhibitors for Treating Lung Cancer

On October 26, 2017 GeneCentric Therapeutics reported that it will present data on the potential of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) biologic subtypes based on its Cancer Subtyping Platform (CSP) to provide novel biomarkers for response to PARP inhibitors (Press release, GeneCentric Therapeutics, OCT 26, 2017, View Source [SID1234521242]). The data will be presented at a poster session during the 2017 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) – National Cancer Institute – European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (AACR-NCI-EORTC) (Free AACR-NCI-EORTC Whitepaper) International Conference on Molecular Targets and Therapeutics being held October 27-30, 2017 at the Philadelphia Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA.

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GeneCentric’s core CSP technology is based on generating high resolution, genomic-defined cancer subtypes that characterize disease-related molecular pathways and immune cell expression, and employing the subtypes as biomarkers for response to specific drugs. To date the company has generated subtype-based profilers for NSCLC, head and neck, and bladder cancers.

In the research to be presented at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper)-NCI-EORTC meeting company scientists evaluated the potential susceptibility of GeneCentric lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma gene expression subtypes to PARP inhibitors. By examining differential expression of homologous recombination genes and several previously published BRCAness signatures, the study identifies subtype-associated differences that might inform likely response to PARP inhibitors, an emerging class of drugs targeting DNA damage response. The researchers show that variable expression of DNA damage response genes in lung squamous cell carcinoma is maintained following adjustment for proliferation and BRCAness signatures, suggesting underlying biologic differences in lung squamous cell carcinoma subtype susceptibility to DNA damage response inhibitors. Confirmation of these findings via prospective cohorts could substantiate their utility as novel biomarkers for PARP inhibitor response.

Details of the presentation are as follows:

Title: “Differences in BRCAness/PARP inhibitor response signatures and homologous recombination
gene expression across lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma gene expression subtypes.”
Poster Number: 37
Abstract Number: A037
Date: Saturday, October 28, 2017
Time: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM ET
Location: Hall E, Pennsylvania Convention Center
Presenter: Hawazin Faruki, DrPH, Chief Scientific Officer, GeneCentric

To read the abstract, please visit: View Source!/4557/presentation/144

Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2017 Results

On October 26, 2017 Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. (“Apollo”) (NASDAQ: APEN), a leader in less invasive medical devices for bariatric and gastrointestinal procedures, reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017 (Press release, , OCT 26, 2017, View Source [SID1234521228]).

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Third Quarter 2017 Highlights

Total revenues increased 4.8% compared to the third quarter 2016
Total Endo-bariatric product sales increased 20.6% compared to the third quarter 2016 and were 56.3% of total revenues
Raised $33.6 million in a public equity offering
Todd Newton, CEO of Apollo Endosurgery, said, “The third quarter was a great quarter of accomplishment and performance for our business as we completed an equity offering, received CE Mark approval for Orbera365, and worked through a challenging disruptive event to the U.S. market for intragastric balloons due to an FDA communication in early August. Total revenue in the third quarter increased by 4.8% as worldwide Endo-bariatric product sales increased 20.6% to $9.3 million, representing 56.3% of total revenues on excellent OverStitch demand both in the U.S. and in our direct markets internationally. While Surgical product sales continued to decline, the rate of decline continued to show improvement this quarter.”

Third Quarter 2017 Financial Results

Total sales for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were $16.5 million compared to $15.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 representing growth of 4.8%.

In the U.S., Endo-bariatric product sales, excluding U.S. Orbera starter kit sales were $3.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 versus $2.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of 14.0%, and $10.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 versus $8.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of 25.1%. As previously announced by the Company in August 2017, the FDA issued a letter to Health Care Professionals relating to potential risks with liquid-filled intragastric balloons. U.S. Endo-bariatric product sales increased at a slower rate in the third quarter compared to the first half of 2017, due to lower demand for Orbera in the aftermath of the FDA’s letter. Overstitch sales growth remained consistent with its year to date trend.

In markets outside the United States (OUS), Endo-bariatric product sales were $6.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 versus $4.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of 35.3%, and $15.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 versus $12.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of 21.9% primarily due to higher OverStitch sales in our direct markets. Direct market sales were 72.9% and 70.4% of total OUS sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to 53.2% and 66.9%, for the same periods in 2016, respectively.

Surgical product sales decreased $0.9 million, or 11.6%, and $3.2 million, or 12.9%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2016. In the U.S., Surgical product sales decreased $0.9 million, or 16.5%, and $3.0 million or 18.3%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2016 due to reductions in gastric banding procedures being performed in the U.S. In OUS markets, Surgical product sales decreased by $0.1 million, or 1.9%, and $0.2 million, or 2.5%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 when compared to the same periods in 2016, respectively.

Gross margin as a percentage of revenues was 63.7% and 63.2% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to 66.7% and 60.8% for the same periods in 2016, respectively. Gross margin was impacted by the change in inventory reserve which decreased 0.3% and 6.3% as a percentage of total revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2016. In June 2016, we recorded an inventory impairment charge related to expiring finished good inventory and excess raw materials transferred from Allergen that we were required to purchase in accordance with the transition services agreement. The remaining change in gross margin is due to the ongoing shift in our product sales mix from higher gross margin Surgical products to Endo-bariatric products that realize lower relative gross margins.

Total operating expenses were $14.8 million and $47.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to $14.3 million and $43.0 million for the same periods in 2016. For the three months ended September 30, 2017, sales and marketing expenses increased due to higher incentive compensation, Orbera consumer marketing campaign costs and OverStitch physician training program costs. This increase was partially offset by lower general and administration expenses due to transaction costs incurred during the third quarter of 2016 associated with the Lpath merger. The increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was due to higher sales and marketing expenses for the same reasons referenced above and higher general and administrative expenses due to costs incurred to meet our public company filing and corporate governance obligations. Research and development expenses also increased primarily due to costs associated with new product development efforts.

Interest expense decreased $0.5 million and $0.9 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 when compared to the same periods in 2016 primarily due to reduced cash interest on our senior secured credit facility after principal reductions. The additional decrease for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was due to the elimination of non-cash interest primarily associated with the convertible notes that converted to equity in December 2016.

Net loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $4.9 million and $20.0 million, respectively, compared to $5.9 million and $21.5 million for the same periods in 2016.

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash were $35.5 million as of September 30, 2017.

Capitalization Update

On July 25, 2017, the Company completed a public offering selling 6,542,453 shares at a price of $5.50 per share, including 853,363 shares sold to the underwriters upon exercise of the option to purchase additional shares. The public offering generated net proceeds of approximately $33.6 million, after deducting the underwriting discount and related offering expenses.

Conference Call

Apollo will host a conference call on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. Central Time / 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the Company’s operating results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017.

To participate in the conference call dial (888) 576-4387 for domestic callers and (719) 457-6931 for international callers. The conference ID number is 3769341. A live webcast of the conference call will be made available on the “Events and Presentations” section of our Investor Relations website: ir.apolloendo.com.

A replay of the webcast will remain available on Apollo’s website, apolloendo.com, until Apollo releases its fourth quarter 2017 financial results. In addition, a telephonic replay of the call will be available until November 2, 2017. The replay dial-in numbers are (844) 512-2921 for domestic callers and (412) 317-6671 for international callers. The replay conference ID number is 3769341. A transcript of the earnings call will be made available on the “Events and Presentations” section of our Investor Relations website: ir.apolloendo.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement our financial results presented on a GAAP basis, we provide certain non-GAAP financial measures including adjusted total revenues, excluding U.S. Orbera starter kit sales. Adjusted total revenues, excluding U.S. Orbera starter kit sales is defined as GAAP total revenues excluding one-time U.S. Orbera starter kit sales. Adjusted total revenues, excluding U.S. Orbera starter kit sales is a supplemental measure of our performance that is not required by, and is not determined in accordance with, GAAP.

Non-GAAP financial information is not a substitute for any financial measure determined in accordance with GAAP and should be read only in conjunction with Apollo’s condensed consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. Apollo’s management uses certain supplemental non-GAAP financial measures internally to understand, manage and evaluate Apollo’s business, and make operating decisions. Reconciliations for each non-GAAP financial measure to its most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is provided in the tables below. Management believes that making non-GAAP financial information available to investors, in addition to GAAP financial information, may facilitate more consistent comparisons between the company’s performance over time with the performance of other companies in the medical device industry, which may use similar financial measures to supplement their GAAP financial information.

OPKO Health Licensee TESARO Announces FDA Approval of VARUBI® IV for Delayed Nausea and Vomiting Associated with Chemotherapy

On October 26, 2017 OPKO Health, Inc. (NASDAQ:OPK) reported that its licensee, TESARO, Inc. (Nasdaq:TSRO), received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for VARUBI (rolapitant) IV in combination with other antiemetic agents in adults for the prevention of delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including, but not limited to, highly emetogenic chemotherapy (Press release, Opko Health, OCT 26, 2017, View Source [SID1234521224]). Delayed nausea and vomiting can occur anytime between 25 and 120 hours following chemotherapy, and is often extremely debilitating.

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TESARO licensed exclusive rights for the development, manufacture, commercialization, and distribution of VARUBI (rolapitant) from OPKO Health in December 2010. TESARO previously launched an oral version of VARUBI in November 2015. OPKO Health will receive tiered double-digit royalties on sales of VARUBI IV. In addition, OPKO Health is eligible to receive additional commercial milestone payments of up to $85 million upon achievement of certain sales thresholds. TESARO is expected to launch VARUBI IV in November 2017.

“We are especially pleased that our partner, TESARO, has received FDA approval for VARUBI IV. This is particularly important as IV treatments for chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting account for 90% of the market. We look forward to TESARO’s continued success in commercializing the VARUBI product line,” said Philip Frost, M.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of OPKO Health.

About VARUBI

VARUBI is a highly selective and competitive antagonist of human substance P/neurokinin 1 (NK-1) receptors, which play an important role in the delayed phase of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). With a long plasma half-life of approximately seven days, a single dose of VARUBI, as part of an antiemetic regimen, significantly improved complete response (CR) rates in the delayed phase of CINV. Results from three Phase 3 trials of VARUBI oral tablets demonstrated a significant reduction in episodes of vomiting or use of rescue medication during the 25- to 120-hour period following administration of highly emetogenic and moderately emetogenic chemotherapy regimens. In addition, patients who received VARUBI reported experiencing less nausea that interfered with normal daily life and fewer episodes of vomiting or retching over multiple cycles of chemotherapy. Results from a bioequivalence trial demonstrated comparability of the IV and oral formulations of VARUBI.

VARUBI is available by prescription only. Please see full prescribing information, including additional important safety information, available at www.varubirx.com.

MabVax Therapeutics to Present Three Posters at the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics

On October 26, 2017 MabVax Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MBVX), a clinical-stage oncology drug development company focused on the development of antibody-based products to address unmet medical needs in the treatment of cancer, reported that it will present three posters highlighting both new clinical findings and preclinical research accomplishments at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper)-NCI-EORTC AACR-NCI-EORTC (Free AACR-NCI-EORTC Whitepaper) International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics (EORTC-NCI-AACR) (Free ASGCT Whitepaper) (Free EORTC-NCI-AACR Whitepaper) being held October 26 – 30, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Press release, MabVax, OCT 26, 2017, View Source [SID1234521221]).

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Paul Maffuid, Ph.D., Executive Vice President of Research and Development of MabVax, stated, “We look forward to sharing the significant progress we have made through these clinical and preclinical investigations. We will report new clinical data from our ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial and report on our most advanced preclinical program that demonstrates our growing expertise in the development of fully human antibodies targeting carbohydrate antigens expressed on many solid tumor cancers.”

The Company will present the following posters during the meeting:

Presenting Author: Paul Maffuid, Ph.D., Executive Vice President Research and Development, MabVax Therapeutics
Title: Using CA19-9 as a translational biomarker for sLea targeted agents MVT-5873 and MVT-1075 in cancer
Date & Time: Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 12:30 PM
Session: Poster Session A: Biomarkers
Location: Hall E, Pennsylvania Convention Center
Poster No.: 62
Abstract No.: A062

The poster summarizes preclinical development activities including a survey of CA19-9 positive cancers in patient tissue microarrays and patient sera samples treated with the anti-CA19-9 antibody MVT-5873 with potential utility as a translational biomarker.

Presenting Author: Paul Maffuid, Ph.D., Executive Vice President Research and Development, MabVax Therapeutics
Title: Preliminary Phase 1 data comparing HuMab-5B1 (MVT-5873), a monoclonal antibody targeting sLea, as a single agent and in combination with first line nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine in patients with CA19-9 positive pancreatic cancer
Date & Time: Sunday, October 29, 2017 at 12:30 PM
Session: Late Breaking Poster Session B: Therapeutic Agents: Biological
Location: Hall E, Pennsylvania Convention Center
Poster No.: LB-25
Abstract No.: LB-B25

The poster summarizes interim data from the ongoing Phase 1 trial of MVT-5873 used as a single agent and in combination with a first line therapy in newly diagnosed patients with CA19-9 positive pancreatic cancer.

Presenting Author: G. Jonah Rainey, Ph.D., Executive Director Antibody Research, MabVax Therapeutics
Title: A therapeutic antibody candidate against the broadly expressed Tn and sTn carbohydrate cancer antigens
Date & Time: Sunday, October 29, 2017 at 12:30 PM
Session: Poster Session B: Therapeutic Agents: Biological
Location: Hall E, Pennsylvania Convention Center
Poster No.: 104
Abstract No.: B104

The poster summarizes the discovery, optimization, and target validation for the Company’s fully human antibodies targeting the Thomsen-nouveau (Tn) and the sialyl Tn (sTn) carbohydrate antigens for patients with ovarian and breast cancers.

Innovation Pharmaceuticals Aims to Develop First Drug for Approval in Prevention of Oral Mucositis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients as Phase 2 Clinical Trial of Brilacidin Completes

On October 26, 2017 Innovation Pharmaceuticals Inc. (OTCQB:IPIX) (“the Company”), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, is pleased to report the completion of the Phase 2 trial (see link NCT02324335) of Brilacidin-OM for the prevention and treatment of Oral Mucositis (OM) in Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) patients receiving chemoradiation therapy (CRT). The final patient in the Phase 2 randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial completed their post-therapy follow-up examination this week (Press release, Innovation Pharmaceuticals, OCT 26, 2017, View Source [SID1234521220]). The Company has begun the process of closing trial study sites and is now aggregating patient data for top-line analysis, to be reported this quarter.

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The primary objectives of the trial are the evaluation of the efficacy of Brilacidin-OM in reducing the incidence of severe OM (WHO Grade ≥3) compared to placebo during seven weeks of study treatment/CRT, and assessment of the safety and tolerability of this novel OM oral rinse therapy. A secondary objective includes evaluating the efficacy of Brilacidin in reducing the duration of severe OM.

The completion of the trial represents an important milestone, positioning the Company to address a significant unmet medical need. There are currently no FDA-approved drugs for preventing OM in patients with Head and Neck Cancer receiving chemoradiation. This painful condition affects upwards of 90 percent of patients in this population as well as a large number of patients receiving CRT for other cancers.

The Company believes that a successful Phase 2 trial would be a major breakthrough. Fast Track designation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Brilacidin-OM has already been awarded. In addition, the Company plans to apply for FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation should top-line end of study results reflect similar efficacy (and safety) to that observed at interim, in which patients treated with Brilacidin-OM experienced a markedly reduced rate of severe OM compared to those on placebo.

“By 2030, the global annual incidence of Head and Neck Cancer is expected to exceed 1 million cases,” commented Leo Ehrlich, Chief Executive Officer at Innovation Pharmaceuticals. “It’s a horribly debilitating condition that causes tremendous suffering and leads to corresponding delays in clinical care, adding to costs and complications, for those who experience it. We look forward to compiling and releasing the topline Brilacidin-OM data, toward advancing it into a potential pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial—a final step toward Brilacidin-OM possibly emerging as the world’s first-ever approved preventative treatment for Oral Mucositis in this population.”