On August 10, 2015 Immune Design (Nasdaq: IMDZ) reported it has entered into clinical collaboration agreements through subsidiaries of Merck (NYSE:MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, to evaluate the safety and efficacy of two Immune Design immuno-oncology investigative agents, G100 and LV305, separately combined with KEYTRUDA(pembrolizumab), Merck’s anti-PD-1therapy, in Phase 1 trials in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and melanoma, respectively (Press release, Merck & Co, AUG 10, 2015, View Source [SID:1234507161]).

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The first clinical trial will examine intratumoral administration of G100 with intravenous administration of KEYTRUDA in patients with follicular NHL receiving local radiation. In addition to an evaluation of the safety of the combination, the study will assess the response in both injected and non-injected lesions. The second clinical trial in melanoma will evaluate safety and response to the combination of LV305 and KEYTRUDA in patients who have not yet responded to treatment with KEYTRUDA alone after three months of treatment.

Immune Design’s G100 and LV305 investigational agents are designed to work in vivo and activate the immune system via the induction and/or expansion of anti-tumor CD8 T cells. They are intended to be "off-the-shelf" therapies, in contrast to other T-cell approaches that require individualized ex vivo manipulation. G100 is a potent toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) agonist designed to generate a robust anti-tumor immune response when administered directly to the tumor micro-environment. LV305, in contrast, is designed to activate the immune system through the in vivo generation of cytotoxic T cells (CTLs), initially against a specific tumor-associated antigen, NY-ESO-1. Immune Design is studying LV305 primarily as part of CMB305, a prime boost approach currently in a Phase 1 expansion trial.

"There is great potential to expand the potential of immunotherapy through combination approaches that will stimulate and enhance the immune system in order to mount the strongest response against cancer," said Carlos Paya, M.D., Ph.D, President and Chief Executive Officer of Immune Design. "Immune Design has two distinct approaches in oncology, and we look forward to collaborating with Merck to evaluate the potential of combining each of G100 and LV305 with KEYTRUDA in these areas of medical need."

"Our understanding of the immune system’s role and its impact in the treatment of cancer continues to grow," said Dr. Roger M. Perlmutter, president, Merck Research Laboratories. "This collaboration with Immune Design adds to a broad clinical program designed to explore the role of KEYTRUDA in innovative immuno-oncology combinations – and underscores our commitment to advance the care of patients with cancer."

About G100

G100 is a product candidate generated from the company’s GLAASTM discovery platform, and includes a specific formulation of Glucopyranosyl Lipid A (GLA), a synthetic, toll-like Receptor-4 (TLR-4) agonist. G100 is part of Immune Design’s intratumoral immune activation, or ‘Endogenous Antigen’ approach to treating cancer, which leverages the activation of dendritic cells, T cells and other immune cells in the tumor microenvironment to potentially create a robust immune response against the tumor’s preexisting diverse set of antigens. Preclinical and clinical data have demonstrated the ability of G100 to activate dendritic cells in tumors and to increase antigen-dependent systemic humoral and cellular Th1 immune responses. In addition to the study planned under this collaboration, a Phase 1 study of G100 in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) recently completed enrollment, and Immune Design presented data at the 2015 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, the poster for which can be accessed on the company’s website. In the first eight patients in MCC study, G100 has an acceptable safety profile and a fifty percent (50%) objective response rate per protocol.

About LV305

LV305, generated from Immune Design’s ZVexTM platform, is designed to activate the immune system through the in vivo generation of cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) initially against a specific tumor-associated antigen, NY-ESO-1. LV305 is part of Immune Design’s ‘Specific Antigen’ approach, which drives the in vivo generation of a strong, antigen-specific CTL response against selected antigens present in a tumor. Preclinical tests have demonstrated the ability of LV305 to reduce tumor growth of NY-ESO-1-expressing tumors, increase production of antigen-specific CD8 cells, and significantly improve the survival of tumor-bearing animals. LV305 is the first step in Immune Design’s novel prime-boost approach to immuno-oncology, which includes combination with G305, generated from the GLAAS platform, to expand CTLs and potentially generate a potent, durable immune response. Immune Design announced positive data from a Phase 1 study of LV305 at the 2015 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, the poster for which can be accessed on the company’s website. In that study, LV305 caused either a de novo or statistically-significant increase in antigen-specific CD8 T cells in 80% of the six evaluable mid- and high-dose patients. Immune Design is primarily studying LV305 as part of CMB305, a prime boost approach.

About KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab)

KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2. By binding to the PD-1 receptor and blocking the interaction with the receptor ligands, KEYTRUDA releases the PD-1 pathway-mediated inhibition of the immune response, including the anti-tumor immune response.

KEYTRUDA is indicated in the United States at a dose of 2 mg/kg administered as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes every three weeks for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma and disease progression following ipilimumab and, if BRAF V600 mutation positive, a BRAF inhibitor. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. An improvement in survival or disease-related symptoms has not yet been established. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.

Merck is advancing a broad and fast-growing clinical development program for KEYTRUDA with more than 100 clinical trials – across more than 30 tumor types and over 16,000 patients – both as a monotherapy and in combination with other therapies.

Selected Important Safety Information for KEYTRUDA

Pneumonitis occurred in 12 (2.9%) of 411 patients with advanced melanoma receiving KEYTRUDA (the approved indication in the United States), including Grade 2 or 3 cases in 8 (1.9%) and 1 (0.2%) patients, respectively. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of pneumonitis. Evaluate suspected pneumonitis with radiographic imaging. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater pneumonitis. Withhold KEYTRUDA for Grade 2; permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for Grade 3 or 4 pneumonitis.

Colitis (including microscopic colitis) occurred in 4 (1%) of 411 patients, including Grade 2 or 3 cases in 1 (0.2%) and 2 (0.5%) patients respectively, receiving KEYTRUDA. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of colitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater colitis. Withhold KEYTRUDA for Grade 2 or 3; permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for Grade 4 colitis.

Hepatitis (including autoimmune hepatitis) occurred in 2 (0.5%) of 411 patients, including a Grade 4 case in 1 (0.2%) patient, receiving KEYTRUDA. Monitor patients for changes in liver function. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater hepatitis and, based on severity of liver enzyme elevations, withhold or discontinue KEYTRUDA.

Hypophysitis occurred in 2 (0.5%) of 411 patients, including a Grade 2 case in 1 and a Grade 4 case in 1 (0.2% each) patient, receiving KEYTRUDA. Monitor for signs and symptoms of hypophysitis (including hypopituitarism and renal insufficiency). Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater hypophysitis. Withhold KEYTRUDA for Grade 2; withhold or discontinue for Grade 3; and permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for Grade 4 hypophysitis.

Hyperthyroidism occurred in 5 (1.2%) of 411 patients, including Grade 2 or 3 cases in 2 (0.5%) and 1 (0.2%) patients, respectively, receiving KEYTRUDA. Hypothyroidism occurred in 34 (8.3%) of 411 patients, including a Grade 3 case in 1 (0.2%) patient, receiving KEYTRUDA. Thyroid disorders can occur at any time during treatment. Monitor patients for changes in thyroid function (at the start of treatment, periodically during treatment, and as indicated based on clinical evaluation) and for clinical signs and symptoms of thyroid disorders. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 3 or greater hyperthyroidism. Withhold KEYTRUDA for Grade 3; permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for Grade 4 hyperthyroidism. Isolated hypothyroidism may be managed with replacement therapy without treatment interruption and without corticosteroids.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus, including diabetic ketoacidosis, has occurred in patients receiving KEYTRUDA. Monitor patients for hyperglycemia and other signs and symptoms of diabetes. Administer insulin for type 1 diabetes, and withhold KEYTRUDA in cases of severe hyperglycemia until metabolic control is achieved.

Nephritis occurred in 3 (0.7%) patients receiving KEYTRUDA, consisting of one case of Grade 2 autoimmune nephritis (0.2%) and two cases of interstitial nephritis with renal failure (0.5%), one Grade 3 and one Grade 4. Monitor patients for changes in renal function. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater nephritis. Withhold KEYTRUDA for Grade 2; permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for Grade 3 or 4 nephritis.

Other clinically important immune-mediated adverse reactions can occur. The following clinically significant, immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred in patients treated with KEYTRUDA: exfoliative dermatitis, uveitis, arthritis, myositis, pancreatitis, hemolytic anemia, partial seizures arising in a patient with inflammatory foci in brain parenchyma, severe dermatitis including bullous pemphigoid, myasthenic syndrome, optic neuritis, and rhabdomyolysis.

For suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, ensure adequate evaluation to confirm etiology or exclude other causes. Based on the severity of the adverse reaction, withhold KEYTRUDA and administer corticosteroids. Upon improvement of the adverse reaction to Grade 1 or less, initiate corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Restart KEYTRUDA if the adverse reaction remains at Grade 1 or less. Permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for any severe or Grade 3 immune-mediated adverse reaction that recurs and for any life-threatening immune-mediated adverse reaction.

Infusion-related reactions, including severe and life-threatening reactions, have occurred in patients receiving KEYTRUDA. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions including rigors, chills, wheezing, pruritis, flushing, rash, hypotension, hypoxemia, and fever. For severe or life-threatening reactions, stop infusion and permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA.

Based on its mechanism of action, KEYTRUDA may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. If used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant during treatment, apprise the patient of the potential hazard to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use highly effective contraception during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose of KEYTRUDA.

For the treatment of advanced melanoma, KEYTRUDA was discontinued for adverse reactions in 9% of 411 patients across all doses studied. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 36% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA. The most frequent serious adverse drug reactions reported in 2% or more of patients were renal failure, dyspnea, pneumonia, and cellulitis.

The most common adverse reactions (reported in at least 20% of patients) were fatigue (47%), cough (30%), nausea (30%), pruritus (30%), rash (29%), decreased appetite (26%), constipation (21%), arthralgia (20%), and diarrhea (20%).

The recommended dose of KEYTRUDA is 2 mg/kg administered as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes every three weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. No formal pharmacokinetic drug interaction studies have been conducted with KEYTRUDA. It is not known whether KEYTRUDA is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, instruct women to discontinue nursing during treatment with KEYTRUDA. Safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA have not been established in pediatric patients.

On August 10, 2015 TG Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:TGTX) reported its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2015 and recent company developments (Filing, 8-K, Manhattan Pharmaceuticals, AUG 10, 2015, View Source [SID:1234507159]).

Michael S. Weiss, the Company’s Executive Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer, stated, "The second quarter was a busy and exciting time for the Company, as the data presentations made during the quarter continue to reinforce our belief that the safety and efficacy profiles of TG-1101 and TGR-1202, alone or in combination together in our "1303" regimen, allow for safe and efficacious multiple drug regimens, which we firmly believe is the future of patient care in the treatment of B-cell malignancies. We remain focused on commencing additional combination registration trials in the coming months, and aggressively recruiting into our ongoing GENUINE Phase 3 clinical trial." Mr. Weiss continued, "From a financial perspective, with cash on hand of more than $125 million on a pro forma basis, we are well positioned to execute on our goals and bring the Company to substantial value creating milestones."

Recent Developments and Highlights

· Clinical data on the combination of TG-1101 and TGR-1202 was presented at the 51st American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting held in Chicago, Illinois, as well as in poster presentations at the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) Annual Meeting held in Vienna, Austria and the International Congress on Malignant Lymphoma (ICML), held in Lugano, Switzerland

· Single agent clinical data for TGR-1202 was presented at the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, as well as in oral presentations at the EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) and Lugano ICML meetings

· Clinical data on the triple combination of TG-1101, TGR-1202, and ibrutinib was presented in an oral presentation at the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, and in an oral presentation at the Lugano ICML meeting

· Updated results from a Phase 2 clinical trial of TG-1101 in combination with ibrutinib in relapsed/refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) was presented in an oral presentation at the Lugano ICML meeting

· Presently have over 120 sites open for the Company’s GENUINE Phase 3 Clinical Trial of TG-1101 in combination with ibrutinib in patients with High-Risk Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Reaffirming 2015 Milestones

· Continue to aggressively recruit into the GENUINE Phase 3 Clinical Trial of TG-1101 in combination with ibrutinib

· Commence additional combination Phase 3 clinical trials, particularly for the Company’s proprietary "1303" combination of TG-1101 plus TGR-1202 in patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)

· Launch new triple therapy combination trials in addition to the currently enrolling Phase 1/2 trial of TG-1101 plus TGR-1202 plus ibrutinib

· Continue to push forward our preclinical development programs, including the IRAK4, anti-PD-L1, and anti-GITR programs, as well as opportunistically seek to identify drug candidates with complimentary mechanisms of action

· Commence clinical development program for the treatment of autoimmune diseases

· Present updated data on Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, in December 2015, held in Orlando, Florida

Financial Results for the Second Quarter 2015

At June 30, 2015 the Company had cash, cash equivalents, investment securities, and interest receivable of $110.6 million, which includes approximately $51.2 million of net proceeds from the utilization of the Company’s at-the-market ("ATM") sales facility during the year (approximately $42 million of which was previously disclosed in connection with our last quarterly update), as compared to December 31, 2014 when we had $78.9 million.

Pro-forma cash, cash equivalents, investment securities, and interest receivable as of June 30, 2015 are approximately $126.4 million, including $15.8 million of net proceeds from the utilization of the ATM sales facility during the third quarter of 2015.

Our consolidated net loss for the second quarter ended June 30, 2015, excluding non-cash items, was approximately $10.9 million, which included approximately $4.8 million of manufacturing and CMC expenses in preparation for Phase 3 clinical trials and commercialization. The consolidated net loss for the second quarter ended June 30, 2015, inclusive of non-cash items, was $17.1 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, compared to a consolidated net loss of $12.0 during the comparable quarter in 2014, representing an increase in consolidated net loss of $5.1 million. The increase in consolidated net loss during the second quarter ended June 30, 2015 was primarily the result of other research and development expenses for TG-1101 and TGR-1202 increasing approximately $5.8 million and $1.3 million, respectively, over the comparable period in 2014. The increase in other research and development expenses related to TG-1101 was primarily the result of increased manufacturing and clinical trial expenses related to ongoing and planned future Phase 3 registration programs. These increases were partially offset by the $1.2 million of non-cash stock expense recorded in conjunction with the license to the IRAK4 inhibitors program during the quarter ended June 30, 2014 and a decrease of $1.5 million in non-cash compensation expense related to equity incentive grants over the comparable period in 2014.

Our consolidated net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2015, excluding non-cash items, was approximately $20.1 million, which included approximately $9.1 million of manufacturing and CMC expenses in preparation for Phase 3 clinical trials and commercialization. The consolidated net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2015, inclusive of non-cash items, was $31.7 million, or $0.73 per diluted share, compared to a consolidated net loss of $19.5 million during the comparable period in 2014, representing an increase in consolidated net loss of $12.2 million. The increase in consolidated net loss during the six months ended June 30, 2015 was primarily the result of other research and development expenses for TG-1101 and TGR-1202 increasing approximately $9.8 million and $2.5 million, respectively, over the comparable period in 2014. The increase in other research and development expenses related to TG-1101 was primarily the result of increased manufacturing and clinical trial expenses related to ongoing and planned future Phase 3 registration programs.

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On August 10, 2015 MabVax Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: MBVX), a clinical-stage oncology drug development company, reported a corporate update and reported financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2015 (Press release, MabVax, AUG 10, 2015, View Source [SID:1234507158]).

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"We are reporting progress toward achieving our near-term drug development milestones and with our capital formation," stated MabVax’s President and Chief Executive Officer David Hansen. "We completed a $11.7 million equity financing led by OPKO Health, Inc., and its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, biotech investor and entrepreneur Dr. Phillip Frost, which put MabVax in one of the best financial positions in our corporate history. We finished the second quarter with approximately $7.2 million in cash and equivalents, including the release on June 30, 2015, of $3.5 million of funds from the equity financing to the Company that were being held in escrow by OPKO Health, Inc. and Frost Gamma Investment Trust. We believe that our current cash position is sufficient to support our near-term drug discovery and development efforts."

"The encouraging results from our non-human primate safety study for HuMab 5B1 further support our plan to file two Investigational New Drug applications, or INDs, with the FDA by 2015 year-end and begin both clinical trials in the first quarter of 2016," he added. "The GMP manufacturing of our clinical supplies of HuMab 5B1-based product for both clinical trials is on track for delivery in the fourth quarter of this year."

MabVax plans to initiate two complementary Phase I clinical trials in the first quarter of 2016. One clinical trial is aimed at determining the safety and potential utility of HuMab 5B1 as a therapeutic agent in subjects with metastatic pancreatic cancer. The second clinical trial is aimed at demonstrating the utility of 89Zr-HuMab 5B1, the Company’s radio-labeled HuMab 5B1 antibody, as a next-generation PET imaging agent for the diagnosis, staging, and management of pancreatic cancer.

Second Quarter and Recent Highlights

Significant financing transaction with a leading investor – April 10, 2015 – closed on approximately $11.7 million in a private placement led by OPKO Health, Inc. and its Chairman and CEO Dr. Phillip Frost. On June 30, 2015, OPKO Health, Inc. and Frost Gamma Investment Trust investments in the aggregate of $3.5 million associated with the financing were released from escrow.

Encouraging results of non-human primate toxicology study – On May 5, 2015, announced results from non-GLP toxicology testing of HuMab 5B1 antibody completed by a leading independent contract research organization. These results detailed that the antibody, administered in either a single dose or repeated doses, produced no significant adverse findings even at the highest dosage levels tested. Non-human primates in this acute dose range finding study were challenged with multiple dose levels to assess drug pharmacokinetics, as well as with repeated doses of the antibody to identify any adverse toxicology signals. These studies were conducted in the most relevant animal models with material produced by the Company’s GMP manufacturing partner. The antibody as tested is representative of the clinical supply material scheduled for delivery later this year for the planned Phase I clinical trials.

Rockefeller University Collaboration – In July 2015, entered into a research collaboration agreement to supply Rockefeller University’s Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology with antibody material to explore the mechanism of action of constant region (Fc) variants of the HuMab 5B1 in the role of tumor clearance. The Company will supply additional research materials as requested by the university, which is evaluating ways to optimize the function.

Second Quarter 2015 Financial Results

Grant revenues totaled approximately $137,000.
Research and development expenses were $2.3 million.
General and administrative expenses totaled approximately $4.2 million.
Net loss for the quarter was $6.4 million, or $0.29 per share, on approximately 25.2 million shares of common stock outstanding.
Completed $11.7 million financing including the release of $3.5 million in funds held in escrow.
At June 30, 2015, cash and cash equivalents totaled $7.2 million.

About HuMab 5B1
In pre-clinical research, MabVax’s HuMab 5B1 antibody has demonstrated high specificity, affinity and lack of cross-reactivity with closely related antigens. The antibody has also shown potent cancer cell killing capacity and efficacy in animal models of pancreatic, colon and small cell lung cancer. When combined with a radio-label as a novel PET imaging agent, 89Zr-HuMab 5B1 has demonstrated high image resolution of tumors in established xenograft animal models, making it attractive as a potential companion diagnostic for the therapeutic product.

On August 10, 2015 Kite Pharma, Inc. (Kite) (Nasdaq:KITE), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing engineered autologous T cell therapy (eACT) products for the treatment of cancer, reported financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2015 (Press release, Kite Pharma, AUG 10, 2015, View Source [SID:1234507155]).

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"This past quarter has been marked by a number of significant milestones. Most notably, we launched the first Company-sponsored clinical trial of our lead product candidate, KTE-C19," said Arie Belldegrun, M.D., FACS, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We also entered into multiple collaborations, and expanded our manufacturing capabilities. In addition, we were very pleased to convene our first investor day on June 23rd, which allowed us to unveil new initiatives and highlight the progress of both our chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and T cell receptor (TCR) programs."

Highlights of Developments in Second Quarter 2015

Commenced Kite’s Phase 1/2 clinical trial of KTE-C19, an anti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapy, for treatment of refractory, aggressive Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL).

Presented clinical biomarker results at the 2015 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, which demonstrated that conditioning chemotherapy was associated with a significant rise in homeostatic cytokines and chemokines, which could favor expansion, activation, and trafficking of CAR T cells.

Announced our first TCR product candidate, targeting HPV-16 E6, that we plan to advance to a company-sponsored clinical trial.
Entered into an exclusive worldwide collaboration with bluebird bio to advance second generation TCR products to treat HPV-associated cancers.

Partnered with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to enhance the development of KTE-C19 in refractory, aggressive NHL and to launch CAR T-cell therapy educational programs.

Completed construction of our clinical supply manufacturing facility in Santa Monica, California.
Began construction on our manufacturing facility in El Segundo, California to support our commercial plans.
Hosted our first Investor Day, which focused on our future research, clinical, and manufacturing plans.

Second Quarter 2015 Financial Results

Cash Position: As of June 30, 2015, Kite had $392.9 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, compared to $367.0 million as of December 31, 2014.

Cash Burn: The net increase of $25.9 million in the first half of 2015 was primarily due to $26.7 million in proceeds from the underwriters’ exercise of the over-allotment option from the follow-on public offering and the $60.0 million upfront payment from the Amgen collaboration. This increase was partially offset by cash outflows related to the acquisition of TCF, license obligations, and funding of ongoing operations, including for the advancement of the KTE-C19 program.

Net Loss: GAAP net loss attributable to common stockholders was $20.9 million, or $0.48 per share, for the second quarter of 2015, compared to $17.9 million, or $2.27 per share, for the second quarter of 2014. Non-GAAP net loss attributable to common stockholders for the second quarter of 2015 was $11.5 million, or $0.26 per share. Non-GAAP net loss for the second quarter of 2015 excludes non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $9.4 million. Please see "Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for a reconciliation of GAAP net loss to non-GAAP net loss.

Revenue: Collaboration revenue was $4.4 million for the second quarter of 2015 compared to $0 for the second quarter of 2014. The increase was primarily comprised of the amortization of deferred revenue related to the $60.0 million upfront payment received from Amgen in the first quarter of 2015.

Total Operating Expenses: Total GAAP operating expenses for the second quarter of 2015 were $26.4 million compared to $11.1 million for the second quarter of 2014.

R&D Expenses: GAAP research and development (R&D) expenses were $16.6 million for the second quarter of 2015, compared to $7.4 million for the second quarter of 2014. The increase of $9.2 million was primarily due to costs associated with the ongoing KTE-C19 Phase 1/2 clinical trial in DLBCL, preparing for the additional trials in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) later this year, as well as increased personnel expense, including non-cash stock-based compensation, and costs related to growing the Company’s operations in the US and EU.

G&A Expenses: GAAP general and administrative (G&A) expenses were $9.8 million for the second quarter of 2015, compared to $3.7 million for the second quarter of 2014. The increase of $6.1 million was primarily due to increased personnel expense, including non-cash stock-based compensation, and other professional expenses to support growing the Company’s operations, as well as license obligations.

2015 Financial Guidance: Kite’s guidance remains unchanged. Kite expects to burn between $100 million and $125 million in cash for the full year 2015, which includes both operating expenses and capital expenditures. This guidance does not include cash inflows or outflows for business development activities.

On August 10, 2015 Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:KPTI), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company, reported financial results for the second quarter 2015 and commented on recent accomplishments and clinical development plans for selinexor, its lead product candidate (Filing, 8-K, Karyopharm, AUG 10, 2015, View Source [SID:1234507152]).

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"Important data describing the clinical benefit of selinexor across multiple solid and hematologic malignancies was presented during the quarter, including single agent anti-tumor activity and durable disease control in patients with recurrent glioblastoma, advanced sarcomas, ovarian and endometrial cancers. We also presented survival data in patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with selinexor, along with combination data of selinexor with chemotherapy in patients with heavily pretreated acute myeloid leukemia," said Michael G. Kauffman, MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Karyopharm. "In addition, we continue to execute against the selinexor clinical development plan with the initiation of a Phase 2 study in patients with quad-refractory multiple myeloma and make steady progress enrolling patients in our other on-going later phase clinical trials in acute myeloid leukemia, diffuse large B cell lymphoma and Richter’s transformation. Furthermore, we made some important changes to certain trials based on our growing experience with selinexor. Finally, we recently met with FDA and now have a path forward for a phase 2/3 study in liposarcoma. In the second half of 2016, we look forward to reporting preliminary top-line data from our later phase clinical trials in AML, DLBCL and Richter’s transformation, as well as data from the first 80 patients in our later phase clinical trial in multiple myeloma in the middle of 2016."

Conference Call Information:
To access the conference call, please dial (855) 437-4406 (US) or (484) 756-4292 (international) at least five minutes prior to the start time and refer to conference ID 98056569. A live audio webcast of the call will be available under "Events & Presentations" in the Investor section of Karyopharm’s website, View Source, approximately two hours after the event.

Scientific Presentations and Publications:

• Presented positive clinical data with single-agent, oral selinexor in on-going Phase 2 and Phase 1b clinical studies across multiple solid tumors at the 2015 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting including anti-tumor activity and disease control in patients with recurrent glioblastoma, advanced sarcomas, heavily pre-treated gynecological cancers and across multiple malignancies in Asian patients, including:

• anti-tumor activity, including brain penetration at clinically relevant drug levels, with a 13% overall response rate (ORR) and a 38% disease control rate (DCR) in patients with recurrent glioblastoma in an ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial;

• durable activity, including longer progression free survival (PFS) than last prior regimen, in an ongoing Phase 1b clinical study in patients with advanced sarcomas, including liposarcoma;

Targeting Disease at the Nuclear Pore

• promising anti-tumor activity or disease control across ovarian, endometrial and cervical cancers with disease control rates (DCR) of up to 62% and several patients remaining on study for up to 12 months in an ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial in patients with heavily pre-treated, progressive gynecological cancers;

• anti-tumor activity across a variety of malignancies in a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating the activity of selinexor in Asian patients with advanced malignancies.

• Presented clinical data with oral selinexor, both as single agent and in combination with chemotherapy, in a number of hematologic malignancies including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at the 20th Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) 2015 Annual Meeting, including:

• updated survival data from an ongoing Phase 1b clinical trial of single-agent selinexor in heavily pre-treated patients with DLBCL in which patients with a response to selinexor (N=12) demonstrated a median overall survival (OS) of greater than 10 months (median not reached) and PFS was 24 months, significantly longer than those without a response (N=27; OS 3.5 months, PFS 1.2 months);

• preliminary Phase 2 results from an ongoing clinical trial of selinexor in combination with chemotherapy (idarubicin/Ara-C) in 18 evaluable patients with relapsed or refractory AML demonstrated a 56% ORR, including nine patients with complete remission (CR/CRi) and one patient with a partial remission (PR).

• Presented clinical and preclinical data with single agent, oral selinexor at the 13th International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma (ICML) in DLBCL patients with MYC, BCL2 and/or BCL6 translocations, so called "Double Hit and Triple Hit" Lymphomas — areas of significant unmet medical need associated with poor prognosis and limited standard-of-care treatment options:

• In an ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial in 14 relapsed, refractory DLBCL patients with triple, double or single hit MYC, BCL2 and/or BCL6 translocations, selinexor demonstrated clinically meaningful activity with a 43% ORR (PR or better) including two CRs, four PRs and two additional patients achieving stable disease (SD).

• In preclinical models, selinexor demonstrated potency in double hit DLBCL cell lines in vitro and in an aggressive derived xenograft (PDX) model of triple hit DLBCL, with 84% tumor growth inhibition.
Regulatory and Intellectual Property Updates:

• Karyopharm met with the FDA in July and plans to initiate a Phase 2/3 clinical trial of selinexor versus placebo to treat liposarcoma in the second half of 2015. Accrual to Karyopharm’s Phase 1b clinical trial in sarcomas, including liposarcoma, is nearly complete.

• Granted U.S. patent for KPT-350, an oral SINE compound being developed for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. This patent, which will expire in 2033 absent any patent term extensions, covers the composition of matter for KPT-350, as well as certain other compositions and related methods.

• Granted U.S. patent covering method of treatment using certain SINE compounds, including selinexor and verdinexor. This patent will expire in 2032 absent any patent term extensions, and the covered methods of treatment include methods for treating viral infections, inflammatory disorders and cancer.

Targeting Disease at the Nuclear Pore

Clinical Development Plans:

• Karyopharm initiated a single-arm trial in multiple myeloma called STORM, for Selinexor Treatment of Refractory Myeloma, which will initially include 80 patients. If the data from the initial 80 patients is promising, the study may be expanded to potentially support accelerated approval. Preliminary top-line data from this study are anticipated in mid-2016.

• Karyopharm is actively enrolling patients in three later-stage clinical studies evaluating selinexor: one in older patients with relapsed/refractory AML (SOPRA study), the second in patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL (SADAL study) and the third in patients with Richter’s transformation (SIRRT study). Preliminary top-line data from all three studies are anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2016.

• Following evaluation of over 1,000 patients treated with selinexor to date, Karyopharm has determined that the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) for patients with the majority solid tumors and selected hematologic malignancies is 60 mg fixed dose, twice weekly; the maximum tolerated dose is ~120 mg. The recommended dose in multiple myeloma is 80 mg selinexor + 20 mg of dexamethasone together, twice weekly. Doses of up to 100 mg twice weekly will continue to be evaluated in certain indications.

• In July 2015, Karyopharm amended the SOPRA study, a Phase 2 randomized clinical trial of single-agent, oral selinexor in older patients with acute myeloid leukemia, or AML, to reduce the dose from 55mg/m2 to a fixed dose of 60mg, which corresponds to approximately 35 mg/m2. Dosing will remain twice weekly. This change was implemented based on ongoing safety and tolerability evaluations in the SOPRA study, as well as maturing data from AML patients in the Phase 1 first-in-human clinical trial of selinexor. The SOPRA study uses a two-to-one randomization of AML patients to selinexor or physician’s choice and, therefore, approximately twice as many cases of sepsis would be expected on the selinexor arm compared with the physician’s choice arm. As of the end of July 2015, there have been eight reports of sepsis in seven patients receiving selinexor 55 mg/m2 on the SOPRA study, as compared with two reports of sepsis in two patients receiving physician’s choice on that study. Therefore, although the numbers are small, and sepsis is often observed in patients with AML, the incidence of sepsis appears to be higher in the patients receiving selinexor. In addition, as our data are maturing, an apparent increase in the incidence of sepsis in patients with relapsed or refractory AML receiving high doses of selinexor twice weekly was noted in Karyopharm’s Phase 1 clinical trial in hematologic malignancies. Importantly, doses of 60mg twice weekly do not appear to be associated with any increase in sepsis or other infection-related events in patients with hematologic malignancies or solid tumors. In addition, the majority of the patients with AML in the Phase 1 study who showed a response to selinexor treatment, including patients with complete remissions, received selinexor at doses of approximately 60mg or below. As a result of the change in dose, the SOPRA study will now have an interim assessment in mid-2016 with topline data expected in the fourth quarter of 2016.

• In July 2015, Karyopharm amended the protocol of SIRRT, a Phase 2 clinical study of single-agent, oral selinexor in patients with Richter’s transformation, an aggressive form of lymphoma, to include patients with newly diagnosed Richter’s transformation. There is no standard of care for patients with Richter’s transformation and these patients have an extremely poor prognosis. As a result of these factors, and in order to improve patient accrual, in consultation with key opinion leaders in the area, Karyopharm determined that there was a compelling rationale to amend the SIRRT protocol to include patients who had not yet received chemotherapy to treat Richter’s transformation. Karyopharm is now implementing the revised protocol across SIRRT study sites in the United States and Europe.

• Karyopharm expects to commence the STOMP ("Selinexor and Backbone Treatments of Multiple Myeloma Patients") study in the third quarter with support from Myeloma Canada. In this multi-arm clinical study, Karyopharm plans to evaluate the combination of selinexor and low dose dexamethasone with backbone therapies including bortezomib, pomalidomide or lenalidomide in patients with multiple myeloma. Selinexor and low dose dexamethasone is already being combined with Kyprolis in an Investigator Sponsored Trial, where promising preliminary data were presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2014.

Targeting Disease at the Nuclear Pore

• Karyopharm is currently conducting company-sponsored trials of single-agent selinexor in four solid tumor indications. At ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2015, Karyopharm reported responses and disease control in patients with heavily pretreated gynecologic malignancies (SIGN study) and in recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (KING study); accrual to these studies is continuing. Karyopharm is also continuing to accrue patients to the SHIP study, a phase 2 study of selinexor in previously treated, hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The fourth phase 2 solid tumor study, the STARRS study, involves patients with relapsed or refractory squamous cell tumors. Enrollment to the head and neck cohort of this study has been completed and, due to very slow accrual in the lung and esophageal squamous carcinoma cohorts, Karyopharm is terminating further enrollment to these arms and finalizing the study. Additional trials with selinexor in combination with various chemotherapies are ongoing and may include patients with squamous cell carcinomas.

• In addition, a number of investigator-sponsored (ISTs) or company-sponsored clinical studies evaluating the potential of selinexor in combination with either chemotherapy or targeted agents are currently ongoing or planned.

Second Quarter June 30, 2015 Financial Results
Cash, cash equivalents and investments as of June 30, 2015, including restricted cash, totaled $256.0 million, compared to $285.3 million as of March 31, 2015.

For the quarter ended June 30, 2015, research and development expense was $27.0 million compared to $13.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2014. For the quarter ended June 30, 2015, general and administrative expense was $6.2 million compared to $3.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2014. The increase in research and development expenses resulted primarily from the increase in expenses related to the continued clinical development of selinexor. The increase in general and administrative expense resulted primarily from the costs of being a public company and an increase in stock-based compensation.
Karyopharm reported a net loss of $32.7 million, or $0.92 per share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, compared to a net loss of $16.4 million, or $0.55 per share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2014. Net loss includes stock-based compensation expense of $4.5 million and $3.9 million for the quarters ended June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014, respectively.

Financial Outlook
Based on current operating plans, Karyopharm expects that its existing cash and cash equivalents will fund its research and development programs and operations into 2018, including moving the four later-stage clinical studies to their next data inflection points. Karyopharm expects to end 2015 with greater than $200 million in cash, cash equivalents and investments.
"Karyopharm continues to maintain a very strong balance sheet, with approximately $256M in cash as of the end of the second quarter of 2015," said Justin Renz, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer. "As for financial guidance this year, we remain on track to end 2015 with greater than $200M in cash."